It just got real German in this house
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Toddler Convo
Sunny: daddy you can have anything you want.
Jason: I want some milk.
Sunny: Coconut milk?
Jason: No, regular milk.
Sunny: Ok. Here daddy. Here's your milk. Its not from boobies.
Jason: I want some milk.
Sunny: Coconut milk?
Jason: No, regular milk.
Sunny: Ok. Here daddy. Here's your milk. Its not from boobies.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
American Baby photo shoot
Lachlan was recently invited to a photo shoot in PSL for American Baby magazine. Thanks to a friend who blogs here (and her super cool baby blogs here) we are able to do fun things we wouldnt normally be able to do.
Here we are, mom and baby, and blurry as all hell. I already knew I was being uncool by taking photos, but I just didnt care. I've never been to a photo shoot and I couldnt believe all the merchandise that was available!
And they trusted us amongst it all....
These were Lachlan's to model, Babiators. What baby would keep a pair of these on his head, I dont know. Not Lachlan.
ps. He's not a cover baby. That baby's job was to be drooling and puking up milk every 8 seconds.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Just stuff--
Too much going on here for a Facebook update...
Skip this paragraph if you havent raised kid past toddlerhood yet.
Firstly, we must talk about poop. And Sunny did it yesterday on the potty! OMG it was exciting, we practically had a parade about it. No one was even paying her any attention, due to the other event that was playing out all afternoon-- she had to force mom to let her into the bathroom that was childproofed; mom was Skyping, I was on the phone. Sunny came bolting out of there so proud of herself, saying over and over "I pooped! Its in there!" No one believed her.
I'd like to give credit to her Poop toy, an idea I came up with as a last desperate attempt to potty train Sunnylee. If it hadnt worked, I guess there wouldve been another last desperate attempt, but the Poop toy earned "last desperate attempt"... Since this story wasnt making much sense to her: "Hey Sunny! If you poop, we'll get into the car, drive to the store, and you can buy ANY toy you want! A present! You can pick out a book, Legos, a new baby!" This story got more & more elaborate as I got more and more crazy and irrational. Sunny would usually look at me, while holding her baby, and say "But I have a baby". She didnt get it. Ok, since that wasnt making sense to her, I bought her an Aqua Pet. Its a little weird amoeba suspended in water and if you press its buttons it sings and moves around. Pretty cute. Perfect for little hands sitting on a potty chair. I bought it for her, showed her how it works, then took it away. Set it up really high. Said she could only play with it if she pooped on the potty. She'd sit and pee on the potty, staring longingly at her Aqua Pet. Tell it goodbye when she left the bathroom with only her pee to keep it company... Until now. I bought that thing Friday. She pooped Saturday. I wont give it all the credit, but I think it did its job... And she played with Aqua Pet. Until I took it away for the next poop, which will undoubtedly come.
And if poop isnt your thing, then what about Lower Lumbar Back Injuries, ER Visit by Ambulance, and Percacets? My dad and I took a father/daughter road trip to Jupiter Medical Center last night to pick up Jason. He'd been there all day after he 'did his back'. He pulled or twisted or did something wrong and pulled a muscle in his lower lumbar. He laid in the yard unable to move or crawl for 30min while the ambulance came. And once they arrived, his love for morphine blossomed. All day. Until the night when he crashed (at home) and felt depressed, lol. I know honey, the drugs are good.
So they took him to the ER, hopped him up on the good stuff, took an Xray and confirmed nothing terrible had happened in there, and sent him on his way. My dad and I picked him up and drove his car home. Boo there went our weekend. I mean, poor poor husby, now he cant golf :)
No, I am sensitive. I let him sleep in. And stopped having conversations like this:
Me "Are you sure this cant be resolved in a walk-in clinic? You know how wussy you are...."
Him "I cant walk-in"
We hired a cleaning person to clean the house this week. We are looking forward to Jason taking some time off and staying home to take it easy. And... maybe since he is here, I can get more schoolwork finished and ETSY stuff sewn and sent out--- ETSY which quickly landslided into a massive job currently. All good stuff, all busy stuff....
Skip this paragraph if you havent raised kid past toddlerhood yet.
Firstly, we must talk about poop. And Sunny did it yesterday on the potty! OMG it was exciting, we practically had a parade about it. No one was even paying her any attention, due to the other event that was playing out all afternoon-- she had to force mom to let her into the bathroom that was childproofed; mom was Skyping, I was on the phone. Sunny came bolting out of there so proud of herself, saying over and over "I pooped! Its in there!" No one believed her.
I'd like to give credit to her Poop toy, an idea I came up with as a last desperate attempt to potty train Sunnylee. If it hadnt worked, I guess there wouldve been another last desperate attempt, but the Poop toy earned "last desperate attempt"... Since this story wasnt making much sense to her: "Hey Sunny! If you poop, we'll get into the car, drive to the store, and you can buy ANY toy you want! A present! You can pick out a book, Legos, a new baby!" This story got more & more elaborate as I got more and more crazy and irrational. Sunny would usually look at me, while holding her baby, and say "But I have a baby". She didnt get it. Ok, since that wasnt making sense to her, I bought her an Aqua Pet. Its a little weird amoeba suspended in water and if you press its buttons it sings and moves around. Pretty cute. Perfect for little hands sitting on a potty chair. I bought it for her, showed her how it works, then took it away. Set it up really high. Said she could only play with it if she pooped on the potty. She'd sit and pee on the potty, staring longingly at her Aqua Pet. Tell it goodbye when she left the bathroom with only her pee to keep it company... Until now. I bought that thing Friday. She pooped Saturday. I wont give it all the credit, but I think it did its job... And she played with Aqua Pet. Until I took it away for the next poop, which will undoubtedly come.
And if poop isnt your thing, then what about Lower Lumbar Back Injuries, ER Visit by Ambulance, and Percacets? My dad and I took a father/daughter road trip to Jupiter Medical Center last night to pick up Jason. He'd been there all day after he 'did his back'. He pulled or twisted or did something wrong and pulled a muscle in his lower lumbar. He laid in the yard unable to move or crawl for 30min while the ambulance came. And once they arrived, his love for morphine blossomed. All day. Until the night when he crashed (at home) and felt depressed, lol. I know honey, the drugs are good.
So they took him to the ER, hopped him up on the good stuff, took an Xray and confirmed nothing terrible had happened in there, and sent him on his way. My dad and I picked him up and drove his car home. Boo there went our weekend. I mean, poor poor husby, now he cant golf :)
No, I am sensitive. I let him sleep in. And stopped having conversations like this:
Me "Are you sure this cant be resolved in a walk-in clinic? You know how wussy you are...."
Him "I cant walk-in"
We hired a cleaning person to clean the house this week. We are looking forward to Jason taking some time off and staying home to take it easy. And... maybe since he is here, I can get more schoolwork finished and ETSY stuff sewn and sent out--- ETSY which quickly landslided into a massive job currently. All good stuff, all busy stuff....
Saturday, January 14, 2012
A Girl & Her Front Door
Is it considered a DIY project if I bought the door and had it professionally installed? Yes! If I picked up a piece of sandpaper, smeared on an smudge of primer, painted even one streak of paint, or even stepped foot into a Home Depot, its DIY.
I did all those things, of course, over a period of a few days. I had sandpaper and a sander at home, bought grey tinted primer, and slick black door & trim gel paint.... I went all out and thought I did this correctly, but I didnt buy a new paintbrush since I had one. Mistake #1.
I sand and primed the door that Jason set on his ping pong table. The ping pong table is such a heaping pile of crap that it is secretly my outside project table. He hasnt mentioned the paint blots all over it... It just blends into the crappiness of it all. So I sanded and primed and painted one side of the door, with love <3 All through the night (which means until after 7p some time but before 730p)
I taped the glass, primed and painted the frame... I even resanded the paint-brush side and rolled it with a tiny foam roller my dad bought me. Both sides were finished and pottery barn-black. Except the outside-side has brush strokes from my old paintbrush. I've sinced tossed that brush and wonder if I'll ever reuse a brush again.... So Mistake #1 was my only mistake, thankfully. It looks fine though.
& I donated my orange/red door to my friend Tonya, who's house is now a tropical Hawaiian inspired paradise. And we now share front door keys ;)
When driving upon our house, dont be fooled- it looks as if a couple professors live here now, but its still just us. MMMMmmmm black front door. I love you.
I did all those things, of course, over a period of a few days. I had sandpaper and a sander at home, bought grey tinted primer, and slick black door & trim gel paint.... I went all out and thought I did this correctly, but I didnt buy a new paintbrush since I had one. Mistake #1.
I sand and primed the door that Jason set on his ping pong table. The ping pong table is such a heaping pile of crap that it is secretly my outside project table. He hasnt mentioned the paint blots all over it... It just blends into the crappiness of it all. So I sanded and primed and painted one side of the door, with love <3 All through the night (which means until after 7p some time but before 730p)
I taped the glass, primed and painted the frame... I even resanded the paint-brush side and rolled it with a tiny foam roller my dad bought me. Both sides were finished and pottery barn-black. Except the outside-side has brush strokes from my old paintbrush. I've sinced tossed that brush and wonder if I'll ever reuse a brush again.... So Mistake #1 was my only mistake, thankfully. It looks fine though.
When driving upon our house, dont be fooled- it looks as if a couple professors live here now, but its still just us. MMMMmmmm black front door. I love you.
Initiation of an Aussie
To be an Australian....
There are a few tests you have to complete....
He is enjoying an Aussie favorite....
VEGEMITE!
His Aussie transition is complete:
There is FIRST a Wife & a Husband
& if they're not happy, the family cant function properly. Being an amazing parent is great, but its not enough....
Jason and I enjoyed Date 1 [of many to come] yesterday. He told me earlier in the week to make myself available Friday afternoon for a home-date. A date at home of some sort, when the kids were napping, that he was taking care of it completely. He said to wear a bikini and I laughed.
Sure enough, when he came home from work he was busy for about 20 minutes running around the house preparing for our date. Then he came and got me, and asked where was my bikini? I felt ridiculous putting it on, but he put on his boardies as well and we walked outside to the deck.
Leading from the gate up to the deck and to my date-surprise were pink rose petals! lol! Last time I saw anything like that was at our wedding- nice touch. The petals led to a new lounge chair and a cooler full of icey Coronas and limes. I got to lay in the sun and tan(in January!), on a Friday afternoon after watching the kids and studying all day, and enjoy a beer. For an hour. The kids got the memo.
The date was awesome & such an easy way to relax with Jason and have down time- most down time is when the kids are asleep and we clean or something else productive. This hour was very productive though! For us!
Now its my turn to surprise him next week and I've got something fun in mind!
Jason and I enjoyed Date 1 [of many to come] yesterday. He told me earlier in the week to make myself available Friday afternoon for a home-date. A date at home of some sort, when the kids were napping, that he was taking care of it completely. He said to wear a bikini and I laughed.
Sure enough, when he came home from work he was busy for about 20 minutes running around the house preparing for our date. Then he came and got me, and asked where was my bikini? I felt ridiculous putting it on, but he put on his boardies as well and we walked outside to the deck.
Leading from the gate up to the deck and to my date-surprise were pink rose petals! lol! Last time I saw anything like that was at our wedding- nice touch. The petals led to a new lounge chair and a cooler full of icey Coronas and limes. I got to lay in the sun and tan(in January!), on a Friday afternoon after watching the kids and studying all day, and enjoy a beer. For an hour. The kids got the memo.
The date was awesome & such an easy way to relax with Jason and have down time- most down time is when the kids are asleep and we clean or something else productive. This hour was very productive though! For us!
Now its my turn to surprise him next week and I've got something fun in mind!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
So happy the holidays are OVER
Tuesday was a long day for most Gligs.
Jasons day began with his usual work and was followed by fathering his children alone through
bedtime. As usual, the kids were fed and properly worn out, in jammies and clean, and fast asleep. He's a great SAHD.
Sunny's day was her usual, plus added exercise she doesnt normally get from boring 'ole mom in the form of trampolining for hours and playgrounding for even more hours. The rumor is she asked to go to bed early.
Lachlans went the way of Sunnys, with added stressors- lack of boob-access. His favorite playmates and pacifiers were gone (thats me, people) and his cup/bottles of milk didnt do much for him. I heard he dealt with it with minimal whining, but also minimal drinking.... he made up for it in the night.
So not only was I absent from my house from 9a-9p for work, classes there, and more classes over that way, I was also up nursing my sweet needy boy at 11p, 1a, 3a, and 5a- when he decided he wanted to get up once and for all. He announced that by turning to me in bed (because after 5a I dragged him into my bed) and rubbed my face and said "mum". It was all worth it.
Jasons day began with his usual work and was followed by fathering his children alone through
bedtime. As usual, the kids were fed and properly worn out, in jammies and clean, and fast asleep. He's a great SAHD.
Sunny's day was her usual, plus added exercise she doesnt normally get from boring 'ole mom in the form of trampolining for hours and playgrounding for even more hours. The rumor is she asked to go to bed early.
Lachlans went the way of Sunnys, with added stressors- lack of boob-access. His favorite playmates and pacifiers were gone (thats me, people) and his cup/bottles of milk didnt do much for him. I heard he dealt with it with minimal whining, but also minimal drinking.... he made up for it in the night.
So not only was I absent from my house from 9a-9p for work, classes there, and more classes over that way, I was also up nursing my sweet needy boy at 11p, 1a, 3a, and 5a- when he decided he wanted to get up once and for all. He announced that by turning to me in bed (because after 5a I dragged him into my bed) and rubbed my face and said "mum". It was all worth it.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Glig Verbatim
JASON
“Lachlan was born this year? Really? So my first son was born on St Patrick’s Day… My parents visited Florida- Much needed maintenance on the house was fulfilled by my father who worked tirelessly and took one day off out of 14 to play golf with me. Our deck and home are amazing. We are still working on unspoiling Sunnylee who was on the brink of no return…. Then my wife, kids, in-laws, mother and I went to Munich and Berlin- I wanted to relive my past glories, which in hindsight became insignificant to today’s glories... My golf game- I got new clubs this year and shot my very first 79; I broke 80. I went to the belly putter as well- changed my game forever….”
ABBY
“Our first son was born this year, I remember that day clearly. We had a list of names at the hospital and Jason named him when he saw his little Lachlan face. Sunny called him ‘Sockie’ for months… Jason’s mum took us to Europe-- I dragged the kids all over Germany with my family, exhausting ourselves on trains and subways, eating spaetzle, and drinking Augustiner. We’ve decided to stay put in Sebastian for a while… I started school full-time again- now studying to become a nurse and an IBCLC (Lactation Consultant). I left my family for 5 days for my CLC certification-- one small step along my way. I am mentoring with an IBCLC/physician for 500 hours and I am LOVING it.”
SUNNYLEE
“La-la-la-Sockie was what I actually called him. My best friend and most favorite playmate was born this year. Our highest moment was when he learned to crawl; he can now chase me when I yell, ‘Yock-yan come here!’ My Oma and Opa from Australia came to see me for a few weeks- I loved the attention and grandparent-love I received while they were here. We still Skype at least once a week together. While in Germany I turned 2 and we had a few parties about it! I began preschool this year- it was a struggle to watch mom and Lachy leave the first few weeks, but I now run in without even looking back. I come home singing and talking about my friends. They love me there, of course.”
LACHLAN
“So I guess they told you I was born this year? My parents almost named me ‘Sam’ after Sam Champion so I should be grateful for the un-pronounceable ‘Lachlan’. They’ve guaranteed that I will move to Australia one day to be with my people who are familiar with my name…. I had a few big events this year, what with rolling over, sitting up, and crawling. I know, I know, thank you. I hope to follow it up shortly with something called ‘walking’… Recently 2 different people have asked if my sister and I were twins- I am pretty tall and we wear the same clothes. Luckily my friends don’t see me at night when I’m wearing my butterfly-hand-me-down jammies….”
“Lachlan was born this year? Really? So my first son was born on St Patrick’s Day… My parents visited Florida- Much needed maintenance on the house was fulfilled by my father who worked tirelessly and took one day off out of 14 to play golf with me. Our deck and home are amazing. We are still working on unspoiling Sunnylee who was on the brink of no return…. Then my wife, kids, in-laws, mother and I went to Munich and Berlin- I wanted to relive my past glories, which in hindsight became insignificant to today’s glories... My golf game- I got new clubs this year and shot my very first 79; I broke 80. I went to the belly putter as well- changed my game forever….”
ABBY
“Our first son was born this year, I remember that day clearly. We had a list of names at the hospital and Jason named him when he saw his little Lachlan face. Sunny called him ‘Sockie’ for months… Jason’s mum took us to Europe-- I dragged the kids all over Germany with my family, exhausting ourselves on trains and subways, eating spaetzle, and drinking Augustiner. We’ve decided to stay put in Sebastian for a while… I started school full-time again- now studying to become a nurse and an IBCLC (Lactation Consultant). I left my family for 5 days for my CLC certification-- one small step along my way. I am mentoring with an IBCLC/physician for 500 hours and I am LOVING it.”
SUNNYLEE
“La-la-la-Sockie was what I actually called him. My best friend and most favorite playmate was born this year. Our highest moment was when he learned to crawl; he can now chase me when I yell, ‘Yock-yan come here!’ My Oma and Opa from Australia came to see me for a few weeks- I loved the attention and grandparent-love I received while they were here. We still Skype at least once a week together. While in Germany I turned 2 and we had a few parties about it! I began preschool this year- it was a struggle to watch mom and Lachy leave the first few weeks, but I now run in without even looking back. I come home singing and talking about my friends. They love me there, of course.”
LACHLAN
“So I guess they told you I was born this year? My parents almost named me ‘Sam’ after Sam Champion so I should be grateful for the un-pronounceable ‘Lachlan’. They’ve guaranteed that I will move to Australia one day to be with my people who are familiar with my name…. I had a few big events this year, what with rolling over, sitting up, and crawling. I know, I know, thank you. I hope to follow it up shortly with something called ‘walking’… Recently 2 different people have asked if my sister and I were twins- I am pretty tall and we wear the same clothes. Luckily my friends don’t see me at night when I’m wearing my butterfly-hand-me-down jammies….”
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Siblings
This is the reason I had kids, to capture moments like these:
Blowing bubbles for her brothers' entertainment
Take baths together for double the fun
They graze in the grass together like cows
They get into wires and cords together. She's teaching him the 'ropes.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
On the 15th day of Christmas my true love gave to meeeeee
What! Only 15 days left until Christmas!??
I am thankful to have these 15 days to properly prepare for the holidays. 15 whooooole days of projects and cooking and gift wrapping and light decor...ating. I scrambled to do these things before my college finals were finished and everything was just rushed; I couldnt relax and shop for gifts when there was studying to be done. But now I've graduated as Jason says! I'm finished with the semester at least. I'd like to brag and say I got 3 A's and a B but it doesnt feel too brag-worthy.
I bought the CD called She & Him. Its Zooey Deschanel's Christmas CD. Jason is in love with her and I love Christmas music. Its nice.
I took a few pics of the kids the other morning before Sunny went to preschool. Then on a whim I ordered Christmas cards from the one hour photo lab with the impromtu photo. I am not thrilled about it all, but with my schedule lately there hasnt been time for a real photo of the 4 of us. I also feel guilty about the Christmas letter... Dont be surprised if its missing this year. Its def not printed yet or finished.
Unfortunetly I cant disguise any of it as a New Years thing and pretend I meant to send it late. This is what I deserve for making fun of everyone last year when I sent out the card the day after Thanksgiving....
The Gligs celebrated St Nicholas Day this week. I wont tell you what day we finally got around to doing it, but sometimes things get lost around here, including holidays. I love traditions, especially ones that matter to people close to me. Who am I kidding, I just happen to enjoy this one because it doesnt cost much of my money or time and it made my kid very happy. I posted the videos on my FB page of Sunny confused, wondering why I made her clean her shoes before bed, yet pleasantly surprised to have chocolate in the morning, or at all.
Besides all that- I made fudge tonight! Did Christmas shopping with my kids and husband! Did grocery shopping with my kids and husband! I unfurled 6 wreaths to decorate- wow, nothing worse than unfurling fake wreaths. I made a paper bow I saw from Pinterest- it sucked. Gonna put it on one of my brothers' gifts.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
New Meal
Just made this delish dinner for my husband and me I'd like to call... Chevap' on Garlic Naan. The meat is my version of his family's famous chevapchichi, which I dont have privilages to the recipe so I made it up. I also dont make them into cute grilled meatballs because I like to cut corners. I could write more about the inspiration of my meal but I am even boring myself.
I usually [separately] mix the meat, bruschetta, and tzatziki throughout the day so that I'm not in the kitchen for too long at any one point in time. Then at meal time we just throw all of it together on warm naan bread and its quick and easy.
Ingredients for the Chevap':
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 lb ground turkey or chicken
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon of tube ginger (this is a key ingredient, found at Publix in the fresh fruit/veg cold section- in a tube like all good ingredients)
a few shakes of cumin, paprika, garlic salt, cayenne, and salt/pepper
4 green onions chopped
squeeze of fresh lemon
Sometimes I shape this mixture into patties and we grill them like burgers or tonight- a meatloaf! So easy... or you could grill baby meatballs. Also a good choice.
Toppings:
bruschetta (recipe below)
tzatziki (recipe below)
thick sliced cucumbers
Naan bread (we buy this one- its at Publix)
Grill the naan on a pan that is hot with some oil coating the bottom. Flip it; when it crisps the edges throw it on a plate. Layer tzatziki, Chivap', tzatziki, brushetta, cucumbers. OMG. Use one hand to contain the mess and provide the other hand with a spoon to shovel all the dropped tomatoes into your mouth. Its pretty tasty and not at all complicated like this blog post makes it out to be.
Bruschetta:
2 fresh tomatoes chopped in small 1/2 cubes
chopped sweet onion
basil and oregano (fresh from your mason jar herb garden!)
garlic salt, salt, and pepper
drizzle of red wine vinegar, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar
small drizzle of maple syrup. Yes, I promise.
Tzatziki:
1 cup of plain greek yogurt
1 cup of sour cream
1 large cucumber (peel, scrape the seeds out, and shave over a cheese grater onto paper towel, then squeeze all the excess water out....)
salt (lots of salt. Keep adding then tasting), pepper, garlic salt, DILL (a few sprigs or several shakes of the dried stuff)
This isnt a first date recipe, unless you define romance by how much food is dripping off your hands and face. And it isnt something you should eat with your rugrats hanging around; you wont want to put the "sandwich" down and chase a toddler. Or share with one and watch them sling the yummy-ness all over the floor.
I usually [separately] mix the meat, bruschetta, and tzatziki throughout the day so that I'm not in the kitchen for too long at any one point in time. Then at meal time we just throw all of it together on warm naan bread and its quick and easy.
Ingredients for the Chevap':
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 lb ground turkey or chicken
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon of tube ginger (this is a key ingredient, found at Publix in the fresh fruit/veg cold section- in a tube like all good ingredients)
a few shakes of cumin, paprika, garlic salt, cayenne, and salt/pepper
4 green onions chopped
squeeze of fresh lemon
Sometimes I shape this mixture into patties and we grill them like burgers or tonight- a meatloaf! So easy... or you could grill baby meatballs. Also a good choice.
Toppings:
bruschetta (recipe below)
tzatziki (recipe below)
thick sliced cucumbers
Naan bread (we buy this one- its at Publix)
Grill the naan on a pan that is hot with some oil coating the bottom. Flip it; when it crisps the edges throw it on a plate. Layer tzatziki, Chivap', tzatziki, brushetta, cucumbers. OMG. Use one hand to contain the mess and provide the other hand with a spoon to shovel all the dropped tomatoes into your mouth. Its pretty tasty and not at all complicated like this blog post makes it out to be.
Bruschetta:
2 fresh tomatoes chopped in small 1/2 cubes
chopped sweet onion
basil and oregano (fresh from your mason jar herb garden!)
garlic salt, salt, and pepper
drizzle of red wine vinegar, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar
small drizzle of maple syrup. Yes, I promise.
Tzatziki:
1 cup of plain greek yogurt
1 cup of sour cream
1 large cucumber (peel, scrape the seeds out, and shave over a cheese grater onto paper towel, then squeeze all the excess water out....)
salt (lots of salt. Keep adding then tasting), pepper, garlic salt, DILL (a few sprigs or several shakes of the dried stuff)
This isnt a first date recipe, unless you define romance by how much food is dripping off your hands and face. And it isnt something you should eat with your rugrats hanging around; you wont want to put the "sandwich" down and chase a toddler. Or share with one and watch them sling the yummy-ness all over the floor.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
My Mason Jar Experience
In an initial strong start to my DIY-something-off-Pinterest each weekend, Jason and I did this when the kids took a nap:
I saw something similar [on Pinterest] that screwed the jars into wood then hung it inside the house on a wall, but I am a fan of having my plants outside in the sun where I can see them when I sit on my front porch or deck. And I didnt feel like doing any carpendry. This project was screwed into our crappy fence that surrounds our backyard. Love the privacy, but the wood needs some sprucing up.
So, I bought the hose clamp rings at Hoem Depot, a bag of tiny river rock pebbles, herbs... and mason jars from Walmart that are quart size. Those were cheap, but I still would've rather had some from Goodwill. They were out, though.
Jason drilled holes into the metal rings so a screw would fit through. That was the hardest part! Then he screwed them into the fence.
We didnt measure anything. After this step above I held the jars in place while he tightened the clamps CAREFULLY.
Then dirt. Then the herbs. That was the hardest part, to me. I had to stuff those plants into it. I put the rocks in hopefully so the water will drain and the roots wont rot. We'll probably get a hard rain, they'll drown, then die. But they looked good to begin with, here's proof.
I saw something similar [on Pinterest] that screwed the jars into wood then hung it inside the house on a wall, but I am a fan of having my plants outside in the sun where I can see them when I sit on my front porch or deck. And I didnt feel like doing any carpendry. This project was screwed into our crappy fence that surrounds our backyard. Love the privacy, but the wood needs some sprucing up.
So, I bought the hose clamp rings at Hoem Depot, a bag of tiny river rock pebbles, herbs... and mason jars from Walmart that are quart size. Those were cheap, but I still would've rather had some from Goodwill. They were out, though.
Jason drilled holes into the metal rings so a screw would fit through. That was the hardest part! Then he screwed them into the fence.
He might not appreciate this picture and how unattractive his gut is. But in his defence he was sticking it out at weird angles in order to drill... lol
We did that times 6 since I bought that many clamps.
Then he said he was spent DIYing (20 minutes worth) and I finished up. I added pebbles.
Then dirt. Then the herbs. That was the hardest part, to me. I had to stuff those plants into it. I put the rocks in hopefully so the water will drain and the roots wont rot. We'll probably get a hard rain, they'll drown, then die. But they looked good to begin with, here's proof.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
6 weeks later....
Ok. So I thought its been a month, but its been longer. I need to blog.
(ps. I dont actually want to. I wish I were sleeping right now)
The Gligs have been....
Going to preschool
Learning to stand
Jason- Being Mr. Mom each evening.
Me- Going to work for Dr Punger weekly if possible.
Finally agreeing to wear a smock while painting.
Screaming first syllables ("ah!")
Jason- Golfing. duh
Me- Leaving the family for 5 days for a CLC conference. Now certified as a CLC!
Staying at Meme's for a couple nights to give parents a break.
Sleeping through the night
Its hard to name things for Jason. It just hasnt been about him this month, lol.
Me again: studying. Doing projects. Studying. Taking tests. Studying. Going to class.
I've wanted to be in the Fall mood but with so much going on we barely bought a pumpkin. We did, a small one, and only b/c Sunny's teacher told us to bring one to her class. We attended several fall festivals, did Trick or Treating Monday night which was AWESOME. We had mom's gator (golf cart) and rocked that neighborhood.
I have 2 A's and 2 B's in my 4 classes. One of those B's is HARD earned (Anatomy & Physiology) and I am proud of it.
Lachlan is learning to sleep in his crib in his room. Its working out well, except he wakes up often especially at nap times. We use Dr Ferber's method for sleep training... loosely. Whats really worked was not nursing him to sleep each night, instead we feed him, bathe him, then put him to bed. He's growing up so fast- crawling after Sunny, standing on anything he can grab.
My parents just came last weekend to install more baby-proofing items. My dad did all of our cabinets. Sunny never got into the cabinets much at his age. I need reassurance that they are safe when I'm not looking. Sunny can open all of our doors now, too. Ugh.
Well thats it. I didnt mention time-fillers like cooking on Sundays for the entire week, laundry, dishes, and cleaning every Saturday morning, but basically you are caught up. I wont count this as a decent blog post, just that I did one. Maybe something interesting will happen at the same time I have a moment to write about it...
(ps. I dont actually want to. I wish I were sleeping right now)
The Gligs have been....
Going to preschool
Learning to stand
Jason- Being Mr. Mom each evening.
Me- Going to work for Dr Punger weekly if possible.
Finally agreeing to wear a smock while painting.
Screaming first syllables ("ah!")
Jason- Golfing. duh
Me- Leaving the family for 5 days for a CLC conference. Now certified as a CLC!
Staying at Meme's for a couple nights to give parents a break.
Sleeping through the night
Its hard to name things for Jason. It just hasnt been about him this month, lol.
Me again: studying. Doing projects. Studying. Taking tests. Studying. Going to class.
I've wanted to be in the Fall mood but with so much going on we barely bought a pumpkin. We did, a small one, and only b/c Sunny's teacher told us to bring one to her class. We attended several fall festivals, did Trick or Treating Monday night which was AWESOME. We had mom's gator (golf cart) and rocked that neighborhood.
I have 2 A's and 2 B's in my 4 classes. One of those B's is HARD earned (Anatomy & Physiology) and I am proud of it.
Lachlan is learning to sleep in his crib in his room. Its working out well, except he wakes up often especially at nap times. We use Dr Ferber's method for sleep training... loosely. Whats really worked was not nursing him to sleep each night, instead we feed him, bathe him, then put him to bed. He's growing up so fast- crawling after Sunny, standing on anything he can grab.
My parents just came last weekend to install more baby-proofing items. My dad did all of our cabinets. Sunny never got into the cabinets much at his age. I need reassurance that they are safe when I'm not looking. Sunny can open all of our doors now, too. Ugh.
Well thats it. I didnt mention time-fillers like cooking on Sundays for the entire week, laundry, dishes, and cleaning every Saturday morning, but basically you are caught up. I wont count this as a decent blog post, just that I did one. Maybe something interesting will happen at the same time I have a moment to write about it...
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Sunday Funday
I woke up at 6:15a to a shrill alarm clock. Hello new phone that my bro Matt gave me. Comes with an annoying time to wake up. After that, I was thinking too much to drift back off. Coffee time.
The family slept in- we'd had a "late night" at meme's then we drove home. Kids were knackered.
Finally Lachlan woke up and him and I played in the living room. A giant spider sat on the ceiling high above us and I didnt freak out. Assumed he'd leave the same way he came in. He had 7 legs.
I watched GMA and played with my new phone. I "wiped" it clean of Matts info and I have no ones numbers..... A lightening fast spider scurried across the floor between Lachlan and myself. It was missing a leg. I couldnt believe after deciding this spiders fate, being nice and all, he decided to taunt me! I smashed him with a Fisher Price book.
Sunny and Jase made their appearance. Since she's been up she's worn 3 outfits, is wearing her 3rd pair of panties, and has had 2 baths.... Its still morning.
Its New Toy Day! The kids all got new toys. From the attic. I switched our box of toys out with all the little toys laying around and put all the big things in the attic. Other big things came out of the attic. Its like Christmas around here. New Toy Day should be every weekend- it gave me and Jase a chance to clean.
We had a fun Saturday at moms house celebrating my dad and Aunt Janet's 60th birthdays. Jason and I felt so sick all week that we werent going to chance having a hangover Sunday morning. We didnt drink and we drove home to our comfy beds. It was worth it! One more weekend day of 'relaxing' at home (really we are cleaning, rearranging furniture, hanging things on the walls, baby proofing more, cleaning the windows and sills and screens, etcetcetc) and we should be good to go come Monday.
Lachlan turned 6mo old over the weekend. We lowered his crib mattress to the bottom to celebrate. I dont remember Sunny's Lowering of the Crib to be such a pain in the ass. Took some time. He can sit up now from laying down and its only a matter of time before he leaned over the crib railing and spilled out onto the floor. I wasnt taking chances this time. I am ahead of you, boy!
The family slept in- we'd had a "late night" at meme's then we drove home. Kids were knackered.
Finally Lachlan woke up and him and I played in the living room. A giant spider sat on the ceiling high above us and I didnt freak out. Assumed he'd leave the same way he came in. He had 7 legs.
I watched GMA and played with my new phone. I "wiped" it clean of Matts info and I have no ones numbers..... A lightening fast spider scurried across the floor between Lachlan and myself. It was missing a leg. I couldnt believe after deciding this spiders fate, being nice and all, he decided to taunt me! I smashed him with a Fisher Price book.
Sunny and Jase made their appearance. Since she's been up she's worn 3 outfits, is wearing her 3rd pair of panties, and has had 2 baths.... Its still morning.
Its New Toy Day! The kids all got new toys. From the attic. I switched our box of toys out with all the little toys laying around and put all the big things in the attic. Other big things came out of the attic. Its like Christmas around here. New Toy Day should be every weekend- it gave me and Jase a chance to clean.
We had a fun Saturday at moms house celebrating my dad and Aunt Janet's 60th birthdays. Jason and I felt so sick all week that we werent going to chance having a hangover Sunday morning. We didnt drink and we drove home to our comfy beds. It was worth it! One more weekend day of 'relaxing' at home (really we are cleaning, rearranging furniture, hanging things on the walls, baby proofing more, cleaning the windows and sills and screens, etcetcetc) and we should be good to go come Monday.
Lachlan turned 6mo old over the weekend. We lowered his crib mattress to the bottom to celebrate. I dont remember Sunny's Lowering of the Crib to be such a pain in the ass. Took some time. He can sit up now from laying down and its only a matter of time before he leaned over the crib railing and spilled out onto the floor. I wasnt taking chances this time. I am ahead of you, boy!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
I'd Like to take Some Sick Days Now Please
My job refuses to give me sick days off. "Job" being Lachlan and Sunny. I went to class Monday night, skipped Tuesday, skipped Wednesday (my first test was that night...), and I guess I have to go tonight. I have my first test in there too, but luckily the prof. drops one test at the end of the semester. I have to go to figure out how his tests are like. But I plan to completely bomb it. I cant study. I cant keep my eyes open, hot sick tears are streaming out of them.
Jason had a weird 3 day flu as well. This house is still a wreck- all we did was sit on the couches and watch our little rascals play on the floor. Never have we needed more help, but didnt want my parents to come over or they'd get sick, too. Its my dad and his twin sisters 60th birthday today- Aunt Janet just flew into town so they were too busy to get sick! We just dealt with it. Sickily. And moaning to each other, "Will we ever feel normal again?"
I begged to feel normal, even insisting if I felt just an hour of normal I'd do the dishes or cook dinner happily. I still am sick. And Jason's off to work with some drugs in his pocket, hoping nothing gets in his way of a huge day of work. I have a huge day too. Speaking of... I have to get these screamers dressed. Ugh.
Jason had a weird 3 day flu as well. This house is still a wreck- all we did was sit on the couches and watch our little rascals play on the floor. Never have we needed more help, but didnt want my parents to come over or they'd get sick, too. Its my dad and his twin sisters 60th birthday today- Aunt Janet just flew into town so they were too busy to get sick! We just dealt with it. Sickily. And moaning to each other, "Will we ever feel normal again?"
I begged to feel normal, even insisting if I felt just an hour of normal I'd do the dishes or cook dinner happily. I still am sick. And Jason's off to work with some drugs in his pocket, hoping nothing gets in his way of a huge day of work. I have a huge day too. Speaking of... I have to get these screamers dressed. Ugh.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Hello Saturday!
Every blog I start to write updating you reader(s) on a Glig week, I think to start it "Its been a busy week!" Cliche and boring and unoriginal. But its the first think that comes to my mind. We are a busy family, finally!
We do things.
Sunny's 3rd week in school was a turning point. She was upset to leave Lachlan and me, but she took her tote over her shoulder, kissed and hugged us, then walked on her own through the door with the teacher. Usually the teacher carries her kicking and screaming. The teacher and I gave each other a silent smiley thumbs up and I left feeling weird. It was harder than leaving her the first day. She went willingly this time, not quite wanting to, but trusting me enough to do it anyways...
Lachlan made sure our morning was anything but boring; as soon as we started our 2minute drive to Sunny's school he $hit his pants. Fine, I've got a baby changing station in the back. In the parking lot of the school I began to change what I thought was a normal situation which quickly turned for the worse. All over me, his legs, his shirt, his pants, the car... get the point? We went into the school for a bath; he was only wearing a diaper. I didnt bring any clothes on this short trip. Everyone was staring at him: fat white 'naked' baby on my hip. Whatever, like they've never had a shitty baby...
Lachlan is on the move. He is never quite where I left him last (on the floor). He is loud. He plays with certain toys that he loves (Sunny's pots and pans). And if she takes anything from him he screams! He flaps his arms and yells until he gets it back. Sunny can make him laugh with funny faces and funny phrases he likes ("Ahhhh BUGGABOO!" is what had him in tears yesterday, tears of laughter!) He is only cranking when he is teething or when you put him down. He wants to be held! If I walk out of the room its an almost guarantee that he's silently crying, bottom lip out, face screwed up, then the wailing starts.
Jason's home with the kids every evening while I go to school. Its 20 minutes away in Vero. Him and the kids swim on our deck, play at the park, and visit neighbors befre having dinner, bath, and bed. Most nights when I get home they are already in bed. Jason and I sometimes use this time to have dinner alone together and finally talk about our long day. Its been a long time since I ate dinner at 9p! One that Jason cook, as well :)
Jase stayed home all day Friday with the kids while I went to get clinical hours at Dr Punger's office. I follow her around when she has mother/baby appointments and observe her until she asks for my 2 cents. I usually have at least 2 cents and I love it. I love that she asks and I love my sureness in my answers. Ultimate "job satisfaction".
Let the busy weekend continue, hello Saturday!
We do things.
Sunny's 3rd week in school was a turning point. She was upset to leave Lachlan and me, but she took her tote over her shoulder, kissed and hugged us, then walked on her own through the door with the teacher. Usually the teacher carries her kicking and screaming. The teacher and I gave each other a silent smiley thumbs up and I left feeling weird. It was harder than leaving her the first day. She went willingly this time, not quite wanting to, but trusting me enough to do it anyways...
Lachlan made sure our morning was anything but boring; as soon as we started our 2minute drive to Sunny's school he $hit his pants. Fine, I've got a baby changing station in the back. In the parking lot of the school I began to change what I thought was a normal situation which quickly turned for the worse. All over me, his legs, his shirt, his pants, the car... get the point? We went into the school for a bath; he was only wearing a diaper. I didnt bring any clothes on this short trip. Everyone was staring at him: fat white 'naked' baby on my hip. Whatever, like they've never had a shitty baby...
Lachlan is on the move. He is never quite where I left him last (on the floor). He is loud. He plays with certain toys that he loves (Sunny's pots and pans). And if she takes anything from him he screams! He flaps his arms and yells until he gets it back. Sunny can make him laugh with funny faces and funny phrases he likes ("Ahhhh BUGGABOO!" is what had him in tears yesterday, tears of laughter!) He is only cranking when he is teething or when you put him down. He wants to be held! If I walk out of the room its an almost guarantee that he's silently crying, bottom lip out, face screwed up, then the wailing starts.
Jason's home with the kids every evening while I go to school. Its 20 minutes away in Vero. Him and the kids swim on our deck, play at the park, and visit neighbors befre having dinner, bath, and bed. Most nights when I get home they are already in bed. Jason and I sometimes use this time to have dinner alone together and finally talk about our long day. Its been a long time since I ate dinner at 9p! One that Jason cook, as well :)
Jase stayed home all day Friday with the kids while I went to get clinical hours at Dr Punger's office. I follow her around when she has mother/baby appointments and observe her until she asks for my 2 cents. I usually have at least 2 cents and I love it. I love that she asks and I love my sureness in my answers. Ultimate "job satisfaction".
Let the busy weekend continue, hello Saturday!
It's still an A, though
I got an A on my first quiz my first time "back in college"
& i found myself bitching to jason about the test i took next, the next night... I got a 90. It meant i got 5 wrong! i was pissed... he was like, "Its still an A though..."
the 2nd time around at college is different- I sit in the front row. I ask questions. I once asked a question that prompted a video-showing... I'm sure the class hates me.
& i found myself bitching to jason about the test i took next, the next night... I got a 90. It meant i got 5 wrong! i was pissed... he was like, "Its still an A though..."
the 2nd time around at college is different- I sit in the front row. I ask questions. I once asked a question that prompted a video-showing... I'm sure the class hates me.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Chomping Necklace
Chomping necklace- a cute fabric necklace worn around the
mom's neck for her baby to chew on while he's being held.
My first day wearing this out, three older ladies surrounded me gushing over my handmade necklace. Then when they found out it was for Lachlan, they thought I was so creative and "on to something"... Lol. Obviously these necklaces are all over ETSY and I wanted to make one for my little Teether since it is so simple. I made it in less than an hour. Maybe a 1/2 hour. The final product is at the bottom of this post if you'd like to scroll to it first to get an idea of what I'm making.
Instead of using one fabric for both sides I used 2 coordinating fabrics. Cut each one 5in x90in (I changed this number from 54 inches to 90 after some reflection. I'd seen tutorials that said 54, but I didnt have 54 when I cut my fabrics, I had 45. So I sewed two 45's together and ended up with 90. Which I liked since there was a lot of length for error and creativity....) 4 inches will work as well, if you dont have 5- there was lots of wastage there.
I used my serger for this since it makes perfect non-bunched up seams. Sew RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER around 3 sides, leaving one of the 2 small ends open, unsewn. I sew'd off (wtf) a good inch on the final long side. I think it was too wide for my beads. It needs just enough room for a bead to go into...
Read on before sewing so you know what I'm talking about....
Finishing my 3rd side- see how nice the serger cuts and sews at the same time?
Now turn your necklace inside out. It looks like a tube snake!
It's time for your wooden beads. I found these on ETSY. 10 is all you need.
The necklace starts with a knot. Tie one around 10 inches (I just guessed this... no need to get your panties in a wad over it, just tie a knot somewhere) from the end with the sewn seam (leaving the open end of the snake OPEN to throw your wooden beads in to). Then add a bead. Then tie a knot. Then add a bead.... etc
The necklace ends with another knot after the last bead it put in. I made sure when tying the knots that the fabric was snug around the bead. I didnt lave any space for the bead to move up and down the necklace...
Now here is where you can get creative. I did not. On ETSY the chomping necklaces have cute matching ribbon to tie around your neck. I didnt have the time or the care to make it that pretty. I already have this length of fabric at the end so I used that:
I cut my fabric down the middle with no rhyme or reason.
Then chopped off one of the sides close to the knot.
I call the tied part around my neck shabby chic. Simple- Lachlan doesnt seem to mind, either:
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Can't Even Work Out
Not that I'm thrilled to go to the gym anyways, but now I cant even do that. Without feeling tremendous guilt. Not mommy-guilt. Nicotine baby absorption guilt.
I pranced into the gym today with Lachlan in my arms after just dropping his sister off at school. I was in charge of half of my usual amount of rugrats and feeling good. Until I opened the gym daycare door. I thought I just walked into a cheap bar. And the barmaid was sitting in the rocking chair, arms open to accept my child. It smelled like stale ciggie smoke! I thought a toddler was actually lighting one up it was so strong.
I set Lachlan in an Exersaucer as far away from last nights barmaid as possible. And I left, hoping the other girl in charge would take care of him... As I walked on my treadmill I could see in the windows of the daycare so I watched. And I watched Smokey pick him up! And he cried and cried. He snuggled his clean little baby face into her smelly clothes and fussed. I couldnt take it. I hopped right off the 'mill and went in there. Said, "Something came up." Grabbed him and bolted. I hadnt even walked a half mile....
I almost cried. I wanted to talk to the management but she was busy. I stood there awkwardly then left. But I am not through. I know the owner and my kids will never go when that lady is there again. Its called 3rd hand smoke (smoke that lingers on clothes, skin, and hair) and kids who are around it have nicotine in their little tiny developing baby bodies.
This is a daycare at a gym. Who goes to gyms? Health conscious people. Do you think we smoke? No. This to me in unbelievable. It makes me sick. I am doing something about it.
Other than that, I'm cool :)
I pranced into the gym today with Lachlan in my arms after just dropping his sister off at school. I was in charge of half of my usual amount of rugrats and feeling good. Until I opened the gym daycare door. I thought I just walked into a cheap bar. And the barmaid was sitting in the rocking chair, arms open to accept my child. It smelled like stale ciggie smoke! I thought a toddler was actually lighting one up it was so strong.
I set Lachlan in an Exersaucer as far away from last nights barmaid as possible. And I left, hoping the other girl in charge would take care of him... As I walked on my treadmill I could see in the windows of the daycare so I watched. And I watched Smokey pick him up! And he cried and cried. He snuggled his clean little baby face into her smelly clothes and fussed. I couldnt take it. I hopped right off the 'mill and went in there. Said, "Something came up." Grabbed him and bolted. I hadnt even walked a half mile....
I almost cried. I wanted to talk to the management but she was busy. I stood there awkwardly then left. But I am not through. I know the owner and my kids will never go when that lady is there again. Its called 3rd hand smoke (smoke that lingers on clothes, skin, and hair) and kids who are around it have nicotine in their little tiny developing baby bodies.
This is a daycare at a gym. Who goes to gyms? Health conscious people. Do you think we smoke? No. This to me in unbelievable. It makes me sick. I am doing something about it.
Other than that, I'm cool :)
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