Right Now

I'm watching Masters of Sex. Such a great show!

I'm eating Veggie Straws. These things are the best guilt-free snack!

I'm reading Insurgent. Gotta finish the Divergent series before the summer ends. 

I'm wearing Champion athletic shorts from Target. Every. Day. They are so comfy!

I'm wishing it wasn't the end of July already! I can't believe my summer is nearly over. 

Jack's playing with his activity table like crazy. He loves that thing!

Jack's top teeth are coming in. He looks so darn cute. 

Jack's eating cheese, spaghetti, peaches, rice, and just about every flavor of Plum's food pouches. 

Jack's wearing cute little onesies from Carter's just about every day and they look adorable on him. 

Jack's enjoying bath time immensely. He loves to splash and play with his rubber duckies. He also has a set of water bugs that he loves to play with. 

Aaron's really busy at work. 

Aaron's enjoying having a lawn to cut on the weekends. 

Aaron's favorite meal is one of my recipes from Pinterest - my zesty baked wings. He even said they are as good as any wing he can get at BWW, which is saying a lot!

Aaron's parents are coming to visit today. Yay!

Five on Friday

This week I decided to do a little something different. Here's an "About Me" take on the usual Five on Friday.

One.
I'm originally from Michigan but moved to South Carolina in the first grade. I love, love, love the South. The history, the food, the warm winter weather. Buuuuut, I moved to the Midwest nine years ago and the Black Hills six years ago, and I am officially a fan. Never in a million years could I have imagined living in South Dakota, but here I am. People ask all the time how I ended up here, so here's the short version of that story: I met my hubs while we were working together in Columbia. About a year and a half later, he got accepted to the University of South Dakota School of Law and we decided to move. After graduation, he accepted a job in Rapid City and we moved here in 2008. So here we are, the three of us now, building our own lives in this still-somewhat-new city that we now call home. 

Two.
I am an avid reader and a book-buying addict. I have hundreds of books, many of which I haven't read yet. I have piles of books all over the house, all on a never-ending waiting list. One of my favorite books is To Kill a Mockingbird. The first book I read in its entirety in just one day was The Client; I stayed in bed all day on a Saturday when I was in middle school. I love the Harry Potter series so much and I try to read the series during my Christmas break every year. Harry Potter introduced me to the YA genre, which I love. I am a fan of Twilight (as horrible as the writing is), The Hunger Games, and the Divergent series. I am currently reading The Silkworm, by Robert Galbraith (aka J K Rowling).

Three.
I love to cook and there are fewer things I find more relaxing. I cook almost every night and I'm usually doing so with a nice glass of red wine. I constantly scroll through Pinterest to find new recipes and am ecstatic when I try one and it actually turns out as good as the blog promises. I cook a mean filet mignon, I can bake some pretty amazing chocolate chip cookies, and I love to use my Crock Pot to make a really delicious pot roast. In my opinion, which may be different from the hubs', the best thing I cook is a panko-crusted parmesan chicken from Martha Stewart. I top it with a Dijon butter sauce and usually pair it with twice baked potatoes. Come to think of it, it's been a really long time since I've made that; I'll have to add it to the menu pretty soon.

Four.
I am a second grade teacher and I love my job. Absolutely love it. It's hard, the paychecks aren't big, and I invest a lot of my own time and money into it, but I can't see myself doing anything else ever. This will be my first year teaching second grade, as I've taught first grade for the last few years. I am starting at a new school this year, so add to that the new grade and the usual new school year jitters - I am nervous! I really like the people I've met at my new school, though, and I think it will be a good change. One perk I'll enjoy this year is that it's only a five minute drive from our house (10 minutes if I stop at Starbucks first).

Five.

Being a mother is my calling. It's all I've ever wanted to be and it's everything I expected it to be, and more. I always thought I wanted a little girl so I could buy the frilly dresses and the tutus and the hair bows. In fact, I actually cried when I found out we were NOT having a girl (talk about awkward...that doctor was really squirming). But, I love. Love. My son. I cannot imagine being a mother to any other child. I love his smiles, his laughter, his squeals of delight. I love his cries and his screams of frustration. I love that he loves to roughhouse (as much as you can roughhouse with a 9 month old, anyway). I love it all. Would I like a little girl one day? Maybe. But in all honesty, what would give me the most joy is to have two little boys playing together in the backyard, building forts, digging for worms, terrorizing each other (and their parents). Maybe one day...

Stop Bragging About Your Kids

Really. Stop it. You know why? Because they know. Because I bragged about mine yesterday and do you want to know what happened? He clearly overheard and decided he was going to teach me a little lesson. That I was getting too comfortable with this motherhood thing. It went a little something like this:

Just before dinner, while talking on the phone-

Me: "Jack is doing so great with teething. I mean, he gets a little cranky during the day but he hasn't woken up during the night at all!"

Mother in Law: "I believe it. You've got such a sweet boy!" 

Me: "I do. He's the best! We're so lucky!" 

11 pm, just as I climb into bed and turn off the light-

Jack: "waaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!"

4:09 am, not a creature was stirring, except for-

Jack: "WAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

You see, this is not the first time he has done this. In fact, I remember the last time I spoke to someone about how well Jack had been sleeping and how he hadn't woken during the night in months. What did he do THAT VERY NIGHT? Why, he woke up in the middle of it, of course. It's almost as if he knows that I'm on the brink of feeling like I've got a handle on everything; like I finally have it all figured out. And then he feels the need to show me just who is in charge here, and that indeed, I have nothing figured out. Absolutely nothing. 

So, as this has become a trend in the last 8 months, I can only imagine how the rest of our time together will go. I imagine it being something a little like this:

Me: "That Jack, he sure does love soccer. He's so talented and we sure do enjoy watching him play."

Jack: "Mom, I hate soccer. I want to play hockey."

Me: "I just love that girl Jack has been dating. She's such a sweetheart."
Jack: "Mom, I broke up with my girlfriend."

Me: "I'm so glad I have another Broncos fan in the house. I love watching the games on TV with Jack!"
Jack: "I like the Seahawks now."

And so on and so forth. This kid certainly keeps me on my toes, there's no doubt about that! So, until the next time he decides to turn the tables on me, I'll just enjoy these sweet moments and hope he doesn't decide he's not a cuddler any time soon.

 

Our Week in Pictures

Day One: good  morning!

Playtime

The first of many this week

Jack LOVES to chase the cats. The cats do not love it.

Loudest toy ever.

Jack loves to snuggle and watch the Today Show with me

Daredevil Jack, balancing on the very unsteady bouncer

Watching mommy get ready

Off to daycare after a battle to get him in the car seat

Bath time!

A story before bedtime

Day Two: playing while mom wakes up with the help of Matt and Savannah

Morning snuggles

This is my "I only napped for 30 minutes and mom thought she'd be able to take a shower AND dry her hair" face

Off to Target!

Never thought I'd be cool with him chewing on a Coach purse, but whatever keeps him quiet...

Trying to decide on this hat. I think it's a "no."

Mmmm, peas and brown rice

I had time to cook lunch! Yum, shrimp!

Jack stopping to watch Penny on the Big Bang Theory

Day Three: let's start by climbing on mommy

Daycare supplies

Spa certificate is ready to go

Snuggle time before we leave

"Wait, wait, wait, lemme show you this before we go"

Jack's at daycare and I'm going to read in bed!

 

I had a lovely massage, a relaxing afternoon, and now Jack's back and we're going to play hide-and-seek!

Banging toys on the wood floor

Almost night-night time

Time for bed

Day Four: dressed and ready

Second outing to Target this week

Our Citrus Lane box arrived with some really cool stuff!

Post-nap bed head

Summer Nights

Dining al fresco

Hangin with Aunt Amanda

 This is what you get at 7:45 when you feed your baby ice cream for the first time

Day Five: woke up in a great mood...ready for Daddy to come home!

Came down with a fever and wasn't really feeling up for being outside, but Mom thought it was a good idea since we had been cooped up inside all week!





 



Five on Friday

Thank goodness this week is over and I'll have my husband back tonight! Here are my five for the week:

One.
See above. Aaron comes back from Denver today. Hooray! Being a lawyer rarely takes him out of town on business, so I'm thankful I don't have to get used to trips like these. As most of you single mommas and mommas with husbands that go on out-of-town business trips know, taking care of a little one (not to mention multiple little ones) is NOT easy. Jack and I are both glad to have him back, although he'll be leaving again next week for an overnight trip to Pierre. I'm hoping that's the last trip he'll have to make for a while.

Two.
In the meantime, I have been keeping my eyes and ears open for things to do this weekend. There are a few things going on in the hills, including Spearfish's Festival in the Park. They'll have food and art vendors, children's activities, and live music. It's supposed to be a beautiful weekend, although Sunday is supposed to be H-O-T and humid at 96 degrees (yes, it gets that warm here in South Dakota), so if we go I think Saturday would be our best bet. Aaron and I have also been itching to go to Custer and try the burgers at Black Hills Burger and Bun. TripAdvisor recently awarded them as having the best burger in America. That's right, little old Custer, South Dakota is home to the best burger in America! Apparently, their Hot Granny is to die for, with jalapenos, cream cheese, and a sweet and spicy jalapeno sauce atop a beefy burger patty on a homemade bun. (I am in no way affiliated with Black Hills Burger and Bun and have not been compensated for an endorsement.) I am drooling as I type this and I'm anxious to give it a whirl. This is one of the reasons I love the hills; there are so many cool places and things to do that not only South Dakotans can appreciate, but visitors, as well. Do I enjoy being what I call "landlocked" (as in, 5 1/2 to 6 hours away from a major city)? No, but there so many things to see and do in the small towns around us, as well as in Rapid City, that it ALMOST makes up for it. Almost.

Three.
Next weekend my dad will be here with his wife. They have never been to the Black Hills before and have yet to meet Jack, so I'm anxious to show them around and spend some time relaxing and visiting with them.

Four.
Last night Jack and I hit up Summer Nights. I love that each and every Thursday we have a music festival downtown. When the weather is nice, a couple thousand people show up to meander around Main Street while listening to music, watching their kids play in bouncy castles, eating food truck delicacies, and sipping on an adult beverage or two. It's a nice way to get out of the house, meet up with friends, and enjoy the summer weather. Last night we met up with Amanda and Karissa, listened to an incredibly strange band, and grabbed ice cream from the sweet little ice cream place that just opened up. I chose Pistachio and was not disappointed...it was wonderful! I even shared a few bites with Jack, who (surprise!) loved it. I was okay with giving him a little taste, that is until we got home and he was still awake at 8 o'clock. That little stinker!

Five.
I suppose it's time I slowly begin to ease myself back into the professional world. I've had a pile of math and writing materials to read through that have been sitting on my nightstand all summer. I think it's about time to crack those babies open and start reading through them. I'm starting a little earlier than usual, but because I'll be teaching second grade next year instead of first, I have brand new standards and curriculum to learn. I'm still not ready to jump back into it, so I'll ease my way in, one toe at a time.

And there you have it, my Five for the week. I've been taking pictures of me and my cutie patootie and what we've been doing all week, so I'll be back tomorrow to share our week in pictures.

It's Okay

It's okay to wear yoga pants and t-shirts every day this summer. Sometimes I change if I'm going somewhere, sometimes I don't. Today I did not. 

It's okay that I didn't vacuum yesterday. Or the day before. Or even the day before that.

It's okay that when I did vacuum today, Jack cried because he didn't want to be in his bouncer. I wish I could have finished faster and taken him out sooner.

It's okay that just before I did take him out of the bouncer, I stopped to take a picture because his sad face is too darn cute.

It's okay if most of my lunches are of the frozen or take-out variety.

It's okay to get a little irritated when Jack wakes up from his nap earlier than expected. As long as I go in to get him with a smile on my face (I mean, how could I not? Look at this guy) so he doesn't see that I'm upset.

It's okay to spend said naptime reading US Weekly while watching Lifetime and snacking on Veggie Straws. The dishes can wait until the next nap. If there is one.

It's okay not to take Jack to the park every day, or to go for a walk. It's chilly out (70 degrees, people!) and windy.

It's okay if our only outing for the day is to Target.

It's okay to sit on the floor and pretend to play while watching reruns of Friends. Stacking the same tower of blocks over and over is boring, but I always take a moment to watch the big smile on his face when he knocks it down.

It's okay that Jack fell down and smacked his head on the wood floor. Again. Even though you were right there watching him, but it happened too quickly to stop. He'll be fine after a few snuggles and kisses.

It's okay that it's only 12 o'clock but I'm already looking forward to 6:30...bedtime!

It's okay that I constantly look at the clock. Really? It's only 1? 

It's okay that I have never made my own baby food for Jack. Pinterest promises that it's easy and budget-friendly, but Jack really likes Plum and Ella baby food. I think he'd be mad if I switched right now. Really. 

It's okay if I turn on an episode of Family Guy and watch it with Jack in my lap, sucking his thumb with his blanket. For some reason he will sit and watch nearly an entire 30 minute episode without moving a muscle, which I'm okay with for now. In a few months, when his language really begins to develop and he just might begin to understand the Griffins, it won't be okay. But for now, I'll consider it extra snuggle time.

It's okay that I read to Jack almost every night even though he doesn't pay a bit of attention. He will one day.

It's okay that I bought a third set of the entire Harry Potter series with the new cover illustrations just for Jack. I can't wait to read them to him one day!

It's okay if I change Jack into his nighttime diaper but leave him in the clothes he wore all day. Why dirty his pajamas?

It's okay if as soon as his head hits the pillow, I go to the kitchen and pour myself a big ole glass of wine. (Well, not a literal pillow, because SIDS.)

It's okay if I skip dinner and eat ice cream instead. I'm an adult, after all.

It's okay that there are dishes in the sink. Really. It is. 

It's okay that I stop reading my book every few minutes to listen for a whimper or a cry come from Jack's room.

It's okay to go in and check on him before I go to bed, even though the floor by his door creaks and I risk waking him up.

It's okay that I hate sleeping alone and I miss my husband. He'll be back in three short days.

It's okay to go to bed with every intention of watching an episode of Orphan Black or reading another chapter or two of The Silkworm, but instead fall asleep and wake up with a book on my face and the Late Late Show on the television.

It's okay not to be perfect. With Pinterest telling me I should be crafting and baking, television families and reality TV stars modeling how mothers can "do it all," I often feel as though I'm not doing everything I should. Or could. My days aren't perfect, but I'm enjoying my summer with Jack (and my hubby when he's here). I think sometimes I judge myself, my feelings, and what I do or don't do during the day a little too harshly. I bet I'm not the only one who feels this way. It's easy to compare myself to what I envision as being the "perfect" mother or the "perfect" spouse, but I'm trying to realize that really, no one else is judging me and I truly am my own worst critic.

And if there IS anyone out there judging me, it's okay to tell them to keep their opinions to themselves. I know I'm being the best mom I can be and that's the only thing that matters.