Makes It All Worth It

Yesterday I received an invite from a mommy blogger whose blog I recently discovered.  Mothers' Hideaway hosts a "Make it All Worth It Friday" and even though we've reached the end of Friday here, I still want to take the opportunity to post.  Not to necessarily gain more followers (though feel free to become one if you're not already), but just to put down some of the things I am experiencing right now, which later will (hopefully) make me say "It was worth it".

When I read the story that Mothers' Hideaway posted today I was convinced that she was that one fly on my wall that I haven't been able to catch.  Her story is exactly like mine.  (Except for the fact that Kai doesn't go to school yet).  Other than that: we are living the battles: over food, over naps, over brushing our teeth, over changing our diaper, over watching TV, heck over pretty everything that is important in a toddler's life (or in the life of his parent).

But...it doesn't stop with the toddler.  There is the baby!  Yes, the baby who has me wrapped around his little finger and who manages to also walk the fine line of driving me insane, to then later make me forget about all the things he drove me crazy with earlier.  Case in point: Ryder has been sleeping through the night since he was about 4 months old.  I started sleep training him at 4 months and within a week he got it.  Awesome.  Hardly any tears, no CIO (which I don't believe in), everyone happy.  Especially me.  Believe you me.
And then...2 weeks ago...it all stopped.  He started waking up at 5am every night.  Every.Single.Night.  No soothing, no going back to sleep, unless I nursed him.  And for the sake of everyone's my sanity (as David doesn't seem to notice the baby fussing, or he pretends not to notice, either one) I did that as it means I can go back to sleep within half an hour (instead of being awake for a good hour and half listening to Ryder be awake, thinking he is hungry).  And here we are, 2 weeks later and he's still waking up every night between 4-5 to nurse.  Yeah, he goes back to sleep after that, but still.  I am up and I don't like it one bit.  It makes for a groggy mommy in the morning.  One who feels like she's been hit on the head, or had way too much to drink the previous night (disclaimer: not the case, I know better).
But then, when the sun rises, the morning arrives and the house awakens, so does my  precious little baby.  I open the door, walk into his room and there he is: kicking up a storm, while trying to simultaneously chew on his toes, giggling and having a ball in his crib.  He looks at me and as our eyes meet, his eyes become big and he gets the biggest smile on his face.  Bigger than you could imagine.  The smile that melts my heart.  The smile that says "Oh mommy, you're here!!!  I am soooo happy to see you!!!"
And that's the moment.  The moment where it doesn't matter how often or how long I was up through the night, where it doesn't matter how sleep-deprived I feel.  That's the moment that makes it all worth it.

As I said earlier, there are some battles going on in our house between Kai and the parental unit.  Overall, Kai is the happy, playful sometimes pensive little toddler.  He is awesome and we rightfully call him our "Cool Dude".  One of the major battles at the moment is the diapering / potty training.  In a previous post, I mentioned wanting to start the training.  Well, here's what's up: I have officially removed his changing pad from his room.  Diapering happens in the bathroom from now on.  Over the past months, changing a diaper often ended in him kicking and screaming, as he did NOT want to be changed.  It, at times, sounded like I was torturing the dude, while all I wanted was to wipe the poop business off his little tushy to prevent a rash from developing.
This morning:
Me: "Kai, let's get a clean diaper and get dressed"
[Kai walks to the bathroom]
Kai: "Clean diaper! Clean diaper!"
[I take the diaper off, clean him up and as I am pull out the pull-up diaper:]
Kai: "No, no clean diaper!  No clean diaper!"
[he hates the pull ups]
Me: "it's the only diaper I have.  Do you want a clean diaper?"
Kai: "NO!  No clean diaper!"
Me: "Do you want to run around naked?"
Kai: "YES!"
[Could this be the beginning of him wanting to potty train?!?!  Is this really my lucky day?]

It turns out: no.  It was not my lucky day.

Long story short: he doesn't want to put the pull-ups on, but I continued to ask him for about an hour and a half if he needed to go to the potty.  He doesn't even want to come close to the toilet.  I tried M&M's, did not work.  I suggest he goes and sit on the potty, he screams as loud as a pig being slaughtered.  Seriously.

So, here I am.  I have a can of M&M's standing on the counter in the bathroom.  The training seat is installed, my toddler wants nothing to do with the potty and I am (supposedly) on a diet...with M&M's in the house.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE M&M's!!!  Sigh...  See the dilemma? 

Well, he went to bed for his nap with a diaper on (as soon as I put the diaper on, he peed - sigh).  For now, I am waiting anxiously for the 'It-makes-it-all-worth-it moment' and I hope / pray / heck, I'll beg for it to come.  Soon.  Preferably.

Finally, I want to do a shout out to a couple of blogger-friends who generously awarded me the Versatile Blogger Award:

Thank you to both Beth at Create Your Traditions and Jinnia at Jinnia Low for recognizing and appreciating my blog.  I am so pleased that you enjoy the read and I am honored to have received this award from you.

As I received this award earlier this week as well, I hope it is acceptable that I am going to refer to that post, as it includes the 7 things about me and the people I forwarded it too.

On that note, I am going to take a break and get some Vitamin S: (Sleep).

Happy weekend everyone!

Friday Faves - Week 3

Welcome to Week 3 of the Friday Faves.  Read, enjoy, learn, get ideas and finally, leave your thoughts regarding next week's Friday Faves. 

Also, if you have any topics that you would like to see covered in Friday Faves, put them in your comment.  I may use them in one of the upcoming Friday Faves list of questions.

Let's jump right in, shall we?



1. Favorite Family Car
We have a Toyota Prius and a Honda Passport.  I can't really call our Prius the family car, even though I am driving it around with 2 car seats in the back.  The Honda is old (as in almost antique) and when Ryder moves to the convertible car seat (and is still rear facing), hubby and I will swap cars as a rear facing car seat doesn't fit in the Prius (unless you shove the passenger seat under the dashboard).  Anyways, we've been looking at cars and love love love the Buick Enclave.  3 rows, spacious, cargo room, blue tooth, everything we would want.  Now it's just a matter of saving, saving and saving.
Mommy Merritt mentions the Honda Pilot for its spaciousness.  We test drove that one as well and yes, it's got a good amount of room.  Perfect for kids.
Emily mentions the Mitsubushi Outlander, which is very comfortable.
And then there is Joey.   She brings up a point that I would have never thought of until it had become a problem for me: the ease of buckling seat belts.  Her hubby has a Subaru Legacy that tries to hide the seat belt buckles.  She says: "It makes it impossible for my daughter to click it on her own."  You see, my kids aren't of the age yet where they can do that themselves, but Joey's response will stick with me the next time I go car shopping.

2. Favorite store for kids' clothes
Adriel mentions a store called "Cotton Kids".  Unfortunately, for us living the the US, they only have stores in the Downunder continent and Asia.  That's a darn shame.
Emily, similar to myself, enjoys dressing her little man like a, well, 'little man' and therefore often shops at OshKosh.  Mommy Merritt and I would add to that the Children's Place.  Cool stuff, reasonably priced.
Other stores that were mentioned were Land End, Old Navy, Gymboree and don't forget about the second hand and consignment stores!  Kids grow out of their clothes before they wear them out, so these are places to get some good finds for a steal.

3. Favorite family dinner
I would say that at our house that would (currently) be meatballs (made with spices I have my mom send from The Netherlands), pan fried potatoes and either broccoli or celery.  As long (as for Kai) there is ketchup on the side, we're all set.
At Emily's house it's crock pot chicken with salsa, while Mommy Merritt's fave is green chili chicken enchiladas.  Her 3-year old loves it.  Gimme the recipe! Gimme gimme gimme!  It seems like chicken is the big winner as Melanie puts BBQ chicken, corn and mashed potatoes at #1.

4. Favorite Kids' Movie
Both my husband and I are crazy about all the Pixar movies.  You just cannot go wrong with them.  Kids love them and there is even stuff in there for adults to not only enjoy, but also appreciate. Our favorites are Disney's Cars and Finding Nemo. 
Both Melanie and Joey mention Toy story, which is funny as I seem to continuously run into Toy Story items now that I have decided that that is the next movie I am going to get Kai.     
Disney's The Little Mermaid is a favorite at Mommycrat's and Emily's houses.  The movie is a fav of both moms and it seems they can't wait for their little ones to start watching it.

5. Favorite way to trim your child's nails
Oh my, what a challenge this can be.  I envy those moms whose kids let them trim their nails.  You have no idea how easy your life is!!  Depending on his mood, Kai will allow me to do it while he downs a sippy of milk, while watching Curious George.  I need more than 1 distraction with him.  With Ryder it's a challenge as he flails his arms around when nursing / taking the bottle and he sleeps on his tummy with his arms and hands tucked underneath himself.  It's almost 1 finger/day.
Melanie trims her girl's nails after the bath, when the nails are soft and she's relaxed.  Hmm, maybe I should try that.
Others mention wishing for them to magically trim themselves (yes, please!), while nursing, or while watching TV / movie.

So, for next week, I would love for you to tell me about your Favorite:


1. ... cocktail. (please include recipe)
2. ... outdoor activity with your child on a summer day (other than swimming).
3. ... kid's breakfast.
4. ... easy-to-put-together and fun kids' art project.
5. ... smelly feet remedy. (Edited: I should have said "...smelly KIDS' feet remedy" LOL!!)

The Coffee Cup (Update)

It is Thursday morning and though last night was a rough one with Ryder waking up twice, it promises to be an awesome, rocking day!  "Why?" you ask?

Because this is what I just discovered after my hubster left for the office:

Yes people, it is his coffee cup.  In the dishwasher.  Not on the counter.  Not in the bathroom.  Not on the night stand.  Not in our home office.  In the dishwasher.  Hallelujah!! 

Maybe I should go out and buy myself a lottery ticket as this seems to be my lucky day.

Overwhelm...

Personally, I would like to think that I've got it 'pretty okay together', but it's days like these that throw that conviction right out the window.  What happened to the 'old' me, who didn't get shaken up too easily, who was pretty resistant to a lot of things happening at the same time and who was able to turn her ever-so-fast-zapping brain off to avoid losing it?  I don't know if it was the 2 pregnancies, the fact that I am getting older, or the fact that things have 'just' changed, but that woman was far removed from the one who just made it to the end of the day here.

Maybe I have too much going on...  Really?  No, my life really isn't that crazy compared to others, is it?

Putting things on paper has always helped me, so here we go:

1. I started this crappy diet on Monday, which means no processed sugar or chocolate.  I remember now from previous times I have done this, but it makes for a irritable and snarky me.  I am hungry the entire day (no matter how much I eat).  This regimen doesn't sound like it is a good thing, does it?  Oh but wait, it's proven in the past to let the pounds fly off me.  I'm just not feeling any lighter (yet).  It'd better happen soon, or else I am gonna bake up a storm real fast.

2. I am working on turning the dead and barren space in front of my front door into a vegetable, herb and flower garden.  Mind you I am NOT a gardener.  I have a hard time keeping plants alive, so this is a REAL challenge!!!  To get an idea, here is the before.  Stay tuned for updates.



3. I have so many things in my mind that I want to blog about...Can't even think straight at the moment, but I think I would need a solid week to develop them all.

4. I love watching the Food Network.  A while back I came up with a great idea for a show.  Tried to get it pitched, but never was able to reach the right people given the fact that I lack an agent or a lawyer.  So, last night, it took me longer than the usual 2 minutes to fall asleep and guess what...I came up with another solid idea.  Then I started thinking about how to get it in front of the right people, so sleep didn't happen and then Ryder woke up at 2am...

5. And here's the big thing: potty training.... Kai is hot and cold with showing interest.  When chocolate is involved (wonder where he got that from), he'll tell me when he did a poopoo, but getting him to get anywhere near either his potty or our toilet, forget it.  I think if I would want him to tell me before he does a poopoo (or a peepee for that matter) it would involve bags of chocolate instead of the 1 piece.  If not, it ain't gonna happen. 
I am so sick of the diaper changes, though.  Every single one of them (except when he's asleep) is a battle.  The kid drinks so much (about 5-6 large sippy cups/day) that I have to change his diaper about an hour after he wakes up, in the middle of the night, and every hour-and-a-half-or-so in between.  I am done with that.  However, I have no clue whatsoever how to go about the training.  There are so many approaches out there, I don't know which one's best (for him and/or for me), it truly feels like I'd be shooting around in the dark.  Especially since I am not able to get much direction from him as to what he prefers (other than being in diapers until he's in college). 
The thought of tackling this one is overwhelming to say the least.  I want to make it fun for him, but because I feel like I am without a sense of direction, I'm afraid that my tension is going to translate into how I'll be handling this process.  Everyone always talks about whether "the child is ready".  What about mom?  Huh?  Maybe I'm the one who isn't ready yet.  Oh, I just don't know...

6. And last but not least, I have been given 2 awards by 2 beautiful bloggers: from TV at TV's Take I received the Blogger Buddy Award.  Thank you so much my blogger buddy!!  Another Thanks goes out to Sofia at Sofia's World for awarding me the Versatile Blogger Award. Thank you both for your recognition and appreciation.

Following the rules, I now have to share 7 things about myself:
* My favorite cocktail is a Lychee Martini (recipe on Recipe Page)
* My favorite food would have to be the Indonesian rice table my mom used to make when I was a kid (no, we're not Indonesian, but nevertheless, she made a killer-rice table)
* I have no clue as to how to fold a fitted sheet.
* I'm getting seriously addicted to blogging.
* My favorite sweet (quick) indulgence is Ghirardelli milk chocolate squares, filled with caramel.
* My favorite ice cream is Ben & Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk
* Whenever I have a chance to sleep in, I always am wide awake and ready to start the day around 7am.  Ugh, I hate when that happens.

Looking at these things, it is blatantly obvious that the whole 'no sugar' thing is killin' me.  4 out of 7 are food related....it's my subconscious, I swear!!

Now, let me pass on these awards to some new and old blogger friends:

Family and Life in Las Vegas
Mother's Hideaway
Donuts to Crumpets
Big Teeth & Clouds

Mommy Monologues
Mommycrat

Diapers and Wine
Mommy Merritt
Random Ramblings of a SAHM
Mommycrat

Well, that's it for today.  I am off to kick my feet up and eat chocolate drink water and gnaw on a carrot.  Oh joy.

Wordless Wednesday

There is just nothing better than the sight and the sound of a baby laughing.

Post It Note Tuesday - Superwoman Needs Cookies & Chocolate!

Mommy's 2-hours of heaven

My husband and I have a deal.  Well, we have more deals, but this one is the one I want to write about today: every week I take a 2-hour block that is for me.  For me as in ME.  No husband, no kids, I get to do what I want relax and take a break.  David had been gone for 3 days for work, so what better time to take my Mommy Break than the morning after his return?  (It was great timing for me, not so sure if it was for him...)

At 11am I had a massage that went anywhere from making me almost fall asleep to kicking my butt as I had a wee more tension in my back than I had expected.  How naive of me.  That was 1 hour, which left 1 more hour and I was definitely going to use it to my advantage.

I had brought a book and decided to go to Starbucks to just sit in the sun, sip my Frappuccino and read a book.  In the back of my mind there was that little annoying voice that reminded me of the fact that it was Sunday noon and that the weather was perfect for being out, which probably meant that I wasn't going to be the only one at Starbucks.  I hate that voice.  It manages to often ruin ideas or plans I have.  For all I care, it can take a hike, bother someone else, or just simply shut up.  I went anyways, I wasn't going to let it dissuade me.

I must have been in a happy and good place, because: parking karma!!!  A spot, right in front of my favorite addiction house.  (Side Note: I DO NOT LIKE coffee, except in the form of a Caramel Frappuccino or Tiramisu.)  Mommy parks the car and indeed notices that the whole outdoor seating area is packed.  That sure wasn't gonna keep me from enjoying my hour, even if that meant sitting on the ground in the sun.  I was going to get my drink, sit outside and read.  No one was gonna keep me from doing that.

So, I get my Decaf Caramel Frappuccino with extra caramel and whipped cream (hey, the one time I get one of these, I do it RIGHT!!), walk outside and shebang!!!  Karma hits me again.  Good karma that is.  A family gets up, opening up a table and chairs for me to spend the rest of my Mommy Break.

Besides reading, coming up with a great idea for this week's date night with my hubby, finding out about the book I want to bring on my Mom's Weekend Out in August and deciding that I am going to transform the little grassy area outside our front door into a vegetable / herb garden, I got to enjoy my Frappuccino.

Now, you have to understand that there is a science to drinking a Caramel Frappuccino with whipped cream and extra caramel.  You don't just drink it through the straw!  No people, no!!  There is a science to it.  It requires 100% attention (I put the book down for that) and commitment.  But it tastes so darn good, that it's all worth it.  Never mind what people around me think.  That'll be something along the lines of "what the heck is she doing?  She goes about drinking that like a kid!" Answer: "Enjoying my drink and yes I am!  So what?!?!"

Here it goes: before taking the lid off,you take 2 sips through the straw to make sure the drink doesn't spill.  Then you take the lid off.  You pull the straw out and ... this is the best part...: you use the straw to 'spoon' the whipped cream covered in caramel sauce into your mouth.  It is such a delicacy, it should almost be illegal.  By the time your whipped cream and caramel from the top are either consumed or are covering your face, you return the straw into the drink.  Now, you don't just drink the rest of your drink through the straw!  No, there is more to it.  The picture here doesn't show any extra caramel, but when you order it with extra caramel, they cover the sides of the cup with this delicious substance before pouring the drink in.  With the straw you scrape the caramel off the side before sucking the coffee in.  That way, with every sip of coffee you experience a little caramel explosion in your mouth.  Did I say DELICIOUS??  You continue to do this until your drink is (sadly) finished.  At that point you resist buying a 2nd one and move on to water to clear out all the bad crap and insurmountable amounts of sugar you just put in your body.

There you have it.  The science of drinking the Caramel Frappuccino with extra caramel and whipped cream.  With a book in the sun, after a massage...it doesn't get any better than that. 

I returned home completely relaxed, calm and soothed.  It was beautiful and it promised to be a nice and 'centered' afternoon.

Then I opened the front door...

...and was welcomed by the sound of a screaming toddler.  He wasn't quite in agreement with Daddy about the whole 'nap-thing'.

He's asleep now.  Ah, the magic of a calm and centered Mommy...

I should do this more often than once a week.  Seriously.

My Dearest Kai

My Dearest Kai,

As I am starting to write this, I don't even know exactly how this letter is going to unfold.  The main point that I am trying to make is to tell you that I love you with all my heart.  I have never been more scared than yesterday and the events that unfolded will be with me for a long, long time to come.  Let me start out by saying that I am very grateful that you are okay.

Because Daddy was away for 3 days, Mommy needed some adult time to stay sane, so in the morning I told you that we would be going over to see your godparents, godbrother and godsisters that afternoon after lunch.  You got so excited that at 10am you decided that it was time for lunch. 

You'd been asking for your godsister and your godmummy the whole morning and finally the moment had arrived when at 1pm we got to their house.  Ryder decided that he wasn't going to nap either, so Mommy moved the pack 'n play to the outside patio where we were sitting by the pool.  He was a lot more content there than inside. 

You and your godsister were playing at the other side of the pool and then it happened.  I don't know what exactly, but all I remember was seeing you with big eyes go through the air and fall into the deep end of the pool.  The thing that every mom fears was happening to me.  The thoughts that went through my mind in the seconds it took from leaping in the pool to getting to you were absolutely terrifying.  I don't know why I didn't run around the pool, which in retrospect would have been faster, but this wasn't me acting, it was my intuition and adrenaline combined.

I don't think I ever swam any faster than I did at that moment, but luckily your godmummy got there just before me (she did run around the pool) and pulled you out holding you on one arm.  Similarly to when you were born, the sound of your cry was such a relief.  I had a hard time controlling my emotions as I hugged you and held you.  All I wanted was to hold you and never, ever let you go again.

15 minutes, lots of hugs, kisses, a sippy cup with apple juice and a bowl of goldfish later, you were fine and running around like nothing happened.  I on the other hand was still shaking. 

The rest of the afternoon was spent laughing, playing and wrestling with your godsister and godbrother.  Dinner was great and one of the most beautiful moments of the evening was when I looked through the window and saw your godbrother playing with you and tossing you in the air over the sofa.  The smile on your face was one of a toddler boy who was happy, excited and without any worries.  It warmed my heart and at that moment I knew you were fine.  I am so incredibly grateful:  grateful for you and your brother, for you godmummy pulling you out of the water, for your godbrother playing with you and bringing so much joy to your evening, for the wonderful friends I have who have me over when Daddy is out, for our life in general.  I am very grateful.

When we got home, I first put your brother to bed, while you watched a movie.  Once he was down, it was such a delight to cuddle with you on the sofa and watch a bit more of the movie.  Unfortunately, every time I closed my eyes, the one thing that I saw was you in the water, being under with just an arm coming out of the water trying to find something to grasp on to.  The image terrifies me.  The thought of what could have happened terrifies me.  But what matters, is that you are okay. 

Last night was rough, but I promise that the dreams will go away.  Until then, you just let me know and I will cuddle with you in your little toddler auto bed (which is waaayyyy too small for your 6ft. Mommy) so you can fall asleep. 

My little man, I love you with all my heart.  I wish that I could hold on to you and your brother forever.  To keep anything from happening to you.  It's the Mama-Bear in me as your father would say.  Yet, I know that is impossible to do.  I promise to not become anxious about things, to let you go and allow you to explore, but I can't promise not to worry.  Afterall, I am your Mommy.

Friday Faves - Week 2

First of all, thank you for those of you who responded to the Friday Faves initiative that I started last week.  To those who are new, welcome!!  Read along and post a comment in response to the search of this week's faves.

Let me start out by summarizing the feedback I got to last week's questions:

1. Favorite kids' summer snack / treat
The reason why I posted this question was, because I was looking for suggestions.  Last year, Kai's favorite treat was water melon, but this year he doesn't want to have anything to do with it.
It seems like ice-cream / popsicles are the overall favorite. Joey mentions Dora popsicles, while CJ names the Edys'.  Mama Grits mentions Del Monte chillers.  I had never heard of them and need to try them out now.
I ended up ordering popsicle molds, so guess what I'll be doing this weekend.  Oh gosh, I am becoming so domesticated!!

2. Favorite tantrum soother
It's so awesome to see what different people approach meltdowns differently.  At the end it all depends on what works for you, the situation and your child, but here are some ideas:
A change of scenery is the cure for Adriel, while for others it's hugs, kisses, some quiet time (for the child and/or Mom), but CJ's take stood out for me.  She says: "Encourage them that they can get get themselves together. "Take a deep breath and tell me what you need in a big boy/girl voice so I can understand."   If it is a tantrum because they can't get what they want - I remind them that my room is a tantrum/bad attitude free zone.  If they want to cry they need to go into their room."  Obviously this wouldn't work so well with a baby, but I am going to give this a try with our toddler.
Mommycrat mentions her "Lalala song" which she blogged about a few weeks ago.  Check it out by clicking on her name in the previous sentence.

3. Favorite activity when you have 2 hours for yourself
...or should I say "IF you have 2 hours for yourself"?  Activities included blogging (who'd have thought?), reading, mindless TV (oh yeah baby!!), hanging out with a friend - all of which are better with a glass of wine as Mommycrat states, or a cocktail I might add.  Oh, and then there is the shopping....
Personally, I love going for a pedicure, a coffee with a friend, or a massage.  Anything relaxing without having to worry about the kids.

4. Favorite facial scrub
Personally, my favorite scrub is the Skin Prep Scrub from Dermalogica, but that stuff is not cheap.  Especially if you use it several times a week.  So, I have decided to use it once a week when I do my weekly at-home facial.  For the other times I am going to try some things out.
The most intriguing idea came from Crystal who suggested lemon and sugar.CJ mentioned sugar and corn meal and St. Ives Apricot scrub if she buys it.  I actually just bought it and it's nice.  It's cheap and it actually has beads in it that feel like they're doing their job.
TV mentions the Neutrogena Advanced Solutions scrub and says "It's helped my skin more than words can express."  That'll be the next one I try out.
And last but not least, Sweetums5 suggests Borax and water: "Fill bottom of squeeze bottle with 1-inch deep Borax cleaning powder (a natural mineral found under the earth), fill bottle  up with water, shake well and wash face with it morning & night/ just refill bottle with water till Borax is finished / buy Borax in Target, laundry detergent aisle."  Who knew?  I didn't.

5. Favorite staying-in date night
If $ wasn't an issue, I would definitely vote for a nice sushi dinner out and maybe a movie, but hiring a baby sitter on top of that for the evening all of a sudden makes even a simple evening out (not including sushi, but some standard middle-of-the-road dinner) an expensive one.  It seems like staying in might not be so bad after all.Mommycrat mentions something dear to my heart: cooking together.  There is something nice about that.  I love cooking, but it is so much nicer when the hubby is helping out, especially with a glass of something to make it even more fun.  Yeah, and then the challenge: not talking about the baby.  It's sad, but sometimes that is cause for the occasional silence in the conversation....:-0
Movies are an absolute must it seems, and then there are the activities that, according to Joey are not fit for publication.  I guess together with sleep (as CJ rightfully states) that would make for one lucky night!!


For next week, I would love feedback on the next 5 Favorites.  Comment away people, look forward to your responses!!

Your Favorite:
1. ... family car (and why)
2. ... store for kids' clothes
3. ... family dinner
4. ... kid's movie
5. ... way to trim your child's nails

Followers vs. Readership

Last week I reached 100 followers.  Yeah for me!  My goal was to reach 100 before the end of the month.  Now that I have, I can't say my life is so much better for it, but it is fun that I reached my goal.

Given the fact that I am still relatively new in the blogging world, I still am not quite sure what it really means to 'follow'.  Yeah, I know someone 'follows' you when they are interested in your blog.  But that brings me to the definition of 'interested'.  Are they interested in getting followers back and therefore hit the 'follow' button as soon as the page of my blog loads, without even looking at any of the content?  Are they following, simply to return the favor because I started following them?  Or did they actually read a few posts, then decided that they were interested and clicked the button?  And if this is the scenario, do they actually come back and read posts?  And if so, how often?

The people who leave comments are usually the same, so I guess those are the ones who actually read the stories, but who are the people out there who read, but don't leave a comment?  I know some of my friends read my blog and 'leave comments' when they see me in person.  As far as the rest of the world is concerned, I have no clue.  I'd like to know.

I guess the stories do get 'out there' further than I thought as the other day I received an award from Christina at Under His Wings.  Christina, thank you!  I was so surprised when I read your comment in which you mentioned the award.  I know that other bloggers' stuff is being read all around the world, but for this mommy with 'only' just over 100 followers it was a moment of coolness: "My blog reaches India and is read there!  Cool"

According to the rules, I now have to share 7 things about me that make me 'me':

1. I have a sweet tooth and love to bake, but...still need to shed 7 more lbs. from my pregnancy with Ryder.
2. I am crazy about sushi, but...severely allergic to shell fish.
3. I love washing my hair, but...wet hair that is not attached (afterwards, when cleaning out the shower) gives me the hibby-jibbies. [eeeek!]
4. I love to travel, but...the thought of taking a long plane ride with a 2-year old toddler and a 6-month old baby terrifies me at the moment.
5. I love a clean house, but...do not seem to be able to ever maintain it longer than 24 hours.
6. I love the beach, but...I hate sand.
7. I love theme parks, but...hate roller coasters.

I would like to pass this award on to the following people:
Diane at Be Still a Minute
Maryanne at Lipglossd Mom
Untypically Jia at Color Me UnTypical
Kyann at Sanity is Overrated
Lauren at That 22 yr. old Housewife

So.....

... going back to the thought with which I started out: why are people following and in reality, what does it really mean?  WHY are people interested?  When you read this and would like to respond, leave a comment.  I'd love to hear from you.

Wordless Wednesday - Thanks Ry! I Love You Too, Buddy!

Post It Note Tuesday - Family Matters

Mommyhood Memos

I have so much to do today, so I don't have time to write about how I arranged for a morning outing to this huge wading pool, getting my goddaughter to come along to look after Ryder, so I could take Kai swimming and then for Kai to not want to have ANYthing to do with the water.  What the heck?!?!?!  You've GOTta be kiddin' me!!!!  Sigh....kids.

So, on that note, I am participating once again in the Mommyhood Memo's from Adriel:

You know your life has changed when...
...you're in adult company and excuse yourself to "go pee-pee". 
[sigh]

Stop and Smell The Roses

Every afternoon the boys and I go for a walk.  Well, almost every afternoon - if it's not too hot.  They usually wake up around 4pm and after nursing Ryder, that doesn't leave much of an afternoon for play dates, trips to the park or other outings with dinner at 6pm.  So, walking around the block we do.

Kai has seriously taken to smelling the roses (and other flowers) on our route.  Every. Single. One. He. Can. Reach.  He will either smell them with his hands by his side, or he will first look at me for approval before gently cupping the flower with his hands and smelling it. 

He still has some difficulties grasping the idea that he cannot just step into the flower beds to smell the flowers, or that running onto people's properties isn't the appropriate thing to do.  The excitement he conveys once he spots yet another "fowah" [translation: flower] is just so adorable to watch.  I am lacking a better word for it at the moment. 

The little boy who - at home - is the wildest kid I have ever seen, who throws himself around, wrestles with both his dad and me at the same time, for whom play isn't fun if it doesn't fall in the category 'rough housing', holds the flowers with such care and a sense of delicacy, and takes his time smelling each and every single one of them.

These 'little' things remind me how awesome it is to be a mom to 2 boys.  They teach me to look at things from a child's point of view, and they allow me to rediscover the world around me.  Things that we take for granted and do not pay much attention to on an average day. 
Because, be honest - when was the last time you stopped in your path to take a moment and smell the roses?

Mommyhood Memo

Today, I am participating in sharing a Mommyhood Memo with you, inspired by Adriel at The Mommyhood Memo's

You know your life has changed when...
... you catch yourself spelling out words to other adults - rather than pronouncing them in proper English -  only to prevent your child from catching them, which would be cause for extreme excitement and wanting whatever it was you were talking about right there and then."