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| Summer 2011 |
And Now:
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| Summer 2012 |
Then:
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| Summer 2011 |
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| Summer 2012 |
And the way back Then:
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| Summer c.1999 |
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| Summer 2012 |
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Then & Now
Then:
And Now:
And Now:
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Road Trippin'
So we got ballsy and took a few mini-cations with the behbee. First stop was the cabin with Nana and Pop Pop:
Next up, we swung a drive to South Dakota to ensure that Mt. Rushmore was still standing (verdict? Yep, still there)
Things that are facts about traveling with a 6 month old...
1. There is simply no way on earth to travel light any longer. Kiss your days of a single backpack and possibly a duffel bag for a weekend trip goodbye. Just pray that your car holds enough crapola to last you 48 hours away from home base.
2. The cribs that motels provide look like the hospital cribs from the 1950's. You will get zero hours of continuous sleep because you will be sure your baby's preshus appendages will become mercilessly trapped in the Econolodge Crib of Death.
And possibly a little of this plus that:
Oh chill out I'm just kidding! The trips were fine, River did great, no one got inebriated. Relax. Sheesh.
Next up, we swung a drive to South Dakota to ensure that Mt. Rushmore was still standing (verdict? Yep, still there)
Things that are facts about traveling with a 6 month old...
1. There is simply no way on earth to travel light any longer. Kiss your days of a single backpack and possibly a duffel bag for a weekend trip goodbye. Just pray that your car holds enough crapola to last you 48 hours away from home base.
2. The cribs that motels provide look like the hospital cribs from the 1950's. You will get zero hours of continuous sleep because you will be sure your baby's preshus appendages will become mercilessly trapped in the Econolodge Crib of Death.
3. Children like these stupid penny horsie rides from a very, very young age.
4. The only good way to travel with a 6 month old includes this:
A little of that:
Oh chill out I'm just kidding! The trips were fine, River did great, no one got inebriated. Relax. Sheesh.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
A Boy and his Groceries
We've started the solids with a vengeance. So far we have the following:
1) Love bananas. Will eat an entire banana in one sitting, I crap you not.
2) Hate anything green (see peas and green beans.) Will. Not. Eat.
3) Likes being involved in the "spooning it into my mouth" procedure. Resulting in:
4) Makes the best bitter beer face when eating apples. He looks like me when I take cold medicine.
5) Mama likes making the baby food. The baby Brezza is the easier thing ever, and I've so far made all of River's foods myself. I like that I know what he's eating, I like that he's getting fresh food without preservatives or extra sugars for his first foods, and I really like how much money it will save us!
6) Eating solids causes something else to be more "solid" which in turn causes daddy to gag and dry heave during changes. Love.
7) Eating makes us sleepy.
1) Love bananas. Will eat an entire banana in one sitting, I crap you not.
2) Hate anything green (see peas and green beans.) Will. Not. Eat.
3) Likes being involved in the "spooning it into my mouth" procedure. Resulting in:
4) Makes the best bitter beer face when eating apples. He looks like me when I take cold medicine.
5) Mama likes making the baby food. The baby Brezza is the easier thing ever, and I've so far made all of River's foods myself. I like that I know what he's eating, I like that he's getting fresh food without preservatives or extra sugars for his first foods, and I really like how much money it will save us!
6) Eating solids causes something else to be more "solid" which in turn causes daddy to gag and dry heave during changes. Love.
7) Eating makes us sleepy.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Twenty Things a Mother Should Teach Her Son
My friend gave this to me and I wanted to share...
1. Be strong and tender at the same time.
2. Play a sport. It will teach you how to win honorably, lose gracefully, respect authority, work with others, manage your time, and stay out of trouble. And maybe even throw or catch.
3. Use careful aim when you pee. Somebody's got to clean that up, you know.
4. Save money when you're young because you'll need it some day.
5. Allow me to introduce you to the dishwasher, oven, washing machine, iron, vacuum, mop and broom. Now please go use them.
6. Pray and be a spiritual leader.
7. Don't ever be a bully and don't ever start a fight, but if some idiot clocks you, please defend yourself.
8. Your knowledge and education is something that nobody can take away from you.
9. Treat women kindly. Forever is a long time to live alone and it's even longer to live with somebody who hates your guts.
10. Take pride in your appearance.
11. You will set the tone for sexual relationships, so don't take something away from her that you can't give back.
12. A woman can do everything that you can do. This includes her having a successful career and you changing diapers at 3 A.M. Mutual respect is the key to a good relationship.
13. "Yes ma'am" and "yes sir" still go a long way.
14. The reason that they're called "private parts" is because they're "private". Please do not scratch them in public.
15. Peer pressure is a scary thing. Be a good leader and others will follow.
16. Bringing her flowers for no reason is always a good idea.
17. Be patriotic.
18. Potty humor isn't the only thing that's humorous.
19. Please choose your spouse wisely. My daughter-in-law will be the gatekeeper for me spending time with you and my grandchildren.
20. Remember to call your mother because I might be missing you
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Big Stuff
Recent developments:
There was some cousin/Uncle/Aunt love with a visit from Dan and his fam. Things we learned:
1. A toddler + A baby = Noisy
2. River likes to pull girls' hair.
3. 20 month olds don't necessarily appreciate having to share their toys with "the baby".
4. "The Baby" will cry when whacked by a toy that was asked to be shared.
Mama turned 27! I think Nick's going to have to trade me in for a shiny, younger version...
Little Man is getting his first fangs! There's two little tooth buds poking through on his bottom gum. He's been a tiny bit cranky/whiney, but if he hadn't chomped Pop Pop on just the right angle to show off the pointy little shard we probably wouldn't have noticed.
First pool experience was a hit.
And we've officially started solids. Sweet Potatoes are on the menu, and the boy likey.
There was some cousin/Uncle/Aunt love with a visit from Dan and his fam. Things we learned:
1. A toddler + A baby = Noisy
2. River likes to pull girls' hair.
3. 20 month olds don't necessarily appreciate having to share their toys with "the baby".
4. "The Baby" will cry when whacked by a toy that was asked to be shared.
Mama turned 27! I think Nick's going to have to trade me in for a shiny, younger version...
Little Man is getting his first fangs! There's two little tooth buds poking through on his bottom gum. He's been a tiny bit cranky/whiney, but if he hadn't chomped Pop Pop on just the right angle to show off the pointy little shard we probably wouldn't have noticed.
First pool experience was a hit.
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| He floats! |
Friday, May 25, 2012
When You're Big...
I'll miss the way your head smells like powder and milk.
I'll miss the way you slowly wake up from a nap - rubbing your eyes, snuggling in, and usually falling asleep for another ten minutes.
I'll miss the way you kick and splash in the bath, soaking me, the floor, the tub, the door, the hallway...
I'll miss the way you fold in your entire body in on what you want to chew on, Venus-fly-trap-style.
I'll miss the way you wake up at night for nothing else other than to be with me.
I'll miss the way you suck in air to make your high pitched happy squeal.
I'll miss the way you blabber on walks, like you're naming every plant and animal you see.
I'll miss the way you laugh out loud when your daddy messes with you.
I'll miss the way your chubby belly hangs over your diaper, and your chunky thighs stick out like little stumps.
I'll miss the way you squeak, smile, and cry, all while completely fast asleep.
I'll miss the way you go from the most serious look into a sudden huge, gummy smile.
I'll miss the way you grunt and pant while 'working out' during tummy time.
I'll miss the way you talk to yourself in the mirror while you sit in your Bumbo as I get ready in the morning.
I'll miss the way your whole face lights up when I walk in the room.
I'll miss the way you need me.
But maybe, just a little bit, you still will.
Because, even when you're big, I'll always need you.
I'll miss the way you slowly wake up from a nap - rubbing your eyes, snuggling in, and usually falling asleep for another ten minutes.
I'll miss the way you kick and splash in the bath, soaking me, the floor, the tub, the door, the hallway...
I'll miss the way you fold in your entire body in on what you want to chew on, Venus-fly-trap-style.
I'll miss the way you wake up at night for nothing else other than to be with me.
I'll miss the way you suck in air to make your high pitched happy squeal.
I'll miss the way you blabber on walks, like you're naming every plant and animal you see.
I'll miss the way you laugh out loud when your daddy messes with you.
I'll miss the way your chubby belly hangs over your diaper, and your chunky thighs stick out like little stumps.
I'll miss the way you squeak, smile, and cry, all while completely fast asleep.
I'll miss the way you go from the most serious look into a sudden huge, gummy smile.
I'll miss the way you grunt and pant while 'working out' during tummy time.
I'll miss the way you talk to yourself in the mirror while you sit in your Bumbo as I get ready in the morning.
I'll miss the way your whole face lights up when I walk in the room.
I'll miss the way you need me.
But maybe, just a little bit, you still will.
Because, even when you're big, I'll always need you.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
5 months
5 months?! That can't be right. There's no way that this:
Has become this:
Read on while I wallow in my denial...
Weight: 15.5 lbs
Clothing: 6 month size
Likes:
Walks. Seriously, I could set this child's crib and toys outside and he'd probably live there. The boy likes his outside time.
The words "Okaly Dokaly" and "Nasty". Don't know why, can't explain it, but he laughs every time we say it.
Pop Pop. They spend the day together every weekday, taking walks, hanging on the "Tumbling Mat" (aka - the activity mat), laughing at the dog, reading books, and drinking bottles. Lots and lots of bottles.
Chewing. Chewing on hands, finger, toes, toys...we're not picky.
Board books. Specifically books with pictures of other babies or faces. Next up: War & Peace.
Baths. We've graduated to the Big Boy Bathtub, and now take baths in our 2" of warm water where we can kick, splash, and pee to our heart's delight.
Empty plastic cups. Chewable. Droppable. Makes interesting hollow sounds when screeched into. What's NOT to love?!
Nana. She loves on us, tells us how adorable we are, buys us super cute clothes, and lets us do anything and everything we want to do. Everyone needs a Nana.
Dislikes:
Not much. Tired or hungry gets some whines, but that's about it. We got a mellow boy, I dare say...
Has become this:
Read on while I wallow in my denial...
Weight: 15.5 lbs
Clothing: 6 month size
Likes:
Walks. Seriously, I could set this child's crib and toys outside and he'd probably live there. The boy likes his outside time.
The words "Okaly Dokaly" and "Nasty". Don't know why, can't explain it, but he laughs every time we say it.
Pop Pop. They spend the day together every weekday, taking walks, hanging on the "Tumbling Mat" (aka - the activity mat), laughing at the dog, reading books, and drinking bottles. Lots and lots of bottles.
Chewing. Chewing on hands, finger, toes, toys...we're not picky.
Board books. Specifically books with pictures of other babies or faces. Next up: War & Peace.
Baths. We've graduated to the Big Boy Bathtub, and now take baths in our 2" of warm water where we can kick, splash, and pee to our heart's delight.
Empty plastic cups. Chewable. Droppable. Makes interesting hollow sounds when screeched into. What's NOT to love?!
Nana. She loves on us, tells us how adorable we are, buys us super cute clothes, and lets us do anything and everything we want to do. Everyone needs a Nana.
Dislikes:
Not much. Tired or hungry gets some whines, but that's about it. We got a mellow boy, I dare say...
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Kitty
I had to put my cat, Kitty down on Wednesday. He was old (18) and had to wear a cone because he itched and scratched at his fur obsessively. I've had Kitty since I was 18 myself and living in Greeley - he's been with me through college, three moves, a new dog, a marriage, and of course a baby. He was more dog than cat, and was an attention (and food) whore like I've never seen before. He lived a good, long life, and there are plenty of funny stories I have to remember. I know that it was the right thing to do to put him down.
But my heart is beyond broken.
But my heart is beyond broken.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
What It Is
It's life changing moments...
And changing the lives of those around you...
It's exhaustion...
And sleep-deprivation...
It's walks as a family of three...
And mornings filled with baby screams and smiles...
It's moments that you never realized you've waited your whole life to see...
And moments that you always know you were meant to have...
It's laughter...
And occasionally some tears...
But most of all it's love.
It's being a mother.
Happy Mother's Day.
2012
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Co-Parents
Nick just left with River to 'run errands' together. I love that I have a hubby who not only takes an active role in caring for our little man, but enjoys being a dad so much that he takes River along with him just to go out and about. Nick is an amazing dad, and him and River are building an incredible relationship...
I think being a dad of an infant is tough for men - all a newborn wants is to be fed (mom), rocked (mom), fed (mom), to sleep on someone (mom), and fed (mom). It doesn't leave a ton of room for roles for new daddy's to play, and I think Nick felt very useless at times as River only wanted me (and my boobies) for the first few months. Ever since River hit 3 months old, though, Nick has become a definite preferred person for Riv. He always knows how to make him giggle (even if that means tossing him in the air while mommy has a silent heart attack mentally imagining horrid images of her sweet baby being dropped on hardwood floors). Nick changes a mean diaper (and has taken the occasional boy-baby-pee-soaking with good humor), and has become much more adept at all those little snaps and buttons on baby clothes that look somewhat ridiculous and out-of-place being fumbled around in man-hands. I even find it endearing that Nick is semi-terrified to give River a bath (what with the burning/drowning risks and all), but sits on a chair in the bathroom watching me bathe the baby so he can still be a part of it. While I still have Riv in his co-sleeper on my side of the bed, Nick gets up without complaint every single time I need a bottle made, and stumbles downstairs in his boxers to mix up a few ounces to tide the boy over till morning.
People forget to mention that co-parenting takes work. Not just the work they warn you about with the baby, but work to find a balance in this new relationship as fellow parents of a tiny lump of human. Nick and I have had our moments of snapping at each other when the baby is screaming, the laundry needs to be done, and the dog has pulled every single frickin' one of her toys into the middle of the living room. But, in the end, we make it work, and are finding our place in our ever-evolving roles as "Mom" and "Dad". It's still crazy to me to think of talking with Nick initially on eHarmony, and that I never could have imagined that I'd have a sweet baby boy with this man five years later. But here we are, and here our baby is, and (dare I say) we've made a pretty damn good family in the process.
Now, the real questions begs, what the hell will my two boys come back with from their errands...
I think being a dad of an infant is tough for men - all a newborn wants is to be fed (mom), rocked (mom), fed (mom), to sleep on someone (mom), and fed (mom). It doesn't leave a ton of room for roles for new daddy's to play, and I think Nick felt very useless at times as River only wanted me (and my boobies) for the first few months. Ever since River hit 3 months old, though, Nick has become a definite preferred person for Riv. He always knows how to make him giggle (even if that means tossing him in the air while mommy has a silent heart attack mentally imagining horrid images of her sweet baby being dropped on hardwood floors). Nick changes a mean diaper (and has taken the occasional boy-baby-pee-soaking with good humor), and has become much more adept at all those little snaps and buttons on baby clothes that look somewhat ridiculous and out-of-place being fumbled around in man-hands. I even find it endearing that Nick is semi-terrified to give River a bath (what with the burning/drowning risks and all), but sits on a chair in the bathroom watching me bathe the baby so he can still be a part of it. While I still have Riv in his co-sleeper on my side of the bed, Nick gets up without complaint every single time I need a bottle made, and stumbles downstairs in his boxers to mix up a few ounces to tide the boy over till morning.
People forget to mention that co-parenting takes work. Not just the work they warn you about with the baby, but work to find a balance in this new relationship as fellow parents of a tiny lump of human. Nick and I have had our moments of snapping at each other when the baby is screaming, the laundry needs to be done, and the dog has pulled every single frickin' one of her toys into the middle of the living room. But, in the end, we make it work, and are finding our place in our ever-evolving roles as "Mom" and "Dad". It's still crazy to me to think of talking with Nick initially on eHarmony, and that I never could have imagined that I'd have a sweet baby boy with this man five years later. But here we are, and here our baby is, and (dare I say) we've made a pretty damn good family in the process.
Now, the real questions begs, what the hell will my two boys come back with from their errands...
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| Baseball Game - 2007 |
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| Hot Air Ballooning - 2007 |
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| Nick's 30th Birthday - 2007 |
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| Christmas - 2008 |
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| Disneyland Trip - 2009 |
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| Andrew & Wendy's Wedding - 2009 |
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| San Diego Wild Animal Park - 2009 |
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| Wedding Day - June 26th, 2010 |
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| Jamaica Honeymoon - 2010 |
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| 5 months Pregnant with River - Summer 2011 |
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| First Family Photo - December 26, 2011 @ 2:20pm |
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| Valentine's Day - 2012 |
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
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