My favorite baby products

This time around, I've found a few products that I didn't have with Easton.

I thought I'd share my favorites.

Happy Baby Wrap

I knew I wanted to try babywearing this time around and thank goodness Emerson loves it.

My sister in law let me borrow her Happy Wrap and her Sakura Sling and we love both.

I feel like I am more handsfree with the Happy Wrap and find myself using that one the most.

With a very active 3 (almost 4!!!) year old, it's important to have my hands free!

We were able to tackle WalMart, me and 2 kids, this week with the Happy Wrap.

I do wish I had a shield for her face because people do tend to want to get close when they look so cute bundled up.

Medela Pump 

I pumped for a year or more with Easton.

I nursed, but had to pump at work for his bottles for school.

This time around I am trying to pump just to build up a supply in the freezer.

It's a challenge to see just how much I can store up.

It's nice to know if I need to get out, there's milk in the freezer for daddy, should he need it.

aiden + anais blankets

I had heard wonderful things about these blankets before we had Emerson.

I didn't have them with Easton but my mom and my MIL gifted us with a set.

They are wonderful!

Lightweight and breathable for my hot natured baby.

We swaddle her every night, arms out, in these blankets.

They are a great size for laying on the floor too.

A great gift for any new mom!

Samsung BabyVIEW Video Monitor

I knew I wanted a video monitor this time.

My nana always wants to buy useful gifts, so she put me on the hunt for something we needed and this is what I came up with.

My friend Ashley posted about this monitor while I was pregnant, so that saved me from having to research myself.

So far, we really like it.  I like that I can see her without having to go in her room.

Not that we've had many crib naps but it's nice to have.

It doesn't interfere with Easton's monitor either so that's a plus.

Fisher-Price My Little Snugamonkey Rock & Play Sleeper

And this is where the little Apple Dumplin sleeps.

She's not a fan of flat on her back so this has come in handy.

I was able to borrow this from a friend and we love it.

With Emerson's diagnosis, it's important that she get up every 3-4 hours to eat so I like having her close.

This little seat is so cozy and snuggly and has the perfect incline.

It's lightweight and easy to move around.

I carry it to the bathroom and she sits in there while I shower.

Its a lot easier to move than the pack-n-play.

So, what are some of your favorites?

Have you found you use different things on the 2nd (3rd, 4th) child or do you tend to use the same?

diy:: footprint & handprint plaster keepsake

My mother in law made a plaster casting of Easton's hand and foot when he was a baby and I love it.

I knew I wanted Emerson to have one too, so this week we got to work.

Easton's was done at 5 weeks, Emerson at 6.

The earlier the better, in my opinion.

I was with her when she did Emerson's and I jotted down the instructions.

First, you will need Window Glazing (Lowe's or Home Depot or any other home improvement store)

Pottery Plaster/ Plaster of Paris (Craft store)

A Cool Whip Bowl or the bottom of a bleach bottle, cut off.

Plastic Spoon

Some sort of disposable bowl and spoon to mix the plaster in.

Directions:

Put enough window glaze in the bowl to be about an inch thick.

Smooth it out as best as you can with the plastic spoon, using the back side of the spoon.

You want this part as flat as possible because this will be the front of the cast.

Place childs hand or foot in putty, making sure to press evenly on each finger/toe/palm/heel.

Remove hand.

Mix the plaster as directed on the container.

You'll want this to be the consistency of thick batter.

**Make sure to mix this in something you don't mind throwing away as it will harden on bowl**

**DO NOT rinse bowl in sink as it will harden in your drain**

Once plaster is desired consistency, pour over the top of the mold in the bowl.

Tap the bowl, mold & plaster, on the counter a few minutes to get out any bubbles from pouring.

Let harden 30-60 minutes.

Cut the side of the bowl away from the plaster and mold and pop out.

Plaster will come right off of the window glaze mold.

With a fine grit sand paper, smooth the edges, front & back and the flat surface of the cast.

And there you have it.

A sweet little hand & foot to remember just how tiny they once were.  

(emerson's hand)

(easton's foot)

O Christmas Tree

Well, we're a little ahead of the game this year.

We decided to take advantage of a Free Friday Night and get out The Tree.

We hauled all the boxes from the attic and began assembling the tree.

BUT WAIT....

"Boo....we can't put up The Tree without watching Christmas Vacation...it's tradition"

So the tradition continued on, this time with a little helper, and it couldn't have gone any better.

Other than our pizza never arriving, which was a LARGE mishap at Pizza Hutt...but we survived.

And had a great time along the way.

We have to put in every.single.branch. Every.last.one.

They are color coded, and you have to fan out each branch. each.one.

Then we have to string the lights.

I bow out at this point and work on decorating other parts of the house.

Or take pictures.

I hate stringing lights.

 Maybe it's backwards, but we always put the angle on before ornaments. 

I guess because she has to be plugged in.

And our little helper did the honor this year.

I loved it. 

I sense a new tradition.

 After the lights, comes my part.

This is where Lance bows out and finishes up the movie.

And Easton, well he just runs around wondering what's next.

Then we all sit back and enjoy our hard work.

We kept it simple this year.

I wasn't sure how many ornaments would survive toddlerhood.

When you sit back and squint, you know it's perfect when it looks like this. 

Ahhh...I love me some Christmas bokeh.



Successful Christmas Tree!
Happy Momma!

Merry Christmas to all.

And to all a good night!

This day last year

This time last year, I had completed my very first day back to work after maternity leave.  What a day that was.  As I reflected thoughout the day I thought about how much different this day was from last year.

This day last year, I woke with a hungry 3 month old that wanted momma's milk and fell back to sleep with daddy after nursing.

This day last year, I cried most of the way to work.

This day last year, I carried my baby in school in his carseat.

This day last year, I had to pack 2 bottles of breastmilk.

This day last year, I left my baby in a strangers hands, not knowing how much she'd end up loving him.

This day last year, I went to nurse my 3 month old baby on my lunchbreak.

This day last year, I picked my baby up from his first day of school and he slept all the way home.

However, a year changes things.  Even though I don't like leaving Easton and I'd love to stay at home with him, we have a new normal.  A new normal of going to work and school.  And for right now, that's what works for us.  This is a little piece of our new normal.

Today, I nursed my baby boy when he woke up and I fed him oatmeal with cinnamon on the kitchen counter.

Today, we rode in silence.  Easton in the back with his foofie and me in the front zoned out from a tiring weekend.

Today, I carried my big boy in school on my hip.

Today, all I had to pack was his foofie and some diapers.

Today, I dropped my baby off on the playground and had to try 3 different times to get out the door, eventually having to leave him crying in the arms of his new teacher.  {I watched through the tinted door as I do every morning and just like always, he had stopped crying once the door had closed and I was out of sight}

Today, he drinks whole milk with his snacks and lunch and he eats big boy food.

Today, I picked my sweaty baby up from the playground where he crawled through the big tree with his friends. 

Today, he was awake on the way home- as he always is now- and we sing songs to keep the peace.

Today, I nursed my baby to sleep and I can sit on the couch with confidence knowing that he'll rise like clockwork at 6:15 ready to start all over again. 

We are creaturs of habit. 

We do good with a routine. 

Some days the routine seems mundane and repetitive but we throw a kink in every now and then. 

Like today. My boys went to the golf store to get daddy a new driver while I stayed home and did chores.  I did those chores with a little more pep in my step as I had an hour or 2 at the most to myself.  Even though I miss yesterdays, today is so much more fun. 

Tonight, we sat on the deck and felt the cool summer nights air on our skin and pushed bathtime a little later than usual.  It felt good.  Easton is monkey see, monkey do these days.   Lance would fake cry into a tshirt and Easton would do the same, coming up with a smile each time as he knew he'd made us laugh.  We were also late to bed.  Easton wanted a book before bed tonight.  He wanted the touch & feel book with the baby farm animals. Lance taught him that once he got to the chick with the soft yellow belly they would discover it together and laugh as if it was the funniest thing they'd ever seen.  Lance saying "ooooo, the baby chicky" would tickle Easton's funny bone and they'd just laugh and laugh.  He is so full of personality and spirit.  He blesses my soul. 

I will try to remember each day's a gift and be thankful for each day as it is life's greatest blessing.  These are the moments that I'll cherish for the rest of my life.

Baby Boy got a lil trim

Loveys hair was getting a little wild!  With our upcoming wedding, we knew we had to look our best.  So, today Easton got his FIRST PROFESSIONAL HAIRCUT!  He was quite the champ.  We did have a few tears but for the most part, PERFECT!

I didn't think he {Easton}could get any cuter...but this hair cut has about done me in.

It's a good thing he can't talk cause I'm sure I'd give him anything he asked for!

Soon enough!

Might I add, that little noggin has rounded out quite nicely!

Cereal- Night 4

Tonight was the night it clicked.  Easton could not get enough of his rice cereal.  I think I might have finally figured out how he liked it.  More cereal than milk and he likes it warm.  Or maybe it was the fact that Lance was feeding him...yeah, that's probably it.  Either way, he loved it! 

Day 1- Offered an hour after nursing.  Made it really runny.  He was interested but not sure what to think.

Day 2- Offered an hour after nursing.I made it thick and he didn't like it at all.  He made lots of gross faces.  More mess than anything else.

Night 3-Offered when we got home- before nursing.  I made it thinner than night 2 but I couldn't get the temp right

Night 4- Offered after I nursed.  Thick but not too thick.  WARM.  As mom would say, it was larapin!

Until next time,

Annie

Let the good times roll!

He's growing up so fast! 

Rolling over...I guess what's next is sitting up from a laying position! 

What a moment that'll be when we go to get him out of his bed and he's sitting up!

Ahhh...the joys of parenthood.  It's wonderful to see all these little milestones!

Until next time,

Fun in the Sun

Just

some

fun

in

the

sun!

That last picture is my NEW FAVORITE!!!

(Please note the small weiner dog getting her licks in!)

We're rolling over now---stay tuned for a video soon!

Until next time,

Grandparents Day- BELATED!

Does it make me a terrible daughter/daughter-in-law that yesterday, being Grandparents Day, went completely unnoticed???  How in the Sam Hill did this fall off my radar?  I mean, it was the 1st EVER Grandparents Day for both sets of parents! I looked at it all week on my calendar and kept thinking "don't forget this, don't forget this..." and I'll be dang if I didn't forget! 

So... to Mom & Big Ron, Papa & Donna, Honey & Bob,  YOU ARE THE BEST GRANDPARENTS IN THE WORLD!  We are a little bias but I'm certain that you indeed ARE the best!  Easton thinks so.  He told me yesterday!  ;)

We are so thankful for each of you and how you interact with and love on Easton.  He's super lucky to have you as grandparents!

We love you!

Yummy!

Let's Go Reds!

Beat the Cardinals!

(Sorry Uncle Jay)

Folks! 

Is this not the cutest little baby you've ever seen?

I can see him all when he's a bit bigger with daddy's baseball hat on and a big ole bat in his hands!

Sheesh- I could just EAT this baby up!

We may not have it all together, but together we have it all

This pretty much sums up my life right now.  Every day seems to be a whirlwind, each day Easton is getting older, growing up, doing more. The term "working mom" has brought on a new meaning and I have the utmost respect for working mothers, rather, for ALL mothers!  It's hard work.  Actually, being a mom is easy, it's all the other things you have to do that become hard.   

Most days I'm up at 5:45 to get out the door by 7 to get Easton to school by 7:45 so I can be at work by 8.  On a good day I'm home by 4:15.  I get our bags unpacked, bottles made and washed, TRY to make dinner- which doesn't always happen (it did last night though, and it was off the charts, if I do say so myself!), load\unload\fold laundry, pick up the house, load\unload the dishwasher, eat dinner, give Easton a bath, get him ready for bed then maybe sit down on the couch to crochet a minute.  By then though, my head is nodding and I'm exhausted.  Then I go to bed and pray that Easton sleeps all night in his bed and we all get some rest...only to start it all over again tomorrow. 

Lance works a LONG day, most days not getting home till 6.  He's limited on what he can do because of his shoulder so that makes it extra hard.  Temporary, this is only temporary. 

With all that said, I absolutely LOVE being a mother and a wife.  My boys are #1. They are my most important responsibilities throughout my day.   Oh, and I can't forget Kirbs- she's still #1 too- although she'll tell you she's slipped a bit in the rankings. 

However, I have a hard time sometimes remembering that 'it won't be like this for long' and 'he'll only be little once' and I'm trying to savor my time with him and not worry about the chores as much.  It's hard though. I'm a perfectionst- I'm anal- I don't ask for help. I'm a worrier by nature, so it bothers me to let things pile up: laundry, dishes, yardwork, etc. I'm trying to remeber to stop and savor these moments.  All of his noises, his laugh, his babbling, his accomplishments- though they may be small, they are big to us. 

I want Easton to remember that his mommy played with him, and she was fun, and she encouraged him and helped him be whoever he wants to be.  Most of all, I want him to love Jesus.  

This is my verbal reminder to myself to take time to enjoy.  Live life. Slow down.   Savor each moment, each laugh, each grin when he first see's you in the morning over his crib, each fresh Johnson's lotion after the bath smell, each snug on the couch, each smile, each little twinkle that comes from those eyes, each time I nurse, each, each, each.  Enjoy it all. 

Until next time,

Five Months Old

This baby boy is 5 months old today.

I can't believe that 5 months ago today, he came into our world.

He is growing up so fast.

 Our big milestone this month is sitting up!

He is such a happy baby.

He enjoys having books read to him.

He still loves a bath- Daddy gives him a bath every night.

He LOVES having lotion put on after his bath- his legs are his favorite part.

He likes his school and all his new friends.

He falls asleep anytime we get in Daddy's truck.

He drools all the time.  Bibs are a must.

Everything goes in his mouth- hands, feet, toys, blankets, bibs.

He is doing very well sleeping in his own bed at night.

He is such a joy.

Before he was born, I wondered how we'd ever adjust with him, but it's true what they say, 'you won't know what you did before him.'  This is SO true.  We must have had a lot of free time!  And a lot of rest! It's non-stop but I wouldn't trade him for diamonds.  He has completed our family in ways that I could never have even dreamed.  He is such a blessing and we are so grateful to God for giving him to us.

Looking forward to more fun milestones and what our future holds.

Until next time,

Lots going on

Well, I've neglected blogging lately.  I've been thinking about it, but can't ever get it out or find the time to sit down to update.  So, now, as Lance rocks Easton to sleep, I'll blog.  I'm not sure what the deal is tonight, perhaps its the 2 1\2 nap that we had this afternoon that's making him wide awake...but we're on our 3rd attempt at 'bed time' now.  Lovely.  Oh well, our nap was worth it.  Snuggling with my lovie on a lazy Saturday afternoon is priceless.

We've had  a lot going on around here lately.  What started out as a simple request for a seperate freezer in the garage to store breast milk, has led to a complete kitchen renovation.  We first decided to get a new refrigerator and put our old one in the garage, then decided on all new appliances (because I curse the dishwasher every time I run it), then we painted the kitchen cabinets black, bought new countertops (that aren't in yet) and tiled the kitchen floor.  Shew.  Next time I'll keep my requests to myself.  Just kidding.  Hubs has worked VERY hard on the kitchen and it looks fabulous.  Just a few pics of the progress.  All that we lack to be done is the countertops and installing the dishwasher. 

Oh.my.stars.  What a mess.  I lived like this for most of 2 weeks. 

All the cabinet doors that Lance sanded, painted and distressed.

Bless him.

This was my part.  I sanded and painted the cabinets while Lance did the doors. 

That's also the new range in the middle of the floor.

I 'had to have it' inside the night we sold our appliances...so there it remained...while we painted.

Ah, new, black distressed cabinets.  MUCH.BETTER.

Goodbye, nasty, blue, floral, linolieum.  Gross. 

HELLO NEW TILE!

The kitchen is all put back together now, for the most part. 

 I'll save the 'final' pix for after the counters are down.

Oh, the suspense!

Now, for the good stuff....

 

This little boy is the light of my life.

He is so full of joy.

He is so happy. All the time.

His smile radiates across his entire face.

His eyes twinkle when he smiles.

His eyes twinkle.  Period.

He likes you to whisper to him, he thinks its funny.

Once you find his tickle spot, every spot on his body is ticklish (is that a word?)

He has noticed Kirby---and likes to watch her run around.

He has found his feet.

Finally likes laying on his stomach-especially for his late afternoon nap.

He likes to put his whole fist in his mouth (and gag himself in Lowes when you don't have a burp cloth)

He drools all the time.

I never in a million years could have dreamed of loving someone so much. 

My heart is so full of love for him its overflowing. 

Jesus truly blessed us when he chose us to be Easton's parents. 

Bless him. 

He's not old enough to know better.

We'll get some Black & Gold on him before long.

When Daddy's not watching...

We had our first slumber party last weekend. 

While Lance tiled all night Friday, we spent the night with Mom, Big Ron & Ali.

As you can see, Easton was totally bored by us- he was out like a light!

He had his first swim last weekend too!

The water was cool and refreshing and he loved it.

After our 'swim' he napped for 2 1\2 hours in his stroller.

Um...Ms. Shelda- could you please take Easton for a swim every day then put his crib outside so he'll nap??? 

Mmmm....those rolls. LOVE.THEM.

Hopefully now that our house is back to normal and I've gotten the dust off of everything, I'll be back to posting more often.  And crafting.  Oh to just sit down and crochet something.  I'm mastering shoes and hats right now.  And a flower here and there for the little girls in my life.  There's not enough hours in the day to do all the crafts I've got swirling around in my head. 

Hope you all have a beautiful Sunday. 

Do Not Leave Child Unattended...

I debated even posting this on the blog, but I thought I'd try to make other new moms that might have an accident or two along the way feel better...so here goes.  Plus, life is in't always pretty as a picture, so no need to paint it that way. 

Sunday afternoon we ran errands- Babies R Us, Sams, you know, the necessities.  We got home and my boys took a little nap while I got all the goods put away.  I love a good day in the kitchen, getting everything organized, all the cans in a row- (which I have about 19 cans of Rotel now...see what happens when you just shove things in for a few months...), all the granola bars out of boxes and into tuperware bins in the cabinet, snacky foods together, pasta's together, so everything lines up just right.  Can you smell the OCD?  Much to my delight, I had a floor full of boxes and trash after my organizing fiasco.  Lance and Easton woke from a nap and were just hanging out on the couch when I asked him if he could help with the mess.  He got up from the couch, reminding me to "listen for Easton" while he took the trash out and rolled the bin to the curb for Monday morning's pick up. 

Remember, for 14 weeks now, I've been "listening for Easton" with not so much as a noise or movement other than the occasional goo or gurgle...so...down the hall I went to put some clothes in the dryer when I heard a thud...then a cry.  Oh.my.heart.  I knew what happened.  I flew into the living room to see that my little lovie had fallen off the couch and onto the hardwood floors.  My heart broke.  He cried; I felt like I was going to throw up.  He cried for a good 10-15 minutes, however I think it was a 'my feelings are hurt' cry rather than 'something hurts' cry.  We called the doctors office right away and they told us to just monitor him, make sure he'll make eye contact, follow a rattle, respond, etc.  So, I kept him up for about 2 hours and he showed no sign of a concussion.  I don't think he even his it head at all because I never saw a bump or even a red spot.  But, we treated him as if he did, just in case.  He slept in the bed with us Sunday night.  He slept.  We dreamed of sleep.  He was fine yesterday at school.  They didn't notice any difference.  I did make them aware of our little accident and no one seemed too shocked...they all responded with "it happens".  That sure didn't make those tears any easier, but I'm glad to know I'm not the terrible mom I had made myself out to be.  Bless his heart.   

Needless to say, lovie will no longer be left unattended on the couch.  He's gotten a bit more mobile over these past few weeks, he'll be turning over very soon I think.  I'm SO thankful that he wasn't hurt. 

I reassembled the pack-n-play and that's now decor in the living room. Lovely.

I know this was only the first of many falls to come over his life, but it sure hurt my heart.  I guess for every fall he takes, knee he scrapes, boo boo he gets, I will hurt too, it's part of being a mommy.  Now I know what my mom meant when she said "I'd take the pain for you if I could" because I would have taken it in a heartbeat from Easton.