Mama's back for round two...

Wow, after both a short existence in the blog sphere and an even longer hiatus from it-- I'm back. Lots has changed in the last 10 months. We've all done some growing up in our household, particularly Bryce. And I've done some growing "out." (see evidence in photo below)

Now in my final few weeks of pregnancy I'm looking forward to this new chapter. Life seems to be like one long and addicting book. One that you just can't quite put down because you HAVE to know what's next on the pages ahead. Although, I'm sure there are days and periods of time when each of us just want to put a bookmark in place, and PAUSE.

The last few months have posed both periods of addictive-just-one-more-page-excitement and also weeks wanting to superglue a bookmark into the book of life and disengage from reality, perhaps into an actual novel. But for now, I am happily awaiting the birth of my second and last child. What bliss, adventure and love a new life brings into the world.

Check back often for family/life updates, breastfeeding beginnings with a new nursling, and the latest tantrums from a mama of a two-year-old!

O-H-I-O

In our household, much like countless others across Buckeye Country, are true, die-hard OSU football fans. This past weekend we went to the OSU v Michigan game in Columbus. While this wasn't my first OSU game, it was my first Michigan game and it was fantastic! We had a blast with friends and family! Before the game I went the to the skull session with my uncle and cousin Aaron, second year nursing student at OSU, which was a fun time listening to the best damn band in the land. Following the game and thawing out my ice blocks feet, we went to Thurman's Cafe for the biggest and best burgers! Despite the frigid temps in the twenties... it was a fun time. And the best part... we beat Michigan, 42-7!


Me & Brett freezing our buckeyes off at the game!

Mo' please Ma!

I recently made pumpkin soup and wanted to share some photos prooving just
how much Bryce enjoyed it! Thanks to Gail Lawley for her very delish recipe...
it is a annual Fall staple in our house!

Please Note: Clean shirt, and let me mention that
Bryce is just starting to get the knack of utilizing eating utensils!

Mmm... my Mama knows how to make some gooood food!

Whew... I've got some more left in there!

I LOVE PUMPKIN SOUP!

Good to the last drop!

Human v Cow: Ongoing milk debate

Perhaps you've heard in the news this past week about the outrageous request submitted by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to Ben & Jerry's ice cream's brand founders, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, urging them to replace the cow's milk in its products with human milk. I am all for ethical treatment of animals (although I do eat meat and dairy products, wear leather, and yell at my dogs), but let's not sacrifice human milk intended to sustain babies for the sake of cows! As I'm writing this blog I feel a tad hypocritical... if a cow had the mental function of humans, how would a mama cow feel about shipping her milk off to feed humans? the question may sound obsurd, but is it really?

"The fact that human adults consume huge quantities of dairy products made from milk that was meant for a baby cow just doesn't make sense," said PETA Exec VP Tracy Reiman. "Everyone knows that 'the breast is best,' so Ben & Jerry's could do consumers and cows a big favor by making the switch to breast milk." I see Reiman's point, which is partially why my 15-month-old son still has not had cow's milk. I figure that at this point he is (more than) willing to have Mama Milk twice a day and there is no need to give cow milk, filled with hormones, puss, etc... Don't get me wrong- I love cow's milk and was obsessed, quite literally, while pregnant.

I digress. The point I want to make is-- that what is more important, more valuable and more enriching to society? A cow and it's milk used to feed it's young and produce fattening, artery-clogging delicious, intoxicating ice cream OR a Mama and her life-sustaining milk for her child (not to mention, calorie burning and cancer risk reducing for Mama)? Other benefits of cows include, the food-, financial-, and sustaining-source that cows represent to many Africans villages, and how just recently homes in an Eco-village of west Wales are making plans to use cow dung as a source of energy.

If nothing else was accomplished through this publicity stunt ethical call to action, breast milk was once again brought to light reinforcing it's importance in society, families, and the tummys of children worldwide!

*I have to give major props to PETA and Bill Maher for their stellar Breast Milk ad... check it out!

I HEART Baby/Kids Resales!

If you're familiar with kids resales, typically sponsored by and funds raised for local PTAs and church groups, then you understand the almost "cult-like" following that they can have. At least the really good resales have this. I would not put myself in the category- at least not yet, but I would consider myself to be a resale-groupie! While pregnant I was introduced to my first kids resales- two in one morning with my mom and my aunt. That morning I spent a whopping 25 cents on "Feed me I'm yours."

Since that first experience I have learned a few things about baby/kids resales and here are some suggestions...

1. Check the status of your current clothing and toy inventory. I'd rather spend my money on something that we need or don't have rather than duplicate items.


2. Make a list mentally or on paper before attending the resale. Ask yourself: What do I need for the coming season (clothing, shoes, toys, etc)? What size will s/he be needing in the next 6 months?


3. Think about some larger ticket items that perhaps you might want or think would be a welcome addition, but wouldn't normally buy... jogging stroller, kids picnic table, chalkboard, etc. If you're a good treasure hunter and if you're lucky, you can often times find great items! So if you're mentally prepared to look for those items on your wish list you may have a better chance at being successful!


4. Talk to other mamas to find out which baby resales are the cream of the crop. Believe me there are some duds out there-- I've been to a few! By asking friends and family which locations are the best you'll save yourself time, money and frustration!
   
5. Enjoy the hunt! Yes, you'll find lots of things that do not meet your standard of quality, taste, size-needs-- and the list goes on. But, you'll also find those diamonds in the rough that make it all worthwhile.
   
6. Two words: Mommy time! It's a fun time out with other mamas- friends and new faces! So grab a cup of Joe and your best girl friend or mom and head to kids resale nearest you!

Babies are generally clean and grow so quickly. Often times not giving the opportunity to "wear things out," which is why many mamas (and papas) shop resales. If you find good quality, gently used items no one will notice the difference. For instance, Bryce wore his new G*ap overalls (shown below) this past week to the sitter and she comment how cute he looked in them. I told her I paid $3 for them and she was shocked, commenting "They look brand new!" Remember that most kids resales have an admission fee, typically $5 for early birds (that's me!) during the first hour and $2 following. This is all the more reason to choose your resales wisely.

Here are the things I bought last weekend for a total of $37.50:

G*ap jean overalls $3
Firetruck rain jacket $3
Two G*erber basic oneises .50
Child*ren's Place sweater $3
G*ap snowman sweater $3
G*ap rugby polo $2
Striped full-zip shirt $2
Tal*bots Kids red winter turtleneck $2
G*ap white winter turtleneck (not shown) $2
Melis*a & Doug stackable wooden animal pull-along $5 (retails for $15)
Chic*co Bilingual Smart Driver $3 (retails for $29.99)
Duck costume (not shown... Halloween surprise!) $7

B-man loves "driving" with me in the car.

How cute are these animals?!!

Check out the following links for upcoming resales in Northeastern Ohio:

• http://nrechpta.googlepages.com/otherptakk
• http://www.westparkpta.org/resale_events.htm

A much needed vaca!

We all survived Bryce's first trip on an airplane, which ended up being a serene and relaxing time for all thanks to a wee little dose of Benadryl and mama milk! The three of us flew to the east coast to spend Labor Day weekend with my family. Bryce had a wonderful time with his two older cousins, Grandad, Sue, and Uncle Tag. It had been nearly 2 1/2 years since I last saw my Dad, brother, niece and nephew so I was extremely excited to see everyone as well.

Our weekend adventure consisted of lots of playing: swinging- on swings and from ropes, wagon-pulling, bubble-blowing, wrestling, tickling, raindrop-dodging, ice cream-licking, sandcastle-building, crab-"hunting", seashell-finding, sand-digging, cartoon-watching, Lego tower-building and destroying (Bryce), ocean swimming, arcade playing, and much much more! It was a wonderful weekend playing like a kid with three of my FAVORITE kids in the world!

It truly are the simple things in life like opening and closing a gate 2 bazillion times because walking is fun and new (Bryce), taking countless baths because you think you're a bathing beauty/mermaid (I, my three-year-old niece), and swinging from a tree-rope like George of the Jungle (E, my five-year-old nephew) that make life exciting, memorable, and happy. Remember the world does not revolve around updated databases, raises and promotions, or whether or not the house was vacuumed this month week.

This weekend gave us the chance to relax and enjoy the simple things in life, including our dear family and friends. As you can see from the photos below, we had a splendid time. And Bryce certainly did enjoy experiencing new sights (the vast ocean), sounds (airplane jets up close and personal), and tastes (Clam Chowda!).


I HEART vacations!































My dear brother Tag with E- what handsome dudes!

Our little mermaid, I.

Bryce eating an entire banana with help from Grandad!

Jammin in the kitchen... Bryce is their band groupie!

























































So much sand, so little time.
































Not a good photo of the two of us, but it's all I've got as proof of my existence on vaca.

No your eyes aren't failing... that really is Bryce (and Sue) sleeping on the beach!

Hello?

Yes, we're still alive and going strong in OH-IO! Truthfully I've been feeling a little burned out on everything lately! Including my quasi-blog. :)

Of recent I've been asking myself-- "What really matters in life?" And while there could essentially be a gazillion answers to this somewhat deep question, the main two things that come to my mind over and over and over again are: God and my Family. So, if that is my answer then what am I doing to make sure I take full advantage of those things in life? Am I honoring my Lord every day- in thoughts, actions, and words? Do I show utmost respect and true Agape love to my husband at all times, even when he is crispy? How am I actively cherishing and loving on my son every moment we are together? Do I regularly reach out to my brothers and sisters in Christ? *sigh*

It's no surprise that working 40+ hours a week and squeezing every other waking moment with Bryce and Brett is enough in it of itself-- but then on top of all that I need to be living out a life honoring to my Father, which includes being a Proverbs 31 wife and a Proverbs 22:6 parent.

All this sure can make a person tired... and that's where I'm at. I'm just tired. No, this is not a pity-party. I just wanted to lay part of what has been on my heart out into the blogsphere.

Thank goodness I serve a God who promises to never leave me nor forsake me! His strength is what I need, and He quenches my thirst (and tiredness) better than an ice cold Diet Coke!