The Duke Turns 7 Months Old

It's hard to believe, but the Duke is 7 months old!!! He's a happy, easy-going, little guy! He ADORES his big sister and is completely intrigued by the cat! My guess is that he's nearing 20 pounds.  He absolutely loves to eat!!!! He's mostly drinking formula at this point. It's just too hard to keep up with his appetite (basically 8-10 ounces at every feeding)! Although he still gets his mommy's milk in the morning and a big bottle of breastmilk almost every other night.  He has also been enjoying various fruits and vegetables, as well as oatmeal cereal.  His favorite snacks are Mum Mums! He loves them and it keeps him occupied for quite a while!

Lukey continues to nap 3 times a day.  He usually naps around 9:00, 12:00, and 3:00.  His bedtime is around 7:00 pm. and usually wakes around 6:30am for a quick feeding and then back to bed for an hour or so.  I can't complain too much! Although we are still dealing with the occasional night of "crying it out."  I think this is partly due to his teething.  His bottom two front teeth are in!

Luke can sit up pretty well at this point.  Occasionally, he tumbles over!  He loves playing with his little toys and puts just about anything and everything in his mouth!      

My happy 7 month old!

SO BIG!



Lukey and his BIG sister



He LOVES her and she tells me frequently, "I love Lukey, Mommy"

Still has his baby blues!

Buddies

Big boy sitting up

Handsome Harry..... LOVE him!

Chocolate!

I had a not-so-brilliant idea to have two 3 year olds make a snack with chocolate frosting! My first fail was the Nilla wafers contained eggs.  So, I had to improvise and have Mya use animal crackers.  My second fail was to think these little guys would actually make the crafty snack rather than eat the chocolate frosting! Regardless, they had fun!

Attempting to follow my directions and spread the chocolate onto the cookie.

Nah! Too good.... Aiden loved the kisses and the chocolate frosting!

The cute acorns they were SUPPOSED to make!

YUMMY!

I had to include this picture.... look at the chocolate on the wall behind Aiden!

This was too funny not to include! Mya was on Day 3 of potty training.  She insisted on Aiden sitting right in front of her to watch her pee.  The funniest part was that Aiden literally sat there and rooted her on for several minutes while Mya tried! Someday when these 2 are in high school this picture will have to be shown! Don't worry.... we made sure she kept her privates hidden! And... Aiden's Mommy was with us during the entire thing!

She Did IT!!!

We have been trying (off and on) for a while to get Mya potty trained. I will be the first to admit that it is 99% my fault that Mya is 3 years and 3 months old and still in diapers. She started showing interest probably a year and a half ago. I thought there was no way she was ready and kind of ignored her interest (BIG mistake).  I then put her into pull-ups about a year ago because she was taking off her diapers and running around naked (another sign I missed.... or ignored).  I think a big part of me didn't want to mess with the hassle of the training and having to take her to public restrooms. Then, I found out I was pregnant with Luke and everyone said she would just digress anyways.  So... again, I chose to not push the training. By this time, she completely lost interest. She couldn't have cared less. In fact, she would've sat in a soiled diaper for hours if we didn't change her.  I talked to her pediatrician about it thinking she would be disgusted with my parenting and encourage Mya to go. But, I was wrong. She told me to stop talking about it and leave her alone. It was completely a control issue with Mya.  And, she had all of it. 

2 days ago I had it.  I was SO sick of diapers. With Luke and Mya in diapers, it was just TOO much! Not to mention, I consider Mya very bright and there was NO reason she wasn't going on the potty. She had gone before so I knew she was able to do it.  I told her she needed to put on undies after her nap. This wasn't a completely new thing to her. She had worn undies before, but never consistently went potty. This time, she FLIPPED OUT! She did not want to wear them. This triggered my "control issues" and it was now a battle of the wills!  Mom vs. Mya.  I grabbed ALL of her diapers and told her I was getting rid of them. She screamed. I'm not talking a little whine or a little tantrum. I'm talking a blood-curling scream. She was PISSED.  I told her that the garbage man was taking them to a giant hole in the ground (not my best parenting moment). Or, maybe he would give them to little boys and girls that needed them.  Regardless, I hid them and she thought they were gone!!!  She wore undies that evening, but never went to the bathroom.  I tried bribery (candy, ice cream, chucky cheese, new Barbie, pop, gum, etc) and threats (no Caillou, no treats, etc.). She held out until her bedtime when I put a diaper on her.

The following morning (yesterday), she had to put on undies again. She held her pee and poo until 11:30 am. Still nothing. I left for the gym, and Matt was in charge. He was confident he could get her to go.  At about 11:45, I got a text that said, "You can thank me later." Attached was a video of Mya peeing on the potty! WOOHOO! I was impressed.  Later, he informed me that he told her that she was going to have to ride in an ambulance and a doctor was going to have to cut the pee out of her (not his best Daddy moment).  Now... I'm no psychologist, but this may screw our daughter up for awhile. But, heck... she peed in the potty! She went several more times yesterday. I took the kids to Culvers to celebrate and she even peed there! I am HOPING and PRAYING that we will be completely potty trained by 2012.

But for now, I'd say Mom 1 vs. Mya 0

Daddy sent this pic to my while I was at the gym. I'm sure those around me were wondering why I was giggling to myself! This was her successful pee! (Perhaps the bottle of water Matt made her drink helped!)

Peeing at Culvers!

SO EXCITED!

Flushing with her foot like Mommy!

Celebrating with Italian Ice at Culvers!

Oh, Bite Me

And that's just what he did.... BITE ME!

This little rebel now has 2 bottom teeth and knows how to use them!  Breastfeeding is getting more and more terrifying.  He literally bites me at EVERY feeding. He drinks for a bit- looking all angelic.  And then, something comes over him.  He clamps down and pulls!  I scream. He smiles.  It's becoming a bit of a ritual. 

Mr. Fix-it and Mrs. Craftypants... Pinterest Project #3

My parents came to our house for Thanksgiving. They certainly aren't the type to just sit and relax. They like to go, go, go... or maybe I should say do, do, do! My Dad literally brought a car full of tools so that he could fix "stuff." He fixed more in 48 hours than we've done in the last 2 years.  He fixed our falling down fence/gate, retarred some of our roof, hung storm windows, snaked a toilet, fixed doorknobs, unclogged a sink, hung a towel rack, and fixed lights that even an electrician said he couldn't fix. I'm sure I'm missing some things too! 

My Mom is extremely talented. She doesn't give herself enough credit. She is quite artsy and creative.  I knew that if there was a Pinterest project I wanted to do, she would be all for it! I chose to make "simple" Christmas tree cones.  Together, we went to the fabric store, bought our few simple supplies and were off to craft. I pulled up my "pin" on pinterest and read the directions.  Neither one of us are keen on reading and following written directions.  In fact, we both became very frustrated! There was quite a bit of measuring and folding that was included in the directions. After much frustration, a few swear words, and some crumpled poster board we FINALLY figured it out. We also figured out that all of the measuring was NOT needed.  All the directions should have said was "Cut your posterboard into a half circle in order to make a cone."  DONE. 

I must admit, my frustration got the best of me and I had to "take a break and take care of the kids." Luckily, my mom stuck with it and completed the fabric step of the project.  I think they turned out great.... just don't look too closely! ;-) 

Cone complete

Covering in fabric... this is when I had to "take care of the kids."

Finished project!

Thankful

I am so thankful.

Thanksgiving at our house.... with my parents.

I am thankful for my parents.

I am thankful that my children have such a wonderful Mimi.

I am thankful for my children.

I am thankful for my dad... and him being Mr. Fix-it!

I am thankful for my Mom... and her being so crafty!

I am thankful for my husband... and him being such a great cook!

I am thankful for Miss Mya!

I am thankful for Luke the Duke.



I am thankful for all of our friends and family. I am truly blessed.

half

I can't even believe it! Lukey is 6 months old! I'm not sure how it's even possible that he is half way to his 1st birthday!

He continues to be good natured the majority of the time! I always say, if I was crazy enough to consider a third baby, he would make be do it! But... lucky for me... I'm not crazy! ;-)

Here are his stats:

Weight: 18 lbs. 5 oz. (70%)

Height: 28.5 in. (96%)

Head: 43 cm

Napping- 3 times a day (usually about 9am, 12pm, 3pm)

Bedtime- Usually around 7:00 and he's JUST started sleeping until 5ish, quick feed and back until 7ish 

Eating- Lukey is still being breastfed but is usually supplemented with a bottle or two during the day.    (I think I'm on the verge of weening him, but mother's (and other's) guilt is stopping me!)

He has started eating rice cereal and some veggies.  Today, we got the go ahead to start table foods.  He tried a tiny bit of guacamole today.  He wasn't so sure about it but ate it like a champ! I think we'll stick to the baby foods for now. Thus far, he's had peas, carrots, and sweet potatoes.  Sweet potatoes are by far his fav!  I have a feeling he is going to be our "eater!" He really hasn't found a food he doesn't like!

Dr. Brown said she feels 2 of his bottom teeth coming in.  So, we look forward to some crankiness and sleepless nights! NOT!

Lukey is really enjoying holding and shaking his toys.  He often "talks" to them. I often wonder what he is trying to tell them! He is also perfecting his sitting up. He does a pretty good job most of the time but occasionally tips over!

My HAPPY boy!

love love love this little guy!

My Handsome Harry... (notice his scratch on his nose his gone! I am practicing with Photoshop!)

Some Snapshots----

Sitting like a big boy!

So proud! (Not a very good quality pic but I loved his expression... taken with my i-phone)



Sharing a meal



PEAS!



Happy Boy! (By the Way... I think he looks JUST like me as a baby! I'll have to find a picture to compare!)



Real Men Wear PINK!

Pinterest Project #1 and #2... COMPLETE

So I, along with the rest of the world, am quickly becoming obsessed with pinterest.com! I spend hours (that I don't have) searching, admiring, pinning, and thinking about all of the DIY projects that I "think" I could so easily do! There are SO many fantastic ideas that it is actually really overwhelming. I created a folder on my desktop called "pinterest ideas."  Within the folder I have folders... it really is quite out of hand.  Earlier this week, I decided on 2 projects that I wanted to do. I'm not sure why out of the millions of ideas I chose these, but I did. So, after a trip to Michaels and a quick stop at Costco I was ready to DI-Myself!


PROJECT 1: I have been wanting to get some canvas pictures made for quite awhile. But, I was a bit stuck on the fact that a.) they are expensive b.) once you create it, you are stuck with that picture. So you better love the picture you choose.

So, I've dragged my feet a bit on getting them made.  As I was scanning over ideas on pinterest, I came upon a DIY canvas picture!  Here's how you do it....

1.) Buy a canvas at any crafting store.  At Michaels, they had an awesome deal. Buy a pack of 2 and get a pack of 2 free. I believe the pack of 2 was about $10.  So, I got 4 for $10!  The size I chose was 11x14.

2.) Paint the edges of your canvas with your desired color. I was doing black and white pictures so I chose black.  I also saw on pinterest that you can use scrapbook paper for the edges. I thought about this but realized I really struggle cutting straight lines! Painting was much easier! (I forgot to take a picture of this step!)

3.) Get your desired picture enlarged to the correct size. Costco prints 11x14 for $2.99.

4.) Use Mod Podge and seal the picture to the top of the canvas. (Mod Podge dries clear so you don't have to be overly careful.) I used the matte finish.

5.) Take the Mod Podge and cover the picture. Use smooth, neat strokes.  It will give the picture a nice matte finish.

5.) Let it dry.  You have a fantastic canvas picture that is easy to hang in no time! It's quick, easy, and CHEAP!!! DIY version approximately $10!

Project #2: In addition to obsessing over pinterest.com, I am also obsessed with reading other people's blogs.  The blogs I've been most into these days are from people that have vintage/antique shops or people that specialize in DIY projects for the home.  One very cool blog that I read is Maple and Magnolia.  The author has an old farmhouse and an amazing sense of decorating style. She was actually just featured in Woman's Day Magazine. She visits many of the antique shops in my area and comes up with really cool ways of using some of the things.  I always kick myself when I see an item I've looked at that she's purchased and used in a cool way. I always think, "Why didn't I think of that!?!?"  One of her new "obsessions" is silhouettes. At first I thought it was a bit strange. But, then I saw one of the projects she did.  Coincidentally, I also saw LOTS of silhouettes being displayed on pinterest.  So, I decided I would give it a whirl. 

Here's how to do it....

1.) But a piece of wood at your local craft store. I chose 5x7 pieces in various shapes. I did various shapes so I can always add to my collection and not have to match.

2.) Buy a cool piece of scrapbook paper to put on as the face of your picture. I chose white with a vague design.  Paint your piece of wood white.  I decided to add black around the edge to make it "pop." I like the look, but it was very difficult to paint a straight line.

3.) Use your Mod Podge (This is by far my new favorite crafting material... move over spraypaint!) to adhere the paper to the piece of wood.

4.) Take a profile picture of your subject. I am making silhouettes of my kids. Print the desired size of your picture onto paper (thicker paper works best.) 

5.) Cut out the outline of your subject's head. Paint the picture black.

6.) Use your Mod Podge and adhere it to the wood. You may choose to write something under the picture. I wrote, "Lucas Matther ~ 6 Months." (NOTE: Use permanent marker or it will bleed). Then, use smooth, even strokes and paint over your picture and paper.

WAH-LA! You have a cool silhouette of your kids!