I'm A Little Obsessed...

    With this little guy. I mean how can you not? Look at those eyes!

I spend every waking moment with this kid, and I will admit that sometimes it is rocky. I don't have enough sleep, I haven't eaten, or I don't want to play. 

But everyday, doesn't matter how I am feeling, this kid always cheers me up.

Recently when he is upset and complaining, he will see me, yell "MA!" and scoot (we call it crawling even if its not really.) as fast as he can from where he is at to were I am. Lay on tummy and airplane while yelling "MA" until I pick him up.

Being a mother is exhausting, but its also very rewarding. there are many times that I have been upset with my little guy, and he will come over to me, pat my leg. Give me hugs and loves. Your heart just melts when things like that happen. You can't help but love them.

It seems that kids know when you are tired and don't want to move, what buttons to push to get you to move. The other day it seemed like I swept three times, and still my son was managing to find things to eat. I was a never ending cycle of pulling things out of his mouth.

Last week, I was working on something, and James had gone quite, I look over and he has something in his mouth that he is playing with, so I say "James, what do you have?" He looks at me, shoves what he has into his mouth and tries scooting away as fast as possible.

Babies keep you on your toes. Babies have good days and bad ones like everyone else. It seems though that they can't decided what kind of day it will be till its almost over. 

James will be really grumpy all day long, and as soon as dad comes home then he's fine. He doesn't need to be held all the time. He is fine playing on the floor.

Or they decided that because they didn't take a long enough nap that its your fault and you will pay for it.

One of my favorite things about having a kid is looking up all the fun things you can do with them now, and what you can do with them in the future. Right now James can't have dairy, but I am counting down the days when he can, so I can make edible finger paint. I look forward to the days when we can do crafts and make messes.  

One thing I don't like is when other parents tell you how to raise your kid, and when you decline their help, they act like their kids are the greatest, and your will never match up. 

(when really your wondering if they live in a different life, where their kids are perfect.)

I love coming up with things for my little guy to do. I try to come up with things he can do on his own to build confidence and self- reliance. Like this idea I saw on pinterest. I love it! 

Before he was having trouble sitting up because of the slipperiness of the tub and the angle. 

Now he can sit up on his own, is a lot more happy, and it builds up the muscles.
(it is also a huge stress relief for me.)  

Having a family is hard, but all very worth it in the end!

Sensory Play

    I feel as though I am putting my child second when he should be first recently. And while I was browsing Pintrest for some fun things to do with him, one site suggested addable paint, which uses yogurt and koolaid, which I am so excited to try, but James can't have yogurt yet, so that one will have to wait a little bit longer.

    But I did try this one.

You will need:

• a tray or glass pan
• ice cubes
• warm water
• bath toys
• towel

 The site I got it from said to do it indoors on a drop cloth and towel, but that was a lot more clean up then I wanted to deal with, so I did it outside on a towel in some shade.

First:

you put the ice cubes in the pan and let them feel them. 

I told James what he was feeling as he played with them 

"These are ice cubes, and they are cold"

Then:

you pour the warm water in the pan and have them feel the difference between the hot a cold.

"Feel the water? its warm."

After: 

I gave him some toys to play with in the water, he loved this bottle lid the most, he figured out how to pick water up with it and then pour it out. 

He had lots of fun and was very wet afterwords.

But boys will be boys and this didn't hold his attention long.

He saw some very tasty looking grass, thankfully he had his pacifier in his mouth, or I would be cleaning mud off him too.

I decided to turn the sprinklers on and see how he liked that.  He didn't mind it hitting him, but he didn't like the sound it made on the blanket.

     After all this excitement I decided it was time to go in the house. I can't wait to try some other games with him.

Till the next one.  

Here is the link http://www.funathomewithkids.com/2014/07/50-creative-activities-for-babies.html

Half Way to a Year

James turned 6 months on Sunday, he is getting so big I can't believe in another 6 months he will be a year old, it doesn't seem real. 6 months ago I gave brought James into this world, it is so amazing to see him grow up and learn.

My friend posted about her little 6 month old on her blog, and had these super cute pictures that she had taken of her. I thought "oh I can do that!" well boys will be boys, and they don't sit still for anything. Here is my attempt at pictures

I still think they are super cute, and I love them, but it wasn't what I was trying to get. Oh well.

What James loves:

• daddy
• mommy
• eating solids
• trying to crawl around

• Being read to 
• singing
• playing outside in the pool
• being outside

• his bunny
• chewing on things
• shoes
• the color yellow

New things James has learned:

• planking
• getting up on all fours
• moving across the floor (not quite crawling, but hes getting there)

• spitting
• spitting with food in mouth
• he can get into things he shouldn't

Things that are new in his life:

• Libraries
• cats (its the neighbors)
• teeth

Things that he really doesn't like:

• pants (prevents him from crawling)
• things taken away
• strawberries
• watermelon

And there is out little guy in a nutshell.

Here is a link to me friends blog, she is the best! http://ourhappytalk.com/

Parade. Fireworks. Food.

Are the things that James got to enjoy, some of them for the first time.

I was very thankful to my aunt for buying him a super cute outfit

The Parade

I took James to the parade in his front carrier so that my arms wouldn't get sore holding him.

In San Diego the parade is very short, this one lasted an hour and a half. crazy long! 

I was worried about the noise of the cop cars and firetrucks, nut he didn't flinch at all, totally composed. We couldn't find the baby sunscreen, so he did get a little red, but it went away the next day.

Fireworks

Now I wouldn't let James hold the sparkler, but he did find it interesting. The big firework show didn't hold his attention, about two minutes into it he was bored. Also very tired.

Food

We tried our luck with some new, turns out he loves blueberries, honeydew, and peaches. 

But not watermelon or strawberries.

This is the awesome cake I made, its a banana raspberry, with cream cheese frosting. I thought it was super cool looking, turned out a lot better then I thought it would.

breastfeeding

    I know I have touched on this subject before, but I want to tell you how much I live it and why.

    First it's really the only thing I can do for my son that none else can. Others can put him to sleep, play with him, read to him, and cuddle him. But only I can breastfeed him. It's gives me a essence of power, that I can do this for my son, that he looks forward to this moment throughout the day and night. That I am his firm of comfort when he is sad.

    I have noticed recently that he shares the most with me in these intimate moments, because that's where he feels the most comfort and the most secure.

    Two days ago he showed me what I like to call "tricks", and this happened right after a feeding when he is still laying in my arms. He was trying to blow, not blow bubble, just blow, and after a couple tries here was able to. Before this I had never seen him try, and after every new thing he shows me I tell him how proud I am, and what a good job he is doing.

    Today he talked me ear off, and if you could tell I want paying attention he would pat me or make a noise so I would look at him, and when he was certain I was paying attention he would continue.

    It's in these moments that he is sharing with me his thoughts and feeling, it's in my arms that he lets me he loves me. Yes I know he can't talk yet, but you can tell by the way he gabbers that he loves me.

    There are moments where I wish I could just walk away because I am having a bad day, but when I look back I can only ever remember the good.

4 Months and Counting!

My superhero is 4 month old today!
It's crazy how fast they grow up, he is learning so much and is the highlight to my life.

Here is what he has been up too.

Now that he has learned to roll from his back to his tummy, play time is a lot more fun, and he is able to hold toys and grab things.

He loves to be outside in the sun

He loves the little piggy song and laughs whenever I do it.

His daddy is his favorite person, he knows when daddy is home and gives him bright smiles. 

He has a exploitative soul, he is always wanting to be on the move.

He loves his bed and will gladly play in it for hours.

His smile is the cutest.

Being a mom is hard, but it's worth every cry, every smile, and every giggle.

A Special Gift Called Motherhood

    Recently there has been a lot on controversy over idea of breastfeeding, and being a stay at home mom. Which are things I do.

    I just read this article http://www.yourtango.com/I-breastfed-a-baby-that-wasnt-mine-whats-the-big-deal, right after my son was born I found out that my friend was having trouble breastfeeding, and I didn't even have to think about it, I just offered to pump for her because she wasn't getting enough milk. She declined because she wanted to wait to see if it got easier for her. And it did, she really enjoys it now, what I don't understand is how we as mothers can be so judgemental if how other mothers raise their children.

    I friend just posted on her blog about breastfeeding and how much she doesn't enjoy it, I don't believe that we should force other moms to do what we want, and then if they don't comply with it, we look down on them. Its their choice, their baby, and their lives. Sometimes one thing works for one mom but not another. She talked about how she is uncomfortable with breastfeeding in public and doesnt leave the house because of it. I think that if she doesn't enjoy it and doesn't want to breastfeed, then I think they should give her a bottle, and use formula. I feel as though she feels like she is being forced into it, and she should really stand for what she wants and not bend to others wishes.

    Motherhood is a gift, and you should enjoy it! I love my sun, and sometimes its not sunshine and rainbows, but I love seeing my sons smile, his laugh, the little stories he tells me are the highlight of everyday. He is my greatest joy, and I look forward to everyday I spend with him.

    Yes he cries, yes there are many poopy diapers, sleep is out of the question, and I can be very grumpy. But I still love it. I love all of it. I wouldn't trade motherhood for anything in the world!

Just A Couple Stitches

    Sunday was a very good day, not only was I able to go to stake conference, but I was able to get lots of sewing done. Normally I don't use the sewing machine on Sundays, but since my husband was home top help with James, I figured I should take advantage of it while I can.
    I was able to get all of my sister's skirts cut out, and one made. I have two more skirts to make, but they won't take me as long because they won't have as much detail.

    I'm super jealous, and I might have to make myself one. 

    I was also able to get my friends baby's   dress pinned, and on Monday was able to see it together. I still need to finish putting the trim on and making a flower to go on the front and one for the hair, bit I think it turned out super cute! 

    I wish I had enough fabric to make two of them, because I want one for my baby girl when I have one.
   I have two more dresses to make for her and then I will work on head bands, I can't wait for her to see them!

The little Man

   My little man is 2 months old today, it seem like yesterday I was pregnant and excited to have him here, now he's here and its going by to fast.

   We spend most of our days cuddled up together in bed, its always a fun time,

   With each passing day I figure out more about my son, things he does and doesn't like. He likes books, but he doesn't like long book.

   He loved music and dancing, especially Lady Gaga, when ever she comes on the radio his little likes start pumping and his arms start waving, He also loves to play and look around, 

2 Month photo shoot

Granolabar Update 2

    So in the last granolabar post I told you I would do coconut and almond extract. Well here is what I did.

    I wasnt happy with the way they were turning out, they were making more granola then bars, so I did what my gut told me and I boiled them.

    The concept behind this came from no-bake cookies, you make them in such a way that the sugar acts like a binding agent that hold everything together, here us how I did it.

    First put the butter in a pan that will be big enough to hold everything. Hea the butter at medium-low so you don't burn it, this is the key through the whole thing, do not burn or over cook.

    When the butter is almost melted and add the brown sugar, wait till the sugar is combined and is starting to bubble, never stop stirring. Add the honey and stir til it starts to bubble.

    Take off the heat and add the vanilla (I used almond) stir til combined

    Add the flour and baking soda, stir til combined

    Add mix ins, I put roasted coconut, craisins, raisins, and cut up walnuts. Add oats, mix.

    Press into cookie sheet and bake till golden on edges. Let stand, cut, let cool, and eat.

    These are by far my favorite! So yummy, not to sweet and are a wonderful snack.

Note: I cut mine into bit size pieces so that I can just pop them in without holding something for to long.

Easter bunny

    I was on pinterest and I sew a picture of a crocheted bunny, and I thought I would try my hand at it. It was the first time I have ever used a pattern so I was nervous about if I could read it or not.

    Thankfully this pattern was really easy and I was able to get it crocheted in almost one night. It took me quite awhile to choose the fabric for the ears, but I am happy how it turned out.

Here is the link to the pattern

http://www.allaboutami.com/post/80169231280/springbunniespattern

Granola update...

   So, I tried a couple different things with the granola bar recipe that I gave you.

   On my first batch I added craisins and almond slices, it was very sweet and you could only eat a bite at a time.

   Second batch I did coconut, marshmallows, and butterscotch chips, this one was my favorite, it want too sweet and they stayed together in bars.

   The last batch I made I put c cut up dehydrated apples and cinnamon, when I first ate them I didn't like them at all, but then they kinda grew on me. I won't make them again, but it was worth a try.

   The next one I want to do is roasted coconut with almond extract instead of the vanilla. I think it will taste amazing.

Stay tuned for what comes next.

Little James

Well guy's he is here!

He was born on January 5th, at 4:52am

Oh he us such a cute!

   He is now just over a month old and is doing wonderful. He is a true joy in our lives. 

   I wanted to just tell you a little bit of the time line flowering his birth story.

   On Thursday, January 1st, I was feeling very uncomfortable and my contractions were very close and the doctor told us at our last apt that he would be here any day, well I wanted to speed it up a bit so Matthew and I went out to get some errends done. And while out I was getting worse and worse when people ask when my labor started I say Thursday because that's when everything started to get moving. 

   By Saturday I was a mess and we went to the hospital, but they sent me home because I wasn't progressing like I should have. That night I slept very little, my contractions were very painful and very frequent. 

   When Matthew got home from work on Sunday he helped me manage the pain and helped me be a little more comfortable, but it didn't last long and soon I was calling my doula asking her what I should do, her response, go to the hospital. And in a flash we were there.

   I was in full labor, I had jumped from a 2 to a 5 over night, I was really excited because that ment I was going to be having a baby very soon, or so I thought.

   At 1am on Monday they broke my water and that's when we found out that something was wrong, my body was running on so little sleep and it was very stressed that it didn't know what to do, so it wasn't letting me have James. The doctor have me two options, get an epidural and maybe that will work, or get a c-section. So I got the epidural, they let me sleep for an hour, and 45 minutes later he was born.

   He came out at 7 lbs and 11 oz, 21 inches long. He was 39 weeks gestational.

   I was in hard labor for a total of 40+ hours, I was trying to do it all natural, but due to circumstances I wasn't able to. But I am happy with my birth, it was a wonderful experience for me and I am happy with the end result. 

   So it didn't go according to my birth plan, but it was what needed to happen and I am happy that everything was okay.

   My husband was such a trooper, he suffers from narcolepsy, but stayed awake for the whole birth. And my doula was wonderful, she was very supportive and was there when I needed her.

Here is a picture of James at two weeks

This was him right when he got home from the hospital and had his first sponge bath.

This was him on his one month mark.

And this was two days ago.

He is s very happy content baby.

I love my little family so much, and James it's such a wonderful blessing. I can't wait to see what the future will bring.