Monday Letters

Dear Husband- I love you dearly, but if you continue to snore like a freight train you will be permanently relocated to the guest room.  Also, that strange box in the kitchen is a dishwasher and it is A-Okay to put your dirty dishes in it. Really, it will not kill you and if it does I will apologise to your corpse.  Love, Your Tired Wife.

Dear Grayson Boy- Thank you for sleeping in until 7 this morning, Momma likes to sleep and its very much appreciated.  If you shoot for 8 AM tomorrow I will buy you a pony and let you eat ice cream for breakfast (not really, but Ill call your eggs and fruit ice cream). XOXO- Mommy

Dear Kaos and Gizzy Bear- Please explain to me why you always feel its appropriate to start barking as SOON as Grayson falls asleep for no apparent reason? Are you punishing me or torturing him? I cant decide. I'm going to start getting even, I will let Grayson help when you get your bath- and I know you don't want that. Love Always- Momma  

Dear People In My Neighborhood- In no uncertain circumstances are bedroom slippers considered appropriate footwear for the grocery store/gas station/post office.  You are not fooling anyone by us thinking they are Ugg like with the fur around the edges, when in fact they came from WalMart. Also ladies- please put on a bra, no one deserves that assault over bananas in the produce section. Love- The lady shaking her head at you and trying not to laugh.

Dear Mother Nature- I love the nice warm weather, don't get me wrong.  What I do not appreciate, however, is the humidity that makes my hair look like a Brillo pad on steroids.  I also do not appreciate breaking a sweat while I brush my teeth. Can we cut that crap out for awhile? Thanks! Sincerely- The girl who just wants her straight hair back.

Dear Facebook Friends- Please stop broadcasting every detail of your life in status updates. No one cares and we all know half of what you post are lies. The same goes for you posting pictures of yourself in bathrooms with duck lips- not cute, or with expensive things and bragging about them. I don't care if you have a BMW, a Louis Vuitton bag, or a famous extremely distant relative who you took a picture with once when you were five. High School was over almost 10 years ago and Im sorry you didn't realize that but you are not making anyone jealous, no matter how many pictures you caption with "People always be jelly of how supa fly I am. SMH.". Learn to spell and shut up. Sincerely- The girl hitting unfriend as we speak.

Professional Tile and Grout Cleaning- For Free!

The tile in my kitchen is a PIA to keep clean.  Usually once a week I was scrubbing it on my hands and knees with a scrub brush Granny style and it still had dirt on it. I had been watching Groupon for a tile and grout cleaning deal (because to clean my kitchen and pantry the quote I received was $225- a total hell no), but nothing good was coming.  So I started to think about what I could do to get it cleaner; then I had an flash of cheap girl brilliance. The tile and grout cleaner people use a machine with a scrub brush, then a vacuum to sucks up the water. They don't put dirty water back on the floor and then they usually steam clean the floor. 

I can do that, easy peasy. 

How you ask? With one of these bad boys.

That's right, my rug scrubber. It has the rotating brush, it sucks up the water, and it only puts clean water on the floor.  Sure it doesn't steam, but I have a Shark Steam Mop that can work for that.

I simply filled it up with hot water and a little Mr. Clean, and scrubbed away. Then after I had cleaned the whole floor I went back and ran it again with just hot water. The end result- the water that was sucked up came out of the machine clean- woo hoo!  Then just to sanitize I ran the steam mop over the floors and called it a day. The whole process took about an hour and a half, only a little longer than if I were to scrub it granny style.

The best part- that $225 never left my wallet. Score one for the cheap girl. 



Fourth of July and Cookie Dough Dip

I have to be honest, I didnt know what to expect for Grayson's first 4th of July. I knew we probably wouldn't make the fireworks, as 9:45 is way past our bedtime around here, but I didn't know if he would freak at the ones we typically light off during dinner.

When the show started, he just watched intently. Even the loud screeches and booms didnt phase this kid.

In our family we don't take normal pictures and I love it.

After the show was over he had a ball playing in Aunt Maureens car.

I wanted to bring some kind of fun desert to the party this year, so of course I turned to Pinterest. I found this cookie dough recipe from Add A Pinch and it was AMAZING.  It also doesn't hurt that it takes 10 minutes to make and is a crowd pleaser. I doubled up the recipe, because I knew there would be alot of people there and it didn't make a whole lot.

The Best Cookie Dough Dip from Add A Pinch

Ingredients:

2 8oz packages of cream cheese, softened. (You need to use the full fat kind or the dip doesn't have the right constancy!)

1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter

2 cups powdered sugar

4 Tbsp brown sugar

3 tsp vanilla

2 cups chocolate chips (plus a few more for decorating)

2 cups toffee bits (plus more for decorating)

First start by creaming the butter and cream cheese together.

Then add in all of the other ingredients besides chocolate and toffee and mix well.

Add in the chips and toffee bits and mix to combine.

Place into bowl and top with chips and toffee pieces.

Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

Serve with animal crackers, graham crackers, apple slices- anything that's good for dipping!

Enjoy!

 

ABC's of Me!

I've seen this on a few blogs out there- and it looked like some fun, so I thought Id give it a try!

A. Age: 27

B. Bed size: Queen- I want a King, but Im too cheap to replace all of the sheets and comforters that I have and love.

C. Chore you dislike: Putting away laundry- Ill wash and fold, but I hate to put away.  The rule in our house is he who washes and folds will not put away, and you bet your hiney Im in the basement daily washing and folding! Also dusting because it makes me sneeze like a fool.

D. Dogs:  Two- Kaos and Gizmo (Gizzy Bear). Pug/Beagle mixes known as Puggles. They were my first babies and I love them...they also love Grayson and want to be wherever he is to make sure hes okay. Kaos is the big one and Gizzy is the crazy one on Kaos' back.

E. Essential start to your day: I have to hit the snooze once, other wise Im pretty cranky. Also a kiss from the hubs and lots of caffene.

F. Favorite colors: I love pink, but Im also liking teal and gray right now.

G. Gold or silver: White gold, best of both worlds right?

H. Height: Well, my lisencse says Im 5'5. Of course I lied on the appliacation and gave myself an extra inch to make myself feel better- I have short girl syndrome.

I. Instruments you play(ed): Violin for 10 years.

J. Job title: I have many. Professionally- Science Teacher, Personally- Wife and Mamma.  See, in my world I get to graduate high school every single year...and then they just send me right back to the 9th grade. PS- Those hats look good on no one.

 

K. Kids: One- Grayson Boy- 9 months old.  He's full of personality, fo sho.

 

L. Live: Pittsburgh, PA- City of Champs :)

 

M. Mom’s name: Lora- Hi Momma!

N. Nicknames: I've had my fair share. Im still called Jughead by family- a name given to me at birth that stuck- and that I still answer to.  Im also called Besamy because an adorible blonde boy started calling me that when he was just 2, and when he stops I will cry.

O. Overnight hospital stays: Just when Grayson was born.

P. Pet peeves: When people dont put the toilet paper on the roll correctly (Im a roll from the bottom girl) or at all (ahem, hubs). When things look out of place...like if a picture frame is crooked, it will drive me nuts until I fix it. Also when people are selfish or rude- cant we all just get along people?!

Q. Quote from a movie:  "There is no place like home" The Wizzard of Oz - I love that movie to bits and pieces.  Grayson will love that movie, if it kills him.

 

 

R. Righty or lefty: Right.

S. Siblings: None- I do have a sister in law though

T. Time you wake up: For work, 5:15-5:30, in the summer it depends on when Grayson decides he wants to wake up.  No matter what time I wake up I always wake up enough to get the hubs out the door for work (or at least out of bed).  

U. Underwear: I don't understand this one... do I wear it? Yes.

V. Vegetables you don’t like: I think this list would be shorter if you said veggies you DO like.  Im extreamly picky- I eat potatoes, tomatoes (but not whole), carrots (if cooked), celery (cooked), onion, corn, peas, green beans, and lettuce.  Im weird with food texture, so if it feels weird in my mouth I can not eat it. Ill eat anything in veggie soup if its nice and soft though.  We planted a garden this year so hopefully Ill get better with eating them as they grow!

W. What makes you run late: Its either me or traffic. Im getting better now that I have Grayson, because that forces me to get ready earlier, but summer is construction season in Pittsburgh and the tunnels tend to eat cars, so its always a crap shoot out there.

X. X-rays you’ve had: A lot. Im kind of a klutz. Pretty much every bone below my knees and elbows and my chest.

Y. Yummy food you make: I love to cook, so theres lots! Some of my good stuff Ive shared on the blog is cheesy dorioto casserole,  cheddar bacon biscuits, lasagna cups, cinnamon roll waffles, and cookies.  I also make a mean steak fajita, bacon cheeseburger pasta, roasted chicken, beef stew, chicken soup, perogies, calzones, and homemade mac n cheese.  Great- now Im hungry.

 

Z. Zoo animal you like: I like the turtles, tigers and penguins.

If you decide to play along, send me a link so I can read the ABC's of you as well!

First Birthday Inspiration!

Okay, so I know its July and Grayson Boy doesn't turn one until September- but I would be lying if I didn't tell you I've already been planning for like two months.

What can I say, I love me a party with a theme.

Since Grayson was born I was wondering what I would do for his first birthday- the possibilities were endless.  Until of course, Grayson became obsessed with Super Why.

Then it became clear, this is his favorite thing ever- it needs to be his birthday.

So here's a little of my inspiration- sources listed from L to R top to bottom.

1. I fully believe a party is won and lost in the details. One detail I am drooling over are theres Celebrate Stamped Wooden Spoons from Sofies Big Day on Etsy.  Gah. These are so cute, I cant stand it. I love handmade touches like this, its that little something extra that no one expects. Everything she makes is amazingly cute, and really affordable. I want these, along with her super cute striped paper straws.  Sofie is the way to go if youre looking for straws, popcorn bags, twine or candy cups as well. Do yourself a favor and go check out her creative genius.

2. I bought a wooden high chair to paint so that we could take first birthday pictures like this- I love the bright colored chair (which will also make an appearance at the party) in the natural setting. This amazing redo was done by Katie over at Loves of Life. Check out her sweet blog here!

3. Every Super Why Party needs a book club! This idea, along with the capes in picture 8, came from Katie over at Kate's Kitchen.  She had a super cute Super Why party for her little guys 1/2 birthday and it came off brilliantly! The capes are a must make, as I have already bought the fabric.  Each child will have their own initial on the back of their cape so that they can all be super heroes.

4. I used to love having my picture taken in wooden cut outs- so I knew I wanted one for Graysons party. This is one possible idea that came from Chrissie over at Clever Faeries. She threw an adorable Princess Presto Tea Party for her beautiful little girl. Now I just need to find someone with some art skills to paint something like this...cause this Momma only does stick figures.

5.  How awesome are these? Super hero face cupcake toppers from Shelly over at Bug and Boo on Etsy. I can't wait for her to come back from vacation so I can order these- I wasn't even planning on having cupcakes until I saw these.

6. Cake inspiration found on Pinterest with no link home- see the pin here.

7. Another cake inspiration picture from Luisa Maria found on Cake Central. The cake is actually the part of the party that I have the least control over. My amazingly talented and beautiful friend Julie will be creating it, and Ive pinned a few photos for inspiration and I'm leaving it up to her.  She made my super sweet baby shower cake, so if you check that out here, you'll understand why I'm not worried at all.

So here's my starting point. I know I have a long way to go, but Ill get there. I just need to figure out invites, center pieces, food...oh heck. A lot.  If you have any ideas, please feel free to share them with me! Or if by chance you happen to create custom invites, shoot me an email as I'm trying to find the perfect ones!

Months 8 and 9 Must Haves

I didn’t get to write this one last month- what with having to check a gazillion papers, write a 200 question final and clean up a classroom and all. I mean I love my job, but sometimes it really gets in the way of my blogging. We need to get that under control.

Anywho- on to the list:

Go Baby Go- Crawl Along Drum

Dear lord- is this child obsessed with this toy. He loves to pick it up, turn it over, and play with the little daisies on the sides. It snaps apart into two side by side drums, so we can take it in the car to keep him occupied...and the best part is it has a volume control so you don’t have to hear it loud all the time. Thank you, Fisher Price, for that genius adaptation.

Fisher Price Laugh & Learn with Friends Musical Table

We received this as a baby shower present- and for awhile we had the legs off and Grayson would play on it. Now that we're standing it’s the coolest thing since sliced bread to play on. He loves pressing all of the buttons- over and over and over again- and walking around playing with each of the four things. Right now we like the music option the best, but as he grows he can learn letters and even Spanish from this little table. I love a toy that will grow with him, and doesn’t only last us 2 months.

Beco Baby Carrier

For the first few months of his life- Grayson was super content to hang out in the baby K'tan. Then old chunkers got too big for that, so we had to look for a better carrier option. I was going back and forth between this carrier and the Ergo- but ultimately chose this one because of the ability for the Bean to face outwards. We have this pattern, the robots, and it is super cute. It is also ridiculously comfortable- I wore Grayson for 5 hours at the Pittsburgh Marathon and my back didn’t hurt at all. It folds up nice and small, so I just toss it in the basket of the stroller and when he decides he’s had enough I stick him in and hes as happy as a clam. It also puts him at the perfect height to help push shopping carts, which is a big thrill. I love, love, love that the baby can be worn on the front, back or hip and face in or out- it just makes for a very versatile carrier that can be used for a long time.

Nuk Learner Latex Spout BPA Free Cup

Mr. Picky will only drink from two types of sippy cups and this is the first one that he would try. The handles make it easy for him to pick up, and the cup isn’t too heavy for little hands to hoist up. Plus the handles make it easy to tote around for Mommas too. He still loves to pull this around with him as he crawls around, which I don’t mind because it doesn’t leak all over the place.

Nuby 2 Count Super Spout Easy Gripper

This is the other. Once we had it down with the Nuk cup, we tried these out. He took to them really well, besides the fact that he prefers to drink from it upside down. They are a bit heavier and bulkier than the Nuk cups, and seem to give more liquid out at once so I would wait until the Bean is 6 + months for these for sure. One thing that thrills me about this particular cup is that it fits in the cup holder of the stroller and car seat- unlike the Nuk cups with those pesky handles.

Safety 1st Complete Air 65 Convertible Car Seat

It was getting to darn hard to lug the Bean around in his infant seat (Chicco Keyfit 30), the time had come to graduate to a big boy seat. After doing tons of research and trying out a few various car seats in our car/at Babies R Us, we ultimately decided to go with this seat for several reasons. First was its tall shell- Grayson is tall so he probably would outgrow the Britax pretty quick (not something I was willing to do with the price tag for one of those bad boys). Second was its rear facing weight limit of 40 pounds, allowing him to rear face longer. Third was its ease to install and work. It was one of the easiest seats to install with the Latch, and it felt really solid once it was in. We had looked at the Evenflow Triumph, but for the life of me I could not loosen the harness with that red lever thing. With the CA65 it was the same system we were used to with the Keyfit- so it worked well. Last was the price- we got ours on sale at Babies R Us for 115 each- which was something to consider when we had to buy three separate seats. So far, we love this seat. He has plenty of leg room rear facing, with lots of room to grow. He can see out the window now, which makes him a happy camper and its really easy to get him in and out of. Hopefully we will continue to love it as much as we do- since we're in this for a long time!

Pampers Extra Protection Nighttime Diapers

With all of this extra water we're drinking because of the heat- someone started to wake up when his poor little diaper couldn’t take it anymore at about 2 am. We tried Huggies Good Nights- but they leaked all over the crib leaving one unhappy sheet changer. When I saw that Pampers had a Nighttime version, I bought a small pack and we haven't looked back. Seriously, if your kiddo wakes up in the night needing to be changed you need to get your hands on a night time diaper. Eight un-interrupted hours is well worth having to remember to put on the diapers with the sleeping characters of Sesame Street if you ask me. Just remember to buy one size up for nighttime dipes!
 

Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Learning Workbench

He's his father’s kid- and loves tools. The current thrill of the day, taking that hammer and beating not only the colorful nails and screws on the bench but everything in his little wrecking ball path. As he gets better with the aim this will probably become a bad thing, but for now its just really cute to see him crawl-chase the dog with a hammer.

Thats all for now I think- if you missed months 1-7 be sure to check them out here!

Nine Months Old

Grayson Boy-

Happy summer, baby boy! Mommy was so excited for summer to come so I had a chance to spend three glorious months with you. You learn things so fast, and I just want to be able to see them for the first time...rather than being told by Daddy and Grandma all of the fun tricks you have mastered in your day.

 

·        At your 9 Month appointment you weighed in at 21 pounds 8 ounces, right in the 66th percentile. However, you were 29.5 inches- ranking up in the 86th percentile. You’re tall bubbers- that we already knew. You’re still mostly in 6-9 month shirts and size 3 diapers, but you need 9-12 month shorts or pants, because as Daddy pointed out you are not preparing for any floods.

·        This month you started asserting your independence- you want to feed yourself, brush your own teeth, dress yourself- all of a sudden and at once. You let me help you get the shirt over your head, but you want to put your arms through yourself- or you have yourself a mini breakdown. Same with tooth brushing- you’ll let me brush them for about 30 seconds before you wield the brush yourself. I swear, the way you like to brush your teeth I won’t be surprised if you decide to be a dentist someday. Literally every time you go into the bathroom, you're begging at the sink to brush away.

·        You took your first little baby step (and Momma got to see it!) at Haley and Jeremy’s house. You stepped from the couch to the coffee table, and were so proud of yourself. Mommy cried, and Daddy yelled because he missed it.

·        You also associated your first word this month! Daddy was asleep with you on the futon in your room, and when I walked in to wake him you woke up instead. You looked up at me with those pretty blue eyes and said "Mama" with a big old grin. I swear little boy, you made me melt into the carpet. I was your first word, and for that when you turn 16 you can pick out any car you like. You have since said Dada to Daddy and Nana to Grammy. You made both of them cry, but I was always quick to remind them that I was first.

·        Other tricks we are working on is so big, waving, and high fives. If we say to you "How big is Grayson?" you lift your little hands above your head as we say "Soooo big!" Sometimes you even lift your arms and look at us as if you say, "Well, how big am I?" You wave, but it’s mostly backwards and you give high fives when you feel like it. We're definitely in the early stages of mastering those skills.

·        You drink water from a sippy all day long, and have been working on taking the fork out of our hands to feed yourself. It makes every meal take 10 times longer, but it’s so cute to see.

·        We started our summer bucket list, and have been doing all kinds of fun things together. I hope you look back on all of this someday and say that you are glad we did so much stuff with you- we really want you to know how much we enjoy you and enjoy being your Mommy and Daddy. We want to make sure you have all kinds of fun experiences and memories- so we refuse to think that you are too little to enjoy things and are just trying to expose you to as much as we can.

·        Gizzy has made up to you a bit this month- she actually lets you play with her! You crawl around dragging her sock puppy and she chases you around in slow motion. She loves you, that’s easy to see; she’s just not too fond of you stealing her attention or pulling on her ears. Since you've started to eat more food and are kind enough to give her bites- she really likes you more than she did a few months ago.

Bubbers, I can't wait to do more fun things with you as we spend every day together. Im looking forward to our first vacation as a family, and seeing you learn to walk. Im so blessed to have such a sweet, smart, funny little boy to call mine- even if I do have to share you with Daddy.

XOXO,

Mommy