Til the Sun Goes Down

The weather has been really nice the last few days.

A nice little break from the brutal heat and humidity.

On days like these...I think it's ok to push bedtimes later.

To sit back and watch your son run around the playground with no actual purpose but to have fun.

Let them be young and innocent.

Don't push them to grow up too fast.

Let them get dirty from playing in the dirt or sticky from eating a lollipop.

Those moments are fleeting, so soak them up until the sun goes down.

Natalie

Potty Break...Monster Style!

This is a sponsored post written by me for Huggies Pull-Ups, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

When I began potty training with Nolan, I really had no idea how it would go.  We had never been able to get him to go on the big potty just as practice, so this was going to be a whole new world.

I had dreaded the transition to potty training because I knew it would be difficult with have a baby and a toddler to watch over.  I thought how am I going to be able to be with Nolan every second to catch an accident while I am nursing, changing a diaper, or putting Conley down for a nap?  He really had no concern about wetting or pooping in a diaper....so how would I convince to be a "big boy" now?

I knew though that I wanted him to be potty trained before he went back to Mother's Day Out in late August. So the plan was to start in July so that I would have plenty of time to test out my potty training skills.

We of course made it fun with using some M&M's as a reward.  Or as he calls it "chocolate candies." (And by the way he's way too tall and actually can reach inside the pantry cabinet and get these....note to self put them higher!)

Nolan was super excited about the Pull-Ups when he saw the monsters on both sides and ran around the house making monster noises.  And anytime after nap he would say, "I kept the monsters dry!"  Not only was he excited about it, but this helped make the potty training process fun and not like a chore for him.

(Why yes that is my husband holding him in place since this boy is on the go and says, "No picture mommy" all the time!)

Pull-Ups helps take the scare out of potty training by making it fun and easy with new Monsters U character training pants! You can help make potty training easier by staying consistent and using rituals like the potty break.  Make it a game and ask your toddler, "What does a little monster take?..."A Potty Break!"

Visit Pull-Ups.com and “like” Pull-Ups on Facebook for more potty training tips and resources.

Natalie

Looking Back...

As summer is winding down, I find myself reminiscing about this time of year in years past.

I know it isn't the beginning of the year, but due to the fall and school year I always feel like it is a fresh start. 

I remember back in the days of high school and college days feeling the anticipation and excitement of a new school year. What would happen? What friends would I hang out with? What boy would I like? 

Like hearing an old song, the end of summer takes me back to another time. 

And now with being a mom, I wonder if my children will share the same excitement. I distinctly remember loving getting new school supplies and clothes. It probably was one of my favorite times of the year. 

As I prepare Nolan to go back to MDO, I see a little of myself in him. He can't wait to go back to school and meet his new teachers.  He asks everyday if we are going and will wear his Elmo backpack and lunchbox around the house.

Nolan getting ready for MDO last August

I just hope he always holds this excitement...because for me it was always a new year of possibilities.

Do you have fond memories of going back to school?

Natalie

We're in a Groove

Recently I have been thinking my family and I have hit a sweet spot.

I feel like I'm finally figured a little bit out of having two boys, and that we've really found a routine.

I say this fully knowing once I write these words it will probably turn upside down.

But for moment let's pretend it doesn't.

We've actually potty trained Nolan.  I haven't even mentioned on here, but I guess it's official since it's been weeks since he's really had an accident.  I still haven't jumped into a "no diaper" at nap time or bedtime especially since he's still in the crib, but I'm ok with that.  All the other time he's in his underwear, and going on the potty.  It's amazing the bladder control this child has, and it really scares me because I'm just waiting for a big accident.  So my boy that I thought would never be potty trained actually did it with smooth sailing.

Conley in I guess the last month and maybe even a few weeks before that has officially been able to just be laid down for both his naps and bed while being awake.  I remember it taking a quite a bit with Nolan, but he was also a great sleeper whereas Conley has been touch and go.

Conley's 1st birthday party is just a few weeks away.  I have all the decorations, but I am not stressing myself out about the details.  It's at a splash pad and outdoors, so I'm just going with the flow and letting the kids have fun.

Nolan will be starting back to MDO at the end of August.

Then in September we head out for a week long vacation at the beach.

Then my 6 year wedding anniversary, Nolan's birthday, Halloween, and the rest of the holidays.

Is it just me or has this year flown by?

But for now...I'll enjoy the ride and the groove we've found.

Natalie

Old School Blogging: July Edition

I'm excited to be joining in Old School Blogging for July.  It's a lot of fun, so feel free to link up with the fabulous hosts Alison and Elaine!


Five Things I Have a Passion For:

1) My boys--and this includes my husband :)

2) Reading a good book

3) Drinking a good cup of coffee

4) Laying on a beach with my toes in the sand

5) Listening to my favorite music

Five Things I Would Like to Do Before I Die:

1) Watch my boys become gentlemen and have grandchildren

2) Travel the world!

3) Become a good skier

4) See my favorite musicians live in concert

5) Eat the best food from around the world

Five Things I Say A Lot:

1) Seriously?!

2) Why are you crying?

3) Shhh...you are going to wake up your brother!

4) I love you

5) Is that naughty or nice?

(Can you tell most my conversations are with a 2 year old?)

Five Books I Have Read Lately:

1) The Great Gatsby

2) The Perks of Being a Wallflower

3) The Light Between Oceans

4) The Secret Keeper

5) And a lot of quick younger reads...a bunch that have been in a series...nothing really worth recommending!

Five Favorite Movies:
(Ugh this is a hard one!)

1) I love a good comedy...not a lot of good ones anymore but loved Wedding Crashers.

2) Used to love Gone with the Wind when I was younger.

3) The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

4) PS I Love You always brings a tear to my eye!

5) I Love You, Man (seriously this movie cracks me up!)

(I am sure I am forgetting some good ones, but the quality of movies just isn't what it used to be)

Five Places I Would Love to Travel to:

1) Bora Bora

2) Europe---Scotland, England, Italy, Spain...(been once and saw Germany, France, Switzerland, and Austria)

3) The Big Island of Hawaii (been to Maui and loved it!)

4) The Eastern Caribbean Islands

5) And here in the states I still haven't been to NYC!

Five People I Invite to this Meme:

Everyone reading!

Natalie

How to Beat the Summer Blues with Netflix

****This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Netflix.****

Now that we are in the heat of summer, I am like many and grabbing at straws on how to keep my little ones entertained.

Oh and summer TV in general??? AWFUL!  My husband and I are constantly going through the channels trying to find something to watch.

Ta-da! The answer to our problems...Netflix!

Did you know that Netflix.com/Families page is available for members and non-members?  This page features several new categories including Family Movie Night, Are We There Yet, and TV for Curious Kids.

And with the kids being out of school for summer...well that means most families double their budget on entertainment during this time period.  Have you seen the cost of a movie ticket these days?  YOWZA!  Netflix delivers big entertainment without breaking the bank for only $7.99/month.

As Nolan and I browsed the selection, he immediately was drawn to Cars and The Tigger Movie.  I was also very impressed with all the different wildlife/animal selections.  Nolan is one of those kids that if he watches a show he really takes it in and will repeat parts over and over.  It's always great when we can combine entertainment with learning.

The Netflix.com/Families page is easy to navigate and also provides a summary of the movie as well as a member rating.

Because when the heat rises...so does the inside play time.  So to avoid this face that says, "Mom it's too hot can we go inside?"

We will be spending those 90 degree + days enjoying some great entertainment from Netflix.

Netflix is also a great companion for on the go...waiting for appointments...long trips in the car. Netflix makes it easy for you as a parent to be informed when making a selection for your child. And for me, I want all the tools and resources when allowing my child to watch certain programs.

Because keeping a smile on this boy's face during the summer months...isn't always easy.

But definitely worth it!

Netflix.com/Families is a new destination designed to meet your family's summertime entertainment needs.  On Netflix.com/Families, parents can find lists of movies and TV shows for all kinds of special summer moments.

Visit www.Netflix.com/Families for more information on the best way to stream as well as videos from families using Netflix.

The 10 Month Update-A Month Late!

Soooo the summer has really put me behind in blogging and so as my baby boy is already 11 months, I am just now getting around to his 10 month post.

This month has been a fun one because you've started to become semi-mobile. However this also frustrates you when you get in a position you can't get out of...or when you can't get a toy you want.  You definitely have a "frustrated cry" that you use when you don't get want you want...which most of the time involves you trying to get a food that you can't eat yet. Let's just say you love food!

You are full of personality and will try to hide your face when you're feeling shy. You are super ticklish underneath your chin or the top of your thighs. Your giggle is the sweetest sound!

Your brother always holds your attention, and I really think you get bored without him. You two are full of laughs as you are able to interact more...and I can't keep you guys from splashing everywhere in the bath.

Happy late 10 months little guy!  I hope you always keep your joy...it's a wonderful trait you share with everyone you meet.  Love you to the moon and back :)

Natalie

My Baby is not a Baby Anymore

As I look at the calendar, it's hard to believe in less than a month my baby will be a year old.

I'm going to include his 10 month photos in another post (yes I am that behind!), but as I printed out his birthday invitations yesterday I realized the countdown had begun.

HE WILL BE A YEAR OLD IN LESS THAN A MONTH.

BAM. That really hit me in the face.

Don't get me wrong he really does seem like a baby in the fact that he's still getting mobile in his unique way....but his independence is starting to show and so are his food preferences.

But my boys are growing up. One is talking in complete sentences, asking questions every second, wearing underwear, and pretty much understanding every word I say to him.  And those legs? When did he get so tall? HE WILL BE THREE SOON!  I felt like I just had him let alone have another baby turning one.

I have been putting away or selling many of my baby items because we aren't looking to have number three for a few more years.

As I am excited about it, I am also a little sad.  I have many friends having baby #2 right now, and I find myself missing it.  But in reality I know I don't miss those sleepless or shower less nights/days.

But I can't help but feel a little twinge when I here their progress from a doctor's appointment. Giving birth is such a miracle...and hearing a birth story is always something that touches my heart.

They are only a baby for so long and before you know it, that moment in time has passed.

Natalie

A Rainy 4th...

This past week has been nothing but rain in our neck of the woods.  Luckily the rain slowed down enough for us to enjoy the local parade.  Nolan really loved it this year...even though it had less participants because of the rain.

On Saturday, we decided to head to the aquarium which is a little less than a two hour drive.  It seriously rained the whole time we were there and on the way back.  My whole yard has lakes in it because the ground is so saturated.  It was ok at the aquarium since we were inside, however we had to park a little ways away...and to go from the River Journey to the Ocean Journey you have to walk outside with no cover.  We made the best of it and both the boys had tons of fun.  (My SIL took photos while we were there, so I'll have to share those later)
Here are the boys taking a break at the aquarium.

Nolan decided the best way to nap was to have his blanket over his head.  He rarely sleeps in the car, but after I didn't hear him for about 20 minutes I figured he was asleep under there!

How was your holiday weekend?

Natalie

Back to the Blogging World

I'm baaaack! Well I think I'm back.  It's been great having a bloggy break, but I think I am ready to come back.

It worked out great because my husband was out of town, so I was extra busy with the boys.

Last Sunday my husband and I went white water rafting and had a blast!  I really want to go back soon.  If you have the opportunity to try it, definitely go for it.

I took Nolan to Little Gym and had a cookie date with him:

Then these boys were up to their usual shenanigans:

And we are planning on more fun activities withe local 4th of July parade tomorrow, and the aquarium on Saturday.

I've got a few posts in the work...like Conley's 10 months...even though he's almost 11 months.

I'm going to catch up on my blog reading, but I might only be commenting on your newest post so I don't feel overwhelmed.

Hope you are having a great summer so far!

Natalie