A Little Bit of Life

In Good Times and Bad

2012-01-25T09:02:00.000-05:00

I take thee...in good times and bad... to be my lawfully wedded husband until death do us part.

I know I said those words but over the past few months I had been seriously questioning whether I could abide by them.

Its so easy to be in a marriage when things are going good. You cruise through each day on such a high.

When times are bad though - it’s a whole different story. You start each day with a sense of dread and foreboding and basically walk around in Superbitch mode ready to snap as soon as something pisses you off.

The bad times - they were really bad the past few months. I absolutely hated going home. I'm not kidding.

I knew when I walked in that door he would be sitting on the couch, remote in hand and would not have moved all day long. Meanwhile, I was at work all day and would be busting my ass all night long taking care of the house and Jellybean.

I mentioned D-I-V-O-R-C-E. A few times.

I understood.

He felt useless and unmotivated from being unemployed. He was feeling sorry for himself.

All I could see though were all the things that could be getting done.

I spelled it out for him. UNEMPLOYMENT  VACATION.

If you are home you are responsible for taking care of all the things that are happening there AND finishing all the projects that you don't have time for when you are working.

I left lists.

They were ignored.

I bitched, complained and took off to spend the day alone with Jellybean. Anything to not have to be around the jerk who was now living in my home.

On Monday he got the call that he was going to be working full time again on a contract that should last two years.

Dr. Jekyll meet Mr. Hyde.

It was a total turnaround. He was happy again. Dare I say smiling AND laughing at my jokes?

Why yes – there was the guy I fell in love with.

So glad you could make a return. Because the gigantic ASSHOLE that had taken your place – yeah I didn’t love him so much.

This guy though – the one who came home from work and immediately took Jellybean on the back porch to play with his sand and water table and climb around his castle slide. The one who occupied Jellybean while I got to do some chores. Oh I really love the guy.

I loved him even more when he actually came to bed at 11:30 after I told him he needed to spend some time with me. We have DVR honey, just hit record.

I think God gives you the bad times so you can learn to appreciate the good. In all the things I have done I can honestly say that marriage is the hardest. The love you have for your child is UNCONDITIONAL – you never think if things get tough I can just leave. It is so hard to exhibit that same sort of love for your spouse. With no conditions – unwavering.

That is going to be what I strive for though.

Unconditional Love.

In good times and bad.

This post is linked up with Shell as part of Pour Your Heart Out Wednesdays.

God is Good - All the Time

2012-01-24T09:40:00.000-05:00

God is good – All the time.

If you are around Joey’s mom’s family for any length of time you will surely hear this phrase once or twice.

I always like the sentiment behind it. It serves as a reminder that he is being good to you even when things aren’t going well. He may not answer your prayers immediately and that is a might tough pill to swallow when we live in a society that expects instant gratification.

It’s been a trying few months for us.

Joey has been unemployed since Thanksgiving.

Our mortgage is two months behind.

Joey is two months behind on child support.

Don’t even ask about my credit card bills. (We needed groceries!)

My dad had a follow up ultrasound for his carotid artery. If you’ve been following me for awhile you know he had surgery last November to clean out his carotid following a series of strokes in March 2010. The ultrasound showed he was back to a 60% blockage after only a year.

Jellybean rolled off the bed and onto the dog bed on Sunday night. I was so tired I had no recollection of getting him out of his crib and into our bed. Then he was super fussy and acting off on Monday.

My house is a bonafide disaster when it comes to being clean and organized.

Unemployment makes my husband a Grade A Jerkface to the point I went to my parents for the weekend to get away from him.

So how can I say God is good – all the time after laying all that out on the line?

Joey started a new job today. Yes, the commute is an hour and a half each way. But its steady work for a good rate and after an hour there the general contractor is already talking about hiring him on after six months from the trade pool he is contracted through. Also – jerkface became Mr. Cheerful yesterday once he knew that he had employment again. I’m talking about a quick fire transformation. My house was cleaned top to bottom. Someone kept telling me how much he loved me. Seriously – who is this guy? He spent an hour playing on the back porch with Jellybean then gave him a bath and ran out to get his prescription. Oh and he washed dishes! This is insane! We will have steady income coming in. It won’t happen overnight but we will get caught up on our bills.

Our mortgage should get caught up in the next few weeks since I have a profit sharing check coming in.

My sister spoke to a vascular surgeon who let her know that many patients develop scar tissue after the surgery which is not the same as blockage. It will be inflamed for awhile and then go back down. In all his 30 years of practice he has only had to do repeat surgery 4 times. Also 60% blockage does not warrant surgery if it does end up being that. It is treated through medication. There are no guarantees that my Dad won’t be an exception to the rule but hope is a wonderful thing. We will know more after his appointment next Monday. The hope alone though did pull my Dad out of the depression he had been in since the ultrasound!

Jellybean was not out of it from his fall. He had another ear infection – that’s why he was out of it. Napping all afternoon followed by a doctor visit and playing with Daddy did the trick for him. He slept until 2am in his crib, nursed and went back to sleep until 730 this morning. He didn’t even get his antibiotics until this morning because he fell asleep while Joey was picking them up. Like this.

I may have also sent him to daycare today in his jammies. He looked comfortable and everyone needs a jammy day when they don’t feel good – right?

Tonight’s dinner is already cooked. We just have to warm it up. Tomorrow we’ll eat dinner at church. We have a plan for crock pot meals during the week and cleaning on the weekends. We’re going to try to work together rather than fight each other on what needs to get done at home.

So yes – God is Good – All the time.

The Life of a Jellybean

2012-01-23T08:00:00.003-05:00

This guy had a busy day.

It started at 6am...

Fun for Mommy.

By 9:30 we were at gymnastics.

Then at 11 we had a cake smash to do.

We picked a pretty, smaller cake.

He was not impressed.

A taste of frosting seemed to change his mind.

In fact he decided it was downright fun!

All the cake you can eat? Heck yea!

I might even touch it myself!

Yay! Cake!

I'm not diabetic, right mom?

Did I mention his moods change quickly?

No? Well they do!

For some reason it doesn't bother me...

Haven't the slightest idea why...

After the cake smash it was time for a true Florida activity.

The beach in the middle of January.

It's all fun and games chasing birds,

Until someone loses his toes!

Hoping all of you had a wonderful weekend and that this week lets me blog and comment!

Life Lessons - Damn Addiction!

2012-01-13T15:58:00.000-05:00

1) Dear Pinterest - Thank you for supplying me with endless ideas of what I would like to do.

2) Now please supply me with the endless funds and time to do all these things.

3) While we're at it I would also like a bigger house with plenty of land (oh and a pool!), a new car, one of those gourmet kitchens...

4) Damn Pinterest addiction...

5) In other news Jellybean is now sleeping through the night pretty consistently - in his crib to boot!

6) I am not. Apparently after 2 years of NOT sleeping 8 hours at a time your body is no longer able to drop off and sleep long stretches.

7) Sucks ass.

8) Hubby is also back to work.

9) And he got ANOTHER ticket.

10) I'm thrilled - can you tell?

11) My other huge news - Jellybean is getting dedicated at church on Sunday.

12) That I am THRILLED about! Now to find a dressy outfit that isn't $70! Craziness!

Wishing all of you a wonderful weekend!

Get It Together

2012-01-11T11:42:00.001-05:00

I thought that maybe I was exaggerating at times. That all kids were like this. I would say that I can’t get anything done because I have to watch Jellybean constantly. By the time he was ready to go to sleep so was I. I would drop from sheer exhaustion.

Then a friend came over.

With her 11 month old girl.

Who sat there calmly playing with one toy most of the time.

While Jellybean tore around the room like a Tasmanian Devil. Running from this toy to that and knocking poor Lily over half the time.

“Is he always like this?”

“Pretty much!”

He got a play kitchen for his birthday. Two days later he figured out that he could use the oven door as a step and climb on top of the kitchen set.

I witnessed the whole thing swaying underneath him as I plucked him off and placed him on solid ground.

The crazy child just laughed.

(Did you see that grey hair just grow in on my head? At 29? All Jellybean!)

Then my husband would claim to do chores which came out to I washed dishes and swept and mopped. Despite being home ALL DAY for the past month and a half. (Thank you Jesus – he went back to work yesterday. I was ready to kill him!)

In my world getting chores done means you swept, mopped, vacuumed, dusted, scrubbed the bathrooms, made the beds, disinfected toys, put away laundry, etc, etc.

That’s hard to do when you can’t pull yourself away from the TV.

Its even harder to do when you are out of the house 10 hours a day and then have to cook dinner, play, give baths and convince a rambunctious toddler to sleep.

I’m determined to get on track though and get organized. That is my 2012 resolution. I stayed up WAY late last night but I put all the laundry away, washed dishes AND spit shined the bathroom. I am EXHAUSTED today but I’m going to keep going every night until I feel like the house is where it needs to be. Then we’re going to keep it that way. That means I WILL hold the hubby accountable for leaving his and Jellybean’s dirty clothes and diapers laying around. We WILL clean up after ourselves and dejunkify our home. I WILL get organized at home and that is going to carry over to the rest of my life – finances, career, parenting and hopefully marriage.

Because it can’t keep going the way it has been.

(Thank you Pinterest for providing me with endless inspirations on how to make that happen! )

This post is linked up with Shell as part of Pour Your Heart Out Wednesdays.

Just Plane Cute

2012-01-10T09:26:00.000-05:00

I disappeared because I was busy preparing for Jellybean's First Birthday party. I went with a plane theme since this kid LOVES planes. I'd like to thank Pinterest for giving me more ideas then I could possible do myself. I think it turned out pretty darn cute though. We held the party at a gymnastics school I use to work at. My mom even took turns swinging into the pit. The woman is in her 60's! Go Mom!

All in all - we had a GREAT time. The party was really more for the adults and it went well. I may want to have my 30th birthday party there. I also realized that we really need to get more involved with church and playgroups. I've been saying it but now I am determined to go through with it.

Jellybean had his one year well baby. He's 27.5 inches and 18 lbs. Tiny but healthy. He's got a ton of teeth - 7, I think and is cutting 3 more including two molars. He is WAY ahead developmentally. As in the 18 - 24 month range. That makes me a PROUD mama! I love watching him figure stuff out - its as exciting for me as for him.

Now if he ever starts going to sleep earlier and I get caught up on my chores i can start reading and commenting on blogs again.

PYHO - Remind Me

2012-01-04T12:01:00.000-05:00

I love being a Mom. I really do. I can't think of anything else I'd rather be.

I'm more than just a mom though.

I'm still a woman and a wife.

My husband forgot that somewhere along the way.

He stopped touching, romancing and wooing me.

Most nights he would fall asleep on the couch watching TV way after I would go to bed.

With him not working the past month and us in financial shambles we've been fighting a lot more too which doesn't help the situation.

I can say that since the Jellybean has been born I don't need more than 2 hands to count the number of intimate encounters we have had.

I need more than that.

So I have told him.

And kept telling him.

I need to be touched.

I need you to bring some romance back in.

I know you're depressed and upset and struggling.

But I can't save a sinking ship alone.

We have to get through this together.

But if you have checked out emotionally, physically and mentally - it ain't going to happen buddy.

So now he knows what he needs to do. Not because I feel that the effort needs to be only his but because he rejected me so many times when I tried that I refuse to initiate this.

It's his responsibility to Remind Me why I fell in love with him.

Remind Me of who you use to be.

Remind Me of what we use to be.

Remind Me of what we're going to be.

Remind Me that we're going to make it through this too.

This post is linked up with Shell as part of Pour Your Heart Out Wednesdays.

Happy Birthday my Sweet Jellybean!

2011-12-30T11:03:00.000-05:00

My year in review begins on this day last year.

I *thought* I was just going in for a check up let's-make-sure-everything-is-ok ultrasound at 35 weeks.

I even remembered to take my weekly belly shot.

My ultrasound was at 10am.

At 6:09pm - I met you.

All 3lbs 2oz of you. And my life has been forever changed since then.

You came home two weeks later and then soon it was time to celebrate a month of having you in our lives.

You were still a teeny tiny thing. That month started hell month. You wanted to be held constantly since you had reflux. Right before your 8 week appointment we spent a few nights like this -

You also were a fan of the park when we took you there for the first time.

By three months it was off to day care and you were starting to show off some of that personality.

There is no denying that you're a happy baby through and through.

You never needed expensive toys! (Even though you have a ton!)

Your smile is infectious.

You're studious.

Active.

Helpful.

And you love to eat.

You made us a family.

A year ago today my life was forever changed. Happy First Birthday to my precious miracle, Dominik! Thank you for making me a mommy! You are the sweetest, smartest, happiest and funniest little boy ever. I love you, Jellybean!

Blood - Not so Thick

2011-12-28T08:30:00.000-05:00

2 days until I have a one year old.

2 days people!

Ready for the kicker? I have a family member who has NEVER congratulated me on the Jellybean.

Sent a "We're pregnant" announcement.

NOTHING.

My parent's mentioned I had a baby. Via emergency C-section. Who was in the NICU for two weeks.

(crickets)

My nephew hand-delivered a birth announcement.

ZIP.

I sent a Christmas Card. As did my parents.

NO ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.

It's been almost two years since I've exchanged words with this person. I'm talking a CLOSE family member too. (In bloodline terms - obviously not through actions)

In sharp contrast - my neighbor down the street - brought over cards and cookies for us. She comments on all of my Facebook posts. Comes by to chat and see how my "folks" are doing.

My online friends have oohed and aahed over Jellybean from day one. Mind you I have never actually met any of them IRL.

This person I spent years interacting with.

Despite what other's may say - Blood is not always thicker than water. Sometimes the fact that there is supposed to be a stronger connection and loyalty there makes the case for separation that much stronger.

To me family isn't necessarily dictated by blood lines. I have people in my life who I consider family and care for as deeply as if we shared the same parents. One case - my ex-fiancee's (who is deceased) family. I don't care what anyone says - they are my family too. There is NOTHING I wouldn't do for them.

Many of my bloggy friends out there have been my greatest support system through pregnancy and mommyhood. That first year is rough. Shell sent me maternity clothes. Genevieve has commiserated on non-sleeping, booby addicted little boys. Tori has always been so encouraging when those breastfeeding session get rough. That is just a small morsel of support and acknowledgement I have gotten from so many. Seeing the care and compassion total strangers can offer you makes you realize that its okay if some people choose not to be a part of your life - when there are so many others who are choosing to be a BIG part of your life.

To everyone in my life - Thank you for being there for me. It means the world to me.

This post is linked up with Shell as part of Pour Your Heart Out Wednesdays.

The most wonderful time of the year

2011-12-27T09:31:00.000-05:00

A year ago...

I was eagerly anticipating Jellybean's arrival. I still had 6 weeks to go. (Or so I thought!)

This year I just celebrated Jellybean's first Christmas and have 3 days to go until his first birthday! Invitations are in the mail.

My house is busting at the seams with presents and he hasn't even gotten his birthday presents yet! Don't believe me? Check out this little video. Take into account this is only the living room. There are also toys in his room and on the back porch.

How many toys? Well I had to move his crib into our bedroom. To make room for this -

A train table. That is the same size as his crib. Let me say it again. We still haven't even gotten birthday presents yet.

Christmas was amazing though. There is nothing like seeing it through a child's eyes. Jellybean was still a little too young to "get it" but he loved playing with family all week end though.

Taking his Babcia on a walk.

Mmmm. Dinner!

Are these mine?

Loved the bow!

and his cousin Austyn!

How did you say I juggle now?

My very own box!

And an even better box!

And that's a wrap folks!

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas too!

I only fought with the hubby half the time. That is a success.

My house is a war zone.

My sister and kids are coming to celebrate New Years at our house so I have three days to get it clean.

I have to bake mini cupcakes to take to daycare on Friday for Dominik's birthday.

And we're still broke.

To a much better 2012!

***** and Giggles

2011-12-22T11:04:00.001-05:00

Here are some fun things to do when you are broke -

balance your checking account.

(Yes dear - that is a NEGATIVE number you see)

contemplate moonlighting at the titty bar down the road from you

(Maybe I could pick up a coke addiction too while I work there)

Then again I do have a pretty nice rack since I'm still breastfeeding...

Write down all the upcoming bills on your calendar.

Look at your credit card balances.

Then your overdue mortgage statement.

Program titty bar number in your phone.

Buy extra lottery tickets.

Be grateful that the hubby is getting a paycheck that was held back this week and doing some tattoos Friday night.

Have faith that things will get better and that God has something bigger and better in store for you.

Take a deep breath and just be happy that you're going to be celebrating your precious Jellybean's first Christmas.

PYHO - Is it ENOUGH?

2011-12-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

I think every working mom out there struggles with mommy guilt.

Am I doing ENOUGH with him?

Are we spending ENOUGH time together?

Does he feel loved ENOUGH?

Is he learning ENOUGH?

Is he happy ENOUGH?

I know for sure right now that the one thing we don't have ENOUGH of is money. The new job for the hubby didn't work out. Even though I am behind on all of my bills and I don't know where the money is going to come from I am strangely somehow at peace with all of it. I just know that it will all work out. It may take a minute to get back on our feet but we will be okay.

Now back to the Jellybean and struggling with the battle of ENOUGH.

I finally realized that yes he is getting ENOUGH. That I really am doing ENOUGH and more so in many cases.

I can say that other than the first day of his life when I was being held hostage by the other hospital he has never spent more than a few hours without me.

I have spent every single one of my lunch breaks with him since going back to work. Lately we go to the park and just play in the grass for an hour. We giggle and try to eat leaves and grass and give hugs. Lots of hugs. Yesterday Daddy joined us and we played hide and seek

Once we get home we spend time together. It's rare that one of us isn't down on the floor with Jellybean playing. He is wherever we are. In the kitchen "helping" with dinner, in his room "jamming out,"

or in the living room just chilling on the couch.

He is loved ENOUGH.

Last weekend we took him downtown to listen to the carolers and see "snow". Then Saturday morning we went to breakfast with Santa AND then we went back out after his nap to watch the RC planes fly at the airport by our house since he's currently obsessed with planes.

We go to gymnastics every week, sometimes twice a week. I read to him in both Polish and English. They send toys home with him from day care because he is one of their favorites. He is walking, talking and knows how to do things we had no idea he could. He says new words all the time. Not regularly but he knows them - up, down, dog, mama, dada, no, stop.

He loves to give hugs and kisses. He has a mischievous smile and a contagious laugh. He rarely fusses unless you are trying to change his diaper. He has more offers for babysitters then we have desire to leave him. He gets home made, healthy food every day. He is a child who will snack on black beans and Brussels sprouts just as quickly as a chocolate chip cookie.

He has grandparents who are trying to buy a house two miles away from me just so they can spend more time with him and us.

It's time to stop doubting myself and realize that yes - he is getting ENOUGH of everything. He is loved by his parents and family who picked a day care that would just as soon adopt him as give him back. He is learning, growing, and thriving. I will always feel guilty for having to work but even if I was home with him all the time I still couldn't do EVERYTHING all the time. And if he did he would be a spoiled, sufferable child.

Instead he does hear no. He understands it too. He has to wait for things and doesn't always get what he wants. That's okay though because he is getting EVERYTHING that he needs.

This post is linked up with Shell as part of Pour Your Heart Out Wednesdays.

Life Lessons - Here We Go Again...

2011-12-16T15:59:00.001-05:00

You are not hallucinating. I am actually posting a blog. You may resume breathing now.

I am slowly trying to emerge from my self created black hole.

My blog hiatus wasn't just about being busy.

I was in a funk too between hubby not having work, being broke, not being happy with my job and everything else.

I think I am finally emerging from it though.

Hubby did get a job. After the 934785943097 companies I sent his resume to. That was a huge weight lifted.

And I've started actively looking for something else.

My work is now a giant brain drain.

I've been doing the same thing for 6 years. And we've been told there is no opportunity for promotions. I can't handle hearing that at 29. So I look.

I've spent the past month charging way more than I intended with hubby being out of work for a month. I guess 2012 will be my year for paying off debt.

I have learned some important lessons this week though.

1) If you take Jellybean to the park and yawn - he will shove a leaf in your mouth.

2) Knowing your Jellybean is turning one in two weeks, having him start walking, ordering his birthday invitations and realizing that he now looks like a toddler and not a baby will cause your ovaries to ache and cause you to want another.

3) Even though you are drowning in debt at the moment.

4) It's also difficult to conceive when your cycles still haven't returned. That's right my last Aunt Flo was in April of 2010. I have a coworker who is extremely jealous of that.

5) I'm also super excited for this weekend. They are having caroling downtown along with "snow" falling and then we are doing breakfast with Santa tomorrow morning.

6) I'm also addressing and mailing Christmas Cards this weekend and hopefully wrapping up my Christmas shopping.

7) The one downside to hubby going back to work. I'm losing my housekeeper. He was doing a pretty darn good job at it too. Once I let him know he WAS NOT on vacation and took the cable box and remote to work with me.

8) I fight dirty

9) Finally - never play Scrabble with my husband. Jellybean could play a better game then him. I kid you not.

And a sneak peek at Jellybean's birthday invitation...

Film Stars Blue Birthday Card

Modern shower invitations and holiday cards by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Is anybody out there?

2011-12-11T20:48:00.000-05:00

Oh..so you are still all out there!

Work + home + Jellybean walking = no time for blogging

Yes, I did say Jellybean is walking.

He's also a little over 19 days away from his first birthday. (SOB!)

Work has been insanely busy for me with no signs of slowing down. In addition to walking Jellybean has majorly been fighting bedtime. It takes me about an hour to put him down lately. He's almost asleep and then boom! He turns into a chatterbox/hyper monkey. I try really hard not to laugh at those moments but usually - I fail - miserably.

Hubby is still out of work. Majorly stressful. I'm hoping something comes through this week. Like the Powerball jackpot.

Hopefully once my kiddo starts sleeping again I'll be back to posting somewhat regularly. Until then - I miss you all!

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

2011-12-07T18:50:00.003-05:00

Once again we chose to use Shutterfly for our Christmas Cards and they did not disappoint! They have so many great choices and the quality is unbeatable.

I was in fact so happy with our Christmas Cards that I'm currently designing Jellybean's Birthday Invitation with them too! Go check them out for all your photo needs!

How long are you planning on doing that?

2011-11-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

So the questions have started.

To me and to Joey.

I get them on Facebook.

"Are you still breastfeeding?"

Joey got them from his family on Thanksgiving.

"How long is she planning on doing that?"

And the answer is always the same - whether its coming from me or from Joey -

until he is done.

My son is ONLY 11 months old (tomorrow). It is NO WHERE near time to wean him. The question irks me because you never hear some one ask - "Are you still feeding him formula? When are you going to stop that?" Formula apparently is not taboo but feeding my child as nature intended is.

We have decided, AS A FAMILY, that weaning will come whenever Jellybean decides he is done. That may be at 12 months, 18 or he may be well past three years old. We don't know what the timing will be but we do know that it won't be traumatic for him.

Right now? I am his comfort, his safety, His break when he needs things to slow down. He knows my smell. My touch. Just the right position for burrowing into me. He knows I will laugh if he latches on from up above or blows raspberries on me.

He is the one calling the shots here. Not me. He will decide when he is done.

And everyone else will just have to deal with it!

Schedule, Schmedule

2011-11-28T12:09:00.000-05:00

Yes, I disappeared again.

The Jellybean went a little schedule haywire this past week and then Thanksgiving just threw him off completely.

Speaking of which - I hope you all had a happy one! We hosted this year so my fridge and freezer are now slam full of leftovers. The Jellybean is in mashed potato and sweet potato heaven!

I spent the weekend getting the Jellybean back on a schedule and getting caught up on chores. Jellybean fell asleep at 6pm Thursday and Friday and then was up at all sorts of weird hours after that since he didn't want to nap all day either. Its been brutal.

I think we finally got it sorted out. Except he's teething again so he was waking up to nurse. And we both have colds again.

Oh and hubby has been getting nothing for hours at work. With the mortgage due. And the holidays and Jellybean's birthday around the corner.

Sigh.

Positive notes?

Jellybean has been saying Mama like crazy now.

He walks holding onto one finger. Often in circles. Like a drunken little man.

Oh and this -

God - how he loves that dog!

I'm hoping that things turn around. A financial windfall comes our way. Or maybe just a lucky scratch off ticket.

Twenty Minutes

2011-11-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

I left them alone for twenty minutes yesterday morning.

I just wanted to get the dishes washed and dinner in the crock pot.

Honestly, how much trouble could they get into in twenty minutes?

I went to bed at 12:30...this morning.

He's not even 11 months old yet.

I don't know if I'll survive his teenage years!

The Glamorous Life of Your Average Blogger

2011-11-15T07:00:00.002-05:00

I think we all tend to think that the other bloggers out there lead more glamorous lives then we do. That they somehow manage to do it all and still have time to relax. So just in case you were starting to think that I lead one of those glamorous lives I am going to take you through the past 24 hours in my life.

Sunday night - 10 pm
Get Jellybean to sleep for the 5th time that night

10:27pm
Jellybean wakes up with a bloodcurling scream because he is teething.

10:52pm
Jellybean falls back asleep

11:35pm
Bloodcurling scream

11:37pm
Tylenol for the Jellybean
(and a shot of Tequila for me! Kidding!)
Walk around the house until Jellybean falls back asleep.
Leave him in bed with me at this point because I dare not wake him.

12:15ish am
Drift off to sleep finally.

1:15am
Bloodcurling scream (from Jellybean - but I'm tempted to join him)
Rock, soothe and nurse him back to sleep

1:45am
Fall back asleep

2:30am
Crying (from Jellybean and me..a little bit)
Repeat 1:15 am routine

3:45am
See 1:15am

4:45am
See 3:45am

5:30am
Ignore alarm clock

5:45am
Ignore alarm clock and shove boob in Jellybean's mouth for breakfast.

6:00am
Ignore alarm clock and switch boobs.

6:10am
Drag myself out of bed and watch ironically as the Jellybean sleeps peacefully.

6:15am
Put dinner in the crock pot, get dressed, pack Jellybean's bag for the day.

6:30am
Tell hubby he's going to get fired if he does't get his ass out of bed.

6:45am
Try to place Jellybean in the car sleeping.
He wakes up and fights getting strapped into the car seat like a rabid octopus.

6:50am
Consider that shot of Tequila again but instead drive to work, talk to my dad and watch Jellybean sucking away on his fingers.

7:15am
Arrive at day care - top the Jellybean off with boobie juice and carry him, his bag and a pack of diapers in. Stay a few extra minutes as Jellybean has a meltdown over me leaving.

7:39am
Get to work 9 minutes late due to above meltdown.

7:42am
COFFEE!

8:00am
Publix Sweet Tea.

8:15am
Start reading updates, work on an entry form my company's facebook page, try to find a file from 2006 that someone requested..

8:45am
Water

9:30am
Start hitting the snooze button on my reminder to pump while I keep searching for that file.

10:20am
Admit defeat on the file and start pumping.

11:00am
Make lunch plans with coworker to celebrate my birthday late

12:15pm
Go pick Jellybean up and meet coworker at Olive Garden.

12:30pm
Decide I should never have introduced Jellybean to drinking out of my straw since I'll never get my drink back now.

1:15pm
Wrap up lunch, try to hit a store to grab supplies for work. Line is 12 years long so I put all my crap back and wrangle Jellybean into his car seat again to drop him back off at day care.

1:45pm
Return Jellybean and run off before he realizes it.

1:50pm
Back at work.

2:00pm
Try finding the damn file again while sucking down a Peppermint Frappucino the best coworker ever got me!

3:30pm
Decide to skip my afternoon pumping session.

4:30pm
Quitting time.

4:40pm
I hate that damn car seat.

4:42pm
Attempt to talk to my mom on the way home but can't hear her over Jellybean's screaming.

4:47pm
Still screaming

5:00pm
Jellybean passes out as I exit off the interstate.

5:15pm
Jellybean wakes up as I try to get him out of the car seat. We let the dog off his leash and go feed the chickens and change their water.

5:25pm
Place Jellybean in his walker with some cookies while I add gnocchi to the crock pot, put biscuits in the oven, and shred the chicken from the crock pot in the food processor. Pull Jellybean's diner out of the crock pot to cool.

5:45pm
Hubby calls to say he is finally on his way home. Go in Jellybean's room with him to play. Lots of giggling.

6:00pm
Decide to do a shower with Jellybean before his dinner.

6:10pm
Shower done. Jellybean in a diaper and bib in his high chair.

6:15pm
Jellybean is eating a biscuit and drinking some juice.

6:20pm
Attempt to give Jellybean some chicken and dumplings aka gnocchi

6:21pm
Exhausted Jellybean meltdown
Wipe him down and pull him out

6:25pm
Jammies on and nursing him to sleep
Inhale sweet baby smell

6:47pm
He's out
Start rinsing dishes.

7:14pm
He's up - hungry from lack of dinner. More boob - repeat this every 30 minutes until 10pm when he's finally out for good.

7:30pm
Hubby finally gets home.

7:40pm
I sweep, then I mop the floors with bleach and water because they are disgusting.

8:05pm
Finally eat dinner. Let hubby know he can shower since I've drained the mop water from the tub.

8:15pm
Laugh hysterically when hubby goes out to his work truck in this get up.

Then I go back to tackling Mt. Laundry

8:55pm
Start putting laundry away, bitch at hubby for wadding clothes up like a 13 year old boy and stuffing them in random places!

9:00pm

9:02pm
Ignore this

9:15pm
Stuff diapers

9:17pm
Jellybean wakes up...again

9:46pm
Resume stuffing diapers. Start telling hubby to go to bed since he's snoring on the couch.

10pm
Hubby finally goes to bed

10:06pm
I finally sit down, check email, Facebook, ebay and start blogging this.

10:53pm
Done with all that, a snack and time for bed

Somewhere in there I also got Jellybean's food ready for daycare tomorrow, pulled food out for dinner tomorrow and did some more laundry.

So are you jealous of my glamorous life yet? :)

I'm not a Duggar

2011-11-14T08:45:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful Saturday with my family belatedly celebrating my birthday. Jellybean even let everyone hold him and play with him. Hubby watched him in the morning so I could finally get a haircut. ( My first since June!)

Then that night Jellybean started running a fever. Teething was in full force. My sister was being a sweetie and was rubbing Jellybean's back while he fussed. Finally they too had to leave so it was just me and the hubby. Snuggling with the Jellybean because he's extra snuggly when he doesn't feel good. So as Jellybean burrowed into Joey's chest I hear him say. "Daddy want's more babies. We should have like 10 more."

Remember how I said on Friday my ovaries were begging for another?

Well upon hearing that they started screaming.

IN PROTEST!

I think I will be holding some fierce negotiations in the future. I mean the man works until 7 at night most nights so of course he can have 10 more. He only get a SNUGGLY, TIRED Jellybean. I deal with hungry, cranky teething Jellybean. Who gave me a whopping 4 hours of sleep last night with the teething.

I'm not a Duggar. We're stopping at 4. TOPS.

Let me close this with a question for the extended breastfeeding mom's. I've been without a cycle in the 10.5 months I've been breastfeeding the Jellybean. I thought my cycle was coming back last week since I did spot for two days but then nothing at all. Anyone have that happen ever? Is it my body just tuning up to get going again?

Because my fear is that it was implantation spotting and I'm not ready for #2 yet. I mean you did just read about 4 hours of sleep up there Right?

Tell me that's not it.

Life Lessons - Carry me no more

2011-11-11T08:20:00.000-05:00

1) I switched the Jellybean to a big boy car seat last weekend. Still rear facing of course but no longer an infant carrier.

2) I may have cried a little over it. (Or a lot.)

3) I also lost the luxury of just being able to just tote the carrier around if he falls asleep in the car.

4) That's why my neighbors may have seen me sitting on the front porch peeling potatoes for dinner on Wednesday while watching him sleep in the car.

5) Ahh...a mother's love!

6) I also recently converted my parents to two new great loves of mine. Sunbutter and Kale Chips.

7) Now I sound like a hippie.

8) I'm not. I shower all the time. And pot makes me puke. I'd be a horrible stoner.

9) It's finally cold enough to bundle Jellybean up.

10) I loved it. Cuteness overload!

11) "The Bump" informed me yesterday that there was 50 days to Jellybean's birthday.

12) I say a big FU to that. There is no way my baby is turning 1.

13) Now my ovaries are starting to beg for another.

14) Or maybe that's just Aunt Flo returning after 18 months without the witch.

15) I'm sticking with we need another baby in a year or so though! :)

16) Finally - shameless plug - Don't forget I'm doing a Shutterfly Giveaway! Free Christmas Cards!!

Things I Love Thursday - Shutterfly

2011-11-10T08:39:00.001-05:00

I think its pretty obvious to everyone that I really, really love Shutterfly.

I used them last year to do our Christmas Cards. In fact Jellybean even made an appearance on the cards himself!

Then I used them again to do Jellybean's birth announcement...six months late!

I'm constantly ordering prints from them as I take endless pictures of Jellybean.

So I was understandably super excited when I was invited to once again participate in their 2011 Holiday Promotion. Shutterfly always offers high quality products at super affordable prices.

I love the Christmas card designs they have available this year. I'm having a hard time choosing which one we will use but I think I have narrowed it down to this one

or this one.

Shutterfly is so much more than just cards though. We are having our favorite photographer do a massive shoot with not only us and the Jellybean but also my sister and her family along with my parents. My plan is to then take those photos and order some beautiful photo books with those pictures. I just know they are going to tear up over that one. I'm also tempted to get the hubby a holiday gift like this -

I mean what's better than a larger than life image of Jellybean in our bedroom?

So what does all my gushing about Shutterfly mean to you? While they were nice enough to give me a few codes to share with my readers. The codes are good for 25 free holiday cards of your own. Want a chance to win them for yourself? Link up with Things I Love Thursday and you my friend will also have a chance to claim your own. The link will stay open for those that may need the weekend (or longer!) to post.

PYHO - The Unexpected Text

2011-11-09T10:05:00.000-05:00

Last Day to enter my VeggieTales Giveaway!! If you have kids or know anyone who does you should totally enter! :)

I got a text a few weeks ago that threw me for a loop. I needed a few hours before I could even respond to it.

Because it left me speechless at first.

Then I thought of all sorts of things I wanted to say but probably shouldn't.

A girl I know sent me a text to say she was pregnant.

Again.

Her child will turn a year old this month.

They just got married in September.

Neither person works.

And they are still living with her parents.

Oh to top it off - she is high risk and will spend the majority of her pregnancy on bed rest.

Better yet - this child was planned.

You read that correctly - they planned a second child which they are unable to support on their own.

Now do you see why it took me awhile to be able to squeak out a simple Congrats?

I wanted to say I'm happy for you but - I'm not.

My thought instead is I'm concerned for you and your children.

While you would love to think that all your children need is love, there is more that parents should be able to provide themselves. They need a strong foundation too and part of that foundation is responsible parents who are stable. Who can make the right choices and look ahead.

Its easy to say you have a good relationship and happy marriage when you are living off someone else, the government is providing your medical care and you have live in babysitters who will watch your child whenever you want it.

A true testament to a strong marriage and responsible parents though is being able to get through each day when its just the two of you doing it all.

A strong marriage and good parents is working together to bring the 103 fever down from double ear infections at 4:30am even though you both have to work the next day and then still making dinner and taking care of chores at the end of that day. Its settling for watching Go Diego Go together on the couch at the end of the night because you don't have a babysitter and realizing that its okay.

Its getting up and playing at 5:30 in the morning before you both go to work because someone is up and he clearly wants to play.

It's been a month for us since we have had two paychecks come in. When Joey changed jobs it threw off the whole pay structure we were used to and tomorrow will be his first check in a month. We've been doing some pretty heavy financial gymnastics to get around that. We got through it though. Alone. In fact no one even knew we were tight with money until they asked what we were doing for my birthday and we responded with nothing since we haven't gotten paid yet.

So while I hope that that the baby is happy and healthy at the same time I hope the parents mature and grow to realize that there is a huge difference between playing house and actually bearing all those burdens yourself.

There is a reason we are holding off on #2.

There is a reason why we fall asleep at 8pm some nights with dirty dishes in the sink, dinner out on the counter and hampers overflowing.

There is a reason I wasn't able to say I'm happy for you.

This post is linked up with Shell as part of Pour Your Heart Out Wednesdays.

Check your cart!

2011-11-08T12:26:00.000-05:00

I had to run into Save-A-Lot during my lunch break yesterday. I was making a hash brown casserole and the recipe called for a can of cream of mushroom soup. Joey had used the one emergency can I keep in the pantry when making gravy for our dinner Friday night.

I quickly remembered why I don't shop at Save-A-Lot usually.

First off let me say this - I think public assistance is a wonderful thing if used correctly. My parents used it when we first moved to America and I wish we qualified for WIC so I could have some extra cash for buying the healthy foods that seem to cost twice as much as the junk out there. WIC covers everything from whole wheat bread, eggs, milk and cheese to fresh fruit, beans and peanut butter. What a blessing that would be! Food stamps on the other hand have much fewer restrictions and allow the users to purchase much more junk.

“Junk Food” & Luxury Items
The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (the Act) defines eligible food as any food or food product for home consumption and also includes seeds and plants which produce food for consumption by SNAP households. The Act precludes the following items from being purchased with SNAP benefits: alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, hot food and any food sold for on-premises consumption. Nonfood items such as pet foods, soaps, paper products, medicines and vitamins, household supplies, grooming items, and cosmetics, also are ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.

Soft drinks, candy, cookies, snack crackers, and ice cream are food items and are therefore eligible items

Seafood, steak, and bakery cakes are also food items and are therefore eligible items

Since the current definition of food is a specific part of the Act, any change to this definition would require action by a member of Congress. Several times in the history of SNAP, Congress had considered placing limits on the types of food that could be purchased with program benefits. However, they concluded that designating foods as luxury or non-nutritious would be administratively costly and burdensome. Further detailed information about the challenges of restricting the use of SNAP benefits can be found here:

Report -- Implications of Restricting the use of
Food Stamp Benefits

Now I'm not one to say that you shouldn't purchase junk at all. We do it too. Our pantry always has chips and things to snack on. Our freezer is seldom missing ice cream and we keep convenience foods on hand like canned soup and microwaveable meals for the times when we don't get to pack a lunch or are just craving something a little bad.

The majority of our purchases though? It's all fresh. My produce drawer is usually overflowing. In fact the hubby just put up a hanging basket so we could have room for the fruit that’s always taking over the dining room table. I also have a ton of frozen veggies ready to pop in the microwave in those steamer bags. Jellybean loves to snack on the steamed mixed veggies. He's also a big fan of frozen cut up grapes. My plan for this week is to make some baked kale chips for all of us to munch on. Its not very often that we resort to Stouffer's Lasagna or ready made baby food.

That's despite the fact that we both work full time and most evenings I am on my own with Jellybean since Joey gets off work late.

That is why I was super disappointed to see the lady in front of me buying white bread, mini ravioli-o's, macaroni and cheese and Koolaid. In her defense - yes she did have a bag of apples and a bunch of bananas in there too. But the majority of her cart - it was just junk, junk, junk. And she paid for it with her SNAP card. Sigh. I couldn't say anything even though I know its possible to shop healthy even in a Save-A-Lot.

So I implore to all of you instead - Check Your Cart!

It's not that hard to make healthy food even on a budget. Homemade mac and cheese doesn't take much longer than the boxed kind. Frozen or refrigerated ravioli is super quick and you can throw some heart smart or veggie packed spaghetti sauce on top. I keep cubes of shredded spinach in the freezer to throw in. I also blend some cauliflower into my mac and cheese when I can. The only time we have koolaid is if it came in the taco kit box. Otherwise - it does not pass through my doors!

If you're stuck in a rut and don't know what to make - google is your friend. I'm also a huge fan of Weelicious. I made the Chicken nuggets on the page a few weeks ago and they were a huge hit in our house with kids and adults alike. But please oh please - don't just resort to opening a can every night because its easier!

30-1

2011-11-07T07:46:00.000-05:00

It's my 29th birthday today.

The last year before I hit 30.

I am amazingly very okay with it.

I've done everything I wanted to up to this point.

I'm married to a guy I love madly 75% of the time and who drives me insane the other 25%!

I own a house. Granted its in a perpetual state of remodeling and we can't keep it clean for more than 3 days - but its ours.

We own two cars. I really, really want a new one next year but for now - we have transportation that we bought ourselves.

I have the most amazing little boy in the world. He's a spitfire, full of energy and too smart fore his own good. I love every second of it!

I have neurotic pets that are happy to see me at the end of the day.

And the most wonderful parents, sister, nieces and nephews a girl could ever ask for.

I think 29 is going to be a pretty darn good year!

Things I Love Thursday - Graco Smart Seat

2011-11-03T10:44:00.001-04:00

Don't forget about the Veggie Tales Giveaway! Enter now!

I am officially in awe of any mom who works full time and still has time to blog regularly. I don't have time to shower and blow dry my hair regularly - let alone blog. I almost cried tears of joy when I woke up the other morning and realized that Joey had washed all the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen the night before. Of course I'm also hormonal since after 18 months without her AF is making her return so that could be it too. {That means that we can start planning on trying for #2 next year! :) }

On to Things I Love Thursday. This item I don't have yet but it will be one of Jellybean's presents for Christmas. I personally feel that child passenger safety is a huge deal. Jellybean is currently still in his infant seat, rear facing because he is just a tiny little thing. The AAP now recommends we rear face until at least the age of 2. Our plan is to go long past that. It's just safer. That being said his infant seat will be uncomfortable after awhile and he will want to sit up more soon. Rather than investing in a convertible car seat, then a forward facing and then a booster seat - we are going to shell out the big bucks once on one of these.

Graco Smart Seat All-In-One

Rear-facing in a harness from 5-40 lbs, forward facing in a harness from 20-65 lbs. then as a belt-positioning booster from 30-100 lbs.
SafeSeat Engineering - Engineered & Crash Tested to Meet or Exceed US Standard FMVS213:
Side Impact Tested* (*In addition to meeting or exceeding all applicable US safety standards, the SmartSeat™ car seat has been side impact tested for occupant retention with the built-in 5 point harness system and with a standard vehicle harness system when in high back booster mode. Please consult your vehicle's owner's manual for more specific information on the performance of your vehicle's safety belt system.)
New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) – peak crash force approximately 2X Car Seat Standard
Extreme Car Interior Temperatures
Convenient, stay-in-car base with belt lock off for one time install (LATCH equipped)
Steel-reinforced frame & car seat base provides strength and durability
Locking indicators on seat & stay in car base to help ensure proper installation
Integrated harness storage compartment holds the harness straps that are not in use while in the belt positioning booster mode
Easy-to-read level indicator on the seat, helps eliminate installation guesswork
No Re-thread harness for quick & easy harness adjustment
One-hand, 6 position adjustable head rest for your growing child
On-the go, 5-position recline so you can recline child while in use
EPS, energy absorbing foam liner
Flip-up armrests makes it easy for child to get in & out of car seat
Child's cup holder keeps child's drink close by

Is it a lot of money? Yes, without a doubt.

I don't think any amount of money is too great though when it comes to my child's safety. I love this seat because of all the options you get with it though. The car seat can recline into 5 different positions so if he falls asleep I can recline him back and let him snooze. Rear facing up to 40 lbs! Harness can be adjusted with the click of a button. And no needs to keep replacing seats as he grows. This is one investment I think is well worth the money.

What are some of your big ticket items this winter?

Link up with me today!

She's ALIVE!

2011-10-31T08:43:00.000-04:00

I am in fact still kicking.

Despite my long disappearance.

The Jellybean had another double ear infection along with bronchiolitis and I had a cold too. Urgent care last Sunday for an antibiotic for him. 2 days home from daycare. Antibiotic still wasn't working so back to the doctor we went.

Saturday he finally puked up all the phlegm he'd been swallowing down.

Along with his dinner.

All over me, him and the dining room floor.

That was FUN!

He is feeling much better now.

I am trying to get caught up.

Hubby's new job has him home at night but he works pretty long hours so I am still doing a lot of solo parenting. With a fearless child. Who has started taking steps already. I predict full out running by the end of the week.

Also...he turned 10 MONTHS OLD, yesterday. That is just not friggin possible.

I mean I was just taking belly pictures, wasn't I?

So, now I try to get caught up with all of you. I'll be extending my Veggie Tales Giveaway! Since I haven't had a chance to promote it at all.

Happy Halloween everyone!

Love, Jellybean

PYHO - Sharing A Night

2011-10-19T10:11:00.001-04:00

I have a giveaway going on! If you have kids or know anyone who does you should totally enter! :)

As Jellybean's first birthday (Eek - Hold me!) and Christmas are fast approaching I am often asked what we are getting him for presents. Because you know the kid doesn't have enough toys already...

Jellybean's arrival was unexpected, early and terrifying. I was reminded again how tiny he was last night as I was making dinner and I realized the chicken I was baking weighed more than he did at birth! Jellybean was transferred shortly after his birth to a NICU about 40 miles from our home and spent the next two weeks there as a grower and feeder. I checked out of the birth hospital 2 days after an emergency C-section and spent the next 12 days living in the Ronald McDonald house on the NICU hospital campus. We can honestly say we would not have made it through that ordeal without the Ronald McDonald house. Joey and I will be eternally grateful for the Ronald McDonald house being there for parents like us. Joey was still able to go to work every day and then come back to the Ronald McDonald house to spend time with Jellybean. I was comforted in knowing I was never more than 5 minutes away.

So as soon as we were released from the hospital and we checked out of the Ronald McDonald house we knew we wanted to be able to give back. Although we hope to never have to use their services again, we wanted someone else whose sweet child is unfortunately stuck in the hospital to be able to have a place to come back to and relax. The way we plan on doing that is simple - every Christmas and every birthday one of Jellybean's presents is going to be a donation to the Ronald McDonald House Share a Night Campaign. $15 so that another family can have what we did. It’s a simple gesture and doesn't require any extra work from us. I also plan on putting a little blurb about it in our Christmas newsletter so others may be inspired to give to them also. As all of you start your Christmas shopping and start getting sucked into the mayhem that is the holidays I hope you to will think of donating to your local Ronald McDonald house - you never know when you may end up needing their services yourself!

This post is linked up with Shell as part of Pour Your Heart Out Wednesdays.

Simple Truths

2011-10-18T09:44:00.002-04:00

I have a giveaway going on! If you have kids or know anyone who does you should totally enter! :)

This started as a Facebook status I posted and it ended up being the catalyst for a blog post. Please feel free to post your own simple truths too! In fact maybe we should make it a weekly thing?

There are dishes from last night's dinner in my sink, my floors need to be swept and mopped.

There is laundry begging to be put away.

I think I smelled the cat's litter box as I was walking out the front door this morning.

I have two closets that I just make sure to keep the door closed because I don't feel like dealing with the mess they contain.

That wall in my bedroom that we moved the door on - still not painted.

We need to replace the carpet in all the bedrooms too.

My home may not be perfect but the dishes are there because we eat dinner as a family every night.

The floor and laundry are pushed off so that we can instead spend time together - playing, swinging in the front yard and giggling - lots of giggling.

The litter box didn't get changed out so I could spend some time on the couch with my hubby once Jellybean was asleep.

The closets stay a mess so I can watch Jellybean destroy his room instead.

The bedroom and the carpet are because I can't bring myself to make the hubby work on the house all weekend after he has just worked the whole week.

I'm happy that we manage to keep our heads above the water.

We have clean clothes to wear.

More often then not dinner's are homemade.

Jellybean rarely eats "baby food" (although he does love the Gerber Pasta Pickups!)

And my bed - it isn't made because I let the Jellybean sleep in until its time to strap him into his carseat to go to day care.

So maybe my house isn't perfect but my family - I'm pretty sure it is!

Conversations with Jellybean - Full Speed Ahead!

2011-10-17T08:54:00.001-04:00

Hey Jellybean - Don't you think it might be time to take a nap?

Umm...No not really, I'm kind of busy here Mom!

I noticed that, Is there something wrong with how I have your room organized?

Why do you ask that, Mom?

Oh, Just wondering! So about that nap -

Do I look like I need a nap? Oh look - the dog!

Hey Jellybean! Your grandpa is here!

Jellybean?

Shhh... There's some important business going on here!

Burt's Bees Sensitive Skin Solutions Review

2011-10-15T15:00:00.000-04:00

Living in Florida has many, many benefits - warm weather, beaches, amusement parks etc. One of the down falls though - it wreaks havoc on your skin. Between the sun and the well water we have - My skin is DRY. As in so dry my eyebrows get dandruff. Its not pretty. Hubby deals with frequent breakouts from being outside sweating in the sun and all the dirt and chemicals on the job site. To complicate things even further - I have very sensitive skin and am allergic to many many things in cleansers and make up.

Once again Burt's Bees has come to my rescue with their Natural Skin Solutions for Sensitive Skin Cleanser and Daily Moisturizer. Since I have started using both I noticed my skin feels much better. I'm not itchy like I use to be and my skin actually has a little glow back in it. I actually bought the Hubby his own cleanser to bring with him to work and it has made a world of difference in his skin too.

Here is what Burt's Bees has to say about it:

"Infused with the softening properties of Cotton, Natural Skin Solutions for Sensitive Skin replenishes skin in a way only nature can. Tap into the gentle power of natural ingredients, like Cotton, Rice, and Aloe, with clinically proven formulas to hydrate and help shield skin from potential irritants and help replenish skin's outer layer. And since these products are from Burt's Bees, you can be confident they work. After all, Burt's Bees has been creating the best in natural personal care products for over 25 years."

The Burt's Bees Natural Skin Solutions for Sensitive Skin line:
Is naturally gentle and skin-friendly for daily use
Contains Cotton Extract to soften and shield from potential irritants such as harsh soaps or cleansers
Is Fragrance-Free and Hypo-Allergenic
Is Dermatologist-Tested and Allergy-Tested
Can be found in mass retailers (like Target or Walmart), drug stores, grocery stores, and natural health food stores nationwide
Is 99% natural
Sensitive Facial Cleanser

This soap-free facial cleaner is clinically proven to moisturize sensitive skin while gently cleansing away dirt, oil and makeup without over drying or causing redness or irritation. Also, it:

Contains Quillaja, which is extracted from the bark of the Soapbark tree and provides a natural foaming lather
Contains Yucca, a desert plant high in saponins, which have traditionally been used in cleansing
Costs $9.99
Sensitive Daily Moisturizer

This all day, nourishing moisturizer is clinically proven to moisturize sensitive skin without causing redness or irritation. Also, it:
Contains Rice Extract to moisturize
Contains Aloe to soothe
Is Non-Comedogenic (it won't clog pores)
Costs $14.99

I am actually planning on also purchasing the eye cream since sleepless nights with Jellybean have led to some major baggage. Burt's Bees can be found at most major retailers such as your local drug stores, Walmart, Target and others.

*I am a BzzAgent and all product in this post were sent to me for free for my consideration and review. All opinions are my own. I am not being paid for this review*

Tonka XT Richochet Trickster Review

2011-10-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

Recently, I had the opportunity to test a product through BzzAgent and the product couldn't have come at a better time!

BzzAgent provided me with a Tonka XT Ricochet Trickster. It’s a radio controlled car but it really pack a punch!

Product Review: Tonka XT Ricochet Trickster

The Ricochet is actually a "stunt car" and for good reason! It moves, spins, flips and does tricks!

There is a “trick trigger” function that lets you perform one of three pre-programmed stunts:

Rampage Flip
Buzzsaw Spin
Zig-Zag Jolt

An added bonus is that the Ricochet Trickster can drive on two sides and there is no such thing as upside down so the vehicles can flip, jerk, or spin and they just keep on going!

My first call of action was to keep the hubby from tearing into it when I recieved it. He loves remote controlled anything and gets toys like this every Christmas. Jellybean will be fighting him off for years to come. I was saving this one for my nephew to try though. My sisters two boys have birthdays 1 day apart with the oldest turning 14 and the youngest turning 9. I figured this would be a perfect gift for the 9 year old.

(If I was a better blogger you would see a picture of Zack opening the gift here - however I had Jellybean attached to me all day so I didn't get any pictures!)

I was right in that Zack and his friends LOVED the toy. They had a little trouble getting it to work at first but once they figured out to put the remote and car on the same channel they were off! My sister's pug was chasing the car, the boys were running everywhere to watch it do tricks and I was the coolest aunt ever. I wasn't counting on the 14 year old being upset that I gave him money instead of a car too but he really was dissapointed and wanred one of the Trickster's too so I think the age group goes wellpast the 10 they have listed on the box. I know I have three more of these on my Christmas list now - One for my stepson, one for my nephew and of course - one for my hubby!

Details About The Tonka XT Ricochet Trickster R/C Stunt Vehicles

Retails for $24.99
Require 5 AA batteries (not included) for the controller
Requires one 20-30 minute charge for 15-30 minutes of run time. By the way, it is so easy to charge and it comes with everything!
Intended for indoor use.
Available at Wal-Mart, Target, Toys R Us and K-Mart.

Disclosure:

I received a complementary product and was asked to test and review the product by BzzAgent, a word-of-mouth-marketing agency. All opinions above are my own.

I am a member of BzzAgent and you can be, too. Click here to find out more about BzzAgent! It’s so easy to be a BzzAgent member, it’s free, and you get to try some great new products – all for FREE!!!!

Life Lessons - We gave it our best shot

2011-10-14T09:06:00.001-04:00

(Psst.... I have a giveaway going on! If you have kids or know anyone who does you should totally enter! :) )

1) Today is going to be hubby's last day with the new job. They wanted him to work overtime this weekend and he refused. He was promised that he would be home on weekends and won't go two weeks without seeing us.

2) He already had an interview lined up for Monday with a new company that would keep him local anyhow.

3) And a side job for this weekend.

4) I am SO HAPPY he will be back home with us.

5) I would not make a good military/trucker/salesperson wife. I like my family at home with me.

6) Even if we do fight more when we're around each other all the time!

7) Jellybean was having a super hard time with hubby being gone too.

8) Super clingy at day care, not napping, not drinking any milk.

9) He was waking more at night too and just wanted to snuggle.

10) When he woke up for the third time in 20 minutes last night I tried to just rock him back to sleep.

11) He totally knows how to give a legit WTF look

12) I now know to immediately offer the boob and skip the rocking

13) It ain't happening!

14) Hopefully now that hubby is home I will be back to blogging more regularly.

15) PS I am starting to get major baby fever. Hoping that my cycles come back early next year so we can start trying again.

16) I must be crazy since I still haven't slept through the night in almost a year.

17) Wait sleep deprivation does make you go crazy - doesn't it...

Things I Love Thursday - Veggie Tales Giveaway

2011-10-13T08:00:00.002-04:00

We have a winner!

Lucky number 70 which is Donna!

I have loved VeggieTales long before I had Jellybean. I use to watch it with my niece's and nephews and just knew it was going to be a part of my household once I had kids. Veggie Tales is wholesome, clean cartoons with a valuable lesson. I'm not scared of what might be said or done while these are on.

That is why I was super excited when Veggie Tales contacted me about its two new videos out now. TThey are part of the all-new “Family Builders” series. The DVD's contain a combo of three stories, including two classic bestselling VeggieTales, along with lots of music and bonus content.

VeggieTales: Larry Learns to Listen teaches Larry an important lesson when his new Space Squadron game finally arrives and he’s so excited to play that he refuses to read the directions. His toy just won’t work but with the help of good friends and the value of listening it all works out in the end. He is taught that God gave friends and family to help us though each day-- so when we listen we don't miss what others have to say! Included in this DVD are the two classics: “Pistachio” and “Josh and the Big Wall” as well as two sing-alongs with “Larry Learns to Listen” and “Song of the Cebu.”

VeggieTales: Bob Lends a Helping Hand is right up every little boys alley as Bob, Larry and Joe learn how to be “superheros” by helping others. “Tomato Sawyer and Huckleberry Larry’s Big River Rescue” and “Lyle the Kindly Viking” are included in this movie.

I watched the videos and loved them. They will be going into Jellybean's stocking for Christmas and I hope he will enjoy them for a few years to come!

Buy It:

You can find these Veggies Tales DVDs in stores now.

Win It!

1 lucky winner will receive a copy of each DVD: Larry Learns to Listen and Bob Lends a Helping Hand

Rules:
This giveaway ends on ~~October 31, 2011 at 11:59 pm EST~~. November 9, 2011 at 11:59pm EST.
Open to the US only, ages 18+.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me which Veggie Tales video is the favorite in your house.
Please make sure if your email address is not visible in your blogger profile you leave one in your initial entry!

Extra Entries

Link up with "Things I Love" Thursday
Follow VeggieTales on twitter.
Tweet about this giveaway including @littlebitlife and a link to this post (daily)

#win newest @veggietales DVDs, Larry Learns to Listen & Bob Lends a Helping Hand http://bit.ly/oSR0kj @littlebitlife Ends 10/31 #giveaway

Follow A Little Bit of Life via Google Friends Connect

Link up with Things I Love now!

PYHO - Forgive me, Father...

2011-10-12T09:03:00.003-04:00

My PYHO posts are usually pretty serious so this will be a welcome change for you and should bring a giggle or two.

Also my apologies in advance as I am going to deluge you guys over the next few days with reviews and giveaways as I attempt to get caught up.

Most of you know that I am a huge breastfeeding advocate. At 9 months, Jellybean and I are still going strong. I pick him up every day at lunch to squeeze a nursing session in.

I usually go to this park -

which is across the street from this Catholic church.

While there we swing and play...

Then I usually take him back to the car and feed him. I like to park in a nice shady spot. And since Jellybean is a wiggly guy I gave up on using a cover a long time ago since it only produced tears and biting.

So on a few occasion I have parked here -

See all the trees and shade by that pretty yellow house on the corner? An ideal spot for nursing the Jellybean in the car, right?

It was...until I drove by yesterday and noticed a priest standing out front.

Turns out that pretty yellow house is the church rectory.

I've been whipping the girls out in front of the priests for about two months now.

Mary must have breastfed - right?

I think it's time I go to confession...

This post is linked up with Shell as part of Pour Your Heart Out Wednesdays.

Monkey Business

2011-10-10T08:20:00.001-04:00

I woke up during the night on Saturday because Jellybean was crying.

Jellybean was crying because he had flipped himself out of the play pen and into my bed.

At 9 months.

Isolated incident, right?

Somehow...I doubt it.

This is why we pay for My Gym.

And why you can't fight genetics.

I think I'm going to start researching orthopedic surgeons in the area right about now!

Life Lessons - I can't get it all done

2011-10-07T09:18:00.001-04:00

1) Hubby got a new job! Yay!
2) This one pays better and has steady hours - a novel concept I know!
3) Now for the boo part
4) It also requires him to work out of town
Monday - Friday
Every week
5) I have been solo parenting all week.
6) It's been super hard.
7) I'm stressed. Jellybean can't understand why Daddy is gone either. And the hubby hates being away from us.
8) None of us are happy.
9) There have been tears from more than just Jellybean.
10) Its a necessary evil to pay bills until he can find something closer.
11) I am EXHAUSTED though. I work full time too then come home to take care of a VERY active 9 month old and our small zoo.
12) On Wednesday - I ate my dinner at 9:30pm
13) I don't know if I can handle all this by myself.
14) It has truly made me appreciate everything the hubby was helping me out with when he was here.
15) So - I haven't blogged.
16) In weeks.
17) I have giveaways and reviews I need to get posted and not a moment to get it done in.
18) I've realized that it may be a long while before I get back to blogging regularly.
19) Anyone who misses hearing from me regularly - please let me know if you'd like to be FB friends. I can do that from my phone while nursing the JB back to sleep so it's easier on me.
20) I'll be back...one day!

From Jellybean's 9 month pictures...He has grown to 26 1/4" and 14 lbs 13.5 oz.

Transmission Interrupted

2011-09-28T08:06:00.002-04:00

The screen on my laptop...which I just purchased in August..went on the fritz so it has been shipped off to HP for repairs. That means transmission is down - both with me blogging and reading other blogs until it returns! Sorry folks but doing it off my phone is just a PITA!

7-10 days and I should be back up!

Things I Love Thursday - Little Tike Activity Walker

2011-09-22T15:46:00.000-04:00

Alright folks – I’m working on very,very little precious sleep here so I’m sorry if this weeks Thing I Love is a wee bit lame.

Sometimes – that happens.

This was one of the first things I registered for. I remembered that my nephew Austyn had one and loved the thing so I just knew I had to get one for Jellybean. I love it because I can fold it up when I don’t want him walking around the house and he can still play with it. I also love that you can adjust the speed on it. Right now we have it set to go pretty slow since the Jellybean is still learning how to work the old feet in tandem.

Jellybean – he loves it because the envelopes are good to chew on, the flaps are fun to open – oh and this –

is pretty darn cool too!

Also Mom's Christmas and Jellybean's 1st birthday are fast approaching - PLEASE tell me what things I am going to need for my busy, busy toddler!

What do you love this Thursday?

PYHO - I Don't Always Like Him

2011-09-21T16:25:00.002-04:00

Since we are here to be honest I think I'm going to start my PYHO this week with some brutal honesty.

I don't always like my husband.

It's true.

There are moments where I downright can't stand him.

Since we had Jellybean - my patience for him has gotten much shorter.

This may be directly related to my definite lack of sleep over the past year or so.

Dirty clothing left on the bathroom floor or an unflushed toilet have the capability to send me right over the edge now.

Its not pretty and its not something I'm proud of.

Especially since he is precariously teetering on the same ledge as I am with the feelings of being overwhelmed.

We both have been guilty of making a lot of broad statements and tons of "You" statements -

You never put your clothes away.

You don't do half the work around here that I do.
You always, I never, I always...
It's not fair....

Our bickering has been immature and it hasn't been getting us anywhere.

Unless we are talking about breastfeeding there isn't anything either one of us always or never does.

I usually cook dinner, wash dishes and put laundry away.

The hubby usually takes out the trash, feeds the pets, and handles the yard work.

There are times we flip flop though.

There are also many, many times where neither one of us does anything productive that day.

Our favorite time to pick on the other person - ~~when they are taking care of Jellybean~~ having fun with Jellybean while the other person is tackling some chores. Both necessary evils and impossible for one person to do at the same time - trust me - I've attempted. But somehow it just makes you want to bitch if you're the one washing a mountain of dishes while you hear giggles and squeals coming from the living room.

The fighting though - its not necessary. It makes things tense at home and none of us need that.

So - we are working on it.

The first and hardest step has been trying to use I statements instead of you statements. I know we've all heard it a million times but implementing it is so much harder. Mainly because it’s a lot harder to throw a zinger and get a rise out of the other person when you use I statements. And when you are upset - sometimes you just really are out for blood. So now we try to reword things.

Like the next time I walk in the bedroom and realize it smells like a urinal because someone failed to flush the toilet in the attached bathroom and it has been sitting there all day - I am going to try to say something like -

"Honey, I really prefer if the toilet gets flushed after it is used. I understand that some people follow the whole if its yellow let it mellow theory but I don't think that is a good idea here. I know its just a matter of time before our dear Jellybean is exploring and I would hate for that to be something it gets in to. Perhaps I could hang a little sign above the toilet to remind you?"

"Do you think this might work, darling?"

We also are trying to be more supportive of each other. Like I had asked Joey if he could start making the bed before he leaves in the morning. I use to do this when I was the last one to leave but now that he leaves after /I do - its hard to make the bed while someone is still in it. ~~Not that I haven't done it before.~~

So when I came home the other day and found that he had actually remembered to do it - I made it a point to thank him.

Do I still get upset when he parks himself on the couch before I get home from work and then doesn't lift a finger the whole night?

OH MY WORD - YES.

And you can bet your lucky stars that I let him know it. THE WHOLE NIGHT LONG.

BUT

We're trying...

This post is linked up with Shell as part of Pour Your Heart Out Wednesdays.

Conversations with Jellybean

2011-09-20T09:16:00.002-04:00

Conversations with Jellybean is hanging out on my Facebook today.

Mostly because I am too lazy to figure out how to transfer the video here.

I took me an hour and a half to get Jellybean to sleep last night.

That would be the time I usually spend blogging.

When I woke up at 2:30 this morning I had no idea how Jellybean ended up in bed with me. No recollection of getting him out at all. In fact I know he was in his bed when I went to sleep.

Definitely drinking coffee today.

So head over to my Facebook page to get your Jellybean fix.

Overindulging

2011-09-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

Its 8:40 on Sunday night and I am convinced the clock is wrong. It must be at least 10 pm with how tired I am.

Jellybean took a two hour nap yesterday.

From 5pm to 7pm.

I finally got him to go back to sleep at 11pm.

He woke up at 9:30 this morning.

By that time I had already made sweet potato waffles, put most of his laundry away and was about to start stuffing diapers.

I hit the bank with Jellybean, Goodwill, and did the grocery shopping. Then I cleaned his room, organized my stepson's room which has become the junk room, cleaned our bedroom, did countless loads of laundry and played and fed with the Jellybean in between.

I finally sat down to relax at 7pm while Joey gave Jellybean a bath.

Then he got riled up again and I had to take him for a walk.

That did the trick.

After that I finally got to take a shower AND blowdry my hair.

That happens about once a month.

Now?

I'm eating a chocolate chip cannoli AND Praline Ice Cream from Blue Bell.

After that I may have some chips.

Don't Judge.

I totally deserve it.

And tomorrow?

I'm totally eating the other cannoli that was supposed to be for the hubby!

Also - Happy 41st Wedding Anniversary to the best parents a girl could ask for!

Life Lessons - Bruiser

2011-09-16T09:05:00.002-04:00

Goodness gracious - Friday took forever to get here! I'm so glad it finally made it though! I skipped Life Lessons for a bit there - we've been busy, busy! So glad I made it back for it now though. Let's get this thing going!

1) Jellybean had a double ear infection. He was miserable last weekend. Broke my heart. Now he's on antibiotics and back to his happy self.
2) He's also up to 14 lbs. That's a gain of 11 pounds since birth.
3) He is also a standing, creeping, trying to walk machine.
4) Daycare wants to rename him Bruiser since he keeps earning himself new ones! This could be because he is a wee bit overconfident on what his abilities are!
5) On to the hubby. He makes me realize how these women end up on Snapped.
6) Napping on the couch after work all evening while I take care of the baby, make dinner and handle everything else.
7) That's asking for a death sentence right there.
8) Now he's out of town for work again and I'm secretly glad. I need a little break from him.
9) I'm secure enough to admit that.
10) I've been taking Jellybean to the park during my lunch break all week. We both love it. At least I think he loves it -

11) On a sad note - my bunny passed away last weekend. He was 11 years old so he had a good run. Hubby was sweet enough to put this on his grave.

12) I mentioned I was going to miss the little guy. Hubby says we can get another. Umm - no, I won't miss him THAT much. He did go through college, multiple relationships, marriage, home buying and a baby with me!
13) I'm sure he's living it up in bunny heaven right now though!
14) I think I need a new blog design. Affordable though. Any suggestions?
15) Finally, my coworker and I have a lunch date set for my 29th birthday - November 7 - to get White Chocolate Peppermint Fraps from Starbucks. That for me is the official start of holiday time!

Things I Love Thursday - These Moments

2011-09-15T08:56:00.001-04:00

This is an opportunity to link up every week and share something you or your kiddos just can't live without. Sort of an online girl's night out. So dish about that great new toy you bought your kid or the amazing lipstick everyone needs to try. Let us know what we are missing in our lives.

My thing I love this Thursday isn't a place or a product. It's a moment. Its about taking the time to slow down and just enjoy.

Yesterday was another sunny, beautiful Florida day. I went to feed Jellybean during my lunch break as usual and I decided to run over to the park with him. I hate him being stuck at day care all day so I pulled a "cool mom" trick.

So this Thursday, the thing I love the most is this half hour on a Wednesday at lunch with my Jellybean.

Me and him.

A break in monotony.

And the cutest damn smile - EVER!

What do you love this Thursday?

PYHO - It's Not My Place

2011-09-14T07:30:00.000-04:00

Many times in the past few months I've read blog entries about mom's being competitive and judging each other. About the unspoken war we all have going with each other about who is the better Mom. I really, really try not to judge and try to remember to each his own.

But sometimes? It takes all my strength and self control to not open my mouth and say something.

Like when you see people laying a 5 month old on their stomach to sleep, while wrapped in the baby comforter and then they let said baby "Cry It Out" for the next two hours..

I really wanted to shout at them "FOR PETE'S SAKE! YOU CALL YOURSELF PARENTS?" but I didn't, I simply went to bed instead while peering down at my Jellybean and once again feeling blessed that he is such a good baby.

Its such a hard line to walk between wanting to offer others insight from all the reading you have done and crossing that line into unsolicited advice. I have made it a point to be a well educated parent. I read as much as I can and research what methods are out there and what science and study supports. I try to share that as much as I can. If there is something I am unsure of - I ask.

That is why I get frustrated when I see people doing things which I know aren't suggested or could be detrimental to their child. Then I remember - It's Not My Place to tell someone else how they should raise their child.

They are choosing the methods which they feel will work best for them and their family. That probably won't be what is working best for us. That doesn't necessarily mean that one of is wrong and the other right. My choices aren't any better than someone else's. Just different.

Honestly? Joey and I don't always agree on the best way to do things with the Jellybean. I am okay with somewhat following Baby Led Weaning - it scares the crap out of Joey and he prefers to break up food into miniscule pieces that Jellybean needs a magnifying glass in order to find. I don't believe in spanking and Joey thinks there is nothing wrong with it.

If we don't always agree with each other - there is no way I can tell someone else what they should be doing in their own home. So, when those moments come that someone is doing something I would never consider doing in a million years - I take a deep breath and smile -

and remember that -

some people would never let their baby sleep in bed with them

(when its 3 am and all Jellybean wants is to snuggle and nurse and has a melt down every time I lay him in his bed...I let the kiddo sleep where he will - Mama needs sleep too!)

some people would be appalled that I don't disinfect every item that Jellybean drops on the floor

some people can't believe that Jellybean still isn't sleeping through the night, I mean I should really sleep train him

some people would frown upon my plan to let Jellybean self-wean as long as that may take

so I choose to try to not judge, lest I be judged myself!

This post is linked up with Shell as part of Pour Your Heart Out Wednesdays.

Conversations with Jellybean - Vacation mode

2011-09-13T09:11:00.003-04:00

Hey Jellybean! I heard you went on vacation to Savannah!

How was it?

Wait, we went somewhere?

Huh, I must have missed it!

Things I Love Thursday - Sprout Baby Food

2011-09-08T08:36:00.000-04:00

 <a href="http://littlebitlife.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src=" http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad221/littlebitlife/thursdaycopy.jpg"></a>

I had the best of intentions to make all of Jellybean'sfood myself. I was going to buy everything organic and whip up culinarycreations that he would enjoy every day. For the most part I have made most ofJellybean's food - currently our freezer has three different soups my mom madefor him, hummus made by me, plum and banana puree, sweet potato-squash-applepuree, mango-cantaloupe-peach puree, rhubarb and peach puree, Brussels sproutsand squash puree and a few other things. I also let him try bits of what we arehaving. While on vacation I ordered him a grilled cheese sandwich only to havehim devour my fish instead. I love what an adventurous eater he is and howhealthy he usually eats.

That being said - there are times where I just can't makehis food. Shoot there are times where I don't have the energy to make our dinner,let alone whip something up for him. Or when we are traveling it just doesn'tmake sense to bring our food. In those instances I usually turn to Sprout. Sproutis the brainchild of chef Tyler Florence and their recipes are all organic andoh so tasty. I make it a point to taste anything I'm going to serve Jellybeanand there are times where I rip open a pouch of Sprout and I'm jealous that mybaby is eating better than I am. Case in point - Joey and I grabbed McDonald'swhile at Wal-mart one evening.

Jellybean - he had Ginger Chicken with Bananas,Coconut and Rice.

If I'm not going to serve my child something I mademyself I want to know that he is getting the next best thing and I truly dobelieve that is the case with Sprout. It was a life saver having those poucheswith me when we were vacationing in Savannah. Jellybean loved the variety inthe food and I loved not having to figure out how to feed him while we stayedin a cabin without a kitchen!

Jellybean ate this at the Waffle House when we were on the road. I had a BLT. He wins!

Sprout also mixes in different spices and flavorswhich is a huge deal with me. I don't want to raise a picky eater. My step sonis one and it drives me crazy trying to plan meals when he is here. Jellybeanhas already been exposed to cumin, garlic, cinnamon and a variety of otherspices. He noshes on broccoli as happily as his puffs or crunchies. Sprout letsme encourage exposing him to a host of different flavors and ingredients.

Nowif only they would expand into big kid meals I'll have something to fall backon once Jellybean is past the purees!

What are you loving this Thursday?

PYHO - I'm not Cured

2011-09-07T16:00:00.002-04:00

Y'all - write this day down in the history books. Notonly am I actually posting a blog but last night...Jellybean SLEPT ALL NIGHT!If you were wondering what the nationwide parades and fireworks were for thismorning. Now you know. This is a freaking momentous occasion. I'm not holdingmy breath that he will do it again tonight but at least I know that he'sfamiliar with the concept.

Speaking of Jellybean, he is in a way a topic of my PYHOpost for this week.

As I've mentioned a few times before - we reallystruggled to conceive the Jellybean. I went off birth control in July of 2008and didn't conceive Jellybean until May of 2010. In the meantime I went througha bout with a pesky ovarian cyst, changed OB/GYN's, started fertility treatmentwith a reproductive endocrinologist whose main mission was to get as much moneyas they could out of me, took a break from fertility treatments and thenfinally went back to my AMAZING OB who finally worked with me on getting theright amount of medication prescribed that would get me pregnant. I spent a fewthousand dollars with the RE and about $18 with my OB on prescriptions only.

Let me tell you seeing those two pink lines was one ofthe best days of my life. When you are sitting on almost two years of negativetests you start to give up hope and wonder if it will ever happen for you.

I have a friend who started trying around the same timewe did, so they are at over three years with still no baby. Funnily enough shewas with my original doctor that I left because I felt she was incompetent. Nowthat friend finally decided to go down the fertility treatment route too so Iwas in a position of being able to answer questions, offer advice and keep myfingers crossed for them. She gets to test Friday and I truly hope they arepregnant.

Answering all those questions though, it made me start thinkingabout #2. I have already let the hubby know that I want to try again next year.That is if Jellybean ever gets to a point in breast feeding where I get mycycles back. You would think that now that I have Jellybean I would be moreoptimistic about the next time.

The truth is - just because I got pregnant once - I amnot cured.

There is a good chance that my good ole pal infertilityis still lurking in the shadows. I'm terrified that this time it won't be assimple as 100mg of Clomid. That it may take more which I know we can't afford.I'm going to ask that if you know someone who is trying to conceive - don'toffer advice. Don't tell them to relax. Do the deed every other day. Stand onyour head and then do three consecutive back flips. Trust me if they arestruggling with infertility they have tried it all.

Just offer support and prayers.

And if someone is experiencing secondary infertilitydon't tell them to just be happy with the kids they already have. The pain isjust as strong regardless of which child you are going for.

Once again prayers and support.

So next year when I'm ready to start trying I'll besending all of you back to this entry, okay?

This post is linked up with Shell as part of Pour Your Heart Out Wednesdays.

Life Lessons - Sharing is Caring

2011-08-26T10:25:00.000-04:00

Also - if you didn't get a chance to link up with Things I Love Thursdays the linky is still open. I changed the format a little so feel free to share about non-mom/baby related things too. New kitchen mixer everyone should have? Awesome blowdryer? Let us know what we're missing out on.

So this week I learned that...

1) Your husband will go on a sweet binge and eat all his and your ice cream before you get a bite. Then to make it up to you he will buy you a pint of Cherry Garcia - which he will also eat before you get a bite. He will then finally come home with two pints . One for you and one for him. He will eat all of his and you will finally wisen up and hide your pint under all the frozen veggies.

2) Driving has become hazardous to my health. On the way home last night I came this close to being pelted in the back of the head by Mr. Frog.

Not cool.
3) I need a maid.
4) And a cook.
5) Along with a nanny.
6) Can you throw in the winning lottery numbers too?
7) In one week I will be on my way to Savannah for a weekend getaway.
8) OMG - I can't wait.
9) I suppose I need to take care of chores and boarding the dog and all that this weekend though. Boo.
10) Do you know what a pain in the ass it is to have to pump when your child won't take bottles?
11) This has been his week at day care - Monday - 3 oz. Tuesday - 0 Wednesday - 0 Thursday 2 oz
12) Yea, He's a boob man.
13) Apparently a jealous one too.
14) The instant I snuggled up to the hubby last night and thought about initiating some nookie - he woke up.
15) Apparently he wants to be an only child.

Things I Love Thursday - My Gym

2011-08-24T21:43:00.000-04:00

 <a href="http://littlebitlife.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src=" http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad221/littlebitlife/thursdaycopy.jpg"></a>

As I have mentioned many, many times before I was a gymnast. I lived for gymnastics. It was ALL I wanted to do. After I retired from gymnastics I stayed in the sport by coaching for about 8 years. I knew from the start that when I had a child I wanted them to do gymnastics.

My reasoning though has nothing to do with wanting Jellybean to be the next Olympian so I was on a search to fond the right program. Luckily my choices were pretty limited due to Jellybean's age so I decided to give My Gym a shot.

Best choice I ever made - seriously!

I love My Gym for everything it is and everything it is not.

I'm not going to lie - one of my reasons for wanting Jellybean to start a Mommy and Me program was for me. I needed a chance to interact with other adults and make a connection. This class gives me a chance to do just that.

My other reasons for wanting Jellybean to do gymnastics though are ALL about him. Gymnastics has been shown to help with reading, math and a slew of other academic subjects. It is also the perfect sport to serve as a foundation for any other sport. Is Jellybean getting all of that now? Probably not. But he is getting something out of it.

I love that My Gym is non-competitive. They aren't trying to develop a gymnastics star. They are trying to make sure my child has a great time though. The class is perfect for his needs as a baby. There is time to just crawl around. We stretch, we sing, we dance, we play. Then we break out. He can do gymnastics activities, swing, chase after a ball or practice pulling himself up on a mat. There's a separation activity where he plays on his own with the other babies and then finally a puppet show and the bye bye song.

That is what I want for Jellybean at this stage in the game. An environment where he gets to work on his crawling, standing and walking. Somewhere that isn't on the lookout to see if he is better than the rest. If he has potential. My belief is - every child has potential - it just might not be in gymnastics! I love that they offer free plays in addition to his class. My Friday lunch hour has now become my play with Jellybean hour - and that makes my week all the better.

So I would have to whole heartedly say that My Gym has exceeded my expectations and I am so happy I took a chance on it.

Now, what are you loving?

PYHO - Cleaning My Plate

2011-08-24T11:06:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned on Monday, we started Jellybean in baby gymnastics. I'm going to talk some more about that tomorrow in Things I LoveThursday but so far we really love it. The only thing about it though is that in order for me to take him to the free plays they offer I have had to adjust my work schedule. More often than not I am working later so I can take a two hour lunch on Fridays. That makes for some huge time constraints at home.

I may not walk in the door until 5:45. I like to have Jellybean in bed no later than 8pm.

In between there is dinners to cook for the hubby, me and Jellybean, bathtime and if I'm super lucky a few chores get tackled. Half the time I am doing all that solo because Joey is working late.

So if you guys hadn't noticed - I decided to clean my plate some.

I love blogging - the actual act of writing along with reading all of your entries and sharing feedback. It’s a great release for me. The problem is when I don't get a chance to sit down until 9pm, I don't have the mental capacity to read or write anything. My blog, twitter, facebook - they are all luxuries, not necessities so I had to give myself permission to not be a part of it when I don't have the time to sacrifice for it. I had to remind myself that I do work two full time jobs - one to pay the bills and the other to be the best mom in the world to Jellybean. That means that there may be weeks where I don't get on the computer at all. I might not read a single blog, tweet or anything. My house may also be in shambles if the hubby worked late all week.

We are still finding our way in this world of parenting. It seems like every time you figure it out - something changes. I know most mom's are dealing with back to school right now so they are in the same boat. There are some little steps I've taken that seem to be helping. I joined E-mealz and what a lifesaver that has been! I love having my meals decided for me! Meal planning was something that fell by the wayside when Jellybean came along. I tried but I just couldn't keep up with it. For anyone that hasn't joined E-mealz - do it now - I swear it's the best thing ever. Use coupon code Dave and you'll only pay $12.50 for three months! We have loved trying new recipes too since you often fall into a rut with meals - at least in our house. I also stopped trying to be Super Mom and make all of Jellybean's meals myself. Babies R Us had a huge sale on Earth's Best Organic Baby Food - so I stocked up. If I need an easy night, I am not a failure for pulling out a jar. Jellybean is just happy to eat. He doesn't care if I cooked it or not.

So while I may not be the best blogger or internet friend any more - I do have a lot on my plate and the number one priority is thriving. My preemie is almost 8 months old and right now he is developmentally ahead in every area. By nine months, I am pretty sure he will be walking. That scares the bejeezus out of me! He is a happy, smiley, full of joy kind of kid. He is still breastfeeding and usually refusing bottles. He is so smart that we have to hide things from him regularly. You show that kid how a toy works once and he has it figured out. So my plate it is full but I am so fulfilled!

I miss all of you, I really do. So far though - I haven't heard Jellybean complain so I must be doing something right.

This post is linked up with Shell as part of Pour Your Heart Out Wednesdays.

Conversations with Jellybean - Fliptastic

2011-08-22T16:20:00.000-04:00

Hey Jellybean, You want to tell everyone why Mom fell off the face of the earth and hasn't posted a blog in forever?

Sure thing, Mom!

Well guys, my super awesome mom signed me up for baby gymnastics! I go every Saturday at 8:30am.

It's loads of fun - but if that wasn't enough they have free play too!

Since my Mom loves me bunches she tries to take me to that too.

So on Monday's she stays late at work so we can go to the evening session.

And then she has been adjusting her work schedule too so she can take a long lunch on Fridays for the play session they have then.

As if that wasn't enough, her car was on the fritz last week too and Daddy had to work on Saturday.

Mom has been super busy but I still think she's the best because she always puts me first.

So sometimes she has weeks where she doesn't get to talk to all our friends here.

Maybe its because she is making dinner, washing clothes, or blowing raspberries on my belly.

Or she might be cheering me on when I manage to pull myself up and you know - just stand there. But she's still thinking of all of you.

And when Daddy takes me for a ride on Blue she finally has a chance to say Hi! I missed you!

Life Lessons - Heartbreaker

2011-08-12T08:08:00.001-04:00

My Veggie Tales giveaway ends Monday - go enter now!

Also - if you didn't get a chance to link up with Things I Love Thursdays the linky is still open. I changed the format a little so feel free to share about non-mom/baby related things too. New kitchen mixer everyone should have? Awesome blowdryer? Let us know what we're missing out on.

1) This week I learned that your child is going to break your heart.

2) You will carry him for 35 weeks (longer if you aren't carrying Jellybean who insisted on coming into this world early)

3) You will then spend two weeks constantly by his side while he is in the NICU and another 10 weeks at home. You will endure constant screaming due to reflux, marathon nursing sessions and being peed on.

4) Once you return to work you will go visit your baby at lunch every day because 90% of the time he refuses to take bottles so you instead have to nurse him.

5) As most mother's do, you will do 90% of the parenting and baby wrangling. Waking at night to feed the baby, waking up with him at the butt crack of dawn because he is ready to play, being puked on, etc will all fall into your hands.

6) In appreciation said baby will twist a knife in your heart when you least expect it and at 7 months old -

7) HE WILL SAY DADA FIRST!

8) Who me? Bitter? No, not at all.

9) I still say it was a question, like are you my Dada? You know, since he's been working weekends and late in the evening so Jellybean hasn't seen him all that much.

10) I think Jellybean realized the pain he caused me since he's been extra snuggly since saying THAT word.

11) We may have slept snuggled up together all night last night. I know we shouldn't but how do you say NO when your baby burrows into you, sighs and falls asleep peacefully?

Things I Love Thursday - My Moby Wrap

2011-08-11T00:00:00.000-04:00

I mentioned last week that Jellybean had reflux. (Thankfully he has grown out of it now!) What I may have skirted over was that until we got Jellybean on some medication he screamed. Constantly. If we laid him down for even a second.

IT WAS EXHAUSTING.

I was home. ALONE. With a screaming child that hated the car.

WITH A PASSION.

Finally, in sheer desperation – I bought a Moby Wrap. I figured if he felt better when he was upright this had to work.

At first the Jellybean wasn’t sure if he liked the Moby. Heck, at first I wasn’t sure if I liked it either!

But I had just shelled out $40 for the thing so I figured I would keep trying. Initially, I tried the newborn hug hold but my curious monkey did not like not being able to see and look around so I switched him to the Kangaroo.

And there was silence.

HE LOVED IT!!

So four or five times a day, I would strap on the Jellybean and we would walk. All over the neighborhood. I worked off all the baby weight and got to meet the neighbors. The Jellybean would take it all in and then he would sleep. Snuggled up to his Mommy. I grew to love the convenience of the Moby. It wasn’t as cumbersome as lugging a stroller everywhere. It kept people from touching him and spreading their germs to my preemie. And have I mentioned it kept him from screaming? Oh that was nice.

Since then, the Moby has gone everywhere. I wore him at the circus. He was strapped in at shopping trips at Target. Furniture shopping? Yup, A snuggled up Jellybean was right there the whole time trying out couches. Walking the neighborhood looking for a runaway dog – discreetly nursed him in the Moby while talking to those same neighbors! Even now at 7 months old, I will throw the Moby on if he gets fussy while I try to finish up chores and it settles him right down. Quite honestly – it is the best $40 I ever spent. I could live without my stroller even though we do use it more often now but I couldn’t imagine life without my Moby. If you are wondering what to get someone as a baby shower gift or you think they already have everything they need – get them a Moby. I plan on purchasing them for any future momma’s I come across!

You know what else I would love? For you to win my Veggie Tales giveaway! Go ahead and enter!

What are you loving this week?

PYHO - Making Me a Priority

2011-08-10T07:30:00.003-04:00

Don't Forget to enter my Veggie Tales giveaway!

Also - I have a new meme that I would love for you to join up with too! Its on Thursday's so I'm giving you time to prepare for it. It's called Things I Love Thursdays.

Everyone tells you that once you have a baby you need to make sure to take care of yourself too.

That you need to make time for yourself and just relax.

Occasionally you need to put yourself first and that's okay.

What they don't tell you is how to do that.

They don't tell you how to turn the mommy mode off for a minute and think about yourself as the person you were before.

For me. It took a shopping trip to do it. And my hubby.

We were at Kohl's since Hubby needed some new pants. (All of his for some reason become "work pants" and he is left with no nice clothing to wear in public.) I had the Jellybean as usual and was coordinating nursing him while browsing through the baby clearance items. Hubby found me and had his pants in hand.

Which he hadn't tried on. GRRR...

So it was time for a visit to the changing room and of course - a swap in sizes after that. Then Hubby turns to me and says - "Why don't you pick out some clothes for you?"

The thought hadn't even crossed my mind to shop for myself.

Even though a large majority of my pre-Jellybean clothes no longer fit me.

And my style had majorly changed since having Jellybean.

But to buy something for myself - could I really do it and not feel guilty?

Yes - I could. Most of my purchases were from the clearance racks but that just meant I could get more stuff. Hubby found a dress I loved the instant I put it on. Dresses are a HUGE part of my style now.

That half hour of perusing the racks while the Hubby wandered with Jellybean - it was DIVINE. I forgot how good it felt to spoil yourself every once in awhile. How nice it is to have a few cute outfits that REALLY fit you.

More importantly - I remembered that we need to take the time to indulge ourselves every now and then. That you aren't taking anything away from your spouse or your child by treating yourself every now and then.

That being said - There's a pedicure in my near future.

This post is linked up with Shell as part of Pour Your Heart Out Wednesdays.

Excuses, Excuses!

2011-08-09T08:00:00.008-04:00

I tried writing an interesting post tonight but - (choose your favorite excuse) {kind of like the pick your adventure books}

my scalp was itchy from all the crazy Florida humidity so I kept having to scratch it and that took away from my typing ability.

I had a brief heartburn like sensation from using way too much cajun seasoning on the catfish and feared for a second I may be pregnant. Then I remembered you had to have sex to get pregnant and breathed a sigh of relief.

the hubby brought home ice cream from the gas station and everyone knows ice cream > blogging.

I couldn't find my good tweezers and had to pluck my annoying chin hairs with the crappy tweezers which takes twice as long.

I worried that we could no longer be imaginary friends since I just revealed I have annoying chin hairs to you. Or does that make us best friends now?

I posted twice this week already so technically I'm ahead of the game anyway.

I was contemplating the fact that I get baby fever every time I drive past the hospital where Jellybean was born causing me to want another immediately. Luckily I only drive past that hospital 10 times a week since I pass it to and from work.

I was spending quality time bonding with the hubby as he watched a movie and I wrote this!

I was figuring I should quit begging everyone to link up with Things I Love Thursday or enter my Veggie Tales Giveaway...

Conversations with Jellybean - Oh Blue!

2011-08-08T09:02:00.000-04:00

Don't forget that I'm hosting an awesome Veggie Tales giveaway! Go enter - not that many people have so your chances of winning? AWESOME!

Also - I have a new meme that I would love for you to join up with too! Its on Thursday's so I'm giving you time to prepare for it. It's called Things I Love Thursdays!

Conversations with Jellybean

Oh, Hey Blue! Did you want to come play with me?

Hey, what's this thing you're wearing? It's kinda shiny. I bet you'd like it if I tug on it a bit.

Jellybean, It's a choke collar. The tugging not so cool...

Oops, sorry dude. My bad.

Umm..Jellybean? That would still be tugging buddy.

Fine, I'll just chew on you over here instead.

Sigh...

Hey Blue..

Yes, Jellybean?

There's just one little problem.

What would that be Jellybean?

My star..you seem to be laying on it. And I just can't get to it.

Oh, let me help you out there!

Aww Blue! You're the best! I love you.

Me too, Jellybean. Me too!

Summer Fun Showoff

2011-08-08T08:31:00.000-04:00

Of course, living in Florida - its always summer! Jellybean still managed to have some actual summer fun though!

Link up your Summer Fun for a chance to win prizes from Ubisoft.

A Million Things

2011-08-07T17:54:00.000-04:00

There are a million things I should really be doing right now.

My chore chart is almost untouched.

There are toys all over the living room.

My bed needs clean sheets.

But this guy -

has had a rough weekend. His top teeth are working their way down which means grumpiness, needing mommy more than usual and some crappy naps.

So he's been doing a lot of this -

and finally he passed out like this -

and I just don't have the heart to disturb the poor guy.

Even if my leg is cramping and I need to pee.

Life Lesson - The Feed Me Edition

2011-08-05T08:48:00.000-04:00

First, a big hug goes out to Sara. She lost her Dad last week and could use all of our hugs and love out there in bloggy land.

Now for my life lessons for this week.

1) On the day you are most tired your husband will come home from work and immediately fall asleep on the couch leaving you to fend for yourself with the baby.

2) This will also be the day you did not get to eat lunch at work so you are ridiculously hungry.

3) It is a known fact that you are extra crabby when hungry.

4) Hubby should know this by now as there are many occasions he has bought a cheeseburger from Mcdonalds while forcing his wife through a marathon shopping session at Wal-mart.

5) (FYI - I hate shopping at Wal-mart with a passion - it’s a necessary evil in my town but I loathe it)

6) When hungry and crabby, I may mutter things about lazy men, divorce and other obscenities.

7) That is a sign to feed me immediately.

8) You can redeem yourself by letting me sit on the couch later in the week with a sleeping Jellybean while you cook and clean.

9) The Calzone hubby made - AMAZING.

10) It's also been made blatantly clear once again that I really don't have a filter.

11) Overheard at our house last night - (of course said by yours truly) - "You know what we should do sometimes?"

Hubby -"What's that?"

Me - "Have sex"

12) I'm romantic like that. I mean if that doesn't get him in the mood nothing will, right?

13) Do they have etiquette classes for adults? I could use them.

14) Jellybean is on a roll this week.

15) Cut his second tooth and oh yeah - he can pincer grasp. Who knew?

16) Hubby and I are now addicted to Jellybean's teething biscuits too.

17) In addition to the puffs.

18) What? Mommy gets hungry too!

19) If you haven't linked up for Things I Love Thursday or entered my Veggie Tales Giveaway...

20) Go do it now!

Things I Love Thursday

2011-08-04T08:18:00.001-04:00

Did you notice I'm hosting an awesome Veggie Tales giveaway? You should totally go enter. All the cool kids are doing it! If you link up today you get an extra entry!

This is an opportunity to link up every week and share an item you or your kiddos just can't live without. Sort of an online girl's night out. So dish about that great new toy you bought your kid or the amazing lipstick everyone needs to try. Let us know what we are missing in our lives. Because ya'll? I'm tired of just comparing sales on diapers and deciding whether I can go another day with out showering!

So for this Things I Love Thursday I am going to go back a little bit and feature something I loved when Jellybean was a newborn. Next week I am going to gush about my moby wrap that I still use now!

The first thing I could not have lived without was Jellybean's swing. He was a tiny thing when we brought him home and didn't really fit well in a bouncer or anything of that sort. Someone had generously gifted us a Graco Newborn Soothing Center Swing and that was the best thing we could have been given at the time. In addition to being a tiny thing, Jellybean also had reflux.

The swing kept him inclined which would tone down his screaming for a bit. If he had a cold - the incline helped him breathe. This swing was extra cool in that the base for it also fit our car seat so if he fell asleep in the car we could just take him out and snap the car seat in and let it go. (Not that he fell asleep in the car very often. He HATED riding in the car for the first three months!)

Graco offers the following description -

The Sweetpeace Newborn Soothing Center was designed based on significant research into the needs of newborns, as well as feedback from real-life mothers. This unique tool is designed to simulate the comfort of the womb with customizable touch, sound, sights, and movement. Four unique seat positions and four different cradling motions mimic how you cradle and hold your baby, and six speeds allow you to customize the Center's movement based on your baby's mood and needs. A two-speed vibration provides baby with a subtle, calming "massage" and a built-in swaddle blanket, head support, and snug five-point harness keep baby feeling extra secure.

Soothing, familiar sounds help to relax your baby as well: choose from low-frequency sounds that mimic sounds heard in the womb; natural sounds such as heartbeat, rain and wind; or lullabies played through the high-quality speakers; or provide your own play list with the included MP3 connection and holder.

Baby's eyes are kept from over stimulation with an adjustable canopy, which controls light and limits baby's line of vision--making it easier for a tired baby to feel calm. A close-by mirror gives baby something interesting to focus on quietly.

Regardless - Jellybean loved the thing.

Sadly - we can't use it anymore since Jellybean now tries to fling himself out of bouncers, swings or anything of that sort...

PYHO - With Friends Like These

2011-08-03T09:12:00.000-04:00

First things first - Did you notice I'm hosting an awesome Veggie Tales giveaway? You should totally go enter. All the cool kids are doing it!

Also - I have a new meme that I would love for you to join up with too! Its on Thursday's so I'm giving you time to prepare for it. It's called Things I Love Thursdays. If you link up - me love you long long time! :)

Finally - it's World Breastfeeding Day and I'm proud to say I'm going 7 months strong!

On to the business at hand.

I had a different post planned for today but then I got bombarded by messages from someone last night that kind of ticked me off.

Have you ever had "friends" that only contact you when they need something?

That you don't hear from unless they have news to share about them or it could benefit them?

Last night, I had that person contact me again. Luckily, I went to bed at 8:30 with the Jellybean so it didn't piss me off until this morning.

It's funny because the messages always start off as "Hi, How are you? The family, etc." Then I get a rundown of everything their child is doing and always at the end comes the kicker. Hey I need you to do this for me.

We have hung out with these people once since Jellybean was born.

I invited them to do things with us on a few other occasions and it never happened so I stopped trying. Not once has an invite been extended to us. Not a "Hey, Let's get our kids together to play!" or anything of that sort.

Now, I'm not a huge fan of their parenting techniques anyhow but I was willing to overlook that so our kiddos could get to know each other. But friendship, it’s a two way road. I don't want to be your friend just because you need something from me.

I want friends that call just to talk. That will meet up with us on a Saturday morning for breakfast. That are just as willing to help us when we need something. If the only time I hear from you is when you need something. I'm sorry but we just aren't friends.

Right now, I still haven't responded because I'm still upset. I don't know whether to say - Hey you only contact me when you need something and its getting old or to just not respond at all anymore.

Sigh, at least I have my bloggy friends, right?

This post is linked up with Shell as part of Pour Your Heart Out Wednesdays.

Conversations with Jellybean - Puffs

2011-08-01T08:55:00.000-04:00

First things first - Did you notice I'm hosting an awesome Veggie Tales giveaway? You should totally go enter. All the cool kids are doing it!

Also - I have a new meme that I would love for you to join up with too! Its on Thursday's so I'm giving you time to prepare for it. It's called Things I Love Thursdays. If you link up - me love you long long time! :)

Now for why you are really here - for Conversations with Jellybean, of course!

(side bar - I refer to my child as Jellybean way to often IRL now. OOPS!)

Holy smokes, Mom! Check this out! There's something in my Exersaucer!

I know Jellybean, I put those in there. They are puffs - for you to eat. (And they are quite addictive...not that I've tried them myself!)

Oh man, this is so cool. I've got to try this. You say I can actually eat them?

Jellybean, why are you asking me if you can eat them? You eat everything any way.

Oh yeah, I do, don't I? Huh...

Well, let's give this a try though. Did you see that how I picked it up all by myself? Aren't I rock star?

Yep, Jellybean - you're a regular bad ass. Next thing you know, you'll be using the potty on your own!

Eww, Mom, you're gross! I'm eating here!

Jellybean - you poop while you eat. EVERY TIME.

*giggles* I know! Oh hey, Mom?

Yes, Jellybean?

I dropped one, Can you get it for me?

Veggie Tales - Princess and the Pop Star Giveaway

2011-07-31T08:28:00.003-04:00

This giveaway is now closed - winner was # 50

Eco Baby Mama Drama said...: I follow Veggie Tales on facebokk! sabrina dahl radke sradke1024 at gmail dot com

I was lucky enough to be contacted recently to review the latest Veggie Tales movie from Big Idea Inc. I love Veggie Tales and the strong Christian message behind its movies so I jumped at the chance. In fact I see a whole lot of Veggie Tales in Jellybean's future!

Princess And The Popstar is a spin on the idea of trading places. The characters are Princess, a farm girl who dreams of life in the spotlight along with a few moments to herself and Vanna Banana, a superstar who wishes for friendship and a taste of normalcy. The girls have a lucky crossing on the playground and after realizing they look exactly alike they concoct a secret plan to switch places. The girls quickly realize that their dreams were much better than the reality of the life they thought they wanted and they learn that the life God gave them is the one for which they were uniquely and lovingly designed.

Jellybean of course isn't old enough to understand all the concepts of this movie but I think it will be a family favorite once he is! They touch on so many subjects that children need help in understanding and coping with from sibling rivalry to accepting that God makes you uniquely you. The film is also full of great music - featuring Francesca Battistelli - who happens to be one of my favorite Christian artists out there. You can watch the trailer yourself here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xO5IQZflx4.

Big Idea is generously offering a copy of Princess And The Popstar to one lucky reader! In order to enter, leave a comment here! For extra entries, you may follow Veggie Tales on Twitter, and like them on Facebook…but make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry!

***Additional entry opportunities!
1) Link up on Thursday to Things I Love Thursday
2) Tweet about the giveaway and leave the link in a comment

This giveaway will be open until August 15th. Good luck!

Life Lessons - Donkey balls and such

2011-07-29T15:33:00.000-04:00

OMG - Was this not the longest week EVER? I mean seriously, Friday? You need to get your ass in gear!

So, finally I can bring you my life lessons for this week. Oh and there have been quite a few...

1) This week sucked donkey balls.

2) Yes, I really did just say that. You should know me by now and that shouldn't shock you.

3) If it did - we really don't know each other as well as I thought we did.

4) This made my Friday at work.

5) Yes, I'm immature.

6) Jellybean is this close to crawling.

7) He gets up on his hands and knees and rocks every chance he gets.

8) I'm going to start shouting "Ready. Set. Go!" and wait for him to take off.

9) Then when he finally does I'm going to cry.

10) Because I'll have to baby proof then.

11) And figure out how to keep him out of the litter box, dog food bowl, under the couch, etc.

12) And because its losing another part of his babyness.

13) Jellybean also has his first ear infection.

14) His only symptom was gook coming out of his eyes.

15) I know - you're thinking WTF? I said the same thing when the doc said ear infection.

16) He's awesome through it as usual.

17) Because you know - my baby is bad ass like that.

18) Tomorrow is also 7 months of breastfeeding for us.

19) Can I get a hell yeah?

20) After writing my post about getting it together on Tuesday. I didn't do any chores the rest of the week.

21) FAIL.

22) Guess what I'm doing this weekend now that I slacked off? While probably chasing down a crawling Jellybean...

23) Oh quit laughing and pass the toilet bowl brush...

24) Oh and next Thursday - make sure you link up with the new meme I started - Things I Love Thursday. It'll be fun!

Things I Love Thursday

2011-07-28T10:37:00.000-04:00

One of the things I've realized now that I am a mom is that kids require lots of stuff. There is the stuff you obviously need like diapers, wipes, a second mortgage, and then there are the gems you stumble upon along the way that make wrangling babies and kids so much more enjoyable. Either for the little one or for Mom. There are also quite obviously duds along the way. You are given things you will never use like wipe warmers or toddler leashes. It seems like there are so many toys, gadgets and gizmos out there that it is hard to decide what you truly need for your child.

So I bring you -

This is going to be an opportunity to link up every week and share an item you or your kiddos just can't live without. Sort of an online mom's group where we sit and chat about what we and our kids are loving. I'm not limiting it to baby products since Jellybean will all too soon be a toddler, then school age and so on. If you can try to leave the age group your linky is for in the title - as in - A Little Bit of Life - 3 year old.

I realize that some of you may have things scheduled for today already so if you want to wait until next week to link up I'll be glad to see you then.

Now onto the first Thing I Love..

Jellybean was a preemie.

He looked tiny in his car seat. Oh and he hated it for months.

I would crane my neck to check on him at every stop light if I couldn't hear him.

Then I would drive stressed out until I got to home or wherever because I hated not knowing if he was ok back there or not.

So finally I bought one of these -

It's Fisher Price Max-View Baby In-Sight - $10 at Wal-Mart. They have fancier models but this one gets the job done for me. I can sit up front and glance in my rear view mirror - there's Jellybean -perfectly content. He might be chewing on his foot or his frog. He's staring out the window or babling away. No matter what - I CAN SEE HIM!

Glory Hallelujah - I'm no longer freaked out driving like a maniac because I can't see my baby in the back seat mom. So if you are neurotic - like me - I highly suggest getting one of these. What's neat is you can also use it later so baby can see himself - because everyone knows mirror baby is the best friend a kid can have. I know Jellybean like to talk to his mirror baby all the time.

So - what are you Loving?

PYHO - Mrs. Crabbypants

2011-07-28T08:17:00.000-04:00

I had a million ideas running through my head about what I should write about this week. That pretty much sums up my life lately though. There seems to be a million things going on around me at work, home and everywhere in between. Its been a little hard to catch my breath lately but I’m keeping my head above water – somehow.

I tried to write this post yesterday. I had meetings at work from 8:30 until 12:30. Then I fed Jellybean, came back to the office and had two more meetings. Finally it was time to head towards the home. I ran by the house, grabbed a check I'd been waiting on out of the mail box and hightailed it to the bank so I could avoid bouncing our account. I finally walked in the door at home around 5:45pm. Jellybean was starving so the first order of business was to feed him. Then he wanted to play. Between playing with him, feeding him, bathing and all that I was exhausted. It was definitely a Pizza night.

I mentioned that to hubby and I guess I was short when I said it. He asked what my problem was and I said - I'm tired and I'm in a bad mood because of it. Well if I talked to you that way you'd say I was being an ass. I am being a bitch. I admit it. I'm exhausted. I had a rough day. Then he kept picking at me even though he knew I wasn't in the mood for it.

I walked away and gave Jellybean his bath.

Then his nebulizer treatment.

Then I ate my pizza and went to bed.

At 9pm.

Without actually getting in a fight with the hubby.

Sometimes the key to success in marriage is just knowing when to shut the F up. Last night was one of those nights.

I feel better today.

And I'm not even mad at him. Because I know I was the one who was a crabby pants last night. So there's no reason for me to be mad.

Damn, when did I learn to be mature?

This post is linked up with Shell as part of Pour Your Heart Out Wednesdays.

Getting it together

2011-07-26T08:00:00.001-04:00

I think all of you out there can agree when I say that nothing disrupts your household more than having a baby.

You suddenly go from a neat freak who use to mop her floors with bleach to deciding once a month is often enough for clean sheets on your bed.

Time is a luxury you don't have, then you blink and months have passed, clutter has taken over your household and you feel like you are suffocating.

People try to help and only make it worse. Now your house looks clean on the surface but everything is in the wrong place and you end up having to tear the house apart looking for things. Or someone decides to do your laundry for you but uses the wrong detergent and fabric softener on it to boot and you are stuck rewashing it all lest your precious bambino be allergic to it.

Sigh. It can get overwhelming.

I know - up until a few weeks ago thats exactly where we were. Our house felt like a mess constantly. It seemed we could never get caught up and I finally had enough one day.

So I created this -

Yup, a good old fashioned chore chart. For two adults. It works for us though.

The chart doesn't get followed to a T and not everything gets done. There are also things that don't make it on that need to get done. Like last weekend when I cleaned everything out from under our bed, vacuumed under it and reorganized our closets.

Its a starting point for us though. There are so many times where I feel like there is SO much I need to do that I don't know where to get started. That chart gives me a jumping off point. Its broken down into daily, weekly and monthly chores. I love to be able to cross things off my list so with the chart I can glance up at the fridge, pick some chores and tick them off one by one. I love that sense of accomplishment. When I don't get through something I just write myself a note and stick it up next to the list so I can make sure I do it the next day. I made it as a simple word document so if anyone would like a version for themselves I can email it.

The other thing that has been a challenge for us is meal time. Evenings are a mad dash at our home. We both work full time and now Jellybean eats dinner too. EEEK. Dinners use to be elaborate but now I've changed to lots of crockpot or one dish meals. For example, a dinner last week was super simple. I threw chicken breasts in the crock pot with stewed tomatoes, garlic, italian seasoning, a bag of stir fry peppers, a cup of pearled barley and a half cup of water. When I came home I put some rolls in the oven and viola - we had dinner. We try to take turns feeding Jellybean while we eat. That way he is a part of our meal and we too get to eat. He occasionally yells at us for being to slow though. Then after dinner Jellybean gets a bath while someone else cleans up the kitchen.

We also have picked up some tricks along the way that make life easier on us. I use to have a shelf in my closet for shoes. Our shoes ended up everywhere but on that shelf so I moved it. This now sits right by the front door -

and our shoes make it on there every time. We take turns with chores on weekends too. There is no way to get everything done and watch Jellybean too so the hubby may take Jellybean to the store with him while I sweep and mop. That way everyone wins. Plus Jellybean gets new people telling him how cute he is!

Our method is anything but foolproof and I'm sure many of you have so many more tricks for making life easier. Like how do you keep the laundry from reproducing faster than rabbits? Or is there a way to get the hubby to actually put dirty clothes in the hamper? Feel free to tell me what works for you.

And all you new moms out there - It does get easier. I know how overwhelming it is. Trust me you can go back and read a million blogs I wrote about it. Slowly though, you start to adjust. You discover the new freedom putting baby in the exersaucer gives you. You even come to a point where you aren't ashamed to invite company over.

I swear - it will come one day!

Conversations with Jellybean

2011-07-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

Is there anything more special than the relationship between a boy and his dog? Jellybean sure doesn't think so.

Life Lessons - Solo Style

2011-07-22T09:34:00.001-04:00

I've been a crap blogger again. Such is life with a babe and a full time job.

1) Hubby got a new job. He makes more money now and gets overtime. Yay!

2) He also has to go out of town for this job. He's been gone since Wednesday at 3am.

3) That means I have been wrangling Jellybean solo.

4) I am exhausted.

5) Jellybean on the other hand is on a roll.

6) He is cutting his first tooth. Quite happily too. You'd never know.

7) I know because I shove my finger in his mouth 10x a day to check on it.

8) He also started army crawling this week.

9) That means I am baby proofing this weekend.

10) Jellybean has also decided he no longer wants to sleep in his bed.

11) Kid will be passed out cold, as soon as I move him into his bed he is wide awake and bawling.

12) Grrrr.

13) Guess who was also wide awake at 4 this morning. As in babbling, playing, the whole nine yards.

14) I definitely had coffee once I made it to the office.

15) Did I say I was baby proofing this weekend?

16) Screw that, I'm sleeping.

17) Oh and winning Powerball - 92 million? Yep - I can work with that number!

18) I read some preemie blogs this week. Made me realize how lucky I am that Jellybean is so healthy.

19) He had his last preemie related specialist visit yesterday and was released.

20) He is actually developmentally ahead for even a full term baby.

21) I'm not surprised - we tend to be overachievers.

22) In fact, we have already started working on his SAT prep.

Rockin the Baby

2011-07-18T10:39:00.001-04:00

Hey ya'll.

I'm sorry for the disappearing act. I had some serious stuff go down last week and I needed a break. I didn't have the brain power to blog, read, etc. It was one of those times where I needed to expend allmy energy on the here and now and not blogging. I'm in a better place now though. The situation - its still there but regardless of how it turns out. I know its going to be okay.

In that time I got contacted to do two fun giveaways so stay tuned for those. I just need to work out the details and I'll be cluing you in.

Now - on to the fabulous Shell's Rockin the Baby!

I don't think anyone is shocked when I say that I am head over heels in love with my Jellybean. He is without a doubt the best thing that ever happened to me. From the moment I heard his pitiful cry and then laid eyes on his scrawny little body I have been wrapped. I have thousands of pictures of him already. Luckily for you - I'm going to control myself for this post! So here I'll share with you a quick glimpse into the Jellybean's life so far -

Shortly after his very early birth - sucking his thumb already!

A very groggy Mommy saying goodbye until I could join him at his new hospital.

Kangaroo Care with my Jellybean!

First Day home!

After a walk at 1 month old!

2 months old - the smile I fell in love with

3 months old - Umm..yes I do know how cute I am!

4 months old - He is going to get away with so much!

5 months old - Playing with his favorite toy

Six months old - his professional pictures

and then a few from this weekend...at 6.5 months

Playdate

Cheesing

New shades!

Now I'm off to coo over your babies!

Let's talk about my boobs again and money...

2011-07-08T09:46:00.000-04:00

Friday already? How did that happen?

Once again I'm linking this up with both Life Lessons and Friday Night Leftovers.

Kind of like recycling papers in college!

Wait you didn't do that?

Oh you poor fool - that was an extra hour you could have spent drinking! {Oh alcohol, I miss you! The things I would do for a nice glass of Sangria. Or some Hunch Punch in a solo cup (because I'm classy like that!)}

1) My husband's car will always break when we have a very limited amount of funds.
2) Which directly leads to my newest sport - financial gymnastics.
3) I am already at the Olympic level in it.
4) If I get the gold medal for it - I'm going to pawn it to pay off some bills.
5) The Jellybean isn't taking bottles at day care again.
6) So he is attached to my boob all evening long.
7) Our dog escaped on Monday.
8) I had to go pass out fliers on Wednesday looking for him after work.
9) Talking to neighbors. With Jellybean's feet sticking out the Moby wrap.
10) And him attached to my boob.
11) Awkward.
12) We found the dog.
13) I think he liked his new owner better though.
14) He let him on the furniture and took him to the dog park.
15) Of course he hadn't pooped in the new owner's tub yet or peed on the side of the bed.
16) He saves that special sign of affection for us.
17) It's not fair that I still have to pump at work since Jellybean won't take bottles.
18) Now back to my workout...
19) Which is more important...electricity or food?
20) We can use towels for diapers, right?

	Soft drinks, candy, cookies, snack crackers, and ice cream are food items and are therefore eligible items
	Seafood, steak, and bakery cakes are also food items and are therefore eligible items
	Since the current definition of food is a specific part of the Act, any change to this definition would require action by a member of Congress. Several times in the history of SNAP, Congress had considered placing limits on the types of food that could be purchased with program benefits. However, they concluded that designating foods as luxury or non-nutritious would be administratively costly and burdensome. Further detailed information about the challenges of restricting the use of SNAP benefits can be found here: Report -- Implications of Restricting the use of Food Stamp Benefits