Closing the Door

The last few hours of 2010 are quickly ticking away.  I'm currently tucked in bed with my Little One while she decides if she IS going to sleep, or if she may wake up and want a snack.

Waiting for her to make this decision, I let my mind wander and realize that, last New Years at this time, we were still praying we would have more children in our life.  How neat to know that our prayers were answered with such a perfect gift!

I continue to wander and think of everything that has happened this past year . . . I lost a friend - one of the best people to ever step on this planet.  I am still of the opinion that his prayers helped when I was using fertility treatments.  To go even further, I think he's my little Miz Aise's guardian angel.  We lost family members - one of the oldest and the very youngest. My heart still aches each time I think of my little cousin's passing.  I am comforted in knowing my Great Uncle Earl is there with her.

Miss Mia  . . . . let's see . . . .
~ is going potty without accidents.  I was so worried with how she would do when Miz Aise came and she had to share the spot-light.  We had a few bumps (and still do), but nothing like what I thought.  Yah, we took a step or two back in potty training, when she would tell us it was Aise or Hansy who needed to go potty, but that trend quickly ended.  And yes, she'll still purposely do something forbidden to get our attention, but those are fewer and fewer. She makes up by being so cuddly with her sister and so protective of her. 
~ is getting so vocal.  It's amazing at how many words she now knows as well as how complex her sentences are becoming.  I love that she uses please, thank you, excuse me and I'm sorry.  Yesterday, she complimented a cashier at Lowe's by telling her she was wearing pretty make up.  It doesn't get much cuter than that - and it was so wonderful seeing the smile on that cashiers face.  She couldn't believe Miss Mia was only 2 - and that Miss Mia responded with the correct answer when she asked her her age. 
~ is able to do split jumps just like Miss Picky.  She dances up a storm whenever music comes on.  She has perfected her summersalt, does bridges and kicks. Now, she walks through stores doing cheerleading moves - again, just like Miss Picky.

Miz Aise . . . hmmm . . . her list is a little short . . .
~ is starting to get on a schedule for sleeping and eating.
~ is cooing and smiling.  She also started laughing on Christmas Day.
~ favors Miss Mia - her first smile was for her big Sister.  Her eyes follow Miss Mia everywhere.  She also coos more and gets all excited when hearing her sister's voice.
~ is currently wearing size 0-3 clothing and size 1 diapers while eating approx 4 oz milk at each feeding.  She doesn't like taking a bottle from me, preferring natural feeding, but she does accept it from every one else.  She has also started using the binky this last week instead of comfort nursing (I hate using binkies, but at the same time, I am sooo glad she's started that as she would "nurse" for 1/2 hr or longer and then would start freaking out if I would remove her!)

The Home . . . Hmmmm . . . .
~ We have my sewing room together and I've been using it for projects.  Have orders for 3 quilts.  Made 12 pillowcases for the 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge (in Russ' honor).  My friend Christine gave me some adorable material - and those pillowcases will be in Lainey's honor. 
~ Our sunroom was enjoyed throughout the entire year.  It has become one of Miss Mia's favorite rooms and it shows as most of her toys are stashed there.  I do still have to stucco the one wall, but it's complete but for that.
~ Outside, I didn't get much accomplished due to the extremely hot days and pregnancy . . . but we did plant some fruit trees.  I'm also planning to continue planting a garden, even if only to show the girls the enjoyment of watching something grow from seemingly nothing.

And, me . . .
~ My goal last year was to get pregnant.  I did accomplish that!  YAH!
~ The other half of my goal was to continue the weight loss.  I was doing great, getting into size 8s the week I got pregnant.  Now, my goal is to get back on the weight loss train.  I've been working out with the Wii and dancing with Miss Mia.  I can feel it - especially the days after doing a lot of lifting her!  The scale isn't showing a change, but I'm having fun and moving, so that's what counts.

For 2011 . . . .
~ I hope to continue improving myself through learning . . . .
~ I want to focus on becoming a better Mom to my two girls.  I want them to have fun childhoods where they were free to learn and be themselves - as well as to grow up normal, well-adjusted girls.
~ Physically, I want to keep working out and toward my goal weight.  I hope to defy my PCOS and stay med-free.  I will be starting my cinnamon supplements again.

Miz Aise has decided she needs her beauty sleep, so I'm going to tuck her into her cradle and snuggle in my own bed.

Happy New Years!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Dad! 

And yes, the entire world really does celebrate your birthday!

WOOTS on Wednesday!

1.  Christmas with my two girls (and the other family members ;) ).  I cannot begin to say how much fun we had . . . to include Miss Mia falling to the floor when she saw her own personal trampoline!  Then, there was the time I was able to spend (along with the two girls) with my Grams.  I am soooo happy to still have the two women in my (and my girls') life!

2.  Day after Christmas Deals!!!  I have to say WOOT WOOT for that!  I now have most of the gifts for the girls' birthdays and the start of Christmas.  I also have gifts for my friends' kiddos as well!

3.  Potty Training Success!

Big Girl Undies

The day after Christmas, Miss Mia celebrated her 1/2 birthday.  She is now 2 1/2 years old.

In celebration, she decided she no longer wanted to wear Pull Ups - this is after her refusal to wear diapers for the last two or so weeks.  On Christmas Day, even with all of the excitement and visiting Great Grandma S~ and Grandma S~, Miss Mia wore her Big Girl Undies and never had an accident!  This trend continued yesterday, to include when taking a nap!

Today, Miss Mia visited Grandma T~.  Then, home where she poopied and pee'd on the potty before going down for a nap.  Then, we went to THE MALL (it's the way she says it!) with Miss Picky, Miz Aise, my Mom and me.  No accidents!

So, while we were at WalMart, I picked her up a gift for her transition into Big Girl Undies.  She's really into Barbie right now, because of Toy Story.  I found two cute Barbies on clearance (yes, I took full advantage of the post-Christmas sales).  She'll be getting one as a gift here shortly for doing so well in the transition!

I'm a very excited Mommy as I know how hard potty training can be.  I also love having just one little one in diapers.

BUT

I'm also sad.

Seriously.

This is another step toward her no longer needing me!  My girl is no longer a baby!

I'll embrace this milestone in Miss Mia's development.  I'll celebrate my little girl growing up.  I'll clap and cheer, but please let me get a little teary-eyed as well when I sit for a minute and remember just how quickly she is growing before my eyes.  Who knew that potty training would first get me to cheer for body functions (AND post them on Facebook) and then make me misty-eyed were left behind!

It's About That Time . . .

Miz Aise is quickly losing her newborn-ness and fast becoming an adorable baby.  This is wonderful news, but at the same time . . . it stinks.  I can't use the "I have a newborn" excuse much longer for why I am not in a full workout routine. 

Yes, my pants are falling off of me when I walk, but I still have a lot of weight to lose (thanks to the PCOS).   I also have the Mommy Belly still.  UGH.  Another positive is that my chest is no where as large as it was with my last pregnancy/breastfeeding time frame.  BUT I still have a lot of weight to lose.  Yes, I already said that.

On my 5'3 frame, my initial goal is to be back to my pre-PCOS/Post Wedding weight of 135 lbs.  I would love to get back to my 115 from high school, but I'm going to sit goals that I feel I can achieve without a miracle or being trapped in a cave with only water for 2 months. 

So, with all of my rambling, what am I saying?

Goal #1 - Get back down to 135 pounds (that's appox 20 lbs).
Goal #2 - Get back on a workout routine.
Goal #3 - Start hitting my 10,000 steps a day goal.
Goal #4 - Determine ways to make Fun Time with the Girls part of my fitness routine. 
Goal #5 - Find some danged will power and quit eating all of the the food that I see!

There.  A few goals.  Very easy ones actually.  I know I can do this . . . I went from 195 to 167 prior to my first pregnancy.  I was then down to 154 prior to this last pregnancy.  I KNOW I can whittle away the weight - and writing my goals and checking in with them on here will keep me on track!

Here we go!

Merry Christmas!

~ Photograph by Jennifer Hart @ Jennifer Hart Photography

http://www.jenniferhartphotography.com/

Toddler Talk

My friend Christine often tells me to blog about Miss Mia's newest activities and 'doings'. Now that she is talking, Miss Mia often has me in stitches. So, I guess I'll share:

Our phone has specific ring tones for non friends and family. "Out of Area" calls are ignored.  Miss Mia now believes that ring tone means the phone call is for her.  The other evening, she answered the phone at dinner.
Miss Mia:  "Hello."
Female caller:  "Hello?"
Miss Mia:  "I eat salad."
Female caller:  "Hello?"
Miss Mia:  "Salad.  Yummy!"
Female caller:  " . . . . ."
Busy tone. 
~ Poor Miss Mia didn't get to discuss her salad with her caller.

We went to Lowe's the other night to grab a part we needed for the shower.
Miss Mia: "LOWE's! Mommy! LOWE's! Me go! Me go!"
~ guess she was just a smidge excited about going to that particular store.

Driving home from Lowe's, we went past McDonald's (how can you not???) We don't usually stop there and if we do, we get the stuff on the dollar menu, and usually a coffee for my Dad. I was kinda zoning as I read the sign stating 50 chicken nuggets for $9.99
Miss Mia: "Mommy - Chicken Nuggets!"
Me: "Huh?"
Miss Mia: "Mommy - Chicken Nuggets!"
Me: "Ahhh. Yes, they sell Chicken Nuggets."
Miss Mia: "Yep."
~ This was when I realized 1: she was telling me the name of the place 2: she didn't actually want nuggets and 3: (this tells you what a dork I am) she was NOT reading the sign.

Lastly, this one is why I'm never going in public again . . .
Miss Mia and I were playing in the family room.  She stops what she was doing, looks at me and says in a very firm voice, "Mommy, go pump!"
Mommy:  "Excuse me?"
Miss Mia:  "Go PUMP!"  While pointing to my bedroom.
Mommy:  "Sweetie, I don't need to go pump."
Miss Mia:  "Mommy GO PUMP.  Boobs HEAV-y!" as she came over and squeezed me.
~ Seriously.  Mortified.  Guess I gotta watch my comments when playing Just Dance on Wii!

WOOTS on Wednesday!

Miss Mia has been working on potty training for awhile now.  We've not really pushed her, especially as we knew there would be some regression when Miz Aise arrived.  BUT - we've been dealing with awesomeness lately.  When playing with Miss Picky, Miss Mia has stopped and run to the potty.  When playing in her house, she yelled "POTTY!" at the top of her lungs and ran to the potty.  Sunday, I went shopping with Mom and Miss Picky.  We took both girls.  Miss Mia wanted big girl undies, but we decided on a pull-up.  She didn't go potty while we were out.  As soon as she got home, while I was unbundling Miz Aise, Mia left the living room.  I thought she'd gone to her room to grab a book for her nap.  Nope.  The Hubby came in a few seconds later all excited (good gravy, can you believe we are celebrating bowel movements???) "Mia is in the bathroom on the potty!  She was already there when I decided to check on her!  AND - she's going poopy!"

I must say - that is a WOOT!

Mom found the Monkey Face Cookie recipe!

WOOT!

The hubby gave me the opportunity to work in my sewing room this past week where I was able to finish some Christmas gifts, to include three scarves, three pair of baby legs and Miz Aise's Froggie Rag Quilt.  I was also able to start on my friend's quilt and matching burp clothes!

WOOT!

Scored at Lowe's - found a round rug that matches my new sun room furniture.  Original price:  $100.  Purchase Price:  $10.

WOOT!

Christmas is this weekend!

WOOOOOOT!

Two Month Appointment

Miss Mia and her Daddy helped me take Miz Aise to her two month appointment.  There, Miz Aise was measured and checked over by her doctor who said she's perfect.  Miz Aise had to get some shots.  She did very well.  Miss Mia also did well by holding her sister's hand and distracting her.  The best  part of the appointment was when Miss Mia asked if she could have some shots as well.

She received some stickers instead!

First foods will be started AFTER Miz Aise's four month appointment. 

Tonight, Miz Aise is a little fussy.  She has insisted that either Mommy or Daddy is cuddling her at all times.  Daddy cuddled her while Mommy and Miss Mia made dinner of Chicken Stuffed Shells and some Christmas Cookies for Grandpa Surrena as Daddy ate all of the last batch. 

Miz Aise currently weighs 10 lbs 4 ounces and measures 22 inches long!  She's in the 50th percentile for both height and weight.  Dr. P says to keep up with the breastfeeding and no supplemental formula is needed. 

Two Months!

My Little Pumpkin is 2 months today!

She is staying awake for longer periods of time during the day.

A structured schedule is starting to emerge.

She coos and smiles - especially when she hears her big sister.

Her favorite place to sleep is nestled on Mommy's chest.

Grandma S has cuddled with her every day since birth.

Her first Christmas is this week!

She enjoys her time on her kickmat.

Still undecided about liking/disliking bath time.

Baby Quilt Preview

The front and back of a burp cloth made from same flannel as the quilt I'm currently making.

My friend has requested a baby quilt for a baby girl who will be making her debut in January.  Although the burp cloth is all girly, I'm only doing some pink.  The flannel is so soft and so warm.  I am loving it . . . but I'll be good and let her have it.

Baby and Toddler Legwarmers

The story behind this project follows how I made these cute legwarmers.

Items needed:

~ One pair of women's knee highs

~ Sewing machine (could hand sew, but that's work)

~ Self-healing mat

~ Rotary Cutter (could use scissors, but that's work, too)

~ Pins!

Start with one pair of women's knee highs.

Cut off the heels and toes. I cut both socks at the same time in the hopes I'd be able to keep them a relatively similar length.


My socks instantly began to roll at the cut areas. Instead of just tossing them together and sewing them, I actually *gasp* pinned them!

Evidence - I do use pins!

After they were pinned, I slid them over the sewing machine and did the basic stitch the entire way around the sock.

My finished projects!

For some reason, our power company is having a really hard time keeping the power on in our area. We aren't having bad weather as yesterday was actually a beautiful day (although, very cold, in the high teens). Unfortunately, we were without power much of the day AND our wood burning fireplace is currently not in working condition until the manufacturer sends us some replacement parts.

Add into the mix an almost potty-trained toddler who refuses to wear pants of any sort over her "big girl undies". I needed some baby legs or other type of leg warmer, but didn't have any. As a child of the 80s, I remember my drawers being full of them. WHY did I give them away??? To help with the situation, I grabbed a pair of women's knee highs and whacked off the toes. I flipped them over and slid them on Miss Mia - using the heel of the sock to cover her knee.

They worked until the electric came on.

Then, I went to my sewing machine.

I decided to whack off the heel part as it was droopy around my skinny gal's knees and just sew 'em back together sans heels and toes!

I like how they came out.

Although next time, I may decide to actually pay attention to the pattern (see the V pattern socks final result - I accidentally reversed it on the one side and just now noticed).

The gals will be getting these under the Christmas Tree! I can't wait to see them wearing them!

Fleece Scarf

The husband watched both girls today, letting me get in a complete day of crafting. I was so excited. I was able to finish piecing together Miz Aise's quilt (that I plan to give her for Christmas). I also finished an impromptu project . . . . featured here! A fringed polar fleece boa! I LOVE how it turned out. I'd searched all over the internet and couldn't find exactly what I wanted, so I just imagined the finished project - and this is what came out of my initial attempt!

My only problem - metallic thread doesn't seem to agree with being sewn through 3 layers of fleece. So, I had to put the boring old quilting thread back in and use it.

I used 3 pieces of fleece in our school colors. I cut the fleece 8 inches wide. Then, I placed all three pieces together and just did a quick pass down the middle with my sewing machine. After that, I used my rotary cutter on a self-healing mat and cut into the middle (making certain to stay away from the sewn portion) every inch down one side and then up the other.

The hardest part of the project - getting Miss Mia to pose for the picture!

Pillowcases!

I mailed out the pillowcases today that I made in Russ' memory! We did 12. Miss Mia loved helping put the wrapped pillowcases in the box and was so excited to know they were presents for boys and girls in the hospital.

Please go ahead and make a pillowcase or two for this challenge! Clicking on the link will bring up information for locations in your area as well as free patterns for making pillowcases.

Catchin' Up

With everything going on, I've been neglecting my blogging. So, I'll just toss the pics on here that show what we've been doing . . .

Oh, I guess I should take pics of Miss Mia watching Polar Express OVER and OVER and OVER until she says the words right along with the movie . . .

And then, I'll need pics of Miss Picky and Miss Mia doing "up highs" (Miss Picky lifts Miss Mia up in the air and Miss Mia does a straddle).

Then, there's the potty training pics - Miss Mia is doing GREAT! Yah, we still have an accident once in awhile, but she's letting us know when she needs to go - even when playing and when we have company.

And, what about me carrying both Miss Mia and Miz Aise while Miss Mia sing-songs "My two girls!" over and over. She LOVES when I carry the both of them from my bedroom down to the living room. It's sooo cute to listen to her.

Dancing to Christmas music. Redecorating the tree nightly. Cuddling with Miz Aise who is now smiling like a fiend and cooing at every opportunity. Miss Mia telling me her Daddy is "hunting buck" and then, looking at me all serious . . . "I'll show you!" and getting me a hunting magazine with a photo of a buck.

So, maybe there are some gaps in my photos . . . but you understand! I can't have that camera in my hand all day I have two girls I need to hold!

Miss Mia's New Dress

The other day, we picked up a dress for Miss Mia. It's adorable and will look great on her when she finally grows into it (in two years!).

Until then, I decided to copy it and let her wear the version I made.

I used some of the green panne I had left from the bridesmaid's dresses from my wedding.

She seems to like it. She wears it daily.

Not too bad for my first attempt at an article of clothing - and no real pattern!

Getting It Gone!

The maternity clothing - after having sold two "lots" of clothing on ebay.

So, I've decided to use Ebay for good instead of just evil. I've been posting items on the site - and selling them!

Mostly, I've been posting my maternity clothing. The hubby and I've talked about it and decided that the chances of another baby are slim to none since I needed fertility meds (and lots of effort) the last time. This means - no keeping the zillions of articles of maternity clothing I have cluttering up my bedroom.

I've sold 6 "lots" of clothing and have a few more to go. I am just excited to see the stuff leaving and to be making a little money at the same time.

Then again, I'm sad. I really, really wanted at least three kiddos. I know, be happy with what I have. BUT - I want to be greedy!

OH heck, I'll be good and just thank God for the two blessings in my life and let the simple joy of selling clothing on ebay help me accept that my "big" family stops at two little ones.

Good-byes

Our family had to say good-bye to two loved ones this past week. The first was my Great Uncle Earl. The second, my three week old second cousin, Lainey. Heaven has gained two wonderful angels.

Good-bye to both of you. Remember that you will continue to be in our hearts.

Letter to Santa

Macy's is raising money for Make-A-Wish Foundation. It's a very simple process!

1. Write a letter to Santa

2. Take letter to Macy's to be mailed to Santa

Done!

Please take time to write a letter or two to Santa and mail them in the magic mailboxes at Macy's. It's just a few minutes of your time!

(plus, the little cartoon on the website is really cute!)

An Early Christmas

I bought new LED lights for our Christmas Tree. Knowing how long it takes to decorate the tree - and knowing that we'd be attempting family photos over Thanksgiving weekend, I decided to bring the tree up early.

This suited Miss Mia to a "T". She has been into CHRISTMAS since before Halloween. She is thrilled beyond belief if we go to a store where CHRISTMAS is set up. She claps in delight when we see houses with any type of Christmas light on. We've watched every CHRISTMAS movie I have in my collection . . . some of them over and over.

When I'd finished with the tree, and had minimal ornaments on it (yes, she is redecorating the tree non-stop), I got out the camera and snapped some pics of the little silly goose!

Matching Colors in Sepia

The Husband's sister gave Miz Aise a box of clothing the other day. While I was digging through it to see what treasures were hidden in the box, I noticed this cute dress that was a 0-3 month dress from Gap. This dress matched Miss Mia's outfit PERFECTLY. The main colors for both were watermelon pink and green.

Of course, I had to get pictures.

Being me - the pictures of the matching COLORS ended up in Sepia. Ugh. It's the thought that counts, right?

Happy Birthday!

Yesterday, you turned a month old. It's amazing to think that much time has passed. I feel as though it was only minutes ago that you were placed in my arms for the first time. At the same time, I can't get enough of you; my heart is so full of love for you, it's as though you were always there. I love you Miz Aise and cannot wait to see what the future has in store for you!

Happy Birthday!

~ Your Mommy

Pretzel Wreath Project

One year, in elementary school, we made pretzel wreathes for Christmas gifts for our Mothers. My Mom has kept this gift all these years, and it still hangs in the kitchen. Miss Mia is now getting to the age where she likes to make things, and I thought - what better Christmas gift than something made by Miss Mia????

So, today, we made pretzel wreathes! Miss Picky came up to help.

How cute are they??? I cannot wait to add the rest of the ribbon to the wreathes. I'll be using Christmas ribbon on some.

And to think - we only needed pretzels and glue!

Lazy Sunday

My gals are the greatest. Nothing I love more than being able to cuddle with the two little gals! Today, it was chilly out, so we had a fire in the fireplace . . . the smell of the cherry logs burning, the heat of the fire, the warmth of the quilts under which we were cuddled . . . . this was the PERFECT Sunday - even if we had to watch Rudolph and Frosty cartoons over and over!

PS - don't ask me why some of the pics are sideways - they were the correct way when I uploaded them!

Cookie Makin'

Miss Mia and I made some sugar cookies the other evening. She is soooo Mommy's girl - not waiting until the cookies were done to eat the "NUMMY!" We were going to do them as cut-out sugar cookies. Unfortunately, it was getting late, the dough stuck to everything, and we were just too danged impatient to wait for the dough to cool off in the fridge. So, we made them into balls and were enjoying cookies in less than 15 minutes!

Miz Aise

I've finally found a way to get my computer to read my new memory card! So, here are a few pics from Miz Aise's first two weeks!

Sisters

Aislyn Grace

Aislyn Grace made her debut at 1:43 pm on 10.20.10. She weighed 6lbs 13 oz and measured 20 inches. She came out crying and was covered in vernix - so much so that one of the nurses asked the doctor - are we certain of her due date??? It was a little disturbing as Miss Mia had only a few spots, nothing like Aisey Daisy! She was born Sunny Side Up with the cord wrapped around her throat one time. Her Apgar score was a 9. Holding her in my arms after the birth (that was LONGER than Miss Mia's) was just amazing! She began nursing right away and has nursed like a dream. My Mom and DH were both in the birthing room at time of delivery. My Dad was with Miss Mia in my regular room.

Miss Mia gets along with her - and asks to hold "Sissy" daily. The best part of my day is when Miss Mia comes into my bedroom in the morning and cuddles behind Sissy while I nurse. I love, love, LOVE having my two girls cuddled with me!

My water broke in the middle of the night - the birth story will be posted at another time. Let's just say, I didn't leak much - and only thought I'd pee'd my pants. It was only when I began to worry that I hadn't felt the baby move that I decided to have my Mom take me to the hosptial. There, they had to break my water on the bottom as the initial break was on top . . . Yes, silly me, I had to have my water break two times before this little one arrived ;)

I just sit here and think of the creep-o doctor who said I would never have children. HA! I have two of the most wonderful gifts - and I KNOW this newest gift was a result of prayers . . . I will let Aisey Daisy know that she has a Guardian Angel named Russ when she is older.

Fall Fun!

Just a few pics of Miss Mia enjoying another gorgeous fall day (and some fall flowers!). Tomorrow, the rain comes and this weekend, it's supposed to get quite windy . . . I'm assuming that will be the end of our fall color!