Short Hiatus

We have been fortunate to be able to take time away and visit family, and because I’m trying to soak it all in, and we are so busy I will not be around a computer often or have access to pictures for my project 52. I plan on catching up when I get back but until then I’ll post little diddes if I can

Project 52:6 | Boy World

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valentine’s Day marked the first birthday of my littlest man. I can’t believe we are here already. I know people always say, “I feel like it was yesterday…” but I honestly do feel like I brought him home like a month ago! We’ve flown through all the first year milestones that I felt took forever to get here with my oldest. Tillman has always been more of an observer, so sweet and pretty quiet, while Dylan is total opposite, but when they are with each other it just works. We celebrated Tillman with a party full of yummy food and lots of friends and balloons and he loved it! He totally knew it was his day and played into all the attention. I was so proud of Dylan too. I  thought he would have a hard time understanding it was Tillman’s day, but it was the exact opposite. He was so proud of his brother and wanted everyone to know it was his special time. I definitely shed some tears because I felt my baby was growing too quickly, but I was completely overcome by emotion and the thought of how much love  and happiness and good health we have been blessed with. We are so very grateful for each other and look forward to many, many more celebrations!

Project 52:5 | Boy World

Our house is chaotic majority of the day. On the occasion that I am able to get both boys down for an afternoon nap around the same time I have a just enough time to catch my breath and try and get some chores done. Around dinner time everything hits a whole new level of crazy – my oldest is excited that Daddy’s home and is bouncing off the wall, I’m in the middle of cooking dinner, and my youngest is underneath me pulling on my legs and screaming because I’m not cooking fast enough. From that point on we are pushing through to bedtime, which usually means lots of toys thrown around from Dylan’s pre-dinner playing, bath time, and negotiating them into pajamas. It is quite a fiasco and apparently not only for us.

No matter how crazy it may get there are the rare occasions when they accidently fall asleep and when it happens it is adorable. Lately, it’s been mostly our youngest and man that sweet face and little snore always makes me smile. This warm, tingly feeling comes over me, and I feel the emotion take over, the tears dwelling. The same thing happens when Dylan miraculously falls asleep with us on the couch although it is much more rare. It’s a moment where I miss the babies that they once were, but am so proud of who they are. I am able to reflect on the fact that I have this unexplainable love for these perfect little people, a love that I can hardly understand let alone find the words to describe. It literally takes my breath away. I want for nothing more than to scoop them up and snuggle with them, followed by their soft little breaths keeping me warm through in our bed while we snuggle some more.

Then of course I realize that IF I scoop them up they will wake up and there will be no more quiet, serene little boys and definitely no snuggling and IF I let them cozy up in our bed we would be the ones getting no sleep. So I watch quietly take in the moment and usher them off to bed where they will continue their sweet dreams, while Mama relaxes with non-animated television shows, a glass of wine, and of course my hubby.

If you are interested in seeing other blogs that are doing Project 52s see below. I’ll continue to link as I find them.

Styleberry ~ The Carter Family ~ McBaby Bump ~ LucasandMahina

Project 52:4 | Boy World

I’m starting to learn with my very stubborn and independent three year old that the only way to get him to do what we want when he’s in a mood (which is now most of the time) is to make him think it was his idea or make it a game. He jumps at the opportunity, although it definitely tests my patience more haha! I’ll do just about anything though to avoid those meltdowns. This evening had started with a messy spaghetti dinner and a refusal to bathe, so bring on the games, the jumping through hoops and the bells and whistles. Luckily, my husband is fantastic at this. It’s crazy the things he can get him to do, although I am thinking that all the competitiveness may come back to haunt us later. Guess I’ll worry about that then! Side note: there’s nothing better than seeing them play together.  Our youngest getting bigger is such a double-edged sword. I want him to stay this little baby, but I love that they are getting to an age where they can play and enjoy each other.

Project 52:3 | Boy World

There is a sort of child-like behavior that men really never grow out of, and I witness it every day when my husband plays with our boys. There is constant wrestling, tackling, running, jumping, dirt, and the beautiful outdoors. Sometimes I envy that playful, carefree excitement with which they do even the smallest tasks, but I’ve come to understand that’s their special bond. I want them to hold on to that amazing father/son relationship as long as possible. Watching my husband play with our boys gives me butterflies. He’s full of life and laughter, and there is still that glimmer of a fearless, fun-loving child in his eyes, and that’s what I want for our little men. All my boys appreciate the smallest things, which helps to remind me to lighten up too. For many it may have been a cold, windy, indoors kind of day, but for my boys it was a perfect opportunity to have some fun with their kites.

Project 52:2 | Boy World

This is one of those moments where I’m sprinting to my camera to ensure I don’t miss it! That way when they get a little older I can prove that they were sweet to each other at one time. Watching our babies learn new things and become more independent is always amazing, although bittersweet. Now with our second it is even better, because we get to see more and more of these moments with the boys. Moments when Dylan is stepping sweetly into that big brother role. He tries to teach him how to do things by himself, for instance feeding himself and when Tillman makes a bit of a mess Dylan’s right there to help him and clean him up. It warms my heart, and brings a tear to my eye.

If you are interested in seeing other blogs that are doing Project 52s see below. I’ll continue to link as I find them.

Styleberry ~ The Carter Family ~ McBaby Bump ~ LucasandMahina ~ Gin and Juice Boxes

Versatile Blogger Award Winner!

After taking a ridiculously long hiatus I was happy to come back and find that there was still somebody reading my blog! I was even more excited when I found out that I was nominated for a award, which I am happy to accept.

Thanks to Pamela over at Stories of a Mom for not only sticking with me, but for giving me a Versatile Blogger Award!

Official Rules of the Award

1) Thank the award-giver(s) and link back to them in your post.
2) Tell your readers seven (7) things about yourself.
3) Give this award to up to fifteen (15) recently discovered bloggers.
4) Contact those bloggers and let them in on the exciting news.

About Me:

1. Being a mom AND a wife has made me a better person.
2. I believe every woman deserves to be in a happy relationship – one where both partners offer each other love, support, understanding, friendship, and teamwork.
3. Becoming a full-time stay at home mom was quite an adjustment for me.
4. I love that a date night for me and the hubby is catching up on our favorite television shows, snuggling, and snacks.
5. I sometimes daydream about what my boys will be when they grow up, who they will be, and where life will take them.
6. I miss my family EVERY SINGLE DAY that we are away from them, but as much as I miss them I LOVE where we are and the the life we are creating.
7. I enjoy spending my downtime reading magazines, cooking, taking pictures, scrapbooking, and crafting.

I would like to award:

1. Styleberry
2. mcbabybump
3. The Carters Family
4. Boy Mom Blog
5. Babies, Design & Food
6. Me, Myself, and Mi Familia
7. Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch
8. The Hughs Zoo
9. The Janner Triplets
10. The “J” Crew
11. Ruesch Love
12. Brooke and Michael
13. theloflands
14. Joy’ Hope
15. My Life in the Making

These are the blogs that I find to be interesting, and fun! I hope you can pop on over and visit them as well.

Project 52:1 | Boy World

I have decided to participate in a Project 52. After being inspired (again!) by my favorite blog Styleberry. My goal is to choose one picture every week  that follows the theme that I have chosen. In the end I hope to have a well-rounded collection of not just pictures, but memories our little boys. I’m very excited about it, because instead of having just another collection of pictures it will tell a story. I wanted to pick a theme that would be versatile, and fun, but would also give a glimpse into my day to day. Boy World is my life – always has been. I’m the only girl on both sides of my family, so growing up was full of mud, stink, food, and blood. Who would have thought that I am  still the little bit of pink estrogen in the “man cave” that is my own home? Along with my husband we have our two handsome boys, and our dog Eddie which means Mama is very well taken care of by her boys, and even with all the crazy I wouldn’t have it any other way! So we begin the weekly glimpse into all of the fun that is BOY WORLD!

They are so easy to entertain as long as you don’t mind rolling around on the floor and getting slobbered on! It is loud and often hard to breath when you get caught underneath it all, but nothing makes them light up more than the idea of their Dad and Mom acting like little kids too. Then again nothing makes us light up more than being smothered by kisses from our boys – this time was Daddy’s turn!

If you are interested in seeing other blogs that are doing Project 52s see below. I’ll continue to link as I find them.

Styleberry ~ The Carter Family ~ McBaby Bump ~ LucasandMahina

Alive and Well

I’M STILL ALIVE I PROMISE!

I have been slacking. I got caught up with our move and unpacking, and then the holidays were here and well the rest is history. Nonetheless, it is a new year and I have new plans. Along with more posts I hope to add some pretty cool projects. Please stay tuned later this week!

Yummy Yummy in my Tummy

I have always had a love affair with food, and not always the healthy kind. I don’t believe in skipping meals. I always have snacks. I don’t do diets, but I try to do moderation and variety. Having children has made me pay more attention to the food I bring into the house and how I prepare it. I spend one day every other week planning a two week menu, going through sales ads, writing up a grocery list, and finalizing everything before I head off to two grocery stores and the farmer’s market all to ensure that we are enjoying what we are eating, have healthy options on hand, and of course are getting a good deal.

Breakfast is usually cereal, oatmeal, or eggs. On the weekends we do bigger breakfasts when Felix is home, because he’s a big breakfast guy (and it doesn’t hurt that he cooks it haha) typically pancakes, french toast, or waffles. Lunch is PB&J, sandwiches, wraps, quesedillas – something quick, served with a fruit, a veggie, and raisins or graham crackers. Snacks are almost always fruit or veggies. Every now and then they will be a yogurt or some goldfish. Regardless of what’s being served I always try and offer a fruit or a vegetable. One of the proudest Mommy moments was when Dylan was presented with a french fry or a carrot stick at a birthday party and he chose the carrot stick! It even surprised me to be honest. I am a big believer in only making one meal for dinner. Dylan is served exactly what we are served, and now that Tillman is starting proteins he will also be eating what we eat more consistently, in a much smoother form obviously. From the beginning I have made my own baby food. I feel that babies at an early age learn to appreciate the intigirity of the food if they are given the opportunity to enjoy fresh, wholesome ingredients – jarred carrots do not taste as clean, and light as fresh carrots and jarred peas are not as sweet as fresh peas. I also make it a point to mix complementary foods to help open their palatte too. I take one afternoon a week, and I make and freeze Tillman’s food, making meal times as easy as popping the cubes in the microwave – done! I found this site via Styleberry that I love to refer to for questions and ideas with baby food making. Styleberry also has some great tips on baby food making and portions, as well as some yummy quick recipes like her pizza rolls she has shared. Just more Mamas helping Mamas which I love!!

At the same time if there is reason that you can’t make your own food don’t feel guilty about it. Make a few things here and there or do something simple like a mashed up banana and avocado every other day. Every little bit helps, and when choosing baby food do your research look into the organic brands like Earth’s Best. When we travel I will use Plum Organics and mix it in with a fruit that is easily mashable. They even offer these nifty little spoons that make traveling so easy! Only do what you can do, because adding stress only makes everything worse!

I feel the biggest keys are variety, and starting early. If several different foods are introduced in the beginning then they may be more inclined to be open-minded about food choices as they get older. Some other things that I have learned to be true, especially with toddlers and preschoolers, are that texture and size make a big difference and if they don’t like it cooked one way try cooking it another. For example, Dylan prefers his meats (pork chops, steak, chicken, whichever) to be cut up into bite-sized pieces or he won’t eat them. He also isn’t crazy about broccoli raw, but he’ll chow it down if it’s steamed. All I have asked of Dylan is to try everything, if he doesn’t like it it is fine, but he has to try it, and then usually I’ll offer it again a few weeks after maybe he’ll like it then. We also try not to say, “Yuck” or “Eww” when we see or don’t like a food because they learn these reactions from us, and if they just copy us they don’t make up their own mind about that particular food.

It definitely is a little trial and error, but it doesn’t always have to be stressful. Make meal time fun for them, which makes less stress for you. Tillman is a very noisy baby, and is very attached to me so while I am cooking I put him in his high chair with a couple of spoons in the kitchen with me so he can see what I’m doing. Usually their is music playing while I cook, so we’ll sing and dance during dinner preparations, or I’ll talk him through what I am doing and him touch and smell the fruits and vegetables we are cooking with. I will let Dylan help put the toppings on our pizza, or let him help toss the salad. He enjoys helping and is always so eager to eat what he’s helped with! There is also some obsession kids have with dips. Salsas, dressings, ketchup, cream cheese, peanut butter whatever they like give them some fruit and veggies and let them dip away! I don’t mind ranch dressing if he’s eating tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots with it. Dylan is doing his independence thing right now, and I have found that giving him choices helps out too. Make sure both options are healthy choices, “Do you want the grapes or the strawberries?” Bottom line is I will never give the boys something that I wouldn’t eat myself, and I want to make their relationship with food a fun and healthy one so that they can enjoy carrots and cake and not just carrot cake, and certainly there is nothing wrong with the occasional burger and fries.

Below is a little peek into dinner for us. I made a Autumn Chopped Salad (shared by my dear friend, Carolyn)but I added chicken to make it a full meal, and used walnuts instead of pecans. It is amazing! Dylan doesn’t prefer a lot of lettuce, so I modified his a little bit which is what I do if salad is being served as the main course. I’ll leave out the lettuce, and serve the other ingredients separately. If salad is the side I just give him a few pieces of lettuce and lots of the other veggies. Tillman’s is the same as Dylan’s, chicken, pears, and peaches (no ketchup and cheese) pureed. I even had some leftover for Felix’s lunch the next day! Enjoy