Hats off to the dads...

Today at MOPS we talked about dads.  We had a panel of three brave men who came and answered our questions and gave advice of things they do and ideas they share with their wives that help them parent better.  At first, I was a little weary of how today would go.  You're just not sure if someone is going to gang up on them and verbally beat them up.  But it didn't go that way at all!  It was seriously awesome.  And it made me so thankful for my wonderful husband and fantastic dad!

The one thing that stuck with me is this.  Relationship without rules leads to resentment.  Rules without relationship leads to rebellion.  How true is that!  And what a challenge to moms and dads.  How do we find that delicate balance between rules and relationships so that our child is raised into a wonderful adult.  Sometimes I think I look to far ahead into what we will be heading into down the road, but I guess I could call it being prepared.  I know he won't remember playing with me on the floor right now when he's 16, but I still want to begin to build that relationship as well as define it with rules.

What a profound statement packed into such few words.  And they all start with "R"!  Yep, that's one of the things I took away.  Although everything else was very awesome, that was definitely the one thing I hope sticks with me forever.  And hopefully we can begin to create a solid relationship with Jacob now and also start teaching him the rules that he needs to abide by as well.

What is one piece of advice you wished you had known years ago??

My trip to the dentist...

What an exciting topic!  Yes, the dentist.  Ugh.  In my mind, I had this unrealistic expectation that since I now stay-at-home, I could go to the dentist during the middle of the day when the sun was shining and birds were chirping.  Wrong.  Josh needed to watch Jacob, so I went this morning (when it was still dark out) at 8am to the torture chamber. 

I have to admit, I had a new dental hygienist today and she was fantastic.  Shout-out to Martha! Woot! And she was sort of gentle.  But my gums still bled.  Yes, if I would floss it wouldn't be this way.  But I hate flossing.  It's just so unnatural.  So I prefer instead to lose a pint of blood during my bi-yearly visit.  The good news?  No cavities!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the first time since I have been 18 that they have taken x-rays and I haven't had a cavity.  I thought my teeth were supposed to be worse after pregnancy?? Apparently, I should have more kids!  In due time, of course!

But as I was sitting in the chair tensing up and trying to not cry, I realized that in a few short years, I will need to bring Jacob to the dentist.  And somehow, I will have to make him believe this place is not the torture chamber I believe it is.  I will somehow have to make him think it's awesome.  And I'm not sure how to do that.  Not when I try to delay my appointments as long as I can before feeling guilty.  Oh dentist, why can you not be more enjoyable????

What is your worst and favorite part of the dentist???

Time to Upgrade!

 On our shopping trip, we headed to Target yesterday for an upgrade.  It seems the baby carseat that once held a tiny baby in it is now too small.  It's time to upgrade.

We went from little to big:

Dang, that kid is cute!! Anyway, it made me quit nostalgic.  Yes, I knew he would grow up.  But in my new mommy state, I figured it would take FOREVER.  And here we are, buying a big kid car seat.  Sigh.  This is the one we bought if you're searching for one!  I just don't know what to do with myself now.  He's almost crawling (more like scooting) and only wants to stand up.  What happened to this itty bitty baby of mine??

I guess the one good thing about growing up is he's a lot more fun.  Yes, it is absolutely wonderful to snuggle an itty bitty, but playing now is so much more rewarding.  And when we hang out with kids older than him, I just CANNOT wait to see how much more fun he'll become!  Let's just hope he soon learns to crawl/walk so he stops getting mad all the time!

When did you realize that your baby was growing old way too quickly??

I'm a stressed out momma!

Do you ever have these days/weeks??  I really don't think I should complain because I *could* be working full-time.  But, I'm going to complain anyway.  Maybe I can pretend it's "venting" so it feels nicer.  This week we have a plethora of things going on, all of which are AWESOME fun!  Today, we are going shopping once Jacob wakes up from his nap.  Tuesday is a playdate, Wednesday is a funeral and set-up for MOPS, Thursday is MOPS, Friday is Mom's Night Out at the WOW Factory.  Seriously, that is a FUN week!  The part that stresses me out is preparation.

Before, I could just grab my purse and out the door I went.  Now, I have to get the diaper bag, bottles, food, water, snacks, bibs, burp cloths and whatever else I am momentarily forgetting.  If he's staying here, I have to write directions out for babysitters.  MAN.  I miss those days!!  I think the worst part is my mind preparing.  I can so easily get out of control about the things I need to do while sitting at the computer playing on Facebook.  But the moment I start preparing, it goes smoothly.  It's all a mind game!

It's almost become that it's just easier to stay home, so we do.  And I don't like that.  Even though we're parents, I still want us to go out and have fun.  Even if that means taking the harder route and packing up the kitchen sink.  So, while I blog and stress about getting things ready to go shopping, I'll try to remember that the end goal is worthwhile.  And we can go out with success!  Here's to hoping for a great shopping experience!!

What stresses you out???

The first question I'm asked...

Everytime someone finds out I have a small child, their first question is, "Does he sleep through the night?"  I think that's mean.  I now firmly believe this is a question that should never be asked.  I think, instead, they should ask, "When can I keep your child for a night?"

The reason why I do not like this question is because, obviously, the answer is no.  Jacob will tease us every once in awhile and pretend like he's "fixed".  And then he'll wake up the next night for an hour and a half.  Boo.  I almost want to lie.  I almost want to say, "Yes! He's been sleeping through the night since he was 3 weeks old!"  Yes, it would be a terrible lie.  But then I wouldn't have to listen to advice.  Yes, yes, we've done that.  Mmmhmm we tried that.  Yep, did that too.  At 7 months, we have tried EVERYTHING.  Besides putting him outside until the morning.  For some reason, people frown on that option.  Who knows why.

I won't lie.  I'll tell people the truth.  Yes, my child is over 7 months old, and no, he doesn't sleep through the night.  He'd rather hang out with mom & dad.  Even when mom threatens to sell him to the Russians.  I guess I should just be glad people aren't asking me if I'm pregnant again...

What is the first question you get asked???

My guilty pleasure...

A reader recently mentioned that reading my blog is her guilty pleasure (Hi Rachel!)!  It got me thinking... I believe every mom has or should have a guilty pleasure.  I think it's essential for our sanity.  I believe firmly that without a guilty pleasure, we would lose it.  You would see a lot of moms in rooms with padded walls.  And I would definitely be one of them!

I felt the need to share my guilty pleasure.  Usually, it's television.  Currently, it's the Bachelor.  Yes, I know it's ridiculous and filled with crazies.  But I love it.  I love watching the drama unfold and the girls trying to get ahead.  I love the anticipation of the Bachelor picking the girl he wants to marry.  Really? So ridiculous!  There is no way a man can pick a woman through a show to marry for the rest of his life.  I think that's why most don't end up together.  But, it doesn't matter.  I love watching it!!

Josh, on the other hand, sighs, pretends to gag himself and goes to the other room.  Heehee.  I feel the same way about his choice of shows (hockey, football, soccer, basketball, etc.) so I think it's only fair.  I'm just grateful that every once in awhile he lets me actually watch my guilty pleasure!  I'm sure I have more than one, but that's the one that is currently in my mind...

What about you?  What is your guilty pleasure????

I now like the thing I used to hate most...

Many years ago, if you asked me to shovel snow, I would most likely growl at you.  Under my breath of course.  And I would do it, but I would be angry.  So, as most of you know, some snow showed up over the last 24 hours.  About 4 inches I think?? I'm always pretty bad at estimating... if you're in Morgantown, correct me!  So it came as a big shock to myself that I wanted to clean my car off.  What?!?  This is the task I threatened Josh with every morning before work. 

I just have no idea what caused this shift in my desires.  I actually wanted to do it. And I was joyful doing it.  Except that the snow plow guy was staring me down.  That was weird.  So clean it off I did.  And then I moved it to a clean spot.  I feel so accomplished!  I think there maybe a few reasons why I wanted to clean off the snow. 

1. I chose to do it.  No one was forcing me to, and there was no money at the end.  Although maybe I should pay myself.  That would be awesome!  Who wants to go out??? 
2. I wasn't in dress clothes.  I wasn't in high heels and stumbling around.  I had my boots, heavy coat, gloves and sweatpants.  Yep, I'm in my sweatpants.  
3. I wanted out of the house.  I think this is my strongest reason.  If I recall correctly, before this afternoon I hadn't been out of the house since Sunday.  Granted, some people came to hang with me yesterday, but I did not leave.  Except to run out quick and return a bracelet!  

 All I know is maybe this being a stay at home mom has created some habits and desires my husband may appreciate.  That and cooking!  He'll be happy when he comes home!!!!

Any strange desires you've developed??  Do you like to remove snow??