i heart mondays!

I've mentioned how I need my Mondays for recovery. I remember getting the Sunday Blues as a child because school was the next day... and when in the work force I dreaded Mondays and work... and now I need Monday to get things back together!

It's definitely the case for today.

Wow- what a loooooooong weekend! It was a time of ups & downs for us... hubby had to work in the mornings on a photo shoot for a project he is working on. It was also my mom's 50th birthday weekend and I was trying to get everything together for that.

Then while I was feeding Gray some vanilla yogurt to help with a small diaper rash, he broke out in horrible hives all over his face & arms. This was not on the agenda today!

I have dealt with hives before with the kids and he wasn't struggling to breathe- he just looked horrible and was itching all over, in his ears and eyes. Praise God we have a store just a mile away where I can get homeopathics. I got that and also talked to our ND (Naturopathic Doctor) on the phone, checked inside Gray's mouth for hives, and didn't have to go to the ER. The hives cleared up quickly and Gray was fine. We just now found out that he & I will have to be dairy-free! Whee!

We did sneak in going to the beach Saturday evening and I think that was my favorite moment of the weekend. So peaceful and we witnessed the most beautiful sunset. I hope to think back and always remember those moments first from this weekend.

Sunday morning before hubby was off to do the next photo shoot, we received a call that the photographer working with him on the project had been killed Saturday night. It was hard to make out all the details as everyone was so upset. He was on his motorcycle and some sort of high-speed car chase was involved, and he was in the way. He was a husband. He was a daddy to a six-year-old boy that was still asleep & unaware when we got the news.

Gosh, as much running around and craziness going on in our house this weekend, this took everything and put it to a screeching halt.

Hubby and I embraced and wanted to make sure we know how much we love each other, how precious life is and things can change in an instant. When the kids woke up they got extra big hugs and sentiments from daddy, even more than usual.

It was a time for remembering, again, just what is important.

Hubby had to go on to work and notify some people; get things figured out for the day. I headed to church with just enough time and worked in the nursery. We had a nice birthday lunch at Olive Garden and then I had to head to Party City to find a couple last minute "Turning 50" things. The weather decided to go from extremely HOT to suddenly cool and the sky transformed all Wizard of Oz-like! People were standing at the doors waiting to go out to their cars because of the torrential rain and hail! I chatted it up with some of the other stranded strangers, they asked about the cool contraption of a sling that I had Gray in, and then the power went out.

So funny that when the power goes out, it causes everyone to freak for just a micro-second. And everyone gets quiet and talks more hushed. Why is that?

But, in just a few minutes the power was back on and all was well. It was still raining outside but letting up a bit. With Gray in the sling and my umbrella in hand (I had spied that sky and knew I might need it) I headed for the van and we made it, quite dry.

We went about the rest of the day driving to & fro to get things done. Finally got our party underway and I think it was a hit.

I could not wait to collapse into bed and did exactly that.

And I was so happy that today was Monday.

One Of Those Days

Yesterday was just one of those days. I just wasn’t feeling like being a mom that day. You really don’t get the option to throw in the towel when you’re a mom… oh I throw many a towel in the washer, but you-know-what-I-mean.

Am I the only one to feel like that ever?

So, it was just one of those days where I couldn’t seem to get anything done, just treading water… clean up one room to find the next room even worse.

The sink’s full already??? I just did the dishes!

You know. One of those days.

Every single sentence out of my boys’ mouths was IN THEIR LOUD VOICE. They kept forgetting- honestly they really did. Even when I asked them two seconds earlier to please talk softer. “I want my dad-deeeeeeey.”

Yes, one of those days.

They wanted to play outside and I thought that would be a perfect opportunity for me to get them out of the house. We step outside and it instantly begins to rain. As if someone out there was just waiting to play a trick on us. Funny because, as it was already one of those days, this was quite okay.

So as the boys were running inside the house I told them to wait- we grabbed our lawn chairs and sat in the garage with the door open, watching the rain come down and mist upon us inside.

It was fun.

We listened to the rain. Noah surmised that it rains because the clouds “can’t hold it anymore” and it stops when “they are empty.”

We watched how the drops bounce off the driveway when they beat against the pavement. We closed our eyes and could tell when a car drove by; hearing the sweeeesh of it driving on the wet road.

I learned to take a step back from my rainy one of those days and actually grab it and live it instead of letting it pass by or be filed under I Had Such A Bad Day. I had such a day of my boys being this young. A day of their LOUD VOICES in my ears. A day I hope I remember because it’s not going to be like this forever.

It was a good one of those days.

Thursday Thirteen: My Favorite Baby Things

Thirteen of My Favorite Things for Baby

1. Robeez! If you know me well, then by now you are aware of my obsession with Robeez baby shoes. No need for socks that won't stay on or "hard soled" shoes that are no good for their feet anyway. They are machine-washable and also have great re-sell value on eBay!
2. Hanna Andersson Baby Zippers! I love the soft, organic cotton. I love that you can wash these hundreds of times and they still look new. I love that they grow with baby from the cuffs at the sleeves and ankles. Gray sleeps only in these zippers! Also, anything from Hanna makes for a great re-sell on eBay, too.
3. eBay! I've gotten some great deals on things for baby, and am able to buy more by reselling what he's outgrown... it's a cycle that helps this stay-at-home mom be resourceful while still dressing my children fashionably!
4. The Baby Safe Feeder -I think this is the best teether ever when you put ice cubes in it! Perfect to occupy baby while at restaurants, too- just take ice from your water glass and put it in the mesh feeder.
5. Babystyle.com - I just love this website and their softest baby pants & tees. Check out their super sales & sign up to get their coupons via email. (And again, you'll almost get back what you pay for when you resell on eBay!)
6. Slings, Slings, Slings! I love my mei tai and my ring slings. My mei tai is from Free Hand Baby Carriers. To get a good ring sling, check out your local LLL for a Maya Wrap or for a really rockin' ring sling, check out Urban Baby Runway's awesome carrier collection.
7. Arbonne Baby Care - I love the hair & body wash, body lotion, & the herbal diaper rash cream works excellent!
8. Bebe Au Lait nursing covers for chic mothers! Nurse discreetly in style- I love mine! With the unique design at the neck, I am still able to nurse and see Gray at the same time. He usually needs to look at me and touch my face while nursing (precious, I know!) and we can do that with Bebe Au Lait's cover! (And you'll see that these are also known as Hooter Hiders and, um, I chose to get the one that says Bebe Au Lait!
9. Newman's Own Organic pretzels - as Gray is starting to eat snacks (still mainly nursing, but he enjoys a pretzel or two here & there!) these pretzels are the best. And you have to buy enough for everyone- not just baby!
10. Heavenly Lullabies CD - you just can't listen to this without feeling so peaceful and calm, and sometimes I'll put it on when I need to relax after baby is asleep! One time I had it playing in the kitchen while I was making dinner and I looked to see Carter asleep with his head on the table! Yes- it's that soothing!
11. AskDrSears.com and the Dr. Sears books - as much as I dislike most parenting books, I find that Dr. Sears has some very helpful & sound information for parents.
12. Friends! (Mark & Xavier to name a couple!) - 'cause every mommy & baby needs a play date once in a while!
13. Brothers! - 'cause I love how our kids love each other and are so helpful and watchful with the baby. I should say that Gray's favorite things has to be his brothers!
    

For other Thursday Thirteeners, check out 5 Minutes For Mom and the comments below.

Wordless Wednesday: i kick it old school

For more Wordless Wednesdays, see comments below and also click here & here.

And here is where you find this rockin' shirt.

His Touch

Last night I was able to escape for a little while to do some shopping with Gray. It was a nice night and a bit of a drive. On the way home Gray was upset. I spent almost the whole way with my right arm stretched back behind me so that I could touch his face. Mommy's here, I would say sweetly, It's okay.

As long as my hand was there, arm reached out behind me almost out of socket, my fingers feeling his soft, warm cheek and a wet tear, he was still and quiet. After a while when I thought he had fallen asleep I tried to take my arm back to normal positioning, but he cried immediately! I reach back again, and instantly he's calm.

I didn't mind. It actually felt good to know that just my hand touching his face made everything all better. He just needed to know that I was near.

I remember moments as a child wanting to be held close by my mom or dad, feeling that security; and even now there is just something about that touch that hubby has when I scoot closer to him during church, or reach over to hold his hand when I am next to him in the car. There is something about a touch.

And many a time I call out to the Lord, just asking for His touch. Sometimes to heal. Most times to just know He's near.

"3 Things" by Grayson

Gray has been tagged by Caleb (his mommy is at Showered with Grace) to do his first meme!

3 Things That Scare Me
-When Daddy roars loud with my brothers
-When Mommy leaves the room (hey, that's my food-source!)
-When I see that blue bulb syringe 'a coming!

3 People That Make Me Laugh
-Carter
-Noah
-Gucci (do dogs count? 'cause she makes me laugh the hardest sometimes.)

3 Things I Love
-Mommy! (I love it that she holds me all the time and lets me sleep next to her, and that she feeds me whenever I am hungry, and that she never lets those nurses poke me EVER!)
-Daddy! (I love it when he rocks me and lets me sleep on him for hours while he plays Xbox, and how he wears me in the sling if Mommy's gone, and how he calls me his Grabey-babey)
-My two big brothers (I just love them and think they are the coolest and funniest people ever!)

3 Things I Hate
-That dreaded blue bulb syringe coming anywhere near me
-Mommy's fingers or tissues coming anywhere near my nose
-Lately I just can't stand to stay still for a diaper change!

3 Things I Don't Understand
-Why I can't touch the dog water when it looks just like what I play with in the bath!? Someone please explain this to me.
-What is this "no" thing all about?
-Why does Mommy freak out all the time when I try to eat paper?

3 Things On My Floor
-Darn, mommy just vacuumed so no more lint. Boo!
-There sure are a lot of shoes and other weird things on the floor under the bed (I share a room with Mommy & Daddy)
-I do have a basket of toys in every room- that's kinda nice.

3 Things I'm Doing Right Now
-I got the phone AGAIN and am dancing to the eh-eh-eh-eh-eh-eh-eh-eh sound it makes when it's off the hook. This is my favorite past-time lately.
-I am waiting for Mommy to come over and stop the eh-eh-eh-eh-eh-eh-eh-eh sound so I can do it all over again.
-I think I am stinking up the joint, but don't tell Mommy- I am not in the mood to stop for a diaper change right now.

3 Things I Want to Do Before I Die
-Oh wow, there's just so much to do still- I would like to walk by myself
-Get free reign with all of big brothers' toys- theirs are always bigger and better than what I have to play with!
-Maybe finally get to splash in that doggy bowl

3 Things I Can Do
-Crawl a mean booty crawl- mighty fast & funny, too
-Make any old lady smile and fuss over me
-Go to the closet and get Mommy to put on the sling- she always knows that's what I want!

3 Ways to Describe My Personality
-Very easy going
-Quite angelic, I must say
-Ok, I'll admit it, I am a rascal!

3 Things I Cannot Do (yet)
-Talk in English
-Walk by myself
-Go for long periods without my Mommy

3 Absolute Favorite Foods
-Breastmilk all the way!
-Kashi cheese crackers
-Newman's pretzels

3 Beverages I Drink Regularly
-Breastmilk all the way!

3 Shows I Watched as a Kid
-What are shows?

Mondays Are Good

Am I the only one that actually looks forward to Mondays? I thought maybe it was a stay-at-home-mom thing, you know, after a busy weekend with everyone in & out, it's nice to have the recovery time on Monday. Get things back in some sort of order (or what at least appears like order.)

~~

So there's a new word on the blog block, courtesy of Valarie who suggested it to Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer.

Mirl (v.)--acronymn for "Meet In Real Life";

description for the transition that occurs when

an on-line acquaintance becomes a friend you have

actually met face-to-face.

~~

I like it! I have "mirled" a few people on-line and it has always been a good experience, sparking a long-time bond. Currently a blossoming friendship has become of a mirl-ing with my friend Ashlee at New Mama's Nest. I'd say things are moving in the right direction to meet up (or mirl) with FlipFlopMamma sooner than later, and I'm seeing great friendships form with my blogfriends O Mama Mia & Working Mom of 1.

~~

I guess it's kinda like online friend shopping, this blogging thing. If only everyone we met in life came with a few writing samples explaining their likes & dislikes and summarizations of their everyday life.

~~

And now I leave you with something plucked from yesterday's message in church- something to think about as you start your week. A headstart to live it to the fullest.

~~

John 10:10b

I came that you may have life, and may have it abundantly.

~~

He did not come to give us a little life. You can read 'little' as a tiny, unimportant life. Or 'little' as in a short life. He came for the sole-purpose of us; He sacrificed His Life so that we could live life to the fullest- that we would have an abundant life. Live your life like it is worth something today. Because it is. He said so.

Attention All Shoppers!

I found a couple great sites and just had to share...

How could I possibly resist the shirt Gray's wearing here???

Check out Urban Baby Runway when you get the chance for cute & original selections for baby & mom! Shipping was super-fast and their customer service is excellent! I must also recommend the karate pants (super soft!!)

And, for nursing moms out there, I found some really stylish nursing tops at Expressiva- they have a big sale going on right now. Use this coupon code (thank you Mothering magazine!) for free shipping: MFEB

I will rave about Expressiva's customer service, too- after I received my order I noticed that all the items I ordered went on sale. They were so awesome to give me a price adjustment. I also needed to exchange a shirt for a different one and I can't believe how fast they did the exchange!! You do have to pay for shipping when sending a return, but the exchanged item ships back for free. I can't wait to see what they offer for fall!

Friends Are Good

Tonight Gray & I were able to escape for a bit with my good friend Ashlee and her little man Xavier. She treated me to Panera (yum) & some good conversation and we treated the other diners to oohs and ahhs and "So cute," "How old?" & "Babies are wonderful!" Then we went together to an LLL meeting where we got in some more good discussion with other moms & babes. Gray is already crazy for Xav, and spent most of the meeting trying to get to him! I just had to snap a pic of these two buds riding together in the back of the car- Gray zonked out right away, and as you can see- Xavier is WIDE awake!

When I got home, I was excited to experience the greeting Daddy gets every day when he gets home from work. The boys actually missed me! When I walked in, Jeff had just put them to bed and I heard Carter say "I want my Mommy." Usually it's "I want my Daddy" or "When's Daddy coming home?" All. Day. Long.

But tonight, what a treat- I went out for a much needed girl-mommy-gray-time and then came home to a family that loves me and misses me when I'm not there, even if it seems sometimes that they are tired of me when I am there day in & day out!

I also had to share the surprise I had the other day on my doorstep from Jess at O Mama Mia - who was so awesomely thoughtful to send me this package when she read my 3 Things post.

I told hubby I am going to mention how I'd love a 2007 Hyundai Entourage or a vacation in Hawaii next.

Wordless Wednesday

I've posted these before... my all-time favorite
summer photos... what it's all about.

Stirring The Pot: What I Want Every Parent To Know

If possible, I'd love to avoid a debate. If anything, I just want this post to make you think and ignite a desire inside you to know more.

I highly recommend you read this entire article without skimming. If you don’t read this article, then please at least read what I’ve copied from the article : Robert Kennedy Jr. Autism, mercury, and politics .

Mounting evidence suggests that Thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative in children's vaccines, may be responsible for the exponential growth of autism, attention deficit disorder, speech delays, and other childhood neurological disorders now epidemic in the United States.

Prior to 1989, American infants generally received three vaccinations (polio, measles-mumps-rubella, and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis). In the early 1990s, public health officials dramatically increased the number of Thimerosal-containing vaccinations without considering the cumulative impact of the mercury load on developing brains.

In a 1991 memo, Dr. Maurice Hilleman, one of the fathers of Merck's vaccination programs, warned his bosses that 6-month-old children administered the shots on schedule would suffer mercury exposures 87 times the government safety standards. He recommended that Thimerosal be discontinued and complained that the US Food and Drug Administration, which has a notoriously close relationship with the pharmaceutical industry, could not be counted on to take appropriate action as its European counterparts had. Merck ignored Hilleman's warning, and for eight years government officials added seven more shots for children containing Thimerosal.

Mercury is a known brain poison, and autism rates began rising dramatically in children who were administered the new vaccine regimens. A decade ago the American Academy of Pediatrics estimated the autism rate among American children to be 1 in 2,500. Today, the CDC places the rate at 1 in 166, or 1 in 80 boys. Additionally, one in six children is now diagnosed with a related neurological disorder.

These are the facts: In 1985, children were vaccinated for seven diseases. Now, that number is 16. That means children now endure about 37 separate vaccination encounters.

Why it’s personal with me: Carter had known reactions within 24 hours of vaccinations at age 6 and 12 months. One time ending up in the ER. I have no idea why back then I did not look into this further, but I was still in the “I’ll trust my doctor and not my own instincts” mode. Noah was always sick as a baby so I can’t even track if his chronic illnesses and gut issues were vaccine reactions specifically. He has dealt with a neurological disorder for almost 3 years now, though, that still remains “unexplained.” We have since met other kids like Noah whose neurological disorders started the day of or close after a vaccination.

What's all the fuss if they've practically (not completely!) removed thimerosol from all vaccines? Well, if they had it in there before and knew it was bad, what else will they put in there? If they've been so secret about the mercury, what else are they keeping secrets about? See the CDC's (Center For Disease Control's) listing of what's really still in vaccines here.

I obviously can not stress enough how important it is for parents to at least be aware of this information.

Do not feel condemned by me or defensive if you go about things differently than I do. It will not make me think any differently of you. I credit our personal experience with why I feel so strongly on this issue.

I will be happy if every parent is informed, and if I ask You or your doctor “what’s in this shot?” I hope I do not hear “I’m not sure.”

I would hope if someone offered your baby a drink out of a bottle of mystery-juice that you would ask what was in it before you let your baby drink it. I am sure most parents would. Why is it any different with something you actually inject into a child’s body?

When we all are informed, aware, and concerned, then good changes can start happening- like possibly safer vaccines without harmful ingredients. Until then, why shouldn’t they just continue giving babies shots with the formaldehyde, aluminum, and thimerosol if no one’s complaining?

If all vaccines are for your child’s well-being and not meant for any profit, then why would there be a need to have an advertisement for vaccines in Baby Talk, Parents, American Baby, & Parenting magazines?

Doctors are human. They can be helpful. They are not God. They do not know everything and it is definitely possible for them to make mistakes regarding your child. In the end, only you as the parent are the one held accountable.

Before you jump to judge me or comment, “what if my child gets the measles, chicken pox, and how do they go to school without their shots?” I recommend you visit the National Vaccine Information Center website. Go to your local library & check out some helpful books like The Vaccine Guide: Risks and Benefits for Children and Adults by Randall Neustaedter. Or Neil Miller’s Vaccines: Are They Really Safe & Effective? Or Evidence of Harm by David Kirby. Or What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Vaccinations by Stephanie Cave.

Check out The World Association For Vaccine Education website for many helpful resources regarding vaccine information.

I highly recommend you find a copy of Dr. Sherry Tenpenny's DVD Vaccines: The Risks, The Benefits, The Choices. Buy it if you can- it's worth it!

I have done my research. I know the statistics about all the diseases. I know about the recent chicken pox outbreaks and mumps outbreak... and I also know that the majority of people affected were vaccinated.

Read the news. This topic’s all the rage lately- on the news, on the web, in your paper. Stay informed and up-to-date on this important information. Do not choose this controversial topic to be the one you to which you say, “Ignorance is bliss.”

The Great Week End

I am having a great weekend. Hubby's been home to help with the kids and even made breakfast both mornings! Yesterday I found myself in bliss while I browsed the clearance clothes at Target without a cart and without two mischevious (altho mighty adorable) rascals and a baby. The highlight of my weekend!

So, today we are about to head out to a pool party and then tomorrow it's back to reality: back to what's for lunch? what's for dinner?, lots & lots of laundry, and a clean kitchen for me. Some people face housework, kids, and errands as their work tomorrow. Others face deadlines, grumpy bosses, and inter-office gossip. Click here to start your work week off with a good I-can-totally-relate laugh... and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Would You Like A Piece?

Noah: Carter, would you like a piece of quiet or loud?

Carter: I want a piece of quiet (said with grumpy frown face.)

After a few seconds...

Carter: Ok, I'll have a piece of loud now!

Have Fun Friday

I am off to a playdate at Lori's!

So, have fun today and take this quiz to see your granola factor, and go here if you haven't already to see what your new name will be according to Captain Underpants And the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants.

Click here & here for a couple words of wisdom, too.

All Shapes & Sizes

Grayson really is our peanut. I hear comments all the time about how small he is and most people think he's younger than 9 months old. Every single time we go for his check-ups at the doctor, he'll be weighed and get his height and head measured. Then a minute or so later the nurse will come back in and say, "let me measure that head one more time... to be sure." This last time I just jumped in when they measured him the first time and said, yes he has a small head! He is in the 3rd percentile in head size!

If you see him in person, he really is the cutest little peanut and proportionate & all. He just runs small! We all come in many shapes and sizes.

I decided to go back in my other boys' baby books and check their head sizes. Wow! Gray's head right now at 9 months old is 16.8 inches. Carter's head AT BIRTH was