Leo....... YOU MADE IT! You have survived this CrAzY world for 1 whole year!!! Good boy!
Words cannot express how proud I am of you, my little boy! You are my dream come true!
I am amazed everyday by your cuteness! You light up my world every morning when I see "that smile"!
You are such a good baby and always have been!
You sleep through the night like an angel!
You go to bed around 8pm every night and sleep til 6:30am on school days and 7am on the weekends!
You weight 23 lbs and wear a size 4 diaper
You are wearing 12 months clothes comfortably. 18 months is still a little big, but you wear it sometimes when your mom slacks on laundry!
You LOVE to walk and started walking at 11months old!
You love to be chased and attacked by "the claw"!
You like to play "pat-a-cake", love any type of ball, love to play on the dishwasher, and love to look out the sliding glass door.
You are SLOWLY learning what "no, no, no" means.
Gerite is your mission in life and you will not stop until you have caught her!
You take 2 naps a day. One is short, the other is long. 1st nap is usually around 9am, the 2nd nap is usually around 1pm.
You take a bath every night and you love to stand in the tub. You and Daddy play a game where you throw all your toys in the tub, one at a time.
You hate when Mommy and Daddy pour water on your head.
You cannot sleep without your sound machine on "rain"
You have a favorite blanket. (the one with the elephants)
You usually fall asleep in moms arms, snuggling on the couch, drinking your bottle.
You are kind of a picky eater. You LOVE mandarin oranges, yogurt, pancakes, and "puffies". Mom usually feeds you steamed mixed veggies, some jar baby food (though you are starting to not like it), oatmeal mixed with bananas and milk, rice (not a fan), turkey and vegetable ravioli, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and corn.
You are starting to cry when Mommy drops you off at the babysitters. It breaks my heart, but Miss Wendy can usually get you to stop within minutes of Mommy leaving.
You drink whole milk.
You are obsessed with Daddy's belly button.
You like to give kisses. Open mouth. Very wet.
You love to play with Gertie's toys and vice versa.
You are getting really good at climbing up the stairs!
Your fingernails grow very fast!
I love you more than words can explain and am so proud to be your mama! You are amazing and I am in awe of you! The hopes and dreams I have for you make me so excited. I hope I do a good job being your Mom! I love you, baby! Thank you for an incredible 365 days! Many, many, many more are ahead! I love ya I love ya I love ya!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Survivor (By: Jessica)
Well, we did it.
Toby and I have survived our first year raising a child. The pleasure has been all ours! Looking forward to many more years ahead! But.... holy moly, a lot has changed! ( for the better I will add!)
Here is a lit of realizations, trials, new challenges, let downs, and triumphs I (we) have experienced the past 365 days since Leo Beck rocked our world.....
1. I have a high pain tolerance.
2. I miss getting all the attention from my husband.
3. Our marriage has had extreme highs and moderate lows.
4. Toby and I compete with each other more than we realize.
5. Leo makes me want to be a better person.
6. Money does not grow on trees.
7. It's OK for my job to come 2nd.
8. Our "home" has never felt the same as before.
9. I have never felt more guilty in my life than I have the second I became a mom. If fact, the guilt started in the hospital, the night Leo was born.
10. I have forgotten how to clean......and I love it.
11. Some things that used to be a big deal now are not.
12. Alcohol is more important to me and serves an entirely different purpose than it used to.
13. Our personal needs (gladly) come second.
14. Having a child......makes women VERY fertile. (Er....would have been good to know in advance.)
15. I'd rather have Leo be comfortable that be stylish.
16. My faith has changed. (in a good way)
17. I depend on Toby more than I ever thought I would/could.
18. Saying "no" to things is easier
19. There are some people who I thought would play a bigger role in Leo's life than they currently do.
20. DO NOT (repeat: DO NOT) play "airplane" with a baby who just ate.21. Mobiles, comforters, absorbant mattress pads, and diaper stacker's were pointless for us.
22. Costco membership is a "must have" for us.23. A lot of the "just wait" comments people told me were rubbish.
24. The park is more fun now than when I was 10.
25. Not all public restrooms have a "baby changing station".
26. 1 hr in the early morning of "me time" is totally necessary.
27. My babysitter is more than a sitter... she is helping me raise my son.
28. Not having family close by is difficult.
29. Gertie will always be our first baby.
30. Since becoming a parent, I have grown up tremendously.
31. There is soooooo much that I want to do in my life!!!!
Toby and I have survived our first year raising a child. The pleasure has been all ours! Looking forward to many more years ahead! But.... holy moly, a lot has changed! ( for the better I will add!)
Here is a lit of realizations, trials, new challenges, let downs, and triumphs I (we) have experienced the past 365 days since Leo Beck rocked our world.....
1. I have a high pain tolerance.
2. I miss getting all the attention from my husband.
3. Our marriage has had extreme highs and moderate lows.
4. Toby and I compete with each other more than we realize.
5. Leo makes me want to be a better person.
6. Money does not grow on trees.
7. It's OK for my job to come 2nd.
8. Our "home" has never felt the same as before.
9. I have never felt more guilty in my life than I have the second I became a mom. If fact, the guilt started in the hospital, the night Leo was born.
10. I have forgotten how to clean......and I love it.
11. Some things that used to be a big deal now are not.
12. Alcohol is more important to me and serves an entirely different purpose than it used to.
13. Our personal needs (gladly) come second.
14. Having a child......makes women VERY fertile. (Er....would have been good to know in advance.)
15. I'd rather have Leo be comfortable that be stylish.
16. My faith has changed. (in a good way)
17. I depend on Toby more than I ever thought I would/could.
18. Saying "no" to things is easier
19. There are some people who I thought would play a bigger role in Leo's life than they currently do.
20. DO NOT (repeat: DO NOT) play "airplane" with a baby who just ate.21. Mobiles, comforters, absorbant mattress pads, and diaper stacker's were pointless for us.
22. Costco membership is a "must have" for us.23. A lot of the "just wait" comments people told me were rubbish.
24. The park is more fun now than when I was 10.
25. Not all public restrooms have a "baby changing station".
26. 1 hr in the early morning of "me time" is totally necessary.
27. My babysitter is more than a sitter... she is helping me raise my son.
28. Not having family close by is difficult.
29. Gertie will always be our first baby.
30. Since becoming a parent, I have grown up tremendously.
31. There is soooooo much that I want to do in my life!!!!
It's been one amazing year! Based on THIS year, I have NO IDEA what is in store for the next year......or the next or the next or the next or the next........
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Chris Bensch (By: Jessica)
Below is an amazing story. An amzing story, about an amazing man, who my husband and I are blessed to know.
MORPH- Chris Bensch
Click Here.
You will be glad you did.
MORPH- Chris Bensch
Click Here.
You will be glad you did.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Dear..... (By: Jess)
Dear Leo,
Please stop grinding your teeth. Daddy and I cannot take the sound! Thanks, pal!
Love, Mom
Dear Baby in my belly,
Please be a girl! (If you are not, things will be fine and I will love you just as you are! No worries!)
Love, Mom
Dear Current 8th grade students,
Please start caring. About your grades, about your future, about your actions and their consequences, about how you treat others, about how you make your parents look, and really about anything other than yourselves and the current moment. Thanks.
Sincerely, Your frustrated teacher who is about to give up on you.
Dear Jersey Shore Cast,
I'm about over you.
Sincerely, A fan who's love for you is getting old....just like you.
Dear Haggen-Dazs Pineapple and Coconut Ice Cream,
Thank you for existing.
Love, Your Stalker
Dear Pintrest,
You are bittersweet. I love you and hate you. I love you for all the cool, creative, and clever ideas you give me. But, I hate you for making me realize that I'm too cheap, lazy, and unmotivated to do anything with all my pins.
With Love (and a little hate), Jessica
Dear Whit,
I'm sorry you died. I knew the crack would catch up with you. Why did you do this to yourself, girl? Dammmmmmn. You (were) so totally talented. I'm still "Waiting to Exhale". I don't think anyone will ever replace you. You (were) amazing in every way. Thanks for creating some of my most favorite songs. I will still listen to them (and enjoy them) even though you are now gone. Rest in Peace, Sister. Say HI to MJ for me. Man, ya'll just killin the music industry. No one left with any talent..... except Nicki Minaj. (totally kidding. what a joke.)
Love, A Fan
Dear Self,
Please relax and take a deep breath. You can't do it all. You will never be your version of "perfect", so why are you trying so hard? YOU are your worst enemy and hardest critic. In the words of your awesome husband, "take a chill pill". Things happen the way God wants them to, not the way you want them to. Accept this. Please just give it all to God to handle, you won't regret it.
Love, Yourself.
P.S. Remember: money doesn't grow on trees, the scale is an evil monster and needs to be destroyed (at least until September), and you are a lucky, lucky gal.
Please stop grinding your teeth. Daddy and I cannot take the sound! Thanks, pal!
Love, Mom
Dear Baby in my belly,
Please be a girl! (If you are not, things will be fine and I will love you just as you are! No worries!)
Love, Mom
Dear Current 8th grade students,
Please start caring. About your grades, about your future, about your actions and their consequences, about how you treat others, about how you make your parents look, and really about anything other than yourselves and the current moment. Thanks.
Sincerely, Your frustrated teacher who is about to give up on you.
Dear Jersey Shore Cast,
I'm about over you.
Sincerely, A fan who's love for you is getting old....just like you.
Dear Haggen-Dazs Pineapple and Coconut Ice Cream,
Thank you for existing.
Love, Your Stalker
Dear Pintrest,
You are bittersweet. I love you and hate you. I love you for all the cool, creative, and clever ideas you give me. But, I hate you for making me realize that I'm too cheap, lazy, and unmotivated to do anything with all my pins.
With Love (and a little hate), Jessica
Dear Whit,
I'm sorry you died. I knew the crack would catch up with you. Why did you do this to yourself, girl? Dammmmmmn. You (were) so totally talented. I'm still "Waiting to Exhale". I don't think anyone will ever replace you. You (were) amazing in every way. Thanks for creating some of my most favorite songs. I will still listen to them (and enjoy them) even though you are now gone. Rest in Peace, Sister. Say HI to MJ for me. Man, ya'll just killin the music industry. No one left with any talent..... except Nicki Minaj. (totally kidding. what a joke.)
Love, A Fan
Dear Self,
Please relax and take a deep breath. You can't do it all. You will never be your version of "perfect", so why are you trying so hard? YOU are your worst enemy and hardest critic. In the words of your awesome husband, "take a chill pill". Things happen the way God wants them to, not the way you want them to. Accept this. Please just give it all to God to handle, you won't regret it.
Love, Yourself.
P.S. Remember: money doesn't grow on trees, the scale is an evil monster and needs to be destroyed (at least until September), and you are a lucky, lucky gal.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Heart Day. (By: Jess)
Happy Heart Day, Friends!!
Today is a day filled with love! (Not that other days are not, but you know what I mean!)
Leo gave his babysitter, Miss Wendy, some flowers, balloons, and a sweet card (signed by him!) and gift card! She really deserved it and he wanted to express his un-dying love for her on this special day! As we were getting out of the car this morning and heading into Miss Wendy's house, he had his little fist grasped tightly on the balloon string, beaming with excitement to give Miss Wendy her gift of love! We Love Miss Wendy and her entire clan! (Papa Joe, Brother Caleb, May-May, Papa Hack and Miss Evelyn) So blessed!
Toby had some beautiful Lilly's sent to my work! What a great surprise! They were a mix of pink and dark blue/purple! Along with the stunning foliage, was a little box of chocolates! I (and my hormones) loved every bit of it!!!
I got Toby some of his favorite chocolate turtles and a card from me and one from Leo. He loved it and was beaming with pride as he opened them this morning!
Valentine's Day isn't my favorite holiday (is it even a holiday?) but I must admit....I do enjoy it!
I am looking forward to going to dinner tonight at a great place (Harry and Jean's) with the two loves of my life! (minus Gertrude, who isn't allowed to go. )
Here is a quick list of all things I heart:
- Friday's
-Whitney Houston music (as of late)
-Root Beer Floats (at the moment)
- A good book
- Birch Box monthly goodies
- Mani's and Pedi's
- Weekends away
-A drink on Friday night. and Saturday.
- Going to the movies and eating popcorn.
-Teacher work days
-Real Housewives and Teen Mom
- Waking Leo up in the morning and putting him to bed at night
-Lost and Found group
- Sunday's
Happy Valentine's Day!
(or what my best bud, Jayme, calls it..... Happy Valentimes Day!)
Either way...I love ya!
Today is a day filled with love! (Not that other days are not, but you know what I mean!)
Leo gave his babysitter, Miss Wendy, some flowers, balloons, and a sweet card (signed by him!) and gift card! She really deserved it and he wanted to express his un-dying love for her on this special day! As we were getting out of the car this morning and heading into Miss Wendy's house, he had his little fist grasped tightly on the balloon string, beaming with excitement to give Miss Wendy her gift of love! We Love Miss Wendy and her entire clan! (Papa Joe, Brother Caleb, May-May, Papa Hack and Miss Evelyn) So blessed!
Toby had some beautiful Lilly's sent to my work! What a great surprise! They were a mix of pink and dark blue/purple! Along with the stunning foliage, was a little box of chocolates! I (and my hormones) loved every bit of it!!!
I got Toby some of his favorite chocolate turtles and a card from me and one from Leo. He loved it and was beaming with pride as he opened them this morning!
Valentine's Day isn't my favorite holiday (is it even a holiday?) but I must admit....I do enjoy it!
I am looking forward to going to dinner tonight at a great place (Harry and Jean's) with the two loves of my life! (minus Gertrude, who isn't allowed to go. )
Here is a quick list of all things I heart:
- Friday's
-Whitney Houston music (as of late)
-Root Beer Floats (at the moment)
- A good book
- Birch Box monthly goodies
- Mani's and Pedi's
- Weekends away
-A drink on Friday night. and Saturday.
- Going to the movies and eating popcorn.
-Teacher work days
-Real Housewives and Teen Mom
- Waking Leo up in the morning and putting him to bed at night
-Lost and Found group
- Sunday's
Happy Valentine's Day!
(or what my best bud, Jayme, calls it..... Happy Valentimes Day!)
Either way...I love ya!
Monday, February 13, 2012
How ya Feelin' (PART 2) By: Jess
The question I get asked everyday is, "How are you feeling"? So, I decided to do occasional updates on that exact topic.
I am currently 16 weeks along. (4 months)
Size of BabyAn Avocado
Gender
Will not know until March.!! (I slightly thinking BOY now......)
Name?I've got (2) names nailed down! A boy name and a girl name. Just waiting to see which one it will be!!!
MovementNot really anything huge yet, but an looking forward to those tiny kicks and turns!
Sleep ReportStill having weird dreams! Also, Having a hard time "really" getting to sleep. It seems like I sleep really hard for like an hour or so, and then for the rest of the night it is very restless.
Also, been waking up and being totally confused! What day is it? Where am I? What time is it? Is it Friday? Saturday? No wait....it's Tuesday. What time is it? Do I have to work today? Ugh! It's so annoying!
What I missAlcohol (yes....this is listed first. Don't judge.), extra energy, and stable moods.
CravingsNothing at the moment. I seem to have lost my appetite lately.
Weird Happenings
I'm starting to feel queasy after eating. Never experienced that before....
Advise and/or comments
Good- Someone told me about a at-home-walking (exercise) DVD. I love that idea! Being able to walk in the comfort of my own home. It only takes 6 min. per mile. This is something that I can handle. So I bought it. 3 weeks ago. I still haven't put it in the DVD player yet.....but I will......soon. I promise.
I was getting a little freaked out about being able to handle Leo (who will be 17 months old when the new baby will be here) and the new baby. My friends told me, "You have no reason to stress! You are a wonderful Mom and you make it look so easy!" That made me feel good. Thanks Kerri and Kristie!
The fact that my babysitter (Wendy) is thrilled to take on another baby! I need her help! She's awesome!
Bad- Someone told me "Leo is gonna have to grow-up fast". Not really, but thanks for raining on my parade. Leo will grow-up just as time will allow him to. I'm not going to be rushing him to walk, or talk, or dress himself, or feed himself, or take the driver's test. He will grow-up just fine at at his own pace. Just because he is going to have a sibling doesn't mean that I will suddenly start expecting him to act like a 5 year old. It hurt my feelings that this person automatically assumed that Leo would suddenly get no attention and be expected to raise himself. Did they expect Leo to be an only child for the rest of his life? That comment just bothered me. To the core.
Best Moment(s)Thinking about who this little bumpkin will grow up to be and how God placed this new baby in our lives for a reason.
Thinking that this time next year I will be a Mommy of 2 and I prolly won't be able to imagine my life without these two rug-rats!
MeltdownsI've had some bad, bad weeks! I'm actually going to talk to my Dr. about it when I see him next week. I don't feel like myself.
Watching "Secretariat" and bawling my eyes out! It's not that sad of a movie, but apparently I thought it was.
What I am looking forward toFinding out the gender! I'll find out at 20 weeks.
How many weeks left24
Getting PreparedSold some old furniture and random stuff to clean out the spare bedroom to make into Leo's "big boy" room.
Found Leo some new bedding for his "big boy bed" at JCP. It's so cute and boyish! Check it out!
Have a brand new double stroller- thanks to an amazing friend! Best. Gift. Ever.
Bought another Diaper Genie. A must have.
Going shopping on Friday to get some new maternity clothes.
Current Mental StatusStill a Hot Mess. But getting better....... a little. Ok...not really :)
I am currently 16 weeks along. (4 months)
Size of BabyAn Avocado
Gender
Will not know until March.!! (I slightly thinking BOY now......)
Name?I've got (2) names nailed down! A boy name and a girl name. Just waiting to see which one it will be!!!
MovementNot really anything huge yet, but an looking forward to those tiny kicks and turns!
Sleep ReportStill having weird dreams! Also, Having a hard time "really" getting to sleep. It seems like I sleep really hard for like an hour or so, and then for the rest of the night it is very restless.
Also, been waking up and being totally confused! What day is it? Where am I? What time is it? Is it Friday? Saturday? No wait....it's Tuesday. What time is it? Do I have to work today? Ugh! It's so annoying!
What I missAlcohol (yes....this is listed first. Don't judge.), extra energy, and stable moods.
CravingsNothing at the moment. I seem to have lost my appetite lately.
Weird Happenings
I'm starting to feel queasy after eating. Never experienced that before....
Advise and/or comments
Good- Someone told me about a at-home-walking (exercise) DVD. I love that idea! Being able to walk in the comfort of my own home. It only takes 6 min. per mile. This is something that I can handle. So I bought it. 3 weeks ago. I still haven't put it in the DVD player yet.....but I will......soon. I promise.
I was getting a little freaked out about being able to handle Leo (who will be 17 months old when the new baby will be here) and the new baby. My friends told me, "You have no reason to stress! You are a wonderful Mom and you make it look so easy!" That made me feel good. Thanks Kerri and Kristie!
The fact that my babysitter (Wendy) is thrilled to take on another baby! I need her help! She's awesome!
Bad- Someone told me "Leo is gonna have to grow-up fast". Not really, but thanks for raining on my parade. Leo will grow-up just as time will allow him to. I'm not going to be rushing him to walk, or talk, or dress himself, or feed himself, or take the driver's test. He will grow-up just fine at at his own pace. Just because he is going to have a sibling doesn't mean that I will suddenly start expecting him to act like a 5 year old. It hurt my feelings that this person automatically assumed that Leo would suddenly get no attention and be expected to raise himself. Did they expect Leo to be an only child for the rest of his life? That comment just bothered me. To the core.
Best Moment(s)Thinking about who this little bumpkin will grow up to be and how God placed this new baby in our lives for a reason.
Thinking that this time next year I will be a Mommy of 2 and I prolly won't be able to imagine my life without these two rug-rats!
MeltdownsI've had some bad, bad weeks! I'm actually going to talk to my Dr. about it when I see him next week. I don't feel like myself.
Watching "Secretariat" and bawling my eyes out! It's not that sad of a movie, but apparently I thought it was.
What I am looking forward toFinding out the gender! I'll find out at 20 weeks.
How many weeks left24
Getting PreparedSold some old furniture and random stuff to clean out the spare bedroom to make into Leo's "big boy" room.
Found Leo some new bedding for his "big boy bed" at JCP. It's so cute and boyish! Check it out!
Have a brand new double stroller- thanks to an amazing friend! Best. Gift. Ever.
Bought another Diaper Genie. A must have.
Going shopping on Friday to get some new maternity clothes.
Current Mental StatusStill a Hot Mess. But getting better....... a little. Ok...not really :)
Friday, February 3, 2012
Confessions.....Part 5 (By: Jessica)
Ok...time to 'fess up!
and Link up with E!
1. I've been getting really sarcastic with my students lately. I kinda feel bad about it. Kinda.
2. Every nail on my all my fingers are a totally different length.
3. I honestly cannot remember the last time I "dressed up" and went somewhere.
4. I really want to finish Leo's quilt by his 1st birthday. (March)
5. Every time I think about our new baby, who will arrive in August, I picture a little girl.
6. Every year on my husband's birthday, I find a unique way to totally surprise and embarrass him! This year I didn't do anything. I'm totally bummed. He, on the other hand, is probably thrilled.
7. Leo's feet smell like "feet" sometimes. I want to kiss his little toes so bad, but sometimes I just can't do it!
8. The piles of clean laundry in our bedroom, waiting to get put away, is getting on my nerves.
9. I have no idea why I like the show "Jersey Shore". The people on it are total idiots and annoy me beyond belief. There is no point or topic to any of the shows. Everything is so predictable. Their language is ugly. The girls are nasty and the boys are gross. Yet.....I still watch every week. Hum?
10. When people do not respond to my text messages, it breaks my heart.
and Link up with E!
1. I've been getting really sarcastic with my students lately. I kinda feel bad about it. Kinda.
2. Every nail on my all my fingers are a totally different length.
3. I honestly cannot remember the last time I "dressed up" and went somewhere.
4. I really want to finish Leo's quilt by his 1st birthday. (March)
5. Every time I think about our new baby, who will arrive in August, I picture a little girl.
6. Every year on my husband's birthday, I find a unique way to totally surprise and embarrass him! This year I didn't do anything. I'm totally bummed. He, on the other hand, is probably thrilled.
7. Leo's feet smell like "feet" sometimes. I want to kiss his little toes so bad, but sometimes I just can't do it!
8. The piles of clean laundry in our bedroom, waiting to get put away, is getting on my nerves.
9. I have no idea why I like the show "Jersey Shore". The people on it are total idiots and annoy me beyond belief. There is no point or topic to any of the shows. Everything is so predictable. Their language is ugly. The girls are nasty and the boys are gross. Yet.....I still watch every week. Hum?
10. When people do not respond to my text messages, it breaks my heart.
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