Merry Christmas to All!

I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. My husband is off work until the new year, so I'll be taking a little bloggy break to enjoy the season and to spend time with family. Hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Very Merry Memories Christmas Card

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Trees, Trucks, and Onesies!

Here's our tree this year, and I'm so happy with it.  I believe it is my favorite out of all the trees over the years.

And do you think Nolan is going to enjoy Christmas this year???

I have also forgot to mention that my group of mommy friends threw a shower for all the mom's that are expecting their 2nd child or in my case just had one.  It was such a sweet gesture, and we had a onesie making party.  Each mom received three onesies for their little one.  They turned out so cute!

Happy Wednesday everyone!

My Little Man

Wow...it's hard to believe my little baby Conley is four months old. But alas it is true and before I know it you will be a year. It's amazing how time flies after you have little ones.

Still think you are going to be a blondie...thought the eyes were going to be green, but now I believe they are going to be hazel like your brother's and daddy's.  You can hold your head up like a champ and have just started pushing up with your arms.  You've rolled over a few times, so I know the time of you not being mobile won't be much longer!

You've been chewing on your hand like a mad man...and come to find out my 3 1/2 month old was already getting teeth!  Seriously?  Yes.  I felt the ridge that has already cut through the gum.  Just when you get done with a toddler teething, we start the process again.  Maybe it will be quick and over with it?  Somehow I doubt that.

We don't go to your appointment until next week, but I am guessing you are around 15 pounds and 27 inches.  We've moved you into your crib, and overall you've done pretty well.  Around 1 AM you start to stir, and I just re-swaddle you and give you your paci and you go back to sleep.

Minus the teething--you are usually a happy boy and smile a lot.  The teething has definitely made you more sensitive and so this past few weeks have been more challenging with some tears and less naps.

Can't believe we are about to celebrate your first Christmas!  Where does the time go?  I love your little chubby cheeks and can't wait for you to join in our holiday festivities.

Happy Four Months Mr. C Man!

I've Got Questions, You've Got Answers!

If you read my Christmas shopping rant, you will know that I have been online way too much searching for gifts. I have also been reading review after review about products that we are in the market for buying.

It leaves my head spinning.  Can we say search overload? Yep, that's me.

Currently we are looking at buying a tablet.  We've researched about the iPad and several of their competitors...but just can't make a decision.

We want to buy a teeth whitening system, and I've read countless reviews about trays and strips...etc...etc to try to choose just one for us.

I'm in the market for a new phone and *GASP* about to enter the smart phone era.  Yes I know you can't believe it, but I have what they call a "feature" phone.  So we're looking into the iPhone 5, the Droid, Samsung, and all the other cool phones.

So my friends I am calling on all of you to give some input and shed some light on these decisions we are trying to make...because I cannot seriously read another review or search anymore or my head might explode.

I am anxiously awaiting all of your words of wisdom!

Fall Photo Session

Just a few photos from our latest photo session!  Even though Nolan was having an "off" day, our photographer still managed to get some great shots.

The Transition

So I finally bit the bullet and moved little Conley in his crib.  My fears were that I would be getting up a million times and that he would be so loud that he would wake up Nolan since their rooms are right across from each other.

The first night I was pleasantly surprised.  Conley slept straight from 9pm until 4:30am in his crib.  At that time, I fed him and rocked him for a little bit and he went back to sleep.  He then woke up again at around 8:15am.  I thought that was pretty good for his first night!

Last night was a little different but pretty good.  We had went to a Christmas party so I had fed him pretty early, but he was so tired I didn't feed him when we got home knowing he would wake up a little earlier...I didn't mind because I knew he was so tired!  He woke up around 3:45am as I figured he might.  I fed him and then put him back down, and he got up around 7am.

Anytime he wakes up he's not screaming, just kind of whimpering and making noise so I hear him on the monitor.  Thankfully he's not belting out like he can, so let's hope he keeps his loud voice more for daytime so that he doesn't wake up Nolan.

Conley has been a little more grumpy during the day and literally chewing his hand off, so I think we are in the early stages of teething.

Just when you get finished with one child teething, another one starts.  Oh the joys of motherhood!  Always ending one stage and beginning another one.

If you have more than one child, what was your biggest challenge from going from one to two?

The Stress of Christmas

Last night I was up until midnight looking and purchasing Christmas gifts when I probably should have been in bed.  I always find myself searching and searching for hours for the perfect gift....for free shipping...for the best online coupon codes...which can lead to hours and hours of Christmas shopping!

My husband and I both come from families that have always had BIG Christmases.  And even though I know the real reason of Christmas is not gifts...I do really like finding special gifts for people. I really find joy in the gift of giving more than receiving.

However, as a SAHM that can get expensive on just one household income.  So I try to shop for the best deals but also a gift they will really like.

I find it really easy to find gifts for the boys and my husband...but it can get really hard to find items for my parents, his parents, my brother and his wife, his brother and his wife, my aunt, and my grandmother.  I also do like three gifts per person because I feel bad if I do any less because the get me so much.

Do you feel stressed out at Christmas?  Have you found the perfect balance of budget and gift giving?

I think I'm ready for January!

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree..

Say what it's Monday AGAIN?  This weekend flew by!  

On Friday, we visited our friends who live about an hour away.  Ethan is only 15 days older than Nolan, so it's so fun to get the boys together. Laura's due soon, so Conley and her little boy will be close in age too! Sorry no photos were taken---we always seem to forget to do that which is sad because we've been getting the boys together since they were babies.  We have to remember next time!

On Saturday, we ventured about 30 minutes from our house to a Christmas Tree Farm.  Thankfully they have some really good trees.  We have been disappointed at some other ones in the past.  This is the third time we've been with Nolan, and the first year was freezing!  This year we could have been in short sleeves because it was 60 degrees!  We didn't mind though because it made it easy to get out with the baby.

Then Sunday we had an appointment to get a Santa photo.  The store, "Smart Books & Toys," allows you to sign up for time slots.  How awesome is that?  No lines, and they even had refreshments...not to mention the store is like toddler crack with all the toys everywhere!

Hope you had a great festive weekend like we did...here's some photos of our Christmas Tree hunt:

The Odd Life of Timothy Green Movie Review

I'm so excited I was able to host a giveaway last week for this fabulous movie!  I received my copy of the film over the weekend and was truly touched by the odd little boy Timothy.

The movie is about a couple that struggles to conceive so they write down all the attributes they would wish for in a child and bury them in a box in their garden.

Later that night, a boy covered in dirt with leaves sprouting from his legs shows up at their house and introduces himself as Timothy.

Timothy inspires everyone he comes in contact with even though his uniqueness would be something that usually would send people running the other way---it actually does the complete opposite.

This heartwarming film is the perfect movie to cuddle up and snuggle with your family during those cold winter nights.

And here's a bonus--if your kids love the movie, they will love these activity sheets!



Here's the link to download your own copy.

Happy movie watching!

Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post with a copy of this movie, but all opinions are my own.

What I Have Learned

As Conley approaches the four month mark, I feel like I've learned a few things about being a mom to a newborn and a toddler.  With some trial and error, I've somehow survived the first few months with only a few minor bumps and bruises.  Well not literally but you catch my drift.

The Mornings-
I try to finish feeding Conley and change his diaper before Nolan gets up. Sometimes he'll fall back asleep, and I will use this time to get Nolan's breakfast ready.  Nolan is usually up and just laying/playing in his crib, so I go and get him and change his diaper and out of his pajamas.

Leaving the House-
I always feel like no matter how hard I try to be somewhere on time, it never happens because either one of the boys poops or Conley spits up all over his outfit.  I have just realized I am officially always on "mommy time" which means late.  I change Nolan's diaper, feed Conley, change his diaper, put Conley in the infant car seat carrier, load Nolan in the car, and then go back and get Conley.  I figured a strapped in toddler is easier than having him running around while I put the baby in--so Nolan is always first in the car.  When we return from our outing, I take Conley in first then come back and get Nolan.  I figure Conley in a carrier will get into a lot less trouble than a toddler running loose!

Grocery Stores-
I always, ALWAYS park next to a cart return.  I think most of you mommies already know that rule, but when you have two it is even more crucial.  I load Conley in the cart first, and then put Nolan in the car. He walks around the stores when we have Dad, but I know that I can't guarantee he'll stay by me when I'm alone so for safety and my sanity he's in the cart.  I usually have tons of snacks-crackers or fruit/veggie pouches to distract him while we are there, or I'll here the words, "Nolan walk" a million times.  When we leave the store, I always put Nolan in first then the baby.  It's a real science my friends.

Dropping Nolan off to MDO-
Unfortunately the church that Nolan attends his MDO program has a long walk to his classroom.  It's either stairs or the ramp, and since I have the baby I choose the winding ramp path.  I have Nolan hold my hand, and I use the other hand to push the stroller.  (I just use the car seat stroller, so I can just pop him in and back out to leave.)

Nap time-
Oh that precious nap time.  I usually try to have Conley down before I put Nolan down.  Today however was a different story.  Thankfully Nolan has become accustomed to hearing a crying baby, so he doesn't protest when I'm putting him down while the baby is in a safe place testing out his lungs.  It probably bugs me more than it does him!  I use two sound machines, so during this time you will hear the ocean from two different rooms.  I do whatever it takes from letting either of them wake each other up.  Of course Conley naps more than Nolan, so it does get a little tricky when Nolan is trying to get my attention as I try to softly lay a sleeping Conley in his crib for his nap.  I usually will wait to get up from rocking until Nolan is distracted or doing something so that he won't follow me.

Well there you have it---some food for thought!  Now I do have a few questions for some of you experienced moms out there.

Conley is still sleeping in our room, but we are about to transition him into his crib.  How do you keep the baby from waking up the toddler?  During nap time I'm like a spider monkey and jump up to soothe him as soon as I hear him so that he doesn't wake Nolan.  But at night, it's going to be more tricky.  What are your tips?

Potty training will be in our future.  How do you take a baby and a toddler together in a public restroom?  All I keep thinking is yucky!

Please share your tips of handling multiple children :)

The Turkey Day

We had a great Thanksgiving holiday, and I'm so glad we didn't have to travel.  We stayed at home and enjoyed the holiday with my in-laws.

The day before Thanksgiving we headed to the park to enjoy the sunny day.  It was so wonderful outside, and as I watched Nolan run with my husband through the leaves I felt so fulfilled.

It was a perfect fall day...the kind that you just want to freeze in time. Even though nap time was overdue, I just couldn't find it in me to rush home. So we stayed out longer enjoying the sun and the leaves.

With my sister-in-law in town, we also did some photos of little Conley. Here's just a few of them!

Oh and Grandma had to put Conley in this elf hat...don't think he was amused!

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones!

What I Always Want to Remember...

Now that Nolan is two, there are so many things I love about this age---and so many moments I don't want to forget.

I want to always remember:

How his eyes twinkle when he smiles

His sweet nature

How cute it is when he gives you a kiss 

His love for music and dancing

His goofy personality

How he loves to jump

His beautiful hair that already needs another haircut 

His cute sayings..."Momma's coffee, Daddy's shirt, Daddy's here, Momma sit down, Momma's shoes, look at that, look at me, oh no, hot cool off, "more" everything."

How he runs around the house running and then says, "Daddy run, Momma run."

How sweet his hugs feel

His great memory and how he never forgets anything

To my sweet Nolan,

You are now two years old, which is crazy to me because I feel like I was just holding you as a little baby in my arms.  You've become such the little man, and it's really bittersweet to watch you grow but also exciting.

I hope you always keep your sweetness as you get older because it's such a beautiful quality.  Don't ever stop smiling or having fun.  You are such a joy, and I'm so glad you were the one to make me a mom.  

You'll always be Momma's little boy...no matter how big you get.

The Odd Life of Timothy Green DVD Giveaway!

When I first saw the previews for Disney's The Odd Life of Timothy Green, I knew it was one I wanted to watch.  And honestly, I have found that lately it is hard to find movies that are even worth spending the time and money to see.  Thankfully, Disney doesn't disappoint with this film--you will laugh and cry as you fall in love with this family!

If you aren't familiar with the film, here's the basic description:

Disney brings enchantment home with The Odd Life Of Timothy Green, an inspiring, magical story for the whole family starring Jennifer Garner. Cindy (Garner) and Jim Green are a happily married couple who can't wait to start a family but can only dream about what their child would be like. When young Timothy shows up on their doorstep one stormy night, Cindy and Jim - and their small town of Stanleyville - learn that sometimes the unexpected can bring some of life's greatest gifts. From Academy Awarded-nominated director/writer Peter Hedges (About A Boy, Best Adapted Screenplay, 2002; Dan In Real Life; What's Eating Gilbert Grape?), it's a heartwarming celebration of family as only Disney can deliver.

And guess what?  Today I have the privilege to offer one of my lucky readers their very own Blu-ray and DVD copy!

You know the drill...fill in out the rafflecopter below to win.

The giveaway will end at midnight on Monday, November 26th.

Good luck!

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A Special Treat for You!

Have you been getting into the holiday spirit?  Well it's time to spread that holiday cheer and check some items off your to-list!  

Have you been using Treat for your greeting cards?  If you haven't, well today is your lucky day!

Treat is Shutterfly’s exciting new greeting card brand that makes it easy for people to create and send one-of-a-kind greeting cards. Treat cards are perfect for holidays, birthdays, congrats, thank yous and every occasion in between. 

Right now Treat is offering you fabulous readers the chance to create and send a personalized greeting card for absolutely FREE!  All you have to do is use the code TREATBLOGR on Monday, November 19th & Tuesday, November 20th to send one FREE card to someone special in your life.  I know I'm going to be sending some thanks for Thanksgiving and a happy holiday birthday card to my husband's grandmother---because it's actually on Thanksgiving this year!

What are you waiting for?  Go share some of that Turkey love! :)

Just a Few Photos :)

I normally don't post on Saturdays, but since I missed blogging yesterday I thought today called for it!

Here are a few photos from Conley's 3 month and Nolan's 2 year photo session.  I am almost amazed that the photographer captured any good shots since Nolan has a cold and was so not in the mood to be taking photos.  Heck these might be the only three good ones!

Hope you have a fabulous Saturday!

2 Dogs & 2 Kids Don't Mix

As many of you know, we have two dogs.  Molly, a Jack Russell Terrier who will be 10 in February, and a Cairn Terrier, Teddy who will be 6 this December.

So before you have kids, you love your dogs--but they still can annoy you.

After kids?  Well you pretty much have no patience left for them.

I know, I know they are part of the family.  But seriously, they must have the worst timing on the planet.

Let's take Molly for instance.  She has really gotten whiny and super annoying in her old age.  I swear every time I sit down on the couch, after both boys are down, the kitchen is clean----and all I want to do is sit on my comfy couch and watch my DVR....there is a constant whining at the door. Yep Molly needs to go out.  Big surprise!  She really does have impeccable timing.

So she'll go out to potty.  Then you let her back in in like 5 seconds because this dog can't stand to be outside.  Well the water dish is outside (oh you know after the 5th time your kid dumps it out, so that's where it stays to avoid water messes), so Molly can't kill two birds with one stone...she's got to make a SEPARATE trip for that.

And about 30 minutes later, she'll want to go out ONE MORE TIME.

On top of that, the other morning she woke me up at 2:30 AM to go out...and of course she woke the baby up.

Then at 5 AM she wanted to go out AGAIN...I'm like seriously dog I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!  So I tell her to go back to bed just in time to here her throwing up.  Fantastic.

And Teddy?  Well he's pretty low maintenance.  He's not a vocal dog like Molly, and he loves to play outside in our yard and protect his turf.  About a month ago, we had a little visitor...a stinky one at that.

So I knew when he was rolling around on the ground like a crazy dog that it wasn't good.  He now strongly smelled of skunk--I don't think he was sprayed but got close enough.  The next day I did the DIY skunk smell remedy--peroxide, baking soda (what can baking soda not do???), and dish washing liquid.  It did take some of it away, but it was mostly on his snout so I have to be very careful not to get it in his eyes.

Now every time he gets wet or damp from being outside...he smells like a skunk.  So his bed has been moved to the kitchen for like the last month.

Do your dogs drive you crazy or is it just me?

Watch Me Grow!

Dear Mr. Conley,
Mommy cannot believe you are 3 months old!  Seriously it seems like yesterday we were just holding you in the hospital.  You are really such a joy and have such a happy disposition.  You love, LOVE when people talk to you and will have a whole conversation.  I'm sure you're saying really important things---I just don't know how to speak baby lingo.

You're my heavy boy, probably around 15 pounds!  I think you might even roll over if I left you on your tummy long enough, however you are not a huge fan of tummy time but what baby does like that?

It looks like your eyes are changing and will not be staying blue.  I believe they are going to be some kind of mix of green and brown so probably like your Daddy's and Nolan's.  I guess momma's blue eyes are not so dominant is this family :)

You are my little sweetheart, and I love watching you grow!

Linking up with the fabulous Alison in November's Memories Captured.

Let Freedom Ring...

To all those who have served our military or are currently serving, I want to give a BIG THANK YOU for making the sacrifice to serve our country.

And to your families---thank you for sharing your special loved one.

Happy Veterans Day!

Did you know that you can send the troops a free card through Shutterfly? That's right you design a card, add your personalized message, and Shutterfly will print and ship it for free!

Just select a card and personalize your message to let the troops know how much you appreciate them.

I know they would love to hear from you!

Another Year, Another Candle

Yesterday was my birthday.  Isn't it funny that when you are young your birthday is a HUGE deal and as you age, it becomes less and less?  But that's ok though.  I think it just comes with getting older.

I really did have a great birthday.  Last weekend my mother-in-law watched the boys for a few hours while my husband and I went shopping. It really was a treat to get out like we used to...just the two of us.

Is it me or did the 80's just throw up everywhere and on every store?  It's like I am seeing clothes from my childhood...which I would really like to forget.  So I found a few items, but really I am not feeling the style of clothes right now.  Isn't that how it always goes?  You have money to spend but can't find anything to spend it on!

Then my mother-in-law had Nolan stay at her house so we were just left with the baby.  You really do forget how easy one baby can be until you are all alone with just one.  We did some more shopping and even had dinner at a nice Mexican restaurant where I indulged in a very large margarita.

The next morning we headed off to church with just the baby in tow, and afterwards headed to breakfast at IHOP.  Those pancakes were like heaven in my mouth!

The day before my birthday, Laura and Ethan made a surprise visit to bring me an early happy birthday coffee from Starbucks.  That my friends is true friendship right there at its finest.  My favorite coffee in the morning, yes please!

Yesterday on my actual birthday the grandparents came over to watch the boys while I went to get a pedicure with my friend and then have dinner with the husband.  My toes got some TLC and another fine dining experience was had with my better half---who also gave me the sweetest card and some gorgeous roses!

When we returned home, my in-laws had bought me a fabulous chocolate cake.  If you didn't know, chocolate is always my first pick for dessert.

I'm so thankful to have such great family and friends in my life to make my birthday special---even if I don't like getting older :)

What Would You Do?

I know many of you probably have read about the tragedy that happened at the Pittsburgh Zoo.  I almost can't write this without getting tears in my eyes...thinking about how my Nolan is the same age as the two year old who fell in the wild dog exhibit and was mauled to death.

I feel bad for everyone involved, the mother and the family, the zoo, and the visitors that witnessed this tragic event.

Can you even imagine being there and watching that happen to a child?

After discussing it with my husband, we both agree if that had been Nolan we would have jumped in to try to rescue our child.

Maybe it would have been a futile effort, but I just don't know if I could have lived with myself while watching my son being attacked by the dogs. Those images would haunt me for the rest of my life.  I am actually surprised that no one did jump in, but I know I wasn't there to witness it so it's not my place to say.

It definitely is a freak accident, but it does show that it is our responsibility as parents to make sure we are always thinking of the safety of our children...because just when you let your guard down something terrible like this could happen.

So give your little ones an extra hug today and let them know you love them...because sometimes you just never know...

A BRAVE Review & Giveaway!

I recently had the privilege of receiving a copy of the Disney/Pixar's BRAVE.  I have been a Disney fan from way back--since the days of The Little Mermaid and The Lion King, so you can imagine my excitement when I found I was going to get the chance to watch BRAVE.  And what do you get when you combine Disney and Pixar?  An awesome animated film to be enjoyed by all ages!

As you all know, I don't make it to theater very much due to having two small ones so I am all about some good DVD experiences.

Here's a basic run down of the film:

Set in the ancient and magical highlands of Scotland, the film follows the heroic journey of headstrong, young adventurer Merida.  Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida confronts tradition and defies an age-old custom that inadvertently unleashes chaos, and forces her to discover the true meaning of bravery.

And I have some great news---I'm offering one lucky reader the chance to win the BRAVE Ultimate Collector's Edition 5-Disc Set!  (includes Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray 3-D, and DVD)

This movie is really a must-see, and even if you don't win this giveaway I strongly suggest watching it.  The mother-daughter story line is so realistic and the animation is just strikingly beautiful.  It will make you feel like you are actually in the hills of Scotland!

To enter, just fill in the requirements of the Rafflecopter below.

The giveaway will end this Thursday, November 8th at midnight EST.

Good luck to you all!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post with a copy of BRAVE, but all opinions of the film are my own.

Let's Talk Books, Shall We?

I've always been a big reader, but fell off the wagon some when I was in college.  Now that I have my handy Kindle, I'm back on the reading train.

I finally gave in and decided to read the Fifty Shades trilogy.

I so wish I hadn't.

I seriously do not know what all the fuss is about in this book.  Given it has all the erotica and such, but seriously I feel like this book was just on continual repeat.

I almost threw my Kindle when I kept reading about all of  Ana's insecure thoughts...what are we in middle school?

It was so annoying that every flippin' statement by Christian she over analyzed..."Is he mad at me?" or "What have I done?"  This book is targeted at adults, but I felt like I was reading about teenagers.

And the whole inner goddess bit?  What was that all about?  That really got old.

Maybe this book would have been better if it was just ONE book, not three.  I felt by the end that the author was really running out of material.

So what do you think?  Have you given in and read it?  Loved it or hated it?

Ghosts & Goblins!

Happy Halloween everyone!  It's hard to believe that little Nolan is on his 3rd one!  I seriously can't believe we have experienced three Halloweens....geez where does the time go?

He's been a pumpkin (just about a week old in that photo), a giraffe, and now a monkey!  I'm sure next year I won't have a say in what he dresses up as...so I'll enjoy it this year while it lasts.

Hope everyone has a safe one out there, and so glad the sun is out...hope it is for you too!

A Monkey and a Shark Walked into a Bar...

On Friday night we ventured out to the park by our house to attend "Freaky Fright Nite,"  We didn't go last year because of rain, but this year it was nearly 80 degrees!  I didn't realize how crazy busy this event was!

Here are a few photos---sorry they aren't that great, but my monkey wouldn't stay still and my battery in my camera was dying :)

We were going to attend a "Trunk or Treat" at the church where Nolan goes to MDO, but the weather was just plain gross and nasty because of Hurricane Sandy.  Speaking of that I hope everyone that is in her vicinity is ok or taking the necessary precautions.  You are in my thoughts and prayers!

We are hoping to go to a "Trunk or Treat" that we attended at a church by our house on Halloween night.

Oh and remember when Nolan wouldn't eat any of his birthday cake?  Well I decided to make him a cookie birthday cake on his actual birthday...and let's just say he didn't have any trouble with this cake!

And this guy?  Well he went to his 2-month appointment and weighed in at 14 lbs, 1 oz and 24 inches in length...which is 90 and 75 percentile!  That's 4 lbs and 2 inches more than Nolan at this age!  Conley is a big boy and already in 6 month clothing!

Hope everyone had a great weekend too!