Photolog

Lately we have been enjoying our fall. Getting in all the walks and outside time we can before the snow falls!

Bike rides at the old state hospital

perfect day

in between sun-showers

just like papa, he loves the downhill sessions

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Ready

Set

GO!

splash

splash!

I love where we live. Yes its been in the 40s during the day here and there is a wintery mix in the forecast for the next few days, but it is so pretty here. We get a lot of snow and it gets really cold, but fall here, is the best time of the year.

Seven Quicks for an Anniversary.

linkity link-linked here

Yesterday was our four year anniversary, so in honor of that, this 7QT is dedicated to my main man, Josh :)

uno:

Thank you for being the yin to my yang. The calm seas to my firey..uh...land?.. You are just what I need in my life to keep me even keeled and from constantly living in a world of crazy anxiety and freak outs. ps sorry for the millions of texts you get everyday about how I can't handle these minions..

dos:

Thank you for always standing by me. Even Especially when my crazy is showing..

tres:

Thank you for always making me laugh. Even Especially when I don't want to.

cuatro:

Thank you for always supporting me, even especially when I don't think I need it.

 cinco:

For always being there, for being present, for being the best other half I could ever ask for.

seis:

you are a better father and husband than you give yourself credit for. You are an amazing man, who makes everyone's life better by just being in it. You are the foundation and strength on which I build my dreams. You are the encouragement to try harder and the perseverance to never give up. 

siete:

Thank you for giving me the gifts you've given me, just by being by my side when we sleep and when we wake. You are the best decision I have ever made and I promise to make the same one every day: to love you more, completely and unwavering. Even especially when its hard..

xoxox

Pumpkin Patch Pickin'

thrilled

I'll take three..

Runnin!

Child of the corn

Mister Bright Eyes

That'll do pig, that'll do.

Senior picture

One of our pumpkins was huddy shaped

Brothers

Cutie bug

What do you mean I can't take them ALL home!

baaahhhhhhhaaa

The Goat King

We ventured out to our favorite pumpkin patch just south of town. Even though the sky was gray and the wind blew a bit, we still had a great time. Easton rode the barrel train, even though he said it wasn't fun. The goats are ALWAYS going to be my favorite! there is nothing better than spending sunday doing something fun, watching football and making a delicious meal. Meatloaf in the oven, potatoes ready to go and lounging on the couch with a drink! Its a good weekend for sure!

Thank you for boys that run and jump
and hop and laugh
For snuggles nice and long

For kisses wet and on the cheek
For words and smiles and songs

For health and love
For happiness
For days of sun and warm air

For new teeth and favorite shirts
For shoes and socks
And tufts of blonde hair

For these two who fill my heart
Who have taught me how to love
For years and months and moments past

For each and every dawning day
For the gift of these sweet boys
For giving me one more, better than the last.

Recovering from awful days is a whole lot easier when you have two incredible boys and am amazing husband by your side :) Spending this afternoon pampering and shopping!! Xo

Overwhelmed and under water...

Today I am giving up. I am waving my white flag. I am asking for encouragement, support, empathy, sympathy, hell..I'll even take pity today.  I am taking a day off of 'being strong', of things not phasing me, of over coming set backs and championing and advocating. Today I'm sitting on the floor tap, tap, tapping this out while the occasional tear falls and I let guilt sit in.

In a constant state of doing, going and caring for others, I think I keep going because I don't want to deal with it. I kept moving forward, navigating this new normal while trying to take care of every person in my life. I can't help it, I love taking care of people. I'm a fixer and a do-er. I wont sit back and watch you suffer, I will try to think of the best and most realistic option for positive outcome, but I won't force it on you. But this year, this year has sucked [save for the birth of Hudson]. There have been so many changes and unresolved issues that I've never fully come to terms with and now, it's boiling over and I'm giving in.

From the news of my parents getting divorced to the now multiple prosthetics Hudson needs, along with physical therapy in home and in office, being the sole care provider for my kids most of the time [josh helps out, I'm not calling him out AT ALL. My kids prefer to whine for mama all day though] staying at home full time and trying to manage a house on one income plus two kids two dogs a cat a [awesome, wonderful] roommate and a constant wave of filth and toys and FRUIT FLIES [what the ehhh] and diapers and 'what's for dinner????'. So, today, I don't know figure it out.


I ache for Hudson to be well. To not hurt or to have to struggle, I wish for him only to be happy [he is] and healthy [which, really he is.] He has such minor issues that I often feel horrible for having a woe is me moment, but however minor his 'special needs', they still are just that: special needs. And while I don't label him as such, he does have needs that are beyond that of a "normal" 7 month old. His prognosis is great because unlike many kids with special needs, Hudson will, in a way, get better. He needs daily physical therapy, he has to wear a molding helmet, he will be in a collar at some point because even with therapy, he still is pulling to the one side. I am constantly monitoring for delays in development and progress in extension and movement. He's not a trustworthy sitter but I don't blame him with a heavy helmet on. He screams through most physical therapy because he just wants to snuggle and that isn't what we are doing. Easton is constantly interrupting therapy. And after finding out [in the Dr's appointment from hell] that he wasn't getting better and that without further help he may end up with facial asymmetry, I was knocked way way wayyyyyyyy down the mountain. I felt like he had come leaps and bounds! His torticollis isn't even noticeable anymore thanks to months of chiropractic work. He can lift and turn his head from side to side, he swivels, he can look up and down and holds his head off his body. During tummy time, he picks his head way up and pushes up. I was so set to be told great work! at his follow up...Only to be knocked down, defeated and treading water...

While I know there are silver linings [he is healthy, he doesn't have any delays, Easton is healthy too. Life isn't that bad, we have an awesome family who are always there for us..etc...] I know other parents deal with much worse and harder diagnosis that require diligence and monitoring hourly, and I know this had been a hiccup in the grand scheme of things. But today, I don't have it in me to do much more than beg for support and an encouraging word. The tears have stopped, at least from the adult around here, and the kids are both not needing my attention right.this.second. I imagine today will go much better than I feel like it is going. And Hudson will get better. I will always be some form of overwhelmed, but I will get better at managing it and taking time away. 

But today, I'm taking the day off from optimism and silver linings. I am giving up and giving in. I am curling up on the couch and watching and snuggling, because today, that is all that helps. 

Parenting Q & A..

Answered in all sincerity and with expertise of this champion mama...Obviously this is all super serious and real advice you could take-to-heart...

1. At what age will my child sleep through the night?
Never, as far as I can tell. At 2 and three quarters, Easton still enjoys nightly wake ups. He often needs a sip of water, a blankie tuck, removal of a scary shadow casting jelly fish, a request for 'do you want to lay with me and snuggle?'...  Almost 8 month old Hudson WILLNOTSLEEPALLNIGHT. He is far more dramatic and needy than any baby should be, I mean reeeealllllyyy child you are working on over half a yearrrrrr olllldddd...GOOD LAWWDD. Sleep sons, sleep.  But back to the question, never. Ever, ever getting back to sleeping..

2. When should my baby start eating solids?
ASAP. Get those boobies back ladies. Breast might be best, but man is it A.N.N.O.Y.I.N.G... Feed me Feed me Burp Throw up Burp Feed Feed Feed Burp Sleep 8 seconds Feed Feed Feed...STILL HUNGRY@$#!!@#@#$%^&&&^^&^#@! Just make them a sandwich and call it good, bonus points if you go healthy like and put it on a wrap!

2b. Follow up: How do we get our child to eat healthy options?
You know how they say eat a rainbow? Try sprinkles. That will make everything rainbow=Healthy...

3. When should I start potty training?
My professional opinion is that children should know how to use the bathroom by themselves before they start dating, because that's when you get to it... But it is all based on personal preference..

4. What are some questions/rules we should ask/set a potential nanny or babysitter?
a. are you available 24/7/365
b.are you willing to devote your entire life to my children IE. have no social life so that I may have a social life..
c. stay outta my booze...
d. Seriously..

5.  What is the best way to sleep train?
There is none. No such thing, nothing is best. No Sleep til Empty Nest...

6. I'm worried about grandparents spoiling my children, how do we approach this topic without hurting feelings?
Don't stop them from spoiling, in fact start adding things you'd like to their Christmas lists [like Vacation to Hawaii-Hudson needs this, he is super stressed.. or one of those fancy face wash scrubby rotating brush things that make your skin look better after being ravaged by hormones for 2+years of pregnancy/post pregnancy..I MEAN Easton needs to freshen up his cheeks..] Plus as a bonus your child will learn how easy life is and how simple it is to get the things you desire most in life without hard work..They will never be let down.

7. I really don't know what I am doing, any advice or tips?
a. When in doubt, dance it out.
b. Beer before liquor never been sicker, liquor before beer you're in the clear.
c. Always wear mascara. ALWAYS.
d. Never drink alone, unless you have 2 under 2 and they are the Kanye and Jay-z of CRAY-Z...


Obviously, I really get it and know what I am doing when it comes to child rearing. So if you happen to be a publisher who has happened upon my blog by a SUPER stroke of L to the UCK, then feel free to contact me about book deals. I am pretty sure we'd make bank on Lily's Super Savvy Parenting tips and Nightcap Recipes...

a rare moment of behaved.

quick takes.

Linked up here because it is just too much to write a real post..


 ONE:
 Easton says the word 'crap' A LOT...like everyday. Some examples: "whats all that crap on tv?" [probably maury, don't judge], "oh geez I tripped on all my crap"[me too..], "I need to clean up this crap"[duh, yes you do..], "what was that? Was it crap?"[probably, you just head crap..]

TWO:
While waiting patiently for our turn to pick avocados at the store, Easton got fed up. She lingered for one Easton minute too long and he blurted out "Excuse me lady!!"

at least he was polite...

He likes altoids..

THREE:

These guys. I really, really love them..

delicious lunch in the sunshine

FOUR:

Someone decided that at 7.5 months old he would throw a real boy sized fit. He wanted my phone and I would not share, so flail away he did. He squeaked and squawked, he threw himself against me and slapped at my arms..

UGHHHHHHHHHH maaammaaa you so meannn

plllleeaaassseee maaammmaaa

He was really mad.

FIVE:

Somebody got a hair cut. So handsome and grown up. It hurts my heart...

2.5 going on 13, attitude and all...

SIX:

He gives some pretty good looks:

seriously?

 And knows how to rock accessories:

mew mew mew

SEVEN:

Then there is this one..

So content. So observant.. So judgey with his how are you my mother... that's my brother, are you sure  i'm not adopted... are you going to feed me? I'm hungry... geez ma, this diaper is poopy a change would be great!!

almost sitting

Really, mama...another picture

Hoping for a nice, calm weekend without tantrums and full of sleep!