Bulleted Posts Are Better

• After many weeks of hemming and hauling, I decided to get LM the H1N1 vaccination. I was having a hard time finding it anyway, but when my doctor called and said they would be doing a clinic (with appt. times), I was sold. Our appt. was 10:30 this morning, and we were in the car by 10:31! I researched many sites and talked with various pharmacists and doctors alike and feel that I made the right decision. Beside, LM is in God's hands anyway, I trust he will look after my son and ward off any potential harmful effects. After "the shot", LM and myself stopped at McD's for some hotcakes, eggs, and sausage. Then, we stopped by the library and had a grand ol' time picking out books. You could definitely say we made a morning of it.
• We continue to prepare for Tiny Tots arrival (formerly known as Little Nugget). We have organized what is now LM's bedroom to be conducive for both boys. Initially, for safety reasons, we will not be pairing the two boys together. LM will be sleeping in our room for awhile, until the safety threat (i.e., throwing num-nums or blankets into the cribs), passes and Tiny Tot can "fend for himself".
• Thankfully, LM has transitioned into the toddler bed beautifully. It has been a solid week now and he is sleeping better than he ever did in the crib. I don't know the reason, but when LM awakes in the toddler bed, all I have to do is rub his back for 1 min. and he rolls over and is out cold. That NEVER happened in the crib. All the night wakings would result in fits of tears, all while standing in an attempt to get out. It is so much easier on me as well, with being pregnant, to sit on the floor and rub his back. Not to mention, because he is easily lulled back to sleep, there is no need to pick him up or "cry it out". I feel like his motivation for waking will slowly die off, since I am not rocking or holding him back to sleep. That being said, the scenario for Tiny Tots sleeping pattern will be ENTIRELY different than LM's.
• We are preparing for Christmas now. We have already scheduled the weekend we will chop down our Christmas tree. With all the Christmas preparations (professional photographs for Christmas cards, baking and wrapping gifts all before the second week of Dec.), I stop and reflect on all the fun we have had this fall season. Many trips to farms (apple and pumpkin), tractor rides, pumpkin painting, apple painting, dressing up as a giraffe to trick-or-treat, books, and crafts. It has been an exceptionally fun autumn! Now, we will shift gears to snow, snowmen, pine cone bird feeders, new toys from Christmas, train gardens, Santa, and the Nativity! Hope your holiday season is off to a great start!

Swim Class

The Spooky Swim impressed me so much (actually I should say the facility we were swimming in), that I signed LM up for swim lessons for the month of Nov. We swim twice a week for a half-hour. So far, it has been a very enjoyable experience. LM is comfortable with the water and pool setting.

I am extremely thankful, as I LOVE to swim and be in a pool. I can't think of a better way to spend a hot, summer day than splashing around a pool. I hope my children will enjoy and spend as much time as I did in the water, simply because of the great exercise it provides!

Playdough

What is it about play dough that takes one back to their childhood? This evening, after yet another busy weekend, we broke out a new play dough toy (kitchen set with oven, spatula, food molds, utensils...you get the idea) which amazingly kept LM busy for at least an hour. I am not sure who had more fun: mom, dad or LM!

It was SO nice to sit down and just relax. We spent another weekend away from home so that we could take part in some Halloween activities. On Friday, we started with a Spooky Swim. I was desperate to get LM out of the house, as it was apparent he was in need of some serious exercise. So I did some research and discovered the local swim club was hosting an hour of swimming for a parent and child combo. The two of us were able to swim for only $7! That included: an hour of swimming, a rubber ducky to take home, and a goody bag filled with three squirters for the tub, a pencil, glow stick, and a miniature beach ball! Not bad! The pool was decorated for Halloween and filled with rubber ducks, inflatable spiders, beach balls, and noodles for the children to play with. Every ten minutes or so, the lights would be turned off and the lights within the pool illuminated the whole building.

Afterwards, we headed to McDonald's for an ice-cold apple juice and then it was off to Grandma's for a bath (which we took by light of the glow stick only!) and bed. We stayed overnight since my mom lived so close to the pool and we would be trick-or-treating in her area the next day (we only went to family members houses).

So on Saturday we woke up and ate super spooky cinnamon rolls (what makes them spooky? orange icing!). Then it was off to Toys R Us! They were supposed to be having a doorbusters sale, which turned out not to be so "doorbusters"(with the exception of the play dough), so we headed home for lunch and a nap.

Shortly thereafter, it was time to trick-or-treat! We traveled via car to all of LM's aunts, uncles, and grandparents houses. Our finally stop was HH's parents, who naturally had some Halloween treats for LM. Quite a few included Elmo paraphernalia. We stayed overnight since again it was late in the evening and easier on LM to have a bath and bedtime right then and there. So yet another super busy weekend for our family.

Happy Harvest

Pumpkin Farm and a Toddler Bed

The two have nothing in common. The only tie that binds both to this entry, is the fact that we had experiences with both this weekend. Here is the short of it regarding the toddler bed. LM climbed out of his pack n' play on Friday, falling to the floor, thus giving his left arm a rug burn. Climbing out of the pack n' play is a much harder feat than climbing out of the crib. Mainly because it is not as sturdy, is lower to the ground, and does not have wide rails for which to balance/propel oneself. I consider LM lucky to have fallen out of the pack n' play, simply because there was carpet underneath. Had he actually fallen out of the crib, he would have been met with a hardwood surface. Hence, the toddler bed. It will be arriving this week!
On Sunday, our family went to the pumpkin farm. We started the day by going out to breakfast. I was going to make some pancakes for LM and HH, but hubby suggested going out instead. No complaints here! Afterwards, we had some time to waste before the pumpkin farm and its festival began. So we decided to stop into a consignment shop located down the road from the farm that is strictly a children's shop. It is here that I discovered the beauty of consignment. Items barely touched, some in its original packaging, all reduced to very reasonable prices. We purchased a Thomas the Train engine set with eight cars, one extremely large track, and a train station for $15! What's even better-it's motorized! I didn't even realize that until we had already purchased the set. Now, if you know anything about Thomas, you know the mark up on these items is down right ridiculous. You pay for the name. I am still in disbelief that we were able to score this for LM. We also purchased some books that looked like the binding hadn't even been broken for $1.50! I had a pleasant chat with the saleslady and informed her that I may become a frequent flyer!

So off we went to the pumpkin farm after our little consignment adventure. The festival started at 11 am and we stayed until 3:30 pm. Yes, LM missed his nap, but he was such the pleasant child through all of it. We played pumpkin games, ran through a hay maze, climbed on top of a hay castle (for lack of a better description), slid down slides, visited with farm animals, won prizes, listened to a country musical group, picked out our pumpkins, and ate pit beef. HH's family also joined in the fun. LM was surrounded by his grandparents, aunts and uncles. They each took turns loving him, playing with him, and walking around the festival. Given the fact that I am progressing in my pregnancy, I found it very helpful to have an extra (ahem...multiple) sets of hands ready to help out.

After the festival, Granny invited us back to her house to carve pumpkins and eat crabs. She and Judick had purchased a bushel for all to eat.

Since the pumpkin farm was so close to our house, we went home first to rest and clean up before heading out again ( but for good!). Since LM didn't nap, we were shooting for a 7:30 bedtime at Granny's. Of course, upon arrival, LM wanted to play with his toys and paint his pumpkin, so we did that first. HH gave LM a bath and sure enough, out like a light by 7:30! LM slept for 12 hours and woke up refreshed and ready to take on the day. I can't say that is true for his mama though. I wish that my energy would match my child's....oh, how one can dream!

First Hotel Visit

LM stayed in a hotel for the first time this past weekend. Reason being, we were invited to my BF's son's second birthday party. Since my BF lives about two hours away, we decided to make a weekend of it and spend some much needed family time together.

Upon arrival, the three of us took a dip in the "heated pool". It wasn't quite as warm as I would have liked it, seeing as to it was roughly 39/40 degrees and raining outside. However, after the car ride, we figured LM would want to stretch his legs and move around a bit, so we figured an aquatic adventure would be the best bet. The atmosphere surrounding the pool was awesome! It was decked out in a tropical theme with gardens lining the perimeter. The breakfast area was directly next to the pool and set up to look like a tiki-bar. It had a very "resorty" feel to it (that is until you turned the corner and realized you were in fact in a hotel).

Friday night was real low key: swimming, bath, pizza, and bed.

Saturday was more eventful, RAINY...but eventful. We rose early to receive our free continental breakfast (ahem...we rose early because we live with a toddler). Then we were off to the party. It was a morning party, as the birthday boy (as is with most toddlers) is always at his best in the am. The party was a huge success: 13 children under 3, and 20 adults! The food was fantastic, the presents were abundant, and by noon ALL children were tuckered out.

Fortunately, LM had no problem napping in his buddy's pack n' play, so I had some much needed time with my BF after the party had ended.

Shortly after LM woke from his nap, we left to head out to the outlet stores in the area. We first treated ourselves to an excellent steak dinner, and then scooted in and out of stores trying our best to stay dry. HH was full of energy and wanted to go here and there and everywhere, so after the outlets we headed to Toys R Us. If not for me, we would have ended up at Target and Kohl's! At this point, it was nearing 7 and my pregnant body could not keep up any longer (not to mention a certain toddler's looming bedtime).

Sunday we headed home pretty early and settled in by noon. As great as it was to be away, it felt even better to have all the comforts of home. It can be tricky travelling with a little tike. The hotel was not childproofed and the limited space in the room created some frustration for LM. He is used to have a much bigger area, not to mention his toys, for which to play. All in all though, it was a great first hotel visit for LM. One we will always remember!

Easy Recipe

LM woke up this morning and looked like he might be coming down with something. He had some redness around the eyes, sneezing, and a cough every so often. I think: allergies? cold? start of a flu?

As you know, I believe that garlic is a fast and effective way to stave off a cold, so here is the latest recipe I have created (although someone, somewhere in time I am sure has already made this).

Steps to a garlic-filled pasta

1.) Boil water for whole wheat pasta (I am using elbow macaroni)

2.) In a pan (at room temperature) add olive oil, butter, and smooshed garlic clove.

3.) Heat on low flame (do not let garlic get too hot as it becomes bitter the more it is cooked)

4.) Once pasta is cooked, drain, rinse, and add to pan with the garlic-infused oil (take out clove first)

5.) Add cooked vegetables, chicken, and seasoning and VIOLA!

*This evening I used what I had on hand and took frozen broccoli and grape tomatoes and added to the pasta with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese. I opted out of using any meat. I wanted to keep it light.