Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Evenings

Most evenings when it's nice out or I don't feel like I'm going to fall over from exhaustion, we walk around the neighborhood. He likes to listen for airplanes, pick up acorns and look for any sort of creature. The kid would rather walk so we rarely use the stroller.

Last night, he decided to take a few friends along.


"Baby Puma" and "Baby'' the musical lion decided to watch the neighbor cut the grass.

 He carried them like it was his duty. 
Well, that was until he found a patch of acorns he wanted to play with.

 Poor baby puma and baby got tossed aside. Abandoned. Luckily for them, they had each other. In fact, this next picture might not be G rated....look away if you must.
 They were reunited once again.

 Then, we went to the backyard to let him run off some energy. I then learned that the kid now knows how to open the darn gate and decided to make a run for it into the common ground. So, after I wrangled him, we picked a few pears from the tree back there and he enjoyed his 'apple.'

Hmmm, I wonder why I'm so tired.

If anyone has any great pear recipes, I'd love to hear them! I'm not a big pear fan but these are some darn good pears!

Monday, September 19, 2011

Ten Truths For Today

1. Toddlerbed 2011 has continued on without much of a fight or the world ending which I was sure  was about to happen when things started out so smoothly. I won't lie and say that it's been easy and that he's slept well but I think it's more related to him being a wound up, full of energy, molar sprouting toddler (seriously, this child is the slowest teether, ever!) than moving him to a new bed. He's been uh, more full of energy lately, if that is at all possible and hard to get to wind down. Period. Toddler bed or crib, he's just a bundle of energy. Does anyone know how to get some of that because I can't keep up!!

I'm so proud of him though as nothing has every been simple or easy for that kid and it makes me smile to see the person he has become.

2. Salted Caramel Mocha. Move over pumpkin spice latte...because this is the most fabulous creation ever to be invented. If you don't see any posts for a while, it's because I had to get a 2nd job to pay for my newest addiction.

3. My child took a bite of my deodorant last week.

4. I wish I could say that last thing was not true but it is. My kid has Fresh Scent breath and my deodorant has teeny little teeth marks that I see every morning. At least, it makes me smile.

5. He also continues to call everything puppy do-do. On Sunday, we took a trip to Barnes and Noble while I browsed the Nook covers (which I am a new owner of and LOVE) and he played with the trains (which of course, he loves.) A kid came over and started playing and passed gas really loudly. He, being 5 (at the oldest,) turns to Brady and says, 'It's okay, that was just my butt making noises.' I then realized, that the puppy do-do is the least of my worries and something I'll be living with the rest of my life.

6. I told Brady we were going to Babies R Us the other day and he looked confused because since we practically live at Target. I told him it was babies store. He seemed upset when we walked in and  I couldn't figure out why. It dawned on me that he calls all kids, babies, and I think he thought I was taking him to a place where there would be 'babies' to play with. Since then, we've been looking into daycare and preschools to send him and most likely will be sending him part-time starting in November. I think he'll still go to Nana's once a week and the current sitter will stay with him once a week too to keep her in his life for a bit.

7. I know understand why parents cry on the first day of school. I know that I'll be all tears dropping him off somewhere else for the first time but I know he's ready...I just have to get there too.

8. Then, I think of think of the 'testing the limits' kinda stuff he has done lately and I get less sad. Dumping half a container of Oregano on my just freshly mopped floor (what is with this kid and the darn baking supplies,) selective hearing, climbing on the window sills, climbing onto the kitchen table, ok, climbing on everything, coloring on anything other than paper, ripping up a newspaper...ok, you get the point.

9.  Then, I reailze that in 5 weeks,  my baby, the teeny tiny little creature who eats deodorant, will turn two. I can't believe it but each day, I look at him and amazed at who he has become. The kid has more personality that some grown adults and I think that is what I love about him most..well, besides the part about him being my child. I used to hate the thought of him growing up but as he gets older, I find that parenting gets more enjoyable (not easier, ha!) and that I of course, love him more. While this age has new challenges, I really enjoy this age and the excitement in his eyes. I think this will be the most exciting holiday season yet.

10. Reading this post makes me tired. No wonder I've developed an addiction to coffee.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Back to Beauty with Eversave: A giveaway

The new SJP movie,"I Don't Know How She Does It opens September 16th and there are many scenes in the trailer  that very closely mirror my life. There is a scene where she is lying in bed compiling her ever growing to-do list. As a mom, a busy working mom who is away from my house 50 plus hours a week, I have found myself doing this all while trying to check off half that list and attempting to fall asleep.
                         
I used to wonder how some moms just seem to have it together all the time.  After two years knee deep in the trenches, I have learned that the 'doing it all' thing doesn't exist. Just because I know it's not humanly possible to 'do it all,'' I can't help but wonder how the mom behind me at Target seems to have it together while my child is attempting to hurl himself from the shopping cart and I'm busy wiping snot off my shirt with my cell phone in one ear trying to put out yet another fire at work all while attempting to re-avert my child back into said cart without injuries or tears shed. 

When I convinced myself that we all struggle to 'do it all' (even when some appear that they have yet to change an explosive diaper or pulled a booger the size of a basketball out of a 28 pound toddler,) I found myself putting less on my plate. Sometimes, I literally find myself saying, 'screw the dishes,' to run outside or  to just be okay living with a little clutter so that I can sneak a cat nap in while the toddler has finally stopped moving for ten seconds. 

At the end of the day, I'm exhausted and am craving some much needed 'me-time.' At the end of the day, this 'me-time' could come in almost any form, a glass of wine, a run around the block or getting lost in a good book but as long as I get some time in, I can get through everything and could almost do it all. I can be my own version of Super Mom! It refreshes me for the next long day ahead of me. I won't lie and say that I get much of that time (fifteen minutes is almost heaven) or that I don't end up sound asleep without reading a single word but devoting some time to myself saves my sanity. Last month, I snuck away and got a much needed haircut and I felt like a new momma woman! Heck, it was like a mini vacation for me!
                              
  
Today, Eversave is co-hosting a Blog Carnival with Audrey McClelland, author of "The Digital Mom Handbook' and throughout the day she will be posting tips from mom bloggers on how they 'do it all!" So, head over to MomGenerations to see how other mom's 'do it all!' 
'Eversave surveyed over 700 moms and 35% percent said they find time for themselves once a month and their preferred way to spend that time is pampering themselves with manicures, facials and other spa treatments. That is my kind of me time!'
Once a month, ladies! Once a month? I know we are all busy but we can do better than that even if it is a few minutes here and there and I can help. 

For all the mom's who 'do it a'll', Eversave is offering spa-centered deals today! Check out what today's save is in your area so you can get "Back To Beauty!'' 

For my St Louis, mommas, today's save is fabulous. Get a spa mani-pedi for $29 at Color Fx in Kirkwood (a $60 value!) If you are new to Eversave, you can get it for a bit cheaper with $3 off your first purchase! 

Eversave is giving away a mani-pedi for one St. Louis momma and two friends at Color Fx! 

To enter:
Please comment on this post and tell me how you find time for yourself or your favorite 'me-time' activity. 

For extra entries:
Follow Eversave on Facebook
Follow Eversave on Twitter
Subscribe to Eversave
Follow me!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Paper Coterie Winners!

The winners of the Paper Coterie Giveaway are...

Ladies...get ready.....
chambanachik
Nicoleodeon
Trisha
Shawna 
Trish
Danielle
Joline
Katie 
Jessica
N,

Shoot me an email and I'll send you your code! Congrats!

Big boy

My baby tucked in all his 'babies' 
 Mommy removed seven of them as ten babies in one bed does not make room for a Brady.
 We did out nightly routine. 'Blue baby', Ernie, Elmo and Brady all got kisses from momma.

Somehow my baby boy grew up, sleeping in his 'big boy' bed for the first time. Sniff Sniff.

I have to say (as I knock on a lot of wood) that the first night went really well. He did wake up REALLY early but stayed in bed chatting to his babies about mommy, daddy, poopy and everything else he knows how to say.

I've been going back and forth on switching him for some time but when I found a spring from his bed late last week, I knew it was going to have to be sooner than later. The kid truly bounced the crap out of his bed and luckily before he catapulted himself right out.

Saturday (or the day I will deem as the day from hell) when he decided not to nap and had a momentous evening full of tears and wine (the latter for me, duh!) The next day, a friend loaned us a toddler bed. I almost waited until the weekend to try it out but after seeing how excited he was...we dove right in.


The true test will be naptime but until then, I am going to go knock on some more wood. 

Monday, September 12, 2011

We remember.

I was looking at our wedding pictures last night and it occured to me after looking at a series of pictures like this one, that there are seven people who are no longer here. While that is a sad and disheartening, I found a little comfort knowing that there was one day, we were all together. All in one room. 

                                  

On Saturday morning, Matt's family, friends and those who love him all gathered to celebrate what would have been his 30th birthday. We sent balloons up with messages of love, memories and life written across and held in our hands. We lifted them up and watched them float away silently. 



Brady sent up his own balloon too. 
Happy Birthday, Matt. You are greatly  missed in our lives. 


Saturday, September 10, 2011

Soap Time: Winner!

The Soaptime Giveaway winner is......

Katie!

Congrats, Katie! Shoot me an email!

True Random Number Generator  4

Thursday, September 8, 2011

My song of the moment.

Since I've started listening to Mat Kearney's new album, Young Love, I cannot get this song out of my head.   It just makes me happy. I like happy. 

 I sing it to Brady and he just laughs. Momma, he says to me as he tosses his head back in a chuckle, and I say, "Hey, Momma!'' 

It's a good change aside from toddler tantrums, Elmo and kid's music. I love how you can hear a song and it brings back a memory. I think this song will do that for our  Saturday morning dance parties, which I have to say, are pretty awesome. I find myself singing, "hey momma'' all the time which is kinda funny since my own child is chanting the same thing. I think he just has good taste in music.

The whole album is pretty awesome so I can't even say it is my favorite song because they all have such a different style to them that I can't just pick one. The whole album leaves me with a smile on my face! Mat, (you know, we are on first name basis right now since we spend so much time together,) has rejuvenated my of my love of music and I've finally updated my iTunes play list...one that is just for me but I think I can still share him with Brady for our dance parties.

Find Mat Kearney here, on Facebook, iTunes,

What is your song of the moment? Anyone else a fan of Mat?


Disclosure: I received the Mat Kearney “Young Love” digital album from the One2One Network. All opinions about the album are my own because I truly love this album. 

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

22 Months: These boots were made for walkin'

(I'm so late on this but before I forget, I have to write it all down!  Also, winners for the giveaways coming soon!)


Dear Brady,
This month has been amazing. I swear you grew up before my eyes this month because you are doing so many new things and jabbering up a storm.  I also swear you have lived in your rain boots, which oddly enough, we have not had much rain. Boots to Target, boots to the park, boots around the house. You love those things, well, you love shoes but those boots are a big hit. 
 You've always been a big help around the house but you've started really getting into helping mommy cook. You still love to help clean things like wiping down anything (even mommy) and sweeping.
 Somehow you literally got so big you can play on the playground by yourself. You shocked me because you normally would rather just run around and would rather stay for hours on end in the swing but you decided you wanted to go down the slide, by yourself. Of course, the day you decide to do this, we are at a park where the slide is very high and almost gave mommy a heart attack.

 We went to the zoo for the first time in a while and the excitement just grows each time we go. You ran around there with a big smile on your face. You sat and watched some of the animals like you were studying their every move. The snake is still a favorite but....
 the guinea pigs at the kid's zoo won your heart. You kept calling them puppies. You patted them so gently and when you noticed there was one just one on the other side but two...you were ecstatic. Sorry buddy, we are not getting one!
 It's been so hot we spent a lot of time outside in the water, which if you are outside, you are happy.
 We went to Grant's Farm and you picked up a few new words (DEECOCK!)

Speaking of your new words, you have so many I can't keep up. Yesterday, you said, 'school bus' which is another favorite thing of yours. You've also started calling me 'Mommy' instead of "momma' and while it comes out so stinking cute, it makes me sad. Sometimes you call me momma, mommy, amy, or even Momma Amy. That personality of yours sure is something!

You have started using more and more phrases too. You told Nana after she asked if you had pooped, 'No poopy, Nana!' Actually, a lot of your phrases have poopy, do-do or pee pee in them, which I'm sure will not get any better as you get older.

New words/phrases: Abby, Ernie, School bus, Puma, Peecock (deecock!), daddy's blue baby, blue owl (actually, blue anything), ice cream, 'uh oh, puppy pee', blue baby, puppy's baby, puppy's ball, elbow, puppy do-do, big ___ (big dog, big ball, big boo boo, etc), stinky, pew-wee poopy, mommy's all done, Bobby.

There are so many more that mommy is drawing a blank but it never ceases to amaze me what actually comes out of your mouth. You repeat the words that I would never expect.

You've also started saying, "I want ___." The past few nights, as we are watching Elmo, you jump up and run to the kitchen screaming, "I want Ba'  (banana) You are pretty much a bottomless pit and really started loving 'blue fruit' (fruit pouches) and love your 'blue milk' (the lid is blue!)
 You got into things you were not supposed to. Mommy's makeup, diaper creme, garlic salt (and mommy has the evidence for 2/3 of those!) You are a busy, busy bee and you never stop moving.

You've started this laugh where you crinkle your nose and laugh with your whole body. You think a lot of what Grandma's puppy does is just downright hysterical.
I always talk about how you love being outside, which of course you still do, but you gather and touch every single thing possible. Pine cones, acorns, pine tree branches. You of course see anything not green and call it "Puppy do-do,' which is not my favorite new phrase you've picked up. I've deemed you the neighborhood maid. You take any newspaper, sticks, acorns on the side walk and throw them into the street or grass. 

 You are a nature boy at heart. You found the one patch of dirt in our yard and sat and played for a while which doesn't happen often as you tend to move from one thing to the next pretty quickly.
 We've always looked for the 'kitties' on our walks but you've decided that all cats are now called, pumas. You decided to look for the "Puma's'' under those blocks.
 You had your first trip to Build-a-Bear and guess what animal you picked out? A puma! You wanted to carry the box but the thing weighed more than you! Puma, along with Elmo and Ernie sleep with you every night.

Let's talk about your little friends, Elmo, Ernie and Abby are the most used words in this house and the most loved. You decided this month you are completely head over heels for Elmo. When Mommy brought home a little stuffed Ernie, you're eyes lit up so bright. You immediately ran over, picked up Elmo and said, "Ernie, Elmo' over and over, like you were introducing them.

You get blissfully excited over anything with wheels. Cars, trucks, buses, airplanes, even the mailman. Each time you see one, it's like you see one for the first time. You play with your cars, trains and arts/crafts most often. You love to color and play with play dough. You probably spend half of your day coloring. You know the color blue and it's used in half of your phrases. In fact, you've called a few kids at Target, "blue baby.'

That is what cracks me up about you, your attention to the details. We were at Target and you saw a Gatorade, which the sitter always brings with her and you pointed to it and said her name. You know how to unlock mommy's phone and turn the computer on. You don't miss a thing, my dear. 
Whew. See buddy? You have grown so much this month and as we move into a new month, I can't believe you'll be two in two short months. I say all the time how much you light up our lives but at this age, I feel like there is nothing greater then watching you experience all the joys in life.  Nothing is better than that.

Love you, bubs.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

The day that Paper Coterie made me cry!

I got my package from Paper Coterie.

It led me down memory lane. Oh, boy! I got out all the tiny little items I wanted to put in his memory keeper...oh boy.

 I put in invites from baby showers, the card from the ultrasound tech (she had what he weighed at 17 and 21 weeks since we had to have an extensive ultrasound), many ultrasounds, cards of wishes from my shower, 'First' cards from holidays, his Happy Birthday to You book (we used as his guest book at his 1st Birthday party) and card from the nurses in the NICU. I also added a newborn diaper, binky, first birthday invite, first Christmas card, birth announcement and his take home outfit. I'm surprised it all fit and that will openly admit that I might be a candidate for the hoarders show.
 It's perfect. Then, I cried.
 How did my tiny baby get so big? These were around his legs! Oh, sniff, sniff.
After I was able to contain myself, I remembered I ordered something else! I also ordered him a ABC book, "About me A to Z!'' He is really into letters and loves books so I know he will love this. It came in a cute little package.
 You can add pictures of things you want and add pictures of your child. Most of the pictures match up to the letter on the page (except this one just because I love it!)
Just a reminder that today is the last day for the $40 credit. Use code “BeginAnywhere” AND don't forget to enter my giveaway for $40 credit and FREE SHIPPING!


I warned you. It might make you cry.

Honestly, I loved both but the memory keeper shocked me at how much I loved it. I could not bear to throw those things away and having kept them aside somewhere, a few things got wrinkled.  I'm beyond thrilled that we now have a special place to keep them and know exactly where to find them if I decide I want to make myself cry again. 



I love that we can keep it on a shelf in his room and I might get one for each year since as you can see, I save everything. 














disclaimer:  I was not compensated for this post but I received product in exchange for this review. The opinions, thoughts and even the tears are my own.  

When I grow up.

Life has just been passing by and I try to catch up with it but it runs way too fast and always in the same direction.

I got a job yesterday. Then, I had to turn said job down. I was left feeling frustrated and upset because I really wanted to take the job but it was a steep pay cut we can't really afford right now. I try to find the positive in it but it can be hard when things never seem to go your way. I quickly made myself snap out of it because I am blessed for what I have. While that is not easy to do and while it sounds so cliche to even say, it's very much true. I think of the people we miss, the people who desperately need work, or even my dear friend, who is going through hell right now.

That always stops the pity party but I am often led in the a wonder less direction.

Where do I go from here?
How can you be lost in this digital age? Get out your damn smart phone, woman!
What do I want to be when I grow up?
Wait, Amy, I thought you were grown up? 


I am grown up, right? I mean we own our own home (actually, nope, the mortgage company does,) own my car (wait, again, the bank owns it still,) and have a child (uh, I hope the bank doesn't own him too!) As a child I defined 'grown-up' as someone having those things but I often think to myself, 'Ha!' your are far from a grown-up! You don't even know what you wanna be when you grow up!'

I think back to what seems like a lifetime ago, to the dreams I so bravely and naively would conjure up inside my innocent mind. Doctor, curer of world hunger, farmer of money trees and a mom to a litter of kids.

So, besides the whole doctor, curing world hunger and growing money on trees thing, I am who I wanted to be when I grew up.

Momma
Mommmmeeeeeeee
Ma-Ma
Mom
Even Momma Amy.

As a self-proclaimed fastest diaper changer in the Midwest, a toddler distracting extraordinaire and a boo-boo kisser, we all know it cannot pay the bills. (Now, if I could only get paid for every dirty diaper I've changed or boo-boo I've kissed)

I could go on to say that your position a mom in fact does get paid, in kisses and the reward of watching this creature grow from a gummy bear to a live talking, running, mischievous child (too bad I can't pay those banks in kisses!) but while it may be true, it does not put food in that child's belly and bills cannot be paid with monopoly money (though I think we'd all be rich if that were true!)

I still find it a struggle with where to go from here because my most important position I'll ever hold is that butt wiping, boo-boo kissing role as a mom but that doesn't mean my other job isn't important too. I work because well, we like to be able to pay those banks but I have worked hard to get myself through school and to where I am now. I think my ideal situation would be to work part-time, even if I could afford to not work. It took me a  while to realize that I do indeed like working, I just don't like the stress that comes with holding multiple positions.

When I first went back to work and as I adjusted to that new role as this constant juggler, I felt like I was drowning and needed to be rescued. I thought being a SAHM was the answer but the more I dove deeper, I knew that it was all for selfish reasons. I was tired of juggling. I didn't sign up for all this overtime, especially unpaid!

As time went on and as Brady decided that sleeping was way better than partying all night, life got a bit easier in many ways. I have learned to be content with what cannot be changed and searching for what can be changed. I might not know where that may be or what other title that it may add to my ever growing list but I can tell you one thing, I'll figure it out one day. Maybe when I grow up. Until then, I have to remind myself to sit back and enjoy my most important place in this world.

As mom to this amazing little soul.





Please continue to pray for little Olivia. I'll be posting more information soon but she did not reach remission as hoped and the next step is a bone marrow transplant. Her momma is a dear friend and babies should not be allowed to get this sick. She goes into the hospital today for several tests and treatments. Please keep her in your prayers and that they find a match. 

Sunday, August 28, 2011

How To Bake With A Toddler

Recipe adapted from the life of an active toddler:
1. Take off your pants. Wearing shorts must not be suitable for baking. 
2. Draw on legs, face and hands with markers. This has nothing to do with baking, it's just fun.
3. Put on rain boots.
4. Pour in the ingredients.
5. Put your hands in and mix it all up. 
6. Take the spatula mommy hands over to stir. She tells me to use the spatula but it's way more fun to put my fingers in it. 


7. Stir. A LOT.
8. Throw some on the floor.
9.  Throw yourself down on the floor when mommy says we are all done. 
     

 10. Enjoy!

Brady loves to cook and while he is good at 'helping,' his recipe won't really get you a nice yummy cake so here is an easy recipe for play dough!


No bake play dough recipe:
  • 1 c. water
  • 3 c. flour
  • 1 1/2 c. salt
  • 1/4 c. oil
  • Food coloring (if you choose to add colors!)
Combine ingredients in bowl and mix. Add more flour if mixture is too sticky. Store in a plastic zip-lock bag.




Saturday, August 27, 2011

Friday, August 26, 2011

Begin Anywhere: Paper Coterie Giveaway!

I wanted to post this asap as there is not many days left in August! I placed an order and will post a review once I receive it, which I can hardly wait for the package to arrive!  I've seen several friends that have recently order books through Paper Coterie and I was so excited to find that I was given an opportunity to give you a chance to try them out! 


Paper Coterie has photo books, journals, guest books (great for weddings and birthday parties,) growth charts, decor and more! 


August is officially “Begin Anywhere” month for Paper Coterie, as their gift, your can enjoy $40 to spend during August with the code “BeginAnywhere” 

Hurry! It's only good until August 31st so go there now! 

I truly went back and forth what to order! I mean for hours...I could not for the life of me decide because I really wanted everything! I'm big on saving everything (and I think it's gotten worse since I've had a child!) No, don't call "Hoarders'' on me quite yet! 


Memory Keeper: This is a great way to store important memorabilia, papers or pictures. I'd like to order one for some things I have saved from our wedding and for all the things from Brady's birth (his teeny tiny footprints, teeny tiny hospital band, and all the other tiny things I put aside.)


An adorable growth chart! There are so many of them, I could hardly choose which one I liked best. I absolutely love that they are personalized and think this would make a fabulous baby gift for someone!

One of their many photo books but in particular one of the ABC Book's since Brady is very much into learning about them! I think he would love looking at this, especially since it can be personalized with pictures of things he likes and pictures of him and those he loves!  

They also have an @ Book which I plan to make after his 2nd birthday. It is a very clever way to remember all those things about him when he's TWO!

 I decided to order the memory keeper because I have so many things from the hospital and his first days of life that are so precious to me, I wanted a safe and special place to put them and it will be something I can pass along to him. I'll share when I get it! They also have one that is perfect for all of those pieces of artwork that gets sent home from school!






I have gift codes for $40 and free shipping to give away! 


To enter: 
Please tell me what you would get with your gift code! 


Giveaway will end September 1st at midnight! 




Disclaimer: I was provided products to review in exchange for this post. The thoughts, opinions are my own. I was a fan of them before this review. 

Soap Time: Review and Giveaway!

My child is a very, um,well, he likes to clean (which I hope sticks) and to be clean. He LOVES washing his hands, loves any sort of soap but I still worry about making sure they get washed well enough. We are introducing the potty and to me it's more of an important time to ensure hands get washed. 

When I heard about a product called Soap Time®, I was really excited to try it and I have to say, we loved it! I loved that it is a functional product that also teaches healthy habits. 


What is Soaptime®? It is a soap product that sits on a base that activates sound and lights when used. When the sounds and lights stop, that signals to the child that their hands are clean! It is recommended that we wash hands for at least 20 seconds and this is a great way to get kids to teach healthy habits! 


 The system includes 3 uniquely Themed Bottles: ABC, Earth, and Elephant, each recognized by the SmartBase®. ABC’s theme is language, Earth’s theme is nature, and Elephant’s theme is wild kingdom.  All bottles have educational themes narrated by Professor Goodhabits.  The music was written, produced, & recorded by Brian Vander Ark, of the Verve Pipe, which is pretty awesome in my book. I'll take him over cheesy kids music any day!  

The final verdict? Two thumbs and 10 CLEAN toddler fingers up! I think it would be a great tool to add to classrooms too (for you teachers out there!) because it is said that each kid gets an average of 8 colds a year! The CDS recommends that hand washing (you have to use soap!) is the best way to ward away nasty germs!

Soaptime is available at Bed Bath and Beyond and click here to find a location near you!


 One of you will win a set of Soaptime® products of your own! 


To enter:
Tell me what you like best about Soaptime or which bottle is your favorite! 


Please enter by September 2nd at midnight! 


Disclaimer: I was provided with a Soaptime set. The review, opinions and thoughts are my own. I really like clean kids and hate nasty germs. 

Monday, August 22, 2011

Training the beast

Only a mom could write a post that includes undies, pee-pee, poop, and Elmo. 

I seriously cannot believe I am about to say this but I bought my child undies this weekend. I think I wept a tear because there is no way my baby is near that age. Nope. 

Now, before you think I'm nuts...while I think he shows a few signs of readiness, he's nowhere near there. I've posted about this before but he has struggled with rashes on and off since last summer. I thought it was a summer, heat related issue but it.never.went.away. Ugh. 

The breaking point was watching my child scream bloody murder in the tub this weekend and has not wanted to get in all week. I don't want him to associate pain with something he loves. He literally laid on his belly  watching Sesame Street and then fell asleep on me, which I loved but not under those circumstances. It breaks me heart but it literally makes changing diapers hell for both of us. I've tried just about everything under the sun, ever cream, ever kind of diaper, prescriptions (he also gets eczema with the yeast rash,) nakie time, cornstarch, baking soda and are now trying cloth wipes, tea tree oil and running around in undies just to give his booty a break. Literally, I think we've tried almost everything, short of cloth. 

I've contemplated cloth but I kind of feel like he'll still have the same issues as long as there still is 'pee-pee' and Brady's 'do-do' touching his skin. If anyone has any other ideas, I'm all ears. If you want to hear more about my kid and his skivvies, read on!

So, we broke out the undies and let him run around. He LOVES them and was super proud. It was fun until I heard, 'Uh, oh, pee pee!' and found him in a big, wet puddle. I realized then, I was probably the one that was least ready in this house. I talked to him about how we pee-pee (which is one of his most used words...right along with doggie do do) on the potty. After I cleaned it up, I looked for him but couldn't find him. He had ran to the bathroom and was sitting on his potty! I think he should get an A for Effort, even if it was a tad too late! 

It's always nice too when you're at Target using the bathroom and he's screaming, 'Momma pee-pee!' I'm sure there are/will be worse things to come out of that mouth. 
That's my life. My child running away from me. Sigh. At least he's pretty darn cute in those Elmo undies. 

Speaking of Elmo, he is IN LOVE with Elmo and growing more so with all of Sesame Street, which makes me smile because it's something I grew up with. It's funny to watch it with him and think my mom did the same thing years ago. Here is a short snippet of him naming all of his favorites! (We had just made playdough and I'll post the recipe we used later this week!)