Dear Andrew George...You are ONE!

Dear Andrew....

It is the eve of your first birthday...

Last year (2012) at this time.. We were filled with so many emotions..

We were happy, tearful, exhausted, excited, thankful, and Im not gonna lie.. Mama was in a little pain..You were a little big ... and we were in labor for about 24 hours..

 

Its been such a long year.. You have been through some rough times this year.

We've loved you through it all, but there are many times that I've felt so bad that you were miserable, and in pain, and there was nothing we could do for you.

You've been through more stuff this year than any 1 year old should ever have to deal with in my opinion! And so have we as parents.. put to the test .. thats for sure..

But I think you've made all of us stronger.. and closer.. and in the midst of the bad memories.. I have to be thankful for that.

 

You have grown into the sweetest boy in THE world..

 Girls are sweet, and Samantha as a baby would hug and kiss .. and love us..

 

But when I found out I was pregnant with a boy.. I thought.. I dont know anything about raising a boy.. and I guess I still dont.. ha! Im learning.. But I imagined the sweetness factor to be a little less than a girls.. just naturally.. and boy was I wrong..

 

You are such a mush.. You run and hug me ALL DAY LONG... You melt my heart into a million pieces with your incredible hugs, and you hug so deep your legs try to climb up to my face (make sense?)..

 

Through all the bad, stressful times you've suffered through this year.. I hope this next year will be SO SO much better.

 

We even noticed that the last week you've been so much happier.. running around, sleeping better at night.. Just seems like you've turned a corner.. and we are breathing a sigh of releif.. but wondering if it will last or.. ???

 

We love you SO incredibly much my dear sweet boy.

One year old.

I cant wait to see what this year holds for us!

Love, Mama.

This Time Last Year...

January 30, 2012

My contractions (which I realized I'd been having all day.. ) were coming on strong around 9pm..

We put SJ to bed for what we didnt realize would be the last time as an only child

 

One year...I cannot beleive its been ONE year already.

Seems like this little guy has been with us for 10 years..

He didnt have an easy first year.

This was him today at the Allergy doctor.

We got a little allergy scare last week. I had him tested when his ENT Dr. noticed some dry skin/eczema. So I tested him, and it came back (Wheat, Soy, Egg, and Peanut)

Long story short... we freaked out.. and took everything out of his diet.. and planned on having a difficult time keeping these foods out of his diet. Today at the allergy doctor the only concern he had was eggs. He simply said we SHOULD give him foods with eggs that are baked in.. because that is the level that was the only concern, and if we totally eliminate eggs, the allergy could get worse. Everything else doesnt matter.. so he can go on eating whatever he wants again.. He can even have a regular birthday cake! So very good news...

 

He's been working on crying it out..

He's slept through the night a few times, but he's a work in progress.



Since totally stopping nursing we've been worried about him, because he wasnt eating very much at all .. just drinking.. lots of drinking.. and leaking diapers..

The last 3 days he's made some strides.. I even rewarded him with an oatmeal cookie today after lunch.

We've battled colic, reflux, a zillion sleepless nights, colds, trip to the emergency room, ear tube surgery, allergy scares, crying it out, .... But today he was such a happy boy ... he hardly napped, but you'd never know it.

 

His sweetness makes us quickly forget how difficult its been for all of us, and we're happy to finally enjoy and see our little man making a turn for the better..

 



ONE YEAR

I think ONE will be a good age for him.. hell it better be!

I remember vividly this night one year ago.. I was so scared and excited to meet him.. and I was SURE that it would be a quick labor.. My contractions were coming on strong and by the time I got to the hospital I was dialated to 4cm.

But he had other plans... and made us wait almost a full 24 hours..

 



We're so excited to celebrate his birthday tomorrow

Our sweet boy...

 

DIY Chalkboard Makeover

Pinterest strikes again.. tempting me to redo and makeover things around my house, and go shopping for craft supplies, and such..

I got this chalkboard at JoAnn's last year on Clearance.

I really dont like the "rooster" decor on the above part.. and my original plan was to cover it with burlap fabric since the shade in my kitchen window I made from burlap....

We use this board in our kitchen to make lists of meal ideas for the week

But I was covering the bottom with another coat of paint and I decided just to black out the top with Chalkboard paint too.. easier.. I can always still cover it later..

 

I put three coats on each section.

Much Better!!!!!!

 

Then I seasoned the chalkboard.

Which just means rubbing chalk all over it to help it soak in..

Then I erased.

And it has a vintagey (word?) look to it... soo much better than that Rooster!

Sleep Progress & Thrift Store Finds



We are feeling much much better this week

Samantha had school... Andrew is learning to sleep ... finally...

and even Mama got out a few times this week by herself..

 

Garbage Day always cracks me up.

Even when it was 17 degrees out... the one garbage guy always looks for the kids, and waves to them... and Samantha gets super upset sometimes if he doesnt wave.. she's spoiled now..ha! So I made sure to prop them up on the couch so they had a good view.



 

A little tickle torture.

I love how she is so nurturing, mothering and sweet to him lately...



This is his signature face when he sees something he likes, or he gets excited..

He says "ooo ooo!"

Its hysterical.

Samantha and Daddy sat down for a little "You are My Sunshine".. and I got a cute video of her belting out the tunes.. It was so adorable.

Crying it out..

Its been a week now.. and he STILL cries when we put him down at night.

Not for long.. some nights its 3 minutes.. other nights its 10.. never more though...

He's slept through from 9-6 a few times.. But I've been roughing it and getting up with him at 530 some days.. and he's sooo insanely thirsty.. Then he'll fall back asleep on the couch .. (like he is right now as I type).. its early.. but eventually he'll get it I hope!

Im sure it will take him a while to get the hang of it.. and be a fantastic sleeper like big sis now.

But I need to remember, she wasnt always a good sleeper either!

The point is.. HE"S SLEEPING IN HIS OWN BED!!!!

Praise Jesus!



Yesterday we went to the pool for a swim.

We joined our new health center that was just built.. and on cold, grey, winter days.. it was perfect for the kids.. and us too!

The pool wore them out.. YES!

Everyone took naps, and Momma headed to the thrift store for a little therapy.

I love thrifting.. some days I find nothing.. but yesterday I found a few things I am pretty excited about.

 

A wood frame (maybe for a chalkboard)... two old embroidery hoops, a wooden cart, tiny pitcher, teeny tiny dome, and ..... BALL JARS!!!

I couldnt beleive the stash I found! All under 1.00!



I have a thing for Ball Jars..

 

(via pinterest)

 



I like using them for food storage, and Pinterest has TONS of ideas for them as well.

Holding flowers, candles, making globes,

I just love the look...

 



This one is a blue/aqua glass 1/2 gallon..

 

Not sure what I'll use it for yet.. but thats the great thing about finding them for cheap!

Oh, and I have a bunch in my cabinet and I like drinking iced coffee out of them too!

 

DIY Washi Tape & Berry Compound Butter



I love paper, and stamps, and crafts.. you get the picture..

and I love packaging..

Washi tape is right up my alley.

Target has some pretty cute ones I've bought.

I wanted to decorate with some for Andrew's birthday.

I looked on Etsy and the Map washi tape was kind of boring ... and pretty expensive.

I decided to make my own.

Here's how I did it.

 

I made a "template" first by cutting a strip the same width of double sided tape, then applied tape, and used that as my guide.

 

I cut a bunch of strips and adhered them at the end with a double sided tape and wound it around an old spool. It was pretty easy.. I made it while Samantha was having some craft time.



 

Cute.

Now I know what to do with pretty paper that I find

This morning ... it was cold... big surprise..

I needed a little comfort breakfast.. As I was rootin around...

Texas Toast... Blackberries & Butter..

French Toast and Berry Compound Butter.

I mixed just a few berries & a stick of butter.

 

Wrapped it up and put it in the fridge while I made the french toast.



I saw this recipe on the Pioneer Woman..

For the french toast I made it like Ree makes it

Half and Half

Egg Yolks

Sugar

Topped it with Berry Butter & a little Powdered Sugar

Heaven..

What I'm Loving Wednesday {Frigid Edition}

It's super cold today! I'm NOT loving that...

Samantha is back at school after missing last week, and Monday because of the MLK holiday.

Im loving I made Prarie Sushi via the Pioneer Woman

Wraps

Herb Cream Cheese

Carrots & Cukes

Peppered Turkey

Roll and Eat .. YuM!

 

Im loving that I have some very cool craft ideas coming up..

I made it to the store and got my supplies this week.



 

 

Im semi-loving that my nursing days are over..

My body is now on its way to being mine again..

A little Motrin & Cabbage leaves helped releive some major pain on Monday when I ended nursing.

Its bittersweet.. because we have NO plans for any more babies... and I thoroughly enjoyed being able to nurse again for so long.. 

Im loving the way they are playing this past week

So adorable..

Andrew is pushing her in her little baby stroller through the house..

He's so darn strong.. I cant beleive how fast he goes, and he's pretty hysterical.. backing up, and cutting corners...Maybe its because we are basically prisoners in our house since the weather is soooo frigid... that they're forced to play together and get creative.. 

Im loving that even though this week we Ended Nursing and Began Crying It Out.. Its day 3 and he is starting to get it... He even slept through the night on Tuesday.. which he's NEVER done.. thats right NEVER EVER... Last night he woke once.. and cried for an HOUR but I was strong and didnt go back in his room.. Im crossing my fingers for tonight.. Its been so stressful around here.. so if we can get nursing over with, Andrew out of our bed, and we're all healthy .. that is MAJOR progress...

Im loving the birthday canvas Im making for Andrew's party..



And NOT loving this weather..

This was on our way to school this morning..

5

thats right 5 DEGREES!!!!!!!!! Yuck!

 

Nursing Comes to an End {1.19,2013}

I loved breastfeeding...

Its hard at the beginning and end, but I am proud that I was able to do it for both of my kids for 13 months (SJ) and 11.5 months (Andrew).

 

I didnt want to wean him.. he pretty much weaned himself.

After he started biting me around Christmas, I decided to pump and give him bottles before each naptime.. and that worked for a few weeks.. then he would only take 1/2 of the bottle, or we would rock him to sleep without it.. and he would take a nap..

 

The night time feedings were never going to end though.. and he wasnt eating. He would comfort suck... and he was hooked. So I would load him up with a big bottle before bed, and that worked again .. only for a couple weeks.

 

Then recently he went 3-4 days without the big bottle at night, he would wiggle away, and scream and turn his head.. he just didnt want it. And the more I tried, the more aggrivated he would get. I would even try to nurse him as a last resort, and he would twist his body and scream.. he did not want my milk or to nurse.

 

So yesterday I decided.. what am I pumping for?

He doesnt want the milk.. he's tired and he doesnt know how to put himself to sleep.

So great... I knew we would be left with either rocking him.. or crying it out..

 

I tried rocking him.. I dont mind, as long as he would stay sleeping once I put him down..

No way Jose.. he would wake up EVERY TIME....

 

We started cry it out last night and I honestly am so stressed and sad, and in pain (from drying up)

It hasnt been fun around here...

 

I hope we're doing the right thing.. you never really know as parents sometimes..

But I cannot have my 1 year old sleeping on me at all times.. and thats what he wants, and where we are headed.. I dont know if I can stick with it, But Im trying so hard, because he needs to know how to put himself to sleep.

 

He was colic... He was rocked and held so much in the last 12 months.. but now I think he's old enough.. and needs to learn.. Listen to me... trying to give myself a pep talk via blog post..

 

Im praying a lot tonight for God to bless our baby, and keep him calm tonight, and know that he is loved very much..

 

 

Wish us luck!

Homemade Butter Pecan Ice Cream

Butter Pecan Ice Cream

 

The hubby surprised me with an after Christmas present,

A Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker..

I love it.. and have made a few different kinds.. and have more on my list

 

Butter Pecan is one of my newest favorites...



I started by toasting about 1.5 cups of chopped pecans in butter and sea salt until they were slightly crunchy..

Then I removed them and put them in the fridge to cool.

I followed the recipe for the Simple Vanilla (below)



 

Once all mixed, I grabbed the pecans out of the fridge.. ate about 2 spoonfuls of delicousness...

Then added it to the vanilla mixture already churning...

It took about 30 min for the ice cream to come together.. 

It came out so good...

Sweet, salty and buttery..

OMG..

I have no desire to pay for regular ice cream again... (at least for now.. )

Yum!

Coughing, Puking and Boogers Oh My!

Im gonna keep it real on this blog entry..

You'll immediately know this when you see the picture below..

Exhausted eyes.. bags... eyebrows in desperate need of waxing..

 

This week BOTH Andrew and Samantha were sick...

When they're sick... Daddy is a HUGE help.. but sometimes they just want Mama..

And this week it was all the time.. at the same time..

Our sickness started last Saturday ...just Samantha... then over the weekend .. her fever spiked to 101.. and she just went downhill from there.. 

She was miserable.

And just couldnt shake it like she usually does in 2-3 days.

She missed school all week.

I finally took her into the doctor on Wed.

She has a virus, which will have to work itself out... and a massive ear infection.

I was shocked! Samantha? An ear infection.

It was kind of funny, because the doctor had asked if she had ever been on an antibiotic before... and I said I dont think so.. not in the last 2 years anyway..

Amoxicillin it is for our little sicky...

She's already feeling better and its Friday.. thank god...

 

 

Mister Mister...

It took him a few days to catch up..

But he has a viral bug as well

He is super miserable.. Isnt sleeping (which he never does anyway)... and his appetite is slim to none.

Its so hard to deal with him lately

Plus we've been living like this for a whole week now.. and our nerves and patience are shot.

We're trying to be creative, move around toys, cook cozy meals when we can..

But we are beat.. mentally and physically.

 

Two sick kids at the same time is hell...

Nothing I was prepared for

Life has come to a halt around here..

Laundry is in huge piles...

Blankets are everywhere..

Medicine bottles, and droppers line the counters

And in the middle of all the chaos and sleeplessness

there is love...

Andrew puts his head on his sister during double bathtime for his version of a "kiss"



 

Last night we had a little flashlight party... 

And made a little comfort food

Because what else can we do

Its just us..

This was one of the hardest parenting weeks on record..

and I hope its nearing an end..

Please...