We have ...

... and Elf on the Shelf!

His name is Sly and Bret and I enjoy it more than Magoo does. He showed up last year and decided to come back again this year.

When he first showed up in 2014

He flew in the on black Flriday.. A little early but to us that is the start of the Christmas season. This year since we are currently at my parents, My little Sister and Brother are enjoying looking around for Sly every morning. They read the story so they know not to touch him but that he is listening to them.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

 (Bret sang I came in like a wrecking ball,. No wait I came in like a dradle when we found him here) 

Day 5

Day 6

 So Far he has been pretty low key. I can't wait to see what else we come up with, Its hard for us to figure some stuff out because we have a dog and Magoo is 1 so he will want to touch him. Do you have an elf? What were some of your favorite things that he did?

Shorter post tonight, I'm so tired I'm falling asleep on my keyboard. I will have an update to the 30 before 30 soon!!

Until Next time...

Dear Joey...

I have been following your story closely for the past few weeks, the pictures of you snuggling your baby girl have a place in my heart that has grown since having my son a year ago. You are new to me and I'm sorry for that. I am almost ashamed to say I probably wouldn't be writing this blog if you weren't sick. I love country music, but I never came across your music (and you got me hooked). Your voice is amazing. You are very talented, and you obviously are doing something right to have a man by your side that loves you as much as Rory does.

I am writing this letter to you, and I am not trying to be a "bandwagon" fan, or someone that is trying to get in the lime light. that is so far from the reason behind this letter. . But at this time of your life, you are inspiring me as a mother and a wife. I have read countless articles about how strong you are. My son and I have added you to our prayer chain, every prayer helps right? I guess my main reason for this is because I want to share with my friends and family the story of a mothers love. Its obvious in the pictures of you with Indy how much you adore your little girl. 

You have fought, and tried your hardest, You did good momma. And luckily your little girl will have your songs to comfort her, and stories from Rory, and her aunts and uncles and cousins,siblings,  grandparents you name it. Now, I am not the end all be all of what everyone in the world that is following your story has to say. But for me and my family, you have showed us what it means to fight, and be okay with your next place. 

I have had family members that we have lost to cancer, it seems like there is at least one person in every family, doesn't it? I watched the video from when you rang the bell tonight, and I sobbed as you and Indy hugged the nurses and I want to thank you, because you have welcomed ME into your life, even if it is only for a brief time. You have taught me that time is precious. Moments with my son are moments that I will never get back. The one extra cuddle before bed, the stinky diaper in the middle of the night. The random hug and kiss while playing or the tantrum because he doesn't want his sock on while wearing his show. The stupid fights with my husband about who changed the last diaper, or who's turn it is to turn off the light before bed, and the big ones too because we are human. These are all things that need to be cherished. 

Because of you and your love for your husband and three girls, I am making a promise to you, My promise is that I will cherish my time with my son and husband. Because at the end of the day, time can come faster than we all realize. Even though you have come into my life near the end of yours, my heart is with you. I hope in your last days you have nothing but peace, comfort, and continue to be surrounded by your loved ones. And know that your fans both old and new are praying for you, You have gained 3 new prayer warriors.

"Never say goodbye, because goodbye means going away. And going away means forgetting"- Peter Pan,

Motherhood is...

...fishing your kids shit out of the tub.

Tonight was bath night. I attempt every other night with Magoo. He loved the bath, it was his favorite. Now? nope not going to happen. He starts to scream before i even get his clothes off. This is a new development. I think i figured it out though. A few weeks back while the tub was filling up he pulled the tab and on came the shower. Oh no no no no no, Magoo was not having that.

Tonight I tried a different tactic. Instead of running the water with him in the room, I started the water before he got in the tub, Well that worked, sorta. Once I got the water where it should be not too hot, not too cold. Just enough in the tub. now came the hard part. I had to undress the magoo, and then get him in the tub.

So I tried it slowly, I sat him on the side of the tub and wet his feet with the cup for a while. Then it was time to go. And he was not happy. He cried and told me ALL DONE. There is a video, I sent it to Nikki, it was so pathetic it was adorable. We had some cheering, and dancing and singing. and I was able to get him in the tub. It was great! Then he did it, there was a grunt, and floaters. Yep he took a shit right in the tub.*sigh* Now comes the fun part....

Of course I fished out the poo, Welcome to Motherhood, and you thought it was just diapers, vomit, and kisses. Boy were you wrong! This has happened twice at this point, which is no big deal. But this means I need to add more water. So we drain the tub and start the singing, cheering and dancing again. This worked through tears and screaming and more ALL DONE. But alas, Mommy won. Magoo got a bath, splashed, laughed, and had fun.

And as much as I hate to see my son cry, especially when it comes to his bath. I am that much happier that we were able to get him through the hard part... tonight at least. 

Tomorrow may be a different story. Only Time will tell.  

As always, until next time....

I had...

... A really good post.

It was, it was about how I don't know what do to get magoo to sleep through the night. But then I realized. This Mommy monday trend turns to what I am doing wrong as a mom.

Instead I wanted to take a break at what I need to work on as a mom and share a story about an experience I had at a resturaunt.

Bret Magoo and  I went to lunch yesterday. We went to a sports bar and grille so that we could get something to eat and Bret could watch some football. Now they were relatively busy being sunday and the eagles were playing. We were seated and orders were taken. Now I have a 1 year old. He has a short attention span keeping him happy and playing sometimes in a restaurant is a challenge. But we were doing pretty good. He was coloring we were waiting on our food. Once our meal came out he instantly took Bret's fries. Then saw I was dipping my fries in ketchup (yep im a dipper.. for everything)  So naturally he wanted to try it, Which I allowed. Of course as my luck would have it, the tvs all go out for literally a minute. thats it and of course that's when Magoo decides mommy is not cool for stopping the party he was having with the ketchup.

Let me stop here, I have younger sister and brother. They are 18 and 15 years younger than me . I know how it is to be out with kids and they have a melt down. If this has never happened to you, then you are from a different planet. I digress...

If it wasn't bad enough that magoo was screaming because i was wiping him off the only two tables by us who also had kids at them proceed to turn around and not only stare at us but shoot me dirty looks almost like "omg i cant believe you let your kid scream like that". I was embarrassed. Not because my kid screamed. He is 1, that is his way of communication. But because those people who i'm sure have been in our shoes chose to stare at us instead of going on with their lunch.

I just don't understand why that is the reaction they choose to have. Just ignore us. I know its hard but he didn't scream the whole time it was once because I stopped the ketchup party. Its not like you are missing the game. The tv was jacked up.

I can honestly say I have never shot a mom with a infant/toddler a dirty look. And its happened to me. They apologized and i told them not to even worry about it. And I am not that nice of a person.

I guess this was a vent to those people. You sucked in that moment when I was trying to calm down my toddler with your judgy looks.

Put your self in someone elses shoes for just a minute. You would want a little understanding.

Until next time..

Weaning my toddler...

... is hard.

Let me stop right here, before I go any further. This is MY decision. It is what was best for me and my family. In no way do I think that I am superior because I nursed. Actually there were times I envied moms that bottle fed. For ME nursing was hard, it wasn't a field trip. I just wanted to let it be known. Your decision on how you feed your baby is amazing. Whether it be bottle, breast or supplementing both. You are doing a great job mom, keep it up!

My little nursling just turned one on Friday, September 25, 2015. Now, I never thought that we would have made it this far nursing. Magoo and I have more than surpassed my thoughts of how long we would be nursing. He doesn't nurse all the time. Just in the mornings when he first wakes up. Most of the time its the comfort.  Because when we get into the kitchen he has milk.

I am trying, albeit not the most effective. But trying nonetheless, I said to everyone by the time he is one, thats it were done. But the reality is I enjoy the time with him. Mimi(my mom) and Daddy and uncle beard and Nana and papa can all dress him, change him, give him big boy food. But only I can nurse him and give him his milk, That time is for me and him. I work 40 hours a week. I love the quality time I get with him.

All that said, it makes me sad to stop nursing, because that quality time of just magoo and I will go
away. But it will be replaced by better things. Now comes the work on my end the weaning part. Im not sure even how to start. I need help with it. That is where i struggle the most. The idea of getting out of bed at 4 am to get milk (once in a while) does not sound like a good time.

So I guess I have to start looking at ways to wean from that last nursing session. As sad as it makes me. Its time for our family to stop nursing. I cant take the biting anymore!

Any advise? I'd love to hear it


As always, until next time....

To my son...

... On your first birthday!

Happy Birthday My Sweet boy,

I just peeked in on you in your bed. Your little eyes are shut tight and you are in dreamland.  I want to thank you. Before you came into your fathers and my life we didn't really have much purpose. Of course we love each other there is no question about that. But  once you came along we had a purpose. We are your parents, we were chosen. You picked us, and we are better people because of you. Magoo you are our first born and today on your first birthday I'm overcome with emotions. You and I have experienced so much together in such a short time. Some things I missed out on, like your first word. But I was there the first time you cried, and I was there for your first step, and the first time you crawled.

You have brought so much joy into my life I can't even explain it. One day when I am old you will understand how much you can love someone unconditionally. It is the best! I promise you that.. Mimi  told me how much I would love you. But she never told me how consuming it is to love your kids. You are on my mind from the moment I wake up until I go to bed. I miss you even when you are in the other room napping.

I remember or first time together alone. Just you and me in the hospital. I watched you sleep. I was amazed that I was able to bring someone so wonderful into the world. You have changed my world. Now it is full of giggles and hugs and kisses. Will strive to give you the life you deserve. With a puppy and a brother or sister (one day, maybe when you are 4. Deal?) and I can guarantee that you will have plenty of hugs and giggles and kisses.

Today we celebrate you. Wonderful  you.  The little Magoo that came into our lives when we needed you the most. And you are the best thing I have ever done in my entire life. I know you were in heaven with my angels before you  came to meet me. I will help you to know about them, they were wonderful people!

Magoo, today you are a whole year older. You will teach me more things than. I ever thought I would know. I cant wait to see what life brings you.

I loved you  then, love you still. Always have always will.

Happy Fist birthday Magoo!

Mommy

I'm a Mom....

...And its the the best job I have ever had.

I have posted about Magoo a few times here already, and I realized that I have never shared my birth story. So for this thrilling edition of Mommy Monday I will share it for you all. Some of you that read this know the story, Most of you don't, so get comfortable, this could take a while.

January 14, 2014 9:00ish (I don't remember the exact time but it was def in the 9 pm hour) PM

Bret and I were in the car and I said to him, I think I might be pregnant. Now I guess I should admit here that I had the worry every month that I was pregnant. I am paranoid. I'll admit it. He laughed it off and said then take a test. Now because of my paranoia I had tests just kinda hanging out. I told Bret its late and it will most likely be negative. They are always negative. plus its not morning pee which is always best when you are early pregnant has a higher HCG hormone level.

Well we got back our apartment and as luck would have it I had to pee. So I went into the bathroom and took the test. It was the longest 3 minutes of my life. I went back into the bathroom and looked at the test "Babe" I called Bret and then went " I think I'm going to vomit". He yelled back " don't mess with me" I said " I am not kidding, come here". Now we had a little bathroom with just enough room for one person at a time. i was leaning on the sink dry heaving. Bret looked at the test and went "okay cool" I looked at him "That's it, that's all you have to say. We are having a baby" He looked at me dead serious and said, " do you want me to be freaking out or something". "Yes join me wont you" I answered. I went to the living room and it said out loud a few times " we are going to have a baby, our lives will never be the same again."

Friday January 17,2014 (my 24th birthday)
We had just gotten done dinner and I said to Bret, I need to tell my mom. I cant keep it from her anymore. So i called my mom, and I bawled my eyes out. Her reaction was laughing. she thought i was kidding. Then I showed her the test on FaceTime. and it was real. I was going to be a mom. I was scared. I am still scared but I am kicking ass at it.



I saw this face for the first time and I was absolutely in love with my little Nugget.

He was so perfect even then. 

I didnt have a terrible pregnancy. I had to take the glucose test 3 times. It was horrible but I passed and that was a positive. I also had gallstones. If you have ever had gallstones throughout pregnancy, GIRL I know what you are going through, It is worth it once you have that baby in your arms. 

I was put on bed rest at 37 weeks. I worked in a call center for insurance and sat all day with no way to elevate my feet. I left work one Friday, and my socks were cutting off circulation. It was bad news. Bed rest was boring, but what we needed to keep Magoo cooking.

I was scheduled for my induction on September 25,2014. My mom was flying in that morning and with the swelling and high blood pressure they didn't want me to wait any longer, My Due date was September 26,2014. So at 5 am on September 25,2014 we got up i got dressed and we were off to have a baby 

So dark, but packed to the 9s

Everything was going really well, induction started at 6, water broken at 8, epidural (Yes I got one, no I don't feel bad about it. kindly respect that) at 12. Things were moving along smoothly. Mom was on her way from Tampa at this point everything was good. Around 3 my nurses ( I wish i could remember their names, I know one was Ruby.) said lets start pushing, in walked Mimi. I had two great coaches. Bret was right there the whole time he was great. When he took a break mom was there to keep me going. I wasnt resting much between contractions so I had oxygen. Magoo was doing great. The could see the head.

Fast forward 5 hours and multiple positions to push (while having an epidural. yep, I am a rock star) They said that he was face up and stuck, Around 7 I told them he wasn't coming "Come on baby big head we can do it" I kept saying. But I knew it wasn't going to happen. Bret was given something to eat. (thanks mom for getting the nurses to give him food) . 

I don't remember much after that. My epidural ran out and I was "making animal noises". It ran out at 8, they took me back at 9:20. I know they gave me some kind of pain medicine. Oxygen was the best thing ever invented, and the nurse was my best friend. I remember being wheeled into the OR, and getting the spinal block. Arguing with the anesthesiologist that I couldn't breathe and then I fell asleep. Next thing I knew they were saying "Lets get ready for a baby" And Bret was there.

I listened and listened. Then I heard it. The most precious sound in the entire world. I heard my son cry for the first time. Sitting here typing about it I'm welling up. It was the best moment of my life. suddenly there was another person in the room but no one opened the door.Bret was there He told me he was proud of me we did it, we had our son. And he was perfect.

 At 10:15 pm on Thursday September 25,2014 I became a mom. It has been the most rewarding and exhausting job I have and will ever have. On Friday this little nugget will turn one. I cant believe how fast this year has gone.I swear, he was just born, and now he is running around and laughing. Telling us all Ah Ah Ah while wagging his little finger and giving bear hugs.

Happy Birthday Baby Boy. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love you. Thank you for making me a mommy.

Until Next time....

sometimes I pump...

hey hey hey kids, i figured id go with the obvious here as a new mom that nurses. Sometimes, I pump! And let me tell you it is one of the most annoying tasks of nursing ever. I mean Magoo is sleeping so its not like he can nurse right now plus we nee to build the supply. but to be honest I'm not even sure I've been doing it right.

Magoo is gaining weight and we get great reports from his pediatrician but i never was given any helpful hints when he was born about making sure he was latched on and how long to nurse and all the right things to do. I don't know if this is more a mommy Monday type of blog but i couldn't care less. This week you're getting what ya get.  

I dont usually whip it out in public to nurse Magoo, I have been lucky enough to either feed him before or when we get home. Or I go to the family bathroom. I know it is my legal right to nurse my son wherever I am and be proud. But here's the deal. My choice to nurse is not your choice to see it happen. If you nurse in public that is awesome and I absolutely am in awe of you. I just could never get the nads to just whip it out.

Now dont get me wrong I have nursed my son at a restaurant right at the table as i ate we were covered and no one said a thing, if the would have well it would not have ended well, for them. But I just never was comfortable to do it while walking in a store that everyone knew what was going on. I have nursed magoo while he was in his ergo carrier so that no one could see.

I never had the day 1 second 1 here is how to latch and pump and make sure that you switch to the other side NONE OF THAT happened. My nurses were A JOKE. i still have some sadness when it comes to Magoo's birth. I will touch on that Monday, Long story short i felt like i was shoved in the back room and forgot about. I didn't even get to see MY obgyn, not even once. It was HORRIBLE.


Anyway back to where this all started. Pumping its not my favorite, I would rather just nurse.Its the time that I get with Magoo, no one else can do that for me. Its one on one time with my son we bond and its beautiful and I will never ever get that time alone with him ever again so I embrace it for everything it is worth. I don't know im literally rambling at this point about a subject that to me is a personal choice and i don't get into the you're great or you're terrible. Who cares what one mom does and another one doesn't do. We are all moms our choices for our own kids are great what ever they are. Love me or like me but I don't raise my kids to be how you want them to be. I raise them to not be little assholes you see on the street. and if that is done by nursing ever other one, well that's what I will do!

See this whole ramble session started because I had to pump and I didn't want to because its loud and sometimes it hurts and then the parts need to be cleaned and now its 11:04 at night and I just wanna go to bed. Good Lord what will happen when I really have something I was to get off my chest?

Until next time... Do good things!

Mommy Monday.. am I doing it all wrong?

Happy Monday, at least for the next 33 minutes on the East Coast of the USA. I thought today I would do a Mommy Monday. 

I am a new mom, I mean pretty freeking new still. Magoo is about 10 months old and I consider myself new until he is 1. I cant help but feel like I am a mediocre mom. Maybe mediocre is not the right word. I feel like I could be a better mom. I mean my son is happy, He eats and loves to play and has a ton of people that love him. I guess in the internet first world I feel like I'm doing it all wrong. 

Every mom is different for instance I nurse Magoo, but i was formula fed. We buy the store brand diapers but I was in Pampers, I never went to daycare and Magoo was in at 2 months old. I guess I feel like I should be a more hands on mom. I mean I am there with him every night when he wakes up to nurse, Yes he still wakes up once a night. No i dont need to know how you got our baby to sleep through the night at 6 weeks old. 

I guess there are things I wish my Magoo did that I dont know how to help him figure out. Like sleeping through the night, We are trying to "sleep train" So when he goes to bed after ive seen him for 2 hours it breaks my heart to let him lay there and not pick him up but only pat him and tell him that mommy is here. I feel like I am doing him a disservice by going in and comforting him. 

Eating, this boy will share his food with you and also expect you to share with him. He HATES the bottle. He is getting the liquid gold I pump twice a day at work but he suddenly HATES the bottle. So now we are trying to figure out how to get him to have his milk besides nursing. I'm mommy, I should know how to get him to take the bottle. Or at least how to get his milk intake up. 

Nursing has also been a challenge when I had Magoo I NEVER saw a lactation consultant. NEVER once. The nurses didnt even help me with nursing. I have been figuring it out all on my own. I guess  I am doing a good job Magoo is a whopping 20 pounds and is happy as a lark. 

I dont know I guess as a first time mom I'm supposed to feel like I'm failing because my son is happy and healthy and has two parents that would give their lives for him and a ton for aunts and uncles and grandparents that would do the same. 

You tell me, how did you feel as a first time parent. Please tell me that I am not alone. 

Until Next Time... Do Good Things!

Dude where have you been?

So it has been about 5 months since I "seriously" dedicated myself to blogging. I have had every intention to blog I promise. I've been busy Trying to catch up on sleep, and dealing with super strength heart burn, registering for cute little things. Reading books about some interesting things... 

Ya know what. I'll just post a picture that will sum up all the Dude where have you been questions. 

That's right kids. We are having a baby! Our son will be entering the world in September. 

Am I forgiven yet? 

I am going to make a serious effort to make some more blogs. Mommy Mondays, any hauls that we have I promise that I am going to try hard to blog again before this little baby is in college. 

Just wanted to do a quick blog post. Love your butts.