Christmas Coma

Sorry I haven't made too many posts on the blog lately.  I am overwhelmed/busy/emersed with all of the Christmas craziness.  If you haven't had the opportunity enter our amazon gift code giveaway it is our final giveaway for the year.  With the hectic holidays in full effect I will be taking a hiatus from the blog for a few.  I have 2 excited boys and a colicky 2 month old to take care of. No school makes my day a little intense.   I am looking forward to many new exciting opportunities in the new year.  Thank you for your support throughout the year.

My 2 Picky Boys: The Saga Continues

I swear I have the pickiest boys.  It is really a challenge to get my 3 year old to eat and he is not consistent in his food choices so I never know what he is in the mood to eat.  The second I think we've figured out a new food, he decides he doesn't like it anymore.  It is really frustrating but yogurt has always been an option for him.  My oldest is a great eater but he is very picky about what food it is and the consistency.  If he thinks something looks messy it is no good. He has a very sophisticated palate.  I don't think we helped any with our high brow restaurant food choices.  Lunch is really difficult he expects a 5 star perfect temperature meal in his lunch box.   My youngest who is 3 I have a hard time convincing him to eat meat of any kind.  He really has to be in the mood to eat meat.  Like I said high maintenance picky kids.  I have hopes that my little girl isn't such a picky eater- 3rd times a charm right?

My Ode To The Elf on the Shelf

The Elf on the Shelf, the thorn in my side

Over and over I've asked myself why

With a newborn baby my mind forgets

Where exactly should the Elf sit

I'm running out of ideas I am running out of time

He has to be moved before sunrise

Otherwise the next morning I will only hear

Why is the Elf still sitting here?

Then I must think of a sorry excuse

To why he stayed right where he was

I feel really bad that I wasn't quick enough

To find that darn Elf a new hiding spot

Out of my mouth comes he really likes it there

I really feel like I just don't care

My story fools my child or so I think

Then the questions come pouring in

Did he make it to the north pole?

I hope no one touched him

Did he tell him I was good?

Did he tell him I love him?

Everything is fine I have to explain

Santa knows you were good

(How many days is it now till I have to keep hiding this annoying elf now?)

Then after all questions are answered we go about our day

Until it is bedtime and we are all tucked away

My newborn wakes up mid evening for a feeding

Then it pops into my head that elf wasn't moved

I can't forget again I can't take all the questions

So I rush down with baby mid feeding to hide our elf

So I can go back to sleep if I don't it will nag me all night

Can't wait till I can put the elf away for the year

But I will be in this position at Christmas time again next year

I started what seemed like a fun Christmas tradition

Now I know not to make any more additions

The Pinterest ideas all seem quite clever

Who has the time to do this stuff better

Whole scenes put together

Complete with a laugh

I like to be creative but I don't have the time to craft

It will just have to be good enough that I remembered him at all

And put him in a position that he doesn't fall

Or easily touched by my 3 year old boy

So the magic doesn't fade and my boys get a toy

Stocking Giveaway #2

This giveaway is for a Stocking for a boy Rudolph themed with a Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer stocking that has music.  This prize is valued at $45

a Rafflecopter giveaway ***This giveaway is not affiliated or sponsored by any of the items included in this giveaway.  The winner has one week to claim their prize and all actions will be verified.  This contest is open to US residents only.  

Things to Keep Younger Child Busy on School Days

Having one child in elementary school and a little preschooler at home it has been a different experience.  I love that I have special time with my 3 year old and his personality is really coming out lately.  I know he misses his big brother like crazy while he is at school.  When we go to pick him up he is so excited to see him and always has a toy that he brings to give to him at pick up line if he doesn't fall asleep first.  We have been trying to keep activities going for my youngest to take part in with a playgroup but with this pregnancy it has become increasingly harder to do too much activity.  To tell the honest truth I would be happy to just sit around and hang out but he needs the stimulation so I make the effort.

Splash Pads
Parks
Indoor Playareas
Art Project
Cooking with mom
I also belong to a playgroup which can help break the monotony of day to day. Plus it is a big positive for me to have that adult conversation as well.

Update with 3:

I am lucky if I can get basic needs taken care of yet alone keeping my 3 year old entertained.  Needless to say, we have been enjoying lots more tv than we normally would.  A lot of my day is deciding whose needs are more pressing.  I am going to ease my way back into playdates now.  (6 weeks) So we will see how that goes.  Fortunately, it will be just 2 kiddos with my oldest in school.

A Little Girl

I can't even explain how excited our family is about our little baby girl we are expecting in October.  She is an active, healthy little gal and we are ready for her to be out and a part of our family.  Having 2 boys I know that the experience of having a girl is going to be completely different.  When I think about all of the different things a girl goes through it is a little daunting.  All of the emotions in being a girl and all of the feelings I am sure it is going to be different having a little girl than a little boy.  It will also be super nice to have someone of the same gender in the family of boys.  I am looking forward to all of the girly experience that are available to do.  Princess dresses, dress up, tea parties, dolls, etc so excited.  I think it will also be fun to experience all the girly experience with the boys too.

As I was pacing around the other day trying to calm down my little girl,  I started thinking.  When I was a little girl, the only doll available was a little girl doll.  You wouldn't find a little boy baby doll.  As children I think we are programed to be little mommies to a little girl.  Just makes you think....

One Month Old

I can't believe that it has been a month since my little girl arrived in the world.  I am not going to sugar coat it this month has been pretty rough.  All the attention needed with a new baby and my boys adjusting to mom not being as available as before.  We had a rough start with a Nicu stay and near the end of this month she caught a cold from her big brother.  Complete with coughing, sneezing, and congestion.  We have also seen the appearance of something I am not all surprised about but was hoping to avoid...Colic.  There are a few hours at nighttime when she can't be consoled non stop crying.  It is enough to drive anyone a little crazy.  I always feel so helpless when she is crying, everything I do doesn't seem to help.  Looking forward to the colic making a quick exit.  But unfortunately things don't work out that way.   Thankful and feeling proud that we survived the craziness thus far.

Stocking Giveaway #1

We are giving away a girl themed Frosty the Snowman stocking that has music with push area.  There are Frozen items, Hello Kitty, and little fun stocking stuffers. This prize is valued at $40.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway
*This giveaway is not sponsored or affiliated by any of the items in the stocking.  This giveaway is open to US residents only.  Winner has one week to claim their prize and winners actions will be verified. 

December Amazon Giveaway

Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift code.  This is a monthly giveaway that we do and we are happy to do it.  Thank you for your participation and Good Luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
**This giveaway is not sponsored or affiliated with Amazon.  Winner has one week to claim their prize with a valid email address.  Winner's actions will be verified.  This giveaway is open to US residents only.