Sleeping Troubles Again

I have not seen enough of these lately

 This weekend has been tough.  There has been not enough smiling going on, and way too much crying and screaming.   Friday night we woke up to a screaming baby with a fever.  That pretty much sums up our weekend.  I tried to keep him sleeping for most of the weekend, except that little bit when we went to the Dr.  and when his Uncle Eric came over.

 I was so grateful my brother came to see us, and not just because I needed his help.  After going all night and all morning with this poor child crying constantly, as soon as he saw Eric, he lit up.  Not back to normal, but he was definitely happy to see his uncle.

He went right back to my sleepy sick baby after Eric left.  It has been hard to deal with.  Mostly because not only has be become a totally different child, I know he feels miserable.  He wouldn't eat anything.   Not even his crackers.  He loves his crackers.  He felt so miserable he wouldn't even touch them.  He would only drink breast milk too.  Normally, he drinks lots of water, but he wouldn't even reach for our cups.

I am so glad my family is so close.  Not only did my brother come over Saturday, but, after we ran out, my mom made a Tylenol run so I didn't have to pack my sicky up.(Thanks Mom!) Bonus: I got to see a big smile from my adorable Niece.

I think the cold air from going outside to say bye-bye to Grandma helped, because he cheered up a little after that.  Today, he is almost back to normal.  Still needs more sleep during the day, but so much happier.

With one exception.  Somewhere in all of this, his sleeping habits are even worse.  He will not sleep unless being held, and hates the bed.  As I type, he is sleeping with daddy in the lazy boy because he refused to sleep in the bed.  If I magically get him to not wake up as soon as I put him in the bed (still cuddling, because if I don't, he wakes up immediately)  It is short lived.  He has been waking up crying or screaming every half hour if I'm lucky.  The only way to keep him asleep for longer is by breastfeeding the entire time, and even then, It doesn't work.  I didn't sleep at all last night.

Any one who can give me some insight on if his sleeping habits will normalize soon please rescue me with some knowledge!

Other than that, here are some old pictures from a happier baby.

Night all!

Almost Crawling

I know I said I wasn't going to disappear any more.  The excuse I have is(a good one) two words long:  "Doctor Who"

That's right, I am now a Whovian.  If you have yet to watch it, you should start...or run.  Once you get into it, you get really into it.  Truthfully, now nothing else on Netflix sound good to watch anymore.  I may just have to watch them all over again.

Now to what is really important. New things with Bryan

 He is almost sitting up stably by himself.  He can sit for a little bit, but after a few seconds his balance gets off and he tumbles.  

 He has also started to roll around really well and can maneuver himself all over the floor.  I used to be able to set him on his blanket and go make my bed or do dishes.  Now, if I leave him for more than 30 seconds, it is almost guaranteed he is into trouble, and he doesn't even do a full on crawl yet! I went to get water and he had scooted himself all the way to where our power strip is and was chewing on it.  This mama needs to start baby proofing.  Fast.

I was talking to my dad this morning (Happy Birthday Daddy)  and we were talking about how much Bryan has grown.  He informed me that once they start walking, it is all over.  You mean it isn't already?  Even as we speak, baby has maneuvered himself to the iPad (he loves to watch color crew on it.) and is dragging it around the floor to get away from me.

I also need to start cleaning my floors more often.  Joy.  I hate cleaning the floors, but when you pick up your baby, and he is covered in dog hair, dirt, and who knows what else, It becomes a priority.

 Freckles loves to interrupt my little photo sessions.  I cant decide if he really likes Bryan, or just doesn't mind him.  I know Zuko prefers to keep his distance (too many fur pulling incidents) and the cat loves him, but freckles, I'm not sure about.  All three of them though, are very gentle with him, even with the fur pulling.

Loving the SHM Life

Lots of pictures at the end of this post.  I took so many cute ones, I just couldn't cut them out

Some days, he can be such a stinker, but even then, I still feel incredibly lucky to be with him.  He bites me, hits me, and pulls out my hair.  As painful as it is, I kinda love it.  When he is extra excited, he smiles and blinks really fast while sucking air in.  Then there is that laugh.  Oh that laugh.  It is the most amazing sound I have ever heard.

These are things that I get to enjoy and think about all day.  Yes I do need a break from him every now and then, and he doesn't nap when I want time too, but it is all worth it.  I can get the dishes done, and have plenty of time to play.  In the morning, when I am exhausted, I get to snuggle and watch Veggietales with my smiley boy.  My house is getting under control, and I don't have to sacrifice time with my little man to get it that way.  I am able to take care of my family like I have always wanted!

About a week ago, I lost sight of that.  While talking to Luis about my concerns and doubts with the choice I made to stay home, Bryan looked at me and gave me a big smile.  Cue water works.  

Was I crazy? Of course I made the right choice!  No one was going to take care of my boys like I am.  No one was going to care about Bryan's little accomplishments like I do.  How would I have the patience for my son and husband that I have now when I was working all day and coming home to a messy house.

I have nothing against working Mommies.  Nothing at all.  Being a working mom is tough but they can do it.  I know plenty of working moms that are able to keep everything together.  (I am not positive, but I think they have house elves or something working for them)  I was not one of them.  

After I started crying at that beautiful smile, he put his hand on my cheek and just left it there.  He didn't scratch me or try to yank on me, but just left it there.  It felt like he was telling me it was OK.  He knew I was doing my best.

Even with me staying home, I still don't have it all figured out.  My house is not spotless, we don't have a set schedule, and my baby is not this happy baby all day long. (though, I will admit.  he is close to it) That being said, I am working on it. I am slowly becoming a Stay Home Mom/Wife that my family deserves. I will never be perfect at it, but no matter what anyone else says or does,  I know I have a little boy that needs and believes in me. I also am married to a wonderful man that loves and supports me in whatever I decide to do.

Now, on with the pictures, before I think of any other long messages to write.

There is a song that I listen to (It is called track 3 on my computer and no idea who the artist is) One of the lines goes something like this:  "I know little babies come from heaven.  I know god made those tiny hands and hearts"  I thank god every day for letting this perfect example of love to my arms.

Halloween and Easy Pumpkin Pancakes.

Halloween was so much fun.  Like always, we went to my sister's  to trick-or-treat with her kids, only this year, I didn't get in trouble when I carried my niece around when she got too tired to walk.(Last year, I was pregnant, so that was a no-no) 

 I loved dressing Bryan up.  He looked so cute in is Peter Pan costume. (or Robin Hood, depending on who you are) He even let me keep the hat on him.

Halfway through walking around with the kids, Bryan got so tired that, as soon as he was put in my arms, he fell right asleep.  I have this thing against the stroller, but I was glad to have it that night.  This boy is getting heavy.  It was nice to be able to let him sleep in his stroller.  Everyone else liked it too.  It made for a good place to store sweaters and candy buckets on the way home.

 This little lion costume was his backup, just in case it got too cold.

In between our little fashion show

This was our center piece for the last week of October.  It was really cute when I had my tissue paper flowers in it...and before I ate some of the candy corn.

And now, Pumpkin Pancakes!

 Like when I did the cherry cupcakes, I used a mix.  You can use any pancake mix, I really like krustys, so that's what I used.  The amounts are as follows:

2 cups pancake mix

5-6 heaping tablespoons pumpkin Puree

1 cup-1 1/4 cup water

1/4 cup chopped pecans(optional)

Mix all that up and then cook it like you would normally cook a pancake.

My dad taught me to make pancakes at a really young age, and I never remember him measuring water for the pancakes.  Now that I am older, I semi measure the water, but never use the exact same amount.  For these, use most of the 1 cup, then mix it.  Then keep adding water and mixing little by little until your batter is the right texture.

We had such an awesome Halloween, but now I am so excited for November.  While I am not a fan of cold, November and December bring a sort of cozy feeling that isn't there for the rest of the year.

6 Months (2 Weeks Late)

I never realized how much I use the Internet until I didn't have it.  Last week, I was sitting here minding my own business watching Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D(viva agent Coulson!) when they shut my Internet off.  Of course, we told them to, but I didn't remember that until about an hour later.

Now that it is back, I am back to blogging.  I always say this, and it never comes true, but I should be blogging more often.

Duck face

 Bryan is getting to be so much fun.  Some days more than others, but I still find that each day, I am more in love with him more than the last.

 He is smiling way more, and oh does he have a smile.  Sometimes he smiles at nothing, other times he smiles because he has silly parents.  My favorite has to be when he smiles mischievously to a comment I make about something he has done.  Like when he farts, or wont take a nap, or kicks his pant off when I'm trying to dress him.  Oh and we mustn't forget the big grin on his face when he sees Daddy walk in the door.  One of those truly heart melting moments.  Today, we were smiling and giggling about mommy dancing. (He loves his 70's music)  

  His fine motor skills amaze me.  How he can pinch my collar bone so hard is incredibly painful.  Seeing his hand eye coordination improve has been a wonder.  He has way better aim now, when he tries to shove things in his mouth

 We have also done away with bottles.  He never really used them to begin with, but since I became a shm and he stopped taking one on a regular basis, he has started refusing them.  He loves his sippy cup though.  He will drink from our cups too.  The hubby has to give him water from the regular cup because I spill it every time.

 In celebration for Halloween tomorrow, here is My handsome baby in his cute spooky shirt.  I'm still not sure what he will wear tomorrow, but I can tell you this, it will be adorable.

Easy Cherry Cupcakes.

I decided that today, there will be a post.  After baking banana bread, making the base for horchata ice cream and arroz con leche, and taking care of the little man, by the time I had some time to myself, and sat down, I realized that I needed to upload some pictures.  Too bad I am too tired.  The next time I get up from here will be to go to bed. 

 Bryan and I haven't spent much time at home lately, which means he has been extra crabby for me. (Cutest little crab ever)  Who knew that just one cranky baby, could be so exhausting.

I am also getting up early to help out at a fundraiser for breast cancer. (Think Pink!)  I'm not doing a Scentsy booth, or selling bows(something new that I am starting.  More to come) but just lending a hand to a good friend of mine...

Back to the point.

Because of my laziness, I am taking this opportunity to share my new favorite baking tip: Adding flavor to cakes.

Cherry Cupcakes with Cherry Buttercream, filled with coconut cream

My new secret? a box.  That's right.  I just use a box of white(or yellow) cake.  I am sure I heard this tip somewhere, but in all honesty I don't remember where or when.  All you do, is take whatever flavoring you want, in this case, fresh cherries(put through the blender of course), and substitute that, for some or all of the water the mix calls for.  The more you put in, the more flavor you get.

I did the same thing with oranges, except I juiced it in our juicer so there wouldn't be any skin in it.

The buttercream was done similar, except I added a larger amount pureed cherries than my buttercream recipe called for liquid.  I wanted a big cherry flavor, but in the end, The icing was too sweet.  It needs some more experimenting.

Both my cherry and orange cakes turned out great.

 of course there are still pictures of my cutie pie. He was a month and a half in these pictures.  The day he was blessed at church.  Isn't that little outfit darling?  My mom made it.  Funny story.  She kept going on about how much she loved babies wearing gowns for their blessing.  Had us worried.  So happy she made this little tux (that he pretty much was too big for the next day) 

 Those toes are so cute it kills me!  Do we look exhausted or what?!

Gilroy Gardens

About a year ago, one of my best friends, Catherine, moved to Utah. (Insert sad face here)  Then a couple months ago, our other good friends moved up to Gilroy. (yet another sad face)

Well a month after they left, we found out Catherine was coming down for a wedding.  Where would she be?  No other place than Gilroy.

So, since we already had tickets to Gilroy Gardens from a scout fundraiser, we planned a  little day trip.

 With Bryan, there wasn't too much we could do, which was fine with me.  This trip was before my shm days.  It was the week after I went back to work, and I was totally happy watching everyone go on rides and snuggling tight with my little guy, whom I hadn't gotten nearly enough of the whole week.  It also may have been my age, but I also really just wanted to go for the sights.

 We took a bunch of pictures by this waterfall.  We were told by our friends, that went the week before, that we would get a little wet going under the tunnel to get there. How about a LITTLE understatement!  So glad I had covered Bryan.  It was nice and refreshing, though, for such a hot day.

 The story of how the three of us became friends is rather simple.  They started out as my visiting teachers, Though Anna and I had known each other since before both of us were married.  They came over, and we just sorta clicked.  We started doing dinners, Family Home Evenings together, and a couple girl nights.  Catherine and I started ditching going to a health class together.  We had so much fun together.  I miss them a lot.

 So this little show about fruits and vegetables was cute.  Honestly, I was a little too excited to see it.  As you can tell from the lettuce, they all had eyes, sang and, made fun of the poor little onion.  I was hoping that it was going to be an educational thing, since that is what Gilroy Gardens claims it is.  Unfortunately, all I know is that oranges like to sing California sun, and, while tomatoes taste good, they are very mean.
While it wasn't very educational, there is one thing that I did learn.  Gilroy smells fantastic!  Honestly, I would consider moving there just for that wonderful aroma of garlic everywhere.

One of my favorite parts of our trip? Catherine came home with us.  We went to church in our old ward and had a skip-bo night with my mom and sister.  I loved getting caught up with her.  It was fun to see her and Bryan.  This was back when he wasn't the happiest of babies, but he lit up when she would talk to him.  It was one of the first times he had warmed up to someone other than us, and he did it immediately.  

All in all, it was a wonderful weekend, with wonderful people.