Sunday, August 31, 2008
I May be Sick...But Not Too Sick to Play!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
The Things We Do For Our Babies
So...it turns out that the "nothing" that kept Addison awake the other night is in fact a something. A big old nasty cold. Apparently she felt it long before I noticed it. Poor little bugger. I went into her room at 3:30 this morning to find her with a slight fever and a wicked stuffy nose. After a dose of Tylenol and a good cuddle in her rocking chair, she was out like a light. As I sat there rocking her, I tried to think of how I was going to lay her down. She needed to stay propped up but her bouncy seat was in the other room and I didn't have the heart to lay her down in her crib while I went to get it. She was so comfortable in my arms I decided that I should just stay where I was and let her sleep. So that is what I did...I rocked and cuddled her until 6:00 in the morning. I would have rocked longer but I had to teach my first English class of the semester at 8:00. And even though my back was totally jacked up and I had now slept a total of 4 hours in the past 48...I was still willing to sit there and rock her just so she could get a good nights sleep. Ahhh.....the things we do for our babies.
Friday, August 29, 2008
I'm Not the Only One Having a Rough Day
So my brother's girlfriend Meagan just e-mailed me the most hilarious story about her day and I had to share. She writes:
Need a good laugh? I can provide one...here is what just happened to me...
I'm wearing these pants with a little zipper on the side...that's how you take them on and off...side zipper. The pants fit just perfectly and there is NO way I can get them off w/out unzipping. All morning when going to the bathroom the zipper kept getting hung up a bit, which I didn't think much about. Well a few moments ago I had to pee...BAD! So I get in there and the darn zipper would NOT go down!!!!! I tried and tried and tried...nothing. I was starting to think I was going to have to tell Brian I have to go home because I have to cut my pants off (a woman boss would be nice in these instances!), then I'm thinking there is no way I'm going to make it the half an hour home with the way I have to pee. Panic set in!! I thought maybe I didn't have the right leverage. So I embarrassingly recruit my friend/co-worker Cyndee to help me. So here we are in the bathroom together, grunting and giggling, talking about unzipping my pants. And no we were not the only ones in there. Finally Cyndee gave it a giant tug and the zipper splits apart. Okay, now at least I can pee!!! So now I am sitting here with the side of my pants safety pinned together....and there's about a .25 inch gap between the seams where my skin and underwear are showing because the pants aren't big enough (or my butt is too big) so I can't completely seal them using the pins. But...THANK GOD for this long shirt trend. My black shirt just covers the sipper. Whew! Good times :-P
Well...it seems I'm not the only one having a rough day! Addie's advice on the situation..."just go in your pants like I do Aunt Meg. I'll loan you some Pampers :-)"
Is It Too Early for a Drink?

Thursday, August 28, 2008
Rock'n, Roll'n and Walk'n

I am amazed at how mobile Addie has become the last few weeks. She rolls ALL OVER the place! And this past week, I have noticed the early signs of crawling. She can get up on all fours and rock back and forth. She has been getting pretty frustrated that she can't go anywhere though, which is why I think she hasn't been that interested in playing on the floor. If she had it her way, she would be standing and walking by now. So with that said, I have decided to invest in a new toy today.
First of all, let me just say that I am so happy I registered for a jumperoo and exersaucer because Addie uses both on a daily basis (I highly recommend both to all of you new or soon-to-be moms out there). But I can tell she is looking for a new activity and I think the next step is a walker. My mom said my brothers and I LOVED our walker and since Addie enjoys standing while playing, I thought this would be a good choice. I have checked out several garage sales this summer looking for one with no luck. So...I decided to do some research and I think I have made my selection. It is the Chicco DJ Walker. It received excellent reviews and it doesn't look too complicated. Some of the walkers I have seen have a million toys dangling off of it and since her exersaucer already wins the award for "most toys attached to one piece of plastic", I think I would like to stick with a more simplistic walker.
Anyway, I have a 20% off coupon for Babies R Us that expires today! So I better get my butt out there and pick one up. I will be sure to let everyone know how Addie likes it.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Almost Forgot About Addie's Favorite Shoes!
P.S. Addie says thanks for the great shoes Auntie M!! She loves them!!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Wish They Came in My Size

Wined, Dined & 8469ed
The next great surprise came when Eric showed up at 4:00!! He hasn't been home from work that early in a few weeks so it was great to have a little extra time with him and the baby before our romantic dinner. And let me just tell you...that dinner was FABULOUS. I got crab legs and Eric got surf and turf. Yummy Yum Yum. But that wasn't half as delicious as the dessert and wine that followed. Needless to say, we drove to Home Depot with our pants unbuttoned. (Get your mind out of the gutter)
Anyway, Eric did an excellent job of wining and dining me all night. So what was next? That's right...model #8469...our new 75 gallon hot water heater. Woohoo!!! It won't be installed for another week or so but hey...at least it's ordered!! I still can't believe how excited we both are about this hot water heater. But that's love for you...giving each other exactly what you want no matter how silly or practical. It has been an amazing 2 years and I can't wait to see what the future holds for our family. Eric...you are the best hubby in the world. I love you to pieces :-)
Monday, August 25, 2008
Happy Anniversary To Us!
It is hard to believe that it has been 2 years since our wedding day. SO much has happened! We bought our dream house last summer, we became an Aunt and Uncle AND had a baby of our own! Speaking of our new house, our moving day was on our anniversary last year so we celebrated the big day with a pizza and diet coke sitting on the floor of our new kitchen. Nothing fancy, but a new house is pretty much the best anniversary gift you could ever give someone. So how do we top that this year? Eric thought another baby would be a great gift (I showed him the muffin top I still haven't worked off and I made sure to turn the monitor up extra loud last night to remind him that Addie still doesn't sleep the night) and I think he got the point. I suggested we go out to a nice dinner and then come home and fill up our HUGE jacuzzi tub and relax with some wine. As soon as I said it, we both looked at each other and knew what would make the perfect gift this year....a new hot water heater!!! Yes my friends...we are buying each other a new hot water heater so that we can fill our huge jacuzzi tub. I would say that I am disappointed in the lack of creativity we are both putting into our gift this year but the fact of the matter is... we need it!!! And we are both really excited about getting it (which I think is the saddest part of all)! So after a nice dinner at Shorewood's one and only "fancy" restaurant, we are heading to Home Depot. Now if that isn't romance...I don't know what is :-)
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Nia Beanie is 1 Year Old!!!
Dana's labor story is one you want to hear when you are pregnant. Her water broke around lunch time and since she works at the hospital, all she had to do was walk upstairs and put on a gown! Once she was settled in her room, she made a few phone calls and hung out with Daddy Kevin. Contractions weren't fun for a few hours but she had Nia just a few hours after dinner. Wham...bham...baby! And this first year of Nia's life has gone by just as fast. It seems like just yesterday I was watching that little peanut roll over for the first time and now she is running all over the house yelling "da da da da". I know I say it all the time, but it is amazing how fast the time goes! Today is Nia's first birthday party and I can't wait to watch her eat her first cake. Happy Birthday my little Nia Beanie! Aunt Jen, Uncle Eric and cousin Addie can't wait to see you today!!!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Saturday Morning Cartoons!

Friday, August 22, 2008
Happy Birthday Mamacita!!!!
Mama, thank you for everything you do for Addie and I. You are truly the most wonderful mother, grandma and friend a girl could ever ask for. We are so lucky to have you. I hope you have a FABULOUS birthday. Addie and I are down for purse shopping and dessert tonight if you are up for it! Wait a minute....who am I talking to! I am sure I had you at "purse shopping". Love you lots mamacita!!!!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Review: If These Boobs Could Talk
Important words to add to my vocabulary:
Bloppy: The post-pregnancy fat that makes you fell like you are wearing a Boppy around your waist, even when you're not.
Nip Nap: When you fall asleep nursing, exposing your nipple to the world.
Breast Plump: The glory days when your waist goes back to normal, but you still have lovely full boobs.
* The book has many more awesome vocabs words..these were just my favorite :-)
What to do if you are leaking:
* Hum or sing the theme to Titanic
*If you are holding a beverage, subtly pour it on your shirt so you're wet all over and everything blends in.
* Be productive--discretely use your milk to water the nearest wilted plant.
* If your milk starts to pour out with fire-hose-like intensity, try to remove paint chips or stubborn debris on your house. At this point, it's all about multitasking.
You know it's time to stop breastfeeding when your child:
* Text messages you to tell you he's hungry
* Mixes your milk with a shot of espresso
* Knows how to repair your broken pump
* Comes home from college needing more bags of frozen milk
*Only wants to nurse during halftime so he won't miss any important plays
And...the most helpful section of the book...since Addie and I STILL have this problem
How to encourage your baby to take a bottle:
1) Dim the lights
2) Turn on soothing music
3) Snuggle up to baby
4) Softly say, "Here comes the bottle."
5) Gently touch bottle nipple to baby's lower lip
6) Watch as baby's face scrunches into horrified expression
7) Flinch as baby violently swats bottle to the floor
8) Sigh a deep sigh
9) Bend down and pick up bottle
10) Begin at step one again. Repeat roughly 1,192 times, until one day--for no particular reason whatsoever--baby decides to accept bottle.
If you are a breastfeeding mom or a mom that at least gave it a shot for a while...this book is hilarious!! I also think it makes a great gift, especially for mom's who fully understand what a challenging and rewarding experience breastfeeding can be :-) Enjoy!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Welcome to Mommyhood
Monday, August 18, 2008
Cute Baby Cards for Picture Happy Moms

I just want to share a fantastic website for all you picture happy moms out there. I will admit...I am a little sad that Addie's birth announcements are already out and I still have to wait 3 more months to send out Christmas cards! I have so many cute pictures that I would love to send to friends and family so my dear friend Nina suggested I look at some of the awesome holiday and seasonal cards she has on her website for nmbelina designs. Her prices are great and she customizes all her greeting cards, holiday cards, invitations and announcements to your exact specifications. Just look at the gorgeous birth announcement she designed for Addison! She is fabulous and I highly recommend checking out her wonderful site, especially since Addie and her cousin Nia are both cover models for some of her designs :-) Happy looking!!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Look at the Size of That Zucchini!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Baby Brain Moment #164

Wednesday, August 13, 2008
5 Month Update!!

I know I am a few days...okay...a week late in posting Addie's 5 month update but here it is! As usual, Uncle Ryan took some fabulous pictures and this is one of my favorites. She looks just like her Daddy :-)
So...this was a really big month for my baby girl! She learned to roll both ways, she cut two teeth, she started eating solids AND she is starting to sit up! She only lasts about 2-3 minutes before toppling over but hey...it's a start!!! She was weighed at the pedi's office today and she is 17 pounds, 9 ounces and 26 inches long!!! I just can't believe how fast she is growing. It seems like only yesterday I was bringing this little peanut home. Time sure flies when you are having fun :-)
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Baby Food Gourmets
1 butternut squash = 5 jars
3 peaches = 5 jars
1 banana = 2 jars (not pictured)
2 sweet potatoes = 6 jars (once I separate it)
Total: 18 jars
Final Cost: $5
Not too shabby huh! 18 jars of Earth's Best would have been around $11 so as you can see...making your own food really does save money! I am not sure if Addie really knows the difference but she sure chowed down those fresh bananas yesterday! So if anyone is interested in becoming a baby food gourmet like me and grams, I suggest checking out a great website called www.wholesomebabyfood.com. They have great recipes and tips :-) Bonappetit!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Addie's New Language
Ryan: Addie...you want to read your Little Lamb book?
Addie: AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Meagan: Page one. Meet Little Lamb, he loves to....
Addie: (interrupting) AHHHHHH!
Meagan: Thats right...he loves to play!
Ryan: Uh Meg...she didn't say play...she just screamed.
Meagan: Yeah, but she was trying to say play. Weren't you baby girl?
Addie: AHHHHHHHH!
Meagan: See...she totally wants to talk to us.
Ryan: It looks more like she wants to shove that finger puppet in her mouth.
Meagan: Whatever. Lets keep reading. Page two, What games will Little Lamb play today?
Addie: (Arms waving, legs kicking) AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Ryan: What did she say now baby whisperer?
Meagan: She is telling us what games Little Lamb likes to play.
Ryan: So what games does Little Lamb like to play?
Addie: AHHHHHHHHHH!
Meagan: Addie said Little Lamb wants to play a game of "be quiet and let us finish the book"
Ryan: I don't think...
Addie: (interrupting again) AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhHHHHHHH!
Meagan: See...now be quiet and let us finish.
Ryan: Okay.
Addie: AH!
After watching this little interaction I have come to 3 conclusions. 1) Addie has already developed a sassy little personality 2) Little Lamb is STILL her favorite book (sorry blankie book) and 3) Uncle Ryan and Aunt Meagan are going to make great parents one day (no pressure Ry :-) Addie had so much fun yesterday reading, jumping in her jumperoo, drooling all over Uncle Ryan, playing "super baby" with Aunt Meagan and fighting naps with mommy...again. I bet if she had a calendar or knew anything about numbers, Addie would be counting the days until their next visit. I know I am :-) Love you guys!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Grandma's Latest Project

Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Blankie
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
No Excuses
My first day as a SAHM mom was everything I hoped it would be. Addie and I got up around 7:30, had some cereal in our bath robes and watched a little Micky Mouse Club. I was just about to get started on my to-do list when my sister-in-law called and said "hey...you feel like going shopping today?". I knew I needed to clean the kitchen, do some laundry, work-out, etc. but instead I said "hell yeah...we'll be ready in 15 minutes". I figured why not have some fun my first day off. Dana and I have always had work as an excuse to not get together but we no longer had that! So it seemed appropriate to celebrate this occasion by doing what we love...shopping and drinking Starbucks with our girls. We had SO much fun!! We spent the whole day together and I am so glad we did. But...when I got home and saw the mess in my kitchen, the piles of dirty laundry in the bedroom and the dust on my elliptical machine...I knew I couldn't use work as an excuse for those things anymore either. Damn! I had never realized how much I blamed on work! The list is pretty long:
1. Work is the reason I haven't lost my muffin top or back fat since having Addison. I mean, who has time to work out when you are a working mom? Apparently lots of moms find the time to work out even with a full time job so now I am REALLY screwed. I dusted off my elliptical today and just bought my copy of Post-Pregnancy pilates.
2. Work is the reason I don't eat healthier meals. I am "too busy" to pack a lunch so I eat out all the time. And, since I am so tired when I get home from work, there isn't always time to make dinner AND take care of the baby. So that is why we have Macciano's on speed dial. I think if Eric has to eat another calzone or beef sandwich...he might divorce me. So now I have to strap on my apron and learn how to cook other meals besides spaghetti and tacos.
3. Work is the reason I don't keep up with scrapbooking. For years I have claimed that scrapbooking is my hobby but aside from the one book I did for Addison while I was on maternity leave, I haven't scrapbooked since I had the pictures developed from my bachelorette party in 2006. And honestly...those shouldn't be lying around for Addison to see anyway so I better get to it. I am going to set up a table in my basement so I can make a mess and not have to clean it up each day. As any scrapper knows...that is half the battle.
4. Work is the reason I shop too much. I mean come on...I worked in downtown Naperville! 4 out of my 5 favorite stores were within walking distance for crying out loud. How was I suppose to resist? But now that we are minus one paycheck AND not within walking distance of any of my favorite stores...I think it is safe to say that I will be better about clipping coupons and watching our budget. That is if I can get Dana to stop calling me for shopping trips :-)
5. Work is the reason I forgot about my other hobby...writing. Although, I can't really blame work for this. I should make more time to write since that is the reason I wanted to major in English in the first place. I mean, I did write a children's book when I was 18. But then I fell in love with teaching writing and then later found my position in administration and it just sort of took a back seat to everything else in my life. And it will still have to take a back seat to Addie, but when I can sneak in some quiet moments to myself, I plan to get started again. Who knows, maybe I will be published by the time Addie goes to college :-)
I could keep going with my list...but I think you get the point. I have used work as an excuse for a lot of things. Sometimes I will miss having that excuse (like when I am scrubbing the toilets), but at the same time, I couldn't be happier to have these new responsibilities!! I am sitting in my living room drinking an ice tea watching Addison play in her gym. She is laughing and smiling at me and I am sure she is thinking what I am thinking...we are so lucky :-)
Saturday, August 2, 2008
I Heart Connor
So for their first date, Addie and Connor had a nice meal together, watched a little TV and cuddled on the floor, posed for a few pictures and then took a relaxing bath (in separate tubs of course :-) Tara and I couldn't resist taking a picture of them in their matching bath robes. And if these two do grow up to date each other, I am pretty sure they will resent us for this picture. But who cares...it is adorable!!! The daddies agree, but they also made sure to remind us that the two better be sleeping in separate cribs until they are married. I guess we shouldn't tell them that they already saw each other naked ;-)
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