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?