Mom, Mama, Drew and Jack
the adventures of 2 boys and their moms
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Family Size
Today's Non-Challenge: What size family do you come from, what size family do you want, and why?
I (Carrie) have one younger brother, so we are a small family. My parents would have loved to have more kids, but it took them years to have the two of us! MJ has two older brothers. As for us, we are hoping to have one more. We will NOT try forever and ever to have this second one like we did to get Drew. We have already said that we will do 6 IUI's and that is it. If it doesn't work at that point, we will be happy with our little guy. Oh, how we hope to give him a sibling though! We both think that it is good for kids to have siblings. We hope to start TTC #2 in the winter. A lot of the decision about family size comes down to what we can afford. Kids are EXPENSIVE and two is plenty!
I (Carrie) have one younger brother, so we are a small family. My parents would have loved to have more kids, but it took them years to have the two of us! MJ has two older brothers. As for us, we are hoping to have one more. We will NOT try forever and ever to have this second one like we did to get Drew. We have already said that we will do 6 IUI's and that is it. If it doesn't work at that point, we will be happy with our little guy. Oh, how we hope to give him a sibling though! We both think that it is good for kids to have siblings. We hope to start TTC #2 in the winter. A lot of the decision about family size comes down to what we can afford. Kids are EXPENSIVE and two is plenty!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Parenting Advice
Today's Non-Challenge: What is/are the best piece(s) of parenting advice you've gotten or can give others?
Here is my tip for you all.....STOP reading, STOP googl.ing, STOP listening to what everyone else has to say.....your "mommy instinct" is very strong and you just have to do what you know is best for you and your child. You can't worry about what others will think or how they may react. Your gut reaction is the best judge in a situation. Do what your mommy brain tells you to do and it will all work out just fine.
Here is my tip for you all.....STOP reading, STOP googl.ing, STOP listening to what everyone else has to say.....your "mommy instinct" is very strong and you just have to do what you know is best for you and your child. You can't worry about what others will think or how they may react. Your gut reaction is the best judge in a situation. Do what your mommy brain tells you to do and it will all work out just fine.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
When I Grow Up....
Ok, back on the Non-Challenge Bandwagon!
What did you want to be when you grew up? Why and/or how did that change over time?
Honestly, I have ALWAYS wanted to be a teacher. As far back as I can remember, that is what I wanted to be when I grew up. I spent hours on end when I was little playing school and I was always the teacher! Being a teacher is still what I want to be "when I grow up!" I really do love what I do and I love seeing the kids each and every day - they certainly do bring a smile to your face.
What did you want to be when you grew up? Why and/or how did that change over time?
Honestly, I have ALWAYS wanted to be a teacher. As far back as I can remember, that is what I wanted to be when I grew up. I spent hours on end when I was little playing school and I was always the teacher! Being a teacher is still what I want to be "when I grow up!" I really do love what I do and I love seeing the kids each and every day - they certainly do bring a smile to your face.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Kindest Thing
Today's Non-Challenge Question: What is the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you? Did you repay the kindness?
At first I had a hard time with this one, but when I really think about it, the kindest thing anyone has ever done for us is to be a sperm donor. I am thankful each and every day for the man who was selfless enough to become a donor and enable us to have our family. In terms of repaying the kindness, there is no way we could ever repay him for what he has given us!
At first I had a hard time with this one, but when I really think about it, the kindest thing anyone has ever done for us is to be a sperm donor. I am thankful each and every day for the man who was selfless enough to become a donor and enable us to have our family. In terms of repaying the kindness, there is no way we could ever repay him for what he has given us!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
PDA
Today's non-challenge: How do you and your partner feel about PDA?
Our feeling - save it for elsewhere!! However, it is very nice to visit Provinc.etown and at least be able to walk down the street hand in hand - that is something I wish we had the opportunity for more often. Luckily we make it to P-town a couple of times a year and enjoy the opportunity to "be ourselves"!
Our feeling - save it for elsewhere!! However, it is very nice to visit Provinc.etown and at least be able to walk down the street hand in hand - that is something I wish we had the opportunity for more often. Luckily we make it to P-town a couple of times a year and enjoy the opportunity to "be ourselves"!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Parenthood and Astrology
I'll take on two non-challenge questions in this post!
The first: What is your favorite thing about parenthood? Your least favorite?
My favorite thing about parenthood is watching the world through my son's eyes. Everything is so new and fresh and exciting for him and I love looking at life that way. I love watching him gain new skills almost daily, I love looking at a mini version of myself, I just love it all! I also love being able to share my life with such an amazing tiny human being - I can't believe how fierce the love that I have for him is.
My least favorite thing about parenthood is never being able to sleep in. Oh, how I miss sleeping in.....
The next non - challenge question: How do you feel about astrology? What your sign, baby, and do you think it matches your personality.
I could care less about astrology to be honest......I am a Virgo, Drew and MJ are both Scorpio's. I'll admit, I had to look up what Drew was in order to write this post - that's how uninterested I really am!
The first: What is your favorite thing about parenthood? Your least favorite?
My favorite thing about parenthood is watching the world through my son's eyes. Everything is so new and fresh and exciting for him and I love looking at life that way. I love watching him gain new skills almost daily, I love looking at a mini version of myself, I just love it all! I also love being able to share my life with such an amazing tiny human being - I can't believe how fierce the love that I have for him is.
My least favorite thing about parenthood is never being able to sleep in. Oh, how I miss sleeping in.....
The next non - challenge question: How do you feel about astrology? What your sign, baby, and do you think it matches your personality.
I could care less about astrology to be honest......I am a Virgo, Drew and MJ are both Scorpio's. I'll admit, I had to look up what Drew was in order to write this post - that's how uninterested I really am!
Friday, June 17, 2011
{this moment}
{this moment} – A Friday ritual inspired by SouleMama.
A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week.
A simple, special, extraordinary moment.
A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Best and Worst Jobs
Today's Non-Challenge: Tell us about the best job you ever had and the worst.
I would have to say that the best job is the one I have now. I teach Science and Technology to about 500 kids a week in grades K - 5. When I finished my Master's program almost 10 years ago, I said my dream job would be to teach kids how to use computers. For the past 4 years, I have been doing just that! I am also excited for next school year as I will be changing one of the schools that I work at to a different one. It will be great to work with new kids and different staff members.
The worst job I ever had was working in the dishroom in college. Smelly, dirty, disgusting.....enough said!
I would have to say that the best job is the one I have now. I teach Science and Technology to about 500 kids a week in grades K - 5. When I finished my Master's program almost 10 years ago, I said my dream job would be to teach kids how to use computers. For the past 4 years, I have been doing just that! I am also excited for next school year as I will be changing one of the schools that I work at to a different one. It will be great to work with new kids and different staff members.
The worst job I ever had was working in the dishroom in college. Smelly, dirty, disgusting.....enough said!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Non Challenge Interruption
Well, I missed yesterday, and today so we'll just go with a regular post about our weekend. The first big news is that we have TWO more TEETH breaking their way through on the top. One has broken the skin and the other is working its way out. Little Man has been a bit miserable today, but nothing a little extra loving can't cure.
We also turned our living room into more of a play area for Drew. He has figured out how to scoot around everywhere, so it was time to give him a safer place to play. He can get clear across the room in no time flat. He is such a mover! He loves just hanging on the floor and playing which is great because it allows us some time to get things done.
We have 9 more days of school and then it's time for vacation!!! We can't wait to spend everyday with Drew. Summer is just going to be amazing.
I'll leave you with a couple of pics from the weekend and return to the non challenge tomorrow!
We also turned our living room into more of a play area for Drew. He has figured out how to scoot around everywhere, so it was time to give him a safer place to play. He can get clear across the room in no time flat. He is such a mover! He loves just hanging on the floor and playing which is great because it allows us some time to get things done.
We have 9 more days of school and then it's time for vacation!!! We can't wait to spend everyday with Drew. Summer is just going to be amazing.
I'll leave you with a couple of pics from the weekend and return to the non challenge tomorrow!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Recipes
Today's Non-Challenge - Recipes
One of my faves:
Pork Salsa Pie
1 LB of ground chicken, turkey or pork (we prefer pork)
Salsa
Shredded Cheese
Crescent rolls
Brown your meat on the stovetop. While you are doing this, line a round pie plate with the crescent rolls and pop them in the oven to start browning. Use whatever the temp says on the crescent roll can. I usually leave it in the oven for 7 -8 minutes.
Once the meat is browned, drain it and return it to the pan. Add salsa - usually a jar (go by what looks good!) and some shredded cheese (a small handful). Stir together.
Transfer meat mixture into the crescent roll pan. Top with shredded cheese. Throw it back into the oven for 10 minutes or so (until the crescent rolls have cooked the rest of the way.)
We serve ours with rice and a veggie and it is so yummy! It is best heated up on a stoneware pan in the oven or else it can be a bit soggy.
One of my faves:
Pork Salsa Pie
1 LB of ground chicken, turkey or pork (we prefer pork)
Salsa
Shredded Cheese
Crescent rolls
Brown your meat on the stovetop. While you are doing this, line a round pie plate with the crescent rolls and pop them in the oven to start browning. Use whatever the temp says on the crescent roll can. I usually leave it in the oven for 7 -8 minutes.
Once the meat is browned, drain it and return it to the pan. Add salsa - usually a jar (go by what looks good!) and some shredded cheese (a small handful). Stir together.
Transfer meat mixture into the crescent roll pan. Top with shredded cheese. Throw it back into the oven for 10 minutes or so (until the crescent rolls have cooked the rest of the way.)
We serve ours with rice and a veggie and it is so yummy! It is best heated up on a stoneware pan in the oven or else it can be a bit soggy.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Lessons from Mom
Today's Non-Challenge: What is the most important lesson you learned from your own mother?
I have learned many, many lessons from my mother , but the most important would be how to give unconditional love. She has taught me this in the way she treats people and in the way that she loves her family. Seeing this love that she has for us has taught me how important it is and I have benefitted first hand from it. Along with this has come a wonderful lesson in how to be an amazing parent. I only hope that I can be half the Mama to Drew as she has been to me!
I have learned many, many lessons from my mother , but the most important would be how to give unconditional love. She has taught me this in the way she treats people and in the way that she loves her family. Seeing this love that she has for us has taught me how important it is and I have benefitted first hand from it. Along with this has come a wonderful lesson in how to be an amazing parent. I only hope that I can be half the Mama to Drew as she has been to me!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Teaching
Today's Non Challenge: If you had to teach something, what would you teach? (If you DO teach, when did you discover your love for it?)
We BOTH are teachers. MJ teaches 4th grade currently. She has also taught 3rd grade, High School Special Ed and Elementary Special Ed. I currently teach Technology and Science to about 500 Elementary kids a week in grades K - 5. I have also taught both 4th and 5th grade.
We often joke that Drew is doomed with both of his moms being teachers! He won't get away with anything and we will be "teaching" him all of the time!
I have ALWAYS wanted to be a teacher. When I was little I would play school and always imagined myself as a teacher when I grew up. I have to say that I really do love my job and the kids really do make it all worth it.
We BOTH are teachers. MJ teaches 4th grade currently. She has also taught 3rd grade, High School Special Ed and Elementary Special Ed. I currently teach Technology and Science to about 500 Elementary kids a week in grades K - 5. I have also taught both 4th and 5th grade.
We often joke that Drew is doomed with both of his moms being teachers! He won't get away with anything and we will be "teaching" him all of the time!
I have ALWAYS wanted to be a teacher. When I was little I would play school and always imagined myself as a teacher when I grew up. I have to say that I really do love my job and the kids really do make it all worth it.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today's Non Challenge question: What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? If you have children, what are their favorites?
I LOVE to go out for breakfast and order an omelette and hasbrowns and toast. At home though, we eat a lot of eggs for breakfast (fresh from my parent's farm) and english muffins. Lunch varies - lots of times we just have leftovers or sandwiches. If I had to choose a favorite, it would be a chicken salad sandwich or pasta salad with tuna. For dinner I would have to say either a pasta dish, or something on the grill.
As far as the Little Man, some of the foods he currently loves are: avocado, banana, sweet potatoes and crackers.
What I really wish, though, is that I had someone to cook for me everyday!
I LOVE to go out for breakfast and order an omelette and hasbrowns and toast. At home though, we eat a lot of eggs for breakfast (fresh from my parent's farm) and english muffins. Lunch varies - lots of times we just have leftovers or sandwiches. If I had to choose a favorite, it would be a chicken salad sandwich or pasta salad with tuna. For dinner I would have to say either a pasta dish, or something on the grill.
As far as the Little Man, some of the foods he currently loves are: avocado, banana, sweet potatoes and crackers.
What I really wish, though, is that I had someone to cook for me everyday!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Something New
Todays Non Challenge: When was the last time you tried something new? What was it and what was the result?
This one was hard to think of.....
One thing I can think of is trying Gree.k yogurt. All I can say is YUMMY! Now we eat it every day. Lame answer, I know, but it's all I've got!
Another new thing we tried is planting cantaloupe in our garden this year. We'll have to see how that turns out. I can only hope we have lots of little melons to munch on later this summer.
Can you count parenting? That would definitely be something new, and we absolutely love it. Best decision we ever made!
This one was hard to think of.....
One thing I can think of is trying Gree.k yogurt. All I can say is YUMMY! Now we eat it every day. Lame answer, I know, but it's all I've got!
Another new thing we tried is planting cantaloupe in our garden this year. We'll have to see how that turns out. I can only hope we have lots of little melons to munch on later this summer.
Can you count parenting? That would definitely be something new, and we absolutely love it. Best decision we ever made!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
SEVEN MONTHS
Drew -
You are seven months old today. More than half way to one year. How did we get here already?! You change and grow every day and it is amazing to watch! We enjoyed celebrating our first Mother's Day with you this month.
The biggest milestone we reached this month was TEETH! Your first two teeth came in on the bottom and boy were you miserable! It took 3 - 4 days for your first tooth to break and then the second one came in right behind it. Our usually happy baby was just so unhappy. We gave you plenty of love and even let you sleep with us for a couple of nights and we all made it through just fine!
We have been able to spend a lot more time outside this month because the weather has been so much nicer. We set up the gazebo outside and you love to play in there in your exersaucer. Mom and Mama can actually get some yard work done while you play in there. You love the grass and have already tasted it and some leaves! You just love being out in the fresh air. We can't wait to take you swimming when the lake warms up a bit more.
You got to spend 4 days with your Nana and Opa while they were on vacation this month. You had so much fun at their house. Your Nana spent lots of time teaching you how to make funny noises and you went on your first tractor ride with your Opa. You were in your glory! You also had 2 sleepovers with your Nana and Opa while Mom and Mama went scrapbooking on Friday nights. You had lots of fun spending the night and we had lots of fun getting some scrapbook pages done for you!
You have really built up a lot of strength this month and you LOVE to stand up. You will even "twinkle toe" across the floor with someone holding you. You still haven't mastered sitting yet on your own, but you seem to prefer to play on your tummy anyways. When we put you on the floor, you move all over the place to get what you want. You scoot, roll, and turn and you have also started bringing your knees right up under yourself. We don't think it will be long before you crawl.
You have really enjoyed playing with toys that make sounds this month. You love to push the buttons and listen to the songs that are played. You also really love your Sophie the Giraffe teether that your Nana bought you. It is one of your favorite things to chew on.
You have noticed the dog and cats this month and you like to pat them and pull on them. We are teaching you to be a little easier so that you don't rip out hunks of fur! You like the dogs at your Nana's house too. You also enjoy the donkeys and lambs at your Nana and Opa's farm. You love to pull on their fur and you try to put it in your mouth. You have no fear around any of the animals.
You wore 3 - 6 month clothes for some of this month and all of a sudden you have jumped into 6 - 9 month clothes. You wear Size 3 diapers. You didn't have a doctor's appointment this month to get your official stats, but we figure you are about 16.5 pounds now.
We are so proud to be your Moms and we look forward to seeing you grow and change each and every day. You bring many smiles to our faces and make us laugh a lot. You truly are the brightest part of each and every day. We love you so very much.
With all our love,
Mom and Mama
You are seven months old today. More than half way to one year. How did we get here already?! You change and grow every day and it is amazing to watch! We enjoyed celebrating our first Mother's Day with you this month.
The biggest milestone we reached this month was TEETH! Your first two teeth came in on the bottom and boy were you miserable! It took 3 - 4 days for your first tooth to break and then the second one came in right behind it. Our usually happy baby was just so unhappy. We gave you plenty of love and even let you sleep with us for a couple of nights and we all made it through just fine!
We have been able to spend a lot more time outside this month because the weather has been so much nicer. We set up the gazebo outside and you love to play in there in your exersaucer. Mom and Mama can actually get some yard work done while you play in there. You love the grass and have already tasted it and some leaves! You just love being out in the fresh air. We can't wait to take you swimming when the lake warms up a bit more.
You got to spend 4 days with your Nana and Opa while they were on vacation this month. You had so much fun at their house. Your Nana spent lots of time teaching you how to make funny noises and you went on your first tractor ride with your Opa. You were in your glory! You also had 2 sleepovers with your Nana and Opa while Mom and Mama went scrapbooking on Friday nights. You had lots of fun spending the night and we had lots of fun getting some scrapbook pages done for you!
You have really built up a lot of strength this month and you LOVE to stand up. You will even "twinkle toe" across the floor with someone holding you. You still haven't mastered sitting yet on your own, but you seem to prefer to play on your tummy anyways. When we put you on the floor, you move all over the place to get what you want. You scoot, roll, and turn and you have also started bringing your knees right up under yourself. We don't think it will be long before you crawl.
You have really enjoyed playing with toys that make sounds this month. You love to push the buttons and listen to the songs that are played. You also really love your Sophie the Giraffe teether that your Nana bought you. It is one of your favorite things to chew on.
You have noticed the dog and cats this month and you like to pat them and pull on them. We are teaching you to be a little easier so that you don't rip out hunks of fur! You like the dogs at your Nana's house too. You also enjoy the donkeys and lambs at your Nana and Opa's farm. You love to pull on their fur and you try to put it in your mouth. You have no fear around any of the animals.
You wore 3 - 6 month clothes for some of this month and all of a sudden you have jumped into 6 - 9 month clothes. You wear Size 3 diapers. You didn't have a doctor's appointment this month to get your official stats, but we figure you are about 16.5 pounds now.
We are so proud to be your Moms and we look forward to seeing you grow and change each and every day. You bring many smiles to our faces and make us laugh a lot. You truly are the brightest part of each and every day. We love you so very much.
With all our love,
Mom and Mama
Birthdays
Today's Non-Challenge Post: What do you prefer to do on your birthday? If you have children, what do you prefer to do for their birthday?
We keep birthdays low key around here. We usually make a nice dinner and open presents from each other. Often we will go out to eat with family as well. MJ and I do have lots of fun getting gift for each other!
Now that we have a child we want to enjoy at home birthday parties with him! We want to have good "old fashioned" parties with friends and games in the back yard! Some of my favorite birthday memories as a child involved parties like that. We will make our own invitations and decorations and just have lots of fun!
We keep birthdays low key around here. We usually make a nice dinner and open presents from each other. Often we will go out to eat with family as well. MJ and I do have lots of fun getting gift for each other!
Now that we have a child we want to enjoy at home birthday parties with him! We want to have good "old fashioned" parties with friends and games in the back yard! Some of my favorite birthday memories as a child involved parties like that. We will make our own invitations and decorations and just have lots of fun!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Parenthood
Today's non - challenge topic: What has most surprised you about parenthood?
I think the biggest surprise is really how much I truly LOVE being a Mama! I knew I wanted a child, and I knew that I would love being a parent, but I never actually realized how passsionate I would be about this Little Guy....it really is amazing! I can't imagine my life any other way.
Other surprises:
*How little you actually get done with a tiny human around - we now have ONE goal a day and if we complete it we are happy. So much for making daily lists - that is IMPOSSIBLE.
*How much laundry there really is and how messy the house is ALL of the time.
*The fact that we REALLY lucked out and are so fortunate to have such a GOOD baby.
*How accepting people really are of our little family. We have been quite surprised at the number of positive interactions we have had.
I think the biggest surprise is really how much I truly LOVE being a Mama! I knew I wanted a child, and I knew that I would love being a parent, but I never actually realized how passsionate I would be about this Little Guy....it really is amazing! I can't imagine my life any other way.
Other surprises:
*How little you actually get done with a tiny human around - we now have ONE goal a day and if we complete it we are happy. So much for making daily lists - that is IMPOSSIBLE.
*How much laundry there really is and how messy the house is ALL of the time.
*The fact that we REALLY lucked out and are so fortunate to have such a GOOD baby.
*How accepting people really are of our little family. We have been quite surprised at the number of positive interactions we have had.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Non Challenge - Guilty Pleasure
So, I'm going to attempt the June Non Challenge in an attempt to blog some more! Since it is a NON challenge, I'm not even going to worry about the fact that I've already missed 2 days!
Today's post - What are your guilty pleasures?
That's easy - Ice Cream and Reality TV! I'm usually eating a bowl of ice cream while watching TV! My faves are Survivor and Amazing Race, and I mostly watch them on DVR now since the Little man has arrived!
In other news, I took my last personal day today, so I'm enjoying a day at home with Drew - can't think of a better way to spend my day!
Today's post - What are your guilty pleasures?
That's easy - Ice Cream and Reality TV! I'm usually eating a bowl of ice cream while watching TV! My faves are Survivor and Amazing Race, and I mostly watch them on DVR now since the Little man has arrived!
In other news, I took my last personal day today, so I'm enjoying a day at home with Drew - can't think of a better way to spend my day!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
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