Wyatt got his first "bad conduct" letter at daycare yesterday. Yes, my son, at all of 10 months- was sent home with a letter from the 'headmaster' stating that we needed to be working on his behavior at home in order to modify it at school. Apparently, he is "disruptive" to the other babies because he has been pretty fussy at school the past two days. Well, EXCUSE ME. My child has not been in daycare for the past week because she decided to close for vacation, thus he is slightly off schedule right now. Not only that, but we have been at the beach for 5 days, where he was the only baby... and received alot of attention.
If you have been reading this blog for awhile, you know that I am a "cry-it-out" mom- Wyatt does not get put down for naps or for the night asleep- he always puts himself to sleep, whether he cries a little bit or not. I also try not to pick him up every time he fusses- and I am sorry, but Wyatt is a VERY laid back child. He is not in the least bit high-maintence. We do not spoil him, but I also should not have to defend my parenting either- if I want to pick him up, I will pick him up. Period. I am not going to have someone else telling me how to take care of my baby.
I have been tossing around a few ideas with Mark, but now I am seriously considering another form of child care in the fall- there is a wonderful preschool program that starts at 12 months very close to Mark's work that is available for 3 full days a week. It is a Christian curriculum-based program and pretty affordable. It might require some juggling the other two days, but I honestly feel in my heart that this is what is best for him. I have never quite been comfortable with where he is now- and his well-being is my top priority.
Please pray that we make the best decisions for our family right now, and that the Lord will open doors for us.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
We're Back!
Pulling up on Mommy's beach chair...
Playdate at the park on my day off!
Hanging out on the slide at the beach...
Walking in the sand
Hoping for some sunshine :)We are finally getting back into the swing of things at our house. After being off work for a week and at the beach for five days, we are back at work and school. We had a great time at the beach hanging out with family, although the weather was pretty gloomy most of the time. We had one afternoon of sunshine, and we took full advantage by staying on the beach as long as possible.
Wyatt did not particularly like the surf- he did not want any part of his body touching the sand and the waves scared him. The only thing he did enjoy was eating the sand! He shoveled it into his mouth as fast as he possibly could- it was hilarious to watch, and we had to distract him with puffs to keep him from making himself sick by injesting the sand. It was also very windy, and the umbrella we got to protect Wyatt would not stay upright and kept blowing down the beach. Throughout our vacation I kept thinking that our family resembled the Griswold's. Needless to say, a couple hours in the sun at one time was about all he could handle. I was glad when Mark took him back to the house and I could enjoy myself - it's a lot of work taking care of a baby on the beach- not to mention hauling of of his stuff back and forth. I appreciate everyone's help this weekend with taking care of the little guy on vacation. We may not be travleing for a little while in order to catch our breath, but we had a fun time while we were there!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Weekend Wrap-up
Loving all my new toys!!
Bath time fun :)Saturday was supposed to be the day for our family pictures and Wyatt's one-year photo session, but when we woke up to gloomy weather, I knew outdoor shots at Aldridge Gardens were not going to happen. Instead, I loaded Wyatt into the stroller and we headed out for the annual neighborhood yard sale. This is the first year that we haven't participated, so I most excited about shopping until the thunderstorms rolled in.
We made were out for two hours before the rain started and I managed to get some great deals!
Here are some of the fabulous bargains I landed:
Hard Plastic kiddy pool- $5
Little Tykes ride 'n' push toy- $3
Southern Living Garden Collection platter and pitcher- $3 (WHAT A STEAL!!!)
Little Tykes Fire Truck- .50 cents
Baby Einstein Caterpillar - .50 cents
12-18 mo. t-shirts, $1.00 for 3
In other news, Wyatt is officially off the bottle!! We started on Friday at daycare by not giving him bottles during the day, but instead giving him the cup. The trick was to use the cups with handles that he can hold himself and warming up his milk. Saturday night, he took the cup instead of his bedtime bottle- and that was it!! His last bottle was Friday- I can't believe it. After all that stress, I was able to get him off the bottle at 10 months. I am very proud of myself- but this means my little guy is growing up.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
10 Months!
Wyatt has officially hit the double digits. In age, that is. Well, okay... in months. He has been in the double digits as far as weight goes since he was a month old.
This month has been a big one- he started crawling, cut two teeth, began speaking in double syllables and has started drinking out of the sippy cup- (juice, that is) He has also started drinking whole milk, and formula has been discontinued (thank you, Lord!)
Wyatt loves to be tickled, smiles all the time and likes to play peek-a-boo at bed time. Sadie is his best friend, and we love to sit back and watch him try to catch her and pull on her ears. He also has learned to dance, and I believe has inherited some of his mom's dance moves- not a good thing, I assure you! W is fascinated with doors, and will open and close them 100 times without getting bored- he also adores wild animals, which is the theme of his first birthday party.
I can't believe my little guy is almost a year old- it seems like just yesterday I was trying to survive those sleepless nights and wishing the time away... now he is such a big boy, and I am not sure where all that time went!
This month has been a big one- he started crawling, cut two teeth, began speaking in double syllables and has started drinking out of the sippy cup- (juice, that is) He has also started drinking whole milk, and formula has been discontinued (thank you, Lord!)
Wyatt loves to be tickled, smiles all the time and likes to play peek-a-boo at bed time. Sadie is his best friend, and we love to sit back and watch him try to catch her and pull on her ears. He also has learned to dance, and I believe has inherited some of his mom's dance moves- not a good thing, I assure you! W is fascinated with doors, and will open and close them 100 times without getting bored- he also adores wild animals, which is the theme of his first birthday party.
I can't believe my little guy is almost a year old- it seems like just yesterday I was trying to survive those sleepless nights and wishing the time away... now he is such a big boy, and I am not sure where all that time went!
Heavenly Reminders
This morning, in preparation for the new hospital's groundbreaking, I was asked to put up a few signs to direct traffic for tomorrow's big event.
No problem. I head over to the parking lot directly adjacent to the construction site and pull the cardboard posters and the metal stakes out of the trunk of my car- after I had illegally parked in an alley to be able to get close enough so that I wouldn't have to drag the giant and awkwardly shaped signs across four blocks through downtown Birmingham.
As I struggle to get the metal stake to fit in the sign, while at the same time trying to balance myself in my heels and stake the entire thing into the ground, I start to realize that this is a much more difficult task than I had orginally thought. Then, it begins to rain. GREAT... just PERFECT.
At this point, I am muttering and complaining under my breath getting more and more frustrated with the rain and the stupid sign.
Out of nowhere, A young mother balancing her small child on her hip come up to me and ask if I need any help. I was almost so shocked, I didn't know what to say. There they were, smiling at me in the rain, offering to help me do my job.
I felt like I should be the one asking them the very same question-so I did.
"No, we are fine... we are just walking to McDonalds..." she answered me, "but you just seemed like you were having a hard time, sp my daughter and I thought we might be able to help you."
When I noticed she already had a McDonald's bag in her hand, I was confused... were they going back to McDonald's?
I didn't question it, I just told them that I was fine, but I greatly appreciated them checking on me.
After they walked away, I watched them for a moment and noticed that they were not going to McDonalds, but rather the Ronald McDonald House.
You see, the Ronald McDonald House is where the families of our patients stay when they are required to be in the hospital for an extended period of time- either because of a chronic illness or a severe injury. It is free of charge, and it allows families to be close to their children especially when they live out of town.
Here I was, getting frustrated about putting up some signs in the rain, and this young woman who had one child in the hospital, and another on her hip, was offering to help me. Obviously, she had alot more to worry about than I did.
Wow- Apparently, God was giving me a little bit of an attitude check today- and boy, did it work.
No problem. I head over to the parking lot directly adjacent to the construction site and pull the cardboard posters and the metal stakes out of the trunk of my car- after I had illegally parked in an alley to be able to get close enough so that I wouldn't have to drag the giant and awkwardly shaped signs across four blocks through downtown Birmingham.
As I struggle to get the metal stake to fit in the sign, while at the same time trying to balance myself in my heels and stake the entire thing into the ground, I start to realize that this is a much more difficult task than I had orginally thought. Then, it begins to rain. GREAT... just PERFECT.
At this point, I am muttering and complaining under my breath getting more and more frustrated with the rain and the stupid sign.
Out of nowhere, A young mother balancing her small child on her hip come up to me and ask if I need any help. I was almost so shocked, I didn't know what to say. There they were, smiling at me in the rain, offering to help me do my job.
I felt like I should be the one asking them the very same question-so I did.
"No, we are fine... we are just walking to McDonalds..." she answered me, "but you just seemed like you were having a hard time, sp my daughter and I thought we might be able to help you."
When I noticed she already had a McDonald's bag in her hand, I was confused... were they going back to McDonald's?
I didn't question it, I just told them that I was fine, but I greatly appreciated them checking on me.
After they walked away, I watched them for a moment and noticed that they were not going to McDonalds, but rather the Ronald McDonald House.
You see, the Ronald McDonald House is where the families of our patients stay when they are required to be in the hospital for an extended period of time- either because of a chronic illness or a severe injury. It is free of charge, and it allows families to be close to their children especially when they live out of town.
Here I was, getting frustrated about putting up some signs in the rain, and this young woman who had one child in the hospital, and another on her hip, was offering to help me. Obviously, she had alot more to worry about than I did.
Wow- Apparently, God was giving me a little bit of an attitude check today- and boy, did it work.
Monday, May 11, 2009
The Inagural Mother's Day
Mom... I know it's your day and all... but enough with the kisses, already- I am trying to play!
What a difference a year makes!
This was me on Mother's Day last year:
And this year:
What a wonderful weekend. I was thrilled that my Mom and Dad came in town and that I was able to celebrate my first Mother's Day with my Mom, as well as my Dad's birthday on Saturday. Mark and my Dad kept Wyatt on Saturday, and my Mom and I went and got pedicures and went shopping. We had a great time, and I was super excited to get a Vera Bradley diaper bag and Umbrella from my parents. Mark got me a beautiful sterling silver bracelet (along with the .20 gauge shotgun) and had Wyatt's name engraved on it. He even left room for a second name to be added once our family grows - (No, this will not even be a topic of discussion for a LONG time, like several years, so don't get any ideas :)
As for being Wyatt's mom, I just simply cannot imagine my life as it was before him. As tired as I am, as busy as I am, as chaotic as my life is - I would not ever, EVER want it any other way. Mark and Wyatt mean everything to me, and on those days where I wonder if I am the kind of Mother that God has called me to be, or if I am doing a decent job at all- looking at my baby's precious face is all the appreciation I need. I am incredibly blessed- and am grateful to have a healthy, happy, thriving child- in a position where I am constantly interacting with children and families who are not so lucky, I am acutely aware of how much I truly do have to be grateful for. God is so gracious, and so good.
Mark and I took Wyatt to the park yesterday afternoon... as you can tell- I can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon :)
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Organizing
Apparently, this week is all about life on the homefront, and my attempt to balance motherhood, new home ownership and the family finances with a full time job. In two weeks, I will have five days off before our long weekend at the beach (it just so happens that the Grandparents are traveling cross-country the very same week that Wyatt's daycare is closed) so, I am using the time I will have at home to make my home a bit more functional- and get some good play time in with my sweet son!
Here is a very boring list of what I am planning to accomplish: (I know you don't care, but I have to have this to refer back to, as I hate having paper littering my house)
Here is a very boring list of what I am planning to accomplish: (I know you don't care, but I have to have this to refer back to, as I hate having paper littering my house)
- Hallway Closet: Organize gifts bags, wrapping paper and tissue so it is not falling on our heads every time we reach for the vacuum cleaner. Need Rubbermaid Container.
- Pantry- Pack up 4 ounce bottles and level 1-3 nipples, get rid of the 1,791 coozies. (C'mon Mark... do we REALLY need another coozie for you to remember that last turkey/deer/squirrel hunt??) Reorganize Wyatt's snacks and sippy cups
- Wyatt's Room- Store all clothes that don't fit that are still lingering in drawers and closet. If I come across one more 3-month onesie, I am going to scream. Need a bookshelf/storage space for toys and more rubbermaid containers for clothes. Also, search for pack n play- I know it is in that house somewhere, and we really need it for the beach. Also, need to return Ava's jumper and Moms On Call Book. (Lori, I am SO sorry we still have that!!)
- Master Closet- I don't even know where to begin. I have already cleaned it out once this year, and it still makes me stressed every time I walk into it. Yikes.
We will see how much I get done! I will be back with before and after photos :)
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Saving Money
This month we have had some additional expenses come up, and with the beach trip looming ahead, I am on a mission to save money wherever possible.
Mark and I had completely forgotten that May is the dreaded car tag registration month (I know, I know... we should have been saving for this all along) so with another $200 going out, It was a good thing I picked up an extra week of call this month. Plus, our natural gas bill was outrageous with the cold weather we had in March...so needless to say, our groceries are being cut down to the bare minimum. We are eating deer meat and fish every night this month in order to avoid having to buy meat, I have bundled our cable/internet/phone service and signed up for budget billing with the power company in order to try and save some money on utilities.
Thank goodness my mom is taking me shopping for Mother's Day! My wardrobe is so sad this Spring... there is just not much that fits the same anymore, even though I am pretty close to the same weight as I was pre-baby... there just isn't anything left over to buy new clothes these days, so I am really looking forward to Saturday!
Also, I am SUPER thrilled that we are getting a Publix in Calera. They started construction last week, so I am reading up on all those coupon matching blogs and learning how I can take advantage of the B1G1 and become a member of Club Pub. Happy Tuesday Everyone!
Mark and I had completely forgotten that May is the dreaded car tag registration month (I know, I know... we should have been saving for this all along) so with another $200 going out, It was a good thing I picked up an extra week of call this month. Plus, our natural gas bill was outrageous with the cold weather we had in March...so needless to say, our groceries are being cut down to the bare minimum. We are eating deer meat and fish every night this month in order to avoid having to buy meat, I have bundled our cable/internet/phone service and signed up for budget billing with the power company in order to try and save some money on utilities.
Thank goodness my mom is taking me shopping for Mother's Day! My wardrobe is so sad this Spring... there is just not much that fits the same anymore, even though I am pretty close to the same weight as I was pre-baby... there just isn't anything left over to buy new clothes these days, so I am really looking forward to Saturday!
Also, I am SUPER thrilled that we are getting a Publix in Calera. They started construction last week, so I am reading up on all those coupon matching blogs and learning how I can take advantage of the B1G1 and become a member of Club Pub. Happy Tuesday Everyone!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Little Monkey Man at the Zoo
Saturday morning Wyatt and I met our SS friends at the Zoo. We had so much fun with all of our friends! Wyatt especially enjoyed the reptile house, and was fascinated by the giant Iguanas. (gross!) Apparently, he is all boy :) Saturday night, Mark and I joined his family downtown for close family friend's wedding. It was beautiful, and we had a wonderful time. When we returned, the entire neighborhood was without power, and it took several hours for it to come back on. It was very hot in our house, and I have never been more grateful for our ceiling fans at 2:30 a.m. Sunday we cooked out at Steph and Joey's new house and visited with family. It was a wonderful weekend, and we love that we have our family so close. I wish my parents lived closer, but I am thrilled that they are coming in town this weekend to spend my very first Mother's Day with me. It is also my Dad's birthday, so I am looking forward to another good weekend.
Last night, Wyatt actually let me rock him. It has been months since he has slowed down long enough to let me cuddle with him, but I guess he was so worn out that he didn't try to wiggle out of my arms. As he laid his head on my heart and looked up at me with those big brown eyes, I began to think about how much my life has changed since last Mother's Day. I was expecting then.. but really, I had no idea what to expect. I certainly had no idea how much my life was going to change. It is dramatic- but oh my goodness, what a journey. I get choked up just thinking about the love that I have for my child... I used to pray that I would have a girl one day, mostly because I grew up in a house full of boys, and I wanted so badly a girl to dress up, and one day to share a facial or a pedicure with. Now, I cannot imagine my life without my little man in it. The bond that we share as mother and son is indescribable. He is my heartbeat, and I would do anything and everything to protect him. Last night, as we rocked, I prayed that God would bless him with a love for the Lord, a love for others and the character and integrity to stand against the evils of this world. I prayed for the wisdom and the courage to teach and train him. I prayed the Lord would lay out his plan for his life, and mold him into the man that he is called to be.
I thank God for this little miracle- I know beyond all shadows of any doubt that he is special, and that God has his hand on his life. I pray that the Lord would use him to further His kingdom and bless little Wyatt, because he has been such a blessing to me.
All my buddies!
Wow, Mommy look at that big lizard!
Last night, Wyatt actually let me rock him. It has been months since he has slowed down long enough to let me cuddle with him, but I guess he was so worn out that he didn't try to wiggle out of my arms. As he laid his head on my heart and looked up at me with those big brown eyes, I began to think about how much my life has changed since last Mother's Day. I was expecting then.. but really, I had no idea what to expect. I certainly had no idea how much my life was going to change. It is dramatic- but oh my goodness, what a journey. I get choked up just thinking about the love that I have for my child... I used to pray that I would have a girl one day, mostly because I grew up in a house full of boys, and I wanted so badly a girl to dress up, and one day to share a facial or a pedicure with. Now, I cannot imagine my life without my little man in it. The bond that we share as mother and son is indescribable. He is my heartbeat, and I would do anything and everything to protect him. Last night, as we rocked, I prayed that God would bless him with a love for the Lord, a love for others and the character and integrity to stand against the evils of this world. I prayed for the wisdom and the courage to teach and train him. I prayed the Lord would lay out his plan for his life, and mold him into the man that he is called to be.
I thank God for this little miracle- I know beyond all shadows of any doubt that he is special, and that God has his hand on his life. I pray that the Lord would use him to further His kingdom and bless little Wyatt, because he has been such a blessing to me.
All my buddies!
Wow, Mommy look at that big lizard!
Sooo tired.
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