My New Love

Of course I am referring to my new wood floors! I LOVE them! It makes such a huge difference when you walk in the door. It's like I got a whole new house. Mac has been enjoying them as well. Sliding on them, tap dancing on them, and he even tried to give them that used look by beating his golf club on them (Mommy stopped that one). But hey, we got distressed wood for a reason, right? I have yet to move all of his toys back down stairs. It's just so nice to have a clean, clutter free living room, but this too shall pass. We replaced the carpet in the dining room too, but I need to take pictures.


So I need some advice. We are slowly adopting the policy of in with the old, out with the new in terms of living room furniture. The couch, entertainment center, and tv will eventually be replaced. We have found a couch we like and are waiting to see if the price drops over Labor Day weekend (fingers crossed). We have talked about what type of entertainment center we want. We have decided to go with a wooden base, not a full blown entertainment center with shelves. Here is my question, do you think it would be a bad idea to completely forgo a TV? What I was thinking about doing was just getting a big base (it will be tall) that runs the length of the wall. There would be shelves inside for storage, toys, etc. Trust me, I love TV just as much as the next person, but I just feel like it's being watched too much. I feel like it is a distraction at night. When Eric gets home I would really like for us to just be together as a family when we are downstairs. I have no problem with us going upstairs to watch the big TV if there is something we want to see, but I don't really see any reason to have one in the living room. As I said, we have the big TV in the media room upstairs and a TV in our bedroom so it's not like we wouldn't be able to get to one if we wanted to. My idea is to get a small TV/DVD combo for the kitchen so that Mac starts having a meltdown while I'm cooking or cleaning we could always pop in some Yo Gabba Gabba. So...what do you think? Horrible idea or good idea to have some extra family time?

1.5

My baby is not a baby anymore! He is now 18 months old and has more personality than I could have ever imagined. He makes me laugh so hard I can't stand it.

We are working on eating with a fork and spoon. It has not been going so well. I actually end up making twice the amount of food he needs because most of it ends up on the floor, in the dogs mouth, or in Mac's lap. His spoon skills are definitely lacking, but we are making some progress with the fork. Honestly, he just stabs at food until something sticks, but he has such a sense of accomplishment on his face I can't help but clap for him. Too bad my clapping leads to his clapping and more food is splattered on the floor!

He is also turning into quite the little dumpster diver. Our trash can lid doesn't shut all the way and Mac really enjoys digging for hidden treasures. You know, things like foil, paper, and the occasional handful of food.


Eric and I keep finding ourselves watching him in amazement. We were at dinner the other night and caught each other just staring at Mac because he was eating all by himself. It's still blows my mind that we brought home this helpless little baby and now I have a little boy who can walk and talk...oh yeah, and feed himself. I am assuming that children eventually reach an age when you are no longer enamored with every little thing they do, but I have a feeling we are no where near that!

For your 18 mo birthday:

Mac, at 18 months:

1. You weigh in at 26 lbs

2. You have really started to slim down now that you run EVERYWHERE!

3. I am already missing all those extra fat rolls on your legs (you still have plenty though!)

4. You can make the following animal sounds: cow ("mmmm"), dog ("arf"), cat ("kitty cat"), monkey ("E-E-E-E"), Tiger ("grrrrr"), snake ("ssss")

5. You can actually identify animals on your flash cards and make their sounds

6. You LOVE to wash your hands. Actually you like to play in the water, but I'll take it.

7. You can identify the following party parts: head, ears, mouth, eyes, hands, feet, knees, and belly.

8. You love to show people your belly

9. When you know you are in trouble you say "I love you."...because that usually gets you out of trouble

10. You no longer say please when you want something. Instead you stay "Thank You" (pronounced Na Nu) because I guess you know I will give it to you eventually!

11. Anytime you leave the room you hug Heisman and tell him "I Love You."

12. You climb on everything

13. You love to dance

14. You like to bathe yourself and wash your own hair

15. We are making some progress eating with a fork and spoon

16. You like to play with Mommy's phone, which has resulted in 2 "911" calls.

17. You squeal "Daddy!" every time the phone rings...and you say "Hello" when you hold the phone to your ear

18. You are still the greatest thing that ever happened to me and your Daddy

















As you can tell my this video, Mac is starved for attention:

Thank God For The Girls!

I must say, I am very fortunate to have such great girlfriends. I don't know how people make it without them! Let's face it, there are just some things that you can't talk to your men about. And some things you just don't want to talk to them about! I have 2 groups of girls...the "Mom's Group" and the "Couples Group." I love them both equally, but they are a totally different experience.

The "Couples Group" consists of about 6 of us (all the husbands are friends as well) and quite a few bottles of wine. We talk about everything under the sun...no topic is off limits. We have been known to shut down a few restaurants, and even have a waiter or two join us when their shift is over. If you want to be heard you have to speak up because we often find ourselves talking over each other. We have been surprisingly successful in keeping our monthly girls night going for sometime now. There is one rule for girls night...what is said at girl's night, stays at girl's night. I love it! I wish we could do it every week!

The "Mom's Group" consists of 6 of us now (one just moved...so sad) and I think we have only successfully gotten together, sans the kids, once (tonight was the first time)! Our common factor, obviously our kids. Oddly enough we all have little boys that are within 6 or 7 months of each other. As much as we love and adore our perfect little angels, a night out is definitely needed! You would think that we would take such a golden opportunity to discuss some scholarly issues (i.e. not Yo Gabba Gabba), but we don't. I think we spent 90 percent of the time talking about the boys. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed every second of it. It's amazing how relaxing a dinner can be when you aren't having to chase around a 1 1/2 year old. Plus, it's nice to hear that you aren't the only one who feels like they don't know what they are doing!

As different as our nights out can be, there is one commonality between the two. No matter how bad the day was, it all seems so much better by the time the evening has come to an end...

I love my girls and don't know what I'd do without them!!!

Words Of Wisdom From A Supermodel

When i think of the great scholars of all time I think of Leonardo da Vinci, Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, and of course....Gisele Bundchen. I'm not saying all models are dumb, but let's face it, they're not generally known for their intellectual prowess. And that brings me to my point; Gisele's interview in Harper's Bizaare UK. The supermodel, aka Tom Brady's baby mama, was quoted as saying, "Some people here [in the U.S.] think they don't have to breastfeed, and I think 'Are you going to give chemical food to your child when they are so little?'," and my favorite, "I think there should be a worldwide law, in my opinion, that mothers should breastfeed their babies for six months." Let me start off by saying that I have the utmost respect for women who breastfeed. I only lasted 2 months, and it was hard. I am amazed when I hear about people who do it for 6 months, and astonished when I hear of sticking it out for a year. Kudos to you all. That being said, I felt like a failure when I stopped breastfeeding. My reasons are my reasons and I won't get into that, but I cannot stand it when women, celebrity or not, get on their soap box about breastfeeding. In almost all cases I think that breastfeeding is the best thing that you can do for your child. I mean, it's what your body was meant to do. At the same time, not everyone is physically able to do it. Not everyone is emotionally able to do it. And believe it or not, not everyone wants to do it. Do any of these reasons make you a bad mother? No!!!

I had a friend tell me if I stopped breastfeeding, Mac would not bond with me. Well let me tell you, he loves me and he loves his Daddy...and I know Eric never breastfed him!

I write this only to say, chose your words carefully, especially when talking to or about Moms. I know I used to cast judgement, and I'm sure I will again, but just think before the words roll of your tongue. Remember how you used to feel when all the "wise women" gave you little tips and advice to make you a better mother. And also remember, when you do receive unsolicited advice, I still get it all the time, just smile, nod, and go on with your day as though it never happened (unless of course it helps!)

There's No Place Like Home

As much fun as we had on our trip, it was so nice to walk in my front door. I wish I could chronicle our entire trip, but it would take forever! Instead, here are some of the highlights from our mini vacation. And trust me, the best part comes at the end!

Mac did great on the trip to Louisiana. We drove 4 hours to Shreveport with no stops and only one mini 15 minute meltdown. Way to go Mac!

We stayed with my cousins, Jason and Tammy, their little girl Jasey, and probably most important to Mac, their Boston Terrier, Cinch. Mac's eyes lit up as Cinch ran to the car to welcome us. It was so nice for Mac to have someone to play with while we were there (Jasey will be 3 in November). However, I did learn that kids that age do not typically enjoy sharing. This revelation led to Mac and Jasey having a few knock-down fights! Jasey took a few toys away from Mac while he was playing, but he just moved onto something else until he found some blocks. Jasey came over and took them away and I saw my child morph into a maniac. He started stomping his feet, turned red, let out a banshee-like scream and charged her! He grabbed her by the hair and was not planning to let go. To retaliate (and rightfully so), Jasey grabbed a blocked and knocked him upside the head. After we pulled them apart, I noticed that Mac had a Lego block imprint on his head. That's right, my boy got beat up by a girl. Other than that they got along pretty well. Having a little bouncy house to play in didn't hurt.






The first night of the rodeo Mac got to walk around and pet all the horses. He even got to play with some ducks. We ended up leaving early because he was so sleepy and getting extremely cranky, but we knew we'd be going back the next night.













After a good nights sleep we spent most of the day hanging out a Jason and Tammy's. We took Mac up to their barn to go and see some of the horses. Of course Mac was more excited to see the dogs. We made our way over to see my brother Kevin at his house in the afternoon to ride the four wheeler and Eric found a new toy for himself; a zero-turn lawn mower. I was told only a man could truly appreciate it.









We also got to see our old friend Snowball (a calf that we bottle fed last time we were up there). Mac liked him until we tried to make him ride it.





That night we headed back up to the rodeo and Mac had the best time! He got to ride a Watusi and a horse and play with his cousin Paxton. Mac also decided it would be a good idea to take some of that good old Louisiana dirt home with him. He kept sticking his hands through the fence and playing with the dirt in the middle of the arena. The next thing I know he is covered, head to toe, and sticking a big fist full of it in his mouth. He was filthy...but very happy!







On Sunday we went to church with Grandmama, Aunt Ruth, and Kevin. While Kevin took I nap..I mean while he was deep in prayer, Mac thought that it would be a good time to play with Mommy's bracelets. Once he got bored with that he decided to get his shiny new ball out and chunk it about 5 pews in front of us. We are definitely not ready for big boy church. We said our good-byes and hit the road for Little Rock to visit Eric's grandmother. Mac was once again a great little traveler. When we got to the house Mac was very excited to see this big black and white toy called a Grand Piano! Eric's grandmother is quite the pianist and gave him a quick lesson. The rest of the trip we would hear Mac's little fingers plunking out his version of a song. We spent the next day playing with Eric's dad and Aunt Robin, and visiting some of Deedie's(Eric's grandmother) friends.





Tuesday morning we just hung around the house, had a little lunch and a short nap and headed to the airport. I was a tad bit nervous to be going solo on Mac's first aerial adventure, but it sounded better than sitting in the car for 7 hours. When we got to security, monkey leash in tow, I told Eric to sneak away before Mac got upset and realized Daddy would not be joining us. All seemed to be fine until Mac's eyes met with those of an all to familiar friend...a dog. A drug dog to be exact. At that point Mac was on a mission. He was going to pet that dog! Of course they sort of frown upon petting drug dogs so I had to tell him "No." The news was not well received and Mac proceeded to hurl himself to the ground. The man with the dog apologized and I just shook my head and said I was sorry. I picked up my now hysterical son and stood in the security line with what seemed like a million eyes watching me. It didn't take long for a man a few people ahead of me to say "I think we would all appreciate it if you went ahead of me." I know he was being rude, but I really didn't care at that point. Once we got through the scanner Mac calmed down. I put his monkey leash back on, you could see the shame on his face, and we walked to the gate. And wouldn't you know it, our flight was delayed. Not what I wanted to hear, but it was okay. Mac was busy flirting with some lady, who would end up sitting next to us on the flight, so at least he was occupied for the time being.





Now just for your information, if you fly Southwest, you do not get to board early just because you have a kid. If you do not have an "A" boarding pass they will let you get on before the "B"'s, but that's after 60 people have already gotten on. We were "A31" so I figured we would at least get a window seat. To my great shock and surprise, the front aisle was empty when we got on! Mac and I snagged the window seat. I was thrilled! Soon after, Mac's 40 something girlfriend came and took the aisle seat. I told her she must be a brave woman to sit next to us. Laughing, she said she had 6 children and had had done this many times. To make this trip even better, the plane was not full and no one sat in the middle seat so Mac got to sit all by himself!



Then it happened...they closed the door. I thought, oh no, there's no way out. No matter what he does I'm stuck. As we we got ready for take off I grabbed his pacifier and shoved it in his mouth to hopefully stave off any ear popping. We got up in the air with no problems and I immediately turned on the Yo Gabba Gabba DVD. I kept telling myself that it was only a 1 hour flight so we just needed to get through 4 episodes and we were int he clear. Then I heard the pilot's voice informing us that due to the weather we were being diverted to Dallas where we would circle the city, then onto San Antonio to do the same, and then would could get into Houston. He estimated that the entire flight would be 2 hours. After watching the entire DVD, Mac was bored. I popped M&Ms in his mouth in return for showing his tricks (making animal sounds and showing me where his ears were). I figured that the sugar crash wouldn't happen until after we landed so who cared. Then my biggest fear became a reality. I smelt something horrible coming out of my son...yep, he pooped. I asked the flight attendant where I should change him and she informed me that there was a changing table in the bathroom. What?!? I'm not a big person and it's a tight squeeze for me to get in there alone! I got his bag and headed up front. Let me tell you, that changing table was ridiculous. Mac was probably too big for it at 9 months, so at 17 1/2 months, he was spilling off in every direction. The poor guys knees were pulled up to his chest and his head and neck were bent in a very awkward looking position. Just as I got him stripped down and cleaned the worst possible thing that could happen did...turbulence. I'm not talking a little rattle, it was really shaking. Mac, who was still half naked, thought it was great! He started pulling tissue paper off the wall, and throwing it in the air. He grabbed his shoe, chunked it at my head, and let out the biggest belly laugh ever. When I reached down to pick up the shoe I banged my head on the table, which he also found to be very entertaining. I was laughing so hard at this point I could barley speak. Mac then tried to stand up, again still naked, on the table and I was hysterically laughing and yelling "No Mac, No! Sit down!!" Apparently we were making quite a racket because as I exited the bathroom, I noticed that the entire plane is looking right at us and laughing; laughing hard! This whole episode lasted for about 10 minutes or so. It may have been one of the funniest experiences of my life. And if you need a visual, just think Chris Farley, changing clothes in "Tommy Boy."

Here are a few more pictures from our trip:

The Stages of Travel

Did you know that you go through "stages" as you travel with your child? I have no idea how many stages exists, but I have a feeling we have a few more to go through.

Stage 1:

Typically occurs in the newborn/infant time frame. You spend days planning and deciding what you should take on your trip. After careful consideration, you decide to take, well, everything that is not bolted to the wall. Actually, you would take everything bolted to the wall, but you can no longer see out your back window. All this for a child who will probably never leave the house/hotel that you are staying at.

Mac's first trip was to College Station when he was two weeks old. It was a short trip (Friday afternoon through Sunday morning) for our friend's wedding. We took 2 unopened packs of diapers, a few packs of wipes, a stack of blankets, every outfit that your child can fit into, every bottle in the house, the pack n play, the stroller, toys (just what every two week old wants), 15 pacifiers, the all important electric breast pump and accessories, baby monitor (even though you've never really left the baby unattended in a room for more than 5 minutes), 25 burp cloths, 25 bibs, bathing essentials (plastic tub included), wash rags and towels (because my babies skin was too delicate to use anything other than "baby towels"), a Boppy, oh...and I decided to packed my sister too! Keep in mind we have yet to put any of our bags in the car. After a few failed attempts to fit everything in the car we finally all squished into my once large-feeling SUV. Sitting by Mac required you to sit straight up for the whole trip because there was luggage occupying all uninhabited space.

Stage 2:

This stage starts around 3-6months of age. You start to realize that you are not going camping in some remote part of the country and there will be stores where you can purchase items. You do not have to bring everything the child owns with you...but yet, you probably will.

Mac was right at 6 months old and he spent 3 nights at my Dad's house while Eric and I took a belated anniversary trip to Mexico. Keep in mind, my Dad lives in the same city, and can get into my house (or go to the store) if I forgot something. Toys are a reasonable thing to take with you at this point. We took his activity mat, stuffed animals (that he had never even looked at...but who knows, he might get lonely), pack n play, stroller, every clean piece of clothing that fits, matching pajamas, partly used pack of diapers, one pack of wipes, all the bottles in the house, baby monitor, formula, baby food, 10 spoons, 5 burp cloths, bathing essentials (minus the tub), Boppy, and 2 pacifiers. On the drive over to their house it still looked like we were leaving the country for at least half a year.

Stage 3:

At this point your child is somewhere around 1 year of age. You have come to the realization that not only are there stores where you can purchase items for your child, there are also these magical machines that you can put your child's clothes into and they come out smelling nice. Yes, washers and dryers. You do not have to pack every article of clothing that fits; half will do.

Mac was 11 months old when we went to Louisiana for my little brother's 21st birthday. Eric didn't come and we rode with my sister and brother-in-law. Thinking there was a pack-n-play at my Aunt's house, we didn't bring it (which turned out to be a mistake, FYI). We packed about half of his clothing (who knew what the weather would be like), 5 bowls, 5 spoons, bags of baby food, half a tub of baby formula, any toy that made noise for the car ride, monkey pacifier, one blanket, two PJ bottoms and one top (none of which matched), how ever many diapers I could squeeze into the duffel bag (like I said, we could always buy more), baby shampoo and soap (towels are towels, right?), 5 or 6 containers of baby food, and all the bottles in the house. The load of getting lighter. And when Mac ran out of formula that weekend...I decided it was time to switch over to real milk. No need to carry a whole tub of formula back when he was about to switch over anyway.

Stage 4:

Here is where we find ourselves today. Not only do they washers and dryers, but they also have dishwashers! No need to bring every sippy cup! And I'm sure we can find someone his age there that has toys, right?

Mac is 17 months old and we are heading to Homer, Louisiana for my family's annual rodeo. After a few days there, we are heading to Little Rock, Arkansas to spend some time with Eric's grandmother. And from there we Mac and I will set out on our own little adventure (cue the scary music)...Mac's first plane ride. Here is what we are taking: pack-n-play, stroller, one "pushable" toy (only because there are no toys for him in Little Rock), 1o outfits, whatever diapers are left in his diaper bin, 2 pair of mismatched PJs, 2 pacifiers, one blanket, bottle of Tylenol for those pesky molars, 4 sippy cups, bag of snacks for the car ride, and the key to success when traveling with a toddler...the portable DVD player with Yo Gabba Gabba discs!

Like I said, I don't know how many stages there are, but I think there may be a few more. I'm assuming if you get to stage 10 you just throw your kid in the car, grab an extra change of clothes, whatever is in the diaper bag, put on a DVD and hit the road!