My mother in law and I went to an outlet mall that's about an hour outside of Nashville to check out the Gap and Carter's outlet. Btw, waaaaay cute stuff at the Carter's store, but Whit has too many clothes already so I bought some things for my upcoming nephew. Anyhoo, after looking through the tiny baby section we started looking for ourselves and BAM!
Uhhh yeah that's me in regular sized clothing and I don't want to kill myself over my muffin top... that you can't see! I am so stoked that I'm finally starting to feel normal-sized again. I'm a long way off from my pre-pregnancy body, but wearing real jeans is definitely a step in the right direction.
Woohoo!
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Christmas...check. Baby shower #1...
Glad to see I'm not the only blogger that has been way too busy lately to post anything! I checked my Google Reader tonight and only saw a handful of Christmas posts. So I thought I would share how our first little Christmas as our new little family went.
And now to start prepping for baby shower #1 for my sister. The first one is going to be a "Mommy's Little Man" theme and I'm sooooo excited for all the things I've got planned. Now just to find the time to make it all. So far this is the diaper cake I made:
Whit watching his Laugh and Learn Dance and Play Puppy...where do they get these awful names?! |
Looking through Whitman's stocking. |
Every year Santa visits the animals too. Usually all Ceti wants is a can of tuna and the tissue paper. |
Foster aka Jealous aka Eeyore |
The aftermath |
The aftermath pt. 2 |
Watching the "yule log" burn while Whit took a nap. |
The boys trying out Ben's Christmas present. |
And me attempting it. Didn't know Ben took this! |
The giant stocking at Ben's mother's house. |
I sooo need to learn Photoshop to take that drool mark out. Otherwise this could be a Christmas card! |
Commence planking! |
And now to start prepping for baby shower #1 for my sister. The first one is going to be a "Mommy's Little Man" theme and I'm sooooo excited for all the things I've got planned. Now just to find the time to make it all. So far this is the diaper cake I made:
Not bad for my first one, right? |
Friday, December 28, 2012
Whit's latest achievement...mobility!
We had a great Christmas and I hope everyone else did too!
Santa was very good to us, not that our little guy noticed. He's learned something new: scooting.
Just ignore that post-present-opening mess and you'll see... We had put him on his activity mat and he managed to scoot all over the living room rug. Silly boy!
We would put him back and he'd start all over again. He did about three laps at our house and three more at the in-laws. He's obsessed with scooting! The past three nights he's had trouble sleeping because he wants so badly to practice his new skill. So we just put him on the floor and let him go, occasionally turning him around so he doesn't hit his head on the hardwoods.
Maybe after he's mastered this he'll care about his presents!
Santa was very good to us, not that our little guy noticed. He's learned something new: scooting.
Just ignore that post-present-opening mess and you'll see... We had put him on his activity mat and he managed to scoot all over the living room rug. Silly boy!
We would put him back and he'd start all over again. He did about three laps at our house and three more at the in-laws. He's obsessed with scooting! The past three nights he's had trouble sleeping because he wants so badly to practice his new skill. So we just put him on the floor and let him go, occasionally turning him around so he doesn't hit his head on the hardwoods.
Maybe after he's mastered this he'll care about his presents!
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Just wanted to share...
This awesome Groupon I got today for One Step Ahead, it's an all things baby website. I think I'm going to use mine to get some baby food-making supplies. I thought making my own baby food would be crazy, but after reading a few blogs I'm like the little blue engine "I think I can. I think I can. I think I can..."
Friday, December 21, 2012
Storytime and Mail
Since Wednesday Whit has had a great week. Wednesday he spent all day with his dad while I worked, and the boy was so excited he didn't take a nap all day and fought going to sleep that night pretty hard. (He's had a great time, but this mom is exhausted. Who knew one day would mess up his schedule sooo badly?) Anyway, Thursday brought his grandma back to town after being gone a couple of days and then today was our library's monthly storytime for babies. I wish they did it more often, because Whit adores it! And it's not like there's a ton of activities for babies out there, though there needs to be. This kid always wants to be on the go and doing something.
So much so I can never read him a book myself. When he was only a couple of weeks old we started everyday with a bottle and reading some of Winnie-the-Pooh and then one day he couldn't stand it anymore. Or any book. I can't even open one! As soon as I pick it up, here come the water works. Ben's a little sad by it since we both love to read. I was okay with it until today. Now I'm starting to have the new mom worries: Is it normal? Should I read to him anyway? Am I hindering him by not reading to him? Hopefully he'll grow out of this dislike of books, and I wouldn't mind soon!
Y'all. I am so happy this year we finally started getting some Christmas cards from other people! Every year I send out a stack with the tiniest glimmer of hope I'll get a couple from other people. This year we're up to six! You know, you'd think only six cards means we have no friends or family, but we have tons just hardly any of them write. Oh how I love getting mail and writing letters to people! It really is a lost art and I've tried to instigate more and more letter writing and card sending. I send more Christmas cards every year than the year before, I send out cards for birthdays and holidays, now I just need to send actual letters. Though I would be afraid of getting a Facebook message as a reply.
Anyhoo wanted to show off my Christmas card display I made this year...
I originally saw this on Living in the Woods and needed something a little smaller, so couldn't fit the lights on too. But we really dig it! I think I may keep it for other things during the year since there's nothing about it that screams Christmas.
And it was super easy to make. Get a frame without a back. Mine came from Michael's (the only bad thing about living in our town is with so many "antique" dealers, all the goodies are picked out of the thrift stores before you get there). Get some twine. Attach said twine with thumbtacks to back of frame in a zig-zaggy manner. Clip cards onto twine with mini-clothespins. Done!
So much so I can never read him a book myself. When he was only a couple of weeks old we started everyday with a bottle and reading some of Winnie-the-Pooh and then one day he couldn't stand it anymore. Or any book. I can't even open one! As soon as I pick it up, here come the water works. Ben's a little sad by it since we both love to read. I was okay with it until today. Now I'm starting to have the new mom worries: Is it normal? Should I read to him anyway? Am I hindering him by not reading to him? Hopefully he'll grow out of this dislike of books, and I wouldn't mind soon!
Y'all. I am so happy this year we finally started getting some Christmas cards from other people! Every year I send out a stack with the tiniest glimmer of hope I'll get a couple from other people. This year we're up to six! You know, you'd think only six cards means we have no friends or family, but we have tons just hardly any of them write. Oh how I love getting mail and writing letters to people! It really is a lost art and I've tried to instigate more and more letter writing and card sending. I send more Christmas cards every year than the year before, I send out cards for birthdays and holidays, now I just need to send actual letters. Though I would be afraid of getting a Facebook message as a reply.
Anyhoo wanted to show off my Christmas card display I made this year...
I originally saw this on Living in the Woods and needed something a little smaller, so couldn't fit the lights on too. But we really dig it! I think I may keep it for other things during the year since there's nothing about it that screams Christmas.
And it was super easy to make. Get a frame without a back. Mine came from Michael's (the only bad thing about living in our town is with so many "antique" dealers, all the goodies are picked out of the thrift stores before you get there). Get some twine. Attach said twine with thumbtacks to back of frame in a zig-zaggy manner. Clip cards onto twine with mini-clothespins. Done!
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Feeding Time!
The past couple of days we've tried introducing Whit to rice cereal and it's been kind of so-so. The first day he was majorly excited...
But quickly decided we were crazy... (the doctor warned me about that)
So later that night when Ben and I were eating some snacks, Whit was watching us intently and trying to copy our moves.
The next day... voila! The boy had figured it out and was loving it!
Did I mention I think my kid's a genius? ;-)
Friday, December 14, 2012
No words
I keep going back and forth between just wanting to hold on tightly to my son and cry and getting so angry about what happened today that I cry. I just can't imagine... anything. I can't imagine what goes on in a person's head that makes them kill a child. I can't imagine the pain those parents are going through right now. I can't imagine coming home and seeing wrapped presents under the tree that will never go to their intended recipient.
I have to admit something. For the past few years I've lived in fear of this happening to Ben. But it never occurred to me I should fear this way for Whit when he goes to school. But this is my *exact* fear: a crazy person gets a gun, walks into wherever Ben is and starts shooting. The worst part of my fear is that the shooter kills himself before he can be caught. Sigh. I'll be having nightmares again tonight.
Oh those poor people, I wish I could help them. Anything. This whole tragedy is leaving me with just an ache inside. So far Whit has woken up four times trying to go to sleep, and I'm kind of glad because it gives me another chance to hug him, look at him, smooth his hair down. Just to touch him and know that he's still there.
The part that makes me angry is that the next conversation is: how do we prevent this in the future? And inevitably there are people saying things like "gun control won't stop this" or "we should arm ourselves so we can take these nuts out." And to hear the White House Press Secretary say today's not the day to talk legislation? If a man kills 20 children in cold blood and it's still not the day to talk legislation, what the hell has to happen before it is the day?
And then there's people saying let's not talk about this today or on Facebook. Really? I am outraged there are people willing to accept a guy shooting 20 kids as just something that happens and thinking there's nothing we can do. That we shouldn't talk about it is insane! This country was founded on passionate ideas. If we're not passionate about things, then things will never change and this could easily happen again.
/soap box over
I think I'm going to peek in on my baby again and thank God he's alright.
I have to admit something. For the past few years I've lived in fear of this happening to Ben. But it never occurred to me I should fear this way for Whit when he goes to school. But this is my *exact* fear: a crazy person gets a gun, walks into wherever Ben is and starts shooting. The worst part of my fear is that the shooter kills himself before he can be caught. Sigh. I'll be having nightmares again tonight.
Oh those poor people, I wish I could help them. Anything. This whole tragedy is leaving me with just an ache inside. So far Whit has woken up four times trying to go to sleep, and I'm kind of glad because it gives me another chance to hug him, look at him, smooth his hair down. Just to touch him and know that he's still there.
The part that makes me angry is that the next conversation is: how do we prevent this in the future? And inevitably there are people saying things like "gun control won't stop this" or "we should arm ourselves so we can take these nuts out." And to hear the White House Press Secretary say today's not the day to talk legislation? If a man kills 20 children in cold blood and it's still not the day to talk legislation, what the hell has to happen before it is the day?
And then there's people saying let's not talk about this today or on Facebook. Really? I am outraged there are people willing to accept a guy shooting 20 kids as just something that happens and thinking there's nothing we can do. That we shouldn't talk about it is insane! This country was founded on passionate ideas. If we're not passionate about things, then things will never change and this could easily happen again.
/soap box over
I think I'm going to peek in on my baby again and thank God he's alright.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Cool as a cucumber
"It was... soap... poisoning!" |
The best part of the night was the giggle fest he had with my "boss's" (he's a friend of the family so I feel weird calling him my boss) parents. Ben and I have never heard him laugh so hard! Poor guy was having a hard time catching his breath they were so funny. I wish I had gotten it on video, but I knew as soon as I left to get my phone he would be done and I would have missed it.
So from that I've decided my new goal is to make my son laugh every day, or at least smile. Which should be fairly easy, since this kid is such a good-natured little fella.
This party animal is tuckered. |
Monday, December 10, 2012
"You have a baby. Now is not the time to try recipes from Pinterest!"
Tonight is our office's Christmas party and I work in an office full of women who are the Pinterest type, so we tend to be ambitious with our baking and decorating. At last year's party I was in the thick of the all-day-sickness portion of pregnancy and couldn't even think of sweets without wanting to hurl. So this year now that I'm all better and have a handsome new man to show off, my head was reeling with possibilities until my wise office manager reminded me. "You have a baby. Now is not the time to try recipes from Pinterest!" She's right. Now is the time to stick to time-honored recipes that I know work and I know exactly how much time they take.
So I thought I would share, in case anyone else out there needs to whip up a dessert or appetizer in no time flat:
Sausage Balls (or what we call Faux Boudin Balls- because it's nearly impossible to find real boudin here):
2 lbs. sage sausage
1 lb. shredded sharp cheddar
2 c. Bisquick
2 T minced onion
2 t poultry seasoning
dashes of Worcestershire sauce
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Get a big bowl, take off your rings and mash all ingredients together and roll into balls. Place on cookie sheets (I put down parchment paper first to help keep my cookie sheets clean longer) and bake for around 15 minutes. Let cool on paper towels to help suck out some of the grease. Et voila!
Haystacks:
1 12 oz. bag of butterscotch chips
1 heaping spoon of peanut butter (You can use creamy or chunky, normally I use creamy. Or you can omit this if there's someone allergic to nuts at the shindig.)
chow mein noodles
Pour butterscotch into a microwave safe bowl. Melt butterscotch in microwave for 2 minutes. Add peanut butter and mix well. Add chow mein noodles, about a half a bag, and mix until coated. Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper.
So I thought I would share, in case anyone else out there needs to whip up a dessert or appetizer in no time flat:
Sausage Balls (or what we call Faux Boudin Balls- because it's nearly impossible to find real boudin here):
2 lbs. sage sausage
1 lb. shredded sharp cheddar
2 c. Bisquick
2 T minced onion
2 t poultry seasoning
dashes of Worcestershire sauce
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Get a big bowl, take off your rings and mash all ingredients together and roll into balls. Place on cookie sheets (I put down parchment paper first to help keep my cookie sheets clean longer) and bake for around 15 minutes. Let cool on paper towels to help suck out some of the grease. Et voila!
Haystacks:
1 heaping spoon of peanut butter (You can use creamy or chunky, normally I use creamy. Or you can omit this if there's someone allergic to nuts at the shindig.)
chow mein noodles
Pour butterscotch into a microwave safe bowl. Melt butterscotch in microwave for 2 minutes. Add peanut butter and mix well. Add chow mein noodles, about a half a bag, and mix until coated. Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper.
Normally I am a chocolate or nothing kind of gal, but I lurve haystacks! They always remind me of Christmas at my Grandma Patsy's with all the cousins, second cousins, great aunts and uncles and mamaws. I can't wait until we have a big family too and can have big Christmases like that again!
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Santa! Sort of...
I need to be a pushy mom.
Yesterday my only goal was for Whit to see Santa. After a few mishaps, mainly me driving all over town to find a new car seat because the cat annihilated Whit's, we finally got to the mall... right as Santa took his break. I was thisclose to having a break down at that point. Thankfully Ben calmed me down and we did a little shopping until Santa got back. Go through the line in about 45 minutes, get to the big guy and he was sooooo weird! He even called my child a "ball buster". WTF?! I was so boggled and drained we took the picture, and I didn't ask to retake it even though Whit's jeans are up to his knees and it's driving my OCD crazy. Oh well. At least my little man has made the picture worthwhile...
I don't think he's impressed.
Yesterday my only goal was for Whit to see Santa. After a few mishaps, mainly me driving all over town to find a new car seat because the cat annihilated Whit's, we finally got to the mall... right as Santa took his break. I was thisclose to having a break down at that point. Thankfully Ben calmed me down and we did a little shopping until Santa got back. Go through the line in about 45 minutes, get to the big guy and he was sooooo weird! He even called my child a "ball buster". WTF?! I was so boggled and drained we took the picture, and I didn't ask to retake it even though Whit's jeans are up to his knees and it's driving my OCD crazy. Oh well. At least my little man has made the picture worthwhile...
I don't think he's impressed.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Happy Four Months!
At four months, Whit...
...is now in size 3 diapers. No more swaddlers :(
...is a growing boy! This week he grew out of some jeans I
had just bought last week. He's now mostly in 6 months clothes. His 3 month old
onesies are pretty much only used as undershirts now.
...laughed! We've heard a couple of hearty laughs and a few
real giggles from him now!
...is consistently rolling over from belly to back. And has
started a new thing where he looks like he's trying to do a backstroke on land.
It's quite hilarious.
...loves for me to sing "The Christmas Song" and
"La Cucaracha" to him.
...is going to bed MUCH easier and, with the exception of a
couple of nights, still sleeps the whole night through.
...is MUCH better at the ride home from his grandparents
now. But I think the Christmas lights along the way may be why.
...has a tooth coming in! We noticed it Tuesday and are so
excited there's progress on all this gnawing and drooling.
...had a great time at his first Thanksgiving. While we ate
he was entranced with the chandelier and babbled at it all through dinner.
...babbles so much more. He's stopped saying consonants in
favor of "oohs", "aahs" and the occasional
"WHOA".
...is very adept at blowing raspberries with and without his
tongue.
...loves to dance... a lot!
...also still loving walks (and occasional jogs in our new
jogging stroller), bath time and his puppies. Now loves playing "little
bunny foo foo", "itsy bitsy spider", and holding anything that
makes noise.
...is a big fan of our Christmas tree, his bumbo, and a new
color-spinning toy I got for his high chair.
...went to his first storytime at the library and it was a
huge hit!
...found out who he really looks like. My mom posted a
picture of my youngest sister visiting Santa for the first time and if it
weren't for the girly clothes, you would have thought it was Whit.
...is such a funny kid. His expressions slay me. For
instance...
I think someone didn't feel like having a photo shoot today. |
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Happy Birthday Ben!
Yesterday was Ben's 35th! Wow, that sounds... not old, but... grown up. When I first met Ben he was 26 and I was 19, so every year at our birthdays I am amazed at how much we've changed. Although, Ben hasn't changed much. He's still the funny, handsome, kind, way too intelligent, considerate and PATIENT man I met ten years ago. It's me that's changed so much and because of him (and in this instance it's a good thing). Because of him, I've learned when bad things happen it's not the end of the world, way too much about astrophysics, and that together we can take on anything. We have taken on lots of adventures together: a long distance relationship, college, moving in together, marriage, many many moves (two across the country), dropping everything and living in California to pursue my dream, buying a house, starting a business, starting a family.
I can't remember what we were laughing about the other night, all I remember is that it's because he and I are the same kind of crazy. Ben joked we should write a song called that. And we are the same kind of crazy, I think that's why we work together. We understand each other and our terrible jokes. There's nothing I could say that would scare him away and there's nothing he could say that would scare me away. When I was at my lowest after having Whit, I bared my soul to Ben for an afternoon afraid of what he would think and he just hugged me and told me that everything was going to be fine and that I wasn't crazy, my hormones were. By the way, husbands, sometimes we need to be reminded of that.
Whoa, can you tell how old this picture is? I think this circa 2005? What was this taken with, a 3MP camera? |
Did I mention 'handsome'? |
Our "happiest place on Earth" picture. The day we visited Disneyland was probably the wettest, coldest day ever while we lived in Anaheim. |
Ever since having Whit, daily I am reminded what a wonderful man Ben is. I always thought he would be a great father and boy was I right! That little man reserves his biggest smiles for his papa. Yesterday morning when I came in from my run Whit was standing on Ben's lap, holding his hands together and giving him huge gummy smiles and almost-laughs. So far Ben's the only one who can get Whit to laugh on a regular basis! For instance:
After having lots of playtime with Whit, the little man went to spend the night with his grandma and we had Chipotle for lunch since we were both craving it for a while, went to visit our friend who runs a comic book shop in town and played a few games. Then we went to the Melting Pot for supper, which is always good, but this new Memphis BBQ pork they have is amazing! Afterwards we came home and celebrated Ben's birthday and Prohibition Repeal Day with a bottle of riesling. As a bonus we both got to sleep in today and it was so wonderful!
Since we only get the strawberries and banana for the chocolate course, our server had to improvise, haha. |
So Happy Birthday to my husband and best friend, I look forward to many many more together. And those gray beard hairs that are coming in look so distinguished! ;-)
Monday, December 3, 2012
Whoa!
Just had a friend's status hit me like a ton of bricks. She asked if anyone had a paper with her recently born son's birth announcement in it. I never even thought about that when Whit was born! You know though, now that I'm thinking about it, I'm not exactly sure we have a local paper here.
Wow, newspapers just aren't a normal piece of our lives anymore. I'm a little sad that I didn't get a birth announcement in, but at the same time why in the world would I have thought of it? Aside from the little freebie we get on Wednesdays, I haven't bought a newspaper in over two years? And none of the numerous websites, books, and blogs I read ever mentioned putting an announcement in the paper.
Well my mind has been blown today!
Wow, newspapers just aren't a normal piece of our lives anymore. I'm a little sad that I didn't get a birth announcement in, but at the same time why in the world would I have thought of it? Aside from the little freebie we get on Wednesdays, I haven't bought a newspaper in over two years? And none of the numerous websites, books, and blogs I read ever mentioned putting an announcement in the paper.
Well my mind has been blown today!
Thursday, November 29, 2012
CPR certification
Yesterday at work we had CPR certification and it was actually fun. I didn't have to get certified, since I'm really just a glorified receptionist, but the office was paying for everyone and the class covered infant and children, so I thought why not? Boy am I glad I did! I had no idea how often or how much the rules change in CPR from year to year. The last time I was certified over ten years ago and apparently none of those rule apply anymore!
The office and our stylish dummies. Can you tell I work for an optometrist? |
I was a little worried that I would get upset when it came time to learn about infant CPR and rescue breathing, but thankfully I kept my cool. Until the instructor starts telling us stories! The guy was super nice, but he's an EMT so death doesn't shock him anymore. He would tell us stories and you going along thinking everything is fine and then he ends the story with "two weeks later he died." I could barely keep my mouth from hanging open the entire time.
As we were going over the choking infant portion I realized that I had heard or read this information while I was pregnant and had just forgotten it since then. Thankfully I haven't needed to know it, but Whit did give me a scare once choking during a bottle. But now I feel confident if something happens I can handle it and I'm so grateful. I tried to show Ben last night when I got home, but his eyes got so big and worried. He asked if I'd try to show him again tomorrow.
It's funny how well Ben and I complement each other. In every day life I'm the one getting flustered over the little things and quick to lose it and he's so calm. But in emergencies or even planning for emergencies, I'm the calm one and Ben gets a little freaked out.
Anyway, if you have kids (or even if you don't - the instructor did point out all of us are just ticking timebombs walking around) take the time to get CPR training! You may never need it, but I feel so much better knowing what to do just in case.
Anyway, if you have kids (or even if you don't - the instructor did point out all of us are just ticking timebombs walking around) take the time to get CPR training! You may never need it, but I feel so much better knowing what to do just in case.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Oh my gosh!
Saturday, November 24, 2012
"Hidden Mothers"
I LOVE old portraits. There's something so strange that these people had such different lives than us, and yet look so similar. For instance, have you ever seen the evidence that Nicholas Cage is a vampire? Now my interest has turned to antique photos of babies, of course. So I was baffled when I found this:
Apparently back in the day it was common for women to hold their children while covered (with curtains, blankets, whatever) and just be kind of cropped out afterwards. Wth?! If you'd like to see more weirdness, you can find it here.
Apparently back in the day it was common for women to hold their children while covered (with curtains, blankets, whatever) and just be kind of cropped out afterwards. Wth?! If you'd like to see more weirdness, you can find it here.
So by the way...
...when you teach your kids something, make sure it's something you want to hear a thousand times a day! The other day I taught Whit how to blow raspberries and he's been entranced with his new trick. Ben got him out of bed this morning and he was covered in drool from his practicing! It's so cute how proud and happy he looks after he's done it.
Exhibit A:
Friday, November 23, 2012
Black Friday (cue maniacal laughter)
I've almost completed my Christmas shopping list this year (the usual culprits are proving again hard to shop for) and I've bought quite a bit of it already! I'm a little aggravated with myself that I had originally planned on buying small for everyone this year, and well, THAT didn't happen. I have been trying to keep track of the spending and reminding myself that Whit doesn't need so much this year! Plus, I've called in every favor, used every gift card I've amassed over the year, DIYed a few gifts, worked out which coupons were worth the most and sold things on eBay to supplement the rest of my spending. And boy has it been tiring!
Speaking of boy, having a baby has actually helped a ton in the Christmas department. First, everyone expects for you to be broke, thank goodness! Second, you can give pictures as gifts (and those little ornaments that makes a cast of their foot or hand). Third, when you're walking around Target at the pretty decorations, if you stop too long at something (because you're debating on buying it) your baby starts getting fussy, so you leave without buying it. I told Whit he must be on his father's side about this saving money business and that I'll thank him someday.
Oh, and was I one of those nuts waiting in line since Wednesday to buy anything at a huge discount? Hell no! I am a firm believer in staying your butt home on Thanksgiving and Black Friday! After working in retail for years, and Ben still does, I've seen how people act on Black Friday and it's ridiculous. It's also ridiculous that retailers keep pushing back their opening times every year. And since the only way to protest in this country is with your pocketbook, I bought Christmas presents and whatever we would need for the weekend on Wednesday and I refuse to leave the house until Monday. It's silly anyway, the doorbusters are just last year's leftovers and if they're not then you can get them on sale Wednesday or the entire weekend after Thanksgiving.
Anyway! (Shake it off, shake it off)
I'm getting more and more excited about Whit's first Christmas! And a little concerned. Ben and I have been discussing which traditions we should keep, discard, renew, or if we should start our own. The big debate right now is the big guy in red. But more on that later!
For now, enjoy this cute picture of my newest little bulldog fan...
Speaking of boy, having a baby has actually helped a ton in the Christmas department. First, everyone expects for you to be broke, thank goodness! Second, you can give pictures as gifts (and those little ornaments that makes a cast of their foot or hand). Third, when you're walking around Target at the pretty decorations, if you stop too long at something (because you're debating on buying it) your baby starts getting fussy, so you leave without buying it. I told Whit he must be on his father's side about this saving money business and that I'll thank him someday.
Oh, and was I one of those nuts waiting in line since Wednesday to buy anything at a huge discount? Hell no! I am a firm believer in staying your butt home on Thanksgiving and Black Friday! After working in retail for years, and Ben still does, I've seen how people act on Black Friday and it's ridiculous. It's also ridiculous that retailers keep pushing back their opening times every year. And since the only way to protest in this country is with your pocketbook, I bought Christmas presents and whatever we would need for the weekend on Wednesday and I refuse to leave the house until Monday. It's silly anyway, the doorbusters are just last year's leftovers and if they're not then you can get them on sale Wednesday or the entire weekend after Thanksgiving.
Anyway! (Shake it off, shake it off)
I'm getting more and more excited about Whit's first Christmas! And a little concerned. Ben and I have been discussing which traditions we should keep, discard, renew, or if we should start our own. The big debate right now is the big guy in red. But more on that later!
For now, enjoy this cute picture of my newest little bulldog fan...
For it is still the South, and still football season! |
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Dear Lord,
Please help me to be a good mother. I just want to be a good mother to Whit. I'm so mad/upset/sad that I get upset with him when he cries. It's not his fault! I wish I was good enough that he never had to cry. But maybe that's impossible. Maybe babies are always going to cry at some point. And I want to be a good mother, not for the sake of being good at it. Mothering is not a competitive sport. But I just want him to have a good childhood. I want to not screw this up for him. Lord, please help me to be a better mother. And please help me grow a longer fuse. With my child and my husband.
Thank you,
Ashley
Thank you,
Ashley
Monday, November 12, 2012
Uh oh
Someone's finding a new mode of transportation.
This is the second time I have found him like this after leaving the room for a minute.
And it's been about four mornings now I find him scrunched up in one corner of his crib, so the crib bumper is on order! I love this crazy kid.