Birth Control in ATX!

So i'm officially back to work as of Tuesday, Jan 8th. My first day back wasn't so bad but I did miss my babies. And I also worried how Charlotte would do with someone else holding her (she seems to be selective these days) and with having to eat formula. We did a trial run with formula before I went back to work and it was fine but now she's getting picky. Since I can only pump 2oz's at best, formula is the only other option. Good luck to John on the weekends!!

Before going back to work, John and I decided that we should make a quick trip to Austin to see the city and Auntie Robin. We left Saturday morning and made it just in time for lunch. The kids were awesome the whole way down and never whined or cried once. John and I were shocked and very thankful : )  I knew because of the timing that Tommy wouldn't take a nap and I was hoping he'd be so exhausted that night he would just fall asleep in the hotel. He was pretty good most of the day but he was a little cranky during dinner. I expected that.

As soon as we got there, we picked up Robin and checked into the Hyatt House (much better than a standard hotel room). After dropping off our stuff we headed to SoCo for lunch at the food trucks. Robin and I decided to eat a fried avocado with chicken/shrimp taco from Mighty Cone and John opted for Homeslice Pizza that is right down the street. And you can't eat at a food truck park without getting a cupcake to go! Pretty darn good!

 After stuffing our faces we went to let Tommy burn off some energy running around the State Capital. John and I were both surprised at how clean Austin is. He absolutely loved, loved, loved Austin. He told Tommy that if it wasn't for the fear of him turning into a hipster, we'd move ; )  haha

 We went to the neatest restaurant for a taco dinner called Taco Xpress. Yummy! When we finally got back to the hotel and bathed Tommy, he was OUT! He woke up once in the middle of the night and it literally took him about 10 seconds to fall back asleep.

The next morning we slowly got ready, headed to Auntie Robin's and followed her to Kerbey Lane for breakfast. The morning was going good until timing slapped us in the face. You see, Tommy is a freaking picky eater these days. So on Saturday he just snacked all day long. He ate a good breakfast but didn't really eat anything for lunch. He had some blueberries at Robin's, some french fries we got from the food truck, some milk, some tomatoes, applesauce and that's about it. Oh, and goldfish for dinner. Awesome. Ok...  So the "25 minute wait" turned in to almost an hour and by that time we had 2 hungry, cranky babies. Tommy decided to stand up in the booth and SCREAM with his nasty snotty nose, attracting everyone in the room to turn and stare. Thank you John for waving at everyone. It helped to take some pressure and eyes off of us. And he did this not once, not twice but 3 freaking times. John took him outside once to calm him down and it worked for about 2 minutes. Then Charlotte started in and wouldn't take the formula bottle I made for her. I was a nervous, embarrassed wreck. I opted to take Charlie to the car to feed her and get my food to go. John said after I left, he put Tommy in a highchair instead of trapping him in the booth and he was fine. He also pigged out on breakfast once it finally got there. I wouldn't know. I fed Charlie then changed a poopy diaper. More "Awesome".  Obama ain't got shit on the free birth control Tommy provided for all those hipsters in Kerbey Lane.  You're welcome!

After breakfast/lunch we hit 35 North. The drive did not seem long at all and I actually enjoyed the time just chit chatting with John. He is known for making CD's with throwback songs so we had good music to listen to there and back. Right before we got home Charlie started fussing a little bit but for the most part, the car rides were a success. SCORE!

Just a little something to add...  Saturday night John decided to trim his hair. All was good until he took a shower and noticed one piece of hair that was longer than the rest. He decided to trim it.. and forgot that the guard had been taken off, giving him a reverse mohawk. haha!    I WIN! He shaved his head and looks much more handsome.  The next morning he had to stop at Nordstrom Rack and buy a belt on the way to breakfast. All was well until he stabbed himself trying to get the tag off. Ouch.
And this is extremely tacky, but it was hilarious. Definitely not a proud Mommy moment. On the way home from Taco Xpress, Tommy was falling asleep in the car and John said "Aww, look baybuh he's falling asleep." Tommy lifted up his head and said "fuck it."  Yup, you read it right. Such language. He canceled that out the next morning when a lady walked up to him and told him he was handsome and as she was walking away, he kept saying "My Princess!".  That boy is so charming.

Happy, happy, happy!

Happy New Year! Every year I make a resolution but I don't keep up with it very well. This year I'm going to make a very vague resolution so it's easier to stick to it ; )   My plan is to increase happiness and health. Sounds simple, right?

I had Charlotte during the best time ever. I was off work for Halloween, Thanksgiving (as well as Black Friday), Christmas and New Years. Although I will soon be going back, this time is much easier. I'm excited to get back into the routine of life. Since I'm pretty sure we are done having kids, I feel like I can relax and just enjoy our family journey. I try and remind myself that this phase will more than likey never happen again when I'm awake at all hours of the night. Tommy will never be two and a half again (whew) and Charlotte won't always be this small and snugly. 

Since having Charlotte I'm back down to my pre-pregnancy weight but I would love to be much more healthy than I am. It's hard to be at home all day and eat healthy. Or eat less often ; ).  When Charlie eats table food I think it will be easier to make one big breakfast that we can all eat. Lunch and dinner is a different thing since Tommy is so picky! MyFitnessPal is awesome so I've started that back up. I'm hoping to be down 20lbs by the time winter is over. Hiding behind a hoody is so easy...

Going back to work with be good for both happy and healthy. I won't be home to eat all day, I will be moving around more, and I will get some "me" time. When I went back to work after Tommy, I appreciated my time with him much more and also made much better use for my time. Having to work on the weekends is going to suck! It's been so nice t have a day off with John so we can do things as a family, even if its just lounging around the house. Guess I will have to use my sick and vaca time wisely! This is my last weekend off with the fam. Boo hiss!

Presto! ...and other throwback sayings

So one of the main reason for me to write this blog is so that John and I can look back to see all of the hilarious, random and crazy things our kids say and do. We both agree that Tommy is such a smart and random little guy. Here's a few things he likes to talk about and say:

-Sometimes he call us Mom and Dad just being silly. Other times it's Mamacita, Mother Dear (he did not learn this from me), Daddio or variations of those in different sounds. He likes to say the same word 10 different ways.

-The other day I was in the restroom when he opened up the cabinet and started shaking a tampon. I said "Put that back, silly! That's for girls, not boys" and he quickly replied "Tampon".  WHAT?!

-We went to Olive Garden 2 nights ago and John went to the restroom. For entertainment, I opened up a straw for Tommy to play with and he immediately pointed it in the air and said "Presto!" He did something similar with a magnifying glass he has, except he walked up to me with it against his eye and said "Mystery" in a creepy, mysterious voice.

-He has a love for the song "Run Away" by Real McCoy. Thank you John for remembering all the oldies. He would listen to "way way wave" a million times if we let him. He sings all the time to just about everything and it's so sweet!! He knows the lyrics but sometimes just hums and sings the last song of the sentence and it cracks me up.

-He repeats everything we say, so now he tells me "Don't push it". Really, buddy?!

-We (especially Tommy) will never forget the "Poor Guy" experience.  I was at work one Saturday right before Charlie was born and John walked Tommy to the library. Along the way, he tripped, skinned his knee pretty badly and John said to him "Poor guy. We will fix it when we get home." So home they went, and instead of peroxide, John cleaned him up with RUBBING ALCOHOL! So Tommy (in pain) repeated "Poor guy, poor guy, poor guy" and muscled through the pain. : (
Now if he falls or trips or something... he says "I ok honey". So sweet, that little boy.

Jinga bow

Tommy loves, loves, loves Christmas time! More so that I ever thought he would. He wakes up still singing Jingle Bells but it goes a little something like this: 'Jinga Bow(like, bow down) Jinga bow, Jinga bow. Ho ho ho'.  He also still request to watch Peter Rabbit Christmas, Max and Ruby Christmas or Umi Christmas. EVERY SINGLE DAY! John and I can't get enough of his love for this holiday!

(Bass Pro with Ang and Yvette)

(Carousel ride after Santa pic)

This year was a little different as far as when everyone celebrated. Aunt Kari was supposed to come down with Scott and Garret so we planned on everyone (PaDad and Marilyn, Scott and Charys, Robin and Nonny and Tony) celebrating on Saturday the 22nd at my moms house. Kari and the boys couldn't make it and Scott and Charys decided to stay in Brady but PaDad and Marilyn, Robin, Nonny and Tony all went to my moms and we had our ham dinner and opened presents.

(At Mimi's)

Monday was Christmas Eve so we decided to host it at our house this year. We had a ton of delicious Mexican food! Nonny made the best chicken casserole that John and I have ever had! I decided to make sopapilla cheesecake bars that I found on Pinterest and they were delicious as well! Since it was supposed to sleet or snow the next day and Robin was going to leave in the early morning, we decided to open presents that night. Oh my gosh! Everyone was so, so spoiled! Tommy got so many toys, clothing and candy - it was unreal!

(all the gifts)

I got a new kitchen aid mixer that I can't wait to use, a new waffle maker that Tommy is thrilled about, a guitar from John so I can use the RockSmith game that teaches you how to play, 2 Pioneer Woman cookbooks and lots of other goodies! We also got money from Tom and Sue to buy a gun safe with. Woohoo! : ). Spoiled I tell you!

(new bean bag from Mimi and PawPaw)

(reading his new new book with Auntie Robin)

(John had to open it for me because Charlie was fussy)

(all of Tommy's goodies, not including gifts from Santa or us)

(Charlie's loot)

(Santa came!!)

(Tommy's stocking)

(both of our babies)

(cleaning the house)

(disaster!)

(snowing!!)

(playing in the snow)

(checking out the snow)

Christmas Day we woke up, waited for Tommy to wake up (it was dark and rainy that morning so I can't blame him for sleeping in) and slowly opened presents. Santa brought him a vaccuum cleaner and an art easel. baby girl got a ragdoll! We ate a big breakfast and hung around our house all day. After Tommy's nap, we went outside and played in the SNOW!  we were so happy that Charlie's first Christmas was a white Christmas!!

Speaking of Charlie...  It's time to top her off and go to bed! Nighty night!

Catastrophic cake pops and graham cracker houses

Wednesday night I attempted to make cake pops for our neighbors (Snedics) and Angela, Yvette and Lorena. I went to JoAnn and found a cake pop "flower pot" that's holds them in place and I also bought some styrofoam, candy melts and everything else I needed. The recipe seemed pretty easy so I was pumped! The cake portion of the cake pops turned out awesome but the dipping of the chocolate and keeping them on their sticks turned out to be a huge mess! First of all, the recipe did not mention these 'tips' that I later found online (such as adding vegetable oil to make the chocolate more fluid and dipping the stick in the chocolate to hold the cake on the stick) that were crucial to this being a success. The ones that I actually got to stay on the stick were not so round anymore and the chocolate was pretty ugly looking. I also bought some Oreos to cover in chocolate then dipped in smashed candy canes but those didn't turn out either. So no gift for anyone just yet.

Yesterday I took Tommy over to Angela's house to decorate gingerbread houses. When we went to the park the previous day she said she was making the gingerbread from scratch and she hoped they would turn out. Later that night as I'm making my cake pops, I get a text that says "Yup! Graham cracker houses. Ef gingers!"  Haha. I felt her pain. When we were at Angela's, Yvette, Ang and Inwere laying that you always see these pictures posted of cute little gingerbread houses and the cute little pictures of their kids in the process of making them. This was NOT the case. Just imagine messy icing, graham crackers that wouldn't hold up too well and lots of candy for the 5 kids that were impatiently waiting. Good thing there wasn't a bottle of tequila around. We were pretty vulnerable ; )
We did enjoy going over there and I think next year we will be buying kits.

I will be going back to work in 2 weeks but I'm very thankful that I still have all morning and afternoon with the babes to do as we please. It's been really great since Angela and Yvettes both work nights because we meet up at least once a week and go to the park or aquarium. As much as I love being home all day with them, I'm usually ready for a little break in the evenings. Looks like both of them are up from their afternoon nap. Wish me luck on round 2 for the cake pops!

Picnic at the park

Today the babes and I met Angela and her babes at the park since it seemed to be nice weather. It was pretty wind, but the temperature was perfect! We have a normal routine when we go to Chisholm park. Swing, feed the ducks then have a snack by the tree. Today between the swing and feeding the ducks, add the most disgusting explosive poo clean up. Ever! Poor little miss hasn't been regular in the BM department so when she does go, she means business. I remember Tommy used to go once a week but he was a little older and it wasn't nearly this messy. It got all over her backside up to her neck, all over her clothes, the back of the Pilot annnnnnnd my forehead. Nasty. Once the "buttered popcorn"disaster was cleaned up we fed the ducks then had a little picnic for the kiddos. By the time we leave, Tommy is usually exhausted and ready for his nap. Today is different, he is STILL in his crib, awake and babbling, singing jingle bells, laughing, jumping up and down and hollerin' my name. That boy is crazy! I was hoping he'd get a good nap in because we will be decorating cookies and making cake pops later and he doesn't do good with sugar as it is.

Last night I went to run some errands and John took Tommy to see some Christmas lights near our house. He loves anything Christmas and Johns truck so he had a blast! John called me later and Tommy was still squealing with excitement in the background. He loves, loves Christmas and John and I love, love seeing him so excited about it. As soon as I can figure this out, I will add pictures.

Looks like little man won't be napping today! Wish us luck.

Forever behind

Maybe one day I will catch up but it doesn't look promising! I regret not blogging about day to day things that I wanted to remember or even writing memos down to blog about later so I figured I'd just start somewhere.  Charlie is now 2 months old and she is such a sweet and easy baby!

(newborn pic)

 She sleeps well at night, making the day time much easier than it was with Tommy. I clearly remember being so, so tired when Tommy was a newborn. When we first came home from the hospital with Charlotte, Tommy was going through a sleeping phase where he would sleep until 9am or so and it helped a ton! I think John and I both feel much more rested this time around. She did show signs of reflux so we went ahead and started her on meds (Nov 5) rather than waiting like we did with Tommy. That afternoon, she felt much better and her fussing stopped. That day at the doctors office, she was weighing in at 9lbs 2 oz. she just had her 2 month check up on December 13th and she already weighs 12lbs even!! She's in the 75% for weight and 50% for height. Go figure!  She is nursing really well so I'm not the least bit surprised. This past Saturday (the 15th) was Johns company dinner at JR's so Mimi and PawPaw watched the babes for us. This was Charlotte's first time away from us and she did just fine. Since I can't pump enough milk, we had to supplement with formula. I did a trial run the previous Wed and everything was fine. She actually took a really long nap afterwards which was great! Tommy seems to just now be getting adjusted to Charlie being with us. 

He's never mean to her but when I'm feeding her, he starts pushing stuff into my feet or all of a sudden he will a "diaper change" or to be fed. I try really hard to balance them 2 but she does require a lot of attention. He went through a phase where he would wipe the kisses off his face if I gave him one. He seemed to only do this with me and it broke my heart! At one point, he even had like 4 scratches on his nose from him hitting himself to wipe them off. He used to be my little snuggler so I'm trying to work my magic to get him back to that point, wish me luck!  We've done lots of play dates at the park with Angela (who tommy adores) and Yvette with all of the kiddos, gone to the aquarium a few times and plan on going to the zoo in the near future. I love taking Tommy to the zoo! It's a great way for him to be able to kind of run wild  and see his favorite animals. He loves the monkeys an for some reason - the flamingos! Very cute. We usually go right when they open then leave after we eat lunch. On Charlie's 1 month birthday (Nov 10th) John and I took them both to "Pumpkins and Pancakes" at the zoo. It was fun but something we probably won't do next year. We also took him to the Parade of Lights in Ft Worth and unlike last year, it was freeeeezing cold! 

I had to feed Charlie in the car before we could walk to our seats because I knew it would be too cold to take her out of the car seat. Tommy seemed to like it but it was a bit loud for him. We were sitting on the corner so every time a fire truck turned the corner, they would run their sirens and Tommy would cover his ears. 
And Charlie would wake up and fuss. Although it was fun, John said that was his last year so Charys and I decided we would rotate each yearbetween ICE at Gaylord and Parade of Lights. Tommy is LOViNG this holiday season (singing Jingle Bells as I type) and its been so much fun introducing him to fun things. One night last week, we gave Tommy his bath and instead of giving him milk before bed, John gave him a candy cane and we took him to go see Christmas lights, all of us in our pj's. we went to Diamond Loch in NRH and it was awesome!! They have 3 different houses that are synced up to music that you tune your car radio station to. Loved it! 
Today is Johns birthday so Tommy is overly excited about cake and ice cream. Woohoo!! 

HAPPY BiRTHDAY JOHN! WE LOVE YOU PAST THE SKY!!

(pic taken at Hall's pumpkin patch)