Just quickly,

when we get home we take J's shoes off and ask him to put them by the door. He sure takes us literally. This is where he makes sure his shoes are before going to bed.

How cute is that?

I survived!!!!

My first public toddler tantrum and boy was it a doozie! There are some things about parenthood you hope you'll avoid but I think this is one of those unavoidables. There we were at Target on a mission to find a new "juice" (which is really water, J doesn't like juice but calls water juice) cup. We lost the "baby's juice" at playgroup yesterday and it has really bummed my boy out. Anyway, we were on a mission and while we were there I thought we'd check out the shoe section. Well, wouldn't you know there were a beautiful pair of choo choo shoes. I knew J would be thrilled. Just last night Jimmy and I were telling him that now that it would be getting cooler he was going to have to get some new shoes. When his little eyes spotted the choo choo shoes it was love at first sight. I thought to myself, great! what a score. And it was until it was time to try them on....that's when J lost it. He did not want to try on a shoe. He wanted to hold them and give them to the lady at the check out and that was it. I tried to explain to him that we needed to try them on because I didn't know what size to get. Of course explaining anything to a 2 year old usually falls on deaf ears. He started crying first, then he got his little face all red and then the screaming started. Oh my! All the while Willie was on my back fussing because he was tired. So, I figure it would be best to just remove ourselves from the situation.....

wrong. this brings on even more screaming and then J tried to stand up in the cart. oy. what do I do? So, we sneak into an aisle of towels where no one was looking. He finally calms down enough for me to explain to him that we need to get shoes but we need to try them on. Everyone calms down. We go back to the shoe area and take J out of the buggy. We start trying on shoes, Willie is still fussing. I figure I'd take him off my back and let him sit on the floor for a minute. This made Willie happy happy happy.....but he was off and crawling faster then I can say Go Braves. Little stinker. But, this did make the J laugh. So we try on shoes, chase Willie, try shoes, chase Willie. Willie thinks this whole process is hilarious, the funniest thing ever. Finally we decided on a pair of 71/2 choo choo shoes and all seems well in the world of my boys.

So I think, cool now I can grab a couple other things we need.

Wrong mama! The screaming starts again. This time it's because we aren't wearing the shoes. Oh my I quickly make my way to the checkout and of course it would be just my luck today that they have ONE checker working and a store full of people ready to leave. I think they must have all been trying to get away from that poor screaming toddler. At this point the thought crosses my mind that we should just go and then this nice lady looks at me in that knowing mom way. Like with just a glance she made me feel like it was ok. Wouldn't you know she had on that glorious red Target shirt and she opened up another lane and I was first! We quickly got out of there.

By this point, it didn't matter what I did or said. J was determined to be mad and he was the whole way home.....then didn't want to come in the house.....then I decided it would be best for all if it was nap time. 5 minutes after he laid down in his bed he was out like shout.

I survived it. I can't believe it. There was a point when I wanted to crawl up under the buggy and disappear into the red.

I'm sure this won't be the last tantrum.....from what I gather it's a pretty normal thing.......I do hope it's a while before it happens again though.

By the way, we didn't even get a juice cup!

Manic Mondays....

ever have a day when you feel like you should just sit and bang your head against the table? Oy, that was our monday. Just one of those days you know? So, the boys and I decided this morning that since it was Monday we would play and eat fun stuff all day.....so different then every other day? nope, not really. we did venture out to the gym this afternoon and the boys did great. J even gave the lady a big ol' hug and kiss when we left. then tonight when it was bedtime he said 'thanks for the mym mommmy. thanks to take j and baby mym". how sweet is that?

So, nothing exciting going on.....just another manic monday.

And we have a tooth.....

Wow. My baby has a tooth poking through. it's nuts. I felt it starting to come through so we had pictures taken yesterday afternoon. When we got home we put him down for a nap and wouldn't you know it, when he woke up the tooth was poking through. I'm not really sure how I feel about the whole thing. Kinda sad but excited.......no more big gummy grins. Where does the time go? Slow down baby.....

J is so funny!

I have to tell y'all about that picture of J on the potty. It was so stinkin' funny. Hmm... I think he's in his Falcons shirt so it must have been Sunday afternoon. J said he had to pee so I went and sat him on the potty and told him I'd be right back, hollar if he needed anything. I went into our bathroom and came out a minute later. As I walked past the boys bathroon I took a little peek and there sat J on the potty holding up a home decorating type magazine like a 40 year old man would.......it was so funny. By the time I got the camera and went back to sneak a pic he had found a page that had some people that look like they're dancing or partying and he was doing this little dance on the potty...shakin' his rear and movin' his arms....singin' "olly mon, thank you hawaiii" I nearly fell over laughing.

So, that was the best shot I could get, I should've taken a video. Darn, if I don't always forget I can take videos with that camera. Anyway, it was a total hoot. J is such a funny little guy. He is constantly surprising us with funny little things. He does a lot of singing and dancing that would entertain you for hours. He is such a cutie pie.

Oh, the "olly mon, thank you hawaiiii" is from the new Jimmy Buffett cd J got me for my birthday. We listen and sing to it in the van and he loves to shout out "Thank You......thank you hawaiiiii". I definitely need that one on video.

Mama's payday

So we as moms don't get a regular paycheck. We're not paid in dollars and cents but in hugs and kisses, gummy grins and giggles and today must have been my payday.

The boys and I went to the gym which has been going really well. I dropped them at the nursery and they didn't even kiss or wave to me good bye. I guess that is a good thing, seems like I must be raising confident, attached kids who don't have to fuss when I leave......they know I'll be back. Anyway, I ran and lifted a few weights and after 50 minutes or so went to pick them up. I was able to quietly open the door.....I was doing this with the hope that I could watch them interact for a minute or two. But then, out of the corner of his eye my Willie saw me. His little face lit up like a Christmas tree and he let out the loudest, cutest squeal of delight I have ever heard. It made my heart sing. Then he got down on all fours and wiggled his way over to me all the while squealing!

That was my payday, happy squeals of delight at the sight of me....little, old me! Thanks Willie!

Making Milk is my super power!

Hey all! Today we had Willie's 9 month check up and I am a super milk making momma! Our baby boy weighed in at 21 and 1/2 pounds even. All that on breastmilk alone. Making milk is officially my super hero power. The nurses at the dr's office could not believe what a little (wink) chunker Willie is. With him having so many problems trying out solids I was a worried momma but the nurses and Dr. R set my mind at ease when they repeated over and over how well Willie is doing on breastmilk.

We are going to keep him on the same medicine plan at least until his one year check. I was half hoping they would say he didn't need them anymore but I knew better. With him doing so well on them they don't want to irritate the condition by weaning him off the meds earlier then necessary. They did suggest holding off on any more vaccines right now and that suited me just fine. That boy has enough weird stuff going into his body, there is no reason to add more to the mix.

I was worried that he may be anemic because he seems to always have bruises but they assured me that he is ok. The bruises, they said, are because he is a bruiser! Meaning he is a big ol' boy who is cruising around everything, every where and has NO FEAR!!!! Plus he and J are wrestling daily now and I'm sure bruises and scratches will soon be the least of my worries.

I did ask about the reintroduction of dairy into my diet but they were pretty hesitant with that. They said to try a spoonful of organic yogurt and see how he does. The impression I got though was that they would prefer holding off another 3 months or so. It's no big deal, I've been off dairy (including anything with dairy protein) for so long now that my body seems to have adjusted. It's just that man oh man, do I crave a big fat glass of milk with my peanut butter and a big heaping bowl of ice cream here and there would make this momma squeal with delight. Sigh, oh well. This won't last forever. At least I can do creamer in my coffee and a few m&ms here and there.

Here's to big ol' breastfed babies and their mommas! here's to the boobie bar being open 24/7, where happy hour never ends.

Cheers!

If you ever want to know about J's day all you have to do is listen to the monitor as he falls asleep. It is so cute. He goes through everything that happened that day over and over until he falls asleep. He even does that thing where you kinda jump and wake up when you're just about asleep. He'll hollar out some funny random thing like, "mommy yummy chickey", meaning we had good chicken for dinner and I'll know it's not too far off until there's quiet in the air. Its super sweet to hear him repeating "mommy pancakes, j pancakes, daddy eggs. daddy no pancakes. lets go mym, lets go mym. mommy baby mym j go gym. noodles and cheese" and it goes on and on.

Anyway, that's about it. Braves are tied and I'm pretty sure I may have just heard the last thought before drifting off to sleep "nigh Pooh" so I am out of here. Just wanted to share that sweet memory.

Day Two!

Today was day two of the gym. I thought 45 minutes would be a good goal and it was great. J was excited and wanted to go as soon as I mentioned it this morning. He even did his little "Let's go mym (gym in j-ese)" march that he does when he's excited to do something. He sang it all the way there and was counting steps on the way up. He walked right in happily and started playing. Willie, no problem at all. So I went on my way and ran 3 miles! Yay! 45 minutes later I went to get the boys and they were happy to see me but J wanted to stay. He even cried for 1/2 minute but I said we'd come back and he was good to go. I hope it keeps up. It'd be nice to get to go a few times a week.

I'm feeling great, I even feel like I have more energy. I'm not draggin' my rear. After the work out we went to get groceries and we had fun. Willie slept on my back while J and I gabbed about whatever he thought about for an hour.

Now everyone is finally asleep so I cut two chickens and they are marinating for tomorrow's dinner. Mmm....smells yummy.

Braves are winning, but already in the 8th. Gotta go.

Is is weird that I feel like everyone has to be asleep before I go to bed? Hmm.....I think it's just a mama thing.

Am I a blogging failure?

Ugh. How annoying I am to have not posted but once in a month. So much for keeping up with us huh? Sorry to anyone who may be reading. I vow to do better, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.

So, in a nutshell, here's what's been going on.

Willie has been put on some pretty hardcore meds. He's on Reglan 6x a day and Zantac 2x. These are both to help with his reflux which should be getting better by now but isn't. I've asked for a referral to a pediatric GI specialist but our doctor seems to think it isn't necessary. He thinks that with Willie gaining weight as well as he is it would be a waste of everyone's time. Fine, I understand that from a medical professionals view BUT you are not the one watching your child choke down food to just throw it all back up. Now, he has improved drastically with the meds. Where I have the issue is that the Reglan specifically is a neurological medication. It is something that he will need to be weaned from. I watch him like he is a ticking time bomb for side effects but we have been lucky so far. It just makes me nuts to have to give him medicine all day and all night long. I know there are many who have it way worse but when it's your baby, it your baby you know what I mean? In a nutshell, he is thriving on the meds. He is even eating 2 tablespoons of pureed food now. Yay Willie. In other Willie news, he is motoring around this house like it's nobody's business. He is cruising the furniture like a pro and walking behind anything he can move. He is happy, smiley, giggly, loving and fascinated with J. Having said that, he holds his own when they wrestle these days.

J is doing great. His vocabulary is multiplying in leaps and bounds. Not a day passes where he doesn't amaze me. He is so funny and sharp as a whip. He was so funny during football yesterday, screaming and hollering like a true fan. Kid is a trip!

I finally went last week and got my gym membership. Today was our first day and the boys did great at the daycare. No crying, no craziness, they just played while I ran 2 miles on the treadmill. Just a half hour today to start but it'll get better and better. I feel like a zillion bucks having finally taken the step to just do it. It's not like I think they won't survive without me for an hour here and there, it's just that I'm the mommy!

We had a great weekend. We got our new shirts (thanks a lot Michael Vick) so we were in our Falcons gear yesterday. Since we were playing the vikings we tried to do the local food, turkey legs, brats and sauerkraut. We hogged out all day long. It was a blast even though we lost.

I can't believe it is already September. December and Willies first birthday are creeping up on me. I just feel like the time is flying by and it's making me a little nuts. Can't it just slow down for a while? Can't we operate in slow mo' for a while? Please? My little boys are getting too big too quickly.

Oh, in other big big news. J is nearly potty trained. Just like that, I thought we'd give it a whirl one day and we've been diaper free for 3 weeks! We have an accident here and there and he's still in a 'sposie at night but we're nearly there. He is so proud of himself too and I am so thrilled. Talk about a break in the laundry.

Ok, I think the boys are nearly asleep and the Braves are already in the 6th so I must go relax for just a little bit before bed. I promise to try to be a better blogger. There are a million other things I need to talk about....all in good time. Tomorrow maybe I will have time to tell you all about our outing to watch the train demo. J was in heaven!