Addicted

I am addicted to online shopping. It is a blessing and a curse.
It is really hard to shop withtwo little children and stores half an hour drive away. So online shopping is wonderful. I can shop in my pjs I can shop on the toilet. Its great.
However, it is always available....and is way to easy to type in the 'ol credit card number and hit "order". And I hate paying for shipping so I'll usually buy a minimum to get free shipping.
But I will take a moment to advocate ShopAtHome. It's a site that gives you cash back just for clicking on the links and shopping through it. It also provides coupon codes for % off discounts and shipping discounts.
I think I started using it in 2008 after little nicholas arrived and it was hard to get out. Since then I've saved over $400 in cash back. I use it for everything from clothes, gifts, computers, airline travel, you name it.
That's all I'm done.
Oh, look to the sidebar for a ShopAtHome link.

Yo Ho Ho

The boys say "Yo Ho Ho"

Moving

It's hard to say which theme wins out lately: moving or eating. Alexander is busy with both.
He isn't crawling yet but he rolls and sort of scoots. Mostly backwards. He'll scoot himself under the sofa with just his head sticking out. I am still trying to get a picture. But he usually ends up crying once he gets stuck. He gets up on all fours and rocks but then flops back to his belly.
He has mastered sitting himself up from a laying down position. It's so cute to leave him on his belly to come back and find him sitting up.
He also LOVES food. He is not happy with just a bottle anymore. For example, just yesterday we were in the car and he was ready for a nap. So I try to give him a bottle thinking it will put him out. No he screamed. I said fine here's a graham cracker. He proceeds to chow it down and fall asleep. I couldn't believe it! I weighed him last week at home and he's 18 pounds. My big boy.
He LOVES the cat. He wants to grab her. And gets excited when he sees her.
He is still a happy little baby and most of the time pretty darn easy.
He has 3 teeth, 2 bottom front and one top front. He is cutting his other top front and it is taking forever to come in. It really bothers him at times.
So here are a bunch of pictures. I've gotten several of the boys together. So cute.

Mrs. Clean

I cleaned the top of my refrigerator today. Why? That's probably what you are asking. Well I got into the cabinets above the fridge to get out the roasting pan. Why wouldn't I roast a chicken when it's 85 degrees and humid. I digress.
My point is, it's amazing what a little Lysol spray and a magic eraser will do.

Alexander: 7 Months

This is Alexander today. Exactly 7 months old.

I've said it before and I'll probably keep saying it: Slow down with the growing, already! This little guy is just developing so fast. I want my baby to stay a baby, well for a while longer at least.

So what's he doing?

Well he's rolling, scooting, sitting up, he gets up on his hands and knees and rocks. He scoots backwards. And just yesterday I watched him go from belly to sitting position. OMG! Not that he's mastered it by any means but this is what I am talking about. Slow Down!

He's interested in everything! Especially his brother's things. He loves watching Nicholas and other kids as well, I learned this week. He of course puts everything in his mouth.

Is he eating?

Why yes. He loves food. He is learning to like the spoon. He would much rather have pieces he can grab. So he pretty much eats anything I think he won't choke on: pancake, Puffs, peas, green beans, banana (a favorite), melon, sweet potato, butternut squash, acorn squash, apple, pear, bread. He likes that net thingy which I put apples and melon in.

He LOVES the cup. If you have a cup, he eyes it and wants it. I am so surprised he can actually drink out of it. He can.

Does he have teeth?

He has his bottom teeth he got at 5 months and is getting one of his top teeth now. I wouldn't be surprised that his other one soon follows.

He is just such a sweetheart. A happy little guy and silly personality.

First Day

So of course I am a little behind on this.
Nicholas started preschool last Thursday.
He had to pose with the sword. I don't know why. The mind of a 3 year old. He was so super excited! And of course it was raining. So we're in full gear.

We've arrived! Nicholas asked me about a half hour before we left the house, "We go to preschool now?"

"Almost honey, almost."

I made him pose.

Then he sprinted off to the door. I couldn't be more thrilled for him.

He did fabulous his first week. And so bittersweet for us Mommas.

My little boy!

The Apprentice

Nicholas loves it when I make cakes.
So of course he has to help.

He will be my little baker someday....hopefully. I think it a valuable skill

He's so proud.

The finished product. We decided they are worms on the cake.

I've been busy

Cakes Cakes and more Cakes
I have been one busy baker.

My first assignment. A monkey for a little monkey turning One year old.
Here is her smash cake:

And the big cake:
I thought they turned out pretty darn good.

And yes, all this is done free hand. My second assignment. An artists' cake.

Here it is:

Someone was having a painting party.

7 Days

T

This is said to be a lucky number. And I suppose it is for us today. Hurricane Irene hit in the wee hours of last Sunday morning. And with it came damaging ( this is really understating it) winds and lots of rain. So in these wee hours of last sunday morning, our power was knocked out. And 7 days later it has been restored. Yes folks it has taken 7 whole days for us to regain power. I will never again take electricity and running water for granted. We have been living in our house all week with no electricity or running water. Thank heavens for rain barrels. They have allowed us to carry buckets full of water inside the house to flush toilets. Our preparations ahead of time gave us a tub full of water to use for washing. Ice bags in the freezer saved our meat for 4 days when we moved it to a friends house. We lost everything in our fridge. Have been cooking on the grill. 100% of our town lost power. 140 roads in our town alone were affected. You couldn't drive down a road without a downed tree or power line. Our road was blocked at one end due to a tree on a power line. We didn't even know if we could get off our road for a couple of days. Irene was actually downgraded to a tropical storm before it hit CT. And I tell you I feel for those that have have been through full blown hurricanes. I really hope you never have to experience this. And I hope I never do again. There is really only so much preparation that can be done. And then it happens. And you deal with the aftermath. And it was so surreal. Here we are living in the stone age while some parts of the state never lost power. And they were not that many miles away. Maybe less than 20. So I am thankful tonight to not have to brush my teeth by flashlight with a cup of cold tub water. And I will sleep well after a nice hot shower and clean sheets. And wake up to a cup of real ( not instant) coffee that I have to walk outside to the grill to make.

My First

Hurricane Irene is coming. It's my first hurricane. No, I am not excited about this.
We are far enough inland to not get the worst of it but we will get high winds and rainfall.
I'm thinking worst case, downed trees and loss of power.
So we are preparing for that and hopefully we won't be out of power for too long.
I'll try to post when I can, in case power is out.
We are expected to get it on Sunday.
Say a prayer for all of us in the hurricane zone.

Wee Ooo Wee Ooo

That is the sound coming from my 3 year old on a daily basis. It's actually a European fire engine. And above is a daily scene in our house. There is always a fire somewhere to put out. Right now it's the castle. And it takes all 3 fire trucks.


We've been visiting a local rescue farm for the last 3 weeks.
We get a farm tour. Pet some of the animals, feed the goats, do a craft, have a snack.
The highlights really are the pony ride.

And feeding/holding a guinea pig. They are cute little rodents. Here's Nicholas with cousin Abbey and the guinea pigs.

Slow down already, will you?

I've been meaning to write this post for, well, probably 2 months now. Here it is....finally!
My baby is over 6 months old already! He needs to just stop. Slow down. He's so busy and changing fast.
But I have to say he is such a joy. I call him my little muffin. Because he is a sweet little muffin.
He already has a little sense of humor. And I *LOVE* that my kids know how to laugh and have fun. And have such wonderful personalities. So great!
He is weighing in at 16.5 lbs and 26 inches long. These figures put him in the 25th precentile. He's a little guy compared to others I guess. But he seems like a chunk to me. He's perfect for him. He's into his 6-9 month clothing.
So what's he doing?
Oh my! He is rolling everywhere! Rolling, scooting, squirming. Always trying to get something in his mouth. The play mat is officially out of commission. And he doesn't stay on a blanket anymore either. He's not completely mobile yet but he's getting there.
He's almost sitting up. There's a video at the end if it's working. I say he's a weeble wobble that will fall down.
He's started food. He likes his fruits, not so big on the veggies. He is so interested in what we are eating. He wants the big food. I try to feed him his on his little spoon and I'm lucky to get 2-3 bites in him before he clams up. Will.Not.Open.Mouth. I'd like to say it's cute, but it's not.
He loves loves loves the cup. A real cup. Not a sippy cup. (although he loves that too). He can drink from a cup. I kid you not. I have to get video of his craziness with the cup.
He's just such a little joy.
Okay pictures.

This is a "mural" on his wall above the crib. They are those wall decals. LOVE them. They are all over his room. So fun!

The boys playing with a baby toy. Even Nicholas is entertained. I love it!

What a fun activity cube for a 6 month and 3 year old.

Having fun on the bed.

Look at that smile he gives his brother. He smiles whenever Nicholas comes close. It's love.

For now.

Such a roly poly.

I love this face. How can you not love this face?

He had to make a phone call. I think they weren't home by the look on his face.
Trying food. But the bib tastes better.
With Nana and Papa. Does he look like his Papa or what?


Okay all folks. Thanks for being patient with my lack of blogging and pictures of the kiddos.

Oh here's the video if it works. Hope so. It's cute.

Bite the bullet

I may have to friends.
Join Facebook.
Noooooooo!
I have been holding out. I just don't want that chaos in my life. But,
I can get coupons through it (now I've been using my hubby's account. He never looks at it anyway but it could be embarrassing that he likes Huggies pull ups. Ha!)
Also my moms group wants to use it to communicate. And I like to be in the loop.
So I am still on the fence. But I have a feeling I am falling.....to the dark side.
Don't do it Anniken.

Today's shopping trip

Now that I am extreme couponing, sort of, I feel the need to save money every time I enter a store.
Today I went to CVS to take advantage of two bargains.
I bought 3 Soaftsoap body wash = $9
Pampers Cruisers=$9
2- Huggies newborn diaper packs (for a gift)=$6.24, they were clearances at 75% off

I used
(3) $1 soft-soap coupons
(1) $2 pampers coupon
$14 in ECBs

Total before $25 and change
Total after $5 and change

Score for me!

Also went to stop&Shop for groceries
My big steal:
2 bottles prenatal vitamins=$24
I bought them for $2 total.
They were B1G1 free
I had a $1 coupon plus a doubler coupon
And a $2 coupon printed at checkout so I used that too.
Score!

I also saved $1.50 on Land o Lakes eggs, making them $1.70 a dozen. Not a complete steal but I get so annoyed about how expensive eggs Are. The store brand ( which I expect to be cheap) are $2.29/doz. What? So score on the eggs.

Overall I saved $14 just in coupons. They add up friends.

Got any good savings tips or shopping trips to share? I want to hear.
Leave me a comment.

Should we?

So maybe it's too early to celebrate.
It's been one week since the poop in the closet, hasty decision to potty train.
It is actually going quite well. We have had no accidents since Monday. We have had successful poops on the potty all week.
Yesterday we even left the house in underwear! Wah hoo!
We went to MyGym. I thought this might be a good try because I knew they have the kids seat on the big toilets there.
We went pee right when we got there, it's a half hour a way. Then towards the end of the one hour class he said he had to pee. Yay!
He did fabulous!
He initiates it a lot but I am still encouraging often. I know he gets distracted.
He's wanting to do it by himself more. Pulling down his own pants.
I really can't ask for more than what he is doing.
He still in pull ups for nap and bed. He is not staying dry those times. But I am happy with what he IS doing.
It is actually going better than I envisioned.
I think it still makes me edgy. I am not sure I can totally trust him on his own with it.
But it's only been one week. This is a huge change for him.
Thanks to all of you for your supportive comments. Any mother that has been through this, knows.

Desperate

I am in desperate need of a haircut.
It hasn't been cut since before Alexander was born.
Since I just pull it up in a clip for the hot weather I haven't bothered.
But I really like this style.
What do you think?

Our fault

Mom and dad were slacking this weekend. We were out and on the go so much that we did not stay on top of the potty training.
So it's Monday and I am back on it.
I know I am not supposed to get frustrated with him but it is so hard not to.
I moved the potty from the bathroom to the living room today just to make it more accessible to him and give him a reminder.
Well he peed in his pants 4 tomes this morning.in like an hours time. I swear this kid could go every 15 minutes. He was two steps from the potty and decided to go behind the chair instead. I don't get it.
Later on after lunch, he kept holding his butt.
Nicholas, do you have to poop?
Yeah.
Okay let's get on the potty.
20 minutes later...nope
Again running around holding the butt.
Nicholas, do. You.have. To. Poop?
Yes.
Okay potty.
I left him do his business.
Came back to.......poop in the potty! Hurray!
It's a big victory.
But I know we still need to stay on top of him.

Let's just hope mom can hold on.

Day 3

I feel like it sone step forward, two steps back. But I guess the bright side is we do have some forward steps.

Day 2 actually ended unsuccessfully with a pee and a poop in the underwear.
Day 3 has been not so focused on it. He has gone on the potty but has been in pull ups most of the day. Wee were out for over 3 hours this morning and he stayed dry. Then while eating lunch he said he had to pee. Okay let's go. I wad thinking it might be a stall tactic for eating. But he actually went.
Then we were out in the afternoon and evening and was in a pull up (I am not all about dealing with the mess while out). He did poop and pee in the pull up. But we weren't encouraging him to go and he was busy playing. So thats probably our fault.
Tomorrow is a new day and well try again.

And it begins

So yesterday as I am changing Nicholas he decides to run around naked. Okay. I get it. Kids like to be naked. I get concerned about him peeing on the floor. He's done it before. So I am trying to get a diaper back on him and he's ignoring me and having fun and I'm laughing with him. Then he hides in his closet. We play the "where's Nicholas?" game. He comes running out,
"here I am!"
Then I see it.
Something comes flying off him.
Poop.
Yes, he went into the closet and pooped.
Oh no oh no oh no
I can not believe he did that.

So I am done with the child-led potty training. Waiting until he is ready? Nope.
It's hard core potty training.

So day 2
And it's going well. He was wetting his big boy underwear yesterday but today...nope.
We even left the house for 3 hours. I put a diaper on him for that. And he stayed dry! Even with drinking a whole cup of water and juice.
So little by little.
It is exhausting. I was taking him to go potty every half hour yesterday. I am hoping it lengthens as we go along and he gets it.

Owen and Urban

Went to the Jake Owen and Keith Urban concert on Sunday with my mom.
It was saweeeeeeeeeeettt.
Keith performed for over two hours straight. He really did a great job.
Thanks Mom!