This Little Guy

My little baby boy is now 5 months old! Where does the time go?

This little cutie likes to roll over, and he's really into chewing on his hands. He's got the kickiest legs you've ever seen, and the sweetest smile and laugh. Out of my three boys, I believe he's the smiliest, the happiest, and the first to roll over. It's always fun to see how they differ or how they are the same. They are all their own little people, and it's fun  to watch them develop their personalities.

We are loving our blue-eyed little boy! He's such a joy and the perfect addition to our family!

Natalie

What Jerry Seinfeld Taught Me About Parenthood

I've always been a Jimmy Fallon fan from way back, but I rarely see his shows due to the coming on so late. However, since he's taken over The Tonight Show I have seen clips of his guests circling around so I've caught a few highlights.

The first comedian he had on was the legendary Jerry Seinfeld. I mean I am pretty sure everyone has seen at least one Seinfeld episode in your lifetime.

He was talking to Jimmy about being a parent (since Jimmy is a new father), and how he (Jerry) wasn't a fan of our generation of parenting (see around 4 minutes into the video).

He says we as parents are "too into it." He starts describing his bedtime routine for his kids, and I can't help but nod my head and laugh as a he labeled it as a jubilee celebration. And how true is this? We have this song and dance to just get the kids in bed. The books, the songs, the stuff animal "semi-circle" as Jerry refers to it.  He then describes his bedtime routine as a kid...DARKNESS. And he's right. I don't remember songs, books, or anything like that.

I think back to my grandparents and my great-grandparents and think...hmmm how did they have so many children in one room sleeping? What about meals...were they scheduled...nap time etc? Obviously this is from a different era and the needs were different for that generation. Some were just probably trying to survive.

I think our generation has been swallowed by the "mommy guilt." Are we teaching, crafting, playing, and doing all things for our children at all times? If you're not doing a craft you're a bad mom. If you're not entertaining your kids all day you're a bad mom. If you're a working mom you don't love your kids enough. If you're a stay at home mom, you have no aspirations. When will it end? Why are we so hard on ourselves?

Maybe it's the technology, the internet, the social media. We see these perfect lives or ideas of what we should be doing.

But I'm hear to say, trust your instincts. Do what works for your family. Don't compare yourself to other moms. You are a great mom, and your children love you for just being their mom.

If you love crafting, then do it and don't feel guilty about it. If you hate crafts, don't do them and don't feel guilty about it. Cut yourself some slack, you are AMAZING because you are a mother.

So this Mother's Day, take that time off to soak in the day and let it be about you. It's ok to take a break, and I promise your child will survive!

Natalie

Three is My Favorite

I wish I could freeze time...

Because I love the age of three...

Because I love snuggling with my little boy...

Because I love watching him grow and learn...

Because I love how he can be so sweet and thoughtful. 

Because I love seeing the twinkle in his eye.

I know he won't always want momma to hold him.

I know he won't want to share his day with me but instead his friends.

I know he won't always call me his best friend.

So as these moments are fleeting, I will capture them and bottle them up to treasure them always.

Natalie

Two and Done or Maybe Three?

I always thought I would have more than two children. When pregnant with Conley, I never thought, "This is the last time I will feel a baby in my belly, the last time I will feel baby kicks, and the last time I will see my belly move." I didn't sell my cribs, my swings, or any of the important baby paraphernalia.

But now as the boys age, I see what life could be like with not having another baby.  Right now I have a little more independence than when they were small.

I don't have to worry about breastfeeding--if I need to pump if I am gone too long or if I need to plan my outings around it.

I get more sleep because MOST of the time both boys sleep at night.

I don't worry about their meals as much when they are small.  Of course I feed them, but they also can voice to me that they are hungry. As babies, I was worried did they eat enough...are they hungry...will they wake up because they didn't eat enough?

I don't worry as much when I leave the boys with my mother-in-law or my husband at night. When Conley was small, I was the only one who could put him down at night.

My husband and I can start to make plans to go out of town and do small vacations.

I think we can plan to return to Hawaii for our 10 year anniversary!

If we have another baby, we would have to delay that trip because not all the kids would be in school. We don't have anyone to take care of them during the day.

But then I think, I DO want to experience the miracle of having another baby.

I DO want to feel those sweet baby kicks and smell that sweet newborn scent.

I DO want to swaddle and rock a baby to sleep.

I DO love the idea of having a larger family.

Natalie

Taking Care of Mom

We all know moms always put themselves last in line.

Well last week started a few activities that were just for me.  Crazy I know, but it all happened to just be around the same time so I was able to spoil myself.

My husband was gone all last week, but my in-laws watched the boys on Thursday night so I could meet up with the KMB team and another local blogger.

Then on Saturday my friend Katie had free passes for a hair blow out at a fairly new blow out salon in town.

Last night I was able to take two of my KMB contributors for a spa massage and ANOTHER hair blow out!  (in exchange for a review on the site)

So I'm feeling pretty pampered and loved.  The fun continues as next week we host our first MNO event that includes champagne and good food!

I'm kind of liking this whole taking care of mom.  When was the last time you took out time to take care of yourself?

Natalie

Saying Goodbye to Naptime

Cue Boyz II Men music in the background.

I think my 3 year old is saying goodbye to nap times.

If we attempt it, it is met with tears , yelling, and has the potential of waking up little brother. 

It is JUST NOT WORTH IT.  He hasn't napped in weeks.  

He's good about some quiet time and watching some shows, but enter the evening and he just gets SO CRAZY.

He becomes more defiant, more likely to be mean to his brother, and in general an emotional basket case.

I know he's almost 3 1/2, so it's totally normal for him to be possibly outgrowing his nap time.

But what do you do when the crazies come out? It's really emotionally exhausting!

Bedtime is definitely earlier, but what happens when it is summer and we're out enjoying it?  Is he going to fall apart?

What did you do when your children outgrew their naps?

Natalie

Achieving Balance

So last week I totally ignored the blog here.

I was really busy but also just felt no inspiration or words that were worth writing.

I kept telling myself, I NEED to write a post. But then I thought, you know what?

It's ok to take an uncalled and unscheduled break. 

I know you my blog friends will still be there when I get back.

I can't be everywhere and do everything all the time. I have to learn to cut myself some slack and also learn it is ok to say no. 

As moms, we fill our plates so full.  We are multi-tasking machines always running to the next to-do list, the next task.  I find myself running through my list as I try to fall asleep. 

How do we achieve balance? I don't have all the answers.  I try to breathe and think, does this have to be done? Will it impact my life if I don't do it?  Why am I committing myself to it?

So here I am hoping to give myself the time I need, and to realize as mothers we can't do it all.  But we can also not beat up ourselves about it.

How do you achieve balance?

Natalie

Just Call Me the Referee

When I found out we were having a second boy, I was elated.  I was so excited that Nolan would have a brother so close in age, and I couldn't wait for them to be best friends.

Never did I think at such a young age (three and one) that I would be constantly correcting and refereeing. My day is full of statements like these:

"Don't push your brother down."
"Remember to share!"
"Why is your brother crying?"
"Don't take toys out of your brother's hands!"
"Be gentle with your brother!"
"Conley, you can't have every toy your brother has." (cue big tears and a cry as if you told him he would never be able to drink milk again)

I could go on and on, but I'll spare you.

I just didn't think I would have this problem until they were older.  It really is exhausting, and I start thinking will they ever play nice together?  Will there ever be a time that I'm not in the room that I suddenly hear a cry of terror?

For those of you with multiple children, does it get better or worse?

Natalie

Moms Always Finish Last

As moms, we are constantly putting other needs above ourselves--whether it's our children, our husband, or family and friends, we put ourselves utterly and completely last.

And while most the time, I am ok with this because it's just something I have learned to accept.

However this past weekend, my husband coordinated with my mother-in-law to watch BOTH boys overnight. (Conley has only had one night away from me while my husband watched him at the house.)

He did this so I finally could get my master bedroom makeover that I have wanted for so long. Every room in the house had been updated before ours.  So I was so excited to see the transformation.  While he painted the ceiling and prepped the walls, I went shopping for new curtains, bedding, and accessories.

I found some curtains at World Market that I absolutely LOVED and knew they were the ones. We also have an arch window which is weird about curtain lengths.  We decided to make the jump to putting the curtain rod above the window, and I am so glad we did.  It really lengthens the wall and makes the room seem larger.  We painted the walls a gray/brown (Frappe if we are getting technical), and I couldn't be more in love.  We also rearranged our furniture, and I just love the openness it created.  I also finally have canvases of my babies on the wall!

I took these with my phone, so please excuse the lighting.  Once we completely accessorize I will take photos with my real camera.  We are doing new bedding, more of a gray/brown color once I find it.  But loving the orange accent pillow I found!

Is your bedroom styled the way you want it?

Natalie

My Own Space

Lately I have just wanted my own space.

Away from kids who are constantly grabbing, climbing, kicking, and you name it.

I just want to be able to complete a task without a little kid attached to my leg. 

Have you felt this way? That you just wanted a personal bubble and for no one to touch you for like a good solid hour?

Now that Conley is standing while holding onto any object, he is constantly underfoot or climbing me. 

I can't take Nolan to the potty without him trying to climb the toilet and grabbing his brother.

I can't unload/load the dishwasher without him getting involved. 

And of course when I go to the bathroom, I apparently need two small supervisors.

I can't hide ANYWHERE in my house.  They always find me. 

Do you sometimes feel that your own children are suffocating you?

Natalie

Don't Stop Believing

When you are a mom, there are never any days off.  Remember the days when you were sick and you could just stay in bed all day with the covers over your head?

Yeah those days no longer exist.  We moms have some magic coping system where we are able to function whether we have had any sleep or if we are sick as dogs.

I am currently sick and running on fumes and not being the best mom I can be. 

I am losing my patience with the boys. I am snappy. Really I just want to sleep.

But I can't, and I won't because I have two human beings depending on me. 

It might not be pretty, but I will manage as us moms always do. It really is amazing all that we can handle no matter what condition we are in.

Sickness and rain is what we have today, but I can see the sunshine peaking through...the snotty noses starting to dry, and the coughing subsiding.

A little joy ride in the car with my three year old jamming and singing with Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" and I think that's right.  I can't stop believing...and sure enough our moods are lifted just by listening to a simple song.

As mothers we can't stop believing that tomorrow is a better day.  That's what keeps us going and our heads up.

We have faith that there always is a silver lining in our story.

Natalie

When Are We Enough?

I think as a mom we are predisposed to always feeling like we are not good enough.  We try to balance everything--raising our children, providing good meals, keeping a clean house, and the list goes on and on.

Constantly these questions run through my head...

Did I teach my toddler anything new today?

Shouldn't I be doing some crafty Pinterest project so he learns more?

Am I spending enough one-on-one time with each boys?

Am I am teaching and challenging them enough?

Shouldn't I try some new creative meals?

When am I going to deep-clean this house?

Shouldn't I do more hobbies for myself?

But if I do more hobbies, doesn't that mean I am taking time away from the boys?

When am I going to workout?

Am I spending enough time with my husband?

Do I waste my time online?

Shouldn't I be planning cute ideas for the upcoming 3rd birthday party?

Shouldn't I be getting more sleep?

And it continues...my to-do list, the mom guilt, the wife guilt.  Does it ever end?

Why as mothers do we put these high expectations on being everything to everyone all the time?

When are we enough?

Natalie

Protectors of Innocence

Last night, I was watching ESPN and their E:30 series.

One of the stories was about a guy who as a child was sexually abused by his karate teacher.

I feel like we hear about this more and more...and it really scares the death out of me.

I can't imagine someone doing that to my child or any child for that matter.

But how do we teach our child about this?  I've already started telling Nolan that it's not ok for people to touch him in his private area and that he should always tell me if someone tries or if he feels uncomfortable.  And for him to tell them "no."  I want him to know he can tell me anything no matter what.

I know it might sound early, but I just can't let someone to take my child's innocence away.

I am no expert in this area, but from hearing most stories the predator always first tests the limit with the child to see if he/she says no.  Then they push the boundaries further and further until usually the child is ashamed and won't tell anyone.

I know the days of coaches picking up our children for practices and alone time is one that is not as common as it once was.  However I want to be sure I do everything in my power to prevent this from happening to my boys.

We are the protectors of their innocence, and we can not let them down.

How do you discuss this with your children? Any advice?

Natalie

When Your Sweet Boy Isn't So Sweet

As some of you might have seen on Facebook, my sweet boy Nolan has become more of a handful lately.  (And if you aren't a fan on FB, please click at the right of the page...I'm at 87 likes and would love to get to 100!)

My sweet, loving boy has become a "no" boy.

Literally he says "no" to all kinds of things and in the most hateful manner.

He seriously sounds like a teenager talking back...I really thought I had a some more years before we reached this stage.

While we were at the grocery store, he yelled out and emptied out one of the bags in the cart as we were leaving.

At nap time, he slapped me on my shoulder, and said he didn't want to nap.

"NO I don't want to," and "NO I can't" are the most common phrases that come out of his mouth.

It's really like it happened overnight.  He's constantly testing me about EVERYTHING....and even the easiest of tasks or a meal have become a battle.

Where did my sweet boy go?

I realize he's finding his independence, and I try to keep my cool (very difficult at times), and we have been doing a lot of time outs.  I always follow through with the consequences because I know that's crucial when he's testing these boundaries.  I just hate that we spend so much time focusing on the negative.

Two was pretty easy with this boy....but the three's are going to give me a run for my money.

Have you been dealing with the "no's" too?

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

Bad Mood Momma

Have you ever just woken up and been in the worst mood ever?  That's me today.  I seriously must have woken up on the wrong side of the bed because I am one short fuse today.

It's probably because I've been sick since last Thursday.  I was thinking Conley was just having allergies, but in reality it was cold that he passed on to Nolan and myself.

Luckily the boys just had runny noses.  My cold however started with a burn in my throat and has continued to be a doozy with snotty/runny nose and a cough that really hurts.

Before kids, I rarely got sick.  Now it seems it happens more often, and when I get them they linger forever. And then they usually turn into some type of sinus infection.  I never had a sinus infection before kids!  UGH! My SIL and my mom stopped by on their way to the beach, and my SIL was like, "Do you have allergies? Because it seems like you are always congested."  I had to laugh because she's really only known me since I've been pregnant....and when I'm pregnant I'm all stuffy...both times.  I also saw her at Christmas which was when we were all recovering from a cold---so yep I was all congested.

I'm not sure what being pregnant did to me---but it definitely messed up my immune system and my sinuses.

Conley is also teething....he only has one bottom tooth, and it's not even all the way up.  We really are going to have a long road with this little guy.  Oh and not to mention Nolan is continually testing me lately.  Not sure if it's cold...or his age but that boy is really pushing my limits.

So that's me this Monday...all Debbie Downer.

How is your week starting out?  Hopefully better than mine!

Don't forget to follow us on Bloglovin!

Natalie

My Choice

Lately I feel like I've been looked down upon because I am a stay-at-home mom.

It's been a few instances where people in different aspects in my life have implied or made certain comments about it. Some have children and some don't.

Now let's get this straight.  I don't judge anyone whether they are a SAHM, a working mom, or a work from home mom.  What matters most is that the child is loved and taken care of, and everyone knows that being a mom is the hardest job.

However, just because I'm not in the official work force doesn't mean I don't have aspirations or ambitions. Some people seem to think just because you're not chasing a "higher career" that means you just are someone that is a knot on a log.

Well this is simply not true.  Yes being a SAHM means that I sacrificed a professional career.  Could I have kept moving up the ladder?  Yes!  Would it had been worth it?  I can confidently say no it wouldn't have been.  In my particular field, there was no way I could have kept up a healthy balance of the two...something would have to give.

Before I had children, I was all about my career.  But guess what after having children my perspective changed. I realized where I wanted to spend my time and effort.  It doesn't mean that's the same choice for everyone...because many others are able to make it work.  In my case and career it just wouldn't have worked.

But does that make me less of a person?  Does it make me less smart?  Does it mean I don't have goals or dreams?

I feel like society paints a picture of females that make the choice to be a SAHM that they just "didn't have what it takes" to make it in the workforce.

I shouldn't feel like I have to justify my choice by saying, "Oh yeah I graduated college with honors or that I was really successful in my professional career."  But I do feel like I need to.

But instead this is what I should say:

I'm a great mom to two wonderful boys.

I'm a great wife to my husband.

I'm a loyal friend.

And this is what really matters, not a grade on a paper or a promotion from a job.

Life is what you make it, so don't leave any regrets on the table.  And I can happily say, I don't regret a thing.

Natalie

To All the Moms...

To all the moms out there...

I know some days you feel like you are a failure.

Like you have nothing left.

That you're not special...

Or that you're doing it all wrong.

But know this...

Your children love you for being their mommy.

For greeting them with a smile in the morning.

For all the kisses and hugs you shower them with everyday.

Don't feel bad that you didn't do that Pinterest activity.

Because playing trucks or singing songs is just as fun.

Because driving around and pointing out all the flags is just as enjoyable.

Your kids aren't keeping score, so you shouldn't either.

Just be you, just be their mom.

Happy early Mother's Day to all you wonderful moms.  Hope you know just how special you are!

Natalie

Teething--A Mother's Curse

So you know how our house had the sickies for like a week? We have finally survived and are in the clear. I had some friends invite us to go play at the mall play area, and I thought heck no, not with two healthy children...I will not tempt the winter germs to attack my children. Let's be honest that little play area is a cesspool of germs!

Now we're dealing with Conley's teething. When Nolan was this age, he did a lot of whining. I remember thinking if I hear one more whine I just might stuff any object in my ear to block out the sound.

Now? Well I would gladly take Nolan's whining to Conley's loud crying. It is seriously so loud! And of course with teething comes the not napping and the not sleeping well. I could live with him being awake, but as of now if he's awake he's crying with his hands stuffed in his mouth as a chewing apparatus.

I know it's just a phase, but I'm thinking wow we've only got two coming in right now, and just 18 more to go! I think I need a glass of wine...maybe two...heck just give me the whole bottle.

Thank goodness my mother-in-law is watching the boys tomorrow evening. Time for a date night with the husband---maybe some mexican food and a margarita!


Natalie

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?