So whats been going on? The days are flying by, the boys are growing up, every week feels so busy and crazy! But everything is really really good. Here is just a quick update, again so I have something to look back on and remember this season of life.
-I'll start with me. I just finished my first true year of real estate and I am proud to say it was better than I could have ever imagined. Goal that was given to me from my team was for 15 homes. That's because 15 homes means winning one of the big awards in real estate. I agreed to strive for that but had no faith it would actually happen. Personally I was set on 5. I would be happy if I sold 5 homes. Well guess what, I sold 15! What?! I can't believe I actually hit that goal in my very first year. I am super super proud. And what makes it even better, I really like the job. Its hard work and I bust my butt to make it happen, but I am happy! And I feel like I found something I am good at, that I like, and I am making money to contribute to our families goals.
- Mike is next. Career wise there were not major changes this year. He works so hard all the time. An average day he leaves the house around 6-6:30am and gets home between 6:30-7pm. And that is not when he is traveling all over the place. He is normally out of state 1-2 weeks a month. During busy season he was gone every other week, but we have been lucky the last 2 months have been quieter. But we think this upcoming year will be a a big transition for his career. He has put 2 years into this position and his hopefully going to get promoted to a DM (that is the goal). If anything major happens, I am sure I will be back to talk about it.
- Ryan and Patrick are in full blown activity and sports mode. They both play baseball and soccer in the Spring and Fall, Ryan did the swim team in the summer at the Country Club and is doing basketball in the Winter. Patrick is doing a Star club through our church. They sure do keep me busy. But at one point in the Spring when life felt chaotic, Mike and I discussed dropping some activities, but we realized being part of these teams, and having a Saturday full of sports games was actually one of our favorite parts of the week. He loves spending the time as a family, the boys were so happy playing, we were in a great network of friends. Somehow the crazy wild schedule was our happy place.
- Ryan is in 2nd grade. He loves science, marine life, animals, outer space and all things non fiction. He doesn't love ready, writing, spelling quite as much but he is getting there. I am grateful that he still loves going to school, has a great teacher Mrs. Thomas, and lots of good buddies in school. At home he is loud and rambunctious but also loving and helpful. He loves to make us happy. From the minute his eyes open til the second he goes to sleep at night he is on the move. Drawing, creating new inventions, making obstacle courses to be a Ninja Warrior, playing sports, hanging with the kids in the neighborhood... Ryan goes non stop. He still has some struggles with focus, paying attention to one topic at a time, understanding personal space (like running and jumping on someones back to give them a hug isn't always appropriate, who knew). But he is still a kind, sensitive, emotional, sweet boy.
-Patrick is in his last year of preschool. He goes 5 full days this year, and he loves it. He is funny, and spirited, and knows how to make people laugh. He loves following in Ryan's footsteps. Most of his days are spent wondering what Ryan is doing and trying to do it too. He also loves playing outside and creating new games, but he can also be my cuddling cough potato. When he plays Mario Kart video games, he bounces and jumps the entire time, like a jumping bean. Currently his favorite things are The Greatest Showman, Mario Kart, super heros, and unfortunately silly YouTube videos (the annoying ones of kids playing with toys). And just like Ryan, Patrick is obsessed with "his baby" Thomas. Both big kids love love love on Thomas.
- We have met a good group of friends. Between the neighborhood, my work, and the kids sports we finally feel like we have a great system of friends that we enjoy spending time with and that have kids that get along with our boys. It was strange to feel like the new and lonely person living in a town I have lived in my whole life, but finally its feels nice to have some great people around us.
-Daily life in our house is loud. A lot of wrestling. A lot of "he hit me". A lot of running, jumping, throwing, climbing. A lot of fighting. A lot of singing and dance parties. But at the end of the day, Ryan and Patrick cuddle up together in their bedroom to sleep because neither can go to bed at night without the other.
-This year we have some big goals. Mike and I are going to St. Lucia for our 10 year anniversary trip. We are also taking the boys on an Alaska Cruise in September. Hopefully Mike will have some big moves in his job and I will keep growing mine. But on a smaller level I hope to start getting back in shape, maybe start running again. I wan us to get more involved in our church since we finally found a place we really like.
Ryan is going to take some personal training for baseball since he really loves to play and the talent around here is so so good. We hope for Patrick to learn how to ride a bike and how to swim on his own.
I want to read 16 books in 2019. I hope to get both boys overnight potty trained (we still have night time accident issues). I want to live more in the moment... leave the dishes for later, and cuddle on the couch if they ask. Play the game they want to play. Go outside when they ask me to come. I am well aware that they won't ask for "one more hug" forever, so help slow down time by being present.
Even though many days I feel overwhelmed, and overloaded in to-do lists.... life right now is so good. I am happy and blessed and really enjoying this season of life!
The Taynors
Thursday, January 10, 2019
Thomas is One! (Written at 18 months)
Wow- this takes the record in my most delayed post. I am a full 6 months late on Thomas's one year birthday update. Life has been wild! All good but just wild. So unfortunately this blog has been put on a back burner - way in the back where I can barely even find it. But because looking back on these memories and stories is important to me, I am going to do my best to recap what Thomas was like when he turned one. And if nothing else I can update on my 18 month old version of him :)
Some of the facts (again written as if he was exactly one)-
- Still not sleeping through the night. Gets up once or twice a night to eat but will go back to sleep.
- Not walking yet, but cruising and crawling all over.
- Still exclusively nursing. He loves nursing and shows no signs of giving up.
-Thomas spends most of his days hanging out and going along for the ride with his brothers. Most days are on a sports field or on a play date or driving around to Ryan and Patrick's activities.
- His actual first birthday, and our 9 year anniversary, was spent on the little league fields because both Ryan and Patrick had their last baseball game of the season.
- Thomas is tiny. He measures in at about 5-10% in height and weight. Only thing large is his head at 75%
-Baby Thomas is a twin of Patrick at this age.
-He is still so sweet, and cuddly, and laid back. And boy does he love his Mama!
- Not really talking yet, just a bunch of rambling, but not much talking.
We threw Thomas a big first birthday party. I always wanted a summer baby so we could celebrate with a big backyard party. And that is exactly what we did. It was surfer dude themed, and it was one of the hottest days of the summer. But we had a TON of fun. Lots of family and friends from all areas of life came to celebrate and party.
An update on when some of the major milestones took place-
-Started walking- 14 months
-Started sleeping through the night- 14 months
-Slowly weened and eventually stopped nursing completely between 15-16 months
And now at 18 months this is how I see him-
-Loving on Mickey Mouse! The show, toys, his hot dog song. He has entered Mickey obsessed.
-He also loves dogs. Of "woof woofs" as he says.
- He loves loves loves to snuggle. I think his favorite part of the day is when he comes in my bed in the morning for cuddle time before we start our day.
- He wants desperately to keep up with his big brothers. Whatever they do, he does.
- He is determined and active- climbs up the outside of the staircase, up onto the kitchen table, moves couch cushions to climb up like a mountain, our of his high chair up onto the island. Boy had no fear.
-He is strongly independent. Wants to dress himself, go down the stairs himself, put his shoes on himself. And gets frustrated when he can't keep up.
-Thomas loves to eat. Some favorites are meatballs, yogurt, bananas, peas, all fruit, cereal bars. He also must use a fork or spoon if everyone around him is using one.
-He generally takes one good nap a day from 11:30-1:30. Works well with Patrick's school schedule.
- His dance moves are great! He loves music, the piano, drums, and singing.
-He has quite the arm. Loves to play catch with anyone willing to play.
-When we are at home, Thomas is a pretty chill easy going kid. Out in public is a challenge because he wants to touch everyone, explore, run away, and be a free spirit. This fall we had to stop taking him to his brothers soccer games because we couldn't keep him off the field!
-And lastly Thomas gives the biggest, tightest, best hugs.
My boy Thomas is truly a blessing from God. I am incredibly thankful to have this little boy in our world!
Some of the facts (again written as if he was exactly one)-
- Still not sleeping through the night. Gets up once or twice a night to eat but will go back to sleep.
- Not walking yet, but cruising and crawling all over.
- Still exclusively nursing. He loves nursing and shows no signs of giving up.
-Thomas spends most of his days hanging out and going along for the ride with his brothers. Most days are on a sports field or on a play date or driving around to Ryan and Patrick's activities.
- His actual first birthday, and our 9 year anniversary, was spent on the little league fields because both Ryan and Patrick had their last baseball game of the season.
- Thomas is tiny. He measures in at about 5-10% in height and weight. Only thing large is his head at 75%
-Baby Thomas is a twin of Patrick at this age.
-He is still so sweet, and cuddly, and laid back. And boy does he love his Mama!
- Not really talking yet, just a bunch of rambling, but not much talking.
We threw Thomas a big first birthday party. I always wanted a summer baby so we could celebrate with a big backyard party. And that is exactly what we did. It was surfer dude themed, and it was one of the hottest days of the summer. But we had a TON of fun. Lots of family and friends from all areas of life came to celebrate and party.
An update on when some of the major milestones took place-
-Started walking- 14 months
-Started sleeping through the night- 14 months
-Slowly weened and eventually stopped nursing completely between 15-16 months
And now at 18 months this is how I see him-
-Loving on Mickey Mouse! The show, toys, his hot dog song. He has entered Mickey obsessed.
-He also loves dogs. Of "woof woofs" as he says.
- He loves loves loves to snuggle. I think his favorite part of the day is when he comes in my bed in the morning for cuddle time before we start our day.
- He wants desperately to keep up with his big brothers. Whatever they do, he does.
- He is determined and active- climbs up the outside of the staircase, up onto the kitchen table, moves couch cushions to climb up like a mountain, our of his high chair up onto the island. Boy had no fear.
-He is strongly independent. Wants to dress himself, go down the stairs himself, put his shoes on himself. And gets frustrated when he can't keep up.
-Thomas loves to eat. Some favorites are meatballs, yogurt, bananas, peas, all fruit, cereal bars. He also must use a fork or spoon if everyone around him is using one.
-He generally takes one good nap a day from 11:30-1:30. Works well with Patrick's school schedule.
- His dance moves are great! He loves music, the piano, drums, and singing.
-He has quite the arm. Loves to play catch with anyone willing to play.
-When we are at home, Thomas is a pretty chill easy going kid. Out in public is a challenge because he wants to touch everyone, explore, run away, and be a free spirit. This fall we had to stop taking him to his brothers soccer games because we couldn't keep him off the field!
-And lastly Thomas gives the biggest, tightest, best hugs.
My boy Thomas is truly a blessing from God. I am incredibly thankful to have this little boy in our world!
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
10 months of sweetness
I am only days away from his 11 month milestone so we can wrap two months into one again. I can not believe I will only have a "baby for another 5 weeks"- let the tears begin. It is soooo bitter sweet.
-Thomas is very independent, and I probably give him much more freedom than I gave the others. He crawls quickly, goes from room to room exploring, and loves the change of scenery.
- He is starting to pull himself up on his knees, but no interest in standing or walking as of right now.
-Big news is as of this week, we FINALLY put the rock n play away. He started sleeping in his crib over night consistently at about the 9 month mark, and this week I finally got in him the crib for naps too!! There are some tears at nap time as he tries to work it out and get settled, but its normally not bad and he settles to sleep.
-Overnight is still pretty rocky. Last night he was up at 10:30 again at 2:30 and then up for the day by 5am. But we have had a few positive nights with longer stretches and just 1 wake up. I feel like we are very slowly making progress.
-In other big news, he did sleep through the night 1 night! It finally happened! After 10 months 5 days, we had our first full night of sleep. It was our first in Disney World and he was super tired from traveling. I was afraid it would have the opposite effect, but on this occasion it was great. He went to be at about 8:30pm and stayed asleep til 6am! Whoooo Hooooo! So exciting. It only happened that one night, it went back to normal the next night, but it was refreshing to know it can happen.
-Perfect time to talk about Thomas's first big vacation! We went to Disney World this month, and it was pretty awesome! Thomas was a good sport. He went along with all of our daily activities, napped in the stroller, nursed around the parks, and slept in the pack n play all just fine. His big brothers had an amazing time!
-Thomas has become quite the momma's boy. He wants me, and only me, all of the time. If I walk in the room and don't pay him attention, he gets angry, really angry. He wants mommy to hold him, snuggle with him, play with him at all times. Apparently when I am out of site, he is totally different, but when I walk in the door he needs to cling. I will take it, because I know its not long before Dad's become the super cool center of attention for the boys as they get older.
-To my amazement, he is still nursing and very frequently. I am finally going to reach my goal of nursing my baby on his 1st birthday!
-He has gotten much better with solid foods. We are doing the Baby Led Weaning and give him mainly soft solids. He prefers to feed himself and does not like to be fed by spoon, so we are going with his lead. Sweet potato fries, avacados, broccoli, scrambled eggs, puffs, and yogurt are some favorites. He also loves those baby food pouches that he can hold up and drink himself. I am glad to see him eating more.
Some of his favorite things are - baths, dancing, clapping, anything with music, playing catch (aka rolling the ball back and forth).
Some dislikes- bumping his head on furniture as he crawls around, not being with mommy, and going to sleep on his own.
Thats about it for right now. We all LOVE LOVE LOVE him so much. He makes off of us smile and laugh all day every day! I can't wait to celebrate his 1st birthday next month and I'll post all the details!
-Thomas is very independent, and I probably give him much more freedom than I gave the others. He crawls quickly, goes from room to room exploring, and loves the change of scenery.
- He is starting to pull himself up on his knees, but no interest in standing or walking as of right now.
-Big news is as of this week, we FINALLY put the rock n play away. He started sleeping in his crib over night consistently at about the 9 month mark, and this week I finally got in him the crib for naps too!! There are some tears at nap time as he tries to work it out and get settled, but its normally not bad and he settles to sleep.
-Overnight is still pretty rocky. Last night he was up at 10:30 again at 2:30 and then up for the day by 5am. But we have had a few positive nights with longer stretches and just 1 wake up. I feel like we are very slowly making progress.
-In other big news, he did sleep through the night 1 night! It finally happened! After 10 months 5 days, we had our first full night of sleep. It was our first in Disney World and he was super tired from traveling. I was afraid it would have the opposite effect, but on this occasion it was great. He went to be at about 8:30pm and stayed asleep til 6am! Whoooo Hooooo! So exciting. It only happened that one night, it went back to normal the next night, but it was refreshing to know it can happen.
-Perfect time to talk about Thomas's first big vacation! We went to Disney World this month, and it was pretty awesome! Thomas was a good sport. He went along with all of our daily activities, napped in the stroller, nursed around the parks, and slept in the pack n play all just fine. His big brothers had an amazing time!
-Thomas has become quite the momma's boy. He wants me, and only me, all of the time. If I walk in the room and don't pay him attention, he gets angry, really angry. He wants mommy to hold him, snuggle with him, play with him at all times. Apparently when I am out of site, he is totally different, but when I walk in the door he needs to cling. I will take it, because I know its not long before Dad's become the super cool center of attention for the boys as they get older.
-To my amazement, he is still nursing and very frequently. I am finally going to reach my goal of nursing my baby on his 1st birthday!
-He has gotten much better with solid foods. We are doing the Baby Led Weaning and give him mainly soft solids. He prefers to feed himself and does not like to be fed by spoon, so we are going with his lead. Sweet potato fries, avacados, broccoli, scrambled eggs, puffs, and yogurt are some favorites. He also loves those baby food pouches that he can hold up and drink himself. I am glad to see him eating more.
Some of his favorite things are - baths, dancing, clapping, anything with music, playing catch (aka rolling the ball back and forth).
Some dislikes- bumping his head on furniture as he crawls around, not being with mommy, and going to sleep on his own.
Thats about it for right now. We all LOVE LOVE LOVE him so much. He makes off of us smile and laugh all day every day! I can't wait to celebrate his 1st birthday next month and I'll post all the details!
Thursday, April 5, 2018
9 months and on the move
Here we are again for another monthly update- Thomas is 9 months old!! Let the first birthday planning begin ahhh!
This month he had two major mile stones- he finally figured out how to go from laying down to sitting AND he learned to crawl. So he is officially on the move!
Sleep is still pretty bad. The good news is most nights he sleeps in his crib all night, but he is still in the Rock and Plan for naps. But he really is still very unsettled. He eats 2-3 times a night, and cries and fusses a lot. The other night he was up and inconsolable from 12-2:45am. We are tired!
Even with the wild nights, he is pretty happy during the day.
We still nurse, A LOT. But I am cherishing the time since this will likely be the last time I nurse a baby. Bittersweet.
He loves to dance. Any song, he bops to the music!
We are still working on solids. Generally I am doing baby led weaning, but will also give purees a try once in a while depending on whats going on that day. He is definitely experimenting more, but eating is not his favorite.
We celebrated his first Easter last week and are getting ready to spend a lot of time this spring on the sports field watching his big brothers.
And for the cuteness...
This month he had two major mile stones- he finally figured out how to go from laying down to sitting AND he learned to crawl. So he is officially on the move!
Sleep is still pretty bad. The good news is most nights he sleeps in his crib all night, but he is still in the Rock and Plan for naps. But he really is still very unsettled. He eats 2-3 times a night, and cries and fusses a lot. The other night he was up and inconsolable from 12-2:45am. We are tired!
Even with the wild nights, he is pretty happy during the day.
We still nurse, A LOT. But I am cherishing the time since this will likely be the last time I nurse a baby. Bittersweet.
He loves to dance. Any song, he bops to the music!
We are still working on solids. Generally I am doing baby led weaning, but will also give purees a try once in a while depending on whats going on that day. He is definitely experimenting more, but eating is not his favorite.
We celebrated his first Easter last week and are getting ready to spend a lot of time this spring on the sports field watching his big brothers.
And for the cuteness...
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
2018 Goals
There is an expression, "do something today that your future self will thank you for" or some kind of variation of that. Well last January 2017 I had that exact thought and finally did something I had been thinking about and went to school to get my real estate license. It wasn't a great time- I was still working at the chiropractor, Mike was starting a new job with super demanding hours and travel, I was pregnant and getting ready to be a mom of 3 boys- but I had been thinking about it for a few years and that quote kept coming back to me. So I did it, I did something that was hard at the time, but the future me would be thankful for. And the expression is freakin true! A year later, I can reflect on the hard work and progress I have made and I am SUPER happy and Thankful I finally made the move.
Last year business was slow, a lot of work without a lot of reward. But it was the building blocks in real estate. I took the class, passed the test, joined my amazing team, started building leads, did a ton of training seminars and classes, asked a million questions. I did have one closing and a couple of rentals in the first 6 months of working, but nothing more than that. Then I took June-August off when Thomas was born (for the most part, I was actually negotiating a deal from the hospital room on the day he was born to try to save a deal from falling through). But I was able to step back and be primarily mom for a couple months. Then in September I stepped up my game again. I started putting dedicated hours into working and building new clients.
Well come January, it paid off. In the first two weeks of the year I got 2 listings (one already sold), and 3 buyers that went under contract. I now have active buyers, potential new listings, and closings on the calendar! I am so excited to see the work coming together. I have big goals for the year, sell 15 homes! If I am able to accomplish this, or come even close, I will be able to help my family big time financially and take some of the pressure and stress off of us.
I am so happy I made the move a year ago, and I am proud of myself for making big strides in building my business. But most of all, I love doing it. I feel like for a long time I knew I needed to work to make money, but I wasn't finding much that motivated me to go out and kick butt. But I found that in real estate. I am motivated, I am excited, I am starting to feel confident in my ability, and I love having something of my own and contributing to the family. Its hard work, I am stressed a LOT, juggling my schedule and the kids schedule is overwhelming... but I feel like its all for a good cause.
So its cheesy, but I am definitely proof behind those words of encouragement to make current changes that your future self with thank you for!
Last year business was slow, a lot of work without a lot of reward. But it was the building blocks in real estate. I took the class, passed the test, joined my amazing team, started building leads, did a ton of training seminars and classes, asked a million questions. I did have one closing and a couple of rentals in the first 6 months of working, but nothing more than that. Then I took June-August off when Thomas was born (for the most part, I was actually negotiating a deal from the hospital room on the day he was born to try to save a deal from falling through). But I was able to step back and be primarily mom for a couple months. Then in September I stepped up my game again. I started putting dedicated hours into working and building new clients.
Well come January, it paid off. In the first two weeks of the year I got 2 listings (one already sold), and 3 buyers that went under contract. I now have active buyers, potential new listings, and closings on the calendar! I am so excited to see the work coming together. I have big goals for the year, sell 15 homes! If I am able to accomplish this, or come even close, I will be able to help my family big time financially and take some of the pressure and stress off of us.
I am so happy I made the move a year ago, and I am proud of myself for making big strides in building my business. But most of all, I love doing it. I feel like for a long time I knew I needed to work to make money, but I wasn't finding much that motivated me to go out and kick butt. But I found that in real estate. I am motivated, I am excited, I am starting to feel confident in my ability, and I love having something of my own and contributing to the family. Its hard work, I am stressed a LOT, juggling my schedule and the kids schedule is overwhelming... but I feel like its all for a good cause.
So its cheesy, but I am definitely proof behind those words of encouragement to make current changes that your future self with thank you for!
How is my Baby 8 months Old!
Here we are again! A monthly update... or what seems to be my new norm, an ever other month update. Thomas is officially 8 months old as of this week, and here are the highlights of his 7 and 8 month happenings.
*Sleep is terrible. Still not happening, still hates the crib, still wakes frequently, still nurses all night. Half of it is baby, he needs the extra nursing and the contact and he is just miserable in the openness of the crib. Part of it is my fault, with the activities of the other kids, balancing bedtimes with all 3, trying not to wake them up in the middle of the night, Mike traveling and away overnight many nights of the week... its been hard to really "sleep train". When Mike is away, or the big kids are sick, anything goes. Whatever I can do to get him to sleep wins. I am aware this is an issue but its hard to make a change right now. Mike is away again this week, but next week he is home for 1 whole week in a row, so I plan to really start working on a sleep routine and at least get him in the crib overnight.
*On the other hand, naps have been good during the day, so that helps big time. He takes a good morning and afternoon nap, and occasionally a cat nap to hold over til bedtime. These naps are still in the rock and play, but they give me a mommy break to work so I'll take it.
*This month he has started dancing! Like totally bopping to the beat. Super cute.
*We have attempted to start solids and it hasn't gone well. He really does not like being spoon fed, so we are going to take the Baby Led Weaning approach with him. So far he seems to like sweet potato fries and these home made teething biscuit things I make. He is really playing more than eating right now, but at least he will bring them to his mouth occasionally. If BLW goes well, I will totally stick with it. I love the idea of him eating what we are eating and not needing to make purees and bring "baby food" around with us.
*He has gotten much more mobile. No moves towards crawling or cruising or anything like that yet, but he can roll and push forward or backwards to get to what he wants. He loves this freedom.
*Finally at exactly 8 months, he got his first tooth!! Woo Hoo! and the second is about to pop through.
*He loves being on the go and watching his brothers. As long as someone is paying attention to him, or someone is around to chat with him, he is happy.
*Thomas is starting to explore new sounds with his mouth, blowing bubbles, babbling much more. No real words but new sounds.
*He is going super strong with nursing. He loves it and will nurse round the clock if I let him. I did finally implement formal for the occasional bottle because I couldn't keep up with a freezer stash and with a lot of work hours coming up, I needed a back up option. I would say he still nurses or gets breast milk 98% of the time, but it took the pressure off of worrying about what I would do if I didn't have enough milk in the freezer. I did a bunch of research and ordered a brand from like Germany (not 100% sure what country, but it is from Europe and goes by their standards) and he took right too it.
*I am super desperate for a little mommy get away. I feel like I am running on fumes these days, but until he is sleeping better or nursing less, its impossible. I hope to plan a weekend getaway with Mike or a girls trip very soon.
Anyway, he is wonderful. Such a sweet, happy baby. Always with a huge smile on his face. Its going so fast, way faster than with the other two (probably because I am busy with the other two) and I am trying to take a deep breath and enjoy this stage. Its basically my very favorite baby stage!
Here is some cuteness!
*Sleep is terrible. Still not happening, still hates the crib, still wakes frequently, still nurses all night. Half of it is baby, he needs the extra nursing and the contact and he is just miserable in the openness of the crib. Part of it is my fault, with the activities of the other kids, balancing bedtimes with all 3, trying not to wake them up in the middle of the night, Mike traveling and away overnight many nights of the week... its been hard to really "sleep train". When Mike is away, or the big kids are sick, anything goes. Whatever I can do to get him to sleep wins. I am aware this is an issue but its hard to make a change right now. Mike is away again this week, but next week he is home for 1 whole week in a row, so I plan to really start working on a sleep routine and at least get him in the crib overnight.
*On the other hand, naps have been good during the day, so that helps big time. He takes a good morning and afternoon nap, and occasionally a cat nap to hold over til bedtime. These naps are still in the rock and play, but they give me a mommy break to work so I'll take it.
*This month he has started dancing! Like totally bopping to the beat. Super cute.
*We have attempted to start solids and it hasn't gone well. He really does not like being spoon fed, so we are going to take the Baby Led Weaning approach with him. So far he seems to like sweet potato fries and these home made teething biscuit things I make. He is really playing more than eating right now, but at least he will bring them to his mouth occasionally. If BLW goes well, I will totally stick with it. I love the idea of him eating what we are eating and not needing to make purees and bring "baby food" around with us.
*He has gotten much more mobile. No moves towards crawling or cruising or anything like that yet, but he can roll and push forward or backwards to get to what he wants. He loves this freedom.
*Finally at exactly 8 months, he got his first tooth!! Woo Hoo! and the second is about to pop through.
*He loves being on the go and watching his brothers. As long as someone is paying attention to him, or someone is around to chat with him, he is happy.
*Thomas is starting to explore new sounds with his mouth, blowing bubbles, babbling much more. No real words but new sounds.
*He is going super strong with nursing. He loves it and will nurse round the clock if I let him. I did finally implement formal for the occasional bottle because I couldn't keep up with a freezer stash and with a lot of work hours coming up, I needed a back up option. I would say he still nurses or gets breast milk 98% of the time, but it took the pressure off of worrying about what I would do if I didn't have enough milk in the freezer. I did a bunch of research and ordered a brand from like Germany (not 100% sure what country, but it is from Europe and goes by their standards) and he took right too it.
*I am super desperate for a little mommy get away. I feel like I am running on fumes these days, but until he is sleeping better or nursing less, its impossible. I hope to plan a weekend getaway with Mike or a girls trip very soon.
Anyway, he is wonderful. Such a sweet, happy baby. Always with a huge smile on his face. Its going so fast, way faster than with the other two (probably because I am busy with the other two) and I am trying to take a deep breath and enjoy this stage. Its basically my very favorite baby stage!
Here is some cuteness!
Monday, January 15, 2018
Why I Want Another Baby, but Know it Will Not Happen...
I get asked all the time- When are you going to try for that baby girl? Are you definitely finished now? Do you think you will have more kids? It is constant. And the one thing I can say is I am very conflicted with my answer. I wish I was one of those moms that "just knew" when their family was complete. That is confident in knowing I am done having kids. I was so hopeful to feel that way. But I don't. The idea of being done makes me sad. I still dream about another baby and doing through it all one more time. I am sad to think that this stage of my life is done and that as Thomas is getting older, I won't ever have that baby again.
Don't get me wrong, I am also excited about parts of the future. The traveling with older kids, not buying diapers, not being a slave to breastfeeding, working on really building my career. That all sounds fun and exciting, but it doesn't outweigh the sadness just yet.
But even though I am not convinced our family is complete, I am pretty sure it is. Because Mike and I are way to logical and calculated to have another. And mainly because of MONEY.
If I didn't have to work and I could just stay home with the baby. If we didn't have to stress about the extra financial cost associated with having a baby (Thomas's birth alone cost $10,000 and that is worth good insurance!1). If our monthly budget had more wiggle room for the extra diapers. If we could not worry about the extra fees associated with 4 kids playing sports and activities. If we could still travel and buy 6 plane tickets and the larger suite rooms on all vacations. If the idea of buying a larger SUV was an option. If I could afford to hire some help when needed, or have cleaners come to the house to ease the work load. If college wasn't so darn expensive....if these topics where not an issue, then we would definitely have one more. The decision really all comes down to money.
So with that decision being made, and knowing we are blessed with 3 beautiful boys, it is time to start getting rid of the baby stuff. I can sell the gear and donate the clothes. I can make plans for when the baby is older to do things we have been waiting to do. I can start working out more and get my body back because for the first time in 7 years I won't be preparing to get pregnant, currently pregnant, nursing, or preparing to get pregnant again :)
It is bitter sweet. Getting rid of the baby clothes is heartbreaking. I have memories of all 3 kids in those outfits. But it is time. The silly green bouncy chair was all 3 boys favorite thing to sit and play in as newborns. I don't want to give it away. But again, it's time. So wish me luck as I transition through this stage. I can tell you one thing, I am enjoying every minute of nursing him, and I cuddle longer in the middle of the night, and I try to spend more time sitting on the floor and playing with him because boy I know it goes fast and I know I'm gonna miss it.
Don't get me wrong, I am also excited about parts of the future. The traveling with older kids, not buying diapers, not being a slave to breastfeeding, working on really building my career. That all sounds fun and exciting, but it doesn't outweigh the sadness just yet.
But even though I am not convinced our family is complete, I am pretty sure it is. Because Mike and I are way to logical and calculated to have another. And mainly because of MONEY.
If I didn't have to work and I could just stay home with the baby. If we didn't have to stress about the extra financial cost associated with having a baby (Thomas's birth alone cost $10,000 and that is worth good insurance!1). If our monthly budget had more wiggle room for the extra diapers. If we could not worry about the extra fees associated with 4 kids playing sports and activities. If we could still travel and buy 6 plane tickets and the larger suite rooms on all vacations. If the idea of buying a larger SUV was an option. If I could afford to hire some help when needed, or have cleaners come to the house to ease the work load. If college wasn't so darn expensive....if these topics where not an issue, then we would definitely have one more. The decision really all comes down to money.
So with that decision being made, and knowing we are blessed with 3 beautiful boys, it is time to start getting rid of the baby stuff. I can sell the gear and donate the clothes. I can make plans for when the baby is older to do things we have been waiting to do. I can start working out more and get my body back because for the first time in 7 years I won't be preparing to get pregnant, currently pregnant, nursing, or preparing to get pregnant again :)
It is bitter sweet. Getting rid of the baby clothes is heartbreaking. I have memories of all 3 kids in those outfits. But it is time. The silly green bouncy chair was all 3 boys favorite thing to sit and play in as newborns. I don't want to give it away. But again, it's time. So wish me luck as I transition through this stage. I can tell you one thing, I am enjoying every minute of nursing him, and I cuddle longer in the middle of the night, and I try to spend more time sitting on the floor and playing with him because boy I know it goes fast and I know I'm gonna miss it.
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