Whoa, I Have A Toddler Now

When people tell you about toddlers, it always seems to be the negative stuff. They tell you about the tantrums, the attitude, their love of the word NO, how they get into everything. Yes, all of this is true... but no one ever really takes the time to tell you about how awesome toddlers are.
Here's a few reasons why I love having a toddler:

•  He follows commands. Toddlers seem to love following directions, as long as they feel like they're helping out. Fox throws away trash, picks up toys, helps me put away dishes, and I've even put him to work vacuuming. I'm not ashamed.
• Go big or go home. Everything he does, he does it whole-heartedly. Mooing at a cow? Yep, at the top of his lungs. 
• He answers my questions. It's no longer a mystery what he wants or needs. He helps me figure out what's going on in his little head, or at least narrow it down a bit quicker.
• All things are exciting. Bugs, planes, socks, the neighbor's annoying dog. He is amazed by things adults usually ignore. He helps me see the beauty in things all over again.
• He is fun. We play catch, we dance, we jump super high, we run around the house, we sing songs. We have a ton of fun together and I love every single second.

I think advice-givers have it all backwards, personally. They tell you how lovely life is with a baby, and how rough life is with a toddler. Fox is only 21 months old, but his first few months in our lives were the toughest yet. Now we have all these added perks and I'm like heck yes! I know it won't last long (so they say), so I'm enjoying it while I can.

Life With A 19-Month-Old

I've learned that when you have a busy toddler it is hard to find time to sit down and blog about it. I no longer get to plop down on the couch and catch up on my shows during his nap time. I usually spend those 2-3 hours doing stuff there's no way I could get done with him awake since he wants to get in my way and

destroy everything help... like sweeping, putting up dishes, cleaning, and doing laundry. I've also learned that the toddler/tornado metaphors are 100% truth. In a matter of minutes he can have a Tupperware cabinet cleaned out, or a toy box pushed to the opposite end of the house, leaving behind a trail of blocks and cars.
But life with a 19-moth-old isn't always bad. He follows instructions well, and that comes in handy at times. He can also tell me what he wants (or doesn't want) which takes away the guessing game from when he was younger.
In the past few months since I last updated, Fox has grown tremendously. He weighs about 26 pounds and stands 33.5 inches tall. He has 11 teeth and the 12th (his 4th molar) should be breaking through the gum any time now. Actually, there's a good possibility it already has - he just never lets me look in there. He knows all of his body parts, and he can recognize and make the noise of a rooster, cow, duck, dog, train, and truck. His favorite show is still Yo Gabba Gabba. And he absolutely loves being outside. Silence is very rare in our house. When he's not talking, he is singing, whining, or yelling.
Speaking of yelling... life is full of a lot more tantrums lately. I want to change his diaper since he just slept 10 hours and he's soaked? Screaming fit. I try to get him out of the bath? Acts like I am abducting him and tries to escape out of my arms. I tell him not to smash the dog in the face with a wooden ball? Ball gets thrown across the room. Fun times!
As much as he makes me want to pull my hair out at times, I wouldn't trade a single moment. He is so dang smart and funny! He keeps me smiling and laughing, and I am so glad I get to spend so much time with him.

Our New {To Us} Stroller

After we hiked a trail in Gatlinburg with two other families who had jogging strollers it became obvious that our little Chicco stroller just wasn't the right fit for our family. We really like being outdoors and going on mini adventures, so we need a stroller that could be ready for any type of terrain we find ourselves on. I decided to search Craigslist to see if I could find a decent jogging stroller for cheap. My friends have a BOB and a Baby Trend so I was looking for those brands in particular since I had seen them in action, but a listing for a Peg Perego stroller caught my attention (maybe because it had "DEAL!!!" in the title and I'm cheap) so I clicked it. I immediately fell in love with it based on looks alone and headed to Google to do some research on it. 

There really wasn't much online about it! I don't know if it's because it isn't sold it stores here, or maybe it is rare, or an old model. But I did find a really helpful video on YouTube about it.

This isn't the exact one I have, but it was the closest thing I could find. Mine is just a GT3, not the GT3 ForTwo (which means mine doesn't have the seat for the basket, but it does have a spot for an older child to stand on the back).

Here are some pictures of the stroller I got.

There are several stock pictures on Google, but unfortunately not as many articles.

Fox likes to hang his leg off the side and seems to be quite comfy!

A few things I really like about my stroller:

1. The color. I love love love the color green for Fox. Does anyone else associate a certain color with their kid, or am I the only weird one?
2. The hand brake. Also that I can lock the wheels by using the hand brake instead of trying to work those little levers on the back of the wheels with my feet.
3. The large basket. My big ol' diaper bag could get lost in there, where with my old stroller I had to use my foot to cram it in there so I could fit more stuff.
4. It rides like a Cadillac. If Fox knew what that meant I'm sure he would agree. 
5. The price. I saw this bad boy for sale on Amazon for $699.95 and I paid 1/4 of that for it in excellent used condition. Cha-ching!

I am so thankful that I stumbled across that Craigslist listing, because this stroller is perfect for us and I can't wait to take it on some fun adventures.

An Update and an Instagram Photo Dump

It has been almost two months since I have made a post, and lot has happened in the last several weeks! So here's a little update for ya.
- Fox developed a love obsession for Yo Gabba Gabba. We can't even grab the remote without him getting excited and dancing in front of the TV thinking we are about to turn it on for him.
- His vocabulary has exploded yet again. He is starting to speak more clearly, and now we are focusing on manners. He is stubborn just like his daddy and it is like pulling teeth to get him to say "please" and "thank you".
- He had a rough few weeks of sickness. He got another ear infection which made it his second ear infection in less than 3 months. About a week and a half after he finished his antibiotics he came down with strep throat so he got put back on another antibiotic, and then he developed an eye infection because of it. He was absolutely miserable and it killed me seeing him that way!
- At his 15 month visit in January he weighed 22.7 lbs and was 32" tall, and last week at his sick visit he weighed 24.4 lbs.
- We found an awesome stroller on Craigslist for a heck of a deal. I will dedicate a separate post about how much I'm in love with it.
- Fox had his very first popsicle. I didn't take any pictures because he wasn't feeling good (the popsicle was an attempt to soothe his sore throat) but he loved it!
That pretty much sums it up! Now for some random Instagram photos...

Chatterbox

Fox is such a talker now! He has a good mix of baby babble and real words. There are around 20 words he knows and can identify, and he repeats several random words we say [like "psycho"].

Here's his current vocabulary list:
- Hello
- Hey
- Bye Bye
- See Ya
- Night Night
- Daddy
- Momma
- Titan [our dog]
- Dog
- Who's That? "whosat"
- Here You Go "heego"
- Bath
- Teeth
- Ball "baa"
- Yeah
- This
- No
- Uh Oh
- Banana "nla nla" [not sure why he puts the L sound in there...]
- Yay
- Paci "dadi"
- Milk "muh"
- Fish

Yesterday he started saying Poo Poo, Blanket, and Diaper after me. So we may be adding that to this list soon. And I swear he has correctly identified a boobie twice on both Brent and I, but I can't bring myself to say that is part of his vocabulary yet haha. We are also working on his animal sounds. He barks like a dog "ruff ruff" and makes monkey sounds "ooh ooh ahh ahh" and occasionally will quack like a duck. He also says a bunch of stuff that I have no idea how to translate. His little voice is so stinkin' adorable and he always has such enthusiasm about everything.

He also amazes me every single day with how much he knows. I told him something he picked up off the floor was trash, and he went and threw it away. I didn't even know he knew what the trash can was! And yesterday Brent was bringing firewood upstairs and when Fox saw him, he ran over to the fireplace and excitedly pointed and said something I couldn't understand.

After doing some reading online, it seems like Fox falls right into place with other average 15-month-olds. Maybe a tiny bit ahead. But to me, he'll always be my little genius! Haha :)

Done With Antibiotics!

Our prescription of Amoxicillin said to give it twice a day for 10 days, but tonight we gave Fox the last drops left in the bottle after only a week. So that's it, we're done. Right? Gosh I hope so. He is acting much better, we have no stains in our cloth diapers, and it didn't upset his tummy. Hopefully our first ear infection is under our belt and he doesn't have any more, ever! Fingers crossed...

Surprise! Fox's First Ear Infection

I was always relieved when I'd take Fox to the doctor thinking he had an ear infection and the doctor would assure me it was just teething. He was always tugging his ear, never wanted me to touch them, and hated to lay down except to sleep. After a few false alarms I stopped worrying every time he'd mess with his ear.
Well yesterday he had a runny nose and a productive cough so I decided to take him in to get checked out because he ALWAYS gets sick on a Friday and I hate waiting all weekend not knowing what's up. So while we were in there she was shining the light in his ear and like every other time she has to get her little ear wax tool and remove some junk that's in her way. She checked his right ear and said it was all clear, then checked his left ear and after fighting with some ear wax for a bit, she said "It's his ear." I was so surprised! She told me his other symptoms were an upper respiratory infection caused by the infection. Boo :(
When she told me she was going to put him on an antibiotic a million things went through my head... yucky poop! Ruined cloth diapers! Diaper rash! But luckily I have amazing, knowledgeable friends who helped me with what to do. I got him some yogurt, a probiotic from the pharmacy, and said who cares about stains in my diapers. And my Grandma El's just arrived in the mail. So I am fully prepared for whatever the antibiotics bring my way!

First Steps

This morning Fox was standing at his little music table taking a breather after I'd chased him all over the living room. I held my arms out for him to come to me and didn't expect him to do anything since I've never done it before. Well he just started walking towards me like he'd done it a million times! He made about 4 steps and fell into my arms. I was so excited I screamed and cheered, picked him up, and smothered him with kisses. Since this morning he has gotten super brave. He's been letting go and trying to take steps a lot today. I can't wait until his daddy gets home so he can show off his new skill!

Birthday Planning and Reflection

Three months to go until Fox turns one. Every single parent I come in contact with has told me to "cherish every moment because it flies by" and so I have. I am so lucky to have witnessed him smile, laugh, roll over, sit up, crawl, and pull up for the first time. I have been a mamarazzi and taken pictures of him nearly every day (I stopped posting them on Facebook all the time, but you can follow me on Instagram @haleynicole71 to get your Fox fix). I smother him with kisses, suffocate him with hugs, and attack him with tickles. We laugh together and sometimes I want to cry together. But I wouldn't change a thing.

I decided on his first birthday theme of monsters about 4 months ago. Since then I have collected invitations, goody bags, thank you cards, a onesie, and a bib for when he eats his cake. I have been searching Etsy and party blogs like crazy and pinning all kinds of stuff on Pinterest. Here is some of my inspiration.

 

 

I hope I can catch the 'crafty bug' so I can get some motivation and try to make some of his decorations. If not, then I'll have to get some help from my crafty friends lol.

That's his FIRST name?

Many people hear my son's name and immediately think of the animal. As cute as they may be, they did not inspire us to name our first born after them.

Fox is actually named after a man born in Kentucky on November 1, 1878. That man is Brent's great great grandfather. It took some convincing on Brent's part to get me to agree to the name and honestly I still wince a little when I tell strangers because they usually either love it or hate it, and always have something to say about it. No matter what people say - I adore the name. It may be a bit strange, but it is easy to pronounce and spell unlike a lot of unique names now.

Our first issue over his name came up when we were trying to get his birth certificate. The lady told us it wasn't ready and ended up calling the hospital who told her his name wasn't in their system at all. Weird. She then proceeds to tell me I need to call the hospital to get it sorted out. Turns out she was searching as if his last name was Fox. Of course as soon as I pointed out her mistake she quickly took my money and handed over the birth certificate.

Next occasion was at the pharmacy waiting to pick up his prescription of Zantac. The pharmacy tech asks "What's the first name?" and Brent answers "Fox." Then the guy says "That's his FIRST name?" Nope kid, we lied.

Even though we have hit a few little bumps with it, for the most part people compliment his name and say it is either "cute" or "cool." I knew Fox was going to be one of a kind (how could he not with parents like us?) and he deserved a one of a kind name to fit.

First Mother's Day

Last week I took Fox to go get our pictures taken for the first time. I know Mother's Day isn't the holiday people typically have professional pictures done, but a local photographer was having a special and I decided I should take advantage and also get some good pictures of us two. I often hear people say they were always the one "behind the camera," and I don't want to look back and be that person. I would like to start a tradition next year and each year afterwards and get pictures of us taken.

 This day has a whole new meaning to me now. Not only do I celebrate all the mothers in my life on this day, but now I am a mom and I am the one being celebrated.

I hope Brent handles the task of celebrating my first Mother's Day well ;)

Life Happens

A few things have happened since my last post. Well... a lot, actually.

Fox can now roll from back to belly and he will go from one end of a room to another in the blink of an eye. He also is a kicking fool! I have bruises on my legs to prove it. Crawling is in our near future.
I am trying to teach him to wave and say "Hey!" and I can tell when I do it he wants to copy me.

My grandfather was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis last Friday the 16th and we got the awful news there was nothing the doctors could do for him. After 3 weeks in the hospital, being pumped with a cocktail of drugs, being put on a ventilator, having his lungs flushed and biopsied, and coming off the ventilator... they made the discovery. He was transferred to hospice that day and I have spent a lot of time while he's been sick.
He passed away last night and although I had prepared myself for this day nothing makes it easier. My faith has become stronger and I talk to God almost daily. I put my faith that He has a plan for all of us.

Yesterday I also was laid off after working at my current job for 17 months. My position was eliminated and outsourced to a call center. It came as a huge shock to me and 3 other ladies I worked with who got the boot. I was very upset in the moment because I have an almost 6 month old baby, bills, and an unemployed fiance. How are we going to survive? But like I said above I have faith that God will bring us through this situation. I hated being away from Fox for 10-11 hours a day (including my commute). I have always dreamed of starting my own business so maybe this is a step in the right direction. Who knows? Well, He does. ;)

I am so thankful to have Fox to keep me happy. I can be so upset but when that little boy smiles at me, it melts my heart and clears my mind of all the negative. I have to stay strong for him and my family.

Saturdays

Every Saturday I'm up before the sun (and my son) getting ready for work. I leave and never get to tell anyone goodbye since they're all still asleep.
Saturdays have to be the hardest day of the week to work. That is the day of the week that almost everyone else seems to want to plan fun activities and I'm stuck in a building for 9 hours (plus my hour commute there and back which makes it a total of 11 hours away from my family) and I miss out on all the fun stuff. Just yesterday Brent and Fox had a fun little outing together without me. I was so jealous! He got to go show him off without me.
I love getting pictures of Fox while I'm at work, and it's always entertaining to see what Daddy dressed him in that day. Yesterday he sent me a picture of Fox in a new matching outfit from Old Navy that he's just grown into and it was so cute *squeal!* I couldn't wait for 5 o'clock to roll around so I could clock out and get home to smooch his face off.
I really had no idea being a working mom would be this tough.

A Look Back

I had a not-so-great pregnancy. I was sick the entire time. I was uncomfortable. I couldn't stand for long periods of time without feeling weak. My blood was constantly being drawn and I peed way too many times in a jug than should be allowed since I had all the symptoms of pre-eclampsia. My ankles were swollen for about 6 months straight. But funny thing happens after you have a baby... you forget all of the bad times. Flipping through my photos I saw my progressive belly bump pictures and started thinking. Feeling the first flutters. Watching my belly jiggle as he tap danced on my ribs. Getting the ultrasound and seeing his big grin that I now know and love. I kind of *miss* being pregnant... and believe me, I NEVER thought those words would come out of my mouth in my near future.

 18 weeks and finally showing

 On the beach in Galveston, TX

 My last pregnant picture - 5 days before delivery

 We got our 3D ultrasound late, so this was the best picture we got

Sweet little guy

New Camera

For Christmas I got a new Canon Rebel T2i dSLR camera and a How To book to go along with it. I've been using my son and my dogs as my guinea pigs... here are some pictures.

 Titan by the fire

 My big boy wearing his first 3-6 months onesie

 I love his big smile!

 Playing with a new Christmas toy

Christening his new play mat with drool

 

Modeling his new hat

Achilles looking like he hates his life lol

Big boy in the tub! He was loving it.

Working Mom

During my pregnancy I would dream about being able to stay home with my baby so I could see every little milestone he reaches and get lots of cuddles and snuggles all day long. But Brent was laid off and so at eight weeks I found myself back in the office while Brent is at home with Fox.

Today I got the cutest picture of Fox asleep on Brent's chest and it made me miss him so much! I wish we could strike it rich and like win the lotto or something so I'd never, ever have to leave him!

For right now I am thankful to have a job and to be able to work and make money to provide for my family, but I will continue to dream about never having to work...

Starting Fresh

I have a blog commitment issue.

I have made probably 10 blogs in the past and I get bored or discouraged and delete them. But today I am vowing to start a new, fresh blog and keep it going.

What am I going to be blogging about, you ask? Well I have a very awesome new addition in my life that I absolutely love talking about. He is my son, Fox Weston. This little boy had me smitten before he was even born. And on September 30th this year I experienced a whole new love I never knew existed. He makes me laugh with his silly faces, and squeal with his milestones.