Come Monday.....

As the week passes....I get increasingly excited for the weekend to come. I look forward to seeing Geoff more.....and with that.....usually comes more help with the girls!

But as it turns out.....come Monday I am so worn out from the weekend. Does this happen to you??

Starting Friday.....we fried okra from our garden. It was so so so very good! Just picked 5 more this morning and looking forward to it again this weekend! Yum!

It was a good Friday. Nothing too hectic.



Saturday came.


5:45- Grace up and ready to start the day.
0700- Parker up. Grace down for her nap. Got Parker and myself ready....took her to get donuts....then off to Target.
08:50- Home from Target.
0900- Parker feels it necessary to go into Grace's room, get into her crib with her (yes- Grace was still sleeping!!)....so that she can give her her Lovey????
0901- Grace up about 30 minutes early from her nap.


After that...I lost track of time.

My uncle had given us some butternut squash....and I have been saving it to make Grace some nutrient-rich, FREE baby food!

And, of course, I got the bright idea to do it on this day. It is very simple, really.....but honestly- I do believe that next time I will do all baby food making after the girls are in bed!!

I use the instructions from Wholesome Baby Food to make the baby food.

Cut in half lengthwise.

Scoop out seeds!

Place face down in a baking dish and bake on 400 for about 40 minutes.

Get out of the oven....spoon out the 'meat.'

From here, I just mashed it all in a bowl....then spooned it into ice cube trays. After it froze....I popped them out to store in freezer bags.


I also made baby food applesauce. I made some cubes full of just apples, just butternut squash, and some with an apple-squash combo.


I got this new dish brush while at Target....and Parker fell in love. Seriously. This was her favorite toy on Saturday. She felt compelled to brush her sisters legs and feet? Good thing is...Grace didn't seem to mind. ;)



Grace is now sitting in her big girl booster seat during meals!


Then I made some strawberry ice cream to take to a bbq at a friend's house that was supposed to start 5:30pm....and by 5pm...I had still not showered for the day! So needless to say....I did not make it to the bbq (so very sorry Kelley!)....but did end up with 6 quarts of strawberry ice cream all to myself. Just what I need.



So Saturday was just one of those days.....that the house ended up looking like this. And stayed looking like this until I got the girls in bed. And in all honesty....that laundry basket, plus one more, is sitting in my living room as I type, with clean clothes, ready to be folded and put away.





Sunday was church.....then we went to my mom's to do some sewing. Parker hung out with her Poppa all afternoon....while Grace hung out with us.

This is the newest dress we've made. I am hoping to take Grace's 6 month pictures in it tomorrow morning!! Wish me luck!



Needless to say.....

Come Monday.....I'm just ready to spend some good ole time at home with my girlies.....in my pjs.

It won't be this way for long.

I have to admit.......there are days that I look around this house...

at this.....

and this....

and this.....

and this....

and this....

and this.....

and this.....

and this....
Oh wait!! Nevermind! This is my mess!! (that has now, thankfully, made it's way out of our dining room and into the office/craft room)


And I get frustrated.....want to pull my hair out...... and wonder why....no matter how much I clean.....no matter how much I pick up.....there is just always this "stuff" laying around!!!

Then.....

I quickly remind myself that..... it won't be this way for long.

That one day..... I'll miss this.

And that I am..... blessed beyond measure.

I do not like snakes. Period.

I do not like snakes. Period.

Nope, nope, nope.


Geoff was mowing the lawn this morning.

Grace was napping.

Parker and Payton were patronizing each other, as usual.

I picked Payton up.

Walked into the kitchen.

And saw through the window....Geoff holding this.

This.

Snake.


Sure, sure. It's little. It's 'harmless.' They actually do good. Right?? They eat bugs and stuff??

Well. I do not like snakes.

I do not like them in a house.
I do not like them
with a mouse.
I do not like them
here or there.
I do not like them anywhere.

{above stanza from Green Eggs & Ham}


As Geoff was weed-eating...he accidentally got them (there were TWO!!!). One flung on his leg. (Oh the thought!!!)

Anyway.... both snakes did not survive the incident. And I am ok with that. Actually....I am more than ok with that!

I feel so....so...violated. And intruded upon. We walk barefoot in our backyard all of the time! And although I think I know deep down that they will leave us alone. I do not like it!!!

I even got sick to my stomach.

I do not live in the country. I did not sign up for this.

_________________________________


Dear harmless grass snakes,


Please go away. Thanks.


Shamelessly scared silly of snakes,
Marla

_________________________________

Yes...I realize I may be acting just a tad bit dramatic. But.........I do not like snakes!!

Grace's 2 month checkup... and some other ramblings from me! :)

I took Grace for her 2 month check-up yesterday morning--and it worked out perfectly because it was such a beautiful day, Geoff was able to spend some one-on-one time with Parker and take her to the park and then Chic-fil-a for lunch!

We feel so very blessed to have gotten a good report at our visit!! The pediatrician said, "She looks wise beyond her years......Has anyone ever said that to you before?" I said, "No?" kind of confusedly because I wasn't quite sure what she was talking about. She said, "Her face just looks more mature....like she's ready to sit up and start talking and having a conversation with you."


So here are her stats:

Grace at 2 months:

height: 23.75 inches (75th percentile)
weight: 11lbs 9.5 ounces (50th percentil)
head circumference: 39.5 cm (50th percentile)

And to compare her to Parker's stats at 2 months:

height: 23.25 inches (75th percentile)
weight: 10lbs 13.5 ounces (50th percentile)
head circumference: 38.5 cm (45th percentile)

You'll notice that both of their heights are 75th percentile and their weights are the 50th percentile....yet their actual heights and weights are not the same. This is because we took Parker to her 2 month at 2 months....and at Grace's appointment today, she is 2 months and 1 week (at least I think that's why?) ;)

And to compare Grace to her own 2 week stats (which was almost 8 weeks ago)....she has gained 2 lbs, 2 oz, and grown 2.5 inches! She's been busy!

I spoke with the doctor about if she should still be eating every 3 hours or so....not that I am trying to rush things....but I can't remember when it happens that she goes to a good morning nap, a good afternoon nap, and maybe a short little catnap in the evening? She said since she was in the 75th percentile for her weight at 2 weeks, and now in the 50th percentile that she wouldn't want to cut back on any feedings for her....not that she's concerned about her weight right now, but that she still needs at least what she is getting now.

We decided to hold off on her immunizations for the today. I ran a fever on Wednesday and felt horrible (And I have to brag on my husband for a bit.....fortunately, he was able to take off of work to stay home and help me with the girls....and he did just that! He basically took care of both girls all day long....really only bringing me Grace when she needed to be fed. I truly appreciate this and I think the extra rest really helped me to get better sooner! Thank you, Geoff! You continue to amaze me on what a wonderful husband and father you are!)

So because I just wanted to make sure and see if Grace comes down with this, I decided I wanted to wait until next week for her immunizations. I didn't want her little body to fight whatever this bug is plus her FIVE immunizations. So we go back next Thursday just for the shots! Fun!

After her appointment, I decided to run to Northpark to buy some new sunglasses because Parker mutilated mine a couple of weeks ago! I was so excited to be out and about in this beautuful weather and with this beautiful little girl that was so sweet and slept the whole time.


As I was doing a little browsing, I couldn't help but notice how cute all of the clothes that are out right now are. You know how sometimes the 'new' clothes and 'styles' that are out just don't quite mesh with your taste and style?? Well........I really like what's out now. But I do not like my waist size! Soooo. Instead of shopping for myself...I thought I'd do the next best thing. Shop for my girls!

I found these Easter dresses. I think they are adorable....but what I think really makes me like them is that they match!! (Aaaannndd...they were on sale! Added bonus!)


I also got them one other matching outfit, but I am going to save that for a picture I want to take of them together in the next month or so. It will look cuter on them than on a hanger...so I'll just show you then.

And since I was in the neighborhood....I went to Priscilla of Boston to pick up my brides maid dress (that- for the record- is 4 sizes bigger than I was when I got pregnant with Grace) for my friend, Emily's, wedding that is in 2 weeks! (I'll show you more of the dress later. Maybe. It's really not that pretty of a dress with me in it!) ;(


And because it was such a nice day...and to celebrate my lack of post- pregnancy weight loss....I thought I'd head over to Sprinkles Cupcakes to buy some over-priced {but well worth it} cupcakes.


And yes.....I cannot lie....I ate one immediately upon entering the car. I couldn't help myself....strawberry is my favorite!! {welll....and banana is my favorite, too} :)

So that was my day in a nutshell!

___________________________________

And I wanted to include these next pictures, just because.

Here she is just streeeeetching!



And here are her cute little feet in her Croc socks!!

Mirror Project: Decorating the Living Room

So we Geoff painted the living room a little over a week ago...and I wasn't quite sure if I liked it. Now...I'm pretty sure that I like it....its different....it's not too drastic....and I don't really think it's too blue. So it's going to stay....at least for a while.

A couple of months ago...I ran across this DIY mirror project on this blog. I showed Geoff and asked him if he could make it for me. He didn't really say no, but he didn't say yes. I didn't really nag him about it because we had a lot going on at the time....me finishing school....Christmas....a new baby, etc. But since I passed my RN exam...I have felt this huge sense of relief and have been able to focus on more fun things....like decorating our house!

So I brought this mirror up again and this time...Geoff said he'd give it a try! He did such a good job with it, too!!

We didn't have a miter saw like she suggested we use....so Geoff just had Lowe's cut the particle board for us....

And he just used a hand saw for the trim....

So here it is....(from several angles because I am indecisive on choosing which one to show).........our new mirror...... and the first real thing we've hung on any wall in our house since we moved in 6 and half months ago! :)

Now onto my next project for the living room....throw pillows.

A Day in the Life

Today, I am participating in Kelly's Korner Blog Show Us Your Life- What is your typical day like?

Initially- I wasn't going to participate because we hardly have a schedule going these days. With a 2 year old and 6 week old...............enough said. ;)

But then decided it would be kind of fun to write down our 'typical day'....Won't it be fun to look back on a few years from now...even a year from now and see what we were doing???

So here goes...

• Parker usually wakes me/us up between 6:30 and 7:30 in the morning. I'm usually just getting back to sleep from Grace's 5:00/6:00am feeding. :)
• Usually... Grace is still sleeping....and I get up with Parker. I make her a bowl of Rice Krispies....give her a spoon full of sugar for her to dump into her cereal all by herself...then she eats it.
• After breakfast she either begins playing or we watch an episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse so that I can clean up the kitchen or other areas of the house.
• Grace and Geoff usually get up around 9 or so. Then...I usually try to squeeze in a much needed shower!
• Depending on the day and the weather...Geoff may take Parker to the library for story time... or to the park.... or to the grocery store.... or just play around in the house. (I am hoping in the near future this will be my time to go for a walk around the neighborhood!) During this time...I am taking care of Grace....maybe feeding or putting her down for a nap. If she gets in a deep enough sleep...I am then able to do things around the house (i.e. laundry, dishes, the endless picking up of toys) and/or check e-mail and blog.
• Lunch for me is usually between 10:30 and 11:00! I am starving by then! Parker and Geoff usually eat between 11:30 and 12:30.
• Around 12:30...we start an episode of Word World.
• 1:00- Naptime for Parker. Depending on the day...Grace may be napping, as well. But if she isn't....then we take turns taking care of her so that we can each get some things done.
• Between 2:30 and 3:30pm...Parker gets up from her nap. From here....we either go to Aunt Sister's house....or her and Payton come over here. With the weather turning nicer....I am sure we will start our outings to the park again.
• We usually eat dinner between 5:00 and 6:00pm. Then play until about 7:30pm...where we then start another episode of Word World.
• 8:00pm. This is when the fun begins!!!! :)

On a GOOD day:

• Grace will be sleeping peacefully in our room in her pack-n-play. :)
• Parker will be a dear, sweet 2 year old and listen to her Momma. She will let me brush her teeth without resistance. She will use the potty and put on her pajamas. We will read 3-4 books together while sitting her bed...laughing and having a good time. I will kiss her goodnight....tell her I love her....she'll reply back with"I love you, too. Good luck, Mommy." (not really sure why she says that last part). Then she will STAY in her bed. :)

On a NOT SO GOOD day:

• Grace will be screaming her head off for no apparent reason. She will not go to sleep or let me put her down. :)
• Parker will ignore me when I ask her to brush her teeth, use the potty, and put on her pajamas. She will go to time-out multiple times as a result of such behavior. Kicking and screaming will be involved (on her part, of course). We will read 3-4 books together while sitting in her bed. I am either nursing Grace or bouncing around with her in my arms. I then kiss her goodnight....tell her I love her....she will reply in a screeching, loud voice, "No Mommy...don't leave!" To which I reply, "Yes, Baby. I have to leave. I need to put Grace night-night and then I have to go night-night, too. I am so sleepy!" I shut the door....she immediately runs to the door....screaming at the top of her lungs...."Noooooooooo Mommy! Noooooooooo Mommy!" I lay Grace down (she is screaming, too by this point if she wasn't already)....pick Parker up.....put her back in her bed. (This occurs several times.) Then she'll stay in her bed for a while....I think she's asleep.....then I hear footsteps. She comes into the living room (if I haven't already run to her door)....she'll tell me something she 'needs'.....and depending on what it is....I will get it for her because by this point I am in total survival mode and I now need her to go to bed! On these nights...I finally get her down between 9:00 and 10:00pm.
  
• Then I get Grace to sleep. And depending on what time it is...I will either a) check e-mail/blogs, b) watch one of my shows, or c) {a favorite of mine these days} crawl into bed myself!

So that's it!! A typical day in our life in March of 2010!!!

Cleaning out my purse....

Wow.

Cleaning out my purse has been on my list for a while now. It's something that's not that hard....shouldn't take too long....but that you just dread....you know?

Well...this morning. I did it. And I was amused at some of the things that I found. So I thought I'd share......in case you were wondering... :)

And in no particular order....

This little baby doll of Parker's. Don't really know how this ended up there....

Again...another surprise. This is a little toy that is supposed to attach to Parker's play swing for her doll....

Raisins....

This box of contact solution that was given to me at the eye doctor the other day....

This headband that I do not wear in public....I had originally bought for me to use at night to keep my hair out of my face when I wash it....

A pair of my socks??

A diaper....

Crayons...

A Northpark mall map that Parker "needed" when we went a couple of weeks ago....

I think this one is my favorite. It's a little container that hole Guatemalan Worry Dolls. Yes...you are reading correctly. My adult health instructor gave these to our clinical group a year and a half ago...

She had done some mission work there and the little kids is Guatemala make these for money....

This is kind of hard to read...but what it basically says is that each night before you go to bed, tell each doll a worry. Then put it under your pillow and while you sleep the dolls will take your worries away.

A bunch of receipts and old lists.....

And my coupon book....that I usually forget about until after I am already home and purchased the things that I had planned on using the coupons for.

What's in your purse???