Where has the time gone?

Life sure does happen, doesn't it?  Really.  My last post was forever ago and instead of explaining my whereabouts I'll be short (not one of my typical characteristics) and sweet.  TA was born in June of 2011 so between her and my wild 2 year old I've just been slightly busy.  Oh yeah, and two months before she was born we moved into a new (to us) home.  Oh yeah, and before that we moved from our house at the time to my parents' house down the street in order to get that home ready to rent.  The hubbs and I pretty much decided (one weekend) to move into my parents' home so that we would have time to "rent ready" our house.  Our goal was to have a tenant by the time we moved into our new home...and to preferably be in our new home by the time TA made her grand entrance.  So we basically made the decision and were moved out by the next weekend.  Yep, it was quick.
So there you go.  I've just been busy with the two stinkers.  And then of course my third child, Pinterest takes up some time as well.  I love that site!  The only thing I don't particularly like about Pinterest is how wonderfully inspiring it is.  That's right.  I actually get a bit overwhelmed because I have a hard time deciding on what I actually want to do.  My brain gets overloaded with all the lovely pieces of information on DIY's, recipes, kid ideas, crafts, decorating ideas, fashion designs, hair dids, health and fitness ideas, etc.  You think it, Pinterest has it. 

Pinterest has opened me up to a world of new hobbies.  As a stay at homer, I spend a lot of time at, well, yes, home.  So, to keep from going stir crazy and keeping an immaculate home, I have (mini) projects to do while the kiddos are napping.  Yes, in a perfect world I would be able to get so many things done while the kids were asleep.  However, they rarely if ever nap at the same time.  TA takes 2 naps on an average day waking up in time for DJ to have his books read to him before his nap.  Yep, that's how they roll.  One wakes up and the other goes down.  The other wakes up and the first goes down.  Could be a children song, right?  I think they send messages to each other about waking up when the other falls asleep.  Oh well.  I commend everyone out there with twins, triplets, 14+ kids, and such.  I only have two but they keep me running!! 

Am I rambling or what?  Well, I pretty much tried doing so many things at once, on top of  being a mom and all that is included with that minor task.  A few things, in my humble opinion turned out pretty well (which I may post at some point) while several weren't so lucky.  I call those fails "lesson learners" in hopes of easing my pride somewhat.  I have also allotted myself one project per week or maybe a couple of mini projects instead.  My new personal rule is that I HAVE to finish my current project before I start something else in that category.  This is going to be rather difficult for my "Wanting To Multitask At All Times" mind.  Why am I blogging about this?  Most likely it's from being up all night with a teething baby and being sleep deprived.  I figure typing it out will help me stick to the rules and should I get bored (really bored in the middle of the night and can't go back to sleep) maybe I will re-read this post and be reminded to follow my own rules should I start slipping back to my old ways.

So there you have it.  Now back to Pinterest for that homemade frappuccino recipe!

Bottle Weaning...Ugh!

Well DJ is now one year old which still baffles me that an entire year has gone by since he was born.  I never could have imagined that time could fly so quickly.  I am really trying to appreciate each day and am so blessed that I have the ability to stay home with him.

We are in the process of bottle weaning and I have to admit, it's probably more difficult for me to give up the bottle than him.  DJ is not the cuddly type.  He might snuggle with you when he's really tired but usually, if you're near his crib at that time he reaches for it.  I get it, I prefer my own space too but I love it when he puts his head on my chest...if only for a moment.

DJ still takes two naps during the day and he usually gets a bottle before he goes down.  It's comforting to him but it's such a nice time for me as well.  It's the one time that he relaxes and lets me hold him in the rocking chair.

I decided today is the day.  If "I" don't give up the bottle now, it'll only get more difficult.  My goal is to be completely done with it by Thanksgiving.  That gives me a good month which is more than enough time.  I'm first starting with the nap bottles and then will move on to the bottle at 5:00 am.  I just don't think he needs to be waking up for a bottle anymore but I may do some research on that just to be sure.  The last to go will be the bottle at night which will be by far the hardest to give up...for both of us.

Ha, as I read over this post I realize how silly I sound...I guess that's just what happens when you become a mom!

Virus Over, Teething Still On

DJ, my mom, and I went to visit Jessie and Marion today.  I was so happy to see DJ feeling better.  We left just before his morning nap and headed home around the time of his second nap.  This worked out beautifully and he slept most of the time in the car.  We had such a nice visit with them and I believe DJ enjoyed himself and his new surroundings as well.  He got to ride his Uncle's rocking horse and even got to play a few notes on the piano.  Marion, (Pop) enjoyed playing with DJ and was so nice to even buy him some yummy treats which DJ gladly gobbled up.

Unfortunately DJ is still not nursing which makes me feel a little sad.  I really wanted him to continue to breastfeed until he was at least one year of age.  I am pumping so he is receiving the milk but he definitley prefers it in a bottle over a sippy cup.  He'll of course take it in a sippy cup but only a little at a time.  I want to keep trying to breastfeed and am concerned that if I give him the bottle too often he will start to prefer it over "the real deal."  I give him one bottle a day to make sure he's at least getting 7-8 oz at once and then offer the sippy cup throughout the day.  It's kind of hectic honestly.  I don't love pumping or washing bottles or offering milk every 30 minutes to an hour but we're still managing.  I guess it could be worse right?  I just hope he gets over this strike soon!

So This Is What Teething Is

I took Mr. Sweetness (as he's commonly referred to when he's sick) to the pediatrician today after his fever spiked.  For some reason the last few times he has had a fever it's been on a Friday.  I swear the health insurance gods have it out for me.  Any other day during the week and I'd wait it out another day but on Friday, I'm taking him in.  I of course was told that it was viral, due to teething most likely but at least we ruled out the dreaded ear infection.  I have to hand it to my pediatrician's office...we were in and out in 45 minutes.  Those kinds of miracles just don't happen to me.  When I walked outside it was dark and I witnessed a huge bolt of lightening in the distance but it was not raining.  Again, a miracle.  I was kind of expecting to get zapped with an enormous amount of electricity at some point since two things happened in my favor but fortunately I'm here typing away.

I had given him some Tylenol earlier so I started Motrin around 10 tonight.  I'm hoping it will last the 6 hours that it claims to...we shall see.  Last night was pretty tough so I'm hoping he gets some adequate sleep.  Okay.  So am I.

Poor Baby

DJ woke up this morning with a low grade fever and has been running one on and off all day.  I've been giving him Tylenol every 4 hours and called the doctor to rule out any ear infection.  It's very obvious that he doesn't feel well but his appetite continues to thrive so I guess that's a plus.  He fell asleep while I rocked him but woke both times I tried to place him in the crib so I just let him nap on me.  The nurse that I spoke to on the phone believes it's teething and told me to monitor it for a few days.  The odd thing is that he refuses to nurse although he will take milk from a bottle.  Maybe it's easier from a bottle?  It's been 18 hours since he nursed last...I think that's the longest he's ever gone.  I do hope he starts back soon.

Mango Madness

In the last few years I have discovered the delicious fruit known as the mango.  It's sweet.  It's juicy.  It's soft.  It literally melts in your mouth.  Really.  It's just about perfect.  Why didn't I know about this wonderful food earlier?  I was seriously deprived.

Mangoes were on sale last week so I picked up four...two of which that were ready to be cut up and two that had a bit longer to sit.  I cut up the first two as soon as I got home and froze them in a ziplock bag.  I have an excellent recipe for Mango Margaritas (thanks Mom) that I wanted these to be ready for.  Nothing beats the hot summers in Georgia better than a frozen Mango Margarita!

Today I cut up the remaining two mangoes and stuck them in the fridge for quick snacks.  Not only are mangoes tasty but they provide a great source of health benefits to one's diet.  One mango is roughly 135 calories, most of which is contributed from the natural sugar, totaling about 30 grams.  They are excellent sources of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and folic acid making it a super food for pregnant women.  Of course, they surely can be enjoyed by all!

Look who else enjoys mangoes...

Friday Free Concert!

Today DJ and I headed to the free concert in Lawrenceville. He had a great time...so many things to look at. There was face painting, spray-painting of hair, a moon walk, and some live music. So far I love this age! He is simply entertained by watching anything and everything.

We sat on our blanket and enjoyed the music while we ate our lunch. DJ danced (wiggled) while I laughed...I find it amazing how human instinct just makes you want to move when you hear a catchy tune.

He also made some friends with a set of twins who were very nice and wanted to share their watermelon and celery. Why can't we all be just as giving as a pair of 18-month-olds?