easily distracted

neglect

2010-03-08T21:05:00.008-06:00

Yes, I have been neglecting my blog. I have the winter doldrums and haven't been feeling the greatest. I spend my day literally chasing after that adorable little boy. I'm also in the process of transferring my blog to WordPress so there's that too. Excuses, excuses... I promise I will be back soon with lots of exciting new blog entries.

painted!

2010-02-28T10:11:00.002-06:00

We finally got around to painting our wall yellow! (And when I say "we" I really mean Josh and Sondra.) Our house is being appraised sometime in the next week or two. In hopes to add value we thought it would be smart to accent our one architecturally interesting wall.

I'm very happy with how it came out and so thankful that it was done in an evening. We are picking up some more paint for touch-ups but otherwise it's done!

whoosh

2010-02-25T09:28:00.003-06:00

This past week just zipped by. Of course it hasn't felt that way during. This has been a long and kind of rough week. But not all bad...

We got our haircuts in.

We've watched a surprising amount of the Olympics.

We got to see Jasper's little girlfriend, Lucy.

And we've been working on holding hands when we're out and about.

things I love about the Olympics

2010-02-18T19:46:00.003-06:00

I don't usually get into the Olympics. I'll watch some here and there but that's about it. I have been catching some of the winter Olympics this week and here are some things I love about them.

1. I love all of the inspirational commercials. Yep, I'm a sap. The commercials they are playing during the Olympics are better than Superbowl ones. My favorite:

2. Snow pants that look like jeans? Yes, please.

3. Okay, it's another commercial. But yes, Ryan Reynolds makes me want to visit Canada.

4. The Chinese married couple that came out of retirement to win the gold in figure skating. Now they want to have a family.

5. People winning. I really like to see anyone win.

who knows

2010-02-15T10:11:00.003-06:00

Just last week I had settled on a new schedule for Jasper that cut out his morning nap. I was completely okay with him giving it up as long as he wasn't a grouch all morning. Around 9:30 on Thursday morning I put him in his crib for "quiet time" so I could shower. He slept for almost two hours. This has been repeated every day since. In fact I can hear his baby snoring over the monitor right now. So for now, I'm rolling with it because that what you do. What would parenting be if there wasn't a time every week when you thought "I have no clue"?

jabber jaws

2010-02-12T08:47:00.001-06:00

I was finally able to get a decent video of Jasper jabbering. I'm not kidding you, he is CONSTANTLY babbling. Unfortunately he gets very distracted by the video camera and I can't get a good video of the talking. He was very engrossed in the computer screen and didn't notice the video camera. I just wish I knew what he was saying!

going a little stir crazy

2010-02-10T22:57:00.001-06:00

Jasper and I are going a little stir crazy trapped in the house. We've had a bit of snow and not that we have a car to go anywhere... So we just entertain ourselves.

He's easy to get giggling.

And I can't help laugh when he does.

This...well, I have no excuse for putting him through this.

Someday I will just blame him for only taking an hour nap, running around like a crazy man and being trapped in the house. He'll forgive me when I show his first date, right?

sleep patterns

2010-02-09T21:00:00.002-06:00

From day one we've been very lucky when it comes to sleep and our little guy. Jasper slept great in his crib that first night home from the hospital. We eventually did the cry it out thing and really didn't have to work too hard at that. I don't believe in rocking babies to sleep so we have always put him down when he's awake.

Last week it was like he flipped a switch. He decided he for sure didn't need a morning nap and suddenly wasn't ready for bed at 7:00pm like usual. Our schedule has been out of whack so I thought it was all related. It seems though that he is ready for a new schedule.

He wakes at 8:00 ready to attack the day. Usually around 9:30-10:00am I put him in his crib so I can shower. He doesn't sleep but still gives me a good 30/45 minutes to get ready and drink a second cup of coffee. He'll start yelling for me when he's tired of "quiet time". Naptime is now 1:00 and he sleeps for two hours (although I'm hoping that time increases as he gets used to no morning nap). Then he's ready for bed by 8:00pm.

Of course tonight he was ready for bed by 7:00pm. It's like just when you get used to something they throw you for a loop. You know, just to keep you on your toes.

jasper videos

2010-02-08T11:48:00.001-06:00

Jasper loves music and is really getting into dancing these days.

Although he does say "mom" and "mama" now, he prefers to mouth or whisper the words. He loves to be ornery!

starting him early

2010-02-03T08:30:00.000-06:00

Last Friday at our favorite coffee shop we decided to enjoy our coffee there instead of to go. Jasper sat in one of the chairs like a big boy and helped Josh eat a scone. Once that was gone though he really wanted to get down and run around. So I handed him my little point and shoot to occupy him. At first I left it off but then decided to turn it on for him. I showed him what button to press at the top and he went to town. Most of the pictures were of his legs and hands but we also got the picture above. I'm excited to share my love of photography with the little guy.

homemade charging station

2010-02-01T09:54:00.001-06:00

I have been eyeing a charging station like this one for awhile. Instead I thought I would just make my own. I took a file box I got from Ikea and cut a hole in the back.

All of our electronics can sit on top of the closed box and be plugged in. I labeled each of the cords so it would be easy to find the right one.

Nobody has to see the mess of cords now! All I have to do is find a good spot for it.

latte

2010-01-29T15:30:00.002-06:00

Jasper had his 15 month shots this morning. I was surprised when he only needed one! To keep going on our good day we visited our favorite coffee shop and I got one of the best vanilla lattes. Nice to start off the weekend right!

so I made dishwasher detergent

2010-01-27T23:05:00.004-06:00

I ran across this article last week about making your own dishwasher detergent. We were almost out of dishwasher tabs so I thought I would give it a try. Not only is it eco-friendly but it's super cost effective. The article estimates 50 loads cost 50 cents! Considering I pay probably around 8 dollars for 50 loads I was sold.

I found all of the ingredients at my grocery store. The only citric acid I could find at the store was the Fruit Fresh bottle in the canning aisle. That may have raised my cost per load. But I did a little research online and found that you can buy a 5 pound bottle on Amazon for $26.

I mixed up my first batch tonight. My dishes were just as clean as they were with the dishwasher tabs. It is suggested that you add vinegar to your rinse spout for best results. I gave the new detergent a try without the vinegar for the first run. My glasses were a little spotty so I'm guessing the vinegar would take care of that. When I run out of this batch I'm going to buy some citric acid online and continue to make my own. Two thumbs up to my new eco-friendly dishwashing method!

onto the week

2010-01-25T09:27:00.002-06:00

What a weekend! Josh ended up sick on Saturday. Our date night got canceled and he spent the day in bed. Today my plan is get the house cleaned. I'm breaking out the Lysol. Here's hoping we have a healthy, happy week!

kids get sick

2010-01-20T21:30:00.000-06:00

Last night Jasper got sick. He had been down for the night in his crib (showing no signs of feeling ill) when we heard him cry. Josh headed upstairs and mother's intuition kicked in. I knew he was sick. I got upstairs as Josh was bringing him into the bathroom. Poor little guy had thrown up all over himself.

Now let me preface this to say that I do not do well with puke. I seriously would take gushing blood over throwing up. I have only thrown up once since I was in fifth grade.

We spent the next four hours sitting on the couch downstairs with Jasper, tipping him over a bowl when he threw up. It was terrible. But really...it wasn't that bad. He didn't have a lot to throw up and was fine in between. Josh was home (thank goodness) and handled it all like a pro. I, on the other hand, couldn't stop shaking.

When Jasper wasn't throwing up he would lay his little head on my shoulder but still muster a smile when his daddy did something silly. He always gave a high five to Josh when Josh would ask for one. It was the saddest, cutest thing ever. After he would throw up he would do the sign for all done in sign language. It made me want to cry.

Finally at 12:30 he slept soundly in my arms. Under different circumstances I would have been in heaven. Josh and I decided to wait it out down on the couch just to make sure Jasper was done. At 2:30am we all headed upstairs. I put Jasper down and he slept the rest of the night in his crib.

Today he has kept down everything he ate. Besides sleeping more than usual, he was in good spirits. Getting into the cupboards he knows not to, throwing things down the stairs, "getting" Bebo... Thankfully he just caught a touch of the flu and it looks like we're well on the road to recovery.

Of course, I am still completely paranoid he is going to start throwing up again. An hour or so after putting Jasper down tonight I heard him cry. I bolted up to his room taking two stairs at a time so worried I would find him covered in throw up. Thankfully he had just gotten scrunched to the foot of the crib and couldn't right himself.

Seeing your kid sick has got to be one of the worst things in the world. I am so very thankful that this is Jasper's first illness and he has recovered quickly. I couldn't help but say a few extra prayers for all of the parents with sick or hurt children tonight.

taking a breather

2010-01-18T09:57:00.002-06:00

Sundays have slowly turned into a day off for me. Since we are usually just bumming around the house Josh takes over with Jasper. He changes diapers, gets him food, corrals him... It's a nice break for me and it helps me get through the coming week.

Yesterday Josh got called into work and the kid decided not to nap very long. Suddenly I was back on duty, full force. Jasper has been exhausting lately. He's really into climbing and running. His attention span with a toy is about thirty seconds. Makes it a little difficult to contain him. I really needed a break to recharge.

My mom offered to come and get Jasper for awhile. I put up a fight but she's more stubborn than I am. I couldn't help feel guilty that I was "pawning my kid off". Jasper spent two hours over at my parent's house allowing me time to chill out. By the time he got home I had started missing him and was happy to have him back.

I wish I wouldn't feel guilty about needing a break. I'm a better mom when I can have that every once in awhile. Two hours was all I needed and I was back in the game. Sometimes you have to take care of yourself to take better care of your kids.

couldn't believe it

2010-01-12T20:22:00.003-06:00

I asked Jasper if he read my blog today. This evening Jasper said, "mama". At first he said "mamamama" and then wouldn't say it again. We asked him a bunch but he wouldn't repeat it. Once we looked away or did something else he would say it! He said some version of mom at least ten times tonight.

Before he went to bed, I sat him on my lap with my arms wrapped around him and said, "Say mama". And he said it again. My heart almost burst out of my chest. I can't wait until tomorrow so I can hear it again.

words

2010-01-12T10:33:00.003-06:00

Jasper's babbling has become more consistent and is really starting to sound like actual words. The problem is that I still don't know what those words are. Josh and I answer him like we know what he's saying but usually have no clue.

It's fun to see him using sign language in the right context. I can also see him pointing more and "asking" for things. Yesterday he was standing up in his crib during naptime, pointing at one of his stuffed animals on the floor. He stuck his little finger out and pointed so fiercely that I had to laugh. I think I actually said, "Okay, I get it! You want Scout. Stop yelling" even though he didn't make a noise.

I'm anxious for him to begin saying even more words but especially "Mama" which he will not say. I cannot wait to hear that come out of his little mouth.

further confirmation I should not leave the house

2010-01-06T09:38:00.003-06:00

Just a couple of weeks ago, I left the house and trashed my mom's tire and rim. Yesterday my friend Sondra and I headed into town. I left Jasper with my awesome neighbor/friend and got excited about actually leaving the house.

We literally were no more than two miles out of town when the whole car sounded like it was falling apart. Sondra stopped the car and we both got out. I thought I would see a piece of her bumper hanging down. Nope, just her tire completely off the rim. What the what?? I seriously did not know that was possible. (Apparently the combination of a frozen tire and sitting for four days did it in.)

I called my trusty pit crew (ie. Josh) and he came out to put the donut on. Sondra and I sat in his warm car watching him remove the demolished tire in less than five minutes. So much for leaving town... At least we didn't wreck the car and Josh was there to change the tire.

In other news, I am grounding myself to the house.

happy feet

2010-01-05T11:25:00.001-06:00

Every day Jasper is doing more and more. He knows all done, more, please, and thank you in sign language. He says dog, good, hi, hey, dad, Josh, giggle. He can show you where his belly is. He gives lots of kisses and hugs. Is rarely short on laughs...

It has been so much fun to see the changes in him just in the last few weeks. Just this week he has started doing what we call "happy feet".

so long 2009

2009-12-31T12:25:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow begins a new year and as is custom, I like to reflect on the previous year.

I started the year with the hardest day of my life. I went back to work after being off on maternity leave. I still get choked up thinking about leaving Jasper that first day. I cried so hard and pretty much all day.

We bought a new washer and dryer. And yes, that was a highlight of my year.

I quit my job.

I baked a lot.

My baby turned six months old. Belly flopped everywhere. Giggled constantly.

I mastered making baby food and made A LOT throughout the year.

My best friend and her husband had a baby and I was very happy.

My son and parents developed a very close relationship.

There was swinging.

Knight Light got an intern.

My husband got a tattoo.

I got my eyebrow pierced, again.

My kid grew and we watched his personality develop.

I fell more in love with my husband.

Josh's car died.

Demolished our summer house.

Used the word "no" often and instituted time out.

I did a lot of photography.

My baby turned one.

Considered giving up blogging and reconsidered.

Introduced Jasper to snow.

Celebrated what felt like our first Christmas as a family.

I would say 2009 was a pretty good year. A lot has changed since this time last year. I'm looking forward to seeing where the next year takes us. Happy New Year, friends.

may your days be merry

2009-12-25T11:37:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas from my family to yours. Eat lots of cookies and laugh as much as possible. That's what we're doing here.

gingerbread houses for mugs

2009-12-22T09:39:00.002-06:00

When I saw this post on Not Martha I instantly thought, "I have to make those". Forget the fact that I was already planning to make five different kinds of cookies. Forget the fact that I have never made any type of gingerbread cookies before. Forget the fact that I have to have my house clean by Tuesday night.

I spent the evening working on these little things. I was not careful at all when I cut out the pieces so my houses are slightly crooked. However, I think they are darn cute. Since this was the first time making them I just wanted to see if they would work. Next time I will put more energy into them and make them line up better.

snow

2009-12-21T13:36:00.002-06:00

We got a little snow over the weekend and decided to take Jasper out in it yesterday. We bundled him up and took him outside. At first he looked at us like "uh, what are we doing out here?".

Josh gave him some snow to hold and he instantly ate some. He was very interested in it and didn't seem to mind the cold. He looks pretty darn cute bundled up if you ask me!

what a week

2009-12-18T10:21:00.006-06:00

Oh what a week. I had a yearly doctor's appointment in town on Wednesday. I worked it out with my mom to borrow her car. She got a ride into work and then I would pick her up before the appointment. To say I was excited to leave the house was an understatement. I don't get to leave the house much these days. Josh needs the car to get to work and pick up parts for work during the day. So Jasper and I are kind of trapped most days. I've accepted it and I'm okay with it. (Even though some weeks I feel like I'm going a little stir-crazy.)

Wednesday I got us all ready to go and we headed out. I burnt a cd with Jasper's favorite songs and we were jamming to the tunes. I got two blocks out of town and hit a huge pothole, hard. I worried that it popped the tire and drove a bit to the stop sign. By the time I was there I was sure the tire was flat. I got out of the car and checked. Yep, flat.

I quickly called Josh and drove the six blocks to his work to switch cars. I know you're not supposed to drive on a flat but I didn't really know what else to do. We swapped cars and I headed into town. I couldn't believe it. Once I was almost into town I called Josh. I was worried driving on the flat did damage to the rim. Turns out hitting the pothole damaged the rim and not driving on it.

So I trashed my mom's tire and rim within five minutes of driving it. I was feeling so awful about it. On Thursday my dad sent me a link to this commercial and said he wasn't upset and that crap happens. To make matters worse the tire and rim probably wouldn't be fixed until early next week. So my parents and us would be sharing our one good car throughout the weekend so we could leave town if needed.

My dad called Josh today to let him know he wouldn't be using our car this afternoon to pick my mom up at work. The tire and rim were out for delivery on the UPS truck! In the words of my mom "it's a Christmas miracle"! Thank goodness. I am so thankful that we can start the weekend off on the right foot. I still feel terrible about the tire but I'm glad it's going to be fixed today.

I swear I have the worst luck ever. I guess it's a good thing I don't get to leave my house. And at least I have an adorable kid to hang out with.