Santa Claus is coming to town!

My little girl made Santa's nice list again this year!  I cannot wait to see her reaction to all that Christmas brings.  Santa will be coming to our house sometime this week, as we will be at my parent's house on Christmas day.  It was a blast shopping for Ava this year.  Here is a preview of what will be arriving on Santa's sleigh:

1. A sled!  I'm not wishing for any snow until after the holiday due to traveling, but after that we want some flakes!  This sled has a seat belt and a rope so I can pull Ava around.

2.  Abby Cadabby slippers.  Do you know Abby?  She's a character from Sesame Street.  Ava's fav.

3.  Bathtub crayons.  How fun!  I remember getting to use tub crayons at my Grandma Dar's house as a child.  Ava loves bath time and now I'm sure I'll never get her out of the tub!

4.  Rocking chair.  I've been eyeing this chair for a while on the internet.  I waited too long to purchase it and it was out of stock!  I was so bummed because I knew it just screamed "AVA!"  I managed to find it at Kohls.com a few weeks later.  Score!  It is a velour-type material and so darling. 

5.  Playhouse.  I debated whether or not to buy a playhouse because I didn't want to leave it outside for half the year and our basement's not finished (yet).  I found this smaller version (that will fit in Ava's room) and I had to have it.  How fun to have a playhouse in your bedroom?  I found it on sale at Sam's Club and my awesome Aunt Dianne sent it our way.  Ava is always pointing at the little girls on the box and saying "Night Night" which is the name of her baby doll. 

I'll update ya'll on Ava's reaction to her loot!

My Christmas elf.

Waiting for Santa.

How could you say no to this face?

Love her to pieces.

Something strange and wonderful happened to me today.

Ava and I were strolling down the aisle at the grocery store.  A woman walked by us and Ava said "Hi" to her and reached for the can of pineapple the woman was holding.  The woman handed it to Ava.  We chit-chatted for a minute and I handed the can back to the woman.  She said, "No, I'm giving it to your daughter."  I explained that we didn't need the pineapple and I didn't want to take her groceries.  The woman said, "In my culture when a child asks you for something and you give it to them it will bring you good luck.  Good luck to me and good luck to her."  I didn't say anything.  I was stunned.  (I don't like talking to random people.  Actually, I hold my breath when I pass by someone because I don't like to smell other people's scents). 

Back to the story:  I finally managed to blurt out thank you and the woman went on her way.  I planned to ditch the pineapple the first chance I got.  I don't really like pineapple and we didn't need it.  Ava and I went up and down a few more aisles and the woman approached us again.  She handed me a handful of change and said, "I haven't paid for the pineapple yet.  Here you go."  Again, I was stunned.  I graciously refused the money but left her smiling this time.  This stranger was willing to give my daughter her grocery item, wish us good luck, and offered us her money.  It was such a kind gesture.  I've been smiling all day just thinking about it.

Planner

Hi, my name is Becka and I'm a planner.  It's a blessing and a curse.  With a child there is always something to plan for.  I get huge anxiety when things are up in air and so I love a good plan! 

This post was inspired last night when I bought Ava's Christmas dress.  Yes, the holiday that is 70 days away.  I searched the internet and stores for hours trying to find the perfect dress.  I found it, and I slept so good last night afterwards.  (When I put it on her at home to see if it fit, she squealed and gave me a kiss.  I think she likes it!)

I made myself wait until September 1 before I bought Ava's Halloween costume, or should I say Mike made me.  "Are you crazy?  It's August.  You don't need to be thinking about Halloween."  At least Ava will never have to be the kid whose mom is scrambling to throw together a mismatched costume the night before the school Halloween party.  It's a good thing I started early because she did NOT like the first two costumes I bought.  Like went limp to the floor and sobbed kinda dislike.  I'm praying she cooperates with costume number three!

This morning I started searching for the perfect Christmas present for Ava.  Last year we didn't buy her much since she was six months old and was entertained by Tupperware.  Now that she can actually play with toys this year will be exciting!  In my mental shopping cart there is a playhouse for her room and a polka-dot mini rocking chair.  Oozing with cuteness! 

So what do you think...?  Has Christmas crossed your mind like me or are you a last minute gal?   

I've taken a few months off of blogging.  (Have you missed me?)  Partly because I'm busy and mostly because I'm lazy.  The days have gone by fast.  I've been summer-lovin with my beauty in the picture above.  Our adventures are sometimes big, sometimes small, but always fun. 

I'm not sure where this blog is headed or if I will ever be as into blogging as I once was.  Stay tuned and see...

 

...This is how I feel today.  Irritated.  Anxious.  Frustrated.  Annoyed.  Tired.  Tired.  Did I say tired? 

To make matters worse, I have to work today.  Only four hours actually (3-7pm).  I don't necessarily dislike my job.  I just dislike going to work.  I stress all day about it.  When I'm at work I stress about what Ava's doing at home.  Staying home all day with her has made me a control freak.  I want to know what she's doing at every second.  It makes me sad to think that she's doing things and going places that I don't know about.  (On the bright side, at least my teeth don't look like that).

Bottle Sling

I usually have an open mind about baby products and gadgets.  I try not to knock 'em til I try 'em.  The other day I was at the store and I saw a product called the "Baby Sling."  {Blew my mind}  Here is what it looks like:

 

Maybe I shouldn't judge too quickly, as I've only given Ava a bottle once in her life.  She only gets bottles from her Dad when I'm at work.  But come on?  Do people really use this thing?  You don't have time to feed your child?  Feeding time is one of the best parts of our day.  It's relaxing and rewarding.  I think babies should be held while they are eating, is that to much to ask?  I guess the only scenario I understand using a bottle sling would be with multiples.  And I will never ever criticize a mom of multiples.  I couldn't handle more than one baby at a time.  Mom, you're a rock star. 

 I am the luckiest Mom in the world.

Sorry for the lag in blog posts.  I've been working a ton lately, therefore I've been napping during Ava's naps, instead of blogging.  Some nights I work until 3am, getting to bed at 4.  Ava usually gets up once around 4:30-5 and then again at 6:30.  Not much sleep for Momma.  It's absolutely worth it though to spend every day with her. 

Three days ago I woke up with a sore back.  I've tried heating pads, Tylenol, Motrin.  Can't take any of the "good stuff" b/c of BF'ing.  I don't think lifting my 18 pound side kick (Ava) 100x a day is helping the situation. 

Some geeky teenage boy just knocked on the door (when Ava is napping of course, thank God even with a bad back I'm quick, got Darrell hustled outside before he could bark).  He was on a mountain bike and wanted to know if he could mow the lawn for $25 bucks.  I told him "No, that's what my husband's for."

Enough of the random thoughts.  Hopefully I can do some more interesting blogs in the near future.

Ava's Outfit 4.5.11

 Yesterday it was a bright sunshine day.  We spent most of the day inside playing, but decided to venture out to do some shopping in the afternoon.  Ava was in a splendid mood (which makes for a good outing for everyone).  Here is what she wore:

 

(In the third picture she's making her dinosaur noise, don't mind the weird face.  I wanted you to see the details on her shirt).

What I want to know is.... what part of this outfit says "boy."  Nothing, in my opinion.  I'm asking that because the sales woman in JCPenny said "Hi handsome" to Ava.  I just smiled and walked away.  What I wanted to say is "Dont' you see the pink sequin hearts or glitter flowers on her shirt?  Yes her socks are black but they look like ballet slippers."  I think she looks like a little punk rock baby.

I've learned that people are morons and will ask even a mom carrying a baby dressed head to toe in pink "How old's your little guy?"  D-U-H.

Shirt:  BabiesRUs, around $7
Jeans:  Target, $7
Socks:  Ordered from a catalog, pack of 6, can't remember what I paid

Becka's Outfit 3.31.11

I'm going out on a limb here to show you what I really wear.  No joke.  Most days I stay in my pj's all day long... only getting dressed if I need to venture out of the house, them changing back into them the second I get home.  What's the point of getting dressed when you stay inside all day?  Here are my current pj's:

Mike bought me these for Christmas one year.  Do I look like the kid from A Christmas Story or not?

Outfit Pro's:
- comfy
- pink
- zips up the front for easy access to baby feeding

Outfit Con's:
- I wish the feet were detachable.  I like to sleep barefoot.
- I swear these were in the women's section but they look like 5th grade jammies.
- It's embarrassing to go outside in them to talk to hub in driveway (true story).
- no tail

Top 2 Tuesday

Top 2 Dream Rooms

I am always telling Mike about my future bath tub.  I.LOVE.SWEET.BATH.TUBS.  Not the plain jane / white / boring old tub (like I have now).  I'm talking about a tub with some sass.  I dream about relaxing in a mess of jets and bubbles, with a glass of wine in my hand.  No one bothering me.  If I could design my dream bathroom, here is what you'd see:

OMGah.  I smile just looking at this picture.  I freaking love modern design.  Look at that amazing tub.  I think I could sit in it for hours.  Is that a shower in the middle?  How awesome!!! 

I have always wanted a mud room.  I would love a place right when you come into my home where people could take off their jackets and shoes.  Take a look at this mud room:

I love the drawers at the bottom, the baskets, the hooks.  Oh how lovely.

Ava's Outfit 3.11.11

Ava wanted to participate in the fashion show here on my blog.  Here is what she picked out to wear today, to go shopping with Momma and to her first fish fry:

Doesn't she look cute?  She's got the side glance down, just like her Momma.  And could those feet get any cuter?

Ava likes what she sees.  (Ignore the dirty mirror.  It's in our guest bedroom and as you can see - it never gets cleaned).  

Polka dot shirt with fuschia rose and trim:  Target.  $2.  Size 9 months.

Jeans:  K-Mart.  $1.32  Size 6-9 months (and they are too short and too big in the waist).  I have a feeling Ava's going to be a "slim."

Ava can't wait to show you more of her styles!


*If you can't get enough of stalking what other people are wearing, check out my sister's blog.  If you like what she wears... follow her blog!   www.BrookeAUD.blogspot.com

Ava Update

Hi.  Ava here.  Wanna know what I've been up to?

* I'm 8 months old.

* I go to bed around 8pm.

* I go to swimming lessons every Friday with my Mom.

* I like going grocery shopping with my Dad.

* My favorite toys are: Darrell's tail, plastic spoons, anything I'm not supposed to be playing with.

* I am almost too big for size 9 month clothes.

* I take 3 naps a day.  I've been sleeping for 2+ hours in the morning and that makes my Momma happy!

* I wear size 3 diapers.

* My eyes are bluish-gray, just like my Mom and Gma Jody.

* I am so excited for my Aunt Leah to visit me next weekend.

* I love to eat!  I especially love Gerber Puffs, pancakes, applesauce, but my #1 favorite food is still milk.

* I'm a happy girl!

Fashionista: First Attempt

I need to light a fire under my rear and start dressing better.  More hip.  More fashionable.  I have quite a few outfits that I (think) are stylish, but I rarely wear them.  It's so much easier to throw on sweat pants and t-shirts, or jeans if I'm dressing up (ha)!  Most times I don't see the point of wearing a cute outfit on the days when I stay home with Ava.  No one sees me.  More laundry is created.  My clothes get covered in baby food and drool.  I have noticed that I feel better when I'm "put together."  So I've decided to take pictures of what I'm wearing, and share them with you!

For the first installment of "Insert funny name about outfit posts here, to be determined later" I will show you a dress I bought yesterday.  I have been working more hours at work lately so I wanted to treat myself.  I spotted a cute little kimono dress in last Sunday's ad.  Check it out:

Ava loves shoes too!

Dress:  Target, on sale for $15

Cardigan:  Kohl's, on clearance for $3 (I rock)

Necklace:  Christmas present from Leah

White layering tank:  free!  Actually, it's a square of toilet paper.  Wouldn't really wear it in real life but it's funny, right?

Shoes:  Payless.  Bought them years ago but can't imagine I paid more than $15 for them.

Mike was my photographer.  I kept trying to do all these model poses and he kept saying "Why aren't you looking at the camera.  What are you looking at?"  Duh, Mike.  It's called modeling for a reason.  At first I tried to keep Ava out of the pics, but then I realized that when you see me in the this outfit - she'll be there too.  So it just seemed appropriate.

 

Can this Momma make a fashion comeback?  What do you think?

Products We Love

I've been meaning to write a post about the baby products that I've loved.  So here it is!  My favorite, must have, couldn't have survived without, items I'm giving as a gift for the next baby shower are:

SwaddleMe
This thing was a life-saver.  Those nurses at the hospital were swaddling ninjas!  Mike and I.... not so much.  It was impossible to swaddle Ava with a regular baby blanket at home.  I don't know if we had the wrong sized blankets or what, but it she always ended up busting out within a few minutes.  Thank God for this swaddle.  It had velcro tabs which were "bust out proof."  During the summer we dressed her in a onesie and this.  Once fall came we put her in a light sleeper under this.  The only flaw I would say is that the material would bunch up around her neck/chin and it made me paranoid that she would suffocate.  There was really no way to keep the fabric pulled down.  We stopped swaddling Ava at night around 4 months old.  I received this item as a gift but it can be purchased at BabiesRUs for around $12.

*this is not a picture of Ava, duh, my baby's way cuter

Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder
This should be filed under things Momma and Baby love!  There are tons of foods you can put in the mesh part.  Ice cubes, frozen fruit or veggies, meat (which I think is weird), etc.  Ava likes a cube of frozen homemade baby food in hers.  I like to give her this in the mornings, so I can eat my breakfast with having her pawing at my food.  It keeps her busy for about 20 minutes.  Little mess.  Easy clean up - rinse in hot water and air dry.  I bought mine at Target for about $5.

Stay tuned for more product reviews and things we love!

Top 2 Tuesday

Top 2 things you've learned about money:

1. Saving is key.  I've always had a savings account, even as a child.  My Mom used to make me deposit $20 from my birthday money each year.  I worked 20-30 hours per week while in nursing school.  Not because I had that many bills or I had that much free time, but because I love to save money.  That savings has come in handy when our car breaks down (ie last week), you take 12 weeks un-paid vacation (ie maternity leave), or you find your *dream purse at T.J. Maxx that costs $80 (ie yesterday). 

2. Money can't buy happiness...
But it can make your life a whole lot easier!  If I wasn't so cheap I would hire a maid in a heart beat.  And a chauffeur.  And a nanny.  Oh to dream!

So What Wednesday

This week I'm saying SO WHAT if...

• I'm working 32 hours this week, in comparison to my usual 8 or 12.  I may be exhausted by the end of the week, but if it means more bonding time with Ava & Dad and more $ for Momma, I'm down!
• I feed Ava back to sleep when she wakes up in the night.  It's better than rocking her for 20 minutes only for her to wake up as soon as I lay her back down.  Anyways, maybe she's hungry?
• I'm not much for wasting food.  But this week I cooked an eggplant in hopes to make baby food out of it.  (I've never eaten eggplant).  Once I cut it open and saw all the nasty little seeds I threw the whole thing away.  It gave me the dry heaves and it would've been impossible to strain out all those seeds.
• When I get my hair cut, I want it cut so my pony tail looks good.  (I wear my hair down about twice a year).  I don't have time to style my hair and it's pointless when a baby pulls on it all day.
• I am addicted to the sweet & sour sauce in the hospital cafeteria.  Yesterday I had a cheeseburger with pickles and sweet & sour sauce.  YUM!  Don't knock it til you try it.

Top 2 Tuesday

Top 2 things you've learned from your parents:

1. Make a commitment and go!  My Mom used to say this a lot when she was teaching us to drive.  (My sis will definitely giggle if you say it to her).  But it really applies to a lot of decisions I make everyday.  I never knew how indecisive I could be until I became a parent.  There are so many decisions when it comes to making/having/raising a baby - A or B?  Left or right?  Up or down?  I learned to make a choice that I believed in, and stick with it. 

2.  Make it work.  I remember my parents saying "We'll make it work" many times growing up.  I often wondered which bank my mom robbed so they could afford to send three kids to a Catholic school (at the same time).  Now she tells me that sending us to a Catholic school was just that important, so they made it work.  I have to remind myself of that phrase almost every day.  It is overwhelming to think of dreams I have for Ava and how I will ever financially make them happen.  Maybe I will rob a bank, maybe I will start saving now.  But if they mean that much to her, I'll make it work!

First night away

Last weekend Mike and I took a trip to Galena, IL.  It was a reunion of some sort.  We and his four best friends from high school rented a house.  I did a little shopping (no good kids stores tho!), got a manicure (which I think is a waste of money, but Mike made me), sat in the hot tub way too long and drank way too much wine.  We had a fantastic time, but it meant leaving Ava.

It was so hard for me.  I've never left her for more than a 12 hour (night) shift at work.  I had anxiety every day for months before this trip.  I worried about who would watch her, how would it go, would she be happy, etc.  I was so thankful that my brother and his wife (Billy & Leah) agreed to watch her.  Ava has been to their home many times and I completely trust them. 

Physically leaving Ava wasn't as hard as I thought.  I gave her a hug and kiss and walked out the door.  No tears from me, and no tears from her, as Leah is awesome at keeping Ava happy.  During the trip I thought about her non-stop.  It kills me to not know what she's doing every second of the day.  I tried to only text Leah a few times.  I didn't want to be the crazy mom, but mostly I wanted Billy and Leah to know that I totally trusted them.

I COULDN'T WAIT to kiss those cheeks!  When I walked in the door Ava looked surprised.  At first I don't think she recognized me (which made me feel like someone was ripping out my insides) but once I picked her up she realized that her Momma was home!!!  And I never want to leave her again. 

Here are some picture of the house where we stayed.  Five bedrooms, five bathrooms, hot tub!