Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Birthday Dinner and Fort Building

Last week, I celebrated my 29th birthday. I'm going to enjoy my last year in my 20's. We decided to call the grandparents to watch the girls while we went out for a nice dinner. Since we skipped Russ's birthday dinner, this was for both of our birthdays. We decided on Springfield Grille, which was FABULOUS. Firstly, their special app was buffalo chicken dip. OMG seriously drooling thinking about how good this was. Then we had salad, I got a steak and crab cakes. For dessert I got a banana cheesecake. YUM. It was an awesome birthday dinner. We'll be going back there for sure!

Here are a couple photos from my birthday.

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I also went out and bought Olivia a backpack for when she starts preschool on 9/12. I couldn't find anything small enough for a toddler, and what they did have was mainly boys themed things. I came across the Dora section of the toys and they had an actual Backpack backpack. It's even got a little Map in the side pocket. How cute! I bought it. She was so excited when I gave it to her, she had to wear it to bed that evening.

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After dinner one night, I was mentioning to Russ about how Olivia is probably getting old enough to build forts in the living room. So, he went and got a bunch of sheets and blankets. He and Olivia built their first fort. She thought it was really cool. She brought in all kinds of toys and wanted to have a picnic in there with Alex and I. Alex was more interested in pulling the little blanket from the picnic out and eating it, which made Olivia mad. I had to explain to her that Alex is a baby and when she sees something she wants, she just grabs it. She doesn't have manners yet.

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Olivia doing what she does best.... being a goofball. :)

So, we had a good last week. This week, I'm working, but Russ is off. I'm heading to the outlets on Thursday to get the girls fall clothes. SO exciting... I love shopping. Even when it's not for me.

Monday, August 29, 2011

**Giveway** Etsy Shop Gift Package!!!

This giveaway is going to be super awesome! I have a bunch of really great gifts up for grabs! Here is what you can win!

The Loot:

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$50 gift certificate to TwobyTwo Creations

My friend Joanne runs this Etsy shop and I've bought several things for Olivia from her throughout the years. She makes adorable clothing, pettiskirts, and hair accessories. She also has a boys line as well. You will not be disappointed if you get something special for the little girl or boy in your life. You can check out her shop here!

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Headband

$25 gift certificate to Party Paper Scissors

I have not bought anything from this shop, but what I have seen, she's got some super cute personalized party decorations. Perfect for those 1st birthday or even 2nd and 3rd. :) You can check out her shop here!

$25 gift certificate to Twin Knits

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She's got hand knitted hats, photography props, and other goodies in her shop! You can check out her shop here!

$17.95 gift certificate to Lil' LJ


Tears of joy are pretty common when you give these tees and bodysuits as gifts as recipients are touched by the personalization and thought that goes into a gift that fits them to a tee! Each adorable bodysuit or tee comes in a one-of-a-kind baby block box that is ready to gift!
All of Lil' LJ's personalization is free and we even offer custom designs for a nominal fee! Our shirts are high quality and are 100% cotton. Sizes start at 3/6 month and go up to 6T with both long and short sleeve styles offered. You can visit her shop here!

Blooming Bouquet from ChristieCreations: Making Gifts that Bloom

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"Reduce Recycle Reuse" Kitchen Towel Blooming Bouquet: The flowers will "bloom" to reveal the following 9 items:

1 "Tree Hugger" Printed Kitchen Apron
2 "Tree Hugger" Printed Plush Kitchen Towels
2 "Reduce, Recycle, Reuse" Printed Plush Kitchen Towels
3 coordinating kitchen towels
1 Barrel Basket

ChristieCreations's Blooming Bouquets were developed as a practical alternative to the diaper cake and towel cake.

The flowers inside our Kitchen Towel Blooming Bouquets are actually kitchen basics. Kitchen towels, aprons, dishcloths, pot holders, and oven mitts are hand rolled to create a stunning one of a kind flower arrangement. We also have Baby Clothing Blooming Bouquets, Bath Towel Blooming Bouquets and Baby Onesie and Bib Cupcakes. You can visit her shop here!

$40 gift certificate to Flirt and Flutter Handcrafted Jewelry

While I love beading and hope to soon experiment more with lampwork beads and enameled copper jewelry, my current focus is on fingerprint jewelry - fine silver pendants that are replicas of your loved ones' fingerprints (or, in some cases, toeprints!) You can visit her shop here!


See? I told you I had some awesome prizes to giveaway! 1 lucky winner will win ALL of these awesome things!

I'll be using a new giveaway platform to enter the giveaway. It's super easy and it makes my life much easier. Good Luck!

Ends Friday 9/2! (Thank you, Lauren!)

  




Thursday, August 25, 2011

Tasty Thursday w/ The How to Mommy


Cheesy Turkey Meatloaf



1.5 to 2lbs ground turkey
1 cup milk
1 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
1 cup shredded cheese
2 eggs
salt
pepper
ketchup (gotta be Heinz)

1. Mix turkey, milk, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and eggs together in a bowl
2. Fold cheese into mixture
3. Transfer into a greased loaf pan OR muffin pan (for mini loaves)
4. Top with ketchup (how ever much you'd like)
5. Bake at 400 degrees for 1 hour

Cut and serve with your favorite potatoes and veggies.

This recipe is so yummy. I make it at least once a month for my family. Olivia loves the mini-loaves. I also make it fun and make smiley faces with the ketchup on top of them. This is super easy for the busy mummy to make!



Wednesday, August 24, 2011

My Day of Birth



Say What?

As promised, I turned the tables around and let you ask me questions. Thanks for everyone who asked me something. :)

1. When are you going to get an Alex tat? I hope to get my Alex tattoo by October. It's just a matter of finding the time when I have off work so I don't have to work with a healing tattoo on my wrist.

2. How many tattoos do you have? How many of them match Russ's?

I have 4. My first is a tribal heart on my bicep. 2nd is Chinese script on my leg that means Love and Devotion (I got it in dedication to my relationship with Russ, I will not put his name on my body, so this is what I came up with) 3rd is my Harry Potter tattoo. It's Avada Kadavera across my back. 4th is Olivia and her birth date on my right wrist. Alex will go on my left.
Russ has Love and Devotion on his leg as well but his is in Egyptian hieroglyphics.

3. How do you feel about seeing Halloween decor in the stores in August? Christmas in October? Easter in February?

It honestly doesn't bother me. I'm a big Halloween freak, so it's fun to start seeing all the fun stuff at the end of August. Seeing Christmas stuff is fun too, but I can do without the Christmas music for 2 months.

4. What are three things on your "bucket list"?

1. To go to Hawaii. 2. To get my nose pierced. 3. To take my girls to Disneyworld

5. How many more babies (if any) do you see in your future?

None. This baby maker is close for business. :)

6. Even though you'll only be 29, is there anything you *must* do before 30?

I'd LOVE to go on a vacation sans children before my next birthday. Only time will tell though. If funds and time are available, we're outta here!

7. What was Olivia's initial reaction to a new baby at home? How does she feel now?

Olivia was not at all interested in Alex at the hospital. When we brought her home all she wanted to do is lay next to her. It was definitely an adjustment because she was sort of rough touching her and whatnot. She still gets a little over excited, so we have to remind her that Alex is still only a baby and cannot play like a big girl yet. But, she absolutely loves her little sister. She's always talking, singing, and playing with her.

8. What is the best thing about having two girls? Since you won't be having any more, do you think about having boys? (Or become jealous of cute baby boys, etc.)

I love having girls. I'm so happy that they get to grow up together and hopefully become close as children and adults. I actually always thought I'd have 2 girls. I'm not disappointed that we didn't get a boy.

9. What is one thing you wish you would have done more of before having kids?

I honestly can say that when we decided to start a family, we were both fully satisfied with our lives and where we were at that point. But, who wouldn't love some more sleep. Man, I miss getting good sleep or napping when I feel like it. :)

10. Are you having any more kids? When?

Nope, no more for us. We have permanent birth control. :)

11. Do you ever turn on the TV just for Alex?

I don't think I've ever have actually. She really doesn't watch TV anyways. She actually cried when Yo Gabba Gabba was on once. hahaha

12. When did you get married?

We got married February 18, 2006.

13. How many guys did you date before Russ?

I dated 1 other guy before I met Russ. It was in high school and lasted for about 15 months.

14. What has been your most embarrassing parenting moment?

When Olivia was only a couple days old, we had to venture out in snowy December weather for her weight check at the pedi's office. I figured we'd only be there for a couple minutes at most and the office was only 5 minutes from where we lived. Well, our car battery died from the cold weather and we were stuck at the office. Olivia was screaming because I didn't have a bottle for her or a diaper because she pooped. After that, I learned never to leave home unprepared...even if its only a 5 minute drive.

15. Is Olivia going to preschool this Fall?

Yes. She's enrolled in a 2 year old program called Great Starts. It's 2 days a week for 2 hours a day. She's very excited about it and talks about going to school several times a day. *Probably should have not told her she's going to school until that day*

16. If you had to pick what your girls were going to grow up to be based on their personalities so far what do you think they will be?

Olivia would be a comedian. She's such a little goofball. She's always saying off the wall things. The other day, she said to Russ while eating breakfast... "No pooping in the cereal!" She's silly.
I'm not sure about Alex. Her little personality is coming through every day, but not quite sure yet.

17. Are you right where you thought you'd be in life at this point or has the road taken you elsewhere?

I think I'm where I thought I'd be. I knew I'd want to be married and have 2 kids by the time I was 30... so I'm a year ahead of myself. I am not however where I'd like to be with my career. Being a massage therapist is a hard job and it doesn't make a lot of money. I wish I would have went to college for a degree. I will be going back to school eventually, probably when the girls are in school full time.

18. How did you meet your husband?

I met him at my after school job when I was 17. He was a cashier and so was I. At first I thought he was kind of a jerk because he would stand around talking to people rather than help me bag my grocery order I was ringing up. :/

19.
Why do you prefer being a mummy over a mommy?

I never liked the word "mommy". I like how "mummy" rolls off your tongue. Plus its a lot easier for little ones to say because they say "mum mum" as their first words. Or maybe I'm just an English lady reincarnated. :)

20.
Why did you want to become a massage therapist?

I actually just kind of got into it by chance. I graduated high school and was sitting around one day when I got a call from the school asking if I'd be interested in massage therapy education. I had nothing better to do, so I went down and checked it out. I really liked what I saw, so I enrolled the next day.

21. If you didn't have kids and were single what do you see yourself doing now?

Hmmmm, probably still living at my dad's house. Hahaha

22. Where do you see your family in 10 years?

Wow.. in 10 years I'll be 39. The girls will be 12 and 10. I hope that we'll be in our forever home and be enjoying yearly vacations. I also hope to have a different career.

23. How did you and Russ come up with the girls' names?

They both came from researching online. We'd write down names and compare notes and cross off the ones we didn't like. Olivia was on Russ's list, I looked at it and loved it instantly. Her middle name is a play off of my mother's name.
Alex was a bit more difficult. We could NOT decide this time. It took until a month before she was born to really set it in stone. Alexandria was on my list and Kay is my grandmother's name on my dad's side.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Things They Should Tell You Before You Get Pregnant

Being a veteran mother, I know a little about being knocked up. I love when my first time momma friends get pregnant and ask for advice or what will happen. I definitely don't sugar coat being pregnant. Sure, its a wonderful thing, you're growing a baby inside of you, blah blah blah. There are certain things that I wish people would have told me before I got pregnant. Not that it would have made me not want to get pregnant, but it would have been nice to have some warning. So, here we go.

  • If you don't like needles, you'd better get used to them. Being pregnant, they stick you so many times and by the end of your pregnancy you would have probably given the doctors a pint of your blood. When you finally give birth to that beautiful baby, it's still not over and they'll stick you again afterwards.
  • You'd better learn to pee in a little cup, because that's what you'll be doing every month, sometimes multiple times a month for the next 8 months.
  • Feeling like death warmed over is a normal thing. It sucks, but you are not dying, you're just pregnant.
  • Your boobs are going to feel like they might fall off. Especially in the beginning. They won't.
  • Don't expect to be able to go #2 for months and months on a normal basis.
  • You will be a living, breathing furnace.
  • Being a furnace makes you sweat in places you've never even thought of before.
  • You will have large amounts of "stuff" coming out of your body. Yes, I went there.
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Stretch Marks
  • Horrible leg cramps or sciatica
  • Crazy, bitchy mood swings *pet animals beware*
  • Prepare to waddle like a giant penguin
  • No sleep for months *Oh heck, let's just say from 20 weeks until your baby is 2*
On to labor:

  • You will probably go overdue.
  • Being 4cm dilated does not mean you will go into labor the next day. It could be weeks.
  • Speaking of not going #2 for months, you might poop on the delivery table *you will not give this a blink of an eye because you're busy PUSHING A BABY out*
  • When your baby is finally ready to be delivered, it's gonna feel like you have to take a giant poop. *I'm seeing a poop pattern here*
  • The "ring of fire" does exist and is very real
Postpartum:

  • You will not believe how much blood you will see. It's like a horror film when you first go to the bathroom.
  • Ice packs are your friend

This is just my list of what I tell my soon to be mothers. It's not always pretty, but the end result is so worth it. So much so that after your baby is around 1 years old, you'll start contemplating having another one and going through this whole ordeal again.

Turning the Tables

Since my birthday is in... 4 days! I thought I'd do something a little different. I'm turning the tables around, and giving you the power.

Ask me a question. Anything you'd like to know about me. I'll answer *almost* anything. Leave your question in the comments and I'll write a post on Wednesday answering your questions.

Go!

Friday, August 19, 2011

Back to Our Regularly Scheduled Program

I apologize for my last entry. Things have been a bit hairy the past few days and I really needed to get that out. I'm not going to air my dirty laundry for everyone on the internet to read about, but maybe someday I'll be able to talk about it.

Sooooooo... what else is new?

Honestly, not a whole lot. I've been off work with the girls this week. We still have only 1 car, which has now been 2.5 months. I have to say, I don't know how people live with 1 car and a working parent who's at work. I hate being at home all.the.time. There is only so many nature walks you can do before it gets old. :) Hopefully, we'll be able to get our car back soon, or if it's too bad beyond repair, we'll get a new used car for work travel.

We've been in our new place for 3 weeks now. It's still weird sleeping in our room without Alex next to me. As much as I didn't like always waking up to her moving, snoring, crying, etc, I kinda miss her. Things around here are slowly getting done. Russ is on his "hell week" (6-12hour days) so not a whole lot has been getting done. I finished painting the shelves that we're going to put up in the girls rooms. I got some free paint from an internet promo in the spring. I wanted something that was different from the normal "girl" colors, so I picked a turquoise. It's pretty but it looks more like the Tiffany's box color than turquoise. So, once those go up, it's just a matter of organizing all of their stuff......which with 2 girls.... is a lot.

Our room needs to be organized as well. But, that's the last on my list. I'm alright living with boxes labeled "shoes" next to my bed for now.

That's about it. Nothing too exciting going on.

To You,

To You,

You left me when I was 9 years old, and then left me again at 18. Now I'm leaving you. I will no longer be your scapegoat. You can treat me like I'm a bad person for over 15 years, but I will not let you make my children feel bad about themselves on your behalf.

I will not come crawling back like you love to see me do every.single.time. I will be strong and hold my ground for my children and my family. We don't need you or your toxic behavior in our lives. You left us, remember?

You are sick, and I hope you find the help you need in order to recover and live a happy life.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Tasty Thursday

This is my first Tasty Thursday. :) I'll start off with one of my FAVORITE summer recipes.


Fresh Salsa

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5-10 fresh tomatoes (depending on how much you want to make)
1-2 garlic cloves
1 onion
half a bunch of fresh cilantro
1 jalapeno pepper (seeded, unless you want extra kick then add the seeds)
lime
salt to taste


It's pretty simple. Dice the tomatoes. Mince garlic, onions, cilantro, and pepper. Add everything into bowl. Squeeze lime juice on top, add salt.

Stir.

Chill for a couple hours.

EAT!

I pair this with either Scoops or Touch of Lime Tostitos... DELISH! and healthy!


Wednesday, August 17, 2011

On a Lighter Note

This is coming from someone who had Olivia in her crib from night 1 at home. She's only ever co-slept when she was a newborn and it was just easier to feed her when she woke up.

Alex is a whole new can of worms. She was in our room from the night she came home *due to not having a room of her own*. She slept with me when she was a newborn because she was so stuffed up and congested I had to prop her up so she could breathe.

Since we moved into our new place, I cannot get the girls to actually nap during nap time because someone (Olivia), likes to talk to her sister and keep her awake. It's best for both parties and ME if I separate them during nap time. Since Alex still isn't sleeping all night, I do like to catch a nap with her if I can.

I'll admit it. I love sleeping beside my little girl. She's so unbelievably cute, I can't stand it. Her little cheek is smooched because she sleeps on her belly. I enjoy waking up to her smiling at me and laughing.

Definitely makes my day brighter.

*I'll have to snap a picture someday with my phone*

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Medicated

As I posted earlier, I'm having a hard time being a *mostly* stay at home mum, being a good wife, and being myself. I struggle on a daily basis and I find myself screaming at either the kids, Russ, or at just an object that happens to piss me off at the moment. It's terrible.

Russ and I sat down and talked about it and both agreed its not a healthy thing for the girls to see me angry and upset all the time. Especially Olivia, who is picking up on these things. I've been on medication before. The last time I was on anything was after I had Olivia and I had a mild case of PPD. I was able to get through that and move on. Most of my problem is anxiety. I get so worked up, and when it explodes, I have a major panic attack. Thankfully, medication has helped in the past, and I called my doctor (OB) and got a prescription. She said I do have to follow up with my PCP to get it on a regular basis. So, I have an appointment later this week. I did start taking it over the weekend, so I'm on the road to feeling better.

I need to get mentally healthy for my girls and for my husband. I cannot take my aggravations out on them. I definitely don't want to send those kind of messages to Olivia. I can see her get frustrated with something and she'll flip out like I do. It's terrible, and I've been trying to help her find different ways to solve things other than getting mad and throwing her toy or whatever she's working on. Hopefully, my actions haven't left a permanent mark on her little mind.

Monday, August 15, 2011

My Day In Photos

This is how Russ found Olivia. Mind you, it was 10:30PM and she was suppose to be in bed sleeping.

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My sweet pea

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Such a happy girl

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Why, yes, that is Alex's hand down Olivia's shorts. I have a weird family. But I love them!
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Sunday, August 14, 2011

7 Months (a day late)

Another month has gone by and my little girl is 7 months old. It seems like time is going a lot slower with Alex than Olivia's first year. I'm relishing the time I have alone with her and I love watching her learn and try new things.

This is what she's been up to:

  • can lift chest off the ground
  • started saying "da da" & "ga ga", along with various other baby babble
  • started to teeth (not a favorite of mine or hers)
  • has FINALLY started to eat solids (sweet potato, apples, bananas, carrots, and cereal are the ones we've done so far)
  • loves Gerber Puffs
  • can grab things and put them in her mouth (cannot pick things up with thumb/pointer yet)
  • sitting up unassisted
  • still wearing mostly 3-6, 6 months, but can fit into some 9 month clothing
  • fascinated by tags (just like Olivia)
I'm so mad I lost my monthly stickers somewhere in a box while we were moving. I'm sure I'll come across them soon, but I couldn't find them to get her 7 month photo. So, no sticker this time. :( But, it doesn't matter because she's still super cute without it.

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Friday, August 12, 2011

Apology

Just wanted to come on and say a quick 'I'm Sorry' to all my readers.

These past 2 weeks have been a big chaotic mess. Between moving, trying to make our new place a home, and poor little Alex teething, I've gotten little time to spend writing posts.

My mum is coming to visit for 2 weeks. She'll be arriving sometime on Friday evening. Hopefully, with her here, I can get the rest unpacked and start getting back into my routine.

Hope everyone is enjoying their week. :) Be back soon, I promise.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Getting Heavy

I had a conversation about this last night at one of my mom's nights out. I said that I don't feel comfortable getting too personal on my blog, because anyone could read it. That said, I have something a bit personal to say.

I'm struggling. I'm stuggling as a mum of 2, as a wife, and as myself. I feel torn into 4 pieces a lot of the time. I really have no time to even think of doing something for myself anymore. Not only can I not take care of myself, I can't take care of my husband. My girls have run me into the ground, so to speak.

This move has really taken a toll on me. I'm sick and tired of looking at this mess of boxes and random stuff laying around that has a place, but has yet to be put there. It's a huge task even with 2 of us home to get anything done. Alex is a very very clingy baby. She doesn't like to be left alone. Olivia is a normal 2.5 year old, who wants/need attention and wants you to play with her. Along with the added potty-goings, we look at what we did during the day and it looks like nothing has gotten done.

By the time both girls are fed, bathed, jamm-ied, and put to bed, I'm plum exhausted. I don't want to look at a freaking box. I don't want to talk. I just want to sit on the couch and look at the wall and enjoy the silence. No screaming baby. No toddler asking the same question over and over and over again.

I'm tired. Sometimes, I just want to cry because I don't think I'm cut out to be a mother. I lose my patience on a daily basis. I find refuge in going to work for those 5 hours or even going across the street to the store.

My only hope is that this will eventually get easier. I'm afriad I'll be one of those mothers that take the keys to go to the store and never come back home because they'll loose their mind if they had to stay another minute.

I'm writing this because I need your support. Please tell me this does get better. I need something to hold on to, because I'm lost.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Did I Mention I Hate Moving?

The move is ongoing. Tomorrow I have to go clean the old place and I'm turning in the keys. Then its on to unpacking and organizing the piles of boxes that have accumulated in my dining room.

It's been a long couple of days.

I'll be back to tell the stories of Olivia and Alex sharing a bedroom. :)

Hope everyone is having a good week!

Monday, August 1, 2011

Thirty One Giveaway Winner!

I'm sorry, but since Russ isn't home with me at the moment, I cannot figure out how to take a darn screen shot with the Apple. :( So, you're just gonna have to trust me.

The winner of the Thermal Tote is........#27


Kirsten Cohick


Congrats, Kirsten! Please send Brittian an email so you can claim your prize.



The winner of the $10 gift certificate to use towards anything you'd like at Thirty One is.......#19


Christina Fulmer


Congrats, Christina! Please send Brittian an email to claim your prize!



Brittian can be reached at brittianflatt31@yahoo.com.



Thanks for all who entered! You really helped get the word out about her new business!
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