Newest Milestone

Munchkin is growing up. Today he learned how to flush the toilet. No, he isn't potty trained yet. We like to do things out of order around here! Ha!

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If you would like to see some pictures from our weekend, go to my sister's blog. You can see Munchkin and his cousins.

19 months

This weekend flew by. We went through grandpa's house on Saturday morning. Left right after lunch to drive home for 2 hours. We were home for a little over an hour, then went to a MOPS family picnic. After the picnic we came home for about 45 minutes and then went to a surprise birthday party for Mason's mom. Whew! Munchkin got to bed late so of course, he woke up early this morning!

So you want to know Munchkin's new trick? He turned 19 months old yesterday so this morning he showed daddy how big he is. When Hubby went into Munchkin's room this morning, the light was on. No, I didn't leave the light on when I put Munchkin to bed last night. Munchkin is now tall enough that he can reach the light switch from his crib. Too funny! He turned the light on himself. We may need to move the crib, or things could get interesting. He may decide to play during the night instead of sleep! Ha!

Stuff

Tomorrow we head up to my parents as all the grandkids are getting together to go through grandpa and grandma's house on Saturday. This will be the first time we've all been together since grandpa passed. This will be the first time ever we're all at grandpa and grandma's house without either of them there. I'm surprisingly feeling fine with it. I'm not exceptionally sad or anxious. I know this will be one of the last times I'll ever be in that house, but it is afterall, just a house.

What I'm most concerned with going into "finalizing" that stage of my life (being someone's granddaughter) is how I'm living my life. Grandpa and grandma were incredible people. I know that might be obvious for me to say as their grandchild, but I truly believe it about them as people, not just grandparents. And I know that people not even related to them would say the same thing, and they have. And I want to be like them. I want to be remembered for my caring spirit, unselfish ways, and unwavering faith.

I am currently facing something that I don't really know how to react to. There have been so many times just within the last week I would have given anything just to talk to grandma. If I could just talk to her and ask her to pray I know I would feel encouraged. But, that's not an option. So I'm doing my best to react the way she would. I'm asking myself how she would respond in the same situation. And I'm trying to make her proud.

I can just picture her and grandpa as they watch with big smiles on their faces as all of us kids go through their house. They'll laugh along with us and fondly remember our time together just as we will be on Saturday. True, I may be walking away with some of their "stuff" after this weekend, but more than that, I hope I walk away carrying on their incredible legacy.

Just another day

I don't have much to write about today. It was a very typical day for us.

This morning after eating breakfast and watching Sesame Street Munchkin and I headed outside. While outside he decided that he wanted a carrot. So we came right back inside. I decided that I couldn't put off going to Target any longer, so we made a trip. We needed more diapers. Well, Munchkin needed them.

After Target we got home and Mason was outside so we went over to play. Then we came in for lunch. As soon as lunch was over, Munchkin was ready for his nap. The highlight of my day was that he slept for a little over 2 hours!!!!! That is almost unheard of!

After naptime we played and watched a video. Then we headed outside to play until Hubby got home.

Riveting isn't it? Now do you see why I have been writing only about once a week?

No Apologies

Hubby's birthday was Thursday. Munchkin and I wrote him this note on our driveway using sidewalk chalk.


I also attempted to make Great Gma V.'s red velvet cake. It actually turned out pretty good. I think I'll be making this again!


Hubby's parents came and took Munchkin home with them on Friday so Hubby and I could spend some time alone. So that night Hubby and I went shopping. We may or may not have bought some things for Munchkin. We also got some fishing stuff for Hubby. Then, we came home, I made dinner, and we watched the Chiefs lose. It was wonderful (not the losing part) having a low-key evening at home alone.

Saturday we went to Big Lake and saw Munchkin, Hubby's parents, cousins Chris and Baby G., Hubby's siblings, and Great Gma G. That night Hubby and I stayed at the cabin alone. We played Phase 10 and watched part of a Lord of the Rings movie but were too tired to finish it. So that is what we are about to do now. Munchkin is asleep and we're going to snuggle in bed and watch the movie on the laptop. (We don't have a tv in our bedroom. I don't believe in tv's in the bedroom, but won't hold it against you if you have one! :) )

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Every time I haven't posted for awhile I feel as though I need to apologize and explain myself. I'm finally realizing that this is my blog so I can post however often I want for whatever reason I want. Regardless, thank you for sticking with me and being patient as I think I am determined to be an inconsistent blogger.

Head over to my sister's blog if you want to see pics of Munchkin and a short video she posted a few days ago. Her blog's link (Oh Fiddlestix) is on the list on the right.

What we've been up to

First, Munchkin wants to say "thank you" to Aunt Kay and Uncle David for the shirt! What a great surprise! Munchkin can't wait to use it.

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I can't believe I haven't posted since last Wednesday.

What have we been doing? Well, I honestly don't remember what we did Thursday so apparently it was a thrilling day! Ha!

Friday we spent most of the day playing at Mason's house. That night, we went to see Aunt N.'s new house. She is buying a house that is about 10 minutes away and she was getting it inspected. So, Hubby's parents came down too. We all went out to eat afterward and then everyone came over to play before bedtime.

Yesterday we went to go see my brother and his wife. They live about an hour and a half away and we hadn't seen them since my grandpa's funeral. We just hung out at their house all day and watched the Chiefs first game. Should be an interesting season. I'm so ready for fall. Football is definitely my favorite sport to watch.

This morning Munchkin woke up with a runny, stuffy nose. Hopefully he's not getting sick.

We also have other Munchkin news. Forwarning: this next section will probably only be appreciated by moms/grandmas. For most, especially for most guys, it will be too much information. And, it will probably totally embarrass Munchkin once he is older. So if you are reading this blog, and it is tmi, all I can say is, I don't force you to read this stuff. If you are Munchkin, all I can say is, tough cookies.

The past couple of weeks we've been working on getting Munchkin to use the toilet when going #2. He finally did it tonight! Woohoo! I must add that he did it for his daddy. So I guess this means mommy is off the hook for potty training. Ha! Yeah right, I wish. I know that he may not do it again for a long time. It seems like for most things we take one step forward, and two back, but still, it is something to celebrate and we did. With marshmallows and dancing, if you must know.

Too Tired

I'm too tired to wait to put another video on here tonight.

Munchkin and I went to the pool this morning. I did get a few pictures, but again, I'm too tired. I'll post them later. I also have pictures from this last weekend and his first baseball game that I need to get on here. When I find the energy and the time I'll get it done.

After the pool we came home, had lunch, took naps, and did more playing outside. Gosh it was hot and humid this afternoon. Thankfully I got some relief from the heat when my parents came. They dropped by for a couple hours this evening to see Munchkin.

After we got home from supper, all the neighbors were out, so of course, we were out there too. Munchkin is getting to where he can say "Mason" but is sounds more like "hay hen."

All morning tomorrow I have a meeting at church, so Munchkin will be going with me and playing in the nursery.

Tomorrow is also the first day of school here. I have to admit, I miss it. I miss it more this year than last. I've been thinking about teaching for the past week knowing another year is about to start. Do I miss it enough to go back? Um...not yet. Hubby says I'm just missing it because I've been away from it long enough that I'm starting to forget all the stresses of it. That could very possibly be the case. So to all my teacher friends out there, I'm thinking of you and praying for you as you begin another year!

Random Video #3

Random Video #2

Whoops! Sorry this one is turned sideways. I don't know how to fix it. Be looking for another video tomorrow!

Promised Video

The computer is now working for videos, so expect to see more videos over the next couple of days. Here he is in his Halloween costume from last year.

The advice I wish I'd been given...

Before becoming a mother I got lots of advice - some of it usefull, some not. Now that I am a mom, I can easily look back and think "Man, I wish someone would have told me this." Of course, hind sight is 20/20 and even if someone had told me, like so many things you experience as a mother, you don't truly understand it until you go through it.

Here's a bit of background. As you read this post please know that I am not currenly feeling this way (what I am about to describe) but I have felt it several times in the past. What is bringing it up again is what other moms have recently been telling me, as well as things other moms have been writing on their blogs. Maybe someday I will have a daughter (if not, perhaps a daughter-in-law) who will read this and take something from it that will help her as she begins her journey as a mom.

The advice that I wish I'd been given when I was pregnant was: prepare to be judged and second-guess yoursef all the time. (Ok, maybe not all the time, but that's what it sometimes feels like.)

This unfortunately begins when you are pregnant. Upon discovering that you are pregnant, people will begin asking you questions about your pregnancy. Examples: 1) Are you drinking caffiene? 2) How much exercise are you doing? 3) Will you have the baby at a hospital or in your home? 4) Will you use an epidural? 5)Midwife or doctor?
And some may then proceed to tell you their views on such matters. Leaving you feeling doubtful and questioning your previously made decisions.

Oh, but it doesn't stop there. In fact, things only get worse once you have the baby. Examples: 1)Formula or nursing? 2)Baby sleeping in your room or the nursery? 3)Cloth diapers or disposables? 4)When will you introduce solids? 5)Pacifier or not? 6)Will you vaccinate your child? 7)Your baby isn't sleeping through the night yet? 8)Your baby isn't sitting up yet? 9)Will your child sleep on their back or tummy? 10)He's not crawling yet? 11)Will you make him cry himself to sleep or will you rock him to sleep? Etc. etc. etc.

Now I do believe that some people ask you these questions just because they are genuinely curious. They could care less what you decide to do in these situations. I also believe that some people ask you these questions and then proceed to tell you what they did when they had babies because they just want you to know what options are out there. They don't necessarily think their way is "right." Unfortunately, there are some who have very, very strong views on such things and will question you on your decisions if they don't match their opinions. Be prepared for this and use the best advice I was ever given once I had Muchkin. It was given to me by my mom: Only you are the child's mother. Use your instinct. I would add to that: Once you've used your instinct, don't beat yourself up about it.

FYI: This next part might be too much information for some.
I stopped nursing Munchkin when he as two weeks old. I don't want to get into my reasoning here, but I have to tell you that I went through months, and I mean months of guilt. There were a few who looked down on me because of it (but most were very encouraging), but I know I made the right decision. Yes, there are all sorts of studies out there telling you what is best, safest, healthiest, for babies/children concerning all sorts of things, not just nursing. And I think as mothers it is our responsibility to know those things. However, it is ultimately your decision as to how your raise your child.

As I wrap this up, I have one more piece to add to my advice. Most of the time the person who will judge you the most will be yourself. As mothers we are so critical of ourselves. Maybe I shouldn't speak for all mothers. I just know that I have been most critical of myself. At times we may perceive that others are judging us, but really we are the ones pointing the finger at ourselves. My advice: cut yourself some slack. There is no manual to this most important job in the entire world. Every child is different and has different needs. Just as every mother is different and has different needs. God knew that your child needed you for his mother. No other woman on earth would be the right mom for him. So as long as you and God are on common ground as to how to raise this precious babe, there is no reason to doubt yourself as a mother.

Today and Tomorrow

Today Munchkin and I started out the day by going to open gym at Debbie Howard's gym. Munchkin got so worn out that after just a couple of minutes of eating lunch, he looked at me, threw out his arms toward me and said, "momma!" I picked him up and his head immediately went on my shoulder! I took him upstairs and he took a nap - an hour earlier than usual! That is saying something for him because he usually fights naps and will go 100 mph until I have to forcibly carry him upstairs. Not today - he was swiped!

So after his nap, and finishing he lunch at about 3:15 this afternoon we did more playing and went outside. Boy is it hot out there! Tomorrow is supposed to be more of the same. Speaking of tomorrow...

Munchkin will be going to his first Major League baseball game. Hubby's parents are bringing the grandparents down for the game and we're going too! Granted, the Royals haven't exactly had a good season, but it will still be fun as Munchkin has never been and Hubby and I haven't been at the K since they've done renovations. Regardless, I'm still not looking forward to the heat.

Tomorrow morning our church is having a car show. This is an annual thing, and we have never been, so I think we'll check it out for a little while. Then we'll come home, eat, nap and prepare for the big game.

What are you doing this weekend?

Wanna Be Like Momma

Lately I have been trying to drink more water. It isn't that I drink a lot of pop (I allow myself one a day) or coffee (which I almost never drink). I guess I just don't drink much in general. I got inspired to drink more water when I read a post on Gina's blog. (Gina and I were in the same Master's Program together.)

I decided a good way to keep track of the water I was drinking would be to use this...

This is the mug I got at the hospital when I had Munchkin. So this week I've been using it and drinking tons of water. Seriously, I'm going to the bathroom all. the. time.

Well, I guess Munchkin took note of Momma's new mug because I caught him doing this earlier this morning...

I'll explain in case you can't tell what he's doing. He is drinking from his sippy cup, but the sippy cup is in a small pitcher with a handle. The pitcher is Tupperware (which my mom sells) and she had given it to him awhile back. When he first got it, he started doing this with his sippy cup, but for the last few months hadn't even played with the pitcher. When he saw Momma drinking from a mug with a handle, I guess he decided he needed to, too.

Sorry Mom and Dad, no video tonight

I took a couple of videos of Munchkin today and thought I would be putting them on here tonight, but I forgot that I can't do that on this computer - so you'll have to settle for some pictures that are previews of the videos. I won't get the videos on here tomorrow either as we have our small group tomorrow night. So as soon as I'm home for an extended period of time (because videos take forever to put on here) and our other computer is up and running, I'll share the videos. Until then enjoy gazing at our adorable boy.


This is Munchkin's Halloween costume from last year. We barely squeezed his feet and hands in to the paws, but he had a blast. He's grown quite a bit since last October.

He found it in his closet today and started trying to put it on himself.

This is his Mizzou helmet. He likes to wear it and even wore it outside today. Needless to say his head was drenched with sweat. After supper tonight he wanted to "help" clean up the dishes and ran away with one. Yes, he ate supper in just a diaper and t-shirt. The helmet he put on himself after supper.

When I get the camera out he loves to look at himself. Our camera has a screen that flips out and can be turned around so he can look at himself while I am taking pictures of him. He thought it was hilarious. The only thing is that he gets so close all I can take pictures of is his face.....not that I'm complaining. I mean, look at this face!!! Scrumptious!

(That's me in the background. He was sitting on my lap.)

Me and my babe.

(I think his face is hilarious here. Note: he was laughing)

A New School Year Approaches

While I was fixing lunch this afternoon I was thinking about the new school year getting ready to start. Teachers here in the district where I taught before I stayed at home will be going back to work on Thursday. Kids start school here next week!!!! That got me to thinking about what I would be doing today if I were still teaching. I thought about getting my room ready, writing lesson plans, axiously awaiting my class list from my principal, catching up with the other teachers, etc. This was always such an exciting time of year.

However, as I was fixing my lunch today I also thought about what my lunches were like when I was teaching. They were always rushed. It was sometimes my only chance to check my mailbox, make phone calls, go to the bathroom, get everything ready for the afternoon lessons, solve any problems that may have happened at recess (which was right before lunch), and in the midst of all this have some time with other adults and actually eat. And that was just on the days when I wasn't eating lunch in my classroom with some of my students. Yes, today I was thinking how blessed I am to be able to stay at home.

Don't get me wrong I loved teaching. I always knew it was what I wanted to do, and I loved doing it. Will I go back to it? Maybe someday. But for now I'm just going to enjoy my lunches at my dining room table with just me and my Munchkin - eating in the quiet (except for when he's jabbering!), looking out the window at the flowers, eating until we're done rather than until the bell rings to tell me I have a class of children waiting on me, and simply enjoying one another uninterrupted.

P.S. I will be posting pictures again, but for now this is the only computer that is working, which happens to be the computer we don't put pictures on. Our other computer isn't broken, we actually switching computers so Hubby is in the process of getting things squared away for us. Until then, you'll just have to be satisfied with my random thoughts. :)

Why Is It...?

Just a few ponderings...

Why is it that when he is in his swim trunks he doesn't want to play in the water, but when he is in his regular clothes he directly gets in his pool?

Why is it that he will eat the potatoes that his daddy is eating, but won't touch the ones on his plate even though they are the exact same potatoes?

Why is it that he asks for more to drink, but then cries when you take his sippy cup to go refill it?

Confession

I have a problem. It isn't quite an addiction, but is borderline crazy.

You see, sometimes I get this overwhelming urge to clean. I can't predict when it will hit, but when it does I can't deny it. I keep my house pretty clean during the day to day, but sometimes I just have to clean everything, all at once, and I won't stop until it is done. It is like I need the whole house clean ASAP. I try to keep the house picked up every day. I can't stand dirty dishes, so they are rarely seen in my kitchen, but when this urge hits I have to deep clean everything. Dusting, vacuumin, putting away, throwing out, mopping, cleaning toilets, mirrors, sinks, etc. I have to do it all, and I have to do it now. And I won't stop until it it done.

Yes, this urge even hits me sometimes late at night - right before bed. It is like I can't sleep unless I clean. Hubby is learning to get out of my way when these urges hit because I cannot relax unless I clean. In general I relax so much better when everything is clean, but when these urges hit you would think my life depended on a clean house. (Please don't call Dr. Phil.)

I had one of those urges this evening. I had to clean the entire house. No I really HAD to. It was just about supper time, and the urge hit. Hubby and Munchkin were getting ready to leave anyway to go with Aunt N. to the doggie park - what a perfect time for the urge to hit. I would be all alone, without any distractions, for an extended period of time! I could clean to my heart's content! And boy did I! I can't remember the last time I was able to clean the whole house all at once. Since Munchkin's come along I'll dust one day, a few days later I'll clean bathrooms, I'll vacuum when I have the time and mops floors as needed. But tonight I got to do it all! And I loved it. No, I mean I. Loved. It.

It probably has some underlying meaning like I get these urges when I feel like my life is out of control, so I do the one thing I can control - cleaning my house. Maybe someday my loved ones will have an intervention. But until then I'll relish the times I get these urges and actually have the chance to act on them. I mean, as a mom, how many times will I actually be able to clean my whole house all at once?