Blogger Dropout

That's what I feel like....a complete dropout. 

I haven't updated my family blog, or this here gem in a long time.

So instead of excuses, I will just give you a bullet pointed list of the reasons (excuses) to my absence.

• After our hospital stay, we were just recovering when my husband was in a car accident.
• He's fine, he's fine, (big deep breath) however our trusty little car was not. 
• Our car was declared totalled
• We had to wait for the VERY KIND citizen who called the accident in, to call to police back and support my husbands side in saying that he had a green light. Insert no fault of ours.
• The other person (elderly man with a dog in the car headed toward IKEA ((that damn store makes everyone stop looking at where they are going and stare in amazement)) decided that since he has nothing better to do with his life he is contesting the citation therefore my husband has to go to court
• Meanwhile....we had 6 days of the insurance company to pay for a rental car. After that, we were on our own.
• Therefore, we had 6 days to research/find/buy another car.
• Also, that meant we had 6 days to find a money tree or win the lottery or sell our bodies for dollar bills.
• You see......when you drive an old, yet trusty car that is already paid off....it is really priceless.  Yes, I know it was old and not worth much, but to us, it was priceless.  But even though the accident was not our fault, all the insurance company will do is slap a price on your car you totalled and pay you off.  Unfortunately, what our car was worth isn't even close to enough to buy a new car.  Shitty.
• Oh yeah, and insert a CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY within those 6 days to find a car.  Um.......impossible?
• Somewhere in all this mess I realized that Bradley has not the 8 teeth I thought he did, but 11.  Um, hello bad mother who has no idea what's going on.
• B also pretty much will hold a conversation with you now.  All mumble of course.  But a full conversation none-the-less with pauses and voice inflection's.  He's so stinkin cute
• So now with the new year approaching, and oh yeah, a new car, hopefully I'll get back on track.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Tiffany

Our Hospital Stay

I'm not sure why it has taken me so long to write about this, but it is something I definitely wanted documented.  Over Thanksgiving week we had a scare with Bradley and had to stay 24hrs at Children's Hospital in Cincinnati.  Neither my husband, parents, friends or myself had ever heard of what happened to Bradley, that's why I thought it to be so important to blog about it, just to spread awareness.

Bradley had what's called an Intussusception.  It is a problem in the intestine and it's described as "telescoping" because the intestine starts to invert on itself similarly to what collapsible telescope does.  It is most commonly caused by a child starting to fight off a cold, or being sick, and the glands swell in the intestine just the same as the glands that swell in your neck.  The swelling of the glands in the intestine push on the intestine walls and can cause it to start telescoping on itself.  Once that happens it continues to get worse every time peristalsis tries to push the waste out.  Thus, it is very painful and normally reported to cause spurts of pain every 15 to 20 minutes.  If untreated it results in lack of blood flow to the intestine, to no blood flow, to eventually death if untreated for 2 days or more.  (Let's not even go there, ummm k?)

The week prior to Thanksgiving Bradley had his first ear infection.  He was put on meds on Sunday.  On Monday I thought he was getting better.  On Tuesday things went downhill fast.  He woke up in the morning and would not eat.  Would not stand.  Would not walk.  Would not even sit...I would sit him down and he would just lean forward and put his head on the ground.  Also, and this is another telling symptom, when I would pick him up to hold him, he would tuck his knees up under him and would not let his legs dangle down. The whole time he was moaning in pain.  I knew right away he needed to be seen.  Long story short I took him to the doc, and she immediately told me to go downtown to Children's. 

Treatment:  With an intussusception you are admitted to the surgical floor just in case they can't fix it without surgery.  This was very scary. However, most are treated with an air enema.  Where they basically create a seal around the rear and the pressure of the air can just pop the intestine right out again.  If this process doesn't work they use a barium enema.  Finally, they resort to surgery. 

Very thankfully Bradley's was fixed on the first attempt of an air enema.  We are so thankful to all the Dr.'s and nurses that are so skilled.  It was a traumatic experience but truly made us understand how blessed we really are. 

As always, some documentation photos.  These were all taken AFTER the procedure was done and he was in a much better state.



There is something just so sad looking about those hospital cribs and all the wires and tubes.

 The genious that checked us in gave B a peach gown.  We got tired of everyone calling him a her so finally a nice nurse gave us a rockstar blue scrub shirt.

 One of the hardest parts was watching/dealing with B having an IV.  He pulled on it but finally adapted to doing things one handed. 

 Checking out his cool gear.  He actually enjoyed pushing that thing around the halls and flirting with the nurses.

 Exploring the room.

 Chiling with Dad

 Back to his old self again!!

Tiffany

Squeak Shoes Video

What's better than pictures of a birthday party???

Videos of the presents in action!

My Friend Is For Real

I think...

(Side note: my fabulous walking one year old's birthday party was awesome.  I will post pictures, eventually.  Honestly, my computer sucks and is old and slow that for now it's just easier for me to type.)

So my friend.  Is it weird I'm calling her a friend already? Hmm, maybe.  Anyway, It was beautiful weather here last week so I called her up on Monday asking if she'd like to meet at a park either that day or the next and she took me right up on my offer.  She said that we could meet that Monday afternoon.  Cool.

I arrived at the park about 10 min earlier than our date, and she arrived about 10 minutes late.  Regardless, we met, and the boys played.  Her son is exactly 1 year older than mine, so they really didn't play together, but they ran around. 

Bradley was getting tired so I did what any good mom would do and shoved food in his face.  Of course I offered her son, and he took a snack promptly.  Then he came back for seconds.  Totally fine with me. 

Her and I talked about a lot of things we have in common like, enjoying when our husbands are gone, couponing, and margaritas. In fact she said how most of her friends are prego with their second child so she doesn't have anyone to drink margaritas with.  Umm hello? Insert me!

So all in all it was a fun time.  Now for the weird part, she hasn't called.  We made plans to meet up at each other's houses so the boys could play with some "new" toys, but....radio silence.

I made the first call, so would I be coming off too desperate if I called again?  It's been over a week.  Am I just being too needy?

Maybe she's dating other people....

What should I do?

This is so weird...............

(p.s. I completely understand that I make myself look like a lunatic by continuing to put out there how I'm trying to make friends and people keep shutting me down.  I swear, I'm totally cool in real life....promise.....no really...........like REAL cool....)

Tiffany

Excuse me while I catch my breath

My little man turns 1 tomorrow.  Gasp.  I apologize for these last couple weeks, and probably the next few weeks for my MIAness and my non amusing posts.  I have been cherishing every second with my newly walking baby.  I have been using my free time to look back at old pictures and video's of a year ago and I've been completely struck with nostalgia almost daily.  I cannot believe my pad wearing, incision healing, nipple aching, nighttime feeding, and stationary play days are over.  Tear. 

Although, I will not be sad. I've promised myself I'd live in the moment.  It also helps if I remind myself that everyday that my baby gets older, is another day closer to being done with diaps.  Sweet Jesus that sounds nice. 

His modest party will be this weekend.  I'm sure I will have party pics to come, and then I'll get back to my regular banter.  In fact, I have a little goody surprise for you all.....are you ready?.....I THINK I FOUND A FRIEND!  Like a real life friend who lives in my neighborhood.  Ya I know, pretty fantastic.  With my luck she is a robot in disguise.  We'll see.

For now, here's some 11month + pics of the little dude. 

Boo!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

My Dangerous Dragon

Baby Austin

My dear bloggy friend Sarah had her sweet little baby boy Austin yesterday. My heart is crushed to find out that her sweet blessing is on life support. Please head over to HERE and send her a little prayer. Be strong baby Austin.

Stay/Work At Home Mom

I am a licensed Real Estate agent.  I am so in love with the fact that I can be at home to raise my baby, and still go out and be the "professional me" and generate income for my family. 

(Enter plug-  If you, or if anyone you know is planning a move of any kind, please let me know as I can help.  I have access to the leading real estate agencies nation wide.  If you are buying, selling, moving across town, or into a whole new time zone, I can refer you to a top agent in your area.  All you have to do is give me your name, phone number, and area you are moving to/from, and I will provide you with a few agents to interview to find one that fits your needs the best.  Not only will you have one of the top agents in your area working for you, you will also be helping out a fellow bloggie friend gain a referral stipend to help her family.)

It really has worked out that I can schedule my showings and open houses on evenings and weekends when hubs can be home to watch B.  The times when I've had closings mid-day my mom has been able to take a half a day off work and come be with B. 

But let's be honest....the market is s l o w. 

It is so very slow.  So while yes, I'm still technically a work at home mom, I most definitely relate more to a stay at home mom. 

But you know what? I LOVE IT.  I hate that I don't bring much income in.  I hate that we're poor.  (Ok, we're not poor but saying that adds a little dramatic flair.)  I hate that I don't feel like a do a very good job in drumming up new business (reason for above plug).  But, I LOVE BEING AT HOME.  I love that hubs allows this to happen.  I love being the one that wakes B up from each nap.  I love that my vocabulary has diminished, I sit on the floor most of the day, and doing a whole load of B's laundry is still exciting.  I feel guilty about this but, sometimes I love that I only have to worry about what our next family meal is going to B.

Yes, I do love be my professional self, because, if I can toot my own horn, I am extremely good at what I do. I am diligent in answering questions, returning emails, building rapport and negotiating the best price. 

However, being a mom is the hardest job in the world, and I am so lucky I get to do it everyday.

Tiffany

Registry. You Presumptuous B.

Who would have thought that a wedding registry could get me so fired up.

There is nothing worse than having to buy a gift for a wedding you are having to go to.

Side note: I know my attitude is totally off, and I'm being seriously cynical here, but there is too much history that I will not get into to explain why my attitude is poor.

Quick background:  -This couple is fam of my hubs fam. Well, she is, he....well....isn't even a citizen.  (That's all I'm saying about that.)  - They are getting married on a FRIDAY, and it is an out-of-town wedding for us.  I hate that.  How freaking presumptuous.  I hate when people expect that everyone in the whole world should have to take off work to be at your wedding.   -I was invited to the shower.  "How nice" you think.  Um, no.  No.  Not at all.  How annoying is more like it.  I didn't go because I honesty had to work, but then I'm obligated to buy a shower gift.  Wtf.  

But lastly, the straw who broke the camels back, just happened.  The wedding is in 2 friday's, so I finally logged on to check the registry and buy some "because I have to" not "because I want to" gifts.  (Geez, I know I sound horrible right now.)  Anyway, to my f-ing surprise there was ridiculously expensive gifts on the registry.  I'm talking $600 dollar items and $400 dollar items.  Like, A LOT of them.  I'm thinking...."who the hell do you think your family is?"  I mean, I know I don't really know her family and friends she is inviting to this shindig, but really, is she expecting someone to buy her a $70 ironing board?  Really, how presumptuous.

Honestly I love weddings, I really do, but i hate, hate, HATE them or any "gathering" when they feel obligatory.

So weird.

So I'm off to buy a couple towels and gift wrap them really pretty cus, 1) that's all I can afford and 2) that's all your stupid registry will allow for.  (I emphasize just a couple because, um, they registered for 12 each of bath towels, hand towels, and wash clothes.  Twelve.  Who the HELL needs 12 towels of the same color?)Stupid.

Tiffany

Me, a liberal mother? Who would have thunk it?

That's right.  Me, miss germ-a-phobe, over-protective, controlling, cautious mother, has become pretty liberal when it comes to my baby. 

Pause for gasp.

Most of what I've become liberal about is food related.  As I have mentioned before, I started giving B eggs around 9 months.  He did fine with them and loves them.

At 10 months old, I jumped into the big one.  You might know it as PB.  Yes, peanut butter.  I know some literature out there says not to give it to them until 2 years old.  Personally, I think that's crazy because if my child is going to have a reaction I'd rather know about it sooner than 2.  Anyway, I needed more options in B's diet and pb is high in protein, AND fat, and that's just what a growing boy needs.  Thus, I gave it to him first just on bread.  Loved it.  Then, I made him his first pb&j...hello, heaven?  LOVED LOVED it.  I am so thankful that he showed no reaction.  There is something so easy about a pb&j, especially when we're eating on the go!

Bradley is now 11 months old (as of tomorrow).  He is pretty much been weaning himself from nursing for the past month.  He's cut out 2 of his feedings, and now nurses only 3 times a day.  Morning, before nap midday, and before bed.  I have had been offering him a pouch of my frozen gold in a sippy cup and he'll take it most of the time.  I recently decided just to pour him a sippy of organic vitamin D cow's milk.  He actually seemed to like that better than my stuff.....not to mention that's so much easier than the hole thawing process.  So there ya go, I've decided to forgo formula for this last month that he's "supposed" to be on formula.  He's still nursing 3 times, and I'm supplementing with cow's milk.  I know you are supposed to wait until 1 year of age but from what I've read, it's really only to make sure the child's GI tract is ready to digest cow's milk.  Plus he's still getting all the nutrients from my milk that he needs.  I know some doc's and mothers might disagree with my choice but really, sometimes you just have to go with your gut.  He's a great eater, he's growing bigger, he's healthy and really.....what's just one month?  I still can't believe I've been doing this whole nursing thing for almost a whole year now.  Wow, what an accomplishment.

On that note I finally threw away my "just in case" stash of powdered formula which I never used.  It was like 4 months expired anyway.

On a more liberal, non food related note, I turned B around.  (Conservative mothers all around the world just closed their lap tops on me.)  I know you're "supposed" to keep them rear facing for 1 year, and most new recommendations say 2 years (I'm sorry, but have any of those fuckers who wrote that recommendation ever spent more than 10 minutes in a car with a child who is screaming because their feet are pushed up against the seat and their knees are in their chins all while staring at your choice of car interior?)  I know, I know, a screaming baby does not at ALL trump safety, however, my baby is long enough by several inches, and heavy enough by a few pounds to be considered safe in a forward facing seat.  He loves it, and I love it too. 

So there ya have it.  I'm not all by the book in every situation.  Books, wait...what are those?

Tiffany

Things about me

-  It's been over a month and I still don't remember the child proofing locks in the kitchen and yank the crap out of the cabinets.

-  I am not too proud (or grossed out) to pick up food my kid threw on the floor and zip-lock it.  Um, that organic shit is expensive.

-  Anything becomes a toy when I have to poop.  Here kid, you wanna play with the toilet paper? Knock yourself out. Oh you wanna eat it too? Cool.

-  I freaking love going to the grocery store.  Is it because I get to push my kid in the cart?  Is it because it's somewhere I can actually see other humans my size? Who knows, but love it.

-  I was caught out in the rain the other day and now a wheel on my BOB squeaks.  Super pissed about it.

-  Sometimes (very rarely) I wish I wouldn't have trained my kid to be such an independent sleeper and wish he would sleep in my arms.

-  I get so excited too buy new diapers or wipes.  Huh??? I don't even know how to explain this one.

-  Most nights I'm so tired by the time I make it upstairs, I don't even brush my teeth.  Gross. 

Tiffany

Blanket Bust

It is most definitely fall. 

I live in Ohio, which means at this time of year it is jacket weather in the mornings and evenings, you sweat your balls off in the afternoon, and at night it is most definitely cuddle weather.  (Shit, I need to shower more often.)

Because of this sudden temperature plunge at night, I thought it was a perfect time to have B learn to sleep with a blanket.  Not that he would keep it covering him considering he practices his Cirque de soleil tricks all night, but I figured he could at least snuggle up with it. 

Night #1 = TOTAL BLANKET BUST

I woke up somewhere around 1am to a subtle moaning sound.  It sounded like, "Mmmmmmmmmhhhh, Mmmmmmmmhhh."  You know, one of those sounds.

I quickly clicked on the video portion of the monitor and to my horror slash entertainment, B was sitting, rocking back and forth, with the whole blanket completely covering his body. 

Wait was it a ghost?  It was hard to tell in my sleepy stooper.  Of course I ran right in, unveiled my little guy, and helped him lay back down, and REMOVED the blanket. 

I guess I'm back to dressing my kid for the Alps before bed.

Tiffany

Weaning

Yep, I'm still here.  Still boobfeeding.  Still primarily feeding from righty.  Still lopsided.

I cannot.   I repeat.  I CANNOT believe my infant baby boy is 10 months old, thus meaning, I have almost been nursing for a YEAR!

My tits sag.

My nips are huge.

My fun bags are no longer fun, nor bags really, at this point they're more like pancakes.

BUT IT IS ALL SO WORTH IT.  Nursing my 7 pound newborn into a 22 pound nearly toddler has been one of the most rewarding accomplishments I've ever had. Right along side pushing a baby out of my vagina laying on my back while the doctor cuts my baby out of me.  This whole year has been so incredibly rewarding.

A few months ago I started to think about the weaning process.  I thought it was going to be so hard.  I always said I would much rather have my heart broken and Bradley ready to give me up rather than Bradley have his heart broken when mommy all of a sudden stops putting her boob in his mouth. 

I'm happy to say, It's my heart being broken.  He is totally ready to be done with nursing.  He is on to bigger and better things and doesn't want to be still for a second.  I'm sure if he could talk he would say, "Mom can you give me that in a to-go cup?"

To be honest, I will miss it, probably more than I think I will, but as of right now, my heart isn't that broken.  I still have 2 more months to go, but then I think I'll be ready.  I do enjoy our time together, but I so enjoy watching learn and discover the world so much more. 

As of right now I'm nursing about 4 times a day.  Each time he wakes, and then once before bed.  If I don't grab him straight from the crib, to the chair in his nursery with the door shut and a quiet house, he won't nurse.  If he sees his dad, the dogs, or hears any kind of commotion going on, he wants to be in the mix.  I've been getting frustrated, because I know he needs milk, but I also know it's his way of growing up. 

And if I can be honest, I'm also glad to be done nursing to get my bra's back.  Are you ready to be completely shocked and maybe even grossed out.  Well, I've only had 2, yes 2 nursing bra's this whole year.  One black and one white.  I will be so happy to 1, not have to wash my bra's every week and 2, wear a more flattering bra!

If any of you soon-to-be mommies ever have a boobie feeding question for me I'd be glad to give you some nips tips!

Tiffany

Phone Photo Dump (about time I did one of these)

Hi.  Remember how I told you I suck?  Well it's true.  I still kind of suck and I REALLY suck when it comes to posting pictures on my blog lately. 

I could give you the annoying to any infertile excuse that "my baby is teething" or "we've been doing   mommy-n-me classes"  or "my baby won't nap" but no, none of that is true.  My REAL excuse?  Big Brother. Bachelor Pad. American Ninja Warrior.  Any TV Show That Has To Do With Murder (no that's not the name of a real show, I just capitalized for intensity. i.e. Snapped, Dateline on ID, Dateline Primetime, Dateline Real Life Mystery.....you get the idea.)  ((If you don't know about American Ninja Warrior, or ANW for you cool kids, you must find out.  I am obsessed, and these humans are ridiculously strong athletes.))

Back to my point:  I am way to into TV and because we don't let B watch TV AT ALL (very strict about this)  we only turn the TV on at nights or naps therefore, I have slacked on my blog.

Anyway, here are the treasures that have been hidden in my phone.

Stud muffin standing up.

 Picking out my next read at the coffee shop

 Note to self:  No matter how loud kid fusses, do not give him the bag of frozen corn.

 Trying out the fit of these cute shoes.

 Exploring at the swimming pool.  That is not our chair, or our towel...ew.

 My first tooth brush

 Using Lacy to stand up.

 Wait, or just using her to climb over

 Check out my new dino

 Riding rides.  (PS. These cheesy 15 second rides are now 50 cents. Are you kidding?

 Loving the steering wheel rides

 Not a fan of the horse

 Being a kiddo is exhausting!

Tiffany

Virtual Hugger

Come on, let's hug it out!  No really, "get ova here!" (in my best new yorker voice)

Who doesn't love a hug?  I mean really, hugs are the best.  Unless the other person smells, or is sweaty, or you yourself are sweaty for that matter.  Nonetheless, hugs are fantastic. 

That's why I am really feeling some warm fuzzies right now from Holly over at Ready To Be A Mom.  She has passed on this Virtual Hugger Award to me.  Holly and I have followed each others blogs for well over a year, or is it two?  We've commented each other through pms, bfn's, and bfs's! 

The rules of this award are to:
1.  Thank the person who gave it to you and link back
2.  Give 3 reasons why you LOVE comments and want them to keep coming.
3.  Award your 10 ten commenter's and tell them why they won the award. 

I LOVE comments because:
1.  They give me MUCH needed advice!
2.  They give me the reason to tell my husband, "See, told ya so."
3.  They link me up with amazing women who need support and lend support in one of life's most amazing journeys.

My Top Ten commenters:
1.  Sarah at Sarah & Brett & Our Baby Boy
2.  Carla at Believing In Miracles
3.  Traci at Traci's Trip Through Life
4.  Ashley at Stealing Baby Kisses
5.  Cherbear at In A Nutshell
6.  BU at Relaxing Doesn't Get You Pregnant
7.  Danielle at This Is The Stuff
8.  Shanny at I did, I do, I will
9.  Waiting and Wishing
10.  My Infertile Confessions

I wish I could tag you all! Thank you to all of my commenter's! Keep spreading the love and always, always, remember to hug it out!

Tiffany

Abra-Kadabra

AlakazZAM! 

(arms waving)

POOF!

I have a real little boy.

B is 9 months old, but he is 9 months going on ten years.  At least that's how it feels. 

He is SMART.

(Now before you go all, "she's going to call her kid gifted" talk calm yourself....I cognitively know he is no smarter than any other baby....he just seems like it, to me. wink wink)

How did I go from having this little noodle with a wobbly head to having a little boy who does what I say? Unless of course I say "no" and then he laughs at me and does it anyway.  Yes he is a 9 month old rebellion, and yes, we are working on that.

I know he is still a baby, but really, I feel like he is becoming a little boy in front of my eyes.  It is such a bitter sweet transition.

A few things he is up to:

If we tell him to go "night night" on a pillow/ blanket/ stuffed animal, he will crawl over to it and lay is head down on it. 

If we ask him to give (insert any stuffed animal here) a hug, he will put it up to the side of his cheek.

He will pull himself up to stand on anything.

He is completely on table food and has been for almost a month.  It is really amazing that he can eat pretty much anything that we do, just in smaller pieces of course.

When he hears music he will wave his arm or bend his knees if he's standing.

He recognizes Elmo and will say his name. (What is it about those sesame street characters? We don't even let him watch tv and he still knows that Elmo guy.)

He has "figured out" how all of his toys work and instead of doing the act that will make the toy light up or sing (i.e. put the coin through the slot) he will just find and push that little hidden button instead.  Hey, he gets the same result and it's less work. 

Smart little fella I tell ya.

Tiffany

Knee Foot

As B is growing up, he is starting to look more and more like his Daddy, and less and less like me.  (So I've been told.) 

However, I'm happy to report he still has bits of my personality traits outwardly on display.

I've always been known to do things, well, "my own way."  If everybody does things "this" way, I will do them "that" way, just to be a pain in the ass different.

I am a very proud mommy to this cutie, doing things "his own way." 

What's my problem?

Hi, I suck.

I have totally been sucking with my blog. 

I've been boring and MIA. 

The odd part is, my life has been anything but boring lately.

B started crawling (which I still need to upload that video for you...see, suckage right there), he is pulling himself to standing, he is the happiest cutest little shit I've ever laid eyes on. 

But with all that, still no blogging mo-jo.

I'm still nursing, primarily out of righty cus lefty is too school for cool:  That makes for interesting fitting bra's:  and I've had 3 periods down with positive opk's plus the last cycle was 28 days. 

Even with all that personal, exciting, I've kicked pcos right in the crotch, TMI lady parts business, still no good posts.

I even finally had that humiliating and awkward run in with "hey you wanna be my friend" pool girl who obviously didn't want to be my friend hence the run-in without the friendly "meet me at the pool" phone call.

I'm sure I could have wrote a witty embarrassing "nobody wants to be my friend" post but um, nope, I decided to sit back and suck instead.

The suckiest thing of all?...I've even lost followers! *Gasp*  Well I apologize that my boringness has made you feel the need to go elsewhere for your blogger fix.  I will most definitely try to stop sucking so much and start blowing.  Oh wait, that didn't sound right.

On a side note I do still read ALL of your blogs. Sorry if I haven't commented as much, sometimes my blogger still hasn't been letting me comment. So annoying.  Also, if you follow me, and I don't follow you, slap me in the face with a comment and I will start following you.  Promise!

Tiffany

Home from the ER

First off I will say that we are all fine and little B is napping soundly in his crib. 

This however, was not the circumstance just a few hours ago.

Let me set the scene.  It was around 10:45am this morning when B and I got home from the grocery store.  Hubs is so sweetly out of town about 30 minutes away laying flooring at my parent's house.  So it was just me at home trying to put the groceries away.  Like I always do, I set B down in the kitchen and let him *CRAWL* (yes he is crawling now, more on that later) around and play with something new we bought at the store; a bag of cheese sticks, a cube of toilet paper: Today it was a pack of swim diapers that held his attention. I had just finished putting the groceries away and decided to start making his lunch when,  SLAM "WHAAAAAAAAAAH"!!!

Instantaneously I knew that B must have bonked his head and turned around to pick him up in a split second.  When I turned and first saw him he was sitting up, so I was kind of unsure where he hit his head.  Then I realized that he must have reached for the diapers and because they are slippery they slipped out from under him on the hard wood floor.  (Insert mommy guilt for a bad toy idea.)  I held him, shushed him, sang to him and offered him a drink and paci.  He calmed down fairly quickly. 

I didn't really give the fall much of a second thought until it looked like his top lip was getting puffy.  I then got out a frozen teether to let him suck on it to help control the swelling.  It wasn't until I laid him down to change his diaper that I noticed his lip was cut and slightly bleeding, his gums were bleeding, and his top tooth was purple and black.  That is when I freaked out.  I know these teeth he has are not permanent but still....I don't think they are supposed to be black.

I called my pediatrician because they have emergency weekend hours.  They put me through to someone right away.  Just like my timing would have it, the Dr. just saw his last patient and was leaving.  She did say however that he most definitely needed to get it looked at now.  I had two options: 1) Drive 15-20 minutes to go to a Children's urgent care, or 2) Drive 1 minute across the street and go to the Children's ER.  (Yes, I do love living so close to Children's even if it means hearing sirens pretty often.) 

I chose the ER.

Long story short B is fine.  They checked to make sure no bones in his face were broken.  They checked to see if his tooth was loose.  They checked to see if they thought he'd need stitches.  Luckily, all were negative.  They think he sort of scraped across the floor so the impact wasn't straight down.  As for the color, they said yes, you can bruise a tooth and it should buff itself out.  He just might have sensitivity to temperature.

I am so thankful that everything is fine.  Yes, even though we will be paying an arm and a leg and a left nipple for this appointment, yes, we were there so long I had to whip it out to nurse, but still it's worth it to know he is ok. 

This brings me to my last point that I will be quick about because I know this post is already too long:  Our medical system.  It still baffles me.  I understand you need a copy of our insurance card and everything but really, the checking in/out process takes 4 times longer than the time you are even getting medical care.  Plus, we were waiting to be discharged for over a half hour.  I don't want to sound heartless, but I guess our nurse was in with another critical patient, and again, my heart goes out to that family, I just don't understand why one of the 5 other nurses that were standing around eating kitkat bars and what not couldn't discharge us.  I know, I know, "protocol" it's just annoying when you have an over-tired baby and no comfortable place to sit and let the milk flow.

Tiffany

I Need Help

I've never really been a "green" person or an "organic" person either.  Nor had I used to be a clean freak or a germ-a-phobe but we all know how that has changed since the B man has came along.

So with that said I need help with household cleaners.  More specifically, carpet cleaners.  Even more specifically, carpet cleaners that are safe for baby.  Even way more specifically, carpet cleaners that are safe for baby but still work good enough to clean up dog vomit. 

My need for said cleaner came about two days ago when my dog spewed on the carpet right where B usually rolls around and does face plants.  So obviously right away I knew I needed a cleaner that would kill all the up-chuck germs, but would also be safe enough for baby's face, eyes, nose and mouth. 

Any suggestions? What do you use for household cleaners?

Tiffany

Perfection

A glass of red

Left over Butterfinger blizzard

Pretty Woman on the tv

Dogs up on the couch

Precious baby boy sleeping peacefully

Oh and did I mention...Hubs away at a baseball game.

Yup, PERFECT! lol jk babe ;-)

Tiffany

Add A Caption!

I've always wanted to do one of these... 

What is going on in his little head?  I'd love to read the caption you would put with this picture!

Tiffany

LOVE

Tonight I find myself In Love with so many things...

A little background:  It was a rough night putting B down tonight.  Not even that he was crying, but he's learned to sit up on his own.  So for over an hour he thought it was play time in his crib.  Therefore he continuously threw his paci's out of the crib which called for us to go up and retrieve them.  That then leads to him being upset that he sees us, so then we rock him.

Anyway...

I began to get frustrated until...........I was in love.   I was in love with the fact that I even get to have a baby upstairs.  Sleeping or not.  I am in love with that baby.  To think a year ago today I wasn't sleeping either because I was getting so big, and it was getting so hot, that I couldn't sleep.  Well so what if B couldn't sleep either.  He is just like his mommy a year ago.  I love him sleeping or not.

During one of these paci throwing incidences hubs took over.  I was IN LOVE when I snuck upstairs to see if everything was ok and I hear him singing "Hush little baby..." to B in the rocking chair.  Love. Who cares if he makes up lyrics.....hey, at least they rhymed!

I love that the newest outside toy we bought our dog is such a hit, that she even saw, and bypassed chasing a rabbit to retrieve the toy for more playing.  Love that.

Let's get real.  I also love that these overly-expensive swim diapers just might be worth the money, as they do hold in the poop...lots of poop...learned the hard way today at the pool.  Actually, I almost wish they would have let some of that poo go, so I didn't have to clean it all.  lol

Would love to know what you all are in love with too!

Tiffany

There's An App For That

I am going to be the inventor of the next "i"-phone.  "i" for Infertility that is...

This new phone will have the following apps:

You can pee on it, and it will tell you if you are pregnant, or ovulating.

You can swipe it across your forehead each morning for a temperature reading.

You can put it to your belly for an ultrasound.

It can inject you with meds.

It is also equipped with the power to fill out all paper-pregnant paperwork, and can even get you home study approved.



So you tell me, would this be a phone you would buy? What app would you download? What app would you invent?

Tiffany

Annoying

Annoying - The kiddie pool I was so raving about sprung 3 holes in the canopy by the seam.  I have been able to tape/super glue/paper clip it back together so it is holding air as of now but still, annoying.

Annoying - B has learned to throw his paci's out of the crib and then whine for them.  Ok, it's not annoying, it's cute.  I could never complain.  So this is me NOT saying it's annoying :)

Annoying - You stupid FB "friend" that posts a picture of her kids every single morning when they get out of bed.  I get it, you think their bed head is cute, but we don't give a f*&%.

Annoying - How dogs going to the vet can really cost that much.

Annoying - People in business that DO NOT return phone calls or emails astonish me.  How the hell do you expect to make any money? Poor professional etiquette totally annoys me.

Annoying - That I'm so annoyed.  I just realized I've made more than one 'annoying' post lately.  Maybe I need to relax!?!?!  Truly, I'm not really a negative person.  Well, I guess I'm just positively annoyed.   lol

Tiffany

Cycle Day Ouch!!

It is yet again CD1. Wow, getting a regular period is so stinking cool. (Weird, I know.)

I had a 31 day cycle. Very cool. Not at all as long as I thought it was going to be considering I o-ed on cd21. (Weird again, I know.) But I'll take it!

Now on the the dilemma, because of course there has to be one. I AM IN PAIN! Horrible period pains today. I'm starting to remember why I went on the pill in the first place. It's full force cramps, low back pain and fatigue. By the time hubs got home from work today I crashed. I couldn't even give B his bath which is one of my favorite times during the day.

Thank goodness for ibuprofen. 800mg each dose got me through.

I hate that I'm even being tempted to go back on the pill yet again. I don't think I will. If it's only one day a month of PMS I can handle it. But if it is like this for 3 or 4 days a month. Uhg...I don't know.

At least right now I have an excuse for all these Rolo's I just took to the face.

Tiffany

Pool Review

(Sorry these pictures are fuzzy because they are with my phone)

THIS POOL ROCKS! It actually wasn't that hard to blow up and we didn't even use a pump. All lungs baby. I took the advice of one of my brilliant readers, as you all are, and put a foam play mat under it and it is perfect.

I love it because it is just small enough that it doesn't take gallons and gallons of water to fill it up (plus I only fill it up past his thigh) but it is big enough that he can scootch around and play.

It's so light weight that it is easy to carry in and out of the house for use.

We love it!



Oh, and it tastes good too!

And p.s. So what if I'm too cheap to use a swim diaper when I'm at home....

Tiffany

The day you became a Dad

The day you became a Dad, I became the luckiest Son there could ever be. I've only been in this world 7 short months but I already know how awesome you are. I already know I love you more and more each day. I already know I want to grow up to be just like you. You are my Daddy, and I am your boy.

Even though I'm crying, I'm actually thrilled. I'm so lucky you love me so much.
I love when you keep me warm.

You are so comfy, sometimes I wish you could hold me forever.

Are you proud of me? I'm proud of you!

I love admiring your face.

This is my favorite way to nap.

Thanks for always letting me snuggle.

Here I am listening to your heart.

I love holding your hand.

My favorite place again.

Snuggled so tight, I feel so safe.

I wanna be just like you!

I am dreaming of us playing together. Sweet dreams

I love looking up to my Daddy

Eskimo kisses

Are you Santa?

Feeling so safe.

You're my best friend Dad.

I love you so much.

Daddy, you're so fun to be with!

I love spending time with you.

I love hanging out with you Dad.

Thanks for always playing with me, on my level.

It's so much fun being with you Daddy

Thanks for teaching me things, like standing.

Thanks for making sure I don't get too hot.

Swimming with my loving Dad is the best.

Dad, you are so much fun!

I love when you play with me, you are the best.

My Dad is so cool, he reads to me.

Dad, I trust you.

Dad, you are so much fun.

I love being king of the castle with you, Dad.

I wasn't scared at all, cus I was with my Dad.

I love when you take me places to play. Dad, you are so cool.

Dad, thanks for loving Mommy so much.

Dad, I will always remember our first ball game together.

I will also remember my first boo boo that left blood on your shirt.

Even though I needed a band-aid, I still love you Dad.

Dad, thanks for taking me to cool places to hang with my family

Dad, I love doing new things with you.

Dad, I love you so much I want you to have my paci.

Dad, I admire you.

I love you so much. Happy Father's Day Daddy!

Bradley