Pitch-in Friendsgivingish Dinner

A month or so ago we talked about having a pitch-in with friends.  We never scheduled it because of various things going on etc.  But with thanksgiving coming up I thought why not now.  

I invited some friends over.  

I made pot roast and spinach artichoke dip (more about those later).  

People showed up.

They brought dishes.

They played with Jones.

We fixed plates.

We ate.

We talked.  

We watched YouTube videos.

Jones entertained.

I held baby Louise.

Jones gave her hugs.

There was dessert.

I took literally one photo and didn't pay attention to my phone.

It was a good evening.

(Said photo is here... jones waving bye to Louise)

Adventures in Potty Training

We decided recently it might be time for potty training, he started telling me he "beed" which was something we were waiting for before we started.  

So we got him a seat and set forth.  So far we have been working Jones up to not being terrified of the potty.  Last week he was mortified by the idea of sitting on it.  Literally he was screaming and begging for us to take him down.  

But we have been talking about it.  Pointing at it when in the bath.  He's even been putting his seat back on when we've removed it for ourselves.  And gradually we are convincing him it's okay to sit on without a diaper.  We've been reading on the toilet which he enjoys so maybe we'll get there.  He has been telling us more about using his diaper though which is good.  Like yesterday he brought me wipes and a diaper and said "botty... shooey". Botty = Potty so he was very aware that he went to the bathroom just doesn't quite get we want it in the potty.  

Some people keep telling me he's not ready or that we should have started sooner personally I that he is our baby so we can decide what we think.  And I see progress so this is good.

Date Life with a Toddler

We went out for steak the other night.  Jones attempted to use the booster seat it lasted long enough for him to grab all the things on the table and then we resorted to putting him into the belted high chair (ahhhhh much better).  

He did enjoy sorting the sugar packs with me, and then one went in his mouth and we promptly snatched them out of his eyesight.  He continued to enjoy himself though waving at all the servers and employees as they passed by.  He also decided despite his normal distaste for bread that he was into it and are two whole pieces. He also ate his mashed potatoes with a butter knife which he seemed to think was a spoon.  We tried several attempts to swap it out to screaming fits in which we just gave back the butter knife.  

He seems to prefer mommys well done steak to daddy's rare although he eats them both.  At the end of dinner jones needed his own take out box too for his crayons as he was very interested in the one with leftover steak in it.  

Overall aside from a few screaming fits about the knife, and the giant mess he made on the floor it was a good date.  

preschool age 1

Jones started preschool in August.  It's really just a semi expensive daycare that has structured activities for all the children.  But I feel better calling it "school" rather than daycare.

It's been a huge change around here it's so weird not having him to hang out with at lunch or to pop in and say "hi mama" during the day.  It's also been a struggle for both me and him at the drop offs.  He cries and wants me to stay and play.  We've maybe had 4 days where there wasn't crying.  Apparently it lasts just a few minutes.  But still it's heart breaking, leaving your baby with virtual strangers day in and day out.  Ugh!

But it's also been good.  I am much more productive at work there's consistency in the sitter and he actually loves school.  He shows me his favorite toys at pickup and he's been learning things like picking up toys and blowing his nose.  It also makes me appreciate our evenings and weekends together sooooo much more.  

Anyhow I was originally only going to share his first school pic but then I got to rambling.  Anyhow here it is - no smiling Jones dressed in a ridiculous onesie because mommy forgot it was picture day. Oh well!  I love it anyhow.

Moments

Jones has been sick for over a week now.  Probably the sickest he's ever been.  He's been a devoid of all energy.  No desire to eat, and most times even play.  Per the doctor he has double ear infections, a virus and thrush.  

We've spent the time reading books and snuggling on the couch.  We cuddle for naps and give him antibiotics 4 times a day.  We drink lots of fluids mostly milk he's not interested in much else although he does enjoy liquid jello.  He has many explosive diapers and I feel like I am cleaning every blanket, every pair of pants, every surface because I cannot handle the smell.  

We practice making animal noises and I teach him new animals to add to his arsenal like the crocodile and wolf.  We also try and sing the alphabet song.  He likes to hum along but makes no attempts at letters.  We also work on identifying his people on the wall of pictures in the living room.  He points out Auntie Lita, Daddy, grandma, baby (himself), Joe and sometimes Auntie Lo.  He refuses to find mommy.  Go figure.  

Today finally he feels better.  He eats a normal meal for breakfast.  He wants to play puzzles, blocks, cars, and in his house.  He helps me fold all the clothes of his I have purged of the sickies.  He has a little excitement in his steps and kisses me with joy as we play.

This is real life.  These are the moments.

Day In the Life 5/14

Last Year I captured 14 photos every 14th day of the month.  This year I gave up that idea but I did capture one day although I am not sure I took 14 photos. Anyhow this was a completely normal day for us.  

I got up around 6:15 and went to work which actually means grab my laptop and take it to the living to respond to emails.  Jonesy woke up almost immediately and wanted some formula.

He passed out again on my lap and I shifted him to beside me on the sofa and went back to emails.

I got him dressed and then he played while waiting for grandma to shower. At some point I move to the back to do more work and conference calls etc. I am working on finalizing and elearning and an engagement model.

At noon I hope into the shower and get dressed. 

I have lunch with my baby which is pretty typical.  I think we have leftover tacos and blueberries.

Jones is not interested in hearing I am heading back to the office.

Back to work as you can see my desk is a hot mess.  I also have been drawing wuilt designs while on calls because sometimes you need to occupy your mind.

At about 4:30 I help grandma load her car up.  

Daddy actually came home at a semi normal time.  Jones likes to greet him by snagging his work pens and snatching his glasses.

He also smashes his face on Dustin's beard like this.  It's too funny.  

We ran a few errands then had dinner in fountain square.   We randomly bonded with two other families when we were the only customers in the place and our kids were all screaming.

We snapped a quick family selfie (ps I am doing pretty good with family shots in May).

At home again daddy gave jonesy a bath.  Mommy rocked jones to sleep.

Mommy quilted while daddy "watched tv" aka fell asleep on the couch.  Around 11:30 I went to bed and tried unsuccessfully to wake Dustin for him to join me.  

Overall it was a pretty average day. 

Bottles - things we can't live without

So I promise that my blog will not become entirely consumed with all things baby (just mostly).   File this post under things we can't live without.  

Anyhow I wanted to share a little bit about the bottles we use here.  We use all glass bottles.  Yes you are reading that right and it's not even 1975.  When I was still breast feeding we had about 6 plastic ones that were in rotation for pumping and storage but I have since moved those to the get rid of box.  When I was researching bottles there didn't really seem to be a consensus on which were the best.  Everyone had a different opinion.  

I am not sure exactly why but I decided on glass dr. Browns to start off with.  Bottles with the colic reducer.   We bought 6 small and 5 large to start (hint they can be cheaper on Amazon).  I personally love them aside from cleaning that straw thing.  I later purchased another 4 large when jones started drinking more at a time.  These bottles while heavy are good conductors of heat and cold when needed.  These bottle also worked with my Medela pump.  Oh and they don't warp in the dishwasher.  While I have no idea how the colic reducing straw works we didn't have colic and only probably usual spit-up. 

We had these for 6 months before we broke one - we have broken two total both not from ordinary dropping situations.  Recently we added in some Lifefactory ones with silicon sleeves and these are great too - I may like them even better (although grandma thinks Jonesy needs the straw). The sleeves are easy to remove and put back on and they offer protection from being dropped.

Another thing about these they will definently last thru several children.  Anyhow we love them and use about 6 a day.  

Both dr. Browns and Lifefactory are available at Amazon.  And I also purchased some at buy buy baby with coupons.

Summer of Magic

This summer has been full of new experiences, challenges, and adventures.   I spent more time watching television then I probably have in the last five combined (breast feeding gets boring).  I easily didn't brush my hair 1/3 of the days, I walked around with spit up, baby pee and breast milk on my clothes.  I learned how to get by on three hours of sleep.  I never felt more like a grown up then when I started a college fund for my tiny baby. I perfected the art of cooking, laundry and eating one handed.  I discovered newfound patience for screaming.  I came to the realization I can tolerate baby crap (so long as it doesn't overtake my whole house).  I became more awkward while at the same time more confident.  

Most of all this summer has been filled with moments of magic.  Tiny baby magic that fills your heart when your baby smiles at you in his sleep, or snuggles his little head under your chin or  follows you around the room with his gray blue eyes.  Magic that fills rooms with screams you don't understand.  Magic that can only be a miracle from God.  Daily I have reminders of his Grace and I am most thankful for it.  It's truly been a magical summer.

Dear Blog - Happy 8 Years!

Dear Blog -  

I started this blogging adventure 8 years ago.  Well really 8 years + 6 days.  Since then you have been a constant journal and documentation place for me.  You literally were a"complaint" space for me to vent my tiny ridiculous complaints in the early days, but I discovered my voice and become more comfortable with sharing bits of my life.  You grew and I grew.

Since we met I have really learned more about living and cultivating the life I want to lead.  And while I am entirely sure that you my tiny little blog space are entirely responsible for every change in my life or that I figured it all out yet - but I think you helped me along the way.  I went on adventures I might not have gone on, I set goals, I broke goals, I made lists, I found things I loved, I found things I didn't love, I recorded moments, and all along I found my place, my strides, and I still enjoy typing up things to post on you.  Thanks.    

Anyhow happy belated anniversary blog here's to seeing where we are 8+ years from now.

- Katie   

One

We have been married for one year (as of Sunday). We went to Bluebeard to celebrate. We still agree Black Market is tops.

We have been preparing for being parents. 
We bought things for the baby. 
We really started to see the baby move and grow. 
We painted and purged to make space for the baby. 
We discussed the idea of possibly (later) adopting a foster kid or two.

We spent one month focusing on saving. 

We actually saved quite a bit. 

We also spent money on things like a new home gym, a new dishwasher, a baby rocker, crib, and a new photo printer. 

We started tracking all our spending. 

We gave more. 

We went on a babymoon to the Pacific Northwest. 

We discovered we like Oregon and Washington even with their whacky weather. 

We ate many fun things. 

We saw many fun things.

We learned maybe we aren't so bad at comprise. 

He started a new job. 

She continued to reap the benefits of work from home. 

We got sick - 2 rounds of the flu, one of food poising. 

We cared for each other. 

We got a new roommate. 

We bought a second car.

We had people over. 

We went out with friends.

We had quiet moments as two and as one and one. 

We got thru what seemed like the never ending winter and did result in two ridiculously high gas bills. 

We started new small groups.

We began watching Lost together. 

We spent more time together in the last three months than probably the entire first 9 of our marriage. 

Dustin - 

 One year has passed. Each day we is a blessing even when there are challenges. Many things have changed in this year. Many adventures have taken place. And daily we work on the struggle of marriage. You constantly say it's not easy, and my easy going nature finds that it's not really that hard. I have found that even though I can't stand dishes left in the sink, and clothes not put into the hamper, washer or at least your spare room, that being married is a joy. I love waking up next to you, having discussions with you, going on dates, seeing you care. I'm still as much if not more in love with you as I was one year ago or when we had our first date of planting tomatoes. Soon we'll be welcoming our first baby and I eagerly await this new challenge and new dynamic in our relationship. In year two let's get out of our comfort zone, let's go someplace new, and let's start raising a child of god. 

 Love Katie

(on a side note, I clearly need to work on taking more photos of "us" I have about 1000 of Dustin from this last three months and just these with me).