It's a Cub's World... We Just Live In It...

Letter to Cub: THREE!

2011-10-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Cubby,

It's your birthday! How did three years go by so fast? I know I haven't blogged much for you lately, but you should know that you are an AMAZING kid. You've managed to get the best qualities from me and your Daddy. You're our social bee, a big helper and a love bug! You have now made allowances for Daddy to sleep in 'Mamma's bed' and even ask him to "lay down!" when you want some snuggle time.

You DEFINITELY know what you want and when you want it and it's been quite a struggle for you to learn that you can't always have what you want. You're having a great time learning how to put things together and do things yourself. Your most commonly heard phrases are "No, Mom! Not YOU!" or "No, Dad! Not YOU!"

We changed daycare/schools in August and you have been thriving. Mommy was very worried you'd get lost in the shuffle with 24 kids, but you have adapted well and started staying dry and even peeing in the potty at school!! Once Mommy realized that, we buckled down and focused Labor Day weekend and had you learning all about the potty situation. You did AWESOME and are now potty-trained!

We still have our 'goke' time at night or in the morning although it seems like you are sometimes not asking for it (which is good for you!) and trying hard to be a big boy.

Never did I ever think I'd be at this point with such a special treasure as you in my life. You make me and your Daddy proud and we are happy we've been blessed with you.

♥,

Mommy

Letter to Cub: Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-08T23:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Cubby,

You are two and a half years old on this glorious Mother's Day. Pappa Bear got you out of your crib this morning and when you came in to see me, you told me to "hold on" and left the room. When you came back, you had a card in your hand, you closed the door and climbed into bed with me while I opened the card. You were so excited to show me the monkey on the inside of the card!

Moments like this just warm my heart and make me feel so blessed to have you in my life. This morning you were so cooperative as we rushed to get ready and meet Grandma for breakfast. While at breakfast, you asked me for "two moneys" (two quarters) so you could play the claw machine. You are learning so much, so fast!

I'm so glad that I am your mom and you are my son. Thank you for being you, for keeping me on my toes and for changing my world. I love you.

Love,

Mamma Bear

A New Year!

2011-01-09T23:07:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Cubby Fans!

Our apologies for being absent the last few months, but we hope with a new year that we'll be able to share more of the happenings in Cub's World. We've all been VERY busy- battling colds, visiting family and just trying to enjoy life now that Cubby has turned TWO!!!

Wishing you the best in 2011! Stay tuned...

Letter to Cub 2...

2010-10-21T23:20:00.000-07:00

Wow! Another year! Another year has flown by and I'm in awe how fast that went! I still remember the day you were born like it was yesterday! You have learned so much in this past year and are talking up a storm! You are still giving us hugs and kisses but you're telling us "no" more often. Sometimes it's a game and sometimes it's a genuine protest for not wanting to brush your teeth, take a bath, or have your diaper changed.

You give both me and your Pappa grief over EVERYTHING (terrible two's perhaps?) but you still manage to get in some snuggle time and hugs and kisses to both of us every day.

You've flown to Omaha this year to meet your long distance pal, C.

We've had changes this year. Teresa & T3 had been a major part of your life until they moved in May. It was heartbreaking for me, as T3 was your "brother" and you absolutely LOVED Teresa.

You went to your first LIVE show - Sesame Street Live! You seemed to have enjoyed it although you didn't openly clap or get excited.

You had an AWESOME summer of swimming. You purposely put your face under the water, holding your breath and pick your head up on your own. You've jumped in unassisted into the pool for me or Pappa to catch you. You were thrilled to do it and not scared at all.

You've been to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom more times this year than I have ever been in my life so far thanks to the season passes we bought.

You had your first sleepover/overnight away from Mamma & Pappa. I missed you so much the whole time you were away.

You went to your first concert - Rascal Flatts with Sara Evans at Sleep Train Amphitheatre. You had a GREAT time and even wound up with an inflatable guitar to go home with. Not a tear/complaint about the loud music or the late night. When you fell asleep in my arms at 9:30 p.m., I could've just melted. ♥

Your personality is really showing and you're just a silly Cub! You love things that make noise, have wheels, and you love to "color". You make tiny circles on the paper with a pen or pencil. Every day, you're growing more into a little boy and wanting to do more "big boy" things. Some days I just want to hold/squeeze you tight because I know these times only last a short while.

Every day I love you more and more and am so proud of the little boy you're becoming. I hope you know that I will always love you. ♥

Missing!

2010-09-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's right. We've been MIA. Or at least I have been in updating and posting on Cubby's blog here for you folks.

I'm working on getting some pics together to show what we've been up to - but for now, a little summary:

Talking: Cubby is talking up a STORM! He is a little parrot so Mamma Bear now has to watch her potty mouth. He knows many words (too many to list) but the ones he does regularly is "hep!" (help), "tank you" (thank you), "elcom" (you're welcome), "pease" (please), "no", "dada", "mama", "mom", "goke" (milk), "cul" (popsicle), "ont" (want), "go". He can put words together for short sentences like "Mom, ont goke", "hep pease", "Dada go?"

Swimming: I think enrolling him into swim at 8/9 months has paid off. This summer we took swim lessons up the kazoo. Too many for Mamma & Pappa Bear, but by the end of it all - Cubby was putting his face in the water on his own and holding his breath under the water! He was also jumping into the water with assistance and just loved hand-walking on his belly in the shallow side of the water (pics to come later). Then, while swimming at a friend's house and watching their four year old jump into the pool, Cubby thought he'd give it a try! UNASSISTED! He did a GREAT job but Mamma Bear's heart was pounding a kajillion miles a minute. Oh boy. Now we HAVE to keep a real close eye on him near water.

Family: We visit grandma once a week for dinner and he just LOVES her! It's so nice that he sees and recognizes her and the rest of my family as well. He is definitely the spoiled munchkin of the family (for now) and he's enjoying every minute of it!

I can't wait to show you all the things he's been doing!

Independence Day!

2010-07-05T09:43:00.000-07:00

This year it was a very small celebration. Pappa Bear, Cubby, Uncle D, his girlfriend S, Grandma and of course myself. Grandma made homemade french fries, burgers, dogs, ribs and a salad. Let's just say we were overstuffed.

My brother, mother and I are very much closet pyromaniacs (I use that term very loosely). We love to light up things and watch 'em burn! ♪ Burn, baby burn... disco inferno... ♫ Wait, where was I... ? Oh yes, back to the Fourth of July... Between my mother and I we spent about $200 on fireworks. This year, I really wanted Cubby to try his first sparkler. Now, I don't recommend this at all to other parents but because I know how overly cautious Cubby is AND the fact I was going to be right there, I didn't worry too much.

At first, he held onto the sparkler and as I was holding his wrist waving it around for him, he decided he wanted no part of it... and I was disappointed. How can MY Cubby NOT want to light up something? Oh well. The show MUST GO ON!!!

Before we start lighting off fireworks, we organize our goods. We start off with smaller things like Ground Blooms, Piccolo Pete's, interspersed with smaller fountains and then work our way up to Mad Dogs, American Spirit and what not. This year's finale was The Molten Pot. I was impressed! New this year and a $20 show piece, I think it was worth every penny. Again, here I am distracted - this isn't what this post is about!

During our spectacular show, Grandma continued to try and give Cubby a sparkler. FINALLY, he caught on! Yay! Only a Mamma Bear can be so proud! Here's a clip:

Can't wait for next year, when we show him how to properly light a firework himself... he he he...

Wordless Wednesday: Like Father, Like Son Part II

2010-06-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist...

Proof!

2010-06-21T18:23:00.000-07:00

Yep! Here's proof we have a bear cub on our hands! He was so hungry, he refused to let me help open the bag to get to the biscuit... so the end result....

He said... WHAT???

2010-06-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

The other day I was so exhausted and seriously needed a rest. Cubby may have gone down, but he had a bit of energy and Pappa Bear was headed out the door. So I asked him to put the gate in the hallway & close most of the doors so if Cubby wanted to get up, he could only be in my room or walk over to his room.

I closed my eyes to try and nap but woke up every few minutes hearing Cubby getting into things, making sure he was ok and back to closing my eyes. All of a sudden I feel a push against the mattress and I hear Cubby... "mooo mooo" in this kind of sing songy tone (which is what it sounded like to me) and holding out his arms to me. Keep in mind, I'm half asleep and I think he wants to be picked up to come into the bed with me.

Then he says it again, this time shoving his hands in my face and I shoot straight up out of my grogginess as I realize he said "Pooo Pooo" because I also smell it. On his hands. Ewww! He then proceeds to put his hand in the side of his diaper and I grab him and haul ass to his changing table.

This time I ask "Did you go poo poo?" He nods yes. Smiles. Lays right down to let me change him. *sigh*

Thinking it's time to maybe start potty training?

Wordless Wednesday: Little Boy!

2010-06-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

Where did my baby go?

Cub's First Keyboard

2010-06-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

I'm a techie geek. So it's no surprise at 19 months (although it would've been earlier if Pappa Bear would've let me) that Cubby has his very own keyboard! I found it online at MamaBargains, one of those deal-a-day sites. Now why would I spend money on a keyboard specifically designed for kids when we have a kajillion keyboards already?

Well, for one thing - it's specifically designed for kids. Cubby has been allowed on the computer here and there on a site called Kneebouncers. Our super wonderful, awesome nanny/childcare provider found and shared this site with me.

All that is required to use this site? The ability to push a key. Any key. Here is where the problem lies. On a regular "adult" keyboard, they have these keys that are helpful 'tools' like the ESC, Alt, Windows keys - when pressed have a specific function. None of which I want my toddler to be able to access or use or "accidently" use a combination of these keys and who knows what will happen!

So I was THRILLED when I found this keyboard by MyPC. As you can see from the pic, the buttons are HUGE and they are missing the 'tool' keys, so now I don't have to worry about Cubby on my keyboard!!!

Oh yeah - please excuse the mess that is my desk. This is why I'm looking for a "mama's helper"...

Where'd the Time Go?

2010-06-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

Boy, time sure has flown - I didn't even realize it's been TWO whole months since a Cubby update/sighting! Rest assured, he's thriving and doing well, but he's keeping Mamma too busy to keep everyone updated... so look for an update soon!

Wordless Wednesday : Mini-Hugh

2010-03-30T21:51:00.000-07:00

THUNK!

2010-02-08T15:27:00.000-08:00

Boy, it was a rough night. Cubby started around the 2 a.m.-ish hour with the crying. Pappa got up, changed his diaper, gave him some food (he didn't eat much yesterday) and put him back down... not even 15 minutes later, up again... crying. Mamma's turn! I went in to his room, settled in the rocking chair and gave him some Mamma's Milk... then, put him down. Not even 20 minutes later, up again... crying. Ay yai yai! What's up with this kid? By this time it's close to 4 a.m. so Pappa volunteers to get up with him and gives him some Sesame Street time! I have to be at work by 6:30 a.m., so I attempt to go back to sleep for a little while... next thing I know, it's about 5:45 a.m.-ish and Cubby is standing next to the bed trying to get my attention. I hear Pappa snoring out in the living room on the couch.

So, I pull him into bed, play with him a bit, give him some more Mamma's Milk and then get up with him (so I can get ready for work) and head out to wake up Pappa from the couch. I wake up Pappa, then fix Cubby's tent that he is always "squishing" and tell him "Cubby - you're gonna ruin this thing!" The next thing I know, Cubby takes a run for the tent (nothing new) and then I hear "THUNK!" Then some crying... Oh jeez! Here it is 6 a.m. and we're already starting the day this way. I grab him, he buries his face in my chest just BAWLING and I'm just patting him, rocking in the chair and tell Pappa - get me an Owie Bag from the freezer!

Then I pull him away from me to look - HOLY CRAP!!! I tell Pappa - "Hurry! It looks AWFUL!". I finally turn on a light to show Pappa and he FREAKS out! Yep. My kid has a golf ball size knot coming out of his head! What a way to start a Monday morning! Pappa wanted to take him to the doctor's but I made him call first - as I knew it would be at least $50 and HOURS of waiting in the ER, not to mention Cubby wasn't dressed or calm yet either.

After giving him more Mamma's Milk to get him calm, I was able to wedge the Owie Bag between his face and my chest in order to be able to "ice" it down. After more than 20 minutes, the advice nurse came on and in the end - we can't let him sleep more than 2 hours at a time for the next 24 hours. Yikes! What a looong night it's going to be tonight.

Good news - Cubby IS acting like himself and the knot has gone down a bit - and it's gonna be a helluva bruise for a while... Whew! Welcome to Parenthood!!!

Cubby in good spirits having some breakfast. Nice lump, huh?

Cubby sleeping with his Owie Bag

Wordless Wednesday (Mostly): Like Father, Like Son?

2010-01-27T10:34:00.000-08:00

After a disastrous first haircut (which I just realized I never posted), we thought we'd try again - AFTER he got the chance to see how fun it was for Daddy to get his haircut. My mom cuts everyone's hair in the family (yes, she does this for a living) and I ASSUMED she was just going to "trim it" like she did last time but.... well, see for yourself:

Bye Mamma!

2010-01-25T08:20:00.000-08:00

This morning, as I was getting ready to leave for work, Pappa Bear was changing Cubby's diaper on the changing table. So I go in to say goodbye, kiss the Cub (which he was not having), kiss Pappa Bear (THEN, the Cub wanted to kiss Mamma) and say goodbye. As I was walking away waving and saying "Bye bye!", Cubby turned to his side, waved and said "Bye Mamma!"

Oh boy, he's definitely growing up.

The Beginning: Cloth Diapers

2010-01-18T22:30:00.000-08:00

A lot of you already know I cloth diaper and LOVE it! So much so, I'm what you could call "addicted" although I'm trying desperately to hop on the wagon to recovery. What most of you don't know is why. If you know me at all, this doesn't seem like something I would go for, as I'm always about the latest "great" thing to make life easier & uncomplicated. Let's face it: Cloth diapering certainly doesn't make life easier. It just adds to the piles and piles of laundry already waiting to be washed & folded. Not to mention, having to deal with cleaning off poop? GUUUHHHHROSSSSSSSS!!!!!! Right?

One thing I never could anticipate is how I would feel/see things when I was pregnant. I spent HOURS on Babycenter and other baby-related websites, looking/researching and making sure what I was purchasing was not only top-rated but top ranked in safety, cost-effective and the BEST for my baby. In all of this researching, I came across discussions for cloth diapers. I started looking into it more vs. disposables and the more I looked at it, the more I thought it made sense but all the choices though were so overwhelming and I just couldn't FATHOM washing DIRTY DIAPERS?! GUUUUHHHHHROOOSSSSSS!!!!

So I found a local diapering service - Tidee Didee which delivers and picks up the dirties and brings me new ones! How cool was THAT?! After a small talk with Pappa Bear, he agreed to try it out. We only had a four week commitment, and we could at least give it that long to try, yes? At the service's recommendation, we started off on an 80 diaper (prefolds) a week rotation. Holy COW! That was a LOT of diapers!! After our first week, Pappa Bear though that it really was no different than changing disposable ('sposie) diapers and I agreed! It just took one extra step, a little coordination and know how and voila! Easy as pie! Of course they were HUGE on our little guy - just check it out for yourself:

See how big his bottom half is? He looks like a pear!

Once Cubby started solids (around 5ish months or so) and his diaper started to have more solids in it, I thought I'd give washing/caring for our own cloth diapers a try. The main reason? Not only to cut costs, but man - they were so darn CUUUUUUTE! Turns out, it was all easy peasy as pie. Well, almost. We've had some stink issues, a suedecloth reaction, an eczema flare-up and oh the dreaded MUSH poop that required the installation and use of a diaper sprayer but for the most part - it's been a breeze! Besides, you can't capture this kind of adorable-cuteness in 'sposies, right?!!

Say CHEESE!!!

2010-01-17T20:47:00.000-08:00

I have to tell you - I'm amazed. Every day I'm amazed at how far Cub has grown and all that he's learned and picked up. Today, I allowed him time on the computer. This is something I've been doing on and off for about a week. Since I spend so much time on it, he's always stealing my mouse and messing with my computer. So, why not? There's this cool website for little kiddies called Kneebouncers. All it requires (besides parent supervision) is the ability to hit a key on the keyboard. It's PERFECT for Cub and other kids his age.

So, as I am watching him on the computer thinking "What a BIG BOY!" I grab the camera to take a picture and I say "Say Cheese!" not really expecting him to say it but..... he said "Cheeese!" and I snapped this photo:

"CHEEEESE!"

The Year of a Cub

2009-12-31T17:44:00.000-08:00

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!

Ho, Ho, Ho...

2009-12-26T17:00:00.000-08:00

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!!! :))

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-17T14:48:00.000-08:00

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. :)

Snow!

2009-12-09T12:35:00.000-08:00

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. :))

Black Friday Specials and Limited Coupon Code!

2009-11-26T21:14:00.000-08:00

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!!!

Black Friday

2009-11-24T22:14:00.000-08:00

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!

BACK!

2009-11-14T21:38:00.000-08:00

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!

Big Boy!

2009-10-26T22:28:00.000-07:00

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!

Letter to Cub...

2009-10-20T23:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Cloth Diaper Swap!

2009-10-17T22:39:00.000-07:00

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...?

2009-10-17T17:15:00.001-07:00

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. :)

Wordless Wednesday - ... and he grows!

2009-09-16T09:04:00.000-07:00

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...

I Give Up!!

2009-09-15T07:36:00.000-07:00

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.

Good News, Bad News

2009-09-13T13:33:00.000-07:00

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.

Thankful Thursday

2009-09-10T07:55:00.000-07:00

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...

Wordless Wednesday - Where it Began...

2009-09-08T23:05:00.000-07:00

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

For more Wordless Wednesday, visit
www.wordlesswednesday.com

Wordless Wednesday - ...and the Love Continues

2009-09-02T06:47:00.000-07:00

For more Wordless Wednesday check out
www.wordlesswednesday.com

Wordless Wednesday: More Daddy Love!

2009-08-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

For more Wordless Wednesday check out
www.wordlesswednesday.com

Count 'em...

2009-08-25T23:21:00.001-07:00

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!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-19T10:26:00.001-07:00

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

A New Blog

2009-08-13T10:52:00.001-07:00

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!

another sleepless night...

2009-06-04T07:54:00.000-07:00

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!!!

Luvin' the Cub!

2009-06-01T15:39:00.000-07:00

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!

... and he's OUT!!!

2009-05-03T17:41:00.000-07:00

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!!!

We've Made It!!!

2009-04-23T11:41:00.000-07:00

... 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!

Pears, Sweet Potato, Avocado & Potato

2009-04-02T11:36:00.000-07:00

These have been our cub's first foods. It has been quite an adventure into the world of solids - and nothing as spectacular as the changing of poop! Although I would've liked to have actually SHOWN you how it changes, I know not everyone likes to look at poop. Ha! :) It's been interesting being a mom/parent. You never think you'd be sooo interested in someone else's bodily functions but it can really clue you in on what's going on with your baby. Anyway, I just wanted to share some photos of my boy eating his first four foods! Enjoy :)

Pappa feeding cub pears

Let me try Pappa!

Yah, these sweet potatoes are good...

Oh yah! Avocado is BETTER than sweet potato!

Eh - potato is a little bland but it'll do...

Pears!

2009-03-12T23:15:00.000-07:00

So tonight, I get a wild hair up my a$$ and decide to take my first stab at making baby food. Pears. Thought I would only use a little, but then realized I needed to steam more than what I did. Boy couldn't wait so I boobed him and then handed him over to Pappa so I could finish up. It really is super easy to make your own baby food. The only thing is that it can be a pain to make some every day so it's probably better to make a bunch and then freeze it. I however, don't have the trays to freeze yet, so I only made a little bit. So I think it came out ok - not as runny as I think it should've been. So I decide to try and feed it to Boy. Let me tell you - he was READY! Although he did make a funny face, he kept trying to grab my hand for more. :) So I guess he liked it! I probably should've put him in his high chair to feed him instead of leaving him in his Johnny Jump Up but oh well - here are some pics:

Here's a video of Daddy also feeding him pears - very exciting!

Mommies & Playdates

2009-03-12T12:26:00.000-07:00

Can I say that I ♥ the Moms from my Mommy group?! They have been my absolute lifesaver since having my precious boy and I hope that as some of us return to work that we will be able to get together on the weekends and keep in touch as our wee ones grow! Last Sunday, Cathy & Anna hosted 'tea time' and invited us over. There were a handful of Moms and babes there and at one point the volume was like a playground! Ah, the sweet sounds of kiddies! Since Nicholas enjoys his exersaucer so much here, he got to try out Anna's! And here is the mini-hostess herself!

A New Bouncer

2009-02-25T23:40:00.000-08:00

Yep - he finally wore out the hand-me-down bouncer seat we got from our fabulous neighbors before they moved. The fabric was starting to stretch so much that his butt was sinking lower and lower in the crevice and the back of the fabric started to feel like a sharp edge on his back. Before he was born, I was totally in the mindset of 'I want our boy to have everything new!' Ridiculous, I know now because you don't know what your kid will like or don't like. We received a swing that we registered for which I love, but the Boy doesn't. Who knew? The freebie hand-me-down bouncer seat we got he absolutely LOVED. I say he loved it because he spent much time in it without complaint and it became the one place I could put him without entertaining him in it. So, on his 18 week 'birthday', I headed to BRU and picked him up a new bouncer seat! Which he LOVES! Can't you tell?

ps- I've been messing with this damn blog trying to get the pictures JUST right and of course it doesn't publish the way it shows you in the preview window and of COURSE there's no easy way to adjust these things. WTF???? Is it too much to ask to have easy editing options for inserting photos and video?

Growing!

2009-02-23T20:16:00.000-08:00

It is truly AMAZING at how fast babies grow. Today Boy had his four month checkup. He is staying within his growth curve and is doing well! At birth, Boy was 6lbs 13oz and 19.25 inches long. Today he measured 24.5 inches and weighed in at 14lbs 5.7oz!

Milestones: He's now smiling all the time, laughing, cooing and 'talking'. He's able to grab and hold objects for a short period. He can stand if we help him and he has STRONG legs. He also has a grip that even his Pappa says can hurt. He's found his hand and tries to eat it constantly. He's also finally found his thumb and is sucking on it here and there.

Activities: He will lay on his back on his playmat and play with the objects that are dangling above his head. He'll play in his exersaucer, push buttons and slide the beads on the wire. In his high chair he spins his alphabet wheel.

I cannot believe that only four months ago this precious boy arrived and turned my world upside down!

The Start of Laughter...

2009-02-12T23:03:00.000-08:00

So E has been teaching our boy how to dance. Since our cub has such strong legs and tends to stand when supported - what better time to introduce him to groove to the tunes? Boy really likes it and just laughs and laughs with his Pappa so I've been trying to catch it on video for a few days and FINALLY I did! So here it is - a minute long video for your viewing and listening pleasure. By the way, have I said how cute I think our cub is??? :)

The Opposite Disposition

2009-02-09T17:22:00.000-08:00

So... E and I are night owls. We're the 'party 'til dawn' types. As much as we love to stay home, we probably love to go out and party it up with friends at the clubs/bars or wherever the 'party' is a little bit more. Or so we USED to. So the other night we head over to a friend's house to celebrate his birthday of course bringing our newest little partier, right? WRONG!

We thought we'd give him his shower early to put him at ease, get him in his jammies and then take him over there. Thinking he'd just chill and fall asleep when it was time. We thought it was going to work somewhat and then he started getting fussy. Like crying. We tried hard calming him down - bouncing him, taking him outside in the cool air, shoving the boob at him but none of it worked for a little bit and then he just decided he'd take the boob. He ate for a bit and then fell asleep. So I thought, ok - cool. Put him in his bouncer (which we brought) and he'll sleep for at least an hour, right? WRONG!!!!

He woke up SCREAMING like he was in pain and at that point there was NOTHING that would settle him down. So after being there for a little less than three hours, we bailed. Which sucked because I was about to show up the peeps on Wii Fit! What a downer for us, especially my hubby - since it was his friend's birthday celebration.

So here I am thinking about it and realizing that it's just our luck to have a child who is not only a morning person but prefers to have his evenings at home (at least for now)! WTF??? I know it really is too early to tell what his disposition will be but man, oh man! For now - this is what we have to deal with.