amazing

An amazing thing (or four!) happened today!

1. My sweet baby boy turned a year old!!!!!

2. I survived a year as the mother of two.

3. I reached my first goal of breastfeeding for a year. Here's to a year and beyond!

4. *TMI* I have gone a year postpartum without a period. Wahoo!!!!

(no picture of this one, please!)

Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

Happy Birthday Jordan

Dear Jordan,

Happy 1st birthday to my bug, my sweet baby boy. It seems impossible that a year has already flown by. It's amazing how you've gone from the helpless infant that was placed on my chest, barely able to even figure out nursing, to the fairly independent -gasp- toddler that can climb in, on, and out of everything, that can almost walk, that can say a few "words," and that can steal my heart with that goofy smile.

Jordan, you are an amazing little boy whose personality is already starting to shine. I cannot believe you have been in our lives for a year now. The time has gone too fast and I feel like I have missed so much already. I cherish all the moments we've had together -- the snuggles, the smiles you give me when you see me, all the times you have made me laugh from your innocence or your mischievousness.

From your unexpected arrival to your silly outbursts and your goofy expressions, there is never a dull moment with you around. You are the best "mistake" I've ever made and I love you more than words could ever express. Here's to another great year with you as my little buddy, my {love}bug.

Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

Wordless Wednesday: A Year Ago

Last year at this time I was hugely pregnant and awaiting the arrival of Jordan. I was starting to feel like I might be pregnant forever, which is how you know you only have a short time left. Oops. I forgot this was supposed to be WORDLESS Wednesday. On with the pictures!! 

My last belly picture before Jordan's birth;  9.24.10, 38 weeks pregnant

And just for fun... look how little Rooski looks in this picture! (September 2010)

Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

Proud Mama Monday 9/26/11

I didn't post last week because I was sick, sick, sick. So I have extra to be proud of this week.

1. Despite their not feeling well, both my kids were relatively well behaved.

2. Jordan is a great sleeper. As long as he has his block and a pacifier, he will just roll over and put himself right to sleep. He's been consistently sleeping through the night now as well.

3. Jacob's been learning to "read" more books and sing more songs. It's amazing how much he can remember!

4. Jordan has learned how to climb down from the bed, couch, my lap, etc. without falling.

5. Jacob can say his address.

6. Jordan's been taking more and more steps at a time.

7. Jordan can say a few words: "tick tock" "block" "mama" "woof"

8. Both the boys have been really good about keeping themselves entertained and playing quietly together.

Want to play? Post your Proud Mama Moments and link up below

Put this linky on your blog
<script src="http://www.simply-linked.com/listwidget.aspx?l=b80c18fa-bb3d-459d-a2f8-5343f94b1d03" type="text/javascript"> </script>


Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

Wasting Time

I just spent entirely too much time making this these. And I don't even particularly care for the way it they turned out. But here's my family all the crap I made anyway!






My Stick Family from WiddlyTinks.com





My Family from WiddlyTinks.com




Birth Announcements by WiddlyTinks.com




Birth Announcements by WiddlyTinks.com



Graduation Announcements by WiddlyTinks.com




Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

Five Question Friday 9/23/11

1. Dream job...realistic and completely unrealistic.
I have 3 dream jobs. Two of them are completely unrealistic. And one of them is realistic, just not at this time. They are 1.) Being a stay at home mom. Or work at home mom making something really cool (diapers or other baby things); 2.) Being a vet (never going back to school. no way.); and 3.) Being a lactation consultant and working with pregnant moms and new moms and babies. Someday....

2. Do you fart in front of your significant other?
Yes.....

3. What's the furthest you've ever traveled from home? How far and where was it?
I think that would probably be when we went on the Disney cruise to the Bahamas when I was about 9. Either that or California for my uncle's wedding. I'm not sure which is actually further from here but I'm thinking Bahamas.

4. How do you celebrate birthday for your kids? Family only or friends? ... Alternate for those without kiddos: How did you celebrate birthdays as a kid?
Well... right now our kids are so little that we do a little of both. They don't really have many friends so we invite our close friends as well as our family to the party. It's worked out well so far. As they get older and into school I imagine we'll have a small party for family and a small party for friends. Is that weird? We really love birthdays in my family!

5. Fave thing about fall?
Apple orchards. Pumpkins. Pumpkin pie. Pretty leaves.

Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for antibiotics and inhalers.

For my parents who came over every day to watch my children for me, took me to my doctor's appointment, picked up my medicine for me, and bought us a few groceries to tide us over while we haven't been shopping.

Being sick is miserable. But at least I'm on the upswing now.

Sorry Mom for getting you sick! :-(


Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

Wordless Wednesday: Lil Coffee Drinker

Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

Jordan's First Blog Post

rf

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvccvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv hg       vc

.tn nhnbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbsq/;?iclokj8k,me9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999k,98jk,dys8k8,./,/

bbui

Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

REVIEW: Yoreganics Stain Remover

One of the very first blog giveaways I won was a Laundry Trio Deal from Yoreganics. It contained a sample of soap nuts {which I was very excited to try}, whitener, and stain remover. They also included some chapstick. It even came with a personalized note congratulating me for winning the giveaway. I was very impressed with the company!

And I have remained impressed as I've used the products. My very favorite, however, is the miracle working stain remover.

Here is what the Yoreganics website says about this product:

YORE LAUNDRY. INSPIRED BY MOTHER NATURE.

Your family will love this Organic Stain Remover with the fresh scent of citrus essential oils!

 REMOVES:

fresh* stains like: ink, dirt, blood, grass, food grease, baby spit up, kid and pet "accidents" (urine, diaper waste, vomit), chocolate, mayo, salad dressing, spaghetti sauce, soy sauce, ketchup & more!

*Fresh stains are those that have not been set-in through the washer and dryer. For stubborn, set-in stinks and stains (like wine, juice, berries etc) - use our Brightens & Whitens.

Safe on natural fibers and water-safe surfaces.

 non-toxic | biodegradable | USDA organic ingredients | gluten free | vegan | never tested on animals

 DIRECTIONS

Spray directly on stain & let sit for a few minutes. Gently scrub, rinse and wash accordingly.

 INGREDIENTS

*Saponified organic coconut, olive and jojoba oils, *organic aloe vera, *organic blend of essential oils and rosemary extract. *Made with USDA Certified Organic Ingredients

I could write a big long review about how wonderful the stain remover is, but I think the proof is in the pictures.

Insert Exhibit A: The Blueberry Stain. We all know that blueberries aren't coming out.

The stain

After the pre-treatment with the stain remover (sprayed on but not yet washed)

Fresh from the laundry. Completely clean!

AH-MA-ZING!!!!

As if that wasn't impressive enough, here's Exhibit B: Strawberry. Another tough stain to get out. 

The stain

It was a doosey

Pre-treated and almost completely gone already

Fresh from the laundry. Spotless!

So what have we learned here?

1. I need to start putting a bib on the baby

2. Yoreganics Stain Remover is absolutely fantastic and a miracle worker! I could not say enough good things about this.

I am sad to say that we just ran out of this but I assure you, I will be getting more asap! If you'd like to purchase some for yourself, you can do so here. You won't be sorry! And have a look around at all the other great products they have to offer while you're there.


Disclaimer: I received the above mentioned products for free through a blog giveaway but was not compensated in any other way for this post. All opinions are 100% mine and based on my experience. 

Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

Proud Mama Monday Wednesday

I've been losing track of my days recently. And I forgot to post my proud moments of the week on Monday. But I thought this was cute and worth mentioning.

Jordan had stood up and was walking along while holding onto something. Jacob didn't see he was holding on and excitedly exclaimed "Oh! Look! He's walking! Yay Jordan!!"

SUCH a good big brother!


Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

Wordless Wednesday: Partial Stash

Here's a picture of part of my diaper stash. They looked so pretty when I was folding them on laundry day (this was a double load!) that I couldn't resist a picture. What are your favorite diapers? 

Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

A Big Switch?

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TracFone. All opinions are 100% mine.
I've been a Verizon customer for as long as I've had a cell phone (has it really been ten years now?) but lately Matt and I have been talking about switching services. We're always looking for ways to save more money and this may be it. Our contract is up in another few months so we've been looking into contract-less phone services.
TracFone is one of those services that offers no contract as well as no activation or termination fees. Real TracFone customers talk about the reliability of the service in this video...
<iframe width="420" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/27yaTS82ZtY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
They have many phones available depending on your needs. There are simple phones for under $10 as well as phones with So many features that we've all grown to love, such as cameras, QWERTY keyboards, mp3 players, and more for as low as $29.99.
If you're in the market for a new phone service, consider checking out all that TracFone has to offer.

Flashback Friday 9/9/11

It's Tuesday. And it's just like any other day. Except it isn't. I'm seventeen, a senior in high school, and on top of the world. At least, that's how I see it right now. I'm in my first class of the day -- AP English -- and suddenly we're turning on the TV. There's been a tragic accident in New York involving an airplane. We watch the news the rest of the class period, thinking nothing of it, and then I head off to band. We're having our pictures taken today so it's chaotic when I enter the band room. I roll my eyes when I see my band director, who I don't care much for, sitting on a chair in the middle of the band room watching TV instead of helping people get ready. I head off to get my uniform and get changed and next thing I know we're all heading over to the stadium for our pictures. It seems to take forever. When we're all sitting there after our pictures were taken, one of the parent helpers makes an announcement.

That tragic accident was no accident at all. A second plane is involved. And there is no doubt this was an act of terrorism. The freshman girls cry. I feel nothing. Just this deep pit in the middle of my stomach. It's indescribable. Then again, I don't need to describe it because we all felt the same thing. And we all will never forget that feeling.

The next few days are a blur. There's tears. There's anger. There's feelings of helplessness in the midst of tragedy. There's a burst of patriotism like nothing I've ever witnessed. And there's an overwhelming sense of pride in knowing that I'm an American. Flags are displayed on cars, stores, homes. People are wearing red, white, and blue like it's the 4th of July. Lee Greenwood's "God Bless The USA" is being playing ad nauseam on the radio. And my life is changing in ways I don't even know yet.

September 11, 2001 was a life changing day for most, if not all, Americans. It was a day when the helplessness I felt went beyond what I'd ever felt before. A day when I knew that I was not content unless I was making a difference. It was a day when I gave up my dreams of being a writer or an editor or a photographer and started my journey towards my nursing career. When tragedy struck, I wanted to be there. I wanted to be able to help. I never wanted to feel that helpless again.

Cause the flag still stands for freedom,

and they can't take that away.

And I'm proud to be an American,

where at least I know I'm free.

And I won't forget the men who died,

who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.

‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA

Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

Five Question Friday 9/9/11

1. What ringtone do you have on your cell phone?
Good thing my cell phone is sitting right here because I had to look. It's called "Born to Dance"

2. What is your favorite memory from this summer?
My mom being able to come to our house again, taking the boys swimming at the pool, just watching them grow and change and learn on a daily basis

3. Paper books or ebooks?
paper

4. If you could have one home upgrade what would it be and why?
Aside from a new house.... I'd love to redo our kitchen - our cabinets are falling apart. Or repaint.

5. When was your first serious boyfriend/girlfriend?
2001


Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email

A Glimpse of Jacob at 33 Months

Weight: I didn't weigh him again this month, I'm guessing around 34 lbs still
Height: I didn't measure him again this month
Favorite Food: yogurt, blue popsicles, blueberries, strawberries, baked beans
Favorite Toy: cars and trucks, mega bloks, playing that people got hurt and we have to rescue them
Frequent Phrases: "Let me show you what," "What?," "Why?," I don't know," "I want...," "I do it/Me do it,"  "I don't want to," "Can I help?," "Watch," "Come in here," "Play with me," "Why we can't?"
New Accomplishments: he does somersaults fairly straight, he can flip his legs over the top of the couch (he's not supposed to, but that doesn't stop him), he is completely potty trained except for at night but he usually waits until I get him up to go poop in the morning, he can draw straight lines, he can get his flip flop sandals on and off by himself, he undresses himself mostly except he sometimes can't get his shirts off
What We Did This Month: celebrated Lolo's birthday, celebrated Minnie's birthday, had to wear girl pull ups to bed (the store didn't have any boy ones :-x), went to the dentist, went to a picnic with Mom's work, got new spiderman jammies after Jordan moved into the nursery with him, got his first tattoo, went to the duck pond with Daddy, went with Lolo and Papa to their friend's cottage, met Emma and Tori
Likes: Spiderman ("pidermaaaaan"), going to the park, cars and trucks, blocks, reading, jumping, doing somersaults, golf, eating, Mater, picking out things for his birthday, tickles, Monsters Inc, dinosaurs, diggers, dump trucks, helping with laundry, coloring in the shower, going to the pool
Dislikes: taking naps, breakfast, sharing (sometimes), being sick - which he's been quite a lot lately, poor kid!

To Remember: 
How he pronounces Jordan = Gig-gin. He calls Jordan "Gig-gin," "Dig-gin," or "Babe"

Pictures:

And something fun to remember... My mom took Jake back to their house the other day. As they were leaving I said to Jake, "Don't miss me too much" He pulled the front door back open and said "Okay, I won't miss you!" Hehe, stinker!


Subscribe to Love{&}Bugs by Email