A day at Grandma & Grandpas House

Yesterday we went to visit Grammy & Grampy....we enjoyed time outside and playing with everyone too.

Here is Todd and Justin playing with Sprout...Justin sure loves Sprout....Grampy thinks we need a dog, but we really don't think so...



a close up...


We took a friend over with us and they had a Radio Flyer...so we some pictures, and Justin rode around in it...he loved it!

Sitting up like a big boy

Last night Todd and I were sitting in the computer room looking up stuff online while Justin was playing. And, for the first time, he sat up on his own, so we did our best to get him to do it again and catch it on video...here you go!

Another money saver

Recycle, recycle, recycle...a few months ago, we had to get a bigger trash can, then about a week later, our waste management company brought us a huge 50 gallon (i think) green bin for recycle. Since then, we have been really good about recycling just about everything we can...and have also gotten a smaller trash can for real trash...this has saved us about $20 per month...and we are saving our landfill too.

At work with Daddy

Justin has a shirt just like Daddy. I made it from one of Todd's old shirts...it is a onsie....so, before Justin grows out of it, we decided we best get a picture of our future shop boy :)

Here is the working Gang (Grandpa, Todd, Derek, and Justin).

We are back home

Well, we spent a week at home with Mom & Dad. My sister was able to come for a few days and Jim was able to come home after work almost every night. It was nice to spent time at home. We are already looking forward to our next visit with Papa and Grandma Paula. I didn't take any pictures while at home, seemed like every day just passed by so very quickly!

So, this picture was taken this morning as I was trying to get Justin to enjoy his crib. Last night he finally fell asleep in his own crib, and not in our room..it didn't last long, but at least it was a start...prior to this, he has been in his pack n play in our room.

If you look at this closely, you can see his two bottom teeth, we have had these for some time now.

This picture you can see his top two teeth...he has the 5th tooth as well and are now working on the 6th tooth - hoping is shows it's pearly whites so the teething and attachment and pain will subside for a while.

8 months old

Justin has started crawling...here is a video...it has been about 2 weeks now...just after we got home from our trip home. He is doing pretty well...he isn't all over the house yet, but he does move a bit




Last night we were all hanging out in the living room. Justin got this bear chair from Aunt Mary and he absolutely loves it. He sits there like a big boy....has only fallen off one - since mom was looking the other way.....don't you love the one sock on - one sock off....


Okay, Justin's 8 month old picture....with Teddy.

Sippy Cups

So, last month I purchased Justin a sippy cup thinking he might like to try it out with some water here and there....really to keep him occupied...so I bought a NUBY sippy...and it leaks. I just finished writing a letter to the company to ask them to either reimburse me or send me a coupon for a new "sytle" sippy - one that doesn't leak.

We will see what they do. I have heard in many cases that if you mail the company, they will try to compensate you in one way or another. I will let you all know if my letter works or not.

Sippy Cup

Living on a budget 101

I have to say that transferring to being a one income family has been an adjustment, but so worth it. There are still a few things that we have to figure out. I feel like it is a game to see how much money we have left at the end of a pay period...and can we afford to get a pizza? I have become the coupon queen - so if you have any great coupons, send them my way....I have been on the hunt for great sites that has good coupons, found some, but the coupons aren't always what I would buy anyway....

I love collecting points on our CC. We got an c-card last year...in the first year we got cash back almost $220 for the year. I am hoping that we can reach that this year. So, here is my trick..so you don't get a shocking bill at the end of the month (something that I used to do all the time - about get a heart attack when the bill came)..so now, every time I make a purchase on the CC, I write it in my checkbook, just like I wrote a check...then when the bill comes, I match everything up and pay it...this system has worked great for us this past few years, and I find myself spending less, because I know exactly how much money we have at any given point. If there isn't enough money in the account, then one can't make extra purchases....No surprises in the mail....

Another adjustment is that I can't just go to town (90 miles round trip) whenever I want...it costs money to go to town, so I have to wait until I have a reason to go....just to shop for fun isn't a good enough reason...so this week I am at home all week. Hoping to have a friend come over with her baby one day this week.

We are getting into a better routine. Just now takes 2 or 3 naps a day (depending upon what time he wakes up). This morning he woke up at 8am and went for a nap about 11am....this is good, he will take another nap about 3pm, and then stay up till bedtime around 9pm. We had a slight relapse from sleeping in his own bed for a bit, but for the past three nights he has been in his own bed. The first night he cried a lot, but the last two night have been just cry a few minutes, then he falls asleep - amazing!!!

Okay, almost lunch and Todd will be home.....so nice to have him come home for Lunches!

New Feeding Chair

This weekend Justin got a new feeding Chair - Thanks to Grandma Paula.....The Bebe Pod was just getting too small and he could move himself around on the counter...so before he takes a spill, we decided to get him this. Now he can hang out in the kitchen while we cook and he can sit like a big boy at the kitchen table.....

This weekend has been full. We went to my friends house to take care of her 3 week old baby for a few hours, and then we were off to see Grandma Nellie...Auntie Miranda and Cousin Nellie were there too...so good to see the family. Then, off to do our grocery shopping for the week...and get a few needed things....

Today has been a nice relaxing day at home...Todd got up early and went to work for a few hours while Justin and I slept in a bit...then I met my good friend Michele for coffee here in town...and before we knew it, it was 10am....Justin was with us and did so very good...didn't really cry at all the whole 2 hours. Then home to hang with Daddy while Mommy got stuff done in the office, a nap for Justin....Lunch....hang out as a family....nap for Justin and then Todd made us a great dinner. We finished dinner and played cards....(Justin was playing with his Bob cards...he likes them and I can see he will be a card player). I remember playing cards with Grandma Erma all the time as a child...good memories....we always played Spite and Malace...what a goodie. Tomorrow is Monday...don't have any big plans for the week, but it seems that there is always something to do or organize, etc.

At least I got the bills filed and the office cleaned up a bit.

1st Haircut

Here is Justin before his haircut today.



And, here is Justin sitting on Daddy's lap as Auntie Meg cuts his hair..you can see his bangs here. Sides aren't done yet, but the front is better. I can see what is going on....


It was a real struggle to get Justin to keep his head still, he really did good considering he doesn't understand what is going on....Meg even got out the clippers and trimmed around his ears. He seems to be doing well, we didn't traumatize him from the experience.

Vacation.....

The three boys are really enjoying their time together while we are on vacation....it is so nice to have entertainment for Justin...and after a week with Grandma & Grandpa, he is adjusting to not being sooo needy.



Today we went to a museum....here is the Jim & Dana family at the entrance.



Justin hanging out in the backpack...his favorite place to travel...



Grace and Reese petting the sheep.


The girls....Michelle, Grace, and Christina...


Reese hanging out waiting to go..



Also, see Tootlepops for more photos...

a good nights sleep

Well, Justin has been sleeping with us since month 2 when I came to visit Mom and Dad, and my current visit had a goal of getting him to sleep on his own. Last night I finally took the plunge and tried it.

It worked. He was very tired from spending a great afternoon with cousins, so he was tuckered out. I put him down at 8:30, he cried for about 10 minutes, so I went to check on him, he looked to hot, changed him into cooler clothes, watched him on our bed for about 5 minutes until he was almost asleep, and put him in his own pac n play...he cried for about 5 minutes and fell asleep...heaven!!

I was able to visit with Mom for a bit and went to bed myself, for fear of a night of crankiness, but he did awake many times, but I left him alone and he fell back asleep. He did awake at almost 2am, so I did feed him and put him back down in his own bed. It was great. I awoke at 6:30, was able to shower and have a cup of coffee before he awoke at 7:30....and I just put him down for a nap at 9;45 and he only cried for a few minutes...by the time I was done swapping out the laundry, he was asleep....YAHOO...hope t his lasts!

At the Park / New Bathroom for Mom

Ya all should check out Tootlepops blog for more pictures of the park...Aunt Dana, Reese, Carsten, and Oma came for a visit last week. Arriving on Thursday night and we had a packed full day Friday. We met at the park, then to lunch, and then off to hang out at a friends house until Gina was off work to visit with her at our favorite yogurt shop!....

Carsten


Tsiava


After our eventful Friday, Dana and I dared to ride in the car with 3 children for 8 hours. That was actually really good time. We only make 2 or 3 stops the whole way and only one real screaming time, (Justin didn't want to fall asleep-but that only lasted about 10 minutes).

So, we made it home. Monday we had a lunch with Terry, Sara, and Abigail. After all was said and done, Dana and I decided to take on redo-ing the bathroom at Mom & Dad's house. It was in our plan for the week, but we weren't sure when....this is the before picture....lovely 70's...




Here is a during pictures....


And, here is an after picture...Dad still needs to put up a mirror and we are going to get new stuff to decorate the room....all in due time....


As for us, we are looking forward to a quiet day tomorrow...we will see if that really happens. To all of you whom I haven't responded to email, etc.....I will in time...miss you all!

This is where Justin spent some of his time while we were doing our painting...or he was in the high chair right outside the room...so he could see Mommy...

7 Months Photo

As promised, here is Justin's 7 month picture.....

At the park...

Yesterday we all went to the park for Justin's first ride in a park swing. He LOVED it...we will have to go again soon, he was all smiles and giggles...




Sunday evening we were just hanging out at home, Justin was busy hanging out with Daddy...


Daddy and Justin....Mommy really enjoys the break, even if I am sitting next to him, I feel like I am getting a break.





Being a stay at home mom is absolutely more work than I thought it would be. Justin doesn't like to be out of eye sight from Mommy...and that takes a toll on someone..no private time at all...always have to be "ON" Not that I have to do housework or anything, Todd cooks just about every night and I watch Justin. He also is my hero when it comes to cleaning the house...I love to vacuum, but beyond that, Justin isn't too cooperative. I don't geit a lot done in the day, just blogging is a lot for me. Justin needs constant attention, and so far won't take a nap on his own. so..I hold him....I try to put him down, and he always wakes up. The only way to get him to sleep alone is to Bfeed him in our bed and then let him stay there....he sleeps with us now at night, although I know this needs to change, but it is really hard to do, when he is still getting up 2 to 3 times a night.

Now that I am home, Justin is back on 100% BMilk....it is amazing how it changes their little bodies....I was only changing 1 #2 diaper a day, maybe 2, but now I am changing probably 5 per day. I gues that just means that his little digestive system is working good.

I wouldn't give up up staying at home for anything though. I am sure as time goes by, it will get easier and I hope to make more friends here in town, as the big town is a long way to drive...it costs $12-15 per trip to make it to the big town...that is a lot of money on one income...

We got a surprise phone call and met with Oma, Opa, Dana, Reese, and Carsten for a quick lunch at Taco Bell here in town. They were on their way through and were stopping for lunch. Was good to see them, even if only for an hour...will see more of them later this week. thursday I go to work for a few hours and that night Oma, Auntie Dana, Reese, and Carsten will be here, so we are going to the big town on Friday for a play date. We can't wait....then Saturday we all pack up in the Tahoe and are off for visiting Grandma Paula and Grandpa Bob. We have high hopes of remodeling a bathroom while we are there and doing some painting...hoping we can really do it....

Justin will be 7 months old on the 30th..I have a picture we took last weekend at the picture people, but have to scan it first...will try to get that done this week!

Okay, all for now.

Justin says "no"

We don't where Justin learned to shake his head and say no, but he does it often now. Last night he was trying to crawl to get something and he couldn't move forward but figured out if he rolled over and then back he could get closer...he did this about 5 times and finally got what he wanted. I tried to get it on video, but the camera was full, so I have been clearing up memory this morning...

Ants, and more Ants....

Okay, so I have an ANT phobia...I don't like them at all. Spiders, I could leave them be and not be worried, but ants, I see one and I see about a million crawling on the walls. We have been having them all over the house. We do have a bug man (I know I have a baby, but they spray in the hospital nursery..). We usually leave even when we don't have to if he sprays a room, just because. So, he was out here 2 weeks ago. We had ants in Justin's closet, our closet and the guest closet, in both bathrooms, and a few in the kitchen-oh and 2 (that I saw) came out of the air vents in the ceiling above our bet..I promptly made Todd move our bed..... Now mind you, there hasn't been a huge population at a time, 1-5 per sighting....but 1 is too many for me. So, the bug guy came out and I had him spray the garage too just in case...and we don't go out there, so that was fine, but then this weekend, there are hundreds making their way into our attic from the garage...they must have found that one place that there wasn't spray to go up....so, Todd sprayed stuff we had and then this morning they were there again, just on the other side of the spray...so, now they are in the attic, what do you do? I wish there was something to do, but I fear they are making home in the attic until they come out for sightings...I tell you that I think I am driving my husband nuts, he doesn't think it is a huge issue, but I do! Give me spider any day!

Some say it is because we are new construction...has anyone else had similar issues? I did get some pet/child/food friendly spray from the Natural store for in the house....not sure if it REALLY works....so we will see about that. am I overreacting???

Baths and family trip

This last weekend we went home to visit the family and have our annual camping trip. It was really nice to see all the family. We only see the folks from way up north once a year, so this is a family trip that you just can't miss. We ended up getting there a bit late....too many stops with Justin and then stopped to meet up with Mom and Dad and Jim, Dana, and kids to eat and help unload stuff at Grandpa's house.

Here is Justin and Grandpa hanging out at the river. We had a great time Saturday on the river.


Charlie jumping off the rocks at the river.


Everyone just sitting and enjoying while the kids play.


Todd, Els, and I went on a quick hike to Little Falls. It was a good hike, quick and fun too. Else was ahead of us treking the way for us - a good hiker she is. Here is Todd carrying Justin behind him....both love to be out and about.


The river is perfect!


Todd hanging out....not too many pics of Todd on here, but he does exist!


Bath time, couldn't resist putting this up. Justin is now out of his tubby and loves to take a bath. He would stay in for hours if he could.


After his bath, he had a funny hairdo...not a good shot but it was really cute!

As an update on our lives, I am now only working 2 days a week...that may change as I don't feel like I need to be there much longer. Will know more after I work with my boss on my hours tomorrow. Maybe I will go back and train more in September...we are planning on going on a vacation with the family in September - should be a blast.

Justin had a doctor appt. yesterday. He weighs in at 19 pounds and 28 inches long. He is a healthy boy. He got 2 shots and today has had a fever most all day. Doing better, as now I can actually blog, instead of hold him the whole time. I had him from about 6 am until Noon in my arms and he fussed...shots are just NO FUN!

He is laughing and playing more and more. He can now sit up on his own and for the most part he doesn't fall down. He is eating more and more too...we have had peas and sweet potatoes. the doctor said I couuld add a meal in a month, but i will see how it is going. He is still sorta eating, sorta playing.. I am in no hurry to make him eat solids....

Todd continues to work, work, work. Good thing he loves his job so much...and it isn't too far from home, which is really nice.

Okay, fussy boy has come out and wants to eat again...another thing we do about every hour on the hour. All for now...

6 Months old today

Justin turned 6 months old today. Here he is yesterday playing at the house. He is doing good...teething!!! Makes for a tough time for Mommy sometimes....and for some reason he now primarily want to B-feed and doesn't love taking a bottle...today(at aunties) he took the morning one, but then only wanted 1/2 for the afternoon...maybe he is just changing?



This is the happy boy I know....all smiles


We are now able to stand on our own two feet with help...getting better all the time. He is sitting up by himself-although he falls over after a bit....can't wait for those two teeth to show up.

Do you see the red in his hair in this picture???

Big changes for our family

Well...Todd and I have been considering me being a stay at home mommy and today I gave my notice. We are excited to have me stay at home and be a full time mommy...coarse there is always the change of lifestyle...not as much money, but most say you don't see the differnce, since we won't be paying for me to commute to work each day (1 hour each way) the gas, the childcare, and all the extra costs of working. I have been reading like crazy my guide to staying home and living on one budget....there are still a few kinks to work out, but we will make it.

I definitely feel a big relief to have finally made our decision to stay home. Justin has changed so much in the less than three months I have been back to work, and I have missed so much of it, I won't it now...I will get to see his first steps, etc...or I hope so.

Work was great about it, they were expecting my notice soon anyway...I have told them I will continue to help out and train someone new, so it will be a transition for the next month or so, but I feel good about being able to help train the newbie.

That is our big news for now.