Purple Polka Dots and Petal Ties...

Those persistent crafty bugs have been biting again. I think there might be an infestation.

This time it resulted in a purple polka dot and white eyelet edged itty bitty dress for Lil Chick.

Of course, my model was taking a morning nap, so you'll just have to imagine how cute she looks in it, mkay?





Love love LOVE the petal ties in the back. I might have to kiss them now and again cause they are super adorable. And most importantly, effectively eliminates the need for snaps, buttons or zippers. What could be better?

Next up, some matching bloomers or diaper cover with a ruffle butt. Then maybe a white crocheted hat with purple flower off to the side. Then maybe some matching itty bitty crocheted purple and white Mary Jane shoes.

See? I told you there was a craft bug infestation...

A

Lord of the Dance in the Poo...

We had our first major Potty Training "incident" this weekend.

Lord of the Dance in the Poo. Yes, that would be poo on the floor...danced in.

Actually, this happened twice.

I totally deserved it. Here I was, gloating over how fortunate we were to have a 2.5 year old boy who always poops in the toilet. No cajoling, bribing or trickery necessary, he was a natural potty chair user. And as I have defined before, he is NOT potty trained, he is in Stage 2 - Potty Intermediance.

Never gloat during potty training. NEVER. It's apt to rebound and smack ya.

Bubbalu has figured how to get off the toilet by himself. While many parents would consider it normal for children to get on and off the potty by themselves, I am (was) thrilled to beans that he couldn't voluntarily leave the potty premises. I would set him up with books and cars and even a sippy cup because I'm nice like that.

However, he figured it out. He slid off the potty and stood in the hallway peeking around the corner at me as I cooked dinner.

When I noticed him I went to help him back on the toilet and almost stepped in a huge pile of poo.

Eeeewwwww!

And yes, he had walked around in it probably kind of confused as to what it was doing there in the first place. I stood there wondering if I was hallucinating or if there really was a huge pile of poo on the floor mocking me.

Lance was home so we tag teamed. He took Bubbalu and hosed him off in the shower and I was left with the poo cleanup. It's one of those parenting moments where you stand there wringing your hands, not quite sure where to start, and briefly fantasize about running away for a few hours (days).

In the end, anti-bacterial wipes, mopping and re-mopping for good measure took care of the mess.

Good thing I figured out the best poo clean-up method, because when it happened again two days later I barely freaked out.

I told my parents the story and my dad says, "gives new meaning to the three second rule, doesn't it?"

I dropped some chocolate chips on the floor yesterday (hey now, don't judge my chocolate chip consumption) and I almost almost bent to pick them up and eat them.

Then I recalled the poo incidents and decided to let them be.

Hmmm, this potty training thing may be good for my diet...

A

A Glorious Luxury...

It's been a lovely morning.

I woke up late this morning, refreshed and rested. And by late I do mean 8:00 AM. What glorious luxury.

How my life has changed.

Rewind three years and slap self upside the head (which would require a degree in advanced contortionism, but whatever).

Repeat after me: "Girl! Sleep as much as possible! Build up your sleep bank NOW, while you actually have the time, availability and room to do so. Relish your shopping and errand running as you jauntily jump out of the car without undoing 18 million straps, buckles and clips and cinches. Celebrate the lightness of your purse as soon you will be required to carry 37 matchbox cars to stave of toddler tantrums and a half-roll of toilet paper to wipe drippy noses (no, I did NOT have a half roll of toilet paper stuck in my purse that accidentally was pulled out when purchasing a mocha or two at Costco...yesterday...at 1:15 pm). Eat a meal leisurely, without having to refill sippy cups with that gloriously thick and tasty but forbidden (due to excess thigh and waist...uh,padding) whole milk or say for the seventieth time in six minutes, "NO, you may NOT have chocolate chips for dinner". Ponder anew the miracle of not having enough dirty clothes to run a full load. That miracle will end, my dear."

But don't forget the conclusion!, "Girl, you cannot even BEGIN to understand how rich in joy your life will be. Your family will double in two years and you will be a crazy harried Mama. But guess what? Despite the stress and chaos, you will be happy and declare a random morning a GLORIOUS LUXURY".

A

Naps and Chocolate...

I've started and deleted about six posts. I'm just not feeling the mojo today. I AM however, feeling the need to consume chocolate and then maybe take a nap.

For those who know me in real life, I am NOT a napper.

My naps require:

• 45 minutes to turn brain auto pilot on and fall asleep
• waking up in a stupor 3 (or more) hours later
• staring at the ceiling for 3 (or more) hours past usual bedtime
• and having a horrible zombie-like morning the following day.

So basically, I don't DO naps.

But today I am actually considering it.

The chocolate? No consideration necessary. No 45 minute chocolate coma induction period. No 3 hour post-consumption stupor. No bedtime delay. No horrible zombie-like morning the following day.

The only opposition to the chocolate consumption is my scale. I can imagine the digital readout changing from numbers to "Did you really need to eat that?".

Being that I have the 10lb Ambrosia chocolate chip bag from Costco stashed in my pantry, it DOES make a good point...

A

Getting Some Time Off...

We are freshly back from a fabulously child-free weekend getaway. While the husband had to attend a seminar and talk shop with his other dental study club members, the wifey watched movies, drank coffee (sugar-free creamer!), read beach books and slept in.

I had every intention to do two hour gym workouts and an extensive distance run of the beach but couldn't seem to get up the gumption to leave my cozy quiet hotel room. Had it been a sunny weekend I would have planted myself on a beach chair and soaked up some rays like nobodies business, but the ever-present clouds dictated hotel room laziness. That and the lack of a perfectly svelticizing post-partum bathing suit may have contributed to the lazy decision.

Not that it was a problem.

I can do lazy.

My kids spent the weekend at Grandpa and Grandma's house, hanging with Aunties and Uncles and getting loved to bits. I'm pretty sure they didn't even know we were gone. As predicted, Bubbalu did NOT want to come home...proving once again that he thinks his Mama is exceedingly boring.

Seriously.

On a daily basis the kid asks to either:

A. Go to Costco? OK??

or

B. Go to Doctor? OK??

Really, how boring must I be if going to the doctor (where one gets multiple shots every visit) is more exciting than staying home? Embarrassing.

We ate delicious food (think catered beach front salmon feast), drank yummy wine (open bar) and lounged around like royalty.

I told the husband that he should seriously consider taking his wife away on a monthly weekend vacation/escape as she is feeling remarkably refreshed, reengergized and remotivated to be a stay at home Mama to two young children.

Even if aforementioned young children do think she is exceedingly boring...

A

Excerpts from the Bubbalu and Lil Chick Instruction Book:

*Lil Chick Sleep Hints*

She will probably need a light burp after her bottle, but it is OK to put her to bed kinda awake. It is OK if she cries. She has a harder time falling asleep if you purposely try to rock her to sleep after a bottle. Lately she also seems to be waking herself up just to play and "visit" with us (little stinker is so cute it’s hard to ignore her) so check on her if you must, but don’t pick her up and let her woo you into playing!

*Bubbalu potty training hints*

-our RULE OF UNDERWEAR, “You can wear underwear if you don’t get it wet or dirty”. Ask him the rule, he knows it and should tell you!
-don’t listen to him if he tells you NO when you ask him to go potty. Just tell him, “Bubba, it’s time to go potty NOW”.
-DO NOT LEAVE THE TP WITHIN REACH!
-he always takes off both his shorts and underwear when going potty
-If he says, “NO, (pause pause pause)okayyyyy" that means yes.
-If you don’t have his padded toilet seat with you, you have to hold him on the potty or he’ll fall in!
-Give him a book or three to read while sitting on the pot. Or else he’ll start exploring and find things to play with (bleach spray, TP handles, etc.

Yeesh, this might be an interesting weekend...

A

Yammy...

I quickly whipped up some baby food for Lil Chick the other night.

I made all of this food:



From only THREE yams (sweet potatoes, whatever). I paid a total of $3.76. In the grocery store that would have bought approximately 8 pre-made baby food servings. I made close to 60 servings.

Those were some BIG yams. I think one may have been bigger than Lil Chick.

Who is in fact growing like a weed and is more pleasant and fun than I thought possible for a baby:



My little weed went from 13lbs 6oz to 14lbs 4 oz in ONE WEEK. Talk about a growth spurt!



However, I'm sure 1/2 a pound MUST have come from those yams...

A

Feeling The Cabin Fever...

The new Costco coupon book is sitting next to my keyboard mocking me.

Why yes, I would LOVE to purchase a six-night deluxe Maui vacation complete with car rental, daily buffet breakfast and two day spa access. And don't forget the $150 resort credit which I would blow on Pina Coladas and beach side hamburgers.

Glorious.

How many of you fellow SAHM's need a break? I've been feeling a bit o' cabin fever syndrome this past, oh, eight months or so. While I am not quite ready to leave Lil Chick for more than a few nights, a six-night beach vacation sounds like perfection.

For now I'll just throw on my svelticizing swimsuit and lay in my backyard on a bleached out beach towel listening to my summer sun playlist. I'll sip a home made Pina Colada, nosh on my own guacamole burger and wait for the kiddos to wake up from their naps.

Besides, with all the money I've saved by NOT going on the dream Hawaiian beach vacation, I can finally afford this which will nicely compliment my tan.

Whaddya all do to combat Cabin Fever? I need some cheap, easy, toddler friendly ideas. Let's hear em...

A

My Guppie....

We were invited Saturday to an impromptu swim/BBQ party to celebrate a dear little baby girl's dedication.

The dedication was simple yet meaningful...full of love and drenched in the Spirit.

The pool party invitation caused a moment of panic which necessitated alerting the Postpartum Fashion Emergency Support Group. All ended well, thanks to cleverly hidden elastic and who knows what other genius fabric to svelt-icize me. And a certain fashion consultant angel...you know who you are.

Bubbalu has proven to be a danger around water. And yes, I already knew to be extremely cautious around water with him, but this was a whole new ball game. We were thinking he would clutch us nervously while barely kicking his legs and MIGHT blow some bubbles or sit on the pool steps for a bit by himself. When he jumped off the diving board by himself into the deep end for the 18th or so time we kinda thought that maybe we should start thinking about some swimming lessons for the boy.

Good thing we had one of those toddler lifevesty things on him with 18 clips, cinched straps and head support on it.

Let's just say we got our money's worth on that purchase.

Unfortunately, I've been told that toddler swimming lessons are only to introduce the child to the water and to lessen fear of water instead of actually teaching them to swim.

"Um, Hi, my name is Amanda and I'm just wondering if you offer a class that will INCREASE his fear of water? Maybe a scary video and a terrifying pool demonstration?

No?

Oh, crap."

A

(Nearly) Effortless Buffalo Chicken Dip...

We headed up north to Canada yesterday for a sweet little boy's first birthday celebration.

I opened up my cupboards an hour before we had to leave and sighed. What in sam hill am I going to make? And no, I don't want to NOT bring something. I just don't do that.

I grabbed some canned chunk chicken left over from my Costco 8 pack and headed to the office. Enter trusty online recipe sites. I browsed a bit and came up with this lovely Buffalo Chicken Dip from AllRecipes.com.

I skipped a few steps and tweaked a bit and it turned out pretty grand.

(My version of) Buffalo Chicken Dip:

• 2 Costco cans chunk chicken, drained
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup Ranch dressing
• 1/2 cup pepper/hot sauce (I used green Jalapeno hot sauce)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend Cheese
  

I threw all the directions out and lumped it all together in a pot over the stove and it turned out great. You know what? I bet it would do just dandy being microwaved. And you know how we all love convenience and happy yummy dip. It may have just earned a spot as a Super Bowl regular.

I used a bit less hot sauce due to the intended consumptors and shunned the celery stick idea for crackers. Once again, what I had in my cupboards and fridge dictated the menu. If you like a zip, kick or thwack to your food, I would suggest adding green chiles and a dash of chili powder. That oughta do it.

It got rave reviews and I am thrilled to report I have some leftovers in the fridge calling my name...

A

Notice Anything Different?

Many of you will notice my new blog accessory in the left column. I am excited and honored to be a BlogHer ads participant!

I think it's very figure flattering, don't you?

A

Summer Water Toddlertainment...

Remember this post? Hours and hours (OK, 20 minutes at least) worth of toddlertainment? This is the water toddlertainment summer edition.

I'll remind you again of the time-honored, well known formula:

Toddlers + Water = Hours of entertainment

We all know that a swimming pool is ideal, but sometimes you don't want to go through the whole swimsuit-swim diaper-sunscreen slather routine when it isn't quite hot enough to justify the whole thing. You know they will be shivering and crabby in 14.7 seconds. It's a pain.

And sometimes you just feel lazy.

Ahem.

So, my thrifty easy-peasy solution:

1. Grab any ole water container. Bucket, basin, large tupperware, tote bin, whatever. (I used a spare plastic tote bin)
   
2. Fill halfway with warm water.
3. Throw plastic measuring cups, ladles and various tub toys in. Don't expect any of it to come back into the house so hold off on the collectibles or items of ANY value.
4. Spray toddler with sunscreen (yes, I said spray. The spray sunscreen will rock your world).
5. Hat and sunglasses optional.
6. Let em at it.
   

We call it our water station. He knows it's available to play in and spends quite a chunk of time sloshing, splashing and drinking the water.



See the spray bottle? Yes, get one for them at the Dollar Store and let them spray away. Bubbalu keeps our fence, porch, deck, lawn, sandbox, siding, garden, chairs, table and screen door appropriately watered at ALL times.

He's helpful like that.

Enjoy your thrifty fun toddler water stations...but remember to supervise at all times...

A

Potty Training Advice...

No, I am not here doling out wonderful, unbelievable, too-good-to-be-true advice for all who are awash (*ahem*) in the potty training endeavor.

I want advice. I want stories. I want hope.

Here's the deal. Bubbalu is staying dry and dirty-free all day and afternoons. He's wearing big boy (Lightening McQueen!) underwear and is having very few accidents. And when he does have an accident it is of the wet variety, not the other, less desirable option. Phew.

I have absolutely NO idea how to keep a kid dry during naps and bedtime. Does the pull-up wearing phase stretch onward for a few weeks, months, or YEARS? My guess is that complete potty independence is not in the near future but I am questioning the next step.

Do I grit my teeth, coat his bed in plastic and just let him wet his underwear during naps?

Do I shrug and just put on the pull-ups for the next decade?

What I DID do was put his underwear on UNDER his diaper this afternoon, hoping he would feel when he wets and catch himself. By putting on the diaper over his underwear I was hoping to avoid the mound of bedding laundry as my current dryer takes 3 hours to dry a load (no joke). We're all about living green over here.

Also, I want to know what YOUR household does for the naming of #1 and #2. I'm not too sure I want Bubbalu to yell down aisle 11 in the grocery store, "Mommy! I have to go POOP!"

So there you have it. Give me some hints, tips and advice.

I'm all ears...

A

A Weekend In Numbers...

We loaded up the Tahoe and headed out of town for a long weekend in Seattle.

4 people.

2 adults.

2 children.

1 Tahoe.

3 nights.

4 days.

27 bags.

2 graduations.

2 missed afternoon naps.

3 minor toddler meltdowns.

1 case of intestinal "objections".

1 migraine.

2 Extra-Strength Tylenol.

1 dinner celebration party.

1 Dungeness Crab Fettuccine Dinner.

2 slices of ice cream cake.

0 DVD players in hotel room.

1 Oreo McFlurry.

2 swimming pool playtimes.

1 shaking wet toddler.

8 muffins smuggled from the continental breakfast.

8 muffins eaten for lunch.

4 loads of laundry to be done.

2 exhausted children who are STILL asleep.

We had a wonderful time but are happy to be home once again...

A

Pureed Peas Make Me Happy...

I'm a home baby food making Mama and proud of it.

I chose to make my own baby food for Bubbalu when I discovered that not only could I control what when into his food, but that is was CHEAPER and EASY.

And we all like saving some serious money.

My theory this this:

If I can purchase the product (say sweet potatoes) for less per pound in the grocery store produce section (or food co-op, farmers market or whathaveyou) than the prepackaged food then it is worth the hassle.

I have multiple gallon sized zip top bags full of baby food in my freezer. I just grab a bowl and open the door. SUPER easy. If I'm heading out for the day, I put two or three cubes in a small plastic container. When eatin' time rolls around they are usually completely thawed and ready to go. If not? A bit of boiling water and some rice cereal do the trick.

Here are a few of my favorite baby foods to make at home:

Sweet potato - BIG DOUBLE YES. I make huge batches of sweet potato and use it daily as a starter base for meals. Peel, boil until soft, puree, spoon into ice-cube trays and freeze.

Apple - Home-grown apples made into home-made applesauce lovingly donated by my parents are pureed to perfect consistency and frozen in ice-cube trays. SUPER easy. Lil Chick loves it. I usually mix in a bunch of oatmeal baby cereal. Applesauce oatmeal? Yes please!

Squash - Oh my lands, it's got to be the easiest thing around. Directions:
1. Go to grocery store
2. Purchase frozen cooked brick of squash (in frozen veggie section)
3. Defrost and spoon into ice-cube trays.

Voila. See? Not too difficult.

Pumpkin - I was wrong. Pumpkin is easier than squash. You can buy canned pumpkin and freeze it in ice cube trays. SUPER easy. Just make sure you don't buy Pumpkin PIE mix instead of plain pumpkin. Baby might be hopped up on the sugar for a good 18+ hours if you mix those two up.

Banana - Squish it around a bit before you even peel it. Then open, mash with a fork and spoon it in. Beware: Banana is slightly constipating. Might need some pureed prunes as a side dish with this one.

Avocado - Purchase, peel, mash and serve. Tons of healthy fats to help grow a baby's brain. Best to freeze in slices to prevent browning.

Peas - I buy frozen peas, microwave and puree them. Once again, spoon into ice cube trays and freeze. Watch the skins, they can be tricky. Add enough liquid to make sure it is truly a pureed consistency.

There are many many many more foods to make at home for the babes. Just think, with all the money you've saved making your baby food at home you can finally purchase that ferrari! Or a new washer and dryer. With the pedestals. And forgo the normal white and pick a COLOR.

I would love a happy and bright washer and dryer set. You KNOW that the green, blue, brown and red ones have more fun and are more satisfied (read : happy) with their appliance existance. And a happy washer and dryer means happy clothes.

And you NEED happy clothes, what with all the pureed sweet potato, apples, squash, pumpkin, avocado, banana and peas that your perfect baby will fling on you.

And where do I get all my home baby food making information? Right HERE at WholesomeBabyFood.com. Go check em out...

A

Wordless Wednesday...

A

Potty Training, Defined.

I am proposing changing terminology for the newly toilet using littles.

Stage 1 - Potty scheduled:

My Mommy takes me to the bathroom every hour on the hour, before and after meals and before and after naps or bedtime. It's quite an ordeal as I can't pull off my shorts or itty-bitty undies, get on the toilet, or reach the sink to wash my hands. I CAN reach a bunch of other things, though. I usually go, because I am there and all, but I really don't tell her when I have to go. Does she really think this is a superior and time saving method as opposed to wearing diapers? Makes one wonder.

Stage 2 - Potty Intermediance:

My Mommy occasionally reminds me and forces me to at least TRY to use the potty, but I'm starting to figure out that I have to tell her when I need to go. Sometimes I just go in my undies and forget to say anything. Mommy doesn't like that so much.

Stage 3 - Potty Independence:

My Mommy doesn't have to take me to the bathroom or ask if I have to go. I instinctively run to the bathroom and go potty and poo in the toilet. I can even put my undies and shorts back on again. I usually forget to wash my hands...but I'm potty independent, I can't be PERFECT.

We are at stage 1.275 at the moment and I can only hope that we will someday reach potty independence. I haven't had to clean up a dirty diaper in over a week...and can I just say? I am LOVING the lack of gagging on a daily basis. It's quite refreshing.

A