Fork

Kolbe has recently discovered the fork...and he's pretty good at using it himself!  And I can say with almost absolute certainty that we have a righty.  I don't remember it being so obvious at such a young age with Gemma, but Kolbe definitely appears to be right-hand dominant (unlike Gemma, who I am pretty sure is right-handed, but will still eat with her left hand occasionally).  I snapped a couple pictures the other day and thought I'd share.

VERY PROUD!!!

Review: Banana Boat Summer Color

I will come right out and vainly, pridefully admit that I like being tan.  Especially in the spring and summer months.  It just makes me feel good.  Healthy.  Nice.  Yes, I know.  Terribly vain.  OCD even.  But now that I've outed myself...as much as I enjoy soaking up some rays on our deck in the afternoon sun, that just isn't the most practical thing in the world with two small children.  And it's so hit or miss early in the season (or in the middle of winter) with cool days and rainy weather.  Anyways, I bought a dress for Easter and really really didn't want to blind the general public with my florescent white legs on Easter Sunday (oh all right, I didn't want to look at them either), so I thought I'd give the 'ole tan-in-a-bottle a try.  I've used various brands and formulas before with marginal success.  I asked my sis-in-law (who sells Mary Kay) about their tan lotion and she (honestly, thankfully) told me that she didn't like it very well and to give Banana Boat Sunless Tan Lotion (I used the light/medium) a try. Well, I did and you know what?  It's good stuff.  Especially for a mere $6 a bottle.  I was pleased.  I had a noticeable tan within a few days (applying once a day) and it hung around for several days after that.  And looked natural.  And I still have most of the tube left for future use!  It also faded subtly, almost like a real tan does, which was an added bonus.  This will definitely become more of a staple in my "beauty supply" basket.  Give it a try, if you're looking for an easy, natural looking tan with little work, this is your product.  Make sure to wash your hands with soap after applying, and watch knees ankles, etc.  All the usual stuff.  I didn't receive anything for this review.  It is my honest opinion of the product, simply for the sake of sharing.

Small successes XXXIII

1.  Made it to Holy Thursday and Easter Vigil Masses...by myself!  And it was glorious.  I love attending Mass with my family, and definitely benefit from the graces that the adventure of going to Mass as a family with young children presents.  But for one or two evenings of the year I adore those moments alone in worship.  Plus, the Holy Thursday and Vigil liturgies are just so rich, it was nice to really be able to savor them.  (As a side-note, thank you to my dear hubby for staying home with the children both evenings, and to Kolbe for staying asleep after being put to bed on Saturday evening.)

2.  Finished The Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux.  Wow.  This book was absolutely chock-full of wonderful gems of wisdom.  Next up, Mountains of Spices.

3.  Cleaned out, lined and reorganized our silverware drawer. I know, I know; it doesn't get much more exciting than that.

As moms it's important to recognize our successes, big and small.  Share yours and read about others' each Thursday over at Faith and Family Live!

Happy Easter

Wishing you a blessed, joy-filled Easter from our family!  He is risen, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Cloth dipes, last call

I mentioned a few weeks ago about having some cloth diapers for sale.  I am down to 9 gently used Kissaluv contours (at $2.50 a piece) and one essentially new prorap classic (at $4).  Let me know if you're interested!  (SOLD)

Monkey blanket

I made a blanket for our new nephew baby Elijah.  I was very pleased with how it turned out, I think some of my best work yet, especially the corners (if I do say so myself).  It is two layers of cotton material (not flannel) with the binding around it. This binding thing gets easier each time I do it, thank goodness.  It's been a process though for sure.  Here are some pictures of the finished product. 

Exciting library find

The kids (namely Gemma) and I really enjoy our weekly trips to the library.  We have found some wonderful stories, favorite authors and illustrators, and enjoy the continuous rotation of books in and out of our book basket.  Well, on a recent trip as I was browsing on the "W" shelf I came across this book (Going West: My First Little House Books) and nearly yelled out loud.  I absolutely adored the Little House series as a child and even young teen.  I've probably read each book no less than five times and have been champing at the bit to start Little House in the Big Woods with Gemma as a read-aloud.  I know she's probably still a bit too young though, so have been putting it off.  But it appears that there is a whole series of these "first little house" books  (I didn't even know they existed!!) and I can't wait to delve in.  Gemma seemed intrigued and entertained by this first story, she was especially curious about the covered wagon.  I'm probably nerding out about this way too much, but I am so excited to get more of these books and share them with my sweet little gal.  I thank God that she shares my love for reading and am looking forward to many more good books in our future.

Silliness

It's always the oddest items that are the most entertaining.

Monthly update - April 2011

Thought I'd update on the children and how they are doing this month.  I'll shake things up a bit and start with:

KOLBE (15 months):  He is still not walking, and not even necessarily looking like he's close to walking.  Don't be fooled though, he gets around just fine, thank you!  He enjoys being outdoors immensely.  We have been having to put a hat on his poor bald little head (okay, he has a little bit of hair, but not much) when we go outside.  He does pretty good wearing it...thank goodness for chin straps!!  He loves playing on the swing and in the rocks at the park.  He likes to swing HIGH!  He is really into signing and seems to pick up on it very easily.  He signs: more, all done, fan, milk, airplane and potty.  "More" is his universal sign for pretty much anything he wants. Along with a point and an "ooooohhhhhhh!" He signs fan whenever I lay him down to change a diaper or get ready to nurse him in the chair in his room.  He looks at me funny if the fan is not on.  He signs "airplane" and gets very excited and makes an "oooooooooh" sound whenever he hears one.  He really likes airplanes.  He says a very few words.  Much less than Gemma who was already speaking sentences at this age.  I am just now realizing how unbelievably early that girl talked.  Anyways, he says mama, dada, ball, baby, woof, and Jesus (sort of).  It doesn't sound like Jesus really, but he makes the same sound every time I point Jesus out to him at Church or in a picture.  He loves blowing candles out and starts making blowing sounds as soon as I light the candle in the morning for prayers.  He and Gemma have been taking turns each day blowing it out.  He's still a pretty good eater, much better than big sis was at this age (I think I am partially to blame for that though. Long story.  Ask if you're curious).  We're working on the throwing food on the floor thing, and learning he does better with just a few bites in front of him, not a whole meal.  Or sometimes we just feed him bites off a fork or spoon and he likes that too, and is even learning how to use a little fork by himself.  He will eat just about anything.  Doesn't really seem to have any huge favorites or aversions.  He has joined us at the table in a booster chair (YAY, highchair no longer taking up space in the kitchen!!!) and that has been a positive move.  He slept through until 4am one day last week and that was the longest he's ever gone.  Still cosleeps after his first waking and likes to nurse during the night, before naps and bed, and occasionally here or there throughout the day.  Still struggling in the nap dept.  He'll sleep an hour, maybe an hour-and-a-half, but then stir and be restless but not ready to wake up and need to either rock or go in the front carrier.  Not ideal but it works.  He's my sweet little guy.  He's all over the place and likes to get into things, but he is a fun, happy, easy-going little dude and I can't imagine our lives without him.

GEMMA (3yrs 3 months): Oh Gemma Gemma Gemma.  Gemma has really been trying my patience this month.  I'll be honest, it's been kind of rough.  Okay, incredibly rough.  But I'm not going to dwell on that...  Gemma is doing a great job learning her letters and their sounds.  We have several letter puzzles that she likes, plus our new set of Boddler Bites from Megan (THANKS!!! We LOVE them!!!!)  She has also really enjoys her Letter Factory DVD (I would highly recommend this if you're looking to grow your library of educational DVD's).  She can spell her name out loud and pick her name letters out of a pile of letters.  I need to work with her on writing her name now.  She has started pointing out letters on signs and such as we're driving and in stores, so that has been fun!  She is getting better at staying in the lines when she colors.  She loves to do things "by my own" (as she will yell emphatically) and has a very. strong. will.  I know this will serve her well long term but oh holy cow!  She's becoming our barefoot girl again now that spring is rolling around. Still can't convince her that sandals are a good idea though when we're out and about, I think I'll have to pack the tennies away before that happens.  Yes, that's what we do.  We had to physically pack her long-sleeved shirts away to get her to wear short-sleeved ones (no matter how hot it was), her jackets away to get her to go without one (in 80 degree weather no less) and her winter jammies away to get her to wear cooler ones even though she would sit in her bed and sweat.  I haven't even attempted shorts yet.  Can we say comfort zones?!  Thank goodness she's good with a change in things once she's told something is packed away, but boy, try to get that girl to do something out of her ordinary routine otherwise and watch out.  I have no idea where she gets these OCD tendencies (yes that statement was dripping with sarcasm in case that wasn't inferred).   In fact, on that same note, I launder the childrens' clothes on Monday (yes, I know, I know) and then Tuesday Gemma always wears owl shirt and Wednesday is cat shirt.  Every week.  Seriously, if you don't believe me, visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday.  Without fail!!  She also has to hide her blankies (yes, she has two now) and shut every door in the house before we go somewhere.  Really.  I'm not kidding.  On to a different topic though...she seems to be needing less nap. We tried going without one day but she was falling apart by bedtime.  It wasn't pretty.  She's only napping 1-2 hours now though, and some days she just sits in her bed and sings and talks to herself, so it works.  If Kolbe were a better napper it would make my afternoons with her easier.  It's just been kind of awkward trying to juggle the two of them and their needs between the hours of noon and three lately.  Bleh.  She likes to go fishing with daddy and while she enjoys the park she also likes climbing around the rocks by the lake, finding sticks, picking dandelions and chasing ducks, geese and robins.  I'm glad she likes the outdoors.  She's been curious about left and right, and about which way we're going when we're in the car.  She can actually sit on our deck and point out the cardinal directions (correctly).  She is also very curious about who is a boy and who is a girl, who is a child and who is an adult.  She has hit the "why" stage, and as crazy as it drives me sometimes I really try my hardest to always give her a real, true answer (not just "because".)  I know that lots of learning goes on through that curiosity, and I don't want to deny her that experience or squelch her enthusiasm to learn and discover the world around her.

Well I suppose this is long enough.  Life really is good at our house but boy these kiddos keep me on my toes.  I don't want to wish their childhood away by any stretch, but I'll be honest, I do look forward to the day when I have some actual helpers around the house.  Gemma gives me glimpses of this here and there when she picks things up, puts things away, goes and gets things for me, etc.  Some days I just feel like I'm managing the chaos, and that's when I'm not succumbing to it and crumbling into a pile of tears along with my two children.  Yes.  That has happened.  Ahhhh, day at a time!  Here's to the coming month!!

This was the best picture I could get this go around.  Squirmy kiddos.  And Gemma fell out of bed the other night and scraped her face below her nose, hence the big scab.  Still not sure how she managed that...

Small successes XXXII

1. Washed windows, screens and blinds (*cue chorus of heavenly voices*)!

2. Got all my garage sale items marked and boxed up and am continuing to add to the pile!

 

3. Am finally perfecting the art of "corners" with blanket-binding.

Share your successes and read about others' over at Faith and Family LIVE!

Lent update

I can't believe Lent will be over in less than two weeks!  I thought I'd take a moment to update on our Lenten activities.

The Lent calendar on the refrigerator has been great!  Gemma loves doing the activity for each day.  She is very excited to "help the babies" and often comments, "Oh mommy, look at all our moneys!  The babies will be sooooo happy!"  Next year though I need to do a prayer, fasting and almsgiving item for each day instead of rotating on a three day cycle. 

Our morning prayer routine, using a Station of the Cross each day, has worked really well.  The book we have seems to be a very good level for Gemma.  We've been singing "Forty Days and Forty Nights" each morning to start our prayer time (just the first verse) and Gemma can sing the whole thing now. I love it when I catch her singing a religious or church song around the house during the day, it makes my heart happy.

The Lenten Cross Readings activity from Lent and Easter in the Domestic Church has been...interesting.  My friend Mary, who is also doing the same activity with her young family, was asking about how it was going for us, so here is the answer I gave her.  The main thing we have been using the Lenten Cross for is our countdown - or count up, as it were - until Easter. Gemma knows that when all the little velcro pieces are covered Lent will be over and it will be Easter. I have done a few of the shorter Scripture readings with her. She kind of tunes them out. The longer ones I haven't even attempted. She always comments on what the picture is (even when she's wrong, "mommy, a tea pot!") and I try to somehow tie it in to the Scripture message with a few words that will help her make the connection. I think we will stick with this activity in years to come, as something for our family to grow into over the years.  The children may not get much out of it now, but I still think it's worth doing.  The Holy Spirit works in amazing ways and you never know what seeds He is planting through an activity like this. I thought about using Gemma's children's Bible to coordinate some of the readings but never got around to it, so I might try to be a bit more proactive about that next year.  Aaron reads to Gemma from her Bible each night before bed though, so at least she is getting Scripture daily, even if it's not tying in. I was a bit disappointed in the pictures that go with each day too. I really think I could have thought of better pictures as symbols on some of them. I'm not sure what their "plan" was when they chose the pictures. And a few of the pictures in the book are different from the printable ones online.  I'm thinking it might be worth it to get some clipart of my own here and there and redo some of the days, so I'm debating that for the future.  The main thing it has been for us is a very tangible way to travel through Lent and measure the passage of each day while learning some of the themes and symbols in the Old and New Testament. Gemma always looks forward to "getting a sticker" (as she calls them) for the cross, and then counting what day we are on each morning. It has really done wonders for her counting abilities, she never (successfully) counted past 20 before. ;-D

And that about sums it up!  I have this book and this one from Scholastic.  I'm planning to get the first one out for Palm Sunday and Holy Week, and will probably save the other one for when she's a little older as it's a bit longer and more detailed.  They both look pretty neat though.  All in all I'm happy with our activities and definitely getting some ideas for future years.

Smoothies

I have been on a huge smoothie kick recently.  I prefer my smoothies to be smooth (novel idea, I know) versus the ones that are made with more of an ice base.  I start with some banana, milk and some protein powder in the blender.  I toss in some frozen fruits (or fresh) like strawberry, mango, papaya, pineapple, etc.  Blend it all up...

...and voile!  Yummy smoothie goodness.  And sooooo much cheaper than going out and buying one!!  Even the kids enjoy sharing them with me.  Yay smoothies!!!!

Random

My brain is all over the place.  Or maybe it is just completely fried and gone.  Whatever the case, random is what you get today.

• I really like the library's "lists" feature on their website.  It plays right into my OCD.  In all honesty though, it is a very useful tool.
• My husband did a really nice job making our yard look all purdy this weekend.  I never would have dreamt when we got married rhat landscaping would mean so much to him.  Nothing excessive, he just does a really nice job making it look good (in my opinion).  
• I bought some summer sandals for Kolbe a month or two back.  I got the fives because they were huge on him.  I was hoping they wouldn't be too big all summer.  I got them out to put on him the first time the other day.  They are too small.  So much for planning ahead Thank goodness I still have the box and receipt...but now I get to take the time to return them and chase around and find something that fits.  GAH!
• I have burned entirely too many things in the kitchen in the past month or so.  We're talking epically burned.  Seriously Monica.  Set a timer. 
• My patience with Gemma lately, and in turn my family in general, has been atrocious.  HELP!
• I am so unbelievably glad winter is over.  Every year.  Every. Year., I wonder how exactly we survived the long, cold, windy, blustery, yucky months.  Oh Spring, thank you thank you thank you for coming again.
• I'm having a terrible time finding an Easter outfit for Kolbe.  And he needs shoes.  That fit.
• I found a new shirt from Kohl's that I really like.  I may or may not have bought three (in different colors of course).
• I am looking for a solution for our shoe organization issues in the mud-room.  I am having trouble finding one.  And it is driving me crazy.
• I need to be more disciplined with my time and spend more time reading.  I go in spurts.  I am currently in a stalling spurt.  Although I did read this book the other afternoon and it was very interesting and insightful.
• Today would have been my dear grandmother's 95th birthday.  She passed away just a few weeks after we got married.  God rest her soul, she was such a wonderful woman.  To this day, I will still do something or see something, and think, "Grandma would love to hear about this."  And then remember she is gone.  I loved her so much.

Well, I think that's about it for now.  Happy Monday, everyone!!

Cloth diapers for sale

I have been going through my cloth diaper stash, and have a handful of gently used items I am no longer in need of.  I thought I'd try selling them on here before going through one of the cloth-diapering websites.  If you or someone you know is interested, comment on here with your contact info (or message me on Facebook) and we can work something out.

First, I have 19 size 2 kissaluv contours.  These are fastened with a snappi and need a cover.  They are very versatile when it comes to fit.  These are gently used, some have a few spots, most still look new, just some signs of wear.  I will sell these individually for $2.50 a piece or the whole set for $40.   These are nice, easy to use diapers.  They're not quite as easy-on as a fitted or all-in-one, but they are definitely easier to put on a child than prefolds. (NINE LEFT)

I also have five Thirsties version one covers (size medium) that have quite a bit of wear but are still functional.  Some of them have had the elastic repaired, some could use some attention.  There are three white, one celery and one butter.  I will sell these for $2.50 a piece or $10 for all five. (SOLD)

I have an Econobum and prefold insert.  The cover has been used once, the insert has never been used.  This was a second from Cotton Babies.  I will sell this for $3. (SOLD)

I have a size large prorap classic that is essentially new.  Will sell for $4.

I have two size medium Bummis Super Whisper Wraps that are very gently used.  Will sell for $3 each. (SOLD)

You're welcome to take a look at any of these items before committing.  Just let me know if you're interested.  THANKS!!

Little sport

Kolbe is our little sport.  His favorite toys are by far his sports balls.  He spends lots of time throwing, catching and chasing them around our house.  He even likes to throw things that aren't balls...cars, books...dinner...  But that's beside the point.  It is very cute seeing him develop his own little interests.  When Gemma was about this age I made her a blanket and pillow for her bed (that's kind of what got me started sewing actually).  I have been meaning to do the same thing for Kolbe for about a year now, and I'm glad I've waited because I was actually kind of fickle in deciding what I wanted to do for him.  Originally I was going to just make a pillow with the same print Aaron's aunt had used to make one of his blankets.  It looked very sweet with our gernder-neutral nursery  But then I couldn't find the print.  And then I wanted to make him a farm animal one like I did for Gemma (the nursery is farm animals) but couldn't for the life of me find any farm animal flannel.  Anywhere.  Weird.  Well, recently I decided that even though it wouldn't match the room I wanted to make a sports theme blanket/pillow set for Kolbe.  I finally found some print this past weekend at Joanns and worked on the project on and off throughout the day Saturday.  I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out...the pillow was a little bigger than I intended but it ended up working out really well as it's almost the same length as the end of his bed. And the blanket. I really buggered up the final corner.  I get better at mitering the corners each go around, and this time I had this really great idea for how to do the final one and make it match the rest a bit better.  Epic fail.  But oh well.  I wasn't going to waste the whole thing and start over, and I had about 10 inches of leftover binding so I was able to patch it up fairly well.  And honestly, it gives me a guide so I can fold it.  It is 45x36 inches (a nice size for a "bigger baby") and because I am OCD I like to fold it the long way when I drape it over the crib rail.  This is very easy to do now, using that corner as a guide.  So yeah.  But overall I'm pleased, and our little sport has a personalized bed-set to match his sweet little personality!

Ten things about my better half and me

My friend Angie did this on her blog, and I thought it would be a fun one to "steal".  So without further ado, ten things about my honey and me...

1.  He is a better cook than I am.  I have gotten much more comfortable and adept in the kitchen since getting married, running a household, having children, etc.  But even so, I will definitely concede that he's got me beat when it comes to culinary skilz.  

2.  He also does essentially all of our grocery shopping and really enjoys it.  I am happy to concede this task!

3.  He waits to get dressed for Mass until I have picked out my clothes.  That way we "match" (but not in a matchy-matchy sort of way).  Isn't that super-sweet?

4.  We like to have "dates in" occasionally after the kids are in bed.  Sometimes we mix a drink and sit on the kitchen counters and talk, or in the chairs out on the deck if the weather is nice, sometimes we make a special food like crab legs or steamer clams.  We don't go out much, but this is a fun way for us to reconnect and do something special and out of the ordinary.

5.  I look at the people we were before we were married and the people we are now.  I'd say (and he agrees) that he has changed relatively little, whereas I have really changed a lot.  I'm not really sure what this says, just callin' 'em as I sees 'em.

6.  We used to make bets on how many times our dog would stop to pee when we went on walks.  True story.

7.  We both share the same primary temperament (melancholic), whereas his secondary is phlegmatic and mine is choleric.  It works.  (Check out this book if you've no idea what I'm talking about).

8.  Our special flower is the orchid.  He bought me an orchid plant our first Valentines, and has surprised me with them randomly (but rarely on a holiday) through the years.  We currently have three growing in our basement window, but none of them are currently blooming.

9.  The first summer we lived in our house I called him at work upon receiving our water bill after a particularly hot and dry month, swearing we had a "leak".  Duh.  The stuff that comes out of those sprinklers ain't free.  Ahhhhh, home ownership.

10.  I love him so much, he is constantly challenging me to be a better person...a better wife, mom, sister, daughter, etc.  The goal of marriage is to help your spouse get to heaven.  He is certainly doing this for me, and I pray I am able to do the same for him!!

Monica and Aaron -- October 2010

Picnic

I let the children have a picnic in the basement for lunch the other day.  Gemma thought it was a pretty sweet deal, I crossed my fingers that she wouldn't then want to do it every day (so far so good).  It was fun!!  Here they are sitting at their little table.  Yes, Kolbe is wearing a green bead necklace.  Gemma has been very insistent lately that everyone wear necklaces that match their clothes.  Even Koble and daddy.  They are good sports.  ;-D

Further proof of the necklaces!!

Then Gemma had an "ondea" as she called it, that they eat at the trampoline instead of the table.  That worked, um, marginally well.  We all had fun though, and there really wasn't much of a mess so no complaints from any party.  I like days when lunch goes well. :-)

Noted I

Children and couscous do. not. mix.  It took me two different meals of serving this at dinner to finally resign myself to this fact.  I'm still not exactly sure WHY this took two go-arounds, it should have been clearly evident the first time after seeing my kitchen floor, but alas...  

Got a good "note to self" moment that you have experienced recently?  Share it in the comments...I'll be happy to chuckle at your expense.  ;-D

Because they're cute...

Even though some days I think I am going to lose my mind...I still think these two are pretty cute!!