14 Months

Since February only has 28 days I never know when to post his updates since he's a 30th baby.

 

Weight/Length- I don't know for sure but I suspect you are 27ish pounds and 31-32 inches. Your 18 month size pants are finally not too long on you.

 

Eating- You are no longer taking bottles during the day. I still give you a bottle before bed and first thing in the morning. The doctor wants you to be off the bottle by 15 months so that's our project this next month. During the day you drink your water and milk out of sippy cups with no problem. Still eating 3 meals a day with multiple snacks. You've showed signs of becoming a bit pickier with your food and we finally found something you actually do not like- tomato soup. But overall you're still a champion eater as you've been since day 1. 

Sleep- With the exception of a couple nights when you were teething/sick you've been sleeping great. We've been putting you to bed a little earlier, closer to 7:30pm and you are actually sleeping later most days, closer to 7am. This past weekend after a brief wakeup at 6am  when you couldn't find your pacifier you slept til 8:30am! Amazing! Most days you only take one nap around lunchtime for 1-2 hours. Sometimes on the weekend we can still get a second nap out of you but you fight it.

Clothes- 18 months and even a few 18-24 month outfits. I just bought a bunch of spring clothes in 18-24 months sizes for you.

 

Diapers- Size 4

Appearance- You got another haircut this month and your hair is SHORT, too short, it's makes you look so old. You are looking more like a little boy and not so much like a baby anymore. You also now have 11 teeth, 4 on top, 4 on bottom and 3 molars!!

Personality- You are really turning into a fun little kid. You love to play and are constantly getting into things and wanting to explore. You are all boy and very much like your father. I suspect you are going to give me a few mini heart attacks with your dare devil, mischievous ways. You are really getting into not only mimicking us but trying to make us laugh with your faces and sounds. You are also becoming very affectionate and constantly giving hugs and wanting to snuggle. The tantrums have increased as well, you continue to get very frustrated if we take something away from you or you aren't able to have something you want. You will lay on the floor and just cry. It's actually kind of cute (unless we're in public).  You are finally starting to enjoy watching cartoons (especially Sesame Street and Bubble Guppies) and you are finally sitting still and letting me read to you every night and actually seem to enjoy it. When you were younger you refused to sit still for story time.

Likes-
-Getting into the kitchen cabinets

-Getting into the bathroom cabinets and playing with my (unplugged) curling irons

-Pressing the buttons on the clock radios

-Cartoons (finally! Though only for 10 minutes at a time)

-Your Brown Bear and Goodnight Moon books, we read them every night.

-Riding in your wagon
-Bubbles in the bathtub
-Looking out the window

Dislikes- same as last month

Milestones-
-You cut two more molars. You now have one on top and two on the bottom.

-You got your second haircut.

-If we tell you to take something to someone else you will do it.

-If we ask you to bring us something you will often follow directions.

-You can point to your nose when asked and our nose when asked. Sometimes your lips as well.

-You know to put a cell phone (or anything resembling a cell phone) up to your ear.

-You will give hugs when asked.
-You FINALLY started waving goodbye.

-You had your first bubble bath and loved it.  

-First wagon ride.

 

Photos for the month.

 

You do NOT sit still for pictures anymore, the only way I could get this was to put you in your wagon.

Loving your first bubble bath.

First trip to IHOP and first chocolate pancake. It was a hit.

You love to walk around outside now, despite the cold weather.

I love this little face.

You love to look out the window by the front door. Our little neighborhood watchman.

Again peeking out the window.

You are way more fashionable than mommy and daddy.

Seriously who is this teenager walking around my house?

 

SWW

Happy Wednesday!

 

Here's another round of So What Wednesday with Shannon.

 

This week I'm saying So What if:

 

-I don't take Hunter to the doctors EVERY time he's sent home early from daycare (which is what they would prefer), I would rather just wait the 24 hours until he's allowed back. I know he's just teething and we're more likely to actually catch something in that germ infested office.

 

-As inconvenient as it is workwise to stay home with him, I do love our extra time together.

 

-I told Kristian that I didn't like kissing him now that he has a beard because I feel like I'm kissing a hairy va.gina (not that I would know what that's actually like).

 

-I didnt stay awake to watch all of the Oscars, I'm not trying to stay up til midnight on a Sunday night. Why can't they start it earlier like they do the Super Bowl? Plus I thought it was boring anyways.

 

-Monday night I was doing some work from home while watching The Bachelor. I can only half pay attention to that show anyways because it annoys me so much (yet I still watch).  Turned out my (female) client was doing the same and we started emailing back and forth about the show.

 

-If everytime my kid does something new I call both of our mothers to tell them about it as if my child is the first child ever to do such a thing. Fortunately both grandmas get just as excited.

 

-I've spent more time and effort on Hunters first year photobook (which is almost done) than I did my wedding photobook. And I know he won't even care about looking at it when he's older but I will.

Daycare Frustrations

I've posted many times about how much I like Hunters daycare. While I wish I didn't have to send him to daycare for so many hours each day I really do like the teachers and can see how much Hunter enjoys going. With that said I have been extremely frustrated the past few days. Hunters daycare, as with many daycares I'm sure, have very specific rules when it comes to sending home sick children. If they have a fever over 100, are vomiting or have had 2+ diarrhea poops they have to go home. If they are sent home they can't return until they are symptom free for 24 hours unless you have a doctors note.

There have been several times I've had to pick him up early due to a fever (always attributed to teething). In most of those cases he's been sent home early in the day so I was able to take him back early the next day. Well last Wednesday I was called around 3:30 and told he had had two diarrhea poops and had to go home. Kristian was already on his way to pick him up so it wasn't a big deal in that respect but it also meant that he wouldn't be able to return the next day and therefore I was going to have to work from home. To top it off Kristian woke up Thursday morning with what I'm pretty sure was the flu and could barely get out of bed so I not only had to take care of Hunter (who by the way was totally fine and not sick at all) but also take care of Kristian, oh and try to get work done.

Well today I once again received a call around 1:30 that Hunter had two diarrhea poops and had to go home. Kristian was able to pick him up but once again he now can't return tomorrow unless I take him to the doctor and get a note signed saying he can return sooner. Well I'm not going to take a seemingly healthy child to a germ infested doctor's office just to get a note signed saying he's not sick. The fact is, Hunter is teething, he's cutting his one year molars and even his teacher said that was probably the cause for all the stomach issues but she has to follow their policy.

I understand that they don't want sick kids there passing along germs and infecting other kids. I can even understand sending the child home early but their policy of not allowing them back for 24 hours I think is pretty dumb especially when the child is obviously not sick and shows no other signs of being ill or contagious. Oh and to top it off we still have to pay for the days he's not allowed to attend. So basically we're paying approximately $50 to the daycare for the day even though he's home with me.

Obviously if Hunter were truly sick or contagious I wouldn't want him to go to daycare and I've kept him home by my own choice when he's actually been sick but the fact is I do have a job and even though I can technically work from home, it's very difficult to do with a very active toddler who does not like when mommy is on the computer. I am very fortunate to have a very understanding boss who lets me work from home when Hunter can't go to daycare (Kristian works in sales and can't really work from home which is why I do it). But I know there are many other parents that don't have that luxury and I feel for them.

For other parents that have kids in daycare what are their sick child policies?

What's Cookin Good Lookin?

I'm sure I've mentioned a time or ten that I don't do a whole lot of cooking in our house. Kristian is the cook and he does a damn good job at it. However, there are times when I take over the kitchen to make something for my little family. I don't say that I cook, I say that I follow directions because, well, that's what I'm doing.

Most of the recipes I use I've found on Pinterest (of course). It's funny, we have a ton of cookbooks, but for some reason I only want to cook recipes I find online. Fortunately, I've had pretty good luck with my Pinterest finds. The recipes are all easy (or I wouldn't use them) and the food always turns out well. Kristian thinks Pinterest is pretty silly EXCEPT in regards to the recipes inspiring his wife to actually cook a meal every now and again.

I've been a bit obsessed with our crockpot recently. It's just so damn easy to throw a bunch of stuff in it and 6 hours later dinner is served. Whenever I work from home I try to make something in the crockpot.

I thought it would be nice to go ahead and post some of the recipes I've made lately. These are all super easy and have turned out well. Both Kristian and Hunter have loved all of them and I've made most of them more than once. So because sharing is caring below are my favorites.
 
A couple of notes:
-The tortellini soup I just made this last night and posted it on IG and had several people want the recipe. It was quite tasty and I'm eating the leftovers for lunch today.

-I think I've made this taco soup once a week for the past month. It's easily because one of our favorite meals and I think the leftovers actually taste better once they are warmed up again. Add a little avocado, sour cream and use some Tostitos scoops and you're all set!

-The chicken and dumplings isn't my favorite of the soups but Kristian loves it and it's SUPER easy to make.

 

 

 

Source: littlefellows.blogspot.com via Shannon on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: blog.landofnod.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: polishthestars.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: kalynskitchen.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: dawnsquiltcorner.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: clairebidwellsmith.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: allrecipes.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: backtoherroots.com via Shannon on Pinterest

SWW

Linking up again with Shannon for another So What Wednesday!

 

This week I'm saying So What if:

 

-We FINALLY moved the bassinet out of our room and into the basement. Yes the bassinet that Hunter hasn't used for a year. We kept it in our room because 1. We really have no where else to put it right now and 2. Our cat would sleep in it almost every night and I felt bad taking his "bed" away from him. But I finally had enough and put it downstairs until I can give it back to my friend who lent it to us.

 

-I kind of hate all of our furniture and wish I could totally redecorate our house. I blame Pinterest.

 

-We eat pretty much the same things for dinner over and over again each week. We like what we like.

 

-I only watch the Oscars for the fashions and celebrities. I don't think I've seen any of the movies nominated.

 

-I like to get to work 20 or so minutes early so that I have time to check my personal email and Facebook before I have to start actually working. It helps me to wake up a bit.   

 

-I actually would love to join and start going to a gym again, I miss it, but just can't handle the thought of having to wake up at 5am to do it, which would be my only time to go.

 

-I can't understand why certain "big" blogs are so popular when their content is just underwhelming or completely lacking. 

More than just a Hallmark Holiday

I've never been a girl that has had much luck in the romance department on Valentine's Day. I was always either single or dating some jerk that blew it off. It was typically a day of disappointment. That is until 4 years ago when Kristian invited me over to his house for dinner and to celebrate our first Valentine's Day together. Since we had only been dating about 6 months I didn't really expect anything major. We had already discussed marriage and even gone to look at rings (yes after less than 6 months...we were crazy) but I thought a ring was still a long way off.

Well I was wrong and by the end of the evening I was engaged and had a GORGEOUS diamond ring on my left hand. I guess you could say he made up for all the previous lousy Vdays from my past. So even though most people consider this to be a "Hallmark Holiday" (and I kinda do as well) for me it's more about celebrating the night I was asked the best question of my life.

So in honor of the popular #throwbackthursday on Instagram here are some photos from the night we got engaged - 2/14/09

Kristian decorated the dining room in his condo, prepared an amazing steak dinner and afterwards proposed to me while Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" (our wedding song) played in the background. He hadn't planned on proposing that night, despite already having the ring but he later told me he just couldn't wait anymore.

 

 

A year ago today was another memorable Valentine's Day because it was my first day back at work after maternity leave and Hunter's first day at daycare. I was once again shedding tears on Vday but this time for a very different reason.

I can't believe he was ever that tiny.

 

And here we are 4 years after getting engaged and 1 year after Hunters first day at daycare. This morning was much easier dropping him off than this time last year.

This Ladies Man wants to wish YOU a Happy Valentines Day.

 

SWW

 

Linking up again with Shannon for another So What Wednesday!

 

This week I'm saying SO What if:

 

-I haven't hand crafted any cute Valentine's for Hunter's daycare class. I may run out today and buy something to take tomorrow but let's be real, they are 1 year olds, they don't know what Valentine's Day is.

 

-Even though I know it's a dumb Hallmark holiday I still want my hubby to get me something tomorrow. Who doesn't like presents? And tomorrow is our 4 year Engagiversary.  

 

-I was thrilled last night that Hunter was super cuddly and playful with me, especially after he dissed me the night before.

 

-I watched my DVR'd episode of Revenge last night, rather than the State of the Union. I figured it the President said anything important I would hear about it today anyways.

 

-Last night I told Kristian I was giving up Starbucks for Lent (no we are not Catholic), I am currently drinking a Starbucks White Mocha this morning. Sigh. I would make a horrible Catholic.

 

-I'm so happy that I get to telework on Monday for President's Day. Even though I'm still technically working, it's so nice to not have make my hour long commute and get to spend some extra time with my boys. 

And then I was reminded why being a working mother can really suck sometimes

As a working mother I spend approximately 10 hours away from my son Monday-Friday. I drop him off at daycare between 7:30-8am and get home between 5:30-6pm. Fortunately (or maybe unfortunately) Hunter never has any issues with being dropped off at daycare. He loves it there. He loves the teachers, the other kids and all the extra toys. He doesn't cry or cling to me when I leave, even though I ALWAYS go back for one last kiss after putting all his stuff away. Granted it makes drop off much easier to leave a happy child but I would be lying if I said that a part of me didn't wish just a little that he was more upset to see me go each day.

When I get home in the evenings Hunter will usually crawl, or now walk to me. If Kristian is holding him he will smile and reach for me. It is definitely one of the highlights of my day. I love coming home to a baby toddler that is happy to see me.

Last night when I got home I walked in the door and stood in the entry hall, as I always do and waited for Hunter to come greet me. I got down and held out my arms and he smiled as he walked towards me....and right past me into the kitchen to play in the dog's water bowl. Yep I was dissed for a dog's water bowl. I realize these things can be distracting so I went in after him and scooped him up for some hugs and kisses and he cried and squirmed wanting to get down. He had absolutely no interest in me or my kisses. And my heart just about broke. I almost burst into tears. After 10 hours away from his mama he wanted to play in a water bowl rather than accept my affection.

And that's when I was reminded that being a working mom can really suck sometimes. I know that Hunter is a very active toddler whose attention span is about 3 seconds long. I know I shouldn't take it personally but in that moment it was hard not to feel rejected. To feel like maybe being away from him all day is causing us to not have a strong bond, especially now that we no longer have the nursing bond to share. To feel like he is more excited to see his daddy or his daycare teachers more than he is to see me.

Kristian tried to reassure me that this isn't the case. He's becoming a moody, independent, active little toddler that doesn't always want his mama kissing all over him. But it doesn't make it any easier. It doesn't make me miss the newborn days, where all he wanted in the world was his mama to hold and nurse him, any less.

I only get a few hours in the evenings with him and I try my best to make the most of them. To help make up for my time away during the day. So whether he likes it or not, I will smooch on him when I get home, I will play with him and follow him around the house and make him listen to me read bedtime stories, no matter how much he would rather be getting into mischief. He can ignore me when he's a teenager.

Weekend =Teeth, Haircuts and Wagons Oh My!

We had a surprisingly good weekend considering we spent last Wednesday and Thursday night dealing with a fussy, unhappy, refusing to sleep, teething toddler. He cut two new teeth including another molar. And since Kristian was away Thursday night with his dad on a hunting trip I was not in the best of moods by the time the weekend rolled around.

You wouldn't know from this picture that he had been up for most of the night. He was happy as a clam Friday morning. I was not.

 

Friday night he was was again Sir Fuss A Lot so we tried a bath, which is a pretty sure fire way to make him happy. He immediately started chewing on the washcloth. Teething sucks. But he was happy at least.

 

He actually slept well Friday night, in fact after a very brief wakeup at 6am he slept until 8:30am on a SATURDAY!!! This NEVER happens. I guess the sleep Gods were finally repaying me for the previous for nights. We were all in much better spirits. So good in fact, Hunter celebrated with moroccas!

 

Even though he slept late he still took a great 2 hour nap while I went to the grocery store. After I got back Kristian and I decided to watch Hawaii 5.0 on DVR. Normally Hunter doesn't pay attention to the t.v. and plays while we watch but he seemed quite engrossed in this episode (yes I realize not the most appropriate television) and really enjoyed eating MY apple.

 

Then of course there was the daddy ticklefest before bed. I love these two so much!

 

After Hunter went to bed Kristian and I actually sat down and watched a movie (Legends of the Fall was on t.v. and I LOVE that movie) and then watched a special on Mumford and Sons and just cuddled and listened to music. It was a great night and just what I needed.

 

Once again Hunter slept til 8:30am on Sunday! I know right! Amazing.

 

Instead of the Sunday paper he prefers reading a little bit of Brown Bear (upside down of course).

 

It was then time to take him for his second ever haircut. Instead of Cartoon Cuts we just took him to the local barber shop since Kristian also needed a haircut.

 

Hunter was NOT happy. In fact he screamed the entire time. Poor kid.

 

The barber made it a little shorter than I would have liked but at least this way we shouldn't need to take him back for a couple months. And I have to say he looks really damn cute.

(Still don't know how we got a little blondie)

 

My mom bought Hunter a radio flyer wagon last year and we finally brought it home last weekend and on Sunday we took it out for the first time. Moxie even tagged along for the ride.

 

They loved it!

 

Two peas in a pod.

 

Does it get any cuter?? Moxie preferred sitting right on Hunters lap.

Now we just need spring to come!

 

Sunday nights I typically try to make dinner since Kristian does most of the cooking during the week. I usually make some kind of casserole or crock pot meal that we can get at least two meals out of (then it's like I'm making dinner two nights!). Sunday night I made lasagna and some cookies. I'm a domestic freaking goddess.

 

After dinner Hunter got his very first official "bubble bath". I think he liked it.

 



 

How was your weekend?

What I've been wearing lately

First things first- I am not a fashion blogger, not even close. I don't have the money or the closet space to be a fashion blogger. However, I like to think that when I put my mind to it, I can come up with a cute outfit or two. Now that I've gone through and cleaned out and reorganized my closet (which I still need to post about), it's been easier for me to see what I have and put outfits together each night for the next day.

Below are some of the photos I've posted on Instagram (sep0522) recently. Most of these outfits are what I wore to work. Fortunately I work for a company that doesn't have a strict dress code. So long as we don't have a client in the office or a meeting to go to we can wear jeans if we want to, however, I do enjoy dressing up a few times a week. If I look professional I feel more professional.

As I mentioned I'm not a fashion blogger and therefore do not have a record of where I've bought every article of clothing that I own but since I buy most of my clothes from Target, Old Navy and Forever 21 (what can I say? I'm on a budget) I was able to list everything below for these specific outfits.  Basically anything I wear that comes from a pricey store or has a designer label is a hand-me-down from my sister-in-law who has more expensive taste than I do.

 

Tank top - Old Navy

Sweater - Target

Pants - I've had FOREVER but probably Target

Shoes - Target

Dress- can't remember but I think Forever 21.

 I bought it 5 years ago to wear on my first date with Kristian

Cardigan- Old Navy

Belt - Target

Leggings - Target

Boots- I've had forever so I don't remember

Scarf and Jeans F21

Sweater, Shirt and Boots- Target

 

Cardigan and Tank Top- target

Pants- Old Navy

Cardigan, Shirt and Jeans- Old Navy

Belt- Target

Shoes- Juicy Couture, hand me downs from my 16 year old niece!! haha

Dress- Old Navy (just bought on sale for $7!)

 

Sweater- don't remember, probably Target

Pants- old, I think from Forever 21

*sorry the next couple are so blurry*

Dress- OLD- Forever 21

Belt- Forever 21

Shirt, boots, boot socks, scarf- Target

Cardigan- Old Navy

Shirt and pants- Target

Shirt- Hand me down from my SIL

Check out the Hunter Photobomb

 

As you can see I'm a bit obsessed with boots, cardigans, skinny jeans and scarves. Pretty much my uniform in the winter.

 

One of my favorite parts of Instagram (beside the photos of cute babies that make my uterus hurt) is seeing what other people are wearing which helps to give me outfit ideas.