Winter Fun

First, you'll notice I have no more watermarks on pictures! Wish I'd known to just google instructions a while back as it's super simple. No picture stealing from this blog! 

{Revised update: I do realize you can take print shoots, but the quality on print screens isn't near the original file and I'm not so much worried about people stealing crappy print screens!)

Second, we finally had the right conditions for some sledding at the park this past weekend; snow on the ground and temperatures that didn't eat your skin off. I just don't like taking Drew out if it's too cold! My baby has his father's sensitive, pasty skin and the cold makes him so dry. But this past Sunday the temp was right and the snow was beautiful!

He liked sledding a bit more than he did last time, but after a while he was ready to be done.

But snowballs? He could have watched daddy throw them (with a tree as the target) all day. He tried a few himself but then realized it was more fun to just watch daddy.

I love my two snowmen.

Random Acts of Kindness

I've been officially inspired. 

Whether it was my 'real-life' friend Desiree's RAK challenge or Ann Curry's 26 Random Acts for Sandy Hook, I have been inspired to do more. Without extra time to volunteer, I need to find other ways to give back. Kinda like when I raised over $1,500 for the Humane Society. I started plans for some 'random acts of kindness' of my own, and then a blogging friend had her baby with complications. I jumped on board to send her a care package mid-February and realized that was just the start of the February giving journey for me.

With February being the month of 'love', I want to give love to strangers. I want people to feel that there is good in the world, even if for just a moment. I want to pay it forward in our community and make a difference for someone, somewhere. I have tweaked and tweaked my list, but below is where I'm at. With Drew and Derek's help, I vow to complete each of these items within the month of February, providing updates along the way.

All week I've been as giddy as a kid in a candy store. I can't WAIT to tackle this list and spread the love throughout February.

Look for updates where you see this graphic and feel free to use it on your own blogs if you feel inspired to do something good as well!

"Bad" Habit

I find toddler most habits adorable. From sucking their thumbs, to the pacifier, to having a blanket sidekick, they just make our babies unique and we need to cherish them. One could argue the pros and cons of these habits, even labeling them 'bad' habits, but whatever your stance, who can't resist the adorable face of huge puppy dog eyes looking at you behind a thumb stuck in the mouth?

I was that child who sucked her thumb until she was 9. Despite my parents trying various techniques all throughout my childhood, I wouldn't stop. Apparently I wasn't that addicted, however, as I was never a public sucker. My thumb-lovin was reserved only for our house, and generally only when I was sleepy or bored. And then somewhere around 4th grade, my parents finally gave in to trying the money technique and won. I had to be honest, but I would get a quarter (or was it a dime?) for each night I didn't suck my thumb. And you bet your bottom that worked. I'm sure there was a new Barbie or something that I could help buy with that money and the thumb-sucking was over.

Drew never found his thumb and I can't say I was disappointed about that. His animals were fun, but he never became extremely attached to any. He actually never really had any habits until around 20 months when he started biting his nails. And then just before he turned 2, a new habit caught my attention and kinda grossed me out while melting my heart at the same time. Essentially, if the kid is thinking, nervous or reading, two to three fingers slowly creep up and enter the mouth.

I find it endearing, yet the germaphobe side of me shudders. I think my little man is going to be an Introvert like his daddy and this new trait fits into the mold. The fingers in the mouth are when he's processing something or contemplating his next move. Growing up, I can't tell you how many times we heard 'get your fingers out of your mouth' from our mom and I've caught myself already saying that as well. I know we'll need to get him to cut back on it simply due to the unhealthy aspect, but for now it's adorable.

Friday's Letters

Today I am linking up with Ashley from The Sweet Season for her Friday's Letters!

Dear Ohio: Thank you for not inviting the 3-month-grey-cloud back this year. Although you've given us plenty of snow, I enjoy your sunshine that we've had every day and would like that to continue!

Dear Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: Can you stop staring at me every time I walk by you at the store? It's just rude.

Dear Lacy: You've got to do something about your breath. It's beyond raunchy and I almost pass out every time you come near me and open your mouth. Those dog mints obviously aren't strong enough for you.

Dear Birthday: You are only a few weeks away and I can't WAIT to have dinner and drinks with the hubs. Thanks for being on a Saturday this year as it makes it easier to find a babysitter.

Dear My Fitness Pal: Thanks for keeping me in check and knocking off these winter pounds. I definitely lovehate you at all times.

Dear Tierra from The Bachelor: I wouldn't be friends with you in real life. Period.

Dear Derek: I don't say it enough, but you really are a wonderful husband and father. I wished upon the right star when I was young to have been led to you and I couldn't be more thankful. Thank you for always being there for me no matter what and being "my person" throughout it all. Oh, and for cleaning up the dog poop and puke because you know I despise doing that.

Dear Blogger Buddies: What would I do without all of your advice and support? You guys ROCK!

Animals: Alive, Fake and Dead

First of all, I have to thank everyone for the amazing support from my last post! I definitely know we'll have another child, it was just reassuring to hear that others had the same fears and everything turned out ok! You guys are the best and I appreciate all the wonderful comments!

_________________________________________________________________________________

Animals were the theme of our long 3 day weekend and we had a blast!

Part 1: Alive Animals

The temperature got up to a warm 47 degrees on Saturday and we decided to hit up the zoo again. Fortunately, Cleveland's zoo has an awesome indoor rainforest housing over 600 animals including gorilla's, capybara, an ocelot, sloths, two huge porcupine and so many more. We chose to stay mostly inside there in the winter months, however, we always make a quick trip over to visit the ellies and koalas before heading home.

Part 2: Fake Animals

We got Drew a set of animals for Christmas and so did my brother. Between the two sets, these animals have taken over our house. Drew loves playing with them, but it was adorable how he set them up to 'eat' with us the other day. Since then they have stared at us through various meals like real mammals waiting to pounce on our food.

Part 3: Dead Animals

I guess not really 'dead'... more like extinct for millions of years! The Museum of Natural History was free on Monday and since we had the day off, we decided to visit! (And so did the rest of the city apparently as it was a madhouse in there). They had so much for little ones and Drew loved spending the morning with his BFF, Jack. See the matching shirts? Completely unplanned, but almost as adorable as the fact that they wouldn't walk without holding hands.

Total bromance.

Cheers to it already being the middle of the week!

You Only Get One Good One

Ok blogosphere...I have something to admit. And I'm hoping other moms can relate and that someday I'll look back and realize this was absurd, but right now it's reality. So, here it goes.

I'm terrified to have another child. Terrified. And now that we're considering trying for another this year, this fear is revisited in my mind almost daily.

This fear began when Drew was little and we realized he was such a laid back baby that wasn't hyper and was always happy. I knew I got lucky with such a wonderful child who listens well, behaves (for the most part) and has an incredibly sweet demeanor. As he entered older classes at daycare and we spent more time out and about with him, it was apparent that Drew is just an overall good kid. One could argue nature versus nurture here and I won't get into what we believe, but the point is that Drew is a wonderful first child.

Another part to this fear is routine. I have endured tons of change in my life, but for the most part I prefer routine. I like our schedule with Drew and we have worked out every kink over these past 2 years. I feel as though we really know him and what he needs and wants. I feel as though our communication with him is wonderful and the three of us work perfectly together. Like a tripod. Is it wrong that I'm completely petrified to add in a factor that will completely uproot all schedules and routines for months and potentially years?

And let's not forget to talk about sleep. This momma got VERY lucky with a baby that slept through the night at an early age and has pretty much never changed. Sure we've had the occasional sickness or rough night, but I worship how wonderful of a sleeper he is and am terrified the next one will be the opposite. What if we get a baby that won't sleep through the night until they are THREE  like Derek did?

The last part comes directly from other moms. I can't tell you how many mothers have told me 'you only get one good one'. Ok?? So what you're saying is that the next one will be a crazed spitfire of a child who never listens and never sleeps? Um, thanks for that wonderful encouragement before we even get pregnant again. I mean come ON people. Way to add fuel to the flame.

There are so many more reasons like getting fat again and avoiding alcohol or WORSE; having an unhealthy baby... but you get the picture. I just can't shake this fear and it's somewhat taking over my life. I know we want a sibling for Drew, but if it's true and you only get one good child, then do we really need another? So there it is. Normal? Maybe. Maybe not. But it's the truth.

ABC's of Me

So I saw Jenn post this a bit ago and thought it was cute. I didn't have anything overly exciting to write about anyway, so why not do a fun post that doesn't utilize too many brain cells?

{A} Age: Early 30's

{B} Bed size: King, perfect for our family... including the dogs! 

{C} Chore you hate: Poop scooping.... and that's why I don't do it! Thanks hun.  :) 

{D} Dogs: Two lab mixes. Links above under my header.

{E} Essential start to your day: Checking FB, IG and my blog comments before I get out of bed.

{F} Favorite color: I really don't have a favorite. 

{G} Gold or Silver: Silver. 

{H} Height: 5' 9 and 7/8"

{I} Instruments you play: None now. I played the piano my entire youth though.

{J} Job Title: Senior Media Buyer.

{K} Kids: Drew (2 yrs).

{L} Live: Ohio.

{M} Married: Will be 8 years this June.  

{N} Nicknames: My maiden name was a big nickname growing up, but for privacy sake, I'll leave that one off. Derek calls me Bunz and Babe.

{O} Overnight hospital stays: Just for Drew's birth! 

{P} Pet peeve: Horrible drivers and people who bring infants to movies.

{Q} Quote: I've never really had one that I particularly love.

{R} Righty or Lefty: Righty.

{S} Siblings: 1, and he is one of my best friends.

{T} Time you wake up: 7:30a during the week and whenever Drew wakes on the weekends.

{U} University attended: The University of Kansas!!!! ROCK CHALK!!

{V} Vegetables you dislike: Mushrooms.

{W} What makes you run late: Drew wanting to play with toys instead of walk out of the house.

{X} X-Rays you've had: Boob (a lump that was nothing), teeth, broken wrist and my spine. 

{Y} Yummy food: Do I have to choose one? Italian, Mexican and Chinese are my top 3!

{Z} Zoo animal favorite: Koala bear. 

Colors of the Sky

As I was grabbing a diaper out of Drew's room the other night, something caught my eye. I looked over to see this miraculous sunset gleaming through the window stopping me dead in my tracks. I had to try and get a picture for the blog.... and Instagram.... and our parents! I quickly grabbed my camera and snapped a couple pictures knowing they would never be able to show the vividness of the colors I saw.

Isn't this sky amazing? There are no edits to these pictures, only crops.

I've always noticed that we have amazing sunsets up here in Cleveland, but this one just had to be captured.

Inside Voices

We're working on using an inside voice these days when we get angry. Whether we get frustrated at someone else or (more often) the dogs, yelling will not be tolerated. We don't really have a 'temper', it's just that from time to time, something will trigger an overwhelming need to yell... and again, it's usually at the dogs.

Here's where I wish I were talking about Drew instead of myself.

I've never really had a temper nor had anger issues. My mother would disagree, however, and say that as a hormone-filled teenager I would 'blow up' out of nowhere. My response would be that yes, I would occasionally do that, but generally it was only at her. You see, although it's subsided within the last couple of years, we would push each others buttons for decades and yes, I periodically raised my voice in arguments with her. Other than the occasional sibling fights as children, I have never been one to lose my cool at other family members or any of my friends.

And then Derek came into the picture a decade ago and brought his always-calm-never-upset attitude along with him. I became even more laid back and even keeled being around him for so long and we simply never raised our voices at each other. But fast forward to the past few months and there you will notice a change with my volume. Don't go thinking that all I do is yell all day, we're talking about only a handful of incidents in the past few months in which 95% of those had to do with the dogs. Only one time did I raise my voice at Derek, yelling at him for something trivial, however, something that he knew would make me upset.

I know I've posted on here several times before about the dogs and their annoyances, but Lacy, our old girl, is really testing our limits and bringing out the worst in me. She's completely lost her ability to tell us when she has to pee and will often leave 'presents' for us in the dining room. If a sippy cup is left out, it will be devoured and she will take food straight from Drew's hands now and again. It's as if she knows she's dropped down to 2nd tier and is lashing out. And let me remind you that I'm with the dogs about 22 out of the 24 hours a day since I work from home.

All this prefacing leads me to Friday night. The night where I lost control.

I had gotten Drew's dinner prepared and we were finishing up getting ours plated when I look over to see Lacy crazily licking Drew's hand that was not in use and just hanging down. He really had no idea she was doing that as he was concentrating so hard on scooping yogurt with his other, but I saw it and exploded. Granted, she had left 9 pieces of poop in the dining room earlier that day and I was already stressed about other things, but I lost it on her. She made my blood boil in that instant and I lost it.

Grabbing her scruff harder than I should have, I began to yell so loudly the neighbors probably heard while aggressively shoving her out of the room. It was all of 6 seconds, but when I sat back down and saw Drew's face, I was crushed. He did nothing wrong and saw his mother yell, make crazy faces, flail her arms, and more. Thankfully, as toddlers do, he went right back to happily eating his meal and nothing more was said.

I hated myself for that, and do right now as I write this post through tears. He simply can't see me yell and act like that again. I can't allow Lacy to make me so angry that I want to punch in a wall and need to control how I react to her better. If she has to be shut in another room while we're eating, then so be it. I cannot blow up like that again. Period. He is WAY too impressionable at this age and shouldn't be subjected to that type of behavior, especially by his mother.

So here we are. January 2013. I didn't do formal 'resolutions', but this will definitely be something I plan to eliminate moving forward. Our household will officially be using inside voices 100% of the time.

Birthday Weekend Recap

Originally, Derek and I were just going to take Drew to do a few fun things around town and open gifts on skype with everyone in Kansas. And then I thought it would be fun to go to Chuck. E. Cheese with him for the first time and invite his BFF from school and their parents who we've become friends with. Ultimately we ended up inviting three other families and their kiddos for a total group of 16 people! We didn't reserve a room, I didn't even send out official invites, we just casually told our friends to come and have some fun and eat pizza with us on Drew's birthday!

I hadn't been to a Chuck E. Cheese since I was young but all I had remembered were that they were dark, there was a ball pit, skee ball machines and then had a big automated band that played music on a stage. As it turns out, only one of those remain true in 2013 (skee ball), as the facility was nicely lit and filled with tons of fun activities for the kiddos at only one token per pop. The mouse really didn't stop for pictures and the band wasn't around these days, but the security system for entering and leaving with a child was a nice touch with decent pizza for the win.

Based on his nap, Drew had an awesome time and we were fortunate that some of our friends came out to help him celebrate. Below are some of the pictures from the day including our friends, some of the games, the cake, us helping Drew blow out his cake and him going to town eating it. For my sanity, the external flash and extra lenses weren't packed and the camera was turned on auto. Sorry for the quality, but the morning was meant to be focused on Drew and not the manual settings on my DSLR! 

Can you tell who our photographer friend is in the group above? Hint: cute chevron shirt and 3 perfectly smiling children! 

Cheers to being 2! 

(...and for us surviving our first Chuck E. Cheese escapade!)

2 YEARS OLD!

Oh baby boy, where did time go? Two years ago today I saw your beautiful face for the first time and was instantly taken over with emotion. You were exactly what we prayed and hoped for and added so much joy to our lives.

My love for you has grown so fierce over the last two years and will be difficult for any future sibling to rival. You have made me so proud to be your mother and I still thank God every day that he chose you for us. Although you have rough days from time to time, it's expected for a toddler and we wouldn't change a thing. To us, you are perfect in every way.


So what are your 2 year stats and what have you been up to?

A Week of Changes

We've got a lot of changes going on, so for my personal documentation, I'm laying them out on the line.

A) We turned Drew forward facing. 

Yeah! We made it until 2 years old! He was really in a state of shock that first car ride and kept saying 'WHOA Mommy'! Can you see the confusion on his face?

And if you need the data on why you should rear-face longer, check out my post here.

B) I cheated on Asics. 

After our 5 year love affair, I didn't need his bulkiness anymore and fell in love with the Saucony Progrid 5. 

C) Drew moved up to the next class at school. 

He's doing awesome with drinking from an open cup and walking up the stairs without any assistance (the 2 biggest changes). He looks SO tiny in his new classroom and it makes this momma a bit sad. 

(Sorry! I don't have a picture from school but here's one of my baby chillaxing.)

D) I got my hair did. (And yes, I meant to type "did")

...and it's a really dark, new color. I had been blond/light brown for 6 years and it was just time for a new change.

I'm kinda digging it.

Thoughts?

But the biggest change?! My baby turns 2 on Saturday. AHHHH!!!!!!

Easy Artichoke Chicken

This is a staple in our household for one simple reason:

It has 5 ingredients and takes 3 min of prep time before baking.

What mother doesn't love that easiness for her family?

Enjoy!

Holiday Video

This is somewhat of a follow-up to the last post, but I had to share the final video I made for my parents of the fun we had at Union Station! I'd love to get better at making more videos of Drew and the activities we do with him instead of just snapping pictures all the time. Our visit to the train exhibit was the perfect setting and I knew my parents would love this gem I put together for them.

Enjoy!

Train Post #824

Warning: this just might be yet another post about trains. And in other news, I think the Guinness Book of World Records left a message the other day... something about "record number of train posts on one blog". I guess that's the life of a boy.

So these pictures are from our visit to Kansas City a couple weeks ago, but they were just too cute not to post. You see, every year around the Holidays, the Kansas City Union Station has a big train display complete with tons of sets as well as a train for kids a bit older to ride. We went last year and Drew loved it so we figured another visit was worth making again this trip.

Although he wasn't old enough to partake in the train ride (no belts and short sides for him to crawl out of !), he absolutely enjoyed every other display. Want to see pictures? Oh well good.... let me show you some!