Thursday, May 27, 2010

Desperate For...

A date night.  My husband and I have not had one of those in a really long time.  Sadly, one of the things that we left behind when we moved from Connecticut was our dependable, reliable, loving, and very budget-friendly babysitters.  In other words, my husband's parents. Nana and PopPop were always available to take over tending to the little munchkins anytime my husband and I felt like we needed a little "us" time.  We had some other wonderful friends and family members that helped on occasion, but our circumstances are different now in that we are in a new city, 600 miles away from our old home, and we haven't had a moment to ourselves in a long time.  We didn't even go out for our anniversary!  Isn't that sad?!?!

Now that we are through with the "infant" stage, I feel that it is not beyond the realm of possibilities to find a responsible, qualified, and reliable person to care for our children.  But this is completely uncharted  territory for us.  Paying for babysitting is something that (fortunately) we've never had to do.  Interviewing a potential babysitter is foreign to us also.  Entrusting the care of my children in the hands of someone I haven't spent years of my life getting to know is scary.  But I'm gonna do it.  I need to do it.  I love my children, and I love being with them 24 hours a day, but my husband and I desperately need to start feeling like people again.  Not just mommy and daddy.

Perhaps just once a month I'd like the opportunity to kiss my children goodbye, walk out the door, and go enjoy adult things like having a conversation during dinner, chewing my food slowly so that it can actually be enjoyed, ordering an extra drink or dessert because we aren't operating on a 30-minute restaurant time limit, and maybe, just maybe, holding hands because neither one of us will have to carry someone, push a stroller, or drag a whiny toddler by the arm.

I've been browsing potential babysitter ads for months.  But no one ever felt like "The One."  I read the ad, look at the picture, and think, "Oh there's no way she could handle this circus."  Of course I have no idea based on the limited information provided and having never actually met the person, but I get cold feet before hitting the "contact me" button every time.  Until tonight.  I took matters into my own hands, and put up my own ad.  That way no one will apply if they don't think they could handle it.  Or at least that's what I'm hoping.  Also, I was also able to set forth my expectations, set my own rate of pay that I felt comfortable with, and I feel that I just generally have more control this way. 

Upon posting my ad, I immediately checked my inbox.  Nothing.  Yet.  I'm so anxious, excited, and nervous about this.  But I'm still wondering if this is the right thing to do.  Is it financially responsible of us to spend money just for the sake of going out, plus the cost of hiring a responsible babysitter?  I don't know.  I'd like to think so.  It's an investment in my mental and emotional health.  And crucial to keeping a happy relationship.  Right?   My other reservation is obvious: am I going to feel comfortable letting someone feed my babies dinner, clean them, dress them, and put them to bed?  God, I hope so.  Being the ultimate control freak that I am, this one is a tough one for me.  I'll probably write our new sitter a novel about our children's routines, emergency procedures, special circumstances, situational predicaments, etc.  And I'll probably call every 20 minutes just to make sure things are going OK.

Whether we go out tomorrow, next week, or next month, I know it will be hard at first.  I'll be nervous.  The kids might cry.  Their routine will get thrown off because no one will do it exactly like I do it.  But they will survive.  And I will survive.  And My husband and I will be so happy to know that we do not have to wait until the kids go to college to start enjoying our time together again.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

How To Make Perfect Baby Pig-Tails

Disclaimer:  Despite her complaints, no child was harmed during this process.  I am a firm believer in the "it takes pain to be beautiful," concept of raising girls, passed down from my mother and many generations before.  Someday, my daughters will understand.

Olivia's hair is finally (sort of) ready for baby ponytails.  It is the stuck to the head, no curl, baby-fine type of hair, and I am ALWAYS brushing it out of her eyes.  I could trim her bangs a bit, but then I wouldn't be able to achieve this adorable look:


Want to try it for yourself?  Good.  All you need is a (somewhat) complacent baby with hair, a rat-tailed comb (see image below), and some tiny pony holders.  (Getting some fun colors is on my list of things to buy... right now I just have boring black.)

First step: Part baby's hair down the middle of her head, using the end of the rat-tailed comb.  This may be a challenge, especially if she's got a cowlick in the back going on like my kid.  Don't fret.  It can be done.  Start in the back, not the front.  And face your child away from you.  And give her something interesting to play with. (like a remote control or a cell phone that you don't mind getting chewed on)

Step 2: Begin pulling hair from the top of her ear up, combing in an upward motion.  Pull as much hair as you can from the back of the head as you like.  Chances are that unless your baby has very long hair, much of it will hang down in the back still.  The bangs and sides are what you'll succeed in securing into pig-tails, which will be both purposeful in keeping hair out of her eyes, and adorable at the same time.  By the way, this is probably when your kid will start to pull away, fuss, or give you the "what the hell are you doing? look."  Carry on.  Persistence is key.  Perhaps give her a more interesting object to play with.  Like car keys or some cooking utensils. (try to steer away from the knives... I heard they can hurt kids.)

Step 3: Holding the pony in one hand, use the comb to create a smooth top from the center part that you will have to find again. Bumps are bad, so keep combing the hair into your hand until it's nice and smooth.  Be sure that you don't include any hair from the other side of her part, or it will throw off the look, and a baby with cock-eyed pig-tails is not OK.  We're going for adorable-ness here, not sloppiness.

Step 4:  Choose a desired height for your first pig-tail.  A lot of this will depend on the length of the hair that you are working with.  I like pig-tails that are set back from the front of the head, but still have good height- creating that Pebbles Flinstone look.  At this point your kid is probably really irritated that you won't stop touching her head.  You may have to wrap your legs around her to keep her in place.  Ignore her crying.  Assure her that it'll all pay off in the end.

Step 5:  Secure the pony with a soft coated elastic.  As you get more experienced and your child begins to tolerate hair ornaments for longer than 10 seconds you should begin matching her pony-tail holders with her outfit.  But any old color will do for now, we are just trying to master the technique.

Step 6: Repeat Steps 2-5 on the other side of your child's head.  The key during this step is matching your second pig-tail to the first as far as head location, height, and amount of hair in the pony.  Your child will begin to cry harder (maybe even with real tears!), pull away from you, and your husband and other children will ask you why you are hurting the baby.  You aren't hurting her.  You are making her even more adorable, and I can't think of anything better than that.  So tell them to shut it.  Or you'll do it to them.  Haha, just kidding.
Step 7: Hug your baby, tickle her, tell her how pretty she looks, and get your camera.  Wipe away any tears or drool that occurred during process, as that will not enhance your picture.  You should be able to snap a picture showing your happy child:


Step 8: Quickly snap a bunch of pictures of your baby with her first set of pig-tails.  You'll need proof that you actually accomplished this.  Because as soon as you turn around, she'll yank those perfectly placed pony-tail holders out and throw them back at you as punishment for torturing her in the first place.


Monday, May 24, 2010

Being Naked

My son spends more time taking his clothes off than he does wearing them.  It is usually a struggle to convince him to get dressed or changed into/out of his pajamas, but within minutes I'll turn around to find a heap of his clothes on the floor and him running through the house in his birthday suit.


Tonight I dressed all three children for bed, gave the girls their bottles, and left Joey watching his evening show while I went to put the babies down.  Before I left the room Joey was sitting peacefully on the couch winding down getting sleepy.  Or so I thought.


I walked back in the room approximately 2 minutes later to find him in the exact position I left him.  Still watching TV (Wonderpets), still zoned out to the rest of the world, still sucking the infamous binky and holding his sister's pink blankie.  Minus one small detail... clothes:


When this first started happening a couple of weeks ago I decided I wasn't going to make a big deal about it.  Because we all know when you make a big deal about something unpleasant that your child is doing, it usually makes the problem worse, not better.  However, I'm finding it hard to resist urging my child to cover himself.


One of the reasons that I find this particular habit so annoying is because it wastes my time.  He's difficult to get dressed in the first place, often requiring tar and feathering chasing and holding down.  And it irritates me that he shows absolutely no respect for the effort that it takes me to get him dressed by stripping his clothes off with reckless abandon.  Then, if we want to go somewhere, or I get tired of watching his little you-know-what bounce around as he scurries about like the energizer bunny I have to start all over with the tar and feather getting dressed routine.  We often compromise.  I'll let him leave his pants off if he agrees to wear underpants and a t-shirt.  Or sometimes just the underpants.  But even this agreement is temporary.  It's only a matter of time before I hear, "I need be a naked boy, mom," and see various articles of his clothing coming off way faster than they went on.

Luckily, he hasn't taken to streaking in public places.  Yet.  I'm sincerely hoping he outgrows this stage before anyone else has to witness my son's preference for a nude lifestyle.  I already feel restricted in the activities that we can enjoy outside of our apartment, and I'm well aware of the fact that if my child goes public with his aversion to clothing we will not be able to go anywhere ever.  Not to mention it will be very difficult to enroll him in things like preschool or extracurricular activities.  On that "any special considerations" part of the registration I don't think it will be acceptable to write, "My child likes to take his clothes off.  I ignore this behavior, hoping that it will go away soon.  Please do the same."  Yea, I don't think that'll go over big.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Step 2 Water Table Winner!


I'm a day late in posting this, and for that I apologize.  Without further ado, the winner of the fabulous Step 2 Water Table is comment #29, Carol (cdziuba) who wrote, "Follow on Facebook /Networked Blogs Carol P Dziuba entry 1."  Told you it pays to follow. ;)  Congratulations Carol, I've emailed you to get your info so we can get your Water Table out ASAP!

If you aren't a winner this time, don't give up.  I'm working on lining up some more giveaways in the coming weeks, and you can't win if you don't play. Thanks to all who entered (210 entries is my new record!), and a big thanks to CSN Stores for sponsoring this great giveaway!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Things That Go Bump in the Night...

...end up sleeping on the bathroom floor.

My poor little Joey has had such a rough go of this transitioning into a toddler bed.  I've found him sleeping just about everywhere, including his floor, the hallway, under his bed, next to our bed, and the latest: on the rug in our master bathroom with his little bare butt sticking up in the air.  You're probably asking yourself, "how the heck did that happen?"  Here's how:

7:30pm: Ron put Joey to bed without a hitch.
10:30pm: Before I went to bed, I peaked in on him.  He was asleep on the floor behind the door to his bedroom.  His light was on.  I left him there.
12:30am: Joey woke me up standing next to my side of the bed whispering, "I need go nigh-night in your bed, mom."  I groaned, got out of bed, and told him I'd bring him back to his bed.  He threw himself on the floor, yelling that he NEEDED to sleep in my bed.  I tried to pick him up, he threw himself on the floor and scurried into our bathroom, now yelling, "I need to go potty, I need to go POTTY!!!"  So, I stripped off his pj pants and diaper, and sat him on the pot.
12:35am: Waiting outside the door, I said, "Joey are you done?"  He frantically shouted out, "I can't try, I can't try mom!"  Ok.  I kept waiting.
12:40am:  I walked into the bathroom, calmly announcing that it was time to go back to bed.  Joey's response was less than thrilled as he shouted, "I need to try, I need to try mom!"  "Ok, Joey.  You sit there on the potty, mommy's going to go lay down.  You call for me when you're done."  Exhausted, I got back in bed.
Fast forward approximately 2 hours:
2:40am:  I woke up, vaguely aware of the fact that I never went back to retrieve my child from the bathroom.  I can see the toilet from my bed and it was vacant.  I stood up, walked into the bathroom, and there he was sound asleep on the bath mat.  Curled up in a little ball on the floor with his naked bum sticking up in the air.  I put a diaper back on him, slid his pants over his (now chilly) legs, and gently put him back in his bed.

In the morning Joey slept until 7:30, which is significantly later than he has been recently.  Maybe a midnight snooze in the bathroom just tired him out enough to sleep in.

What will tonight bring?  I don't even want to know...

Monday, May 17, 2010

I'm A Pantenologist


Recently I was contacted by MyBlogSpark to try out some new products available from Pantene Pro-V.  I was lucky enough to be selected by Pantene Pro-V to try out their newest line of shampoos and conditioners and share my thoughts with my readers.  Pantene quickly sent me a fun kit to test out the new products, including samples and a Walmart gift card to buy some new products.  I'm happy to be sharing my findings with you today!  These delicious-smelling customized solutions have been designed around 4 major hair-types:

Fine Hair: has up to 50% less protein than thick hair.  Very prone to breakage. (this is what I've got...)
Medium-Thick: holds up to 40% more moisture than fine hair.  That leads to frizz.
Curly Hair: has weakened cuticles due to the twists and turns.  Typically rough and difficult to control.
Color-Treated Hair: changed at the structural level.  Natural protective layer is removed, resulting in dull color over time. (I've got this too!)
First I tried out the shampoo and conditioner for Fine Hair.  It was amazing.  After styling, my hair felt fuller, stronger, and smelled great.  I'll be sure to put this on my shopping list!

A few days later I decided to give the shampoo and conditioner for Color Treated Hair a try.  It's been 6 weeks since I last had my hair high-lighted, and it was overdue for a boost.  After 2 days of trying this formula, my hair looked shiny and healthy again.  I'll use the Fine Hair solution for everyday use, but this is a great product to have on hand to use every so often to brighten up my locks!

I really enjoyed my special job as a Pantenologist and hope that you'll take value in my review by trying out the new Pantene Customized Solutions for yourself.  Just click here to sign up for your free sample. (you can even select your hair type!)

**This product review was based on using complimentary Pantene products provided by Proctor & Gamble through MyBlogSpark.  Bloggers also received a $25 gift card.**

Friday, May 14, 2010

It's In! Joey's Big Boy Bed

Many-a-blog-post later, I've finally set up Joey's toddler bed.  He's still pretty excited about it, and still checks to make sure it's still there several times a day.


I'm proud to say that I managed to put the bed together mostly by myself.  I did have to call in some help when I managed to crack one of the cross bars.  How was I supposed to know that there were different sizes of bolts??? They all looked the same to me.


Luckily, this little mishap doesn't affect the functionality of Joey's new sleeping arrangement.  We put some wood glue on it and a little duct tape, and voila! good as new.



Once Ron took apart his crib, we moved the bed in, set it up with his mattress and special train quilt from his great-grandma.  Isn't it adorable???


He made sure to move every blankie and binkie that he could find onto his bed, and sleeps in a big heap of shiny edged pink, purple, green, and blue blankies.


Getting Joey to go to bed has been surprisingly easy.  We do the usual routine of books, hugs, kisses, and covering up.  He knows when I leave the room it's over, there is no sense in calling for me to come back, and he's been really good about going to sleep.  It's getting him to stay asleep past 6am that has been a challenge.  And his naps have been annoyingly short.  He is getting significantly less sleep than he was say, a month ago, and it is really affecting his mood.  And mine.

As far as being comfortable in his new bed, I'm not so sure.  As excited as he is, three times when I went in to check on him this is how I found him:



Not sure what this is about.  Why did we bother to spend money on a bed when the child prefers to sleep on the floor?  I know he's not falling out because he takes his binkies and blankies with him.  I have a feeling he's just testing his new found freedom.  Like, "I'm going to sleep on the floor because I can if I want to."  I wonder how many more nights I'm going to find him like this.  Maybe it will save us money in the long run because we won't ever have to buy him another bed.  Imagine that several years from now.  My teenage son has a toddler bed in his room and sleeps on the floor next to it.  Now that will be a good blog post.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

The Funny Things They Say

Remember that old saying, "Kid's say the darnedest things."?  Well, it rings true in my house just about every single day.  Some of the conversations that I have with Joey just crack me up.  Here's one from last night:

Joey and I went over to Walmart to pick up his new bed.  He was excited, and loved that it came in a BIG BOX!  We got home at about 5:30.  Ron had already fed the babies and had a sandwich waiting for Joey.  Ron had to go out to do an errand with my mom, so it was just me and the kiddos hanging out before the much-anticipated bath/bedtime hour.  At about 5:45 Joey came in from playing with bubbles on the patio and held this conversation with me:

Joey: "I all done playin' Mom.  I go nigh-night now."
Me: "You're ready to go nigh-night already?"
Joey: "Yes, I all done playin'. I very tired."
Me: "Well, OK.  Do you want to eat your sandwich first?"
Joey: "Um... No thank you.  I go nigh-night." (starts heading down the hallway.)
Me: (perplexed, but kinda excited at the idea of a 5:45 bedtime, I started following him.)
Joey: (really excited, headed towards his room) "I go nigh-night my new big boy bed!"
Me: "Oooooh.... no, it's not ready yet Joey.  Mommy has to put it together so you can sleep in it tomorrow."
Joey: "My new bed not in my room?"
Me: "No.  It's not in your room yet.  It will be tomorrow."
Joey: (walks into his room to make sure I'm not lying, then turns around when he sees his crib is still there.)
Me: "Do you still want to go nigh-night?"
Joey: "Um. No thank you.  I eat now.  I not tired more."

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

How Old Are Your Socks?

Yesterday as I was sorting the mountains of laundry that had accumulated in our apartment, I was perplexed by this site at the bottom of the laundry basket:


My husband's socks from his latest softball game.  I couldn't understand why he thought these were even salvageable from their current state.  I turned them over to get a closer look.  Holes. 


Why was he even hanging on to these?  I understand that the economy is rough, but we've got a little money saved up in the bank for tough times.  And these socks are definitely having a tough time.  I took a picture, texted my husband and asked him what kind of miracle he was hoping for.  He informed me that he'd had these socks since high school, and they were his "playing socks."  What?  Since high school?  He hasn't replaced his socks in 15 years?  (Yes, he is that old...)  Well that settled it.  I texted him back, told him it wasn't fair to the socks to make them go on this way.  I reassured him that they've had a good long life, but it was time to let them go.  They'd be happier not suffering anymore.  Goodbye old, dirty socks.  It's been quite a ride.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

This One's For The Moms

Mother's Day could be my favorite holiday.  It is the only day all year that I am allowed to stay in bed as long as I like and not feel guilty about it.  It's a special day that I get to share with my mom, and rejoice in the special bond that we have.  I've learned a lot about being a mom in my few short years of motherhood.  Here are a few things, just to share:
  • Happy Moms have Happy Babies. (the opposite is also true)
  • The house will never be clean enough.  There will always be a mess when you turn around from cleaning one up.  And it's OK.
  • Children need sunshine and fresh air every day.  Moms do too.
  • Having a schedule is important, as long as you know when to ditch it and enjoy life.
  • Kids will always throw food on the floor for the dog.  There is no way to stop this.
  • A kiss and a hug can fix most any boo-boo.
  • Babies quickly turn into toddlers, and toddlers quickly turn into kids, time passes quickly, so enjoy the moment you are in.  It will be gone too soon.
  • Forts never stop being fun.
  • There is never a wrong time to stop for ice cream.  Even if it's before dinner.
  • Twins are most definitely NOT the same.  They are individuals with their own personalities, wants, and needs.  They should be raised accordingly.
  • Having three young children close in age makes them instant playmates.  Watching your children laugh and play together will bring you great joy.  Be prepared for it to end badly.  Someone usually always ends up crying.
  • Watching my husband become a dad has only made me love him more.  I love the way my children's faces light up when they see him.  I love watching him hug and kiss them.  I love the way he is not too proud to carry a diaper bag, fix a falling hair bow, or wipe a boogie nose.
  • A lot like the cleaning of the house, the laundry will NEVER be done.
  • Do not let anyone tell you when it is time to rid your child of the bottle, binky, diapers, crib, blankie, etc.  They will do it all in their own time, and each mother does what fits her family.
  • Always have a lollipop with you for your child.  And don't be afraid to use it.
  • Realize that tough times pass, children grow, life goes on, and you will survive.  Find a way to enjoy your children every day.  Even if it's only while they are sleeping.


Happy Mother's Day!

Friday, May 7, 2010

Step 2 WaterWheel Play Table Giveaway

It's giveaway time again!  I'm sure you are all anxious to find out what kind of wonderful product I am bringing to you this time.  Well, wait no further...


CSN Stores has been awesome enough to sponsor a giveaway on Thou Shall Not Whine.  Just in time for summer, one of my lucky readers is going to score this Step 2 Water Table that will provide hours of fun for all the little ones!  Enter to win one for yourself, or give it away as a gift.  I love Step 2 products.  They are durable, practical, and really suit the needs of my kids.  And I love that CSN Stores carries Step 2 products at fabulous prices.  So if you don't win, and your little one is desperate for a water table of their own, be sure to visit CSN Stores for a great selection!


To enter this giveaway, visit CSN Stores, take a look around, and come back here telling me something else that they sell that you'd enjoy.

10 additional entries can be earned by doing some or all of the following: (leave an additional comment for each entry.)
  • Become a follower of Thou Shall Not Whine (3 extra entries!) *Just click the little "follow" button on the right-hand sidebar, then leave me 3 additional comments stating, "follower #1, follower #2, etc."
  • Follow my blog on Facebook (2 extra entries) *click on the networked blog button on the right-hand sidebar, then leave 2 additional comments stating that you did!*
  • Grab my button and display it on your blog (2 extra entries!)
  • Mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back to it. (2 extra entries!)
  • Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post. (leave an additional comment here to count as your entry!)
This giveaway will conclude on Friday, May 21st, at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be selected via Random.org and contacted via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond before another winner will be chosen.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

My Baby is... Carsick!

Can you guess which one?  This child is the only non-redheaded child of mine.  And this child has the biggest, bluest eyes I've ever seen.  If you guessed Katelyn (really, why wouldn't you?) you're right. 

I started to become suspicious of Katelyn's state of being while in a moving vehicle a few weeks ago.  She is still rear-facing, all the way in the back row of the van.  One day while she was getting over pneumonia and on an antibiotic, she started crying out of the blue on our morning drive to the park.  When I stopped the car and opened up the back to hoist her out, she was covered in yucky pink-ish throw up.  I was pretty certain that most of it was on her shirt, so I took that one off, put on a spare, wiped up the car seat with diaper wipes, and carried on.  I decided that she wasn't carsick, it was probably from the antibiotic, and didn't think too much about it again. 

Since that fateful day Katelyn has spent many-a-car rides crying in the way back of the van.  Not even a binky soothes her, and the poor thing threw up in the car on the way to the mall yesterday.  So it's official.  She gets carsick.  I'm pretty sure that they don't make Dramamine for infants, so the best I could do was turn her car seat around and move it up to the the middle row. 

Oh, and I bit the bullet and washed the car seat yesterday.  It smelled awful.  And taking it apart to get the seat cover off and then back on took me 2 complete hours.  Talk about NOT user-friendly!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

The Strong Willed Child

Do you have any idea what could be happening in this picture?


How about this one?


You're getting warmer...


Yep!  You got it!  Joey was trapped in his room pushing little toys underneath the door.  Do you want to know why?


Because my son, my adorable red-headed boy, is no longer sleeping when he is supposed to be.



He goes to bed just fine.  We do the usual routine: kiss, hug, butterfly kisses, cover-me-up, pat my back, night night, blow kiss from the door, done.  But we all know that children cycle through sleep just like we do.  Well, the minute Joey wakes up he thinks he's "all done sweepin' mom."  Even if it's only been 52 minutes.  So he climbs out of his crib (toddler bed has not yet arrived), comes to the door, and calls for me.  I tried to put him back down twice, and after the third crib-escape he didn't call for me but just played at the door for 20 minutes.



Frustrated, tired (I wanted a nap too), and a little bit amused, I opened the door.  Before I had a chance to even attempt to explain that Mommy was upset, I got a big fat "cheeeeeeese!"  Feeling completely defeated, I decided that tomorrow is a new day, and sat down to play blocks with him.


I even let him have his binky for a while, because I'm just too overwhelmed to care. He won't go to college with it.  I don't think.

By the way, notice anything different around here???

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Coming Soon: Big Giveaway!

Have you ever heard of CSNstores? Well, the next time you are shopping for something online you should definitely check them out. They have over 200 stores and sell just about everything! They carry lots of awesome brands like Lego, Melissa & Doug, Food Network, Step 2, and many more. Their prices are great, shipping is fast (sometimes free!), and the customer service is superb. Perhaps you have a very specific product in mind, and are having trouble finding something that will work just right... My sister, for example, could really use a Corner TV Stand in her family room. I know she's having trouble finding the right piece of furniture to fit the layout of the room, and when I saw it I knew it would be perfect. So if you have something that you're in the market for, and are comparison shopping like I usually do, definitely check them out as part of your search!

Recently I was contacted by the Promo team at CSNstores with the interest of sponsoring a giveaway.  (actually, I had the choice of reviewing a product to keep for myself or giving one away to my readers.  I chose the giveaway.  Can you believe that?  I love my readers enough that I put their needs ahead of my own.  Wow.  I'm an awesome blogger.

Anyway, in just a few short days (or less), I'll be announcing my giveaway.  And trust me, you won't be disappointed!  In the meantime, check out what CSNstores has to offer by clicking on the link above!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Swing, Swing, Swing!

, We had a low-key, fun, family Sunday today.  Which was just fine with me!  Without any other plans for the day, we decided it was a good day for the park.  While we were there, the kids did some swinging.

My girls just love swinging.


Katie looks so much like me in this picture, I love it!


Olivia giggles the entire time she swings.


"Faster, mommy, faster!"


These blue eyes still get me every time...


Check out that hair!  Is she going for wind-blown, or Woody Woodpecker here?  I'm not sure...


"Wook at me, Mom!  I'm fwy-ing!"


Once we were all swung-out we came home and everyone took a loooooong nap.  Even Mommy and Daddy.  Gotta love those lazy Sunday naps!

Saturday, May 1, 2010

The Big Boy Bed

In the very near future we will be taking Joey's lovely crib down and replacing it with a $54 (adorable) toddler bed that I purchased from Walmart.  (stock photo below)


This is yet another piece of evidence that they are growing up.  He is growing up.  On one hand, I am excited at what this new chapter will bring.  He will turn 3 this summer, and I am looking forward to watching him go from toddler to little-kid as we move forward. 

On the other hand, I'm terribly sad.  When I was pregnant with Joey I was kind of obsessed with finding "the perfect crib."  I had my heart set on just what I thought our baby's nursery would look like, and I spent 9 months making that dream a reality.  His crib is not just a crib.  It's a reminder of the kind of excitement that anticipating your first baby (amidst a few years of fertility struggles) brings. 

I remember the day that I found this crib.  It was around the 6 month mark of my pregnancy.  I was shopping with a girlfriend at some high-end shops in Connecticut.  We went into Bombay Company. (which may or may not still be an existing company) Anyway, at the time Bombay Company was a store that sold unique, well-crafted, and usually expensive home furnishings.  They were in the process of closing out the Bombay Kids section of the store, and all children's furniture was 40% off.  So when I saw this crib that was identical to the highly coveted one from Pottery Barn Kids, I knew it was it.  The $650 price tag was suddenly not as scary when I factored in the 40% off.  I called Ron, asked what he thought, ("whatever makes you happy, sweetie") and made the purchase.  And since that day this crib has made nothing but beautiful memories of my baby boy. 

It is more than just a place for him to sleep.  It's been his comfort, his safe-place, his snuggle-nest.  Joey has loved his crib, never (until recently) showing signs of giving it up.  The only place he has ever been a cooperative sleeper is in his own crib.  He has never a Pack N Play kind of baby.  (I often dread overnight trips for this reason)  Joey just loves his crib.  I love to watch him soundly sleeping, curled up in a little ball, storing up energy for the next day.  As long as he's in a crib, Joey is still my baby.  And even though I knew this day was coming, I'm finding it hard to accept the fact that he isn't.  He is quickly turning into a boy, ready for a bed, possibly going to preschool, and doing other big-boy things.

It's not all sad to me.  I'm excited to see Joey's reaction to his first bed.  I can't wait to set it up with the adorable train quilt that his Great-Grandmother made for him last year.  (picture to follow!)  I'm hoping for a smooth transition without a lot of argument from my boy.  So while I realize that this has been yet another post about how I'm sad when my babies show signs of not being babies anymore, I really am happy about it.

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