Thursday, January 31, 2013

Emerson's 13 Month Update

Emerson, 13 months 

Weight: 19 lbs (skinny Minnie!)

Height: 30 inches

Clothing: Mostly 12 month, occasionally 18 month pants and 9 month shirts. 

Sleep: Still 12-13 hours a night, and 1-2 naps per day. No complaints from mama! 

 
Disposition: Happy 99.5% of the day :)


Vocabulary: Up to 27 words now! Favorites are "Mama" and "No." New ones are Bowl, Whoa, and Waffle (which sounds more like Wa-Wa, but at least she knows what it means?)

Mode of transportation: As of this week, has completely given up crawling and is now walking everywhere. Still hates to fall down.

Favorite Toys: Her "Choo Choo" and Tupperware


Favorite Distraction: Disney Junior

Favorite App: The free piano one on my Kindle Fire. She's basically Beethoven on that thing.

Favorite thing on the planet: Her "baby" (See below). She has 4 of them, but we only give her one so that we can wash the others and stash them in covert places. 


Status: Still one of the greatest babies ever in the history of babies (biased much?)

Friday, January 25, 2013

Emerson's Shenanigans


So now we know that while I'm at work and Emerson is at daycare she:

1) Eats snow with a spoon
2) Spills things
3) Misses her mama and looks around the corner to find her at the mention of her name

How could I love her any more than I already do?!?!

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Observations

Despite having a three-day weekend, it didn't feel long enough to accomplish my Mt. Everest-sized to-do list. However, lucky for you all I have made some truly fascinating observations in my time "off.":

If a house is in a perfect location, at a great price, is completely updated, but yet has been sold on average every 18 months for the last 8 years, what are the chances that it's not all kinds of haunted? Slim to none right?!?! Pass.

Selling a house is expensive. And time consuming. Don't do it unless you have to. And even then, do you really have to???

This yum-yum sauce recipe can make ANY homemade dish taste like a Hibachi Chef whipped it up special for you just this afternoon. Right now I am dreaming about my healthy Quinoa Fried Rice for lunch, which will be negated by the cup of sauce I'll put on top. The quinoa is for me, the mayo-based sauce is for the baby. Gotta fatten her up!

The Bachelor is so great this season. Not because it's super exciting or dramatic, but I just think Sean is the real deal. He kicked off the girl whose occupation is "Model" and has already proven himself to be 1765 times the man that Ben was. Word.

My husband still hates The Bachelor. And we only have one TV in the house right now. Sorry I'm not sorry?


98 Degrees, New Kids on the Block, and Boyz II Men are headlining a tour this summer called "The Package." I can't even... 

My daughter is the greatest thing in the entire world. Nothing compares to the love you have for your child. Nothing. 

Friday, January 18, 2013

Loving, Laughing, Listening

Happy Friday!!!

LOVING.... 

The cute flats I got at the greatest place on Earth for $7.48. Who cares if it's 28 degrees out? My shoes are purple! I can do anything!!!! 


These delicious recipes from Pinterest. I've been eating this soup for lunch all week, and the Smudgies.... don't even get me started.


Source: fitsugar.com via Audra on Pinterest



That I get to have brunch with my girlfriends on Sunday. I'll bring the waffles and the bad jokes, the rest is up to you girls! :)



LISTENING... 

...to the Pitch Perfect soundtrack. Not only is this my new favorite movie, but Anna Kendrick is my new girl crush. (Don't worry Emma Stone, I haven't forgotten about you). But seriously, watch her on David Letterman and tell me she's not my long lost sister-friend?




LAUGHING...

.....at these hilarious memes:

Source: imgfave.com via Heather on Pinterest


I'm sorry, this never gets old or un-funny 


Zebras aren't cute and cuddly, they're terrifying.



Yep.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Tuesday Topics Link-Up

Though I'm a little late on this bandwagon, I'm joining up with Tiffany's 'Tuesday Topics' link-up this week. Because even though I have zero free time, somehow each week I find a way to squeeze in some tube. And since I know you are all DYING to see what I'm watching, here we go!


Revenge


I don't know what I love most about this show, the drama or the fashion. If I could have one day in Emily Thorne's closet, it would be a dream come true. But seriously, if you're not on the Revenge bandwagon yet, and you have a uterus, what the hell is wrong with you? It's the perfect combination of sophistication and guilty pleasure.

The Bachelor


Oh The Bachelor series. I just can't quit you. I loathe reality TV. Despise it. I think all the Teen Moms and Kardashians and Real Housewives should be placed on a deserted island, never to been seen or heard from again. But for some reason, I am glued to the TV during Bachelor season, and I don't see it stopping anytime soon. My vices are coffee and Bachelor. I feel like it's fine.

Nashville


The newest addition to my TV show roster. I don't even like country music and I LOVE this show. It's scandalous and and juicy and again, if you have a uterus I'm confused as to why it's not on your DVR.
Modern Family


The funniest show on TV. Hands down. I feel like if Claire and Phil had had another baby 28 years ago, it would be me. I am obviously their lost lost child, because I'm the perfect combination of awkward and controlling that would befit an older child of theirs. If you don't like Modern Family, you don't like humor. Sucks to be you.

Top Chef 


 I don't even recognize half of the ingredients these chefs use, but it's a great show that always makes me hungry and makes me want to cook something fabulous for dinner. Like spaghetti or grilled cheese.

Parks & Recreation


Sometimes I laugh so hard at this show that I cry. Leslie Knope for President, 2016.
The Office


I am ready for this show to be over (it's in it's last season) but I will miss seeing Jim Halpert every week.

Parenthood

 
We are late to the game on this, but Jon and I have been catching up on this show through Netflix. We're almost through Season 2. It's wholesome family entertainment without being *too* wholesome, if that makes sense. And I love the idea of a family being all so close. I hope Emerson, her sister, and any future babies will always live within an hour of us. Wishful thinking? Talk to me again after their teen years.


Any other shows that I need to add to the DVR? There's not much room, but I'm willing to accept one more contestant.

Monday, January 14, 2013

And the countdown begins...

Holy balls.

After a great meeting with a realtor last night, it's been decided. 

Our house will be on the market on February 6th. 

GULP. 

I am running on zero minutes sleep because I was up all night thinking of what I need to accomplish in the next 3 weeks. The list is long. Very long.

Did I mention I'm 23 weeks pregnant, and I have a 1 year old?!?

I feel like Rosie the Riveter right now. I am motivated. I am strong. I can DO THIS.

Please forgive me if I cry 1,000 stress tears over the next 3 months. 


I found this helpful Chutes and Ladders-type How-To, but if any of my pals out there have done this before, I welcome any tips! 




Why does actually selling a house feel more adult than the process of buying one?? When will I accept that I'm an adult I wonder? I digress.



Wednesday, January 9, 2013

12 Months

Emerson Elizabeth,

Do you care to explain yourself????? Tell me how you've gone from this:

To THIS in just 12 short months.

It's enough to make my heart swell and ache and cry and laugh all at the same time.

You've gone from a tiny baby who only eats, sleeps and poops to an independent toddler who eats, sleeps and poops, but also does a bunch of other things.

As I sit here taking stock of everything you're doing, I try to think about what life was like 12 months ago. I hope more memories come back to me (good thing I blog, right?!) but I was so tired and confused and anxious that I feel I did what everyone told me not to do. The time went by so fast, and I worry that I didn't appreciate it enough.


But what I do know is that after all the new parent worries and sleep deprivation have subsided, I love, Love, LOVE every single moment I spend with you. You are such a joy. I could just watch your little mind work all day. You're always interested in something, always investigating, and always smiling. You melt my heart on a minute to minute basis.


You have been so busy this month! Um, you walk and talk. You're like a person.





You can say 22 words. TWENTY-TWO. I looked it up online, and the internet said you were supposed to be able to say 3 words by now. So naturally, I've done what any parent would do and concluded that you are, in fact, a genius. Even though you dazzle me with your amazing vocabulary, when I walk into the room and you throw your arms up and say "Mama!" I never want you to say another word ever, because what other word could compare to the sheer recognition of knowing you know me and love me and want me around all the time? I'm sure that won't last forever, so I am soaking it in for as long as I can. I cringe for the day when you call me "Mo-om" and roll your eyes. Ugh. Might as well stab me when that happens.
 
Your absolute FAVORITE thing on the planet right now is brushing your teeth. Oh goodness gracious, we can't even go near the bathroom without you pointing to your mouth and going "Teeth! Teeth!" We brushed them 5 times one day. That's your personal record. I mean, it's not like it's a bad habit or anything, but still... you're like the anti-child. If you didn't hate getting your hands and face wiped, I'd be convinced you were an adult trapped in a baby's body. And what a tiny body that is! You can still wear your 9 month PJs. Your legs and torso are so long, but you still have that adorable, squishy baby belly that is just too cute for words.
 

You're still a great eater. Though I was worried for awhile there that one could overdose on Cheerios, you still eat your vegetables, which makes me happy. And you love milk. Since I drank a gallon of milk every other day while pregnant with you, I blame myself for this. Now I find it revolting, so your baby sister will probably hate it and there we go. I'm instilling sibling rivalry already. The only thing you don't seem to love is meat. Chicken = yucky. But the other day you ate bacon, which was weird and cute because I kept thinking about your cute pig toy upstairs and I had a Carnivore's Dilemma on my hands.


You're so much fun. SO MUCH. I want to hang out with you all the time. Good thing because I'm your mom. You also love hanging out with other people too. Look at you loving Aunt Jeanie and helping Aunt Kenny with our furniture shopping. I hope you always like people. Except for bad people. Those people can stay as far away from you as possible.


Those are the last of my monthly stickers (see below for when you peeled off both your hair bow and your sticker at the same time). You are officially no longer an infant. You're a toddler. I have a toddler. If you weren't so cute and fun, I would be sad, but I just LOVE this stage with you. Knock on wood, your temperament is still just amazing. You just get these bursts of joy and happiness, and I feel so validated in my life, because in some way, between nature and nurture, I am cultivating this little person who loves life. That's all that I want for you.

 

Thank you baby girl for giving me the best 12 months of my life.

Love,

Mama









Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Why are textbooks so expensive?!?

I know I've mentioned this before, but my husband is in school to get his MBA. Why? Well, because his employer pays for a good chunk of it and also because while a Master's degree in Architecture may sound fancy, it doesn't automatically generate a six-figure salary these days. Or ever.

He takes about 2 classes per semester (any more than that and we'd lose our minds) so it'll take him about 3 years total to finish it. He's not in a huge hurry to be done, but I know there are many nights when he wishes he could just be home with his girls instead of sitting in class for 3.5 hours. But it'll all be worth it in the end I think.

When he first started classes, I was downright SHOCKED at the cost of his textbooks. I must have put a black cloud of amnesia over this part of memory, but I swear back in my day (2002-2006 and then 2006-2008) textbooks were not this expensive. He had one book last semester that was three hundred and fifty dollars. (I write it out this way so you can grasp the magnitude). ONE BOOK. $350?!? That's like 54 Chipotle burritos. It's a travesty I tell you!

That's why it came as such a huge relief when we (I) discovered CampusBookRentals.com. Every semester, I order Jon's books through this nifty website, and bam! We save hundreds (literally hundreds) of dollars every semester on books that he would have no intention of keeping. (I mean, come on, when was the last time you kicked your feet up on your couch and said "Gee, I really feel like cozying up with a good book on Macroeconomics today!" Didn't think so.)

CampusBookRentals.com offers:
- 40-90% off of bookstore prices (seriously, such a good deal!)
- free shipping both ways (no paying extortionate shipping fees)
- the ability to highlight in the textbooks (remember how you would try to sell your books back and if it had a single pen mark your $200 book was marked down to $5?)
- flexible renting periods (this is perfect if you only need the book for part of the semester
- The company donates to Operation Smile with each textbook rented

Check this out: You could buy this textbook for the bargain price of $249 OR you could save your money and rent it for an entire semester (with free shipping) for $17.04. I know it's a tough decision but... come on.

If you, someone you know, someone you love, or someone you want to impress is in college, you have to tell them about this website!

And my lesson for the day: Saving money good. Wasting money bad. See? I learned something in college after all.


* I received a giftcard to use on CampusBookRentals.com for my testimony, but all thoughts and opinions are my own, as we've been a customer of theirs for 2 years now and are huge fans! *
 

Monday, January 7, 2013

My newest obsession

I think I've mentioned this a few times before, but we are looking to sell our house this year. It's a lovely home that was perfect for us back in 2008 when we were childless and Jon was working downtown, but our entire lives have changed since then. The 3 bedrooms, all wood floors, and convenient access to downtown have completely lost their appeal. I want more space, more carpet, an extra bedroom, a big backyard, and to get as far away from downtown as possible.

Initially, we were going to wait until May to list the house, but, um, well, I'm gonna be kinda busy that month, ya know giving birth to a human and all. When we found out we were pregnant I was all like "Cool! Let's sell our house and buy a new one and move in and decorate it in the next 9 months! It can be done, yay!!!!!

There must have still been some residual caffeine in my system, because here I sit, sipping my decaf at 22 weeks pregnant thinking how in the fuggity fudge are we going to make this work??

No, it wouldn't be a deal breaker if we had to stay in our house. But it just feels like the walls are closing in on me. It got so much smaller once Emerson (and her toys) moved in, so I can't imagine living there with two babies.

Though we bought our house right before the economy went to shit (of course), we bought a "project" house that we have since renovated. Every single room has been updated in some way, some more than others. Though it's definitely not a seller's market, between the updates we've made, the school district we're in, and the lack of inventory in our area, I (foolishly?) think that we'll be able to sell our house in a reasonable amount of time. I can say without a doubt that we are selling a MUCH better house than the one we bought. I could kick myself for not taking more before/after pictures, because we have put so much time, sweat, blood and tears into that place and I want to show it off.

I am actually less worried about selling than I am about selling and buying a new house before the new baby comes. I am sure it's ridiculous to think that this will all work out, but that's just how I function. When I want something done, I do it. I can't control who if anyone will buy our house, but I can control everything else. And believe me I am trying to. I'm a mom. Control is my life.

Since I have a kicking time bomb (not a typo), I have become OBSESSED with home staging and HGTV (even more than usual). I am trying to de-clutter, de-personalize and re-organize to make people walk into the house and think "Hot Damn! Give me a pen so I can give these people top dollar today!"

The room I'm struggling with most is our kitchen. It's so boring. We've updated the appliances, put tile behind the stove, added a new light fixture, painted the walls, doors and trim, and added knobs and pulls to all the cabinets, but it still seems dull. We didn't want to pay to update the countertops, but I'm just not sure what we can do to make this room look a little more exciting. I've been scouring Pinterest looking for ideas, but only seem to find good ideas for our potential new house, and not our current one.


 

So other than tidying up a bit, what can I do to make this kitchen better? I'm calling all you good decorators and stagers out there! 

I don't want to spend much more money, but HGTV tells me that kitchens and baths sell homes, so I don't want to skimp on this. Help me.

Friday, January 4, 2013

That's Funny Friday

It's Friday! 

Seriously, who doesn't love Fridays??? Ironically, I go to bed earlier on Friday night than probably any other night, though I can't figure out why. Am I the only one?

Anywhoo, here's what is making me laugh today:

I love Kristen Bell, and I just saw her "Sloth Meltdown" and couldn't stop laughing. She's so cute... and also crazy.


Am I right?
Source: ifunny.mobi via Natalie on Pinterest




You've been warned...








Trust me... 


That's why it's called ugly crying 

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

130 days...


I have 130 days to:

  • Learn how to parent 2 children under the age of 2
  • Control my weight gain (no more Christmas cookies, ever)
  • Decide on the perfect name for our baby girl (taking suggestions now, but if you read about how many criteria I have, you'll see I'm certifiably nuts)
  • Snuggle my sweet Emerson and soak in the last moments of her as an "only" child
  • Psyche myself up for giving birth again. Well, the recovery afterward at least. THAT was a picnic I would rather not re-visit.
  • Take my glucose test. BARF. 
  • Take a babymoon weekend with Jon
  • Sell our house
  • Buy a new house
  • Decorate a new nursery
  • Enjoy my sleep while I can
  • Pray that new baby is as good of a sleeper as Emerson
Can I do it?!?!?!