Dreamin' of Daily Life

Do you know something that I dream about?  Having family breakfasts.  (Isn't that a little strange?)  Right now, we eat breakfast, but at different times....and often different foods.  My dream starts off with me starting breakfast in the kitchen, while my children groggily walk into the kitchen in their footie pajamas, then jump up on a bar stool and say "Mom, what's for breakfast?".  :)  Then I prepare the meal, with my little ones underfoot.  We eat as a family, laughing and talking about what the day will bring.

I am sure to those of you who do have these little ones "underfoot" don't quite understand my dream....as I am sure, after a while, it might become annoying but I want to remember that each moment is special.  Each moment is a chance to be with my child(ren), and one that I might not get back.

The biggest problem with this dream is....my children can not, yet, speak.  Oh, and one can't walk (but, she is so CLOSE!)....so, for now I will just have to browse through all the bar stools that CSN Stores has to offer.  You know, because I need to have a couple of bar stools in order to fulfill my dream.  :)

Stream of Consciousness

We have plans to purchase some new items over the next couple of months, and I am excited!  My husband and I do not believe in acquiring debt, so everything we will purchase (with the exception of a house, which is not happening any time soon) will be done so with cash.  One of the exciting things I am looking forward to is a new couch and coffeetable!  Our couch has some "technical difficulties", and we have been wanting to replace it for several months.  And we currently don't have a coffeetable, so we are looking forward to picking one out.  :)

We are thinking about getting a sectional, but we will just have to see what is on sale and what we like around the time we are looking to purchase.  Based on our current trend of saving, we should be able to purchase our new couch after the first of the year.  :)

And last, but certainly not least.  We are seriously considering the purchase of a van.  Yep, that's right.  I will be getting a "mom-mobile".  I am even more excited about this than the couch and coffeetable!  I can't wait for the ample room, and the possibility of having more than just Z, the kids, and myself.

Working and saving money for the purchases you want/need is hard, but so rewarding.  I am glad we have had to learn patience over the past several years, it makes the item(s) that you buy that much more special.

Jack and Ady have been extra sweet over the last few days.  I love it!  I am totally digging the baby snuggles, and the funny expressions/attempt at words.  It is seriously adorable.

Here is a video of Jackers from yesterday.  He is super cute!



I will be doing another review for CSN Stores coming up in the next few weeks.  I am so excited!  I love working with this company.  They are fabulous, and have anything and everything you could want or need.  If you haven't checked them out, please do!  It is totally worth your time.

What An Amazing Story!

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38988444/ns/today-parenting/

Please check it out.  You won't regret it.

I apologize that I can't get a video for you in this post, but I can't find a good version which I am also able to embed.  Oh well, please....just click the link. :)

Politically Correct

I always tell my children the real names of their body parts

I mean, isn't this what you call it?  ;o)

And the chunk, have you seen my kids thighs?!?!  Chuck is a very appropriate term.  :)

I mean, look at that blurry roll behind those pretzels.  ;o)

I hope this put a smile on your face!  Happy Friday!  ;o)

POOP!

Did any of you watch Jon and Kate Plus 8?

Well, I did.  I loved that show.  You know, before it became all about the parents.  Both are whack jobs...but, if I had to decide I would say I am on Team Kate.  Jon has a lot to learn.

Anyway, the point of my post.

Do you remember one of the first episodes where Kate finds one of the babies covered in poop after their nap?  (It might have even been one of their tv specials before their show, who knows)

That is what I found the other day.  My handsome almost 18 month old COVERED in poop.

It was nasty.

At first glance it seemed okay (as okay as poop covered bedding can get) but, as I was cleaning I realized (well Hubs noticed it first) it was EVERYWHERE.  From one end of the crib to the other.

I wiped him down first, with baby wipes, while the bath water was running.  Then I dumped about a gallon of bubbles into the tub.  Lol.  Like those bubbles are going to make him clean.  After I cleared away some of the bubble overload, I plopped him in and started scrubbing.

He knew it wasn't a normal bath because he didn't play or anything.  I wish he would have, play time in the tub is the best.  He is contained!  :)

Ah, the joy of motherhood.  Lol.

I love being a mommy to my two beautiful children, but I could live without the poop.

Tell me some of your child-rearing "war" stories.  :)

Key Piece of Information:  Do not put your toddler to bed in track pants.  Apparently they are WAY to easy to get out of.  But, if you must...make sure he/she is wearing a onesie.  Please!  Don't make the same mistake I did.  ;o)

My Baby Boy

So...a couple of days ago, I did a post about my nearly 6 month old.

And today, I thought I would do a post about my almost 18 month old.  :)

He is a very inquisitive boy.  He needs to know how EVERYTHING works.

And if you don't allow him to explore (things like the OVEN), he throws a little fit.

Which I think is adorable.  When I smile, or even giggle, he gets even more upset.  Lol.

He hates getting his teeth, and walks around with his finger in his mouth (or a paci, he just chews on it) most of the time.

He loves his sister and gives her kisses all the time.  And "pet" her head whenever I say "gentle Jackers".

Oh, I forgot to mention.  He is a dancer!  He will twirl and twirl and twirl until he can't see straight.  Little booger.

I am so thankful for my wonderful children.  I wouldn't want to live without them.  They are my world.

Exploding Vocabulary

My Jackers is a man of few words...well, until the last couple of days that is.

His vocabulary is EXPLODING!. About a week ago he could only say: dad, go, yeah...and that's about it.

But, now....he can say:

dog
kitty cat (cat itty)
grandpa (and pa)
Makenna (k na)
dad
yeah
go
sissy (issy)
ball
cracker (ca kak er)
cow (k ah oow)

And, that's all I can think of for now.

Still waiting on Mama. Maybe he is holding out for Mother's Day?

A Mama can only hope!

His comprehension is fabulous. He almost always knows what I am talking about. :) Which makes life so much easier.

Now, if only I had a cure for the whining. And the little temper tantrums, where he is kicking a screaming on the floor.

He is a perfect angel in public, but once you get him in his own environment WATCH OUT! :)

I love you my Jackers!

What are your thoughts?

I really want to get Ady's ears pierced.

But, Z and I came to the conclusion that we shouldn't make decisions for her, at least in regards to her body. Not that if she decides to get tattoos at 14, we will let her. We just don't want to get her ears pierced, in the off chance she wouldn't end up wanting her ears pierced....in the long run.

Make sense? I don't feel as if I am getting my point across. I have never claimed to be a phemoninal writer :).

This way of thinking makes sense....but, I think little babies who have their ears pierced look so cute!

But, I can't bring myself to do it. One) Z doesn't agree and Two) I really don't like seeing my child go through pain. :(

Anyway, I was just wondering your thoughts? Did you get your daughters ears pierced? Do you think you made the right decision? Do you regret not piercing your daughters ears as an infant?

Thanks for your help!

SO BIG!

As many of you know, we have been trying to put Ady to bed in her own crib....in the kids' room. (Have no idea what I am talking about? You are missing out, follow me on Twitter @jenniferovery) But, it has not been going so well.

I was hesitant to even try because I would absolutely hate to have both kiddos up in the middle of the night, but Ady has been sleeping so well we thought we would give it a try Tuesday night.

Tuesday = HUGE FAILURE. Ady cried the whole time, and kept waking Jackers up. So, she got her way and slept in our bedroom (in a pack n' play).

Wednesday = A little better. We got both of the kids asleep, but Ms. Ady woke up around 11. We laid her down in her pack n' play, and she slept through the night.

Thursday = Perfect! Or so we thought. We got both of the kids asleep, with NO ISSUES! But, at 2:15am Ady woke up....for no reason. I rocked her, changed her diaper, gave her a bottle, and she drifted off to sleep around 3:30am. But, she was up again at 5:30am and 6:30am.

This Mama is tired.

I am not sure I have the energy to try it again tonight, but we will have to see. Do any of you have any tricks for getting a 5 month old to sleep through the night? She sleeps fabulously, by herself, in our bedroom...but, not in her bedroom.

Moving on.....

Jack is usually the shy, silent type. But, we have been trying to encourage his speech as much as possible. He will sign more (which also means please....be careful when you are teaching this to your kiddos :)) all day long, but rarely says anything other than "da". Well, he babbles....but, I have no clue as to what he is saying.

So, today. Instead of just giving him a goldfish cracker. I made him say cracker. He whined for about 20 minutes about not getting the cracker easily....but then he said it! YEAH! Go Jackers :). Cracker is a more difficult word than Mama, right? Hmm....stubborn, eh, sweet, little boy!

I am sorry about the video. It was shot with my phone, and I didn't even think to rotate the phone. Oh well...you get the idea. I am so proud of my little baby boy!

In other Jacker's news. He is officially off the bottle! It has been 9 days since his last bottle, and he seems to be doing fine.

I am a little concerned that he isn't getting enough calcium...because he really dislikes drinking milk from a sippy cup (or regular cup). But, I have been upping his cheese/yogurt intake to hopefully compensate for the decrease in milk consumption. It will all work out in the end, any maybe I will eventually get him to drink milk out of a sippy.

Well, that's what new in my life as a SAHM. What about you?

Making YOU a Priority (My Goal for the Week)

Time for yourself, what's that??? I struggle with this each and every day. I want to spend time with my kids. I love spending time with their smiling, and sometimes screaming, faces. I don't like to leave them.

It took me a while to figure out just what my fear was: Was I afraid that some one/thing would hurt them? No, not really. Our home is very safe, and for the most part (if I ever did leave my children) I would be leaving them with their Dad. P.S. - I have a 15 month old and a 3 month old, in case you were wondering. Was it because they would miss me, and I would miss them? No. I believe that it is important to miss someone, especially children, because you start to learn to become independent. (I am convinced, however, that my children will never leave the house. That would be just too much for my little heart to handle.) Then it dawned on me.....

....I am deathly afraid that if I leave them, even for a short period of time, that is when they will do something big. Like, the first time my son says "Mama!" (yes, my son is 15 months old....and has yet to say "Mama", sigh. At least he is cute, haha)! I know, I know....irrational. But, that is how I feel. I would hate to miss, even one thing, just because I wanted (no, it's truly a need), eh needed, time to myself.

Then I started to think rationally, how likely is it that something will happen while I am "gone"? I am with my children 99% of the time, so they are probably glad to get rid of me that measly one percent. :)

So, I started out slow. At first, I would only leave for two hours, twice a month, to get groceries. Other than that my kids had me 24/7 (Lord help them! I don't know anyone who would want to spend 24 hours a day with me!!!).

Then I realized (after losing it a few too many times!) I needed more than just twice a month. I needed to get away daily, just to recharge my batteries.

So now, I leave my wonderfully cute children for about a half hour each day. I do very simple things:

Ex. #1 - Escape to our bedroom while my wonderful husband watched the kids (which is exactly what he is doing now, isn't he great?!?!). During this time I: read, blog, watch t.v., or just relax.

Ex. #2 - Tanning. Yes people, I know it is bad for you...but, it is so relaxing. I turn on the bed, click into my Pandora app., and turn into a bronze goddess. Haha, okay not really a bronze goddess. That is just wishful thinking.

Ex. #3 - Take a drive. Yes, I will normally run an errand or two (or three or four) while I am out. But, when I am done with those errands, I embrace the open road. Taking forgotten roads winding through corn fields, and admire the sun setting across the orange-ish sky.

Okay, so you get my point. Just do something that relaxes you.

Believe me ladies, you need this time to yourself. Carve out a little bit, even 15 minutes, a day just to do something you enjoy. You will be a much better wife, mother, friend, daughter, aunt, and any other titles you might associate with yourself.

Let me know what works for you....what relaxes you? How do you carve out time for yourself?

Baby Blessings Bible

This is my son's favorite book, we read it multiple times a day (per his request!). He loves the bright colors, the way I "sing" the words, and when his Daddy reads it to him (he does all the good voices).

So anyway, because it is Jacker's favorite....I thought I would share it with you. Happy Reading!

God Made Everything!

God made light and day and night,
He made the land and seas,
Flowers, trees, and things to eat,
Birds and bumblebees.

God made fish and elephants,
Cats and doggies, too.
Do you know what else God made?
God made ME and YOU!

Noah and the Big Ark

Noah was a good man.
God told him what to do-
"Build an ark and fill it up
With animals two by two."

For forty days and forty nights
Rain poured from the sky,
But Noah and the animals
Were safe and warm and dry.

A Baby Is Saved!

A mother made a basket bed
To hide her little child.
She tucked him in, said a prayer,
And placed him in the Nile.

A princess by the river
Clapped her hands with joy,
For she had found the basket
That held the baby boy.

David the Shepherd Boy

As David watched his father's sheep,
He wrote sweet songs of praise.
He sang, "The Lord's my shepherd;
He is with me all my days."

David bravely fought a bear.
He fought a giant, too.
When he grew up, he was a king
And knew just what to do.

Daniel and the Lions

The king threw Daniel in the den,
But Daniel felt no fear.
Though the lions snarled at him,
He knew that God was near.

"Keep me safe, God," Daniel prayed,
And in the morning light,
The king saw God had shut those jaws
To keep Daniel safe all night.

Where's Jonah?

Jonah didn't want to go
Where God had told him to.
god sent a fish to swallow him
To show him what to do.

The fish swam to the seashore
And coughed Jonah on the sand.
Then Jonah prayed, thanked God, and said,
"I'll follow God's command!"

Jesus Is Born!

An angel said to Mary,
"You are God's chosen one.
Soon you'll have a baby-
God's one and only Son."

In Bethlehem one starry night
The little child was born.
And angels sang their praise to God
On that first Christmas morn.

A Little Man Who Climbed a Tree

Be careful now, Zacchaeus,
So the branch you're on won't bend.
Oh, look! Who's there? It's Jesus,
And he wants to be your friend!

Listen now, Zacchaeus,
To what Jesus has to say.
He'll tell you how to live for God
And follow in his way.

Jesus Calms a Storm

Up and down the boat rocked
On the wavy, stormy sea.
Jesus' friends out on the boat
Were scared as they could be.

"Peace, be still," Jesus said.
He calmed the winds and sea.
Then Jesus told his frightened friends,
"You can have faith in me!"

Jesus Is Risen!

When Jesus died, his followers
Felt sad and all alone.
They placed his body in a tomb
And closed it with a stone.

On Sunday several women came;
The stone was rolled away!
"He is risen," the angel said,
On that first Easter Day!

Firsts

My life is full of a lot of "firsts" right now.

Each and every day my children are doing something new and different....and it constantly amazes me. They grow so quickly, it is almost unbelievable. If I wasn't here to experience it, I probably wouldn't believe it myself.

On the same day Mr. Jacker's sat in his car seat for the first time, forward facing that is, he played in the snow! Well, sort of....he looked at the snow and wondered around the drive way (which was clear of snow) :).


I have cute kids, I'm just saying ;o)!

What "firsts" are your child(ren) doing? Doesn't time just FLY by???

First Hair Cut

Did I make you wait long enough? Hehe.

Last week my precious little baby boy had his first hair cut. I nearly cried, and I say nearly because my eyes only welled up a couple times.....but, no tears actually flowed. I couldn't let it.

My Jacker's was being such a big boy! He sat relatively still, and didn't shed a single tear. Success!

Here is before:

During:

And After:

The man, Art, who cut Jackson's hair was actually the same person who did his Daddy's first haircut. I am all about tradition! ;o) Mister Jacker's had his first Twizzler after the hair cut, and quickly fell in love. Twizzlers are his favorite candy, and just about the only candy little man has ever had. Haha.

Why do children grow up so quickly? Can I freeze time?

Well, my baby boy is officially a big boy. I am still adjusting, but I will get through it ;o). How did you make it through your baby's first hair cut?

PS - Don't forget to enter my giveaway!

Tips for New Mommies

Updated: I thought that I would repost this, because it has helped me to remember so much with my second little one!

Original: Last November I had my first child, Jackson, and I soon realized a lot of things! Things that no one told me. I decided that I would create an on-going list of tips, hopefully helping another new mother out. Having your first child is difficult enough, and you should have every tool you can to make motherhood a little bit easier.

Here are my list of tips, and feel free to add your suggestions. Remember, these are just my opinions....so, you may disagree and that's alright. But, I really feel this is a good baseline for new moms. I can't wait to hear what you think!!! (Make sure to let me know if you agree with one of the tips).

1. Baby goes through 8-10 diapers a day, so plan on stocking up prior to giving birth because you will not feel like going to the store.
2. When you are buying clothes, stick to 3-6 month sizes or larger because when people get you gifts it is primarily newborn or 0-3 month.
3. Do not buy Equate baby wipes, they gave my son diaper rash. Felt like sand paper on my little one's sensitive skin.
4. Target brand wipes are the best and least expensive.
5. Wal-Mart brand diapers are terrible, your child will leak through the diapers easily.
6. My personal favorite diapers are Target's Up Brand, my second choice is Pampers.
   
7. The hospital should give you a nasal aspirator, underarm thermometer, diaper bag, and infant hat.
8. Using an emery board in the beginning is the easiest way to trim baby's nails.
9. Vaseline can be used for diaper rash or dry skin (per doctor recommendation) and is also used in the case of a male circumcision.
10. When/if your water breaks it is not a big gush like in the movies, but more of a constant shower until you deliver.
11. Rubbing alcohol is used to help dry up the umbilical cord and for cleaning of the belly button.
12. Aquaphor is great for clearing up dry skin patches, or "baby pimples" that may occur.
13. Jackson general goes through a baby wipe refill each week, so keep that in mind when you go shopping prior/after baby.
14. Sex, nipple stimulation, spicy foods, masturbation, caster oil are all known to induce labor if you get desperate. Do not do any of these options until you are at least 37 weeks along. At that time you are considered to be full-term, prior to this date you may run the risk of your child's lungs not being fully developed.
15. Keep at least one large storage container to store out-grown childrens clothing.
16. I wouldn't waste your money on toys, you will get a lot of toys at Christmas and other holidays.
17. Keep a blog/calender updated with new and exciting things that are happening in your baby's life. It is a lot easier to jot something down than dig out the baby book and write in it.
18. If you are planning on nursing make sure to be well hydrated because if you don't you will not build up a sufficient milk supply, and you will have painful bowel movements (especially immediately after delivery).
19. It is normal to not have a bowel movement for 1-3 days after a vaginal delivery. Your body doesn't want to go through that pain again, and bowel movements and labor are similar (although not exactly, but the best way to describe it to someone who has not gone through it). You can take a stool softener or a mild laxative.
20. Your child can not sleep with any stuffed animals or blankets near his/her face because of possible suffocation.
21. If your child wants to be held all the time, even when sleeping, a bobby pillow is a great way to give the child the illusion of being held.
22. However you sleep in the hospital is what the baby will get used to.
23. In order for you child to become accustomed to your "scent" you and the new Daddy should only use soap/shampoo/etc. with very little scent. This allows you both to bond, and he/she will be able to tell the difference between Mom/Dad and strangers. This is especially important if you choose to breast feed.
24. Buy cloth diapers for your burb cloths. They are much more absorbant.
25. When you are creating your registry, try to stick with the things that you will need. That way people are more likely to get you the items you really need, and you can go out and buy the "fun" stuff ;o).
26. You will get some sanitary pads from the hospital, but it will not be enough to last. You will bleed for several weeks following a vaginal delivery. Anywhere from 2-6 weeks is the average.
    

New Baby!

Sorry it has been an ETERNITY since I last posted. Things are crazy around here, and have no signs of slowing down until after the holidays.

On Monday, Nov. 16th (one day after my little Jack turned 1!) our beautiful baby girl, Madelyn Grace, was born. She is perfect, and we couldn't ask for a better little family. She was 7lbs 8 oz and 20 inches long. Her big brother isn't quite sure what to think of her, but I am sure they will be best buds in a little while ;o)

Sorry for the lack of updates, if you want to know everything that is going on with me....feel free to add me on facebook. Just include the blog address in your friend request. Here is the link.

Hope all is well with you, and I hope to be posting again regularly soon.

Tips for New Mommies (3rd Installment)

I have my hospital bag almost packed, however I am sure that I will still be rushing around gathering things up when I go into labor. ;o)

From my last stay in the hospital with my son, Jackson, I compiled this list of things that you should pack in your hospital bag. If you have any additional suggestions, please let me know.

Hospital Bag

2 Roomy Outfits (I stuck with sweatpants and a t-shirt)

Anything that may relax you during labor

Baby book/jounral

Camera

Car Seat w/ base installed in vehicle

Celebratory Items (i.e. cigars)

Change for venting machines

DVD's (if bored easily)

Emery Boards (baby's nails)

Extra pairs of socks

Full Coverage Panties (pads are HUGE)

Ipod

Laptop

Light Snack Food (i.e. goldfish, saltine crackers, animal crackers, etc.)

List of phone numbers for husband/whomever to call while at hospital

Necessary Chargers

Nursing Bra/Sports Bra

Oversized Outfit for ride home

Pacifier

Pads

Pillow

Receiving Blankets (for ride home)

Slippers

Take Home Outfit (Newborn and 0-3 Month Sizes)

Thank you cards

Travel Size Tolietries

What did you pack in your hospital bag? What do you suggest? You can catch my first and second installment by clicking the links ;o).

Tips for New Mommies (2nd Installment)

I am almost 36 weeks along with my second pregnancy, and I am getting VERY excited to meet our new little girl. I can not wait, and I am definitely done being pregnant. ;o)

One of the most difficult thing with all the excitement of a new little one is deciding what you want versus what you need. I compiled this list for my sister, who unfortunately miscarried early in the first trimester, and I would love to get your opinion on it. What do you need for a new baby, and what do you want for a new baby? Here is my list:

Needs

0-3 Outfits

3-6 Outfits

Aquafor

Bibs (5)

Bottles

Bottles w/nipples (3)

Bundle Me (winter babies)

Burp Cloths (4)

Car Seat

Changing Pad

Crib

Crib Mattress

Emery Boards

Finger Nail Clippers

Infant Tylenol

Larger Blankets for swaddling as he/she gets a little older

Little Tummy's

Newborm Outfits (3)

Onesies (5)

Q-Tips

Rubbing Alcohol

Sheets (2)

Socks (5)

Vaseline

Wants

Baby Book

Baby Monitor

Bath Tub

Belly Mat

Bobby Pillow

Bouncy Chair

Bumbo Chair

Car Seat cover

Changing Pad (for table)

Changing Table

Diaper Bag

High Chair

Mittens

Mobile

Shoes

Stroller

Swing

Toys

*Disclaimer* - These are just my opinions, and every mother is different. However, I think that this is a good starting point when you are wanting to purchase items on a budget.

You can see my first post on "Tips for New Mommies" by clicking the link ;o)!

The Greatest Joy

My son, Jackson, is 9 months old and he is now, almost exclusively, eating "table foods". We still give him some jarred food, but for the most part I try to cook items that he can enjoy.

The first time that he was able to eat a complete meal, with only my homemade food.....nothing warmed up or from a jar.....was one of the best feelings in the world. A feeling that I was able to fully support his nutrition again (the first was breast feeding), and that he relies on me.

While it is not quite the same as when I was nursing him, because his Dad could probably warm him up a jar of Spaghetti-O's (or you fill in the blank of some easily fixed meal), but it still gives you that "warm fuzzy feeling". ;o)

Enjoy very moment that you have with your children. They change so quickly, you definitely have to live each moment in the moment. Don't take anything for granted, because it can be taken away all too quickly.

Afternoon Naps

Have you ever been so anxious for your child (ren) to take their afternoon nap?

I know that I have….I mean come on, virtually every day I am ready for this little break from my little man.

But, after about 30-45 minutes (just enough time for me to eat my lunch, and to pick up the toys he scattered about the house that morning) I am totally ready for him to wake up, just because I miss seeing his smiling face. He is truly the light of my world, and I can not imagine my life without him. He is just perfect, in absolutely every way. He has nothing done nothing intentionally wrong or devious…but, simply lives his life: happily and without complications.
Why can’t we all live like this? Without the worries of tomorrow, but simply in the moment? Living life with a huge smile on our faces, lighting up everyone else’s day?

Maybe we should all try to be a little happier about our current situation. Just pick one aspect of your life that you think negatively affects you, and put a smile on your face the next time that you have to deal with this issue (do you think that I should choose “dealing with my mother in law???”). Perhaps, this is the key to being more child-like? And the solution to world peace, haha. ;o)