Country is a State of Mind

19 Months

2012-02-19T19:22:00.000-08:00

Blaine turned 19 months old yesterday! CRAZY! He finally finally FINALLY is saying "mom" more than once every blue moon. He often will yell it from the other end of the house when he wants me. I'm still in the "THAT IS SOOO CUTE" stage and not sick of hearing him scream it like I'm sure I will be in a few years. ;) Crazy that most kids say mom when they are like 6 months old and here I am writing it in his 19 month post. But that kid is more proficient with tools than any other kid his age, I know it! :)

Last Friday, we visited the lady who will babysit him 3 days a week next school year. It was HARD. REALLY HARD. I am so wishy washy on my decision to go back to work but it is still a "yes" at this time. He will fit in SOOO WELL there. She is amazing at caring for kids, I've known her since I was 10, and she's the number 1 recommended babysitter among my coworkers. When we went over it was 30 degrees out at 9 AM and the kids were already playing outside. If at all possible, they play outside all morning, then go in and have a dance party, eat lunch, then nap. Most are still sleeping when the [all teachers] parents pick them up. Yes, it will be a perfect fit. He ran into her garage, got out all the tractors he could find, and starting digging in the snow. Made me smile. Just like home.

Now I just have to figure out how I WILL adjust, since I'm pretty sure Blaine will be fine. ;)

My Lack of Domestic

2012-02-15T11:06:00.000-08:00

My best mom-pal had what I dubbed "the most domestic day ever" yesterday. She started the morning making pink pancakes for her toddler. Then heart-cut-out cookies with frosting. Follow that up with making valentines complete with glitter. [If you've ever done glitter with a 22 month old, that is what she tackled. Willingly.]    The grande finale was heart-shaped pizzas for the whole family for dinner.

Wow talk about making me feel bad! Not only have I never made heart-shaped pancakes, I don't think I ever will.  I just don't want to.    Yes, my children will be deprived. Call social services! I just lack domestic!

I'll tell you what though, my son got to play outside for 3 hours yesterday when we could have been doing cookies and glitter.  Plus his mommy can drive a tractor.

I'd say he is lucky I'm undomestic.

:)

Header Picture Issues

2012-02-14T11:03:00.000-08:00

I noticed that my picture for my header was not as wide as it used to be, so I uploaded a new one [that one was old anyhow]. It is still narrow. HELP! I think it is magically being resized even though I unclicked the button that said it would resize it. I'm no expert and need guidance!

What's Your Love Story?

2012-02-13T10:53:00.000-08:00

Seen a few people that did this, and wanted to do it too: From Mrs. To Mama's link-up.

1. How long have you and your significant other been together? 10 years!

2. How did you meet? {What's your "love" story?} In college pep band, my sophomore / his freshman year. We had our first "date" in November 2001 but I declared him "too nerdy" and we were "just friends" until that next summer. [Even though my family thought he was my boyfriend all along since he came over multiple times each week and there were no other guys in my life]. :) It was definitely July 2002 when I decided I wanted Nick in my life forever, while on our trip to Montana. I would say that is when it switched from friends to boyfriend / girlfriend.

3. If married, how long have you been married? Since June 10, 2006.

4. If you are married, where did you get married at? Big or small wedding? We got married at the same church as my parents and grandparents. The wedding was average size I'd say. We had an outdoor potluck reception behind the church in the pavillion afterwards.

5. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? Do share! Schnickles, Schnickelodeon. He doesn't really have any for me.

6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey. Extremely hard worker [almost too much of a work-a-holic actually], very good listener [I talk alot LOL], will do anything for anyone at any time [that works out well for me haha].

7. Tell us how he proposed? Or your ideal proposal? Since we decided early on that we would get married after Nick graduated, time just kept moving along and June 2006 was coming closer. I had bought my dress, etc, and he still hadn't proposed. So I told him he kinda dropped the ball there and gave him the ring I wanted [the plastic version] and told him to cook me a nice dinner. He had the ring specially made [real version] and proposed with heart-shaped pizza at our new house! [It was sitting empty at the time; we bought it a year before the wedding and didn't move in until after we were married].

8. Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals? None of the above. He just writes notes and puts little heart shaped smileys on them. Or he used to. LOL.

9. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch? If there was a beach here, that would sound nice. :) I like hikes and drives in the country; we like doing active things together, even if that means scooping manure together on a Friday night.

10. Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere? Go back to Alaska, where we spent our honeymoon driving, hiking, exploring, and camping.

11. Tell us what you plan on doing on this Valentine's Day. Call him on the phone; he will be out of town. We went cross country skiing last weekend so I'll count that as what we did. Even though there was a 3rd wheel along, it was super fun and it is what we did last year.

12. Are you asking for anything this Valentine's day? No; we don't even do birthday or Christmas presents. We made that agreement very early on and stuck to it. So much less pressure.

13. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love. If you get mad easily, marry someone who doesn't get mad about anything. Do fun things often and stay young at heart.

14. Show us a picture of what love means to you.

My 'Lil Musician

2012-02-10T12:48:00.001-08:00

We've got photos of Blaine "playing" the clarinet, recorder, trumpet, drums, piano, harmonica, handbells, random other percussion instruments, and now baritone. I think we found his best fit! So cute it makes me melt.

My friend asked me what I would do if Blaine didn't want to be in band. "Kick his butt" was the best answer I could come up with. ;)

J/kidding. All I can do is hope! :)

Huge Stride

2012-02-09T10:23:00.000-08:00

Blaine made a huge step this week towards being potty trained. HE WENT PEE IN SEVERAL BIG-PERSON POTTIES AWAY FROM HOME! Before, most often he'd always be leery or scared to go whenever he was away from home. It was always hit or miss on whether he'd actually let you sit him on a big potty at a strange place.

Drum roll please.....

In the last 4 days he peed in the regular toilet: at the public library, at my friend's house twice, and at gymnastics class.

It is pretty pathetic I'm this excited about his pee but honestly, this is HUGE when it comes to me feeling confident about taking him out in public without a diaper someday [hopefully sooner than later!]

Monkey Nuts: False Advertising

2012-02-08T19:54:00.000-08:00

This post is completely off the wall but made me laugh.

There are some strange things we call monkey nuts around these parts. Don't know what you call them where you live. Googling let me know they are actually called hedge apples. Most people pick them up and put them around their house to scare away spiders. I can't say I've ever tried that, but this advertisement on a weather website caught my eye:

I had to click the link. I had to. IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH MONKEY NUTS AT ALL. I was thinking if I slept with one under my pillow that all my insomnia issues would disappear, or maybe one under my matress. Just like "Princess and the Monkey Nut". :)

Hit up the Trails!

2012-02-07T12:49:00.000-08:00

I had a really good childhood. We lived on the family-farm compound: grandma / grandpa lived next door, uncle / aunt next to her, great uncle / great aunt and cousins catty-corned from them. Throw in 50 acres, a pond, and couple barns, and I grew up in an outdoor lovers paradise.

If I had one complaint about my upbringing, it would be this: My parents never introduced me to the concept of public trails. I HAD NO IDEA THEY EXISTED UNTIL HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE. True story. I would see a picture of a girl hiking on a trial in the mountains and just figured she was lucky with where she lived. Maybe it was her family's trail out behind her house? LOL. I had no clue there were trails in such places were open for any one's use [and trails so close to our own house].

Well I've definitely made up for lost time in the last 12 years or so [off the top of my head, I've hiked trails in Ohio, PA, West Virginia, Indiana, Virginia, Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, and Washington] and now that I have a child it is definitely my vow that Blaine grows up loving [or tolerating] hiking.

We are lucky to have a state nature preserve full of trails 2 miles from my house! [I appreciate it much more now than in my high school running days haha]. Blaine loves going there; it is pretty much the only time I've ever witnessed him climbing INTO the stroller! :)

Introvert or Extrovert?

2012-02-05T14:33:00.000-08:00

Time Magazine had a very interesting article last week about introverts and extroverts. First, it stated that being an introvert does not neccesarily mean one is shy. It was said that scientists can predict if infants will be introverted based on their sensitivity. Also, whether one turns out an intervert / extrovert is highly genetic.

So of course we looked at Blaine's family tree and thought back to how sensitive he was as a 4 month old. We concluded without a doubt that we will have an introvert on our hands. LOL.

However, he is very much a ham for attention and will approach other kids at the park / library and give them toys / books [soooo cute]. It will be such a neat thing to watch his personality unfold!

What do you think your child will be?

And Now a Treat: My Monkey

2012-02-01T19:36:00.001-08:00

Since all your comments about blog-world-jealousy made me smile and even laugh, I thought I'd share some sunshine with you. This kid got himself into the above situation when I was in the other room doing laundry. SOOOOO FUNNY! So I got him diapered and he did it again, and again, and again, allowing me to get ample video footage. :)

If it's hard to see, he gets up by climbing on the water bottle holder! I should have had a clue when I found him a few weeks ago stuck there with his foot wedged in the holder. Mommy fail!

Personalilty Flaw: Jealousy

2012-02-01T11:10:00.000-08:00

I'm starting to think blogging is bad for my health. It certainly makes my number one personality flaw surface: jealousy.

Normally I'm pretty darn happy with my life. Most days I love my house, where I live, my husband, my family, my son, etc. I'm super thankful for all the blessings I've been given.

Then there are "those days". You know, when nothing seems to be good enough and you just feel down in general. [Those days ALWAYS come to me in the wintertime. I have self diagnosed seasonal affective disorder, SAD]. You read some blogs and it sure seems the most people have a better / happier life than you do.

Odds are I have been jealous of your life via your blog if:

- you live on a farm
- you have bought a farm
- you live in Alaska
- you live in Montana
- you live in the country
- your child can say a mile-long-list of words
- your child can write letters at 20 months old
- your child can speak sentences and count at 18 months old
- your life always seems so happy
- you are awesome and happy with being a stay at home mom
- you are awesome and good at juggling being a working mom
- you've done something super adventurous with your life such as moving cross country
- and if you bought a farm when you arrived cross country you get bonus points
- you've quit your job
- your husband does housework
- your husband is romantic
- you've announced a pregnancy recently and this is child #2 for you
- you live in a house bigger than me
- your child sleeps through the night

There you have it! I'm obviously a jealous person. I read these things and then turn around and look at my life and cringe. It is a major personality flaw and something I need to pray about and work on. I'll start by counting my blessings and hugging Blaine. That always makes things better!

18 Months

2012-01-18T10:58:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HALF-BIRTHDAY, BLAINE! My little huggie huggie is my everything and I just wish I could keep him this size forever! His energy and enthusiasm is just so amazing and I don't want it to ever change. My absolute favorite time of the day is after his evening bath when he runs down the hall naked, shrieking with delight. How long does that childhood innocence last?

He is: 20 lbs 12 oz [3 %]
32 inches [40 %]
18.75 inch head [55 %]

The Other Mom at the Sandbox

2012-01-10T10:11:00.000-08:00

It was a cool but unseasonably warm January day. I bundled up Blaine and headed to the park. Not suprising, we had the place all to ourselves. We ran, played, dug, built, and had a ball. Then in walked a 3 year old dressed in a spiderman suit and a jacket. "HI!!!" he yelled enthusiastically while waving at us. He ran, he played, he smiled, having a great time. He eventually made his way to the oversized sandbox that Blaine had been playing in for the last hour. I was sitting on one edge, his mom sat down on the other. My heart stopped. It was her.

What do you say to a mom you haven't seen in 12 years?

What do you say to a mom you've been praying for daily over the last several months?

What do you way to a mom who buried her 8 month old son only 2 weeks ago?

My chest was tight, my heart was sobbing, but my heart was smiling all at the same time, watching her with her son, living life and trying to imagine the pain in her soul.

I said something; not enough. There could never be enough or the right words to say. I wanted to give her the biggest hug in the world. I refrained. Then we proceeded to talk the normal other-mom-at-the-sandbox talk. Kids, husbands, grandparents, sleep habits, foxes, coyotes.

She mentioned them selling their house to move closer to her husband's work. Too many tough memories in this house anyways. What she didn't know, is everytime I'm at that sandbox, I will be filled with many thoughts of her, her son, and her son who has left this earth.

When I went home that day, I thanked God for the chance encounter, which I believe wasn't chance at all.

Farmchick's Farm Photo Friday

2012-01-06T11:15:00.000-08:00

HAPPY FRIIIDAY! 53 degrees and sunny. UN-FREAKIN-BELIEVE-ABLE! I love love love winter and ice and all that but I'm really loving being outside all day everyday.

I took this pic earlier in the week: Blaine thought it was hilarious to feed the snow to the goats next door. They didn't find it as amusing! :)

How to Potty Train [Your Duck]

2011-12-30T14:31:00.001-08:00

Perhaps my most proud mommy moment to date was the other day when Blaine [unprompted], decided his ducks needed to go potty too.

STEP 1: Put ducks on potty.

STEP 2: Read your ducks their favorite tractor books. STEP 3: Thoroughly wipe off all duck butts.

STEP 4: Go dump the duck pee in the bathroom. [He actually ran it in there and "dumped" it too!]

I love that kid!!

Farmchick's Farm Photo Blog Hop

2011-12-30T14:05:00.001-08:00

Wearing his tractor pull shirt to church. Doesn't get more country than that (LOL): One of several new Christmas gak gaks:

This week's farm theme is, "BLAINE LOVES PLAYING OUTSIDE IN THE COLD BUT HATES WEARING GLOVES!!!"

He is fine until he realizes he wants to pick something up and can't. Then he gets mad and rips off the gloves.

I neeeeed advice on how to keep gloves on him. He has even figured out how to get off the ones that double snap to his coat.

Duck tape?

Merry Christmas: Santa Fail

2011-12-27T11:14:00.000-08:00

I'm one of those people who gets stressed out about Christmas presents. Like I hate them. Really hate them. Really really hate them. I hate bringing them home and having to find a place for them. So in turn, I basically don't buy people Christmas presents, and if they insist on getting me something, I request toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, batteries, etc. Things I can use. I kid you not, I get them too. It is great! Some people don't listen and some of their gifts end up at Goodwill. I kid you not.

Now that I have a child, I had a Christmas dilemma. Last year we didn't get him anything. This year I bought him 4 used books on Amazon.com for $0.01 each [ok yes you have to pay shipping], but caved and let him read them the minute they came in the mail. {Santa Fail #1}. I also was planning on giving him a bag of hand-me-down toys [thanks George / Peg / Heather] from "Santa". Well, last minute, Santa decided to not come again this year, so Blaine can get the toys in February when the toys from his grandparents have worn out their welcome and we are reallly having cabin fever! {Santa Fail #2}

Let's face it though, Christmas is all about having fun and playing with your cousins!! Blaine had a great time doing just that! After four Christmas gatherings, the dust is settling, dadda is back to work, and we are getting back into a routine [NOT]. Babies staying up until 11 pm is a recipe for long-term messed up schedules! ;)

Farmchick's Farm Photo Friday

2011-12-16T10:19:00.000-08:00

Here in Ohio we've had a WARM WARM WARM WARM December! No snow yet this season and great temps to be outdoors. Blaine has been loving it!

I follow a local farm on facebook and on their wall it said, "Stop on by our Holiday Open House Sunday from 1-3". I was totally excited, thinking Blaine would love to see the horses, animals, and tractors. Well, long story short, we get there and it is a party for the people who board their horses there. LOL!! Opps! Totally their fault though (IMO), and they know us so had no problem letting us take Blaine around the farm. HE HAD A BALL!

Apparently, the Belgian horse above is not far off the world record height of 20.1 hands. I learn something everyday!

They Don't Teach This in Childrearing Classes

2011-12-13T08:19:00.000-08:00

You know how you take childbirth, breastfeeding, and child-care classes to prepare you for things you will face as a parent?

No one taught me what to do when my child is up all night vomitting and my husband is out of the state.

Yes Blaine got his first tummy bug last night and I was alone.

Here are the strategies I used:

Make sure to call husband who is warm and asleep in his hotel room. Just to fill him in with the miserable conditions at home. If you are losing LOTS of sleep and are VERY miserable, maybe call again. I only called once so things must have been only semi-miserable. ;)

Stop changing the sheets after the third set have been puked on. Just cover puke with a towel. Repeat with new towel when necessary.

Only bath child at 3 am if so much vomit is in his hair that you can't handle the stench while you are sleeping beside him.

Only change his jammies and / or your jammies when so much vomit is on them that the wetness is causing hypothermia.

There you have it! We survived! No more vomit since 4 AM and the diarrhea he has had today so far has gone in the potty [score!!].

Hope Blaine is on the mend and I REALLY hope I don't get it! Today I have waaay too much laundry to do! He puked in my bed AND in his! :(

Back to School

2011-12-06T18:49:00.000-08:00

Breastfeeding class that is! I'm going with my pregnant friend to her bfing class tomorrow and I'm soooo excited! Breastfeeding is something I didn't predict I'd like all that much but now that I've been doing it for 16+ months, I'm a big fan.

LOL.

But while we are talking about school, I'm 97% sure I'm going back to teaching next year. I've been very much on the fence for the last year and a half, so this is as close as I've come to being sure about the decision. It is 100% the wrong decision for the next 8 years of our lives but definitely the right decision for the long run. It is my dream job, it is the perfect job for me, I realize I miss it, I love making an impact on so many lives, I love teenagers and all their energy, and it makes me jealous and angry to think of my sub "stealing" my position, my SMARTBoard, my classroom, etc [this girl never even had to interview!!!!!!!!].

Plus now that it is rainy / cold everyday, I'm definitely going 100% INSANE. I think 2 years off is / was the perfect amount for me. The thing I'm having the hardest time with is the bedtime thing. Blaine sleeps 8:30 pm - 8:30 am give or take 45 minutes or so on each of those times. If I'm getting him up next year at 6:15, suddenly we are looking at a 6:15 bedtime. I know lots of you mommy's out there have always had your kids on that type of schedule, but we haven't. And it really REALLLLY will have to change how we live our lives [we aren't even home until after 8 most nights]. Plus he will probably never see Nick in the evenings who will be switching to 10 hour days next year so he can get one day off per week to babysit. Gah. Plus the obvious, I WILL MISS BLAINE SO MUCH.

But I will manage and eventually I will adjust.

PS must share an old pic I am in love with:

Going on a Walk

2011-12-02T11:09:00.000-08:00

Talk about the perfect sun angle!!

EC: Our Journey

2011-11-21T11:26:00.000-08:00

As some of you know, I've been doing Elimination Communication with Blaine since he was 2 weeks old. Some people say "it isn't really potty training", but it absolutely is. I've basically been potty training Blaine since birth.

The peak of his potty effectiveness was definitely 5 months to 10 months. In that time period, he often had "one diaper days" where every single poop and pee went in the potty. It was awesome!

Then he started walking.

I think walking opened a whole new door of adventure and freedom. He suddenly was way too busy to sit on the potty and unless it was at a wakeup AND he was "in the mood" to sit, there was no way he was going to sit on that potty. He would kick, he would scream, and I wouldn't push the issue. I was changing poopy diapers for the first time since he was a newborn and I would always say, "Blaine, you pooped in your diaper. You know poop goes on the potty!". Then one day about 14.5 months old, it clicked again. He started pooping on the potty regularly but only in the mornings. If he had an afternoon or evening poop, it would go in the diaper. Even if I knew it was coming and tried to put him on the potty, he would just sit there, and then get up and poop in the diaper 10 minutes later.

That is pretty much where we stand now. It is currently 2:30 pm and he's had the same diaper on since this morning. He's peed twice on the potty and pooped once so it has been a good day so far.

So let me explain my 'disappointment' [I use quotes because obviously I'm thrilled he knows how to use the potty and uses it so much, so I don't want anyone to think I don't appreciate that]. I thought by now he'd be more communicative. I've taught him the ASL sign for potty and he has never used it. I thought he would walk to the potty when he has to go. He never has.

In conclusion: I still think EC is pretty much the BEST THING EVER and I would do it all over again with child 2. I just thought by 16 months we would be further than we are with him initiating the communication regarding when he has to go.

16 Months

2011-11-18T10:36:00.000-08:00

16 months old today. My little [no pun intended] outdoorsman, lover of animals, obsessor of "gak gaks" [tractors], tool-man, daddy's boy, Blaine is amazing! It is crazy how much he understands and how much he remembers. OH, and how ornery he is and how he tests boundaries. ;)

Blaine can do so many great things now that he's 16 months old, but for some reason I'm hung up on a few cannots:

HE CANNOT SLEEP FROM BEDTIME TO MORNING! Never once, has not happened. Mommy and Daddy are sleep deprived. He will still cry up to 2 hours at night when he wakens.

HE CANNOT SAY "MOMMY". Or pretty much anything other than daddy, gak gak, and moo.

HE IS NOT POTTY TRAINED. Both his parents were by this age and I hear about it often.

Am I simply expecting too much? Is Blaine doomed because his mother is too negative? Is his mother negative because she hasn't slept all night long since October 2009?

HAPPY 16 MONTHS LITTLE BUDDY! I COULD SQUEEZE YOU ALL DAY EVERYDAY I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

Our Oompa Loompa

2011-11-17T10:43:00.000-08:00

Not all hand-me-downs are created equal. Or as Blaine would say, "JUST BECAUSE IT WAS FREE DOESN'T MEAN YOU HAVE TO MAKE ME WEAR IT!!"

Let's hope he never sees these pics when he's older! LOL.

Tests Tests!

2011-11-17T10:14:00.000-08:00

Here's an update on how things are going in the "Blaine is little" department. We had to go to the hospital to visit a nutritionist, get a blood test, and then go back two weeks later for a sweat test [checks for Cystic Fibrosis]. As you can tell, he's a champion sweater and he passed all tests with flying colors.

In conclusion: I'm still not sure how much money I'll owe the hospital, I had to listen to Blaine cry waay more than I would have liked, and I knew he was fine all along. At least everyone can rest easy now! :)

M.F.M.F. - Poison Ivy

2011-11-11T13:04:00.000-08:00

This new MFMF moment is brought to you by Phase Three of Life. Every Friday she does a "My Favorite Moments Friday" and all I can think when I see MFMF is "MOMMY FAIL! MOMMY FAIL!" I always expect a funny mommy fail story but realize I've got the acronym embedded in my head wrong. ;)

Well here ya go with my week's mommy fail: Blaine, my little adventurous outdoorsman just came down with poison ivy for the 2nd time in his short life. ON HIS FOOT. You know, WHERE HIS SKIN IS ALWAYS COVERED BY SOCKS AND SHOES! Bizarre. Definite mommy fail.

I don't even think I have had poison ivy two times in my life. That kid is going to have a long, itchy life; I haven't even taken his on a REAL geocaching adventure yet! Stinging nettles, thorns, poison ivy, OH MY!!

Funny Boy!

2011-11-04T18:49:00.000-07:00

TRACT-OR TREAT: Farmchick's Farm Pic Friday

2011-11-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

When you are a country kid, you go trick or treating on your tractor! ;)

Tract-or Treating! hardy har harrrrrr.

Blaine was the scarecrow and his girlfriend was Dorthy! Totally precious!

'Tis a New Week

2011-10-25T18:43:00.000-07:00

^^ our super cute Halloween card this year.

IT'S A NEW WEEK, AND I'M FEELING MUCH BETTER!

Thanks for all your comments / words of encouragement / advice.

A high school and blogger friend Anna said I should do an update [who, by the way, recently announced her pregnancy....YIPEE! CONGRATS!]. I really do think it was just a combination of hormones and rainy weather. This week it was sunny. My period is over. Life is glorious. Tara was right, something about mom hormones. My period just isn't what it used to be when it comes to mood swings! LOL.

I survived the midterm with minimal tears [but lots of nights up until after midnight]. I am contemplating whether to take the next class this spring or not [to those who are wondering why I'd be taking an advanced math class right now, when mom brain is in overdrive and I am still sleep deprived, well I need 6 credit hours before 2014 for license renewal. I figured now is the best time since I'm off work].

To clear up the "social worker" and "hospitalization" story: the doctor definitely did not mention any of those words. I would have punched him in the face if he did. [ok I would not have]. It was my husband who said those things and I did want to punch him in the face. [and still do]. ;) We are planning on getting the blood tests and sweat test done so we can move on and the doctor can sleep easier. :)

Now on to other business. There are two mommies and two babies out there that really really really need our prayers right now. One is currently in the hosptial and the other is slated for open heart surgery on November 3rd. These kiddos are so lucky to have such strong mommies [I'm constantly in awe of them] but even I know they can use some extra prayers and hugs right now.

15 Months: Mommy Struggles

2011-10-18T18:52:00.000-07:00

I am in such a funk lately that I didn't even realize it was the 18th of the month [thanks to Blaine's birth-twin's mom's post or I would have forgotten it].

Blaine is amazing. He is the best thing in my life and every minute I'm with him is perfect. Even when he's screaming. [lots of sickness and teething pain in the last few weeks]. I love him more than I could imagine loving anything and I want to sneak in his room and hug him right now just because.

But. I'm depressed. Honestly, I'm not a crier type person. Didn't cry at my wedding, or the birth of my child. Don't cry at sad TV shows. However, every single day for the last couple weeks, I've cried multiple times a day or felt like crying pretty much 24/7. I feel like life is drowning me.

I'm in a math class where "struggling" would not be strong enough of a word. I've never EVER felt like the "dumb kid" in a class but I feel even dumber than the dumb kid in this class. Not to mention I feel like I just never have adequate time to get the hw done. Blaine is always waking up before I get even one problem completed or my computer is freezing and it takes me 2 hours to watch a 30 minute lecture. The class is mostly online [whoever thought up the idea of an online math class obviously doesn't teach math], but we have to go three times. Monday was one of those times. Sitting through that torture was worse believe it or not. The pace was so fast I was just lost the whole time. The "smarty pants" people make us "humans" feel like crap with their snide comments, etc. I almost lost it right there in class and burst into tears. I held it in until the car ride home. The midterm is going to be posted tomorrow and I have so much anxiety and dread in my chest I almost can't breath when I think about it.

Then you have the topic of my child being a peanut. Blaine doesn't weigh enough apparently and we have to go to the hospital for tests. The words "social worker" and "hospitalization" have been brought up in conversations with my husband about the issue. I think those words are pretty strong considering the kid is healthy and happy. So of course when your husband mentions something about "them sending a social worker" I feel EXTREMELY inadequate as a mother.

Then there's the topic of I ABSOLUTELY DON'T KNOW WHAT I WANT TO DO WITH MY LIFE. Quit work? Go back to work? Get a new career? Take more classes so I can teach at a college? [classses where I would feel like the dumb kid, remember]. I feel like such a lost soul. The thought of going back to work and leaving Blaine everyday makes me cry. I'm sitting here crying just thinking about it. Every single night I lay awake and worry about what decision to make regarding my job.

So, in conclusion, sorry I didn't dedicate this post to Blaine, it being his 15 month birthday and all, but my struggles with life have been quiet for too long and I had to get this all off my chest.

[PS: Maybe it's just the hormones getting the best of me. I'm on my period. LOL!]

[PPS: I feel extremely guilty writing a post about how math makes me cry when there is no one in my family with a terminal illness, nor anyone at war, nor anyone unemployed, nor anyone homeless; you get my point. I am thankful we have our health and our jobs and each other, don't get me wrong, I'm just in a funk and that is all.]

Farm Pics Friday

2011-10-07T20:34:00.000-07:00

Ya'll might be sick of pumpkin pics but I will never EVER be!!! :)

Cold one day: Hot a few days later:

Those are some fine lookin 'kins! [I grew the one on the right]:

Farmchick's Farm Photo Friday

2011-09-30T18:20:00.001-07:00

It was an amazing week around here. Good fall weather, lots of fun outside. Blaine got his first sickness worthy of a doctor visit [separate post], but other than that this week made my heart smile.

New Bremen Pumpkin Fest

2011-09-26T18:27:00.000-07:00

As I said earlier, we were going to go on a mini "family vacation" last weekened. We were planning on seeing waterfalls in Ithaca NY, ending up in Cooperstown for a pumpkin weighoff and regatta, then back home over a day or two. But weather and illness had other plans so we went to a weighoff a bit closer to home in New Bremen, Ohio. Blaine is better at car rides but still no superstar, so we played it safe and left at his bedtime on Friday night. We stayed in a hotel overnight in Lima [no Glee sightings, BOOO; hehe] and had a relaxing morning of Blaine playing in the hotel bathtub [huge hit], eating at Panera, and visiting a pet store [big hit too but not as big as the bathtub].

New Bremen is an awesome awesome place! Such a cute little town and great family festival. Year after year, they always come up with VERY creative things to do with pumpkins: world record pumpkin pie [for real for real], giant pumpkin car racing, giant pumpkin boating, smashing a giant pumpkin with a monster truck, etc. This year did not disappoint!

Blaine had a great time! And so did his mommy! My pumpkin estimated 1065 and ended up weighing 1315 and placing third! Now THAT is a good day!!

P.S. The weather channel was there filming! There is going to be a show called Pumpkin Palooza on there October 17th at 9 pm about "crazy things people do with pumpkins". Be sure to watch!

Farm Pics Friday

2011-09-23T10:46:00.000-07:00

Wow thank goodness it's FRIDAY. This week was looooong. Everyone here was sick and my math homework made me cry at least 3 times. Blaine has been a CRANKY, SNOTTY, CLINGLY, WHINY, kid. The only thing that makes him happy is being outside but it's been raining a lot lately. I'm only half way done with that math hw but luckily errrrr I mean sadly we decided not to go on our family vacation so I'll have time this weekend to work on it afterall. Honestly, I was looking forward to going somewhere with Blaine finally, but now that it was here, the thought gave me small anxiety attacks. 8 hours in the car one way? Sick child? Cold rain all day everyday? No thanks. Maybe some other time!

The Accent Game: VLOG

2011-09-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

Came across this fun idea, the accent game. Everyone always says people in the Midwest have "no accent" and we are the people hired to do the prompts on automated phones, etc. However, I'd like to point out the fact that Wisconsin and Minnesota are in the Midwest and those people have CRAZY accents!! LOL.

Here's my Ohio non-accent. ;)

P.S. I do "worsh" the clothes but "Wash"ington DC is our nation's capital! :)

-------

Here are the words and questions:

Aunt, Route, Wash, Oil, Theater, Iron, Salmon, Caramel, Fire, Water, Sure, Data, Ruin, Crayon, Toilet, New Orleans, Pecan, Both, Again, Probably, Spitting image, Alabama, Lawyer, Coupon, Mayonnaise, Syrup, Pajamas, Caught

And answer these questions:
•What is it called when you throw toilet paper on a house?
•What is the bug that when you touch it, it curls into a ball?
•What is the bubbly carbonated drink called?
•What do you call gym shoes?
•What do you say to address a group of people?
•What do you call the kind of spider that has an oval-shaped body and extremely long legs?
•What do you call your grandparents?
•What do you call the wheeled contraption in which you carry groceries at the supermarket?
•What do you call it when rain falls while the sun is shining?
•What is the thing you change the TV channel with?

Way to go, Blogger!

2011-09-18T09:42:00.000-07:00

Just noticed if you click on a picture in a post on blogger, it takes you to a slideshow of all the pictures in the post!! ALRIGHT! Love it!

Now, can you please improve your photo upload system to be more like facebook (ya know so I can do more than 5 at a time and dont have to click each on individually?). Mkay. Thanks.

Farmchick's Farm Photo Friday: PUNKIN SEASON!

2011-09-17T18:40:00.000-07:00

'Tis pumpkin season around here! I'd say we lifted several tons of pumpkins this weekend by hand. Even more with the tractor. And we are maybe 1/10th done. :)

I absolutely couldn't figure out my "fav farm photo" of the week so enjoy a few:

Blaine will hug every pumpkin I tell him to. So adorable!

Did awesome at today's farmers market with 150 lbs of tomatoes and 1300 lbs of pumpkins.

Gorgeous morning at home:

Blaine at a local fair, telling me he wants me to buy him a tractor worth 3 x our house.

Pig Roast!

2011-09-12T20:08:00.000-07:00

Blaine had such a great time at his (and mine too) first pig roast. Blaine's dadda and great uncles did a fabulous job butchering and roasting up the piggy that Blaine's great grandpa had raised. Yum!

Blaine helping dadda watch the progress:

Putting a gourd on his new buddy, Bugle:

Giving mommy's pumpkins some love:

Is it just me or does he look like 5 years old in this pic?!

Glad he didn't ask to take Bugle home. ;)

Farmchick's Farm Photo Blog Hop

2011-09-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit behind on blogging and there's so much I had been wanting to share! My graduate math class is getting in the way! I can't tell you how many hours I've spent doing math homework in the last 2 weeks. Blech. I guess it will be worth it? [hoping to eventually be able to teach at a local community college].

This post is to show you the most amazing artist I've ever met, Scott Hagan! He free hand paints barns all over the country (16 states to date) and is most famous for the "Ohio Bicentennial Barns" he did from 1998-2003. 88 barns, one in each county, and I've seen all of them!! We are his youngest "barn groupies" and Blaine's grandma arranged for a special gift for Blaine's birthday! Blaine's great uncle built the toy box, grandma painted it, and Scott put on the logo he's famous for painting across Ohio.

Gone Fishin'

2011-08-29T08:49:00.001-07:00

Nick is big into fishing but this is the first he's had Blaine out fishing since winter; considering also that this particular fishin hole is IN our backyard. ;) Both had fun!

Wordless Sunday

2011-08-28T20:01:00.000-07:00

Just 'cause these are too cute for words. :)

Farmchick's Friday Farm Picture: Farm Stand!

2011-08-26T13:43:00.001-07:00

'Tis that time of the year! Trying to sell anything and everything we can to avoid having to freeze it or feed it to the pigs. ;)

We're doing decent! Sold 50 dozen ears of corn in the last 2 days. CRAZY!

Farmchick's Farm Photo Friday

2011-08-20T18:58:00.000-07:00

Blaine loves visiting our neighbors across the street!

Sleep Deprivation...It's for Real!

2011-08-19T05:43:00.000-07:00

I haven't made a post about Blaine and his sleep because I just sort of decided he sucks at sleeping and there was no point to writing about it. I've been trudging along in my sleep deprived state for 13 months now.

When I had a baby I was prepared to "be a zombie for 6 months". I thought that would be an overestimate. I'm the type of person who REALLY NEEDS SLEEP. During the school year I'd go to bed at 9:30 pm to make a comparison. I'm the type of person who literally feels like throwing up and gouging my eyes out if up past 11 pm. I'd be a great companion to New Yrs Eve parties. ;)

So despite reading 5 sleep books, trying CIO since April, we still have nights of 7 wakeups at times. Teething? Molars? Growth Spurt? Bad dreams? Too hot? Too cold? SO MANY FRICKIN VARIABLES.

I hear about other babies [of my friends and on blogs] who have slept great since birth it seems. Ask them what they did and they say "nothing". "Just lucky I guess".

YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW LUCKY YOU ARE.

I know this though: My husband was in California for 2 weeks and he thought it would be a great marriage strengthening decision to go on a 4 day fishing trip with his brother this week.

WHEN ALL I NEED IS SOME HELP AND SOME TIME TO SLEEP.

I was pissed. He knew I was pissed. He went anyway.

I'm about to lose my exhausted mind. I'm literally so tired I feel like barfing and wonder if sleep deprivation could possibly lead to an early death.

I'm not looking for advice on how to get Blaine to sleep or any "oh I'm sorry" type of comments, I just want some people to tell me that they are in the same boat. And not everyone is "just lucky" with their sleepers!

PS When do I get to get away for 3 weeks and leave husband at home with a baby who doesn't sleep?

Toddle Along: NEED BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS!

2011-08-15T18:05:00.000-07:00

Hello you Tuesday Toddlers!! I need your help!

I recently read: and thanks to bloggers' reviews and LOVED THEM BOTH IMMENSELY!

Need some new suggestions! Thanks for any you can give. :)

Is It Normal to Feel....

2011-08-13T20:02:00.001-07:00

Is it normal to feel: a twinge of envy everytime I hear of a blogger / facebook friend / real life friend / cousin who is pregnant? I am 110% confident I want to be able to enjoy Blaine and only Blaine for SEVERAL MORE YEARS without adding a new baby to the mix. So why the feeling?

Is it normal to feel: SO FRICKIN HOT ALL THE TIME? I feel like I'm in menopause. Darn hormones. Or is it the hormones? Any other mothers always feeling hotter than everyone else in the room?

Is it normal to feel: like I have a closer relationship with my child than I've ever had with my husband over the last 10 years? I see one of them 24 / 7 and the other one every 2 weeks. Ok maybe that's exaggerating a bit but it sure feels that way. I really do think I'll know Blaine as a person way better than I'll ever know Nick and that makes me sad. Am I the only mom who feels this way?

Is it normal to feel: ABSOLUTE ANXIETY / DREAD WHEN THINKING OF RETURNING TO WORK? Even though that is more than 1 year away?

Friday Farm Chic's Photo Bloghop

2011-08-13T18:43:00.000-07:00

Bigger than my baby now!! Actually bigger than me.....

'bout 800 pounds!

Toddle Along Tuesday: Tractor Magazines

2011-08-08T19:21:00.000-07:00

Blaine loves sitting on the potty and reading tractor magazines with Dadda!

Tuesday is here again! Lots of exciting things planned for this week since it is cross country camp week [and I'm not coaching this year but plan on making a visit once or twice]. I miss coaching and going to camp SOOOO MUCH. Mainly the canoeing everyday part. ;) Can't wait until Blaine is a bit older to take him canoeing down there. Very scenic!

I'm starting to think if it wasn't for school, August and September would definitely be my favorite months of the year. The nighttime bugs just sound so great. The weather is much nicer than July, and I just love how the garden / landscape looks this time of the year all filled out.

Up Up and Away: Pro Football Hall of Fame

2011-08-07T18:54:00.000-07:00

Had a great time this weekend, helping to carry the Pinocchio balloon in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Parade! I really miss my high school band marching days and longed to be in the parade again. My dad always forgets to sign me up to help with his company's balloon (they let non-employees help), so my friend came through and signed me up with his instead.

It was waaay harder than I expected! It was so rush rush rush, and the balloon always had to go right or left or higher or lower, and the crowd was screaming "SPIN IT" at the top of their lungs the whole route. Not to mention it was HOT out. haha. This balloon was the tallest in the parade, 7 stories high. Crazy to think they only instruct the volunteers for about 10 minutes on what to do: down / up, turn, spin, etc. But I had a great time!

I almost think I prefer to just sit an watch the parade! I felt like I missed out on seeing everthing else that was in the parade, so next year I will just take Blaine and watch. Then the year after that, who knows! Maybe a bell choir float? LOL. ;)

World Breastfeeding Week

2011-08-02T18:49:00.001-07:00

Never thought I'd still be breastfeeding past one year but things have been going so smoothly it would be tough to give it up at this point. I can honestly say though that if I had went back to work, I probably would have quit. Or just breastfed when I was home. I absolutely would not have made it if I had to pump for a whole year. I have a hate hate relationship with my breastpump. As of July 2011, it was packed away for good and if I leave Blaine with a babysitter, he gets some [gasp] leftover free sample formula. KUDDOS TO ALL MOMMIES THAT EXCLUSIVELY PUMP AND / OR HAVE TO PUMP AT WORK! You are heros to your children and heros to me!

Luckily only one person has asked me when I'm going to "quit" [my dad] and I just looked at him and said, "Who cares? I don't know" and that ended the conversation. ;)

Toddle Along: Hayin'

2011-08-01T18:50:00.001-07:00

We've got a new toy around here: a golf cart! Much easier than a lawnmower to drive Blaine around endlessly each evening. Here he is watching great-grandpa mowing down the hay!

One Year Pictures!!

2011-08-01T07:55:00.001-07:00

I was tickled pink errr green when I saw how good they turned out!

Got to give credit where credit is due: first and most importantly, to myhusbandgrowscotton.blogspot.com. She took her blog down but had the MOST AMAZING PHOTOS IN THE WORLD. Luckily I could still see some of the pictures through my dashboard and jotted down some ideas like to use the wagon with the tractor in the background.

Secondly to babycenter.com where I saw some cool ideas involving using the white 1 and having kids dress in only onesies so you can see the cute baby legs. ;)

Last, to my mom friend Jaclyn who took the photos! I don't have very good photography skills and she's starting a photography business so luckily always volunteers to do photos for us for free.

Farmchick's Farm Photo Blog Hop

2011-07-29T10:42:00.001-07:00

The corn around here is in full tassel! THANK GOODNESS I DON'T HAVE CORN ALLERGIES! ;) This picture doesn't do the view from my front porch any justice. The tassels of gold just shimmer in the breeze. So beautiful!

Hey Whatever Floats Your Boat

2011-07-28T10:31:00.001-07:00

Sleeping upside down in bed works for me!

And in other news, Blaine has got the baby fork down pat! We hadn't tried it lately and this morning I got it out and he was a pro. [If stab the food first LOL].

Country Woman: TIS FATE!

2011-07-28T10:27:00.000-07:00

Country Woman magazine contacted me a year ago about doing a story on me and my pumpkins to be published this year. Who knew magazines worked a full year ahead?! I had never even heard of the magazine, but I do subscribe to Country Magazine and a friend told me they are published by the same company (DUH). Well look what just came in Country Magazine this month?! IT IS FATE! This way I can get the free issue [THE ONE I'M IN!] and then cancel. :) Can't wait!

Toddle Along Tuesday: In Picture!!

2011-07-25T19:38:00.000-07:00

If this isn't "Toddle Along" than I don't know what is:

I'm pretty excited it is officially sweet corn season in these parts! Super yummy!

I'm mad and you can't figure out why!!!

Our 1st: Farmers' Market

2011-07-25T09:05:00.000-07:00

Yes it seems everywhere I look we've got something growing. In three separate garden areas. So imagine my suprise [frustration, fear] when I called FIVE separate farmers markets and they were ALL FULL WITH LONG WAITING LISTS. I know I can put a sign out front, but come on, I'd be lucky to make $5 a week doing that. Not many people stop; but at farmers markets you've got a concentrated ammount of people coming to you who want to buy your stuff.

I lucked out and my cousin told me of a brand new market only 15 minutes from here. AND THEY WERE ACCEPTING VENDORS. FOR FREE. Both biggies [most farmers markets charge a vending fee and some are pretty steep]. So we signed up and went for our first time last Saturday. It was a fun experience considering I've never even been to one in my life[embarrassing I know]. The name I came up with in a pinch was Pumpkin Blossom Farm. We don't even have a farm and I sort kinda definitely copied off a blogger [don't tell anyone either of those confessions haha].

Pumpkins are getting bigger!

GOLD STAR!

2011-07-20T18:53:00.001-07:00

YIPEE! WE MADE IT! BLAINE GOT A GOLD STAR! [What I think is just an arbitrary thing that nurse ie grandma barbara invented hehehe].

But still it is something worth shouting to the rooftops: BLAINE MADE IT TO HIS ONE YEAR BIRTHDAY WITH NO DOCTORS VISITS FOR ILLNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just his well visits and that one weight check. I'm probably reallly in for it this next year. EEK! Crossing fingers that the breastmilk magic can continue to keep my babe healthy awhile longer 'cause we all know I'm not super careful with germs. Yes he touches shopping carts and playground toys and dirt and floors and once even a public toilet (EW).

The stats are in:

Height = 29.37 inches = 40 %

Head = 18.35 inches = 60 %

Weight = 18.54 lbs = 3 %

The doctor says the low weight can mean he's either going to be a little guy or he has a disease. However, NO SIGNS ARE POINTING TO A DISEASE AT THIS POINT. So, "keep doing what I'm doing." I didn't get in trouble at all. Phew!

Toddle Along Tuesday: Daddy 'n Me

2011-07-18T18:33:00.000-07:00

It's Tuesday! Errrr Monday night!!

Not a mistake that Blaine's first word was Dada! It took me about a month to be CONVINCED that he was using it in the right context. But he definitely uses it right! Nick is Blaine's hero!

Nick REALLLLY made Blaine's day today when he took 1/2 day off of work to spend the afternoon with the birthday boy! Love watching their relationship grow!

The Big 1.0

2011-07-18T08:46:00.001-07:00

Today's the big day! In true Blaine style he got up at 2:53 AM last night so he'd be awake at 3:09 AM to celebrate! We had his party yesterday and it was amazing thanks to his super awesome grandparents who helped out hosting, cooking, baking, etc. He is one blessed little guy and we are blessed to have him in our lives!

The last year flew by and was everything I thought parenting would be and more. He is the light of my life and his smile melts my heart.

My friend is going to take some actual "One Year" pictures later this week; my skills just aren't up to par! But I made the white 1 to use, since stores only seem to sell letters. I'm excited!

Blogger Meetup: Kristin from Sea Cow Circus

2011-07-16T20:07:00.000-07:00

I have never met a blogger in real life before yesterday! I jumped at the opportunity when I saw Kristin from seacowcircus was coming to Ohio to visit her family. I knew she grew up in the same county as me from reading some of her archives so thought it'd be great to meet her and baby Elle when they were in town.

I've met people from the internet before but they've mainly been big pumpkin growers, who I "knew" from reading their posts on bigpumpkins.com and following their diaries on that site. WELL NORMALLY THEY ARE NEVER WHAT I HAD PICTURED. Not even close!

I think blogging is different. You read more indebt things about people's life and get a more true picture of what they are "like". Well Kristin and Elle were everything I had pictured they'd be! Delightful, super nice, and very down to earth! I'm so glad she agreed to meet; I had a great time chatting over icecream while watching the babies together!

P.S. Most of those pictures were Kristin's! Mine didn't turn out too well. :)

Friday Farm Chic's Photo Bloghop

2011-07-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

It's FRIDAY, YAYAYAA!! This is an overhead (sorta, I climbed on a water tank) pic of our giant pumpkin patch. Doesn't look like much but I'll make a point to retake the same photo in a month. The pumpkins will be HUGE by then [hopefully hehe] and the patch will have fully filled out with leaves. You are seeing 5 plants!

Headwaters Adventure Race: RECAP

2011-07-14T11:47:00.001-07:00

A friend in Wisconsin posted on her facebook this spring that she was doing a race that was a run, bike, and canoe. MY THREE FAVORITE THINGS ALL IN ONE?! I had to find one. Googling I went and came up pretty empty. There were a few I found in Ohio but they were all on the other side of the state. I sort of forgot about the idea until a few weeks ago when I was googling again and found an adventure race series right here in Northeast Ohio! DANG EXCITED! The problem? I haven't really been training. For anything. At all. I mean I take Blaine on recreational runs (3 miles or less) and fun bike rides (5 miles or less) but haven't really been in a training pattern since April when I was training with a friend for her half marathon.

I found the race about a week and a half before. It was a 2 mile run, 10 mile bike, and 5 mile canoe. Very do-able! So I made a point to run 2 miles a day and that was about it. We signed up for an "All Phase Team" which meant both Nick and I ran, both biked, and then canoed together in the same boat. We could have done relay but heck if I was paying the entry fee, I was doing the whole dang race!

All in all it was a great experience! I was sore the next day from the CANOEING (!!) but nothing else. I mean how often do you RACE a canoe for an hour? LOL. We did a lot of passing people during the canoe part suprisingly! Our 2 miles run took 14 minutes (pretty good considering Nick was deathly ill all week and hates running) and I biked the 10 miles in 48 minutes (Nick demolished me with a time of 38 minutes or so and waited at the canoe livery for me to get there) and had a total finish time of 2 hours 5 minutes.

Changes for next time: TRAIN before hand (lol), borrow someone's road bike (there were some majorly wicked hills and everyone on road bikes made people on normal bikes look like they were standing still), and possibly learn to kayak so I can enter the solo division.

The next race in the series is August 6th but unfortunately I have something going on that day. After that, it is October 22, and has participants orienteering, rock climbing, canoeing, biking, and running! YIPEE!

Nutritious Snack: PEA PODS TO THE EXTRRRREME

2011-07-12T19:23:00.000-07:00

Old photos but just got them off my sister's camera onto my computer. Classics! He apparently likes the pods just as well as the peas. ;)

IT'S COMING!!

2011-07-12T13:48:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is 7/13 and 7/13 was my DUE DATE last year! Which only means one thing: THE BIG DAY IS COMING! I'm not crying because my baby is growing up; in fact quite the opposite! I love this age so much. Now if he could just stay a 1 year old forever and never turn 2 then that would be great. :)

With the first birthday upon us, so is the 12 month well-visit. HONESTLY I THINK I WILL FAKE AN ILLNESS TO STAY HOME THAT DAY. My goal was 19 lbs for Blaine by one year. Well he was 19 lbs 1 oz last week and then for the last two days he was 18 lbs 8 oz. WHAT THE HECK. His weight fluxuations and lack of weight gain cause me waaaaaay too much stress. I'm not worried about him but I'm worried about what will be said to the fact that HE REALLY HASN'T GROWN IN 6 MONTHS. We both washed our worries away by sharing a drumstick today. Trying to fatten that kid up. ;)

Doesn't Get More Exciting Than This....

2011-07-07T08:50:00.000-07:00

Our 4th of July was spent at a family reunion on my grandma's side. Her brother owns a HUGE dairy farm and Blaine was in baby heaven. Tractors, cows, fishies, OH MY! We'll have to get him out there more often (it is only about 14 miles from here). Fun times for sure!

Toddle Along: Like Father Like Son

2011-07-05T08:17:00.000-07:00

Matching farmer's tans!

[yes, i use SPF 50 on Blaine but he's a tanner!]

Check out Toddle Along Tuesday!

Farmchick's Farm Photo Friday Blog Hop

2011-07-01T07:35:00.000-07:00

IT'S FRIDAY!

This was one of the most fascinating things I've ever seen. I'm not really a bird watcher, but I've had fun watching these barn swallows (? if that is wrong I appologize) babies get fed by their mommy. They were perched on my deck all day! [photo credit goes to Nick]. They chirped and flapped their wings as mommy approached and she'd feed them with her mouth while she was still in flight! CRAZY! It did get dangerous though because mommy didn't like us close to her babes and swooped us. LOL.

ANGRY BIRDS!

Toddle Along: MAKE THE SWITCH!! [to EC]

2011-06-29T05:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Toddle Along Tuesdays I've found great new mommy blogs which have kids near in age to Blaine. Lots of new followers around here too which is awesome. Since some of you are new to my blog, I thought I'd do a series of posts to update you all on something I have yet to see on any other "Toddle" Blogs: Elimination Communication. A topic I feel VERY strongly about!

Lots of "Toddle" Bloggers have been talking about "making the switch" to cloth diapers now that their kids are a bit older. That is so great! But I'm hoping after reading this, a few of you will "make the switch" to putting your child on the potty!

When pregnant, I had no idea what EC was or what it was about. I discovered it on a blog and was skeptic of it working, but figured heck the potty is $10 and it would be great to possibly have 1) less diapers to change and 2) have baby potty trained earlier.

I have been doing EC with Blaine since he was two weeks old. The very first time I put him on the potty he peed in it. No joke. I was in disbelief and so was my whole family. Things only progressed from there and by time he was 4 months old he was using the potty for almost 95% of poops and the lots of pees. That is still where we stand. I probably only have to clean a poopy diaper once or twice a month. [Wouldn't that be great for all you cloth users!].

FAQ (and excuses):

"I work fulltime so can't do EC" - Kids relieve themselves after every wakeup. Even if you only put your child on the potty once in the morning when he / she awakens, you will start teaching him what the potty is used for and have one less poopy to change. In fact, Blaine usually only poops once a day and it is in the potty when he first wakes up. [and it is a HUGE poop].

"My cloth diapers are just too cute" - Yes I heard this as an excuse on why not to EC. To do EC you don't need to go "diaper free" like some of the books say. I have carpet and Blaine is RARELY diaper free unless he JUST pooped and peed and I'm for sure for sure he won't go soon. So keep on using those cute diapers!

"It is too much time" - It takes no longer to put the kid on the potty than it does to change the diaper. Just start small. At all wakeups. Kids dont pee / poo when sleeping, only when first awakening. When you take your child to the changing table after a nap or in the morning, just stick them on the potty to see what happens!

"I don't know why 'sign' my child gives when he / she needs to go" - NEITHER DO I!!! LOL. I just put him on the potty and go "pssssssssssssssss" and he goes when I tell him to!

So my challenge to you, "make the switch"! Put your child on the potty once today after he / she first wakes up [or hold them over a sink or tub], say "psssssss" and see what happens!!!

P.S. There are books and websites on the topic if you google "Elimination Communication" or "Infant Potty Training". I have never read one book about the subject.

Farmchick's Friday Farm Pic Blog Hop

2011-06-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

My little country boy. [who won't sit in strollers, carseats, shopping carts, highchairs, OR swings, but would sit in his wagon by the garden allllll dayyyyyy longggggg]. In fact just this afternoon I had him in the wagon and took him in when it started raining and he threw a fit when I picked him up out of the wagon to go home. LOL.

Mummy Walk

2011-06-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

I love this 'early stage' of walking thing. The way babies walk with their legs stiff and their arms straight out; just like some sort of zombie or mummy coming at ya on Halloween. SO. FREAKIN. CUTE. Thank goodness my sister finally caught the "Mummy Walk" on video. Everytime I get out my camera, the kid won't perform. You know how that works!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-20T19:21:00.001-07:00

One day late, but I just didn't have that perfect picture that I totally LOOOOOVED until this afternoon. Nick's "First Father's Day" was filled with Blaine, swimming, gardening, and mulberries. :)

My New Bedtime

2011-06-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

9 pm. Yes that's right I'm back to be "exhausted mommy". Blech.

Blaine has been up every 3 hours for the past several nights. Before you all shout "TEETHING", let me explain that Blaine got his first tooth June 6th. AND THAT WHOLE WEEK HE SLEPT FROM 8:30 pm - 6:30 am. [ie a personal record for him]. And then I'd nurse him to sleep and he'd sleep another hour or two after that! CRAZY! I do have a theory: I'm on my period. So maybe my milk supply has dropped that much and caused him to be hungry that often? I have been going in and nursing him but I fear developing a bad habit we will have to use CIO to break like we did a few months ago. Let's just hope this ends soon and he's back to waking up only once a night!

11 Months

2011-06-18T18:02:00.001-07:00

Oh my. Only one more month until the big 1.0!!! YIKES! I love this kid so much it hurts when he's away from me; you know, like when he is in his bed sleeping and I'm here in the living room! LOL! I could squeeze him all day everyday and it wouldn't be enough.

~ Weighs about 18 lbs 8 oz. MY LIL SHRIMP!
~ Always always ALWAYS on the go!
~ Had a "vocab" explosion a few weeks back but still no real words
~ Had a walking explosion this week and will walk up to 15 ft at a time, but still mainly crawls when he means business
~ Climbs every thing he can figure out how to climb
~ Still hates the carseat
~ Loves riding bikes
~ Loves anything with wheels or a steering wheel
~ Loves all fruit especially freshly picked (by him LOL)
~ Loves peas from the garden (cooked first)
~ Despite mommy applying sunscreen all the time, has a "farmers tan" everyone seems to be commenting on (pics to come later this week)

~ Has one tooth (June 6th)

~ Still nursing lots. I think I have finally decided to introduce cows milk at 1 yr and then have a goal of him "being weaned" by Christmas.

We celebrated today by going hiking in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, eating Mexican (the kid loves his tacos) and going swimming in a big pool for the first time ever. HE LOVED IT ALL!

My Strawberry SHORTcake

2011-06-16T18:01:00.000-07:00

I better get used to laundry emergencies with this kiddo!

THANKS ANNA! BLOGIVERSARY!

2011-06-13T17:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Anna, I realized that my first post ever was Friday June 13, 2008. And I didn't even celebrate today! ;) Life sure does change in 3 years and I'm happy I have something to go back and reminisce about, especially since I didn't journal or have a diary through pregnancy. So happy blogiversary to Kirby and Anna but also to Country is a State of Mind!

Flyin Under the Radar

2011-06-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

So I sort of never mentioned that last Thursday was my 29th birthday and last Friday was our 5th wedding anniversary! NICK WAS HOME BOTH DAYS (!!!!!), which never happens, so we decided to actually do something fun this year. Nick kept asking me what I wanted to do, and I really had no great ideas (you know something we could go do in an afternoon and be home before Blaine needed to go to bed). Until an article I read plus a google search led me to Tree Frog Canopy Tours. I thought the nearest zipline course was 3.5 hours away but turns out there is one only 1.5 hours from here. We made reservations on our drive there! :) SOO FUN!

Did anyone else zipline on their wedding day? WE DID! ;)

NTS: The "REST" of the Story

2011-06-13T06:10:00.000-07:00

I realized I didn't tell the WHOLE story about Blaine sleeping in yard on the blanket, until a few commentors posted about being "jealous" he would just conk out like that. (bwwwaaahaha, so far from the truth). We we had carried him around for about 2 hours while we planted, rototilled, etc etc etc. On a walk to my grandma's next door to grab the bean planter, he fell asleep in Nick's arms. We tried to transfer him to the blanket and he woke up (transfers never ever go well), so right then and there I whipped out the boobie to NTS (nurse to sleep; a cool acronym that I'd never heard of until babycenter about 2 weeks ago). Luckily my parents and grandparent weren't home so no one could really see the spectacle! LOL.

Honestly, I know I've created a monster with the NTS and it is a habit we can't break easily. But the truth is we've tried creating sleep associations (song, lovey, etc), and tried CIO (the kid gets tense and hysterical if you even approach his crib), but this is what has been working. There are definitely days it doesn't work and I have to let him cry, or go on a car ride, or take him in the backpack awhile, but you do what you gotta do for the naps! Hey I have a friend who has to put her THIRTEEN MONTH OLD in the infant carseat and swing it over and over with her arms until the child falls asleep for naps. SO IT COULD BE WORSE! LOL. But I know I don't have a kid who will ever fall asleep in his high chair while eating, that's for sure!

^^Nick getting ready for the tranfer. And below, me fixing the damage!

Garden Till Ya Drop

2011-06-11T07:58:00.000-07:00

I really have no idea how big the garden is this year. Or what all the counts are on varieties of things. I just now it is BIG. And working in the garden sure does wear Blaine out! ;) That's right we were carrying him around with us while we worked and he totally zonked. What you see here is basically the size of a field. And that isnt' all because we've got our peas, fava beans, sweet corn, broccoli, califlower, asparagus, and sweet corn all in a separate places, a different field and a plot in the middle of the backyard (last year's pumpkin patch). If you look close you can see that we still have 4 hothouses on the giant pumpkin plants and the moveable chicken pen is on the far right of the picture. The chickens are getting big, and only have about 3 more weeks to live!

Blow that Whistle: Video

2011-06-10T19:31:00.000-07:00

[errrr recorder I still have from 4th grade LOL]

Watch the video for Blaine's newest tricks. Don't know if you've ever taught a baby how to BLOW AIR before, but it is DIFFICULT! This came after months of me teaching him so I was darn excited!

Farmchick's Friday Farm Pic Blog Hop

2011-06-10T18:29:00.000-07:00

Love an excuse to post a picture that looks country. Biggest tractor Blaine has seen so far! This beast came and raked the hay for my grandpa, and it's brother chopped it to be used by a neighboring dairy farm. My grandpa sort of "traded" with the farmer down the road for some square bales later in the season. Country bartering!

This & That

2011-06-08T19:27:00.000-07:00

** still wanting to take garden pics so I can blog about that

** that being something turning out to be OUT OF CONTROL....

** wondering who will pick our 400 ft row of tomatoes ;)

** is having a child out in a thunderstorm warning just so I can take pictures of the sky count as child endangerment?

** don't worry I took Blaine err sprinted Blaine home as soon as the winds picked up and he loved it ;)

** never realized a child so young could be so obsessive (tractors LOL)

** still wondering if I've got a momma's boy or a daddy's boy; might it be possible he is both?

My Little Monkey

2011-06-07T08:02:00.000-07:00

I'm totally loving the age. I sit back and watch what this kid can tackle, often amazed he can climb things (see step stool pic) that are taller than he is. Don't worry I'm always ready to catch him if need be!

First Bike Ride!

2011-06-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

I bought this WeeRide Kangaroo Carrier on craigslist and it just figures that it didn't fit my bike. Well a month later, and a trip by my mom to get the "old crappy Walmart bike" from my sister, Blaine had his first ride. Most things that involve sitting and being strapped in turn out nightmarish. However, this was different and surprisingly, HE LOVED IT! Now I just hope Nick can either get the seat to fit my bike after all, or he can fix up the Walmart bike a bit because the brakes are grabby and it is a tough bike to pedal.

On a Hot Summer Night

2011-06-01T12:57:00.000-07:00

I was going to make the title "In John Deere Green" but it appears I have done that before. Is that song in your head yet? The next line from the song that always jumps into my head is "On a hot summer night. He wrote Billy Bob loves Carlene....In John Deere Green".

LOL.

P.S. I cannot stand to listen to country music in the wintertime for some reason but now that it is summer I can listen to it again. Does anyone else's taste in music change from season to season?

In other news, MY ALLERGIES ARE BACK (!!). After a one year hiatus [I swear due to pregnancy], they are back and worse than ever. Sneezy, snotty, itchy, runny, miserable. Hopefully they will only go this bad through June and then get under control.

Bell Choir Float

2011-05-30T20:33:00.000-07:00

The real reason for Memorial Day: remember those who served and sacrificed. [Blaine's great grandpa is in the back row, wearing blue].

Call me strange, but for some reason it has been one of my dreams in life to be on a float in a parade while playing bells. If you've never seen a handbell choir, they traditionally play in churches, while standing at tables. I've played in my church's handbell choir since 3rd grade! And I looooooove parades. I had the opportunity to voice my idea this year, and most thought I was crazy but they were on board! Only 8 of the 13 of us were in town today, so we picked two songs that would work (America the Beautiful and Battle Hymn of the Republic). I thought it was going to be a rinky dink, small parade but it ended up being huge! Over 70 units and the route took about 45 minutes to complete. Perfect! Blaine watched from the sidelines with his two grandmas. The best part of the video is how excited his great grandma was to see him; shouting "HI" and still keeping up with playing and directing. ;)

Most floats were throwing candy but one threw out popcicles! Who knew it would be 89 degrees at 10 AM in Ohio in May?!!

Tuckered out!!

High Five, Happy Baby

2011-05-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

I didn't want to only have a grumpy baby video. Had to follow up with something a little more happy. :)

Drama King

2011-05-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

I felt bad video taping this but honestly, we will look back and laugh at this kid one day. I NEVER REALIZED A 10 MONTH OLD COULD HAVE SUCH A TEMPER AND BE SO OPINIONATED! I literally set him down for 5 seconds to grab something I couldn't reach while holding him. This is the result.

Funny but frustrating! This kid pretty much will "turn it off" the minute you pick him back up. He cries like this EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I have to make dinner or do the dishes! Gah. People try to tell me it is one of these reasons:

A) He's the first child thus
B) We spoil him by holding him too much
C) He always gets his way because I'm a stay-at-home mom
or
D) He's got a redhead's personality

----

It is pretty much my goal in life to NOT raise a spoiled child. By how did I go wrong so soon? Just by holding him and cuddling with him too much?!! Will he outgrow this?! It is really hard to get things done when he's screaming his head off. He won't sit in shopping carts, strollers [for more than 10 minutes], playground swings, highchairs in restaurants, or carseats [for more than 10 minutes] without THROWING A FIT.

Help!!

On Weaning.....

2011-05-27T19:04:00.001-07:00

As the 1 year mark grows near my mind again wondering about weaning. My main concern right now? MORNING WAKEUP TIME! Once weaned, I'm pretty sure Blaine will get up in the morning at an ungodly early hour and will not go back to sleep. As it is now, he wakes up at 4:30 AM and I bring him to my bed and nurse him to sleep. Then he wakes up at 6, same thing. Wakes up at 7:30, same thing. My boob is the only thing keeping that kid asleep until 8:30 which is a much more acceptable time to start the day than 4:30 AM. I mean there are still some random days (last Monday for example) that he wakes up at 5 AM and even the boob trick won't work and we just get up and play then have naps at 7. But most days I can keep him asleep with my trickery until at least 7:30.

Ideas?

40 Days and 40 Nights....

2011-05-25T20:22:00.000-07:00

Ummmmm, make that 41!

Yes, the meteorologists in Cleveland declared yesterday that "it has rained in 40 of the last 54 days". Well it rained more today so now we are at 41. In fact, the thunderstorm that roared through earlier tonight dropped 2 inches and now it is storming again.

I feel bad complaining because I know we are VERY fortunate compared with other parts of the country still reeling from tornado aftermath. Prayers and thoughts to all the states dealing with that.

I think we can summarize by saying: 2011 is INSANE!

InfantSEE Week

2011-05-24T10:59:00.001-07:00

Last week was InfantSEE Week here in Ohio (maybe everywhere?). So we called and Blaine had his first optometrist visit today! I didn't suspect anything was wrong, this was purely preventative care. I really wanted to take him to Ohio State where my sister is in her 3rd year of optometry school. She wanted to be in on the exam with her classmate, but Blaine still stinks at car rides and gas prices are ridiculous. So we went locally.

If you didn't know about this, I'm here to tell you: Children from age 6 months to 12 months can get a free eye exam regardless of your income! This is not just a week long thing, it is all the time. Check it out!

http://www.infantsee.org/

New Obession: Baby Swans

2011-05-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

I've been watching a mommy swan across the street sit on her nest for what seems like an eternity. I was pretty scared those babies were never going to hatch! Well they hatched on Friday and I'm officially in love! 5 babies oh so cute! It is so fun to go see them everyday with Blaine!

Lands' End

2011-05-23T12:14:00.000-07:00

I'm really trying. I'm really trying to have the confidence. But in reality, I don't really have swimsuit confidence because:

1) I have a permanent farmers tan. But I'm a farmer* what do you expect?

*I like faking being a farmer :)

2) I had a baby 1o months ago and despite breastfeeding and exercising, still have 5 lbs on me. Maybe it is because I have ZERO self control over my crazy hunger and eating!

But I think this contest sponsered by Lands End is TOTALLY COOL! Inspirational enough to make realize I look acceptable in a swimsuit but also show me in picture form that I need to get out and run a few more miles and do a million more crunches before it is officially warm enough to swim in Ohio. ;)

I don't have Twitter so I'm doing the blog version of the contest. You can too! Must post your picture today!

*** Get the Twibbon – Go to http://twibbon.com/join/I-Have-Swimsuit-Confidence-2 and display the “I have swimsuit confidence!” Twibbon on your Twitter profile photo. Send a tweet to @LandsEndPR proclaiming “I have swimsuit confidence!” #landsend for a chance to be entered to win a $500 Lands’ End gift card – winner announced May 27.

***Participate in a Week of Tweets – Mark your calendar each day May 23 – 27, 2011 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CDST so you can join in the series of National Swimsuit Confidence Week events on Twitter. Follow @LandsEndPR and tweet at #landsend. We will be announcing exclusive swimwear promotions, giving away great prizes and inspiring women to embrace their swimsuit beauty.

***Bloggers Join the Movement – On May 23, 2011, 21 women from Curvy Girl Guide will show off their swimsuit confidence by posting a photo in a 2011 Lands’ End Swimsuit. You can join in by posting your swimsuit photo on May 23, 2011 to inspire your followers – send a link to libby.schmeisser@landsend.com for a chance to win one of five $100 Lands’ End gift cards.

Chillaxin with the Fam

2011-05-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

Dundee Falls, Ohio

2011-05-21T18:21:00.000-07:00

I'm doing this post because Dundee Falls is a place that has elluded me for oh, well 28 years. I only live 20 miles from there, and being an absolute waterfall fanatic, you'd have thought I WOULD HAVE ACTUALLY OF HEARD ABOUT IT BEFORE! Some girl in my class last year said, "Oh if you like waterfalls, you should go here" and whipped out her phone [yes they are banned in school] and showed me a pic. Of course she is a high schooler and had no clue where it was other than "by Beach City". Um, thanks but no help at all. However, my curiosity was peaked. Several google searches revealed nothing more than some flickr photos, some youtube videos of rock climbers, and a site that says the falls is part of a 1100 acre Wildlife Area. Oh and not to mention several websites quoting: "if you aren't a local you will never find it". No address. No parking coordintates. Nothing. Long story short, a friend and I set off today with nothing more than a name of a road. Talked to some locals. Found 2 incredible waterfalls and an area we will DEFINITELY go back to in order to do some more exploring!

P.S. the parking lot was 100% unmarked with no indication what-so-ever of the magesticness hiding in the forrest.

So it is my hope this blog post and map [ park where the smileys are, on camp road and on dundee wilmont road. each parking area leads to a waterfall; 2 total] help some googlers like me find this Ohio gem. [ Sorry if the map is blurry, you can click on it to see it larger and much more clear. Contact me with questions ].

*update 6/2/2011* I can see googlers arrives on this post every single day! If this has helped you and you did visit the falls, leave a comment and let me know!

My Little Daredevil

2011-05-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

I can see this kid will be climbing trees like Daddy in no time! [It is not uncommon for me to go outside and not be able to find my husband, only to hear a rustle and see him hiding up in the tippy top of some random tree].

Yes that cart is on wheels!! *heart attack*

10 Months

2011-05-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

By far the most fun month so far. *don't I say that to myself every month?!*

~ Very determined, strong willed personality, but so quick to smile and laugh
~ Still no teeth, thank goodness because....
~ Still breastfeeding with no lost interest on either side
~ Nurses to sleep for most all naps and at bedtime
~ Cry it out deemed a success because we only have 1 or 2 wake ups at night now
~ 2 naps per day; Approx. 10 and 3.
~ Loves walks with Daddy (on his shoulders) to see animals
~ Loves anything pasta
~ Loves all fruit
~ Doesn't love all vegetables
~ Stands alone
~ Took first steps last week
~ Has magnetic attraction to stairs
~ Still no words
~ Such an explorer but...
~ Clingy more often than not
~ Cries and screams hysterically when mad
~ Shy with strangers (and scared my grandpa LOL)
~ Poops in potty very close to 99% but struggles more with peeing than in the past (hates getting playtime interupted)

THE CHICKENS ARE HERE!

2011-05-17T08:05:00.001-07:00

We raised 40 chickens two years ago and Nick figured it was time to do it again. He forgot to tell me the part about having to pick them up, unpack them, and care for them myself this week.

If you've every wondered what it is like to hang heatlamps from the garage rafters, unpack 100 chicks and teach them to drink, trying not to step on them, while having a baby strapped to your back, I'll tell you, IT IS DIFFICULT! But I'm a stronger woman because of it!

In other news, I've officially diagnosed Blaine as emotionally unstable! LOL. He just cries hysterically every single time he is upset with a situation. Examples: Mommy is driving and baby is in carseat. Mommy is making dinner and gives baby trucks and tractors (his favorite) to play with. Mommy is doing dishes and trying to have baby eat a snack. Mommy goes shopping and puts baby in shopping cart. Mommy takes baby to park and tries to have baby go in swing. Bathtime is over and Mommy takes baby out of tub to dress him.

Every single situation above (and then some) leads to hysterics. That kid knows how to throw a temper tantrum and he's only 10 months old!! The future is going to be a challenge for sure!

Outdoor Baby

2011-05-14T07:57:00.000-07:00

Nothing warms my heart more than a baby playing in the dirt! :)

O.K. another techie blog question. I want to make my pictures wider, and I read somewhere to go into where it says "edit html" and change the numbers there. I went from 400px by 300px to 600 x 450 and then the pictures looked wide but blurry. Help!

Farmchick's Farm Photo Blog Hop

2011-05-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

Daddy's Little Helper! All my pictures of Blaine near the garden make my heart melt. I especially like this one from today. Looking for Blaine is like "Where's Waldo". Good thing he's wearing blue. :)