Klaeyton and I have gotten into a pretty regular morning routine. Before I got pregnant this time around, I'd be up at 530 so that I could have a couple hours to myself before anyone was up. However, I'm too tired for that now, even when I do make it to bed at nine. So, now I sleep till about 7 when Klaeyton gets up. Sometimes I have to wrangle him out of his crib because he wakes up cranky, but mostly the morning starts out well with a diaper change and some juice, then Klaeyton watches Cars for the millionth time. I try to encourage him to change it up with Shrek or Curious George, but ultimately, it's always Cars. Sometimes he'll sit in the big comfy chair with just his juice or he'll insist on a package of fruit snacks (this happens when he darts to the pantry before I can get the door closed). At some point, he'll be ready for breakfast and he'll pull his high chair over (so that he can still see Cars) and insist on getting up himself and doing the buckles. He loves to do the buckles now. He locks the tray himself and then grins a huge accomplished smile telling me he's ready to eat. Most mornings it's yogurt and fresh fruit or cereal with some bananas or raisins thrown in. I get him all settled and he eats away, every now and then yelling "Kachow!" from Cars.
I used to feel guilty letting him watch tv with little or no interaction from me, but I've come to realize that if it gives me an hour in the morning to balance the checkbook, have my coffee and get my day straight, it's probably better for the both of us. Besides, I usually limit the tv time anyway and shove him outside when he's done eating :)
When it's time to wake Matt up, Klaeyton has his own rituals. He normally waltzes in the bedroom yelling "Daddy-O"! He climbs up on the bed and immediately begins driving his "dump car" all over daddy till he wakes up. Sometimes, he even throws a wrestling move in there to change it up. I have to admit, I love to watch :)
Oy vey, what am I going to do when there's two of them? When one needs nursed while the other one is insisting on blueberry yogurt not strawberry? It's a whole new adventure I'll be tackling and let's face it, my time management skills can only get better :)
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Stickers and Mom Stuff.
I feel like this pregnancy is flying by. It's probably because I have Klaeyton around to keep me plenty busy and I can't complain. I really don't care for being pregnant. Some women apparently love it. Me? Not so much. At least, not with this little acrobat. When I carried Klaeyton, it was easy. My morning sickness was minimal, I didn't really get uncomfortable until the very end, and I could take all the time I wanted to myself to soak in the bath tub or snuggle up in front of the tv. This time? Hah. The sickness was so bad I was put on medication and was pretty much confined to the couch for at least a month. My face has broken out worse than it ever has in my life and now even at almost 6 months, I'm already super uncomfortable and having trouble sleeping. But no worries, I get my exercise chasing Klaeyton around ;) I shouldn't complain though. I can't even express my excitement about having a second child. Klaeyton's going to be a big brother and a big part of my anticipation is seeing them together.
On that note. Bring on the fall. I didn't think I would ever say this and maybe it's all the pregnancy hormones speaking but I'm tired of summer. I'm ready for jeans, hoodies and flip flops. I'm ready for the days when I can keep my windows open and not run my ac or my heat and just throw on an extra blanket at night. I'm ready for changing leaves, cool breezes and pumpkin patches. I think this summer has just been a tad too hot for me. I'm ready. Now I know once we get that 8ft of snow in November I'll be complaining, but right now I'm ok with it :)
I can hardly believe K will be two in less than two months. He's becoming so independent. And he's so smart. His new thing is stickers. Oh how he loves stickers. And it keeps him occupied for awhile. I think I have found my new distraction for the grocery store and when we go out to eat.
He's obsessed with cars. Both the movie and the matchbox kind. I think maybe he has gotten over his balloon phase because now he insists on taking his "dump car" to bed with him. Yeah, he won't say truck, he calls everything a car, complete with Boston accent.
I'm still working on the house. I need more motivation to make it upstairs. I'm such a procrastinator I'll probably do it right before the baby arrives. I might just wait till it gets cooler so that I don't have to worry about hauling one of the ac units up there.
So I'm completely addicted to Dexter. I finally broke down and started watching it after everyone kept telling me how awesome it is and now I'm totally hooked. It's such a weird show, but I can't help but get sucked it. Thank goodness for netflix. I love it!
I think I might bake something today. Granted it doesn't cause my kitchen to heat up to 400 degrees :)
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
On that note. Bring on the fall. I didn't think I would ever say this and maybe it's all the pregnancy hormones speaking but I'm tired of summer. I'm ready for jeans, hoodies and flip flops. I'm ready for the days when I can keep my windows open and not run my ac or my heat and just throw on an extra blanket at night. I'm ready for changing leaves, cool breezes and pumpkin patches. I think this summer has just been a tad too hot for me. I'm ready. Now I know once we get that 8ft of snow in November I'll be complaining, but right now I'm ok with it :)
I can hardly believe K will be two in less than two months. He's becoming so independent. And he's so smart. His new thing is stickers. Oh how he loves stickers. And it keeps him occupied for awhile. I think I have found my new distraction for the grocery store and when we go out to eat.
 |
| Klaeyton pointing at his sticker shoe :) |
He's obsessed with cars. Both the movie and the matchbox kind. I think maybe he has gotten over his balloon phase because now he insists on taking his "dump car" to bed with him. Yeah, he won't say truck, he calls everything a car, complete with Boston accent.
I'm still working on the house. I need more motivation to make it upstairs. I'm such a procrastinator I'll probably do it right before the baby arrives. I might just wait till it gets cooler so that I don't have to worry about hauling one of the ac units up there.
So I'm completely addicted to Dexter. I finally broke down and started watching it after everyone kept telling me how awesome it is and now I'm totally hooked. It's such a weird show, but I can't help but get sucked it. Thank goodness for netflix. I love it!
I think I might bake something today. Granted it doesn't cause my kitchen to heat up to 400 degrees :)
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Nesting and Jumping on the Bed.
I think I've figured out the reason I can't keep up with blogging on a daily basis...well for starters I'm lazy. Not like lazy like I sit on my couch all day, but lazy like it takes effort to think about what I'm going to write and every time I start to click on that bookmark at the top of my screen, I talk myself out of it. But sitting here in my glider (thanks to Nana and Papa Harden) in Klaeyton's newly organized and extremely clean room, I can smell freshly cut grass (not ours, we're so terrible about mowing the grass regularly) and I just feel like it's a perfect time to write.
Yesterday my nesting kicked in. I'm determined to get the house in order before Julyiet gets here. I started with K.s room. What a mess. This child has so much stuff. He doesn't need any more toys for like ever. Anywho... I went through everything, got some more bins to organize, and threw a bunch of stuff out. I even went through all his clothes and yanked stuff that's too small or that he never wears. I moved stuff around and put his new town rug on the floor. It looks so much better and I can actually walk through his room without stepping on toys. Bliss.
My next project is to start the upstairs, which I can do once we get an ac unit up there. I've told myself not to expect to get it all done overnight. It's a process and it will get done :)
One of Klaeyton's new favorite activities is playing on our bed. He loves to jump on it and wrestle and roll around. He'll just laugh and laugh. I need to get a video of it. Sometimes I think he's disappointed if it's just me, because he can't jump all over me like he does Matt. But when I watch the two of them together my whole body smiles. You can just see how much they love each other. It's a feeling only a wife and mother can know.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Yesterday my nesting kicked in. I'm determined to get the house in order before Julyiet gets here. I started with K.s room. What a mess. This child has so much stuff. He doesn't need any more toys for like ever. Anywho... I went through everything, got some more bins to organize, and threw a bunch of stuff out. I even went through all his clothes and yanked stuff that's too small or that he never wears. I moved stuff around and put his new town rug on the floor. It looks so much better and I can actually walk through his room without stepping on toys. Bliss.
My next project is to start the upstairs, which I can do once we get an ac unit up there. I've told myself not to expect to get it all done overnight. It's a process and it will get done :)
One of Klaeyton's new favorite activities is playing on our bed. He loves to jump on it and wrestle and roll around. He'll just laugh and laugh. I need to get a video of it. Sometimes I think he's disappointed if it's just me, because he can't jump all over me like he does Matt. But when I watch the two of them together my whole body smiles. You can just see how much they love each other. It's a feeling only a wife and mother can know.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
A Basketball In My Shirt
So Matt and I had plans to go out with friends last night, you know for some well deserved adult time. Well...the last few days my pregnancy hormones have been a little out of whack and I've been secretly crying over how none of my clothes fit well and how when I wear my regular shirts I just feel fat. I def don't feel cute and pregnant. I don't remember having this much trouble when I was carrying Klaeyton. Probably because one, I didn't get big until close to the very end, and two, we had just moved here, had no close friends and I really didn't care what I looked like out in public. Why this time around is so much different, I'm not entirely sure, although I do have an inkling. But anyway, I decided to go on a mission to get a couple new things yesterday. A mission that well...just read on.
I tried Walmart, Target and even Old Navy before realizing that I was going to have to break down and actually buy Maternity clothes in order to feel comfortable and look cute. So I dove into Motherhood Maternity. The great part, I found out I'm actually wearing a size small instead of the medium I was originally thinking. I found some things I really liked. However, the price paid for them...not so much. On the way home I was thinking about returning a couple things, when I realized they only do in store credit and no cash refunds. So what did I do? I cried and thankfully I have a hubby who is both understanding and thoughtful. He returned from Target with a beautiful new centerpiece for my table and told me not to feel guilty. How did I get so lucky?
The moral of my story... one of the unfortunate side effects of being pregnant is having to spend a little more on clothes (unless you get lucky and find a sale or are lucky enough to inherit a whole new wardrobe, neither of which I was), anyway you spend a little more but you don't feel so awkward when out on the town with friends and instead of a fruity umbrella in your drink, you're sporting a basketball up your shirt. :)
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
I tried Walmart, Target and even Old Navy before realizing that I was going to have to break down and actually buy Maternity clothes in order to feel comfortable and look cute. So I dove into Motherhood Maternity. The great part, I found out I'm actually wearing a size small instead of the medium I was originally thinking. I found some things I really liked. However, the price paid for them...not so much. On the way home I was thinking about returning a couple things, when I realized they only do in store credit and no cash refunds. So what did I do? I cried and thankfully I have a hubby who is both understanding and thoughtful. He returned from Target with a beautiful new centerpiece for my table and told me not to feel guilty. How did I get so lucky?
The moral of my story... one of the unfortunate side effects of being pregnant is having to spend a little more on clothes (unless you get lucky and find a sale or are lucky enough to inherit a whole new wardrobe, neither of which I was), anyway you spend a little more but you don't feel so awkward when out on the town with friends and instead of a fruity umbrella in your drink, you're sporting a basketball up your shirt. :)
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Potties and Harsh Realities
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
It's amazing how you can feel so accomplished yet so defeated at the same time. If you're ever feeling this way...read this verse...drink some herbal tea and woosah :) Trust me, it helps.
Today Klaeyton walked up and told me that it was raining outside and by golly it was. How did my little man get to be so smart all of a sudden?
His new obsession (other than eating cheese with all his meals) is the potty. He talks about it all the time and he's even let me put him on it. He loves to flush it, and even insists on doing so after he tells me he needs his diaper changed. I'm skeptical as to whether he's really ready or not, considering he's not even two yet, but I figure we might as well buy him his own potty chair and give it a whirl. The worst that could happen is he loses interest and we wait a while and try again. Oh but how nice it would be to have him out of diapers before Julyiet arrives.
This evening Klaeyton and I experienced a harsh reality. My belly is just getting too big for him to sit on top of me in the "big chair" when we snuggle before bed. Instead we sat on the couch and attempted to snuggle but it wasn't the same and at one point he got so frustrated he went and sat in the big chair without me and told me I couldn't sit with him. I think in that moment he broke my heart for the first time. I had to let him be and it was one of those moments when I realized that he won't always want me around, or better yet, he won't need me around. I know I know he's only a toddler but it's like a small glimpse into the later years of parenthood. Ones that I can already tell are going to be a lot tougher than taming tantrums and changing diapers. It didn't last long...he was back on the couch with me within minutes. But those few moments were enough time for me to realize that I better get all the snuggles in that I can.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
It's amazing how you can feel so accomplished yet so defeated at the same time. If you're ever feeling this way...read this verse...drink some herbal tea and woosah :) Trust me, it helps.
Today Klaeyton walked up and told me that it was raining outside and by golly it was. How did my little man get to be so smart all of a sudden?
His new obsession (other than eating cheese with all his meals) is the potty. He talks about it all the time and he's even let me put him on it. He loves to flush it, and even insists on doing so after he tells me he needs his diaper changed. I'm skeptical as to whether he's really ready or not, considering he's not even two yet, but I figure we might as well buy him his own potty chair and give it a whirl. The worst that could happen is he loses interest and we wait a while and try again. Oh but how nice it would be to have him out of diapers before Julyiet arrives.
This evening Klaeyton and I experienced a harsh reality. My belly is just getting too big for him to sit on top of me in the "big chair" when we snuggle before bed. Instead we sat on the couch and attempted to snuggle but it wasn't the same and at one point he got so frustrated he went and sat in the big chair without me and told me I couldn't sit with him. I think in that moment he broke my heart for the first time. I had to let him be and it was one of those moments when I realized that he won't always want me around, or better yet, he won't need me around. I know I know he's only a toddler but it's like a small glimpse into the later years of parenthood. Ones that I can already tell are going to be a lot tougher than taming tantrums and changing diapers. It didn't last long...he was back on the couch with me within minutes. But those few moments were enough time for me to realize that I better get all the snuggles in that I can.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Name Drop
Matt and I finally decided on the spelling of Baby Harden #2's name. She now has a name :) We decided on Julyiet Luella Harden.
I must admit. I'm pretty stoked. :)
Probably the shortest blog ever but I wanted to share.
Currently Matt just told Klaeyton not to drive his car through his macaroni and K replied, "car eat noni." To which of course Matt replies, "No Klaeyton your car does not need to eat macaroni." I just smiled.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
I must admit. I'm pretty stoked. :)
Probably the shortest blog ever but I wanted to share.
Currently Matt just told Klaeyton not to drive his car through his macaroni and K replied, "car eat noni." To which of course Matt replies, "No Klaeyton your car does not need to eat macaroni." I just smiled.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
A Pish-Posh of Stuff
Yay! It's grocery shopping day. But naturally I would wake up this morning remembering an expense that I haven't taken into account for the month that had to be paid today. Small damper but nothing unmanageable. I think if managing finances was easy my life would be just a little bit too great. :)
It's amazing that it's almost nine and K is still asleep. It could be that I had him up late again last night. I feel like such a terrible mom sometimes, keeping my toddler out until 11 which is 3 hours well past his bedtime. But I do know this. Once Baby Harden #2 arrives I won't be able to do that. Taking one child to Applebees to enjoy some karaoke while Daddy's at work is one thing...but two? Yeah right. I don't even think I'm that brave. And lately finding a sitter has become a little bit more of a challenge. I already know it will be rough when there's two of them.
Klaeyton's new thing is telling everything Bu-Bye. Bu-bye car, Bu-Bye dog, it's like everything we leave behind he has to make sure to give his farewells to. It's awfully cute. I wish I could peek into his brain on more than one occasion. I think he's really intelligent like Matt is and I wish there was a way I could see what's going on in there.
Last night during Karaoke he was so well behaved. I can really only count the curl under a rock in public moments on one hand with K. As wonderful as that it, it makes me think, Oh No what will the next one be like? Complete opposite I'm sure.
She's def a mover. I can feel her all the time now doing acrobatics in my belly. I can't wait till I'm just a little bit bigger so that Klaeyton can feel her too. I'm looking forward to the look on his face and seeing how he'll react. It's hard to believe I'm already half way there. Then again, we are def not ready yet. There's so much to do! I really should get hopping.
Well anywho, I need to make my grocery list and enjoy my few moments of peace and quiet while everyone in the house is still sleeping. Despite my love for noise, it's def nice to have some time to myself in the mornings :)
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
It's amazing that it's almost nine and K is still asleep. It could be that I had him up late again last night. I feel like such a terrible mom sometimes, keeping my toddler out until 11 which is 3 hours well past his bedtime. But I do know this. Once Baby Harden #2 arrives I won't be able to do that. Taking one child to Applebees to enjoy some karaoke while Daddy's at work is one thing...but two? Yeah right. I don't even think I'm that brave. And lately finding a sitter has become a little bit more of a challenge. I already know it will be rough when there's two of them.
Klaeyton's new thing is telling everything Bu-Bye. Bu-bye car, Bu-Bye dog, it's like everything we leave behind he has to make sure to give his farewells to. It's awfully cute. I wish I could peek into his brain on more than one occasion. I think he's really intelligent like Matt is and I wish there was a way I could see what's going on in there.
Last night during Karaoke he was so well behaved. I can really only count the curl under a rock in public moments on one hand with K. As wonderful as that it, it makes me think, Oh No what will the next one be like? Complete opposite I'm sure.
She's def a mover. I can feel her all the time now doing acrobatics in my belly. I can't wait till I'm just a little bit bigger so that Klaeyton can feel her too. I'm looking forward to the look on his face and seeing how he'll react. It's hard to believe I'm already half way there. Then again, we are def not ready yet. There's so much to do! I really should get hopping.
Well anywho, I need to make my grocery list and enjoy my few moments of peace and quiet while everyone in the house is still sleeping. Despite my love for noise, it's def nice to have some time to myself in the mornings :)
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Everchanging
I am beyond overdue. And the interesting part is I've been itching to write for awhile now, but have been so busy that I haven't squeezed in the time to sit down and actually write. Well, today I decided to do just that. I've been extremely productive all morning and believe I am taking a well deserved break :)
Let's see. Where should I even begin? Well... I'll start with a Thursday a couple weeks ago. It was a great day. Matt and I were having an ultrasound done at the imaging center and were leaving the house with K when we checked the mail and got an excellent surprise that enabled us to head to the Apple store that day and purchase our new Mac :) I'm sure you can imagine how extremely excited I was. So we drop K off with the grandparents and head to the imaging center. Now keep in mind we are pretty positive this baby's a boy. But not only were we wrong but the ultrasound lady was so great! "You see those three little lines...no boy parts...you're having a girl" The surprise was huge! Here I had accepted that I'd be in the house with all boys, when God throws me a curve ball :) I won't reveal the whole name yet because we haven't decided on a spelling yet :) You know us...it's gotta be a little unconventional. But yes Baby Harden is def a GIRL!
We were then off to Michigan, where I got to meet a lot of Matt's extended family for the first time. It was a fantastic couple of days! Klaeyton had an absolute blast and we were sad to leave. But now we know there are many more fun times to be had.
We're making some changes. If you know Matt and I, you know we're always up for change. Matt's looking at new programs and possibly looking for a day job. I think I have finally found my calling and am now scouting Master's programs as well. It's exciting.
Klaeyton grows by the day. (And some days he thinks he's so grown that he doesn't need a nap, but Mommy is working on negating that one) His vocabulary especially. Yesterday Matt taught him to call Mommy a fat fat. Which I have to admit was absolutely hysterical. He still won't repeat I love you, but he'll talk to you for hours if you'd let him.
The other day he threw his shoe out the car window. Thankfully we were parked and I just happened to be looking in the rear view mirror at that moment.
He broke a ceramic gum jar at this mexican restaurant we were at on Sunday. A tad embarrassing.
He growls at every unknown female that attempts to talk to him. I still haven't quite figured this one out yet.
One of the best yet though...one morning as Klaeyton and I are trying to wake Matt up in the bed, Klaeyton farts and then says, "Daddy, Shoo-ey" Yep. Hysterical.
I want to start keeping more notes of all the memorable things he does. I know twenty years from now there will be a gazillion and some of them I just don't want to forget.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Let's see. Where should I even begin? Well... I'll start with a Thursday a couple weeks ago. It was a great day. Matt and I were having an ultrasound done at the imaging center and were leaving the house with K when we checked the mail and got an excellent surprise that enabled us to head to the Apple store that day and purchase our new Mac :) I'm sure you can imagine how extremely excited I was. So we drop K off with the grandparents and head to the imaging center. Now keep in mind we are pretty positive this baby's a boy. But not only were we wrong but the ultrasound lady was so great! "You see those three little lines...no boy parts...you're having a girl" The surprise was huge! Here I had accepted that I'd be in the house with all boys, when God throws me a curve ball :) I won't reveal the whole name yet because we haven't decided on a spelling yet :) You know us...it's gotta be a little unconventional. But yes Baby Harden is def a GIRL!
We were then off to Michigan, where I got to meet a lot of Matt's extended family for the first time. It was a fantastic couple of days! Klaeyton had an absolute blast and we were sad to leave. But now we know there are many more fun times to be had.
We're making some changes. If you know Matt and I, you know we're always up for change. Matt's looking at new programs and possibly looking for a day job. I think I have finally found my calling and am now scouting Master's programs as well. It's exciting.
Klaeyton grows by the day. (And some days he thinks he's so grown that he doesn't need a nap, but Mommy is working on negating that one) His vocabulary especially. Yesterday Matt taught him to call Mommy a fat fat. Which I have to admit was absolutely hysterical. He still won't repeat I love you, but he'll talk to you for hours if you'd let him.
The other day he threw his shoe out the car window. Thankfully we were parked and I just happened to be looking in the rear view mirror at that moment.
He broke a ceramic gum jar at this mexican restaurant we were at on Sunday. A tad embarrassing.
He growls at every unknown female that attempts to talk to him. I still haven't quite figured this one out yet.
One of the best yet though...one morning as Klaeyton and I are trying to wake Matt up in the bed, Klaeyton farts and then says, "Daddy, Shoo-ey" Yep. Hysterical.
I want to start keeping more notes of all the memorable things he does. I know twenty years from now there will be a gazillion and some of them I just don't want to forget.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Cars and Words
You'd think with all this time on my hands I'd be writing all the time. But the truth is, I hardly ever think about what I'm going to write until I'm already writing it. And lately I've been in this funky mood (mostly just during the week) because we haven't been as busy as usual and I find myself struggling with finding things to do (that aren't work or house related, there's plenty of that to go around). With Matt's work schedule and only having one car it can make things difficult sometimes.
Cars have become Klaeyton's new obsession. Yesterday we spent a half an hour digging everything out of his toy box so that we could sort through and find all his cars. I'm trying to teach him to keep them in a separate shoe box now so that we don't have to do a daily search. Every time we leave the house now, K has a at least one hand clutching a car. And the way he says "car" is hilarious. He has the thickest Boston accent when he says it. Who knows where that came from?
He's always wanting to put his own shoes on. They end up on the wrong feet most of the time but sometimes I can convince him to switch them. I know wearing your shoes on the wrong feet can't be all that comfortable.
His vocabulary is growing daily. This morning when I put Jasey outside he pointed and said, "Dog Poop" like he knew exactly why she was going outside. Sometimes he just repeats what we say, like when we were leaving today I said "Ready, set, go" and the next thing I know he's saying "set (which comes out a little explicit), go!" a thousand times in a row. Not only is he talking more, but he repeats himself oh about 80,000 times unless you can manage to change the subject to something else he's interested in. For the past two weeks or so he keeps reminding me that Poppy is Bu-bye, out of nowhere. Sometimes I wish I could peek in that little brain of his.
Matt has a blast getting Klaeyton to repeat what he says, from Bosstones to Ewww, he'll do it all. Well...almost. Matt and I have noticed that we can get K to say just about anything except I love you. When I try, he just stares at me. It's fascinating. We'll keep working on it.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Cars have become Klaeyton's new obsession. Yesterday we spent a half an hour digging everything out of his toy box so that we could sort through and find all his cars. I'm trying to teach him to keep them in a separate shoe box now so that we don't have to do a daily search. Every time we leave the house now, K has a at least one hand clutching a car. And the way he says "car" is hilarious. He has the thickest Boston accent when he says it. Who knows where that came from?
He's always wanting to put his own shoes on. They end up on the wrong feet most of the time but sometimes I can convince him to switch them. I know wearing your shoes on the wrong feet can't be all that comfortable.
His vocabulary is growing daily. This morning when I put Jasey outside he pointed and said, "Dog Poop" like he knew exactly why she was going outside. Sometimes he just repeats what we say, like when we were leaving today I said "Ready, set, go" and the next thing I know he's saying "set (which comes out a little explicit), go!" a thousand times in a row. Not only is he talking more, but he repeats himself oh about 80,000 times unless you can manage to change the subject to something else he's interested in. For the past two weeks or so he keeps reminding me that Poppy is Bu-bye, out of nowhere. Sometimes I wish I could peek in that little brain of his.
Matt has a blast getting Klaeyton to repeat what he says, from Bosstones to Ewww, he'll do it all. Well...almost. Matt and I have noticed that we can get K to say just about anything except I love you. When I try, he just stares at me. It's fascinating. We'll keep working on it.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
I'm Not Just a Mom...
This morning K was up at 630 for some reason, and I tell you, I was not ready to be awake and moving. But I drug myself out of bed and stumbled into the kitchen to put coffee on and get K some juice. And this is what I was greeted with...
As a mom, I might think "what can I do with these?" I can't keep Klaeyton quiet in line at Target with them, or buy diapers with them or feed them to him. I can't even pretend they're a truck and vroom across the living room with them.
But that is precisely why they were perfect.
As a wife and a woman these were just what I needed. I know I forget that I'm not just a mom. I'm a wife and first and foremost a woman. I like getting flowers for no reason. I like getting dolled up and actually putting make up on for an event other than going to the grocery store. I like looking at things other than vacuums and furniture.
Don't get me wrong, being a mom is def my calling from God, and I wouldn't change it for the world. But I do know that God wants me to remember that before He made me a mom, he made me Matt's wife and this morning I got that small reminder and it brought back a lot of good memories:
When Matt and I first started dating I was student teaching 45 minutes away and had to be up so early. Matt would get up and pack my lunch for me every day. One morning he made me an omelette in bed. It was fantastic.
On my birthday the first year we were together, Matt wrote me a song and sang it to me. I bawled.
He made me cinnamon rolls (which are still my favorite) and watched movies with me when I was so exhausted from teaching.
He always told me how great I was, even when my professors were breathing down my neck .
When I told him I was pregnant with Klaeyton, sobbing hysterically because I was so scared, he just held me and told me everything was going to be ok.
The weekend of my college graduation my hormones were raging and I was mean to everyone in sight. Matt was calm and let me be, never getting angry with me (at least that I ever knew of :)
After a blown up car, 85 degree heat with no a/c and a 12 hour move to Ohio to a house with 5 other people, 2 dogs and 8 puppies, I curled up and cried from exhaustion and defeat. Matt held me and sang I'll Catch You by the Get Up Kids. And he just let me cry.
He wrote me a book telling the story of us to propose marriage. And gave it to me on the beach. It was perfect.
He was with me every second when Klaeyton was born and he told me over and over again how great I was doing.
And even after becoming a father...he still buys me flowers and tells me he loves me.
Yep...that's my husband...
Oh the joy of being an ordinary...wife.
As a mom, I might think "what can I do with these?" I can't keep Klaeyton quiet in line at Target with them, or buy diapers with them or feed them to him. I can't even pretend they're a truck and vroom across the living room with them.
But that is precisely why they were perfect.
As a wife and a woman these were just what I needed. I know I forget that I'm not just a mom. I'm a wife and first and foremost a woman. I like getting flowers for no reason. I like getting dolled up and actually putting make up on for an event other than going to the grocery store. I like looking at things other than vacuums and furniture.
Don't get me wrong, being a mom is def my calling from God, and I wouldn't change it for the world. But I do know that God wants me to remember that before He made me a mom, he made me Matt's wife and this morning I got that small reminder and it brought back a lot of good memories:
When Matt and I first started dating I was student teaching 45 minutes away and had to be up so early. Matt would get up and pack my lunch for me every day. One morning he made me an omelette in bed. It was fantastic.
On my birthday the first year we were together, Matt wrote me a song and sang it to me. I bawled.
He made me cinnamon rolls (which are still my favorite) and watched movies with me when I was so exhausted from teaching.
He always told me how great I was, even when my professors were breathing down my neck .
When I told him I was pregnant with Klaeyton, sobbing hysterically because I was so scared, he just held me and told me everything was going to be ok.
The weekend of my college graduation my hormones were raging and I was mean to everyone in sight. Matt was calm and let me be, never getting angry with me (at least that I ever knew of :)
After a blown up car, 85 degree heat with no a/c and a 12 hour move to Ohio to a house with 5 other people, 2 dogs and 8 puppies, I curled up and cried from exhaustion and defeat. Matt held me and sang I'll Catch You by the Get Up Kids. And he just let me cry.
He wrote me a book telling the story of us to propose marriage. And gave it to me on the beach. It was perfect.
He was with me every second when Klaeyton was born and he told me over and over again how great I was doing.
And even after becoming a father...he still buys me flowers and tells me he loves me.
Yep...that's my husband...
Oh the joy of being an ordinary...wife.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The Itsy Bitsy Spider
So we've been confined to the house for the past few days due to the crazy heat wave that has hit Ohio. Our poor little window air conditioning unit is definitely overworking itself. My thermostat has read 84 degrees by five p.m. for the last three days. Maybe I'm being wimpy but it just makes me so tired and unmotivated to do pretty much anything. Today I did take K on some errands with me just to get him out of the house, including a trip to the cruddy old Walmart in Elyria. Only because I heard a little rumor that they're closing and had massive amounts of baby stuff on sale. Well, not only did I find three piece sets for Baby Harden #2 for a buck, I also found some tank tops and t-shirts that should fit over my big belly :) and for super cheap. Score!
Klaeyton amazes me every day. His new thing is to walk around the house with adult shoes on and his pants on his head. You'd think after the first time he ran into a wall that he would learn, but definitely not the case. He thinks it's hilarious. And he now laughs every time Matt wears a shirt as a hat.
He's signing a lot more. Today he actually wanted to put pants on his legs (even though he already had shorts on) and just brought them to me and signed for help. The visual of his tight pj pants over his huge shorts was nothing short of absolutely goofy. That sign is probably more useful to me than anything. Klaeyton is actually quite a cautious child. While we were at the church picnic last weekend he went down a slide with another mom and she told me it scared him. It was fast and pretty steep and he flew right out coming down. So as I was watching him later on, I saw him get to top of the slide, look all the way over across some grass to me and start signing for help. Everyone else thought he was clapping but I knew exactly what he wanted. So I went down the slide with him and couldn't help but think about how smart my little man is.
We sing the itsy bitsy spider all the time and yesterday this thought occurred to me. Well, if I put motions to it I bet Klaeyton can mimic them back. He does sign. It's pretty much the same thing right? Duh. So, we're sitting on the couch playing peek-a-boo (which Klaeyton now covers his eyes, of course peeking a little, and then yells BOO as he pulls his hands away) and I start singing the itsy bitsy spider complete with motions. And what do you know, Klaeyton starts doing them back to me. I almost cried. I'm not really sure why, signing has always been a part of what we do. But this was different somehow and at that moment I was so proud of that accomplishment and I couldn't help but think about how many more of those moments I have to come.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Klaeyton amazes me every day. His new thing is to walk around the house with adult shoes on and his pants on his head. You'd think after the first time he ran into a wall that he would learn, but definitely not the case. He thinks it's hilarious. And he now laughs every time Matt wears a shirt as a hat.
He's signing a lot more. Today he actually wanted to put pants on his legs (even though he already had shorts on) and just brought them to me and signed for help. The visual of his tight pj pants over his huge shorts was nothing short of absolutely goofy. That sign is probably more useful to me than anything. Klaeyton is actually quite a cautious child. While we were at the church picnic last weekend he went down a slide with another mom and she told me it scared him. It was fast and pretty steep and he flew right out coming down. So as I was watching him later on, I saw him get to top of the slide, look all the way over across some grass to me and start signing for help. Everyone else thought he was clapping but I knew exactly what he wanted. So I went down the slide with him and couldn't help but think about how smart my little man is.
We sing the itsy bitsy spider all the time and yesterday this thought occurred to me. Well, if I put motions to it I bet Klaeyton can mimic them back. He does sign. It's pretty much the same thing right? Duh. So, we're sitting on the couch playing peek-a-boo (which Klaeyton now covers his eyes, of course peeking a little, and then yells BOO as he pulls his hands away) and I start singing the itsy bitsy spider complete with motions. And what do you know, Klaeyton starts doing them back to me. I almost cried. I'm not really sure why, signing has always been a part of what we do. But this was different somehow and at that moment I was so proud of that accomplishment and I couldn't help but think about how many more of those moments I have to come.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
It's a....
Matt and I had a nice well deserved break thanks to my mom. She took Klaeyton to West Virginia Thursday night. Well... actually we took him over there Thursday morning and didn't pick him up until Friday evening. I was able to relax, get some work done, enjoy some one on one time with Matt and believe it or not I slept till 9 am yesterday morning. It was bliss. I woke up feeling more refreshed than I have in a very long time.
Well last night I was reminded of why I needed a break to begin with. On top of the terrible dreams I've been having Klaeyton was up at least three times screaming for at least twenty minutes each time around. And of course I was so tired I gave in. I know. Shame on me. But I just wanted to sleep. Today one of the many goals I have is to do some toddler sleep research so that I can get him sleeping through the night again.
Back tracking a little, when I went to get Klaeyton from Grammy and Poppy's last night, I was stoked. I missed my little man. And I knew Matt did too since yesterday morning he started mimicking Klaeyton as he walked around the house (which by the way was quite hilarious). However, K could have probably stuck around with Poppy and that riding lawn mower a little longer. He ran away from me as I tried to hug him! I almost didn't know how to react. It just goes to show how much his personality is developing. Of course like I said he was clingy enough last night to make up for it ;)
Well... I went for the ultrasound yesterday. I am so thankful to Amy for letting her student scan me :) It was a blast. Before I reveal the gender of Baby Harden #2 I would like to say that in the very beginning of this pregnancy I was completely anti-girl, just wanting another little boy to love on. Well, everyone kept telling me little girls were cute and so much fun to dress up and after watching two dance recitals this summer I began to get that girl itch that I had when I was first pregnant with Klaeyton. In fact I had convinced myself that since this pregnancy has been so different, that I must be having a girl, but alas, God must believe I'm a momma who can handle a houseful of boys. Yep. Baby Harden #2 is a boy :) Amy wants me to come back in because we couldn't get an extremely clear picture of said baby's little boy parts but her and her student are pretty darn sure of what they saw. My midwives will be ordering another ultrasound here in a couple weeks also so even though we're 90% sure, we'll be positive soon enough :)
Disappointed? I was a little at first, but like I said, God knows what's best and I know he is giving me what I'm supposed to have and as long as he's healthy, I can't even think of the slightest complaint. Actually I am pretty excited at the prospect of loving on another little man and even more so that Klaeyton will have a little brother to play with.
Time to get on the baby planning :)
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Well last night I was reminded of why I needed a break to begin with. On top of the terrible dreams I've been having Klaeyton was up at least three times screaming for at least twenty minutes each time around. And of course I was so tired I gave in. I know. Shame on me. But I just wanted to sleep. Today one of the many goals I have is to do some toddler sleep research so that I can get him sleeping through the night again.
Back tracking a little, when I went to get Klaeyton from Grammy and Poppy's last night, I was stoked. I missed my little man. And I knew Matt did too since yesterday morning he started mimicking Klaeyton as he walked around the house (which by the way was quite hilarious). However, K could have probably stuck around with Poppy and that riding lawn mower a little longer. He ran away from me as I tried to hug him! I almost didn't know how to react. It just goes to show how much his personality is developing. Of course like I said he was clingy enough last night to make up for it ;)
Well... I went for the ultrasound yesterday. I am so thankful to Amy for letting her student scan me :) It was a blast. Before I reveal the gender of Baby Harden #2 I would like to say that in the very beginning of this pregnancy I was completely anti-girl, just wanting another little boy to love on. Well, everyone kept telling me little girls were cute and so much fun to dress up and after watching two dance recitals this summer I began to get that girl itch that I had when I was first pregnant with Klaeyton. In fact I had convinced myself that since this pregnancy has been so different, that I must be having a girl, but alas, God must believe I'm a momma who can handle a houseful of boys. Yep. Baby Harden #2 is a boy :) Amy wants me to come back in because we couldn't get an extremely clear picture of said baby's little boy parts but her and her student are pretty darn sure of what they saw. My midwives will be ordering another ultrasound here in a couple weeks also so even though we're 90% sure, we'll be positive soon enough :)
Disappointed? I was a little at first, but like I said, God knows what's best and I know he is giving me what I'm supposed to have and as long as he's healthy, I can't even think of the slightest complaint. Actually I am pretty excited at the prospect of loving on another little man and even more so that Klaeyton will have a little brother to play with.
Time to get on the baby planning :)
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Pros and Cons
I definitely know this blog will be all over the place, especially since it's been over a week since I've been able to do it. First off, we received terrible news about the MacBook. It's kaput. They found liquid damage which completely voids our warranty and would cost us 750 big ones to fix. So that officially stinks. So now, we made the dreaded switch back to Windows until we can get a big lump sum to buy a new Mac. Oh how I miss it. Windows just isn't my thing. It's a huge pain in the rear. But we'll manage. As long as I'm able to work (since most of what I do involves a computer), and Matt is able to get his school work done (which is all on computer) it'll be fine :)
Klaeyton is spending today and tomorrow with Grammy on a road trip to West Virginia to see extended family. It's a well needed break for the both of us. I forgot how tiresome it is to be at home with him all the time. Don't get me wrong...I wouldn't trade it for the world. But there are definitely pros and cons.
For instance, I love waking up to him giggling and laughing, running first thing into the pantry to get fruit snacks. But I loathe the days when he wakes up mid tantrum and screams for the first thirty minutes because he's still tired. I love meal times when we sit and eat together and carry on conversations that no one else could comprehend. I dread the fight when he wants to eat a whole jar of pickles and I cut him off after 4. I love when he sits in my lap and we read books and talk about dogs and balloons and his new favorite obsession, cars and trucks. However, it can ride my nerves when he insists on playing by himself and gets frustrated because something isn't going exactly his way and he whines and whines. But I love that last hour of awake time when we snuggle on the couch and watch a movie or Rugrats and he just lets me love on him. Bed times are getting easier but staying there is still a trial sometimes. But I know I just need to firm up and not give in to those wails in the middle of the night. The last few months I've seen this baby turn into a toddler with his own personality and as it makes me sad to see, I can't express the joy in knowing that he's growing because of Matt and I. It's a feeling only a parent can understand. He's going to be such a great big brother.
Speaking of big brother, tomorrow is the day we find out if K will have a baby brother or a baby sister. I'm so very excited to find out. Partially because then I'll feel like I can really start preparing. I'm sure there will be a blog posted shortly after so stay tuned :)
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Klaeyton is spending today and tomorrow with Grammy on a road trip to West Virginia to see extended family. It's a well needed break for the both of us. I forgot how tiresome it is to be at home with him all the time. Don't get me wrong...I wouldn't trade it for the world. But there are definitely pros and cons.
For instance, I love waking up to him giggling and laughing, running first thing into the pantry to get fruit snacks. But I loathe the days when he wakes up mid tantrum and screams for the first thirty minutes because he's still tired. I love meal times when we sit and eat together and carry on conversations that no one else could comprehend. I dread the fight when he wants to eat a whole jar of pickles and I cut him off after 4. I love when he sits in my lap and we read books and talk about dogs and balloons and his new favorite obsession, cars and trucks. However, it can ride my nerves when he insists on playing by himself and gets frustrated because something isn't going exactly his way and he whines and whines. But I love that last hour of awake time when we snuggle on the couch and watch a movie or Rugrats and he just lets me love on him. Bed times are getting easier but staying there is still a trial sometimes. But I know I just need to firm up and not give in to those wails in the middle of the night. The last few months I've seen this baby turn into a toddler with his own personality and as it makes me sad to see, I can't express the joy in knowing that he's growing because of Matt and I. It's a feeling only a parent can understand. He's going to be such a great big brother.
Speaking of big brother, tomorrow is the day we find out if K will have a baby brother or a baby sister. I'm so very excited to find out. Partially because then I'll feel like I can really start preparing. I'm sure there will be a blog posted shortly after so stay tuned :)
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
A Broken Laptop
Well...writing will be sparse until we get our computer back. It's currently "in the shop" and for free thanks to our lovely Apple Care plan :) I'm hoping to have it back by the end of this week/early next week at the latest. Plus we've spent the last couple days in Kentucky visiting Matt's family. It has been one fantastic breath of fresh air.
Kentucky has been overly hot and humid but we still miss it nonetheless. We've gotten to go swimming, Klaeyton got an awesome new bike, and yesterday I was able to fulfill a White Castle craving that I can't enjoy at home. I've been able to rest and I've also been able to get some work done despite the lack of our laptop.
More awesomely (I know that isn't really a word, at least I don't think it is) than all that is watching Klaeyton with Nana and Papa. He took to them right away like he just saw them last week (when we actually haven't been here since January). He's having a ball. It makes me sad that we don't live closer, but it also makes me feel so blessed that we are able to have these times that we do. I love that Klaeyton has so many people that love him.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Kentucky has been overly hot and humid but we still miss it nonetheless. We've gotten to go swimming, Klaeyton got an awesome new bike, and yesterday I was able to fulfill a White Castle craving that I can't enjoy at home. I've been able to rest and I've also been able to get some work done despite the lack of our laptop.
More awesomely (I know that isn't really a word, at least I don't think it is) than all that is watching Klaeyton with Nana and Papa. He took to them right away like he just saw them last week (when we actually haven't been here since January). He's having a ball. It makes me sad that we don't live closer, but it also makes me feel so blessed that we are able to have these times that we do. I love that Klaeyton has so many people that love him.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Worry of a Mother
I sat down ready to write my heart out and I have to admit it's hard to concentrate with a screaming toddler in the background who refuses to go to bed. I'm trying though. I'm not giving up on keeping him in his bed, it's just those brief moments of weakness that bring all the progress crashing down. Ahh and the screaming ceases.
I sat with Klaeyton reading books tonight and felt like I haven't really seen him the last couple days. It was nice to snuggle him. I've been getting a lot done for work and he's been spending a lot of time with my parents so that I could spend some time with Katie. She's still in a lot of pain and it's absolutely terrible to witness. I can't imagine being in my mom's shoes. It's hard enough to watch just being her sister.
It's made me think about a lot of things about being a mother. Especially since today at our Midwife appointment I was asked if we wanted to test for cystic fibrosis, down syndrome and a bunch of other things. I don't remember ever feeling scared about Klaeyton but today I could feel that anxious drop in my stomach and the worry that fell over me was overwhelming. I had to stop and Thank God for all the blessings I have and remember that I trust Him.
And then we heard that tiny heat beat that sounds like a washing machine and I thought about the new baby and I thought about my Klaeyton and how your love for a child is truly indescribable.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
I sat with Klaeyton reading books tonight and felt like I haven't really seen him the last couple days. It was nice to snuggle him. I've been getting a lot done for work and he's been spending a lot of time with my parents so that I could spend some time with Katie. She's still in a lot of pain and it's absolutely terrible to witness. I can't imagine being in my mom's shoes. It's hard enough to watch just being her sister.
It's made me think about a lot of things about being a mother. Especially since today at our Midwife appointment I was asked if we wanted to test for cystic fibrosis, down syndrome and a bunch of other things. I don't remember ever feeling scared about Klaeyton but today I could feel that anxious drop in my stomach and the worry that fell over me was overwhelming. I had to stop and Thank God for all the blessings I have and remember that I trust Him.
And then we heard that tiny heat beat that sounds like a washing machine and I thought about the new baby and I thought about my Klaeyton and how your love for a child is truly indescribable.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
A Non-Biased Mom With A New Job!
The weekends are always busier than we intend them to be. And it makes it harder to get back to the daily grind on Monday mornings. And this week I was able to start a new job. One that I actually love doing. I was honorably selected to be the Director of Church Life for Great Lakes Church (www.greatlakeschurch.net check it out!) And I have to say I think I've found my calling :)
Klaeyton's been a little rough around the edges the last few days. Between a diaper rash, still not wanting to sleep by himself and the whininess of being cooped up because the yard is so yet it's been a little trying. Today I might embark on taking him with me to do some errands just so that I can get him out of the house.
Softball on Sunday was a blast! Two of the GLC teams played each other and then we went to watch the last team play. As usual K is running around like a mad man. At one point he made it into our dug out and picked up somebody's hat. Of course it was about eight sizes too big for him but naturally he stuck it on his head sideways anyway. Everyone just kept telling me how cute he was. I have to admit, it's nice to hear other people say that so that I know I'm not a completely biased mom. :)
Oh the joy of being and ordinary mom.
Klaeyton's been a little rough around the edges the last few days. Between a diaper rash, still not wanting to sleep by himself and the whininess of being cooped up because the yard is so yet it's been a little trying. Today I might embark on taking him with me to do some errands just so that I can get him out of the house.
Softball on Sunday was a blast! Two of the GLC teams played each other and then we went to watch the last team play. As usual K is running around like a mad man. At one point he made it into our dug out and picked up somebody's hat. Of course it was about eight sizes too big for him but naturally he stuck it on his head sideways anyway. Everyone just kept telling me how cute he was. I have to admit, it's nice to hear other people say that so that I know I'm not a completely biased mom. :)
Oh the joy of being and ordinary mom.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Yes. I Took My Toddler To A Baseball Game.
Yesterday was full of new adventures. Klaeyton and I hooked up with some friends and first went and checked out Splash Zone. I think we might just be purchasing a membership. I had never seen the outdoor facilities and I have to say I was very impressed. It was very much geared towards children and their "baby" pool was awesome, full of buckets, a huge mushroom and a slide. At first K was skeptical but once I got him in he loved it. I even illegally took him down the kiddie slide (in which I got yelled at by a lifeguard, and now have a bruise on my thigh because it went significantly faster than I was expecting). Even when they called break, Klaeyton was able to entertain himself on the swings and the playground slides that he has become so efficient at climbing. He certainly didn't want to leave, but I am now excited at finding a good summer pool spot for us :)
We were so awesomely invited to enjoy club seats at the Indians game last night. Now of course some people may think I'm crazy for even considering taking a toddler to a baseball game (and don't get me wrong, the idea crossed my mind once or twice) but I can honestly say now that I don't regret my decision one bit. I didn't take his stroller, and it wasn't too far to walk from the parking area to the stadium, so Klaeyton enjoyed the walk (and the occasional ride on mommy's hip when we hit some stairs). When we got into the stadium, I could see K's eyes get big as he took in the sights around him. We ate first. And oh was it wonderful. I was so impressed with how Klaeyton sat in the big chair (they didn't have high chairs, which was my first sign that people probably don't take their young children to club seats) anyway, he sat in this chair and used his fork to eat his hot dog (don't worry I cut it up in tiny bites :) and didn't put one piece of food on the floor. He ended up scarfing 1 1/2 hotdogs before moving on the the ice cream. I've never seen him sit so still for such a long period of time. He diligently consumed his ice cream and half of mine without making a huge mess. Yes, it was a proud moment for me :)
We moved to the seats in the stadium and I honestly was expecting Klaeyton to not let me sit at all, but surprisingly he did quite well. There was the occasional "AAAHHH" that he does when he's mad, and we did get up a lot and walk around and even ventured to the kids area. And yes, I got some dirty looks, but thankfully I'm confident enough as a parent to not really care what people think. But Klaeyton would clap and smile when everyone cheered and until it was well past his bedtime, he was quite manageable. The last little stretch was kind of rough and I knew it was because he was getting tired, but we were determined to stay for the fireworks show, so I gritted my teeth and hung on.
Oh was it worth it. It got dark in the stadium and K and I were coming back from a diaper change when the first ones went off. I wish I could freeze frame that look on his face. He sat still the entire show in awe pointing and calling the fireworks balloons. I melted. I didn't care if anybody thought I was crazy for bringing a toddler to a baseball game. He loved it. And it was so worth it to watch his face for those twenty minutes. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. And I learned even more so that I know what my son is capable of and what I can handle as his mother and we could tackle any baseball game again :)
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
We were so awesomely invited to enjoy club seats at the Indians game last night. Now of course some people may think I'm crazy for even considering taking a toddler to a baseball game (and don't get me wrong, the idea crossed my mind once or twice) but I can honestly say now that I don't regret my decision one bit. I didn't take his stroller, and it wasn't too far to walk from the parking area to the stadium, so Klaeyton enjoyed the walk (and the occasional ride on mommy's hip when we hit some stairs). When we got into the stadium, I could see K's eyes get big as he took in the sights around him. We ate first. And oh was it wonderful. I was so impressed with how Klaeyton sat in the big chair (they didn't have high chairs, which was my first sign that people probably don't take their young children to club seats) anyway, he sat in this chair and used his fork to eat his hot dog (don't worry I cut it up in tiny bites :) and didn't put one piece of food on the floor. He ended up scarfing 1 1/2 hotdogs before moving on the the ice cream. I've never seen him sit so still for such a long period of time. He diligently consumed his ice cream and half of mine without making a huge mess. Yes, it was a proud moment for me :)
We moved to the seats in the stadium and I honestly was expecting Klaeyton to not let me sit at all, but surprisingly he did quite well. There was the occasional "AAAHHH" that he does when he's mad, and we did get up a lot and walk around and even ventured to the kids area. And yes, I got some dirty looks, but thankfully I'm confident enough as a parent to not really care what people think. But Klaeyton would clap and smile when everyone cheered and until it was well past his bedtime, he was quite manageable. The last little stretch was kind of rough and I knew it was because he was getting tired, but we were determined to stay for the fireworks show, so I gritted my teeth and hung on.
Oh was it worth it. It got dark in the stadium and K and I were coming back from a diaper change when the first ones went off. I wish I could freeze frame that look on his face. He sat still the entire show in awe pointing and calling the fireworks balloons. I melted. I didn't care if anybody thought I was crazy for bringing a toddler to a baseball game. He loved it. And it was so worth it to watch his face for those twenty minutes. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. And I learned even more so that I know what my son is capable of and what I can handle as his mother and we could tackle any baseball game again :)
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
My Short Vent Session
So I'm not trying to be a negative nanny or anything so I apologize if this post radiates some bad energy. I'm going crazy. Klaeyton used to lie down for naps and bedtime so well and now he clings to me and screams for at least 20 minutes before deciding to finally give up the fight. He's only napping maybe an hour and a half verses the two to three hours I was getting before. At night he's up at least twice and he screams and screams and it takes forever to get him to go back to sleep. I thought the newborn stage ended months ago. The only thing I can think of that has changed is that he's not in daycare anymore. And he's clingier now than he was then. It's driving me nuts. And I wanted to put him in a toddler bed and move him upstairs in a couple months. I would really like to enjoy my shot at sleep while I can since I can vividly remember the sleepless nights with Klaeyton as a newborn. I don't think I can handle two kids keeping me up all night. One will surely be enough.
Ok. I think I'm done venting. I feel much better now. Sometimes a good vent is all it takes.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Ok. I think I'm done venting. I feel much better now. Sometimes a good vent is all it takes.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
I Promise Things Aren't Perfect
My mom used to always say that the only place she could truly be alone was the bathroom, and when we were toddlers, she didn't even have that. I have to say...I know how she feels. I love being a mom. It's definitely my biggest achievement in life so far. I feel like graduating college or holding a good job is nothing compared to having the patience of a mother. And I am definitely not a perfect one. But I try my hardest to be a good one.There are so many fantastic, breath-taking moments with Klaeyton, but there are also the ones where I want to rip my hair out and crawl under a rock.
I know my pregnancy hormones aren't always a great add-in to the mix of motherly responsibilities, but even without them, I know my little bundle of joy has the ability to bounce on even the strongest nerve. Today, he did just that.
Some toddlers throw tantrums, which Klaeyton does occasionally, but he's infamous for whining. And today, I think he did more whining than breathing. It was all whine, whine, whine and in between those whines was "mommy" "mommy" as he needed every possible bit of my attention, and when he doesn't get it right that second, it's lets hit mommy or throw my truck across the room. Or hey lets even hit the dog so she'll turn around and look at me. I know that children will do anything to get attention (even if it's bad attention) if that's what they're craving, but my child doesn't just crave it, he's addicted to it. Because believe me he's definitely not attention neglected.
Bedtime was a disaster. Klaeyton insisted on crying for almost thirty minutes before I went in and attempted to console him from outside the crib. I refused to pick him up. I got him some water and gave him his dog and blanket...again (as we do all of this the first time around). And as I stared into his sobbing face it broke my heart to see him so sad, just wanting me to hold him, but for the first time, I also couldn't help feeling a little peeved, as I just wanted that little bit of "me" time I get when he goes to bed...before I ultimately crash due to those damned hormones.
Of course when I did leave the room this time around, he stopped crying shortly after, but I couldn't help but feel so guilty. I cherish every moment I have with Klaeyton, and I can accept that things won't always be rosy, that there will be days like today, but ultimately I know that I am blessed to be a mother and I am thankful for that.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
I know my pregnancy hormones aren't always a great add-in to the mix of motherly responsibilities, but even without them, I know my little bundle of joy has the ability to bounce on even the strongest nerve. Today, he did just that.
Some toddlers throw tantrums, which Klaeyton does occasionally, but he's infamous for whining. And today, I think he did more whining than breathing. It was all whine, whine, whine and in between those whines was "mommy" "mommy" as he needed every possible bit of my attention, and when he doesn't get it right that second, it's lets hit mommy or throw my truck across the room. Or hey lets even hit the dog so she'll turn around and look at me. I know that children will do anything to get attention (even if it's bad attention) if that's what they're craving, but my child doesn't just crave it, he's addicted to it. Because believe me he's definitely not attention neglected.
Bedtime was a disaster. Klaeyton insisted on crying for almost thirty minutes before I went in and attempted to console him from outside the crib. I refused to pick him up. I got him some water and gave him his dog and blanket...again (as we do all of this the first time around). And as I stared into his sobbing face it broke my heart to see him so sad, just wanting me to hold him, but for the first time, I also couldn't help feeling a little peeved, as I just wanted that little bit of "me" time I get when he goes to bed...before I ultimately crash due to those damned hormones.
Of course when I did leave the room this time around, he stopped crying shortly after, but I couldn't help but feel so guilty. I cherish every moment I have with Klaeyton, and I can accept that things won't always be rosy, that there will be days like today, but ultimately I know that I am blessed to be a mother and I am thankful for that.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Sign With Your Toddler!
As a lot of people know we started signing with Klaeyton pretty early. It's not overly extensive, but I have found the most helpful signs tend to be "more", "all done", "eat", drink" and especially "help". I've always found the idea of toddlers using sign language to be fascinating and helpful in our particular situation ("Help" really does eliminate some frustration tantrums), but today I found a whole new appreciation for it and an even bigger desire to broaden K.s signing vocabulary.
We had a really rough night last night and this morning K had a fever and was showing signs of illness. We've been very fortunate that Klaeyton has never really been ill, but today he was so pitiful. He slept the majority of the day, either on Matt or I, or on the couch. He did manage to eat and drink a little bit, but he barely played which was our sign that he really was sick.
He slept this afternoon for quite a lengthly time and when he woke up it was about 6. He woke up crying, just crying and crying. I tried consoling him and rocking him. I sat him on my lap and said, "Bubba it's ok, can you show mommy what you want" I started signing for drink and eat. Almost immediately he stopped crying and started signing "help" and he pointed to his belly! I was in complete awe! I immediately started massaging his belly thinking it must hurt and then I heard it rumble. Duh! He's got to be hungry! And I was right. K ate a little bit of soup and then curled right back up into my lap to fall back to sleep.
I have decided to teach K the sign for "hurt" along with anything else I can think of. I, not only got a glimpse of how smart he is, but that if it wasn't for this simple practice, I could have spent a lot longer using trial and error to console him.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
We had a really rough night last night and this morning K had a fever and was showing signs of illness. We've been very fortunate that Klaeyton has never really been ill, but today he was so pitiful. He slept the majority of the day, either on Matt or I, or on the couch. He did manage to eat and drink a little bit, but he barely played which was our sign that he really was sick.
He slept this afternoon for quite a lengthly time and when he woke up it was about 6. He woke up crying, just crying and crying. I tried consoling him and rocking him. I sat him on my lap and said, "Bubba it's ok, can you show mommy what you want" I started signing for drink and eat. Almost immediately he stopped crying and started signing "help" and he pointed to his belly! I was in complete awe! I immediately started massaging his belly thinking it must hurt and then I heard it rumble. Duh! He's got to be hungry! And I was right. K ate a little bit of soup and then curled right back up into my lap to fall back to sleep.
I have decided to teach K the sign for "hurt" along with anything else I can think of. I, not only got a glimpse of how smart he is, but that if it wasn't for this simple practice, I could have spent a lot longer using trial and error to console him.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Chuck E Cheese!
Oh how I love summer time. The air is just different. And it's nice. It seems like we're able to do more in the summer time because we like to be out of the house enjoying the weather. I originally wanted to take Klaeyton to the pool yesterday, but of course it was only 70 degrees and totally not warm enough for the pool. So instead, Matt and I decided to take him to Chuck E Cheese. What a fantastic idea!
We kept telling him, "We're going to Chuck E Cheese!" and of course all we got from him was, "Cheese! Cheese!" I think we might have been more excited than he was. Of course I had some great coupons that I found on the internet, so when we got there I ordered the drinks and pizza and got tokens while Matt took K up in the play land. But naturally Klaeyton can spot balloons a mile away, so we had to make sure he steered clear of the birthday area, or else some poor child would be having a balloon-less birthday party.
Then we proceeded to spend tokens. Klaeyton liked the clock swing and this game where you get to throw balls at the screen to hit bugs and stuff, but his favorite game of all was Skee Ball. He LOVED it! And watching him do it was more fun than playing yourself. Matt and I managed to gather up some tickets to get K a foam dart launcher and a tootsie pop. I think that tootsie pop was the only thing that got him to cooperate when it was time to leave.
On the way home I looked back at him in his car seat with his face and hands all sticky and while holding his tootsie pop, he just smiled real big at me. I just kept thinking...there are so many more of those smiles to come.
Oh the joy of an ordinary mom.
We kept telling him, "We're going to Chuck E Cheese!" and of course all we got from him was, "Cheese! Cheese!" I think we might have been more excited than he was. Of course I had some great coupons that I found on the internet, so when we got there I ordered the drinks and pizza and got tokens while Matt took K up in the play land. But naturally Klaeyton can spot balloons a mile away, so we had to make sure he steered clear of the birthday area, or else some poor child would be having a balloon-less birthday party.
Then we proceeded to spend tokens. Klaeyton liked the clock swing and this game where you get to throw balls at the screen to hit bugs and stuff, but his favorite game of all was Skee Ball. He LOVED it! And watching him do it was more fun than playing yourself. Matt and I managed to gather up some tickets to get K a foam dart launcher and a tootsie pop. I think that tootsie pop was the only thing that got him to cooperate when it was time to leave.
On the way home I looked back at him in his car seat with his face and hands all sticky and while holding his tootsie pop, he just smiled real big at me. I just kept thinking...there are so many more of those smiles to come.
Oh the joy of an ordinary mom.
Monday, June 7, 2010
The Chucking of a Spoon
I wanted to tell this story in a separate blog because the tone is a little different from my beach story. Last night Matt, Klaeyton and I went to Applebees for dinner. Now, a little background info on us going out to eat. We do it a little more than we should, but 9 times out of 10 we take Klaeyton. I'm a firm believer that you have to take a toddler out in public in order to teach him/her how to act when not at home. Klaeyton normally does a pretty good job. We have the occasional yelling outburst and of course the putting of food on the floor because he thinks the restaurant dog is going to come by and clean it up, but so far we haven't had any of those mortifying embarrassing moments that every parent has. That is, until last night.
Out of nowhere, K chucks his spoon across the aisle and hits the table next to us. It was two ladies and a girl about 9 or 10 and I'm pretty sure my face went beet red in a matter of milliseconds. Matt was on the phone and immediately hung up on whoever he was talking to in order to retrieve the spoon. All we could think of to do was to excessively apologize. The lady was so nice about it and just thought Klaeyton was so cute. After the embarrassment faded I began to thank God that I have one cute child, and then my mind wandered to....what happens when ugly kids throw spoons in restaurants?
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Out of nowhere, K chucks his spoon across the aisle and hits the table next to us. It was two ladies and a girl about 9 or 10 and I'm pretty sure my face went beet red in a matter of milliseconds. Matt was on the phone and immediately hung up on whoever he was talking to in order to retrieve the spoon. All we could think of to do was to excessively apologize. The lady was so nice about it and just thought Klaeyton was so cute. After the embarrassment faded I began to thank God that I have one cute child, and then my mind wandered to....what happens when ugly kids throw spoons in restaurants?
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Chasing Feathers
So I've actually started keeping notes in my iPhone of things I want to remember to blog about. That should tell you something about how there is never a dull moment in the Harden household.
On Saturday morning I took Klaeyton to the library and then to the beach. I needed to renew my library card and I figured K would love to pick out books. Oh I was so right. He loved it! He didn't want to leave when I tried wrangling him back into the stroller, but once I gave him a book to hold onto
The beach was quite the adventure. It took us almost twenty minutes just to walk to our spot because K kept whining about the sand and I refused to carry him due to the fact that my arms were already full of beach toys, a blanket, towels, snacks, and of course the camera. Eventually, we got our own little station set up on the beach, and we were pretty much alone since it was so early. I soon discovered Klaeyton's favorite activity was to use his shovel to put sand on the blanket, so it didn't serve much of a purpose
There were a few instances that I wanted to be sure to remember: there were plenty of pelicans on the beach and Klaeyton was fascinated with them. After initially calling them dogs for awhile, he eventually realized I kept calling them birds. He loved to chase them around the beach and it was quite a sight to see since we were so alone and K looked so little running around after these birds. At one point he spent a good five minutes chasing a feather that he couldn't quite seem to catch. He would stumble in the sand (probably since he was only wearing one shoe) and it would flutter just out of his reach. He did finally catch it and the look of triumph on his face was priceless.
It truly was a beautiful experience for the both of us.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Sleep and New Baby
As some of you know K hasn't really been sleeping well the last few weeks. I'm not sure why, but he'll wake up screaming bloody murder and won't go back to sleep unless I pick him up and hold him. So I've tried various things, from falling asleep in the recliner and trying to gently put him back in his bed all to just putting him in the bed with Matt and I (which I don't mind but K always seems to just kick Matt a lot), but I know he's capable of sleeping through the night and sleeping well so I haven't been worrying too much.
Well yesterday he only napped for about two hours, which is short considering the last couple of weeks his naps have spanned 3-4 hours (which may explain why he wasn't sleeping well at night), anyway I put him to bed at 730 and wala! It's currently 7:05 and he has slept all night and is still sleeping :) So I feel triumphant this morning on that note :)
I've def been feeling much better. I'm twelve weeks now and approaching that second trimester full force, sometimes I can get away with only one anti nausea pill a day :) A def step down from 4 times a day! I'm beginning to plan and list the things we will need for the baby (the list is considerably longer if it's a girl, which we won't find out for another month or so) but I do need to get on the ball and get the upstairs organized. It has become one giant storage unit, but first I need another AC unit for up there, whewie it's hot :)
Matt and I are still contemplating some names. I don't think we'll be so set on one so soon like we were for Klaeyton. I think now that I don't feel so crappy the reality is really starting to set it and I can actually be excited since I'm not couch confined anymore. Now if I could just find my prego bathing suit...my regular one is already to snug. boo.
Happy Saturday! Matt has to work tonight, but I plan to take Klaeyton to the library and the beach today before nap :)
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Well yesterday he only napped for about two hours, which is short considering the last couple of weeks his naps have spanned 3-4 hours (which may explain why he wasn't sleeping well at night), anyway I put him to bed at 730 and wala! It's currently 7:05 and he has slept all night and is still sleeping :)
I've def been feeling much better. I'm twelve weeks now and approaching that second trimester full force, sometimes I can get away with only one anti nausea pill a day :) A def step down from 4 times a day! I'm beginning to plan and list the things we will need for the baby (the list is considerably longer if it's a girl, which we won't find out for another month or so) but I do need to get on the ball and get the upstairs organized. It has become one giant storage unit, but first I need another AC unit for up there, whewie it's hot :)
Matt and I are still contemplating some names. I don't think we'll be so set on one so soon like we were for Klaeyton. I think now that I don't feel so crappy the reality is really starting to set it and I can actually be excited since I'm not couch confined anymore. Now if I could just find my prego bathing suit...my regular one is already to snug. boo.
Happy Saturday! Matt has to work tonight, but I plan to take Klaeyton to the library and the beach today before nap :)
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Father and Son With a Coupon Twist
We've been fortunate enough to have Matt home the last couple of evenings. Normally it's just me and K and we go through our bedtime routine with just the two of us, but the last couple of nights, Matt has been able to do it with us, and last night...I shoved him off on his own so that I could get myself ready to sleep. But I found it wasn't as easy as I had expected. As Matt sat on Klaeyton's rug and read stories with him, I just couldn't help but peek in to watch and listen. It was just so nice to see them together. Father and son. I secretly listened as Matt read Goodnight Moon to K and I smiled to myself knowing how blessed I am to have them both.
So...on a complete change of tone, I spent my morning scouring the internet for coupons since I'm going grocery shopping tomorrow. And SCORE! www.couponmom.com is my new best friend. I clipped about $15 in coupons on stuff that we already eat! You know sometimes you buy something just because you have a great coupon for it, well not this time. It makes me even more excited to write out my grocery list.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
So...on a complete change of tone, I spent my morning scouring the internet for coupons since I'm going grocery shopping tomorrow. And SCORE! www.couponmom.com is my new best friend. I clipped about $15 in coupons on stuff that we already eat! You know sometimes you buy something just because you have a great coupon for it, well not this time. It makes me even more excited to write out my grocery list.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
From Baby To Toddler
Sometimes I wonder if I should put more thought and care into each blog I write. You know, to make it witty and comical and interesting to read. But then I remember the real reason I write them...so that I can look back on my moments as a mom and remember the feelings I get when my toddler drives me crazy and melts my heart at the same time. And that's when I don't care so much.
It's amazing the growth I can see in Klaeyton each day. Little things, like when I dress him and he knows exactly where to put his arms. He knows how to put his shoes on, even if he struggles and gets mad because he can't do it perfectly. He's insistent on eating with utensils even if he knows it takes him longer than using his fingers.
He babbles and babbles and most of what he says I can't understand at all, so we spend a lot of time having conversations that really aren't understandable. I'm thinking now may be a good time to learn some new signs. He's begun some two word sentences. Mostly, "I sit" or "My shoes" or "My milk." I do find it interesting that he uses "I" and "My" And he'll say the first sound of almost any word you read to him which is awesome.
I love to sit and secretly watch him play in the backyard. It makes me wonder what's going on in that little head of his. I can see his emotions just blooming, from pride to utter frustration, in which we are trying to teach him to sign for help rather than scream and lash out when he can't get something just the way he wants it.
K is almost 20 months old. That's not far from 2 years. I can hardly believe it. My baby is pretty much a full fledged toddler.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
It's amazing the growth I can see in Klaeyton each day. Little things, like when I dress him and he knows exactly where to put his arms. He knows how to put his shoes on, even if he struggles and gets mad because he can't do it perfectly. He's insistent on eating with utensils even if he knows it takes him longer than using his fingers.
He babbles and babbles and most of what he says I can't understand at all, so we spend a lot of time having conversations that really aren't understandable. I'm thinking now may be a good time to learn some new signs. He's begun some two word sentences. Mostly, "I sit" or "My shoes" or "My milk." I do find it interesting that he uses "I" and "My" And he'll say the first sound of almost any word you read to him which is awesome.
I love to sit and secretly watch him play in the backyard. It makes me wonder what's going on in that little head of his. I can see his emotions just blooming, from pride to utter frustration, in which we are trying to teach him to sign for help rather than scream and lash out when he can't get something just the way he wants it.
K is almost 20 months old. That's not far from 2 years. I can hardly believe it. My baby is pretty much a full fledged toddler.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Haircuts, Pools, Refrigerators, and Tears
I have a few sporadic topics to cover so this blog is likely to not mesh well. But that's ok with me because I am certainly not getting paid to write it :)
I took Klaeyton yesterday to get his hair chopped off. I loved his long shaggy emo boy hair, but now when I look at him I melt even more because not only do I see my beautiful little bouncing boy, but I see his father, in his smile and especially in his devious grin. It's a constant reminder of how blessed I am as a wife and a mother.
We got K a pool for the back yard and so far he really doesn't care for it. I tried sitting in it with him and he just stands in one spot and then gets mad when his toys float away or when he can't reach me. I'm hoping the more we use it, the more he'll want to play in it. It's a good thing we didn't spend a whole lot on it.
So today I was blessed by a friend to receive a refrigerator that is "real size." haha. If you're confused by what I'm talking about I'll fill you in... for the past year we've been using a refrigerator that is shorter than me and has internal freezer space that holds like three things. It's been the biggest pain in the butt ever and when the new fridge arrived I could barely contain my excitement. Looking at it, I think it's almost twice the size of the one we've been using. I totally know I'm a mom when I get excited over a refrigerator :) but even more so now that I don't have to go grocery shopping twice a week! Woo hoo! So a big Thank You to the Freemans and to Rolin for bringing it over to us.
K has been fighting bed time the last few nights, but tonight when I told him we were reading the last book and that we had to get ready to turn his music on, he didn't bolt into the living room, instead he snuggled into my chest and put his arms around me. And of course, with my raging pregnancy hormones, I started to cry. Klaeyton looked at me with these big concerned eyes and just kept hugging me. It's amazing that someone so little and so new to the world can be so attuned to my feelings.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
I took Klaeyton yesterday to get his hair chopped off. I loved his long shaggy emo boy hair, but now when I look at him I melt even more because not only do I see my beautiful little bouncing boy, but I see his father, in his smile and especially in his devious grin. It's a constant reminder of how blessed I am as a wife and a mother.
We got K a pool for the back yard and so far he really doesn't care for it. I tried sitting in it with him and he just stands in one spot and then gets mad when his toys float away or when he can't reach me. I'm hoping the more we use it, the more he'll want to play in it. It's a good thing we didn't spend a whole lot on it.
So today I was blessed by a friend to receive a refrigerator that is "real size." haha. If you're confused by what I'm talking about I'll fill you in... for the past year we've been using a refrigerator that is shorter than me and has internal freezer space that holds like three things. It's been the biggest pain in the butt ever and when the new fridge arrived I could barely contain my excitement. Looking at it, I think it's almost twice the size of the one we've been using. I totally know I'm a mom when I get excited over a refrigerator :) but even more so now that I don't have to go grocery shopping twice a week! Woo hoo! So a big Thank You to the Freemans and to Rolin for bringing it over to us.
K has been fighting bed time the last few nights, but tonight when I told him we were reading the last book and that we had to get ready to turn his music on, he didn't bolt into the living room, instead he snuggled into my chest and put his arms around me. And of course, with my raging pregnancy hormones, I started to cry. Klaeyton looked at me with these big concerned eyes and just kept hugging me. It's amazing that someone so little and so new to the world can be so attuned to my feelings.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
Friday, May 28, 2010
The Zoo
In a literal sense summer isn't quite here. Schools aren't all out, the pools aren't open and we haven't gotten through the oh so popular Memorial Day weekend. But for us it has already arrived :) I broke out my flip flops and Mcdonalds sweet tea cravings a long time ago, softball has started, we filled up Klaeyton's pool, we've definitely used our air conditioner more than once, and yep I've already gotten a touch of sun burn. And we can already tell it's going to be a great summer.
Yesterday I took K to the zoo for the first time. Not only did we go with some fantabulous people, we had an awesome time. Yes, it was very hot and sticky and Klaeyton did a lot of whining in the beginning due to the fact that I confined him to the stroller in order to avoid chasing him into the lion's den, but after I let it go and let him walk some in the 85 degree weather, he realized how much nicer he had it riding in a stroller.
The most classic moment, however was in the primate building where we approached the baboons and K yelled, "BUTT!!" at the top of his lungs. It was one of those moments I really wish I could have gotten on film.
All in all it was a great experience and I think it warrants another trip on a different day.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom <3
**spoiler... we're cutting K's hair today :)
Yesterday I took K to the zoo for the first time. Not only did we go with some fantabulous people, we had an awesome time. Yes, it was very hot and sticky and Klaeyton did a lot of whining in the beginning due to the fact that I confined him to the stroller in order to avoid chasing him into the lion's den, but after I let it go and let him walk some in the 85 degree weather, he realized how much nicer he had it riding in a stroller.
The most classic moment, however was in the primate building where we approached the baboons and K yelled, "BUTT!!" at the top of his lungs. It was one of those moments I really wish I could have gotten on film.
All in all it was a great experience and I think it warrants another trip on a different day.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom <3
**spoiler... we're cutting K's hair today :)
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Dry Spell
Of course I'm sure I could come up with all sorts of excuses for why I haven't blogged in awhile. Let's see... there's the fact that I'm pregnant and I've spent the majority of the last month camped out on my couch due to utter exhaustion and extreme nausea. Oh and the idea that being a mom a second time around is actually more tiring than being a first time mommy. At least with a first pregnancy you can sleep and rest when you need to, not when your toddler decides he isn't going to bang you in the head with his toy horse yelling "Yee-Haw!" So needless to say my small amount of energy has been spent on making sure K is fed and at least somewhat clean.
So up until about two days ago, it was a complete struggle to do laundry, wash dishes and just keep the house somewhat clean. Not to mention our yard looked like the amazon. And all this...after I quit Red Lobster, which is another story in its entirety. Anyhow, after my lovely midwife prescribed me some anti-nausea medicine, I have woken up and actually been able to drink a cup of coffee without dry heaving and throwing up the previous days stomach contents :) woot woot go me! I'm about eleven weeks so hopefully the 2nd trimester is washing over me a little early :)
Klaeyton's last day of daycare for the summer is tomorrow. We decided to pull him out for these warm summer months and then re-enroll him in the fall when I plan to start subbing around here.
I can't even express how excited I am about summer time. Warm weather, pools, the beach, sweet tea, softball and Old Navy flip flops. We are so ready! Matt and I worked on the yard yesterday and are planning to work on it some more today. You know, we're trying to get rid of that whole jungle look.
Klaeyton is growing so fast. It really is true what they say, when they're this little, the time flies by quicker than you could ever imagine. Which is yet another reason I want to be at home as much as possible. He will never be this little ever again and I don't want to miss it.
He's so funny. I could be having the worst day ever and just watching him for a moment makes it all melt away. And watching him grow is nothing short of a miracle. He's so intelligent and even sneaky sometimes. Jasey is truly his best friend. He knows her name is Jasey but he just calls her dog. Watching the two of them together is fascinating. I couldn't ask for anything better.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
So up until about two days ago, it was a complete struggle to do laundry, wash dishes and just keep the house somewhat clean. Not to mention our yard looked like the amazon. And all this...after I quit Red Lobster, which is another story in its entirety. Anyhow, after my lovely midwife prescribed me some anti-nausea medicine, I have woken up and actually been able to drink a cup of coffee without dry heaving and throwing up the previous days stomach contents :) woot woot go me! I'm about eleven weeks so hopefully the 2nd trimester is washing over me a little early :)
Klaeyton's last day of daycare for the summer is tomorrow. We decided to pull him out for these warm summer months and then re-enroll him in the fall when I plan to start subbing around here.
I can't even express how excited I am about summer time. Warm weather, pools, the beach, sweet tea, softball and Old Navy flip flops. We are so ready! Matt and I worked on the yard yesterday and are planning to work on it some more today. You know, we're trying to get rid of that whole jungle look.
Klaeyton is growing so fast. It really is true what they say, when they're this little, the time flies by quicker than you could ever imagine. Which is yet another reason I want to be at home as much as possible. He will never be this little ever again and I don't want to miss it.
He's so funny. I could be having the worst day ever and just watching him for a moment makes it all melt away. And watching him grow is nothing short of a miracle. He's so intelligent and even sneaky sometimes. Jasey is truly his best friend. He knows her name is Jasey but he just calls her dog. Watching the two of them together is fascinating. I couldn't ask for anything better.
Oh the joy of being an ordinary mom.
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