Buddies.

These days, it seems that these two have become inseparable buds.

They snuggle.
They wrestle a bit.
(Well, Milly lays around like a damp dishrag while E wallows all over her.)
(You know. Wrestling.)

Milly is patient and gentle with her, and, surprisingly E is being pretty gentle when she "pets" Milly's back or head. She'll swat at Mommy when she's mad, but, oh no. Not at Milly. ;)

We go in this week to (hopefully!) find out the gender of Baby #2,
and I just keep wondering to myself how the two kiddos will (eventually) be together as tiny siblings.

At first, I know things will take some time for adjustment, etc.

But, someday, I hope they'll be buddies, too.

I have one sister, and while she is four years my junior, we have become buddies. It would thrill my soul to give E a sister, because that's all I've known. It is a great relationship. Can't replace a sister. It's like having a built-in best friend...except when she tattles on you... ;)

On the other hand, how special to have a little girl and a little boy so close in age (they'll be about 18 months apart). I know their tastes will eventually differ, but contrast is good. I'd also love to experience having a son, and I'd love for my husband's family name to be passed on.

So. As cliche as it sounds, we're good either way.

Can't wait to meet E's little buddy.

Assuming he/she will cooperate and not be too modest...
:)

Mask of Pregnancy.

(Check out a couple of new cakes on the Caked blog if you get a chance!)

:)

Ever heard of melasma, officially (and annoyingly) dubbed as "The Mask of Pregnancy" in an attempt to make it valient or noble or charming? No? Well, I shall show you.

(Warning: this first picture is mere moments after giving birth to a giant baby and pushing with all my might for three hours straight. It ain't purty, people!)

Notice the dark ring circling my eye. Kind of looks like a black eye. I couldn't find any close up pictures of this so-called Mask while I was pregnant, but, luckily enough, the melasma lasted for a few months after giving birth.

See? Still there. Even under make-up.

(Ooooh, my eyes tear up a little when I see pictures of E so small and snuggly....yum yum.)

Anyway. I am fully aware of the superficiality of this post. However, I just was wondering if anyone else had this happen while pregnant? My first pregnancy took place mostly in the winter months when I was hardly out in the sun at all. This pregnancy, on the other hand, will take place right smack dab in the spring and summer months, making sun exposure inevitable. I'm assuming the sun won't help the problem.

So. My cry for help:

Any tips, tricks, amazing magical concealers or creams out there to make me look less like I've been punched in both eyes for the next year or so...? Anyone else out there have any slightly weird pregnancy symptoms like this...?

If not, no biggie. Truly, this is a minuscule price to pay for the blessing in my belly. I get it.

But, thought I'd check and see from my lovely readers...just in case.

;)

"...but when they looked up,

they saw that the stone

had been rolled away..."

Mark 16:4

Proof.

(First off, THANK YOU once again, lovely readers, for coming through for this rookie Mom. I so appreciate being able to ask for help...and receiving it in abundance! I appreciate you! I'll keep you posted on the all-important nap situation, too.)

:)

Well, as I lay here on the couch with a twinged back, here is my view:

Mother of the Year Award right here, people.

(At least it's just a 30 minute Praise Baby DVD, right...right?).

I've started feeling a teeny bit sick (allergies...blast you!), and I think I overdid it at Zumba last night, thus the back twinge. Anyway, it is sure easy to start getting whiny and grumpy when you aren't feeling like yourself for whatever reason (...or is it just me...), so I thought I'd remind myself of what a lovely week I've actually had...instead of whining anymore for today.

The third season of Frasier came that we'd ordered cheap off of eBay. The hubby and I like to watch a rerun show or two before turning in for the night, and we have grown tired of watching Everybody Loves Raymond night after night. On to Frasier!

Lunch at Ted's (YUM!!!) with my fabulous in-law family in celebration of my husband's birthday.

E didn't get any attention at all; I'm sure you can imagine.

;)

Wearing the new earrings sent to me by my beautiful sister after her Florida vacation. Chunky, dangly, pink earrings. Can't go wrong there!

The loot my husband brought home last night. He then asked if I would "go on a date" with him to the stove to make s'mores after Baby was put to bed for the night. I decided that I would "go out" with him. What a guy. :)

A delicious mocha-with-caramel-and-soy-milk-half-caf-no-whip (I'm one of those Starbucks customers, I know...) hand delivered to my home by my most wonderfulest friend this morning. What a nice surprise to get the day going! Glorious.

Also worth noting (but no picture proof):

-Zumba night with my girlfriends, and doing the "Elaine" dance from Seinfeld to one of the songs...all of us laughing hysterically...and (maybe) peeing a little in my yoga pants while doing so...!

-A new book arriving in the mail, followed by a rainy day. Perfect reading weather.

-Successfully teaching my little lady to "put away" her things. Books, clothes, toys. She might only end up actually putting away two or three things, but I say it is a victory that she understands what I mean now!

-Getting her to eat peas and carrots ON HER OWN. Finally.

-Planting flowers in the front yard with my family of three (well, technically four. Baby Gummy Bear is always along for the ride these days!).

-Booking another wedding cake for the summer. So blessed to have this little side business to contribute to our family.

Okay. That did the trick. I'm smiling, I'm thankful for the people in my life, and I'm ready to get off of the computer to go squeeze my two favorite people that I can hear laughing and clapping in the other room.

Have a lovely weekend, friends!

Nap Drop?

Well, I had planned to sit and write out my ponderings on how people choose to celebrate Easter, to do or not to do the Easter bunny, how I don't think it's wrong to buy a new dress for the occasion, ideas for gently introducing a small child to what we believe to be the true meaning of Easter (Christ's death and resurrection), etc.

However.

After putting my sleepy child down for her morning nap fifteen minutes ago...she is already awake. And talking. And laughing. And singing. And clapping. And HAPPY.

WHAT. THE. HECK.

15 minutes?!? Does that even count?

This has started happening over the last week or so, and it has got me wondering about the transition from two naps down to one. From what I've read, she seems awfully young at almost-14-months to just need one nap. (Most of "the books" say the transition doesn't usually happen until closer to two).

E gets about 12 hours of sleep at night on a very regular basis, so she's never been a long napper. Ever. (Although, if I didn't own a video monitor, I'd think she was napping for hours at a time. The kid will wake up and play quietly and happily forEVER. Little trickster). ;)

Anyway, I'm sorry if these "please help me know how to parent my child" types of posts get annoying, but, you know...I'm a rookie and not too proud to ask!

What did you do with your kiddo at this transition point? What were their signs of readiness that it was time to go down to one nap? Was it trial and error, or was it more of a cold turkey thing? Do I keep trying for the morning nap until it just fades away completely (it looks like that's what's happening...)?

So, my deep thoughts and musings on all things Easter take a backseat to naps.

Figures.

;)

Help...?

Bump-date.

You know. Like 'update'...but about the bump? Get it?

Hush. I'm tired and in need of a nap.

;)

Anyway! I do believe it is high time I do a little online journaling of this pregnancy as I will definitely want to remember this experience later on down the road. I so enjoy looking back through the book of blog posts I printed out after E was born. All of the details of that pregnancy seem so distant, and sometimes I find myself forgetting little things. I mean, come on. A preggo with a little toddler only has so many brain cells, right?! ;)

A few belly pics:

12 weeks.

I felt like my belly popped out there the second I took the pregnancy test, and then nothing happened for about 6 weeks. It was strange. I'm wondering if my uterus remembered what it was getting itself into this time around, and it decided to just get a jump start on things. Who knows. All I know is that one day there was no belly, and seemingly the next day...pop!

14 weeks.

Not much change, except NO MORE NAUSEA! Hooray for the second trimester!

Also...I did start feeling baby flutters a whole lot earlier this time around (which I hear is pretty common)!! Right around 13 or 14 weeks, I felt the sweet little ripples or puffs or bubbles. I love that part. (I'm trying to force out of my memory how POWERFUL those "tiny" kicks become towards the end of the whole thing...for now, let's just focus on the sweet little flutters, shall we?) ;)

16 weeks.

I've had some slight pains running down the sides of my abdomen every once and awhile, and, while I don't remember this happening during E's pregnancy, I hear this is also quite common. Round ligament pain, I believe. Anyway, it has not stopped me from my regular activities, so I guess I shall not fret. Maternity pants are a must at this point, because, really. Who cares. Last time, I tried to stay in my "regular" pants a little longer...but this time, eh. Bring on the stretchy gloriousness!

(And you see those jeans in the above pic? Best invention ever. They are maternity jeggings with a low waist band. Basically just jean-ish stretch pants. Glory. Hallelujah.)

A few more tidbits:

~We have an early jumpstart on gathering necessary items for nursery #2, including furniture and some design ideas. However, we'll wait a few more days (only 10 more to go!) to really get going until we find out the gender.

~Still trying my best to take a few walks each week and attend my weekly Zumba class with my girlfriends. My lovely instructor is also pregnant, so she makes me do the low level stuff with her. Boo. Boring. Alas, it must be done. (And actually, by the end of the class, I am left huffing and puffing and wondering how I'm going to hobble back to my car without falling to the floor in a crumpled mess. I'll tell ya, this baby is sucking the life outta me!) ;)

~We are heading back to the Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist for my next appointment, simply to rule out spina bifida since my mom lost a baby to this condition many years ago. (Shameless plug: prayers are much appreciated!)

~Please tell me I'm not alone in sometimes sort of forgetting that I'm pregnant this go around...? I mean, I've got a little one to take care of at home, and, while I was working last time around, I am somehow much more busy and distracted these days! Anyway, I don't mean to say I am taking the pregnancy for granted...I just can't spend every waking moment pondering and planning and hoping and dreaming like last time. The little lady of the house won't allow for that! ;)

Well folks, that's all I've got for now. Like I said, this is more for my fading and apparently faulty memory than anything. But, if you like preggo stories, thanks for reading!

:)

Like Tom's, but Sandals.

Now that it is officially spring-ish and your pedicured toes are aching to break free from their clunky, winter boot prisons, I feel it is my duty to pass along these lovelies:

My beautiful and talented sisters-in-law over at Nickel Lane have been working with the Cordobas from Honduras to spread the word about their stretchy, stylish and hand-made summer sandals. This couple is trying to find a way to supplement their family's needs through their shoe business, instead of being forced to work very long hours for very little pay in their current position.

Buying one pair doesn't mean another pair is sent to someone in need (like the Tom's shoes setup). However, when you do buy one pair (or a couple), you are helping a family much in need endeavor towards a better life...and, not to mention, you get a pair of cute, summery sandals!

I'm ordering a couple of pairs in different colors for my friend and me, and I can't wait...Rachel (SIL) tells me the straps are comfy and stretchy, and this preggo is predicting swollen, fat feet this summer.

Stretchy, cute sandals = perfect!

;)

Click here to find out how to order!

Cake Demo at Mom to Mom!

Recently, I was asked to do a little informal cake decorating demonstration for our Mom to Mom group, and it was so fun! Each group was given one tier and four colors of icing, and after they put their newly acquired Ace of Cakes skills to work, we assembled the group cake!

Some of the ladies hard at work on the bottom tier.

Practice flowers.

Taa daa! The finished product! I even made them carry over and stack their own tiers...the most nerve-wracking part of cake making: transport. They did great!

Lovely spring cake from some lovely ladies.

And then, as is befitting a group of proper and poised ladies...

...we slaughtered that cake and at it whole.

YUM!

;)

The Many Faces of Mischief.

Even though E is just 13 months old, I still don't think it is too early to start a little discipline. She already understands and (usually) obeys the "don't touch" command, and I'm laboriously attempting to teach her to say "please" (or some form of the word) when she wants something. When she gets overtired, she flails her arm a bit, thus the "do not hit/be gentle" command, and then there's the issue of putting her foot up on the table while eating. For some reason, this is a pet peeve of mine when I see other kiddos doing it. Don't know why, but I do know that E will not be doing it in my house! ;)

Anyway, her little foot has a tendency to wander up to the table top while she takes her sweet time eating meals, so we'll give it a light squeeze while sternly telling her, "Put your foot down." She's getting it, slowly but surely.

The other day, I happened to have the camera out snapping a few pics when I noticed the foot start to wander. I kept camera in hand while E was "disciplined," and the pictures turned out to be pretty entertaining.

Minding my own business. Looking cute.

Working on my pile of blueberries when...wait...what's that sneaking up towards the table...?

Is anyone looking, because this teeny foot is just itching to get up on the table...??

(This is right after I set the camera down to squeeze and remove her foot.) Excuse me? What was that, Mom?

Are you kidding me with this?

I CAN'T BELIEVE I GOT IN TROUBLE JUST NOW! ROOOAAARRRR!!!

How 'bout this? Pitiful enough to garner your sympathy at last?

What if I rub my chubby face and look pathetic? No?

Alright then. I'll just go for the kill. Huge crocodile tears, bright blue eyes, chubby cheeks, sweet lips, and a look of true angelic innocence.

Done and done.

Until next mealtime, baby...!

;)

Zoo-mba Day!

A few of my gal pals and I attend a weekly Zumba class, so we figured it was appropriate to pack up our kids and head out for a trip to the zoo...for a zoo-mba trip...with our zoo-mba friends.

(The repeated pun is hilarious, I know.)

It was a lovely (albeit WINDY) outing, and, even though my child was not amused by the animals, or the stroller, or the snacks that I brought, or the other kids, or the sun, or the wind, or ME...we had a nice time. At least I did, anyway!

A few pics from our excursion:

(This is before we left. She wouldn't stop crying unless I let her wear her sunglasses during lunch. She decided to wake up two hours early on this day, thus throwing Mom for a loop. Fun times.) ;)

(The stroller brigade! Thanks to some smooth maneuvers and a helpful zoo guide or two, we managed to make our way through many exhibits without injury. Success!)

(Okay, I admit it...the zoo is SO COOL, Mom.)

(Can you tell which one of us had more fun...?)

Anyway, after a long day in the sun, E hit the hay early and woke up a new woman. Maybe next time she'll enjoy the animals.

I mean, I AM a real mom now that I have a zoo pass, so we can go EVERY SINGLE DAY if we wanted!

As long as I pack the Elton John sunglasses, I think we'd be okay.

;)

A Q for You.

My roommate and good pal from my college days just found out she is having twins! This is her and her husband's first foray into parenthood, and I couldn't be more excited for them.

However, it got me thinking. Do you think it would it be more overwhelming to have twins your first go around or after you'd already had one or more kids? If you had them your first go around, you'd have no other previous parenting experience with which to compare, perhaps making it "easier" to cope and deal...? Or, if you had already ventured down the road of parenthood once (twice...thrice...) before, would the experience be invaluable in managing a twoforthepriceofone gig like twins?

Hmm.

What say you? Any moms of twins (triplets?!?) out there who can give insight?

Either way, what a blessing for my friend! Twice blessed, indeed.

Product Review: Skip Hop Edition.

After one of my lovely friends told me about her stylish Skip Hop diaper bag, I found myself meandering through their website, noting how many cute and inventive products they offer. Skip Hop sells everything from diaper bags and bedding to feeding accessories and toys. Here are some of the products that we've found useful over the last few months!

First up, the Mate:

This feeding tray has been so helpful now that E is eating almost completely independently. Instead of cleaning up plates and bowls of food that she's accidentally pushed onto the floor, the Mate tray is skid-resistant and pretty weighty for a silicone place mat. The plates are interchangeable, and it does come with a tiny fork and spoon, although we have yet to enter that phase of eating. ;) The entire set is dishwasher safe, and, like I said before, the skid-resistant tray has changed meal time for this family!

Next, the Tubby bath organizer:

This item is a soft plastic bag that suctions to the side of the bathtub. The front and bottom are made of mesh, so, once all of E's bath toys and books are dumped inside, the water drips right out: no mold! We hang it low enough that she can grab toys and books, and she's even started to enjoy 'putting her toys away' while in the bath. ;) I like the use of the mesh the most. Smart thinking.

Another bath time favorite is Moby the bath spout cover:

I'm sure most parents are a little leery of the metal spout coming into contact with baby's head while in the tub, and we are even a little extra concerned due to E's hemangioma on her forehead. So, when I saw this soft, plastic little guy, we snatched him up! She can now splash and play to her heart's content, and MY heart now doesn't skip a beat each time she comes close to the spout!

Finally, my favorite...her Owl Zoo Pack:

I mean, come on. How cute can it get?! Our little Birdie girl now has her own birdie backpack to take with her to Grandma's house, and she wore it around for a long time after opening it at her birthday party.

I think she liked it. ;) Maybe not super practical for now...but, eh. Sometimes form beats out function. ;)

Well, there you have it! We are fans of Skip Hop, for sure. Look around if you get a chance!

:)

What are some of your favorite kiddo products/companies??