Not Me! Monday

MckMama is taking a hiatus today, but I thought I'd stay with tradition, and do my own NMM!

This week, I was not a procrastinator. I did not wait until the last possible second to complete the 20 hand-made birthday invitations I promised my friend I would make for her twin girls first birthday party. I would never do that!

Oh, and they did not look a little something like this:



This weekend, I did not photograph a birthday party for another friend, and her 2 adorable boys. I did not take 656 pictures at said party. It is not going to take me f-o-r-e-v-e-r to sort through and edit pics. Nope!

I did not take a trip to Michael's, strictly for birthday invitation supplies, only to exit with several bags full of fall decorations and other goodies. Not Me! (I ♥ fall with a vengeance).

This is not day 8 of my healthy living plan. I did not do pretty awesome last week with my food choices. I have not been recording every morsel that passes my lips here. This morning, I did not weigh 5.5 pounds less than I did last Monday morning. Not Me!

All is not lost, though. I did not eat this for breakfast (along with some fruit):



What have all of you not been up to this week?

A New Appreciation...

Does being a mom make any of you have a new-found awareness on NOT using the handicap stall in the restroom... you know, the one that typically houses the changing table?

On NOT going into the family restroom lest you have a cart full of goods and screaming/poopy/doing-the-potty-dance children in tow?

On NOT automatically taking the closest spot in the entire lot... or, more importantly, NOT cutting off the minivan in front of you with fingerprint-covered windshields and cheerios flying out the window in order to get that spot?

On NOT throwing a searing glare towards the mama whose kiddos are being on less than their best behavior at the restaurant?

On NOT harrumphing at the mom in line behind you, with some children's tylenol in one hand, and a rosy-cheeked, snotty-nosed, whiny, over-tired and under-the-weather munchkin on her hip as you s-l-o-w-l-y load your 1,478 items onto the belt?

Yeah... me, too.

It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times...

What a day we had yesterday!

We finally had Little A's 1-year check-up. This was the third planned visit... for some reason, our pediatrician's office couldn't keep doc's calendar straight, so we had to keep bumping the appointment.

Little A was thrilled for the delay. Mommy- not so much.

The good news- that FTT diagnosis was wiped clean off her record (as if we didn't already know this...) Little A weighted 21 pounds 9 ounces (55th percentile) and was 29 3/4" (68th percentile). Hooray!!

The so-so news- her hemoglobin is still in the borderline low to low range, which means she may have some sort of anemia going on. This will be rechecked, and she may have to start an oral liquid vitamin supplement. Considering the amount of formula and milk she drinks, and the amount of cereal and green veggies she consumes, we are at a loss to why this is a problem for her...

The bad news, part I- SHOTS. I'm not sure who hates shots more- Little A or moi. She was a trooper, but 4 shots and a toe stick later, I was a wreck of sorts. She did really well last night, but today she is running a bit of a fever is feeling and acting crappy, in general.

The bad news, part II- our Dr. literally scared the living $@!& out of me about H1N1. If you remember, I was already up in arms about the entire situation. Well, things calmed down in the media quite a bit, but apparently, I should be WAY more concerned than I am currently...

Doc proceeded to tell me that his prediction is that the worst for Kansas will come in the next 30 days. The vaccination won't be ready until the end of September, and then you need 2 doses to be fully protected... bringing us to around Thanksgiving time... as in, too late. He predicts a 40% infection rate. 40%!

He spoke of a 27-year-old male, laying in a Wichita hospital, currently clinging to life. They do not expect him to make it. Oh, yeah... and he was perfectly healthy weeks ago. Did I mention that part?

When I told him that I worked for PAT and did home visits, he became noticeably uncomfortable. He suggested that I buy a mask. And wear it. I'm sure my families would just love that one... He suggested that reschedule visits if anyone has any cold symptoms. He said to limit our socialization in the coming months. Mom's Day Out... let's not even go there.

Needless to say, I was a nervous wreck. Hell, I am a nervous wreck. I was practically in tears over the phone to Tyler. It's just that he was so serious. And somber. It was like he wasn't trying to scare the crap out of me. But, in a way, he was.

I hate not having control over things like this. How am I supposed to protect myself and my kids from an airborne illness with a predicted 40% infection rate? Ideas?

---

Once I got over the initial shock of the H1N1 newsflash, I was able to calm myself down a bit and plan the the rest of our awesome day!

I planned a mom/daughter date night for Sassy and I. It's something I've been meaning to do for a while. I think it's really important to spend some one-on-one time with each of the girls, and I think that the wake of Little A's first birthday left the perfect opportunity for me to pour some attention on Sassy and make her feel like the special princess that she is!

After rests, we both put on pretty dresses and some make-up. Ty took a few pictures of us outside before we left:





We went to the mall first. We returned a few of Sassy's fall outfits that I wasn't too crazy about, and we went to Build-A-Bear. I know, I know... we were just there. But, when I sat down and thought of all the things Sassy loves and what she would really appreciate out of all the potential activities, BAB came to mind. So, we went.

They still had the deal going on, so Sassy chose an animal, an outfit, and some shoes. They had a new animal since our last visit, the WWF wolf. I tried to convince Sassy to make her wolf a boy, because they had the cutest little football warm up suit and gym shoes. And, it just happened to be orange and blue... not unlike our favorite football team... but, Sassy wasn't having it. So, a cinderella dress and ruby red slippers it was. (She wasn't heeding any glass slipper advice, either). Oh, and the wolf's name... Cinderella Wolf. How original.

Next, we hopped on over to The Gap, where Sassy was allowed to replace some of her returned outfits with a few long sleeve t-shirts... of which, she actually needs. She made some great choices... including a shirt that says I travel by tippytoe. For any of you that know Sassy, this couldn't be any more true...

After The Gap, we headed over to the 13th street Warren for a showing of Disney's new movie, Ponyo. It was weird. But cute. But weird. In any case, Sassy enjoyed it. And a small popcorn. And a lemonade. And some twizzlers. Yes, it was a special night, indeed.

Afterwards, we were off to Target... returned some more clothing that we didn't need, and purchased some gift wrap for our weekend of birthday parties!

Stopped at Dillon's. Picked up diapers, pull-ups, and some beer for Tyler. Classy.

Finally, we made a stop at Applebee's (as promised) for a very late (9:40 pm) dinner date. Sassy gobbled up some mac and cheese, while I practically inhaled my chili lime chicken salad.

We made it home at around 10:30. Sassy was SO tired, but we took one last picture to commemorate our evening of adventures:



I ♥ my sassy girl...

Oh No!

The day has come...

It has happened:



Yeah, that white fluffy thing at her feet is not part of her bedroom decor.

Now we are really in for it!

Birthday Gift Give!

Guess who's birthday it is???

Not mine. Not Tyler's. Clearly not either of the girls, as you surely would have read about it by now...

Nope, none of those. Today is the blog's first birthday!



I am aware that it may be considered slightly strange for me to personify my blog. I know people. But, it has become a sort of baby of mine. It's been so enjoyable to keep, sometimes therapeutic. It just tickles me pink when you all comment on how you enjoy reading and keeping up with our crazy, silly family.

Now, I know you all are probably wondering to what address you can send birthday gifts. No need, my friends. Today, I am going to have a birthday give.

That's right! An awesome, super fun giveaway in honor of my blogiversary! And, a thanks to all you loyal readers...

A while back, I stumbled upon the greatest little etsy shop. I spent many a visit coveting various things. Now, this little etsy shop has been movin' on up and has a full-blown website! Since I know you all have fabulous taste, I figured any one of you would ♥ a $30 gift certificate to this awesome shop, The Vintage Pearl.



For all my fellow mamas and mamas-to-be- this place is a mom jewelry mecca! The possibilities are endless!



No kids? No problem! How about an initial piece? A word or two that really means something to you? Even a cute little bird like this one:



I really believe there is something for everyone in her shop!

So, hop on over to The Vintage Pearl and peruse her offerings. Come back and tell me what you would choose if YOU won the $30 gift certificate!

And, who doesn't ♥ extra chances to win?

• Leave me a comment letting me know that you are a follower my blog. What! You're not? Well, become one! Don't worry, Kendra... informal is okay!

• Refer someone to my giveaway and let me know you did. Blog about it, tweet, use facebook, tell your mommy friends... I don't discriminate when it comes to media sources!

• Ask me the next pressing question for Qanda, Parts III-?? C'mon, you know you want more of this and this!

• Ever heard of Random Acts of Kindness? Good. Well, plan something that you are able to do today. Just leave a comment saying RAK. Follow through. It's on the honor system.

Just a couple of things to make my life easier... my last (first) giveaway was a bit of a logistical mess. A separate comment for each entry would be greatly appreciated. Oh, and facebook reader peeps... I will only be able to count entries on the actual blog, so click here to transfer yourselves out of facebook land!

The giveaway will be open to new entries until Wednesday, September 2nd at 10:00 AM CST. At that time, a winner will be chosen using random.org.

Have a great day!

The Fashion Show

Did any of you watch the sad attempt at a Project Runway replacement this summer, coined The Fashion Show?

Are you all equally as thrilled that the new season of Project Runway is under way??

I digress...

Anyway, we at the sweet pea household held a little fashion show of our own...

We've been stockpiling Sassy's fall clothes for what seems like forever. I am chomping at the bit to tear off those tags, pack away all our summer garb, and anxiously await the turning leaves, pumpkin patches, and apple crisps baking in my oven...

...However, we are not quite there yet. It's still in the 90's here.

What we can do is have a little dress-up fun!

Sassy and I spent some time over the period of three or four days having a "fashion show". We tried on her new fall looks in her bedroom, and I took pictures. Really, I was just making sure that I had sizes and fits right, but she thought it was the greatest.thing.EVER!

So, prepare yourselves for Sassy's fall line:









I knew it was time to stop when her poses started to look like this:



After all, three is a bit young for America's Next Top Model, no?

Not My Child! Monday

Ooh, MckMama is offering up a little twist on Not Me! Monday, so I thought I'd give it a go...



On Little A's birthday, Sassy most definitely did not argue with us because she wanted to go to "Old McDonald's" for lunch rather than HuHot. I didn't tell her it was closed, and she didn't whip back with wit when we pulled up to HuHot and say, "I think this is closed, too mom. We better check." Not my child!

Sassy did not throw a grand scale fit yesterday morning for grandma and grandpa to witness. She was not sent to time out at least three times. We certainly did not threaten to stay home instead of doing something fun one (or two or three) too many times! What child would require that kind of (inconsistent) discipline? Not my child!

Although she received approximately 1872 presents for her first birthday, Little A wouldn't dream of continuing to occupy her time searching for the one crumb, dust speck, or piece of lint on our always immaculate wood floors. Not my child!

We have not been entertaining bedtime battles this week. Nor have we allowed Sassy to sleep in our bedroom from the start... ever. She has not become the master manipulator of this sweet pea household. Even when Daddy told her no, she did not go down fighting by crying out, "But mommy loves me!" as she was hauled to her bedroom. She would never be that dramatic. Not my child!

Let's see what this week brings!

Weekend Fun with Gma and Gpa...

On Friday, Grandma and Grandpa (Ty's parents) drove to Kansas from Mankato, MN for a visit. They hadn't been down to visit since October, and last time, they just happened to have planned a visit that ended up being smack dab in the middle of Little A's hospitalization for RSV, so this visit was highly anticipated by all!

Upon arrival Friday evening, Grandma and Grandpa were immediately whisked away to Sassy's room to play princesses and dress-up and to read stories. We polished off the leftover pizza from Little A's party, and watched a little pre-season football- the Chiefs (boo) and the Vikings (double boo). (I bleed orange and blue...)

Saturday morning, we went up to Great Plains Nature Center for some nature-filled fun! We love GPNC- there is so much to see, and it is such a great FREE resource for families! I'm not entirely sure that we have been back since this visit. Look how much the girls have grown!!

Little A liked running her fingers through the various fur displays:



Sassy was so funny- I don't think she completely grasped the idea of a stuffed animal. She talked about the animals as though we were visiting a zoo- HA!



The 2,200 gallon fish tank is always a big hit! This one looks like he wants a kiss!



We spent some time relaxing in the observatory:



Just take a look at the writing on the wall... pretty much sums it up:



Little A thought she'd fly like an eagle...



After we walked through the indoor museum, we chose to take a hike on the blue trail (0.9 miles). It was so pretty out there. Sassy enjoyed watching the turtles and ducks swim at one of the lookout points:



Little A's eyes sparkled in the sunlight:



I had to stop and take a picture of this thistle along our trail. My mom ♥ thistles. She even has a tattoo of one. Must be that good ole' Scottish heritage again...



Kansas really is a beautiful place:



Afterwards, we had lunch at Chipotle and the rest of the crew headed to the park while I did a bit of shopping returning at the mall. Ty got a cute picture of Grandpa and Little A playing at the park:



We spent a (relatively) quiet evening at home enjoying each other's company.

---

This morning, we drove out to Goddard to visit Tanganyika. In addition to his parents, Tyler had never been, so we thought it would be a neat place to check out together.

We, of course, began our journey by visiting the giraffes:



They were rather elusive today:



The rhino decided to come frighteningly close to us today:



Frighteningly close:



Sassy fed the Lorakeets some apple nectar:



One decided he would rather nibble on her hair pretty:



They are so boldly marked and beautiful!



Sassy and I took a moment to strike a pose in front of the red pandas:



Little A helped Daddy point to the L-A-Z-Y penguins:



Then, she decided to flash those pearly whites:



Sassy fed the baby goats:



Little A vegged out on gpa's baseball cap:



She was sleepy, comfy, cozy!



Sassy took a turn feeding the tortoises lettuce:



This one was taken moments before the tortoise mistook her finger for a piece of lettuce. Ouch!



On the way out, Sassy fed the lemur the famous $1 craisin.



I went in and completed some actual work this afternoon while the rest of the crew rested up, and we will spend out last few hours with gma and gpa before they head back to the MN tomorrow!

First Birthday Adventures, Part IV

Friday, we had a small birthday celebration for Little A. I spent half of the morning trying to decide what cute little birthday dress to put her in, and at the last minute, decided a birthday dress was completely unnecessary for a pizza party and went with jeans and a halter top instead.

So, there.

It didn't hurt that Sassy had a matching one, too:



This is where we had her birthday party:



You know, I went back and forth about what to do. I like to go all out on birthdays and do something really creative, but this just wasn't the year. We are lucky to still be employed, and we thought low-key was the way to go. We'll make it up to her next year!

This is Little A arriving to her birthday party:



Luckily, she is usually a happy girl when she wakes up. Unlike someone I know... namely a 3-year-old sibling...

I made Ty take a picture of Little A and I before we even went inside. I am always behind the camera, and I wanted one with my girl:



Here's Daddy and his girls... so cute!



We did a loose theme of Winnie the Pooh. We went the minimalist route with decorations. We had a beehive cupcake cake made up:



And, some extra cupcakes... just in case...



We had the favor bags all lined up. In each one was a rubber duck for the bath tub and some kiddie soap that we just ♥ in the sweet pea household!



Each kiddo also got to take home a super cute Heffalump sippy cup from The Disney Store:



Little A settled in to her throne high chair as her friends arrived:



Soon, it was time for lunch. Don't worry... we didn't feed the kids jalapenos. This was Ty's request:



Little A's friends seemed to enjoy themselves eating and socializing:







Sassy helped Little A and Daddy blow out the candle:



Little A was only semi-interested in her smash cake:



She liked to trace the frosting around with her chubby little finger:



I helped Little A open presents. We are so blessed to have such awesome friends who have GREAT taste in gifts. I am thrilled that Little A has a personalized tote just like Sassy:



All in all, I'd say Little A is one lucky birthday girl!