What a Deal!

When I was pregnant, I bought a lot of my maternity clothes at consignment shops. a) Because they are pretty expensive at regular stores like Motherhood, etc. b) Because I'm going to wear them for only 9 months. (Thanks to my sister-in-law and this ingenious resource ;0) Now I also shop there and sometimes the thrift stores for Ethan's books, toys and clothes. I wasn't always a big fan of used stuff, but then I thought hey why not? You save a lot of money since brand new baby-anything are ridiculously overpriced (unless of course you find a steal). Plus he won't know the difference. Speaking of that, I just got back from Goodwill with 3 board book for 88c each. Now that's what I'm talking about! And who can forget the garage sales during the summer. Those are the best especially in the ritzy neighborhoods. They're usually cheap and a lot of times, the clothes still have tags on them or are practically brand new. As fast as Ethan has been growing, he's lucky to even wear an outfit more than once or twice. I must say though that in my anticipation for warmer weather, I've already gotten him a handful of cute spring/summer Carter's outfits that were on sale a few weeks ago. It was pretty hard to resist!

Just For Laughs

Literally "Open mouth, insert foot"

Blogging "Twittering" Style

Just got back from Hy-Vee twice...didn't realize I forgot my wallet until I got to the check-out counter. Nice!

On the Menu

Food: Baby rice cereal and mashed-up banana.
Reactions: Loved the combo, the banana added some much needed fla-va!

Rocking 'n Rolling

With Ethan being able to roll forwards, backwards and doing a lil' scooting now, I can't really leave him alone on the floor anymore. This morning I left to get his wash cloth for two seconds and when I came back, he ended up rolling himself half way under his crib. That reminded me, we need to start child proofing our house since I also found him tugging on the electric cord, too. Opps! Anyway, this week has been fun to watch Ethan as he figured out how to move closer to an object he wanted. He'll eye at something with such determination, roll himself to it and then smile at his own accomplishment. (Hitting his head and running into furniture along the way, but that hasn't really stopped him. He hasn't cried yet either...what a tough kid!) By the way, Ethan has taken diaper changing to a WHOLE new level now that he's on the move =0)

Took this just in time as he rolled himself over onto his turtle toy
Too cute!

'Tis the Season...

For allergies. With the arrival of Spring and everything blooming come pollens. I never had allergy problems before moving to Iowa and now it flared up every Fall and Spring. Itchy eyes, runny nose, stuffy nose - you gotta love it! I usually try to tough it out but for some reason, it seemed to be the worst this year. So I finally went and got myself some Claritin-D. That stuff work wonders. I took it a couple of nights ago and it was amazing I could breathe! The only problem though was that the decongestion stuff that cleared me up also kept me up. So last night I decided to try to sleep without taking it and I was up most of the night again. I guess when it came down to it option A or option B will both keep me up anyway so I might as well take the pill and make my lungs happy.

p.s. So if it said on the package "taking more than directed may cause drowsiness" would taking double dosage put me to sleep? =0) Hmm, it's tempting...

Mamma Wisdom of the Week

After many nights of leaking through his diapers and waking up with wet clothes (from sleeping on his tummy), I finally decided to try Huggies' overnites. Well let me tell you, he leaked no more!!! It worked really great! A little pricey-er than the regular ones, but hey what matters is that it worked.

Discovery of the Week

Why didn't you guys start me on this sooner??? What else have I been missing out on?
I've been anxious all week to get Ethan started on baby cereal and finally had a chance to tonight. I wasn't sure how he was going to react to this new experience, but you know what...he LOVED it! Are we surprised? =0) When Brian had to reload the spoon, Ethan would kick like crazy wondering where his food disappeared to. And when Brian came back with a spoonful, Ethan would grab Brian's hand and guide it to his mouth. (Exact same reaction as his bottle feeding...too funny!). It was a lot of fun watching him eat tonight! Chalk that one up for a success!

Let There Be Fire

Last night on a whim, Brian decided to buy a fire pit while he was at Lowe's. We've actually been wanting one since last year but for some reason just never made the purchase until now. Anyway we assembled it as soon as he got it home, started a "mini" bonfire and called some friends over to hang out. Now talking about being spontaneous at the wee hours of 9 pm! It was great! I have a feeling that we will be using this thing quite a bit this summer, especially now that we're kinda tied to the house in the evening.

Mamma Wisdom of the Week

Three years ago when Kaika entered our lives, we realized that we became owners of a strong-willed dog. We laughed about it then and jokingly said that God was only preparing us for what is to come - a strong-will child. Fast forward to now and five months of being in denial, it dawned on me today that Ethan is a strong-willed child!

This realization came to me this afternoon as I tried (again) to hold Ethan on my lap and rock him. Well as usual he wouldn't have it. He fussed and he cried and often I would give in by standing up and rocking him instead. Hmm, can a five month old be manipulative in getting what he wants or what? However, I didn't do that today because Brian and I have been talking about needing to work with him as far as sitting and being content (at least for a short period of time). So, I held him and we sat for one minute as I watched the clock. Well, he didn't enjoy it one bit and pretty much fought with me the whole time. I'm hoping to keep doing this with him everyday and gradually increase the length because we both think it's something he needs to learn. Oh boy, we'll see how it goes. Anyway, I'm thinking that we need to buy Dr. James Dobson's "The NEW Strong-Willed Child" book pronto and arm ourselves with wisdom for what the future will bring.

Take Time

...for myself and get away for a little bit.

This morning I felt an urge for some alone time outside the house. So Brian watched Ethan while I ran some errands. It was SO liberating to not have to haul the car seat and diaper bag with me everywhere I went! On top of that, I didn't have to watch my time or worry that Ethan was going to get antsy while I'm out and about. I came home feeling refreshed and renewed just from being gone for a few hours!!! Apparently, I've forgotten what it was like since I haven't gotten out on my own for a while. Anyway, I think I need to do this more often...for my own sanity. Plus I think it's good for Brian to "get a sense" of what I do all day long and also to spend some daddy & son time together.

Spring Has Sprung

The weather today was warmer than yesterday and the day before which seemed promising for Spring! To make my day even better, Brian had the day off so we were able to spend the whole day together. He did some yard work this morning which motivated me to get some indoor spring cleaning done. It's amazing how warm weather can do that to you! We even had time to go on a lunch date and spend the afternoon soaking up the sun together. It was WONDERFUL and muchly needed!!! I could definitely do this every week =0)

Brian tackling the overgrown raspberry vines on the side of the garage
Kaika snatched a tree limb that was just cut down

This picture is exactly what I had imagined all winter...a beautiful day like this so Ethan could spend it on a blanket outside (under an umbrella). Can you tell that he's loving it?

Doggie Park

With the weather warming up today, I decided to take Kaika to the doggie park. I have to say though that I was a little hesitant to go by myself at first since I had to figure out what to do with Ethan while we're all there. Also add in the fact that I've gotten knocked over from behind by the doggies while I was pregnant last year and that was pretty scary! Anyway, I didn't want to kill myself again and this time with a baby and all so I had to think it through. When we got there, I took Kaika in first and then came back out to get Ethan. As I turned around, I saw Kaika being taken advantage of by another Boxer and I was mortified! I tried to get in there as fast I could (while carrying an 18 lb. baby in a car seat) to rescue the poor guy. That dog's owner wasn't even paying attention to his own dog...how rude! By the time I brought Ethan in, situated ourselves on a nearby bench, Kaika already took off running to play with another dog. Anyway, I stood there on high alert the whole time in fear of any possibility of ending up on the ground again. Glad to say that we were fine and there was no incident. We did, however, attract a lot of dogs to the bench. Either they were curious about the baby or we were sitting in "the" peeing spot.

Half an hour later, Kaika came home tired but a happy doggie. Ethan fell asleep on the way home a happy baby from that lil' bit of sun and some fresh air. And I was a happy Mamma for that chance to get out of the house!

Be Ready!

I learned in our Sunday School a few weeks ago that we are currently living in the last period of the Church Age which according to the Bible, Jesus Christ is returning soon. Now the Bible also said that only God and no one else (not even Jesus) knows the day or the hour of his 2nd coming so "soon" could mean anytime really - today, tomorrow or next year, etc. However, we are not to spend our time trying to figure out when that will be but instead to just focus on being ready. As Matthew 24:42,44 says ""Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come...So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." I felt like the Lord put that on my heart this week to keep this at the forefront of my mind. I need to try to see the big picture instead of worrying about the daily grind of life. The example He brought to mind was last year back in November as I was preparing for Ethan's arrival and how I was NOT ready.

The nursery was mostly put together but not 100% done - Not ready.

My bag for the hospital wasn't completely packed when I had to just grab it and go - Not ready.

The car seat wasn't even installed yet and we had to just throw it in the car - Not ready!

Ethan arrived 8 days early and the house wasn't as clean as I had wanted - Not ready.

We had to scramble around trying to find a rocker/glider after Ethan arrived since we didn't have one - Not ready.

Given it was a very busy time for both of us then and a lot of this stuff isn't that big of a deal, but the point is to be ready...ahead of time and waiting expectantly!

Easter

This weekend turned out to be busier than I had thought it would be. We went to Marshalltown to spend Easter with Brian's parents and ended up being on the go most of Sunday. We went from church, to family dinner to meeting up with a friend in Ames. The last one wasn't planned, but I'm glad an opportunity came up for us to go visit Anoop (a friend from India who is currently doing his Masters at Iowa State). It was good to catch up with him, but at the same time, that extra trip was really hard on Ethan. He was a pretty CRANKY PANTS baby since he already had to spend most of his naps in the car seat. By the time we left town, Brian and I were tired and overwhelmed and still have 2-1/2 hour drive ahead of us. Let's just say we ALL went to bed as soon as we got home including Kaika...I guess spending the entire weekend chasing Lexie, an energized one-year old Maltese would do that to you.

Family picture
Ethan's Easter outfit which Brian insisted he had to have.
Brian, Ethan, and Anoop

Mamma Wisdom of the Week

I've finally come to accepted the fact that our son isn't much of a cuddler. I wish he was because who doesn't want to cuddle with their child, but it's just not in him. Never have been. He also isn't one who likes to sit still...quietly or contently either. So I'm learning to accept that part of Ethan which often times make me most frustrated. I guess he's just an independent lil' guy with a bit of stubbornness to him and that's not something I can change. I jokingly told Brian that other couples tried until they get a boy or a girl, but we're going to try until we get a cuddler =0)

Growing Boy

Ethan turns 5 months today! Anyway, thanks to the four people who voted on Ethan's weight. And now for the answer *drum roll please*...18 lb. 10 oz. Congratulations to the winner whoever you are! Sorry I don't have any prizes for you or anything. So yup, our little guy (who's not so little anymore) is still up there in the 90th percentile. I will be starting him on cereal and some baby food here pretty soon. We'll see how he likes it although I have a feeling it won't be too much of a problem since he's such a good little eater.

Naked Baby!
Helping Mamma with laundry =0)

Take Time

...to rely on the Lord's strength instead of my own!

Lately, I've been trying to get myself together emotionally but I feel like I've failed miserably. Last weekend when Brian and I went shopping, I was constantly worrying about Ethan, his naps in the car seat, his schedules being off. He wasn't even that bad but for some reasons, I just felt this overburdened feelings like the whole time. So then it was hard to enjoy myself and my time away from home. Then this week, I felt frazzled and frustrated because Ethan's constantly fussing and crying. He doesn't like laying on his back, he doesn't like being on his stomach. He won't sit in the swing or let me hold him very long either without kicking, flailing his arms and arching his back. When it comes down to it, I think he's frustrated from being immobile (and possibly teething too). So my entire day is spent trying to distract and entertain him and in turn neglecting my own needs. It's such a hard balance sometimes!

Anyway, the Lord humbled me this week and brought to my attention the fact that I tried to do it all without relying on His strength. My need to be in control of situations and perfectionism have only led myself to impatience and frustation. No wonder I feel so overloaded! He told me to "let go" and truly rely on Him on a moment-to-moment basis as He will navigate me through this new role in life...and not just for now either but later on, too. How refreshing to be reminded of this verse below:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." - Matthew 11:28-29

Discovery of the Week

What toes taste like. I had Ethan on the floor as I went to grab some clothes from his closet. When I turned around I found a naked baby sucking on his own toes and smiling at me. Apparently, his thumbs, fingers and hands weren't good enough anymore. He needed that extra "kick" to satisfy his oral fixation. Yummy! I guess now I really need to clean and trim his toenails DAILY!

Dang Dawg!

Okay that's it, we've had it!!! Kaika woke us up at 3:30 am to go outside again last night. This is ridiculous! Not quite sure what his deal is?! Unfortunately, this has been a common occurrence in our household, like every other night and it needs to stop! Ethan has been great sleeping through the night, but for some reasons our dog has a bladder problem or something. It's not like he's a puppy anymore and can't hold it. Brian and I have been puzzled over this problem and have been trying to figure it out for a while now. We thought that maybe we've been too lax in not picking up his water early enough. So empty goes the water bowl. It didn't help. Also we thought that maybe we haven't been making him go out right before we go to bed since he was all curled up cozy in his bed. So up and off the bed. That didn't work either. I also thought that maybe he slept too much during the day so he was wide awake at night - causing active alertness on his bladder. But why is that any different than when we both were working and he was in his crate all day...sleeping? He didn't have issues then. Who knows!

Anyway, when Ethan used to wake up in the middle of the night I was okay with getting up and taking care of him. However when Kaika woke us up and wanted out, I told Brian that was his responsibility. (It also helped to lay in bed very, very still and pretend I don't hear him whining at our door. Seemed to work ;0) ) Then Brian complained about me getting to sleep in during the day, etc, etc so I felt bad and decided to "help out" since he's my dog too. One night last week I got up for him and couldn't fall back asleep again. I was so mad! I decided that we need to start putting Kaika downstairs in his crate at night. But Brian didn't want to because he felt bad since we kicked Kaika out of his own room (when Ethan arrived) and ever since then he has been like a nomad dog. Well, those feelings didn't last too long though 'cause after last night's incident Brian said, "Kaika's sleeping in his crate tonight!" I guess we'll see how that goes, but oh I have a feeling he's not going to like that very much. Hopefully, we'll get a full night's rest for once...unless of course he starts doing his Boxer howling.

All I Really Need to Know in Life...

I Learned from My Baby & Doggie!

The more I spent time at home with Ethan and Kaika, the more I realized how much their lives/activities are alike:

Eat

Sleep

Play

Poop

And after Ethan's appointment with Dr. Omar yesterday, he told me that right now Ethan's at the "oral exploration" age where he puts everything in his mouth. Wait a minute, isn't that what Kaika does? =0)

Just For Laughs

Friends of ours sent this to me and I just had to share it.

It said: "Baby Mops. Make your children work for their keep." And of course it had to be an Asian baby!

Weekend of Feeling Bad

So yesterday Brian and I spent the day doing a little shopping in Chicago. It was somewhat a last minute decision, but we figured might as well get out of town and enjoy before the yucky rain/sleet headed our way. Anyway, I'm glad we went but at the same time, we were all pretty wiped out by the end of the day. Brian was patient enough to shop for another hour when he was so ready to go. Unfortunately, I have this illness called "I hate missing out on anything so I have to see everything" disease. With shopping, I have this urge to go into like every store and with vacation, I want to do everything and see everything. But once that led us all to exhaustion then I wonder, "Now why were we so crazy being on the go the whole time?" And Brian's usual response is: "What is this "we" thing?! It's YOU!" I've also come to learn that it's one thing to go crazy ourselves and recover later, but it's a totally different thing for a baby. I felt really bad dragging Ethan with us since ALL of his naps were spent in the car seat. Even though he hardly whine or cry I still felt guilty since I knew he was tired and feeling cramped in that thing.

Well, I wish we could say we brought Ethan home and put him to bed early in his nice, warm crib but we didn't. We went out to a dinner with some friends (prior planning) and ended up staying a little past his bed time. I was hoping he would fall asleep in his car seat but of coure he didn't since it was too loud and he was overstimulated. He was pretty unhappy but tolerated it. (I know we're bad parents, but hey it's not like we do this to him all the time). Feeling bad #2. Then the poor lady in the church nursery who had an overly tired, unhappy baby on hand. I'm guessing she wasn't too happy herself. Feelling bad #3. This story does have a happy ending though: Ethan spent the rest of the day catching up on sleep (so did we) and by the late afternoon, he returned to his happy ol' self with high screeching voice and all.

Quote Worthy

"Once you pop, you just can't stop" - Pringles' slogan

For some reason this came to mind this morning and how that's so true with motherhood. Once you have a child, you'll never stop becoming a mamma - NEVER! I sat there and took in the magnitude of that commitment and felt a little overwhelmed. Then I told myself, "Just take it one day at a time..." (I realized the analogy is kind of a stretch, but it'll work) ;0).

Side note: After I posted this I realized that some of you might originally thought that I'm talking about "popping" out kids and I wanted to make it clear - that's not what I'm referring to AT ALL!

Good Hair Day

I had to get a picture of Ethan's hair today because it's actually calm and managable for once. Also if you look closely, you'll notice that he doesn't have an "Alfalfa" sticking up from the back of his head =0)