Flum Blum

We have 'officially' begun to weather Maddox's first time being sick. I feel so terrible for him because I am pretty sure I gave him the cold (or whatever it is) that he has been fighting. Who knows though, there have been sick kids home from school all week at daycare so I am sure he was exposed to something more than once.

His poor little nose is full of gunk and he sounds like he is snoring when he is just trying to breathe. I was a little worried about him last night because he was really struggling but we doused him with saline and plunged his nose over and over again. (gross I know!) I can now attest to the necessity of a humidifier with an infant!

Hope this passes soon, Mommy hates to see him suffering!

LEEP is on Facebook!

Can I just say that I LOVE MY JOB!?!? :) As if you didn't already know this, I am a bit of a computer/Internet nerd. I really love to try and be up on the latest things personally but, I like it to trickle over into my professional life as well. I realize that we may be a bit behind the times professionally however, LEEP finally has a Facebook page. I was planning/hoping to get an account up and running last summer/ fall but with maternity leave, etc. it just didn't happen as quickly as I had hoped.

I have a fantastic 'team mate' in Becky, LEEP's Exec. Director. She is up for trying anything to help get the word out about LEEP. I usually end up showing her what I do personally first, and it usually doesn't take long for us to get things started for LEEP. Plus, she seems to really like some of my ideas (who wouldn't- ha ha!) which is great. I feel like we've really gained some good momentum for the future here at LEEP. We have some pretty awesome brainstorming sessions too which I love. In the non-profit world that is how you have to be if you want to "keep the lights on" as a volunteer so eloquently stated it last evening.

So, with our forward thinking ways here is our Facebook site and you can check out our LEEP Vacation Blog as well. Become a fan of LEEP's Facebook page and keep up with our latest happenings and for ways to get involved!

Crabby Kids

Have any of you ever noticed anything "different" about your kids' behavior on Tuesdays? Maddox had another "clingy" day yesterday at daycare and just wasn't himself Tracy said. (same way he was last Tuesday) I realize this is only his 2nd week of daycare BUT he is usually a really easy going/happy baby that can entertain himself. I guess it kind of bothered me so I started doing some reading online about helping your child transition in and here is what I found.

Lots of moms on Baby Center were chatting about this on message boards. I love to be a creeper and see what others are saying, I rarely put my 2 cents in but it is a great resource!

Anyway, several mommies were struggling with the same thing but something that I found interesting is that it has been shown that Tuesdays are really hard for children. I am not sure exactly what makes it so hard but that got me thinking.... On the weekends we tend to get off schedule by either sleeping in or going to bed later, nap times may not be as "scheduled", and Monday isn't so hard to see Mommy go but by Tuesday they miss you, or possibly; it is something else entirely. I had never noticed it before but then again, I hadn't been away from him all that often.

Obviously I am new to this mom thing but, I have always been fascinated by trying to figure out behavioral patterns.... Maybe this sounds silly but it really gives you something to think about!

* side note: if you have any great resources for "mommy advice" please share! I am always looking for new information outside of the typical books recommended!

Jumping Back In

Now that I am in my 2nd week of work I really feel like I am getting the hang of our new schedule. I know I shouldn't complain (and truly I am not!) but it definitely wasn't easy to get into the 6:30 am wake ups again. I was (and am) spoiled! On a positive note this has really helped me always be to work by 8:30 which was a stretch before Maddox! Now I get up, get ready, and then go wake/feed/dress Maddox and am out the door by 7:45. It hasn't been as hard of an adjustment as I thought it would be however!

Most mornings Justin isn't home because he is working so we are adjusting to that as well. It kind of stinks because I am always rushing, hoping that Maddox won't wake up till I have to get him up and ready to go. I think we have a routine down now though so that has helped.

Getting back into work was pretty smooth as well. The week that Justin's Grandma Beadle passed I was supposed to start back full time. I think having those 2 days of work under my belt when I came back full force really helped my transition. I have been really busy with lots of catching up and it is volunteer season so that helps too. I am really glad that I love my job though, 'cuz trust me, if I didn't it would be very hard to leave Maddox at daycare everyday!

Our Son, the Yoga Pro

We've been working on rolling over these past few days and Maddox has really mastered the downward dog yoga position.


He is getting a lot stronger these days and has been really been pushing off the floor, he gets ALMOST over but his silly arm gets in the way. When he is on his back he rocks up to his side and ALMOST gets turned over but still isn't quite brave enough yet.

Ok Mom, I am callin 'er good..... It's been a rough day! :)

Boys II Men

Last night we had a nice little stroll down memory lane........ Justin, JB, Maddox and I enjoyed some nice tunage provided by VH1 Soul and we were definitely taken back. After a little "I'll Make Love to You", "Water Runs Dry", and "On Bended Knee" we started flipping channels and low and behold, it was a Michael Jackson video blitz as well!

Some of us however, weren't overly thrilled with the choice in music.
After the first stop at the VH1 Soul station we began reminiscing about our first CD purchase. Funny as it seems now but JB and I bought Boys II Men and Justin bought a Garth Brooks CD. That got me thinking, I wonder what everyone else bought as their first album? I'd love to hear what your first purchase was!

Skol Vikings

Yeah, trust me, the title is for JR not for me! All day today he has been talking about how nervous he is for the game. Hopefully for his sake, he gets the turn out he wants (I guess!). I think he has been anxious all week!

Earlier today Justin downloaded the Skol Vikings song and has been playing it rather loudly. I have to laugh because every time he plays it Maddox starts crying!!! That's my boy, he is already bleeding green and gold!!

Only in Minnesota

As I am driving down the street over lunch hour, I had the PRIVILEGE to witness an older gentlemen in his (no joke) boxer shorts, t-shirt, and to the knee winter boots scooping snow. If I would have been a little more brave I would have stopped to take his picture. Now mind you it is 25 degrees and sleeting. Who would have thought?!

Daycare- Take 2

Yesterday morning was day 2 of Maddox going to daycare. No I won't be doing this everyday! Since it sounded like day 1 wasn't too great for him, I thought I would take a few familiar things for him to play with.

Our provider had mentioned that he was crying a lot and that he didn't want to be put down. This is unusual for him so I wanted to do what I could to help.

So, with one of his favorite music playing, stuffed animals in hand, I dropped him off.

When I called to check on him after lunch she said she was amazed by the impact the toy had on him. He had started whimpering so she started playing the music and he quit. She couldn't believe how quickly he calmed down and even seemed to be happier after that. :)

Maybe I really am catching on to this Mommy thing!

3 Months

Today Maddox is 3 months old! So much has changed in just a few weeks but I love the age he is right now. He does so many fun things now and loves to interact with everyone. As Grandma Jo & Nana say, he LOVES being talked to. Not only that, he loves to talk. (wonder where that comes from?!?!) Maddox had a pretty fun filled 2 months so from here on out he may get bored-ha!

Here are my new milestones:

• Still eating 4 oz. bottles
• Size 1 diapers
• 3 month clothing (still a few stragglers in the 0-3 range)
• Sleeping through the night, (9:30ish pm-8:00 am)
• I will take a pacifier but I am not a huge fan.... I only really like it when I am tired or when I am riding in the car.
• LOVE to talk, squeal, and shriek
• Pulling Mommy's hair/necklace/shirt has become a favorite past time
• Checking myself out in a mirror has been known to entertain me for quite some time.
• I can spin myself in circles on my tummy and will be rolling over soon enough....just not quite brave enough yet.
• I am fascinated with watching Bear run back and fourth
• I find football really interesting and will just stop and stare at the TV when it is on.
• Standing in my excersaucer is still a favorite but I really enjoy the mat with hanging toys that Aunt Ali and Uncle Trent got me.
• Music is a MUST!
• I am still a really mellow/happy-go-lucky baby. My mommy says that if all babies are as easy as me I will have LOTS of brothers and sisters. ha ha! :)
• Rubber Ducky is still a good friend of mine and I love splashing all around in the tub.
• I have found my hands and think they are pretty cool. I am really learning how to use them and have figured out how to grab on to and shake rattles. I am still a work in progress but I am slowing learning how not bop myself in the head so much!
• My smiles melt my mommy and daddy's heart!

Pants On The Ground

I am sure many of you have already seen this but I love it- Enjoy!

Daycare- Take 1

So today was a little rough for Mommy...... It was officially the first day of daycare for Peanut. Believe me, if I could stay home with Maddox forever I would but unfortunately that isn't in the cards just yet! Maybe someday........ Anyway, thankfully JR came along because he hadn't met Tracy (our in home provider) yet so, when I started crying I didn't feel totally stupid.

Maybe

I was assured I wasn't the first (or the last) new mommy that had difficulties leaving their kids with her. I did pretty good though, I only called to check in once! Sounds like his morning was a little rough but after some brainstorming with her I hope tomorrow is better. As we both agreed, it will definitely be a learning process for all of us.

Luckily for me my day was pretty busy so I really didn't have a chance to miss my little man too much. Everyone keeps saying this gets easier, and I am sure it does, I just hate that it isn't me who gets to play with him all day long.

For some moments in life there are no words....~ David Seltzer

Grandmas hold our tiny hands for just a little while, but our hearts forever.
- Author Unknown

We lost Grandma Beadle today..... You can read more about her here but she will surely be missed by all. I know it has been a rough road for Justin's family so please keep them in your prayers. We will be laying her to rest on Thursday morning back in Swea City. Thanks to all of you who have already passed along your condolences, your love and support means a lot to everyone.

Mixed Bag of Emotion

Today wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. I started back to work and though it was tough leaving Maddox behind, I made it through. It probably helped that Justin was home today so I didn't have to take him to daycare. :o) Now that first day of dropping him will be hell! Once I got back to the office everything seemed like I had never left. Hard to believe I was gone for so long. Lucky for me I like my job or I am not sure I would have ever gone back!

Rub a Dub Dub, Maddox in the TUB!

Maddox loves taking baths! He has never really gotten upset about being put in water, which has been nice. Lately he has really gotten into "playing" during tubby time. Basically this just means lots of kicking and splashing. Tubby time is probably one of my favorite things to do with him. His eyes get REALLY big when he splashes the first time during each bath. I love the pure delight he has when he is squealing and splashing.

I tried to get a video of him in the tub BUT he kept kickin' off the "private parts" so that was a no go. I guess pictures will have to do!

Guestbook Signing

Hi everyone,

I tried this last year and am hoping you will all join in again. Since I don't always know who is stopping by I would love to find out. If you would be so kind as to leave us a quick comment (even just your name and city is fine!) that you were here we would really appreciate it. Also, if you have your own blog or website (and don't mind sharing) please that address for us to. I would love to keep up on all of you!

Thanks for playing along! We are looking forward to hearing from you.

In For It....

I don't know when kids actually start realizing what "no" means but, I am beginning to wonder... As I was feeding Maddox before bed tonight we were having a bit of a struggle. He has a new habit of pushing the bottle away from his mouth even though he is actually still hungry. He'll push it away and then squeal 'cuz he is "starving". Super annoying but cute at the same time, is that possible?!

Anyway, he began doing this again tonight and I said " No, Maddox that is naughty".

He does it again.

So I say, "No Maddox, that is NAUGHTY!"

He does it again so I decide to hold his arms down and see what happens. It seems like he is over it and that we can proceed with the getting ready for bed.

No such luck...... he tries it again so I repeat, yet again, "No! Maddox! That is NAUGHTY!". He turns, looks up, bats his longer than life eye lashes, all the while flashing his adorable grin......

I am so screwed!

Big Day!

What? I have to wait until TONIGHT to watch the Hawkeyes?!?!

ok, I guess I can wait as long as it really is on tonight.

maybe they will let me be the kicker!
or the receiver?

or MAYBE the Quarterback!

Either way, GO HAWKS!!!

Going Back

Tomorrow begins my final week of maternity leave......... oh how I dread going back to work on the 11th! I know it is all part of the deal but it doesn't make it any easier. Maddox has gotten so fun these past few days/weeks and I love spending day in and day out with him. He smiles and coos so much that I want to play with him all the time. He is even starting to react a little when I read to him which has been nice!

I need to get back to work though on some levels because I find that I am definitely not as on top of things as much as I would like. So for now I will be trying to enjoy the last few days of leave and cuddle as much as I can! Wish me luck on the 11th because it is going to be a tough day!

New Year's 2010

This year Justin and I got to be together on New Years Eve! Our day started with a trip up Blue Earth to visit Grandma Beadle and take Jeri and Jolleen out for lunch. It was nice to see them and get to spend time outside of the hospital. That night we spent down at my mom and dad's and enjoyed some fun with good family friends. It was great to celebrate our first NYE as a family and I am happy we got to do! Happy New Year to all!

Good bye 2009, Hello 2010

As New Year's approached I decided to reflect on all that has happened in '09. Like every other year there are things I am most thankful for and things I would rather forget. My year has been one that I will never forget and these are some of my favorite highlights.

• Finding out that we were pregnant- FINALLY
• Being part of Tiffany and Dan's wedding in April
• traveling with LEEP to Washington DC and being there during Ali's birthday.
• Coaching a great group of guys in Special Olympics Softball
• Last, but certainly the most exciting/important- BECOMING PARENTS!

What a wonderful year, can't wait to see what 2010 has to offer!

Now for the resolutions part of New Years..... I want to promise that I will lose weight and all of the other "normal" things but that never really works for me SO for the 3rd year in a row I am going with-

1. send birthday/anniversary/thinking of you cards
2. be more focused on being on time for things
3. take time to just enjoy family!
   
   Best of luck to all of you with your resolutions!