a McFall minute

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

oh, how pinteresting

2012-02-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

Just some random pins for

Source: blogs.babble.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: relax-ed.tumblr.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: themomcrowd.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Sara on Pinterest

Source: talesfromtrish.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

Toddle Along Tuesday - Parties

2012-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Mackenzie's 1st birthday party is going to be pretty simple. We are thinking a cookout, possibly at a park. She has some older cousins that would enjoy playing at the park and it's a June birthday so a cookout is perfect! However, I still want to decorate a little and have a bit of a theme. Here are some things I'm planning on doing.

I love these cupcakes!

Source: madewithloveby.me via Sara on Pinterest

I'll have to figure out a way to display her 'month' pictures. Maybe I'll just do a collage. But this is a cute idea too.

Source: iloveyoumorethancarrots.com via Sara on Pinterest

My theme -- Pinwheels! I love these pinwheel ideas. Plus I can make them myself.

Favors. These are on boxes, but I could use them to secure a bag.

Source: stylemepretty.com via Sara on Pinterest

Hairbow

Source: hostessblog.com via Sara on Pinterest

Maybe tiny pinwheels in the cupcakes and big pinwheels for the kids to play with.

Source: hostessblog.com via Sara on Pinterest

weekend crafts

2012-02-13T14:53:00.000-08:00

Erin had Saturday off!! Thank the Lord!! I was SO happy and excited that he had the WHOLE weekend off and then I caught his cold. :o( SO, I left him in charge of Mackenzie....I was a few feet away....and I did crafts. It was wonderful to just get lost in a craft and finish it. Plus since I was just across the room I still got to enjoy Erin and Mackenzie's company.

All of these were inspired by some pins on Pinterest.

I'm modifying this Pin. This is a part of that modification. :o)

Hair clips for Mackenzie that I can also put on headbands for her.

(inspiration Pin)

Peas in a Pod for Jen and myself. I need to get different beads for my necklace, which is the blue one.

(inspiration Pin)

Car Seat

2012-02-11T03:29:00.000-08:00

Who knew car seat shopping was going to be so complicated!! We found and liked her infant one in less than 5 minutes. It's been perfect and was even on top 10 lists in all the magazines. I had a migraine by the time we finally had a convertible car seat. UGH!!

First we went to Babies-R-Us. We didn't love any of the seats there, but I saw the Graco Argos 70. I liked the colors, liked that it could be come a booster seat. *Note, at the time I hadn't realized it wasn't rear facing* We had someone helping us, asking us questions, and never mentioned it wasn't rear facing. They didn't have it in stock so I told Erin we would just go to Target. *Again, still clueless on the rear facing*

Then at Target, again we didn't love anything, and we saw the Graco Nautilus. We bought it. *Yeah, didn't realize that whole 'it doesn't rear face.'* We got it home, inside, and I decided to open it when Mackenzie was napping. I opened it and started reading the instruction manual. Only then did I realize my mistake. It's not made to be a rear facing car seat. Oh boy was I mad!! I then realized the one from Babies R Us, yeah, not rear facing. UGH! I made the mistake so it made me even more annoyed.

Out of annoyance I went to Buy Buy Baby. First of all, WOW they have a GREAT selection! There were a few I like, but I was apprehensive on spending that much money. It's totally worth it for my baby's safety, but I needed Erin's oppinion first. And I needed to return the seat from Target. The two I liked,

Britax Boulevard CS70

Britax Marathon 70

Now more annoyed with the situation I went to Target to exchange the car seat we bought for one that we could actually use. :o) On the way I text Jen and found out what seat she had. She has the Graco MyRide 65. Is using it for her son and had used it for her daughter. I saw one at Target, same price as the one we bought, I grabbed it. I was over comparing and researching car seats. Jen's word/opinion was good for me. Bonus, it was on sale for $110!!

SO, we are good for 50 more pounds....I hope she doesn't grow too quickly because I'm over car seat shopping. :o)

we deserve it

2012-02-10T03:15:00.000-08:00

Why can't I accept that I deserve my valentines day gift.....

I begged Erin to return it. I told him I don't deserve it. I told him it was too much. I cried about it multiple times. Mackenzie probably thinks her mommy is crazy. :o)

Erin said no, said I deserved it. My mom said I deserve it. Maybe I do....OK, I do! Why can't I accept that?!?!

I cook, I clean, I do the laundry...ALL of it. I make Erin lunch every day. I pay the bills. I'm about to facilitate a move and pack/unpack alone.....again. (Well my mom will do her stuff, but I'll be in charge of out stuff) I'm raising a happy, beautiful, lively child; sometimes it feels like I'm doing it alone. Some days, I guess I am doing it all alone. But I don't complain....most days.... :oP I do it because I want to. I'm a mom. I'm a wife. It's my 'job.'

SO, I do deserve a nice expensive gift just for me. I've only been asking for one since they came out. Before that it was a Nook. He bought it thinking of me and what I could do with it.

But why can't i accept that?? Do you have a problem accepting gifts, that you deserve?!?!

New Apartment

2012-02-09T04:29:00.000-08:00

Our New Apartment

I'm very excited to be moving! We are moving to Speedway, IN; which is basically the west side. If you are familiar with the Indy 500, well we will be in the heart of the activity come May. On race day we either need to stay put or leave and plan on returning home that night.

Because of Pinterest I'm so excited to decorate, organize, and arrange our new home. Look for pictures later in the month. Especially of Mackenzie's new room! :o)

Oh, How Pinteresting

2012-02-08T04:16:00.000-08:00

We are moving in a few weeks. I'm totally doing some or ALL of these!!

Source: homemadecrap.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: christopherandanne.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: designsbymke.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Sara on Pinterest

Source: familyhandyman.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Sara on Pinterest

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-08T03:14:00.000-08:00

Erin took a sick day Monday and Mackenzie took advantage of the few minutes of daddy time she could get!

best laid plans

2012-02-07T03:00:00.000-08:00

I'm a planner. I have to plan. It's who I am. So the past few days have been a little rough because nothing we had planned about moving to Indy is working out! Hence reaching my breaking point Saturday night.

Erin started applying for supervisor jobs when I got pregnant. He started applying for supervisor jobs in Indy when we realized my parents were moving back to Indy too.

We had grand plans if he got a position in Indy.

He would work 2nd shift. I'd work during the day. He'd watch Mackenzie and we wouldn't need a sitter. My mom could watch her for a few hours in between Erin going to work and my getting home. We'd have the weekends together. It would be perfect and seamless.

Yeah.....not so much....

Source: Uploaded by user via Lindsay on Pinterest

It's not working out that way, at all!! Erin is working 6 nights a week and usually for 12 hours. Erin sees Mackenzie for maybe 2 hours a day. If he's lucky. I see him at the same time, so I'm not getting any one on one time. He is in bed with me for maybe 2 hours before I have to get up with Mackenzie. I'm 'on' 24/7. I want to be 'off' for a bit!! I want to see my husband!! I want date nights. I want to get a job and be able to see my husband....right now, I'd never see him!!

Source: imgfave.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

Instead, I'm staying strong. I'm doing my best to make sure Erin and Mackenzie get time together. We are living with my mom so I stay sane. I'm going to get a job.....it'll just probably be 20 hours a week. It'll give me some 'off' time, some adult time. Once things settle down I hope to get to see Jen once a month, if our schedules allow. WE can both use 'girl' time. :o) And Erin and I have a 'date' this Sunday....eye appointments. :oP

Things will settle down. Erin says he just needs a few more months.

2012-02-06T06:35:00.000-08:00

I'm going to try this,

Source: funcheaporfree.com via Sara on Pinterest

this week! I'll probably have to make some modifications though. I'll let you know how it goes next week. :o)

Featured

2012-02-05T21:00:00.000-08:00

Kelli from The How To Mommy asked me recently if she could feature my post for Mommy's Must Have Monday

Well of course I said yes.

Check out her blog and my 'must haves' here!

*I originally posted about my must hard for Toddle Along Tuesday, hosted by Mama G, at Growing Up Geeky.

Breaking Point

2012-02-05T17:49:00.000-08:00

I may have reached my breaking point last night.

Ok I did reach my breaking point!!

I may have cried a few times before bed and in the middle of he night.

Who am I kidding?? I was a mess!!

I may have asked my hubby to find a new job or find a way to get back on first shift.....

Well at least I didn't beg....

Needless to say when I saw my new Kindle Fire sitting ever so nicely on the table in front of Mackenzie's changing pad I once again burst into tears.

Mackenzie and I are two very lucky girls to have Erin taking care of us. :o)

Target

2012-02-04T19:00:00.000-08:00

I should really stay away from Target when we have tax refund money in the bank!! Here are the goodies Mackenzie and I picked up today. Also, that was me singing 'Elmos World' throughout the bed and bath section of the store. Gotta keep the kiddo happy! :oP

Stuff for Mackenzie's new room!! I promise next post about her room will be the final reveal!

All of Mackenzie's new 12 month clothes!! She is just about ready to start wearing 12 month clothes. Ill keep her in 9 months as long as possible. She is just growing up too fast!! The Halloween pjs....$2.54!! And no more feet pjs for Mackenzie. :( Well not of the have rubber bottoms; which the ones we found did. Her feet are too sweaty and the doctor said not to get them.

Last a shirt for mommy. Jeans for the kiddo. And a pinterest idea being brought to life in our new place. Table cloths as curtains. :o)

Target you are my therapy!!

More Owls...

2012-02-02T05:55:00.000-08:00

I found these after my post last night.

I need a new cross stitch project, so I will be getting these two. I can't wait! I haven't cross stitched in forever. Plus, I've been searching and searching for a birth sampler for Mackenzie since I was 20 weeks pregnant.

Source: amazon.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: amazon.com via Laura on Pinterest

Now to look for tree stencils or tree decals for the shelf tree. Also owl decals. Any ideas on where to look for the tree decal/stencil??

Source: myfriendmatilda.com.au via Sara on Pinterest

Oh How Pinteresting

2012-02-01T17:38:00.000-08:00

Mackenzie is finally getting her own room. Well she has a room, but she hasn't had one that we could decorate yet.

I'm really liking owls for her room. I'm not sure why, but I've seen these and I'm just going to go with it. Plus, Erin likes what I've shown him too.

Dresser Knobs

Source: etsy.com via Sara on Pinterest

Night Light

Source: landofnod.com via Sara on Pinterest

I love this tree/shelf idea! I'm thinking add owls to the tree too.

Source: myfriendmatilda.com.au via Sara on Pinterest

I have the pattern for this, now I need to make it.

Source: allsorts.typepad.com via Sara on Pinterest

Buttons!

Source: flickr.com via Sara on Pinterest

Perfect for stuffed animals!

Source: centsationalgirl.com via Sara on Pinterest

Toddle Along Tuesday - Advice

2012-01-31T07:56:00.000-08:00

I think my advice for new moms would be to ask for help. I thought I could do it all with no help. When Mackenzie was born she was in the NICU for a week. I didn't want my dad calling to help us with our NICU issues and getting MAckenzie home. We could deal with the doctors and the nurses. Lets remember I was a new mom and never imagined a difficult labor or my baby being in the NICU. I finally asked for advice from Courtney, a fellow blogger/friend, whose babies had all been in the NICU also. Best thing I ever did!

When she was finally home, I again, thought I could take care of a new baby by myself. I didn't need my mom to come stay, she was needed at her sisters. I didn't need Erin, he could go back to work. I was super mom and could do it all.

I so wish I had insisted that my mom come over for a few days to help me. I wish I had insisted that my parents be there to help us deal with the NICU. We/I did fine, but I would have been less exhausted, frustrated, and able to enjoy more if I had insisted on help. We don't have to be super mom from day one. :o)

Phone dump

2012-01-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

Slowly figuring out the cup

This is Lexi's favorite sleeping space! It's also where we keep Mackenzie's burp cloths.

Hanging out at OG's house after dinner. We had no nap ALL afternoon!!

classic Mackenzie face

Concentrating on her piano toy.

One of my favorite books as a kid. Bought it for Mackenzie this weekend. I love that I get to read it to her now!

my baby

2012-01-29T07:14:00.000-08:00

Mackenzie has all of a sudden stopped eating all of her bottles and it's worrying me. She still has wet diapers, still eats her baby food, is playing, and just a busy 7 month old. But she won't eat her bottles, even cries when I try to get her to eat more than 5oz. know at times she is hungry or maybe she is just whining because she doesn't feel good. She's even waking up in the middle of the night hungry and I'm having to feed her a 4 oz bottle. But I'm still worried.

Her old schedule:

7:30 - 8oz bottle

8/8:30 - cereal and fruit

11 - veggie and fruit

11:30 - 8oz bottle

2:30/3 - 8oz bottle

6 - meat/veggie/fruit&cereal (sometimes cereal)

7/8 - 8oz bottle

Now, the past few days:

7:30 - cereal/fruit (since she won't eat her bottle)

8 - try to give her a bottle, she maybe eats 4oz

11 - veggie, fruit, and yesterday a tiny bit of cereal so I knew she was getting some food

12 - maybe 4oz - if I make her eat.

2:30/3 - 7oz

5 - fruit & cereal, veggie, meat

7/8 - depending on when she goes to sleep - maybe 5 oz

2AM/3AM - 4oz or 5oz

So, I'm basically giving her a small serving of cereal at lunch now to calm me down about the bottle situation. I am still giving her the same serving size of fruit/veggie/meat. I'm hoping it's a tooth issue and once one pops through she will eat. I've even tried putting her formula into her sippy cup, but that doesn't always work. But she does get some water throughout the day because it's always in her cup.

Has your child ever gone through this?

progress

2012-01-26T08:17:00.000-08:00

Since my frustrating week with losing weight, I've lost 3 lbs. I'd say that's good. I have a new goal now, lose at least 5 lbs a month. That will get me down 25 lbs by our vacation at the end of June. If I lose more each month then BONUS! :o) I won't be where I want to be, but maybe I'll be more comfortable in capris, *gasp* maybe, possibly shorts, double *gasp* swim suit.....We can figure that out in June.

I'm proud of myself for the steps I'm making towards a healthier lifestyle. I am watching what I eat. Grabbing healthier snacks. By Monday I'm going to start exercising. Nothing crazy though. I need to work into it. I found the workouts below on Pinterest. There are 3 levels and a starter level. All 20 days long with break days. I was going to do the starter exercise but noticed that level 1 is pretty close. So I will interchange them for the 20 days.

Source: downtownn.tumblr.com via Sara on Pinterest

wordless wednesday

2012-01-25T10:57:00.001-08:00

Love watching life thru her eyes. Who knew this toy was so interesting.

oh, How Pinteresting

2012-01-25T10:39:00.000-08:00

Source: disneyparks.disney.go.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Source: art.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: joyfulabode.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: bakingobsession.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: theehingers.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

Toddle Along Tuesday - Must Have Item(s)

2012-01-24T06:20:00.000-08:00

I currently have two 'Must Have Items'. They keep Mackenzie busy 90% of the day!

First is her play mat. She has had this mat since before she was born. It was great for when she wasn't sitting up or rolling over because she could play with all the hanging toys. She even took naps on the mat. Now that she is sitting up, I hang some toys on one side of it and let her sit up to play with them. If she wants, she can lay under the toys still too and kick and play.

Here she is playing. She was sitting up, but decided she would rather kick her toys and chew on Sophie.

We also have her saucer that I found at Once Upon A Child. She loves it!! I have all kinds of toys hanging from it, that it's almost overwhelming to me. But she loves it! She spins, she plays, she watching some Sesame Street, and even eats in it. I can drag it to the kitchen if I need to cook or clean. I've dragged it to the bathroom so that I can do my hair and make up. We even carry it down stairs if we want to hang out down there for awhile. It's perfect for us!!

projects

2012-01-22T04:16:00.000-08:00

Since I finished Mackenzie's blanket I decided it's time for some grown up projects; projects for me.

I want to make this scarf. I'm going to use the yarn my bestie got for me when she went on a shopping day to Shipshewana. (I'm going with her next spring) :oP My mom just made one for herself using chunky yarn and it's really cute. I have the instructions printed, just need to start it.

Also, I'm making this blanket. I've already started actually. I love that's it's blocks and different stitches. I can learn new patterns on a smaller scale.

Lastly is a project for Mackenzie, but an ambitious one for me.

Knitting a sweater.

What am I thinking?!?!

Why?

Well apparently my grandmother was a knitter. Who knew! No, seriously if you met her before she died, or while I was growing up, knitter is not what you would think!

Well my uncle found a bag of knitting needles and a project that was already started. Well I went though it and I can keep the yarn that wasn't used and the needles and stitch holders. I decided that I had $100 in materials and it should be used. I'll probably get new yarn, since there isn't enough to make the sweater I've picked. But I've always thought about making Mackenzie a sweater and I'm going to do it. My contradiction of a grandmother could have, so why can't I?! SO, I'll probably start the sweater below in another month or so. Then maybe it'll be finished by the time Mackenzie is big enough to wear it. :o)

My Brother

2012-01-20T05:50:00.000-08:00

My brother was in town from Christmas until last week. We have always had a rough relationship. 9x out of 10 we fight, get mad, or get I annoyed. Even at 29 I am immediately on the defense when he walks into the room. However, he is Mackenzie's uncle and I try my best to let go and relax when they are together. She loves him and loves to play with him! That's all that matters.

I'm hoping that she builds a bridge between us. That we start communicating more frequently even if it's just about her. Plus with our parents....we are both feeling and thinking the same things. That might build another bridge since I'm here and am taking over for him right now.

We are taking small steps. I've offered to do face to face chat once a week so that he can 'chat' with Mackenzie. I've already put him on the list of emails when I email new pictures/videos of Mackenzie. Maybe one day I won't be on the defense when he walks into the room....

Enjoying Patricks company.

snow!!

2012-01-19T05:05:00.000-08:00

We got some snow last Wednesday. It's Indiana weather so it's no surprise that the day before it's was in the upper 40's. I think we ended up with an inch, maybe two, and that's pushing it.

Well my dad txt me when after it had been snowing for a few hours. I had some pretty good response to his 'stupid' questions. At least I think I did.

A little background - We are from IN and are used to snow. My parents lived in TX for the last 6 years. They would close down the city because of some ice on the roads. Now, that is probably an exaggeration, but I know that they didn't go to work many a time because of a little bit of snow. Needless to say, he was acting like he had never lived in IN during the winter.

Please note: I love TX!! My parents loved living there!! AND they throughly enjoyed the lack of snow and ice! :o)

Oh, How Pinteresting

2012-01-18T16:31:00.000-08:00

This is exactly what I need!! Good thing The Container Store is across the street!

Source: containerstore.com via Sara on Pinterest

I think I can make this....

Source: etsy.com via Sara on Pinterest

Yum!

Source: skinnytaste.com via Sara on Pinterest

I needed this site since I love to shred chicken now because it's so easy in the stand mixer.

Source: momsbyheart.net via Sara on Pinterest

I think these will be Erin's Valentines gift!

Source: bakedperfection.com via Sara on Pinterest

For some reason I'm loving Owls and Giraffes for Mackenzie.

Source: etsy.com via Sara on Pinterest

This is so perfect since we seem to move a lot!!

Source: emilyaclark.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

toddle Along Tuesday - Favorite Outfits

2012-01-17T13:14:00.002-08:00

Mackenzie is pretty much in a onesie and pants every day. I'd love to dress her up every day in leggings, skirts, dresses, but that's too much for a 7 month old who is home all day. Plus with her spitting up, sometimes she wears 4 onesies a day. However, when I know we are going to the grocery or out to eat I do get her dressed up.

One 'going out' outfit that my mom bought her, that I thought I'd hate, is actually one of my favorites. I love the little skirt and leggings!

I also love making her items to wear!! Here are some boots that I made her. Too bad the winter hasn't been cold enough to wear them all the time.

Also, my bestie Jen, sent me the pattern to make these leggings. I love them!! I made these a little big so she can grow into them. We had to get dressed up in our 'tutu' skirt to test the leggings out.

Blankets!

2012-01-16T05:51:00.000-08:00

Mackenzie has a new blanket. I had started the blanket as a stroller blanket but changed my mind while making it. I'm glad I changed my mind. It's the perfect length to wrap around her to get her from the car into the store or restaurant or cover her whole car seat!

Finished blanket

For those of you that crochet. With this blanket I tried something new. I never tied of the string when I switched colors. Instead I ran the yarn up the side of the blanket. This worked for me because the colors were always switched on the same side of the blanket. Here is what it looked like.

Here is that side after the boarder was put on. Can't even tell!

It's a little early in the morning....she isn't ready to fully smile yet. :o)

Yum! My blanket tastes great mom!

Checking out her new blanket.

7 Months

2012-01-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

Mackenzie, you are 7 months old! Where has the time gone??

You change a little bit every day! You are so happy even when you don't take naps. Everything must go in your mouth too! I'm surprised the remotes and out phones haven't ended up there yet.

You are so busy and more aware of your surroundings every day. Even when you have figured something out, you figure out a new way to use it and it's amazing to you.

You love to eat! Sometimes I can't shovel the food in fast enough. Maybe I'm not feeding you enough.....sometimes your screams would make a stranger think I feed you once a day.

You finally rolled over on new years day!! But after you roll to your tummy move yourself from sitting to tummy, you stop and try to crawl! You sleep on your tummy now, because you can roll after I put you to sleep. But that's as far as we've gotten. I'm ok with that. I don't need you rolling to the kitchen! :)

You are so precious and amazing!! Everyday is a new adventure with you!!

Loosing Weight

2012-01-14T05:39:00.000-08:00

So I've started a journey to a better, healthier me. First up is losing weight. I've finished my first week of counting calories and have had good and bad days. I also have not gained or lost any weight. I guess that's good since it was a hard week for food. My brother went home to TX on Wednesday. So, we had a family meal on Sunday. Went out to eat on Monday night. Ordered in pizza Tuesday night. That doesn't help even when you are eating better than usual.

I'm bummed out that I didn't lose any weight. I really wanted to see that my work at counting calories and eating better was paying off. I wanted to see a number. But instead I need to focus on what I have done well.

*I'm eating breakfast EVERY day and it's not a pop tart!! I have eggs and toast or fruit and cheese.

*I'm drinking one or two cokes a day! HUGE!

*I'm drinking 3-4 glasses of water a day. I was hardly drinking 2 before.

*I have a salad for one meal each day. I usually add some meat on top, like left over taco meat.

*I'm paying attention to what I'm eating and what the serving sizes are.

*I'm not snacking throughout the day.

SO, even though I'm not under my calorie intake each and everyday, I'm not more than 500 over, and I'm not even 500 over. Usually I'm in the 100 - 200 range. (I'm doing a lose 2lb a week calorie diet) I'm also not eating a bunch of crap. I'm choosing healthier meals and not snacking. It's a process and it's hard work. I know I can't expect numbers over night or even in a week.....it just would have been nice. :o)

Thank you to my husband and Jen for the pep talks yesterday!! I was really frustrated!! :o)

new toys

2012-01-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

Mackenzie is obsessed with Lexi, our cat! We have been able to find two books on cats and she loves them!! We have been on the hunt for a cat stuffed animal. I finally went to Amazon and found this Taggie Cat. Well, it's a Tiger, but it kind of looks like a cat. So, I ordered it for her. She loves her Taggie blanket, she sleeps with it every nap/night night.

I also finally got her, her christmas gift from her uncle. He sent us money and it's hasn't been available online with Babies R US, so I found it on Amazon too and got free shipping! She is so spoiled!!

Hair ideas

2012-01-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

I need a hair cut, I want a hair cut. My hair is currently longer than it's ever been, well at least in the last 10 years. Pregnancy and prenatal vitamins are to thank for that. I've been trying to keep it long but it's getting harder and harder. Erin likes it long. I like it long, but it's too much work. Mackenzie, well she is why it needs to be cut! She gets a hold of it at least once a day. Both fists end up full of my hair and she pulls. OW! So, it's ALWAYS in a pony tail. Well, what's the point of having it long if it's always in a pony tail.

I have decided it's time to cut it. I talked to Erin and he said I could do whatever I want. He was a little sad. He then asked if I was going to get it highlighted. Maybe it's looking a little dull? He noticed? Oh boy! We came to an agreement. I can use some of our tax return next month for a hair cut and highlight! I can't wait!!

Here are some ideas....

Source: emmalinebride.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: new-hairstyles-889.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: hairstylesandcuts.net via Sara on Pinterest

Oh, How Pinteresting

2012-01-11T08:22:00.000-08:00

Some random pins this week....

Source: shopquickquotes.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: ana-white.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: thewhimsicalcupcake.wordpress.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: eisforexplore.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

Toddle Along Tuesday - Play Room

2012-01-10T10:23:00.001-08:00

We don't currently have a play room since we are living with my mom, in my grandpa's condo. SO, her few toys/items are in the living room. We just move things around and make it work for us. I can't wait until we move and her toys can be in her room or play room. I'll have shelves and baskets and organization!!

We have her saucer. When it's not in use it's by the fireplace and when it's in use we pull it to the chairs. On the table are baskets of her books.

Then she has her play mat. We no longer lay down to play. Instead she sits up and plays with the hanging toys and what's on the floor. The boppy is used to surround her when I need to walk away for a minute.

Then we have the play pen. It's almost a BIG toy box right now. When she goes to take a nap or bed for the night I just throw everything in there. I also put her in there to play for a little bit when I am in the kitchen.

Here she is playing in her saucer and being a goober.

link up

New Uses

2012-01-09T05:50:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I can't stand to throw things away. If I can come up with a way to reuse them I will! I have a lot of diaper boxes and food jars are starting to stack up. While washing these food jars I came up with the idea of making them into candles! I think they will be cute and perfect for little candles. I found a link on how to make them here. Also, I found out, on accident, that if I soak the jar in water over night the label and glue come right off!

Also, I found this idea on Pinterest for the diaper boxes. I am so doing this after we move, since some are in storage because we used them as moving boxes. I can't wait!

Source: positivelysplendid.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: millaysintexas.blogspot.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

Going Out

2012-01-08T05:55:00.000-08:00

Friday night Mackenzie and I went out to dinner with my parents and brother. We went to Some Guys for Lasagna night. They only have lasagna night the first Friday of every month. I haven't been in at least 10 years. I haven't been to Some Guys in over a year, last time we went we announced to our parents we were expecting a baby. :o)

So, my problem is, I think I under pack for going out to eat. Then when we are there I think I over packed. I'm not sure what exactly to bring to keep her happy the whole time and so I can eat at the same time. I don't want her to get upset and annoy the other people at the restaurant. I almost just prefer not to go out with her, I stress out about it. Although, I know I shouldn't. She has never cried, had a melt down, or been a pain at a restaurant. She screamed on the way into one once. Only challenge now is keeping things out of arms reach. :o)

What do I pack?

I pack: Baby food, a sippy cup of water, formula if it's close to a bottle time, diapers/wipes/burp clothes, Sophie the Giraffe, her high chair cover, a blanket to put behind her, puffs, mum-mums, caterpillar pacifier, her Bright Starts giraffe, and Winnie the Pooh luvie.

Is that too much? Not enough? What do you pack to go out to dinner?

Just because she is so adorable and she is wearing a barrette, here are some pictures we took before leaving.

Little Lady

2012-01-07T05:55:00.000-08:00

Mackenzie is developing new 'talents' every day! It's amazing seeing all the new things she does each and every day. She is currently rolling over like a champ and she just started on New Years Day. However, she only rolls to her tummy and then tries to figure out how to move forward. She gets her knees up but isn't sure how to proceed.

Yesterday she woke up and decided she wanted EVERYTHING!! She stops whatever she is doing to watch you do stuff. She leans as far over in her saucer to look over the edge to see the floor. We took her to Kohl's and she had her arms outstretched the whole time to reach for things.

She has also started spitting. We are truly raising a little lady here. :o)

(Erin is the one laughing the whole time)

It's amazing and I love getting her up every morning to see what she learned over night in her sleep. :o) I'm excited to watch her grow and excited to say that I MAY, POSSIBLY, get to be a full time SAHM! Erin and I are in major talks, almost like peace talks, to figure out what we can do. *fingers crossed!*

Getting healthy

2012-01-05T09:40:00.000-08:00

So it's time to get healthy and kick the baby weight and then some. It's not a new years resolution, just a slow process to change my way of life for the better. I know I can't jump in and start working out, eating right, watching my calories, and so on all at once. I've tried it, it doesn't work for me.

I have recently tracked my calories for a few days just to see where I stood. I entered in that I wanted to lose 2lbs a week, tracked calories for that, I was eating less than allowed every day! No wonder I've lost some weight recently! However, I was ashamed by what I was entering in some days. Pop tarts for breakfast, 3 cokes a day, hardly any water....not good!

SO, today I went to the store and bought veggies, stuff for salad, tuna salad, chicken salad, ingredients to make these ....

Source: littlebirdiebaby.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

and freeze for breakfast.

I'm also trying to cut down to 2 cokes a day. I can not go cold turkey with the stress in my life. I am also making a conscious effort to drink more water. I'm making myself drink 16 oz before I can have a coke. It's like a reward. :oP

I think I did good yesterday. I skipped breakfast since I was going to the grocery store. I had a salad with chicken on it for lunch, no snack, tuna salad (my mom uses light mayo) with crackers and cheese, a cookie for dessert, and of course 2 cokes, but also 2 waters! I'm proud of myself! :o) Now to keep it up! And then add in working out.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T15:53:00.000-08:00

2011 was the most amazing year because of the birth of our daughter. I don't think anything could top that. However, I was proven wrong at 3:30 this morning when I was woken up by her crying. I went into her room and she was on her tummy and by then was excited about it. Then this morning she again was on her tummy and we then got video of her rolling over this morning. The year has just begun and it's already full of excitement.

Happy New Year!!!

Getting Mackenzie up this morning. She isn't sure what she thinks about waking up on her tummy. OR about me taking her picture first thing in the morning.

Video of Mackenzie rolling over for the first time in front of people.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

I just love and adore this picture!

apps

2011-12-30T18:08:00.000-08:00

With my new iPhone I have gone a little app crazy!

No seriously, If I didn't have folders I don't know if everything would fit in the alloted screens. One folder is called 'health.' I NEED to lose the baby weight and then some! I have lost a good amount. But now it's time to buckle down and count my calories and work out.

To count my calories I am using the app Lose It! My bestie Jen posted about it a long time ago and has encouraged me to use it. I used it for the first time today, set it to lose 2 lb's a week, and after entering all I ate and drank today I still have 200+ calories to eat! I thought I'd be way over!! Only problem.....no option for 'taking care of a baby' as a work out! I mean I lift, carry, hold a 17lb baby ALL day!! :oP

Now, for working out....I have two downloaded. I haven't used them yet, but I think they are really going to work for me. Both are very similar.

The first Daily Workouts. I get new workouts each day for ALL body areas. They have some that are just for abs, arms, butt, and so on, but I downloaded the for ALL body areas.

Also, I downloaded Workout Trainer. Again, you pick a time limit and a 'trainer' picks workouts based on what you want to do. There are videos and you can have friends on there to encourage you also.

Christmas 2011 and Surprises

2011-12-28T06:56:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas this year! It was Mackenzie's 1st Christmas, my parents were here, and so was my brother.

We had Christmas with the Shanks on the 23rd, the Ryans on the 24th, and just us with my parents and brother on Christmas Day. It was so nice being able to wake up Christmas morning and open gifts while breakfast cooked. We even had some big surprises on Christmas Day.

Pictures from Christmas Eve

She loves her gifts!

(Mackenzie received these two toys on Christmas day too)

And for Erin he got his XBox. I kept telling him he wouldn't get one till Father's Day. It just wasn't going to happen. Well my parents got him one. I knew this and knew it was hidden Christmas morning. I felt so bad for him as he passed out gifts and opened them. He thought he was just getting socks, a watch, and a 'manly' diaper bag. I felt bad for him since he was looking so disappointed. But then when we were all done my brother went to get the XBox. I wish we had a picture of his reaction. It was adorable.

And then there was my surprise. A gift card to buy my new phone. An iPhone 4s. I bought it on Monday and I love it. I LOVE IT!! I wanted white, but all they had was black. And I had to drive to Kokomo, IN to get that one. (40 min away from home)

It was a wonderful Christmas for our family. We are so spoiled! :o)

spoiled :o)

2011-12-28T06:51:00.000-08:00

Awhile ago I posted my grown up Christmas list. On it I wanted a Nook and an iPhone 4s.

Well after I posted my list my dad sent me his Kindle. (it had nothing to do with my blog.... I had been asking him for it since he got his iPad.)

It's one of the first ones. So no touch screen, has a keyboard, nothing fancy. I also thought I couldn't get library books on it which is why I wanted a Nook. Well I did an update and it can do library books!! So, I love it because I can read again and not have to worry about returning my library books. No you don't understand.....I have never not had a library fine. Erin says we could have bought my a new Kindle or Nook with my fines alone. :)

For now this wish is fulfilled. We will work on getting me a new Kindle in the future.

Onto the iPhone 4s.....oh my Christmas surprise!! I'll post about Christmas in my next post. Erin had a surprise too. Mackenzie just got duplicates.

6 months

2011-12-27T14:00:00.000-08:00

This is a little late, considering Mackenzie was 6 months as of 12/13 and had her appointment on 12/19. It happens.

As of the 19th...

Weight: 17lbs (80%)

Length: 27in (90%)

Head: 16 3/8 (small)

What is Mackenzie doing??

* Sitting up like a champ

* Loves playing in her saucer

* Sleeping 11 hours a night

* When on her tummy she pulls her knees up under her

* Rolls tummy to back and when in bed she sleeps on her side

* She eats EVERYTHING we give her

* She eats oatmeal 2X a day and veggies/fruit 3X a day and a mixed meat 1X a day

* Her bottles are random....4-5 a day 6-8oz

* She prefers to kick her toys

* She likes restaurants, especially ones with bread...Olive Garden, O'Charleys

* Wears 9 month clothes; some 6 month clothes

* Up to size 3 diapers

* She is teething and a tooth could pop through at any time.

* She is the happiest baby ever!! Although she isn't smiling in these pictures.

random....

2011-12-25T16:04:00.000-08:00

Mackenzie woke up from her nap and everyone was still cleaning up from Christmas dinner at my Grandma's. I had the camera out to get it ready for pictures. Well, Mackenzie has entered the stage of --- If I can reach it it's mine.

So, I took some pictures of her. I was just playing around. Not even looking into the camera.

She's so cute!!

Ziploc Container

2011-12-23T12:13:00.000-08:00

The other day I was cooking and needed just two more minutes to get the coffee cake into the pan and oven. I thought, kids like pots and pans, but Mackenzie is too little for that. So instead I handed her a ziploc container. I ended up with 10+ minutes.

Then today it was still on her saucer and she started playing with it again. It's a big hit for her. I told my parents that I hope her gifts are as cool as the ziploc container.

changes.....again....

2011-12-12T12:10:00.000-08:00

Well things are changing around our home once again. But it's for the best! My parents are on the road from TX as I write this and should be here by tomorrow morning. They may even get in really late tonight. I'm very excited! My dad hasn't seen Mackenzie since she was 2.5 months old. It's been 3.5 months! Oh my!!

Also, Erin finally started second shift today. He was hired on as second shift supervisor in September! It's what we wanted for him. He could have time with Mackenzie in the morning. If I get a job I can work mornings and then Mackenzie would be with my mom or a sitter for just a few hours. So, we would also save a lot of money on day care.

We had a nice morning. Erin saw and played with Mackenzie in between naps. Actually she fought her naps with a passion today! I don't think she wanted to miss a minute with Erin. I can't blame her!! I let her go down late this afternoon just so she could have more time with him. He's been working till 6:30 at night and she goes to bed around 7:30....an hour is just not enough time for a little girl to have with her daddy.

Now to get through the holidays and this next transition. I already see things looking up. I knew the new year would be better!

Also, I'd like to say that at 6 months Mackenzie already has 3 younger cousins. Two on my side and one on Erin's side. They were all 20 inches long and 8lbs. Mackenzie....20 inches and 5lb's 7 oz. All these new babies look soooo big!! :o)

Friday = Me

2011-12-09T06:11:00.000-08:00

My mom had told me about gel nails. She has apparently been getting this new polish for awhile and it's not supposed to chip or crack. Well I've seen her nails and they don't, only problem, not a lot of colors. She sent me out to get my nails done the day after Thanksgiving. I went to a nail place called, OP Nails, they had a TON of colors available!! I was impressed with how nice they looked and that they were dry before I left. No worry of messing them up before I got home.

It's now 2 weeks later and no chip or cracks, they look like they did 2 weeks ago, minus the fact that you can see how much my nails have grown. Now I want biweekly 'me' time to get my nails done. But we don't always have $40 for me to get my nails done. That $40 can buy 200+ diapers, two large cans of formula, and more. SO, with great luck, I saw a pin on Pinterest. Have I said how much I love Pinterest this week?? A way to do gel nails out of a salon!! It's UV free, so I'm not sure if they will really last 2+ weeks with out the UV, but if they last longer than a day, that's good enough for me! It's by Nutra Nails and it is $12 for a color kit. I think I'll get a color for Christmas to put in my stocking. I'll let you all know if it's works and how long it lasts.

Oh, How Pinteresting

2011-12-07T07:26:00.000-08:00

Some recipes I've tried and we have liked....ok loved!

Source: cookiesandcups.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: jennasjourneyblog.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: makeaheadmealsforbusymoms.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: tablespoon.com via Sara on Pinterest

And, I tried this....it really works!! Doing it from now on for anything that requires shredded chicken!

Source: bluecricketdesign.net via Sara on Pinterest

Christmas at the Zoo

2011-12-06T08:05:00.000-08:00

This weekend we went to Christmas at the Zoo with my bestie and her family. It was also Mackenzie's first trip to the zoo. I think she had fun. There weren't a lot of animals out, but she did get to see a tiger, baby sharks, manatees, and penguins. Those are the animals she paid attention to at least. I can't wait to take her in the spring when she can really see the animals.

Then we went to dinner at McCalisters. YUM! Mackenzie and Colson even talked to each other and held hands. It was so cute to see them interact with each other! I love being back home in Indiana. (Yes, I just said that!) But it is good to be home. Plus I love that I get to see Jen a lot more! I am so excited that Colson and Mackenzie will get to grow up together.

Here are some pictures from the zoo. We didn't get any of the lights though. Next year. :o)

Crafty gifts

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

I LOVE homemade gifts and look for ideas every year! I found these gift ideas on the blog -

The 36th Avenue. Check it out - TONS of cute ideas in one spot!!

Which I found through Pinterst. Love Pinterest!!

I may have already made one of these.... :o)

Printed Candles

Birds Nest Necklace

I love these jar ideas! I could go get cute jars from the container store. Maybe paint something on the outside. Personalize it somehow.

Hot Chocolate in a Jar

Cookies in a Jar

Bread in a Jar

Christmas Survey

2011-12-05T05:47:00.000-08:00

I found this survey on Baby Shmizz's blog about a week ago and thought it would be fun to do. It just took me awhile to finish it. I used to do surveys ALL the time, I miss them. :o)

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? I love hot chocolate! Not a fan of egg nog though.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Santa will wrap presents this year and the gift tags will say the presents it from Santa too. I mean, they are from him after all.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Colored on the tree and when we do put them up on the house they are also colored.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No,

5. When do you put your decorations up? After Thanksgiving. I like to put the tree up and start putting decorations up on Friday, instead of shopping. We may not finish decorating until the weekend, but at least it's up.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Mashed potatoes!! i can't get enough. Last year when pregnant, that's all I wanted to eat!!! We have started serving a new salad that's pretty good.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Having a big Christmas Eve party with my mom's family. We always had a new dress and shoes, we got to play with our cousins, and there was always a HUGE tree and TONS of presents. When your a little kid seeing a ton of presents is so fun. But now, I miss getting dressed up and hanging out with my family.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? iI honestly don't remember. I think I just figured it out one day.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We haven't since we stopped having our Christmas Eve party. But when Mackenzie is older we will open one....I want that gift to be Christmas pj's. :o)

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Erin puts up the lights and then we put up ornaments. We have some basic ones and then mine from growing up. My brother and I had a new one every year. Then we put a star on top.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love it if I don't have to drive in it.

12. Can you ice skate? Nope, But my husband can and he will be teaching Mackenzie....I will probably have to learn eventually.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?Hmm, there isn't any one thing that sticks out. So, I'll be mushy and say Mackenzie...she might have been born in June, but we found out about her in October. So she was/will be a Christmas gift to us two years in a row. :o)

14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you?Family and friends. This year it's that we will ALL be here for Christmas which hasn't happened in at least 5 years. My dad, mom, and brother. It's going to be wonderful!

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?Well we don't have a dessert that we make EVERY year. The past few years I have made dessert and it's been a new one each year.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?Opening gifts from our stockings.It was always what my brother and I did while we waited for my mom and dad to get up. Well, it's still what I want to do first thing Christmas morning!

17. What tops your tree? A star, but when I get my mom's angle, we will put that up.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Giving, I love picking out the 'perfect' gift.

19. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? Yum, but they have to be the flavored ones.

20. Favorite Christmas show? Movie? The Grinch Stole Christmas and all the old movies - Santa's coming to town, Frosty the Snowman. Mackenzie will get those movies next year!

21. Saddest Christmas Song?Not sure about this one.

22. What is your favorite Christmas song? Baby It's Cold Outside - Barry Manilow version. Although I'll sing Jingle Bells ALL year long. :o)

refusing to nap

2011-12-02T05:41:00.000-08:00

Mackenzie is refusing to nap! Another reason I have not been blogging. She falls asleep, I put her in her crib, she wakes up ready to play the minute she hits the bed. OR she sleeps for a maximum of 20 minutes. I'm ready to pull my hair out! Do all kids do this?

My solution...no morning nap. She usually will wake up and eat at 7. Then nap 8:30 - 9:30. Well that was before Wednesday. So, today we are skipping that nap. It's almost 9:30....she is tired, but playing well. A little more whiny than usual. But I don't know what else to do. I'm hoping she will make it until 10 and then I'll give her a bottle. Then maybe, just maybe, she will sleep for more than 20 minutes.

Here she is refusing to nap...

for fun

2011-11-30T15:36:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-30T10:39:00.000-08:00

She did this herself....

I promise REAL posts again starting tomorrow. It's just been so crazy and hasn't settled down much!

christmas projects - Advent Calendar

2011-11-23T13:02:00.000-08:00

I've started a wish list for Mackenzie. I've based some items on what I've read other kids have liked. Here is what I have picked, that I really want her to get. So, we will have to see what Santa brings her this year. :o)

Any other ideas? I figure what she doesn't get now, she can get for her birthday.

Thankful

2011-11-22T09:18:00.001-08:00

I'm thankful for SO much this year!! I don't even know where to begin.

My family; for supporting us, giving us a place to live until we find a place, being there for us no matter what

My amazing husband; who found a way to get us back to IN, being ok with me staying home with Mackenzie for a few months, being amazing.

My friends (near and far); for listening to me through all my stress, I wouldn't have made it these past few months.

My bestie; who listens to all my stress, hangs out with me, and gives me baby advise. :o)

My wonderful daughter! I wouldn't be as strong as I am now without her. She makes me smile a million times a day!!

What are you thankful for??

break

2011-11-21T10:11:00.001-08:00

Yes, I'm still here! We are in the midst of moving and while the laundry is in the dryer, Mackenzie naps, while I wait for Erin to return from the storage bin with Mackenzie's crib to put together....I thought I'd take a quick break to say hi. :o)

Here is Mackenzie's Christmas dress!! We found it at Once Upon a Child and it's perfect!! It's just what I wanted. Simple and cute.

More later. I have pictures to share. New food videos to share. Maybe I'll share our move story....seriously SO glad our crap is finally in IN and our of OH. It's nice knowing your stuff is 5 minutes away and not 3 hours!! We started at 8 am Sunday and finished at 8 pm, no make that 9 pm. Um, I'm sure there is more to share!

I'll be sure to post for TAT tomorrow and what I'm thankful for!! OK, back to work so I can be ready to help build Mackenzie's crib. She gets to sleep in her own room tonight!!

5 months

2011-11-14T06:39:00.000-08:00

Mackenzie turned 5 months old yesterday! I can never believe how fast she is growing up!! No stats until next month after her 6 month appointment. Here is what she is up to...

Eating:

Our Favorites:

Oatmeal (rice cereal upset her tummy)

Bananas

Apples

Carrots

Pears

Not Loving:

Peas

Avocado

What she loves to do:

Stand!! She will now stand/play in her saucer for an hour or more.

Sit up in her new Bumbo seat (Grandma Ryan found it for $30 including the tray at Once Upon a Child) Or sit up with mommy on the floor

Talk, we have conversations all day long.

Flying, I hold her up in the air and she squeals, smiles, and if I tickle her right she giggles. All you can do is smile when you hear her. Needless to say we do it when daddy gets home to make him smile.

Smile, play, laugh.

Mackenzie tries to roll over for a day and then doesn't try for a week. I've found her tickle spots and I just have to tickle her every day! I love her little giggle/laugh....which sounds a little like a grunt right now. She is such a happy baby! SHe wakes up smiling EVERY morning and it makes me smile. Sometimes I even get a squeal when I pick her up.

We have a little bit of a schedule. Up around 7. Eat. Then play and nap from 8:30 - 9:30. Play, eat, cuddle, nap by 11:30 - 1:30. Play, eat, nap usually about 4 - 5. Then play and eat food. Maybe a cat nap if needed. Play with daddy, watch us eat. Eat and bed by 8:30/9. Sometimes we run errands, most times just hang out at home. If it's nice I try to take her on a walk. I'll have to do a picture post of our day soon. I keep wanting to and I keep forgetting.

I'm so lucky to have such a happy baby!!

pictures

2011-11-12T13:55:00.000-08:00

Here are some of our favorite photos from Mackenzie's photo session yesterday. She did such a great job!!

Here are our Christmas Card too. I'm going to try to address cards this week and then they can be mailed after Thanksgiving! So excited!!

I'll post more tomorrow when I can get a break. It's been a long week for Mackenzie and I. I'm exhausted!! How long does teething last???

Rachel Ray

2011-11-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Monday morning I went to the store and bought items for our meals. I knew what we were having for dinner Monday night, but wasn't planning on doing anything until Erin txt me that he was coming home.

Well Mackenzie went to sleep for a nap around 3 and I decided why not brown up the ground pork and be ahead for dinner time. I got in the kitchen and was like, why not ground up the other pound for chili later this week. Then I was like, why not put everything in the crock pot for our chicken dinner on Tuesday and let it marinate all night. So, I got to work. With in the hour I had chicken in the crock pot, in the fridge, 2 lbs of ground pork browned and divided up for dinners. I had basically prepared dinner for the week, well Monday through Thursday. Friday is left overs. This was easy to do since our meals are easy with few ingredients. So far dinners have been very easy to put together. I will do this more often!!

Monday - Barbecue Cups

Tuesday - Chicken Rio....used for tacos and on top of a salad

Wednesday - Taco Biscuits

Thursday - Chili....it's supposed to be 44 degrees.

\(Also, no recipe for Chili....just meat, chili spice, can of chili diced tomatoes, can of diced tomatoes/onions, I think tomato paste - in crock pot for a few hours)

I was so excited and told Erin about it at dinner and he said, 'wow Rachel Ray' :o)

(because of her show - Week in a Day)

Oh, How Pinteresting

2011-11-09T05:48:00.000-08:00

Here are some quote pins I've been pinning.

Source: 24.media.tumblr.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: stencilmein.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: whatsnotbeingsaid.tumblr.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: thetinymonsters.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: homemadecrap.com via Sara on Pinterest

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-09T05:28:00.000-08:00

No words.... :o)

Age Doesn't Matter

2011-11-07T11:37:00.000-08:00

So one of the reasons my blogging has been hit or miss is because of moving from OH to IN, being a SAHM, and adjusting to our new life/roles.

The other....family drama that I have had a hard time accepting and dealing with.

My mom has decided she is going to divorce my dad.

:-/

Hence, my title of this blog post, 'Age Doesn't Matter.' It doesn't matter how old you are when your parents decide to divorce. It still hurts and affects you in way you never imagined. How is it affecting me?

I have started to wonder, why didn't I see how 'unhappy' my mom was? Was she really so unhappy for so long? If so, did she only stay with my dad, more to Ft. Wayne and then TX because of my brother and me?

My marriage role model is gone. My parents were the statistic! The high school sweet hearts who just had their 30th anniversary! It's scary!

I've been put in the middle. I'm currently living with my mom so she talks to me. Then my dad will email me. They say the opposite thing. I don't know who to believe....Actually, I don't believe either of them.

Without going into more drama, I'm being treated differently. By family!! I'm not even the problem or the one who's actions are upsetting people. It's my parents and my uncle. Yet, Mackenzie wasn't invited to her 2nd cousins birthday party. I was given the cold shoulder at my cousins baby shower. *only one family is treating me differently at this point* But still....it really hurts! I have to deal with my parents and now the family that should be asking how I'm doing is instead being hurtful!

It's just all getting to be a little much. I've already said more than once I'm not going to my moms family Christmas. I'm not going to go pretend they haven't hurt me. I almost wish we were staying in OH. That we weren't living with my mom. That Erin, Mackenzie, and I could go live, hide, on an island in the middle of the ocean! :o)

It's not going to get better anytime soon. It'll actually get much worse before it even begins to get better. I can't do anything about it.

What I can do....get us moved. Get a part time job so that we can pay off bills quicker and move into our own place sooner. I MUST start blogging more and doing the 'hops' I have enjoyed in the past more constantly. TAT, Saturday Laughs, Oh Snap Wednesday, Oh How Pinteresting. I'm going to join my old parish, get Mackenzie baptized. I need to find a mommy/me group. Last but not least - have more weekends with my bestie!! :o)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

We did this for about 30 min the other day. We would open our mouths and nose dive. It was so funny.

Toddle Along Tuesday - Hopes and Dreams

2011-11-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

Mackenzie

What can I say, we have the same hopes and dreams most parents have for their children.

Most of all we want you to be happy. No matter what you do and where you go, we want you to be happy.

We want you to do things in your own time. As much as we want you to sit up, crawl, walk, talk, get your first tooth, and all your other milestones....we want you to do it when you want too; In your own time.

We hope that you never lose that perfect smile. Although, I'm sure you won't.

I hope you are goofy like me and you have a sense of humor. You wouldn't be a Ryan if you didn't.

We hope that you grow up to be a compassionate, loving, strong, smart, amazing woman we know you can be.

Your daddy hopes that you will love skating as much as he does. He can't wait to start teaching you. He has just a year and 7 months to go. (Yes, he is counting down the days until you are 2 years old)

And since before you were born your daddy has been saying you can't date until you are 30. Don't worry, I'll let you date sooner. So I started telling you when you were 2 weeks old that if you couldn't date until 30, then you might as well find someone like Gibbs. (Mark Harmon) from NCIS. I figure if you have to wait till 30, you should get the best. And yes, your daddy knows I would leave him in a minute for Gibbs. :oP

Either way we want you to find a man that will make you happy and let you be you.

We love you and can't wait to watch you grow and see the woman you become!

owl hat

2011-10-31T17:37:00.001-07:00

I don't know why, but I want to make Mackenzie an owl hat. But which one?? I didn't really find a pattern that I love and who knew there were sooooo many options. Here are a few that I liked on Etsy.

These patterns are free.....so I'm probably going to need to pick one of these. Not sure I should pay for a hat pattern when Mackenzie doesn't always like hats.

What do you think? I'm thinking the 2nd one in free pattern options. But different colors. However, I like the other 2 also. Decisions, decisions!

2011-10-31T06:40:00.000-07:00

Erin had the WHOLE weekend off this weekend. WE haven't spent a Saturday and Sunday together in months. It was wonderful!!

Saturday Erin took me to the mall to get some stuff for ME! I have fallen into the trap of always buying Mackenzie stuff and forgetting me. Lets face it, baby stuff is cuter and clothes fit her better than they fit me. :o) Well, I have this tank top that I LOVE. I wash it and wear it the next day. It never loses it's shape, is soft, and I just love it. Saturday morning Mackenzie spit up and I got upset since it's my favorite! Well Erin decided he was going to take me to get more. He took me to Gap Body to get these tank tops.

Source: gap.com via Sara on Pinterest

BONUS -- they were on sale and an extra 40% off!! I got 4 tank tops and two shirts for less than $20. He then let me go into Soma and to get fitted and buy a new bra. Got to love changing sizes multiple times in a year. Thank you pregnancy. :o)

It was so nice that Erin forced me to buy some things for me. He's the best!!

Have you fallen into the trap of getting your kids things and forgetting about you? How do you break the habit?

Friday = Me

2011-10-28T05:07:00.000-07:00

I'm making a Christmas/Bday list today. :o) I don't want much and Erin already knows what I want. :oP

For Christmas:

A nook!! I have wanted one for the longest time and almost got one last year when Erin got his state tax refund. However, I was good and said no. We were pregnant and needed to spend the money on more important things.....bills to be exact. After the past few months, packing and preparing for our move alone with a baby, I've earned one this year. He knows it too. :o) I wouldn't mind jewelry too. :oP

For my birthday, an iPhone. I would prefer the new iPhone 4s. I'm due for a new phone in April, my bday is in April, so I think it works out perfectly.

We are going to be inundated with growing baby toys in the next few months, that I want some adult toys. I'm pretty sure the play mat isn't going to entertain Mackenzie for much longer....

What's on your grown up Christmas/Birthday/Wish-list?

who knew

2011-10-27T12:07:00.000-07:00

Who knew I was talented enough to make Mackenzie shoes?! I really, really want to buy her shoes, baby UGGs, anything really. But just can't bring myself to spend the money since I'm not working right now. So for $6 I got two shoe patterns and $4 bought me some yarn. This is what I've made. I LOVE THEM!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-26T08:47:00.001-07:00

LOVE!! I NEED to enter her into a cute baby contest!

TAT - Milestones

2011-10-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

Todays topic for TAT is Milestones. I'm going to have you go to a post from last week about one of Mackenzie's first of many. Eating cereal for the first time! She is also eating banana's now. WE LOVE banana's mixed with our cereal.

Enjoy!

Saturday Laughs

2011-10-22T05:22:00.000-07:00

Top Five Laughs of the Week

Hosted by Mommyhood Chronicles. Link up here.

1. Mackenzie has started grunting. She started Tuesday night and will go on and on. I swear she will go for an hour. (I posted a video at the bottom)

2. Mackenzie is teething and has good and bad days. Well when she has a bad day her favorite thing to chew on....my knuckle. If she really gets going she grunts. What is it with my child and grunting!

3. Mackenzie rolled over for the first time Tuesday! What was so funny is that is surprised her. The look on her face was priceless that I started laughing....that scared her. I wish I could have a picture of that moment.

4. Lexi, our cat, apparently likes rice cereal mixed with formula. Tuesday night she was hovering while we were giving Mackenzie her first taste of cereal. She returned Wednesday when I fed Mackenzie cereal again. Then again Thursday, well Thursday I put the empty bowl on the floor....Lexi ate it.

5. Lexi also decided that she should sleep in the pack-n-play and on top of Mackenzie's burp cloths. I figure at least she is comfortable with Mackenzie's smell. Anything to get her to be around Mackenzie.

Friday = Me

2011-10-21T04:30:00.000-07:00

I've decided that Friday posts need to be about me and my likes. Right now Erin is working 12+ hours a day. My mom is in TX and I am not working. It's making me miss adults and adult time! Granted Mackenzie is my life right now and I love blogging about her, but we need some adult posts. They will probably be about books I'm reading or have read. Tv shows or movies that have interested me. Recent accomplishments or a grown up wish list. Anything that deals with me. :o)

This week it's all about vampires. You may be thinking WHAT?! No seriously, vampires. I guess you can call it my guilty pleasure.

A while ago, probably while I was unemployed I started reading the Undead series by MaryJanice Davidson. They were easy reads, fun, and a series. I love series. Well they happen to be about vampires. So, that's where it all started.

While unemployed the second movie of the Twilight series came out. I hadn't read the books but all my friends on Facebook were talking about the movie and the book. I finally gave in and got the first book from the library! I fell in love with it. I ended up reading all four books in two weeks. Erin made fun of me, but it was winter, I was unemployed, and what else was I going to do. Plus did I mention they were really good?

Next, a tv show about vampires, True Blood. Two of my coworkers were talking about it, constantly. So, I got the 1st series from the library and Erin and I were hooked. I missed this most recent season and I will be waiting and waiting for the season to come out on DVD.

And now, Vampire Diaries. I saw it on Netflix and added it to my instant queue. I started watching it yesterday and well I'm hooked on another Vampire series.

Why do I like all these books/shows? I think it's the love story in all of them. I'm a romantic at heart and all these have a love story in them. They are better than romance novels. :o) Plus have you seen the actors in these shows/movies.....HOT! :oP

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

cereal

2011-10-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night we tried cereal for the first time.

I waited for Erin to get home first though. Even though he is working 12+ hour days right now, I want him to experianse as many firsts as possible! He missed out on her rolling over for the first time and I can tell he is upset about it. (That happened Tuesday night as well....it was a surprise to both Mackenzie and I)

Anyways, back to cereal. I was so excited for her to try it!! I had it ready so when Erin walked in the door we placed Mackenzie in her bouncy and went for it. She wasn't too sure about it and as I expected most of it ended up on her face and bib. She just wasn't sure about the spoon or cereal. I didn't push it and after a few minutes we stopped. I didn't want her to get mad and ruin any chance of her liking it.

Then last night I tried it again. I got it ready along with her bottle right around 6:45, she usually eats around 7. After a few times with me putting the spoon in her mouth and her trying to eat it with her tongue she figured it out. She started opening her mouth, leaning forward to get the spoon, and crying when it was all gone. Then today we tried it again around 10. It took a few bites again and then she was doing what she did last night. Again we ate it all and cried when she wasn't getting the spoon in her mouth quick enough!! Other problem is she keeps sticking her bib in her mouth in between bites, so I have to hold her hands/bib out of the way.

Here is video of Tuesday night.

cereal from sara mcfall on Vimeo.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-19T08:00:00.001-07:00

Daddy and Mackenzie time.

They do this EVERY night when he gets home from work or after he gets cleaned up.

4 Months

2011-10-18T12:37:00.000-07:00

My baby girl had her 4 month appointment today. It was with a new doctor too. He was nice and we will keep going to the practice. He just isn't her doctor in OH. We are going to miss him!! She is where she should be and he was happy with how she looked. We are going to start cereal tonight. I'll be sure to post video and pictures.

Weight: 14 lbs

%tile: 60%

Height: 25.24 inches

%tile: 80%

Head: 16 inches

%tile: 40%

2011-10-17T13:14:00.000-07:00

Today has been my first real day as a SAHM. Granted last week was my first week off work, but I had my mom with me to help. This week she is in TX, so it's just me and Mackenzie ALL day! We have had a pretty decent day.

I have gone to the bank and grocery store. I'm so proud of my grocery trip! I picked up food for 4 dinners, Erin's lunches, some snacks, and all for only $75!! I saved $18. I was so excited! :o) We also went to the mall to pick up my grandmas birthday gift and went to Old Navy. Dinner is cooking in the crock pot. Doing laundry. I even ordered some crochet patterns to make some things for Mackenzie from Etsy. Also, I've comforting my teething baby all day.

Besides having a migraine, today has been good. I'm loving being home with Mackenzie. I'm grateful I'll only have to work part time once we are officially moved. It'll be nice to get out of the house without a baby for a little bit too.

Tomorrow we have Mackenzie's 4 month doctors appointment. She is getting shots. I plan on going to a craft store to get yarn and then maybe hang out in bed all day with Mackenzie. Teething plus shots I don't know what tomorrow is going to be like. I'm planning on making another crock pot dinner!

Here are my patterns. I'm making the boots first!

dinners

2011-10-16T05:51:00.000-07:00

I NEED to start making a menu plan for the week again! It really saves us money when I do, I just stopped when I was on bed rest. I think Pinterest is going to help me get back on track. I can save the recipes I like and then go through to pick some to make. I'm going to try to make my menu and post it on here every Sunday.

Here are the dinners I picked for this week.

Source: tablespoon.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: pillsbury.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: makeaheadmealsforbusymoms.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: allrecipes.com via Sara on Pinterest

Saturday Laughs

2011-10-15T07:01:00.001-07:00

I saw this "blog hop/link up" on Melissa's blog, The Mommyhood Chronicles and thought it might be fun. I was wondering what to blog about anyways.

It's Saturdays Top Five Laughs. You can link up here.

Here are my top five laughs of the week.

1. Mackenzie has started making fists, deliberately. I love it! she looks like she is concentrating soooo hard on making that fist. Then she holds it in the air and in front of her face. I laugh every time.

2. Friday night my mom asked Mackenzie if she wanted to sit with her grandma (she was sitting with her daddy). Well she held her arms out, hands fisted, smile, then would pull them back and put her fist in her mouth. She did this about 15 times.

3. My mom tries to get Mackenzie to talk to her all day. The minute Erin walks in the door and says hi to Mackenzie she starts talking! My mom would get so 'mad.' This kid will NEVER keep a secret from her daddy! (no hiding shopping bags in the trunk of the car for me) :oP

4. When you lay Mackenzie down for bed or a nap, nine times out of ten, she will wake up and smile at you. It's so hard not to smile back at her and laugh. BUT it's bed time!

5. Mackenzie will be playing on her play mat and when will all of a sudden stop and be perfectly still. You then look to see what she is doing....she is watching tv.

Look....

teething

2011-10-14T09:14:00.001-07:00

Mackenzie is teething and it's breaking my heart. She has never been one to cry or whine, but now she just whines. She is just complaining and that's ok. I just wish that I could snap my fingers and make it all better!

Here is how she finally fell asleep this afternoon. Yes, her face is planted into my arm. And she is basically sitting on her leg, on my leg. Looks so uncomfortable, but obviously it's working for her.

4 Months

2011-10-13T09:53:00.000-07:00

Today Mackenzie is 4 months old!! I can't believe it!!

I'm working on a post of what she is doing now that I'll post on the 18th after her 4 month appointment. That way I can add her stats too.

For now things that I have happened in just the past few days,

She is noticing strangers and crying! Oh my goodness. She will smile at them, then she looks at me, her face gets bright red, and then she screams. She has done this with two of our friends now.

I think she is teething. We have been fussy, we are drooling, and she wants her hand our our knuckle in her mouth at all times. It's so funny. She grabs onto your thumb and immediately pulls her face towards your knuckle. As you can see in the pictures below....her mouth is occupied by her hands. I couldn't keep them out long enough.

I'm going for them mom....

Got it!!

What? You don't want me to do this? You can see my sticker though...

More next week on the 18th!!

sleeping

2011-10-12T07:14:00.001-07:00

How is this comfortable? Will I complain? NO! Will I adjust her? Nope.

Why not?

SHE IS SLEEPING!!

So fun!

2011-10-12T05:24:00.000-07:00

So Monday my mom and I took Mackenzie to make a mug for her 'OG.' Depending on who you ask it means Old Grandma or Other Grandma (It's really her Great Grandma) I'll have to explain it more in another post. We will laugh forever on this one!

Well it's Great Grandmas birthday this week and my mom wanted to make her something with Mackenzie's hand print on it. I feel like we are going all out on handprints these days since we missed out on them when she was born.

Well here is what she made.

She is thrilled! Can't you tell?? WE are going to HAVE to do more of these paint your own pottery projects!!

Toddle Along Tuesday

2011-10-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

This week's post is about something you love about your kids. While I'm loving everything about Mackenzie right now, I am especially loving watching her explore and learn. Everyday she will do something she hasn't done before. When this happens you sit and think, has she done this before? No. Oh wow, I can't believe she is growing up on me!

Like the other week, one day in the car she just starts talking. I don't know if it's to her reflection or in response to the music. But I just smile. She does it every time we are in the car now. One day she just started holding her hands, holding a blanket to fall asleep, and so on. I'm just enjoying every minute watching her grow and hoping I won't wake up one day and find out she is all grown up and off to college.

I especially love watching her play. Her latest new talent is grabbing onto her butterfly and doing her best to get into her mouth.

pinterest projects

2011-10-10T17:22:00.001-07:00

Who doesn't love Pinterest?! Well here are some DIY projects that I have made. Or almost finished.

Stroller Blanket

Source: craftsy.com via Sara on Pinterest

Hand Print Tree (We did it for Erin's BDay)

Source: rebeccacooper.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

Scarf. I'm still making this one. With the yarn my bestie Jen got me! :o)

Source: ravelry.com via Sara on Pinterest

Beaded Necklace. I will be posting more about this! It was so easy.

Source: moredesignplease.com via Sara on Pinterest

Rambles

2011-10-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

* I'm going to talk to Mackenzie's doctor at her 4 month appointment about starting cereal. I'm starting to think she is ready. She is eating a 7-8 bottle at 7, 11/12, 3/4, and then 7:30ish. After some bottles she starts crying because I take it away from her. I then explain to her all that's left is air and she doesn't need that. She calms down, but it makes me sad. She isn't spitting up that much either from those bottles. When did your kids start cereal?

* I had my last day of work yesterday. While exciting, it was also sad. I've worked with most of these people for a year or more. Amy knew I was pregnant before I told anyone, she just knew.

* Just after they entered in my termination, a Chase in Indy called and wants to set up an interview. So I may not be out of a job for long.

* Mackenzie is getting her Christmas pictures taken in a few weeks. I'm so excited! Now to find a dress for her.

* Halloween costume....maybe have her go as an Angry Bird. Yes, I looked for them online too.

* I'm ready for a new blog design.

* I'll have a future post of Pinterest crafts I have actually made. I need to finish my latest one.

* Mackenzie is going to her first birthday party in two weeks. I found a cute skirt that we may have to go get. :o)

* I bought Mackenzie a few books today. Half Price Books had some marked down to .50 cents and $1.00!

* And lastly.....my nephew is on his way!! I'm so excited for my Brother and Sister in Law. They have been trying for a baby for at least 4 years. Thanks to modern technology they are getting their baby through a surrogate.

mornings

2011-10-06T05:39:00.001-07:00

Mackenzie and I have started a new morning a routine since Erin has been gone for three weeks now. Since I need some time to wake up some mornings and Mackenzie needs some time to stretch in the mornings, we made the time. Now when I hear her waking up, stretching, I get her out of bed, take her out of her swaddle blanket, and lay her down next to me in bed. Then she stretches and we talk. She is such a good morning baby. She smiles and stretches, talks and stretches. We do this for about 5-10 minutes. Then we get up and watch GMA while she eats a bottle. It's the best way to wake up in the morning!! I can't wait to share this with Erin. Put her between us and talk, smile, stretch, and just wake up.

Since I never get a picture of this moment, and I may never get one, I don't want to interrupt our time. Here is a picture of her before being put down for her nap.

Oh Snap Wednesday

2011-10-04T17:20:00.000-07:00

I usually participate in Wordless Wednesday but this week I had some things to say about the pictures I was posting.

This weekend my bestie Jen was able to make the trip to Indy to see Mackenzie and have some girl time. It was wonderful! She brought her son Colson to see Mackenzie too. They first met when she was just 2 weeks old. I think he was almost 7 months old. (There maybe an arranged marriage between these two :oP) We had to take some pictures of course!

Here are Mackenzie and Colson

then 2 weeks and 6 months

And now

3 months and 8 months

See he wanted to touch her back then too.

She isn't thrilled....Afterwards there was a BIG frown!

I can't believe how big Mackenzie is getting!! It's so hard to imagine her so small - but she was tiny!

Link up

Toddle Along Tuesday

2011-10-04T06:20:00.000-07:00

Toddle Along Tuesday is back and has changed a bit. This week's topic is introduction to your child or children. It can be an old post or a new one. I started to go through my old posts from when Mackenzie was born and just got sad. It was such a stressful week since she was in the NICU and all the worries, sadness, and stress started to come back. I'll always remember those first few days, but I thought for this, I wanted a newer introduction, a happier one. :o)

SO, here is Mackenzie!

She is 3.5 months and at her last appointment she was 11.5 pounds. She is all smiles and talks all the time. She even did some talking on Skype the other night with her Grandpa. It was so cute. She holds her neck up really well, but isn't sitting up with out help yet. She loves her play mat and bouncer. She is also grabbing onto her toys and puts everything into her mouth. She is a mover and is constantly kicking and moving those legs! As you can see in the picture, it's getting hard to take a picture with no blurry spots.

Link up and introduce your little one/s

4 days

2011-10-03T06:08:00.000-07:00

I only have four days of work left. My last day is this Friday and I have Thursday off. It's bittersweet though. I'm happy to be going to IN and staying put until the move next month. I'm glad we won't have to put Mackenzie in the car for any more 3 hour car rides. I'm so excited to be in the same state and house as Erin!! Even though he is going to be gone for 13-14 hours a day it'll be nice to sleep next to him, eat dinner with him, and for Mackenzie to get some time with her daddy before bed.

However, I'm sad to be leaving my job and the people I work with. I'm going to miss them.

Also, I'm going to get some time in as a stay at home mom. I'm soooo excited!! I'll have to find a part time job, but Erin said I can wait till after the move to really start searching. I'll start applying next week though when I'm in Indy. It could take a month to find a job. I'm so happy for his new job though, because it means I can work just part time. Plus no day care since my mom can babysit and Erin will eventually be on second shift.

I can't wait to spend so much time with this cutie!

spoiled....

2011-10-02T17:54:00.000-07:00

Mackenzie was spoiled by us this weekend. She has been so amazing. The last two weeks would have been so much worse if she wasn't such a good baby. Also, she has started to the car! :o( She is ok in her car seat and the minute it clicks in the car she starts to cry. She is tired of the 3 hour car rides. I honestly don't blame her, I am tired of them too. She has one more long drive left in this relocation. Then we can keep her in one city for awhile. So, this weekend Erin and I went to Carters and Target. She got these outfits and long sleeve onesies from Carters.

Then at Target she got another outfit, baby leg warmers, socks, and hair bows. If we had found the mobiles, she may have gotten one of those too. We spent a total of about $55 between the two stores. Which is pretty good since this is really the first time we have ever really went clothes shopping for her. Usually it's just food, diapers, and toy here and there.

last two weeks

2011-10-01T02:19:00.000-07:00

As I've mentioned before we are moving back to IN. Well, Erin had start his new job September 19th. So since I still had to work I stayed in OH with Mackenzie. I'm only working about 23 hours a week, but I'm exhausted! I have one more week left of work and I am counting down the days!!

We wake up, eat, play, I usually work from 12-5 or 1-6, so I have to take her to day care. Then when we get home, we play, eat, Mackenzie goes to bed. I spend about 30 min to an hour doing dishes, picking up, laying out the next days clothes, getting bottles ready for the next day, and go to bed.

I've missed my fall shows, I miss my meals. I miss taking a shower alone. I have lost enough weight to fit into a pair of pre pregnancy jeans. I haven't packed a single box.

I have so much respect for you single moms! I love my baby but we miss Erin so much! When he is there I get a break, even if just a little one. The first week was the hardest. I might of cried every day. :o) This second week wasn't too bad. I was sick with a cold which wasn't too much fun. But thankfully my baby girl sleeps from 8-6/6:30. Then Sunday we start our last week. After the 7th, I'll go to OH alone or with my mom and Mackenzie for a day or two to pack. Then we should all be moved into our new apartment in November! YAY!!

So as I keep telling myself, it's going to be hard in the short run but totally worth it in the long run.

middle finger

2011-09-30T18:46:00.000-07:00

I don't know what's up with my kid and her middle finger!

The other day I took a picture of her holding onto all this stuff while napping. I didn't realize until later she was sticking out her middle finger.

Then yesterday at Target I took another picture and there was that middle finger again!

I have a feeling it could get worse. I apparently used my middle finger to point for a long time with I was a kid.

WhubbaNub

2011-09-30T12:44:00.001-07:00

Why didn't anyone tell me about WubbaNubs?!?!

I saw them in a picture on Facebook from fellow blogger Courtney. I didn't know that they were called WhubbaNub until I searched on Google for 'animal attached to pacifier.' I then found their website and for sale on Amazon. Mackenzie's Grandma McFall then bought her two. She loves them I wish I had found them before she was born! (I will be ordering one for her future cousins) She now knows that the pacifier is attached and when it falls out she pushes the animal towards her mouth till the pacifier finds her mouth. And if all else fails she chews on the animal.

Here are some pictures of her and her WhubbaNub.

Look at those legs!

Playing

2011-09-22T10:38:00.001-07:00

No computer. Bad week. So instead of a long post of complaints, here are some pictures of Mackenzie. The one reason I've kept smiling this week. :o)

Mackenzies hat

2011-09-18T08:11:00.001-07:00

Made this hat for Mackenzie. It's a little big, but I'm sure her head will grow by winter. She has a hat that covers her ears already, but I wanted to make one too. :o)

retail therapy

2011-09-16T17:47:00.000-07:00

I need retail therapy.....really bad! It's has literally been one thing after another since Mackenzie was born. Mackenzie has been my saving grace through all of it. First my aunt dies, going back to work has been awful, then Erin get's a job in Indy, (I have to pack, work, and take care of a baby alone for a month), I have to job hunt, then my uncle died this week, and Erin leaves Sunday for Indy, a month before me. And through all of this another huge family issue that I was thrown in the middle of. I just asked Erin if I could have any more stress thrown my way. It will get better though. I know it! :o)

Anyways, I need retail therapy. I want to buy something for myself and of course something for Mackenzie. Erin.....well he can do his own shopping. :oP

What I want.....

A new purse. I want a metallic one for some reason. Either this one....

Source: kohls.com via Sara on Pinterest

Or this one...

Source: kohls.com via Sara on Pinterest

Both are from Kohls and I have a gift card, 20% off card, and $10 off card.

I'd also like these flats from Target. None of mine fit after being pregnant my feet aren't so small anymore. :o(

Source: target.com via Sara on Pinterest

For Mackenzie.....

I LOVE this!!

Source: target.com via Sara on Pinterest

We also want to get her a mobile. She loves the one at her daycare. You put her down under it and she is mesmerized by it. I really like this one....it's portable. That's the selling point for me.

I also want to get her an activity bar for her bouncy seat. I think one of these would work....they are also portable. I'll probably try the second one first since I know I can get it at Meijers or Target.

we did it!

2011-09-15T07:56:00.001-07:00

I made the decision last week when I got my schedule that Wednesday night (last night) would be the night Mackenzie went to sleep in her crib, in her room, and stayed. I really need her to sleep in there before Erin leaves for IN this Sunday. I wouldn't give in and move her back to our room after an hour just so I could get some sleep. I had a pep talk with her and let her know that she would cry for at least a minute before I came in to sooth her. That I would win the fight.

So I fed her and finshed in our room, since the recliner is in there. She was obviously ready for sleep after her bottle. I love the clasped hands! She does that all time when she is ready to fall asleep!!

I then swaddled her and rocked/held her. She always wakes up when you swaddle her. She fell asleep in a few minutes and I waited for Erin to get out of the shower. We then took her to her room and laid her down. She smiled and I didn't hear from her again till 4:45! I checked on her at 10:30pm before we went to bed and left her be after that.

I fully expected her to wake up between 1 and 3 and cry and fight to get out of her swaddle. That's what she has done the past three nights. Needless to say this mommy has been so tired! However, I was surprised to wake up at 3:30 with no sound from her. I then decided at 4:45 when I went in to get her that she would be free from the swaddle. I mean, she must of woken up and I just never heard her. Right?

NO! Perfectly swaddled still.

FREEDOM!!

I then changed the diaper, fed her, swaddled her back up and she slept again from 5:30 - 8:30. We ate, played, and went down for a nap at 10:15ish. Already it's been a great day! I love being home!!