Life as a Mommy, Wife and Artist

Halloween

2010-11-11T12:04:00.000-08:00

It's been a crazy couple of weeks. I'm finally getting around to posting the little stinkers' Halloween pictures. Here there are, enjoy!

Bear had two costumes. Mickey Mouse and Granny got him an adorable chick costume.

I made Avery's costume from scratch. A paper mache mask and a furry jumpsuit.

We went to two costume contests and much to my dismay he didn't win either. For some reason the judges at both contests did not appreciate homemade costumes. The winners were cute, but store bought costumes, poo.

Whilst Holding My Baby

2010-08-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

I am trying very hard to be organized and keep my house tidy. Being an artist I tend to also be a pack rat and jump from one project to the other and forget to make sure everything is in order. My biggest challenge is that every time I try to tidy up, one of my children needs me, most of the time it is the baby who wants to nurse. I have a baby sling now and I'm trying to get the hang of nursing in it but tying and positioning a hungry baby in a Didymos is not so easy. For those times when I cannot put Barrett in the sling but it is necessary to hold him I have compiled a list of things I can do with one hand:

Put away the dry dishes (most of them, save heavy pots/pans).

Clean a junky drawer.

Make our bed (takes a little longer but I get it done)

Clean off table/dresser (I can tidy up the space on our dresser where I dry/straighten my hair, do my make-up, etc. It makes a big difference in how clean our bedroom appears.)

I have several little plastic bins/baskets from the dollar store. I set one on the coffee table and ask Avery to help mommy pick up the things off the floor. When the basket is full I put each thing in its place without having to bend down to the floor!

Wipe down kitchen or bathroom surfaces.

Transfer things from the washer to the dryer. (This only works if the dryer is empty. If you have to empty the dryer forget about it).

Use a single electric/battey operated breast pump on the opposite side the baby is nursing on. (You would be surprised how fast you can build a stash in your freezer this way)

Make phone calls - I have a Melaleuca business and 90% of my business is done while breastfeeding. If you are a stay at home mom or want to be ask me about Melaleuca, it is something anyone can do.

It's a list I'll be adding to. For now it is helping. I have also learned to assign tasks to certain times of the day or while I'm doing other routine activities. For instance while I brush my teeth, (I also give Avery his tooth brush and it keeps him occupied for at least 3 minutes) I tidy up my bathroom and wipe down surfaces. While I brew my coffee I tidy the kitchen and wipe down the coutertops. After I fold a load of laundry I immediately put those clothes away (this is really hard to stick to since it is much easier to let them sit in the laundry basket for awhile but if I don't then I tend to get behind on laundry).

We'll see how it goes, keep ya updated and what not.

Wisconsin: Relaxing

2010-08-06T20:01:00.000-07:00

We made our way back from Wisconsin about a week ago. It was one of the most relaxing vacations I have ever had. My brother-in-law and his wife treated us to their lake house rental for a week. It was gorgeous and the kids loved being right on the water. They also lent us their pontoon boat, which we took advantage of every day.

We also briefly visited the "pig wrestling" event a local bar hosts every year. The first year we went was before we had kids and we knew it was not really something for kids -- lots of drinking and as you can see from the pictures it was crowded. My husband really wanted a shirt so we just popped in to grab some souvies and show the boys the pigs.

One of my favorite things about Wisconsin is all of the waterfalls. They are just about every where.

We visited Christmas, Michigan and Lake Superior. While there we visited a few tourist attractions including: the Yooper Museum (hilarious), a Christmas store (got some ornaments), botanical gardens with waterfalls (we also fed giant trout!) and of course my husband and father-in-law visited the casino after they tucked us in for the night.

Was I Not Meant to Breastfeed?

2010-08-05T20:24:00.000-07:00

Well, sorry I have neglected this blog lately. I have taken on a new business venture and we also just came back from a 17 day vacation. Bear (5 months old now) was taken in for a check up and it seems that his weight has fallen off of the "average" growth curve. He was an 8lb baby and lost a little more than the doctor was comfortable with in the first few weeks. After having his frenulum snipped to correct his tongue-tie he started slowly putting on weight and the doctor seemed happier. He now weighs only 10 lb 14 oz. He seems to be a long and lean baby. Developmentally he is right on track, if not slightly advanced. He is very alert, almost crawling and very active physically. He is a bit of a fussy baby but I allow him to nurse on demand.

His doctor suggested that I supplement with formula. I really love my doctor but he doesn't seem to have the best education when it comes to breastfeeding. Why wouldn't he suggest pumping and supplementing expressed breast milk? That is what I am doing because it seems ridiculous to give an exclusively breastfed baby formula to supplement when his mother has an adequate supply and an effective pump.

Bear doesn't seem to interested in the bottle of expressed milk after his feedings so it would seem to me that he is getting enough to eat. He is a very active baby, constantly moving his arms and legs and rolling over and getting into the crawling position for several minutes at a time. I was wondering if maybe he is burning most of the calories he consumes, causing his weight gain to be slower than average.

Another problem is he is teething again and seems to refuse the breast shortly into a feeding several times a day. I am assuming that his gums are sore and that sucking aggravates them further. I am trying several things such as teeth tablets and numbing his gums with ice before nursing.

I refuse to give up breastfeeding after everything I have survived trying to nurse both of my sons. I am very happy that we have made it to 5 months and if need be I will reluctantly supplement with formula but I don't want to do this and later regret it. It always seems that I can only go a few short weeks before another breastfeeding issue arises. Are some mothers/babies just not meant to breastfeed? Am I doing something wrong here?

Cleaning Overhaul: Laundry Room

2010-07-06T12:28:00.000-07:00

If you happen to be as lucky as I am and have a laundry room in your home... all I have to say is YAY!!!! I remember all too well the days of having a stacked washer/dryer in the bathroom. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of any laundry room or even a small laundry area in your house.

I think you will find that if you keep your laundry room/area tidy it will be easy to keep up with your laundry to at least make it look that way. There is nothing worse than having someone stop by your house and them getting a glimpse of mounds dirty clothes. I know they can be pricey but a laundry sorter with at least 2 compartments is a must-have. If you don't have the space for the one like I have then you can go with a more stream-lined version or collapsible laundry hampers. Collapsible laundry hampers are great and can be found at several places like the Dollar Store, Target, Walmart, etc. Keeping your laundry sorted and contained makes your house appear much neater, even if the sorter is filled to the brim. Also, it will save you a lot of time when you want to throw in a load. My advice here is to stay on top of sorting laundry. My toddler loves to help me sort the laundry by colors, whites and darks. He doesn't always get it right but it is a great exercise in learning colors.

I enjoy doing laundry when I have all of my supplies within arms reach. There should be a place for hangers and a shelf for detergents, fabric softener, bleach, stain-solutions and an iron. I also find it handy to keep a small cup or bin on the shelf for things that turn up in the laundry such as loose change. Laundry areas collect dust more than other areas of the house. Keep your laundry center up to par by using a damp rag to wipe down the washer and dryer as well as other surfaces like shelves once a week. If your washer/dryer is in your bathroom you will probably need to do this more often.

My laundry room is also the stairwell. It is an excellent space for hanging coats and book bags as well as storing boxes and my collapsible hamper that I use for towels. Obviously all homes are different and not everyone has this option. Products like over-the-door coat racks and heavy duty hooks will provide the same effect. Also bins with wheels like these from sterilite are handy for areas like underneath the sink or a low cabinet.

I consider my laundry room to be a home for all things cleaning. I use this area of the house to store brooms, the vacuum, dusters and mops. You will be surprised how well you can utilize a small space by installing hooks on the walls to hang such items, instead of leaning them in a corner.

I know it is hard to resist stacking folded laundry on top of the dryer unless you have a stacked combo and cannot do so. Make it a habit to immediately fold and put away your laundry after removing it from the dryer. From personal experience, I know that sometimes you get interrupted in the middle of such a task, whether it be by the phone ringing, a child crying, the UPS man or whatever. If you do not get back to put your laundry away, try to make it a part of your before bed routine to put away all clean and folded/hung laundry.

I cannot stress the importance of keeping your laundry in check in order to keep your house looking presentable at all times. What tips and tricks do you use to keep up with your laundry or to maintain your laundry center?

Handmade Items for Swap

2010-07-06T06:49:00.000-07:00

I am addicted to Swap Mamas. I made this crayon roll and contoured nursing pads to swap for a Baby Einstein car seat toy.

Cloth Diaper Fun

2010-07-05T17:00:00.000-07:00

When I started my cloth diaper adventure a few months ago I only had enough to get me through one day. Our family will be vacationing to Wisconsin this month and I knew that it was going to cause a problem having such a small supply. I had been wanting to try Rumparooz and Kickernappies so I decided it was time to bump up my stash. Everything is pictured here aside from a few prefolds, two snappis and my GroBaby shell and snap in soakers. Barrett is now the proud owner of: 12 infant size indian prefolds, 3 newborn size indian prefolds, 3 infant size chinese prefolds, 2 premium size chinese prefolds, 3 under the nile organicprefolds, 4 flannelette Imse Vimse contours, 1 terry Imse Vimse prefolds, 1 Rumparooz in rootbeer, 1 Kickernappy in blue, 1 Kiwipie in airplanes pattern, 1 white Bum Genius 3.0, 2 Gen-y covers, 1 red Baby Beehinds cover, 2 organic cotton Imse Vimse covers, 1 Stacinator so simple cover and two swim diapers... I am hoping to get through 3 days before having to do diaper laundry. What do you think?

Cleaning Week: Day 4

2010-07-02T18:16:00.000-07:00

Today was a slack day. My husband did some more dishes and cleaned the kitchen counters. We mostly just maintained the work that had been done. It is a holiday weekend so there were lots of fun things to do. I entered the boys in the Fourth of July Baby Contest. Bear did not place in his age group but Avery got third place.
No profound advice for today. I think I will have to continue my cleaning week after the weekend since there is so much fun stuff to do. Please check back next week and I promise to have some good info.

Cleaning Week: Day 3

2010-07-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

I am really learning a lot from this cleaning week. Not only am I learning about cleaning and organizing but I am also learning how special my family is. My husband had the day off and even though he works 12 hour days and would much rather do something relaxing on his day off he pitched it to help without me even asking. He knows that I have my hands full with the baby and there's not much he can do with him since I am breastfeeding. This morning he made a pot of coffee, gave Avery breakfast, did the dishes and took a trip to the hardware store. After the hardware store he and Avery went down to our friend's beach and collected beach glass (an ongoing hobby this summer). With only one kid to wrangle I should have been able to get more done but I was only able to tackle a tub of laundry and the nursery.

The nursery had gotten to be quite a disaster area. Barrett's crib was filled with shelves that needed hanging, stuffed animals, blankets and clothes that had been folded but not put away. The best advice I can give you when it comes to keeping your nursery looking nice is avoid using a crib for storage! This probably won't happen if your baby sleeps in the crib but Bear is still in the bassinet at this point and it is much easier to throw things in the crib than put them in their proper places. If you look at the photos above you will see that the crib is still filled with the stuffed animals. I put away the clothes and other junk that didn't belong in there but I don't have a place for the stuffed animals and so many of them have special meanings and cannot be thrown or given away. I suppose I will need to get a big shelf or hanging net for them soon. Avery is beginning to be able to reach more things and so I decided that the baby lotion and powder needed to be stored somewhere out of his reach. I found a place for them on the shelf in the closet. On the shelf (which was in dire need of organization) I put a bin for socks and a bin for towels and wash clothes. I found these bins at Dollar Tree. This shelf is also where I keep books on parenting, sterile bottles and accessories, diaper pail refills and anything else that is baby related and needs to be kept out of reach. Clearing off the dresser was a huge improvement. I find that the tops of our dressers collect junk worse than any other area in the house. Sorting toys is a great way to get your kids to learn that everything has a place. It's better to teach them while they are young than for them to have to learn it at 25 like me, right? More Dollar Tree bins! There is a big Sterlite basket on wheels with miscellaneous toys and a bin for balls, a bin for train tracks and cars and a bin for Bear's toys. Lastly, I slightly rearranged the furniture, tweaking it to my liking. I vacuumed and voile!

Isaac and Avery came home and I was pooped! It wasn't that I worked so hard but my coffee was wearing off and I needed a break. I must be the luckiest woman on the planet. My husband told me to lay down for a nap and he would do the rest of the house! WHAT!?!?! I don't think I've ever laid down so fast. It was all for naught however because Bear woke up from his nap just as I started to does off. It was still divine to be able to lay on the couch and nurse the baby while my husband took care of everything. He finished cleaning the kitchen and did an excellent job and then moved onto the living room. I had already moved all of the toys into the nursery, deciding that our living room would stay neater if the toys were somewhere else. He vacuumed the carpet, picked up the other junk laying around, folded blankets and even fixed the broken flusher on the toliet. Now for the rest of cleaning week I can concentrate on more specifically neglected areas and deep cleaning. The laundry room and our bedroom are next on the list.

What I learned today: my husband is freaking awesome.... someone please remind me of this specific instance the next time I have a gripe with him.

Cleaning Week: Day 2

2010-06-30T19:56:00.001-07:00

clipped from theideagirlsays.files.wordpress.com

I'm glad I can still laugh at this after the day I had. Nothing major happened. I just woke up in a bad mood I guess. I wanted to continue my overhaul on the house but my children had other ideas. By lunch time there were crackers ground into the carpet, more dirty dishes in the sink and I was covered in spit up. Sometimes you just have to admit defeat. I had a pity party. Unfortunately my kids had to see me cry, I try not to let that happen but it does from time to time. Children must come first, before house work and before your own sanity. I kept trying to get both munchkins settled so that I could get the vacuum and clean up the cracker crumbs. I eventually realized that this was not going to happen and so I spread a quilt out on the floor (yes on top of the crumb and I don't care if they got ground in or not). We all sat on the quilt, watched cartoons, had the rest of our lunch and it was okay!

I was depressed for most of the day about the mess and not being able to get to it but now that I have had a shower and both my babies are tucked in bed I can see what is most important. There maybe a little dirt on the floor and a sink full of dishes but my babies' tummies are full, they have both had baths, they get plenty of kisses and hugs and tomorrow we can do it all over again because I am lucky enough that I don't have to send them to daycare.

This is probably going to be one of the best pieces of advice I'm going to give for cleaning week: If you stay at home and have young children your house will never be immaculate. Ask grandparents or aunts/uncles, someone good with your children to take them for a few hours if you need to clean because you are expecting company. Otherwise, get done what you can, keeping in mind that there will be days when your kids require more attention and there will be days when they can entertain themselves or take a longer nap... take advantage of those times because they may be few and far between. Once you put the kids to bed clean for 15 or 20 minutes and take the rest of the day off. Being a mom is a 24 hour job. Most people work for 8 hours and have their evenings and weekends free. Moms don't get weekends or holidays so we must let ourselves have at least an hour of me time after the kids have gone to bed. If you don't find a way to get some time to yourself you will eventually crash and need even more time to rehabilitate yourself. You deserve some "wind-down" time at the end of the day to do something you enjoy whether it be blogging, watching a cheesy tv show, soaking in the tub or whatever you enjoy. Keeping yourself sane will help keep everything else running smoothly.

Cleaning Week: Day 1

2010-06-29T11:43:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to get my house clean enough so I could move onto those tasks that always get put on the back burner, like cleaning out the junk drawer and organizing underneath my sink. It seems like everytime I get my living room clean then I have to start over on the kids' room or our bedroom or the bathroom and once those rooms are clean the living room is a mess again. I never get around to those "hidden" areas in my house that need organizing.

I am teaching myself this week to make life easier so that I can enjoy my time with my family and friends. It is hard to relax and play with the kids or watch a movie with my husband if there is an endless list of things that need to be done. Here is my first in a series of helpful tips that will keep my work load light and my house livable. I hope these tips can help you, too!

Tip # 1. Start organizing and cleaning in areas that will stay neat and clean the longest. An example: I am the only one who cooks at my house, so I decided that my kitchen drawers would stay neat since I am the only one using these gadgets.

To keep your kitchen drawers nice and neat begin by throwing/giving away duplicates you probably don't even know you have. I did not realize that I had 4 can openers and 2 vegetable peelers. My family is currently making an emergency box incase of natural disasters or some other sort of catastrophe. I put two can openers and the extra veggie peeler in the box. I threw out the left over can opener because it never worked right.

The next step is to keep items that are used more often toward the front of the drawer and items that are rarely used toward the back. I really like the fact that my metal spoons stack into themselves saving space. If you want you can use a sharpie to trace around each utensil so that others will know which spot they go in.

Every Time I Look Around - It's in My FACE.

2010-06-28T20:18:00.000-07:00

I have been struggling to keep my house neat and tidy while juggling my kids and on-going projects I had committed to, not to mention it's summer and there is tons of stuff to do! Well, I finally finished the projects I had committed to: a diaper bag for a friend, a diaper bag for myself and a photo memory wedding quilt. I was feeling really good about my accomplishments. Each came out professionally finished and were done with time to spare.
My next feat was to tackle the house. We moved into the house quickly, we have been here for almost two years and have had two children in that time. There are a few things that I have wanted to do but have been putting off because of other pressing matters. For instance, I really wanted to scrub out and organize under the sink. Today I was able to check a few of those tasks off my list but I am being driven crazy by the mess that is on going. It is just those little things that my husband and toddler do that really get under my skin. After I de-cluttered my kitchen island and got it squeaky clean, my husband comes in with an arm full of junk from the trunk of his car and just unloads it right on the island. I asked him why instead of putting each thing away he thought it was okay to just throw it there, ruining all my hard work. His response was that it was my junk that I left in the car. I love how husbands only take care of their own things yet wives and mothers clean up after everyone. I would also like to add that this pile of stuff consisted of a stack of papers from his work (not mine), some of the kids clothes (not mine), a sun shade that should have stayed in the car (not mine) and a few other items that belong to the kids. I really would like to know why I am solely responsible for the kids stuff when the kids belong to both of us.
I finally had relaxed a bit after taking a nice long nap with the baby and having some dinner. I went into the nursery to get a night gown for the baby and found popcorn all over the floor. This only reignited my frustration. I understand that my role as a stay at home mom means that I am responsible for the house but I would appreciate it if areas that were just cleaned stayed that way for at least a few hours.
And so my battle begins to not only de-clutter, organize and clean my house. I will be posting this week with tips I find helpful.

Retweet After Each Post

2010-06-23T21:03:00.000-07:00

You may think I'm an idiot for not knowing to do this but maybe it will help someone else as blond as I can be at times.

I am new to twitter but I wanted to link it up with my blog. I added a button so that everybody can follow me on twitter and please do! I found the html code for the retweet counter in the help section but I was having a lot of trouble trying to find where to put it in the rest of the html of my layout. I scanned and scanned for the that you are supposed to copy and paste the code after but couldn't find it.

I found a way to make this step very simple. Either go to edit in your browser window and click on search and at the bottom of the page type in or if you have a mac and firefox, press command F and then enter the info into the find field. It automatically finds it for you without any headache. You can then enter the code that follows on the next line:

<script type="text/javascript">
tweetmeme_url = '<data:post.url/>';
</script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"> </script>

Possessed Potty

2010-06-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

When I bought this potty for my son for Christmas I had no idea it was possessed. It is supposed to sing a song when your kid uses it. Lately it has been singing randomly when no one is using it, usually at night when the kids have gone to sleep. What the hay?

Wedding Quilt

2010-06-23T15:30:00.000-07:00

My Handsome Fella and His New Threads

2010-06-23T15:27:00.000-07:00

Bear got some new clothes today and I think he likes them...

My Gentle Giant

2010-06-22T00:17:00.001-07:00

clipped from rookery2.viary.com

I started calling Avery my gentle giant because even though he is quite a chunk he is so gentle with his baby brother and gives him hugs and kisses all day long. I was very proud of him a few weeks ago when a friend brought her little girl over and even though she was hitting him he never hit her back. In fact, he looked quite stunned when she did it. Today I had a friend over and he was throwing toys and her and hitting her. I can see this is the start of the hitting phase. Does anyone have any advice for nipping this in the bud?

Breastfeeding Hickie!

2010-06-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

Much to my delight, Barrett can latch on by himself with ease. Much to my dismay, Barrett latched onto the areola and not the nipple. Now I have a hickie on my boob the size of a nickel. It really hurt when it happened and its still a little tender. It took a few seconds to get him off, he was on there good! At least he doesn't have any latching problems.

Baby + Toddler + Grocery Store?!!?

2010-06-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

I might be being a tad on the dramatic side but for those of you who have two kids under two years old, or maybe 3+ under two years old, you will feel my pain. Daddy is working today and instead of making a trip to the grocery store last night while he watched the kids (this is what we always do), I decided to be brave and make a grocery store trip with a 3 and half month old and a 22 month old.

This is a daunting task, I'll tell ya. First there is planning, even if you are only getting a few things, planning is in order. How will you manage a shopping cart or basket and two little children? One scenario is to put the infant carrier in the cart. My seat has a little mechanism that makes it clip and lock onto the back part of the seat of the cart. It doesn't work on every shopping cart but it does work on the ones at our local grocery store. If you are forced to put the seat in the main section of the cart, hopefully you only have to pick up one or two things. So you have the baby in the cart, what do you do with the toddler? Of course he is going to run through the aisles and throw the cantaloupe and anything else within reach if you allow him to walk. You can carry this child but he weighs over 30 pounds and you will need to keep bouncing him up on your hip and putting him down if you need something off a low shelf or something that requires two hands to put in the cart.

I have done well at the store whilst wearing the little one in my Didymos and the big chunk-chunk in the cart but today I didn't plan. In the parking lot I decided the best way to go about this was to grab a cart and bring it over to the car, put my tot in the seat and carry the baby on my hip (facing outward, his favorite way to be carried). I still only had one hand with which to push the cart and load things into it. I made do, nothing too heavy and fortunately nothing on low shelves. Everything seemed to be going smoothly until I headed for the check out. I realized that I didn't have my debit card. I didn't bring a purse, just my kids, my WIC folder, car keys, my shopping list and my debit card. I set all of my things on the seat next to my kiddo when we started shopping. I thought it probably fell out or more likely, it was thrown out when I wasn't looking by a little monster. I know all of the people who work at our grocery store and so I told them I thought I had dropped it in the store. After a thorough sweep of the store (it is a nice store but pretty small), it was no where to be found. I left my full cart and grabbed the other kid out of the cart. Carrying both kids, I went out to the car and sighed with relief when I saw it sitting on the passenger seat. A little embarrassed, I returned to my cart in the store. I have known the manager since I was a little girl and she was kindly sorting through my cart, putting my WIC items on the line and handing the girl the voucher. Meanwhile, the tot is running off and another check out girl grabbed him for me. The manager offered to hold my little one while I got my older boy straight and paid.

Okay, so nothing extremely bad happened but it could have! I was embarrassed but thankfully I know all of the people who work at the store and they lent a helping hand. I guess it really does take a village. Mental note: Do not go anywhere without my sling if I am solely accountable for both my kids.

Next year: both kids running through the store in separate directions. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

Happy Father's Day to all the daddies, especially husband, my dad, step dad, father-in-law and all the grandfathers.

Chevron Stripes

2010-06-17T13:17:00.001-07:00

clipped from curbly.com

I love this.

Handmade Baby Shower Gift

2010-06-12T14:31:00.000-07:00

I made this pattern from U-handbag. It turned out really well. It is the expandable bag. It was a hit at my friend's baby shower. The design is really nice, the ties on the side undo and the bag expands to be huge. There is an interior pocket and an exterior zippered pocket and magnetic snaps to keep the bag closed. I will be making one of these babies for myself very soon.

Breastfeeding Is Making Me Crazy

2010-06-12T06:18:00.000-07:00

I feel bad even saying that I'm tired of breastfeeding. I guess it is more that I am tired from breastfeeding. Bear has become more efficient at nursing but he has been fussy lately from teething. He has two teeth now. They came in back to back and it has been hard on both of us. It is a lot harder to soothe a 3 month old who is teething than a 6 month old. He can't have frozen juices, italian ice, frozen yogurt, teething biscuits ...all the things I used to help my first son. All the teething ointments are for 4 months and up. I've been using a combination of numbing his gums with frozen teething toys and comfort nursing. He has kind of been chewing on me and my nipples are a little sore. A lot of times just walking around the house is the only solution. Because he has been nursing more than usual he spits up more. The little piggy eats more than his tummy has room for. He still isn't as bad a spitter as his brother though.

I am so mentally exhausted from hearing a baby cry so much. I miss Avery. I haven't been able to pay much attention to him. Last night he spent the night at Granny and Poppy's with his cousins. He probably is having more fun than ever. Breastfeeding a baby who is teething is awful. I want my baby to feel better but I'm drained. He has been stuck on me for a week. Maybe he is going through a growth spurt at the same time. I need a break but no one else can give him what he wants.

Sling Cleaning/ Babywearing Tips

2010-06-11T08:40:00.000-07:00

Today I must clean. Yesterday nothing got down as Bear was teething and miserable. He seeems in a better mood today, so he's coming along for the ride.

I have found a few things to be helpful for carrying a baby in a sling.

1. Make sure your baby has on a dry diaper before putting him in the sling. If you cloth diaper use an extra absorbent diaper. You don't want to have to keep taking your baby out for diaper changes. If you have another kid in diapers make sure his is dry too. It's difficult to change a toddler while baby wearing.

2. Make sure that you are "sure". Stinky pits will make your sling stinky and you'll have to wash it more often. If it is a hot day and you plan on being outside dry your armpits every so often and reapply if necessary.

3. Wear a comfy bra and light weight shirt. If you think you mightt get cold you can always keep a cardigan handy.

4. Keep a rubber band on your wrist. If you take off the sling, just fold it up and put the rubber band around it. This will save space in your diaper bag. My Didymos is long and always comes unfolded, making a mess.

5. If it is a hot day do not attempt to walk 3 miles while pushing a tandem stroller and having your baby in the sling napping. No matter how breathable the sling is, you will be miserable.

Neighbor Rant

2010-06-10T12:03:00.000-07:00

Does anyone have neighbors that they just absolutely love? If you do, it must be a rare thing. I have never had neighbors that I liked. My first living away from home experience was freshmen year in college. I had an RA on one side and a nymphomaniac on the other. When I got my first apartment it was a duplex, my roomie and I were on the top floor. Our downstairs neighbor had a Yorkie who constantly barked. We never complained but the girl (who lived below with her boyfriend who was perfectly pleasant to us at all times) sure had a lot of complaints about us. She wrote us a letter telling us that she could hear everything we did. She could hear our TV and our music, she could even hear us walking around. It was a very nasty little note. After that when we would occasionally have guests on weekend nights she would always end up pounding down our door and asking us to be quiet. If you've ever lived in an old house that has been turned into a duplex apartment you probably know that's just the way things are, and you just sucked it up. There's nothing you can do about it, you just hear everything the other people are doing, no matter how quiet they are. Deal with it or find a single apartment. The next place I lived was the same set up and although the guys downstairs from me were laid back and I didn't have any problems with them, one of the guys kind of creeped me out a little bit and they were kind of all art snobs. When I first got married we moved into an adorable little apartment above a man who worked out of town and was hardly ever home. He did get intoxicated one night and knock on my door at 3 am, scaring the shit out of me but that's nothing compared to who moved in next. When the downstairs apartment became available my husband's friend was staying with us, having just broke up with his girlfriend. He was constantly there, or coming over to borrow things because he was too cheap to buy any of his own stuff. He never returned anything he borrowed. Can you imagine how annoying it is to be in the middle of cooking dinner and realize that your can opener is missing? Or your mixing bowl? Cookie sheet? Where are all of my plates?!?! How about having someone always show up to your house at dinner time and helping themselves to what you cooked but never offering to wash a single dish or return the favor? I'm not going to start a different rant on this particular neighbor because you'd be here reading this all day. Back to my original rant. We rent a home from my mother and there is a separate, small apartment in our back yard. Several people have lived there in the past 2 years. None of them bothered me much because none stayed long. There is now a woman living back there, probably 25-30 years old. She had two men come to cut the grass today. My husband just usually cuts the entire lawn with a push mower. When there was a young boy living back there with access to a grasshopper mower he would do it every other time. So anyway it just always worked out that whoever cut the grass did the entire lawn. The guys that came today had a push mower and a riding mower. They only cut the grass in her part of the yard. We don't have a big lawn by any means. I think its bitchy to have the lawn cut right up to where our lawn starts. There were two guys, one with a riding mower! My husband does the entire lawn with a push mower! Am I getting worked up about nothing or is this just kind of rude?

My Breastfeeding Journey Continues

2010-06-10T07:52:00.000-07:00

I am unbelievably proud that at 3 months old Bear is still exclusively breastfed. If you know anything about my first breastfeeding experience with Avery you'll understand who excited I am.

We've been facing another difficulty lately. After nursing for about 2 minutes Bear starts to pull away from the breast and act fussy. It's been going on for over a week. I've been scrambling my brain trying to figure out what I'm doing wrong. I thought maybe I'm tense or tired and he can sense that. With that in mind I made sure to take deep breaths and relax while nursing. That didn't seem to make a difference. The only thing that slightly remedied the pulling away was to walk while I nursed him. If you are a breastfeeding mama you can relate to how tiring this can be for your back and arms.

It's funny how I google every little thing but never thought to type fussiness at the breast into the search bar or pull out my Nursing Mother's Companion(my go to book for everything about breastfeeding). I guess because deep down I still lack confidence and I felt that I was causing Bear's fussiness.

At 3 months old Bear already has one tooth pushed through and one more working its way through. He has been chewing on everyone's hands and anything else he can grab onto. Wondering what experiences other moms have with breastfeeding and teeth, I googled. Apparently, teething can cause a baby to be fussy at the breast and pull away. This can be remedied by using teething ointments or numbing the gums before nursing. It was one of those Aha! moments. I got out the tube of Little Teethers Gel, rubbed some on Bear's gums and the next time he nursed, no fussing, no pulling away.

I now have established a little bit more confidence and I'm ready for the next challenge that is thrown at me!

Cloth Diaper Stash

2010-06-08T10:25:00.000-07:00

I have been envious of other bloggers' diaper stashes for awhile now. I have been sampling different types and brands and have built my own stash. I would like to take this opportunity to show it off.

I have indian prefolds in newborn and infant size and chinese prefolds in infant and premium size. I have organic cotton prefolds in premium size, they are still too big and bulky for my little guy so I only use the for night time. I have two snappis and I have one of each diaper cover: Gen-Y, Flip, Baby BeeHind, a Stacinator and two Imse Vimse covers, a extra small and a small. I have but do not use yet because of their size: one terry cloth and four flannelette Imse Vimse contour diapers . Also I have one GroBaby with snap in insert and a BumGenius.

Clean Green with OMFFF!

2010-06-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

To me surfaces in my house are just not clean unless they are spic and span. Hot water and bleach or a cleaner with some omfff to it. Now that I have kids it is even more important that everything be as sterile as possible but its a catch 22. I want everything to be safe and natural as well. How do you get that level of cleanliness without using harsh chemicals that kill everything?

First off I like HOT water, hot enough that it is uncomfortable to put your hands under the faucet at first. Hot enough water helps sterilize and steam does the same thing. I have a Euro-Pro Shark Deluxe Steam Pocket Mop. I use it for my hard surface floors to get them sterile with zero use of cleaners. If you have kids walking around barefoot or crawling or toys on your floor this is very important. I also use it to freshen the carpet and mattresses, an alternative to Febreze, even though I do own a bottle and have been known to go overboard with my Febreze spraying.

I do not have a dishwasher, which would be nice because one can save on water and the dishes get sterilized locked in with hot water and steam. I have to do my dishes the old-fashioned way. I wonder what people used to do their dishes with before you could buy dish soap at the store? I like to use a green product for doing my dishes but lets face it, most of the green products that are readily available at local stores aren't that great. The one dish detergent that I like is Palmolive Pure & Clear . It is the only one that stays sudsy and you only need a small dab. I find myself constantly resoaping my dishrag (a knitted one that gets better every time I wash it instead of a yucky sponge) with other green or free detergents.

My newest love is Tide 2x Ultra Tide Pure Essentials with Baking Soda. If I had to do with only one cleaning product for the rest of my days this would be it. I use it on my cloth diapers and they always come out stain-free, smelling extremely fresh and soft.

I still use bleach and Soft Scrub® to do the real dirty work like the sink basins and the bath tub. It is the only way to get that bright white color back to my thirty-some year old kitchen sink. I make sure that after I have used any harsh cleaner that the surface is wiped down with hot water a time or two, in an effort to eliminate any residue left behind.

Using these techniques and products I feel like my house is clean to my standards but safe for my family to live in.

How Do Moms Feel about Child Modeling?

2010-06-07T08:24:00.000-07:00

Look, I know all kids are cute. A lot of them are very cute. I've seen several kids that I thought were just as adorable as mine. Of course no one will ever be more precious than my baby. Here is the thing: People stop me everywhere, physically stop me, to tell me just how beautiful, cute, adorable, pretty, breath-taking my child is. At the pool one day a woman came up to me and although I didn't know who she was, I'm guessing she was a local, she says to me "your little boy is so cute, I have seen him around a few times, if you don't put him in magazines you are a fool." Another day a woman asked me what his name was and told me that she saw him that morning with my parents and gushed about his appearance. This has been going on since he was a newborn. He wasn't as visible then, you know, he was in a car seat/stroller/someone's arms or just at home most of the time. Everyone said then he had a perfectly shaped head. I thought these people were kind of silly, what's up with complimenting the shape of a baby's head? Now that I have had a second child who was born with a slight cone-head that lasted a few days, I know what they mean. As people do with babies everyone was always asking to hold him and strangers would kiss him without asking (putting me into a secret rage). As the months have gone by the compliments kept rolling in, people audibly gasp, do a double-takes, rubberneck and ooh and aahh when they see him. Yesterday we were having our ritual evening trip to the beach. My mom was watching him while he played in a puddle by the road (he wasn't in the road and it was a quiet road anyways). A woman had been sitting in her van in the parking area, watching the sunset or so you would assume. She must have been ready to head home as she reversed her vehicle and drove in the direction of my son. When she was close she stopped, rolled the window down and told my mom how adorable he was etc. I mean, this woman took time to stop her car to pay compliments. That is what is most baffling to me, that people stop what they are doing and go out of their way to compliment this kid. I probably am getting a big head, thinking I have the cutest kid in the world here. It's just that so many people have suggested, some vehemently, that I need to get this kid into the toddler modeling world.

I don't know how I feel about all of this. The compliments are great, although sometimes I feel like no one pays attention to my other son, who is just a few months old. My biggest concern is that both my children have equal love and attention as well as opportunities. I don't want the younger one growing up thinking he isn't as special because he doesn't model if the older one does. That's just saying that he may not, but he may in fact get just as much attention in public as he gets older. He could potentially be a model too. So what would you do? Would you put your toddler into a modeling career? Will this take away from his childhood or enhance it? I have to admit that a nice sized savings account to put toward college or a car or whatever he needs one day would be great. I don't want to deprive him of this if it's something that he could earn. Would I be taking away from the little one if I have to go on auditions with his brother, driving him probably an hour or more for castings? What do I do? What do I do? There are so many things to factor into this decision. Should I give it a try? I can always stop if it has any negatives. The free clothes, toys, shoes, etc would be nice.

If you have any experiences with toddler or child or even baby modeling, I would love to hear them. If you have any opinions or advice on the matter leave me a comment.

Bum Genius Ipiphany!

2010-06-06T10:13:00.000-07:00

I am realively new to the cloth diaper scene. My three month old is a scrawny little guy with narrow hips. Getting the diapers to be fitted around his thighs and not being too bulky has been a little issue but I still would never return to disposables. I had several kinds, imse vimse contours, kiwi pie, several styles of prefolds with several styles of diaper covers. I mainly use the prefolds, unbleached with snappi and a diaper cover. I like the feel of the bum genius but when I put an insert in, even the newborn size there is too much bulk between his legs for him to look comfortable and not like he has frog legs when he's in a cute outfit.

Today I had a genius thought about using the bum genius diapers. Instead of stuffing the pocket with the microfiber insert that it came with, why not try a different insert? I used an insert from my fitted kiwi pie diaper that has a contoured shape to it. If you notice in the pictures it makes the fit a little bit more stream lined. I like this method a lot better and may consider getting another pocket diaper or two and some contoured inserts.

Stinkin' Cute

2010-06-06T10:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday To Me

2010-06-06T08:50:00.001-07:00

clipped from farm1.static.flickr.com

Happy Birthday to me. Why, Thank you Marilyn! This is a very sentimental birthday for me. I'm 25. It's not the age. I feel wiser instead of older. I appreciate the true meaning of my birthday now that I have two kids of my own. Last night my mom called me to tell me the story of the day I was born. I was 3 weeks late when I finally came into this world. My mom had her labor induced once and it didn't take. The doctors scared her good when they told her she would have to have a c-section if the next round of pitocin didn't bring on contractions. Thankfully it worked and I was born naturally. My dad wasn't there. He had an emergency at their business and promised he would be there before I was a day old. He asked my mom to name me Mary. When my dad finally got to the hospital, he held me in his arms, sitting in a chair next to the bed and fell dead asleep.

I used to take that story for granted, but giving birth to two children has made it become a very special story for me. When my mom was telling me it was almost like I could remember it myself. From a tiny baby into a woman. I am very lucky that I have done so much in my life already. Graduated High School. Graduated College with a Bachelor's in Fashion Design. Fall in love and married a wonderful guy. Given birth to two children. Left my hometown for a few years and moved back to raise my family. Such big milestones. I look at others my age and there are those who don't have it quite so good. Today I feel that I've done really well. I've never had an addiction or been to jail. I've never had a serious illness or injury. I take good care of my kids and they are healthy. I don't cheat on my husband or have to worry about not being sure who the father is. I'm not rich but I'm not broke. I have a lot on my plate but I'm keeping my head above water. I know what hard times look like but I remember its always the darkest before the dawn.

A good birthday. A day all about me.

Leaking Breastmilk

2010-06-01T16:49:00.001-07:00

clipped from www.mymilkies.com

I have got to get one of these!

Where Would I Be Without You?

2010-06-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

Being 9 months pregnant with a toddler was HARD. Trying to pick him up, forget it! I was so tired by that last month and so uncomfortable I could barely do anything with him. Thank goodness that I have my little sister. She is so good with Avery. She would come over my house and help me clean or just take care of Avery so I could get some things done. Now that I have two kids under two years old I seriously don't know how I could do it without her. My husband is wonderful and does way more than any daddy I know but he does work 12 hour days and when he can't be here I really have my hands full. My mom is a big help too and she is great with my boys but she just started selling real estate and she just doesn't have as much time for me as she did before. If it weren't for my lil sis I would probably be sitting in the floor with both kids crying every day. She comes over just about every day to help out or take Avery some place so that he can have a break from being confined to the house. A few weeks ago when the weather started to get nice she bought Avery a little pool. She has come over every week since to scrub the algae out and put in fresh water. What a great aunt she is! So Brodie, if I don't say it enough I hope this will make up for it. I love you and I would be lost without you helping me all the time.

Recommended for Cloth Diaperers

2010-05-27T19:18:00.000-07:00

Since I started my cloth diaper experiment that has turn into a journey I have absorbed quite a bit of wisdom from fellow diaperers, including those who did it over 20 years ago. My favorite little trick is to hang or lay diapers in the sun and poof! stains disappear. Seriously, it is like magic. I've just been using regular wisk or tide detergent. It wasn't getting the diapers as fresh as I would have liked. I used to wash all of our clothes in All, the free & clear kind but you aren't supposed to use the clear detergents with cloth diapers. I also ordered a detergent sample pack of Allen's Naturally, Sensi-clean and Charlie's Soap. I haven't been too impressed with any of them. They get the diapers clean, I just don't feel like I'm in a meadow or under a waterfall when I smell them as I take them out of the washer/dryer. Yesterday I came across Tide Pure Essentials with Baking Soda and White Lilac Scent. If you cloth diaper, I strongly recommend this detergent. Bear's diapers now have a very light, fresh smell. When I was pulling them out of my washer I thought "these smell bright", I know bright isn't a scent but that's the only way I know how to describe what I experienced. I am not being paid to say this, I just wanted to share it with my fellow diaper mamas, because it is that good.

Bathing Suit Shopping

2010-05-25T03:55:00.001-07:00

clipped from www.funnytimes.com

I have to get a new bathing suit today for the weekend. Last year I had a maternity suit, not wearing that again! I don't want to spend a lot of money as I am still losing weight. I've lost all the weight from both pregnancies, I'm actually a couple pounds lighter than before I got pregnant the first time. Now I'm tackling the "freshmen fifteen".... and also the sophomore ten, the junior ten, the senior ten and the extra year of college twenty... hehe... what does that add up to? 65 extra? Okay, well, I don't think I'd ever be able to get down that far, or look healthy if I did. I am doing well though, very proud of myself. Another 20 or 30 lb and I'll be thrilled. I hope I can find a tankini to cover those stretch marks that isn't too mom-mom-esque. I won't buy a one-piece, they make me feel too constricted. Avery also needs some trunks, that will probably be a much smoother purchase than the afore-mentioned mom-suit.

Cenus

2010-05-24T10:27:00.000-07:00

Well I did in fact send in my cenus but today the guy showed up anyway. No one ever knocks on our front door except for package deliveries so I assumed it was a package and got excited. Whatever, the guy filled out another form for me. My only thing here is, why do they need to know if your children or biological or adopted? What purpose could this information serve? Do you spend less money on children if they aren't yours biologically? Do they not count them? What the heck is that?

Vaccinations: Do or Don't?

2010-05-23T20:21:00.000-07:00

I'm becoming more educated on medical matters with my second child. With my first, I was pregnant all through my last year of college, busy busy busy. My son was born premature and had weight gain problems, breast feeding problems. I just wanted him to be healthy and strong, so I did everything the doctor's told me. Now I'm starting to ask questions, stray from the advice of my pediatrician and seek out knowledge from different sources. My newest curiosity is vaccinating. There is so much information out there, a lot of it conflicting. Does anyone have any personal experiences they could share with me? Does anyone postpone vaccinations until their children reach a certain age? If so, what age? I'd be happy to absorb any information anyone can give me.

Mole Hills

2010-05-22T08:34:00.000-07:00

I live in a small town and with all the advantages of having a family here also comes the drama. One of my best friends/family member is getting married this summer. At first I was planning on taking the baby (breastfeeding and won't take bottle of expressed milk) and leaving Avery with a sitter. Someone told me no, don't do that, everyone takes their kids to weddings, its cute to dress them up and everyone wants to see them. So I got excited, thinking it would be a great opportunity to show Avery off. At the bridal shower I asked someone if they thought it was a good idea. I didn't know that there had already been drama over bringing kids to the wedding. I then asked the mother of the groom and the groom what they thought and they said they didn't have anything planned for kids so they would rather we didn't bring them but they understood about the baby coming. I was discussing it (I thought confidentially) with my own mother. I just said I would have liked to bring him and I wish I hadn't asked because then no one could fault me for bringing him, I could just say "I didn't know". My mom went on about how when her kids were little if they weren't welcome somewhere then she didn't go either. I am not from the same mindset. I think there are certain places you shouldn't take your child but if you can find a decent sitter, you should still go. For instance, bars, sporting events, concerts, boat rides, etc. I love my kids and spend every waking second with them, and in fact, every non waking second. If I have an opportunity to do something fun and it means leaving them with a trusted sitter, then I don't feel bad about it one bit. Of course my mom is close friends with the stepmother of the groom (small town again) and they can both make mountains out of mole hills whenever given the chance (no offense ladies, I love you for it when its not happening to me). It gets back to my friend that I will not be attending the wedding because I can't bring my boys. I already had a sitter lined up. He did say though that there will be other kids at the wedding, they just didn't plan for kids meals and so on. I hope I can get things straight with him. I hate for it to seem like I'm being a drama queen when in fact I played a non-speaking role in the theatrics that are a small town.

Defeated

2010-05-21T19:37:00.001-07:00

I feel so defeated sometimes. Just when I feel like I've gotten over the hump with breast feeding and things will be easy, here comes Mr. Ugly News. I took Barrett in for immunizations and a weight check today. He didn't see the doctor, just the nurses as the doctor saw him last week and he weighed 9lb 5 oz, and today when he was weighed it was the same. Later on the doctor's office called and said the doc was a little concerned he hadn't gained any weight and wanted to see us in a week for another weight check. Why isn't he gaining enough? He isn't losing and I know thats good, but he should be gaining more rapidly than he is. I just feel exhausted from the stress of wondering why. Is my breast milk lacking in nutrition? Is something wrong with Barrett? A stomach blockage? Am I just borrowing trouble?

clipped from amberhopephotography.typepad.com

OH MY GOODNESS

2010-05-21T07:06:00.001-07:00

Okay, I'm looking for tankinis because all I had last year was a maternity bathing suit and before that bikinis. Now that I have these wonderful stretch marks and a little bit of chub I need more coverage. BUT-- I want this! We're probably going to an indoor water park for Christmas, so maybe by then my marks will have faded enough and I will be thin enough to get this, besides it is way too expensive to buy right now, watching for a sale.

clipped from www.asos.com

Busy Thursday

2010-05-20T21:57:00.000-07:00

Aren't they something?

Here is my little sister wearing Barrett.

Avery and Daddy caught a fish. Actually Isaac ended up with a whole cooler full of cat fish.

Whipped up this wet bag tonight. It only took about an hour, maybe less. I like it a lot better than the one I made for myself last week. It is going to be given away to a lucky winner in my local mom group. I also made coffee cozies, tee pees and a hot/cold pack for giveaways.

Kidnapping Amy Butler

2010-05-19T20:29:00.000-07:00

I want to kidnap Amy Butler and force her to make me several items of her own design. I have been thinking since my first child that I could really use a changing table, especially now that I am using cloth diapers and it would be nice to have a place to set a diaper pail next to and store my diapers, etc. I found a small desk at a yard sale when Avery was a baby and had planned to turn it into such. It never happened, I just change the kids on the couch or floor, works perfectly fine. Now that I have seen a photo of a changing pad design from Amy Butler's Little Stitches for Little Ones I think I will have to make it.

clipped from www.amazon.com

Life is Good Award

2010-05-18T16:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Snuggle Buggle Rock Mom my blog has been given the Life is Good Award.

The award has a handful of rules that must be followed and there are a few questions that you have to answer and you have to pass it on to six other blogger's worthy of the award :D

Here are the questions and my answers:

What do you do when you're bored?

Sew, surf the web, take a nap if possible. Boredom doesn't happen often with a toddler and a baby.

Are you and Autumn or a Spring?

Spring

Quick! You're stuck at an airport for hours, and the only options are crossword puzzles, or an old novel nobody's ever heard of. Which do you pick?

I would first go for the crossword puzzles but being as I am terrible at them, I would end up reading the old novel.

Jane Austen or Emily Bronte?
Emily Bronte

Do you feel prepared for the five other questions coming your way?
I'm prepared for anything when the time comes.
Who’s your hero?
Anyone who is a mom and has time to do anything creative.

Favourite word?
Nevertheless
Are you one of those “checklist” people, or are you a “wing it and hope everything goes well” sort of person?
"Wing it and hope everything goes well" sort of person.

What phrase has stuck with you in your life?
Everyone makes mistakes.

If you were to choose between coffee and tea . . . which would you go with?
Coffee

6 Bloggers who deserve this award are:

Alexandra at Breastfeeding Momma

Cheryl at Crunchy Business

Rose at Mommy and Sweet Pea Make a Blog

Prerna at The Mom Writes

Jaime at Becoming Mom

Birthday Party

2010-05-18T06:23:00.001-07:00

I'm all over these two cakes from Martha Stewart. I think I might reserve the first one if I ever need to host a baby shower, hint hint Gina. The second one might just be the start of inspiration for Avery's 2nd birthday party.

clipped from www.marthastewart.com

Tee Pees for the Pee Pees!

2010-05-17T21:15:00.000-07:00

Okay so these are kind of silly but also a nifty gift. I personally do not have any use for them as I have two boys and have only been peed on about 3 times. My friend is having a boy and this is part of her shower gift. I was able to whip up 6 of these in about an hour. I used a CD as a template and then used a rotary cutter to slice each circle in half. They are lined with white flannel and have a handy little tab for lifting off of the pee pee. The tab also proved very useful in turning right side out. I played around with my camera and found the indoor setting takes very nice pictures indoors! Imagine that! I still need some work on my photography but its getting better, right?

2010-05-17T16:40:00.000-07:00

Here is my finished wet bag for my dirty cloth diapers. It took me all day and I'm tired. My pictures didn't turn out great, this is the only decent one. I think I need to take a photography course. Anyways, maybe I will take some more pics tomorrow after some much needed sleep. No tee pees, think about whipping a few up after I have a late dinner.

Completion

2010-05-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

I received an invite to a bridal shower for which the theme was Rooms of the House and the room I was assigned was the dining room. I mulled it over, and the only handmade craft for the dining room I could think of that I could complete in my time frame was a set of placemats. Here are the finished six reversible placemats. I was in a hurry wrapping them and didn't get many pictures.

I used some burlap my husband had a roll of to wrap the big box containing the placemats, tissue paper to wrap a stone trivet that is an aerial view map of our town and the surrounding bay, in the brown bags there are 3 glass cylinder vases filled with some wicker balls and dried nuts and some sort of fruit or something strange but nifty, and in the smaller brown bag there is a pretty blue distressed metallic painted glass vase. I decorated the packaging with fresh flowers and ribbon curls. I was pretty impressed with myself as were the bridal shower guests and bride! Very happy with my results and the fact that I was able to complete a gift without any major meltdowns.

My next gift project is for a baby shower. I'm making a friend a diaper bag and lots of goodies to go in it, such as peepee teepees, a bib, changing pad, wipes case, slippers and either some burp rags or wash clothes. This maybe a daunting task but I'm going to break it down into small tasks I can complete in one day. Today I need to finish a wet bag I am making for my own diaper bag and I thought if I had some time left over I could whip up a teepee or two. Keep ya updated and what not.

My Kids are the Cutest!

2010-05-17T08:26:00.000-07:00

I had Barrett on his blanket on the floor the other day and Avery, being the loving big brother that his is, immediately went over and laid down by him and held his hand! Adorable!

Marc Castelli -- Amazing

2010-05-16T20:00:00.001-07:00

clipped from www.marc-castelli.com

Tomorrow we are going to visit the Massoni gallery in Chestertown. Marc Castelli has an exhibit there. This particular watercolor is of my brother, Herbie. I couldn't resist taking a sneak peak. If you can't go you should check out the website, http://www.marc-castelli.com/pushingback.htm I think they are just breathtaking. And furthermore I went to high school with his daughter, cool points for me!

BlogLovin'

2010-05-14T07:31:00.001-07:00

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Breastfeeding Update

2010-05-14T06:57:00.000-07:00

I want to let moms out there struggling with breastfeeding know that there is hope. I've been there when it seems like you're just going to have to give up but you want to make it work so bad. I did have to give up with my first son after 8 mentally, emotionally and physically exhausting weeks. Later, I found out it was impossible for him to latch on due to tongue-tie. The second time around, my baby was latching on good but not getting enough milk out. Whaddya know?! He was tongue-tied too and we had it corrected. After this it got easier but not over night. It was a learning process for both of us.
Good things do come to those who wait. Those who are VERY patient and wait. Barrett is almost 11 weeks old and he can latch on with very little help from me. As soon as he sees me lift my shirt he opens his mouth wide and starts routing. Yesterday he thrust his head toward my breast before I was ready and latched on all by himself. I never thought that would happen for us. Trust me, if I can be this confident in my breastfeeding, anyone can. So if you are having a hard time with it keep at it and it will get easier.

Recylced Crafts

2010-05-13T07:24:00.001-07:00

clipped from dollarstorecrafts.com

clipped from www.countryliving.com

clipped from img204.imageshack.us

clipped from www.countryliving.com

Ruler Tabletop

Transform a tired side table into a piece that really rules by covering the top in vintage yardsticks.
clipped from www.merrimentdesign.com

clipped from www.merrimentdesign.com

clipped from www.thegreenestdollar.com

Sneaky Shop Owners!

2010-05-13T06:24:00.000-07:00

I'm all for supporting local businesses but I think some of them should show some respect for mothers. Over the weekend I was at a local coffee shop that we go to quite often. They have a very nice outdoor seating area with a nice size grassy patch which is great if you have kids. On this particular day I saw that Avery had a very fancy flashing rubber ball in his hand and looked to see where he got it from. There was a box of them on the bottom shelf right next to the counter where we were standing. The box was marked $5.99 (pricey for a rubber ball even with bells and whistles!). I tried to get the ball back from him but I was holding Barrett and Avery headed for the door (grandparents were sitting outside). I'm all for avoiding temper tantrums in public within reason. My mom came in and said she would buy him the ball. I told the woman behind the register (the proprietor) "I guess I have to pay for that ball since he is determined to take it outside." To which she replies, with a giggle "I feel kind of bad but we put those toys down there for in kids reach on purpose. I have to sell them somehow." I can tell you from her attitude that she did not feel bad at all. She has plenty of odds and ends for sale plus a huge wine selection, I don't think she is making too grand a profit off of bouncy balls. It's bad enough that drinks, pastries and sandwiches cost an arm and a leg, now I have to fear what is going to be on the bottom shelf when I go for a cup of coffee? Through word of mouth I also discovered they don't make any of their pastries on site, they are all shipped in from out of state. Sorry Lady, but you ruined it for me. I would take my business elsewhere but it's the only cafe in town. Instead I will simply avoid the establishment unless my children aren't with me and if you know me that is a seldom occurrence .

Bring on the Beach

2010-05-10T18:21:00.001-07:00

Looking for some swim trunks for Avery for this year. Kmart has some great ones for only $6.99

clipped from www.kmart.com

clipped from www.backcountry.com

clipped from www.originalpenguin.com

clipped from www.campmor.com

clipped from www.sears.com

Dream House

2010-05-10T18:09:00.001-07:00

In my dream house this would be the kitchen except that boy sitting there would be Avery or Barrett. Gorgeous.

clipped from www.coastalliving.com

If I were a Carpenter

2010-05-10T18:00:00.001-07:00

I only wish I was a bit handier with wood and a hammer and I would make this for Avery. He would love it, I'm sure.

clipped from www.bhg.com

The heart of this 5-year-old's room is the window seat he calls his "office." Remove the cozy cushions, pull up a stool, and the seat becomes a work surface that he can use for coloring books now and homework later. Accessible built-in storage cubbies under the seat double as a step for the window seat. Cork tiles provide a nonslip surface. The open storage allows him to change the scenery by replacing what's inside while keeping things tidy. The desk stool tucks under the seat and out of the way. Here's how to make this cool kids' room window seat.

A Cool Hideaway

Striped cushions, pillows in bold colors,
and a handy sconce make this window
seat a comfy hideout for reading.

Continued on page 2: Skill Level, Materials, and Tools

Here's how to make a comfy hideout complete with built-in storage cubbies and a work surface for coloring or homework.

From Do It Yourself Magazine

Also from Kids' Room magazine

Prev 1 2 3 (of 4) Next

Conditioning a Baby to Like His Car Seat

2010-05-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

Barrett has never liked his car seat but lately it has become worse or maybe it is just bothering me more because I want to go more places now that the weather is nice. He screams bloody murder whenever he is in the seat and it is in the car (sometimes he is fine with the seat in the house). I've researched online what other moms with this problem do. There are plenty of suggestions such as dangling toys on the handle and playing loud music. I've tried most of the suggestions and had no luck. I'm going to keep trying a combination of things but I'm also trying to condition Barrett to be comfortable in the seat while it is in the house. Later on I will make the transition to comfort in the seat whilst in the car. Right now my conditioning routine consists of resting the Sleep Sheep on the side of the seat where he can see, hear and touch it. I use the ocean sound turned up loud. I give him a soother to suck on although he hasn't had one until now, he really can't keep it in his mouth, I constantly am holding it there for him. I don't strap him in but that will be the next step once he is comfortable with this. I hope this works out!

Bridal Shower

2010-05-01T16:05:00.000-07:00

What do you get someone for their bridal shower when you are assigned the dining room? And since when do you get assigned a room to get gifts for? I was thinking I'd do something handmade but all I can think of is place mats and that seems kind of lame. Most people don't even use their dining rooms. Everything I can think of seems to be for the kitchen, like knitted dish rags and tea towels. Also, I thought that gifts for the home were for a house warming party. At a bridal shower don't people usually get the bride lingerie, sex books, etc? Hmm... I'm excited to go, just confused as to what to do for a gift. Any ideas?

Breastfeeding Nap

2010-04-27T22:22:00.000-07:00

Breastfeeding in Public Button
Buy this product at CafePress

I hadn't tried the side lying position while breastfeeding. I was a little nervous about it. Not because I thought I'd fall asleep and would roll on my baby or anything like that. I just didn't think I'd be able to get the positioning to get him to latch on right. I was just sticking to worked best for us. Today I was so tired, I had a head ache and I just really needed a nap. Isaac was home and he was going to watch both boys but then Barrett needed to nurse for comfort, he had been having tummy pains and I could tell it took a lot out of him. So Isaac brought him in the bedroom and I laid him down next to me, I thought maybe he would take a nap with me in the bed. I'm no stranger to co-sleeping with Avery, I've done it just about every night since he was born until Barrett came along but I had yet to do it with him. There wasn't enough room in the bed for all 4 of us and it didn't make sense for Isaac and Avery to wake up every time Barrett and I had to so I've taken to the couch with the bassinet close by. It's actually been suitable because I can watch TV and I have easy access to the kitchen and computer. He was a little fussy so instinctively I just pulled him close and let him latch on. IT WAS GREAT! It was so comfortable and therapeutic. We both were so relaxed that we fell asleep like that with each other and slept for 3 hours. When he fussed I turned onto my other side, moving him with me, putting him to the other breast. I think I will reserve this special position for when I really need to take a nap or I don't feel well or Barrett doesn't feel well.

This website has such cute things and not just for about breastfeeding. Aren't these cute?

Mommy's Milk Infant Bodysuit
Buy this product at CafePress

Hey You With the Boobies Infant Bodysuit
Buy this product at CafePress

Mug
Buy this product at CafePress

My Husband is the Green One

2010-04-27T19:19:00.000-07:00

I have to say my husband is a lot better at being green than I am. He grew up in a house that recycled and I didn't. I try my best but I'll admit there are some areas I could do better in. I always forget to take my bags with me when I grocery shop and there are some things if I don't feel like washing out that I throw in the trash can even though I know they should be recycled. I'm going to start trying harder. My husband has inspired me. We went to the beach today and he spent a lot of time picking up trash and later recycling what he could.

Here are my boys sifting through the drift wood for washed up trash and recyclables. They filled up a grocery bag, plus some big pieces that wouldn't fit.

Asparagus Hunting

2010-04-27T19:14:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else go asparagus hunting? It grows wild here and ever since I can remember my grandmother and mom would take us hunting for it on the sides of the roads. Sometimes we would fill huge bags with it. A lot of times you find more that has gone to seed than good pieces. On the way home from the pediatrician's office today I decided to take some back roads and look for it. I only picked enough to have for dinner.

This piece was huge!

Does anyone else do this or are we just a bunch of crazies?

A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes

2010-04-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

"Have faith in your dreams and someday, your rainbow will come smiling through. No matter how your heart is grieving if you keep on believing the dream that you wish will come true."

Good inspiration to keep up with my latest goals.

A Cloth Diaper Expert

2010-04-26T06:26:00.000-07:00

I found this on YouTube, this mom is set up for diapering! I like the velcro under the changing table for drying out the diaper covers and how she uses a spray bottle to wet her cloth wipes. I have been wondering about a way to use cloth wipes on the go, since there isn't always going to be a sink around to wet them-- great solution. Smart mama!

Cloth Diaper Amateur

2010-04-26T06:07:00.000-07:00

From Welcome Barrett

I'm on my third day of the Changing Diapers, Changing Minds program. I'm enjoying cloth diapers so far. They have made a different in Barrett's diaper rash, its all cleared up. With disposables he couldn't seem to kick it. With the program I received 6 prefolds, 3 fitted diapers, 3 diaper covers and 3 pocket style diapers. I've been trying them all out but I've been drawn to the prefolds a little more. I went to change Barrett's diaper this morning and after I got the prefold on him I realized all the diaper covers and the pocket diapers are in the wet pail. I refuse to use a disposable, even though we have plenty. I laid out a sheet protector we have for his crib on the couch and he's hanging out there right now while I do my dirty diaper laundry.

Sick Days, Vacation Days, Weekends

2010-04-26T05:40:00.000-07:00

Both my kids are asleep and I've had my coffee so I thought it would be a great opportunity to turn on the baby monitor and head upstairs to my studio and continue work on my latest project. I did a little sewing and then I thought I heard someone fuss so I came back downstairs. Both kids were still fast asleep but I wanted to throw up a quick post.
As I was sitting at my sewing machine I was thinking about tomorrow being my husband's day off work. Barrett has a check up in the morning but after that I was planning to let Avery and Isaac do whatever they wanted together and just spend the day working in my studio in between caring for the baby. I started thinking, "Is it really fair that on Isaac's days off he was to watch Avery all day while I'm working in here?" You know what I realized... I mean its pretty obvious when I read it back to myself. I don't get days off. I watch both kids all day, every day that Isaac works. I don't get sick days or vacation days or even weekends off. My husband is an excellent father, I never have to beg him to help out with Avery or the house work. I feel guilty because on his days off he pitches in so much with the chores that I couldn't tackle while he was working. He does dishes, takes out the trash, vacuums, gives Avery a bath and even goes to the grocery store although I know it is one of his least favorite things to do. I do want him to enjoy his days off but I guess in my mind that means getting out of the house, because that is what a break from my job as a SAHM would be. Isaac works with convicts all day long, playing with his children and watching tv is relaxing and enjoyable for him. There will still be plenty of days when the weather is nice for him to take Avery to the beach or go fishing. It is supposed to rain a lot this week so I shouldn't let myself feel guilty for taking advantage of his day off so that I can get some work done. After all, I'm just trying to start a home business so that we can have a little extra income for our "wants" while not having to send my children to day care or hire a babysitter. If things work out, in the long run, Isaac might be able to be a SAHD and I could be a WAHM. That is probably not going to happen for a long time but its nice to dream.

Another Chapter in Breastfeeding: Diaper Rash & Cloth Diapers

2010-04-25T07:10:00.000-07:00

I have not had an easy time of it when it comes to breastfeeding my two children and I know I'm not alone. My first son was born almost a month early. The maternity ward was very, very busy that night (so much so that I didn't even have a proper room, more like a broom closet). Nurses were buzzing around and they kept saying someone would be in to help me breastfeed but no one came in to help until about 6 hours after he was born! I tried on my own but I was exhausted, not sure what to do. I thought I still had another month to learn about breastfeeding and part of me thought anyone could do it, women who don't breastfeed made a conscious decision not to. Boy was I wrong! I had nurses and lactation consultants work with me the entire week I was in the hospital. He never latched on once. Each time I would bring him close to me he would fall asleep right away. It was so frustrating. We would try to wake him up with cool rags, undressing him, tickling his feet, etc. He was just a sleepy, sleepy, sleepy little guy. I pumped and gave him colostrum with a tube and later with a cup. The lactation consultant suggested that his frenulum looked a little tight and told me to ask the pediatrician making rounds. She put a glove on, stuck her finger in my baby's mouth and told me he could suck fine, it wasn't a problem. She could not have been more wrong. It turns out, and I didn't find this until I was pregnant with my second son, that he was tongue-tied. The Nursing Mother's Companion: Revised Edition says that a tongue-tied baby will almost never be able to latch on but the problem is simply fixed by snipping the little tissue under the tongue. It's kind of a controversial procedure but I'll tell you about my experience with that later. Not knowing that this was the source of the problem, I was led to believe my first wasn't latching on for a variety of reasons. The most hurtful reason, as I was told by a physician was that we were INCOMPATIBLE as a mother and baby, meaning that my nipples were too big for his tiny mouth. I tried for 8 weeks, to resolve the issue with no luck. At this point I was having a considerable amount of blood in my expressed milk from broken blood vessels in my milk ducts and decided I had done everything I could do and it just wasn't going to happen. If you have ever had problems with breastfeeding you'll know how devastating it can be to realize that you won't be able to feed your baby. When my second son was born I was able to immediately put him to the breast, he latched on almost right away to my wonder and amazement! Relief! Once we had been home from the hospital for a week I started having problems with my nipples being cracked and sore and my little guy wasn't getting back to his birth weight as he should. I refused to give him formula even though my husband kept pushing the issue. After lots of tears from feeling like I was going to fail again I thought to give his tongue a second look (I had sort of checked him out in the hospital but since he latched on I thought all was well). There it was! That little piece of tissue under his tongue stretched all the way to the tip. We made an appointment with the doctor and had an in office procedure called a frenotomy. It was quick and I'm assuming painless because my son didn't cry, he only fussed a bit while the nurse was prying his mouth open. It healed super fast and he never had another problem with latching-on.

I thought my days of breastfeeding worries were over but nope. Yesterday the baby was screaming all day with diaper rash. I think it was from some spicy food I ate. His little behind was all red and slightly blistered. Every time he wet or soiled his diaper the screaming would start and my heart would ache for him. It's so hard to know what to do with diaper rash because what soothes one baby doesn't work for another. When Avery had diaper rash (when we introduced solids) we would very quickly bathe him in luke warm water to get his tushy clean, let him air dry, rub nystatin on the rash and rock/walk him until he fell asleep in our arms. With Barrett, I put him in his little tub and that automatically soothed him, so I just splashed water over him while he hung out for about 15 minutes. After his bath I let him air dry and then applied some pure lanolin to sooth the rash. After that rubbed off or soaked in on its own then I put the nystatin on and covered him in a cloth diaper. My cloth diapers had just arrived in the mail that morning and I think it was a blessing. I really believe that they helped in clearing up the rash faster than if we had continued using cloth. Thank goodness for cloth diapers. Can't you see how Barrett is so happy to be in cloth?

How do you soothe your baby he/she gets diaper rash? Have you noticed less diaper rash using cloth? Have you noticed anything in your diet that causes diaper rash for your baby?

Laziness Makes Me Think Green

2010-04-24T20:37:00.000-07:00

I was trying to take some pictures of some fabric that I'm going to sell and I couldn't figure out how to turn the flash off. I've only had the camera for about 5 years... Anyway I know I have the instruction manual "some place" but I didn't feel like doing a search. Did you know that the glorious internet provides instruction manuals to just about every type of product that comes with one? I did manage to find a PDF of the exactly manual for my camera. In the past I've downloaded instructions for my various printers and a few other things. So I was thinking, they should stop printing those darn things that people always misplace or throw out and everyone could just look them up from their computers when they need them. The only hole is that I guess some people don't use the internet or have need for their manuals when they won't have access to the internet. Maybe we could all just get together and recycle all of our drawers and cabinets full of manuals that we hardly ever refer to.

Sweet Deals, Free Stuff!

2010-04-22T09:32:00.000-07:00

Free Baby Stuff

This site is pretty nifty, especially if you like freebies or consider yourself thrifty. They're sending me a free eBook is $100 in free samples. I'm excited to see what I get. There are lots of links for coupons for anything you can imagine. I found a 25% off one item coupon for Peebles. Peebles is the closest department store to our house so I'll definitely be using it. I printed out some grocery coupons for coffee and garlic bread among other things. I'm not doing surfing the site, there is so much free stuff!!! I wish I had known about this site when Avery was a baby... all the money I could have saved. Check it out, you won't be sorry.

Melissa Peterman and Brownies

2010-04-21T19:19:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else watch the Singing Bee on CMT? It's like a karaoke competition basically only its the ability to know the words, not so much the quality of singing. I DVR it so I can watch it late at night while I'm nursing the little one. It was on the background and I hear Melissa Peterman (from Reba), the host, say this "I'll admit it. At times in my life I have forgotten my husband's birthday, I have forgotten my parent's anniversary and even how old my grandmother is. But you know what I have never forgotten? The words to "Baby Got Back" and the theme song to the Golden Girls. And you know what? No one has asked me at a party "how long have your parents been married?" No, they ask me to sing "Baby Got Back"."
She is so cheesy but funny. She has a stand up comedy show. I want to see it. I wonder if its on YouTube?
On another note, Avery and I made brownies tonight and I let him lick the wisk.

Daddy got home from work just before the batter was all gone.
The brownies turned out more cake-like than I wanted but who can complain about a brownie? Unless its the fact that your husband took a big bite out of your corner piece (which he did). Pay back is a you-know-what.

I Need Advice Cloth Diapers

2010-04-21T07:50:00.000-07:00

I have been reading a lot of other moms' blogs that use cloth diapers. I was misinformed about cloth diapers, sadly. My mom used cloth diapers, 20 some years ago. She told me what a pain in the heiney they are. They have come along way since then. Now that Avery is almost potty trained I was thinking it might be a good idea to switch Barrett to cloth. Barrett is reaping a lot of advantages being the second baby. I knew to have his frenulum snipped so he could breastfeed. With Avery I struggled with latch on for 8 weeks before switching completely to formula, he got some breast milk but not nearly as much as I wanted him to have. Barrett is going to be cloth diapered; with Avery I didn't give it much thought.
I'm really interested in cloth diapers but I don't know which ones to buy or what other supplies come in handy. I've never been around anyone who used them so I really feel lost. Can anyone offer up some good advice from personal experience?

A Day Out of the House

2010-04-20T21:03:00.000-07:00

It is way too difficult to get both my kids bathed, dressed and in their car seats, get myself bathed and dressed and my diaper bag packed and go anywhere right now. However, it was struggle through it or stay cooped up in the house another day - no thank you. It was too nice a day. So we went to Chestertown, the next town over. We went to the grocery store for diapers, wipes, batteries for night lights and some food items.

Avery loves his pasta so I try to buy lots of different types of noodle for variety. I tried to get the pasta away from him and this was the look I got.

I was going to go downtown and go to the art supply store for some painting medium but Barrett started to fuss, so I made a detour to the park. Avery ran around and explored while I nursed his little bro. While we were there the Schooner Sultana passed by full of people, I assume they were taking a tour.

He loves the outdoors so much, I hate that we have to stay inside when we've been having such nice weather.

We visited Poppy at his Commissioner's meeting. Everyone gushed over how cute the boys were. Avery cried when we left and it took a great deal of patience and strength to get him in his car seat. We never made it to any of the stores I wanted to visit. I decided to just head home as I knew I would have to feed Barrett soon and couldn't think of anywhere it would be safe for Avery to run around. Half way home Barrett started letting me have it, demanding his lunch. I pulled into the Elk's Lodge. They have a picnic/horse shoe area and a small playground. Avery liked this cool stump.

When I got back I realized I hadn't taken even one picture of Baby Barrett. He is 7 weeks old now and doesn't do much but he's still cute. You can probably tell his hair has started to disappear. His cheeks are getting chubbier too.

Maybe the next trip to Chestertown will be more fruitful but I'm still proud that I got them both out of the house and Avery got to soak up some sun and plenty of fresh air.

He did it!

2010-04-20T05:02:00.000-07:00

From Blogger Pictures

Avery taking a nap in his big boy bed yesterday afternoon. He also laid down in it last night and sleep there until 6 am. He is such an easy kid to parent.

Strolling an Infant and a Toddler

2010-04-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

(Mine is Blue)
I didn't use my stroller too much when I had just one baby. He preferred being carried and I rarely went anywhere alone so it was no big deal. I just had the Graco Aura travel system my sister gave me as a shower gift. I love the infant seat that was part of the set and still use it with my second son. The fabric is super soft, washes nicely and it locks onto every shopping cart I have tried. While I was pregnant with my second son I started researching double strollers. My kids are only 18 months apart and I think those "ride-on" strollers for an infant and toddler are ridiculous. The best solution I found with the Kolcraft Contours Options. It was in my price range and can be set in a variety of different positions so that the kids can face each other, away from each other or both facing front. It has a univeral car seat adapter and folds up relatively small for a double. It maneuvers easy too and has lots of storage space underneath. The best part was the price, it retails at Babies 'r' Us for $229.00. My story gets even better. As a ploy to get me out of the house to set up for my surprise baby shower, my sister took me to Babies 'r' Us to get the stroller. When we got there and went to the stroller section I immediately noticed my desired stroller in the clearance section. Apparently the store puts their display models on sale every 30 days. The stroller was 50% off. We were thinking something was wrong with it and the sales person said "Nope, we just have to sell the display models and put new ones up every 30 days. I'm surprised no one has grabbed this up yet, they usually get sold first thing when we open". Wonderful! So we took it up to the register and they even let me use a 20% off coupon in addition to the 50% off. I got my beloved stroller, 70% off, for about $90. The deal I got just makes me love this fabulous stroller even more.

My baby is a toddler!

2010-04-19T08:27:00.000-07:00

From avery

Avery has become a big boy so suddenly. Since Barrett was born he has been going on his potty at least once every day. Yesterday he told us almost every time he had to go pee and we even put big boy undies on him for two hours and he didn't wet them. The next big challenge is going to be going #2 in the potty. I'm a little scared of this and not sure how to go about it. We turned his crib into a toddler bed. He didn't sleep in it last night. He has become accustom to sleeping in our bed. Since we brought the baby home from the hospital I have been snoozing on the couch in between breastfeeding sessions at night so it hasn't bothered me but I would like to get back into our bedroom and sleep next to Isaac this week. Especially now that I have become so comfortable with nursing Barrett that I often doze off during. If I get back into our bed then I will have to get myself up and into the rocking chair to nurse and won't be so prone to falling asleep with him in my arms.

Goals for the week:
Avery sleeping in his own bed
Me sleeping in my own bed
Avery going #2 on the potty at least once
Finishing a nursing top I designed
Opening an Etsy store and selling the nursing top

A million other things I could be doing.

2010-04-17T21:15:00.000-07:00

There are plenty of other things I "should" be doing instead of making photo art but I work on it while I'm breast feeding and then I don't want to stop until its finished.

Dollar Tree Shopping Spree

2010-04-15T07:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Isaac had the day off and my niece came over to play with Avery so it was the perfect opportunity to sneak off and do some shopping. I have been in need of a new straightening iron for quite sometime. I've had it for 5 or 6 years and it still gets nice and hot but I've dropped it a few times and the ceramic plates fell out and no amount of super glue will fix them for more than one use. My sister is getting her license to be a hair stylist so she can shop at CosmoProf and get amazing deals on products. I got a go green straightener, blow dryer and tote bag for $80!!! The deal they had advertised in the store was bring in your old tools and swap them for the green tools and you pay $60 a piece. That was expired and I hadn't brought my old ones with. The sales girl was awesome, she said she knew there was a new deal on it and she looked through the sales flyer while we continued to shop. She basically gave me a buy one get one deal and the bag was $3. I think I was still supposed to donate/recycle my old tools but she didn't hold me to it. Next we went to Dollar Tree, the one next to CosmoProf is so much better than the one closer to my house. I went off and bought all kinds of blue plastic bins to organize my house and picture frames. I have to say the picture frames there are great. Where else can you buy a frame for $1? The only catch is that they have plastic to cover the photos instead of glass but with kids I try to avoid anything glass if I can. For Christmas my mom got Avery a blue cup with a lid that is surrounded by liquid so you can put it in the freezer and eliminate the need for ice cubes. My two nieces already had cotton candy pink ones. I found one exactly, I mean EXACTLY like them at Dollar Tree! The ones my mom bought are from Pottery Barn kids and I think they were $10. I bought a hot pink one for my cousin's little girl Chloe. She's 4 and comes down on the weekends once in awhile, so one of the girls or Avery will share their cup with her and use another one because she thinks they're so cool. Her mom gave me her really nice lifetime crib and she needle pointed me a beautiful wall hanging for Barrett, which I will have to put a pic of on here now that I think about it. Anyway, her family is always doing nice things for us and I just wanted to get her something to make her feel special. :)
Here is some of the stuff from my shopping spree.

From Blogger Pictures

Awesome new shades. I will probably lose them in no time like all the others. :(

From Blogger Pictures

Mini Laundry Basket for Avery - He loves to help me but he can never pick up the laundry basket and carry it (not for lack of trying)

From Blogger Pictures

Chloe's mug and an ice cube tray for freezing breast milk (I saw one like this on a website, it was BPA free, this one isn't but it was A DOLLAR!)

From Blogger Pictures

My GO GREEN styling tools.

Avery's Fascinations

2010-04-13T10:48:00.000-07:00

Big boy Avery has three current fascinations. They keep him pretty well occupied while I tend to his new little brother.

Barrett has one fascination -- the boob! But these three things are very helpful for occupying a toddler while breastfeeding/tending to a newborn.

Isaac has this show Maggie & the Ferocious Beast recorded on our DVR. It is all the kid will watch. If its not on the tv he will bring us the remote and fuss at us until we put it on. It has a catchy theme song. I'm thinking about buying one of the dvds for Granny's house or traveling.

Auntie Gillian sent this book for Avery when Barrett was born and it became an instant favorite. He has quickly learned lots of new animals and their sounds, and he can point out several things on each page.

This wooden train is awesome. My mother-in-law and I picked it out at a Carter's outlet at Xmas but she wanted him to have it as an Easter present. He sits quietly and plays with it for a good amount of time. The best part-- it doesn't make any noise!

Breastfeeding Companion

2010-04-13T10:15:00.000-07:00

Best breastfeeding book I have come across. I couldn't breastfeed Avery and the doctors told me that we weren't compatible. How can a mother and a baby not be compatible? This book has a picture of a tongue tied baby's mouth and that's exactly what his looked like. When Barrett was having trouble nursing I realized he had the same problem, took him to the doctor and pointed it out, had it corrected and he now is a breastfeeding champ! This book is a great resource for all breastfeeding questions/problems.

Selling breast milk

2010-04-12T16:45:00.000-07:00

Isaac read an article about people who make cheese out of breast milk and give out samples at their restaurant. I think its kind of weird for grown people to eat breast milk cheese from people they don't know. I think it would be neat if you knew how to make cheese to do it and give it to your children. Some how this information led to the fact that some people sell their breast milk. Most people are probably aware that some women donate their milk to breast banks but there are people who sell it. Ebay and craigslist do not allow the selling/auctioning of any bodily fluids which seems reasonable. However, it seems the demand for breast milk for sale comes mainly from one place: men who have a fetish for drinking breast milk. Kind of creepy to me but to each his/her own. I would have no problem donating/selling my excess milk (if I had any) to a baby who could use it but I'm not making a profit from this strange fetish. I read a post on the La Leche website about a baby boy who was born addicted to meth and adopted. Apparently his adoptive mother was struggling with his difficulty taking formula. A friend gave her some expressed milk and he miraculously did a 180, smiled for the first time at like 8 wks, started sleeping better, etc. It just made me think and want to post this so that maybe someone will read it and rethink- If you have excess breast milk then just donate it to someone who could use it, whether it be a friend or someone anonymous through a milk bank instead of trying to make a profit off of it. I know some people reason that if the milk banks can sell it for $1-2 an ounce then so should you but I think you will find that these profits are paying for the testing of this milk to insure safety, the storage and the supplies required to store and transport it. If it can help a little baby to have a healthier, better life then who cares about the money?

Quiet Time

2010-04-12T16:38:00.000-07:00

Some how both Avery and Barrett are down for naps at the same time. I have some time to myself but instead of doing housework I have been editing photos and playing on the computer a bit. Here is some of what I have done:

From Welcome Barrett

From Avery Outdoors