Dining Room

We haven been in this house for almost 4 and half years now.  We painted the entire house as soon as we moved in because the entire thing was beige.  And when I say we, I really mean Meatball.  I just supervised.  The color in the dining room was called Merlot and it was a very dark cranberry color. 

At first I loved it and then I started hating it. It also made the room seem small.  I wanted it the color of an after dinner mint.  Off to Sherwin Williams we went.  Husband wants to know why we always start a project before Christmas.  It's so we have a deadline.  Trust me hubs works best under pressure.  Anyway, new curtains and a big ole' poinsettia because 'Tis the Season and its done!

The best part was Meatball cleaned the hutch with all his fancy cleaners.  Now I can actually see what's inside!  haha.     

Why we shouldn't hate Gisele

Ok so we all saw this picture that she tweeted with the caption multitasking.  And a whole lot of people have had a lot to say about her since then.  Some moms are saying the only thing she is doing in this picture is breastfeeding.  I guess that is one way to look at it.

 I look at it like she is breastfeeding at work.  Sure her job looks pretty fabulous to me.  I would definitely look a heck of a lot better at Target if I had all these people to help me.  But this IS her job people.  Getting her hair, makeup and nails done is part of her job.  And I think all us moms who choose to breastfeed can relate to trying to pump/breastfeed at work.  Part of me is a little envious that she gets to sit in a chair and breastfeed.  I usually do this while scrambling eggs and a 1 year old attached to my leg.  Now that's multitasking - hee hee.  But here is what I love about the picture.  She IS breastfeeding.  This woman who could afford all the formula in the world is choosing to breastfeed.  I always thought motherhood was the great equalizer but then realized with baby nurses and nannies these celebrity moms could skip the 2am and 4 am feeding.  But maye breastfeeding is the great equalizer.  For breastfeeding isn't something you can mail in.  You have to put the time in, either by pumping or actual baby to breast.  So I give her credit.  And in this society it seems people like to do things celebrities do.  So if Gisele convinces more people to breastfeed, I am ok with that too.         

My Root Beer Addiction

Confession: I am addicted to root beer. 

I drink it every single day.  It's funny because I hated root beer a lot.  I used to think it was gross.  That all changed when I became pregnant with baby #2 and I accidentally sipped some from Hubby's cup.  Suddenly, I was in love.  I was the most nauseous with baby #2 and I have heard it is good for nausea so maybe that explains it.  I figured it would go away after the pregnancy but it hasn't.  And I admit there was some more addictive behavior when I was pregnant with #3 that also featured ice cream.  The brands: Mug, A & W, Barq's in that order but who am I kidding.  Whatever is cold!  I need to have it.  So how perfect was it when I found a recipe for Root Beer cookies?  Finding the root beer extract required a trip to Wal-Mart :(  and I hate Wal-Mart but an addict has to do what an addict has to do.  Ok these cookies don't look pretty but they taste amazing. 

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/root-beer-cookies

Lost Keys

I HATE to lose anything.  It drives me mad when I can't find something.  Typically, I am very organized and when something goes missing I can find it in under an hour.  Meatball on the other hand can mutter about finding his wallet for days!  the wallet that has his bank card in it for crying out loud.!!  Some of you may know how I lost my keys this Summer.  It was right when we got back from Disney and we were installing all new landscaping.  I was about 7 or 8 months pregnant, it was extremely hot and I had made 2 trips to home depot and 2 trips to two different nurseries that day.  I was miserable to put it mildly.  Long story short my keys were gone.  I searched everywhere for days.  After a week I had completely given up.  And then driving, I spotted that hot pink Disney charm and my keys hanging on a light pole 2 streets from my house.  I was so freaked out!  But then I realized someone had probably found them and just hung them there.  I probably left my keys on the bumper and when Steve ran to McDonalds that night they must have slid off near that corner.  Anyway, I find now that I have 3 little ones 5 and under I lose shit all the time!  I found a cute product from a company called RuMeID.  They sell tags for keys and luggage and they are cute.  Hello Chevron people. 

Anyway, if someone finds your keys they can go to their website and get a hold of you.  But they can't see any of your personal information because it is through third party.  Now I just need a GPS for my cell phone that I am constantly misplacing around my house. 

Maybe it's too early

to tell but I went back to work and I think I am going to hate my new job.  I got a locker!  No its actually not that exciting.  I couldn't open the damn thing for 10 minutes and had to ask another nurse for help.  Felt like I was back in high school, although in HS I wouldn't have been trying to get my breast pump to fit in the smallest locker ever!  I got the corner locker and it is a wee bit tight.  I changed into my not so flattering XS unisex scrubs.  The pants are so long I have to hike them up to my bra or I will slip and fall on the backs of them.  Off I go to the freezing cold OR.  After getting lost like 4 times.  I should mention I have no sense of direction.  Steve laughs because every time we leave a movie theatre I turn the wrong way.  I couldn't find my way out of a cardboard box.  It's especially hard working the OR because there are no windows to orient you as to where the hell you could be.  My preceptors are very nice (thank God) and the smells and sights of the OR didn't bother me at all.  Maybe it was a good thing I stopped and had that egg mcmuffin and coke on the way into work.  My preceptor told me her last 3 students passed out.  I never felt the slightest bit sick and I saw some major stuff that first day.  This job is not conducive at all to breastfeeding so that sucks.  I was engorged the entire day and ended up pumping on the locker room floor in a shower stall.  So what does an OR nurse do?  I had no clue.  The only time I was in an OR was when I was a patient and I was asleep. 

Basically, you are a gopher.  You have to prepare the room and count all the instruments with the scrub tech, meet the pt. and make sure they understand their surgery and that the consents are signed. Once the case starts you have to go and get the Docs anything they need.  Which literally could be 1 of 3,759 items.  I'm exaggerating but only by a little.  There are tons and tons of things they could need and unless you know exactly where it is, Good Luck.  And even if you do know where it is and you go and get it in 5.7 seconds it' still took you too long because these surgeons have no freakin' patience!  You are answering the phone, calling the blood bank, entering orders and getting orders barked at ya' every 2 minutes.  You are also entering in the computer everything used and writing it own on your papers with the counts. The counts are super duper important!  I'm sure we have all heard horror stories of things getting left behind.  So to get an accurate count you need to get a little dirty.  Dirty meaning putting on an arm glove and going through the bloody surgical garbage and counting pads and sponges.  All in all it's a pretty good time (I'm kidding) But I should mention the pros seeing that are only 2.  The XS scrubs I take and there's no need to do your hair because you have a cap on.  Did I mention how cold it is?  Nose sniffling cold.  I need a new job!  

All kidding aside, I am thankful for OR nurses.  They are very important especially when it is your loved one on the table.  I am just not cut out for it.  I already miss the patients and you need to be very assertive to be an OR nurse and I am not.  I hate confrontation.  And I really don't want to work with surgeons  Sorry to my surgeon friends but you must know how you or some of your friends behave themselves.  I have toddlers at home for crying out loud!  I don't need to have that crap at work.              

Back to Work

I am seriously dreading it.  It doesn't help that I'm headed back to a new job that I know nothing about.  And back to 12.5 hour shifts.  I got bumped to the OR.  Yay to never buying scrubs again.  Nay to freezing cold temps and guts.  I'm basically terrified.  I don't like the idea of being unavailable or stuck in a case for hours and hours while my boobs fill up.  (still breastfeeding)  So I am worried about getting mastitis because I still have a lot of milk.  I actually have a night job but will be training for 6 months on days.  If I hate it I will be bidding out on just about anything.  Who knows maybe the big house?  I'm also scared that papa won't be able to handle everybody back home.  I am going to try and make his job as easy as I can.  I will have Brady's lunch packed and ready, his clothes laid out, diapers all washed and ready, breast milk thawed.  But it's still a lot.  Men aren't good at multitasking.  And taking care of everybody is a juggling act.  Not to mention papa has been having trouble with his sugar lately.  I am going to try and enjoy the last 3 days of my leave and not stress.  But I have been praying this all works out!   

Parenting

Parenting is the hardest job I have ever had Period.  There are so many times I question if I am doing the right thing.  I read books and magazines and ask my mom for advice all the time.  You want to give your kids the world within reason of course.  And you want them to turn out happy, kind, generous, hardworking men.  Most days I think I am doing great, especially when I hear the please's and thank you's.  Or when the boys are sweet to each other and share.  And then there are those moments when you wonder if you are doing anything right. 

I took all 3 boys to Wegman's on Monday because it was a Holiday.  Brady wanted to go to Wkids and who am I not to let him. Alright I admit I just wanted to shop with 2 kiddos.  I bought Pierce a glazed donut (a bribe if you will) and he didn't even try and get out of the cart once.  Winning!  So after making it through the entire store with both kids behaving and no crying from the baby I as pretty pleased with myself.  I thought I would swing by pick up Brady and take the boys to lunch.  As soon as Brady saw Pierce's donut he said "Where's my donut, I want a donut." Thinking this was no big deal I told him I didn't get him one because he was in Wkids.  But we were going to go to lunch.  He declared well I want to eat here.  I couldn't really eat at Wegman's because I was wearing Reid.  His carrier was in the car and I wouldn't have any where to put him and enjoy my lunch.  Trying not to drop food on the infant strapped to your chest is no fun.  So I said no but we can go out.  To which Brady declared I was a bad mom.  How Nice!  Of course all of this was in front of a whole bunch of other moms and Brady wasn't being quiet about it.  I was embarrassed and upset by his comment.  I know you shouldn't take your kids behavior or words personal but I do all the time.  I try so hard and when they act bratty it just makes me crazy!  I can remember growing up and wanting things: Nike sneakers instead of LA Gear, red jeans, a rainbow slushie at the circus.  I didn't get these things and I remember.  I try and give my kids what they want but I want them to appreciate it.  It's so hard to decide where to draw the line.  Brady's not perfect and either am I.  I'm trying not to focus on this ugly moment. Because after the ugly moments usually come the beautiful ones. 

The next day Brady was struggling with picking his snack helper.  He told me he wanted to pick John but didn't want Joshua to cry.  He said he hates when Joshua cries because he his best friend.  I was so proud of him for caring about other's feelings and being empathetic.  It almost made me forget the Wegman's incident  Almost.      

I gave away the dog.

I was hesitant to post this but I promised myself I would be honest in this blog of mine.  So that means the good, the bag and the ugly.  (well I am not actually going to post any ugly pics of myself but you get the drift)  Now back to our beloved dog Buttercup. 

I am a sucker for yellow labs especially when they are puppies.  I got Buttercup when I was a single lady living in a 2 bedroom house in Tonawanda.  I had just started dating Steve.  Actually he came over the first night I got her and she took to him right away.  Buttercup was a handful right from the start.  I couldn't even leave her in the car without her chewing cd's or a wire for the ipod.  I hired a dog trainer to the tune of $1200 because I was sick of her bad behavior.  The dog trainer would come once a week and give me homework.  I used the prong collar and walked her everyday.  And she did get better.  She was still a barker, would still pee and poop in the house, eat shit (literally) she wasn't supposed to and generally be a huge bonehead.  But she was sweet!  Steve and I have had Buttercup for 7 years.  I probably have a million stories of stuff she ate and stuff she did to piss me off.  The story of the 2 1/2 pounds of grapes, an entire dish of chocolates, bars of soap, 2 dozen cupcakes with the foil liners or grass, lots and lots of grass.  Or my particular favorite 20 chicken wing bones.  And yes my husband ate those 20 chicken wings in 1 sitting.  That night we were on deathwatch but she made it.  I may have accused him of trying to off my dog when I was at work that day.  And let's not forget her affinity for a stick of Butter left on the counter while I was baking.  I lost track of how many times I had to run to the store.  And since we are putting it all out there with this post, Butter also ate human feces.  What can I say she's an animal!  They belonged to Brady when he was potty training and finished up in the living room instead of on the potty.  We potty train without pants in his house.  Even the vet has been waiting for her to calm down after he almost gave himself a rabies injection.  Buttercup liked to puke on the carpet at 3:30am.  Never during the day and never on the tile or hardwood.  Steve was her favorite and then all the boys.  She loved to steal food from the boys.  Can't tell you how many times that ended in tears.  But we loved her and her stinky tostito smelling paws. 

I still love her but she just caused me so much extra work.  She became one extra thing I had to take care of and no one should feel that way about their dog.  Giving her a bath 9 months pregnant was never fun.  Or taking her to the vet with all these kids.  I started keeping her in the heated garage because she would steal the boys food all the time and I got sick of it.  So when my dad offered to take her I jumped at the chance.  I would know she was in a loving home and getting well taken care of.  I would even get to see her on Holidays.  It seemed like a good opportunity.  My dad has been taking her to the park and to the pet store.  He loves that she's happy to see him when he gets home from work.  I think someday maybe we will get another dog but probably not for another 10 years.  I do miss her especially when I see one of those sad commercials.  But not her antics.  Hope you guys don't think I'm awful.  Hey Cliff and Buttercup are happy. 

It Snowed!

And I am all sorts of in the mood for Christmas! 

Meatball and I went to the Christmas in the Country craft show.  We got each one of the boys an ornament.  It has become a tradition.  I don't even want to think about the day that I will have to box up those ornaments so they can put them on their tree. Luckily, I think I have a few years :)  And we got a little name puzzle for Reid.  They actually had his name so we had to buy it.  It was a sign right?  And then last night it snowed.  I am so in the festivus spirit this year.  Why not play a little Christmas music in the morning.  I created a Christmas playlist on my ipod 3 years ago.  Does anyone else feel like a total tool when they do this?  It's the equivalent of making a mixed tape in the old days.  But it has become a tradition for Meatball and I to have Christmas morning brunch at our house.  And you know my feelings on awkwardness so a little background music is like social lubricant.  It got me thinking how my tastes in Christmas music have changed over the years.  Now don't get me wrong, I love a little Britney at Christmas time but she was never my favorite.  My favorite Christmas song used to be "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" by John Lennon.  Then it changed into "Holy Night".  When sung by the right person that song gets me.  However, at the ripe old age of 34 my new favorite Christmas song is "O Come All Ye Faithful".  Can I recommend Sara Evans version to you.  It is amazing. 
      
http://youtu.be/W193f-0zaow

And now for the song I hate the most.  Feliz Navidad.  I blame the Christmas Parties in high school.  Those language teachers loved that crappy song and used to put it on repeat.  It's their fault. 

I can't wait to let Brady stay up and watch our favorite Christmas movies.  Somehow our DVR deleted the Caillou Holiday Movie and Mickey's Christmas Carol.  And Brady has already asked to watch both.  So you know what DVD's Santa is bringing us.  Thankfully, he settled on The Grinch.  And every year Meatball and I watch National Lampoon's on Christmas Eve together with Hot Chocolate before we set up the tree.  I feel I should be honest here.  I have been pregnant the past 2 Christmas holidays so I have been asleep while Steve set-up the tree with gifts.  He's better at it anyway!   

Am I really crying over this?

Yup, Reading Tori Spelling's new book and crying like a baby - Really Kate? 

Some of you may know I am obsessed with the original 90210 but Donna Martin wasn't my favorite.  That whole Donna Martin graduates episode I actually find quite annoying.  But I did like watching Tori & Dean' reality show and have read her previous 3 books.  I do find her refreshingly honest in her books and they are a quick read.  So there I was reading her book "Spelling it Like it is" and sobbing.  Some of you may not know but I had placenta previa with my 2nd pregnancy.  I had my first check-up with Pierce around 9 weeks and they told me everything looked great.  I, of course, breathed the huge sigh of relief after hearing his heartbeat for the first time, like all moms.  About 2 weeks later I started spotting.  I grabbed TWTEWYE book (the bible for first timers) and it stated spotting can be normal throughout a pregnancy and felt satisfied.  I did notice the spotting seemed to get worse when I was carrying in the groceries or putting Brady in the truck but chalked that up to the physical activity.  After working a 12 hour shift I noticed it was a lot of spotting so I called the Dr.  I went in for an ultrasound around 14 weeks and was told again everything looked great.  The Dr. said the blood was coming from my cervix because it was ulcerated which I guess can happen sometimes in pregnancy.  I kept spotting and went back in at 18 weeks for another check-up and was told I had placenta previa.  Now mind you I apparently had it at the 14 week ultrasound after another Dr. actually read the ultrasound but no one called or told me.  I was mad at first that I was walking around for the past 4 weeks doing everything I wasn't supposed to in danger but then reality kicked in and it didn't matter.  I made it the past 4 weeks and I needed to focus on the future and how uncertain it was.  It doesn't matter how much you know about pp from nursing school.  When they tell you, you have it, the shock makes you forget everything and I mean everything.  Dr. B told me no lifting, pushing, pulling, standing too long, vacuuming, etc.  He warned me that if I did these things, I would bleed.  In my mind I thought ok I will wear a pad the next time I vacuum.  Because that's how us moms are, we think we are invincible.  And lets be honest, the dirt doesn't wind up in the garbage or groceries in the fridge without us.  He could tell I wasn't getting it and then he told me "you will fill your shoes!" Huh? With blood? Oh ok now I get it.  Guess he needed to get graphic to get me to understand and yes he totally did.  So I stopped contemplating vacuuming and called Meatball and my mom crying.  I left the office that day completely stunned and with a note for sedentary duty, not even light duty.  The company I work for did accommodate me and let me push some paper, start IV's (which I got very good at it) and still collect my nurse salary.  But I lived in fear for the next 21 weeks.  I would especially worry at work.  Mainly because I didn't want to make my coworkers angry that I wasn't doing what they were doing and getting paid but also that the bleed would happen there.  I didn't really want to make scene with the males I worked with.  I did go see a specialist to rule out placenta accrete which is by far even scarier and thankfully I didn't have that.  Although I never suffered a major bleed I did continue to bleed (a little) the entire pregnancy which served as a reminder not to do too much.  Tori talked a lot in the book about her experience and how she had 11 major bleeds, put on bedrest and was in the hospital for months.  It made me cry, sob in fact, because I realized how thankful I am for getting through that and ending up with my little Pierce.  And also because I went ahead without thinking and got pregnant again when the odds were that I would have pp again and be at risk for all the same stuff.  God was looking out for me and made my placenta cooperate.  And I am ridiculously thankful he did.  So crying with Tori, yup it happened.         

A Day in the Life

Of me!  I am writing this post so I can look back and remember what a typical day was like for me on maternity leave with all the boys. 

Wake up between 6:30 and 7 am.  Lay out Brady's clothes for school that day.  Bring everyone downstairs (2 trips) and immediately change diapers.  Bye bye disposables, hello fluffy cloth.  Feed Reid at least one side and make him happy.  Put baby in bouncer chair and pack Brady's lunch.  Make breakfast, which is usually microwave pancakes or scrambled eggs for Brady and Pierce.  God I wish these boys would eat cereal!  Supervise and beg Brady to eat at least 9 times.  Wipe down Pierce and get him out of high chair.  Feed Reid the 2nd side.  At this time it is usually 7:50 so I send Brady upstairs to brush his teeth, wipe his face and get dressed.  He comes down stairs and I try to spike his hair, pack his backpack and we all wait by the front door for the bus to come at 8:10.  Around 8:30 Reid gets swaddled and put in his swing for his morning nap.  Pierce is really done with his morning nap but if mama needs to shower he hangs out in his crib and babbles.  I pump sometime between showering and straightening hair.  Grab Pierce out of his crib about 10am and watch the beginning of Hoda and Kathie Lee.  Reid wakes up and I feed him.  Change both diapers.  Dress Pierce and we run some errands.  If its Monday, we hit wegmans.  Tuesday or Wednesday union hall, bank.  Thursday or Friday target to pick up food we have run out of since Monday and a few other things.  Home by 11:30 and we eat lunch, feed Reid again (see a pattern here?) and possibly watch a little 90210 and then some Roseanne.  Change diapers and make Pierce's bottle.  Everyone naps again by 12:30, and I usually clean, blog, pump again! shop online, check my email, write bills, etc.  Laundry also gets done somewhere in there.  I wash diapers every other day.  Some times I nap if the night has been particularly rough or make dinner.  Everyone is back up around 2:30, feed Reid and wait for Brady to get off the bus.  Daddy comes home around 3 and Brady's bus gets home at 3:15.  Steve is usually starving so some days we eat at 4:00.  Then its time to clean the kitchen, do the dishes, sweep, vacuum for the day.  Change diapers.  Play with the boys while Reid takes another little nap between 4:30 and 5:30.  6:00 is tv time, unwind and get the kids ready for bed, feed Reid again.  7:00 Daddy puts Pierce to bed because he has the magic touch.  I get to snuggle with Brady until 7:30 and then he goes off to bed.  I usually feed Reid for the last time around 7:15 and then he gets swaddled and in the swing.  Clean the family room and pick up toys.  Steve comes downstairs from putting Brady to bed around 8pm and we finally get some alone time :)  I fall asleep by 9 or 9:30 on the couch and Steve studies or plays some GTA5.  He wakes me up around 10:30 after he has carried sleeping Reid upstairs and put him in our room.  I pump, Steve takes his meds and then we head upstairs.  Reid wakes up once a night to nurse usually between 3 and 4 am.  And then the craziness starts all over again!  I have about 1 more week of this routine until I head back to the hospital.  And then I will be even busier - if that's possible! 

Sick Days

Brady has his first Kindergarten illness and I am surprised it has taken this long to get here. 

He was sick for the first 3 months in pre-k and I blame the fact that he never went to daycare.  Or should I call it school?  Have you noticed how everyone calls daycare school now?  I don't get it because 1 years olds do not go to school and have their diapers changed but whatevs.  I hate when my kids are sick as everyone else does.  I do like the extra cuddles and back rubs and kisses.  Yes I kiss m kids even when they are sick because I can't resist a good smooch!  However, giving the sick child all your attention is quite problematic these days.  Actually, I think it is the hardest thing about having 3 kids.  It seems impossible because there is always something to do for someone.  I would love to be able to snuggle up on the couch with Brady and watch movies all day.  But Pierce has become quite a monster lately and is into everything! and Reid likes to attach himself to me every 2 hours.  And why is it every time I get Reid latched on Brady wants something?  Now normally his requests can wait till we are finished but when he's sick I do want to jump up and get him a freezie pop or tissue, etc.  I have taken my breastfeeding show on the go but it usually ends up interrupting the feeding and it ends earlier than it should. Steve thinks its hilarious that Brady wants him over me.  On top of taking care of Brady all day I get to hear the question "When is Daddy coming home?" over and over again.  It doesn't help when Dad comes home with a steel cage for Brady's wrestling ring.  I am definitely in last place over here!    

Ghosts

Steve is trying to convince me we have them. I am dead serious!  What a perfect time of the year except this crap has been going on for over a year. 

First let me say I do not believe in ghosts so I am a tough sell.  But he has been working on me for a while.  There was the page turning incident in the dining room where Steve swears "someone" turned the page when he left the room.  The funniest part of this was picturing Steve trying to see if a page could turn from walking by his magazine really fast.  LMAO!  Then there were a few light incidents.  These involved the kitchen lights getting dimmer or brighter randomly.  And how could I forget the motion detectors going off in the house when we weren't moving.  Steve is certain we have ghosts and that they mess with him.  I thought it was weird when I was finding the remote upstairs.  He would leave the TV on until he got to the landing and then click it off at the last second and run upstairs.  Which again just makes me laugh that this 225lb. guy is freaked out by this stuff.  I am a practical person, Type A with a moderate case of OCD.  I do not have time for nonsense.  Why don't these ghosts mess with me?   No one has died in this house, it's 10 years old for crying out loud.  And I can chalk all the light nonsense to our wonky dimmer switches and our son walking like an elephant through the house.  Or the air conditioning clicking on and drawing power from the lights.  And as stupid as our dog is, wouldn't Butter notice some of this paranormal activity?  I thought dogs have a sense for this.  Now here is where I draw the line.  He woke me up the other night because he was scared.  Ain't nobody got time for that!  I told Steve maybe he should burn some sage or call the ghostbusters if it makes him feel better.  But do not wake a sleeping mom of a newborn - or else!     

Premature Excitement

Home for Sale...Well not yet, but someday.  For those that don't know when we became pregnant with our first son, Steve was still living in his house and I had my own in Tonawanda.  Steve owns a duplex and was renting out the top half.  He now rents out both and don't even get me started on his tenants.  My blood pressure will rise.  I had a tiny, 2 bedroom cape cod that I loved!  Well, we outgrew that house the moment Baby came home from the hospital.  Not to mention Steve's dad was driving from West Seneca to Tonawanda at 5:30 in the morning to pick up Brady when I worked 2 days a week.  So we needed to move and fast.  We found our current house driving over to Steve's parents one day.  It is a mile and a half away from their house.  We were not in love with the outside to say the least.  It is a box with a roof and garage.  See Below.

Is this not the house every kid draws?

But we loved the inside and thought 2000 square feet would be roomy.  Cue to 4 years later and we need more space.  We met with a realtor when we became pregnant with baby #3 and got some good news and feedback about selling our home.  The problem is we love our street, just not our house on it.  We live in a cul de sac with lots of kids and families.  There are 2 areas in West Seneca that have new houses being built right now.  One area is by Fisher Court, which I do NOT want to live by.  The other is on the border of West Seneca and Orchard Park.  We looked into building and really loved the builder and what he had to offer.  However, I am not crazy about that area either and having to drive by the psych center every time I go home.  So ideally we want a house on our street but just not ours.  Well, our neighbors who live in the house, with the big pillars, we love!! on our street told us they want to sell.  As soon as their youngest son graduates high school and he is a Junior now.  So not this Spring, but next Spring.  By selling to us they could avoid a realtor.  And I am beyond prematurely excited!  Their house is 2600 square feet, 4 bedrooms, and they have a pantry and fireplace.  Woo Hoo!!!  I desperately want a pantry for all these kids snacks and a mantle for decorating and stockings at Christmas time.  I'm kind of getting sick of being hit in the head with a box of fruit roll-ups when I want a bowl.  The realtor told us not to put anymore money into our house because of the prices for homes in this area.  So we are kind of stuck in a house that we aren't in love with but can't spend any more to get it the way we want.  Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for this house and have good memories of bringing home 2 babies in it but I will be able to see it every time I drive home :)  Definitely something to look forward to.  Now next Spring can hurry up and get here!    

Stinkies!

Oh boy we had a bad case of them.  Not us silly but in our cloth diapers!  My diapers would smell nice and clean coming out of the washer and then as soon as the urine would hit them - bam!  They would stink.  Johnny-on-the-spot stink.  Ammonia smell can make your eyes water and that's what was happening.  I knew it was a problem when Brady our oldest would say 'Pierce stinks' and when I would check it was only pee in that diaper.  The smell was making me not want to put the diapers on our 6 week old.  So what's a mama to do? Well, first I changed detergents.  I was using BumGenius detergent and switched to Ecosprout.  I did the big soak and nothing happened.  Then I purchased some Funk Rock and tried that twice!  Nothing happened again.  I tried adding another rinse and sunning outside and nothing.  I was about to do the Dawn method of stripping but found that was only for diaper cream build-up and we don't have that.  After reading all kinds of blogs and websites on what to do I decided to take a chance.  After talking with another cloth diapering mama I used the XXsanitary cycle.  The cycle you aren't supposed to use but I was desperate people!  And it worked - HAPPY DANCE!  My diapers don't stink and came out nice and soft.  Cloth diapers aren't perfect but ya' know what, either are disposables.  And you don't have to cloth diaper 100% of the time to make a difference. We are going to keep on keeping on in our cloth!  :)   

Products

I love reading blogs, especially about products people are loving and have to have.  This is how I found my love for Dior mascara and Boden clothes.  Well I have a couple new ones to share.  I really want to stop nibbling my nails.  I have been biting my nails since High School.  I was in Sephora a while back and found the perfect pink gel nail polish.  It is a clear pink but brightens the whites of your nails and strengthens them.  It is amazing!  It is by a company called Perfect Formula and available online at Sephora. 

 

 

I am hoping the fact that my nails look cute (short) will deter me from nibbling.  So far, it has! 

And the next product is by YSL and called Touche Eclat. 

In an effort not look like death, I went shopping for a good concealer for the circles and got a sample from Sephora of this.  OMG!  I am in love and am never leaving the house without this and my eyebrows penciled in.  It instantly covers the dark circles and brightens your eyes so you look refreshed and awake.  It is pricey but SO worth it!   

Busy Busy

How my life has changed.  I have never been busier in my life than I am right now.  Which is weird because I am home every single day.  But there is always something to do.  This maternity leave is flying by.  A 3rd child means an extra trip every time you leave or come home to your house.  It means more time getting in and out of the car each and every time.  It means doing chores daily instead of every other day like sweeping, dishwasher and laundry.  It means getting home from the grocery store and running out of  more things you didn't buy.  I feel like I always have a list going.  I have been doing Wegman's twice a week and a trip to Target for some more items.  Who Knew?  But we are all doing great and wouldn't change a thing!

Brady has finally adjusted to school.  After a few issues in the beginning with bullies I can finally say he wants to go.  He also wants to ride the bus home too which is where one incident in particular happened.  He has started speech in school and still needs to work on eye contact.  Because of his stuttering, Brady is a nervous child and has a hard time standing still and looking people in the eye.  His therapist is great and sees him weekly.  And he has started reading.  Totally blows my mind!!  But already knows about 15 sight words.   And he is seriously obsessed with wrestling.  He went to see it when it came to town with Steve and it has been "Daniel Brian" ever since!  There may even be a pay-per-view in his future if he is good. 

Pierce is saying new words every singe day.  And he has started putting them together.  Big truck, bye da da, more juice.  I love having a 1 year old.  It is my favorite age :) He still hates being told No.  He will put that big lip out and pout when he hears no and sometimes cry.  And his blonde hair grows like a weed!!  But I secretly love it and love to put my fingers through it.  He is so easy to make laugh and is so sweet to the baby.  Except when he steals his binky.  But we can work on that right?  

Speaking of the baby, Mr. Reid is over 10 lbs.!  He is now in 3 months clothes and wearing cloth diapers (finally).  He has reflux like his older brother so he started taking Zantac.  We have noticed an improvement already.  He still goes to bed at 8 and likes to nurse twice a night.  And over the weekend he smiled his first smile (on purpose) at me.  It was delicious!!  

Steve is still working at BGH and doing well in school.  He doesn't love psychology (like his wife) but has gotten good grades on all his quizzes and papers.  He has a big test coming up on Thursday.   

What about mom?   Well, I found out my position in the PACU was eliminated.  This is a total bummer because I loved it down there.  I haven't found out what my options will be for a new job yet.  I am hoping and praying it is something decent that won't interrupt our family life too much.  (Specifically please God no nights or the 3rd floor!)  I had to give my employer a return to work date to be able to get my options so I picked Nov. 18th.  I can't stand waiting!  I took on the responsibility of room mom for Brady's kindergarten class.  So I have been busy planning the Halloween party with crafts and snacks.  And I have my 6 week check-up tomorrow from my C-section.  I am really looking forward to Halloween and taking a pic of all 3 boys in their costumes :)  And who am I kidding - eating all of Brady's chocolate because he still doesn't eat it!

A Clock for Kids

My kids get up early.  Early as in the butt crack of dawn.  And now more than ever I need every minute of sleep I can get with a newborn.  We have tried moving the bedtime back but it just results in him getting up at the same time and getting less sleep.  Brady is a true early bird.  After 4 exhausting days in Disney and him staying up till 11pm for fireworks he slept past 8am for the first time ever!  I found this clock a while back and I love it.  I have really been appreciating it lately because Brady has been getting up at 5:30 or 6am because he is anxious about school.  He can't tell time yet so the colors on this clock tell him when it is ok to wake up mom.  When the clock is blue it is time for sleep, when the clock turns yellow it is time to get mom.  And trust me he gets me at 7:01. 

Super simple to set too.  And the clock can be used for nap times and time outs. 

It works as a nightlight too.  And when Brady gets older and likes to sleep in, I can set it for an alarm clock.  We love our My Tot Clock!!
www.mytotclock.com

Truth

I am going to give it you to straight.  This is the real honest truth about breastfeeding.  The stuff they don't tell you in the class.  Which is probably a good thing or no one would choose breastfeeding. 

IT IS HARD!  Sometimes I think if you aren't passionate about breastfeeding or 100% committed you will give up.  And supplementing is the beginning of the end my friend.  Imagine setting a timer to go off every 2 hours during your day.  And when the timer sounds you have to drop everything sit down and strap an infant to your chest.  Basically, it is like living your life in 2 hour increments trying to get things done.  And this goes on and on.  The first 6 weeks are the hardest.  And just when you think you are going to give up your 6 week old goes through a nasty growth spurt leaving him wanting to nurse EVERY hour.  This is when you just about give up.  With my first, I called my friend Nella who talked me off the cliff so to speak.  With my second, I told my husband I was done and went to bed telling him to give him a bottle of formula.  Well luckily my baby slept for 8 hours that night and it was just what I needed to not give up.  After the 6 week growth spurt it does get better.  Not to sound too much like the coming out campaign. 

During the first months of breastfeeding you will be SO sick of seeing your own boobs out.  (Your Husband may not)  Actually, if your boobs could talk they would demand to be put away and left alone.  The class doesn't teach you how sick of smelling like milk you will be,  how you will wake up in a puddle and not be able to sleep on your stomach because of your swollen engorged achy breasts.  And let's not forget about mastitis.  I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.  Mastitis is the absolute worst, its pretty much kicking someone when they are already down.  Imagine the worst headache in the world accompanied by body aches, chills and sweats.  It feels like you got hit by a truck.  And when you call the Dr.'s office they will tell you to go to bed.  Try and resist the urge to crawl through the phone and punch that Dr. in the junk. 

It is easier in the long run.  But you have to make it there to truly appreciate it.  Leaving the house with diapers is enough for me to handle.  I don't want to remember formula and water and bottles.  And did I mention I hate washing bottles.  And middle of the night, boobs > bottles!       

BUT, one day you will be feeding your baby and he will come off.  He will be laying there in a milk coma with the sweetest milk grin on his face as if to say "thanks mom for the best stuff on earth and for working so hard to give it to me" and all of the above will melt away and it will have all been totally worth it. 

Gifts for Me

Hey I have been working hard breastfeeding, I deserve to shop.  I'm not supposed to be BUT I needed to add some cloth diapers to my stash because very, very, soon we will have 2 wearing them.  Actually, I put the last newborn size diaper on Reid yesterday :(   The cloth diapers I use will fit both babies with a few quick snaps.  I had about 28 diapers for Pierce so I need to add more because I like washing every other day.  I ordered some Bumgenius freetimes, a new grovia and a bottombumper.  I only like Grovia because it is SO trim but very pricey!  I am really liking the bottombumpers these days and their bold colors.  I find myself reaching for those first.  Bumgenius is coming out today with new colors and I can't wait to see them!  I am not so secretly hoping for some chevron or stars. I love to cloth diaper for the environment but who can resist these cute diapers.  Way cuter than paper if you ask me.  Making the switch to cloth can be a little daunting with all the choices and types but I would love to help anyone make the switch. It is so worth it! 

And after wearing maternity clothes for 9 long months a new mom should really order herself some new jeans.  I am back down to my pre-pregnancy weight but this stomach is a big ole' mess.  No stretch marks but the skin hasn't exactly gone back to the way it was.  Here's to hoping it will.  But I ordered 2 pairs of C. Wonder skinnies that I have been admiring for a while anyway.  Black and White.  According to Pinterest you can wear white all year.  And if it is on Pinterest it can't be wrong.

And while I'm at it how bout some cute new undies in my old size.  Throwing away all those mediums was fun.  Victoria's Secret just had 7 for $26, you can't beat that!!      

Bread Dip

Who doesn't love Bread Dip?  We do.  Steve asks me to make this every once in a while and then I end up eating most of it while watching football.  If you are in need of a bread dip fix, get a rye or pumpernickel bagel with chive cream cheese.  It will satisfy the craving.  But I beg you - Do NOT buy that pre-made dill crap from the store before the next party.  I sampled this recipe walking through Wegman's and it so much better!!  Trust me.

2/3 c. mayonnaise
2/3 c. sour cream
1 tbsp. green onions chopped
1 tbsp. Parsley Flakes
1/2 tsp. Spice Island Beau Monde Seasoning
1/2 tsp. Dill Weed

Blend it all together in a bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes so the flavors blend.  I like to make it several hours in advance so everything gets happy!  Serve with Rye or pumpernickel bread and veggies. 

Here is a pic of the beau Monde seasoning.  It is pretty easy to find at most stores.

Let's get Mushy

How I love my meatball, Let me count the ways. Cheese Alert! 

No But Seriously, I read something once about falling in love with your husband so much more and for un-romantic ways once you have children.  And that is exactly how I feel these days.  I love to watch Steve wrestle with the boys and throw them in the air.  I have fallen more in love with him after seeing what a great dad he is to our children.  And trust me he does not have too many good role models, his age, to look up to.  I used to be worried that Steve wouldn't be affectionate with the boys because him and his father don't hug but he is!  He loves kissing the boys and they are all pretty much obsessed with him.  I met Steve 7+ years ago and things are better than ever.  Trust me we have been through some pretty tough times.  I don't want to elaborate too much but we have had dark moments.  But I wouldn't give up and fought for this relationship and I am so glad I did.  He has given me the 3 best anyone can give someone.  And I am SO grateful.  And he puts up with my crazy, which is great because sometimes my OCD gets the best of me.  And I put up with him being a slob and a worry-wart.  But after all this time he is still the best looking man in the room to me and I am lucky to have him. 

Someone once told me that Steve and I were SO different.  This bothered me for a long time and I couldn't figure out why.  I think it would be weird if I was covered in tattoos and drove a Harley like him - right?  We used to go to dinner with married couples (when we weren't married) and I would feel like our relationship wasn't going to last.  It wasn't anything else said I just somehow felt like we weren't a "couple" enough.  Well, we are still together and some of those married couples aren't.  So basically, it doesn't matter if there is a piece of paper involved.  What matters is how you feel about one another and how hard you want to be with that person.   

Steve and I both have strange extremes in our taste of music.  Steve loves gangster rap especially Rick Ross but also loves Journey.  I love Country and Britney Spears and may have some Michael Bolton on my ipod.  (I'm a dork) So if we both like a song it is extremely rare!  Every couple has a song right?  Well, Our song is Alicia Keys "No One".  I love my meatball with all my heart. <3

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rywUS-ohqeE


‎

Pumping :(

Oh how I hate it.  I used to just leave my pump out all the time right by the TV because watching any show makes pumping somewhat bearable.  However, the one year old in my life dictates that everything be put away and out of reach.  This have left me to drag out the pump each and every time to use it.  And there are days if I'm home that I pump 3 times so I can stash it away for later.  Which sometimes means standing and pumping at the kitchen counter.  I got this hands-free bra when pregnant with #2 and it has become a mommy must-have!  Now I can eat, drink or talk on the phone and pump!  Awesome for breaks at work.  It's by Pump-ease and comes in cute colors and polka-dots, mine is Hot Pink.  It has bra hooks so its adjustable.  You want a snug fit because those bottles can get heavy.  Totally worth it if you ask me.  And isn't it really all about multi-tasking?  

 

Beer Chili

Who doesn't love a nice bowl of chili and some Football?  We do!!  I make this in the crockpot and it is SO easy.  The alcohol from the beer cooks out for the kiddos and it is delicious.  We sometimes take this skiing with a nice baguette and butter from Wegmans. 

Beer Chili:

1# Ground Beef (I use 95%, 5%), cooked
1 Lg. Onion
1 Lg. Pepper (I use red)
1 pkg. of Hidden Valley Ranch
1 pkg. Taco Seasoning
1 can or bottle of beer (I usually use whatever we have, Coors or Miller)
1 Lg. can of crushed tomatoes in puree
I skip the beans because Steve hates them but feel free.  I also add a little water sometimes because we don't like hearty chili. 

Throw it all in there and cook it on Low for 4 hours. I top each bowl with some cheese, sour cream and serve with tostitos.  Have you tried the slow cooker liners?  They are a must!  No cleaning needed.  Enjoy!

Scissor-gate

Class picture day is SO stressful and it was yesterday.  Picking out the clothes and doing the hair just right = pressure.  Admittedly, Dad does the gel/spike thing way better than me but I do my best.  So after my super fun colonoscopy, (I'm fine by the way) I arrived home at 5:45pm and found Brady watching TV with a hole in his shirt.  Let me describe the hole: Big, chest level, size of quarter and I could see skin hole!  So of course I start the interrogation: how did this happen? when did this happen? before or after pictures? Did anyone help/notice? OMG!  Brady tells me he cut it with his camouflage scissors.  Apparently, someone wasn't using proper cutting technique where you cut away from yourself.  So now the most important question: was this before or after class pictures?  He tells me BEFORE!  And he didn't want to tell the teacher because he didn't want to get in trouble or have those precious scissors taken away.  I. Can't. Breathe.  So now the fun wait till the photos actually make it home to find out do I have the child in the class photo with the hole in his shirt?   Oh and he told me he was in the front.  Awesome, freakin Awesome!       

What I'm Loving

First some baby stuff.  My pump.  I have a love/hate relationship with it but I use it every night.  It's a medela.  I don't even want to post a picture because I am hating on pumping right now.  These days, I cannot live without my boppy and the covers from pbk are super soft.  This pillow is a must for breastfeeding mommies.  Pricey covers but I think they are worth it!  And my other one from there has orange in it which is one of my favorite colors :)

 

My Fischer Price swing is a life saver.  Reid takes all his daytime naps in there.  And  love that it has volume control for the music.  It allows me to drown out the noise from the other 2 kiddos. 

 
Now for some stuff for mommy!  Candy corn Philosophy body wash!  OMG it smells amazing. 

And I need my dry shampoo.  I have tried several kinds, cheap and expensive and this one is my favorite.  I am trying not to wash my hair everyday and this product allows me to do that.  I go to the salon every 6 weeks to get the grays covered and after 3 weeks they are back.  I am starting to consider dyeing my own hair.  Olia got some great reviews but I'm worried about the mess.  I always buy the dry shampoo from Ulta.

And sometimes in October for Breast Cancer Awareness they come in pink and they only cost like $10!  I am going to stock up. 

I am on clear liquids all day today for a test I have tomorrow and I am already starving!  I am going to be very cranky.  Especially making all those boys in my life dinner later.  Perhaps, having this test done while breastfeeding is a huge mistake.  I eat non-stop.  Now pass the damn freezie pops!

Just what I needed

I didn't notice but I was going a little cray after 3 weeks of nothing but breastfeeding.  Steve did notice.  He told me he thought I should get out of the house.  Who knows, maybe he just wanted me to put some damn jeans on and get out of the sweats. 

Sure I have gone to Target without the kids for 30 minutes once or twice but I really needed to get out with just Steve.  My mom offered to babysit so we could go to lunch.  My friend Jodie from college and her boyfriend were headed up to Colden Lakes on their motorcycle.  Steve loves when I ride on his Harley so I decided why not.  So much better than the chopper.  I was a little worried about my stomach and being in pain but it was so much fun.  A couple of those bumps hurt a little but I was outside in the fresh air and child free.  As far as timing it could not have went better!  Reid took his first bottle awesome.  I pumped right before we left so we had about 3 hours.  I love using washable breast pads but they are not practical in the beginning or when you want to leave the house without baby for 3 hours.  I love lansinoh pads!  These suckers hold and will not leak through.  Sorry earth.  When things calm down I promise I will use my bamboobies. 

Wish you could pack a breastpump in a saddlebag but you can't.  I even had my first post-baby Miller Light and it tasted amazing.  Best water beer of all time if you ask me :)

Actually, I may have to pick up a 6 pack for the fridge.  Beer does wonders for your supply!  We left about 12:30 and it was a gorgeous ride looking at all the leaves and Fall colors.  And I got to have my arms around the hubs the whole time.  We got home at 3 and baby was still asleep so I woke him up and fed him right away.  It was just the thing I needed to break out of the baby cave!!  It went so well I cant wait to do it again.     

Confession Time

My first confession is daily baths are overrated!  Not for me silly but the kiddos.  Brady suffered with horrible weeping eczema and his dermatologist told me to bathe him twice a week.  And to be honest I have never been a fan of the 11 step bedtime routine.  I know too may people who start that crap and then wish they never had.  Because lets face it there will be times when you stay late at a party or something and you will not have the time to do all the steps which can lead to major meltdown.  So baths in this house happen 2-3 times a week and that's it.  Now if this leads me to have the smelly kid I may have to rethink my schedule. haha 

My second confession is I don't force healthy foods on my kids.  I was THE pickiest eater ever when I was little.  I only ate pizza, mac -n-cheese, pb & j and cereal.  And I turned out just fine.  I figure we grew up on white bread and Kool-Aid and never thought about whole grains or high fructose corn syrup.  Actually, feeding Brady was such a struggle when he was little because of his allergies, I am just happy to see him eat!  I am not interested in senseless power struggles at every meal just to see my kids eat wheat bread, or eat tilapia, etc.  I do want them to try things because ya' never know but begging is not something I am going to resort to. 

As a side note, never force your kids to take one more bite.  We were at a birthday party once and I was determined to get Brady to eat a whole piece of pizza.  I turned into my mother and was force feeding him.  I could hear myself saying "eat now because you are not eating at home."  Well, I regretted forcing the pizza and the slice of cake with blue frosting as soon as it all got puked up on my white carpet the second we got home.  This reminds me of another time I forced the hot dog on him and that came up too.  Sometimes, when kids say they aren't hungry they mean it.  They could be getting the stomach flu.  Another tip is to never purchase blue, red or orange Gatorade when they are sick. My kids will never drink pedialyte, trust me I have tried.  However, the colors I mentioned stain!  Clear Gatorade is where it's at, especially when it comes back up. 

I love my Moby

My friend Nella purchased a moby wrap for me when I was pregnant with my first son.  At first, I thought it was complicated but then I wore Brady around Wegman's and he passed out.  Every time I wear my kids in it they are fast asleep in seconds.  You can wear it so many different ways and with all ages! 

This is way I always wear it.



Twins!

And there's a lot of talk right now about how regular carriers are bad for the babies hips.  Well the Moby allows the babies to be worn the correct way.  It is so versatile!  It can hold twins, allows you to carry the baby facing in and out, wearing baby on your back, in a sling hold and fits a newborn.  And the price is a lot cheaper than most rigid carriers on the market today.  I wore Reid today at Wegman's and he didn't make a peep.  It would have been even better if Pierce stopped grabbing items out of the cart and dropping them on the floor. haha.  But such is life!  This reminds me pumpkin roll is back at Wegman's!  Actually that was my lunch today.  And Yankee Candle had buy 2 get 2 large tumblers/jar free!  So this mama got Red Velvet, Pumpkin Buttercream, Candy Corn and Christmas Cookie.  I love food scents - can you tell?  And I love Fall!

1st Bath

2 weeks old and that umbilical stump finally fell off!  So you know what time it is.  First Bath time!  I had to wait till Dad came home from work because it's a big deal and a photo op :)  Reid liked it and didn't cry at all. 

Oh me, yeah this is my uniform.  Tank top, nursing sleep bra and pink sweatpants.  And when I get chilly I throw on a super sexy cardigan.  I do change into jeans when I go into public but the second I get home it's back to sweatpants.  Hey I'm in the baby cave!  You know my eyebrows are still getting penciled in though.  Some things you just can't do without.  My 8 week leave is over November 3rd.  I did the paperwork to be out for 12 weeks but we will see how I feel.  So happy I don't work 12.5 hours shifts anymore.  Papa is enjoying his time off.  He usually stops by to see the boys in the evening.  Pumping still sucks.  I pump 10 oz. day and freeze it.  I wish there was an app that could keep track of the # of ounces in the chest freezer.  Baby might get his first bottle tomorrow night because we have Open House at Brady's school.  I got a cute idea off Pinterest for a little open house gift.  Steve calls it a kiss-ass gift but whatevs!  Teachers should be appreciated more.  I read the (national) average teacher makes $50,000 a year.  I'm sure in Buffalo it's less so I think they deserve it.  I would not want 22 5 year olds for 7 hours a day.  God Bless 'em I say :)  

Uniform (bonus points for matching?)

 

And this child (below) has me convinced he is part goat!  Pierce is the reason we have no chairs around our kitchen table right now.  We had to put all of them in the garage because when I'm breastfeeding the baby is when he would decide to climb.  He loves to stand on things, tables, coffee tables, any tote or box he can find and empty out gets flipped over and stood on.  He is crazy!  Good thing he is so cute.  And I think he is going to be a talker just like his big brother.  He says a new word everyday.  Truck, Bus, Baby, Papa are a few new ones.  It is never going to be quiet in this house again.  Well, maybe in 18 years.    

 

We have a sleeper folks!

Warning: this blog entry may piss some people off.  Let me start off by saying I am someone who NEEDS their sleep.  (So why did I have 3 kids?) Honestly, I can remember in High School needing to go to bed at 9pm to make my 6am wake up call.  I hated away basketball games in far away places like Medina on school nights.  I would make my parents take me home from those games just to get home sooner than riding the bus back to school.  I have always been an early riser but I am no night owl.  Brady, my oldest was by far the worst sleeper.  He had allergies and seemed to always have an upset stomach.  I can remember being up from 11am - 4am and crying because he wouldn't sleep and going batshit crazy!  I was a freaking mess.  Steve and I laugh now because what the heck were we so overwhelmed with 1 kid for.  I think you get more efficient at the more kids you have.  Eventually, at 8 months old after a bad allergic reaction and a trip to the ER, he was taken off milk and started sleeping.  When we brought Pierce home I was prepared for the worst.  Imagine my surprise when he set up his own schedule.  Pierce would go to bed at 8:30 every night, get up at 11:30 and 3:30 to nurse and right back down till 7am.  It was beautiful!  Little did I know he would cling to 1 feeding till he was 7 months old.  But hey, he made the beginning wonderful.  So I wondered, could I really be that lucky twice?  I was already dreading the sleepless nights with a newborn before #3 came out.  I just really don't do well without sleep.  I will confess my birthday wish right before Brady blew out my candles, was for a good sleeper.  Well Folks, we have a sleeper!  Reid likes to conk out at 8pm after cluster feeding since 5:30pm every night.  And he has been getting up once a night to nurse, usually around 2am.  He is the best!  And such a good nurser.  The lactation nurse could not believe his 11 oz. weight gain in 1 week.  I don't know why or how I got so lucky but I am grateful!! Reid is way past birth weight and we don't have to go back till he is 2 months old.  Reid likes a binky.  It's funny, I never gave Brady one and Pierce got one after a few weeks.  With #3 he got his binky on at 2 days old.  I guess you can say I'm a lot less concerned with that nipple confusion nonsense!  Still waiting for that darn belly button to fall off - it is taunting me.  I somehow managed to lose 21 lbs. in less than 2 weeks.  Hopefully, from my bottom lip :)  As long as baby is putting on weight I don't really care what the scale says.  I refuse to even think about calories or fat when breastfeeding.  And celebrities that diet while breastfeeding are freakin idiots!  It isn't about mom, it's about the baby.  And our baby is doing awesome!  There is no better feeling than the "Way to go mom" you get from the Dr. or nurse when your baby gains weight and you are breastfeeding.  It's like all your hard work paying off :)  Here's our rock star! 

We have been eating a lot of sandwiches around here because it's easy.  BLT's, tuna melts, grilled cheese and pb & j.  Both of our parents sent over a turkey dinner so we had our fill of turkey.  And there's always pizza!  I have been drinking gallons of water over here because I am so freakin thirsty ALL the time.  I stopped taking Motrin and am trying to wean myself off the abdominal binder.  I feel so much better with it on and the soreness isn't there.  But as soon as I take it off the soreness comes right back.  I stopped sleeping with it on so that's a start I guess.  Can't believe baby will be 2 weeks old already tomorrow.  Almost time for the first bottle :)  Which is great because I need to see Ben Affleck's new movie - that man is gorgeous!