More Halloween Fun

I'm supposed to be folding the laundry, but my sis Emily just sent me the pictures of her and her friends Halloween costumes. Emily is the blue... Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle! I think they are so cute! Not to mention that all four of these girls are in college and aren't wearing some slinky, sexy, trampy, come and get me boys outfits. They're homemade, cute and fun. Love them Em, and what a great example of how to be cute for Halloween!

My sis Emily and her friends as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Do you have to play all day... suggestions...

One more thing before I get off of here and finish that laundry... that's one chore that never goes away. =/ I was reading in my Familia today, and boy, whenever I'm struggling with something and doing a lot of praying about it, God knows how to find another way to open up my eyes about the situation. That's exactly what my Familia homework did this week! Another reason I'm so glad I'm in this at our church.

One of the things is about media, letting your children watch television. Something I posted about awhile back. I struggle with this, it's so easy for me to just let Landen watch television so I can get things done, or do things I want to do. I've gotten pretty good about monitoring everything, but I know I'm still lacking in that area of having less of it. Anyway, I have a question for you mom's that read this. What do you do with your children all day? If they're not watching television, are you constantly playing? I'll be totally honest here, I can't play all day long. It drives me INSANE! I can for awhile, read a book, in-cooperate their (Landen really) play with what I'm doing, but after awhile I just can't do it. I need some suggestions here. =) I read about these mom's who stay at home, and they don't have television, but what do you do? Maybe it gets better once I have two playing active ones, they can play together. Right now it's just Landen and I because Amelia just goes with the flow with whatever we're doing. I know I've talked to some of you about this before, but I'm open for more suggestions, if anyone has any.

Thanks and I'm off to the laundry! Ugh!

Happy Halloween!

I love how Halloween actually gets to last longer than one day! Well.. it gets to here.. this year anyway. This past weekend we got to carve jack-o-lanterns! This is the first year Landen has really been able to help since he was born. It came to our thoughts as we were making them, how once you have children things really change. We used to make nice elaborate cravings (Kurt did, I tried!!) and this year, it was just simple faces. Another afterthought... we probably should have done just smiling faces instead of these spooky looking faces. There's always next year.

We have Landen with his first experience with pumpkin guts! Landen carving and the finished lit product... our scary faces! =)

Yesterday we got to go trick or treating at Kurt's work. I'm so thankful they have this for the children. We do not take Landen out and about treating.. and he got more than enough candy. Amelia did really well in her little pea pod outfit, until she started sweating. I had to take it off before we were finished. =) Here they both are!

Tonight we are going to hand out candy here at our house. I like to take tally of how many children we get and what each of them are. We're going to do some monitoring for scary costumes though and distract Landen. I don't want him to get scared of them! We went to story time today and I dressed Landen up. He didn't have his face all painted up, but he was still cute. There were some other cuties as well.. Buzz Light Year... and Liesie was an adorable Nurse! Landen gets to dress up again tonight! This costume is gonna get it's wear after all.

Then tomorrow we will go to Mass after Kurt gets off work for All Souls Day. I like that we have Mass to help us remember what this day is all about as well. =)
!Have a Happy Halloween Everyone!

Trick or Treat!

Oooh... I just love Halloween! I love seeing all the cute little kids dressed up... I'm not a big fan of the scary ones though. It's just so much fun!!!!!!!

Anyways, I know tomorrow is the actual day, but we had trick-or-treating at Kurt's work today. Landen was being unusually shy.. usually he's like a crazy man or something. Oh well, can't make your kids do something they don't want too. I can't wait for tomorrow when we get to hand out the goodies.

I'm sure I'll have more to say tomorrow on all of this.. and more photos! Here's a picture of them together!

The Lion and the Pea Pod! CUTE!

Lets cuddle to sleep - Co-Sleeping!

I was reading Sharon's blog today about co-sleeping and I thought I would share our story.

I am a big advocate for Co-Sleeping! I love co-sleeping, I would feel so strange if my child was in another room, all alone without me or my husband. I usually tell people that think we're strange for letting our little ones sleep with us is - "I don't want to sleep alone, I like to cuddle right up with my husband, I'd be scared." I'm a 25 year old wife and mom, I'd be scared and feel alone, why wouldn't my newly born baby who has been inside of me for nine months not feel the same way? That's all he/she has known and I'm not about to make he/she feel that way. What little child isn't scared of something? They need their parents love and protection, it only lasts for awhile and it's worth it. =)

We've been co-sleeping ever since Landen was born. It was definitely the plan the entire pregnancy, but I think we kind of had this idea that he'd be in his own bed eventually (as a baby). We did after all have a crib all set up in the other room. =) Well time went by, he slept wonderfully, we slept wonderfully. No getting up when he was awake or crying. Just rolled over and let him nurse. My husband never rolled on him, and I always let him sleep in the crook of my arm. Worked great!

Then when I was pregnant with Amelia, we decided to have Landen's little bed next to our bed and the wall. It was right level with our bed and he'd cuddle with mom and dad to fall asleep and then we'd move him to his own little bed. He rarely fell asleep in there, we'd just move him over.Time went on, I was getting bigger and bigger.. our little queen sized bed wasn't working too well for a big preggo momma, a daddy and a little guy who was all over in bed. I didn't want to make Landen feel abandoned or learn to hate Amelia because she took over his place, so we continued to do the same thing, but encouraged him to sleep in his little bed more often.

Right before Amelia was born we put his little mattress on the floor next to our bed, but against a wall so he had to physically get up and walk over to our bed if he needed us. We could tell he wasn't ready to be in his own room. He wasn't even two yet.

So, that's what we're currently doing and it seems to be working pretty good for the most part. He does however fall asleep in our bed, or his bed with usually his daddy cuddling with him. Amelia sleeps in our bed with me arm protecting her if big brother needs to cuddle with us during the night. Kurt usually always puts him back though once he's fallen in a good sleep. Then in the morning he's back with me when Kurt's gone for work.

I know, to some this may seem horrible, or like Landen will never be in his own bed. I cherish these times right now though. He won't want to sleep with us forever.. he will soon want to be in his own little room, with his bed and out of our cuddling arms. I always just try to put myself into my children's shoes, how are they feeling - how would I feel. I'd feel so scared being in another room - that's just me though and they have my genetics so they probably have some of that in them. I also want to say.. I get crabby and I want to throw them out of my bed at times too! I'm not a Saint.. I am striving to be though. =)

I encourage everyone to read about co-sleeping before they disregard it. There are huge benefits to it. Dr. Sears has some great things to say about it. Here is a great article about it. Check out Sharon's Blog Post today about co-sleeping. She also has some good reads in this post! There is lots you can read about it and find out. Some negative, some positive.

Let me know what you all do and why. If you have a toddler like us that is in and out, what do you do? I'm curious. =) Also, I know there are lots of ways to co-sleep as well and I want to make it clear that I'm not saying if you don't do it your not a good parent. We all have to do what we really feel is best for our children and situation. This just is what we have chosen and believe is the best for us.

Contest - Living the Dream

Attention all you hard working ladies who are living your dream as a mom and wife! D&E Reviews are putting on yet another fun contest! They're giving away a sassy pink, long sleeved t-shirt from LTDChix.com for one of us lucky readers.


The lovely lady on the right, flipping some pan cakes, while
her kid is hanging on her arm and making her hubby a hair
appointment.. lol.. that's what I say she's doing.. will be on the shirt one of us are lucky enough to win. Under that is says "Living the Dream". Cute huh?

I had to check out the other t-shirts that LTDChix.com offered and there are some real cute ones. I especially liked the cleaning one. Go, Check it out here! I also liked the laundry one, check it out here!

To enter this fun giveaway, click here to enter D&E Reviews post for this fun contest. You do not have to have a blog, as they have in their guidelines. Good luck!

Darn Teeth...

The past few days or so Landen has been very irritable. To the point that I was starting to question my parenting abilities and how we discipline our child. Maybe we needed to find a new way to do things. Then I noticed he was having quite a few runny poops, of course I blame that on the apple juice he was drinking. Sometimes that does that too him. Well.. last night I discovered our parenting skills are fine and the apple juice was not the problem. It's those darn teeth...

So, Landen started cutting his second set of molars. Actually he started cutting the first one.. so we have three more to go. Ahhh! I decided last night while I was laying in bed, unable to sleep because of no room and feet kicking me in the side, that I'd take a baby cutting teeth any day over a toddler. Well my toddler anyway. When they're little you give them some medicine, cuddle and nurse them. It always seemed to work well. With Landen, now being two.. he was screaming, holding his mouth, holding his ear, tossing, turning, crying, and he didn't want to take the medicine because he said it would make his mouth hurt more. He may be able to verbalize where the pain is now, but he's tricky and doesn't want to take anything to help it.

Last evening though.. I was really starting to think maybe he was sick with an ear infection because he was complaining that his ear hurt. I didn't put all the symptoms together at first. I gave him some Tylenol and we headed to bed. The bed idea wasn't going to work though.. he was starting to feel very warm and was now complaining of his mouth hurting. Ah ha... maybe it was all coming together now. Was he getting those second set of molars!?!? All the symptoms were right. Of course he wouldn't let me look in his mouth though. Not on my life! So.. we had to play a game... hahaha! I was Dr. Cow and I had to use my cow flash light to look in his mouth. Hey, when it's now going on 11:30 and your really tired, you'll try anything... And... it actually worked! I was able to find the little tooth and get the baby ora-gel on there. After that though, I was ready to be slugged because he hated it and me. He needed his Daddddyyy!

Once we got that all figured out and some more medicine in him for that bad high temperature he runs while cutting teeth, we were finally able to attempt the sleeping again. Sleep didn't work all that great because he was still feeling yucky, he's tossing and turning around in bed.. in our bed. Forget sleeping in his own bed, you couldn't even touch him without him waking up and then he'd get so upset because he needed his mommy and daddy... in the big bed. So last night was very little sleep and a very full bed.

Hopefully the next three molars aren't as bad. =)

Growl

We've been having somewhat of an issue with Landen growling at Amelia whenever she's sleeping so she'll wake up. I can even hide her, shut the door, whatever and he will seek her out to "growl" at her. It drives me crazy! Our poor little girl can never get a good nap during the day because of her bear of a brother growling all the time. Well... Kurt and I were sitting in the computer room and all of a sudden we start hearing growling.. where's Landen.. asleep on the couch. It was coming out of Amelia. She's started growling! Just call us a bear family. Grrrrrr!

Finally....

I was finally able to get a picture of Amelia in the BabyLegs without Landen trying to take them off. I really got to get him some of these... he loves them! She wore them under her jeans today, which kept riding up, so when we got home, I took her jeans off and she's been wearing them with her onesie. They work great! I wish I would have known about them when Landen was her age and learning to crawl. My sister says she looks like a ballerina... Kurt says an aerobic instructor... I say... Adorable! =)

Sugar...

These are made from Marzipan... Sugar Babies!

There is one talented person out there.

Baby Legs!

I bought these adorable Baby Legs for Amelia. I had such a hard time deciding which ones I wanted to get though. There are so many cute ones. I got them at Heiny King because they're local. You can get them at Baby Legs and lots of other places as well. Anyway, I got these because Landen's pants always rode up on him when he was Amelia's age, and I've heard from lots of people that they're excellent to use while they're in the wrap. Well, I got them yesterday and put them on Landen. Amelia has been wearing feety outfits the last couple of days and I wanted to see how they worked on someone. =) Landen won't take them off... last night he was wearing them around with just a shirt and diaper. Then today, he woke up, got in the basket were he left them and put them on under his jeans. They're girlie as you can see... so I have to get him some... some boy ones! =)

Just another Manic...

Tuesday we headed over to Teri and Liesie's place for a little fun and... Potato Soup! Yummy!

The kids had a pretty good time, Landen was in his -"I'm not going to share on my life" mood and Liesie is just coming into that stage as well, and they were her toys so it didn't mix too well. Unfortunately we had to leave sooner than I wanted because I was feeling stressed out. =) Check out this adorable picture of them though...

Wednesday, we had story time. That's where Landen decided to throw a puzzle piece at a kids head, he kept taking the pieces from him, but still, throwing is not nice. I then precede to get the look from some people -"your kid is not being good," You gotta know the look. =( So anyway, I really do try with Landen, I don't want to be one of those parents who lets their kids run loose and hurt others, but sometimes I can't get him and hold Amelia at the same time. He is after all two and he's usually good. I'm not trying to make him out as a bad kid, because he's not. Oh man.. a thought.. what happens when you have three, or four, or five to watch over? Help me!

After story time we went to my parents house. My sister Maggie was home and she wanted us to see her new Jeep she just got. It's a beautiful purple/maroon color, leather seats & heated, sun roof. Very sharp! However, it's not practical for us.. when did I become one of those people who are thinking practical instead of - "ooh that's just so cute?" I suppose when I had children. I already told Kurt I'm ready for mini-van! When we have another baby will have too - there is no way three car seats can fit in the back of the Alero. =) I suppose I'm ready to be called a Mini-Van Momma!

Sharing!?!?!

When do children start learning to share!?!! I feel like I'm going crazy with Landen. I realize he's only two and it's normal to not want to share, but I'm ready for him to start sharing.. NOW! Sometimes he can be such a sweet little guy, wanting to share everything. Other times, it takes a lot of coaxing and telling him he's making his friends sad. Then we have time's he putting his cars in Amelia's hands telling her he wants to play and sharing so sweetly. Other days, he throws a puzzle piece (that's like a block) at someones head we don't know. Ahh! I suppose once he's out of the non-sharing phase, Amelia will be in it. Hold on, it's gonna be a lonnnggg ride!

I think she's pretty cute!

We went to Old Navy this past weekend. We had to get a few things and one would be a little jacket for Amelia. I ended up getting her this adorable polk-a-dot fleece jacket with matching hat, and her very first pair of jeans. Oooh she's so cute! Amelia at three months and four days old!

Contest

Alright people. I usually don't do contests unless they are baby related, but seriously... wouldn't it be totally awesome to win a dyson vacuum cleaner ... and added bonus ... it's pink! I've heard these vacuums are the best and what could be better when you have a two year old who you let eat in the living room? A baby who will be a toddler, and hopefully lots of other toddlers? Yes, yes.. I need this vacuum. =) Click on the Domestic Diva's Blog to Enter. Good luck! Everyone needs one of these.

Contest

From Dates to Diapers is giving away a bunch of great prizes this week to celebrate her Birthday! You do not have to have a blog to enter. Click on Big Birthday Giveaway to enter. Good Luck!

The Man Meme

I copied this from Sharon at the Birds Nest! You all are tagged as well, let me know if you fill it out or not. =)

The Man Meme

1. Who is your man?
Kurt

2. How long have you been together?
Started dating in November 2001 - Married September 2004

3. How long did you date?
Almost three years

4. How old is your man?
27

5. Who eats more?
I'm pretty sure that would be me!

6. Who said “I love you” first?
I had to ask - he said he did! =)

7. Who is taller?
Kurt, but not by much!

8. Who sings better?
Oh my... that is definitely Kurt! I can't carry a tune and I usually have to make up the words to most anything I sing. =) However.. I did know the words to Bittersweet Symphony and he was impressed. LoL, Right babe?

9. Who is smarter?
Kurt is like one of the smartest people I know, I swear he has the best memory. I know stuff that he doesn't know though, but I'll give that one to him.

10. Whose temper is worse?
Kurt's!

11. Who does the laundry?
Definitely me! I had to put instructions on the machine when we had Amelia, but he does do it if I need him too.

12. Who takes out the trash?
He always wheels it to the curb, but we both take it outside in the summer. In the winter, it builds up because I refuse to go out in the cold. Hehe.

13. Who sleeps on the right hand side of the bed?
I do.

14. Who pays the bills?
Kurt.. did you read how I have a tendency to mess up the check book?!? =)

15. Who is better with the computer?
Kurt..

16. Who mows the lawn?
Kurt.. I might cut my toes off.. right? Like we even have a yard.. it takes ten minutes.

17. Who cooks dinner?
Mostly me... but Kurt does too.

18. Who drives when you are together?
He does... isn't the guy supposed too? Haha.

19. Who pays when you go out?
He does, with my money! LoL.

20. Who is most stubborn?
I would say that neither of us are really stubborn, unless we're in a fight! Haha.. then we both are very much so.. we won't give in until the other does.

21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong?
Me.. but I'm never wrong. =) I don't know.

22. Whose parents do you see the most?
We regularly see his parents, but I might see my parents everyday for a few weeks or something. Probably his parents though.

23. Who kissed who first?
LoL.. oh doesn't this bring back a memory! It was all him.. I'm so difficult. Love you!

24. Who asked who out?
Well, neither of us. We were kind of set up and I didn't know it was a date. =)

25. Who Proposed?
He did

26. Who is more sensitive?
Me, I can be overly sensitive sometimes.

27. Who has more friends?
I'd say it's the same.

28. Who has more siblings?
I do.. I'm the oldest of ten.. he's the oldest of two.

29. Who wears the pants in the family?
Oh that is definitely ME! Hahaha.. Kidding! We both do.. right!?!?!?

It's been good walking weather...

It was such a beautiful weekend. I love warm weather - I'm dreading winter. We went to my parents house for my dad's birthday Saturday. It was a lot of fun and we ended up staying later than I had planned. We took a walk along the canal! I forget how pretty it is and how much it reminds me of fishing. Kurt and I used to go fishing all the time before we were married and had the babes. It was gorgeous and the weather was great. Landen was on the tired side so he got rides from pretty much everyone. Spoiled! Here we all are... wind blown!

Parenting... Cloth Diapers?

I'm sitting here holding Amelia while she sleeps. She's been very needy the past couple of days and will only sleep if she's in my arms and falling asleep while nursing. These are the kind of days I know I have to slow down because she needs me. Landen on the other hand is running around like a crazy boy - forget the nap today, even though he was up at 5:30 AM. I might have given him too much sugar while baking this very tasty Texas Cake this morning. Oops!

Wednesday we decided to skip story time at the library since it was going to be such a nice day. We met Rebecca and her son Ashton at the park. We had a picnic and let the kids play, while we talked and talked. It's hard for me to find people to be good friends with around here. We either but heads about parenting styles or beliefs. Luckily I've grabbed hold of Teri (hehe).. and we're getting to know Rebecca a lot better.

So anyway, we had a good time at the park playing. I like Landen to have a little guy to play with once in awhile.. they're so alike it's crazy. I also got to here Rebecca's reasons for using cloth diapers. Teri has taught me a lot and answered a lot of my questions, so we just had an extra bunch of info from Rebecca. I'm still on the fence about using them though. Teri is setting up a cloth diaper workshop for our December La Leche League meeting so I'm looking forward to that. I think I need to do a pro and con's worksheet. I have reasons I really want to use them and reasons why I don't like the idea. I like the fuzzi bunz, but not sure what's the best. Also they seem expensive, but in the long run you'll be saving money. Ahh! I'm not sure if I'll get many responses from this, but what do you all use & why? I know some of you that read this have already told me, but I'm curious about the others. =)

I also got to try on the Mei Tei wrap. It makes me want one even more! I found another kind of material I kind of liked, so will see if that works out for making one. If not, I'll just let her pick a material, we have similar taste so I'm not too worried about that. I want to start using the Mei Tei is as soon as Amelia gets a little better head control. She does really well in the Moby because the sides hold her head while she's sleeping. =)

I'm off to attempt a shower and get the crazy one to quit singing into the cord of the vacuum "oooh baby I love your ways"! That's what he's singing.. I'll take credit for that. Hahaha!

Update On Amelia

I thought I would post a little update on Amelia's head condition (congenital torticollis). It's been nearly two months since we noticed she was holding her head only over her left shoulder. We started doing the exercises and she is so much better. I still notice when I hold her up over my right shoulder she favors looking over her left shoulder, but not always. When she's laying down, sitting in her swing or seat, she's all over the place and it doesn't appear that she's favoring either side at all. Yea!

On another note.. she's getting close to rolling over. She gets half way there and her little face can be almost buried in the blanket, but she hasn't quite figured out how to get on her belly. Not like she's going to like it once she gets there... I've been trying to do the tummy time a couple times a day and she hates that. I never did it with Landen, but with her little neck muscles being different than Landen's, I thought I should at least try once in awhile.=) She's also a scooter.. she'll be facing one direction, I leave the room and when I come back, she's almost all the way around to the other direction. She'd probably be doing even better if she could ever just lay around on the floor, but we have the maniac running around and it's not safe. =)

So, I'm glad to say we can pretty much put the toritcollis behind us now. Thank goodness!

Stickin' Together

This one goes out to my husband, who loves this comercial! =) Us likies gotta stick together.

Wordless Wednesday

This was taken last year, but it's so funny! Note the background - a toilet! LOL We were baking and of course he got it everywhere, so we ventured into the bathroom to get cleaned up. I didn't realize my picture would have a toilet in the back ground. Landen just saw this and said "Ewww."

Fish...

We finally got a fish tank! Kurt has wanted a fish tank for as long as I can remember. We've never had the best place to put one though. The old house was so tiny and once we got here - we still didn't have the best place for one. Well after Kurt finished painting the living room ceiling, and the munchkins were both sleeping we decided to take the top off of the hutch in the dining room. It was just a clutter collector. In the old house we had to have it because there was not nearly enough cupboards, but we have plenty now. As we took it off we decided the bottom was perfect stand for a tank. So, what did we do... we went and bought a fish tank! I kind of felt strange, like one of those people who don't think about something and just go buy it. We are not like that. . . at all. We now have a fish tank though! Anyway, we only have a few fish right now, we have to make sure they're not going to die.

Landen is loving the tank and it's growing on me. At first I was being crabby because I didn't like the light on, it's like we have some neon light in here or something, but it's not that bad. I keep remembering our Beta Fish, that just died after about three years. Neither one of us cared for it and we kept expecting it to die everyday. Then when it did die - IT WAS GROSS! I wasn't going to post a picture because we still want to get a rock in there, and of course more fish - but here it is anyway. =) It's kind of hard to tell what it looks like though. *Emily, if one of these things escapes like yours did, it's GONE.*

Contest

Andrea over at The Laughs Will Go On... is giving away this adorable I love you, unisex, long sleeved t-shirt from Uncommonly Cute! Isn't it cute! The Uncommonly Cute website has some really cute things as well. Check it out.

To Enter the contest, Click Here. Good luck!

What's My Blog Rated. . .

If you want to rate your blog, go to Blog Rating.

It's rated this because I mention Pooped (x4) and Abortion (x1).

Roar says the Lion

Alright, alright... I know it's not Halloween yet, but we got Landen's Halloween costume yesterday and it's so cute. I didn't know how it would be ordering it online.. would it fit right, what if it looks better online then it really will when we get it. Well, it's better than I could imagine. Here are a few pictures of him already - he's going to have make up (eye-liner) on when we actually go treating, but you just have to see this Lion costume. Amelia is going to be a Pea Pod, but she cried when I tried to take her picture so you'll have to wait until after Halloween to see hers. I got hers on a garage sale before she was even born because it was so cute. We got Landen's from Old Navy.. you can order Old Navy's costumes now for $11.25 online. Originally they're $22.50 They have lion, dragon, zebra, chicken and a fire fighter. All very cute!

Landen the Lion!

A wonderful Friday

Today was Familia Friday.. I was so nervous about taking Landen and having to deal with the playroom, that I almost decided not to go. We woke up 1/2 hour before we had to get there in order for him to have a little adjustment time, so it would have been perfect for the excuse of we didn't have time. However, I decided that was silly that he could come out of the playroom if it was that big of deal (I was praying that wouldn't happen though.) I love going to Familia and I really didn't want to skip. So in a mad dash of 1/2 hour, I managed to get a shower, put my make up on and get dressed (I did have to go with wet hair), change two poopy diapers, get both the kids dressed, Landen ate breakfast, packed the diaper bag, found a treat to take, packed toys to play with, found my Famila homework which was laying around, got it all together, grabbed the keys, got in the car, drove the three minutes, and got there in time. Just call me Super Mom! Haha!
Well I am so incredibly glad we went - Landen was so good. He played and had a wonderful time. He even gave me a hug and kiss when I left the room saying - "bye, mom." That kind of made me sad, but I was so happy he had a good time and didn't get in any kind of head locks this time.

Afterwards we had a little play date at McDonald's play land with Teri and Liesie. I hesitated for a moment since we had just spent the entire day yesterday playing with them, so it wasn't like Landen really needed a play date or anything ... but I remembered how wonderful he did staying in the play room so he needed a little treat. He was such a good little guy there too - sharing and playing wonderfully with all the kids. I'm so proud of him

When we finally got home, I was asking him about the fun he had at the playroom and at McDonald's and out of the blue he goes - "I missed you maa". I've never heard him say that.. then right afterwards - "I miss daddy too".... Okay, maybe I'm being a little foofoo here, but it just about made me cry (and I don't even have the crazy preggo hormones.. haha). He's just so sweet!

And just so I don't forget the sweetheart baby girl, who is laying here talking to me right now.. she basically slept the entire time, nursed, slept.. she's always so good.

So, that's our day today.. it's been great, hopefully it continues into this evening... Landen hasn't taken a nap though so I might be pulling my hair out by bedtime. =)

What have we been up too...

Tuesday we had La Leche League meeting. It was nice to have an old face show up that we hadn't seen since Landen was only a few months old. She's pregnant again, so that's exciting! A newbie came with her little new one, and of course Teri and I were there! =) I know Amelia is only about three months old, but I honestly forget what they're like when they're that tiny and this baby wasn't even that tiny. Amelia is a little honker though - I weighed her tonight and she's either 17 or 19 (I could be off by two pounds, it was hard to read the scale) pounds already. I love my chunky monkeys!

For lunch (Tuesday) we finally met Kurt for lunch. I was saying all summer how we were going to meet him for lunch at the park and it's October and we're finally getting to it. =( It was a beautiful, windy fall day. We ate and Landen and Kurt played on the playground, while I watched and Amelia nursed. We really need to do it more often, it's not like we're that busy sitting home.

Today.. story time! Landen just loves story time, I'm so glad I take him. We got a bunch of books like we always do. I was able to find some "Little Bear" books (that's his favorite show) and we spent the afternoon reading them.

A lady (I already can't remember her name.. I'm bad like that) introduced herself to me and welcomed me to join the new MOPS group they are starting up here in town. I had actually already heard about it from Teri (who keeps me up on the latest things to do- thanks!) I was just going to wait and see how it goes from Teri's point of view, but I decided today that I don't think it's really for me. You know when you get the vibe from someone that it's just not going to work!?? Don't get me wrong here, she was super nice, but that's how I felt. I got this feeling that just because I love to stay home with my children, and I don't care to leave them when they're little and still dependent on me so much, that I was strange. Maybe I got a wrong vibe, but since it's not something I was totally looking forward to in the first place - I think I'll just skip out on it.
I just think that this stage of my children's life only lasts for a short amount of time. I need to be with them all the time right now, I'm their mother, that's what they know. Landen is only two and he could care less if I was gone anymore (as long as he's having a good time with someone he knows pretty well).
So tonight as I write this I think - I could be off at their Martini Night (not drinking a martini though because I'm breastfeeding my daughter) but instead I'm sitting here listening to my husband and son watch a hockey game, and on and off reading a book together. I'm sitting here holding Amelia in my arms while she sleeps and nurses because that's what she needs me to do. I'm a stay at home mommy, not only during the day while my husband is gone at work, but at night when my husband is here. I love this job of mine and I don't want to be considered strange just because this is what I want and love to do.

Wordless Wednesday!

How is it that children can sleep with their butt up in the
air? I don't get it! Mommy and Amelia - I think she's going to have brown eyes!

The Mom Song!

I found the link to this funny mom song and video from Donna Marie Cooper O'Boyles blog site Embracing Motherhood, found on the side bar of my blog.
Hope all you momma's enjoy a good laugh!

A Little Autumn Fun

We had a good time at the Autumn Festival yesterday. We went to the parade! It was really hot and every once in awhile we'd get rained on - not a lot of rain but enough to get you a little wet. We didn't make it through the entire thing, Landen was so sleepy you could see it in his eyes. Right before we decided to take off he was just sitting there in Kurt's lap telling us he needed a drink. Poor little guy! I wanted to be able to walk around a bit, watch the rubber ducky race, but instead we headed home. Here are some pictures!

Landen and Amelia

Mommy and Amelia

The Jelly Belly

These people do a crazy dance thing with these shovels-

it just shows, it's all about the farmin' around here!

Kurt sportin' his "winter" fur! =)

Sunday & Respect Life

Yesterday we had a visiting Priest for Mass. I'm assuming Father Keenan must be on vacation because he hasn't been around for two weeks. Mass was nice - Amelia fell asleep early and when she was awake, she was a delight. =) Landen is getting much better without his regular toys and food. I found out a few weeks back that you really aren't supposed to let your children have food or drink during Mass, something I had encouraged Landen to do so he would keep quiet. Then some woman I think do a great job raising their children in the faith said they don't let their kids to bring toys unless they are still real young, or it's a religious book. So, I thought I would try this. It's been working very well, Landen has a couple of rosary's he gets to bring and a Children's bible. If that doesn't keep him occupied he usually finds something else. =) So far, so good! I have some websites of children's coloring pages about the reading's for when he gets older. =)

I loved the Priest's homily (sorry, but I can't remember his name). It really spoke to me - or maybe I was actually able to listen effectively this week. I totally understand what offering it up means. This may seem so ridiculous to some if you, but I've actually had to ask several different times about offering things up because it just didn't make sense to me. Well, I finally truly get it this time. =) He talked about suffering along with that - and I really need to quit complaining, or whining about things. Nobody said things were easy, and what gives me the right to think I don't deserve to suffer once in awhile? It's not even really suffering. He also added some funny little stories in there, and he's a loud one! lol

October is Respect Life month. Once again we had the song play at Mass that gets everyone teary eyed. This is the jest of it - someone has a dream and it's of a fetus talking through it's different stages of development, explaining how it can hear now, touch, see, when it's heart starts beating.. you get it! They have the children from our Parish sing and do the talking. If it doesn't make you a little choked up, well then, I don't know what kind of person you are. I wish I could play it on here so you all could hear it. We received a program in our Bulletins and I was able to find it on the Internet. Click here to enter the website, then scroll down to The Infant in the Womb Leaped For Joy, I believe you have to have Adobe to open it. There are also good reads on this sight that you can check out. Back to the program, It made me sad to think people don't really think a baby is a baby just because it hasn't been born yet - it's a sad read but worth reading. It's not long! I am so very thankful for my children, and thank God for them everyday. There is much more I could say on this topic of Respect life, but I will leave it at that.
Please pray that everyone will be able to someday Respect both Old and New Life!

Pointless Rambling of the Pooped on Momma...

What a boring Saturday we are having here. I don't like when the weekend comes and we don't have a project to do, or a little something planned. It's nice to lounge around and spend time together as a family and sometimes I'm all about doing that, but today has just been to boring for me.

The Cubs are totally irritating me right now. LoL! I couldn't stand watching them anymore. Kurt says I haven't been a fan long enough and I have my hops set to high. We'll see if they come crashing down tonight. You know what - I suppose I shouldn't let a sports team get me so irritated. Haha! Oh my gosh - I'm turning into my hubby when the Red Wings don't do good. Okay, I will totally shut up now. Love ya hun!

Guess how many times I got pooped on today? I'm completely serious here. . . three times! All on white - two white capri's and a pair of white shorts. I didn't even know I had that much white. Hmm! Kurt thinks it's pretty funny - I think I've either forgotten how to put on diapers or we really need to switch to cloth (an idea I've been pondering over for awhile now). =)

We had to get the regular weekly groceries today. Yuck! I made it to Aldi's before the major weekend rush. I made it home just in time to realize that I had messed up the check book that Kurt was balancing and paying bills with. Ugh! I have a tendency to do this every few months. Something I am not proud of. We also made it to Wal-Mart and yes, the crazy shoppers were already out. Ahh! Thankfully Amelia slept in her Moby wrap and Landen stayed in the cart. Lucky to say Kurt and I were still speaking when we left. =)

That's my life today - I suppose I should finish up the laundry - that I wouldn't have had to do if I didn't get pooped on so much. Hehe!

They're just so darn cute...

He's getting so grown up - So Handsome!

Don't mind the snot rockets. Yuck!

Look at her smile - she is just flawless!

I know I post a lot of pictures ... they're just so darn cute. =D Don't you all just want to gag at me ... my blog, deal with it! =)

Children's Adoration

Today we made it to Children's Adoration. I was so happy to finally get out of the house after being stuck here all week, but more wonderful to get out of the house by going to Adoration. Every time I go, I'm so happy we attend this 1/2 hour wonderful gift for our children. Not many churches have this, and I think it's so fulfilling. It's hard when your a stay at home mom (or a working mom (or dad) with children), you never get that chance to make adoration unless you set up a time to leave your children, and many have young ones that can't be left. I love being able to go with my children, having the graces of the Lord falling on us, and teaching my children about something so wonderful. I just wish more people would bring their children to be in the presence of our Lord. After all he did say - "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God." Luke 18: 15-17 He knows that it's hard to bring your children to things when you need to be quiet. He knows too what we're going through when we're at Mass and they're screaming, or your in the back of church nursing and missing the entire Homily, but we need to be there. I think too by attending Adoration we are letting our children see that Christ is always there for them and that there is a real presence of our Lord. We need to teach them early about prayer, the Sacraments, living God's will. Teaching them that there is more to embrace in our wonderful faith then just attending Mass once a week. Sometimes I get so discouraged - like why do I even bother coming, Landen isn't getting anything from this, Kurt and I aren't, all we do is try to keep these two little ones quiet. Then I just have to step back and remind myself - because this is what it's all about. I (we're) parents, doing our best and God knows that, being there is all that matters. Sometimes it's not about what I'm getting from it, it's what I'm giving to God by being there. This helps me when I'm getting really discouraged and that "this is just a season".

I guess I kind of just kept blabbing there. I'm just so happy we have this at our parish and we are able to take part in it.

I also came across a neat website today after catching a little bit of EWTN's coverage of Worldwide Children's Holy Hour this morning. The website is - Children of the Eucharist. It's worth taking a look through, and reading some of the different things they have on the site.
Have a wonderful weekend!

Update on the sickies

We're feeling quite a bit better here. Landen's nose is no longer a green running faucet, and is definitely back to eating and running around like usual. Not sure how Amelia is feeling since she can't tell me. She's a bit cranky and seems to be a little stuffed up, but I really think she's feeling better. I keep wondering though, could she possibly be cutting teeth? I know she's only about three months old, but all she wants to do is chew on her fingers. I can take them away and try to get her to nurse but she goes right back to those fingers. Time will tell! So, that's the update on us. Kurt and I are fine.. a bit tired from lack of sleep, but that comes with parenting whether the little ones are sick or not. =) Hope everyone else is feeling better too.

Cubs Baseball!!!

The Cubs Made It To The Playoffs! Woohoo!

I forgot to post that the Cubs made it to the playoffs when it happened - Oops! We're pretty excited here. Here's Landen all ready for post season baseball. He such a goof, you should hear him try to sing "1.. 2.. 3.. strikes your out"! Too cute!

Still Sickies...

Another day with sickies in the house. Poor Amelia is getting a little something now, and Landen sounds like some sort of dinosaur while he's sleeping. Hopefully we can kill off this bug before the weekend. I hate to start another week with little sleep and just hanging around the house due to feeling poopy.

So-o, I got the - "you better take your kids to the doctor" from a friend this week. I'm going to do a little rant here about all that because I can! I'm not taking them to the doctor because all we have is a little cold. I don't think you need to pump your children, or yourself for that matter full of antibiotics every time a little minor thing hits you. You know what is going to happen, next time you get a little cold, it takes twice as long to fight it off because you don't have those built up immunities. Your body is used to the antibiotic to cure it. Secondly, you still have to take the antibiotic (and it's only going to work if it's caused from bacteria) for such and such amount of days, when the cold would probably have already ran it's course by then anyway. Now, don't get me wrong - I definitely think there is a time to get an antibiotic or take medications (I use Tylenol and Ibuprofen if need be). I don't want to be known for one of those foo foo crazy ladies who don't believe in medications. I just don't think you need to run for every little thing, every second. Most people's bodies were designed to take care of itself with certain illnesses.

That's my story on that! =) It sure does seem like a lot of people are sick with colds right now though. I hate it- you just want to get out there, get going with these nice fall days and you can't.
Poor Landen had to miss story time today. I had to do tick tock with him a few times because I felt sorry for the little guy. Instead we watched Veggie Tale DVD's. He hasn't really liked them much before but he acted like he enjoyed them somewhat today. I hope everyone starts feeling better soon. Have a good Wednesday!

Blabbing...

I have plenty of things I should be doing around here besides blogging right now, but my sweet daughter thinks she is going to die if I don't hold and nurse her at all times. She isn't loving the wrap right now either and usually she does. I guess she knows I should be taking it easy today. =) I thought I'd get a lot done while Landen gets a well needed nap in (as well as he can with that stuffy nose), but I guess the huge pile of ironing will have to wait until Amelia decides to take a nap. I won't complain too much, I hate ironing.

I managed to go to town wide garage sales with Teri and her mom this weekend! The two little girls came along too (Liesie and Amelia)... they were so good! Landen stayed home with Daddy, they had some boy time and played some PlayStation. I had some pretty good success at the garage sales. I wanted to find some winter clothes for Amelia and Landen before I went and spent a small fortune for what they had to have for winter. I mostly got Amelia dresses for next summer, a few winter things for this year and a few things for Landen. Everything looked like new so I was pretty happy. Landen got some new toys - these waffle block thingies you put together to make different things are a big hit. We've all (mommy, daddy and Landen) been making creations out of them. Teri gave me her jogging stroller since she has another one. I'm anxious to get out there and try it out. Hopefully if we're all feeling better this week we will be able too.

Friday we had Familia in the morning. My sisters Becca came up and watched Landen in the children's room for me. It was absolutely wonderful.. I got a lot more out of Familia then I usually do. I didn't have to concentrate on being worried about him, or me running back in forth comforting him. I really enjoyed it. Not sure what the next time will be like - just have to wait and see.

I'm going to attempt to lay Amelia down for a nap now. She seems pretty out of it so maybe I can tackle that ironing. Yuck!

Amelia Moola in Her Long Johns!

Sickies in the House

We, as every other blogger out there lately, have sickies in the house. Poor Landen was running a high temperature last night and has that snotty, runny nose that prevents him from breathing properly. I feel so sorry for the little trooper. Yesterday he goes to me - "ma.. tummy hurt, here" and just wanted me to kiss it and make it all go away. I wish I really was a super mom and could do that sort of thing. =)
Unfortunately last night I was up quite a bit with him. He's so good, gets his temperature taken and takes his Tylenol wonderfully. I couldn't ask for a better little guy when he's sick. I was really hoping he was cutting his next set of molars because this is exactly how he gets when he's teething. However, I haven't been able to feel or see anything yet.
I'm saying some prayers for all the little sicklings right now. It's no fun when the little ones get sick.

Contest

How fun is it to win things? DE Reviews are always having fun contests and one way to enter is by putting a post about the giveaway on your blog. Here's their latest giveaway! A $50.00 Gift Certificate for Kangaroodle. I've never even heard of the place and then when I went and checked it out - they have some really cute things for your little ones! I didn't have to do this, but aren't these onsies cute? Monsters!! Enter now at DE Reviews. Good luck!