Friday, December 31, 2010

Jordan Matthew: Three Months

Yesterday Jordan turned three months old. He weighs 13 lbs 3 oz and is 24 inches long. His head circumference is 40cm. These measurements were taken at home so they may not be 100% accurate, especially his weight. He still has blue eyes and red hair. He is getting a little more hair but he is also getting a little bald spot on the back of his head from sleeping on his back. He still has a little bit of fuzz on his ears. He is wearing mostly 0-3 month clothes, with some newborn still and some 3 month or 3-6 month.


Jordan sleeps ten hours most nights. He usually goes down between 10-10.30pm and he usually gets up between 8-8.30am. He sleeps swaddled in the bassinet in our bedroom with the NICU frog on his chest. Although the frog usually slides off during the night. When Jordan wakes up, he lays calmly in his bassinet cooing to himself until someone comes to get him. Rarely does he cry when he wakes up. Once he sees us come over to him, he gets the biggest smile on his face. It's a great way to start the morning.

Jordan is still 100% breastfed. He's also been taking bottles of pumped breastmilk since I went back to work. He does well taking these. He still goes through phases where he is a terrible nurser but he's getting better. He usually goes 4-6 hours between feedings but will occasionally nurse after 2 hours. He still never spits up (polar opposite of how Jacob was) but he has started bubbling and drooling.

He coos a lot and smiles a lot. He squeals in excitement. He smiles on command. If I say "Can you smile?" or "Do you have smiles for Mama" he will smile. So cute! Weird. But cute. He makes laughing sounding coos but no giggles that I would consider to be real laughing yet.

Jordan usually enjoys tummy time. His favorite thing, though, is to snuggle. He likes to be held constantly. He is getting better about being put down without crying. He spends some time in his swing or his bouncer or his tummy time mat. He also likes sitting in his bebepod for a few minutes. He's getting really good at holding his head up. He can sit supported.

Now that Jordan is getting bigger and can fit into more of his diapers, he wears cloth almost 100% of the time now. This makes me very happy. We still put an occasional paper diaper on him though. Now I am trying to get back in the habit of using cloth wipes instead of disposable wipes. They are much nicer on his bum.

This past month we celebrated Jordan's first Christmas. Between our families, we had 5 Christmas celebrations. Jordan did really well with everything. Of course, he has no idea what is going on yet. Santa brought Jordan a tummy time mat, an inflatable penguin (both of which Jacob had lol), a Lil Shoppers fill and spill toy, a crawl along snail toy, new pacifiers and new bottle nipples. None of the toys he can really use yet but he enjoys laying on his mat and looking at his snail. The rest he'll enjoy in another few months.

Well I will leave with some pictures from the last month.

Jordan & Mommy

Jordan & Uncle Seany


milk coma

Jacob, Jordan, and their best friend June


three months old!


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Thursday, December 30, 2010

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful that 2010 is almost over. Aside from the arrival of Jordan, this has been a terrible year for me and my family. I hope that 2011 is better!



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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

All About Me in 30 Days: Day 26-30

All About Me in 30 Days
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I didn't do so well with this challenge. Ah well, they all eventually got done. :-)

Day 26 – a photo of where you live

This is a picture of our house from 2 years ago. It really hasn't changed.


Day 27 – a photo of someone you could never imagine your life without

Totally cheating but here it is: My mom, my brother, my dad, my husband, and my two boys. Life would not be complete without any of these people.


Day 28 – your hopes, dreams, plans for the next 365 days

I have lots of hopes and dreams for 2011. My plans are to be more patient and to be a better wife and mother. Also to stop looking like I'm pregnant.

Day 29 – a picture of something you want to do before you die

I really can't think of anything right now. I want to be a postpartum nurse and/or lactation consultant. I can't really post a picture of that.

Day 30 – it's Christmas Eve! post a photo of what's under your tree this year!





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Christmas 2010

We had a great Christmas this year. I hope everyone else did as well.

Christmas Eve was my first day back to work from my maternity leave. It went surprisingly well. When I got home from work we headed over to my parents' house. We had appetizers for dinner. There was SO MUCH food! Then we opened presents. Everyone got lots of nice things. Jacob did great taking turns. I was so proud of him. He started to spike a fever again as the night went on (he's been teething) He was so miserable. We didn't get home until after 11pm.


It was a rough night with Jake. I was up most of the night with him until his fever broke at 4.30am. He woke up fine on Christmas morning to find that Santa had come to our house. He was so excited! He loves his new kitchen set that Santa brought him.



Then we headed over to my in-laws house for cinnamon rolls and presents. Jacob did a good job again with taking turns. We came home to shower and then went back over when the rest of the family arrived. We ate dinner and visited until the evening.


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Thursday, December 23, 2010

These Moments // Thankful Thursday

Today is my last day of my maternity leave. I guess what I'm thankful for this week is that I was able to take the full maternity leave this time. Even though its been a struggle (ran out of PAID time off) we've been able to make it work. With Jacob I didn't have that option -- I HAD to return to work after 9 weeks and I was in no way ready. I'm thankful for my supportive husband who encouraged me to remain home with the boys even when things got tough and for our amazing families for their help and support during this time. I am actually emotionally ready to leave the boys this time and I think that will make a world of difference.

These are the moments that I am going to miss, though. Today I was overcome with joy as I stood in the kitchen chopping up vegetables for stew tonight. Jordan was asleep on my chest in his Moby wrap, close enough to me that I could sneak down and breathe in the scent of his sweet head or rest my cheek on his head for a quick soft snuggle. Jacob was in the living room happily talking to himself and playing independently. Close enough for me to see but yet far enough away to be enjoying himself. And in that moment, despite everything else, I was happy.

I keep reminding myself that this is not goodbye. That I am blessed enough to work only part time and that I am not going to a 9-5 job 5 days a week. I still get to be home with the boys for 4 whole days every week. I still get to come home early enough on the days that I do work to see them and spend time with them before the dinner and bedtime routine. There will still be snuggles and days spent with nothing to do but play. Of course I will miss them but it will be good for all of us to have some separation. It will be good for me to get out of the house and use my brain again. (Although, I seriously feel like I don't know what I am doing!! Ahh!) And I only have to get through one day. Just one day.

It's been an amazing twelve weeks as a stay at home mom. Part of me thinks I could do this forever (I really could) but I am also thankful to have a job and friends there to return to.




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Sunday, December 19, 2010

All About Me in 30 Days: Day 17-25

All About Me in 30 Days
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I got a bit behind again. Oops.


Day 17 – your favorite website

I spend most of my time at these sites:
BloopDiary - Online Diary Community


Day 18 – a photo of your favorite memory

The moment I became a mother. It's really all I ever wanted out of life. And it's been quite a journey so far!

Day 19 – a picture of somewhere you’d like to travel


My favorite place on earth. San Antonio, Texas. I'd love to bring my husband here.


I'd love to see the Grand Canyon someday.

Day 20 – a talent of yours

I'd say my talent is scrapbooking. Here is a page I did of Jacob that I love.

Day 21 – a hobby of yours

See previous answer. :-)

Day 22 – a photo of your wedding/future wedding plans

No future wedding plans. Here's a picture from the big day 06.24.06

Day 23 – a photo of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently

This is a general cancer awareness ribbon. Cancer has, unfortunately, made a big impact on my life recently. Cancer can shove it.

Day 24 – a recipe

I wanted to think of a recipe that somehow defines me. I couldn't decide between 3. All delicious, all easy. Enjoy!

Dog Food Dip
3/4 tsp oregano
1 lb hamburger - brown and pour off grease
1/2 cup onion
1 tsp sugar
1/2 cup ketchup
1 8oz can tomato sauce
garlic powder to taste
1 8oz package cream cheese
1/3 cup parmesan cheese

Stir constantly until cheese melts. Serve hot (in fondue pot) with fritos.


Horseradish Dip
1 tbsp horseradish (we use WAY more)
1/2 tsp onion juice
8 oz whipped cream cheese
dash of milk
dash of salt

Mix together in bowl. Add milk until right consistency. Serve with potato chips.


Hot Fruit Salad
20 oz chunky applesauce
1 can sliced peaches
1 can sliced pears
1 can apricot halves
11 oz can mandarin oranges
1 large can pineapple chunks
1 can cherry pie filling
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

In a 9x13 pan spread applesauce on bottom. Drain and mix other fruit. Spread on top of applesauce. Spread cherry pie filling on the top. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over. Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour.

Day 25 – your worst habit

Wow. Where to begin?
I have a bad temper. I'm highly critical - of myself and others. I overeat. I'm lazy. I spend too much time on the computer. And according to my husband, I play too much solitaire :-)


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Saturday, December 18, 2010

What We've Been Up To

I haven't written -- actually written -- in awhile. Last weekend we received some devastating news and I just wasn't able to talk about it immediately. I still don't think this is the place to talk about it but I am ready to put it behind me and know that we will get through it. I'm ready to be me again and not just the empty shell I was this past week. So, without further ado... here is what we've been up to while preparing for Christmas.

Sunday. On Sunday (December 12th) Jacob and I made Christmas cookies. Whoever thought it would be a good idea to do with a two year old was crazy. But we had fun. We baked them first thing in the morning after Jacob finished his breakfast. He enjoyed being able to stand on a chair in the kitchen and see what was going on at the counter. I let him pour the dry ingredients into the bowl and he loved watching me mix everything together. His favorite part, of course, was getting to lick the beaters when we were done. He didn't get to help much once the dough was chilled and ready for cutting. He just couldn't understand how to use the cookie cutters. So he watched while I did it and he helped me pick out which shapes to use but that was the extent of that. After baking came the fun part -- decorating! Jake was stripped down to his diaper and loved every minute of the process. He did his best to spread the frosting onto the cookies, he had a blast with the container of sprinkles (so much so that it got tossed when he was finished, it just wasn't savable!) and best of all, sampling the frosting! He spent the entire time working on one cookie with only an occasional break to help Mom decorate our special cookies for his grandparents. Even though he was a mess and the whole process took way longer than it should have, it was worth it to see the smile on his face.


Friday. Last night (December 17th) we took the boys to see Santa at the mall. We chose to go to Breton Village mall because you can take your own pictures there, we figured it would be way less crowded, and they also have a train set up. Well, Santa was a bust! He's only there until 3pm. But it was worth the drive out there just to see the train! We all thought it was pretty cool. We watched it for a long time and made sure to walk around and look at the entire set up. There were also some fish at the mall that Jacob enjoyed watching (and I admit, I did as well!)

So we headed out to Woodland Mall to find Santa. Success! We only had to wait in line for about ten minutes, not bad! Jacob was very well behaved and stayed by us. He liked looking at all the Christmas decorations. He was very excited to see Santa. Of course, he wouldn't talk to him though! Both the boys did good and sat on his lap without crying. Jacob helped himself to not one but three candy canes from the chest when he was done. And I've heard "Mall. Santa. Ho ho ho." ever since :-)

Tomorrow is the first of our Christmas celebrations. Merry Christmas!!!



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Friday, December 17, 2010

Five Question Friday


1. Do you regift and if so, do you have a regifting horror story?
I am not opposed to regifting. Especially if I receive something I already have/don't like/can't use and I know someone else would like it or be able to use it. I can't think of any horror stories though. I know this should remind me of Seinfeld but it reminds me of Old School.


"Actually, I gave you that for your wedding"
"This same model?"
"No, this exact one."
"Oh. And we love it."

2. Do you know what you are getting for Christmas this year?
I know one thing -- some shelves for our living room - because I not only picked it out, I bought it for myself :-)

3. Who brings the most gifts in your family, you or Santa?
Still trying to figure out exactly what we're doing with Santa. This year they are all coming from Santa since they are too young to know what's going on.

4. What store do you love to buy jeans from?
I don't love to buy jeans at all but mine usually come from Kohls or Target.

5. Christmas meal: Big, All Out Meal or Snacks and Apps?
Usually we do a big meal. This year we're doing appetizers.



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Thursday, December 16, 2010

REVIEW: Thirsties Fab Fitted Diapers

I should start by saying that I am really not a fitted diaper kind of person. I much prefer pocket diapers. However, I got two Thirsties fab fitted diapers when I was pregnant with Jordan because I wanted to try different styles with him. Thirsties could make me into a fitted diaper person, I'm convinced of it.


As mentioned before, I have two Thirsties diapers for Jordan. I do find myself reaching for them first when they are available. They fit him GREAT! I've never seen a diaper fit him so well, in fact. He started wearing them in the hospital (at 6lbs 10oz) and he still fits in them at just over 12 lbs. The size x-small, which we have, is good for 5-12 lb babies but I feel like he could still fit it for awhile yet. The velcro has held up very nicely. We have used them for less than 3 months but they are washed and worn frequently. The velcro actually sticks! To the diaper and to the built in laundry tabs! Amazing!! The downside to these diapers is that they are cursed. Without fail, within an hour (usually much less) of putting one on, Jordan will have a massive blow-out! That being said, they contain the mess! I have never had a leak or a mess to deal with (I pair them with a Bummis cover usually) They come in very pretty colors. I have an aqua and a celery. There is also butter, lavendar, sky blue, raspberry, melon, and white.


I honestly cannot say enough good things about these. If I didn't already have more than enough diapers for Jordan (and especially once Jacob potty trains) I would be filling my stash with these in bigger sizes. I still might get a few if I can find some way to justify it :-)


These are my own honest opinions from my own personal experience. I did not receive any payment or product as compensation for this review.

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Friday, December 10, 2010

Thankful Thursday & Five Question Friday

Thankful Thursday

I forgot to post my Thankful Thursday yesterday. This isn't what I intended on writing for yesterday's post but it needs to be said. I'm thankful for my father in law. He helps us out so often! He is currently shoveling the snow from our driveway so I can get out if I need to today and so my husband doesn't have to do it when he gets home from work tonight. He is doing this while I am sitting in my nice warm house, all snuggly, on the computer. Yes. Today I am thankful for my father in law :-)

Five Question Friday


1. Do you open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
Both. And then some.
Growing up, my family always celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve. We'd go to church, have a nice dinner, and open presents. When we were younger, we'd open Santa gifts Christmas morning as well. Now that I'm married, we have tons of Christmas celebrations. It always starts the Sunday before Christmas when we get together with my husband's mom's side of the family. My husband and I often open gifts to each other sometime during that week. Christmas Eve with my family. Christmas morning with his family. Christmas afternoon with his dad's side of the family. Whew.

2. What is your favorite Christmas cookie (or candy)?
I guess I didn't know there were different Christmas cookies/candies. We've always had cutout cookies that we frost (Wilton's Buttercream frosting, mmm) and decorate. I plan on making some with Jacob this weekend! I can't wait!

3. What's the worst Christmas gift you've ever received?
Nothing comes to mind.

4. Christmas song that you love?
My very favorite Christmas song is "O Holy Night" and I especially like Josh Groban's version of it. I like pretty much any version that has more than just the first verse. I love all the verses to this song and I want to hear them all!!!!
I also love..... (are you ready??)
"O Come All Ye Faithful"
"Mary Did You Know?"
"Rockin Around The Christmas Tree"
"Why Can't Every Day Be Like Christmas" - Elvis Presley
"12 Days of Christmas" muppet style!!
"Oh Little Town of Bethlehem"
"What Child is This?"
I'm sure there's more. Much more. This is what I can think of right now. I LOVE Christmas music!!

5. How many trees do you put up?
one....??

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Thursday, December 9, 2010

All About Me in 30 Days: Day 16

All About Me in 30 Days
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I'm currently blogging from the elliptical (multi-tasking!) so please excuse any typos that are bound to happen!

Day 16 – a song that makes you cry

"I'll Be Home For Christmas"
I really can't listen to this song. It gets me every time. It reminds me of my Papa. He told me how he used to sing it when he was in the service and away from family at Christmastime. After he passed, the line "if only in my dreams" just really got to me.






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Wednesday, December 8, 2010

All About Me in 30 Days: Day 13-15

All About Me in 30 Days
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Day 13 – a description of what's currently in your handbag/purse/diaper bag!

I have a LOT in my purse because it also doubles as my diaper bag...

- giraffe print wallet
- reusable Target bag
- diaper changing wallet
- extra cloth diaper for each kid
- coupon organizer
- extra nursing pads and lanolin
- granola bar
- extra desserts gum - mint chocolate chip
- chapstick, lipgloss
- pocket calendar, pen
- badge for work
- hand sanitizer
- rape whistle
- car keys

Day 14 – a photo of a person you’d love to trade places with for a day


This is Diane Kruger. Why would I trade places with her? Well, because she is dating/living with my long term boyfriend, Joshua Jackson. Seriously, we've been dating since 1992 when the first Mighty Ducks came out. That's most of my life, folks!
Honestly, I suggested the name Joshua Jackson when we were trying to name Jordan Matthew :-) Matt veto'd it and I think only because of my love affair! :-P

Day 15 – a photo of yourself and a new friend you met this year

I don't think I've met any new friends this year. Is that sad? If I have, I don't have any pictures with them. So I'm going to have to pass on today's post.



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Project 365

Most people know that I am crazy, especially when it comes to pictures. I have decided to join Project 365 next year. If you aren't familiar with that, it is a challenge to take a picture every day for a year. Seeing as how I already do this anyway (a picture a day for the first year of my kids lives) it shouldn't be too bad. That will take me to the end of September :-)

If you'd like to follow my project, be sure to bookmark this page: http://365project.org/popita624/365

I haven't done anything with it yet and don't plan to until January 1st, but just getting ready. I'd love to have followers and I'd love to follow others -- let me know if you have one! I will post a reminder about this closer to the first of the year.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

A Dog-Gone Good Birthday Party

We had Jacob's birthday party on Saturday, December 4th at 4pm. It was at our house. We had the dog theme for our party. We had a dog balloon, colored paw print balloons, and plain colored balloons. There wasn't as many as that makes it sound though. I tied some balloons to the back of Jake's chair, and the other two bunches to stuffed dogs. We put one by the food and one on the big table. We got blue and green streamers and Matt put those up around the house as well. I had meant to set out his dog pillow pet somewhere as well but I forgot.



The menu consisted of hot dogs, dog food dip, and puppy chow, which I served in {clean} dog bowls. I had really wanted to serve the dog food dip in one of the bowls but it has to be in a fondue pot so I just put the fritos in there instead. (As an added bonus to the theme, fritos smell like dog's feet) I also made warm fruit salad even though it didn't go with anything because we needed something healthy and I felt like having it. My brother also brought over bruschetta.



My parents (dad) brought over another dog balloon. It happened to be the other one from the theme that we didn't get so that worked out good. He had that attached to a can of Alpo dog food (which is what dog food dip looks like) He also brought over a small bag of dry dog food. He thought that could be a decoration. So we had that sitting up on the counter with the food.


The guests that came were Lolo, Papa, Uncle Sean (Buddy), Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Melissa (Minnie), Grandma Joan (G.G.), Kaytee, and June. When everyone arrived we had food and chatted. Jordan wanted to nurse so I took him into the bedroom for that. We were all stuffed after eating so we opened presents next. Jacob received lots of great things.


From Matt & Me:
- Workbench with tools
- Hard hat
- Dinosaurs
- Firetruck
- Pluto, Mickey, and Minnie stuffed animals that were mine when I was little

From Grandma & Grandpa V:
- Tag Junior reader
- Tag books: If I Were..., Pooh Loves To..., Curious George Color Fun, The Backyardigans Opposites, Cars Shapes
- Carrying case for Tag Books/Reader
- Tools
- Flashlight

From Lolo, Papa, and Buddy:
- $100 for college savings
- Christmas PJs
- Shapes book
- Puzzle (animals)
- Thomas the Train: Follow Me Thomas
- (Also the Big Foot robot which he got the next day)

From G.G.:
-Brainy Baby Books set

From Kaytee and June:
- art supplies: pad of paper, pad of construction paper, finger paints, markers, paint, paintbrushes

From Grandpa H:
- remote control car

From Auntie Sarah & Uncle Bill:
- $40

From Grammy:
- $25

From Grandma Lois:
- $50 savings bond


Jacob had a blast opening his presents and being the center of attention. I think his two favorite things (that night anyway!) were the firetruck and the working drill from the tool set from his grandparents. He played with both of those most of the night.

After presents we had cake. I thought it looked ridiculous but everyone said I did a good job on it. It was a dog's face. It didn't look like it was supposed to but I guess it turned out okay. It tasted really good though! Jacob blew out his own candle. It took several several attempts but he finally got it.




After we had cake we just sat around and talked and the kids played. Jacob had a really great time at his party and that is all that matters. He had ended up having diarrhea from drinking apple juice and I felt like the world's worst mother when I finally realized it -- only AFTER taking a picture of him and noticing on the screen that his pants were soaked. Poor kid!! But other than that little incident, it was a great night.

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