Something Saturdays (9/21/19)

This week has been wonderful but also a LOT. We started potty training James last Saturday (using the "Oh Crap! Potty Training" method-I bought the book). Michael worked from home all week to help which was great. James is doing SO good (he's been accident free for 4 days now) and I'm crazy proud. But then the poor little guy had a high fever yesterday out of nowhere and was not himself at all. He just wanted to snuggle and sleep. So it was a good occasion for his first movie-we watched Disney's Tarzan. Luckily. after a dose of infant acetaminophen he was much better and was pretty much back to normal today. So yeah! Hopefully he's better now and hopefully potty training keeps going so well! 

Baby #2 Update-16 Weeks

How far along: 16-17 weeks (complicated because I measure 6 days ahead of my due date and they only move the due date if I'm 7 days or more off lol)

Due Date: (officially) March 1, 2020

Baby's Size: According to my apps an avocado/pomegranate

Total weight gain/loss: Not completely sure, approximately 10 lbs gained.

Maternity clothes: Some but I can still wear most of my non maternity clothes too

Stretch marks: Not yet

Sleep: Depends on the day, lol. Overall it's fine.

Best moment of this week: I felt the baby move a couple weeks ago and anytime I feel it is exciting.

Miss anything: Being not constantly starving lol.

Movement: Tiny bit every now and then.

Food cravings: Not really.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not in general, anymore.

Have you started to show yet: There is definitely a bump! Still very easy to hide but it's there lol.

Gender: Don't know yet!

Labor signs: Eep nope.

Belly button in or out: In.

Wedding rings on or off: On.

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy usually, sometimes I get a little more overwhelmed and emotional.

Looking forward to: Anatomy ultrasound in a few weeks and feeling baby move more!


(I think it's fun to compare to when I was pregnant with James so here was my 17 week pregnancy update with him)

Something Saturdays (9/7/19)

This week was AWESOME.

Michael was off work on Monday so we just got to spend some fun family time. Tuesday and Wednesday James and I just hung out and got some stuff done. But then THURSDAY WE WENT TO THE CLEVELAND ZOO!!! Their African Elephant enclosure is amazing (and they're my favorite animal) and they also have a cool giraffe encounter where people feed giraffes lettuce. We saw so many animals and James had so much fun. The weather was also flawless and it was a slow day so no crowds, and Michael was with us because he took the day off. It was perfect. I don't work all this weekend, either, so hopefully we'll have more fun! James is always so happy when we're all together <3

Something Saturdays (8/31/19)

Hiii. Hello. It's Labor Day weekend! I've been working the last few days but then I'm off tomorrow and Michael has Monday off so fun family time should ensue. And today was Michael's dad's birthday so we went out to dinner and had some cake and ice cream back at his house. James had an awesome time (and 4 scoops of mint chip ice cream). This past week has been super weird but great, though. Tuesday Michael worked from home so that he and James could come with me to my doctor's appointment and hear the baby's heartbeat. James was super excited to hear "baby heartbeat" and was so sweet and just grinning while we heard it. Michael also worked from home Thursday so he could be home with James when I had to go to work. So we've had lots of fun and I'm excited for this week!

Recipes from the blog that I made this week
Slow Cooker Amish-style Shredded Beef

Recent links bookmarked (visit my Pinterest for more)

No-Churn Salted Caramel S'mores Ice Cream (Yes to Yolks)

Instagram Lately (a few highlights from this week on Instagram)

Something Saturdays (8/17/19) -and an ANNOUNCEMENT

Soooo....yepp! Explains why I've gotten even worse (somehow) at blogging! Here I am, about 12ish weeks (I measure 6 days ahead of my official due date so I'm either almost 12 weeks or almost 13 weeks, depending on how you look at it lol) pregnant with kiddo #2 . We're all super excited (even James, so far).

So, in addition to trying to have fun and soak up summer and do all the normal maintenance lifey things, I'm also extra tired and nauseous. Woo! 

We have been having lots of fun, though. Last weekend was our friends Amanda and Brian's baby shower and it was so great to celebrate them and the coming arrival of their baby girl. And, thanks to the balloons, James also had a fun time. Speaking of James-regression is officially over AND like a couple days later his 2 year molars started coming in. HA HA HA. Figures lol.

Something Saturdays (8/3/19)

So I knew I was behind on my Something Saturday posts but not HOW far behind-turns out I had a draft from July 6 that I never published *sigh*. And now it's August. It's been crazy! We went on vacation mid-month with Michael's family and it was lots of fun. And otherwise...I don't know. Life, man. But it's been fun! We've been trying to enjoy summer. James is just really cute and extra affectionate lately and I think we may finally be coming out the other end of his sleep regression so-yay!

Something Saturdays (6/29/19)

Last Sunday's church picnic was really fun, James got a sweet balloon teddy bear made that he loved and he got to eat chocolate so it was a win for him. The rest of the week is something of a blur, frankly, because James has been having trouble sleeping which means I've been having trouble sleeping so I'm very tired. Oh! We did go to see Michael's cousin's daughter, Ava, who is a couple months younger than James and that was fun. And yesterday we went to brunch with my wedding planning boss, which is always fun. This weekend I have to work but hopefully I'll get some fun times with the boys and hopefully some SLEEP.

James-18 Months!

Date: June 10, 2019

Height:  33 inches (as of his doctor's appointment on the 13th)

Weight: 23 lbs. 1.7 oz (^ditto)

Sleeping Pattern: Pretty much the same as my last update, just with a smidgen less overall sleep time. James usually sleeps from about 12-2 (sometimes he naps a little shorter, sometimes a little longer). We start bedtime around 7pm by cleaning up toys and then I lotion him. Michael then has him say goodnight to things and then they read his superhero rules. We floss him and help him brush his teeth, and then change his diaper, put him in his pj's and sleepsack, and read a story. Then we say goodnight to his stuffed dinosaur and tuck it in with his pooh bear lovey on top of his bookshelf. Michael and I then take turns on which of us stays with James and sings to him before laying him in his crib (usually around 7:30). He then falls asleep around 7:45-8ish and (hopefully) sleeps until about 7. It's a well oiled machine and I LOVE that lol. (ha ha ha since I wrote this we seem to have hit the 18 month sleep regression...I don't want to talk about it, ugh).

Eating Habits: Every day is a new adventure. Overall, James still eats well BUT he is definitively more picky and is constantly changing up what things he'll eat on what day (although some constants he always will eat: yogurt, bread, berries...obviously if ice cream or chocolate is presented as an option he's all about that.) But I know this is all a part of him asserting his independence and figuring stuff out so I just keep trying to offer him things and he eats what he eats. There have been some meals where he didn't eat anything but it's always fine. He eats breakfast sometime between when he wakes up and 8am, generally. It's usually yogurt and bread with peanut butter (he's come to expect it as his routine, but sometimes it's different and he's usually cool with that). Sometimes we do a snack around 9ish, sometimes we don't. Lunch time is about 10:30. He then has a snack sometime after his nap, around 2:30/3. Then sometimes he has another snack around 4ish to tide him over until dinner. Dinner is usually at 5:30 (6 at the latest) and then that's it--unless he didn't eat dinner. Then he'll usually ask for a snack right before bedtime and I'll give him a little something. He's a good eater, though. He doesn't fight it or throw fits. He usually happily digs in or just plays if he doesn't want to eat it. The other day he actually ate a little slider burger like a big boy and it was maybe my proudest moment. He's a cute little hungry hippo.

Development & Firsts:  I mean he just keeps getting smarter and talking more and more clearly. James honestly blows my mind with how quickly he picks things up. He quickly learned body parts (knees, elbows, "beebo" aka belly button, etc.) We started working on colors one day and like a week later he knew all the colors (and is a complete pro now)-I also love how he says orange. He says "oonge". He got a toy to put different shapes into for Easter and less than 2 weeks later he had it completely down and knows all the names of the shapes. Now he's been working on identifying letters (he has little books with animals and letters so some letters he identifies as the animal-if he sees a T he'll say "turtle", for example.) He knows "M for mama! D for dada!" His mind makes awesome connections: if I say something about "my mom" he immediately says "Grandma!" and knows who I'm talking about. If the freezer is mentioned he goes "ice cream!" (HE ONE TIME HAD ICE CREAM FROM THE FREEZER AND NOW IT'S JUST WHERE IT LIVES TO HIM). One that really shocked me was there was a big box we'd had delivered and he walked to the kitchen, asked for the keys, then took them to the box and put the keys on the seam while saying "box!" BECAUSE HE WANTED TO OPEN IT. He had seen us use keys to open boxes and put that together. Insanity. Anyway I'm sure there's been other developmental stuff I haven't even thought of but let's move on. There have been a lot of new teeth. February 9th James got his 9th tooth (his bottom right molar), March 2nd his 10th tooth (his top right molar), April 7th his 11th tooth (bottom left molar), April 27th his 12th tooth (top left molar), May 3rd his 13th tooth (bottom right canine), and May 30th his 14th tooth (bottom left canine). On February 23rd he got his 1st haircut (it was just a tiny trim by mine and Michael's hairdresser, Patrick). He did not like it and cried but even through his tears the sweet boy thanked Patrick.  There was a sad first on March 15th when he got his first stomach bug (which I then caught...then Michael...then Michael's mom). It was not a fun one. April 17th was an auspicious occasion with his first ice cream. He had a baby vanilla cone but mostly went to town on mine and Michael's chocolate peanut butter cones. HE LOVES ICE CREAM. It's maybe his favorite food now. He had a blast and asks for ice cream all the time. And then on May 16th he went to the zoo for the first time which was so much fun. He loved it and is still talking about it. I can't wait to go again but to the bigger Cleveland zoo next time!

Mischief: James still enjoys exercising his ability to yell, scream, cry, and just call "MAMA MAMAMAMA  MAMAAAAA!" He definitely understands the concept of mischief and revels in it (that's Michael's boy). He'll pucker his lips and go "mmm" for a kiss and then when you're close he'll run away giggling (or turn his head with a smirk saying "no.") . If I ask him who his favorite is he gets this glint in his eye then says "grandpa" BECAUSE HE KNOWS I WANT HIM TO SAY MAMA AND THE LITTLE STINKER LIKES TO MESS WITH ME. He knows exactly what he's not supposed to play with or where he's supposed to go and he loves to have fun with that. He'll giggle as I chase him into the bathroom and he slams the door shut in my face. If I come into a room and he's grabbed the DVD's off the shelf (he knows that's a no no, and will frequently wave his hand in the direction of them or other things he shouldn't mess with and say "nooo" in a somewhat mocking manner) he'll throw the evidence away and run. (Which makes me laugh internally). He does say no a fair amount, usually very matter of factly lol (just a short dismissive "no.)  He's a big fan of throwing things in the trash cans and in the bathroom he likes to rip pieces of the toilet paper off so he can throw them away. Diaper changes are still a struggle that usually result in distraught crying and running away/attempts to run away mid-change. When he's not upset, though, he has figured out how to purposefully pee whilst not covered and finds it sooo funny. I find the bladder control a good sign (you can see/feel him purposefully forcing it) but don't love the results. Sometimes he stills throws food which is frustrating but it is what it is. Ah and if it wasn't clear he can open doors so the world is pretty much his oyster at this point-we did childproof the basement door so he doesn't tumble down the stairs and the doors to the outside are locked but otherwise it isn't a huge deal. 

Cuteness: Look I mean have you seen his cheeks and eyes and hair and just overall cuteness? It's undeniable. The sound of his voice is also adorableness personified. This section is always so hard because I frankly think everything James does is cute. All of the talking that's in the below talking section is amazing. He's so friendly and outgoing (he loves to wave and say "hii" to people) and such a little ham! He learned how to do "cheeeese" and frequently makes that cheesy grinning face (which is like looking in a mirror, let me tell you). He still furrows his brow when thinking or concentrating, and then he is so his daddy (also when he gets his mischievous face on). He's so funny, I love his sense of humor. He likes to go hide places and say "shh shh" (like if he and I are hiding from Michael or vice versa). He has a little spot that he fits perfectly into between 2 bookshelves that he likes to hide in, also. And it's hilarious to watch him back into it slowly. If you tickle him he'll eventually exclaim "Nooo!" but then when you stop: "More..." I also taught him to fist bump and make it explode. If you put your fist up and say pound it he'll bump it with his fist then either say "boom" or make an exploding sound. James will also imitate the way I say "Hm hm hmmm..." when I'm considering something-he now always does that when deciding on a book, what to eat, etc. He's gotten really into being a "big boy" and sitting on the couch or in a chair (if he's telling you that's what he wants he'll tell you by saying "big boy").  James also loooves to be a "helper". He'll see laundry or grab the broom and go "Helper!" It's very sweet and I try to encourage it, although it's not actually all that helpful usually. He is also so cute and will take his arms and hold them out wide and say "BIIIG" for anything, well....big. Particularly dogs or other animals. If he sees a "Biiiig dog dog" he is likely to talk about it for some time. He loves animals in general, but especially dogs. He gets very excited anytime he sees one. He still thinks smelling feet and saying "stinky" or "peee ewwww" is funny. In the car James likes to give me approval or rejections on song choices. There was a pretty large "Greatest Show" phase where James was constantly requesting the song by saying "Ohhhhh" (and not just in the car, pretty much anywhere anytime. It was our Baby Shark. Much preferred, no complaints). He sometimes kind of pulls on his eyelashes when he's tired or upset, I'm really not sure why and I'm always worried he'll pull them out but I have to admit there's something sweet about it.  He is so cute with his grandparents and aunts and uncles, he loves to see them, even just over facetime! Or in pictures. He loves to look at photo albums and identify people (including baby him, he'll point to the picture: "James", then himself: "James!") But most of all he likes to see pictures of his grandpa. That's usually how he requests a photo album he'll just point and yell "Andpa!" There was a lovely phase where we were cuddling quite a bit but that has been less frequent lately, maybe because of the warm weather? BUT there have been lots of kisses, usually anytime you go to him saying "mmmm" with pursed lips, then you get a kiss and say "uahh!" (so "muah") He'll do it too and anytime we see/hear it we come running for kisses (and hoping it's not a fakeout one). Sometimes we'll have little family kissing moments where Michael and I will smooch then James will want a smooch from each of us. Sometimes he'll literally shove Michael's face to my face for a kiss (IT'S SO CUTE). The other day he baited Michael for a kiss and then last minute redirected him to me hahaha. He also says I love you back when we say it to him most of the time which you know warms my heart and is the sweetest. I'll ask him how much he loves us or how much we love him and he holds his arms wide and says "soooo much!"  James also still loves to play with my hair and frequently smells it/nuzzles it and says "Mmmm!" He also says "Mmmm" and/or just nods emphatically anytime he eats something particularly delicious, like ice cream or a macaron. He's a smart, cute, sweet little nugget.

Nicknames: James-y, Jamesy-pie, Nugget (or Nug or Nuggy or Nuggy Nug or Nuggety or Nougat),  Noodle/Noodle-bug/Noodle boy, Hey you, Goofy or Goof-Nugget, Silly, Cutie McCuterson, Cuddle Bug, Snuggle Bunny, Mister, Sir, Bud/Buddy, Friend, Sweet Boy, Baby, Love (My love, little love, sweet love, lovey), Cutie patootie/pie, My Sweetie/Sweetie-pie, Little/Sweet/Baby Boy (or any combo with any of the other nicknames listed-particularly Sir Baby and Mister Boy).

Talking: HE IS SO TALKATIVE. This is my baby. James talks constantly pretty much. I love it. He still repeats almost anything you say to him but conversations are fairly legit. He really understands you and actually can recall a lot of things. If I bring up the zoo he'll talk about all the stuff he saw there "BIIIG turtle! walk walk, *penguin sound* *sleeping sound* otter!" Or he'll talk about something he saw his aunt do on facetime the day before and then proceed to list their 3 chihuahuas names (Pua aka Poo Poo, Kiki, and Pepper). He says more all the time, it's one of his favorite words (usually for food or something fun or funny you just did or said that he would like to continue). He asks for foods by name. Says please and thank you (usually when prompted but occasionally on his own). He can say like everyone's name. Mama and Dada, obviously. "Andpa" for Michael's dad, "Pop pop" for mine. All his grandmas are "Andma" but he also calls Jeanne "Nini" and my mom (whose name is Sandi) "Di Di". His Aunt Shannan is "Stinky" (they play a game and that's just become her name now hahahaa). He says his own version of Joshy and "Djilly" for my brother and sister-in-law. He usually calls his Uncle Kevin dada in pictures (they resemble each other) but always knows his Aunt "Em". He also knows his own name and points to himself and says "James!" He actually frequently does this when meeting people to introduce himself and it's the sweetest. He knows and can say the colors (red, blue, purple, green, orange, yellow, black, and pink). Shapes (circle, oval, square, rectangle, hexagon, star, heart, triangle...probably others). Body parts (head, ears, eyes, nose, mouth, lips, tongue, teeth, hair, neck, elbow, arm, hand, fingers, chest, belly, bebo, butt, leg, knee, foot, toes). So many animals and animal sounds (he started actually saying "elephant" in addition to being able to do its noise and it's adorable). He's getting pretty good at knowing his letters, he's got B, M, D, S, U, I, L, and O completely down and usually also gets (or calls by animal name that starts with it) H, P, R, E, J, N, T. The rest he gets sometimes. I taught him how to hold his finger up and yell "One!" So when I say "How old is James?" that's how he responds. He also counts to 2, ("One, two, one, two....") sometimes 3 but his "Night Night Little Pookie" had a part where they count "One, two, three-It's Me!" So he usually just points to himself and exclaims "Me!" instead of saying 3--and I find it charming as hell. Speaking of books-he has most of his favorites pretty much memorized and can tell you what happens on each page. In his Little Pookie books (by Sandra Boyton) he frequently will do the Little Pookie response parts (like aforementioned "It's me!") James went through a phase where his response to everything was "yeah" (I called him my "anti-toddler") and then one day it switched to frequent no's. Now he usually nods when asked something, but about 40% of the time he'll say no, depending on if it's very objectionable (ie "Can we change your diaper" has like a 99% chance of getting a "no!) But, yeah. He's just chatty. I'm constantly just listening to him babble on and on, sometimes after he wakes up in his crib he just like recaps the previous day essentially (or talks about the zoo, it made quite an impression). He's always going on just long enthusiastic chatty fits. It's so cute and so fun and I'm pretty proud of how good of a talker he is. And he makes me laugh. So it's wins all around.

Favorites: Me and Michael. His grandparents and aunts and uncles. People/friends in general. Dogs (he gets so stoked to see the neighbors dogs or dogs on walks or pictures of dogs...he just really likes dogs). Babies/other kids. Socializing, in general. Going on walks and playing outside. The zoo. Dancing/singing/music (less than he used to, though, which makes me sad). Reading. Playing. . Running and hiding/chasing or being chased. His dinosaurs (especially the mobile above his bed and his stuffed one). His baby doll and all his stuffed animals and toys. Making silly faces/sounds-especially if it's an imitation of us. Making animal sounds. Cuddling up with pillows and/or blankets or whatever he's decided is cuddly. Hair. Feet (particularly smelling them and saying "stinky!".) ATTENTION. Baths. Yogurt, cheese, fruit. Ice cream and chocolate. Batman.

Dislikes: Having his diaper changed (he doesn't mind having his clothes changed anymore! Yay! But diaper oh boy he hates it.) Being held or forced to stay still if he wants to go do things. Being taken from something he wants or somewhere he wants to go. Getting hurt. Not being paid attention to. Being in the car for too long. Most green vegetables, peppers, spicy food, eggs, tomatoes, and whatever he's decided he doesn't like that day *eye roll*. The exam table at the doctor's office.

Concerns: Same as last time-nothing really. Just normal parenting worries about if we're doing a good job and teaching him well and such. 

A Day in the Life: James wakes up around 7 and I go in and get him. He likes to play around a bit before letting me take him out of the crib and sit with him in the rocking chair to take his sleepsack off. He then wants to just sit and play and read books in his room and I eventually have to mention food to get him to go downstairs so I can get him breakfast. He immediately asks for water once he sees his cup and then I make myself toast while making him peanut butter bread (he calls it toast but I don't usually bother toasting it. Also I frequently give him plain bread while I'm getting everything else ready if he's impatient and asking for some) and then putting his yogurt in a bowl with a spoon for him. We eat breakfast, change his diaper (if I haven't already prior to that) and then usually say bye to Michael if it's a week day. James and I play, sometimes we run an errand or go on a walk or to the park or something. If we're not too busy/if he asks for one he may have another snack around 9. Then lunch is at 10:30ish. After lunch I usually change his diaper and we play for the little bit of time there is before nap-where I change his diaper again and put him in his pj's and lay him down around 12. He then will hopefully sleep for about 2 hours while I eat and enjoy my midday time of watching TV/Netflix and doing not much else. After he's up (as long as it's been at least 2 hours--if he wakes up before I leave him in his crib until it's the 2 hour mark) I got and get him and we repeat the reluctant to leave room dance of the morning. I eventually will give him a snack when he is ready, and change his diaper. We play. I probably make dinner. Michael gets home and then we eat around 5:30. Afterwards we play for a little bit and then start our bedtime routine. It's honestly great. I love every day with him.

Something Saturdays (6/22/19)

Well I meant to actually post this week (just a James update but still) but instead I started cramming the book Oh Crap! Potty Training so that's fun lol. The good news is I have actually photographed 2 recipes. The bad news is I haven't edited the photos and who knows when I'll have time. *le sigh*. 

But ANYWAY. Let's recap this week, yes? Father's day was lovely: we served Michael breakfast in bed (which resulted in James eating some of his daddy's breakfast in bed as well) and hung out, went on a walk, tried out James' new strider bike, I picked up dinner for all of us and...yeah. It was a good day. The rest of the week was mostly business as usual, although on Wednesday we went to storytime and James was so sweet and was sharing with the other kids (which, considering he has had very limited interactions with other children was very impressive I thought) and he looked like such a big boy. Then we went to Michael's dad's for dinner. Thursday was mine and Michael's 4 year wedding anniversary so we went out after James had gone to bed (Michael's mom stayed at our house). We got dessert at Twisted Olive first (SO GOOD) and then dinner and a stout for Michael at Royal Docks Brewing Co (meh). Friday I worked later than normal so I got home right at bedtime which stunk but James was so happy to see me which made me extra happy (especially since I'd been snubbed in favor of all 3 grandmas over the previous couple of days). This weekend I'm working again and then we have a church thing tomorrow for our pastor who is retiring. 

Recipes from the blog that I made this week
All-Butter Pie Crust

Movies/TV Talk (assume there'll be spoilers)
Jane the Virgin-Ohhh I'm loving it.

Instagram Lately (a few highlights from this week on Instagram)

Something Saturdays-on a Sunday (6/16/19)

Yepp. I'm doing so terrible at blogging lately that I can't even seem to keep up with my weekly recap posts. I have no excuse-just life is crazy busy and something has to give and that something is usually this blog. I appreciate all of you who are still here! 

Speaking of appreciation: HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!! I know everyone says they have the best dad but James really does <3

Something Saturdays (6/1/19)

I'm sorry I missed last week's update! We've been so busy just going on walks, hanging out with family and each other, getting stuff done, etc. But life is good and we're enjoying this gorgeous weather! I hope you are too <3

Something Saturdays (5/18/19)

So this week has just been THE BEST. Seriously. One of the best (if not THE BEST) weeks of my life. We started off with Mother's Day where Michael brought James to me in bed with a card they'd made together and James just smiled at me and stared at my face while I read it (*sob*) then we all made waffles together as a family. It was so fun and James ended up eating 3/4 of a Belgian waffle with peanut butter all by himself so I'd say he liked the end result. We spent time together and went on a nice long walk and to the park. Then we had takeout from one of my favorite restaurants for dinner. It was awesome. Then Michael took the week off from work so we worked on a bunch of house projects (which is so satisfying) including finally painting our horrendous yellow powder room a much prettier minty green. Michael's brother (who lives in N Carolina) was in town also so he and their sister and mom dropped by to play a bit on Monday, and then after that Michael's dad and stepmom came over for dinner. Wednesday Michael and I got massages (his first) which was great, then lunch at Canton Brewing Co (my first time there) and then the most fun of all we all 3 got to go to our local farmer's market which was so amazing. I bought so much good stuff and James was excited because he got to try free samples and saw lots of doggies. Speaking of animals...my favorite day was Thursday because WE WENT TO THE ZOO. THE ZOO! I love the zoo and James had never been! I prefer the Cleveland Zoo but we live closer to the smaller Akron zoo so we thought it would be a good 1st venture. It was such a beautiful day and we had such a great time. James essentially just skipped his nap and he was still SO happy and pleasant all day (even after we got home). The biggest highlight of the trip were the turtles. He's still talking about them. Friday I had to work (boo) and same today but we're hoping to get a bit more family fun in this weekend. It should be gorgeous out so I hope you're all able to have fun too!

Something Saturdays (5/11/19)

Life is craaazy but in a good way! I grocery shopped and did things on Monday, Tuesday I took James to visit Michael's mom at work (which is the high school we both went to so James was taken around to say hi to almost everyone lol), Wednesday night my cousin Audrey and her fiance' Kylie came over for dinner and stayed and played games after James went to sleep (so fun!) and other than that we've just been enjoying nice weather and getting things done. Today I worked and tomorrow is MOTHER'S DAY! Yayyyy! I'm so excited for my 2nd mother's day and I hope everyone out there has a great day.

Something Saturdays-on Sunday (5/5/19)

Last weekend was a fast but fun time with our friend Christian! His flight on Friday ended up being delayed so my plans for Michael and him to go to Studio Bakery unfortunately fell through-so we just ate some burgers I picked up from Swensons after I got home from work and James went to bed. Saturday the boys ordered pizza for lunch while I worked and then we went to our fave, Table 6, for dinner (and much deliciousness was had). The next morning we had breakfast at Twisted Citrus and then Michael took him to the airport. It was super nice to spend some time with him-and James had so much fun! On Monday I was still feeling bummed about missing Studio Bakery so James and I stopped in and had such a fun time catching up with the owners. James literally oohed at the cakes and macarons and I eventually caved and let the owner/baker Brittany give him a pistachio macaron-and boy oh boy was that a happy James lol. 

So we all got treats and were pleased about it. Thursday we went with Michael so James could see daddy's work and it was super nice and fun. Everyone was pretty excited to see James. Otherwise just lots of playing and fun times for us! 

Yesterday I worked and and then we went too Michael's cousin's gender reveal party (they're having a boy!) and after James went to sleep we went to my close friend (and like...3rd cousin? 2nd cousin once removed? I dunno)'s mom's celebration of life which was bittersweet. So it was a very busy very long day. Today I worked and mostly just tried to keep my head above water-here's hoping I get plenty of sleep tonight!

Something Saturdays (4/27/19)

Right now our friend Christian is visiting us from NY so I'll keep this recap short and sweet:

Easter was fun! James loved all the fun, as usual. The Easter eggs turned out really pretty, too. I'm going to share a post about it soon hopefully! Michael had Monday off which was super nice, then Tuesday we had dinner at his mom's (and after James went to bed I went to my friend Amanda's studio for a girl's night she hosted, so fun!) and Wednesday (she's a teacher and was on spring break) she came over to play with James while I cooked. I worked yesterday (and that's when Christian came in) and...yeah! That's mostly it! Hopefully he has fun this weekend!

OH and-it's this blog's 8 anniversary today! I'm lame and doing nothing but let me just say THANK YOU for being here through these 8 years. The rollercoaster ride of my life + lots of yum yums. The circle of life. 

Something Saturdays (4/20/19)

Michael and I had a lovely brunch together last week, thanks for asking. The rest of the week was pretty cool but the big event was: JAMES HAD ICE CREAM FOR THE FIRST TIME. We took him to a local-ish ice cream place that has a location near us that we like (Handel's, in case you were curious) and he was a big fan. Super happy and pleasant and playful. He had his own baby vanilla cone that he definitely enjoyed but clearly he preferred taking bites of mommy and daddy's chocolate peanut butter ripple ice creams. It was a great time and I loved his little voice exclaiming "ice creaam!"

But let's talk about what we all want to know right now: what are we doing for Easter (if you celebrate--or if you celebrate a different holiday what did you do/are you doing?) Today we're dyeing eggs (I used this methodology for homemade dye). Michael and I loved how Christmas went so much we're replicating the same model for this holiday. We're hosting an open house at our place and our parents will stop in whenever is convenient for them/when James isn't sleeping lol. We're serving:

• Sandwiches (croissants and rolls, turkey, ham, lettuce, tomato, and a variety of cheeses will be available for people to make whatever they want.
• Baked Cheddar Scallion Mashed Potatoes
• Assorted fruits, cheeses, and crackers
• Seriously Good Homemade Coleslaw from Inspired Taste

I'm really looking forward to it! What are your plans?

Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

I made dinner. It was daylight so I quickly snapped some photos while my toddler sat there angrily smacking his lips at me.

Hi. This is my life.

My son is a hungry little hippo who insists upon eating any and all food he sees, especially meatballs because he loves them. So I decided speedy photos were better than none and took these because GOSH DARN IT I OWE YOU ALL A RECIPE. And it's a good one, guys. You're gonna love it.

They're yummy. They're flavorful. They're pretty darn easy (thanks to our lovely friend the slow cooker--I know pressure cookers are like the big thing but don't even talk to me about them because I am TERRIFIED of them so I'll just live with the sweet torture that is the low and slow cooking machine. Luckily-this recipe only cooks for like 2.5 hours!). The meatballs are super tender and delicious and the gravy is creamy and has sour cream in it so you know that equals pure YUM. Just serve them over mashed potatoes or egg noodles and enjoy pure comfort food.

Something Saturdays (4/13/19)

This week has been so lovely-the weather has gotten nice so Michael and I took James to the park twice (his first time!) We're lucky and there's a park across the street from our neighborhood allotment so we're able to just walk over with the stroller and he can swing or we can help him go down the slide. Little man loooves it, and we've been playing outside a lot in general. It's been so so nice. I worked today but tomorrow Michael and I are going to get some brunch together and maybe run an errand while James naps. I can't wait!

PS-I'm planning on having a new recipe for you guys this week! Cross your fingers that I'm able to actually get it written and posted!

Something Saturdays (4/6/19)

This week, as per usual lol, was fairly uneventful. Mostly just James and I time (plus I had a dentist appointment on Tuesday). Today I had the day off and Michael and I did some furniture shopping during James' nap (Michael's mom came over to stay with him). We were able to find an entertainment center we love (under our max budget, yay!) and got some good leads on a new dining room set. Afterwards we picked up food then went home and hung out with Michael's mom, sister, and baby James-enjoying the nice day (woohoo 60's!) It was a great day-I hope your Saturday was just as good!

Something Saturdays (3/30/19)

Alright it's late but I'm getting this post in under the wire!

I realize I suck at blogging these days. I'm sorry. I have no idea if or when it will get better but all I can say is I'm living my life and when I can post I will <3

Now, speaking of life. Last weekend we did a little shopping and also went out to dinner at our favorite Mexican place, Tlaquepaque. James and I hung out and ran some errands Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday I took him to story time at our local library for the first time (it was fun but crazy--and most of the kids were a bit older than him). Today was super fun because our friends Amanda and Brian came over and we always love to see them (and we found out what their baby's sex is! So fun!) Tomorrow we're just going to church and finishing up tax stuff. Fun funnnn.