Collin- 4 months

Each month with Collin gets more and more fun. I just don't remember enjoying the other 2 boys as much at this stage. I think with Jake I was a new mom and just didn't know what to expect. And Tyler was such a hard baby, there wasn't much to enjoy. But Collin has been a easy baby and I have cherished each milestone. I feel like I am much more aware of everything with him, because I have done it already, twice! And it has been easy to care for him because I am now a dang professional at this child rearing thing. I am enjoying every minute of it, because before I know it, he'll be one and no longer a baby.

It's hard watching my little baby get bigger, but hearing his giggles for the first time this past month has made it a little easier. There is no better sound to hear than laughter, from all my kids, but baby giggles melt my heart. He is so darn ticklish it's easy to get him going, and then his eyes light up and he is just plain happy.

The begining of November had some crazy warm days, so we spent a lot of time enjoying the outdoors. I put Collin in the baby swing hanging on the porch and he was loving it.

We also just plopped down a blanket and played. I couldn't help but think the next time he will be outside in the warm air, he will probably be 9 or 10 months old and crawling around in the grass. The winter is too long!!

 We traded his swing out of the living room, and brought in the next big piece of baby gadgets: the obnoxious Rainforest Jumperoo. It is hysterical to watch him in it. Who would have thought watching a baby bounce up and down would be so entertaining? It must entertain him too, because I find him a lot like this:

At four months, he is definletly becoming more aware and ready to play. He his really enjoying putting his toys in his mouth, playing with his hands, and finding his feet. He is really using his hands a lot to reach, grab, touch, and play with toys. It's amazing to watch him spin the toys on his Jumperoo. He also can "pet" the kitty now, well more like grab the kitty's fur and pull it out.

He still is not sleeping through the night, but that is probably because he is still sleeping in our bed. He wakes up a few times a night for a snack. I don't burp him or change him, so I really can't tell you exactly how many times he wakes up, I am barely awake myself. Mr. Collin is transitioning from naps every two hours that last about 40 minutes, to a long morning and afternoon nap. The past few weeks have been hard because his naps were short and frequent, so it was hard to get much done.

I still snuggle him as much as possible. It's hard to believe a year ago, I was just finding out I was pregnant with him!

When I took him for his 4 month check up, he weighed 16.6 pounds and was 26 1/2 inches. That puts himat the 75% for weight, and the 90 % for height. This boy is going to be tall! No wonder his clothes don't fit.

The two things

The two things that are driving me crazy right now with the boys.

1. Every single morning they come down stairs and the first thing they ask for is to turn on the t.v. I do let the boys watch television, but only when I need them too. Some examples are: when I need a nap, when I need a shower, when I need to do something that requires concentration, when they are fighting, making dinner, or need some computer time. I *try* very hard only to let them watch an hour per day. If I let them in the morning, that only leaves me with a 1/2 hour left. Not enough! I understand when they first wake up, they need to slowly work into the day, much like me and my coffee. But listening to them whine and beg every morning for some t.v. starts the morning off sour, and that is no fun.

2. The second gray hair maker- treats. I admit I have a big sweet tooth. I love anything sweet, and I have been known to give myself a treat after breakfast, lunch, dinner and maybe even through the day at my leisure. The boys expect a treat after lunch and dinner. Every single day. I let them. But what is annoying is after every. single. bite. is the question "Did I eat enough to get a treat?" Our rule is your plate has to be clean to get a treat, but it is very lenient. And there is controversy with making kids eat all the food on the plate, which some think causes obesity when the kids get older. It makes dinner not so pleasant when I have to be the referee for dinner vs. treats. And dinners always seem to suck because I am always concentrating on what and how much they have eaten. Actually come to think of it, the whole food thing in general makes me annoyed. The boys are always asking for juice, a snack, or a treat. I get to the point where I am so run down that I don't feel like explaining why they can't have juice all day. I don't think my kids have drank a drop of plain water ever.  And it's always a battle of some sorts. I can only blame myself and model good eating habits, and if I didn't have the stuff in my house, it wouldn't be an issue. But doesn't that take the joy out of life? A house with no treats? Blah.

Weekend Update

When I look back in my planner, I always wonder what we did each weekend, because by Sunday I can't remember what I did on Friday, let alone the weekend before. So I thought it would be fun to recap our weekend, to save a little moment in time.

It was a long day on Friday. Ty talked my ear off, and when I asked for a few moments of him not talking to me, he still talked to himself so there was constant noise. Davids mom called and said he wanted the boys for a sleepover. Yesss! Sherry usually takes the boys over night about once a month. Before Collin, it was a free night for David and I, plus a morning to sleep in. And the boys really enjoy staying the night at Grandma's. They all have those weird snuggie blankets and have "snuggie parties" whatever those are. So it's nice for us, and nice for them. Now that we have Collin, and he is to little to participate in snuggie parties, it's not so much a free night for us, but it is quiet at least. After the boys had gone to grandma's, Collin took a long 3 hour nap. I'm sorry to say I spent almost the entire time on the computer. I ordered Collin's stocking from Pottery Barn, did some blogging, did some facebooking, and looked for Christmas presents. After David got home from work, we decided to take Collin out on the town. He is still little enough he can pass out in his car seat when he gets tired and he is still portable. We met Chad, Lindsay, Corey, and Keri and all piled in our mini van and headed to Outback. The restaurant was packed, but I had my heart set on a Wallabee Darned. We made the guys wait in the van and us girls bellied up to the bar for our cocktails. By the time we finished, a table was available, so we ended up staying. We had a great time with our friends, and baby Collin didn't make a peep. I held him in my lap the whole time and he just looked around and flirted with the baby girl next to us that was his age too. After Outback, we went back to Corey's and watched movies. We left around 11:30 with sleeping Collin in his carseat.

No sleeping in on Saturday! Even though the older boys were gone, Collin was still up at 7:00. David left to meet Jake and take him hunting at his mom's, so it was just me and the little guy. We played all morning until he passed out at 11:00. Then the boys came home and I got ready for town. We grabbed lunch and headed into Jackson. I was excited to stop at Micky D's to try the new Carmel Mocha. Yes, this is what I look forward to. We got our coffee and head into Jackson. When I try my mocha, which is full of yucky froth. I look at the receipt and the lovely McDonalds button- pusher put cappuccino's on the screen instead of mocha's. What a great big let down.How can McDonalds workers screw up orders? Seriously, you just need to push a button. How hard is it?

Ty fell asleep on the way to town because it takes 30 minutes to get anywhere from our remote location we call home. Our first stop was Toy House for Jake's boy scout shirt. I had a coupon if I spent 100, I could get 20.00 off, and since Jake's shirt was 23, so I was already a quarter of the way there. I grabbed a Chicco table high chair for Collin, a Melissa and Doug United States puzzle for Jake, a wallet for Ty, and a firefly toy for Collin. Already got some Christmas shopping done.

Then we went to the big library. The kids love to get books from there and a fun play room. I decided since we were near by, I should stop by the Belly to Baby expo to say hi to Jane and Nicole. I had some extra diapers I wanted to donate, plus I wanted to see the picture of Collin that Nicole had on display there. After that, we went to Sam's Club for snacks. You have to fight the crowds, but it is worth it. We always end up buying something that we try, this time it was Parmesan crusted tilapia. I really like being able to try different foods that I normally would not buy. It gives me a lot more options for dinners.

It was time to head home. We had our friends Brent and Jenna coming over with their daughter Abigail. It was was so fun having a little girl running around the house. She is an absolute doll. She loved playing with the boys and they all played great even though she's only 3. She kept calling me Miss Sadie and loved baby Collin. After they left, David and I crashed. We were tired after running around all day.

We had no plans for today (Sunday). We should have went to church, but the thought of getting all the kids ready and getting them all buckled in the car seemed to be too much work after doing it all week long. David washed the van and then made room for it in the garage. The boys played outside with daddy. Again, while Collin took his nap, I jumped on the computer. I think I may be a tad hooked to the computer. This time I started looking for bunk beds. We promised the boys bunk beds last January when we told them we were having another baby. I had looked at a few furniture stores, but never found anything I loved. I have been dragging my feet because I kept thinking I had to buy them from a store and never had time to shop for them. Today I decided to check out Amazon and found some I loved and ended up ordering them! It feels good to have that done, and I didn't even have to leave the house. No wonder I love the computer so much. After lunch, the boys went back outside and I picked up the house. Then we had to do a family thanksgiving project for Jakes school. After that- dinner and showers. When the boys went to bed, I talked David into watching Kate Plus 8 with me. What a good weekend, although I felt a tad guilty today because besides the 15 minute family project, we didn't do much as a family today. Seems like Sundays David and I are busy trying to get projects done instead of hanging out as a family. The boys are getting so big and soon enough they won't want to hang out with us. It didn't help when I was on facebook, I kept seeing all these posts about all the fun places people were going as a family. A lot of the time, David doesn't want to go anywhere on the weekends. He just wants to stay home and relax. He is tired of driving after doing it all week long. We will do more when he gets laid off, but today I had some major mommy guilt going on.

Now I'm off to bed with my People magazine. It doesn't get any better than a cozy bed and a People to wrap up a weekend.

Halloween 2010

For the first time, I didn't have coordinating costumes for the boys. It was fun while it lasted. Jake is getting to old for coordinating costumes. Back in September when we were school shopping at Old Navy he spied a Superman costume and loved it. I thought it was for toddlers so I told him that just wouldn't work. Oh darn (sarcastically). As it got closer to Halloween I asked him again what he wanted to be and he thought for a moment and told me a tooth. I could already vision it. I love the homemade costumes and the creativity that comes with it. As it got closer yet, he changed his mind and told me he wanted to be a generic Star Wars character. No way was I spending $30 on a Star Wars costume. Try again, buddy. I thought back to the Superman costume and decided to give it a second looksy. It was the week before Halloween at this point, and it was on clearance for $5. And after all, it wasn't for toddlers, it was for bigger kids. Superman you are Jake!

Tyler was easy. He told me last Halloween he wanted to be the cheetah costume that we already had for dress up.There is a funny story behind this cheetah costume. I bought it back when Jake was probably 2 and I worked at the Gap. It is a size 4. I had it for 2 years before he could even fit into it. I think I paid 3 or 4 dollars for it after Halloween and with my discount. The kids love this costume. We have plenty of dress up clothes, but this one for some reason has been the favorite by far. The funny thing is- nobody has used it for Halloween until now. I will never get rid of it. I have tons of pictures of both boys wearing it. On any given day we have a cheetah in our house. This is what makes having kids so fun. I wonder what they are thinking: "I think I'll wear that cheetah suit today, that will look nice." They have also slept in it and fought over it till the point I was looking for another on E-Bay. It's the random weird things that kids are drawn to.

David and I had a lot of fun taking the kids trick or treating. We started at the school's trunk ot treat and met Danielle and Matt there. We went to a few more houses and went to Corey's sisters house to warm up and have dinner. Collin was at grandma Dar's so I didn't have to worry about keeping him warm and content. I decided to have wine for my dinner. Let me tell you- this made trick or treating very enjoyable. I don't get to excitied about Halloween and walking all over the neighborhood in the cold, but with a wine buzz, it wasn't too bad. I will for sure do this next year. Maybe I will get Mom of the Year Award for taking my kids trick-or-treating half drunk. We took the kids to a few more houses and went to Danielle's moms. There was a giant leaf pile on the side of the road. I told Jake to jump in it. He told me no. I told him I would give him a dollar if he did it. He dropped his bucket of candy, looked both ways, and dove right in. Everyone at Danielle's moms loved it. That is so my Jake.

Collin- 3 month

 Collin is now a pro at the art of thumb sucking. He has got it down and you will rarely see him without it in his mouth. I love it and think it is the cutest thing I have ever seen. And it is so nice having him able to comfort himself. In the car or when he is trying to fall asleep he just pops it in and is content.

Daddy calls him the Michelin baby (the tires) because of his arms and legs. He is definlety a chunk. He has a few rolls on his legs and his arms are thick but I've seen chubbier babies. He won't be skinny like Ty is though which is good- he's got 2 older brothers that he will have to deal with.
He is really showing interest in toys and loves to lay under his play mat and bat at toys. He'll play for 45 minutes straight. His favorite toy right now is a little bell bunny toy that I hooked to the mat. He has also been sitting in the Bumbo more. It is nice to see him sitting up- they do so much laying on their backs the first 3 months. The Bumbo is a must have baby product for sure. We put him in it during dinner and put him right on the table. He loves to watch the boys and will smile when he sees them. It is nice for him to be at the dinner table because that is the only time he ever sees the boys sitting down and being still enough for Collin to see them. They are always running around and he doesn't see them much!

This past month we went to the homecoming parade, went to the orchard with Sara and the boys, and had Nana come for a visit at the end of the month. During the week we did our usual drop off at preschool 2 days and run errands. There is always something that fills up the weeks and makes them go by so fast! Appointments, pre-school parties, volunteering at school, playdates, library, and grocery shopping an next thing you know Collin is another month older!

We still have not slept throught the night yet. I would have thought by now, but it isn't too bad getting up because he sleeps in the bed with us in his little co-sleeper and it's only 1 time per night anyway. I am going to have a hard time moving him up stairs to his crib. I love having him near by. My only incentive moving him  is getting a new headboard and putting our queen bed back in our room instead of the ginormous king we have now.

I have it really good with Mr. Collin. For the most part, he is a really easy baby. Of course I am comparing him to Tyler so any baby at this point would be easier, but he doesn't cry much and can easily be calmed with filling his belly, a pick-up, or a nap. He is content laying on the floor and watching the chaos that goes on around him.

For now he is eating every 3 hours and still naps after being up every 2-3 hours. Towards the end of this month he has starting taking longer naps and not so many in a day. Pretty soon we will be down to a morning and an afternoon nap.

 I am excitied to have another little guy to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas with this year. I am very blessed to have 3 healthy, happy boys to share the fun holidays coming up. Although he is little this year, I can't wait to share all the tradtions we have as a family with the newest member of our family.

Stats: 15.5# and 25in.

Brotherly love

Either Tyler was hungry and really wanted to keep Collin happy while I made his lunch, or he was bored and didn't have anything else better to do. Or maybe he just wanted to show his brother some attention. Whatever it was, it melted my heart and made me smile.

An episode of hoarders

You may think this is from an episode of hoarders, but it is not. It is my basement. Enjoy the photos.

Don't worry- my mom was here last week and I got it all straightened and organized. More pictures to come.


That's all I have for now, I'm going to attempt to do the November blog thing, but I'm already a day behind. Kinda like my life.

I love me some Crockpot

I love, love, love my crockpot. I feel so accomplished having dinner done at the start of the day. I could have a horrible, terrible, no good very bad day at it's o.k. because dinner is done my friends. I really like it on days when my cleaning fairy comes, because then I have dinner done and a clean house. Lately I have tried to have crockpot dinners once a week. There is just something about fall and crockpots that goes together. I have a few favorites and I am going to share those with you- my lucky blog readers. If I'm going to have the title Domestic Diva- I better have some recipes-right?

Potato Soup
You can make this one the night before!
6 cups diced, peeled potatoes
5 cups water
2 cups diced onions
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup butter
4 tsp. chicken bouillon granules
2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
12 oz. can evaporated milk
3 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
8 oz. cheddar or colby cheese

1. Combine all ingredients except milk, parsley, and cheese in slow cooker.
2. Cook on high 7-8 hours.
3. Stir in milk, cheese, and parsley. Stir until cheese melts.

If you want you can add bacon bits and chives. Serve with biscuits.

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
8 potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 onion chopped
1 pound ham steak, cubed in 1 inch pieces
1 package country style gravy mix (1 oz.)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
2 cups water
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Combine potatoes, onion, and ham in lightly greased crockpot. Combine gravy mix, mushroom soup, and water, whisk until combined. Pour gravy mixture over potatoes. Cover and cook on low 7-9 hours (high 3-4 hours). Top with cheese during last 30 min. of cooking.


Pulled Pork

Pick up one of these packets.
You will need:
3 lbs. pork shoulder roast (I have used pork loin, it works- but shoulder roast tastes better.)
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup cider vinegar

Follow directions on back of packet. Makes 10 servings, if you have left overs it freezes well.

Serve on buns with sweet potato fries.


Calico Beans  This is one of my favorite meals of all time. It can be baked in the oven, or pop in slow cooker if you want. If you let this one cook a long time, it may burn around the edges. It is not a "true" crockpot recipe. It also has a lot of prep work.
1 lb. ground beef and 1/2 cup chopped onion- cooked and drained
1/2 pound bacon- cooked and cut in pieces
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tsp. vinegar
1 tsp. mustard
14 oz. pork and beans
14 oz. kidney beans, drained
14 oz. lima beans, drained

Throw it all in the crock pot and cook on low until ready to eat or bake in oven at 350 for 1 hour.
Serve with brown and serve rolls and applesauce.

Taco Soup
1 lb. extra lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
3 cans 15 oz. each mild chili beans, undrained
1 can chopped tomatoes 14 oz.
1 can corn, undrained 14 oz.
1 can 8 oz. tomato sauce
1 pkg. taco bell taco seasoning mix
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese

Brown meat with onions in saucepan, drain.
Add all remaining ingredients except cheese. Stir.
Cook on low until you are ready to eat. Serve topped with cheese and sour cream.

Applesauce
Not a meal, but fun to make and tastes yummy!
15 apples (golden delicious)
1/2 cup water
1 cup white sugar
2 tsp cinnamon

Core, peel, and slice apples (about 1/2 in. thick). Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Cook on low 5 hours. Once it has cooled, use hand mixer to make smooth. Can be frozen. I have also put the apples over ice cream before they have cooled and made smooth.

Don't forget good ole pot roast! I make mine with dry onion soup mix, cream of celery soup, 1 soup can of water, 2 Tbsp. flour, 2 beef bouillon cubes, chuck roast, carrots, onions, and potatoes.


 Got a fave? Share it with me! Or link it up.

The best toys if you have boys

There have been a few favorites in our house with both boys even with their age differences. Here are their favorites:

1. John Deere Gator- both boys ride this all. the. time.
2. Legos- they are always building something new
3. trampoline- used almost daily- great for burning extra energy that boys seem to have
4. Matchbox cars- always having races
5. Automoblox- not used all the time, but still a favorite
6. Duplo- used more when they were little, but a lot when they were little
7. Play-doh-every kids favorite
8. swings- both when through phases when they used the swing a lot- inside and out
9. Leapster- good for car rides
10. dress up clothes- especially camo, firefighter, policeman and star wars
11. wooden blocks- I almost forgot this one. I am amazed at what they boys have used and built with these blocks. A must have for any household with kids.
Don't forget I am making this blog private- if you want to still read e-mail me at sadieabradley @ymail.com

Going Private!!!

Back at my 100th post, I mentioned I have considered going private. I have do not have a specific reason for doing this, besides my own nagging voice in my head that kept telling me I should. I don't want to have to worry about my kids safety and this blog is mostly about them. I was hesitant at first because I read so many other blogs just like mine that aren't private and I was thinking I was being to over protective, but when it comes to my kids, I don't think there is such a thing as over protective. Especially when it comes to sharing information and pictures for the world to see.

I know I have a select few who read my blog and many of these people know me, but I also like to be in control and it drove me nuts not knowing who was reading. I just don't think I have much to offer to a random blog surfer- I don't have craft ideas, recipes, tips, or decorating inspiration so I don't think anyone in bloggy land will miss it much.

I will close it down on later in the week so if you want to keep reading please send me an e-mail at:
sadieabradley@ymail.com   Also include a $5.00 blog reader fee which you can mail me at- I'm kidding.

Oh, the things they say

I have to share this one. Usually it's Tyler saying the darnest things, but yesterday it was Jake.
We were talking about board games. I said "Jake, don't you like Sorry!? Sorry! is a fun game. Jake: "No, all you do is move a dang nipple around the board". Crack. me. up.

Alligator Farm

David left me home a few weekends ago while he and his 3 buddies went up north for a weekend. I feel bad saying it, but I dread being left with the kids by myself. After being home with them all week, when the weekend comes, I'm ready for a break and some help. So when he leaves, I get no relief and I need some things to fill the days, because they drag.

We had to be gone for most of the day Friday because my house was being cleaned. That's right- I'm a stay at home mom and I had a cleaning lady come clean my house. I know what you are thinking- just know it was a baby gift. After 3 boys there isn't much left to get for gifts- I've got it all- and this was by far the best one I received. I can't tell you how excited I was. My house has never been clean all at the same time, let alone me not being the one doing it. So Ty, Collin and I spent the day at the big library in Jackson because they have the best books, then we went to Sam's club for snack lunch. I love sample day! Oh, I almost forgot- I also had a crock pot going at home. It really doesn't get any better than this for me: crock pot+ library + cleaning lady +  Sam's Club snack day= one happy Sadie. After we went home and got Jake off the bus, we went to the orchard down the road for doughnuts and cider. Then it was time for dinner, had some bath time, and the boys and I had a movie night. Not too bad for my first day with David gone.

On Saturday, I had doughnuts and juice ready for the boys in the morning, and I had taught Jake how to work the remote the night before, so I slept in on Saturday! The boys came downstairs, had juice and doughnuts and watched tv until Collin and I got up. Then we picked pumpkins down the road from our house.

Then it was time to go to the alligator farm. My sister had told me about it, so I figured we go check it out. It sounded interesting to me. My friends Lindsay and Keri joined us since their husbands were with mine. We drove to Athens which is a tiny town and passed right by the farm, because it is a little janky place. It doesn't give you the best first impression, but I figured my sister would not send me to some hillbilly farm.

We walked in the building and we were greeted by the owner and his wife. He asked Jake to help him put a snake back in a cage that he had gotten out. He had quite a few different snakes, lizards, frogs and fish in the building.

Next up- the tour. Mr. Alligator is very passionate and knowledgeable about alligators. Most of the gators at his farm were once pets that people thought they could keep as pets. He keeps the gators outside until November then he moves them inside. He has a few big tortoises walking around and one that you could ride on. My kids wouldn't do it.

 Mr. Alligator was GREAT with the boys. Tyler was in one of his moods, I think he was tired and didn't want participate at all. Mr. Alligator wouldn't let him be sour. He tried his hardest to get him to join in the fun but Tyler wasn't having it. That is why he is not in any of the pictures.

There were some bigger gators and Jake got to feed them, but that point of the tour, I had to feed and change Collin and my camera was out of battery. I am thankful my friends came because I woud have not been able to do it by myself. It cracks me up because they don't even have kids yet and they still wanted to come along. It's fun for the whole family!
After we got home and put I put the kids in bed, the girls and I stayed up and drank wine and had some girl talk until 2 am! Having David gone wasn't bad at all but I was glad went he came home.

If you want to go to the alligator farm: http://www.alligatorsanctuary.com/

Collin- 2 month

I {heart} the 2nd month! There is absolutely nothing better than smiles from a baby. Now Collin has quite a personality and is awake more and more each day. Towards the end of this month, he even started to sort of get a schedule down. He has a 8:30 bedtime, and went from getting up 2 times a night to once.  No sleeping throughout the night yet! He is up for 1 1/2 to 2 hours during the day, then takes a nap for a while and gets back up for another 2 hours and does this cycle throughout the day. 

I have been trying to get him outside as much as possible, because once winter hits we won't be outside much. Lately I've been taking a big comforter on the front porch and he loves laying in it feeling the sun. He also started liking those obnoxious activity mats with all the toys dangling and lights flashing with music. He gets so excited and starts kicking those chubby legs and moving his arms. He loves it. I have the music stuck in my head all day. He also talks to himself in the mirror on his swing. It's to cute to listen to him coo at the baby he sees in the reflection.

Another big milestone for month 2 was finding his thumb. He has been trying to suck his thumb since the day he was born. He's been practicing ever since then and has finally got it down. We gave him a pacifier here and there because when they are that little it's not easy always getting the thumb in, but he prefers the thumb. I think it will be a lot easier. Jake and Tyler both had paci's so we'll give this thumb thing a try. It is so funny to watch him try to get it in- he raises his hand then drags it down the side of his face then he sucks his hands until he find his tiny little thumb. He gets it in, moves the other four fingers and goes to town. When he starts to wake up from a nap and is fussin, if I wait a minute I can hear him in the next room when he starts sucking his thumb- he gets loud with it!

I also love the conversations he is starting to have. He stares at me and starts making the cutest freakin sounds ever. I wish I knew what he was trying to say.

When he went in for his check-up he weighed 13# 6oz and was 22 3/4 tall.

The boys don't pay much attention to him. Tyler will poke at him here and there but that's it. Jake will get in his face for a minute to say hi and then they are off to play. I took Collin to school to have lunch with Jake and the girls there couldn't get enough of him. There was a crowd of girls around him the entire time I was there. It's so funny how young the mothering starts.

He is kind of a blob still. I haven't got many toys out yet, besides his activity mat. He'll bat at a dangling toy on that every now and then. I show him the cat a lot- he pets her and he probably wonders what the heck it is. I also put him in front of my full length mirror and talk to him. We've been reading books, mostly just Cleo The Cat. I'm determined to make him like cats. He really likes that book, and so did the other 2 boys. It's a fave in our house. Other than that, he doesn't do much. Sleeps, eats, poops, talks, smiles, bats at a toy, dances under his mat and calls it a day.

Just starting to smile

Getting the hang of it

And he's got it down

   

And The Winner Is.........

Chrystal!!! Facebook me your address, and I'll put in the mail!

Give Me Some Blog Lovin'

The giveaway ends today and there is still a lot of you that haven't left a comment! You know who you are! Right now there has only been 7 comments and that is pretty sad for doing a Target giftcard giveaway! I know it's only for 10 dollars but come on, join in on the fun!

100 Posts = Giveaway!

I'm jumping on the bandwagon of giveaways. Seems like lately everyone is doing a giveaway on their blog, so I figured why not join in on the fun. Plus this is my 100 th post! Pretty bad though when I've been doing this for exactly 2 years, which averages to 50 posts a year. Lame. I love documenting the kids this way, and when Jake went back to school, I wondered to myself what the heck did I do when it was just Tyler and I last year with Jake in kindergarten and Collin not even thought of yet? What did we fill our days with? I've given myself a goal of 2 blog posts per week. I have no lack of posts, just lack of time. When November comes around, and it's National Blog whatever, I'm going to try to do the once a day post. I need to be better at documenting the boys. The days go by so fast and it's a blur unless you take the time to remember these days. I wish I had a sign hanging on the wall in my house that says: they only this little once, or something like that to remind me to that no matter how crazy, busy, or messy, I need to take time to enjoy the moment. O.K. I got off the subject- back to the giveaway! I'm being really generic, but I LOVE Target! So you are getting a gift card. But there is one rule you have to follow. It's only going to be for $10.00, but the rule is you have to spend it on yourself. Not your kids, husband or food- well unless it's chocolate. It has to be something maybe you don't buy yourself like a magazine, book, candle, nail polish, DVD, bottle of wine- indulge yourself, but don't go too crazy, after all it's only $10.00. I know how Target works- you don't leave without spending $100.00.

So, leave me a comment, you can say what you want- I can't think of anything creative for you to comment about. I would like my faithful commenter's to of course join in, but I am also curious to know who reads my lame blog and maybe hasn't left a comment before. I have been think lately of going private, only because this my blog is mostly about my kids and I would like to be able to share information more freely without wondering who's reading. So there ya go- comment away- don't be shy.

I will do the drawing on Friday at 5:00pm. Just in time for cocktail hour :)

Oh, I just thought of a comment idea- if you want, comment on what your favorite blog is to read. I know there are tons of blogs, but which one is the one you look most foward to reading? It can be a craft, decorating, or just a regular family blog. Aren't there a lot of cool blogs out there? I wish I had the talent of some of those people!

I Didn't Know

I can't believe after 3 kids I did not know this. The last few weeks we have quite a few social engagements and I have made up for not having any cocktails for the last nine months. I am not a big drinker, but if we are out, I like to have a few drinks. I don't stop at one, so when I get home I usually pump and dump. I was under the impression that if I pumped and dumped, I got most of the alcohol out of the milk, and I was o.k. to feed Collin at the next feeding. NOT SO! As long as the alcohol is in your blood, it is in your milk. So pumping and dumping will not clear the alcohol out of your milk if you still have it in your bloodstream. Depending on how many drinks you have had depends on how long it will take to pass anywhere from 3-8 hours. So no more pumping and dumping! It just takes time to clear it out of your system. Make sense?

Here is a great new product they make for those nights when you need a drink:

They are test strips that test the amount of alcohol in your milk. This way you know when to safely feed your baby. However, they are hard to find! A lot of retailers are currently out of stock. Walgreen's is the only retailer in Jackson that I have seen sell it on the shelves and they are out of stock. Happy drinking!

Collin's Nursery

I had so much fun putting together Collin's nursery. Probably because there wasn't much that had to be done. It was already painted good ole traditional blue. I usually get tired of paint colors pretty fast, but this blue I am still in love with. It's called Steel Blue by Benjamin Moore if you are looking for a good blue color. Maybe farther down the line I will add some stripes or bead board just to change it up a little.

I have been in love with this Chase bedding from Pottery Barn since I was pregnant with Tyler.

I painted the room to match the bedding thinking it might go on clearance and I could get it for Tyler when he was in this room. It never went on clearance and still hasn't four years later. My sister found a cute set called Little Fishes from P.B. and I used that for Tyler instead.

Fast forward to Collin now and I still love the Chase bedding. I decided to see what was on E-Bay. David was skeptical about buying baby bedding off E-Bay, but my thinking was if someone had enough money to pay full price for Pottery Barn bedding, it's coming from a good home and is still in good condition. I found quite a few sets for sale at decent prices. I started bidding and it was THRILLING. I am new at E-Bay though, and I ended up losing the bid on 3 or 4 sets of bedding. That was DISAPPOINTING. Finally I got good at bidding and landed a set for $50.00 which included 2 sheets, the bumper, bed skirt and a pillow sham. It arrived in GREAT condition and even with a gift card for $10.00 to Pottery Barn. I got a great deal, and my favorite bedding. I was a happy girl. 

Then I started painting a dresser I found for the room off craigslist for $30.00.  

After that was finished, I just had to put the room together, and do some organinzing. Tyler started sleeping in Jake's room in March so the room had been the "play room" for a few months. It took some time finding a place for all the toys some where else. I had some major guilt kicking Tyler out of his room, but he slept better with Jake. Now we have to deal with them talking at bedtime, but I'm hoping that will stop once we get their bunkbeds.

I love the way the room turned out. The funny thing is now that Collin is home, I've slowly taken the room apart. After being home for a few days, I realized there was no way I was going up stairs everytime I needed to change him or get him dressed. So my mom and I did some re-arranging and I now have a dresser/changing table in my bedroom on the main floor. I also took the blue rocker and put it in my living room. I wasn't using it at all up stairs and it is the perfect chair for feeding him in. So for now, his room goes unused but one day he will enjoy it.

First Days

Well, we made it through the first week of school. Jake is an official first grader. He has never been one to get the first day jitters, so it was smooth sailing the first day. He wasn't even nervous, just excited. A few days before I had taken him school supply shopping and he thought that was really cool. He loved looking at all the stuff and organizing it in his pencil box. Remember when that's all it took to get you excitied? A few pencils and some scissors? He loved his school supplies so much, he tried to take them back home at the end of the first day, but his teacher reminded him they stay at school in his desk.

 Toward the end of last year, when Jake got off the bus, Ty picked him up in the Gator. It was so cute to see Ty out waiting for him, and Jake getting off the bus, getting a ride with his little brother driving. On Jake's first day, Ty said he didn't feel like picking him up, so we waited for him on the porch. When Jake got off, Ty ran out to greet him. He was so happy to have Jake home. They started talking and walking up to the house together. I was in tears it was so cute. I loved watching them carrying on their little conversations about the day. Ty looks up to Jake so much. I was so mad at myself for not having my camera ready, but I don't think I will ever forget them walking up to the house together or Ty running to greet him. The next day my mom asked Ty if he missed Jake. He said "no, but I still love him".

When I asked Jake about his first day, he said he liked writing and he was glad because he didn't have to read. It is so hard to get him to open up about his day. When I ask him, he tells me he doesn't remember. He'll only go into detail about gym, the playground, or lunch. Such a typical boy.

We made it to school on time all four days last week. I walked him in each day, which means I had to be dressed and ready each morning. Of course it helped that my mom and Bob were here for 2 of the mornings, so I had help with the kids. This past week, I have just let him out front of the school and he has walked in by himself. It is a strange feeling not having to be there for him and help him do things. It's hard to let go and not know what he is doing throughout the day. He told me today he likes walking in by himself. Granted it's a lot easier for me as well, not having to be ready, getting Ty and Collin out, and carrying Collin all the way through the school. Those damn Chicco carseats weigh 20 pounds without a baby in them.

Everything seems so easy with Jake. He seems to adjust well to new things and is ready for anything. I am grateful for this because I have enough on my plate with Tyler. His first day of preschool is a whole different story. I have been dreading it all summer and with good reason. My little mama's boy still doesn't make it through church Sunday school. A few weeks ago, he fell asleep, face on the floor, butt in the air. He probably got tired waiting, because he does not participate. The past week at S.School he stood by the door the entire hour and fifteen minute service. He only joined the group for snack, then made is way back to the door to wait.

So, Ty's first day was Tuesday.I'm usually good about finding books for whatever it is we have going on: new baby, going to the beach, seasons, ect. For some reason, I was not prepared with first day of preschool books. Not that it would have helped any. I remember getting them for Jake, who really wasn't nervous about preschool anyway. But, with Ty it slipped my mind. I also didn't really shop with him the way I did when it was Jake's turn at preschool. I remember taking him out picking out his cute little backpack and clothes. It seemed like whatever I did wouldn't have mattered anyway, he was not the least bit excited about going. We talked a lot about it with him, and it really helped having Jake tell him things that he remembered and enjoyed about preschool.

So the night before, he seems alright about going. I knew better. The next morning, he gets up and announces to me that it is his first day of school. I still know better. We drop Jake off and head home to get ready. He tells me now that he does not want to go. I'm thinking to myself here we go- let the fun begin.

I somehow managed to get him to eat breakfast and get him dressed, but the whole time he was repeating over and over "I don't want to go" along with some crying to really add some drama. The whole car ride is crying and some more "I don't want to go." Oh wait, I have to back up. I forgot about the phone call to David with me in tears saying "I don't want to take him." I was so frustrated, sad, and determined all at the same time. When we got to school, I opened the car door and he is screaming. Parents are looking and I don't know what to do. I peeled his fingers from the car- he was frantically looking for anything to grab onto. I start heading for the school and his teacher meets me in the parking lot. She asked me if I just wanted her to take him. I had visions of walking him in, but I knew it would just be worse if I went any farther. I am crying as she peels him off me. Other kids are calmly walking by with their moms and dads, I might add. At times like these, I wonder why David isn't here. When is a job more important? Mrs. W, his teacher tells me she will call me, and I ask her when do you throw in the towel and deem them not ready to attend preschool- it's 2 weeks.

So, I'm back in the van, wore right out. I'm not sure what to do now, so I head to where I know I will feel better: Target. Collin and I walked around for 2 hours. I felt so much better having him to snuggle and keep me company. $100 dollars later and I am ready to pick up Ty. When I got to the school, I got to watch him on the playground. He was running around and looked just like a normal preschooler. It was such a joy and relief to see him having fun. They told me he cried for about a 1/2 hour and then all of a sudden decided to play trucks. Just like a switch he was fine. He was so proud of himself when I picked him up. And this boy loves to talk. When I ask him about his day, he will give me an answer. He said is favorite part were the songs: bubble gum and hot potatoe. He also liked playing on the playground.

I had to take some after school pictures so they wouldn't all be of him crying. Look how happy! It was a long, stressful day and he passed out on the couch by 6:45. He couldn't even eat dinner. My little Ty really knows drama, but what would life be without it? Boring. Besides, how else is Target going to stay in business?

This Summer

This summer we:

1. Went to Michigan Adventure for Jake's Birthday.

2. Went to Binder Park Zoo.

3. Watched Jake play T-Ball.

4. Had a garage sale with my friend Keri.

5. Set up a lemonade stand for the boys (at the garage sale).

6. Did summer reading at the library.

7. Went to Lake Michigan (Jake and Tyler).

8. Went to the cabin with our friends for the weekend without the kids.

9. Picked raspberries.

10. Went up north with the boys for 1 1/2 weeks.

11. Went putt putt golfing.

12. Made a sandcastle.

13. Ate lots of ice cream.

14. Had a play date with my gal pals at the pool.

15. Ate fresh watermelon out of Grandpa Stans garden.
16. Went camping with Grandma Sherry (Jake & Tyler).

17. Went fishing at the cabin and Ty caught his first big one.

18. Went to Nixon park.

19. Went to the fair and ate a boy scout burger.

20. Took Jake to swim lessons for 2 weeks.

21. Jake played 9 holes of golf.

22. Grandpa Bob and Jake rode to Jackson on the bike trail.

23. Played in the sprinkler under the trampoline.

24. Watched fireworks on a boat in the middle of the lake.

25. Went to some garage sales.

26. Caught glow bugs.

27. Ate sweet corn. A lot.

28. Made homemade ice cream with Grandpa Stan.

29. Had a picnic by the river in Albion.

30. Had playdates with 2 friends I worked with at Gap.

31. Did sparklers.

32. Went to Chelsea Treehouse with Nana and Grandpa Bob.

33. Took a reptile class at Kids N' Stuff (Jake).

34. Celebrated our 5 year anniversary.

35. Made s'mores- they are great with Nutella.

36. Played in the garden and dug potatoes.

37. Got a swing for Tyler for the porch and he learned to pump.

38. Hosted game night and enjoyed a few cocktails for the first time since we started doing it in back in January. (It was hard being the only sober one.)

39. Had a bon fire.

40. Went to Cascades- Magical Falls is what the boys call it.

41. Camped in the back yard for half the night, until it started raining.

42. Jake built a pirate ship for Lego week at the library.

43. Took the boys to "Library Kids" and they got to paint their very own treasure box complete with chocolate gold coins.

44. Did "run and jump froggies" as the boys call it.

45. Made homemade bubbles and slime.

46. Did the mentos and diet cola science experiment.

47. Went to a lot of dentist and doctor appointments.

48. Ate lunch outside almost everyday.

49. Worked on the nursery.

50. Had a new baby!!