Sunday, April 27, 2008

Sprinklers Anyone

Today has been a busy day here...well sorta. Todd worked outside most of the day. Justin is pretty much transitioning to one nap (yesterday and the day before we had 2 naps, the 2 days before that one nap, and now again just one nap)

Here is Todd and Justin today before we had dinner.


And we decided to take advantage of the sprinklers after Daddy mowed the lawn. . .Justin had great fun.









Friday, April 25, 2008

Another week

We are enjoying our yogurt in this picture. All is normal around our house. I (mommy) go walking every day with my friend and enjoy the outdoors. And, Justin now wants to be outside all the time.



Too cool.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

At the Park with friends

Yesterday afternoon we spent at the local park with friends...here are some pics.



The kids play really well together.


Justin loves playing on the grass.


and we are up and walking now all on our own, can even get up by himself, this actually started when we got home from Mom & Dad's last visit.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Frugal Friday . . belated

not much this week has been frugal about me. I had a conversation with my dentist though about generic medicine (Infant Tylenol and IB). He said they are most likely made in the exact same plant and just have a different label on the front. After a patten expires, then anyone can make the item and so generics are a dime a dozen. We now only buy generic and I know that saves a lot of $$$. I bet I save at least $2.50 per bottle.

I wish there was a way to be more frugal about the cost of Gas....it sure does hit us when we go to the big town 1 or 2 times a week. We do drive our car now more than ever and only put in about $20 of gas when we need it in our SUV.

I have also been wanting to get a few books, so I looked at the online library catalog and they have them there, so I will be off this week to check them out - if time permits.

Molars . . . Again

So Justin is still struggling with his teeth. I noticed today that another molar is coming in, but on the bottom and the other side is really swollen. We gave him Tylenol and will keep it up...poor guy - he is drooling like crazy too.

We had our first tantrum yesterday at the grocery store too! I think the whole store knew we were there. He really wanted to get down and walk and when you are at this store, you really don't want him down walking on his own, too many people and trying to get through the store, so Justin and I were off to the car (kicking and screaming the whole way).

We have had a lazy day here. Had planned to go to the store, but nap time didn't happen on schedule, so it was later and we were ready to eat dinner. No new pics today.

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Frugal Tuesday

Cook from home. . that is my frugal thought for today (since I have missed 2 fridays so far). Todd asked for Angel food cake for his Bday and I assumed we would just buy the store bought already done one that costs about 3.99. Well, we were in the cake section and you can buy the box mix for 88 cents..you just add water and bake...so easy. You don't even have to have the correct pan, you can do it in bread pans if you like. So, we saved almost $3 cooking ourselves..and we didnt' waste the plastic container and top that you buy and throw away or recycle.

Mustard . . .blogworthy?

Okay, so I was chatting with Aunt Dana yesterday and told her what I had gotten Todd for his birthday and she said I had to blog about it, everyone should get a kick out of it.

So, first let me say that Todd and I (since having Justin) have put more effort and thought into our child than ourselves, so our Christmas and Birthdays are more for Justin than us. And, agreed to not do Bday gifts this year.

Ok, so for months now I have been eyeing some Mustard (yes the kind you put on a sandwich) at the store. This is a special mustard from a local brewery (honey and spice I think)....and I thought it would be a fun and consumable gift, so that is what Todd received for his Bday from me & Justin!
So, he can now enjoy his gift for at least 2 weeks on his lunch :)

Sunday, April 06, 2008

Happy Birthday to Todd today

Today is Todd's 32nd birthday. We haven't been too lively here. Yesterday Nellie took us to lunch and we went out window shopping a bit together.

We woke up (after our treacherous night with Justin) and I made Todd an Omelette - I must say that Todd is better at making these than I am. We went to the local store to get some goods and then hit the park, but Justin again was not in a great mood, so that didn't last long.

We are teething here, hence Justin being so grouchy. . and sometimes the mama being grouchy too.

I made an angel food cake with strawberry's for Todd's cake (per his request)...it was good...oh and we had BBQ steak for dinner (a treat that we rarely have) with sauteed mushrooms....and a salad...yummy!

Home again, Home again, Jigiddy Jig. . .

Justin and I spend a week at home with Mom & Dad...We had a nice time with them, and were able to visit with Tootlepops as well. . .

Oma came with me on the drive to get there and I did the drive home by myself...it was perfect. Justin is a great traveler. . the ride up was worse than home, as he didn't nap all afternoon - but was so very tired...oh well.

He slept great at my parents house, only woke up 1 time per night to eat and back into his pack n play....at Tootlepops house, it was a different story and since we have been home, another story as well. . . he is so stubborn...but, we still love him.

Here he is today on his car...



And in his other car. . . note the new hair cut . . .


Riding my car.


This is the way Justin rides, Justin Rides :)


Big Smiles . . I see a little bit of both Todd and I in this picture...mostly I think he looks like Todd.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Easter Sunday

Here are the two kids playing together yesterday. Justin and Nellie rec'd Easter bags with goodies...both were in love with their dogs......



What is inside?


Nellie was a good spirit and most of the time let Justin play with her dog too...he wanted whatever she had all day long.


See...I got both of them.


Surprise....later last night we got a visit from Uncle Sam.....Justin took to him very quickly....he found a new friend to play with. He was showing him how the hammer works and showing him all his books too...

Friday, March 21, 2008

a day at the park

Today I met up with a friend at the park...here are two photo's to share.




Frugal Friday - Week 3

cloth bags....I have about 6 of them and one from Costco...they are great...

1. you can put more groceries in a cloth bag than plastic - thus less trips from car to house
2. Some stores offer a bag credit if you bring your own....my store is 9 cents per bag...I average about 5 bags...that is 45 cents per week times 52 weeks and I save $23.40 per year.....pretty good.
3. you are saving the environment

Sometimes I forget my item, so if I am not buying too much, I ask to not get a bag. Yesterday I was at the local store and just picking up tylenol and motrin for Justin (teething)....and I asked to put them in my purse.....it worked great...between carrying a 23 pound child, bags of stuff, Iand a purse, it was easier to put the items in my purse.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Here we are walking

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Molars

So, for the past few days we have been working on 2 more teeth. I though they were the "fang' teeth, but after looking online I think they are going to be his first set of molars.....Great! So far we have had a runny nose...mostly clear..only had to wipe this AM once...hoping it doesn't get worse, as I would like to go see Mom & Dad next week.

Fun with Justin

I have been a slacker at taking pictures....my camera has been full and so finally today I am clearing it off...here are some from the past few weeks.

Hanging out with Mom...


Here we are trying to get Justin to walk to us....we have tried to video it, but he then is more interested in the camera.


Justin rec'd a new plate, bowl, and cup set from a friend this past weekend...we have been having fun "playing" with it. We pretend we are eating from the bowl and drinking from the cup..he even shares with us :)

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Frugal Friday - Week 2

I don't have a lot for the week...but here are a few thoughts.

Sometimes I have coupons that I don't end up using and after a while I know I won't use them, so when I am at the store, I will leave the coupon by the item that the coupon is for. I figure maybe someone will use it before it expires.

I haven't instituted this yet, but Justin's playgroup is only about 10 blocks away...I figure as long as the weather is nice, I should put him in the stroller and walk there....next week I hope to do this.

I had more, but I can't remember them right now....

Anybody have any GAS saving advice? I have heard only fill your car 1/2 full, and as I read recently in Reader's Digest to empty all unnecessary items out of your car...I don't see the article online, but if I find it I will add to post.....it is about this guy who gets his car to get 150 MPG...driving slow, windows up, no a/c, no stopping at the stop signs, etc....

Friday, March 07, 2008

Frugal Friday

Hi all,

I have been thinking of making my Friday a frugal thoughts day. I am always looking for ways save money and use what we have. Here are two things I have done this week:

1. I started looking in the pantry and the refrigerator to see what was on the verge of going in the round container and included that in our meal plan for the day.

2. I am in love with Bath and Body hand soap, so much that I use it in every bathroom. Not that this is bad, but I have 3 huge containers of bulk soap in the laundry room (paid $3.00 for them) and I have had them for about 3 years. Just plain antibacterial. So, I decided that when my B&B containers went low, I would refill with the stuff I already have...hoping I will still feel good about the soap usage....B&B smells so good.

Sunday, March 02, 2008

Steps

Justin is starting to do a few steps, just today..I think he took 2...I figure that counts. he is now standing for longer periods of time and has a lot of fun with that. You will see in the pics below that he is standing up in one and about to fall down...really cute.

One Year Photo Session

We took Justin to get his one year pics yesterday. Since we were sick and gone this past month, it didn't happen on time. So, we are really 13 months, but we will call it 12 :)

He wasn't the happiest for pics, but here are the best ones.

















Sunday, February 17, 2008

At Mom & Dad's

We came to Mom & Dad's on Friday. Justin did fabulous on the trip. We were traveling solo, so I wasn't sure how he would do. We left home at 7am and he slept for the first 2.5 hours and then played the next 2 hours till we met up with Aunt Elaine for lunch. We had a great lunch and visit with Auntie....then we got back in the car and Justin slept another 1.5 or so hours (till I stopped for Cofee and he woke up)..then he played till we got home...about another 2.5 hours....no screaming and yelling...when he got a bit fussy, I put in some new kids music CD's that Justin got for his bday and we sang songs (old mcdonald, etc)....he did great!!!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

1 year checkup

Yesterday Justin had his 1 year checkup. He is doing great!

He weighs in at 22.06 pounds (50th percentile) and is 31 1/4 inches tall (90th Percentile)

He is sure growing up quickly. He is moving all around the furniture, stacking his toys, eating more variety of food, and just every day seems to be growing more.

Thursday, February 07, 2008

Finally, a hair cut

Well, here we are earlier today...I actually trimmed Justin's hair out of his eyes about a week ago....still shaggy boy early today.


Another pic so you can see the side.


So, today we all three went to get our hair cut by Auntie Meghan. She did a fantastic job....Justin is getting better at getting his hair cut - but still doesn't LOVE it. :) Daddy and Justin with their new do's.


A close up...Aunt Meghan couldn't resist spiking it.


Even Mommy got a trim. I love how she did my hair, but I know I will never be able to give it the fluff that she gets...She did cut about 3 inches off.....and did layers...I love it.

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

First Quad Ride


On Sunday we drove over to see Grammy and Grandpa....Justin got his first ride on the Quad. He and Daddy had a lot of fun. When Todd would stop, he would reach his hand out to get it moving again, he knew Daddy twisted that handle up there, and he would take a try at it. When I asked him if he was done, he would shake his head "no"...

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Just Born Justin

Happy Day Video and Pics

I am so funny!



Justin hanging out with his favorite Dog.



Happy Birthday to Justin (Mommy's singing isn't the greatest)

Justin's First Birthday

Wow,

it is so hard to believe that it has been 1 year today. In 6 minutes Justin will be exactly 1 year old. He was born at 10:46am. I look back at the blog and see how much has changed in just a short amount of time. And, just how much you can love someone. It is really amazing. We won't be having any big party today since some of the house is still under the weather, but will plan something later this month.

pic to come soon

Monday, January 28, 2008

Stayin' Home Blog

My sister-in-law, Dana, and I have started another blog. Check it out it is Stayin' Home. It is for moms to communicate about the ins and outs of staying at home with the kids. We hope that we can share money saving tips, child rearing advice, funny antidotes, and emotional support when the going gets tough. All are welcome to comment and be contributors even though the emphasis is on staying at home.

If you'd like to be a contributor please just comment on this blog, Dana's blog, or the new Stayin' Home blog.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Cell Phone

Hi all,

well, my cell phone seems to be dead. I talked on it for about an hour yesterday, the battery was depleating, so I plugged it in and it auto turned off......so, last night I went to turn it back on and there is no screen. It looks like it turns on, but no screen. Will have to go get a new one I suppose..we pay for the insurance every month....so, if you call, you might get V/M for a few days.

Update - turns out it works, but the screen doesn't work, so I can use the speaker to get to contacts and make a call...and I can rec've a call, I just won't automatically know who you are.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Day 6

I finally called the doctor today. I feel like I am taking two steps forward, one step back. I actually just called to check about OTC meds while nursing....when the nurse talked to me and heard how bad my voice was, then that I was also caring for a little one (she thought I was a saint for going 6 days)...and so she talked to the doc. They wrote me a prescription over the phone to our local drugstore...so I didn't have to drive to town and back, it was so very nice of them. No co-pay either. Now, if I had known they were going to prescribe me something, I would have gotten some for Todd too, but didn't think of that till after the fact, so since he isn't nursing, I got him some Zicam...the Mucinex just isn't working for him.

hoping to feel really good tomorrow.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Hello. . anyone on the other end of this phone

Well, here it is Wednesday (I think)...anyway, we are all still sick (yes, somehow the bug is lingering with us). I have laryngitis - so the house has been pretty quiet...I try to talk, but can only whisper...Justin on the other hand can scream very well. Right now he is in his crib screaming like crazy (he isn't too hot on this back in his own crib at naptime yet, but I think I will let him cry today). The problem is that I cough and then he hears me, so he gets all riled up again. I hope this all ends soon.

But, even though the nap thing isn't working, he is in a fairly good mood. He still has a very runny nose and he is coughing too. He is still on his antibiotics...oh, and he is teething...both sides on the bottom are really swollen. Nothing helps!

I did try to catch some fun photo's for the day to let you know we will survive :) Here is Justin talking on the phone.



This is Justin's favorite dog named "Spot"...it actually is on his shirt too...he came from Mervyns and he loves him. Last night we went to check on him and he had a hold around spot with his arm, they were head to head...it was adorable. And, last night went well, in his own crib, only woke up once at 2am.



Daddy comes home for lunch every day. Justin loves his daddy. This is them today, Justin insisted that Daddy read him his book. Not that he really listens, but he likes it. Yesterday, Todd was getting ready to leave for work and Justin went and sat in front of the door - like he was guarding the door and daddy couldn't leave.


I think he is very puzzled here


Oh My . . .

Cold Toilet

Okay, so have you ever been sick and realized just how cold the toilet seat is? I guess I never really realized today. I thought it would be so much more pleasant if the seat were just a tad warmer....and I wondered if it existed..so I Googled it.....The Ultra Touch Heated Toilet Seat does exist. I won't be getting one, but it is sure a funny thought.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

still sick

well, we are still sick here. It is a slow process and Mommy is now sick too. I got sick on Saturday....today we have been just hanging low here at home. Not much to share. Wish we weren't sick - we had a play date scheduled for tomorrow, but had to cancel :(

I am looking forward to feeling better. Justin has been sick since Wed AM (1am)...and is still working on getting better - 2 more days on meds, but at least no more green goo coming out of his eyes!

Friday, January 18, 2008

a slow road of recovery

Well, last night was terrible! We were up a lot, and then at least an hour at 3:30am. It was insane. When Justin finally woke up in the am, we got in the car and headed the 45 mile trip to town. I had called the Dr. and got the answering service, but found out they opened at 8:30, so I called at 8:35 and they said to come in as soon as we got into town...a relief that they would see us so soon. And, Todd took part of the AM off so he could go with us. I was a bit frazzled, to say the least, so the extra hands and driver was nice....yes, he is still sick too.

Anyway, Justin has an ear infection. He has green goo coming out his nose and his eyes, his eyes are all red, etc. He is looking a bit better tonight, as Todd just got home at 8pm and says he looks so much better...attitude is better etc. He is on a prescribed med....so, we will see how the weekend goes.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Fever today

Well, I went in last night to feed Justin at 1:30 and he was having a hard time BF and breathing...his nose was a bit stuffy...I put him back in his crib, but he moaned for about 15 minites..so I put him in our bed to watch him.

He slept until 6 and then ate again, and slept in my arms on the couch until 7:30...woke up and he had a fever. I took his temp 3 times, got 101.5, 103.2, so I didn't know which was correct. He had 2 layers of clothes on to sleep in, so I took a layer off, but he was still not feeling good, we snuggled for a while, called Daddy and Grandpa said to put him in the tub..did that and now (9am) he is a bit better, playing with toys, etc...not too much of an appetite though..we have a stuffy nose still, green and grose!

Now it is 9:30 and we are playing hard, temp seems to be back to normal, but I am not sure about my thermometer....I took my temp and it was good, so it must be right, just seemed like J's temp was all over the place this am....

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Yup - I am 31 today

Thank you to all of you whom wished me a Happy Day. It has been a very busy day. I got my first call at 8:30 and was on the phone almost the whole time with various people until around Noon. Justin did pretty well not having my full attention, but he did bite me around 11:45 - cue to Mom, I am hungry...so off the phone to be with Justin. Daddy came home and we had lunch. Justin got a nap, although it was only 20 minutes....I think he was feeling deprived of Mommy, so I held him for another hour (I know, bad bad, but I do love to hold him and watch him sleep sometimes).

Off to Wally world for a quick trip of a few needs, and home to play with Justin until Daddy get's home. Sorry I haven't responded to all my wishes via email yet....Thank You....it felt so nice to have so many friends call/write, etc and wish me a good day.

Todd came home and cooked me dinner....pork chops, potatos, and fresh bread....desert is yet to come - he is napping at the present time, but will wake him in a minute for desert....YUM!!!

I hope to find a picture of myself 31 years ago...but it is late and need to be with Todd for a bit..hopefully tomorrow I will find it.

Monday, January 14, 2008

January

Yes, I am still here, just haven't blogged in what seems like forever - at least not with pictures. Justin is continuing to grow like a weed. He is becoming very independent - as he likes to have his own utensils when eating...not that he uses them to feed himself, but he wants to at least try. If I try to feed him without him having a spoon or fork in hand, his mouth is shut!

Here is Justin wearing his New Happy Heiny......I tried to make my first cloth diaper all in one and I don't really like it...I might still try some more...or not. I do know that for our second baby (no I am not PG)...I do want to do cloth. We have the G's with prefold inserts for his size now and I have 3 Large G's...so really Justin is set...I really like the Happy Heiny's, but since I already have stuff that works, it seems like too much $$$ for something I don't REALLY need.

On the cloth front, we are doing well. There are days that we use more disposables, just out of need. Like the other day, it seemed like we used all the covers, etc...so we used 2 more disposables than normal, but we are back to cloth today. And, I can say that changing a diaper in the car is awful! The only great place for him to get changed is in the front seat, but he is so uncomfortable....so it isn't an easy chore and sometimes a D is easier......



Justin and Daddy are playing with his push car....


And, this is what you do when Justin goes to bed and the power is out! Play RISK....coarse I was loosing and by 10pm I was ready for bed....so we bailed on the game, but Todd had about 80% domination.


Other than that, this weekend we treked to Ikea......didn't buy much - but sometimes it is fun to get ideas, etc. I wanted a coat rack for the front door (since we have a closet, but the coats typically end up on the couch)....and we found one we liked, but it was already stained and not in a color we liked, so Todd is going to make it for us.

Other than that...not much else going on.

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

The Sleep Easy Solution

So, while Todd was home for his vacation, we decided we were determined to get Justin Sleep trained. It has been a battle for some time now, and Mommy & Daddy are ready for some sleep - by themselves! So, once we got home from our trip, we instituted that Justin sleep in his own bed at night and during naps. It was amazing...the first few days was a little rough, and then it seemed it was a breeze for a few days...then we hit a rough night or two, and alass, today seems to be going better.

I read the book "The Sleep Easy Solution" It has really helped...I now understand a little better that I shouldn't just run and get him, let him cry a little and he might go back to sleep, etc. So, any of you Mom's out there struggling like I was, read this book. It actually gives you sleep solutions by age group...and if you can only read 2 chapters, it tells you what to read, and to read the rest later. I thought it was a great book.

We are still working on this. Last night Justin was up every 2 hours. By 3 am I was so done, so I sent Todd in to check on him, but Todd thought he might be hungry, so I got up with him....hoping someday soon he will sleep through the night.

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Happy New Year

Well, it has been a while since I have posted. We have been keeping busy around here. Daddy was home for a week, so we were able to get spoiled with him around.

The weekend before New years we spent 3 days with Mom & Dad. We ended up coming home a bit earlier than expected, since a storm was coming through...we had gone to visit Grandma and hit black ice on the road, so the next day we headed home. We drove home New Year's Eve and got home around 10pm, so Todd and I stayed up till Midnight....

We spent New Year's shopping in town, although we only bought groceries. The next few days we stayed at home and Todd was able to clean the garage and get it organized (although I think he wants to do more too). I worked a little bit on cleaning the office. It is amazing how much recycling piles up. I keep a bin of "to be shredded" and it took me an hour to shred it all. And, daily I have recycling to keep up with - lot's of junk mail.

On Saturday, we went to town and went to Little Nellie's (our niece) birthday party - she turned 1 today. Happy Birthday Nellie!

Sunday was a day at home, just a trip to the local store here...not too much going on round here. And yesterday, I was off to town to do deliveries, and run a bunch of errands. Of coarse I didn't get them all done, so I have more to do here in town today.

I did go to the baby re-used store. I am about a 95% cloth diaper Mom now and it really isn't that bad. I thought I would just be discusted at the #2's, but it isn't too bad - really! So, i have been drooling of Happy Heiny's for about a year now..they are kinda spendy, so yesterday I bought one to test it out. I still have yet to wash it, but will do that today. I looked at how it is made and it is so easy, so If I like them, I plan to make my own! In all my spare time - RIGHT :)

No pics for today, but hopefully soon. Just thought you would all like to know we are still here.