Tutu Pettiskirt!

It's finally here! The new addition to my line of tutus, the tutu pettiskirt. This is SO much fun to dress up. I literally have been dreaming of color combinations... bright yellow and hot pink, lime green and hot pink, purple and teal, black and, well almost anything, cream with black underskirt, pink and yellow, baby blue and pale pink... I really mean it, the possibilities are endless. This is a must have for every little girl's wardrobe! I believe that with such conviction, that in honor of Keira's first birthday next week, I will be giving away one of these beautiful creations, and will be selling them with FREE SHIPPING if ordered from my ETSY store.
Stay tuned for details of the giveaway next week! For now enjoy these cute photos...

The Blonde Episodes

I stumbled across this great little blog called The Blonde Episodes. If you like all things vintage and Old Hollywood Glam, you will LOVE this blog. It just so happens there is a wonderful giveaway of the perfume Success by Beauty Society. What a great way to start Spring, with an awesome new scent!

Back to Back to Back

I apologize for my infrequent and lackluster posts lately. I have been on the go times a thousand. As I mentioned yesterday, all three boys had dentist appointments yesterday and we quite literally took over the dentist's office. I do have to say, the highlight for me was how wonderfully Brody behaved, and how he simply just sat in the chair, mouth open, ready for his cleaning. Dental health is extremely important to me, and despite a tentative last visit from Nate, I am proud to say my kids love going to the dentist. The juggling act I had to do while actually there was something that could have landed me in Ringling Bros.
After our rendezvous at the dentist we came home for what seemed like an eternity because the boys were not allowed to eat and of course. In reality it was only an hour before they could eat lunch before we were out the door to the doctor's office. Keira has been wheezy and I thought it should be checked. As I mentioned yesterday, Brody somehow hurt his ankle, in what I thought was just a mild sprain, but again, wanted it checked to be on the safe side. Two hours and me developing a slight head tick later, we were done. Keira is on a neb for the next week or so, Brody's xrays didn't show a break, (it was a sprain like I thought) so we were good to go. We came home and I quickly prepared dinner and did the daily list of dishes, floors, laundry, etc before I rushed out to a policy council meeting for Nate's school. I finally got home around 8:30 last night, kissed the boys, put Keira to bed and CRASHED.Flash forward to today, with dodging torrential downpours and floods, Brody's appointment at Children's, a tutu order to be filled, and another night jam packed. This time it is for Pop Warner (since I have SO much free time, I joined the pop warner board this year.) football registration. Three whole hours of registering football players. I get to repeat this next week too! (Tonight is just for returning players, new players are next week.) I do love being able to catch up with parents I don't get to see throughout the year though. It is always nice to see familiar faces and see how much the boys have grown, and MAN do they grow fast!How was Brody's appointment? Really well to be exact. It has been roughly 6 weeks since Brody's last ear infection, so I was already of the mindset that tubes may not be necessary. The ENT agreed, and it's a wait and see situation. His tonsils were larger, but not huge, another plus. His adenoids were medium to large, and she said that this could actually be the cause of the negative pressure in Brody's ears. She said when the adenoids swelled, they put pressure on the ear canal. However, summer is a "down time" if you will for colds and sinus infections, and the adenoids don't swell as much, so she thinks we'll reassess in the fall and see how he's doing. IT COULD BE SOMETHING HE CAN GROW OUT OF. Although in her expert opinion, he will definitely need them out before the age of five. But there is that chance. I'm praying on that chance. I believe in that chance.
I may be crucified by New Englanders for this one, but I am somewhat grateful for the rain these busy days (no I'm not a masochist, I don't enjoy running around in the rain,) because I think having such a jam packed schedule would depress me more if it was keeping me from the sunshine. I am gratefully looking forward to the weekend and the warm weather and sun, and our marathon birthday schedule the next week. (ready for bold, big print again?) AND FOR PREPARING FOR KEIRA'S FIRST BIRTHDAY/BIRTHDAY PARTY!!!Reminisce with me if you will, to last year. I had to jump back away from my screen just to see my whole, lovely belly!
I am more emotional about Keira turning one, because I know she will be my last baby. This is my last first birthday party to plan, but it is also the start to so many wonderful more memories to come.
with Ty and Keira at the basketball banquet

Brody at the dentist

Will I Survive With My Sanity?

We have just come from the dentist. All three boys went in, for cleanings. For any mom who has had to take four children to a dentist appointment, it was an hour and a half of hell. The boys all got clean bills of dental health, and Nate's bottom two teeth were a little loose (yay!)
On our way out to the car Brody suddenly started screaming in pain saying his ankle hurt. Yikes. We are headed to the doctor this afternoon. He is limping and very upset about his ankle. My poor little guy!
We were actually already headed into the doctor's office today anyway to try and figure out why Keira is so wheezy lately. She's not sick, no fever, no cold, just very wheezy. Hopefully it will be a fluke thing and nothing caused by her nasty bout of RSV this year.
Never a dull moment!

No More Nate-Os Jumping On The Bed

Have I ever told you the story of Nate getting stitches (the first real major injury to any of the kids) in his head? I was around 5 months pregnant with Brody, and it was Father's Day. I was working at The Border Cafe, and was getting ready for my shift. I was actually training someone that day and was smack in the middle of going over a test with the trainee. I got a phone call at work, which was extremely rare. It was Nathan frantic, telling me Nate hit his head and he wasn't sure if he should take him to the hospital or not. I said is he bleeding? He said yes. I asked if it was a lot, he again said yes. He then added he was pretty sure he could see close to his skull, at which point I told him to get in the car and I would meet him at the hospital. Nate did indeed give himself quite the gash, and ended up with 7 stitches in the back of his head and his hair dyed pink with blood for the next week (we were unable to wash his hair due to the stitches, and when we say it bled a lot, think gory movie amounts of blood.)
How did this happen you may ask? Well Nate, my special child, attempted to hang glide off his bunk bed like Diego. Yes, this can all be blamed on Go Diego ago and his ever transforming backpack. Nate took a blanket that had a crocheted outer edge, made a hold in the crochet large enough for his HEAD (yes we are so thankful he didn't end up hanging himself) and then jumped off the top bunk, but the blanket got caught and he ended up smacking his head into the wood of the rail instead. Ouch.
Nate has thankfully been wary of hang gliding off bunk beds since the incident, or jumping on them, or playing around on them in general. That is until last night. Ty was up in his room reading, and Nate, being the typical little brother, decided to go up, which meant Brody tagged along too. Apparently Brody and Nate decided to jump on Brody's bed, and then this turned into a game of, the floor is hot lava and we have to jump from Brody's bed to the bunk bed to escape the lava. Nate jumped, but he jumped SMACK into the metal bed rail. (In case you are picking up on the inconsistency, we used to have wood bunk beds, now we have metal ones.) I was downstairs cleaning and tending to Keira when I head the blood curdling scream, and then there was Nate, with a lump the size of Texas on the front of his head. This monstrosity swelled at lightning speed. I immediately grabbed my trusty bag of frozen peas, and that was that.
When will this child learn the dangers of playing on beds?

Silly Monkey Butt

Today in my house has been as crazy as the wind outside. It has been one of those days that I bowed down to and waved my white flag at around oh, say 9 am. It started when Ty woke up like a bat out of Hell. He was full of, well I'm still trying to figure out what, and got the boys going at quite an early time. Next down the line was Nate, who got a "magic bracelet that makes him walk like a different animal every hour", namely a penguin (did you even know how SLOW penguins wobble?) when we were trying to leave for school. Keira also added to the mix by learning to scold her brothers today. She sticks her pointer finger out, tucks her little chin down to her chest, raises her eyebrows and shouts "NA NA NA" (which we have translated to mean no, no, no.) Since her revelation, she likes to walk around the house and do this to anyone who is partaking in an activity she disapproves of.
I spent my morning finishing up errands I was washed out from doing yesterday, and then scrubbing my kitchen and bathroom. I now have mounds of laundry to clean and fold, and I want to hire a maid.

Keira, Liberty and a Mirror

TuTu PreView

Here is a preview of some of the new Tutu advertising.
Who can guess the theme?

Sunny Disposition

The weather here in New England has been heaven sent this week. The kids and I have picked up right where we left off, and have soaked up every delicious minute of being outdoors. Trust me, the state of my house can back me up on that.
I have been POWER (caps intended) walking the lake in my town. It is 4 miles from my house, around and back. I am making it all the way on average around 40 minutes. I am proud of this. I thought it would take me a while to get back in the swing of things. I even had a jogging partner on Saturday, when Ty and I raced most of our way on our trek. I am sorry I have remained absent during this time, but I can't find any part of me that has wanted to spend one second inside longer than necessary, and as I mentioned before, any indoor time was spent quickly pulling my house in order, doing the necessary things, and making food.Today we spent the day at my mom's house. We took some new tutu photos, with her great new camera, and of course tested it out on the kids too. Here are my favorite shot of each of them:
And here is a slideshow of ALL of the other ones

A La Uncle Jesse

My kids have an Uncle Jesse. He lives in San Fransisco. Are you a product of the 80's? If so this should bring back memories of a certain sitcom. My almost nine year old son who is quite the early bird, has discovered this show which is on at the crack of dawn and is quite enamored with the Uncle Jesse thing. I get it though. I always wanted an Uncle Jesse. I also quite often used the "cut-(insert charade like impression of cutting scissors here) it- out" (insert umpire like thumb throwing out motion here.) saying quite a bit. Sorry mom.
ANYWAY,
Uncle Jesse is a great photographer/big time movie location scout and he gave me some fabulous ideas for some tutu shoots. Here is where I enlist the help of you, my wonderful readers. I am looking for random, out of the ordinary locations. Think "hey why in the world is there a baby in a tutu waiting at a bus stop/old gas station/diner booth" type thing. Location ideas please? I will give you all full credit here, and you know, I may just be so grateful I throw in a headband/tutu gift if your suggestion is one of the main locales used.

I Can't Help It

Last post for today, I swear! This is Brody and Keira at the exact same age, making scrunchy nose faces, and I laugh EVERY single time.

24 Hour Improvement

What a difference a day makes. Keira has gone from shaky walking to standing on her own and walking EVERYWHERE! I mean this child is ready to take on the world. She no longer cares if I am there for her to walk to. Watch out world!

Kindergarten Pre-Op

Isn't it funny the way things change? Years ago, kindergarten was not even mandatory. This eventually changed. Then preschool became a more frequent choice. Now, if your child is not enrolled in preschool in utero, you're already behind. Kindergarten used to be the place you learn to read and write. In most schools today, you must be able to write your name and know and be able to write all of your letters, as well as some sight words before entering school. Today, for Nate's preparation to kindergarten he had to participate in a one hour "Kindergarten Evaluation" where he moved from station to station being graded on everything from gross motor to fine motor to speech, language, cognitive development, sight and hearing. The works. Each child entering the school system is scored and then they are placed in classrooms based on this placement. The school system is making sure there is not one classroom stacked with baby Einsteins, leaving another class, well, not stacked with baby Einsteins.
Although I agree in theory this is a good idea, it leaves me wondering what is happening to just being a kid? Is all this pressure, all of these regulations and expectations just a little overkill? I am proud to say I have taught all of my kids to write their names at a fairly early age, but it wasn't because I was afraid they wouldn't be accepted into kindergarten if they didn't. I taught them because they wanted to know. It mostly stemmed from writing their names on drawings, so they could show everyone it was their own masterpiece, or from teaching them to sign their name to birthday cards. Even Brody, my lovely two year old runs up to me when he is done with his latest creation and screeches "B, B, B, mama make B!" Because he knows his name begins with this letter. It seems like natural learning. It is not forced.
Nate did extremely well on his evaluation today, with exceptions in speech and language. The speech one I was prepared for, the language one, not so much. He apparently talked around some objects when describing them. Given another shot, I'm sure it would be a different outcome, but he will have to go back for yet another evaluation to explore these areas yet again.
(Mind you no evaluation result actually determines whether or not a child is accepted into kindergarten, it is just a way to mark their academic/physical levels prior to the start of the year.)

Keira Walking!

She Did It!

OKay, so although Keira has taken a few steps unassisted here and there, in her nature she is so cautious and careful that she still had yet to really walk on her own. This isn't to say she wasn't completely capable of it, because her way of feeling secure was touching either a finger, or a shirt while she walked. She needed that security. Yesterday however, while at my mom's house for my grandmother's birthday, she decided to walk. Out of the blue this girl just did it! Not only did she walk over and over again, but she also pivoted and walked some more!
She just wanted to wait until she had it down before she unleashed her new skill on the world. She's a perfectionist. Videos to come.

On a Different Note

As those of you who have been following me here know, My two year old Brody has gone through a lot with his ears and speech. He works with Early Intervention, and has made so much progress since October, when we first really buckled down and started tackling these issues. Within the past month though we have sensed he has been plateauing. It is hard to not get discouraged when he made so much progress and then it seems to just stop. I know we are doing everything for him that we can though, and I feel so confidant in the choices we made to enroll him in Early Intervention when we did and seek out Audiologists and ENTs. With that said, I had a long talk with Miss Jenn, who is Brody's E.I. teacher (she comes to our house once a week) and we discussed his progress. We also discussed the underlying issue as he has started saying more words, which is his tone is off. I'm sure most of you have heard someone speak who is hearing impaired. Although Brody is far from that, there is a very similar quality or likeness in the tone of Brody's voice. Nathan and I had a long talk about the fact that this may never change. As of now, the consensus from those treating Brody is that this is caused by his hearing loss. Somber news, but it could be worse. I am choosing to rejoice in my healthy boy, my funny bunny, my sweet, dear Brody and all his potential and all the possibilities for him.

Secret Time

Okay, I will admit my inner geek, but only to you readers. To preface this post I will say I have been mesmerized by The Academy Awards since I can remember. Maybe it is the actress in me, but I can actually feel the emotions of those awards. Since I am now embarrassed to ever watch them in front of anyone, I DVR them. I woke up bright and early to watch them. I knew I had to watch quickly because I wouldn't be able to listen to the radio, go online, or turn on the tv until I did. Well, it took me almost all day, watching it in snip-its here and there and this was not because I had to watch them this way. Folks, I had to stop because I'd cry too much, get emotional, and have to stop. I am almost twenty nine years old! Can someone tell me why The Academy Awards turn me into a fountain of tears?!?!

This, That, Where

Who Wants Cookies?

As most of you know, my dear friend Sarah, owner of Abigail's Bakeshop
makes quite possibly the most amazing cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and cookie bars in the world. I've dared you before, and I'll dare you again... don't believe me? Try them!!!
She is currently giving away a box of her famous Chocolate Cream Cookie Sandwiches. It's okay, you can go grab a tissue to wipe your drool. I won't judge.
Visit her blog for contest details, and GOOD LUCK!!!

Weather, Lovely Weather!

I won't write a whole heck of a lot right now. We have spent every moment possible outside the past two days. It has been GLORIOUS! The kids have been filthy and happy and worn out and the end of the day. They smell like spring is coming. Even Keira has been content to be in her exersaucer which we had put down in the basement months ago. She just basked in the sun, soaked in all of the wonders outside, and of course pointed to everything repeatedly asking "That?" Her quizzical nature is going full throttle right now. This girl is determined to know what every single thing around her is named. She will come back to the items she finds particularly fascinating and will ask "that? that? that?" Before finally attempting the word herself.
Brody has mastered saying "outside", or his version of the word. Those few moments he had to come in to you know, eat, he has begged to return "outside" or for me to "open door PLEASE!"
In short, thank you Mother Nature. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Walk This Way

And The Winner Is...

Congratulations to Jana, our first giveaway winner!
Each entry was numbered in the order it was received, and Random.org generated a completely random number to pick the winner.
Thank you so much to everyone who entered.
Stay tuned for an exciting giveaway from Murphy Custom Creations!

Peace Within

Today was a great day. It was busy, but what day isn't for us at this point? I have been driving one of Nate's classmates to and from school, which although it doesn't sound more stressful while I type this out, goodness me there is a difference in the volume level in my car. I mean, like whoa. Nate was having a hard time getting going this morning, so having to leave early and make that extra pickup was a lot on us today. Once we were out and done though things ran smoothly. I dropped Brody off with my grandmother and headed to one of my oldest friend's house. She just had a baby (who was 5 weeks premature, so he is a teeny, tiny baby.) I got my baby fix in, and it was so nice catching up and meeting her son. He is a gorgeous bundle of perfection. Keira entertained herself by playing contently with my friend's dog. They bonded over a squeaky toy and a diaper. My house has been loud and crazy since the minute we came home today. The boys seem to be releasing all of their energy that has been stored the past few weeks. Couldn't have waited a day or two guys?

Here is a snip-it from a dinner conversation:

Ty: These carrots are sweeter than you, Nate.

Nate: Nuh-uh, Mommy, Ty says the carrots are sweeter than me, Is that true?

Me: Nate I've never tasted you, so I can't compare you and carrots.

Nate: Well I know I'd be better to eat than these carrots! I'm a sweet kid.

Normally by this time of night, what I call the crazy hour, I am frazzled and the threads are bare, but amidst the chaos tonight I stopped, and let it all really sink in. My kids may have come across as if someone had injected them with adrenaline, but I focused on each one of them for a moment and felt so grateful. Ty was alternating reading and playing basketball (wrap your head around that one), Nate was"helping" Keira run the length of the house back and forth, again and again, and Brody was alternating chasing after Nate and Keira, sitting in my lap, or playing basketball with Ty. Tonight instead of pleading with the kids to keep the noise level down a notch, or giving out warnings for running, I let myself enjoy them. Tonight I rejoiced in the madness and said a little thank you to God for giving me these four amazing souls to look after. These little, teeny, tiny babies that once lived within me. Time passes so quickly. So what's so wrong with a loud house? What's wrong with my son throwing a fit because he wants to drink maple syrup, it's funny, right? What's wrong with not being able to hear myself think? What's wrong with running and jumping and laughing so hard you are out of breath, all from teaching your sister to walk backwards? Nothing is wrong with it. In fact, everything is exactly right.

New Tutus

I got an order for a few different tutus, and I loved them so much I wanted to feature them. I designed one for a little ballerina. Here is my Bubblegum Ballerina Tutu:
I designed a softer tutu great for new baby gifts or a photo prop. Here is my Cocoa Swirl Tutu:Lastly I designed one fun and spunky tutu. Here is my Sugar and Spice Tutu:

~Reminder~

Just a few more days to enter to win our Springtime GIVEAWAY. All followers of my blog are automatically entered once! It's my way of thanking you for your loyal support.

Jamber Baby

I get very excited about finding great products that are original, creative and well made, and I found just that at the Jamber Baby Boutique. I happened to stumble upon this beyond adorable onesie, and as I scrolled though the shop I fell in love. I ended up purchasing a gift for a new baby, but can not wait to pick out some cute things for Keira. Jamber Baby provides one of a kind items that are sure to stand out. I was so pleased with how quickly the item was shipped. The owner is so friendly and gracious. I highly recommend this shop and it's products. Thank you Jamber Baby! We will be shopping with you again very soon.