Potty

On September's to do list I added start potty training. I had no intentions of doing this but when a) your child has on frequent occasions been waking dry from naps from time to time and b) asks to go. I'm not one to pass up an opportunity. Now, I have yet to cancel my amazon diaper subscription and to save $30 every month and a half. He has gone pee 2 handful of times and has left a stinky and pee 1 handful + one finger of times, but hey whose counting? Oh yeah I am.

I don't push it, I ask him if he wants to go but he does better when he tells me he has to go in which my child is stripped down to just a shirt. He's gotta have not only pants completely off but also shoes and socks. He then sits on the potty for what seems to me as hours but it's just about 3 rounds of "head shoulders knees and toes", a dramatic reading of his Elmo book, another reading from his Richard Scarry First words book and finally Elmo's ABC's on the iPad. During this time he can produce nothing or something. I was going to give him a m&m but I usually forget after I have diapered and clothed him, cleaned his potty seat and washed my hands. But please don't fret we have a great potty party with high fives and woohoo's. Followed by texting Grammie (who is undergoing a possible name change), PaPa Jim and CiCi of the most recent potty production!  *Note I would text Marcus but his job doesn't allow him to check his phone very often or ever.  So, I just fill him if we talk at lunch and if not then when he gets home.

So there you have we have started the use of the potty and thanks to my good friend Mo we are using her son's training potty.  Also, I'm all for convinence so if I need to make dinner and Ian has to go potty I'm not opposed to moving the potty into the kitchen area so I can get my multi-task skills on.

Z House Funnies

I'm sure only my family will find the following funny and who knows maybe they won't but I do.

A couple weeks ago while I jumped in the shower for a quick de-stinking after running and playground fun I kept the door opened and I could hear Ian was in and out of the bathroom and I could hear trucks sounds being made and what not.  Well, when I finished my shower, grabbed my towel and opened up the shower curtain I was greeted by Ian sitting in his Wal-Mart version adirondack chair, with a book in one hand and a calculator that he was pretending to be a cell phone up to his ear chatting away.
While carrying Ian out of the mall he started saying momma and pointing. I turn around (since I was carrying him meaning he was looking at what was behind us) and I saw this:

Last week I offered to mow the lawn as Marcus was working on half bath mini upgrade. And either he didn't like the figure 8 design I made in the front yard or he didn't like that I bent the tire rod thingy while making my fabulous design resulting in the front tires pointing in 2 opposite directions when the steering wheel is center.



Same day as the figure 8 Lawn design I also mowed over a landscaping circle filled with some type of flowering plant (on purpose) and then dug up the roots of said plant to relocate to an unknown destination. While digging I was whistled at I must admit after you've had a child being whistled at is kinda a self esteem booster. But then I quickly remembered that our neighbor has a macaw bird (the kind that talk, so maybe I have the name wrong) but nonetheless it talks and conveniently enough he also whistle...bubble burster



Last night as Ian and I got home, 3 little neighbor girls came running over.  They all introduced themselves by name, age and house location.  I got Ian out and they all ooo...and aahh.. and all Ian did in return was put his foot out, lift up his pant leg to show off his new shoes.  I told the girls he got new shoes, they said "they are nice" and he said "yeah".

Sunday nights

My Sunday nights usually look like this:

Earlier in the day I already went through all the ads and coupon inserts and pulled out the coupons that I will use and clipped them.  Don't get the Sunday paper then sign up to receive notifications of coupons via email (I sent up a gmail account for all coupon notifcations to be sent too) from websites such as RedPlum, Print Coupons Online, also check out TheKrazyCouponLady there she will do the research for you if you don't have the patience or time.

I gather up my 4 store ads that I always look at: Meijer, Target, CVS and Walgreens.  I compare my list to the ads and what coupons I have.  When it comes to bathroom personal essentials I feel we can never have too many now too many to you may be different than too many to me so that is up for translation. I'm in no means a candidate for Extreme Couponing.  As the week goes on and we run low/out of something then I add it to the list and come Sunday night I break my 1 list down to 4-5 lists with the store names on top and then what I'm getting from that store and cross the item off my master list of needs.  The other thing we do is make out our menu for the week based on what we have in our freezer, what's on sale and what our palettes are craving.  Now when I say a menu I don't say on Monday we are eating such and such and Tuesday such and such.  Instead when I make out our dinner options I choose 3 that are kinda quick and easy and 3 that are a little more time consuming for the days I'm off work.  And we pick that day which one we are going to have for dinner.  I know some families have it planned down to the day and that is a bit too much structure for our family.

I primarily look to CVS and Walgreens for our bathroom personal essentials: razors, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, face wash, lotion, girly items, etc.  With both of these stores they often have money back offers with different products for example a couple weeks ago Walgreens had the brand of tampons I buy for 6.99-$2 (in store rebate, to be used on a later purchased) then I had a $2 off coupon. I also had buy one get one of the same product and for each of those I got $2 so I really got buy 1 get 2 free with the coupon and in-store rebates.  Another great buy I had was on Bic razors they were buy 1 get 1 50%off and I had a $2 off coupon which was applied to both packages of razors. I also used some in store rebates from the previous week to help pay for the items.

At all 4 stores you can combine manufacturers coupons with store coupons this is where my research comes into play.  Since we don't buy pre-packaged meals I turn to stores websites for coupons off produce and deli.  I also go to Aldi for produce and items that we aren't brand specific about such as certain cereals, baking items, milk, etc.

Meijer: you can sign up for mperks where you can "clip" coupons and when you go to check out you select the mperks logo and you enter your phone number into the kiosk and any coupons that correspond with what you purchased.  Last week I decided before going to the store to print out a list of the coupons I "clipped" and  I'm glad I did as I purchased items I had "clipped" coupons for but it wasn't taking them off so with my proof of clipped coupons an employee was able to make the proper price adjustment. 

Target:  there is no limit to how many times you can print the same coupon from their website unlike brand websites.  They also take $0.05 off for each bag you bring in to bag your groceries with.

Brand Websites: If you are brand specific on certain items as we are in our house then go to the brands website they often will have coupons that you can print off.  If we buy juice at our house then it's V8 Fusion juice so i will google V8 Fusion and find their website where they almost always have coupons for.  And then if I have a store coupon I pair them together and wait, I wait for the store that I have the coupon too has the juice on sale and then I go in for "kill", haha.

Diapers:  I have stopped buying diapers from big box stores and now they get them sent to our door on a monthly basis from Amazon if you sign up for their subscribe and save program you save 30% and you can cancel your subscription at anytime.  So right now I get 192 Pampers size 4 for $31.49 that's $0.16 a diaper and free shipping.  If I went to Sam's Club I would buy Sam's Club brand and would get about 147 diapers for $35.00...

Couponing is not hard once you get started and organized and have yourself a game plan.  Happy clipping and if you have any questions feel free to email.

Jeans

Thanks to Crowdtap I got to sample Old Navy jeans and boy did I sample I think I tried on about 6 different pairs 3 different times the poor fitting room attendant.  What I found when tyring on was that a size 8 fit the same as a size 10 in the waist band area, can you say loaded with spandex??  I really liked these

But...I needed long inseam and they only carry long or petite inseams online and my coupon for a sample was for in-store use only so I stepped out of my jean comfort box of bootcut and flares and got:

SKINNY JEANS

For the sole purpose of in the winter not having to stuff a bootcut or flare into my boots this afternoon I tested a winter errand running look out.  No I didn't go out into public to test it just to our spare bedroom that doesn't have a bed...yet.

18 months

Ian,

My buddy boy, you growing and changing so much. Which is completely normal just happening a little to fast for this momma.  At the doctor this AM you weighed in 27lbs 13oz and you're 33in long with a head (a nicely shaped head I might add) circumference of 19.  You are in the 75th precentile for both weight and height. 

You have learned the following words:
Momma
Dada
Doggie, often followed with some panting
ruck= truck
Uh oh
Ease= please
anx=thanks
Hi
all done=followed with a turn up of his hands
ack=cracker
I'm sure there are more as you are always jabbering I just haven't figured out what they mean yet...I'm a slow learner.

You are shy around strangers (stranger danger, stranger danger...remember that) and talk up a storm and become very animated when with the ones you love.  You have nailed down waving bye bye in a timely manner and following that up with blowing some kisses.  You overall a smart boy and we don't give you nearly as much credit as you deserve.  You follow directions (when it suits you which is usually always). You can tell us when you are in need of a diaper change.  Yay for knowing when you pee your pants!

Motor Skills: your gross and fine motor skills seem to be good I'm no expert but you can put the lid back on a water bottle and you can feed yourself...Yep GENIUS!  Which you seem to be favoring your left hand which is a delight to your CiCi, Granny Ree and Uncle Don!

Food, by golly you are a picky one this apparently has not affected your growth.  In the last couple of weeks you have gotten big into feeding yourself so shirt off, bib on, hand over the food and a spoon and let you go to town.  Still not to adventerous on what goes in but at least food is going in. You keep us on our toes.

Sleep, still haven't quite figured this one out yet.  Sometimes you sleep through for example this past week you slept from 9:45-8ish (ALL NIGHT) and then the next night you were awake.  What gives little man?? 

We celebrated your 18mo bday with a trip to Disney and the beach, not that you will remember it but that's why there is an entire blog post dedicated to our trip so you can read about, perfect solution!  We are also celebrating later this summer with a trip to Mackinaw with your Grammie, PaPa Jim and CiCi.  Hope you have overcome your fear of bike trailers as none of us really want to relive that experience.

I can't imagine life without you, you are such a joy and true gift from God.

I love you buddy forever and always!
Momma

adult supervision required

We had 4 adults to 1 child and my child ended up having one blue leg, one blue hand  (He looked like Chevy Chase from the movie Vegas Vacation) and got spend about a half hour pantless while his dried.  Marcus ended up with one blue shoe, sock, and a slightly darker shade of blue jeans on one leg.  My MIL ended up with a green strip in her hair and myself ended up with a speckled blue foot and one blue pocket on my coral hoodie. The floor has a nice blue spot now too.  My FIL was the photographer and then the spot cleaner guy.  And all the eggs are colored however they have a few cracks on one end.  Ian has yet to pick up on the term gently and he wanted a close up view of the blue cup.  Hence everyone having some blue on them.  Good news all the blue came off our skin and clothes (we used Shout as soon as the incident took place).  The floor not so lucky good thing my in-laws are planning on replacing it this spring/summer.

The result of our egg coloring experience...

Please let me introduce....

PICKY PETE!!!

This child is beyond picky he is down right resisted to food aside from grapes, yogurt, peanut butter (depending on the day), cereal bars, bananas (depending on the day), celementines (he likes to suck the juice out), Cheerios, sweet potato fries (had to force feed him those and we got the response back of mmm...), tator tots, pizza and puffs.  So thank goodness for v8 fusion juice and I'm back to buying baby food. Yes the same girl who made all his food. I may start making it again we still have yellow squash, mixed veggies and cauliflower in the freezer.  So maybe I will take the lonely sweet potato in the veggie basket and turn it into baby food for the boy. I have resorted to buying baby food (easier to donate jarred food than food frozen in ice cube trays)in the hopes that one day soon he will go back to his earlier days in which he ate a larger variety of foods on his own or that he taps into the eater he is at the sitters.  Where at the sitters he eats chicken, fish, veggies, meatballs, etc.  Seriously frustrating, I did mention it to his Dr and at this time we are considering it a phase.  I dislike this phase oh so very much and I do hope he is out of it soon.  The above picture is what he looks like after his dinners, I have found he has to be occupied in order for me to sneak the spoon in.  I think on most nights I end up holding a lid between my teeth he then balances things such as an extra spoon on the lid as he is busy doing this I take advantage of his mouth opening when the spoon is near he swallows and opens for me.  It's quite the exhausting production just for him to eat a half jar.

If anyone has any tips please pass them my way.

15 months

Wowzers can't believe we have a 15 month old living in our house. To say that the past 15 months have flown bye would be an understatement. It's absolutely incredible to witness firsthand all the discoveries that are made from finding their feet to showing you where their head is and communicating with you via grunts and pointing. Love it!!

At 15mos check up the scale was tipped to 25lbs 11oz and measured 31.5in long with a head circumference of 18.5in. Falling in the 50th percentile for weight and 75th for height. One of these days I'll get all fancy with a growth chart or something (don't hold your breath though).

It's that time again for some bragging milestones:

• walking: getting more confident everyday, athough walking should come with some caution as the money maker has taken a few hits. 
• Shoes: speaking of walking Dude you hate having shoes and socks are those little feet of yours.  Which this is TOTAL payback to me and my dislike towards footwear. As soon as I get shoes on those feet you have them kicked OFF.  This is exactly what I did to my parents. SORRY:/
• Eating: you are awful and this is total payback for my toddlering eating habits and this is where I apologize deeply to my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles for being uber picky while I was in your care. SORRY!!!
• Napping: still napping great we do naps based on your mood.  You nap when you need too and some of your cues to us are: super clingy, clumsy, and impossible to make happy. If you take 2 naps a day then they are usually between an hr and 45min to 2hrs, or 1 nap that is usually about 3hrs.
• Sleeping: you are doing much better in this department as long as I remember to give you gas drops cause baby's got gas and that seems to wake you.  I really can't complain about your sleeping habits as my aunt reminded me that I didn't sleep thru the night till I was 18mos old so you are doing much better.
• Teeth: we have 7 with 1 more on its way as well as a molar that we brush everyday 2x a day.  You let mommy do it for awhile before you feel the need to take over and do it yourself. You're not super great at it but hey you are at least getting the hang of it. And who doesn't like fruit flavored toothpaste?
• Smarts: you can tell us what a cow, dog,  and dinosaur say.  You know what noise a car/truck makes.  You are able to show us where your head, eyes, belly and feet are. You like playing peek a boo.
• Behavior/Personality: You put on quite the dramatic show of emotions when things don't go your way. You throw your head back, your legs go all noodlely, and you of course voice how you feel about the situation. Aside from the dramatic performance that you put on at least 2x a day you are one funny happy little boy if I do say so myself.

Jada and Ian flashback

 



 


fishing

In the past week I have fished out a football, mitten, bath toys, and 2 flashlights from our toilet.  Pretty much anything Ian can get his hands on he prefers to toss it in the ceramic bowl.  He hasn't figured out how to flush it yet so that is good.  Now you are probably thinking keep the door shut and that won't happen and I will tell you we do keep the door shut.  These are all things that have happened while he's been in the bathroom with us.  I know for the football, mitten and bath toys (all of which happened under my supervision) they occurred as I was doing my hair so whether I had flipped my head over to get the maximum amount volume in my beaufont or to pray to the hair goddess that my beaufont looks good that day. I don't know, what I do know though is that out of the corner of my eye I see the lid go down and smirk go across my child's face as he waits for my reaction and in a not so serious voice at all I say "really Buddy, really?" which causes laughter to pour out of his mouth (I have yet to nail down the "mom voice').  He is doing no harm to anyone or anything, there is always clean water in our toilet and he is just a boy trying to figure things out and learn his limits (should probably get to work on the mom voice).   Now, with that said I do beleive we will be looking into a toilet lock, which will reduce the chances of Ian tossing anything in but also test my bladder and my ability to be smarter than the child safety lock.

Catch up

Thought it was time to do a catch up random post of the happenings around the Z's household.

1. Marcus: fire academy is coming along we are coming to the end very soon. Right now he is working on trying to fit studying, station time, ER time, ambulance time, work and family time into the month of April.  We may need to re-introduce ourselves by the end of April.

2. House projects: in between all that Marcus has on his plate we also want to do a few things around the house.  We are quickly approaching being homeowners for 5yrs.  And 5yrs ago we said we would be out of this by now but then life happened and we are still here. Our short list includes: re-do cabinets (Marcus started this project yesterday and thanks to a small kitchen with not a lot of cabinets he is halfway done), siding house and garage, lay patio bricks in dirt area to create well a patio area, finish finishing off the basement with a ceiling and then maybe use said basement.

3. Me: Last year at this time I was training for a 1/2 marathon and I have to say I'm jealous of those who are training right now for the same race.  We are out of town reconnecting as a family during the race this year.  I would still like to train for something so I got a new pair of running shoes. Aren't they so cute?


Asics Gel Nimbus 10

 So anyways with new running shoes I intend to hit the pavement on a more regular basis.  But with not having anything to train for and the weather being gross on a more consistent basis then pretty it's been way easier to stay inside and do workout videos.

5. Ian, in a couple days you will get an ALL Ian update.  But real quick, sleeping habits are improving if we don't look at the past 2 nights.  He is battling a drippy nose, hacking cough and loss of appetite (he has 15mos check-up tomorrow). He is if at all possible getting cuter and cuter everyday.  Our latest battle has been eating (having a loss of appetite does not help).  I really thought that the transition from baby food to big people food would have been a smooth one but I've been proven wrong. As much as it frustrates me I am so very thankful to have been blessed with Ian and I can't imagine our lives without him.

There you have it a quick random update from the Z household we are over and out till the next go around.

cleaning fool

Ian is love with the swiffer actually anything that you clean with.  He cries when I put the vacuum away and throws an absolute fit when I take the swiffer from him.

A friend gave me a great idea as her son too loves the swiffer and that is to shorten the handle so it's more managable for him.  I also figured I would take advantage of his love to swiffer and added a wet swiffer pad to it.  Well that folks made it a bit more challenging for him to move it around.  So we will just stick with a short handle and me on my hands and knees cleaning the floor.

DST

Also known as daylight savings time. A time that the majority of the population in the great state of Indiana DISLIKE! I am one of them, I didn't like it before children and I dislike it even more now. As it is my child did not go to bed until around 9:30 and now this morning I'm going to have to go in and wake him and cause confusion to his little body. I will have to drive to work in darkness as just last week it was daylight on my drive in.  I will lose track of time and just like last night we will be eating dinner at 8 but really it's only 7 so that's ok right?

Now, I'm going to try to look for the good in all this time changing nonsense. Which is hard to do for a morning person. Holy cow I just called myself a morning person and I'm sure my parents just had a great chuckle too.  Hey, remember swim team days when you would be constantly calling my name telling me to get up??  Yeah, I don't miss jumping into a cold pool at 5:15 either or smelling like someone who bathed in cholorine although technically I spent more time in the pool than I did in the shower 2x a day for approx 2hrs each practice for about 3 months.  Yeah 2 showers a day in a locker can't cut through that smell at all.

And back on track...I might actually be able to start and finish my morning workout without any interruptions as Ian's lil body is all confused. The possibility of running as a family in the evening is more likely to happen. The time change means spring is coming, the trees are budding, and I see little green sprouts coming up from the flower things we planted last year at some point.  I should add I really know nothing or care to know anything about plant care inside or outside.  I want it to look nice without anything required of me.  I'm looking forward to warmer runs with Ian that can happen earlier in the day.  I currently have no races on the calendar as they aren't fitting into our schedules or budgets.  I may though train for a half just for the heck of it and run one on my own. Anyone wanna join me, we can even make it a stroller friendly run, and make our own t-shirts?!?!  I know all very enticing  reasons to join me!

Well I should probably end the rambling that this post has turned into right here and get back to the proposal on the Bachelor!

sleep over

This past weekend was the only weekend Marcus didn't have fire academy or the bank. And my dad was on his four day with no plans to go out of town. So we took advantage of this rare occasion and Ian made a reservation to stay Saturday night with his Grammie and Papa Jim. Marcus are I were able to have our 1st ever day and night date.

Ian's Weekend:
I dropped Ian off Saturday morning at my parents where they had a big day planned for him. We went over bedtime routine, any bumps, bruises, scraps that occurred prior to arrival so they wouldn't be concerned that he acquired those while in their care. And I swear he only stayed about 24hrs yet I packed 3 bags for him. A food bag, clothing bag and a bag we were returning so I decided to use it to carry his blanket and monitor in.

They had lunch at house before their big adventurous day that included:, tool show, diaper shower for baby Jackson, dinner with Brian (a former ND student fire station live-in) and his girlfriend, bath and bed. Napping was also in the above mix. I think the above events assisted in Ian sleeping from 8:50p to 9:10a so I say SUCCESS and we will have to do that again.

Date day and night: after Ian dropped off, I came home and Marcus had showered we got the GPS ready to go and we were off to Ikea in Chicago and dinner.  It was Marcus' 1st trip the store that someone could easily spend an entire day in.  We made a few purchases and then headed across the street to the mall where we would indulge in the Cheesecake Factory and then we drove home where we got to sleep ALL night long.  And aside from the dogs doing the potty dance in the AM we got to sleep in.

We agreed that we will have a to make a point to try to do sleepovers for Ian at least once a month.  It's good for him and us and his grandparents love lil overnight guests.

Tough Love wk 3

Catch up here with week 1 and week 2.  It's been a long 4 month journey of Ian developing the habit of waking up in the middle of the night to cuddle with me. But really we get along much better when we have both had a good night's sleep.

Onto the week's sleeps:

Friday night: woke up around 12 but I stayed strong and he fell back asleep until 7ish.  I still have him napping 2x a day when he's at home or at my parents.  When he's at the sitters he only naps 1x a day but is usually falling asleep during lunch. Apparently the other kiddies find it to be very funny.

Saturday Night: started crying around 5ish so I did get him and bring him into momma and daddy's bed where he slept till 7:30a. It's was Sunday morning don't judge:)

Sunday Night: The whole day Sunday his napping routine was all out of whack.  Luckily it didn't affect his sleeping as I had to wake him up around 7:15 so he could get all dressed up for his V Day party.

Monday Night: woke up around 4 let him cry it out for a while, then went in and got him. Layed with him on the couch and back to his crib he went. Slept till 7:15

Tuesday Night: woke up around 6...made it a little tough getting ready for work.

Wednesday Night: woke up around 11 was not happy at all and we ended up on the couch until about 2:30 then he slept till about 5ish and then it was off and on until about 6:15.

Thursday Night: went to sleep great and slept till 6:15 and then fell back asleep till I woke him about an hr later. I think he would stay asleep longer if we had a master bathroom, but instead his room is next door to the bathroom.  I try to be quiet and shut doors before turning on lights and not dropping my blowdryer on the ground. But some mornings I fail at some of those tasks.

I think I'm done tracking his sleeps and what will be will be.  We have made progress and we are all getting more sleep. 

Inaugural

Today was my inaugural run of 2011.  As it seems the midwest is having a heatwave.  The snow is melting and producing a lot of snirt.  For those who don't know what snirt it is it is a when snow and dirt met. Make sense?
I stuck with our 3 mile route as I had no real good idea of the conditions of the sidewalks and I also did an Insanity workout beforehand so I felt a 3 mile run would be just fine.  Well things were going good till the last mile when there was a long section of sidewalk covered in snow, ice and snirt.  Which affected my time...but what can you do? And what would my 1st run be without my #1 running partner. Love him!!







Mom of the Year Award goes to...

Moi!

Remember how I made cookies for each of Ian's friends at the sitters?? Well I failed to make a cookie for Ian my own son, let alone a cookie for Marcus.  They do however have lots of little hearts they can eat but no big sugary goodnees in the shape of a heart.  I may have to redeem myself by making up a quick batch of dough and making some just for them tonight.

Oh epic FAIL!!

Skidamarink I Love You

The title of Ian's current favorite book which was his V-day gift from my parents last year.  Luckily I have it memorized and can whip out the words at any point. 

Sharing his book with Lexus

Ian's other love...

Marcus and I aren't big into celebrating Valentine's day this year we all went out for breakfast.  It was delightful and  because we ate later in the morning no lunch was required and dinner will be leftover pizza.  Tomorrow Marcus has the fire academy so I will be spending the evening with my other favorite guy with a trip to the grocery store.

This weekend involved making Valentine's for Ian's party at his sitters for Valentine's Day.  I was tossing the idea around of just getting a box of Valentine's from the store and writing them and being done with it or making sugar cookies.  I love to bake and gonna toot my own horn here I make some pretty good sugar cookies with homemade frosting (toot toot) and I in general like to make my own stuff whenever possible.  So I went with what I love to do and make an good Ole Fashion Homemade Valentine's.  I only knew of one allergy and that is to red dye.  So for the big cookie I went with white frosting and red sprinkles but for the lil boy with the allergy I used sugar sprinkles.  All the kiddies also got 4 smaller hearts and those I did tint the frosting if nothing else his mom can enjoy them!



Treats for his friends at the sitters



All ready to go

up close of one.

Happy Valentine's Day to each and everyone of you!

Tough Love wk 2

Instead of repeating myself for each day his bedtime is between 8-9 every night.  If he is acting tried around sooner then he goes to bed.

Friday Night: slept till 4 something, and because I didn't update this the day after. I don't remember.


Saturday: (a little more fresh in my memory) Marcus started saying around 7 that Ian needed an ice cream cone and then proceded to beg that Ian needed ice cream for about an hour before I caved. Marcus in his plea stated that if Ian got ice cream he would sleep through the night. Well folks Ian slept through the night, he woke around 6 something to the dogs doing their potty dance. Marcus let the dogs out and brought Ian into our bed where we all slept till 8.

Sunday Night: He woke up around 4 and was tougher to get back to sleep. It's like he knows the days that I have to work.

Monday Night: tuned into some Bachelor madness and Miss Whackadoodle Who Needs to See a Hairstylist STAT (aka Michelle). Folks he slept till 7...

Tuesday Night: woke up around 4, cried it out for a while then I got him and laid with him on the couch for about 5min.  Back to his crib he went where he slept till 5:30 at which point I brought him into our room so I could get ready for work.

Wednesday Night: slept till 6:30 although he still wasn't really ready to get up but didn't want to go back to sleep either. Again not a work night...

Thursday Night: slept till about 6:15 but woke up jabbering and not crying. So he slept about 9.5hrs  This was a work night but Marcus was at the station so maybe he knew I wouldn't get him.  Or he just knew his momma need some sleep.

Folks did you count that he slept through the night for 4 nights...YES 4 nights we are getting somewhere. Hallelujah!!

Blizzard 2011

We survived Blizzard 2011, it was really windy the snowfall amount was not bad but the wind was AWFUL!  I'm lucky enough to make the decision as to if work is opened or closed.  I decided to close around 9p which resulted in sending out emails to over 100 people, update facebook status, making the note on our website and changing the voicemail recordings x2.  Luckily when we closed early Tuesday night I had already drafted emails for Wednesday. Wednesday our county was under a state of emergency and only emergency personal were to be on the roads.  And for once my hubby's work showed that they do have a heart and didn't open any of their branches.  Although Marcus' friend who works at the downtown offices of the bank and is the property manager had to go in and see to it that all the parking lots were taken care of and no damage to any the branches occured.

So we both had snow days, I however did work from home.  Now, I know most people who work from home look forward to being able to do so in their yoga pants and a sweatshirt but seeing as to that is what I wear to work. I look forward to working in our chair and half, my yoga pants, comfy sweatshirt. and in my socks.  Aside from working, I took a nap which I never do and of course worked out and while I was working on my 100 squats Ian wanted me to hold him so I squatted holding Ian for about 90 of the squats. My legs are pretty sore today. Marcus snow blowed and also napped and we both hung out with Ian and practiced his walking skills.  We had a good snow day and what is a snow day without homemade choco chip cookies?

taken Tuesday night 2/1 when it started snowing around 5p

what we woke up Wednesday 2/2, this is after Marcus snow blowed

Napping

Thank you all for the comments and advice, as I said willing to try anything.  Some of you asked about his napping and I feel he is an excellent napper.  He goes down for his 1st nap 2hrs after he wakes up and will take a 1-2hr nap and then usually 2hrs after he wakes from his morning nap he takes his 2nd nap which again is usually 2hrs long.  He can sleep through anything (I was able to vaccum his room while he napped and he never even stirred....yes he was still breathing).  I think maybe one of the issues is that when he's at the sitters he's on their routine where as when he is home with me or at my parents or in-laws he is on his own routine.  Or maybe that has nothing to do it...

I quickly glanced at the babywhisperer forums but haven't gotten to dive into much yet. Not too worry I will keep you all posted!