Bedtime with relish please!

Hi ya'll!!

Let me start by first saying that I DO have the best parents in the world.  I know ya'll think that yours are the best, but they are not.  Mine are!  I actually do have people agree with me, though we (she and I) agree not to share that tidbit of news with her parents.  :)  We don't want to dash their hopes of being the best parents by letting them know that mine are already well beyond them and consistently hold the trophy.  Okay, okay... enough already!

In my 'new normal' world, I'm learning... always learning new things and relearning old things and it's all good.  I won't say it's all fun, but its all good. One thing has become very apparent these past couple of weeks and that is the "grown-up" time when the little children go to bed.  I always knew this was an enjoyable time for my mom and I think my dad, but never really understood the importance and quite how liberating it feels some days.

Now... let me also put in a caviat here... I do LOVE my girls dearly, but I also enjoy time with myself and grown-up people.

So, back to my thoughts... there is a real energy in knowing that your children are safe and sound in bed getting the sleep they need.  And its funny to me that I either get a rush of energy... what should I do??  I've got no children asking for something?  I have time to think? should I do this or that or the other thing ?  Until of course I realize the physical energy is not nearly as high as the energy of my thoughts.  ;)  There is some real truth to the couple of hours between child bedtime and parent bedtimes.  I'm afraid I missed out on that earlier in the childrens lives, but I sure love it now.  I can sit and regroup, relax, get my thoughts together, vegitate, do something for me, or finish a chore without interruption.  I enjoy it!  Love it when they are awake... but when I'm the only parent (really my parents help me co-parent, but you know what I mean) and i'm with them all day... i relish bedtime and "me" time.  i'm thinking of making a similar change to "nap"time.  :)

Nevermind...

Okay, nevermind ya'll!  I just did something different.  :)  If you have some help... great... but I'll just not have a cute little blog like ya'll!

I'll come back and type when Coco is not banging her head on my leg to get me to go downstairs because she's extra whiny and can't do it herself because she's been sick this week, but knowing full-well that I need to snap her our of this "needy" mode and back to real life because the reality is she is feeling better except for the occasional runny nose and cough.

Later...

Help please!!

So, I have my cute background and title done.  Now I'm trying to do my fonts and i've downloaded it and the (4) files and created my account at Hostwebs.com and I'm stuck.  I've attached a picture of my screen shot.  Somewhere I'm supposed to upload the (4) files taken from Kevin & Amanda's blog (which I found by going through Cutest Blog on the Block's blog and i can't see ANYWHERE to upload a file onto Hostweb.com??  it appears as though its just to create a website.  What am I missing!?!?!

HELP please!  I want to be cute just like ya'll with a cute new font. :(

Please pardon the DUST while I reconstruct my blog!

Testing!!

I'm testing my blog. All my stuff was messed up... I'll get back to ya. :)

Here we go... who-rah!!

So, I was doing a "self-check" and my emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness are all doing better.  Now it's time for the physical!!

It's never a fun topic, but MUST be addressed.  I haven't been this unhappy with my physical health since high school.  Grrrr!  Well, that's going to change.  As some of you know... my sisters and I have a goal to run a marathon.  Sounds like SOOO much fun!  I have always wanted to be a runner!  Back before I was married I did run... still not enough to do a marathon... but I really enjoyed the physical fitness and rush you get after a good workout!


A friend of mine sells Ideal Protein.  It's a supplement to your diet basically built on whey proteins, high fiber vegetable, and very low sugars and carbs... and LOTS of water!  Its new to the USA from Canada.  I've watched her help a # of people lose weight and keep it off.  I'm on day 4 and so far doing quite well.  I've lost 8 lbs... most of it probably excess water.  :)  The food is pretty delicious!  The chocolate shake drink is my favorite!!  So good and creamy, I would never guess its a health food.  hee, hee!  My other favorite it the Herb & cheese omelet... and it fills me up by itself... wow!  I get to add in my own vegetables and proteins for dinner and here and there.  All in all.. I'm really enjoying it!  I'll let you know the progress as long as you're supportive.. ;)

The idea is that it will help get me jump started and with my exercise (yes, another advantage : I can exercise while on it, as opposed to the popular HCG) I'll get to running in no time and be ready for the marathon this fall!  Go girls!!

Really do need a Passport?

So, we recently went on a road trip and yes, it was!  The girls, Senia and I traveled in our car while cara-vaning with Joel and his family and the parentals.  So... we traveled to Emma's house in Rock Springs.  Now, if you've ever been to Rock Spring... you know there isn't much to do there so, the Britney, Emma and I decide to go to Walmart.  I know, exciting stuff!  Well, we were on a quest for some parts to make a project and I needed to return the DVD player that only partially worked on the drive up to Emma's house. (Yes, I tested it prior to the trip and it worked of course the morning of, it did not. :/ )

We walk into Walmart find out that the DVD player can not be returned because it's been longer than 15 days since purchased.  Great.  The helpful (sarcasm here) Customer Service Rep suggests that I contact Phillips to get a replacement.  Really?  Honestly.  Meanwhile, Britney suggests an exchange.  Sure, we can do that says the oh so helpful CS Rep.  So, we head to the electronics department to see if they have another.

We arrive at the department and NO ONE is there to help.  After looking for a few minutes and seeing one person walk past, I'm tempted to pick up the phone to ring someone or just yell (it's Walmart in RS remember?) when this little man comes over.  Before he says a word to any of us, he looks to Coco in the cart and says "Hello sweetheart".  I IMMEDIATELY move between him and Coco to abstruct his view.  He's just trying to be polite, but it comes across OH SO CREEPY!  Wow. He finally opens the case and will have the player for us up at the CS desk.

Please note that these people only wash their clothes once or twice a month, so hesitant is an understatement to touch anything.

Britney, Emma and I recover and continue to our original destination to gather the couple of things we came for  and head to the CS desk once more.  In the meantime, my eyes are pealed for crazy looking people and find a few, a few more that don't pay attention to the "DO NOT SMOKE INDOORS" law, and some woman who needs clothes a size or two larger and a few chairs to be comfortable at the tax service desk.  Seriously guarding the child too!

Once we're at the CS desk, there is a line of 3-4 people.  A register opens up and Emma chimes in "that's yours, take it".  So, I did.  The 'oh so happy' Customer Service rep was different than when we arrived.  I explain that I'm exchanging the DVD players and need to purchase these 3 other items.  Wow... the eye roll of DEATH occurred.  I really think I felt a rumble beneath my feet.  And out of the corner of my eye I see a young gal giving the 'Crustees death stare for all to see'.  Her arms and folded, she's got one leg out to the side while her body weight is on the right one and looking right at me.  If I didn't know better, I would have though my 'out loud' voice spoke for me and challenged her for a Dual or something.  Wow!  Apparently, she thought the register we were at was hers.  Well, she didn't take it... so I did.  Had NO IDEA it was hers.  We continue our transaction realizing I just RUINED the CS Reps day by asking her to complete the exchange.  I have COMPLETELY put her out.  Doesn't matter that she gets paid, I have asked her to do some irritating task and she's letting me know.  Of course I'm extra nice  and pleasant to her during the transaction to let her know I'm okay with her upset-ness.

I honestly thought to myself standing between the clerk and the perturbed customer behind us... we were in trouble.  There really does need to be a Passport issued to come to the RS Walmart.  Transaction is finished and we continue out the door, no problem all the while making sure we're altogether not knowing who is going to flash the evil eye or creepy looks/comments next.

We make it to the car safe and sound and are oh so happy to make it back to Emma's house!

So... lesson learned... DON'T GO to the RS Walmart unless its absolutely necessary.  Don't touch anything, don't talk to anyone, keep children close and your belonging closer.

Thank you and good night.

Funny Conversation...

This will be funny to any and all who know my ex-husband or anyone else who has an "ex".  Just insert the "ex" you're familiar with in this conversation with Isabella.  Funny!!

My Mom and I were having a little discussion and my ex-husband's name, Tyler came up.  Isabella came in from the other room...

Bella says, "Who's Tyler?"

I replied, "Just an old friend."

Bella, " I don't like Tyler.  Who likes Tyler anyway?"


Maybe it was just the moment, but I thought it was pretty funny.  :)

Have we really become that Callused?

I came across a post on Facebook.  I know, I know... take it with a grain of salt... its Facebook.  Well, there was a post about Prop 8 and some comments following.  One of the "comments" was from a gal, mentioned she was a "Christian" and didn't understand what the big deal was.  Her reasoning to support marriage gay or straight was to eliminate the promiscuity and deviant behavior from spreading.  That's like handing out condoms or birth control at school to eliminate the spread of disease.  But what else is it promoting?? 

I thought ... "really?"  Have we become this callused?  We have people willing to support something so fundamentally wrong to limit the "deviant behavior".  Wow.  Personally, I don't support gay marriage and am against Prop 8.  Regardless of civil rights... read the Bible and Proclamation to the World... it answers the questions.

To each their own.  I'm not saying whether this woman is correct or not. I don't share her opinion, but I'm not one to judge either.  I just thought it sad that out of the 7-8 people that commented and the 3-4 "likes", only 2 were against the Proposition and 1 stood up and said exactly where he stood on the issue -point blank-.

As a people we need to be courageous enough and have the conviction to stand up for what we believe... whether the majority of the people agree or not.  I generally don't get on a soap box, especially about religious vs. state issues... I just was "awed" by this one today and thought I'd spark a little thought for you.  :)

Moderation in all things!

This is it.... "moderation in all things"

Tough...

This is a good challenge.  I don't like it.

I totally had an order come yesterday and it needs to be returned or exchanged.  Sure, I can send it back... but is it really spending $$ if it's an exchange.  Is that allowed??

Other than that... I left the tip at dinner.  That's not so bad, is it!?!  Food... its a basic need.  :)

7 Days and Counting...

I have been given a challenge.  You see... in the recent past I've had the opportunity to do some shopping.  I have very much welcomed said opportunity.  As we have moved to a new place, the girls and I have needed to make  some purchases to make our place our own.  Well, with that also comes clothes, a few little jewelries and such!  I also live with the cutest mother ever... so I need to keep up the family name and image.  Ha, ha, ha!  :) 

(Do you see all my rational?!?)  I know...I know.

So... for the next 7 days I will purchase NOTHING except necessities. It could be interesting... probably some blood, sweat, and tears... but in the end, I get to go the MAC counter and have my make-up done and find out what fabulous deals they have for the BIG EVENT!  (Yes, MAC is really having an EVENT next Fri and Sat... it's not just for me!)

Stay tuned... as I'll do my best to take you along for the ride!

Song stuck in my head...

So, I have had this song stuck in my head all week.  I keep singing it over and over and sometimes tears come too.  :) I thought I'd share.  It is written and originally sung by Dustin's cousin, Diana Rose.  She sang it at her father's funeral (Uncle Earl) in September 2011 and it really resonated with both Dustin and I.  It brought Dustin to tears.  I fell in love with the song and love its message.  I keep thinking if he could... maybe these words are close to what Dustin might say to his 3 beautiful daughters... Gesenia, Isabella, and Coco.  I hope when Diana's in town next, we can hear her sing it for us... she has a really incredible voice.  Thank you Diana!

"When I Die"

by Diana Rose

There will come a time when we have to say good-bye

But if my time comes before you, please don't cry

'Cuz I'll never really go away

I'll be with you every day

If you feel someone kiss your cheek "goodnight", you'll know its me

I'll be the rainbow in your clouds and the sunset on your sea

When I die, would you mind if I spent everyday with you?

If I stay by your side doing all the things you do?

'Cuz I couldn't call it heaven if you weren't in my arms

So I'll be your guardian angel, I'll be the stars in your sky

I'll be there right beside you, when I die

If you hear our song on the radio and your eyes fill up with tears

Just close your eyes and think of me, I'll be singing in your ears

'Cuz I'll never really go away

I'll be with you everyday

And if you start to miss me, just call out my name

When you feel my love around you, you'll know that I came

When I die, would you mind if I spent everyday with you?

If I stay by your side doing all the things you do?

'Cuz I couldn't call it heaven if you weren't in my arms

So I'll be your guardian angel, I'll be the stars in your sky

I'll be there right beside you, when I die

Welcome Back!

I welcome you back to my blog.  I know, I know... I haven't been the best at blogging in my little world... but there is always room for improvement, right?!?!

I also have a new driving force and a rededicated view to journaling... this blog will serve a multitude of purposes.  It has occurred to me that since our dear Daddy Dustin's passing, more of his friends and family are "following" us on facebook and such.  So, I thought this would be another way we can keep in contact with you all and you can see how his beautiful girls are doing!  :)

Also, realizing how precious life is and how quickly it can be taken has reminded me how important it is for us to write our histories through journaling, blogging, dictation, whatever form you choose.  Its a way of letting those around us into our lives a little bit and leave something behind for generations to enjoy, get to know, and hopefully learn from.

This blog will be about my girls and I's journey in life.  It will include ups and downs, excitements and discouragements, road trips and projects.  Whatever i have the inkling to write about.  :)  Of course with some help along the way from my family... the crafty ones... this should be fun!

I strugged with a name for our renewed blog and decided on "Twinkle in her eye and a Bounce in her step" because that's what my little ones do for me... they add a twinkle and a bounce for me and our family!

PLEASE leave comments, stories, your own thoughts.  we LOVE feedback and would love to hear from you when you have a minute to stop by.  :)

Here we go.... 

Always in our hearts...

Dustin Ray Hulett, loving father, husband, brother, and son passed away on November 24, 2011. He was born to Terry Hulett and Ruth Swade on September 24, 1975 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Dustin was a talented artist, he enjoyed working on his vehicles, making his home a sanctuary and spending his time with his girls. He loved to help people and make a difference in their lives through his work with Karl Storz Endoscopy.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Tippetts Hulett, daughters Coco, Isabella and Gesenia and her mother Michelle Wood, his mother, Ruth (Peter) Swade, his father, Terry (Ruth) Hulett, brother Daniel (Sandra) Mackay , sister Lesa Hulett, grandfather Ray (Virginia) Hulett and beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in the Jordan Willow 1st Ward, 2161 West Gray Drive (2300 W. 300 S.), Lehi. Family and friends may call Monday evening from 6-8:00 p.m. at Wing Mortuary, 118 East Main, Lehi and from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the church Tuesday morning. Interment, Tooele City Cemetery. Online guest book at wingmortuary.com.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It's here, It's here!!  The most Wonderful Time of the Year!  I just love it!  We don't have much for Christmas this year, so we've been making each others gifts and for the children and finding FREE festive things to do and it has been really fun!!  I just love the season... and I think the reason for the season is the underlying feeling.  I"m so thankful for my testimony of the gospel!  I'm thankful for how it has helped me become the person I am and what it is doing for my family!  Please take the time, a few moments to avoid the commercial-ness of the holidays and do a service for someone or spend some fun happy times with your loved ones... leaving the mall and the lists and all behind and just enjoy each other!  It is a different feeling of the season... special, very special!

CORRECTION...

Here ya go...

http://thirtyoneshoppe.blogspot.com/

My new blog!

My New Adventure

I've decided to start a blog for my Thirty-One Gifts business.  On this blog is where I will post the current and future customer and hostess specials, special events and any other exciting information about Thirty-One Gifts.  If you currently follow my family blog, I would love for you to be a follower of my Thirty-One Gifts blog.  So, come on, grab my button, post it on your blog, share it with your friends and stay up to date on the greatest and latest with Thirty-One Gifts!


www.mythirtyoneshoppe.blogspot.com

New cuddler designs

Here are a couple more cuddlers to add to the group!  Just got an inquiry for 3 from one client... Yay!

Cow Print with black Cuddler fleece (extra soft fleece)

Zebra print/reverse is black/white polka dot w/hot pink accents

The Carseat Cuddler Canopy/Cover/Tent

Here it is... the car seat Cuddler!  It's a canopy, cover, tent, and any other name they go by only much, much better!!  The design came when I bought one for my little Coco and had many frustrations with it.  the biggest being it wouldn't stay put in the wind or weather.  That of course defeats the whole purpose of said cover.  So... my design has elastic at the back that surround the entire back and sides up to the handle of the car seat.  I also made the straps on the top a little shorter, a little wider, and adjustable to provide a better fit with less movement on top when you are carrying your little one!  For the length I added a couple of inches to ensure that it covered the front enough and had the weight to stay down.  And last, but not least... I added a peek-a-boo opening so you can see your little one without having to open the whole cover.  I LOVE this feature almost as much as the elastic backing because when Coco falls asleep in the car and I go into a store, i can just close the peek-a-boo with the ribbon tie closure and it cuts out a lot of sound and light to keep her sleeping.  And... if I want a peek... I simply undo the tie and move the two sides a part a bit or I can put up part of it without opening the entire cover.  Yay!!  Of course I've added flowers, ribbons, and cuties oh my!!  Enjoy!!  I have it posted on my Etsy page (see link in my sidebar) and eBay: luv2cr8*.  I do custom orders as well as I will have some building in my inventory.

A little hot in the garage attic...

These candles were in my plastic tub with my other fall decor in the attic of our garage.  I think it's safe to say it's a little HOT up there!  Scared to see what happened to my Christmas Decor... few more months and we'll know.

Menu Board is finally done!!

Thinking about it...

So... I was thinking I might start a new blog.  Just a thought... not sure I could pull it off... but might be kind of fun.  It would be like a column or an editorial type of blog.  Just about a variety of subjects...probably whatever happened to spark my interest that week.  What would I call it??

Gesenia is 12!

Wow!  I can't believe Senia is 12 years old.  I met her when she was just 7 yrs old.  My how time flies!  This year she asked for lotions, perfume, make-up and an iPod dock. She is growing up!  And... guess what... she's wearing a bra!!  I'm sure she will never want to know I shared that information with anyone, but I'm pretty sure all my readers are women and we know all about it.  Just don't let her know I said anything, okay? okay.  It's really a wierd thought.  In 4 more years... she will be wanting to drive and in 6 more years... she will be graduating high school.  Wow!!  So exciting!!  She will have lot of little sisters looking up to her... they will have a blast!

She is a joy to have in our house!  Senia is very mild mannered and has a completely "chill" personality.  She is willing to do anything I ask and is a great help with the little ones.  She's becoming a teenager which is completely new and uncharted territory for her Dad... but it will prepare him for the others. :)  So glad to have her in our home whenever we can!!

A few more cards...

Bella got a new hairstyle

Mommy did it, Daddy.  Yep... I sure did.  Turned out a little short than I had originally thought, but honestly I think it's pretty good for cutting my 2 year-olds-hair.  I had never cut hair more than trimming bangs... think I did alright here.  ;)  Kind of looks like our own little Shirley Temple!  Pretty proud!

Don't worry Daddy... it will grow back!  :)

...and yes, I saved one of her long ringlets!

Yay for Daddy!!

We just got back from spending a fun-filled few days with the Paul Tippetts family... Yay!!  And... one of the highlights was that Dustin went fishing...for the first time!  Wow!  And... he was the only one who caught a fish.  Wahoo!!  

I did it... Yet another induction moment into the "official parents" club

So, my little Coco has seemed rather "backed-up" and so uncomfortable.  She's been happy in only one position (on mom's shoulder) for the past two days.  She has had no little bowel movements either.  Today I'm determined to help her feel better, poor thing.  So, off we went to Target this morning to see if there were any solutions.  Well, we found one...not too pretty of one, but was really hoping it would help her.

Pedia-lax suppositories.  So, I get home and try it...amid her wails in uncomfort... she seems to handle it okay.  I used just a touch because she is much smaller than suggested on the box. Basically injecting a little saline (herbal substitute...senna pods).  And finally... she falls asleep... an hour later, she lets me lay her down.  Phew!  She seems to have at least been able to relax.

These poor little people!  I think it's her cereal... she's been loving it and handling it fine until the past few days.  Needless to say, we'll keep the smaller doses of cereal. ;)  But... I've now had to give my child a suppository!

New Cards Monday

Look at my new cards! I thought they turned out rather cute, thought I'd share.

Have we gone too far?

Have we gone too far??  Do we really need all the latest electronics and such that allow us to be available to anyone whenever they want us to be?  Do we really need to check our email at any given time in any location?  What happened to our simple life with personal mail coming by carrier?

I recently got to upgrade my phone with my carrier and select a new phone.  Dustin went to the store to see what was available.  Really??  There were 2 phones that didn't require a data plan of some sort. What!?!  have we really become so fast-paced and impatient that we cant wait to get home to check our email or our favorite website?  No wonder Oprah started her "No Phone Zone" campaign.  We're too busy checking on the rest of the world from the palm of our hand instead of watching the car in front of us.

I was also looking around our house for the things we don't need and really aren't using.  Maybe it's just our family... but somehow I'm pretty confident that is not the case.  I have found $400-500 worth of items we have because we wanted them for one thing or another... and they do get used, but are they necessary??  Not really.  In this era of life when savings in the bank for the 'rainy day' is much more important isn't it time we lived a simple life??

Both of these situations also remind me of a subject in a book I've listened to a few times...  "The Millionaire Next Door".  Live cheap!  Even when there is $$ in the bank... do we ask ourselves and act upon necessities with a few luxuries here and there?  Or are we more in the practice of saying "oh I can afford that" when really it's not as affective and efficient but maybe just "cooler" or we rationalize it by thinking we are so savvy now.  Really... have we gone too far??  Where's the simple in life?!?

Pictures, pictures, pictures

Coco's Blessing

Yesterday Coco was blessed by her grandfather in our ward.  What a beautiful day!  She wore the gown that me and all my siblings, Isabella and some other cousins were blessed in... I believe made by my grandmother??  Correct me if I'm wrong, mom.  :)

I just thought it was great!  We were all there at church, Dustin and all my brothers and brothers-in-law were participants (Scott and Emma were there in spirit ;) ) and it just went well.  She is a strong little girl and I feel like I've got to make sure she has the tools she needs to make it through this world.  Ive heard it said before that every generation will need to be stronger and more stubborn.  My Dad has made mention of both my girls being stubborn in their blessings or likewise.  They are stubborn... I don't know where they get it!  ;)  But... I guess it's for good reason... I just hope I can help them steer it in the right direction.

Dustin's Mom was able to join us and my Grandma Tippetts as well, which was nice.  We all had a luncheon up at my parents house of salads, bread, mango salsa, cheese plate... and goodies!  Yum!!  Sun was shining!  It was nice and warm!  Pictures were taken (which I'll share later when they come back from my personal photog, Gen).

All in all, it was a special day for our special little Coco!

June 2010 in review

She looks like a cookie caper, doesn't she??  ;)

Bella asleep at the top of the stairs helping to put away the toilet paper...hard workers need lots of rest!

.

...just Bella...

...helping Daddy with his Father's Day gifts...after she told him what was in the bag. Ha, ha, ha!

...

...asleep sitting on the couch hanging out with Senia.

Making cupcakes!!  YUM!

                                                

Isabella's first haircut...getting her "princess" glitter hairspray, in her pink car, watching SpongeBob just before she got her balloon and treat... what more could a girl ask for!?!

Isabella playing in her pool... its become a regular thing with Bella and Daddy on the weekend!

Yay... we did it!

So... those of you readers who are mothers will completely know what I'm talking about.  Those of you who aren't yet (wink, wink) here is a little somethin' to think about.


Yay!!  We did it!  What??


Coco and I made it through the night without any "hook-ups".  She is a month old now and sleeps good from about 11pm (after eating at 10:ish pm) until about 2am.   Then from 2am until 6ish, she is a pill and won't stay down much longer than her 45min R.E.M. cycle lasts.  From what i've read and am told, this can just be a trouble with the baby and mommy learning how to help her get on a good sleep/eat routine and knowing day from night. (Which takes a few weeks to figure out depending on said involved parties.) Sometimes she will be up at 3 or 4am wide awake.. and me... completely tired and trying to get her to go to sleep of course.  Not a good mix!  Well, last night we did it... she slept until 2:30am, woke up and ate...was back to sleep in her bed by 3:20ish am (she takes about 30 min just to eat, then 20 min to get into her deep sleep...that's when I put her down... trying "the Baby Whisperer" technique). She made it until Dustin got up at 5:45am, ate again and went back to sleep until about 8am.  Mommy was still tired of course, but it's a step in the right direction.  Two feedings and sleep inbetween instead of crying and fussing and not wanting to sleep when Mommy really needs to sleep.  :)  We'll still have rough nights and while I am REALLY looking forward to the days of feeding her cereal before bed... I was glad she at least came this far.  Only better as we both figure it out and she keeps growing!


Also to be noted... our neighbors baby, born 1 day later, is now 10 lbs!  He sleeps for a solid 4 hours at a time, Coco is closer to 3 hours.  So... bigger babies do sleep better... though I love my little petite girls!  If only Mommy was still that petite (wink, wink!)  :)


Until next time... Au Revoir!

New and Two... The Miracle Blanket

I was a skeptic!  I admit it!  I've heard talk about swaddling, swaddling, swaddling... blah, blah, blah.  Well, I never needed to worry about that with Isabella.  I had time to hold her when she was sleeping and other times, she would just sleep on her own.. a much better sleeper than our little Coco and easier for me to cater to because she was my first little one.  Now... that has come back to haunt me because Isabella has a hard time sleeping by herself, now in her toddler years.  Eeeekk!!

So... I am really trying to get Coco to sleep and sleep on her own.  My friend across the street here swears by The Miracle Blanket.  What??  It completely wraps the child up and keeps their arms from flailing about and puts the slightest pressure on the abdomen to help them sleep.  Still a skeptic until Coco came home.  She was good for about the first week... then she decided she didn't want to sleep on her own.  Or so it seemed.  After the second week of little to no sleep lasting much longer than 2 hr intervals (most 45min), reading in The Baby Whisperer book, and my Touchpoints book... I ordered my own The Miracle Blanket... and that it is.  You can see in the photos, she is completely wrapped up.  As soon as it arrived, I took it out and wrapped her up... then she slept for 3 1/2hrs until I woke her up.  Yay!!

She still has her moments... that first night was still rough... but this definitely helps her feel contained, cozy, cuddled...all those things a newborn needs...but in a much more independent way...and now Mom gets more sleep and other things done... Yay!!

This just might become my new baby shower gift!

Help!

How do I get my posts to go under the "Pages" I set up?

Thanks to my hubby!

Just a quick little note here... Wahoo!!  Why so excited??  Well, Dustin came home and took Isabella to the tire shop with him to get an alignment done...and Coco is sleeping, thanks to her new blankie from Nana!  So... I have a break and a few moments to myself.  Yay!!  The credit for these moments to my husband Dustin.  He has been so patient with me and very helpful through these past few weeks of having Coco and all the post-pregnancy challenges and trying to figure out two children, etc, etc, etc.  I'm very grateful to have his patience, support and love especially now when we're all learning!  :)

New and Two... series of learning experiences, Take 1!

So, I thought I'd share with you our experiences being the "New and Two"...  Newborn, 2-year old, and Momma.  As we speak the newborn has awoken for about the 13th time today because she isn't being held for her naps... and I'm going to let her cry for a bit so I don't completely lose it.  You see "two" has stretched my limits today as well.

Let's start with our trip to the grocery store earlier this week.  All was great and dandy... I thought I'd do two smaller trips originally, however it was going so well that I just decided to make my shorter trip into my regular size trip.  We started toward the check out line and Coco started crying, she had awoken from the great little nap she was taking in the store.  Then Bella started asking me for juice.  Dang it!!  I forgot her juice cup.  We load in the groceries and start heading home.  Bella continues to ask for her juice, which I explain I will get in a minute when we get home.  She starts yelling because of course I didn't realize it's also nap time and in my "life in a cloud" while at Smith's... we have come up on lunchtime too.  Coco is continuing to bless us with her lovely cries now at the top of her lungs as we continue home.  I try to sing her favorite song for naptime "I am a Child of God", no luck.  I try turning on Michael Buble... which Isabella loved when she was a baby in the car... no luck.  I try just talking to her and telling her sweet things like "we'll be home soon" and "you're okay" and "mommy's right here", no luck.  Isabella tries to give Coco a binky.. nope!  Bella also tries talking to her and trying to hold her hand...of course, no.  Geesh!  About 7 minutes into out 10 minute trip Bella and I have exhausted our efforts to help Coco and Bella is now crying as well... she's tired and hungry and probably feeling the stress from Coco's crying.  I think to myself... "this is why my original plan of two short grocery trips would have been better". Nonetheless, we arrive at home.  Both girls still crying.  Now I need to empty all groceries, get lunch for Bella, a bottle for Coco, both down for naps... then I can put away our goods.  I get the girls and the groceries in the house... Spaghetti O's ready for Bella and the fridge things put away.  Coco is still screaming!  I would have thought she'd be really tired by now.  I make her bottle, pick her up... silence!  I didn't even give her the bottle yet... silence!  What?!?!  Really???  All that because you wanted to be picked up.  Yes,.... welcome back to a newborn, Mom...I thought to myself.

The next ten minutes were a lot smoother than the previous 45 min.  Fed Coco, put Bella down for a nap and the groceries put away.

Needless to say... I will not be attempting a full grocery trip anytime soon and will definitely remember the juice cup and the timetable that we are using to go to the store. :)

New and Two... series of learning experiences, Take 1!

Well... here's one before I get started.  Ready to blog and Coco is ready for Momma... so, stay tuned... I do have a story to tell ya'll!

More pictures or our little Coco "puff's" arrival