Better Mom

Im really working on being a more flexible mom. I want for my kids to have so much fun in their childhoods. But always I have been so schedule orientated that I didnt do things if they didnt fit in the routine. All this was for a good reason, I felt that my kids behaved better and my sanity was protected. Now that the kids are getting older, Im ready to shake things up a bit. So today was a great opportunity. My niece just turned 11 on Friday so she had her little party and they were going to Build-a-Bear and then to lunch. Neil was out of town for the day to go see Fresno State play UCLA. I found out my nieces plans just 15 min before they were going to leave. So I decided to go too. I had to get Haven up from her nap a little early and pack up lunch stuff for her and get the kids to head to the mall. Let me just pause and say I hate the mall on Saturdays. But I did it! Justus got some quality time with Uncle Jeff as they were the only two males in the pack of girls. Then we even went for lunch, even tho it was about an hour later than I norm would feed Justus and about 30 min before their naps. But I hung in there and they actually did really good at the restaurant. I was a little worried cause Haven had been in the stroller all day and then was in the highchair. I usually make sure they get some time to run around. Im just not that mom that hauls her kids where ever, when ever. It must be the accountant in me! But I realize that there is a good balance and Im certainly trying to get there!

Expensive

Girls are WAY more expensive than boys! Can I just say....when I would shop for Justus, I would get him one pair of brown shoes, some jeans, some shirts, some socks and call it a day. For Haven, I have to buy 3 different pairs of shoes- pink, brown, and black-jeans, but since they are so different, you have to get more, shirts to match all the different jeans (or jeans to shirts) and this is all not even considering dresses or skirts, socks - some frilly, some casual, tights, and the kicker - hair bows! OK, so I was just online looking for some cute hair bows and for the few I wanted to get it would be way more than I wanted to spend! That is crazy!! But what do you do?? Girls take so much more!!!!!! (But they sure are cute!) ;)

Spiders...eww gross!

So Justus got bit by a spider today - in 4 places. Two on his arm and two on his leg. They started out looking normal so I wasnt worried, but after a few hours they spread. I got a little nervous so I called my mom. She said I should take him to the pharmacist so I did. He said no worries, use some cortisone. In the mean time, the bites looked really icky. These pics dont really do it justice (ha). I have to say Im always a bit more concerned for things such as this cause of Justus' heart. Im not really freaked out, I just am more cautious. Id rather know I did all I could then for something bad to happen and then Id feel HORRIBLE!! But alas, he is fine!

11 months and counting

Today Haven turned 11 months! That is huge to me cause I know that just one more month and she will be 1 year! An official toddler, not a baby anymore!! Im doing my best to get her off a bottle. We have introduced her to milk and she likes it and isnt allergic. She just doesnt seem to like the sippy cup. I dont remember this being a prob with Justus. So I guess I need to gird myself up and just deal. Im really anti bottle past a year and really would like to have this process complete before to much into October. But besides that, she is doing well. Such a cutie - soon I will no longer have babies - just kids! How happy!! What a major milestone. Here are some pics of Haven today. I do love her squishy cheeks!

Outdoor fun

Im so glad that the weather is getting cooler! Here are some pics of the other day when Justus and I went outside to play while Haven was napping.

Mental Snapshot

Here is what I observed as I looked around soon after the kids were up from their afternoon nap:
Neil had the radio playing, with no less than old school Warren G, dancing away
Justus was a few feet away starting a race. He was counting down for when the planes would take off - Little Einsteins reenactment
Haven was being daredevil trying to get on the little trike thing we have, standing with both feet on the seat while holding onto the handle bars
Im just sitting on the floor in the mix.
Dont forget - Warren G is still playing
Crazy...we need to get out of the house!

You know youre the mom of a toddler when....

the characters from Little Einsteins invade your dreams. It was crazy - last night, Leo, Annie, Quincy, June and Rocket visited me in my sleep.

Also, just a side note - Justus loves Curious George and when we get in the car he always wants to listen to "George, please Mom." We have the Jack Johnson soundtrack and he requests it. I found that very curious!