Fitting In

Since Jay's been sick with an earache and an upset stomach due to the anti-biotics, I've stayed in with him this week. Today we were going to the MOPS consignment sale to help set-up, so I would get to be around peers. Even though I tutor during the week, I don't concern myself too much about what I wear or how my "look" is perceived. I only really care for church and my mom's group, MOPS. I mention all this to say that I was completely ridiculous getting ready to head out. I had a cute outfit for Jay thanks to Nana, but I also wanted to spurce up. I did look presentable already: jeans and a black tee. However, I tried on: a magenta top, a striped top, a black and creme blouse, a green top, both black and brown shoes, then khaki pants, then coral top, another coral top (wrinkled), then nicer jeans, back to the black and creme top and black shoes. Now, I did not deem this event "dressy", so I didn't opt for boots. Wouldn't want to seem like I was trying to hard. (Ha.)

Since being an independent adult, I have become more self assured in my looks and wardrobe. I like to look nice and presentable, but really do not obsess about fashion. So after my hiatus from seeing other women, it's comical that I tore up my closet to look nice for a bunch of moms decked out in jeans and tees. Like I was wearing this morning.

Anyway, in the same vein of fashion, I found 3 great buys at the kids' consignment sale. Two Ralph Lauren pants (with the tags on!) and a Ralph Lauren collared shirt for $19. I'm not too brand conscious, but I was pumped with my finds. Boy, a good sale brings out the killer instinct. I was able to shop early before the sale opened up the public. That would have been fun to watch.

Happy Friday!

Potpourri

After hearing the same Taylor Swift song 3 times on the radio in one day, I switch to another station and catch 5 minutes of a woman's testimony about her conversion experience. (Aside: the song is "Love Story" which states: "You be the prince and I'll be the princess...." I change the channel because yet another Taylor Swift song comes on, and this one talks about how the narrator lives in the real world and is over her crush because she's no princess. Weird, yes? Aren't albums supposed to have some consistent theme? I digress.)

Anyway, the woman is talking about two lies she is saved from after receiving Jesus. The first is that being a full time mom is a waste. She realizes, "I wasn't just wiping noses and bottoms. I was nurturing an eternal soul." My thoughts exactly.

Also, since desperation is the mother of invention, I pull out my Martha Stewart Complete Homekeeping Encyclopedia (which I haven't cracked since moving into our first townhome 3 years ago). I am out of toilet cleaner and though I've been in 3 supermarkets this week, have not remembered to buy any. So, I use baking soda and vinegar to clean my bathrooms. Kinda filmy, but cheap, clean, and 'green'. Today, bathrooms. Tomorrow, total world domination.

What's Gross, Funny, and Eco-Friendly?

Baby poo in the tub.

Aside: We are back on the nighttime sleep grind. Jay had two beautiful daytime naps, but was up at 2:30 a.m. I think it was an upset stomach. He was very tired, but only wanted to sleep when held. However, I'm able to lay him down awake in the day. It's more trying when I'm semi-conscious.

Pictures from this weekend:

Nana's Favorite Boy

Poppa Ed, Nana, and Jay

When I see this face, I understand the "My Kid made the Honor Roll" bumper stickers!

Now we can walk & ride around our neighborhood

The Anti-Mom Mom Jean!

I have to share a wonderful find:

Lee Comfort Band Pants (look under the "Custom Fit" tab)

I could write slacks, but then this would really make me sound antiquated! They come in dark wash, black, etc. They are wonderful! They have a higher rise (aka mom jeans), but cover a problem stomach. They are wide leg and long enough to wear with boots or heels. Seriously, a true find. Go to Kohls (they're on sale for $27.99) and pick some up!

I LOVE THEM.

Just because...

my sweet boy is napping, I'm going to add some 9 month pictures. It's almost time to start thinking about his first birthday! The time does pass in the blink of an eye. I wouldn't trade a second... my life is so much richer and sweeter because of him.

Jay is cutting so many new teeth... he started on his top four about 2 1/2 weeks ago, and 2 more are also peeking out. He is swimming in drool.

We have reached new heights in the area of sleep... we are getting it! Since moving into our house, Jay is sleeping soundly. When he is not wetting himself and waking up (even with the premium diaper) he is down from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. We didn't hear a peep two nights ago. And, I'm able to put him down for naps much easier. I've stopped swaddling him. I just lay him down, orient him by his crib mirror/toy, and leave. A few times I've had to abandon the nap and try again, but 80 percent of the time he puts himself down. Not having to struggle over sleep (as much) is tremendous.

The Boo is up after a catnap from his car ride, so I'll close with the pictures.

Can you see my toothies?

Stop playing around and get me my food, woman!

The fairest one of all!

Bubble bath

Ahh! No pictures, no pictures!

Sunday morning

The following is a true account of actual events:

7:3o p.m. Saturday: Daddy puts down Jay. Jay has been fussy due to cutting four upper teeth and a runny nose that keeps coming back with the fluctuating weather.

8:30 We are all down for the night. I watch "Ghost Town" (sweet and funny) and A-train snoozes. He has a head cold, again, due to this strange weather.

10:00 I turn in.

3:30 a.m. Sunday: I wake up and check Jay.

5:30 Jay wakes up to eat.

7:00 a.m. A-train emerges fully dressed and Jay's ready as well. They take off to pick up breakfast for our Sunday School.

8:15 a.m. I shower, use mousse, apply eye make-up, change purses to match my shoes. I blow my hair with a round brush. I have to say I look really nice.

8:40 We arrive to church 20 minutes early. With an young child. Neatly attired. Before the music even begins.

The following events have not occurred on a Sunday in the last year and a half. Restful sleep, happy demeanor, and arriving to our destination EARLY.

I'm not writing this to be smug. While seemingly mundane, this morning was just... fulfilling. We are now all on the bed: playing with our feet (Jay), resting (A-train) and reflecting (me).

Pictures of the house to come soon. Thanks to AJ and Bev and C & D for all the help moving and unpacking.