Because I'm Too Tired To Write...

Going to my fallback plan- bringing some smiles- Chase, the crazy monkey :)

January Updates...

Well... I believe that adding on my school to the mix has created a situation that leaves the blog lacking :) I've been trying to remember if I mentioned that Chase finally started crawling on his knees (traditional vs. just the army crawl) ever since the POOP incident. : ) LOL. Also, seems he's stopped gaining weight as he redistributes his body weight to get ready for walking. He pops up on everything around the house now, and travels wherever he can.

While we were killing time the other day, we played at Lowe's and saw their turtle pond- made me miss our pond we had... so- out of compromise- I dug out the aquarium in the garage and set up his own goldfish tank :)

We also got in the mail today, the Mightee Kids t-shirt supporting Smile Train (for children with cleft palate). I've mentioned to a lot of people the great purpose of this organization by being able to involve the children in helping other children.

Happy Tuesday! :)

Before You Wish For Financial Wealth & Beauty...

Just look around and be genuinely grateful for your health, for those around you, for those gifts given to you...

This school year I've seen a couple times this young boy- I can't tell his actual age because he's nearly my height and probably my weight- but is good-natured and seems to have Autism. All of the teachers and staff know him, and all are kind and loving. Then, not too long ago, I saw his younger brother. A bit smaller, but same shocking red, curly hair, and also Autistic. Their mother parks her BMW in the parking lot, and comes out to walk up to get them. A true blonde, gorgeous, and fashionable. On the surface, it's what many of us wish for... but I can only imagine what all that has cost. To her credit and beyond, she seems to truly have a heart of gold, and embraces each of her sons without hesitation.

As I sit on the sidelines and watch- I realize we are all given things for a reason. Lessons to learn of gratitude or selflessness.

I just wanted to say how incredibly grateful I am for my two crazy, healthy, gorgeous children, husband, and even the hairy dogs.

(This picture was just found on my friend Jen's computer, I had never seen this shot... hard to believe it was a year ago now!)

Reasons To Never- EVER- Leave A Baby Without A Diaper

Sigh...

Just before bath-time last night, I changed a poopy diaper, and left Chase without one on for just a minute while I got his bath stuff going (okay, I figured since he had JUST pooped, no big deal). I specifically told him- PLEASE don't pee on the rug... So I turn around to walk back, and this is what I found :

In case you can't figure out what that is- yes, that's right- it's POOP.

SERIOUSLY??? I had turned around and saw him just as he was laying on his stomach doing it. OMG. He moved as soon as I walked towards him. You have no idea how disgusting this was. Kaely walked into the room to see why I was yelling, and she started gagging. If she had vomited on the rug I may have officially lost it. Irony is the episode we just watched Monday night of "How I Met Your Mother" and the 'confetti.' - HA!

Sigh... so. Yes. Never, EVER, leave a baby alone without a diaper on- or face the consequences of doing so. BLECH.

Just A Smile

Chase and his airplane :)

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

Here's to many more!

Weaning for Wusses...

As Chase's 1st Birthday had been approaching, I've been preparing myself- and him- to start the weaning process. I wanted to last at least until his 1st birthday- and it seems that was a piece of cake. He loves food- and eats almost anything you offer him. I was excited to introduce cow's milk as a way to start getting my body back for myself! (sorry kid).

However, now that he can have it, he won't touch the cow's milk. No, I haven't stopped nursing him, but offer him the milk during snack/meal time- and he takes a sip or two, makes a face, and throws the sippy cup. I've tried it cold, tried it hot, tried it in a bottle, sippy cup, and even a regular cup taking sips myself before offering it to him. Sigh... I started thinking maybe I'd try the soy milk like I did with Kaely, since it's a bit sweeter than cow's milk- I think they relate to it as closer to breastmilk? I don't know. But then standing there looking at the fat contents, soy milk just doesn't have enough fat (in my opinion) to stand up to replacing cow/breastmilk. Although I may have to do some more research and ask the doctor about this.

I'm at a loss here. Kaely nursed for just shy of the full first year, but seemed to be content stopping on her own. Then again, she was just completely different developmentally than Chase all around. So this is new territory for me.

What I'm reading (online research) is everything from trying to sneak it in (hahaha- Chase sniffs and throws with this approach), leave it to the last resort (he'd rather have water), or leave it to milk products like yogurt, cheese, etc.- which works, but... how will this help me wean him??

Then, of course I find the articles about "why do you have to wean at a few weeks/months/a year?" as seen off Breastfeeding Basics website (http://www.breastfeedingbasics.com/articles/weaning-your-baby). Well, crap... I want to because honestly, I keep losing weight and can't seem to keep up with eating enough to counteract it. Plus, it'd be nice to act like a young 30-something rather than relating to the "This is 40" movie- seriously, I'd be happy going to bed at 9 pm every night, reading a book and sipping on tea. But I want to cut loose and go out with my husband sometimes too! Plus, the waking up 1-3 times a night STILL is killing me!

So, I have been slowly cutting out feedings. He eats about 4 times a day now (first morning, afternoon, before bed, and usually squeezes in another during the day or middle of the night). I've been better about refusing to feed him in the middle of the night- well, depending on the hour. For instance, he woke up at midnight last night, so I just held him for a minute to calm him, then put him back down... but then he was up again at 3am... BLAH. I guess this may be a longer process than expected. I spent a good month teaching him to nurse before ever going home, I suppose it's only right to expect to take at least a month or so to teach him NOT to eat.

All suggestions are welcome!!! Again, new territory here- my little monster ;)