Something Saturdays (7/28/18)

Hey guys! I'm back!! Great news-vacation went really well! James actually slept every night all night (we rigged a sheet between his pack n play and our bed so it was like a makeshift wall lol) and his naps weren't too bad either. He had a great time-he got a bit spoiled by all the attention and WILL NOT HAVE me leaving him on his own for very long now lol. We all really enjoyed ourselves but were exhausted and ready to go home at the end. Especially because poor Jamesy got his first cold :( Luckily he's mostly over it now but it was sad. 

We've pretty much just been recovering from vacation and baby cold (oh and Michael caught it too so now we also have a daddy cold which is probably even worse than the baby). We also got James' photos back so I'll probably be posting those soon! This weekend I work and then tomorrow is my family reunion which should be crazy so wish us all luck!

Baby Must-Haves (1-6 Months)

James is 7 months old and I haven't posted any more must-haves since I posted his 0-1 month favorites. So this is LONG overdue! This is what else we've been loving so far. 

(Disclaimer-there are some Amazon affiliate links which I make a small commission from if you purchase after clicking, with no extra charge to you.)

1. OXO Tot Seedling High Chair

James started eating around 6 months and we looove our high chair. It is SUPER easy to clean (which is a pretty big deal), the height is adjustable (so he can use it pretty much forever), there are wheels on the feet which makes it easy to move around, and we all just love it. 

2. Skip Hop Explore and More Roll Around Hedgehog Toy

Ask anyone who has spent any time with James what his favorite toy is and their answer will be swift: hedgehog. He started loving it right around when he started teething (3 months)-partly because it has TONS of great places to chew on, is really easy to grab a hold of for a baby just learning to grab objects, plus it rattles and is cute and stuff. 

3. Woolzies Wool Dryer Balls

I forgot to write about these in my last post, we've been using them since before James was born. Since fabric softener is a no no for babies we got these dryer balls to still keep his clothes soft and now we use them for EVERYTHING. I love that you can reuse them like 1000 times and it's so much cheaper and better for all of us than fabric softener. Woot!

4. ZoLi BUZZ B Electric Nail Trimmer

Another one I forgot to post about last time, this is a BIG one. Everyone complains about doing baby nails and this little electric nail trimmer is a GOD SEND. It's like a baby electric nail file (like the kind they use at nail salons).  It has different file strengths for different ages (although I guess James is tough because he's been on the 12 months+ one since he was like 3 months) and just trims those sharp little baby nails down completely painlessly! I will say it totally eats through batteries super quickly and now that James is older he will fight us when we use it but I feel like he'd do that regardless because he hates to be restrained but at least we aren't worrying that we're going to accidentally cut him with nail clippers!

5. Roshambo Baby Shades

It's summer so we wanted to get some sunglasses for the little guy and these ones are super cute light, flexible, and practically indestructible! (Plus they support autism charities which is pretty cool).

6. Wubbanub Infant Pacifier

This was a uniquely 3-6 month must-have. Prior to 3 months pacifiers were a designated no-no due to nipple confusion and since he hit 6 months we've mostly stopped using them so he doesn't become attached to them. But the wubbanubs were perfect because they were the only pacifiers he ever really liked and they were pretty much the only teething item he was able to use at first since he started teething so young. Plus they have those cute little animals to hold onto. We have 2 dinosaur ones plus an elephant. 

7. Kiinde Breast Milk Storage Set

If you're breastfeeding and pumping this makes storing milk so simple! I've loved this for building my freezer stash.

8. Fisher-Price 1 to 5 Soft Activity Book with Monkey Teether

James' other favorite play item! This book is soft and has bunches of places to chewy + a mirror, a squeaker, and a crinkly page. It has lots to play with and look at and is just super fun for babies.

9. Minbie Bottles

Like I mentioned, James had some issues with nipple confusion when he was younger and these have REALLY helped with that when he needs to take a bottle. They're specifically created for breastfed babies and are shaped PERFECTLY for them. They also make pace-feeding easier and really just the entire breast and bottle relationship work better. The website has different sizes but James still uses the XS newborn flow rate because anything faster and he just guzzles it lol.

10. Aden + Anais Bamboo Swaddle Blankets

We actually use these as burp cloths (since it's not safe for babies to really have blankets)-James has always been a pretty spit-uppy baby so the fact that these are large and soft and absorbent makes them a fave. (We use the non bamboo kind also, the bamboo ones are just EXTRA soft!)

Something Saturdays (7/14/18)

Ok first of all-we're leaving for vacation tomorrow for almost a week in PA with Michael's family. I'm excited but super nervous because it's a tiny cottage that we're sharing with Michael's dad, stepmom, and brother and sister-in-law and James hasn't shared a room with us since before he started sleeping through the night so yeah...I'm nervous haha. There's like no internet there so I'll be MIA (with some social media exceptions) until next week!

Last weekend we had so much fun getting James' photos taken-he of course wasn't 100% cooperative but he was still SO MUCH fun and so funny and Amanda (the most amazing photographer ever) was amazing. She's sent us a few sneak peeks but I can't wait to see the rest!

Ok fine...here's a sneak peek of our sneak peeks for you:

Amanda Ellis Photography

ANYWAY on Sunday Michael's mom, sister, and a couple of his cousins came over and we played Dungeons and Dragons...and shut up it was super fun lol. The rest of the week I spent time with my little baby love and tried to get some things done. Wednesday my mom came with me and James to the grocery store and then later Michael's mom came over and watched James last minute while I went to the doctor and then Thursday and Friday she also watched him while I worked. Today I have a wedding and tomorrow we leave for vacation! AH

James-7 Months!

Date: July 10, 2018

Sleeping Pattern: We've been doing pretty darn well lately! James takes a nice sized nap in the morning that usually lasts around 1.5-2 hours, then he has another decent sized nap (about 1-1.5 hours usually) in the afternoon, then one short 30 minute nap in the later afternoon/early evening. Bedtime is 7:30 (prior to that we change him, do a story, Michael does a cute little bedtime routine, then brings him upstairs to me) and then I feed him and put him down for the night. We've pretty much entirely phased out the pacifier (he rarely used it anyway) so putting him to sleep usually just consists of me putting him in his sleep-sack, singing to him for like a minute, then putting him in his crib to sleep.

Eating Habits: This baby gets SO distracted. Eating is a much more lively affair these days-he's always moving around and looking around and grabbing his feet and my hair and popping off because he wants the other side then going back again...it's an adventure. But he's still eating 5 times over the course of the day. We've also introduced solids but he usually just has them once a day, generally at dinner time-about 30 minutes to an hour after he's finished nursing. We do baby led weaning so we give him table food, usually whatever we're having, and just put it on his tray and let him have at it.

Development & Firsts: On June 14th he started sitting up on his own (and is super good at it now! Although we usually still surround him with pillows in case he topples over). He also got his 1st tooth (bottom front right) and then his 2nd tooth (bottom front left). They are sharp lol. James also started eating this month!! He's actually doing pretty amazing-we're doing baby led weaning so we give him table foods and it was a little nerve wracking at first but watching how good he is getting is awesome. He's LOVING it-every time he goes into the high chair he immediately starts reaching for whatever is on it for him to eat and starts going at it. His favorites so far are pizza, chicken, zucchini, and yogurt.

Mischief: SO MISCHIEVOUS. He still "attacks" us (much more terrifying now that he has teeth, however). Anytime I try to tell James no (usually when he's grabbing himself while I'm trying to change his diaper-an especially terrible idea if it's poopy) he smiles or full on laughs at me. And he will say no and has just started shaking his head at us too. He's just insane and fun and silly.

Cuteness:  Yeah yeah yeah he's the cutest lol. He smiles so much and is oh so cuddly and gives lots of kisses and giggles. He'll reach for mine or Michael's face and just stare at us with adoration. He gets stoked as heck to see his grandparents and Aunt Shannan. He's SO ticklish (one of Michael's favorite things to do is tickle the crap out of him). He just makes the most hilarious expressions and sounds (he's always squealing or "talking" he also went through a phase where he kept blowing raspberries or sticking his tongue out). He'll do an indignant cough that's pretty humorous.

Nicknames: James-y, Littlest Bob, Nugget (or Nug or Nuggy), Cutie McCuterson, Cuddle Bug, Snuggle Bunny, Hedgehog, Mister, Sir, Bud/Buddy, Friend, Sweet Boy, Baby, Love (My love, little love, sweet love), Cutie patootie/pie, My Sweetie/Sweetie-pie, Little/Sweet/Baby Boy (or any combo with any of the other nicknames listed)

Talking: So much talking. He's been making a lot of "mama" babbles-some sounding more intentional than others. Usually it's when he's sad/mad. The other day he was angry at me for not paying attention to him and when I went back to him he wailed, "mommyyy..." And, as previously mentioned, "no" has been getting said a bit. Also usually when mad/sad lol.

Favorites: Me and Michael. His grandparents and Aunt Shannan. Dancing/singing (I think he's starting to join in sometimes lol). Being held. KISSES.  Being tickled. His toys (his hedgehog is his clear favorite). Being smiled at and talked to and played with. I mean...yeah it's pretty much all the same stuff. Oh! But also-FOOD! And water (weird but he seems to like it, I love water so he comes by it honestly). He seems to especially love meat-but pizza and yogurt have also been a big hit.

Dislikes: Not having attention/doing the same thing and being in the same spot for too long. Mommy and daddy being gone. Teething. Being tired. Noisiness when he's trying to sleep. The car.

Concerns: Nothing much! Just hoping he's eating enough (milk, not worried about solids at this age) and gaining and growing ok.

A Day in the Life: James wakes up around 7AM and I get him and feed him. Then we play and visit with daddy before work and he goes down for his nap around 8:45. Lately he's been sleeping until about 10:30-11 (which is awesome). Then I feed him and we play. Back down to nap around 12:30-1ish. He naps until about 2 then eats, plays, then back to nap around 4:15-4:30. Then he naps until 5, eats, and we play/I finish up dinner. Michael usually comes home around then and we all have dinner together. Then around 7:15 we start getting him ready for bed (we change him, read a book, then I go put him in his sleepsack, and put lotion on his hands). Then I feed him (around 7:30) in the rocker in his room and afterwards put him right down in his crib where he still sleeps all night (although he moves all around and wakes up in a very different position and spot in the crib than where he was put down.)

{Lower Sugar} Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chocolate chip cookies are SO SO GOOD.

Like super delicious. Even though they're lower in sugar. But I swear you don't notice. Michael still raved about them and he's always quick to tell you when your healthier treats don't stack up to the regular ones lol.

In all fairness, though, Michael has lofty opinions of my cookies. He says even my worst cookies are better than almost anyone else's best ones. He's a keeper, that boy.

As is this recipe. I loved them. I miss them. I want them.

I'd feel slightly less bad giving these to James. Someday. Not now lol.

Seriously-these cookies are perfectly chewy, have just the right amount of chocolate chips, and they taste AMAZING. I used coconut sugar and it adds this amazing depth of flavor and softness to the cookies, you really don't feel like you're missing anything! Because you're not! Yay!

Something Saturdays (7/7/18)

Hey hey! How was your 4th? Did you do anything fun? We went to a pool party at my grandma's but it was too hot to put baby in the pool so we just hung out (and I yelled at my uncle for taking James out of his pack and play when he was trying to fall asleep for his nap--which he never was able to do, then. So that was fun lol).

Otherwise this week has just been getting things done, spending time with the hubs and babe and seeing pretty much all our parents. James has been doing really well with his eating, he freaking loves meat (he attacked a burger I was eating while holding him and he went to town on some chicken another day) and also pizza (yepp, that's my kid). I'm SO stoked because today we're going to get his "sitter session" photos taken!!! (Essentially 6 month photos but because he wasn't quite sitting yet he's now almost 7 months.) I can't wait!

Something Saturdays (6/30/18)

Where did June go??? Time is moving way too fast, guys.

Last weekend was great-James really did well at Michael's cousin's graduation party and he loved everyone he met (that whole family looks alike so he was probably just like "a world of people who look like daddy and grandma and aunt Shannan, hooray!") Sunday I worked a little but otherwise we got to hang out. This week has been interesting because we introduced food to James-he hasn't eaten much (we're doing baby led weaning so pretty much we just put food in front of him and let him do as he will) but he's starting to sort of get used to it. This weekend I'm working but not for long periods of time so I should still get time with my boys :) 

Etee Review

Everything Touches Everything Else.

ETEE.

I don't know about you but I'm starting to really try to reduce the amount of plastic in my life. It's not good when it's all up in our food and it's not food for the planet! In general I've also been trying to reduce my amount of waste and use more re-usable products. Which is why, when I spotted Etee on Instagram, I knew I HAD TO HAVE IT!

Etee are reusable food wraps that are non-toxic, sustainable, reusable, biodegradable, compostable, and plastic free! They preserve food naturally with beeswax, tree resins, and essential oils infused in organic cotton cloth.

AKA they can replace plastic wrap, plastic produce bags, and even plastic sandwich bags (they actually just came out with reusable food bags and ahh I want them!).
They're crazy easy to use-the first time you get them you have to "activate" them (which means you just crumple them up in your hands and press-the heat from your hands helps activate them and make it so it sticks to itself. Umcrumple and start using!)

Then you can put them on tops of bowls and containers-just pressing around so the wrap is sticking to itself, then using the heat from your hands to "seal" it. You can also put food inside them and twist it up around them. And you can even wrap them around produce. There's a ton more info. over on the Etee site, it's awesome!

As far as the reusable part-you just wash them using cold water and an eco-friendly soap (I use method brand), air or towel dry, then they're good to go again! I've honestly used them a TON since receiving my samples and I'm crazy obsessed. I highly suggest you check them out---they come in 3 different sizes, are super reasonably priced, and they even ship free to the US and Canada! Not to mention that you can try them risk free for 90 days, so really there's no reason not to help yourself and the planet out and get on board with the Etee revolution!

Disclaimer-I was provided with Etee wraps to review. However, I was under no obligation to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

Something Saturdays (6/23/18)

Hello hello my friends! How was your Father's Day? Ours was great-I made Michael a big breakfast, we hung out and enjoyed sweet baby James, and later we took him to go get ice cream (no, he didn't get to eat any. Just be held and adored as we ate lol). Monday was James' 6 month checkup which went well, super tiny tiny baby though and poor thing had to get shots. He did super well with them, though! Tuesday, James and I just hung out. Wednesday was mine and Michael's 3 year anniversary so we checked out a Mexican restaurant near us that my cousin recommended we try and we loved it (Tlaquepaque for anyone in the Canton, Ohio area)! Thursday and Friday I worked (boo) but little man has just been doing so well and is so happy (except for when he decides he needs ALL THE ATTENTION) and fun. Today we're heading to Michael's cousin's graduation party but other than that it should be fairly chill. :)

James-6 Months!

Date: June 10, 2018

Height:  26.25 inches (as of his doctor's appointment on the 18th)

Weight: 14 lbs. 5 oz (^ditto)

Sleeping Pattern: Very similar to last month. He had been going through a short nap phase, though, which is mostly better now. At the very least, it's improved. He takes 3 naps during the day (ranging from 30-90 minutes, usually, occasionally I'll get lucky with a 2 hour one but that's usually only if he had a bad nap prior to that) then he RARELY takes the optional catnap before bedtime (we actually have recently eliminated it completely). Still sleeping really well all night! He went through a rough week where he started rolling onto his tummy in his sleep and then waking up periodically to cry about it but he has finally gotten over that.

Eating Habits: Once again, pretty much the same! He eats 5 times over the course of the day. For awhile he'd been nursing for a while, though. Like 40 minutes, on average (anywhere from 30 minutes-1 hour is typical lately). Not sure if it was a growth spurt, but now he's back to like 20 minutes so *shrug*. No solid foods, yet. Once he's sitting up well we're going to start (and we're using baby led weaning because it makes so much sense and I'm sort of all about it. I'll keep you posted on how it goes once we start)-he's super interested in our food and keeps trying to get it so I think it'll probably go over pretty well lol.

Development: James is a total rolly poly, he rolls and scoots himself all over the place, even in the crib! He has become really intentional about going after what he wants-he now will reach for things and people and try to go after them if he can. He's also very clearly recognizing the people he sees frequently aside from Michael and I (who he's recognized for like...ever)-namely his grandparents (minus my dad) and his aunt Shannan. He gets so excited to see them and it's adorable. Oh and now he understands when he sees you across the room that you are in fact...across the room. So it's like cute and fun and he'll smile at you but then he'll eventually get mad like "HEY YOU GET OVER HERE AND PLAY WITH ME". He also literally just started being able to sit up on his own-technically after his 6 month birthday but before I published this post, lol.

Mischief: James is still enjoying "attacking" us (AKA giving a mischievious grin and then proceeding to "attack"-AKA suck on/chew on-whatever part of your head or neck he can get at lol). He also does a reverse pout--when he pouts, instead of pushing out his lower lip he pushed out his top lip and makes a sad whiny howl-y sound. It's pretty hilarious and adorable. And he's constantly reaching for everythiiing and trying to get at them--including things he shouldn't have like my phone, food, etc.

Cuteness:  As always-EVERYTHING HE DOES IS CUTENESS! All the same cute stuff from last month still applies (especially his love of us and of dancing). He's become SUPER cuddly, always laying his head down on your shoulder, and he's even more into kisses now. He gives super super big kisses, especially if you were gone and he's so excited to see you so he'll grab your face and just lay them on you. He gets so excited to see Michael and I, and his grandparents and aunt Shannan too. His smiles and giggles are EVERYTHING. His little top lip pout is so funny and cute. Watching him just amuse himself, talking and making funny sounds and playing with his toys is so adorable. One thing I've forgotten to mention is that, since he was a tiny baby, if you sing "Son of Man" (from Tarzan) there's an 80% chance he will be happy and smile about it. And ya know he's just a really fun and expressive little guy with giant eyes who just loves us and is cute.

Nicknames: James-y, Littlest Bob, Nugget (or Nug or Nuggy), Cutie McCuterson, Drooly, Wiggle Worm/Wiggles/Squirmy Wormy, Cuddle Bug, Snuggle Bunny, Hedgehog, Mister, Sir, Bud/Buddy, Friend, Sweet Boy, Baby, Love (My love, little love, sweet love), Cutie patootie/pie, My Sweetie/Sweetie-pie, Little/Sweet/Baby Boy (or any combo with any of the other nicknames listed)

Talking: Still playing with different sounds and going through chatty phases. Pretty sure he said "mama" the other day (I said "say mama" and he went "mama"....one and only time it has happened though, lol. Like a day later I said, "say mama" and he looked at me, then looked away and went, "no." so there you have it.) Also started trying to do "raspberries" which is just cute lol.

Favorites: Me and Michael. His grandparents and Aunt Shannan and cousin Bri. Dancing/being sang to. KISSES (he gives SO MANY KISSES NOW! And he loves to receive kisses too. He's an affectionate little fella). His feet (Michael pretty much always gets his feet free of his sleepers when they're playing and James thinks it's the best. James will then will hold them and/or try to suck on them.) Being tickled (namely on his feet and ribs, at the moment). His toys (his soft book has been a favorite this month but he's starting to appreciate all of them). Being smiled at and talked to. People making funny sounds to him. Laughing with mommy and daddy and playing with people in general. When mommy and daddy come home after being away for a bit.

Dislikes: When mommy and daddy are gone for too long. People not paying attention to him. When his teeth are bothering him. Being tired. Being put to bed. Noisiness when he's trying to sleep.

Firsts: Hmm not that many firsts this month. Maybe said "mama" for the first time. Slept on his tummy. Had his first (and potentially only lol) "acting" role (like a second in a small local commercial with me and Michael). Also one June 14 (so 4 days after turning 6 months) he began to be able to sit up unassisted, so not sure if that doesn't count for this update but meh.

Concerns: Sometimes I feel like he doesn't get as much sleep as babies are supposed to get so that stresses me out a smidge, I also still worry about how little he is (but he's eating and sleeping and developing and happy so I think he's just a little baby) but overall he's really doing well so no real concerns!

A Day in the Life: James wakes up around 7AM (hopefully, anyway lol) and either just pushes himself up to look around (because he's usually on his tummy by morning), or starts rolling over and scooting all around the crib until I go get him. Then he eats and we play (and visit with daddy before he goes to work) and I put him down for his nap around 8:45ish. Then he's up again around 10-10:30. We play (some together, and some I leave him to lay down and roll around and play with his toys, I usually try to do dishes or do other random things while he's happy to do that). I also usually will eat and have him sit in his high chair at the table next to me while I do so, so he can get used to it. Back down to nap around 12:30ish. He naps until about 1:30-2 then eats, plays, then back to nap around 3:30-4. Then he naps until 4:30-5ish, eats, and we play some more. Michael usually comes home around now and sometimes we'll all eat dinner together at the table (he chews on his plastic spoons while daddy and I eat). If he's napped badly or woke up closer to 4:30 or just seems tired I used to put him down for a short nap around 6:30, but not let him sleep much later than 7 (I've eliminated it, last time he actually took one he then wasn't tired enough for bedtime). Then around 7:30 we start getting him ready for bed (we change him, read him a book, then I go put him in his sleepsack, and put lotion on his hands). Then I feed him (around 8) in the rocker in his room and afterwards put him right down in his crib where he sleeps all night. Yay!

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Chocolate Cookies

Fun fact: 3 years ago today I married my favorite (aside from James) guy. 3 years of marriage and almost 9 years together (and half a year of parenthood) one of my favorite things about us is what a good team we make. We complement each other and go together like...well...chocolate and peanut butter!

And he appreciates a good cookie. Definite keeper.

There's honestly nothing not to love about these cookies-they're super soft and chewy and FULL of chocolate and peanut buttery goodness-both in the cookies themselves and in the gooey peanut butter and chocolate chips! I'm a major proponent of eating warm cookies (to the point that I'll oftentimes not bother if they're not warm) BUT these ones are still super tasty at room temp. (don't get me wrong...I still liked them warm. But I didn't turn my nose up at the cooled ones either :P). 

They're delish, ok? It's just true. 

Something Saturdays (6/16/18)

Last weekend was so so nice. Saturday we just sort of enjoyed each other's company and worked on a couple things (I went grocery shopping, Michael set up some shelves in the garage and vacuumed) and then Sunday we went to church AND we went out for an early anniversary dinner at our favorite restaurant (Table 6) and it was so good. I haven't been that full since before I had James (evidenced by the fact that I instinctively tried to put my hand on a big belly that I no longer have lol). Other than that I have mostly just been enjoying the week with James and getting some stuff done. Last night Michael's mom and sister came over and we all had dinner on our deck which was so lovely :)

Today I'm just working the ceremony of a wedding for a few hours and then tonight we're spending a little bit of time with Michael's dad as a little bit of a Father's Day thing. Then tomorrow is all about Michael's 1st father's day! Yay!!!

On a more serious note, this post from Hayley is so important and I think we all need to discuss mental health more openly and more often.

Something Saturdays (6/9/18)

Omigosh last weekend was crazy, but good. I worked but then we also had graduation parties for my cousins on Sat and Sun and James actually did really well meeting all those new people. Monday we went to another party, a friend's daughters' 9th birthday. Tuesday and Wednesday we mostly just relaxed and I did some cooking. Thursday was fun because I was cast in a local commercial and they ended up hiring Michael and James as well to play my husband and baby. James was only on set for like 15 minutes, he'll only be seen for a second, but it was super fun to do with my real family :) 

This weekend is nice because I DON'T WORK! And we aren't doing like...anything. Except that tomorrow Michael and I are going out to dinner (for the 2nd time since James was born)-probably as an early anniversary dinner. I'm so excited!

Slow Cooker Amish-style Shredded Beef

And another new delicious dinner has been added to my rotation! Sometimes, particularly when James was small, my in-laws would come over and bring dinner (and play with the baby, of course). One day Michael's stepmom brought this incredibly flavorful, melt in your mouth, shredded roast thing that she served over egg noodles (alongside roasted carrots-which we just talked about a few weeks ago). I asked her how she made it and it involved a packet of onion soup-I really loved the dish and the idea of it so I set out to sort of make my own, from scratch, version. 

And I did-to MAJOR success. The only downside was attempting to name it. Google made it seem like this was similar to Amish shredded beef recipes so I sort of used that (I mean...I live near-ish to Ohio's Amish Country so...sure) but let me just sum it up for you. 

You create a flavorful gravy-like situation that a roast (along with some garlic and onions) slowly cooks in. Then it's falling apart tender and SO SO flavorful and you shred it up and mix everything together and serve on top of mashed potatoes or egg noodles or whatever suits your fancy. And it's SO DELICIOUS. Seriously...SO. FRIGGIN. GOOD.

Eat it.

Something Saturdays (6/2/18)

This week has been a bit taxing--James has been super clingy after all the craziness of last weekend. He was also sort of moody towards the beginning of the week but he's doing much better and is happier now. His sleep at night as been so so lately too so I'm sleepy (he keeps rolling onto his tummy and then waking up every so often throughout the night to cry about it). Last weekend went well though! My best friend's wedding was BEAUTIFUL (and she looked stunninggg) and then we had a pretty chill party at my grandma's the day after that then we got to just relax at home on Monday, which was much needed. This weekend is going to be a little crazy again because I work today and tomorrow and then we have graduation parties for my cousins also today and tomorrow. 

Something Saturdays (5/26/18)

First of all-have you read our privacy policy? We've updated it to be GDPR compliant so give it a look to see what it's all about! Also, if you no longer wish to be subscribed to my emails, just click unsubscribe at the bottom of the email! Thanks so much. 

EEEE TODAY IS MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING!!! I can't believe it's finally here. I'm matron of honor (along with her maid of honor sister) and I've never been in a wedding before aside from my own or being a flower girl so this is going to be interesting! Plus poor baby James is being left with his grandma for most of the day + bedtime for the first time, which makes me anxious but fingers crossed that he does ok. Tomorrow is my family's inaugural Memorial Day pool party which will hopefully be fun! Then Michael has Monday off so we'll get some much needed relaxation. What are your weekend plans?

Pecan Muddy Buddies

Muddy Buddies or Puppy Chow--whatever you call it, it's delicious (for those who don't know: it's chex cereal coated in a butter/chocolate/pb mixture and then tossed in powdered sugar). And I don't know why I had never even thought about using the same method to coat something other than chex. But when I saw this recipe using toasted pecans...oh my goodness I knew I had to make it happen. Plus...it's stupid easy. Which is necessary in the unpredictable life of being a new(ish) mama.

I actually sort of am enjoying baking/making desserts with James now. I'll put him in a baby wrap and he likes to face outward and then chew on one of his baby spoons or something while I make stuff (and sometimes he tries to "help"). I think the kitchen and me making stuff in the kitchen is just super new and interesting for him and it's sort of adorable and warms my heart.

Plus it means I get to have treats. So it's a win all around.

Speaking of wins, these pecan muddy buddies definitely are one. I think I still prefer classic puppy chow but I liked the nuttiness of these-and Michael was a BIG fan. He couldn't get enough. He may have even eaten more of them than me! Which is sort of a big deal.

Something Saturdays (5/19/18)

How was your Mother's Day weekend guys?? I have to say mine was pretty perfect. Saturday we had a wedding for Michael's cousin (which luckily everything was like 5-10 minutes from our house) and James was flawless. He even fell asleep in my arms in church (which he hasn't just fallen asleep like that since he was like 2-3 months old--and it wasn't even naptime yet so he wasn't overtired!) He honestly dealt with everything so great. Then, my 1st Mother's Day, he could not have been happier to just be home with his mommy and daddy. He was so sweet and affectionate and happy all day. And he napped like a champ. It was awesome. And Michael was so sweet and vacuumed for me and brought me food and had James pick me a dandelion (they're flowers!) and he and James painted me a picture. Seriously...so much love for that husband and that baby of mine.

The rest of the week I did some cleaning and blogging and generally got things done. I had to work a little tomorrow and today I have a wedding! Which I always enjoy but I hate having to be away from James for so long (not to mention pumping is always annoying). But tomorrow I'll just be home with my boys so it's all good!

James-5 Months!

Date: May 10, 2018

Sleeping Pattern: We're consistently sleeping through the night-WOOOO!!! He takes 3 full naps and there's 1 optional little catnap before bedtime. Honestly, overall, he's a good little sleeper-even though naps can be hit or miss. He still wears his sleepsack for all naps and bedtime, just with his arms unswaddled, and I pretty much just sit with him, sing him 1-2 songs, then put him down and he falls asleep pretty quickly 90% of the time.

Eating Habits: During the day James eats every 3-3.5 hours, generally, and I mean it goes pretty well. He usually spends about 20ish minutes eating-so long as he doesn't get too distracted haha. He's so cute when he's hungry, though, with his little gaping baby bird mouth.

Development: Little guy is getting mobile! He rolls from his back to front and front to back and also scoots himself a bit so he's able to kind of get places. It's so cool to see him go after toys and get them, though! He's also clearly working on sitting up-he's holding his head and shoulders up off the floor when you lay him down, he's frequently curling in on himself, etc. So I'm sure by next month he'll probably be doing it or close to it. James has also developed object permanence (AKA he knows people still exist even when he can't see them)-which has caused a small amount of separation anxiety sometimes (and results in the saddest sobbing cry everrr. Also he now raises his arms in the air that he wants picked up--he does this 80% of the time when put down.)

Mischief: This is hilarious-so Michael likes to "attack" James' neck with "om nom nom nom" and now James does it too!  If he's laying on one of us in the vicinity of our faces/necks he will start attacking us and just giggles and giggles as he does it. It's so so funny and so so cute! And the harder you laugh, the harder he laughs, hehe. And his expression when he does it-it's this grin of pure mischief which is so Michael it's crazy. Also, when I'm changing his diaper and lay a wipe over him so he doesn't pee all over the place he frequently takes the wipe and grins like he knows he's not supposed to and it's amusing. Then I put another wipe on...and sometimes he takes that one too. One time he ended up holding 4 wipes.

Cuteness:  I mean I still think like everything James does is cute. The little sounds he makes at the end of a yawn, all of his little talking sounds (and the loud ones, too).  It's so funny what a duality he has--when he's comfortable and familiar (so, especially when he's at home with us) he is so expressive and dramatic and loud and wiggly and silly. But when we're somewhere new or with new people he just sits quietly and studies everything with that furrowed brow of his and wide eyes (and people tell me how laid back he is and I laugh at them). He'll grab my face and give me big kisses, especially if I was gone and am now back. It's SO SWEET. He loves to grab onto his feet and play with them-and he likes it even better when you tickle them (and his butt...his butt is ticklish. It's hilarious.) When you tickle him or he gets excited in general he will give this HUGE open mouthed grin (which sometimes turns into a laugh). That whole attacking thing I told you about in the mischief section is adorable. Sometimes he'll just put his hands on your face and stare into your eyes, and usually smile, and it melts your freaking heart. His giggle is so amazing and probably the best sound on planet Earth (and SO MANY things make him laugh now!) He almost always has a sweet smile to greet people he loves with. Pretty much all the cuteness he did last month he still does. His love of dancing is going strong (he hears music and sees you start to dance and the biggest smile steals across his face)-it's actually really funny because now he'll sort of dance with me. Like if I'm dancing in front of him he'll start grinning and wiggling and kicking around (he still likes it best when you help him dance, though, haha). Sometimes he'll talk to himself in his crib before or during a nap which is freaking cuteness personified. I die over his gaping baby bird mouth when he's ready to eat. And just his little cheeks and drooly mouth that loves to give and receive kisses and his big sweet eyes and his little hands always reaching for you and trying to hold onto you. He adores Michael and I SO much and it's amazing and sweet and adorable. I love him. He's the best thing ever.

Nicknames: James-y, Littlest Bob, Nugget (or Nug or Nuggy), Cutie McCuterson, Drooly, Wiggle Worm/Wiggles, Baby Dinosaur, Tea Kettle (the last 2 are due to the sounds/squeals he makes), Hedgehog (he frequently curls into a hedgehog-like ball), Honey Bunny, Mr. Blue Jeans, Mister, Sir, Bud/Buddy, Friend, Sweet Boy, Baby, Love (My love, little love, sweet love), Little little, Cutie patootie/pie, My Sweetie/Sweetie-pie, Little/Sweet/Baby Boy (or any combo with any of the other nicknames listed)

Talking: Ohhh when he gets going he is SO talkative! It's so fun and adorable to watch how he experiments with making different sounds-he screams and squeals and does this dinosaur-sounding inhale, and he makes little coo-ing sounds, and then he sometimes makes what sound like actual words (and he said "ada/dada" for the first time...then he said it like 100 more times lol). It's so fun. (Except for when he's angry and just straight up screams at you...that made Michael break out his dad voice and tell him, "No, James.") I've also caught him talking in his sleep a couple times (he was straight up asleep but talking, so cute) which is extra funny because Michael and I both talk in our sleep so it's like "Ah, our child."

Favorites: Me and Michael. Also his grandparents and Aunt Shannan and cousin Bri. Dancing/music in general. Being sang to (or whistled to). Baths (even more so now-he actually smiles and plays in there). His hedgehog toy. Being smiled at and talked to. People making funny sounds to him. Being tickled. Kisses. His feet. Laughing with mommy and daddy and playing with people in general.

Dislikes: Being put down (sometimes)/walked away from or when he's been on his own too long and decides he's done and wants held NOW. When his teeth are bothering him. Staying up too long. Nap time. Being too hot.

Firsts: So many this month! James said his first word (dada--or, more accurately, "ada"). He also started rolling from his back to his front. He started being about to reach for and move around to grab toys he wants. He started actively giving me and Michael kisses (he grabs my face and brings it to his for a kiss). He "discovered" his feet. Went on his first walk in the stroller (he likes it)! Technically these things happened after his 5 month "birthday"--but just by a couple days. He went to his 1st wedding (and did SO DANGED WELL! He actually fell asleep during mass and really stuck to his schedule really well and still was fine for bedtime) and we had our 1st Mother's Day (where he gave me the best gift ever by being REALLY happy and loving all day and sleeping super super well for his naps and such.)

Concerns: I feel like he's such a skinny little guy I sometimes worry about it a bit but everyone agrees he looks healthy so it's just me being a worrier, I think. Otherwise nothing really, just making sure he gets enough sleep every day!

A Day in the Life: James wakes up around 7AM and usually just lays there and and chews on his fist or talks quietly until I go get him. Then he eats and we play (and visit with daddy before he goes to work) and I put him down for his nap around 8:45ish. Then he's up again and around 10:30. We play (usually we just chat and I also like to let him play on his activity gym and/or roll around on a blanket on the floor with his toys) and then back down to nap around 12:15-12:30ish. Naps until about 2-eats, play, then back to nap around 3:45-4. Then he naps until 5, eats, and we have a nice long play time (Michael usually comes home sometime around now)-if we go on a walk it's usually during this period. He may or may not take a short little nap around 6:30, waking up by 7 though. Then at 7:30 we start getting him ready for bed (we change him, read him a book, then I go put him in his sleepsack, and put lotion on his hands). Then I feed him (around 8) in the rocker in his room and afterwards put him right down in his crib where he sleeps all night. Life's pretty great, honestly.

Something Saturdays (5/12/18)

Ahhh hi hi hi. Life is crazy. James is adorable but also not napping so good so blech. I worked some this week (James got babysat by Grandma Jeanne on Thursday and Grandma Sandi on Friday) and today is Michael's cousin's wedding, which I'm helping set up-and James is attending! So it should be fun/insane. And TOMORROW IS MOTHER'S DAY. Which is sort of a big deal because it's my first one, ya know. I think we're gonna mostly chill, though, which is fine with me.

❤️