Common Bonds

So I have been reading quite a few blogs lately...they can be pretty entertaining.  Some of my recent favorites are Yep, They're All Mine and The Blogess.  I have about a dozen that I check in with every few days or so.  Most of them are written by mothers and even though I have never met the women who write them, I feel some sort of comfort in knowing that we are part of the same struggles.  For whatever reason, hearing about another family's bedtime challenges or their 4 year old's temper tantrums make me feel like I am not screwing up my kids as much as I might have originally thought.  Who knows if this is actually true or not but it makes me feel less guilty about my shortcomings as a mom.  Then, after I have completed my reading, I remind myself that I also have a blog...which I add a yearly entry to and then forget about for another year.  I know, I know...I'm not going to say that I am going to be blogging on a regular basis because why would anyone believe me this time?  Heck, I don't know if I would even believe it myself.  But I know that I have something to say.  It's just up to me to say it.  I am not going to worry about making it the most entertaining piece of writing anyone has ever seen because, frankly, I know that is pretty unlikely.  But, if I can make someone feel like I do - that we are all a work in progress especially when it comes to raising our kids then it'w worth a shot, right?  

If this doesn't make you laugh...

Whatcha Think?

Did a little redesign to the blog...I am kind of digging it.  Feeling like little miss blogger for figuring out how to customize my background from a third party website.  I know, I know...this is child's play for some but honestly this is a huge step for me!  And the real bonus is that it didn't take me all night to get it done! Hooray...now I can read a bit before bedtime...goodnight.

Word of the Day...Snot!

So I guess it comes with being a Mom during cold and flu season...snot!  This morning Avery woke up with a virus of some sort - who knows where she got it or how long it will last but boy, it is here now.  Without being too graphic, let me say that the amount of snot that my beautiful little girl is producing is downright prolific!  I am not even joking when I say that I am literally wiping her nose every 2 to 3 minutes!  The best part is that since Miss Avery is still perfecting the art of wiping her own nose, I get to hear her summon me by calling our "SNOT!" whenever she needs assistance.  Which as I may have mentioned before is like every couple of minutes.  I could do as my husband suggests and just let her wipe her own nose...but I am just too grossed by the outcome because 9 times out of 10 instead of wiping her nose with a Kleenex she will just use her arm instead.  This results in a little girl with snot on her arm and smeared all across her face starting at her nose...not a pretty picture.  For now, I am arming myself with fistfuls of tissue and praying that this bug decides to leave our house as quickly as it came.  Fingers crossed!    

Procrastination!

That seems to be the name of the game when it comes to my blog.  Heck...if I am being honest it's a way of life around here...always putting something aside to do something else.  But when it comes to my blog, it has proven to be especially true.  I always say that I am going to write today and then today becomes tomorrow and then before you know it...well, just look at the date of my last post and you can see for yourself.  Almost a year since my last post...one year people!  I am going to go out on a limb here and say that I can assure you that it will not be that long between posts this time.  I promise!  I just have to make blogging  a part of my routine and soon it will be like no big deal, right?  I am inspired by reading my friend's blogs - and I already had this blog all set up and ready to go so what exactly am I waiting for?  Tonight I logged back in for the first time in a long time and made some revisions to my layout (hope you like them) and now it is all systems go.  There really no excuse for me now to do it anymore.  I am going to do things that bring me joy and dammit - blogging it going to be one of them.  So there!  I think I can...I think I can...

I'm BAAAACK!

So, it's been a long time...just over a year in fact! But I have decided that it's time to pick up where we left off and get back on track. Now, where to begin? This past year has been full of change for our family. Probably the most important this is that we sold out house in South Sacramento. It was a really tough decision for us to make and like many others facing a "mortgage meltdown" we were left with very few options. Luckily, we were able to sell and are now renting a home in East Sacramento. We love, love, love the neighborhood and we also so lucky to be much closer to Bull's family so that is a big plus too! Unfortunately, because of the move, we had to find our beloved dog, Kennedy, a new home. He is now living with some family friends in the Santa Cruz area where he gets to go for long walks on the beach almost daily. What a life! Although we miss him (Evan more than anyone) we know that he is in a great home, full of love and constant attention to cater to his every doggy whim. Another big development has been my return to work. I started with a local company, Nugget Markets, last October. It has proven to be a big adjustment for all of us but one that is certainly worth it. The company itself is amazing, has great benefits and is also willing to work with my crazy schedule! I am proud to say that I was just recently promoted to checker! I never thought that after college I would wind up back on the grocery business but I really enjoy the fast pace and the extra money it provides is a huge help. So far, I have met a lot of cool people and it is so therapeutic for me to have some time to be myself outside of the mommy arena. Bull has also had some changes with work involving travel. Almost once a month, he packs up and heads to Houston for a week. Yee Haw! It's been tough for us when he is gone but the exposure he is getting with the project is a huge plus for his resume. Other than that, the kids are amazing...getting bigger and more independent every day. I don't think I have ever felt so loved, tired, happy, stressed - you name it - all at the same time. Being a parent is a crazy ride but I wouldn't change a thing.

It's All Good...

I thought that it would be a good idea to use my blog for something more than just cute stories about the kids. This is my blog so I can do what I want, right? And, since this blog is sort of like my own personal website or newspaper - why not include other items that might of interest? Maybe an informative article that I come across or a new product that I like...you get the idea! Now, I know what you are thinking - you just can't get enough of my kidlets and you want to hear more about our fascinating daily life. Don't worry! I will keep those stories coming but from time to time you will also get some bonus material! So, just to start this off, I wanted to post a link to an article I found about organic products and the items you should be buying. I know that ever since Evan was born, we really started to pay more attention to what we were putting in our bodies and trying to make healthier food choices. We can't always afford to buy organic but have tried our best to purchase it whenever possible. Take a few minutes and read this article over- I know that my next grocery list will be different now that I have this information! Here it is: http://www.parents.com/recipes/nutrition/kids/what-to-buy-organic/

Going to the Dogs...

We knew it was only a matter of time before we broke down and decided to get a dog. We had been talking about it for a while and finally came to the conclusion that there would never be a perfect time to adopt a pet. If we were going to do it, we just had to start looking. You know how it goes...get married, buy a house, have kids, get a dog...maybe not necessarily in that order but along those lines, right? We had two main criteria - obviously, we knew we wanted a dog that would be good with kids and while puppies are super cute, we also had to cross them off our list because it would be just too much to handle. Trying to raise two kids and train a puppy sounded like a very good way for me to completely go out of my mind! Anyway, golden retreivers were our first choice and Bull found a rescue organization just outside of Sacramento, so we filled out our application, had our home visited by their representative and then packed up the kids and went out to the ranch to meet some of the possible adoptees. That is how Kennedy came into our lives. We didn't expect to find a dog so quickly but he just seemed like the perfect fit for our family. We couldn't pass him by. It's been a week since he came home and what a crazy week it's been...just getting used to the routine of having a dog. So far it has been a pretty positive experience for all of us...OK, I admit, picking up his poop is not the highlight of my day but other than that, I am glad we decided to go ahead and adopt him. So now, for those of you keeping score, the final head count is - 1 Dad, 1 Mom, 2 kids, 2 cats and 1 dog! Yep, that's us...just living the dream!

Feeding the Whales

Ladies and Gentlemen...I have an important announcement to make - we are potty training! About two weeks ago, Ev woke up from his nap and I started changing his diaper. He informed me that he did not want a diaper - he wanted a pull up on instead. Not a problem! From that day forward, we progressed very quickly into underwear mainly because, according to Evan, that is what firemen wear. So, of course, that is what he has to wear too! Everything was going along just fine with only one problem. Evan did not really want to make #2 on the toilet. Well, I am not sure how this story evolved but Bull has convinced Evan that he can "feed the whales" if he does his duty and then flushes it on down! Hey, I know it sounds crazy but it works! I must say that we are very proud of him and overjoyed at only having one of our babies in diapers! Definitely an upgrade to all of our lives! And it certainly doesn't hurt the checkbook either! It's just funny how it all happened out of the blue. We had tried several times over the past year to get him to start using the toilet and just couldn't him on board. I should know by now, I can't rush him to do anything. It has to be on his time table. But then once he's ready, there's no turning back!

The Itch...

I have a confession to make. Sometimes I watch shows like "Deliver Me" or "A Baby Story" and I get what I call the pregnancy itch. For whatever reason, these shows make me all sentimental and I start thinking about having another child someday...and before anyone goes there - no, I am not pregnant and no, we are not trying either! So, now that we have that out in the open...I don't really understand why this happens to me. Does anyone else ever get like this? I think back to my last pregnancy and it was very tough going the first 4 months and then some. I was not a happy camper. But then I look at my little girl and all of that seems so minor. I have almost forgotten how miserable it was. I guess it is like breaking up with someone and suddenly all you can think of are all the good times you had - not the times when he didn't call or when he made you cry...only the good stuff. Being pregnant is such an amazing experience. The only thing better is being able to watch your little ones grow into their own little people each day. That said, do I want another baby or will I be able to ingore the itch? I am so happy and so blessed with Evan and Avery. I could stop now and be totally happy. On the other hand, you never know what life might have in store down the road. But both Bull and I agree, the next time I really start to feel the itch - we're getting a dog!

Free Ride

Avery has found a new way to get around the house and Evan is more than happy to be her personal taxi! Rare are the moments, when they get along and actually play with each other so it was fun to be able to capture this one on video! Sorry it is a little short but still fun to watch! Enjoy!

It's Fun to Be One!

Forgive me if I get a little sentimental with this post...my baby girl just turned one today! It doesn't seem that long ago when we were bringing this precious, pink bundle home from the hospital - has it already been a year? Really? Once you have a baby, people always tell you "They grow up so fast!" and you think that it 's just one of those things that everyone says and you continue on with your day to day family life. Then, on a day like today, I am sitting here, reflecting on the fact that yes, they do grow up fast. I know, I know - it's not like they'll be starting high school anytime soon but still, today, I have a birthday girl who is walking and talking and getting this whole big personality that is all hers! I know it won't be long until she is echoing her older brother, telling me, "I do it, Mama!" I know I am biased but I have to say that she truly is the sweetest thing. She never fails to make me smile! She loves the butterflies that hang over her crib and she points to them every time you go pick her up then tries to say "Butterfly". She loves her blankie and she will put her head down to snuggle on it whenever it's near even if she isn't tired. Most of all, she loves her older brother Evan despite the fact he takes her toys away and is constantly telling her "No, Sis!" And, I must say that I am one lucky Mama to have these two amazing beings in my life...Happy Birthday Sissy!

Sniff, sniff...

It is finally my turn...I'm sick! All last week, the kids were down with this crazy flu bug and I was able to make it through without so much as a sneeze. Now, I have this stupid cold that makes my head feel like it is going to explode! The best part is that because I am still breastfeeding Avery, I am severely limited in what I can take to combat the ever increasing list of symptoms...runny nose, cough, sore throat. You name it! Basically, I just get to let it run it's course and pray that it goes away soon. Bull says that it seems like every weekend someone starts getting sick. I agree - it sure seems that way lately. You can only hope that someone else in the house doesn't come down with it next. I guess we only have the next decade (and then some) to deal with this kind of stuff! I am so looking forward to the summer when we won't have to have a box of Kleenex in every room of the house.

A New Man in My Life

Yes, there is a new man in my life. His name is BOB and we have just started seeing each other. Right now, we are taking things slow but if all goes well, I hope our relationship will turn into something long term. OK, so I am talking about my new jogging stroller - a BOB Revolution Duallie. I finally broke down and bought it. I will be honest - I didn't want to do it. I thought it was too big and bulky which it is but what double side by side double stroller isn't? And, let's not even talk about the cost! Yikes! Thanks to Uncle Julian's Christmas gift, it became much more affordable for us. Anyway, after much consideration, hours of research and some serious soul searching, I broke down. I went down to REI and did it! I am happy to report that I am LOOOVING it! The kids are super comfortable in it (both have already taken naps in it which is a first for us) and it is exceptionally easy to manuever. I am glad that we bit the bullet and bought it. Almost every day I have been taking the kids out for long walks. I knew it would be a long time before I could join a gym and now I don't feel like I have to. Just strap the kiddies in and away we go...

Hot Rod

We have graduated from the tricycle to the two wheeler bike (with training wheels) at our house. Yes, Evan got a new bike or as he likes to call it a new "firetruck". Don't make the mistake of calling it a bike while you are in front of him. If you do, he will promptly correct you and remind you that it is his new firetruck. I am not sure when or how this fireman obsession started but we are in full fireman mode around our house! We were planning on giving the bike to him for his birthday (the day after Christmas - yes, we get the double whammy at our place - Christmas then birthday) but we were on toy overload so we decided to wait a while until things calmed down. At any rate, Ev loves the new ride and he zips around on it like he's an old pro! You would never know that this is the same kid who wouldn't even put his feet on the pedals of his tricycle just six short months ago! So, if you have an emergency and you live in our neck of the woods, you just might see Mr. Evan, Firetruck Man, racing to your house on his new rig!

Does This Come in Bulk?

Just when I thought the coast was clear, Evan woke up today sounding all congested and like he is on the verge of coming down with something! Again! I must say that this does not make me a very happy mama since we have spent the last week or so wiping endless snotty noses and changing some pretty nasty diapers due to the flu virus we caught! As of yesterday, I thought we were going to have a bit of a respite from all things cold and cough! It seemed like collectively we were all on the upswing and feeling good. It looks like I was wrong. Oh well, what are you going to do? I guess I will just have to saddle up and get ready to ride out this next bout of germs! I think next year I will have to buy Children's Tylenol in bulk - do they make it in gallon containers? Hopefully we can all get well in time for Avery's first birthday next week...I will keep you posted!