Hmmm, interesting...

Facebook Update:

Apparently, if you have put in a friend request and are waiting for approval from the other person/organization, once they approve you it is logged as activity to your account (even if it weeks later). So, my husband informs me that I have had activity on my facebook page even though I haven't seen hide or hare of it since Tuesday evening. Then, I had two people ask why/how I slipped up?! They thought I had gotten on my page b/c of the apparent activity that shows up... 

Anyway, I guess I just wanted to say I am being framed! I really haven't gotten on my page. 

Drapes:

Oh and I am going to make some dupioni (lined) pinch-pleat drapes for my living room and some cotton (lined) pinch-pleat ones for our keeping room. If you have any experience you want to share or any materials left over from a project like this you want to get rid of let me know. The only things I really need is the lining and some buckram. Oh and of course the actual fabric.  The keeping room ones are kind of my trial run since that room is more casual than the living room.

Day 2 - check

I haven't logged on facebook for 2 days now! In some ways it is harder than I thought and in others it's easier. 

Outfit #2

I love navy and red. It's a tad dark for summer but I couldn't help myself. The pants are the same stripe fabric as the dino...

Comps

I thought it would be fun to compare Chambers growth to Moseley's at his age.

                Chambers    Moseley

birth:       8lb 8oz/21.5"   8lb 13oz/21.5"

2 weeks:     7lb 15oz/?        9lbs 8oz/22"

1 month:    9lb 8oz/?         10lb 5oz/24"

2 months: 12lb 11oz/24"  13lb 8oz/24.5"

Chambers is holding out in the 75% while Moseley was/is always off the charts. Interesting to see the difference in two breastfed boys from the same parents. Stay tuned for more comparisons :)

T-R-O-U-B-L-E and Ash Wednesday

First off, Happy Ash Wednesday. Or un-happy Ash Wednesday as today (at 12am) began the season of grief. Today is the first day of my facebook abstinence. Some of you think that I am nuts giving it up because maybe you don't spend as much time on it as I do (or maybe you clearly understand). Well, let's just say I have a blackberry... and I mobile facebook a lot! Anywho, I am having a hard time already. I know I can do this but I feel as if I am missing everything! The whole point of the "sacrifice" is to turn toward God. We also fast to turn inward and give Mite Boxes to turn to our neighbor. 

Second, I am not sure what has come over my son. This morning he takes off his underwear to go potty (he MUST take them all the way off and launch them across the room) and declares "fly you panties." It was so funny. Then after he tee-tee'd he did this happy dance buck naked (pausing mid-dance to say cheese).

Third, here is the first of three outfits I have made Moseley for his Spring/Summer wardrobe. (Katie, you might remember this fabric - I was going to make pants for Mose last year with these).

I've done it now...

I gave up face-crack, I mean,  facebook for the Season of Lent.

Why? Well, for one thing, I can't drink because I am nursing. I can't eat chocolate because I am nursing. I can't drink caffeinated beverages... you guessed it... because I am nursing. So, there really wasn't much else to give up. Oh, and I really, really, really didn't WANT to. So that is enough of a reason to do it. I am hoping that by reflecting on God during the tempting time (oh, say, every 2 minutes) I will walk closer with Him. 

If you need to talk to me email me or post a comment. And if I miss anything crazy on f/b just don't tell me about it. It will hard enough imagining all the fun quizzes and "Notes" I could be posting about myself and my childhood.

What is Lent?

The word “Lent” comes from the Anglo-Saxon word lencten, or spring, the time of year when the days begin to lengthen. Lent itself is always the same period of time, but its starting date is tied to the movable feast of Easter and can be as early as February 4 or as late as March 10.

Lent is one of the most important seasons of the church year because it is a time of penitence, an introspective period during which we take stock of our lives and our relationships to discover and change what we must to prepare for Easter and experience the spiritual renewal that comes when we engage in this type of “making right” activity. So, during Lent we each follow the example ofJesus by sacrificing our own will to the purpose of God.

Starting on Ash Wednesday, the Lenten season includes 40 weekdays and five Sundays before Holy Week and the culminating triumph of the Resurrection at Easter. Lent has two major focuses:

• The first is on baptism, which in the early church occurred only at Easter. The Sunday readings provide a short course on the meaning of baptism.

• The second Lenten theme—one with which most of us are now more familiar—is that of fasting and renunciation. This theme recalls Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness, and through them the discipline of self-denial reflecting the sacrifice of our will to the purpose of God.

Tuesday, February 24, is the final day before the Lenten fast. This day is variously recalled in the celebration of Carnival (“farewell to meat”) which concluded on “Fat Tuesday” or Mardi Gras, and in Shrove Tuesday’s pancakes (consuming the eggs, milk and fat not allowed during the fasting of Lent). “Shrove” Tuesday refers to the ancient practice of being “shriven” (confessing and receiving absolution) in order to begin and keep a holy Lent.

Fun Fact: In the Episcopal Church, we don't say Alleluia during Lent. Why? Because Jesus hasn't risen yet, duh! From Easter day to Shrove Tuesday of the next year you can say Alleluia because we assume that he's already risen. I told you it was fun!

It's Amazing...

...how much I love Moseley the same as always but have enough room to love this little guy also. Chambers is my little sweetheart. While Moseley is off trying to figure out the world, Chambers and I have quiet together-time. Moseley has and always will be an independent soul. He likes to explore and he LOVES other people. Chambers (for now) is a snuggler. He is ok by himself in a swing or bouncy seat but just lights up when someone is holding him. Words can't describe how much I love this little guy. Btw, I totally snatched this pic from Pullen All-Nighters (thanks Aunt Alli).

It was a good day and a bad day... (extended version)

Saturday morning Kevin, the boys and I headed to Target to grab a new heater for Chambers' Room as well as some new big boy underwear for Moseley (Thomas theme, of course). 

As a side note: When Moseley woke up that morning we put some regular boys underwear on him and left the house. He didn't have one accident all day long! We let him sleep in a diaper even though a lot of times he wakes up dry. We just aren't ready for that!

When we got home from our very fun trip to Target, Nonna and Pop were in the driveway (they were staying until Sunday) and Moseley freaked out in excitement. Nonna and Moseley went outside and played very hard. At lunchtime, some friends of ours, Stephen and Agya, came over and brought some delicious Jambalaya and Gumbo from Seafood Joe's. Kevin's parents had brought some Whitt's barbecue so we had a feast of food for lunch. 

The Ross Bridge Nail Spa had it's grand opening this week so some neighborhood friends and I had made appointments awhile back to get pedicures at 2p. Brooke walked up to get me and we walked over to the Nail Spa to meet Jeannie. It was heavenly. The place is brand new and so clean and the pedi itself was wonderful. They even paraffin-ed our feet! Afterwards I met Kevin, Stephen and Agya at The Sweet Stop at Ross Bridge for some ice cream. Nonna and Pop were watching the boys back at home. 

After Kevin and I got home, Kevin went to take a nap (he has baby duty every Friday night). The boys were sleeping so Nonna and Pop kept me company while I cut out some patterns for Moseley's "Spring/Summer Wardrobe." 

Another side note: I needed some cute play clothes for Moseley but just couldn't find what I wanted. I still put him in bubbles and John-Johns when he isn't at school (he just turned two!) but that isn't very conducive to using the potty by yourself. So I decided to just make his spring/summer clothes. As soon as I get the shorts finished I will post pictures...

My three boys all woke up from their naps just in time for us to go eat at the Brightstar in Bessemer. Although we haven't gone in a few months, it's a tradition for us to go eat at the Brightstar with Kevin's parents. It was fun and the food was good but Moseley was acting funny. Halfway through dinner he says, "I want my lovey and go night-night." Since he had just woken up a few hours before we weren't sure if he was just bored or really tired. But he kept laying his head down on the table and saying he wanted to go to bed. 

Once we were done eating we loaded up the cars (we had to take two) and Nonna, Chambers, Moseley and I were in my Volvo. As we are driving down Shannon Road (which has few houses on the end by Hwy 150) I mentioned to Nonna that I was driving really slow b/c I am always afraid deer will run out in front of me.  She said that it was likely and I proceeded at a turtle's pace (25-30 or so). Then, 2 large deer come bounding out in front of us and cross the road. I missed them and slowed down but then pointed them out to Moseley b/c he loves animals. Then a third even larger deer darts in front of us and I had to slam down hard on my brakes to avoid hitting him.  I had a mild heart attack and then the phone rang. Kevin was driving behind us, saw the whole thing, and knew I would be shaken so was calling to check on me. Needless to say I drove at a snails pace the rest of the way home.

When we finally pulled into the driveway we were still talking about the deer incident. I turned around and unbuckled Moseley's car-seat belts b/c he climbs out himself now and he vomits. Then, he vomits again. By the third time I had my hands held out to catch the cascading vomit. Moseley was so upset and scared but after we got him cleaned off and upstairs he had calmed down. He wanted to go to sleep immediately so we let him. 

Moseley never threw up again but this morning woke up burning up hot with a high fever. It was easily controlled with Tylenol but then he had some "other-end" issues to deal with. I don't think he's ever dealt with that and you could tell he was uncomfortable. Especially since he wasn't sure why he wasn't making it to the bathroom in time to potty. We just encouraged him to keep going potty and he only had a couple of accidents all day and only one of them was tee-tee (that was early this morning when he felt his worst). 

Update: I think his fever has broken so hopefully we are on the mend... 

PT Update

It's day four of Potty Training and we are doing so well. He goes tee-tee every time we sit on the toilet. Today he came home (at 1pm) in the same pull-up that he put on when he woke up... without wetting it. And he is going to the bathroom for his teachers!

We still have to work on going during nap/bedtime and traveling but so far so good! I am very proud of my big boy, he is a lot more mature than I give him credit for.

Maids of Mirth

Saturday morning (Feb 14th) Kevin, the boys, and I headed to Mobile to celebrate Mardi Gras.  We went this weekend because the MOMs parade was Saturday night and it is usually a great parade b/c they throw lots of child friendly items (toys, cups, candy - no panties :) We got to Mobile at 3pm (via the gorgeous backroads of Alabama) and got ready to go downtown. We always go to the Athelstan Club to eat dinner and stand during the parade because they have several balconies and a stand on the parade route - you can't beat the view! We decided to stand on the 2nd floor balcony because we weren't sure how Moseley would respond. This is not his first Mardi Gras but you never know how a 2-yr old will react. He was wary at first but then completely broke free. By the end of the first parade (there were 2 in a row) he was yelling and waving his arms around. It was too fun. Chambers mellowed out the whole time in his car seat except when people would stop to talk to him.

This was also Valentine's day so when we got to Mobile Kevin gave me a dozen of the prettiest white roses. He also bought me a pair of cool Thai earrings and a Vera Bradley ballpoint pen to match my new Vera Bradley Diaper bag. It was so thoughtful! Since we didn't have time to have alone time on Saturday we had a classy meal at the Waffle House Sunday morning CHILD-FREE. My momma watched the boys while we indulged in some greasy breakfast food. 

Watching the policemen on motorcycles do donuts in the street.

Moseley too enthralled by the festivities to look at the camera

Cheese!

Moseley and Kevin and the Athelstan Stands below us (the lit up crown). That's where we will stand next time since Mose loved it so much.

Potty Mouth

Potty training began this morning. 

Moseley woke up and he immediately wanted to sit on the potty and read. So we did and we were handsomely rewarded (that is as graphic as I will get). So, I thought this is the day we will begin the big "PT." The day went pretty well. He definitely had some accidents in his big boy underwear. But he also used the bathroom many, many, times. 

He seems to be able to control the flow, so to speak, when he tries but not the habit of just going when he feels necessary. So he will start to tee-tee in his pants and then yell "mamma, toilet" and finish going on the potty. I guess it will just take time before he recognizes beforehand that he is about to go? By the way, we have no problems with going #2, go figure.

So, we will continue down this path until it takes hold. I think I will need some more underwear though, I only have 6 pairs. 

Any advice you bloggers want to give me would be great...

Below are the potties we have: Total spent on both was about $15 so if you have any suggestions for better ones let me know, it won't put us out financially.

First Stages, 3 in 1. This is our portable one. It is so small and light. This is where we do our tee-teeing.

The First Years, Soft Potty. This is where we sit and read upstairs long term. It has a cushy seat so is softer. But, it's hard for Moseley to climb up onto the toilet even with a step stool which is why we use this one sparingly.

What I can't Live without (part 2)

More of the things I love!! 

1) Bob Revolution Duallie - This thing pushes itself!

2) Sling Rider - I am sure there are lots of awesome slings but this is the one I have and love. It's super padded around the shoulder strap and I have even nursed Chambers while wearing him at the park. That was super sneaky!

3) Kiddopatamus SwaddleMe - Chambers goes to sleep immediately when he is swaddled in this. It's his signal to sleep.

4) WubbaNub - We love this pacifier b/c it helps keep the paci in Chambers' mouth especially when he is in motion (i.e., swing). Thanks Katie for giving this to us!!

Things I Find Funny

From The Lonely Island (seen as a Digital Short on SNL):

From Flight of the Conchords:

Can you tell which Valentine is which?

#1) Is this Moseley or Chambers?

#2) Is this Moseley or Chambers?

Happy Valentine's Day!

Tomorrow is the big V-day. And because Kevin and I will spend most of the morning crammed in a car with a 2 year old and a 2 month old I want to take this opportunity to tell him (publicly) how much I love him. 

Kevin, 

You are my very best friend. Not only have you always listened to my problems, issues, crazy ideas and stories, but you have also been there to witness them. And for some reason (unknown to me) you continue to punish yourself by being there for more. Many people do not know that on our 3rd date I told you I was going to marry you. It was love at first sight for me in 2001 and although you should have run away fast, you didn't. You stayed and we are making a beautiful life together. I thank the dear, sweet Lord everyday for giving you to me. I love you more with every day that passes. I love the way you hold your baby boys as if they'll disappear if you look away. I love the sound of Moseley's voice when he is excited you are home from work. I love how Chambers smiles at you as if he knows the trouble you two will get in. I am thankful that you have such a good work ethic and you work so hard to provide for us. I am also thankful that you would rather be home and so hurry back to us when you can. I am thankful that you gave me such wonderful children to love and care for. Oh and by the way, thank you for taking over baby duty every Friday night so I can catch up on sleep or write sappy love notes to you like right now...

To my one and only, to my KELVIN, I love you so much. 

Love, Jessica

Some pictures of one of the happiest days of my life - our wedding.

Cutting the Cake: Kevin then proceeded to serve the cake to all our guests b/c he didn't know that someone else was coming to do it. Funny guy!

We had a cocktail after party for our friends the night after our wedding. We had a daytime wedding so it worked.. 

The after party: the girls taking all of my hair down: I had a LOT of hair!

2 Month Check-up

Chambers had his two month check-up this morning. He is growing like a weed. He is 12 pounds 11 ounces and 24 inches long. 

He was given 5 vaccines, one oral and 4 shots. He did the silent cry for a half a minute before he started to scream his head off, it was so sad. He has been sleepy today just as I expected. 

What I can't live without (part 1)

As a breast-feeding mom I have everything I need to sustain my baby's life on me at all times. But, I am also a mom to a 2-yr old so I can't always be there as quickly as I want. Below is a new mother's ode to the products that make her life easier!

1) Itzbeen Baby timer - helps me remember how long it has been since the last feeding/diaper change/meds, etc. Also, during the day I wake Chambers to eat every two hours with the exception of his afternoon nap. This amazing timer has an alarm function you can set to blink or beep. Why wake a sleeping baby? Because he sleeps 9-10 hours at night and I am so afraid he isn't going to get the nutrients he needs...

2) Medela Pump In Style - The Metro Bag - I bought this when I had Moseley and it is still going strong. I love this thing and already have a freezer-ful of milk!

3) Dr. Browns Bottles - these are great for those Friday nights when Kevin takes over baby duty. Even though Chambers sleeps 9-10 hours, Kevin lets me sleep in on Saturdays!

The Sweet Stop at Ross Bridge

Most of you know we live in a community called Ross Bridge. It's amazing and very much like a little Fairytale Village. I will be posting more on that later but I wanted to share with you our newest obsession. 

The. Sweet. Stop.

It's an Ice Cream parlor/Candy store/Bakery and is fabulous. The best part is, you can see it from our house. It is just on the other side of the park which is across the street from us. Most sunny and warm days we head to the park after nap time and then after we play for awhile we go to the sweet stop for an Ice Cream Cone or Milkshake.

Moseley, Joey and Libby enjoying treats at The Sweet Stop.

More Christmas

"Moseley on the front porch waiting for Santa to visit the neighborhood.

My nephew, Bancroft, and Moseley on the stairs waiting to see the presents!

Bancroft, who is 10, is embarrassed to associate with a 2 yr old :)

"Can we get on with this?"