Toddler Tantrums

Tantrums are wearing on my patience and trying my sanity.  I feel totally exasperated by them and I find myself dreading what small event (dipping my tater tot in his ketchup) might set off an uncontrollable and inconsolable episode.  I've read the books and the articles and sometimes I just feel like, "BUT THESE PEOPLE DON'T KNOW MY CHILD."  Even though it feels like it, I am positive I'm not alone here. 
Every kid is different and nobody can be an expert on Christopher except for Rob and I!  Some days -- like today -- I don't feel like an expert at all. 

Tantrum Tips:
*Prevention is key ::: knowing how to offset a problem before it happens is easier than trying to diffuse a full-blown tantrum
* Take a deep breath ::: sounds so simple.  Count to 10.  Empathize.  This is tough for them, too!
* Shake it out ::: Imitate your toddler...to an extent.  Flail your arms out a bit and shake off the stress.  Before you know it he/she will stop screaming, try to figure out what you're doing, and join in with you!
* Give YOURSELF a timeout ::: Put your toddler in a safe place where they can have some space.  Then set the timer, make a cup of tea, and just sit down and mellow out.  It's good for you both.
*Pray ::: You're not alone. 

27 Weeks + $10 Amazon Baby Promo

Amazon Baby Promo
Opened up my BabyTalk Magazine yesterday to find a $10 OFF promo code to use in the amazon.com baby store!  I ordered the diaper pail from my wish list (that's currently on sale!!!) in my amazon.com/mom account and with my *free* prime shipping benefits it will be here Tuesday!  Oh ... and how much did it cost?  15 cents! 

 I guess all of this thriftiness will help pay off that darn parking ticket  =)

From http://www.babycenter.com/

27 Weeks
According to the website, Ryan is a head of cauliflower this week!  Or if you're following the man's list ... the size of a 13-inch boot!  I love the man's list --->  http://www.hisboyscanswim.com/dads-pregnancy-guide 

He weighs approximately 2 1/4 lbs and is about 14 1/2 inches long

Currently I'm getting alot of achiness in my pelvis...(wah wah wah...whine whine whine...I KNOW!!!)  and it's becoming difficult to get to sleep...or at least find a comfortable enough position.  I am grateful that I haven't had this problem from the very start, though!  Slept on the couch last night and am actually feeling pretty energetic today.  That might be related to the fact that I MADE myself do my morning workout.  Feeling pretty good! 

do you have names picked?

We do! Ryan Casimir. Ryan was the only name we could agree on (my husband likes the more common names and I like different / contemporary ones). We like Ryan because then the baby and my hubby will have the same initials.

Life, love, kids, marriage, college, getting a job, growing up...ANYTHING! Ask away

Has your husband deployed?

Sorry it took so long to respond! I didn't realize my formspring notifications were going to my spam inbox. But no --- thankfully he will not be deploying until later so he will be here for the baby! Such a relief and a blessing.

Life, love, kids, marriage, college, getting a job, growing up...ANYTHING! Ask away

B.H.

B.H. could stand for a lot of things today
* Bad Hair
* Burnt Hotdogs
* Bleak habitat (it's sooo gray and gloomy outside...yuck)
* Barn ... or House?
* Big Hassle (out of order ATM,45 minutes at the post office with a screaming 2-year old, and then I forget the one thing that I ran my errand for?!?)
* Baby Hiccups ---> these were actually super cute!!
* Blue-eyed Hysteria (....6 tantrum meltdowns by noon?!? *sigh*)

But mostly it stands for Braxton Hicks.  These are definitely more uncomfortable and more noticeable than in my first pregnancy and since Christopher is finally napping: I'm going to go have a rest, too!

So -- in light of everything 'BH' today -- I think my mantra will be


*Breathe*....Hakuna-matata

If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again

If I had my child to raise over again,
I'd fingerpaint more and point the finger less.
I'd do less correcting and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I would care to know less and know to care more.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I'd run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging and less tugging.
I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.
I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I'd teach less about the love of power, and more about the power of love.
                             --- Diane Loomans

I can't say how much I absolutely love this "poem".  I found it in a book I'm reading about entertaining pre-schoolers...and it just made a huge impact!  I'm framing it so I can read it every day. Makes me realize that "time flies" may be a welcome thing for tantrums and emptying shampoo bottles out; but then again when the tantrums go, so do the naps and the adorable, sweet innocence of a little kid...

26 Weeks Pregnant



From http://www.babycenter.com/

Approximate weight: 1 2/3 lbs
Approx. Length: 14 inches
He's swallowing amniotic fluid to develop the air sacs in his lungs and just putting on baby fat!  =)

I have been feeling extremely tired the past couple of days...maybe that means baby's having a growth spurt!  I feel much more pregnant at night and my belly contortions are now officially visible to onlookers!  Had a wive's get-together last night and they could see him moving around. Bought a Munchkin diaper stacker / organizer off of bookoo for $7 and I love it!  

Baby Deals!

My faves:
* American Baby Magazine
* Baby Talk Magazine
* ----> somehow got a free subscription to Parenting Magazine
* Gerber Start Healthy (lots of coupons and some freebies!)
* Similac Strong Moms (despite their past formula problem...I think they're more "on" it now)
* Enfamil ...coupons coupons coupons and freebies!!!
* Target --- make a baby registry and receive a free $20 gift card w/ tote, coupons, and free samples of huggies, pampers, and Johnson's!
* http://www.bookoo.com/  ----> head here for some great deal on new or gently used baby items!  Stuff that only gets used for a couple of months and is in otherwise great shape  =)  Find one in your area and go to the "baby" category!

I also love diapers.com / free shipping on large items!  Often times there are some really great promo codes and discounts in the baby magazines that I get!

www.Amazon.com/mom   is my absolute new favorite thing!  I signed up for it and got free prime shipping benefits (2 day shipping).  In the baby magazines you often get additional 20% off diapers (and you can use more than one!).  By clicking on subscribe and save -- cancel at anytime -- I received additional 30% off.  So my $46.99 box of 264 Pampers Swaddlers only cost me $8.99 AND was delivered right to my door!  WOOHOO!

Little Owl Fabric Project

Got inspired by something I saw online and decided to try my hand at making my own take on it! 
 I spent...
 $4.52 on fabric pieces (and got alot of it for the money...probably used *maybe* 50 cents worth!)  I plan on using the extras to sew up some owl toys for Ryan's room...but that will be later. 
Polka dot ribbon : $1.97 for the roll (I used it on other projects, too)
Green polka dot ribbon: $1.97 (entire roll)
Wood plaques: $1.12 each
Gray paint: 92 cents
Brown paint: 97 cents
Permanent fabric / wood glue: $2.97

---- If I broke it down this project probably only cost me $3.00 ---

Time: 3 hours

Diaper Troubles

I am honestly wondering if they make diapers with suspenders?  Christopher and potty training aren't going so well.  He sits on his potty --- he even tells me he has to pee and then as soon as the diaper goes back on, he pees!  He peed in the potty once all by himself and that was it.  I've heard to just wait and be patient; but, this nighttime thing is driving me nuts!  (He's a little nudist) and takes all of his clothes off when he goes to bed AND he takes his diaper off.  So in the middle of the night I hear wailing and I go in there and he's (naked) basically asleep and wet the bed.  It's become an almost every night thing =(  Training pants don't work because those are even easier for him to get down.  I'm in need of potty training hints!  Otherwise I guess I'm going to repeat the quick potty-training thing because this whole "slowly easing in" just is NOT working.  His poor sheets are a wreck and they look so icky!  I can't wait until he's potty-trained so we can get him some new ones.

Why is bleu, taboo?

I HATE bleu cheese. 

*Hated*. 

 It smells like feet.  It's absolutely repulsive and has a funny aftertaste...and I can't get enough of it!  This pregnancy has made me like bleu cheese (dressing...don't worry, I'm not eating the unpasteurized stuff).  Before I was pregnant I would gag from just the smell of bleu cheese.  I had tried it a couple of times and actually spit it out --- which I don't do unless something is reeeeeally, really bad.  And then -- before I even knew I was pregnant -- I had a random urge to put it on my sandwich one day.  (This was in early August) I loved it!  I even put bleu cheese crumbles on my pizza --- (also pasteurized! I checked the label).  Since that's all I want on my salads...in my mashed potatoes...for dipping my steak in...on my broccoli.  I know the doc said it's alright to eat -- especially if it's just the dressing... but then you get the people that are like uber over the top with everything (completely avoiding caffeine etc...) and I almost feel a little guilty for having it!  Ugh!    I wonder if I will go back to hating it after I'm not pregnant anymore???

25 Weeks Pregnant

from http://www.babycenter.com/

Baby's approx length: 13 1/2 inches
Baby's approx weight: 1.5 lbs

My pregnancy symptoms:
: Achy pelvis...especially after sleeping for a 4hr+ stretch of time without getting up to walk around a little bit.  The memory foam topper helps, though!  And it took away my back pain at night when falling asleep / waking up. 
:Insomnia --- nesting already?  I try to sleep and my brain is going a million miles / minute thinking about the nursery and the baby being here
:Cravings -- none
Doc appt: my blood pressure is 113/63 (yay me!) and the baby's heartrate was 153 beats/minute

I have energy and Im' feeling overall really great this pregnancy.  Not bogged down at all (yet!!!).  Just getting the nursery set up, organized, and decorated!  Am planning on making a nursery tour video on Monday  =D

Back from the Holidays

Whew it's been a long time since I've been on here!  The holidays were crazy --- Christmas at mom's, Christmas at Dad's, Christmas at Grandma's, Christmas at hubby's Aunt's...then a baby shower and my brother's birthday party and New Years Eve!!!  AGHHH!!  I'm surprised we aren't in the looney bin from it all.  The ride back to Kansas? ..... 1 word -- UNCOMFORTABLE.  We were literally packed in.  But at least we got it all back! 

My crafty self picked up a free entertainment center to fix up for the baby's room!  I am really on top of everything with this baby.  If I were to go into labor tonight I can honestly say that we wouldn't need anything.  How crazy is that?  I'm looking at my baby list and here's what I have left

* Double Stroller
* Rocking Chair Cushion Material
* Extra Crib Sheet
* Crib Skirt
* Mobile
* Towel Hooks
* Brown Paint
* Decorative Nursery Rug
*Decorative Dresser Knobs

WE HAVE EVERYTHING ELSE!  Including a couple boxes of newborn diapers, size 1 diapers, and a small stock of wipes.  That list may look long but considering what we have -- I'm so proud!  I'm having fun making the decor for the room which is themed in chocolate brown and sage  :)  Loving it!  Enjoying this pregnancy alot.  I feel fantastic.  So far I've only gained 5 lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight -- yay for eating healthy and chasing a toddler!!! (Minus the holidays....whoaaa baby that was bad)

Tonight is an insomnia night (and Ryan is awake and contorting my belly) and since I have a doctor appointment tomorrow I should probably make attempt #3 at sleep....

Christmas came early this year!





Since we're heading out in a couple days to go back to visit Wisconsin, I decided to have the guys do Christmas early!!  :)   Since Rob's "Man Cave" is going to be turned into the nursery when we get back (yay!) I got him stuff so he could put his "Man Cave" in the garage and did a mini-scavenger hunt through the house.  It ended with me having his stuff in the garage and he got a rug, industrial shelf, and hooks (to hang his treestand) and there was a chair set up with the cooler next to it and in the cooler was a 12-pack!  Oh and the best part of the garage is -- by far -- the Christmas lights which I strung up around the ceiling.  I'm actually pretty jealous!



The guys openeing their presents



Christopher got a kitchen center so he can cook with mommy!  The instructions in the darn thing were totally useless and I ended up taking the entire thing apart FIVE TIMES to get the screws in the right place.  It was a major pain.  But at 3:38 a.m.  (I took a little break to catch a couple hours of sleep) it was finally completed!  Now little man can wake up to his Christmas present! 

This was by far the best Christmas ever so far.  My favorite thing to do all year is shop for my family.  Not to mention we already got the best Christmas present...our new little boy!  <3 

IT'S A......

Meet our beautiful little baby BOY!!  I was so shocked yesterday!!  But he's beautiful and wonderful and amazing and so adorable already that I just can't wait to hold my little prince charming!  = )  My husband is so excited that he can add another boy to the household --- leaving me the only girl!  hehe    I like boys.  It doesn't matter so much if they get a little dirt on 'em.  From what we could see he looks like a big boy already, just like his brother!  I'm measuring at 22 / nearly 23 weeks.  He is so sweet already.  He was playing with his umbilical cord and he's flexing for you in this picture!  

Sidenote:  Got checked out in Labor & Delivery and they said that while the bleeding isn't normal, it's ok because it stopped and I'm not having any contractions.  My cervix just got agitated!  Yay for good news and a healthy baby! 

Heading to L & D

After waking up this morning to discover that I'm still bleeding / spotting --- I decided it was probably a good idea to call the OB nurse.  She thinks everything will be just fine and that the bleeding was just caused by overactivity or an inflamed cervix...but she wants me to make sure and be better safe than sorry.  It's a good thing I already have an ultrasound appointment today!  I'm not going to lie...I'm a little nervous.  It makes me think of the miscarriage ---which I know was earlier in my other pregnancy and I'm 21 weeks now and that's a big difference.  I know they're always over-cautious and everything and that I just have to trust that it's ok.  But I'm still kind of freaking out and trying not to think about it.  Ok. WHEW!  Feels better to get it all out.  Well I'm off to go get ready and pack a diaper bag for my little man.  On a positive note --- I get to find out if it's a boy or girl later today!!! And I couldn't be more happy about that.  It better be a girl...I may or may not have done a little shopping  ... hehe

Spotting

I'm bleeding / spotting a bit.  I've been having some light cramping the past couple of days; but nothing that rest and a heating pad won't cure.  I'm not too concerned because I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow and it's not a heavy flow.  Probably just caused by activity.  Keeping my feet up for the rest of the night!  Maybe do a little bit of wrapping presents.  (Went shopping today!!!)  I love Christmas! 

Ups ...and Downs

I can hardly believe how quickly the last week went.  I look at my 14 week baby bump picture and feel like I just took it a few days ago.  Hard to believe it was already 7 weeks....7 weeks from now I will be 28 weeks pregnant!  I started looking at all of my baby pictures of Christopher.  It's making me appreciate everything so much more.  Time is precious.  I never understood that until now; and I'm sure the understanding I have of it now, will be just a scrape compared with the knowledge I will have in 10 years...or 20. 

Christopher --- 6 weeks

I was feeling rather blah the last week with all of the stress: worrying about deployment, financially having another little one to feed, college funds, toddler beds, pottytraining and hormones.  It added up.  I've been handling the hormones pretty well this pregnancy (which is why I think it's a girl!!); but I had a slight breakdown.  I cried.  Then I laughed that I was crying.  It was probably a comical sight!  FYI: My nose swells up to a completely unattractive size when I cry.  Oh it's all part of pregnancy and life = )  There are ups and inevitable downs.  (Although more often than not, my ups outweigh the downs!)  It helps me to remember that other moms and people have been through what I'm going through: my child refusing to wear a diaper / pants or escaping out the porch and running outside...sometimes both at the same time.  Flexibility and a good sense of humor go a long way when you're a mom!



from http://www.babycenter.com/


The past week completely escaped me!  But here are some of my pregnancy joys at 21 weeks pregnant
: I can see the baby moving!  :)  Kicks my belly out on places
: Leg cramps / round ligament stretching
: Hot flashes
: Moooodiness and just a general feeling of "blah" for a couple days.  No fun! 

This week baby is 10 1/2 inches and weighs approximately 3/4 of a a pound to 1 lb!

Reminiscing!