(you'll probably wanna click to enlarge)
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
pride and joy.
I have spent the better part of my momma-hood with something that I like to call “milestone mixed emotions”- and while the title is fairly self explanatory, I will expound. From the moment he was born I eagerly anticipated all those major things that happen in a (baby) boy's life. The babbling and cooing, the sitting up, the crawling, the walking, the end to the bottle, the talking, the disappearing pacy, being potty trained- and while those are the most recent ones, the later of the milestones do and have crossed my mind. You know the ones I’m referring to: school, girls, driving, graduating, college, marriage and all the life moments that happen in between, all the possibilities- all of which are truly an exciting part of life, but when thought about a the smile that crosses my face is accompanied by the shedding of a tear. With every milestone that Lo comes to I am there cheering him on, praising him, encouraging him…I am his biggest fan (along with his daddy, of course). But when I’m not busy being a cheerleader and I’m in that quiet spot that in a days time we all get to (eventually), I feel in my heart, not only a massive amount of pride and happiness but a bit of a heaviness. It’s no secret, I have always been very open with y'all about the fact that I am a major sap, especially when it comes to my kid, and with every milestone that we have met and conquered together there comes what I like to call "cocktail tears" (it's salt water with a mixture of a lot of happiness, pride and a dash of sadness because, hello, that baby boy is becoming a big boy…inevitably so.)Getting down to what this post is all about...I am so pleased to announce that we have ourselves a potty going big boy!!! It’s a very exciting announcement, for not only me and his daddy but for Lo as well, he is SO proud of himself and it shows every time this little grin comes over his face when he has succeeded in the potty. Our quick success came as an unexpected surprise to me, to us. I have heard horror stories when it comes to this milestone, therefore, I was mentally prepared for what could possibly be in store, I had it in my mind that there was a possibility that it was going to be difficult and possibly even more difficult than what I was prepared for- as a parent we know that things don’t always go the way we have planned, they have minds of their own, after all. I am ashamed to admit that, the fact that I had automatically assumed the worst of the situation, I should have known him better than that.
Monday- I spent the day getting prepared and reading over the route in which I had planned to take, Tuesday was our first day, making today our sixth day and I don’t consider us potty training anymore… My heart swells with pride as I write that he is one heck of a potty champ- in all of our “training” days and beyond he has not had not one accident, he has self-initiated since day one, woke up dry from night-night every night and done his business- if you know what I mean. There aren’t words to describe how happy I am and the amount of pride that my heart feels. I know I’m gonna be biased, he’s my kid- and if parents aren’t biased about their kid(s) then honestly I worry about them, lol- so I just have to take a moment to state the obvious...he is wonderful, the absolute best, super duper smart, just perfect- I cannot sing his praises enough. I am one proud momma and if his daddy had a blog he would say the exact same thing- since he doesn’t I’ll say it for him, WE ARE SO PROUD!
I might as well get down to it, confession time...as happy and as over the moon excited about the whole thing as I am, there are moments when it hits me, ya know it being- bye bye baby- hello big boy and I have the darndest time catching my breath. This milestone is so “big boy official” (to me) more so than any other. Seeing that little tooshie in those big boy underwear has to be one of the cutest and heart-wrenching things I have seen to date. In the past few days he has been transformed into a big boy and for a momma that is an admitted cry baby I have had my fair share of “there is something in my eye” kinda moments. If I could, I would keep him little forever, but I know that is a non-existent reality. With all that being said, the happiness is triumphant. I am so happy for his success, so happy that he is a big boy, so happy and thankful that I get to be a witness to his life- to all the milestones big and small. So that’s why I have been blogger M.I.A this past week, totally worth it (as are most reasons for my blogging absence, lol). I thought about blogging “it” mid week and then the fear of the “jinx” kicked in and I just had to refrain- I mentally could not get passed the thought of that possibility (yea, I’m a weirdo or at least that’s what my hubby thinks, lol). One more time- it’s just gotta be said…Momma is so very proud of you, Mister!
I’m so happy to share a few pictures highlighting our potty training experience/success:
On Monday we made our way to Wal-Mart to get prepared for our days ahead. He picked out his big boy underwear and Momma got stocked up on potty prizes... 
When we got home I started right away making our potty prize box. I got a cardboard box, cut a hole big enough to reach in and grab a special prize out of and wrapped it up in some really fun wrapping paper. We then told him what it was and sat it to where he could see it but not reach it. When he went during one of our timed intervals he got something smaller like a sucker or piece of gum- when he told me that he needed to go he got to reach in and grab something out of the prize box. When he "did his business" he got an even bigger prize. 
Tuesday came and it was time to get down to business; potty, potty and MORE potty. Five minutes on, ten minutes off until there was success and then twenty minutes off, repeat. This day, literally felt like it lasted FOREVER- no lie. But, totally worth it. We read, played with stickers and made potty time a fun game. The potty timer would ding and he would say, "potty time!" and run to the bathroom, pull his underwear and pants down and well, you know. We said goodbye to diapers forever on this day. Day one was a complete success. 
Day two and beyond: Potty, potty and more potty. Just for my own nervousness he was in a pull-up for the first three nights (a complete waste of $8!), all of which he stayed completely dry (SO PROUD!) Self-initiation was in full force- no more timers. The exhaustion set in and my "mr. no napper" napped. He was worn completely out, bless his little baby heart, lol (momma was too). 
By Friday we had seen the house enough since we had been NO WHERE since Monday- needless to say we were ready to get out. Although (again) I was a little nervous to change his routine and scenery, mid day we headed out to see daddy at work. We packed up an extra change of clothes and underwear (not needed) along with the potty (needed) and headed out. He did GREAT, of course, honestly what did I expect?! He was so excited to get his award for being a potty champ- I got all the elements, made it up, printed it off and laminated it...he loved it. It's presently hanging on the fridge- he's so proud of it...and of himself, rightfully so. 
Six days of amazing potty training, although I don't consider us even "training" past day two really. (honestly, it's like he has been going potty for years, lol.) Yesterday, he got his big potty prize...a red bike (he has been wanting one- so we thought, whats a more perfect time!). He was so excited, he said, "this is SO cool!" I am so glad that he loves it- he deserves that and more in my opinion. In addition to his potty prizes and new bike- he got lunch out at McDonalds. He eats McDonalds quiet frequently- but not there, we usually get it to go when we do. He loves to eat at the tables in restaurants, therefore, we had a celebratory lunch for our big boy. 
Daddy decked out the bike with a horn and tag, while Lo over-saw (as you can see, lol)... 
....and then he rode, and rode, and rode some more.Tuesday, June 7, 2011
the (Momma.Ratzzi) ten spot.
1. I love movie nights with my hubby. Here as of late we have been having several. We rent or pick a movie from our ever growing collection, pop some popcorn and snuggle up for our little at home date. I look forward to these moments, or this time of the day, so much. We have had a lot of luck with really good movies recently, movies that are new or old ones that we haven’t seen yet. So far in the past week or so we have watched: Drive Angry, I am Number Four (again- we saw it in the theater), Dark City (with Keifer Sutherland. It’s an older movie- weird but good.), Primal Fear (with Richard Gere and Edward Norton (who btw, I think is a great actor)- again and older one, but good and last night we watched a movie called Stone (with Edward Norton) it’s a new release- and unfortunately it wasn’t that great, it didn’t really go anywhere for me (or the hubs). These nights are such great little “dates,” I would recommend them to anyone! We have entitled our summer- “The Summer of Movies.”
2. I would not trade ANYTHING for my night time snuggle time with my baby. We lay in the dark telling stories, his little arm wrapped around my neck giggling and playing with our shadows. He showers me with hugs and kisses right before he drifts off into the dreamers land. It’s the most precious of times and I cherish them so.
(Just look at those beautiful eye lashes, my my my. He gets them from his daddy, lucky boys.)
3. We have so much “work” stuff coming up. When I say that I don’t necessarily mean work for us to do- but it very well could develop into that. We are getting our car fixed from all the hail damage at the end of this month and they are gonna have my car for two weeks, TWO WEEKS, what in the WORLD am I gonna do? I guess we shall see, I’m sure we’re to figure something out. Also, in a couple weeks we are having someone come who finishes out basements to take a look at ours and give us an estimate. We would love to have part of it finished out to have a family room/movie room, as well as a spot for my scrapbooking, plus it would really only add more value to our home, which is a plus in itself. More than likely if and when we do close in, the hubby and I will be the ones doing it…that’s just how we roll.
4. I can’t remember if I posted about our garden at the beginning of summer or not, so if I didn’t, then…we planted a garden at the beginning of summer. It’s doing so great, with all the storms I was a little concerned, but we do in fact have some produce. The smallest little squash are forming, we have the cutest little baby cukes and our watermelons are shooting up like crazy. It’s kinda exciting watching them grow (I told you it doesn’t take much for me, lol).
5. My kid cracks me up. He is already a jokester just like his daddy and papa. He rattles off the funniest of things. This morning he woke me up with his usual whispery sweet “Good Morning” with his eyes barely open. Although, I has to be said that it doesn’t take him long at all to be geared up and ready to face the day ahead. A midst our morning bed conversation and play- out of nowhere he says, “I love you, booby momma!” I busted out laughing, that little grin crossed his face as I told him how funny and sweet he was. I think that may be the funniest thing I have heard recently…I just love him.
6. I think that it would be super fun to take ballroom dance lessons with my hubby. It’s something I have always wanted to do. I think there is something so magical, so romantic about it. He mentioned this morning that today’s daily deal on living social was three private dance lessons-teaching the waltz, the new swing and the cha-cha for $25.00. That’s a great deal, seeing as it’s like a bazillion percent off the normal pricing of like $396.00 (say what?!?). I kinda wanted to jump on it and say, “yea, lets do it!” But then I thought maybe it’s something we will do when we’re older. It seems more fitting for then, for what I imagine that time in our life to be like.
7. It may be crazy, but I’m already thinking about the kiddo’s birthday, the party more specifically. It’s only six months away and a great party takes a lot of thought and a lot of preparation. I am one for tiny details and doing things a bit different. (Really crazy confession?!? (I don’t think so) I already have a few parties for the future started planning, thinking about really- they really great ideas if I do say so myself. Maybe one day I will get paid to plan parties, how awesome that would be!). Trust me when I say that I’m not trying to rush it by no means, because when it’s here that means that my baby will be three years old and that just doesn’t seem real. I find myself on a daily basis getting choked up with momma tears just looking at him, seeing how tall he is, how much older he looks, it keeps me quiet emotional. I’m just like that; I have always been a sap- more so now than ever, since becoming a momma. What an honor to witness another life unfold, it’s the greatest gift I have ever been given.
8. I’m excited about the possibility of selling my old camera tonight. I put it on craigslist yesterday and we are meeting a couple tonight. At the beginning of the year I upgraded to a newer and better model (the Canon D60)- I love it so much, I loved my Xsi- but honestly, now that love doesn’t even compare, lol. I picked up the Xsi last night to get everything together and test it out- making double sure everything was still in great working order and I cannot believe the difference in the two. It’s SO small, my hands swallow it up- the picture quality is significantly better (It should be for the price difference, lol). Since upgrading, my Xsi has just been sitting in the bag- in the closet and it needs some love, seriously. Therefore, I decided to pass it on to a home that will love it as much as I once did. It does make me a little sad to be passing it on, because I’m sentimental- but money is sweet too, especially when it’s just sitting in the closet doing nothing for me. I almost feel bad for saying that about it, it’s been so good to me. It shall be a great love, departed.
9. I am so happy to write that I am a twenty pounds less Crystal. I am the smallest I have been in who knows how long- maybe…sixteen years old?!? I honestly have no idea, I can’t remember. What a shame to admit that, but that’s not the point. I am really happy- and continuing on, I’m not stopping here. I look back at pictures and I think to myself WTH was I thinking letting myself get like that? WTH well my hubby thinking letting me get like that? (I give him a hard time ALL THE TIME about that, bless his heart.) I was simply ridiculous, honestly. I don’t ever want to be there again, ever. I pray that I always have the strength and motivation to be healthier and smaller. I don’t want to be obsessed and overcome with it, but I do want to have a healthy balance between the two. There are times I find myself beating myself up if I feel like I have slipped up and I HATE that (with a passion), because I don’t feel like that’s a healthy lifestyle (for me). Along with strength and motivation I pray for a healthy and happy balance.
10. This summer (June-July- like as in now) one of our local theaters, on Tuesday and Wednesday morning are showing free movies, FREE!!! How awesome is that?!? and it’s not bad movies either, its really good kiddie movies, recent ones. I am really excited about not only having family dates that are free but a few one on one dates with my boy. I think it’s really cool that they are offering this to families, I think it’s a really great idea. Speaking of family dates, we have one planned in the near future, not free but a much anticipated one. Cars 2 (I guess I should say "Gitchow 2" comes out on June 24th and the kiddo is REALLY excited about going to the movies and seeing it, and I must admit so are we.
2. I would not trade ANYTHING for my night time snuggle time with my baby. We lay in the dark telling stories, his little arm wrapped around my neck giggling and playing with our shadows. He showers me with hugs and kisses right before he drifts off into the dreamers land. It’s the most precious of times and I cherish them so.
(Just look at those beautiful eye lashes, my my my. He gets them from his daddy, lucky boys.)3. We have so much “work” stuff coming up. When I say that I don’t necessarily mean work for us to do- but it very well could develop into that. We are getting our car fixed from all the hail damage at the end of this month and they are gonna have my car for two weeks, TWO WEEKS, what in the WORLD am I gonna do? I guess we shall see, I’m sure we’re to figure something out. Also, in a couple weeks we are having someone come who finishes out basements to take a look at ours and give us an estimate. We would love to have part of it finished out to have a family room/movie room, as well as a spot for my scrapbooking, plus it would really only add more value to our home, which is a plus in itself. More than likely if and when we do close in, the hubby and I will be the ones doing it…that’s just how we roll.
4. I can’t remember if I posted about our garden at the beginning of summer or not, so if I didn’t, then…we planted a garden at the beginning of summer. It’s doing so great, with all the storms I was a little concerned, but we do in fact have some produce. The smallest little squash are forming, we have the cutest little baby cukes and our watermelons are shooting up like crazy. It’s kinda exciting watching them grow (I told you it doesn’t take much for me, lol).
5. My kid cracks me up. He is already a jokester just like his daddy and papa. He rattles off the funniest of things. This morning he woke me up with his usual whispery sweet “Good Morning” with his eyes barely open. Although, I has to be said that it doesn’t take him long at all to be geared up and ready to face the day ahead. A midst our morning bed conversation and play- out of nowhere he says, “I love you, booby momma!” I busted out laughing, that little grin crossed his face as I told him how funny and sweet he was. I think that may be the funniest thing I have heard recently…I just love him.
6. I think that it would be super fun to take ballroom dance lessons with my hubby. It’s something I have always wanted to do. I think there is something so magical, so romantic about it. He mentioned this morning that today’s daily deal on living social was three private dance lessons-teaching the waltz, the new swing and the cha-cha for $25.00. That’s a great deal, seeing as it’s like a bazillion percent off the normal pricing of like $396.00 (say what?!?). I kinda wanted to jump on it and say, “yea, lets do it!” But then I thought maybe it’s something we will do when we’re older. It seems more fitting for then, for what I imagine that time in our life to be like.
7. It may be crazy, but I’m already thinking about the kiddo’s birthday, the party more specifically. It’s only six months away and a great party takes a lot of thought and a lot of preparation. I am one for tiny details and doing things a bit different. (Really crazy confession?!? (I don’t think so) I already have a few parties for the future started planning, thinking about really- they really great ideas if I do say so myself. Maybe one day I will get paid to plan parties, how awesome that would be!). Trust me when I say that I’m not trying to rush it by no means, because when it’s here that means that my baby will be three years old and that just doesn’t seem real. I find myself on a daily basis getting choked up with momma tears just looking at him, seeing how tall he is, how much older he looks, it keeps me quiet emotional. I’m just like that; I have always been a sap- more so now than ever, since becoming a momma. What an honor to witness another life unfold, it’s the greatest gift I have ever been given.
8. I’m excited about the possibility of selling my old camera tonight. I put it on craigslist yesterday and we are meeting a couple tonight. At the beginning of the year I upgraded to a newer and better model (the Canon D60)- I love it so much, I loved my Xsi- but honestly, now that love doesn’t even compare, lol. I picked up the Xsi last night to get everything together and test it out- making double sure everything was still in great working order and I cannot believe the difference in the two. It’s SO small, my hands swallow it up- the picture quality is significantly better (It should be for the price difference, lol). Since upgrading, my Xsi has just been sitting in the bag- in the closet and it needs some love, seriously. Therefore, I decided to pass it on to a home that will love it as much as I once did. It does make me a little sad to be passing it on, because I’m sentimental- but money is sweet too, especially when it’s just sitting in the closet doing nothing for me. I almost feel bad for saying that about it, it’s been so good to me. It shall be a great love, departed.
9. I am so happy to write that I am a twenty pounds less Crystal. I am the smallest I have been in who knows how long- maybe…sixteen years old?!? I honestly have no idea, I can’t remember. What a shame to admit that, but that’s not the point. I am really happy- and continuing on, I’m not stopping here. I look back at pictures and I think to myself WTH was I thinking letting myself get like that? WTH well my hubby thinking letting me get like that? (I give him a hard time ALL THE TIME about that, bless his heart.) I was simply ridiculous, honestly. I don’t ever want to be there again, ever. I pray that I always have the strength and motivation to be healthier and smaller. I don’t want to be obsessed and overcome with it, but I do want to have a healthy balance between the two. There are times I find myself beating myself up if I feel like I have slipped up and I HATE that (with a passion), because I don’t feel like that’s a healthy lifestyle (for me). Along with strength and motivation I pray for a healthy and happy balance.
10. This summer (June-July- like as in now) one of our local theaters, on Tuesday and Wednesday morning are showing free movies, FREE!!! How awesome is that?!? and it’s not bad movies either, its really good kiddie movies, recent ones. I am really excited about not only having family dates that are free but a few one on one dates with my boy. I think it’s really cool that they are offering this to families, I think it’s a really great idea. Speaking of family dates, we have one planned in the near future, not free but a much anticipated one. Cars 2 (I guess I should say "Gitchow 2" comes out on June 24th and the kiddo is REALLY excited about going to the movies and seeing it, and I must admit so are we.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
The Sweetest Temptations.
I have spent the better of the past couple weeks with a flamin’ sweet tooth. I am not your typical “lovin’ all things chocolaty and sweet” kinda girl, I’m more of a candy lovin' kinda girl, anything chewy is my BFF. The worlds best combination is sweet and salty, hands down. So if one of those candies is combined and followed closely by the salty crispiness of a tater chip...I’m a really happy girl. But here as of late all I have been wanting is cakes and cookies, caramel apples, ice cream, I have even went as far as to think about brownies (and if you know me at all, then you know brownies are close to one of my least favorite things)- what is wrong with me?!?
I want to bake and try everything- and it's a bit of a waste when it’s only for two and we all know that baking can get a bit costly, especially when once I get a bite I’m usually finished…the hubby on the other hand would eat it all, creating a huge temptation for him. Everyday I find myself thinking what sweet thing can I have today- what can I make?!? This is a bit of a problem, although I must say that I have not given in to the everyday temptation- just the occasional one.
Last week I made a butter cake with chocolate icing (I only have one piece, then it was divided out between all the people who would eat it). A couple days later there was the amazing chocolate oatmeal cookies, they are a fave, so needless to say I did not just stop with one. They were delicious, O.M.G! Yesterday, we went out to dinner at Olive Garden, where I immediately picked up the dessert menu and drooled at the sights of the new berry sorbet and lemon cake…Of course, I didn’t get one because, well, if you’ve been to the Garden then you know that you can make a whole dessert for the price of the piece. We discussed grabbing a cone of ice cream but eventually made the decision to just go to the store and get some cones and ice cream of our choosing…Strawberry cheesecake it was and it was SO good. Ice cream, honestly?!? I don’t even care for ice cream- I am never tempted when at a parlor to get or try any, yesterday was the exception. Now today, I have spent the better part of the day moping around with a terrible headache thinking that something sweet would surely make it better, right?!? So far I have settled for a double dose of Tylenol downed by a mello yellow ZERO.
While browsing the internet I came across something that totally caught my eye. As I browsed the recipe wiping the little bit of drool that creeped out of my mouth, taste buds swooning- it was definitely a moment. The Pioneer Woman's Best Chocolate Sheet Cake. Oh.my.goodness, it looks divine, oh how tasty it would be accompanied by some dill pickle chips (a freak?!? Me?!? Hardly ;)). Go on, click it, you know you want to...see for yourself that I’m not completely losing my mind when I say that this cake could easily have been invented by the devil himself with the evilest (is that even a word) of intentions. Now just imagine biting into it shortly after that ding from the oven.
Should I?!? Oh, I am ever so tempted.
I am really starting to freak myself out here. Bless!
I want to bake and try everything- and it's a bit of a waste when it’s only for two and we all know that baking can get a bit costly, especially when once I get a bite I’m usually finished…the hubby on the other hand would eat it all, creating a huge temptation for him. Everyday I find myself thinking what sweet thing can I have today- what can I make?!? This is a bit of a problem, although I must say that I have not given in to the everyday temptation- just the occasional one.
Last week I made a butter cake with chocolate icing (I only have one piece, then it was divided out between all the people who would eat it). A couple days later there was the amazing chocolate oatmeal cookies, they are a fave, so needless to say I did not just stop with one. They were delicious, O.M.G! Yesterday, we went out to dinner at Olive Garden, where I immediately picked up the dessert menu and drooled at the sights of the new berry sorbet and lemon cake…Of course, I didn’t get one because, well, if you’ve been to the Garden then you know that you can make a whole dessert for the price of the piece. We discussed grabbing a cone of ice cream but eventually made the decision to just go to the store and get some cones and ice cream of our choosing…Strawberry cheesecake it was and it was SO good. Ice cream, honestly?!? I don’t even care for ice cream- I am never tempted when at a parlor to get or try any, yesterday was the exception. Now today, I have spent the better part of the day moping around with a terrible headache thinking that something sweet would surely make it better, right?!? So far I have settled for a double dose of Tylenol downed by a mello yellow ZERO.
While browsing the internet I came across something that totally caught my eye. As I browsed the recipe wiping the little bit of drool that creeped out of my mouth, taste buds swooning- it was definitely a moment. The Pioneer Woman's Best Chocolate Sheet Cake. Oh.my.goodness, it looks divine, oh how tasty it would be accompanied by some dill pickle chips (a freak?!? Me?!? Hardly ;)). Go on, click it, you know you want to...see for yourself that I’m not completely losing my mind when I say that this cake could easily have been invented by the devil himself with the evilest (is that even a word) of intentions. Now just imagine biting into it shortly after that ding from the oven.
Should I?!? Oh, I am ever so tempted.
I am really starting to freak myself out here. Bless!
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