together is a wonderful place to be...

We moved into our home one year ago today. What a blessing this little house has been—I love it more everyday. I love it not because it is the perfect house, but because it is perfect home for us. When I look back on the pictures of the house before we moved in, I’m amazed at how nice everything looks—and how bare! Now when I look around, I see a home lived in and loved on…a perfect place to be together.

Home is the one place in all this world where hearts are sure of each other. It is the place of confidence. It is the place where we tear off that mask of guarded and suspicious coldness which the world forces us to wear in self-defense, and where we pour out the unreserved communications of full and confiding hearts. It is the spot where expressions of tenderness gush out without any sensation of awkwardness and without any dread of ridicule. ~Frederick W. Robertson

* a few pictures from before we moved in *

mommy talk #5

Mommy Talk for Monday May 28th to join us, head on over to A Little Mommy Talk!

What was your favorite maternity
"could not do without" items?

So I'm a little late on this...my brain was taking a vacation on Memorial Day!
In addition to many of my favorite maternity clothes (which made me feel cute even when I wasn't), I have two must-have items:

1. The Bella Band...or a product like it.

With this wonderful item, you might even be able to get away with never wearing maternity clothes at all. I used it my entire pregnancy. It saves money and allows you to wear your favorite clothes, no matter how big you get.

2. Tae Bo DVD

I tried to do this workout throughout both pregnancies. I love it because I enjoy kick boxing and I could modify the moves to fit my ever-changing body. It was the one thing that was able to make me feel like I was in control of the some part of my life!

*end of mommy talk!*

So this has nothing to do with the above subject, but did anyone watch the Miss Universe pageant last night? I was up late watching some TV because I was making some milk for my baby...which, by the way, also makes me feel similar to Jenn:) Anyway, our very own Miss USA was going down the runway by herself and tripped and fell on her backside right in the middle of the evening gown competition. And it wasn't a pretty fall whatsoever! At first I started cracking up laughing because it was so hideous...but then I felt bad for her! How embarrassing and disappointing to train up for a competition like Miss Universe and fall on your butt! Poor thing. But she still got fifth place. Hmmmm....end of tangent...

because he is worth it...

My little Parker has been sick for the past couple of days. He's got a cough, fever, won't drink, won't eat...minus the THREE Fruitabu this morning! We've been spending our days on the couch, watching movies. I have no idea how many times Curious George played today! Surprisingly, Parker has had the greatest attitude about being sick this time around. He is super clingy, but I secretly love this. I hope my boys will always want to sit on my lap and snuggle...even when it isn't cool anymore:) Even though he feels really icky, he is still being sweet to me and wants me to comfort him.

I think our relationship is on the mend. Not that it has been terrible, but we've had a few rocky spots since Griffin was born. Since Griffin's arrival, Parker has been waking up from his nap in a nasty mood, usually crying...and just generally sort of ticked off at me much of the time. I get it. I mean, a new baby in the house is a tough thing to handle, especially for a two year old. But I knew that I needed to make some adjustments...

I tried a new approach with Parker this week and it seems to have made a huge difference. First (and this is a total no-brainer), I have been making a huge effort to respond calmly, and even joyfully, rather than react to frustrating situations with Parker. Of course this is going to change the mood in our home! And second, I am trying to show interest in things that Parker is interested in...not just me. In a book I'm reading, the author talks about how it is important to build significant purpose in our child and one of the ways we can do this is by showing them they have our attention...even in the small things. I've always played with Parker, but lately it has been more of me trying to get Parker involved in one of my ideas or asking him to help with Griffin or around the house...because, you know...I'm busy! So now that we have more of a predictable schedule, I have devoted a period of time in our morning to nothing but Parker. This means no phone calls, no cleaning, no folding clothes. Kids know when we're paying attention and I want him to know that I care about what he cares about. During Griffin's morning nap, Parker gets a bath and while I'm drying him off, I ask Parker what he wants to play with. Lately he has wanted to play with the garage. But whatever he wants to play, I totally engage...with sound effects and everything! Little boys are all about the explosion noise:) Anyway, long story short, I want to show Parker daily that he matters, that he has my full attention, and that I want to be involved in the details of his life.

Since I've been making effort in these two areas, Parker has not cried upon waking from his nap and his overall disposition has changed. He's more agreeable, more teachable, more affectionate, and more fun. And I am even finding more joy in the tumultuous two's!

This evening Parker was having a hard time getting to sleep so I crawled into his little bed with him. By the way, I far exceeded the weight limit on that thing...but it didn't matter! I held his hand and he pulled himself up next to me and immediately started to settle down. He decided to place his face right up against mine so that our noses were touching and he breathed right into my mouth for a good 10 minutes! If I am sick in a couple days, I will know where it came from, but those moments are priceless and he's worth it...

field trip with a two-year old...

I am slowly learning how these little minds function. I took the boys on another little field trip, but this time we went to a local cat zoo. No, not like domestic cats. The REAL THING...like The Lion King:) It is a very beautiful day here and so it really didn't matter what we were doing, I knew we were going to have fun. To be expected, Parker seemed way more interested in the gravel and the water fountains than the enormous animals. And then, of course, he really liked the chickens in the petting zoo. Did you know that you can pet chickens? Kind of icky to me, but they did provide hand sanitizer! As I was packing up the boys to go home, I thought, is it worth it for a boy who could just play with the gravel at home? But I was wrong. As soon as we got back in the car, Parker started chatting away about the cool cats...their colors and sounds and such. His little mind takes in so much more than I give credit. He just pays attention to more so much more. He takes in every...single....element around him. Definitely worth the trip.

In other news, Griffin rolled over yesterday! I think he kind of knocked himself over when he was very young, but this time it was for real. I really thought that it would take months for this to happen because I rarely put him on his tummy on the floor. I know....bad, but we have this other munchkin that kind of forgets where he is walking! A friend of mine, Julie, told me while pregnant with Griffin that the second time around is so much sweeter. I was so happy to hear this because I was repeatedly being told how hard having two was going to be! It is hard, but really...I do think that since we realize how fast things go, we really treasure the little moments more with these little ones. He is so precious. Any boy who laughs at my games and looks at me with those loving eyes is sure to get points with me...

here is my brain...

I suppose I could organize my thoughts into a post that has a purpose...one that flows and actually leaves you feeling like you read something valuable. I could. But I won't because I'm sorta lazy and I really have nothing important to say. I just feel like blogging while I have a minute and I will offer a quick snapshot of my crazed brain:) I feel like I am literally thinking about all of these things at this very moment!

~American Idol Finale tonight...so excited!
~I just made a dentist appointment today and I'm really terrified of the dentist. Terrified because I have deceptive teeth--They look fine but really are not! I really wish I could find a dentist who who would put me under for the cleaning!
~I'm using FlyLady.net to help me manage my household. Sort of overwhelming with all of the emails and such, but it actually is helping me get things under control and ease my anxiety about stuff that should be a small issue.
~My sister and I made-up from a fight we had. Actually, it was not a fight...she was just mad at me and I was mad at her for being mad at me. Read that sentence again. THIS is why I want all boys...females are crazy!
~I need to start reading more about potty training. I don't want to start just yet, but I really want to start preparing myself beforehand. Ugh...I'm really not looking forward to it. Any suggestions?
~We went to bible study last night and as I walked into the room, I instantly felt my heart go heavy...and I didn't know why because I was feeling great. Turns out that many people were dealing with tough stuff. It was an interesting feeling.
~I can't wait to start solids in a few months with Griffin. Love watching them taste new things! The mess, however, I could do without!
~I'm afraid that Griffin is going to get a flat head because he sleeps so much. I think it is already going in that direction. What to do!
~Been thinking about this passage lately: Righteousness from the law is nothing compared to knowing and being found in Christ.
~I have a little video to share and you better watch it now or else you might lose your chance. It might mysteriously disappear when a certain someone finds out that his skills have been made public:) My boys have some great moves. This video is from a reception we went to last weekend for our Aunt and Uncles 25th wedding celebration. How cool is that? I better sign off now before I do more damage...enjoy!

lucky me

Guess who is going to see the American Idols Live Tour 2007 with a good friend in July? Yup. Mmmmm hmmm. Me. And guess who was surprised by her husband with those tickets for her birthday? Right again. Yup...me! My husband sure knows how to make me happy. Another great part of the whole deal...all five of the little boys will be with the two men! Nice.

Now...I only have one small request: Can someone get Chris Daughtry to make a special performance in Tacoma? Just wondering...

Okay, so Blake will have to do... ;)

Mommy Talk!

Mommy Talk!

if you want to be included, head on over to A Little Mommy Talk...

Baby Names on your list...

What name did you chose, and why?

I can't answer this question...never will! Our names are secrets until the day of birth. Our girl name for Griffin will be our girl name again for the next time around, so we can't tell:) Sometimes I wonder if we do this just to drive people crazy! I will say that for boys names, we tend to go with surnames and our girl names are not made up, but rare.

So....I'm going to answer last week's question since I was out of town. Such a rebel:)

Did you find out the sex? Why or why not? honest...did you have what you were hoping for?

Didn't find out the sex on either one and we love it that way! We really love the moment when someone announces the gender...it is indescribable, that feeling! I've really never felt the need to plan for a certain gender and I love being able to exercise my faith while trusting God to prepare my heart for the baby inside of me...regardless of gender. With Parker, I just KNEW he was a boy...maybe because that is what I really wanted. I've always thought I'd be a good mom to all boys, so I was hoping for a boy with Griffin... but also wanted to be excited for a girl! I was so confused! When the doctor announced that Griffin was a boy, I felt my heart just settle into a peace...like all was right in the world at that moment!

Okay...and after that whole explanation, I'm thinking that it might be fun to find out the gender next time! Let me explain myself...I really, really don't enjoy the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. I felt really awful, especially with Griffin. I think that if I had something to look forward to halfway through the pregnancy, it might be a good thing for my attitude. But that means I would have to give up that most amazing moment at the end. Hmmm...any advice? I have not really talked to Joel about this, so this idea may be a no-go!

to clarify...

I think maybe I sounded a bit down in my previous post and may have alarmed a few of you...didn't mean to at all! Actually, I'm doing quite well and what I meant by what I said in the first paragraph was that I'm trying to figure out how to manage my work here at home in the best possible way (my work around the house, time management, organization, etc.). I know that if I don't create a bit of structure for myself, I tend to get anxious and lose my cool a bit too much. Sometimes I sound so dramatic when I write:)

gratitude...

I've been a bit out of the blog world this week as I've been working on figuring out some better routine for my day. I spent three months trying to make things run smoothly for my boys...and now it is time for me to figure out the rest of my life. I will let you know soon how it is going...

I had to pop on here really quick to say something I've been thinking about today. I'm just so overwhelmed and grateful for our wonderful family members on both sides! I've always known that I am loved--and what a great feeling that is! But to see our family loving on our boys is something else all together. Nothing touches this mama's heart like knowing that my children are loved unconditionally by other important people in their lives. So, thank you to our family (and the friends in our lives that really are family to us) ...you have blessed me by loving my children and have given Parker and Griffin the greatest gift of all.

our little trip...

Just returned home from a fun trip away with my mom, sister, and my two boys. We had a lot of fun--not relaxing, but a lot of FUN! Seriously, is it ever relaxing when you're in charge of a two year old and a three month old?

We went to a nearby resort town on a big lake. Isn't it wonderful to go to a hotel and make a mess and not have to be the one to clean it up? I love that...guess that part was relaxing. Oh, and really, I didn't trash the hotel room...I just wasn't tidy:) And guess what? Hotels have cable TV! In addition to watching our fair-share of TV, we also went on some walks, saw boats, went swimming, ate a bunch...and listened to Parker chatter away about it all.

In my pictures, it appears as though my mom, Griffin, and I were not really present! I have tons of pictures of Kelsey and Parker, though! I had to add the little sepia-toned picture in, even though it wasn't take on our trip...just to make it fair:)

Many thanks to Mooma & Auntie Kels! You two helped me so much with the boys and we had so much fun!

pictures from our hike...

I can't even remember the last time I posted pictures of just the two of us and so, now is the time! These are pictures from our date night on Friday. After dressing in our finest clothes:), we decided to get Chinese take-out and eat at the park and then went out on a bit of a hike. Can you believe that all of this is literally five minutes from our house? I kept thinking about that while we were hiking and I have no idea why we aren't out there every week...at least! It was so fun to hang out and talk while enjoying the amazing beauty. Next week we're definitely going to take the boys. I say it over and over...but I feel so blessed to live here!

A note about the picture above...I have literally owned that shirt since I was about four years old and even then, it was given to me by my grandma when my luggage was lost! And also...do you know how hard it is to get a good picture by balancing the camera on a rock on the side of a hill and waiting for a timer? We spent way too much time trying to figure this one out!

just a season...

Oh, happy Friday to everyone! Spring is finally here and I’m in a good mood. I love that we live in an area with four distinct seasons….but they sure do drive me crazy sometimes. I like to say that I love all four of the seasons, but really, I cannot stand early spring. By the time late February rolls around, I’m just about ready to take a hostage because I’m so sick of the overcast sky and cold air. Blah, blah, blah. I agree with Aleah, I never really realize how much I need some sunshine until it comes back and then I suddenly feel alive again. Too bad our winters tend to last half of the year J. We’ve now had about a week of good weather and I’m falling in love (again) with our little city. Our baby grass is popping up and our lilac is blooming—we actually have some living things in our yard…which is an improvement from last year! Aaaahhhh, Spring!

I’m also enjoying this season of life. Like I said earlier, our routine is becoming easier and we’re spending more time at home these days because of nap schedules. I’m actually really enjoying it because instead of rushing around trying to get to this toddler activity and the next one, we’re forced to slow down. We play outside more and enjoy more plain-old togetherness. Sure beats getting kids in and out of the car multiple times! Slowing down is a really good thing once in a while. At times, I start to feel a little stir-crazy or guilty about laying low, but I am reminded that this is just a season and it won’t last forever. I know that in years to come this time of schedule will be impossible so I am savoring the moment while we have it.

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

I’m looking forward to a hiking date with my husband tonight, a picnic in the park tomorrow, and a little two night trip with my mom and sister (plus two little boys :) on Sunday. Fun days ahead…have a great weekend!

easy does it...

I don't want to actually say that we've adjusted to this new life of two children (because tomorrow I'll probably be throwing another tantrum or something), but I do have to say that things are feeling easier. We hit the three month mark on Monday and I am in a bit of a reflective mood...

The first month was tough for me because my recovery took so much longer than I expected. I really thought that I could just bounce back. Not the case. During the second month, I started feeling better physically, but the task of learning a whole new routine with two seemed enormous at times. Have I mentioned that I'm not good at change....oh, not at all! Around the two month mark, Griffin started sleeping most of the night and...WOW...how a little sleep changes perspective. This past month has had its ups and downs...but overall I feel like we've got a good routine going. I will never say that this gig is easy, but it feels like our "normal" now.

Something I didn't consider, though...Griffin needs his nap in his bed in the morning, or else:) and Parker needs his nap in the afternoon, or else:), so we basically have no opportunity to go out and do anything fun until about 3:30 or so. I asked a friend how long this fun stage should last..."Oh, about a year." A year! I'm going to have to think of some really fun at-home activities!

Some other things that are making life feel more manageable:

~I'm trying to eat healthier. I took about a 9 month hiatus from eating many veggies and I've recently decided that enough is enough...time to get serious! Back to eating healthy because I sure need the energy!
~I'm exercising again. I quit exercising about a week before Griffin was born and decided to take a little break for a while. Now I want it back! A friend and I have started walking about three miles around our park with all five of our kids (strollers, bikes, etc.) We get a chance to talk, get our exercise in, and then the kids get to play together at the playground.
~Joel has a new schedule. For the past six months Joel has worked eight days and then has had six days off. Sure sounds like a good gig, but it just wasn't working for all of us. Now Joel is on a more regular, Monday through Friday schedule, but he gets home just after four in the afternoon. I am thrilled and our afternoons are so fun!
~I love Griffin's age. Most people can't believe this, but I'm not a huge fan of the tiny newborn stage....at all! I love older babies because they are so much more interactive and their personalities start to shine. Plus, I think older babies are so much cuter! Griffin is officially out of the newborn, comatose stage and I am so into him! He is "talking" and playing...and I even got a good belly laugh out of him for the first time this week. I think it was patty cake that got him! When Griffin is playing with Joel and having a good time, he'll smile this huge grin and then look out of the corner of his eye to make sure I'm watching. "Look mama, I am so funny...aren't I cute!" Gets me every time. He sure knows how to work me:)
~I feel like someone is praying for my spiritual journey. Do you ever feel like that? I have been feeling so hungry for God and His Word lately. A deep hunger. I'm so excited about this! I feel like God is surely working...or at least I'm noticing it this time. Thank you to those who are praying. This is a passage I've been focused on lately...

*Goodness*Knowledge*self-control*perseverance*godliness*brotherly kindness*love*

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them

You may participate in the divine nature

and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:3-11

mommy talk #4

May 8 Mommy Talk

How much weight did you gain (w/ picture...are you brave enough? )

and what did you like MOST about pregnancy?

What did you like the LEAST?

I gained about 23-24 lbs with Parker and then lost a couple right before delivery..."cleaning out the system", as they say:) Maybe sometime I will find a picture, but I pretty much looked the same as my most recent pregnancy. I liked looking round and pregnant and buying new clothes! I enjoyed feeling Parker move around and just loved learning about everything related to pregnancy and new motherhood. In the beginning, I disliked feeling sick and near the end, I didn't like being the center of attention anymore. I think that part gets really old.

I was reprimanded just a bit for not gaining enough weight with Parker, so I thought I would let loose a bit and I ended up eating lots more! Guess what? I gained the same exact amount! Guess my body knew what it was doing all along:) I loved having something to look forward to in the month of February because it is usually not one of my favorite times of the year. I really, really disliked being sick and the middle part of pregnancy because I was not showing enough to be pregnant and too big to be in all of my normal clothes. Yuck. I also disliked not having all of the energy I needed to devote to Parker.

Oh, but it was all so worth it in the end. Griffin is the perfect baby. Really, he is the type of baby that is written about in all of those books that make it all sound so simple. When Parker was a baby, I thought that all of the authors were just lying--I was wrong! Griffin is three months old today and more precious than ever. Maybe I'll write more about him some more later on...

I have way too many pictures of the pregnancy on this blog already, so I won't put up another one. But here is a link...

seven meme

Jennisa tagged me with this Seven Meme and I thought I'd play along. Thanks, Jennisa!

Here are the rules:

~Each player starts with seven random facts/habits about themselves.
~People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules.
~You need to choose up to seven people to get tagged and list their names.

1. I am really terrible with directions. So bad, in fact, that I often would get lost when I first started driving in my teeny, tiny hometown. Really pathetic, especially since my Dad was a navigator in the Navy...guess I didn't get any of those genes! I love the town I live in now because most of the main streets go East-West and North-South. This is good for a struggler like me.

2, 3 and 4. I have three major fears (excluding the type that are about losing a family member, suffering and such): First, I'm really afraid of rodents--even bunny rabbits, which are just disguised to be cute, but in their essence are actually terrible creatures. I once had a mouse run across my face while I was in Yellowstone. That did it...I was a goner from then on. Second, horses scare the poop out of me! I showed horses for years growing up and had some pretty scary accidents happen. I'm really not sure if I'll ever ride again because I have such anxiety. I would actually like to get a mini-horse to be my pet, but it will never happen because Joel thinks I'm crazy:)) And third, I'm quite afraid of large bodies of water. This is a problem because my husband's favorite place in the world is his family's lake cabin. Small rivers are okay sometimes, but big lakes and definitely the ocean, are not my idea of a good time. I don't like the idea that if you drop something (someone) down in the water, you will never see it again and could even go miles down. I even know how to swim! I don't know...maybe I should have never watched Lady In The Water. Scurry. However, I didn't let my fear of water stop me from swimming in the Mediterranean or while we were in the Bahamas...too amazing!

4. I met my husband in college during my freshmen year. He was a senior and never really even noticed me. I pursued him and kind of even stalked him...like I would show up in the biology department and didn't even have a science class--just to run into him! The funny part about this is that this isn't something I would usually do...I'm fairly reserved. Needless to say, he finally noticed the little freshmen girl who kept showing up...

5. I love coffee. I've talked about this before, but now I'm going to explain why I love it. I do love the taste and even the caffeine...but what I really love is the social aspect of a cup of coffee. I love going to a coffee shop to chat with a friend or casually inviting people over for a cup. I especially love having deep conversations with my family with the smell of good java brewing and mugs in hand. Mmmmm.....my kind of day. I actually asked Joel the other day if drinking coffee could be my favorite hobby....he explained that this doesn't qualify as a hobby. I disagree.

6. I'm an introvert, fairly reserved. I used to really hate this about myself, but now that I understand how I operate, I like to refer to myself as a "functional introvert"....meaning I like social situations, I just need time to recharge by myself.

7. I am almost always cold, even in the summer...well, except last summer when I was a really cranky, pregnant lady and our AC broke while it was in the hundreds. So, almost all of the time, I am cold. I use a down comforter on my bed all year long and wear my Columbia fleece jacket over my clothes on most days. I love summer, but really dislike summer clothing because I get so cold.

So if you are on my little list of fun sites, I think that YOU should do this fun meme!

Thursday 13 for 5.3.07

Thirteen items I really like...but certainly are non-essential and haven't changed my life! Okay, so maybe the books are more important, but the rest is just frosting...you know they make life a bit easier and fun?

For more lists like this, visit Thursday Thirteen...
1. Fisher Price Rain Forest Mobile We didn't have this with Parker but I sure wish we did! Griffin loves to lay in his crib and talk to the little animals and leaves that move around. Sometimes he even cries when we take him out. Definitely worth the money because Griffin has to know how to entertain himself because he has a needy two year old brother:)
2. Bumbo I wanted to be a cool mama and buy a Bumbo seat for Griffin;) He really loves it as this picture shows! Actually, this is something I really wish we had with Parker because Griffin does enjoy the view...he just gets tired!
3. Grace Based Parenting I recently started reading this book. So far, so good.... "Kimmel recommends creating a grace-based home environment that allows children to meet their full potential, to parent children in the same way God parents us. He presents a child's true needs--according to Scripture--and provides parents a realistic, do-able way to meet them. The result--spiritually strong children who grow up with a sense of calm and a heart full of purpose and confidence."
4. Onesie Extender These are so great because I can still fit Griffin into the smaller onesie even though his body is too long. But here is the best part: they work on GAP clothes, as well. Now I can extend the life of my favorite baby clothes!
5. Murphy Oil Soap Squirt and Mop Those who know me well know that I really like cleaning products. This one is my new favorite for quick hardwood touch-ups before I go to bed. Great stuff. I wake up to a fresh, clean smell.
6. Huggies Naturally Refreshing Bath Products I usually use Burt's Bees or Aveeno, but I recently bought this stuff for Parker and I'm now a big fan. Plus, it is less expensive so we like that!
7. Jello Sugar Free Pudding Snacks Sugar free, really yummy and lots of great flavors. If I don't look at the ingredient list, I like them a lot!
8. V8 Fusion I don't like juice but I found this a while back to give to Parker when he is in a no veggie stage....which is like, most of the time:)
9. Maybelline Superstay Lip Color This stuff is great because it stays on for 6+ hours and I like the color choices. I typically don't wear lipstick, but this stuff is great because it doesn't dry out my lips. This item and the next two are a few things that help me feel somewhat presentable, even after a day of spit-up, diapers, and maybe no shower...
10. Ferre perfume I'm in the process of trying to find a new fragrance. Somehow, perfume makes me feel put together even when I am sooooo not! I went to Nordstrom and asked for a bunch of samples and this is the one that is winning so far!
11. CG Liquid Pencil Just another item that I like because it is quick and lasts a long time. I have no time to be fussy!
12. Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child By far, the best book about child sleep that I've ever read...and I've read a lot! I've used it with both kids and it has been so helpful. I like that the author supports all sorts of approaches, including independent/co-sleeping. He just makes so much sense. And Griffin slept 10 hours straight last night...love that!
13. Motrin Children's Chewables Two year molars...need I say more? I love that Parker is now old enough to chew medicine because I was getting tired of wrestling him to get him to take anything (I usually lost). These are great and last up to eight hours.

Mommy Talk #3

join us...head on over to A LITTLE MOMMY TALK and sign up!

Describe your pregnancy...cravings, sickness, etc....

So I completely missed my chance to do this yesterday because I never even got online. I feel like I'm turning in an assignment late:) We're busy at our house these days! We just spent the weekend putting in new grass in our yard and we're in the process of getting a new 'puter. I'm so excited for both of these...for different reasons, of course. Anyway, back to Mommy Talk...

Pregnancy #1- Parker
For the most part, I had a really great pregnancy. I had all the time in the world (before and during the pregnancy) to plan my every meal to have perfect nutritional values and I exercised very consistently, so by the time Parker was born, I was probably in better health than I ever had been before in my life. I even thought that all of my great preparation would give me an easy birth experience....ha! Doesn't work that way, ladies! I was pretty nauseated the first 14 weeks or so, but I only vomited a couple of times a week. I was just so darn excited to be pregnant that all of the little aches and pains didn't bother me one little bit. Cravings: Citrus anything! Joel actually had to tell me to stop eating satsuma oranges because the 10 or so a day I was eating gave me terrible heartburn. Go figure:) I had other cravings for sweet things and things like that, but I very rarely gave in because I was crazy about perfection...something that I regret now.

Pregnancy #2- Griffin
I no longer had all of the time to plan my perfect little meals and exercise like a crazy woman and I also didn't have all the time before I got pregnant to prepare myself. Let's just say that I totally let loose! I had a much harder pregnancy with Griffin as I was sick for almost the first half and never really felt completely well. I was also grumpy! I was probably just so tired out from trying to keep up with Parker that I had a harder time enjoying all of the exciting things about pregnancy. So many things were different about the second pregnancy (including Griffin's activity level), but I did carry Griffin almost the exact same way as Parker. Cravings: More citrus and anything sour. Also, anything sweet, carb-filled, or buttery:)