Happy Belated Mother's Day....to me!

I bought myself a Mother's Day present. It's really a "I need to get my butt back in to shape because I gave birth and have been eating anything I want to" present. I think "Mother's Day present" sounds better, don't you?

(and it was $20 under retail at Costco)

Shopping Spree

OK, not really but I have made a few key purchases this weekend. One of those being a wading pool for the kiddos. Knowing that Bobby would want to mow this weekend, I filled it up on the deck. After filling it yesterday, it was like bathwater today. The boys had a blast and should sleep well tonight. My mom's in town and we've enjoyed spending some much-needed quality time with her.

Hairball

It's started. The post-partum hair loss. Handfuls of my hair are going down the drain, filling up my hairbrush, and falling on my shirt. I know it's normal and I shouldn't look any worse for the wear but I can't help but wonder if I'm going to end up with a bald spot like my daughter.

First and Last Days of School 2008-2009

RJ got on the bus for his last day of the regular school year this morning. I take these pictures every year and every year I can't believe how much he changes in just a few months.

Goodbye DISH, Hello U-Verse

As of Tuesday, June 2nd, we are ending our relationship with DISH Network. It has been a love/hate relationship from the beginning. I love the fact that I can record two shows at a time. I also love that I can watch those shows on either TV that the DVR controls. I hate the fact that the satellite goes out during the smallest of rainshowers and the way our receiver acts up on a relatively frequent basis. I had contemplated a switch for a few months now and today I finally did it. U-Verse will have many of the same features as DISH but *hopefully* without the headache. I will be able to record up to four programs at a time and watch them on any tv in our house. There are no contracts and with the lack of a satellite DISH I won't have to resort to our battery opereated handheld tv to determine if a tornado is in our neighborhood. I've heard I can even set events to record from my cell phone...how cool!

More Outside Fun

Batting 500

I officially have 500 oz of milk frozen. That's one of my little milestones. All things considered, it's only 20 days worth of milk for Molly. I would like to get to 1000 oz but we'll see how that goes. The Schwan's man will have to bypass our house for a few more months.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood

I had a home office day today. The beauty of a home office (and wireless Internet) is that I can work wherever I need to. Today it so happened to be on my deck, enjoying the beautiful clear blue sky and 80-degree temperatures. I am contemplating a purchase though. I'm thinking that the above gazebo would be a nice deck addition. It would make our deck much more functional this summer when the afternoon sun scorches anything and anyone spending time outside.

Love Saturday Mornings

I love to garage sale. Why do garage sales (and garage salers) get such a stigma? You can get some fantastic finds if you know what to look for. This year I have been on a hunt for another Bumbo seat like the one pictured above. With the boys I had a blue one which I still have but I wanted one to send to the babysitter for when Molly is a little older. These retail for about $40 in the stores but I knew if I was persistent with my search I would find one for less.

Yesterday I was successful with my mission and found my purple Bumbo for $10 and a load of like-new clothes for Molly. Considering my new appreciation for Gymboree, I figure this balances it out a little bit.

Gymbo-Addict

Does Gymboree have adorable clothes? Yes. Are they crazy overpriced? Yes. I have known people who are addicted to Gymboree clothes. We have been given some beautiful ones as gifts and I have occasionally shopped the sales there but I have never been one to go overboard. Today I realized that is because I have had boys. Today I stopped at Gymboree to use my 30% off Friends and Family coupon and I could have bought everything in the store. See above for some of my favorite (and sale-priced) purchases!

A Hair-Raising Issue

Molly had a ton of hair at birth. I don't think she's lost a ton. For a long time I was really meticulous about inspecting the hairbrush after a bath for any precious stray hairs. I don't know if I missed it or if she kept the same amount and her head just grew contributing to her thinned-out appearance. The back of her head is the exception. I suppose it's a fair trade for the safety of the 'back to sleep' campaign. I also think more tummy time is in order.

My Mother's Day Present from MJ

He drew a picture of me.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there. Especially to my own who is the most supportive, wonderful mother I could ever ask for.

Goodbye Pacifier..and other pics

Today MJ took his bag of pacifiers to the store to 'buy' a scooter. His baby sitter's child has a scooter and he has been enthralled with it, riding it every chance he gets. A couple of nights ago I suggested he make a trade at the store. He seemed game for it so we gave it a shot. As we got to the check out, he happily handed over his 12 pappies and couldn't wait to ride his scooter. Granted, he only uses them for bedtime so we'll see how it goes tonight.

Once we got home the kids and I ventured outside so MJ could take the new scooter for a trial run. Like most things he tries, he's a pro already.

A Balancing Act

I am having a rough night. Evenings have always been a rush for us. The boys feel like they they need to eat as soon as we get home. Then we play for a little bit, RJ's g-tube feed, sometimes a bath, RJ's shot, potty breaks, jammies and bed. I can't help but feel like Molly thinks she's been abandoned. For 12 weeks she and I were connected at the hip. I hadn't left her for more than an hour at at time and now, she wakes up at 7 am, gets put in her bouncy seat while I get RJ ready for school and on the bus and then MJ dressed and fed. I get her changed and off to daycare with MJ. I pick them up around 5 pm, have to do the above routine for the boys and she goes to bed at 7 pm. I don't feel like there is enough of me right now and it makes my heart hurt.

3 Months Old

Where has the time gone? And yes, I know the bow is ridiculously big.

Look out Lance Armstrong!

RJ got an Amtryke bicycle two years ago. It is an adapted tricycle that a child can propel with arms, legs or both. It also has a parent push bar for assistance. Two years ago, RJ was 3 years old and he was measured specifically for this bike by his physical therapist. According to Amtryke's guidelines he should have fit in to this particular model and size of bike. For the first time, this year, he just fits in it's smallest setting. Look at what he can do!

All Boy

MJ came running inside to show me his new pet. I had one of those moments you expect to have when you have boys.

"MJ, worms stay outside!"

Like Mother, Like Daughter

I did a little photo shoot with Molly today in an adorable hat my boss and his wife got her. I then found a picture of myself at what I think was a similar age. I see a resemblance. Do you?

Happy May Day!

Growing up we always made May Baskets. Ours normally consisted of a paper cup, construction paper handle and were filled with popcorn and Brach's Pick-A-Mix candy. The tradition was that on May 1st you would leave said baskets on the doorsteps of friends and ring the doorbell. Then run as fast as you can back to the car where your parent was waiting. If the recipient catches you before you get to the car, they have to kiss you. We did this in Newton, Iowa throughout my childhood. I have lived several places since then and get crazy stares when I talk about this tradition. Has anyone else ever given May Baskets?