20 days in and still going! But dang, this not touching the spending account thing is harder than I expected. Top of the list as for why: vacations.
I went to pay our credit card today and thought "gasp! That can't be right! Someone has our card!"
Ah, no. You just booked a spendy (and lovely) hotel in Vegas Cheryl. Oh and you booked a condo in Galveston. You brought on all your vacation expenses for the year in the same month and before your annual bonus arrives.
Which leads me to the number two reason: bonuses. Not complaining! But when you know you have a bonus coming you so so so want to start playing with some of that money. Do things like you know, book a beach condo for summer vacation. But stop! Wait! Don't book it until you actually have the money!
At least that's what I should have said to myself. Live and learn maybe?
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Jan 20, 2016
Jan 1, 2016
New Year's Resolutions
I'm a sucker for New Year's Resolutions. Really, I just like goals. I'm a big nerd - what can I say? Sometimes I make too many and miss the mark on every single one, and that is a big bummer. So I'm trying, especially since I took on this mom role a few years ago, to focus on the ones that really matter. With that in mind, here are our New Year's Resolutions
ME
Exercise four times per week: I know this won't happen every week, like when I'm traveling, but I think it can on the 90% of the year I'm in town. Mom and Dad gifted me with 10 classes at a yoga studio that has a class time perfectly for my work-from-home days so I am set up for success.
CADE
Complete phase 2 of potty training: Also known as really completing potty training. He doesn't have many accidents right now but he is also very reliant upon us to remind him to go. This spring, he needs to go on his own accord and start making it through naptime dry. The latter scares me but I'm sure we'll get there one day. The goal is by his birthday so he can move up from pre-primary to the primary class at school in April.
ME & ROSS
Don't touch the savings account: We're not awful about pulling out of our savings account but we do usually rely on it for vacations and Christmas. In 2016, no dice. We're going to pay for everything from our checking account and let that savings account grow, grow, grow. And of course, continue putting money into it at the same pace we do now.
Ready, Set, Go!
ME
Exercise four times per week: I know this won't happen every week, like when I'm traveling, but I think it can on the 90% of the year I'm in town. Mom and Dad gifted me with 10 classes at a yoga studio that has a class time perfectly for my work-from-home days so I am set up for success.
CADE
Complete phase 2 of potty training: Also known as really completing potty training. He doesn't have many accidents right now but he is also very reliant upon us to remind him to go. This spring, he needs to go on his own accord and start making it through naptime dry. The latter scares me but I'm sure we'll get there one day. The goal is by his birthday so he can move up from pre-primary to the primary class at school in April.
ME & ROSS
Don't touch the savings account: We're not awful about pulling out of our savings account but we do usually rely on it for vacations and Christmas. In 2016, no dice. We're going to pay for everything from our checking account and let that savings account grow, grow, grow. And of course, continue putting money into it at the same pace we do now.
Ready, Set, Go!
Sep 10, 2015
Adventures in Potty Training
On Monday, Labor Day, we dove head first into potty training. Over the weekend we did little practices sessions, 30 minutes, an hour, two hours. But Monday it was go big, all waking hours in underwear.
There was SO SO much pee. Like gallons of pee. How does one little toddler boy body hold so much pee?
Ross and I took shifts but with all that pee, even with parenting breaks, we ended the day by ordering pizza and not saying much for fear of saying something not nice. Margeaux and Ryan stopped by in the evening and Cade proudly told them "I pee on the potty and on the floor and on the couch!" equally proud of all three locations.
Then at bedtime Monday night...well let's just say we had a miscommunication about potty training bedtime attire. I'll let you fill in the blanks about what resulted in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.
Tuesday at school Cade went through every single change of clothes I packed. All five of them. Again I tell you - so much pee! But I gotta say, I am so so thankful for preschool. One day under house arrest with the peeing boy nearly broke our family. Without preschool, who knows where we would be.
Yesterday he went through four changes of clothes but two of them were like half accidents. He sat on the potty, said he was done, got his shorts on and then oopsies - went a little more. So school changed him (as they should) but it wasn't a full on pee all over everything.
Then today. Oh today. Little Cade Daniel woke up on the WRONG side of the crib. He was a sassy pants. He yelled at Ross, fought getting dressed and had to go to time out, all before 7:45 a.m.
He did OK during breakfast but then screamed, cried and yelled "I wanna go back home!" the whole drive to school. I had to carry him kicking and screaming. Let me tell you, carrying a kid who is melting down into school is not fun. Carrying a kid who isn't potty trained but is wearing underwear, well, that's stressful too. Combine the two and I broke a sweat going into preschool today. Thankfully a classmate was wearing a football shirt (just like he was) and discovering that was enough of a distraction for a successful hand off to his teacher and a Mommy escape. Then I went to Starbucks for a big drink. Too early for booze so caffeine and sugar would have to do.
Ross picked him up and when I got home, Ross says to me "no accidents!" That's right ladies and gentlemen, our boy had ZERO potty accidents at school today. ZERO! He came home in the same clothes we sent him in. HOLLA!
He'd gone to HEB with Ross so was in a Pull-up after school but when he told us during dinner that he needed to go, we made the pleasant discovery that the Pull-up was dry too. CHAMP.
We ultimately had one little (messy) accident today. But he was so close! We were playing outside and he told me he had to go. But we couldn't run into the house, get around Lexi (who decided the bathroom doorway was the only place in the whole 2700+ square foot house she wanted to stand) and to the potty in time. But he knew he had to go and he told us. I still take it as a win.
When we started this adventure, we said "Monday-Friday, then we'll see." If it wasn't taking, I wasn't going to drive us all to the looney bin to get it done. He isn't even 2.5 until Sunday after all. No pressure. But we're making definite, significant progress. So potty training continues - to infinity and beyond!
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| "I get stickers, I get Toby train." Bribery was our chosen tactic. |
There was SO SO much pee. Like gallons of pee. How does one little toddler boy body hold so much pee?
Ross and I took shifts but with all that pee, even with parenting breaks, we ended the day by ordering pizza and not saying much for fear of saying something not nice. Margeaux and Ryan stopped by in the evening and Cade proudly told them "I pee on the potty and on the floor and on the couch!" equally proud of all three locations.
Then at bedtime Monday night...well let's just say we had a miscommunication about potty training bedtime attire. I'll let you fill in the blanks about what resulted in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.
Tuesday at school Cade went through every single change of clothes I packed. All five of them. Again I tell you - so much pee! But I gotta say, I am so so thankful for preschool. One day under house arrest with the peeing boy nearly broke our family. Without preschool, who knows where we would be.
Yesterday he went through four changes of clothes but two of them were like half accidents. He sat on the potty, said he was done, got his shorts on and then oopsies - went a little more. So school changed him (as they should) but it wasn't a full on pee all over everything.
Then today. Oh today. Little Cade Daniel woke up on the WRONG side of the crib. He was a sassy pants. He yelled at Ross, fought getting dressed and had to go to time out, all before 7:45 a.m.
He did OK during breakfast but then screamed, cried and yelled "I wanna go back home!" the whole drive to school. I had to carry him kicking and screaming. Let me tell you, carrying a kid who is melting down into school is not fun. Carrying a kid who isn't potty trained but is wearing underwear, well, that's stressful too. Combine the two and I broke a sweat going into preschool today. Thankfully a classmate was wearing a football shirt (just like he was) and discovering that was enough of a distraction for a successful hand off to his teacher and a Mommy escape. Then I went to Starbucks for a big drink. Too early for booze so caffeine and sugar would have to do.
Ross picked him up and when I got home, Ross says to me "no accidents!" That's right ladies and gentlemen, our boy had ZERO potty accidents at school today. ZERO! He came home in the same clothes we sent him in. HOLLA!
He'd gone to HEB with Ross so was in a Pull-up after school but when he told us during dinner that he needed to go, we made the pleasant discovery that the Pull-up was dry too. CHAMP.
We ultimately had one little (messy) accident today. But he was so close! We were playing outside and he told me he had to go. But we couldn't run into the house, get around Lexi (who decided the bathroom doorway was the only place in the whole 2700+ square foot house she wanted to stand) and to the potty in time. But he knew he had to go and he told us. I still take it as a win.
When we started this adventure, we said "Monday-Friday, then we'll see." If it wasn't taking, I wasn't going to drive us all to the looney bin to get it done. He isn't even 2.5 until Sunday after all. No pressure. But we're making definite, significant progress. So potty training continues - to infinity and beyond!
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| Proud boy at the end of his best potty training day |
Jul 17, 2015
Look at those pearly whites!
Yesterday Cade had his first trip to the dentist and he did GREAT! He happily climbed in her "magic chair" and was thrilled to watch the Disney Channel while she poked around in his mouth. She told me our top goal was just to look at his teeth and any more beyond that would be gravy.
Not only did he let her look at his teeth, she was able to floss and give him a polishing. She told me most kids don't make it that far til they are 3 or even 4. Cade isn't even 2.5 yet; he is clearly advanced in every way.
And when it was all done, he was rewarded with his first (sugar-free) lollipop.
Not only did he let her look at his teeth, she was able to floss and give him a polishing. She told me most kids don't make it that far til they are 3 or even 4. Cade isn't even 2.5 yet; he is clearly advanced in every way.
And when it was all done, he was rewarded with his first (sugar-free) lollipop.
Jan 4, 2015
New and Improved
New year, improved people. At least that's the idea right? Since I love checklists and goals, I kinda love new year's resolutions. In the past I've had a tendency to make too many and then not follow through. So for the past couple years I've tried to make just a couple really specific resolutions that actually matter. And this year I am forcing it upon suggesting it to my family as well.
Here's what we are trying to do
Cade - potty train! We've got a Thomas the train potty and a whole year ahead of us. It might come down to December 31 but we can do it!
Ross - finish the back porch. This really a winter goal since he wants to be done by the spring. Most likely this means 2 more chairs, an end table or two, another electrical outlet and some additional lighting.
Me - take my multi-vitamin most days (5 out of 7 seems reasonable) and read at least one book per month. In previous years it might have been take my multi-vitamin daily and read a book every week or two a month or something crazy. But hello, I've met me and I know my working mom schedule. Almost daily and one per month would both be a big improvement and might actually be achievable.
Ready, set, go!
Here's what we are trying to do
Cade - potty train! We've got a Thomas the train potty and a whole year ahead of us. It might come down to December 31 but we can do it!
Ross - finish the back porch. This really a winter goal since he wants to be done by the spring. Most likely this means 2 more chairs, an end table or two, another electrical outlet and some additional lighting.
Me - take my multi-vitamin most days (5 out of 7 seems reasonable) and read at least one book per month. In previous years it might have been take my multi-vitamin daily and read a book every week or two a month or something crazy. But hello, I've met me and I know my working mom schedule. Almost daily and one per month would both be a big improvement and might actually be achievable.
Ready, set, go!
Sep 28, 2014
Patio Project
Since we started building this house in 2012 we've been saying we were going to cover the patio. Then we spent money on something else, and then another thing, then we had a newborn, then I went the less secure self-employment route, then we bought my new car, then we had a landscaper fall through. But then, THEN, FINALLY, it happened.
After changing plans several times, we finally had our patio extended, put up sunsails and added an outdoor bar. Woohoo! Our yard is now 100% more enjoyable and liveable.
Of course like any home renovation project, we run the very high risk of this just being the start. We're already discussing replacing the table and chairs, adding a step down and may even flagstone-ing over the cement part.
But first thing's first - a party!
After changing plans several times, we finally had our patio extended, put up sunsails and added an outdoor bar. Woohoo! Our yard is now 100% more enjoyable and liveable.
Of course like any home renovation project, we run the very high risk of this just being the start. We're already discussing replacing the table and chairs, adding a step down and may even flagstone-ing over the cement part.
But first thing's first - a party!
Jul 28, 2014
Organization Frenzy
Ya know how when you don't have anywhere to be or anything to do, you manage not to do anything? But as soon as you're busy, you jump into high gear because suddenly time seems like a precious commodity?
That's where I'm at this week. Just one more week of my 30 hour workweek, all from home schedule. Quick! Do all the projects you've been putting off for the past 18 months! Hurry!
(If I've been procrastinating them for that long do they really need to get done right now? No, of course not. But doing them "next week" suddenly seems much less likely so...frantic summer cleaning mode.)
Cade's closet and the guest room closet are high on the list. Like take my toddler with me to Walmart for closet organization shelves and bins at 8 in the morning before preschool priority level.
While I normally appreciate the drama of before and after pics, the before was just too embarrassing to capture digitally, let alone, publish. So you'll have to settle for just an after picture.
The number one thing I learned doing this: we actually have more clothes that DON'T fit Cade than we do clothes that fit him. The diaper box on the floor, the blue bin, another (unphotographed) diaper box and a (also unphotographed) trash bag are all full of clothes that don't fit. With the the exception of the blue bin which is clothes he's not big enough for, they are all ones he's outgrown. We have a few friends who have recently announced they are expecting and a few more who hope to be expecting later this year. The first ones to announce it is a boy are getting a major windfall.
That's where I'm at this week. Just one more week of my 30 hour workweek, all from home schedule. Quick! Do all the projects you've been putting off for the past 18 months! Hurry!
(If I've been procrastinating them for that long do they really need to get done right now? No, of course not. But doing them "next week" suddenly seems much less likely so...frantic summer cleaning mode.)
Cade's closet and the guest room closet are high on the list. Like take my toddler with me to Walmart for closet organization shelves and bins at 8 in the morning before preschool priority level.
The number one thing I learned doing this: we actually have more clothes that DON'T fit Cade than we do clothes that fit him. The diaper box on the floor, the blue bin, another (unphotographed) diaper box and a (also unphotographed) trash bag are all full of clothes that don't fit. With the the exception of the blue bin which is clothes he's not big enough for, they are all ones he's outgrown. We have a few friends who have recently announced they are expecting and a few more who hope to be expecting later this year. The first ones to announce it is a boy are getting a major windfall.
Jul 22, 2014
Knock knock. Who's there? Opportunity.
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| Also, when opportunity knocks, you celebrate with a (outlet mall) shopping spree, champagne and ($6) roses. |
I've been very happy living in self-employment land. Like any job, it isn't perfect (that's why they call it a job), but I really dig cutting out at 3p most days and noon on most Fridays. I dig the lack of expense reports, the uber-responsive IT department and the down-the-stairs commute. So needless to say, it would take a seriously sweet full-time job to put all that on hiatus.
Like most good opportunities, it started with a margarita and ended with a dinner date with my husband. Somewhere in the middle came a whirlwind interview, job offer and acceptance. To cut to the chase: I start as a Marketing Campaign Manager at Abila on August 4.
What makes Abila (Uh-bill-a) and this particular job so sweet I'd leave the land of yoga pants and short days you ask? Well, a lot of things.
First, I know my bosses already and I like them. Not only that, they are smart and I can learn a lot from working with they day in and day out.
Second, it focuses on a part of marketing I've only recently become acquainted with: lead generation. I've dipped my toe in that this year with a couple of my clients and I'm really geeky for it. Going right along with smart bosses, being down in the lead gen weeds day in and day out will be the best way to really sharpen that skill set.
Third, it's back in nonprofit world! You know how much I love nonprofit world.
Fourth and finally, it's a good logistical match. Only 15 minutes from home, health insurance (because it's not if the wee baby breaks a leg, it's when), family-friendly company, good vacay and potential for flexible scheduling (which lends itself nicely to yoga pants).
The odds of finding all four of those is practically unheard of so I did what any smart working mama would do: I jumped on it.
Big change for our family? Yup. Good change for our family? Totally. Excellent big picture decision? Absolutely.
Jul 21, 2014
Have you seen my keys? Yes.
I have big dreams for our family. Big dreams of organization and Pottery Barn-esque living. Of never saying "have you seen my keys?" again. Or at the very least being able to answer "yes" when someone does ask.Well it isn't Pottery Barn (it's Target) and I doubt "have you seen my keys?" will be removed from our vernacular. But I'm hoping this little "Mom-Dad-Kids" cubby shelf will at least imply that our family is a wee bit more organized. Maybe it'll even catch on and keys, sunglasses and wallets will be at the ready when we're ready.
If nothing else, it matches the picture frame nicely.
Apr 6, 2014
No Fake-Booking
On Friday I picked up an unread four month old copy of Real Simple. It had an article that encouraged women to take a week back in January and do some real honest social media sharing. Less "my family is perfect!" and more "here we are, warts and all."
I'm on board with the sentiment but of course there is a fine line between being honest and airing your dirty laundry. Nobody likes the latter.
But this isn't soapbox post about laundry, dirty or otherwise. It is a "no Fake-book" style blog post where I tell you that though life is pretty freakin' awesome, I am really really tired.
Not like "I chased a toddler around all day, had 6 clients meetings and have applesauce in my hair" tired. Because thankfully Cade spent the day with his Nana and it was no-work Sunday (I might have applesauce in my hair though; I haven't looked in the mirror since dinnertime). But legit "I have insomnia" tired. So there you have it. A working mother with insomnia. I am sure all the parents who are reading find that to be shocking... as in not at all shocking.
So I am drinking peppermint tea instead of my preferred chardonnay right now. And I am about to take a bubble bath, not because I'm a bubble-bath-aholic like my husband but because it was one of the more feasible items on the "100 ways to cure insomnia and if you have time for any of these you probably are not an insomniac" list.
Note: love and console your teething toddler, be successfully self-employed, snuggle with your dog in bed and enjoy late night snacks with your husband were not on the list. See, this list is overwhelmingly not feasible and not enjoyable. Except the promised sleep part. That sounds pretty freakin enjoyable if you ask me.
And I think that's about it. But I should really get off my computer now because # 34 on the list was not to sit in front of a screen after like 4p (or some other not-feasible early hour) and it is closing in on 8p. Night night (I hope)!
I'm on board with the sentiment but of course there is a fine line between being honest and airing your dirty laundry. Nobody likes the latter.
But this isn't soapbox post about laundry, dirty or otherwise. It is a "no Fake-book" style blog post where I tell you that though life is pretty freakin' awesome, I am really really tired.
Not like "I chased a toddler around all day, had 6 clients meetings and have applesauce in my hair" tired. Because thankfully Cade spent the day with his Nana and it was no-work Sunday (I might have applesauce in my hair though; I haven't looked in the mirror since dinnertime). But legit "I have insomnia" tired. So there you have it. A working mother with insomnia. I am sure all the parents who are reading find that to be shocking... as in not at all shocking.
So I am drinking peppermint tea instead of my preferred chardonnay right now. And I am about to take a bubble bath, not because I'm a bubble-bath-aholic like my husband but because it was one of the more feasible items on the "100 ways to cure insomnia and if you have time for any of these you probably are not an insomniac" list.
Note: love and console your teething toddler, be successfully self-employed, snuggle with your dog in bed and enjoy late night snacks with your husband were not on the list. See, this list is overwhelmingly not feasible and not enjoyable. Except the promised sleep part. That sounds pretty freakin enjoyable if you ask me.
And I think that's about it. But I should really get off my computer now because # 34 on the list was not to sit in front of a screen after like 4p (or some other not-feasible early hour) and it is closing in on 8p. Night night (I hope)!
Jan 1, 2014
Happy New Year!
The Black family welcomed in 2014 with a good night's sleep all around. I cannot think of a better way to celebrate!
With any new year of course comes new year's resolutions. Here are ours
Cade
First day of the new year, and already behind bars wearing jailhouse pants.
With any new year of course comes new year's resolutions. Here are ours
Cade
- Get off the bottle and onto the sippy cup
- Ditch purees and do more of my own feeding
- Sleep all night!
- Figure out which toys are mine
- Hit the gym 10x/month
- Floss more
- No life changes!
- Get through it
- Sleep all night!*
- No more life changes!*
First day of the new year, and already behind bars wearing jailhouse pants.
Jun 4, 2013
Lost the Battle But Not the War
I'm determined that the parents will prevail in the Sleep Wars. DETERMINED I tell you.
For the past two nights bedtime sleep has been a little unpopular here. Ross has tried very very hard to get the Cade-man to bed but baby boy is being astinker. STINKER. He just won't sleep for his dad and I know from experience how frustrating that is. It's probably more frustrating for Ross than for me since I have a couple anatomical weapons up my sleeve (so to speak) that he does not.
Both nights we've eventually gotten Cade to sleep at midnight and 11:30p respectively. Both nights he's woken up at 6:30a and 5:15a respectively, times which must just feel like morning time because he's refused to go back to sleep afterwards. This morning I coaxed him into 45 minutes of dozing in bed with me but it wasn't quality sleep for either of us unfortunately. The end result is nobody in our home has gotten the sleep they need. 6ish hours simply is not enough!
I'm thankful he's sleeping those 6 hours in a straight chunk but I really want 1) for it to start a wee bit earlier and 2) to be followed by a 2-4 hour chunk of sleep.
The silver lining? Yesterday he took 4 naps (2 long-ish ones and 2 catnaps) and today his morning nap has already passed the 2.5 hour mark. So at least he's eventually getting the sleep he needs and thus is a fairly happy baby. Thank God; because sleepy Mommy & Daddy would possibly lose their minds if they had an angry, fussy baby.
So to the Bedtime Demons - I'm on to you! You will be beat!
For the past two nights bedtime sleep has been a little unpopular here. Ross has tried very very hard to get the Cade-man to bed but baby boy is being a
Both nights we've eventually gotten Cade to sleep at midnight and 11:30p respectively. Both nights he's woken up at 6:30a and 5:15a respectively, times which must just feel like morning time because he's refused to go back to sleep afterwards. This morning I coaxed him into 45 minutes of dozing in bed with me but it wasn't quality sleep for either of us unfortunately. The end result is nobody in our home has gotten the sleep they need. 6ish hours simply is not enough!
 |
| He's cute so we're keeping him, Bedtime Demons and all |
The silver lining? Yesterday he took 4 naps (2 long-ish ones and 2 catnaps) and today his morning nap has already passed the 2.5 hour mark. So at least he's eventually getting the sleep he needs and thus is a fairly happy baby. Thank God; because sleepy Mommy & Daddy would possibly lose their minds if they had an angry, fussy baby.
So to the Bedtime Demons - I'm on to you! You will be beat!
May 8, 2013
3:37a
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| 3:37a feeding meant 7a wake up, a very civilized time to start the day. Then we hung out in PJs waiting for Dad to get home. |
Apr 29, 2013
The (Nap) Counter Strike
No naps for baby makes no sanity for mommy.
I had been thinking we'd try to get Cade to take 2-3 respectable naps (ie over an hour long) per day. Clustering his sleep if you will. But I think when doing that I'm letting him be awake for too long which then means he is over-tired, angry, fussy and unable to sleep.
Today we're moving to a new approach. The E.A.S.Y. approach. Even just the name sounds good right? Less than 3 hours into our day and it isn't going awful. He woke up at 6a (on the dot, my little alarm clock baby), ate, played (despite my suggestion that it was still night time and we should sleep) and then at 8:15 went down for a nap. He's been zonked out for 30 minutes. If we were to stick to it to a T, he'd be up in 16 minutes to eat again.
Know what I don't care about? If he's up in 16 minutes to eat again.
I'm going with a 2.5-4 hour rotation. I know he's "supposed to eat" every 2-3 hours but ya know what, he goes 5 hours over night between feedings so if he's taking a good nap and we go a little more than 3 hours between feedings, he'll probably live. Besides at some point he has to stop eating every 2 hours. That's not exactly a sustainable lifestyle for anyone.
Cross your fingers that Cade takes to this eating/sleeping approach and that I have a happy baby during his waking, well-rested hours.
I had been thinking we'd try to get Cade to take 2-3 respectable naps (ie over an hour long) per day. Clustering his sleep if you will. But I think when doing that I'm letting him be awake for too long which then means he is over-tired, angry, fussy and unable to sleep.
Today we're moving to a new approach. The E.A.S.Y. approach. Even just the name sounds good right? Less than 3 hours into our day and it isn't going awful. He woke up at 6a (on the dot, my little alarm clock baby), ate, played (despite my suggestion that it was still night time and we should sleep) and then at 8:15 went down for a nap. He's been zonked out for 30 minutes. If we were to stick to it to a T, he'd be up in 16 minutes to eat again.
Know what I don't care about? If he's up in 16 minutes to eat again.
I'm going with a 2.5-4 hour rotation. I know he's "supposed to eat" every 2-3 hours but ya know what, he goes 5 hours over night between feedings so if he's taking a good nap and we go a little more than 3 hours between feedings, he'll probably live. Besides at some point he has to stop eating every 2 hours. That's not exactly a sustainable lifestyle for anyone.
Cross your fingers that Cade takes to this eating/sleeping approach and that I have a happy baby during his waking, well-rested hours.
Mar 20, 2013
Real Clothes
Sleepless nights are gonna happen. Some feedings will be good, others not so good. Sometimes baby Cade will be fussy. Diapers will leak.
I am however discovering the power of real clothes. Getting out of my PJ pants and into something I could wear in public seems to get the day started out right (or the afternoon started right as the case may often be). Add in a face washing and a little mascara and holy cow!
Hopefully the power of real clothes can carry us through the rest of our first day without Ross. Mom is here (thank goodness) but I've been trying really hard not to lean on her. So far no meltdowns and no running to Mommy. Fingers crossed we make it through the night!
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| cuddle time in real clothes |
Hopefully the power of real clothes can carry us through the rest of our first day without Ross. Mom is here (thank goodness) but I've been trying really hard not to lean on her. So far no meltdowns and no running to Mommy. Fingers crossed we make it through the night!
Feb 5, 2013
Call It Nesting
Call it nesting. Call it type A personality. Call it impatience. Call it what you will. The Black family is getting their butts in gear. We're tackling some of our outstanding house projects with a vengeance.
Before we moved we had this whole list of things to do. Then we moved, spent some money, freaked out and quit cold turkey. But recently we've been inspired by Meg & Stacy's impromptu home renovations. They are completely overhauling two rooms and making big-ish changes in another two rooms and here we are twiddling our thumbs about buying a grill. No more!
To keep us honest, here's our to-do list:
These may seem straightforward but let me tell you, the first two have more related sub-tasks than you would ever guess. From getting a quote on the lights (I have a dream of them being totally unique hand-blown glass from a local artist) to HOA approval on the shed, these are multi-step projects.
But darn it, we're doing them. Now.
Before we moved we had this whole list of things to do. Then we moved, spent some money, freaked out and quit cold turkey. But recently we've been inspired by Meg & Stacy's impromptu home renovations. They are completely overhauling two rooms and making big-ish changes in another two rooms and here we are twiddling our thumbs about buying a grill. No more!
To keep us honest, here's our to-do list:
- Pendant lights for the kitchen
- Backyard shed
- Crib building
- Study curtains
- Front porch light
- Buy grill
These may seem straightforward but let me tell you, the first two have more related sub-tasks than you would ever guess. From getting a quote on the lights (I have a dream of them being totally unique hand-blown glass from a local artist) to HOA approval on the shed, these are multi-step projects.
But darn it, we're doing them. Now.
Jan 21, 2013
And so it begins
This morning as the President begins his second term, the Commander in Chief of our house begins an adventure of his own - baby stuff building. Starting with the nursery dresser.And of course our First Dog is helping.
Also when we turned on the TV to watch the Inauguration during dresser building, the first thing we saw was this Walgreens commercial. Fitting.
Jan 3, 2013
Cabbage Baby
He's about the size of a head of cabbage which roughly translates into 15.7 inches long and nearly 3 pounds of baby cuteness.
I'm sure there's all kinds of developmental goodness going on in my belly right now but BabyCenter.com is pretty light on details this week. So let's just go with he's growing.
Outside of the womb happenings, invites for two of my showers have gone out so it's looking likely that we'll have some clothes, furniture and other necessities. One of my fantastic coworkers has gifted me with some hand-me-downs so should Cade opt to make his appearance sooner rather than later, he'll now be able to sleep in a pack-n-play...one that conveniently matches Mom & Dad's bedroom decor. I think you'll agree it looks quite natural in its new home.
Next up on the baby agenda is finding a pediatrician. I have a feeling when I go into my doc appointment tomorrow and I'm pretty sure its going to be like telling the teacher you haven't done your homework. As in I haven't done a lick of pediatrican research (though I did just email Emal asking her what questions a responsible parent would ask a pediatrician; that counts right?), have not pre-registered for labor and delivery and have not scheduled a maternity ward tour. Possibly I'll take a step toward one of those in the next 18 hours before my appointment. Think motivating thoughts my way please :) Jan 1, 2013
Baby Bucket Update
Whittling my way through the Baby Bucket List I've been reading, napping and movie-watching like a champ. I recently finished Sharp Objects (don't recommend) and am more than halfway through Between Sisters (jury is still out). I also re-enlisted in Netflix's DVD service and this afternoon watched What to Expect When You're Expecting. As a pregnant lady, I found it HILARIOUS. Also I know the Baby Bucket List said "movie date" which we still fully intend to go on one of these days, but I would like to add to the list "catch up on movies" because I am going to do my best over the next 10 weeks (!!! just 10 weeks!!!) to watch all the movies I said I wanted to watch but never got around to. Netflix, you are about to get a work out.
Also here are a few new additions to the Baby Bucket List
Also here are a few new additions to the Baby Bucket List
- Finish our wedding-2012 "yearbook" (I'm at June 2012, not too bad if I do say so myself)
- Lots of Lexi walks
- QT at the gym (because 1. it makes me less achey and 2. I can)
- Cheryl-only activities when Ross is working
- West Wing on Netflix (Not sure if I'll watch the whole series but I want to watch at least enough episodes to determine if its worth committing to the full series)
- 12 weeks home with the little guy
- And as a result, lots of time with my hubby too
- Lots of baby pics, per my 2013 resolution
- Puppy kissing baby, and vice versa, for years to come, because nothing is sweeter
- An additional day each year to enjoy birthday cake
- Giving family/friends the best excuse ever to visit me/us (reserve your spot on the Google calendar now!)
- Shaving my legs
- Pants that button
Dec 31, 2012
2013 New Year's Resolutions
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| Happy New Year from Jane! (I decided because you put this on Facebook, it was fair game for me to use.) |
At first I was thinking 2013 is not the year for taking on new goals and challenges. Won't motherhood and then working motherhood be sufficiently challenging? Can my resolution be to still have a baby by this time next year? For him to be healthier than any of the plants I've tried to maintain?
And while I still think that yes, motherhood, working motherhood and having a baby by end of year 2013 are all very good and important goals, I decided in the shower just now (because that's where all good thinking happens) to have two, more traditional new year's resolutions.
- Take more pictures. I have a feeling I'll have a very cute subject at my disposal so I must really take advantage of it. Besides, how will y'all know he exists unless I do my due diligence on the photo front?
- Not to sweat the small things. One time a couple years ago I found myself rearranging the pint glasses in the cabinet because Ross had not put the matching ones together. It was at that moment that I knew I was nuts. I have never rearranged the cups since. I hope in 2013 I can start recognizing the other "cup rearrangements" in my life and just stop doing them. I'm sure I'll be a saner person and better mom and wife for it.
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