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Thursday, December 31, 2009

The Year of a Cub

Never had I thought our life would change THIS much by such a tiny creature. It has brought many days of tears, laughter, amazement, heart-warming smiles and just unexplainable heart-filling emotions. It has TRULY been quite a WILD ride and an awe struck experience. So without further fanfare... a year in the life of Cub:

*WARNING* This will take a few minutes to see every picture :) Grab a coffee, kick your feet up and enjoy!




Saturday, December 26, 2009

Ho, Ho, Ho...

Although we managed to get our "formal" pictures done for Christmas, we didn't get a chance to get Cub's pic with Santa. I finally realized this on CHRISTMAS EVE when I got home from work early. So, after I got home from work and stuffed my face a little bit, I got the li'l Cub dressed and headed over to the mall. Now, for the SECOND day in a row, I thought this would be a good idea. You know, going to the mall?! Oh boy... luckily, getting there and parked was uneventful and we HIGHTAILED it to Santa.

As soon as I got closer to the end of the line, I saw it. A sign, blocking the entrance. "SANTA IS TAKING A BREAK AT 3:00P". Oh CRAP! I started thinking in my head: "hm, 3pm, it's now 2:30p.. they close at 6pm... what to do, what to do... Cub needs a nap... hm..." Then, as I decided and was just about to walk away, this young girl (way too young to be a mom although she had two boys with her) in front of me said, "I just got in line anyway". Oh! *smacking my forehead* Sure, why not? I mean, this sign isn't the LAW, right? The mall cop isn't going to drive by on his Segway and drag me away in handcuffs are they? So I scooched the sign over a bit and got in line preparing to wait.

Pretty soon, I looked behind me and the line kept getting longer and longer! In only 15 minutes that line DOUBLED! I was relieved I got in line instead of walking away, because I probably would not have came back and missed the opportunity of a lifetime!!! So, to make this long story short - we finally got a pic of the sweet, outgoing Cubby sitting on Santa's lap:



Yep. Believe it. Our friendly little Cubby was NOT having it. Poor Santa, I sure hope his feelings weren't hurt too bad! *sigh* A very different photo this year than last year that's for sure:



Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!!! :))

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Happy Holidays!

So I finally made the appointment. Yep, the one where I'm supposed to get Cub's one-year photos? Oh, so I'm two months behind and decided, "Let's cram in a family photo and holiday photos too"! WTF was I thinking? We went to the Picture People. This is only our second time. The first time we went there, the girl who did Cub's photos was AWESOME and the pics I thought came out super adorable! When I called hoping to get the same girl, I was informed she no longer worked there! So they gave me an "experienced" photographer this time. Let me just say - I have no idea where her experience came from but it wasn't from posing or taking pictures.

We started off with our "family" photos and was so focused on Cub, she didn't even make note that my necklace clasp was turned around or take note of my head position/body position and whether or not me or my husband were smiling. She kept trying to get him to smile which did not work.

I finally told her it really didn't matter if his hand was in front of his face, if she waited for him to put it down she'd never get a pic! FINALLY she started snapping photos. I was NOT THRILLED with ANY of our family photos. Even Cub's pics were so-so. She had no imagination, offered props but never brought them out and only used two backgrounds the whole time. Some dark colored one and a white background.

THANK GOD I brought my own props for us and Cub or I would have been a sobbing, furious mess. Cub's pics came out OK - he's too cute to NOT want to buy any, but they weren't spectacular. I was very disappointed but at least we got these cute ones, right?

The original was a full color photo - I decided I would test out my amazing Photoshop skills on this one. What do you think?




... and here's his innocent, "I swear I was good!" look. :)


Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Snow!

Monday we actually got SNOW in Sacramento! You can check out what our lawn looked like over at A New Leas on Life. So, T texted me and asked if I wanted to take the boys up to Auburn to check out the snow! Oh, you BET I DID! So off we went. The boys did not have snow clothes, but we bundled them up the best we could! Cub was AMAZED at the whiteness and the snow falling and was making "ooh" noises. Once I go this mittens, hat and jacket on, I let him loose in a parking lot to check it out.



I still haven't completely figured out my new phone yet, but once I do, I'll post more pictures and a video clip of our snow adventure. :))

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Black Friday Specials and Limited Coupon Code!

First, I have to rave about how awesome Michelle of RG Natural Babies is. When I was thinking about getting some fleece liners, instead of just trying to sell me what she had - she connected me with a wonderful mama, Jessica of Zing Slings who custom made me some (yes, I know you crafty mamas are going to say "you can just make them yourself" but I'm not that handy)!

Michelle has always given me AWESOME customer service, so much so I keep going back whenever I need something (even if she doesn't have it in stock) or just questions on products! If you don't "know" her yet, you should! You can follow her on Twitter, become a Facebook Fan and even follow her blog Go Green Wisconsin that she writes with Kristin of My Baby Pumpkin (who is by the way, another very awesome, fabulous mama).

Okay, enough of my shameless plugs and here are the deals/specials you've been waiting for!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now that the cold months are upon us, what better item to stock up on than LEG HUGGERS!!! Buy 2 and get one FREE!

Are you in the market for BumGenius One Size diapers? Buy 9 and get one FREE!

Isn't it GREAT to get FREE stuff? Especially when you're buying something anyway? So wait, there's MORE! With EVERY order you place, you'll get a FREE Rockin' Green Detergent Sample AND a FREE sample of Soap Nuts! AND starting with every order over $20, you have your choice of additional free stuff! See for yourself!

There are also MORE awesome deals going on! just head on over to RG Natural Babies and see all of the Black Friday Specials she has listed!

BLACK FRIDAY BONUS: Every order placed will be entered into a drawing for a Thirsties Duo Diaper and all orders over $100 will be entered to win your choice of not one but TWO Pocket Diapers and a Medium Wet Bag on available stock. What do you think of that???

If you happen to miss the Black Friday bonus, don't worry! From Black Friday through Cyber Monday, place an order over $100 and you will be entered to win a custom diaper bag courtesy of Brooke of BrookeVanGoryDesigns (must pay shipping). I don't have one of these superlicious bags YET, but I have been drooling like mad over one!

As a very special thank you, Michelle is offering TWO of my readers a chance for some additional savings in addition to her Black Friday specials!

COUPON SPECIALS & CODE
$5 off an order over $25 with code NikBF5 and
$10 off an order over $55 with code NikBF10.


Please note: these codes are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE to be used on BLACK FRIDAY ONLY - each coupon code is good only ONCE!


Good Luck & Happy Shopping!!!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Black Friday

Every year I avoid Black Friday like the plague. I dislike people being rude, shoving and not to mention I'm so NOT a morning person to be up super early to catch some deal. Really? I prefer to shop from the comfort of my living room in my jammies with my Starbuck's in my hand :) This year, I have the chance to offer YOU, two of my readers a very special deal from one awesome retailer, RG Natural Babies!

So stick around and look for my post on Friday! Good luck and Happy Shopping!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

BACK!

Just thought I'd pop in here and let ya'll know how the Cub did while I was gone. A couple of small little "incidences" but other than that, he definitely missed his Mamma and Pappa Bear got him sleeping through the night (8ish p.m. to 7ish a.m.)!! Previously he was waking up between 1 & 3 a.m. in addition to between 5 & 6 a.m. Kudos to Pappa Bear for taking care of the Cub and for everyone who pitched in and provided him some support while I was gone! Now, I'm dealing with crying/whining (separation anxiety) but thankfully I have four FULL days with him before I head back to work!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Big Boy!


A signature sleep pose ...



... along with this one on occasion.



The beginning of the "faces"...



...still going!

 

A new family...

 

...a year later!

 

Boy, how time has flown and changed!
What a big boy the Cub is! He's now one!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Letter to Cub...

Dear Cub,

As I sit here and type this letter to you, I am getting all choked up and tears are welling up in my eyes. It is so hard for me to believe that a year ago tomorrow at 7:15pm, you entered the world and forever changed our lives. So many emotions happen when a baby arrives, but especially one as special as you. I have always been a planner and had planned everything out for your arrival. Little did I know that you were going to wreak havoc on my plans and forever change my life.

You were due to arrive on November 3rd and your Auntie Lena was keeping her fingers crossed that you were going to arrive on her birthday. I was PLANNING on working until October 24th and then have a week or so before you arrived... But nope. You were already in the womb, working your way out and throwing a monkey wrench in my plans. Two weeks early, you arrived. Six pounds, 13 ounces and 19 1/4 inches long. Here you were:



Nothing can ever explain the emotions and feelings of your arrival and all that followed. Most of it was a blur and as I try to look back and remember it's just so hard. We have a kajillion pictures of you from when you arrived all the way up to this point. Trying to remember holding you as a little Cub and how sweet you were, so new to the world. I am in awe of how much you've grown, how much you've learned and how much life has changed for the better with you in it.

It's no secret that I've struggled to adjust with the changes that came with you in our life but with each passing day, I am more grateful that you're here. My heart seems to overflow and burst with love for you so much. No matter how tough a day I'm having, I can't wait to get home and squeeze you and feel like the world has been righted for me because you're there.

At ONE YEAR, you've done so much. You're walking and starting to talk (Mamma, Mum, DaDa, Duh (dog), Hi, Hey). You make Mamma's scrunchie face. You clap, laugh, giggle, love to be thrown up in the air. With only 4 teeth, you munch on food like there's no tomorrow, especially anything that Grandma makes for you. :)


You love the water and you're learning to swim.


You're learning new things at the Little Gym every week We'll get you flexible like a bendy straw soon enough! You're already into cars and make the 'car noise' whenever you're pushing something.

You help me out by pushing the laundry basket and closing the dryer door. You help Daddy do the dishes (more like unload the dishes). You dance to music and shake the maracas or anything else that makes noise. You've learned to blow a whistle, hum the kazoo and bang on the drums (tell me you aren't a musician in the making!).

You've gone on your first plane ride, vacationed in Sedona, Arizona, saw the Grand Canyon and went on an off-road Hummer Tour.





 You've gone to your first Rivercats baseball game, your first Kings basketball game.


You have many friends and girlfriends (better watch out for those Daddies) and you are LOVED. There really are no words to describe the well of emotions that you bring to me, but you should always know that you are our precious Cub and you mean the world to us.

Happy Birthday my Son. I love you.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Cloth Diaper Swap!

Newly Wed Newly Bred

WARNING: This post is full of shameless plugs.

First, I would like to say THANK YOU to Megan over at Newlywed, Newlybred for hosting such an awesome, fun event! If you're reading this and wondering (what the heck?), you can read all about it on her page about the Cloth Diaper Swap.

AND if you don't follow Megan, you SHOULD. She finds the most... umm... shall I say... INTERESTING things to blog about and is funny as all get out. I almost die laughing when reading her posts. Check out her blog by clicking her button below!



Now that we got that out of the way, I have to say how much FUN this was for me to not only GET my fluffy mail package but also to shop and GIVE fluffy mail.

I received an awesome package from Renee of Monkeysnuggles. I was sooo excited because I absolutely ADORE her diapers! Renee sent me one of the Safari print fitted diapers I was coveting with a matching tee shirt for the Cub! What do you think?



ADORABLE, RIGHT???

Here's a close-up of the print:




 I have to RAVE a little bit about Renee and her diapers. I only have one other fitted diaper in an awesome print and it has been one of my FAVORITE diapers. She does quality work and the diaper fits well and is oh so squishy soft and absorbent. If I could, I'd buy more of them! If you want to see her awesome work, check out her shop on Etsy.

As for the rest of the goodies received for this swap, check out this link over at Newlywed, Newlybred!

Again, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you Megan for hosting! I know I had a good time & I sure hope you enjoy your Hostess with the Mostess package!!! :)

Edited to add action shots (10/30/09):

How happy is he in his new diaper and matching tee?








Starting him early...?

Maybe just a little too early? Pappa Bear absolutely LOVES Starbuck's. So much so that I know getting him one almost always cheers him up. So now I guess he's got the Cub on it. (What do they put in those drinks???) Here's Cub NOT sharing his Starbuck's with DaDa. :)

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Wordless Wednesday - ... and he grows!

It is truly amazing to me how FAST babies grow.
So I thought I'd share a few pics of Cub.


First week at home


Three months


Five months



Seven months



10 months!

Just like that!

For more Mostly Wordless Wednesday,
head on over to Ordinary & Awesome
and don't forget to check out my personal
Wordless Wednesday over at
A New Leas on Life...

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

I Give Up!!

Ay yai yai! I am seriously at my wit's end about this whole sleeping/CIO/nursing situation we have at home. I. AM. LOSING. MY. MIND.

WHERE DID MY SWEET SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT BABY GO???


It takes a HUGE amount of willpower to go against my Mommy instinct and let the Cub CIO. It drives both me and the hubs bonkers. But we've been told it's the best thing for him, he needs to learn to soothe himself, blah blah blah. That's great and I don't disagree but IT'S NOT WORKING - and IT'S NOT WORKING FOR US.

I hear the wonderful stories about some parents letting their kids CIO and two days later - sleeping through the night. Of course, this isn't happening in our house. EVERY night for the umpteenth day in a row, he has woken up crying. Sometimes, he'd fall back to sleep but lately he's getting more and more hysterical.

So last night, I gave up. Or shall I say, I gave in.

He was just HYSTERICALLY screaming/crying so I went and got him. He was wet. We're trying out some new nighttime diapers so unfortunately, it happens. It just BREAKS my heart when he's crying like that, tears and all. So I was able to calm him down and at HIS insistence, I nursed him. If this is what he needs to feel safe and comforted, who am I to really tell him no? Especially at 10 months. I mean, c'mon - seriously? He's not going to be 13 begging to be nursed, right?

That was at 1 o'clock this morning. At 1:30a, I crawled back into bed until my alarm went off around 5:20a. Then I got up, headed into Cub's room and as soon as I opened his door his head popped up off his pillow and he immediately sat up. I nursed him for a good 20 minutes, then he was back asleep... hopefully he slept in a little bit for Pappa, but I'm DONE with the screaming and crying.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Good News, Bad News

Domestic Dork


Over at Domestic Dork on Sunday is Good News, Bad News! So, the point? Just list your good news and bad news and then link up your post over at Domestic Dork to share your news and see others!

The Good News: Cub has started to walk on his own randomly. Don't try to get him to do it or he won't. Just watch him out of the corner of your eye...

The Bad News: We have yet to baby-proof the house and he LOVES getting into the cupboards and trash cans. Yuck!

The Good News: Cub is a growing, happy baby!

The Bad News: We just spent another $100 on clothes for the next 6 months or so... :(

The Good News: He now has two teeth coming in on top!

The Bad News: He's teething and it's no fun for ANYONE.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Thankful Thursday

Every day I try to think of things I'm grateful for and I know as hard as life seems at times, someone else has it worse and someone else has it better. So I try to focus on what's important to me and the things that matter:

  • My Pappa Bear: You are a wonderful man, husband and father. You are the light of my life and my center. You keep me grounded when I'm floating too high and you unleash me when I feel tethered. You are my world, my love, my life.
  • My Cub: Never have I thought I could love anyone more than I love your Pappa. You are the reason I am making changes within myself to be a better person, wife and Mamma. You melt my heart when I'm with you and I'm in awe of how quickly you're learning new things (like turning off my computer when I'm on it... *laughing*). You make all of my cloudy days shine and my love for you is like no other.
  • My Family & Friends: You know me best, know when I'm acting crazy and yet you still put up with me. I love you from the bottom of my heart and you keep me going from day-to-day. You are my boulders and shoulders when I need you the most. Without you, I'd be lost.

For Thoughtful Thursday and more about me & my views, follow me at A New Leas on Life...

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Wordless Wednesday - Where it Began...


I love both of my boys sooo much! It melts my heart to see this love!

For more Wordless Wednesday, visit
www.wordlesswednesday.com

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Wordless Wednesday - ...and the Love Continues


For more Wordless Wednesday check out
www.wordlesswednesday.com

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Wordless Wednesday: More Daddy Love!


For more Wordless Wednesday check out
www.wordlesswednesday.com

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Count 'em...

1, 2, 3! On Cub's 10 month birthday (21st) he took his first THREE steps! He was so proud of himself as we looked on.

Today, he took 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 steps!! I cannot believe that our little Cub will be walking soon! He's so excited and proud of himself. We cheer him on but I think he's decided he doesn't like all the attention. Ha!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Wordless Wednesday

I thought I would start participating in these fun daily blog events - so my first ever Wordless Wednesday (the pic I assume doesn't have to be recent, right?)

Brought to you by www.wordlesswednesday.com


Thursday, August 13, 2009

A New Blog

My original blog was created as a way for me to get out what was in my head. For me. Not for anything else really - so really - that one was created as sort of my outlook/views on how I see things. Lately, it has been peppered with giveway links and very little updates on the Cub. So, I'm creating this one to be the Cub/Mama/Family related blog. Here you'll find updates on the Cub, cloth diapering information, giveaway links and reviews of all things Cub related. I hope you enjoy it!


Thursday, June 4, 2009

another sleepless night...

I'm not sure how many of you mommies are having this problem but my kid now does NOT sleep through the night (STTN). He sleeps at best, 4 hour stretches. He used to be SUCH a good sleeper and I had NO complaints! Now, he wakes up every 2-3 hours and one night it was every hour! Holy ca-schmoly... It is driving both me and E insane. It started right around 5 months and now that he's 7.5 months, there is no sign of it getting any better. I'm so reluctant to let him cry it out (CIO) because I cannot STAND the crying. It grates my nerves, it breaks my heart. Although I'm sure if I did let him CIO, he'd probably STTN because he'd wear himself out! LOL!!! Anyway, just had to vent - if any of you mommies have any tips, please share! :)))

Here's what he should be doing at night... LOL!!!

Monday, June 1, 2009

Luvin' the Cub!

For those of you who follow me, I have been absent via blog lately. Except for blogging about fabulous contests! I'm totally in love with cloth diapers and have recently branched out and purchased my first set to try on our own. If it all works out, we'll be canceling our diaper service and buying more! Woo hoo!!! I guess I'm turning into a 'crunchy' kind of Mamma! LOL!!! Who knew I had it in me?? :)

Anyway, I don't have much to say but here's some pics of the Cub!!

E took this pic my first day back at work...




















Cub managing his own bottle of Mamma's milk!




















Our first family trip to the park with Pappa Bear luvin' on the Cub!
















Cub eating his foot!





















Cub trying out some lettuce on Mother's Day!



Sunday, May 3, 2009

... and he's OUT!!!

Cub has been such a cutie pie today... E was feeding him dinner of carrots and apples in his high chair while I was making dinner and then all of a sudden... he fell asleep!!!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

We've Made It!!!

... to six months. Holy ca-schmoly! My boy is now 6 months old! I'm in utter shock at how FAST the time flew. It seems like just yesterday we just brought him home and we were struggling with learning to breastfeed. Today he's wearing the next size up in diapers and diaper covers. Once again, his bottom looks bigger than the rest of his body thanks to the cloth diapers.

He had has well baby checkup on Tuesday and everything was great! He weighed in at 15lbs 11.5oz and measured 25.5 inches. He got half of his vaccinations and then is when the fun started... he started to feel a little warm Tuesday evening and finally about 9pm I gave him some Tylenol. His underarm temp was about 99 and he still seemed to be in good spirits. Yesterday morning he was doing about the same so I gave him more Tylenol. Then, early afternoon he started in on the whining and he felt even warmer so I finally took a rectal temp - it was 104!

I called the advice nurse and gave him a dose of Motrin and his temp went down a little but it's now settled at about 101. It was a rough night last night... there is nothing worse than seeing your son's pouty lip and tears because he doesn't feel well and there's nothing you can do about it. It just breaks your heart. He finally went to sleep around midnight-ish and woke up a few times during the night to moan/cry a little bit and then back to sleep.

I feel like I barely slept - I kept getting up to check on him, feel his head and make sure he wasn't too warm or too cold. This morning he still has a temperature of about 101 but he seems to be in good spirits and nursing fine. I'm keeping my fingers crossed his temperature will come down today and that he'll be back to his normal self soon.

Anyway, Happy 6 Months my baby boy! Mamma loves you sooo much!

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