The Perfect Fan

Heard this song the other day, (not for the first time) and I know it's super old, but its what I strive to be and I hope and pray that my son thinks of me this way when he's older.

The Perfect Fan
Backstreet Boys

It takes a lot to know what is love
It's not the big things, but the little things
That can mean enough
A lot of prayers to get me through
And there is never a day that passes by
I don't think of you
You were always there for me
Pushing me and guiding me
Always to succeed

You showed me
When I was young just how to grow
You showed me
Everything that I should know
You showed me
Just how to walk without your hands
'Cause mom you always were
The perfect fan

God has been so good
Blessing me with a family
Who did all they could
And I've had many years of grace
And it flatters me when I see the smile on your face
I wanna thank you for what you've done
In hopes I can give back to you
And be the perfect son

You showed me
When I was young just how to grow
You showed me
Everything that I should know
You showed me
Just how to walk without your hands
'Cause mom yo always were
The perfect fan

You showed me how to love
You showed me how to care
And you showed me that you would
Always be there
I wanna thank you for that time
And I'm proud to say you're mine


You showed me
When I was young just how to grow
You showed me
Everything that I should know
You showed me
Just how to walk without your hands
'Cause mom you always were
The perfect fan

'Cause mom you always were
Mom you always were
mom you always were
You know you always were
'Cause mom you always were
The perfect fan

Don't hate that it's Backstreet Boys.

Here's some pictures to also suffice as a decent post for the day.

Happy Saturday everyone!

We like White Trash Things

So, Pinterest isn't a complete waste of time. In fact, I've found several items on it which have helped me to decorate our home, recipes that have satisfied our taste buds, and crafts to keep in mind to do with the babes once he's a little older.

When I find a recipe on Pinterest that is not only easy to make but also both I AND the hubs enjoys... Well I feel like I've won the lottery. You see, my husband has what I like to call "simple taste buds". He dislikes my homemade spaghetti sauce, he would rather have canned Manwich sandwiches than my homemade BBQ sandwiches, my family's recipe for chili? No thanks, he'll take the canned stuff. The guy doesn't even like stuffing for crying out loud. So you see my dilemma when planning meals. Also my future dilemma when it comes to making sure Baby Dean has a broad palate.

So as I was scrolling along Pinterest one night I found an intriguing recipe titled, "White Trash Casserole". We tried it for the first time a few weeks ago and it was big hit. I made it again tonight, packed half for Dean for lunch, and had a plate myself, and determined I should share my great find.

WHITE TRASH CASSEROLE
(not my recipe! Found on Pinterest!)
So the ingredients are as follows:

1 pound ground beef
1 onion chopped
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can of corn drained
1 block of Velveeta Cheese cubed
1 bag of Tater tots

Now, to make.

Preheat oven to 350.

Brown the ground beef and onion together, then drain.

Put the ground beef and onion mixture in the bottom of a casserole dish

Pour can of Cream of Musheroom soup over ground beef mixture.

Pour can of corn over cream of mushroom soup.

Put Velveeta cheese cubes on top of corn.

Put tater tots on top of cheese.

Bake for 45 minutes or until tater tots are golden brown. (Be sure all tater tots are cooked! Not just the ones on top!)

And that's it!

The beautiful creation comes out looking like this:

And after you take one scoop out:

And when you place a whole bunch in a tupperware container for your husband to take to work:

The best part of this stuff is that it reheats SO well. Seriously, it tastes like it's fresh out of the oven once you reheat it days later. 

It is also SO filling. Like two serving spoons full on a plate fill me up for an entire night. 

So go on and get white trash with yourself! 

Don't forget to pull out your TV tray and eat it while watching Honey Boo Boo.

Oh I went there :)

Let's Get a Few Things Straight

**Please note that I wrote this a long time ago, but have neglected posting it, until I had it worded just right so as not to offend anyone. Shout out to my mother-in-law for assisting me in this difficult task.**



Well. The babes has learned to roll from back to tummy now, and he is officially mobile. 

Watching him roll from one end of the room to the other gets pretty ridiculously hilarious. 
But he's cute, and he's mine, and I love him.

Now.

Let's get a few things straight. 

Society has put such a negative connotation on stay-at-home Moms that often times women feel ashamed that they are doing so.


I know that I personally have this insecurity that I am not contributing to our home enough, because my contributions to our family are not financial. 


This is what God has called on me to do. This is my role.


I've known for a very long time, before I even met Dean, that this is what I wanted to do. I wanted to be able to stay home and raise our children, and if I was blessed enough to do so, I would be thrilled. 


And. I. Am.


Now, I understand not everyone can do this. I find working Mom's inspirational. The mom's that work 40 hours a week, and then come home and cook and clean up dinner, and bathe their children and put them to bed, and clean the house and do the laundry...

They AMAZE me.


If my life takes me on a different path in the future, I'm sure I could be a working Mom too but my goals will still be the same and I am committed to them, my family will come first. Because of these goals, they will be raised with the morals and values that the hubs and I have:


God comes first. Family is forever. Respect your elders. Use your manners everywhere you go. Have the confidence in yourself that I have in you. Learn to be independent, proud and love yourself before looking for love in someone else. Materialistic things will get you no where in life. Be happy with what you have. Be present in each moment. Appreciate everything you have been blessed with. Treat others the way you want to be treated


So telling a stay-at-home Mom that she does nothing but sit on her butt and watch TV all day is not only hurtful, it's like telling her she doesn't care about her family, or herself.

Telling a working Mom that she should be home with her children and not working is not only hurtful, it's like telling her she doesn't care about her family, or herself. 


What right does anyone have to judge me or anyone else or decide what their role should be in their own family unit? 

"Women are a precious gift from God to the world. They are creative, sensitive, compassionate, intelligent, talented, and according to the Bible, equal to men. God created man first - but quickly discovered he needed a helper. Not a slave, but a helper. He created a woman from one of Adam's ribs and called her Eve. Note that Eve was taken from Adam's side - from something close to his heart - not the bottom of his feet. Women were never intended to be walked on, disrespected, bullied, or belittled. Eve was created because Adam needed her. It's the same today; men need women, and they need them to be more than a cook, housekeeper, sex partner, or baby making machine." -Joyce Meyer

Think before you speak.

Be kind to one another. 

Your children are watching, be their example!

1/3 of A Year Old

This post is coming to you a little late because, well, I'll explain it below.


Baby Dean,

Well. You're four months old now and still growing like a weed. When we went to the doctor on the 12th, you were 24 inches long, and 11 pounds, 10 ounces.

You can now:

roll from tummy to back

roll from back to tummy

fully support yourself standing (you only need us for balance)

sit up on your own

play with toys

and so much more...

We tried Rice cereal for the first time yesterday, and you are NOT a fan.

Our pediatrician said she wanted us to wait until you were 5 months, but you've been going through this stint of nursing every 2 hours, day AND night, for a good two-three weeks now and, well, I need sleep, so we're going to start just a little early.

Now, this is coming to you a little late because we've had a loss in the family. Your great-granny, (My grandmother) has passed away.

It's difficult to go through the emotions of this, but I think everyone in the family is dealing... in their own way nonetheless.

Your great granny and your great pappy were married for 61 years. They had 5 children, 8 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren with one on the way (by the way you have a cousin due to arrive sometime in March... but more on that another time).

The love that Granny had for all of us was unconditional. She'd do anything for us and was proud of all that we did. She was the best grandmother to grace this earth, and we were all blessed to be loved by her.

Just know that she will be watching you always and loved you very much, even in the short 4 months she knew you.

You helped me and a lot of family members get through this week of saying good-bye to such a great lady. Your smile brightens the world around you, just remember that.

I love you baby boy.

xoxo

Your Momma.

and one hilarious outtake:

In Loving Memory:

Nadine B. Sadler

08.16.1934 - 09.11.2012

One year ago today...

Today is an emotional day for me.

A year ago today, I peed on 3 of those magical sticks and found out I was pregnant.

The overwhelming shock was so intense, I found myself bawling my eyes out, alone, and wondering how I'd tell Dean.

You must understand that I DO indeed know how babies are made, and yes more pre-cautions could have been had, but this was God's plan for us.

You also need to understand my mind set at this point in my life. I was 23 days away from my wedding. I had plans to finish college in the near future, and then have children shortly after. I had just been out with my best friend celebrating her 21st birthday two days before taking the test (aka: a night of heavy drinking), I had been without health insurance for about 3 years and I knew that my future and all my plans were changing right before my eyes.

After collecting myself enough to speak, I called Dean, told him I needed to talk to him in person (he was at work) and proceeded to drive to meet him there.

Once we were locked in a small car together, through my tears, I told him I was pregnant. Dean was in shock just as I thought he would be. He left work early to come home with me, and after a short drive, I met my soon-to-be husband back at our house and he.was.excited. Giddy. Thrilled even. (It took me a little longer to get to this point, I'll be honest).

We had a small lunch and Dean decided he couldn't keep it a secret so we called our parents (who were beyond thrilled) and a few close friends. We felt being able to share it with just a few people at this point was heathy, and we would let the rest of the world know after the wedding and after a doctor appointment.

It's crazy that I can still remember that day just like it was yesterday. But it is rather important. That day I knew I was going to be someone's Mom. That I was going to have a child; to raise and love unconditionally.

When I checked on my boy last night before I went to bed, I stuck around just a little longer. Taking in his peaceful sleeping. His innocence. The miracle that Dean and I made, and I knew was coming to the world a year ago.

I love that boy more than I ever thought I could love a person. And I am so thankful that this day will forever mean something to me.

My Boy. My THREE Month Old Boy.

Baby Dean/Pumpkin Butt/Silly Boy,

Today you are three months old. 

Three. Months. Old.

Time is moving way too fast for me. I just want it to stop or slow down at least a little, but I know that's asking too much. 

You are such an active little boy. When you're not moody because you're sleepy or hungry, you are the happiest, most curious baby I've ever seen.

Forget sitting anywhere for too long. You always want to be on the go and checking things out. 

Your activity gym I just bought you? You're SO over that. You'll still try to make me happy by laying in it and checking things out, but just like clockwork, 5 minutes in and you're over it. 

Dad and I just recently bought you a Bumbo too. I'm pretty sure you love it. When we sit you in it, and keep our hands off, you have the biggest grin. Almost like you're telling us, "SEE?? I AM a big boy!" and it's totally adorable.

At your doctor appointment last week, you measured in at 10 pounds, half an ounce and 22.5" long. Dr. Joe informed us that you have a mild case of Eczema, and an "intermediate" case of acid reflux. Basically, we just have to use special shampoo, body wash, and lotion on you, and keep you on more of an incline until the acid reflux grows out of you, I guess is the best way to put it.

You were also given three vaccines. Two shots and one by mouth. 

The first shot, you seriously didn't even flinch. The second one? The one that "burns" as the nurse put it? You SCREAMED. And you screamed good. 

And it broke both your Mommy's & your Daddy's heart.

But by the time we left the office, you were totally fine. Like nothing had even happened.
You're gonna be one kid I definitely won't have to soothe too much when you skin your knee.

So let's see...

Your current likes are:

The Olympics (especially swimming events)

Your exersaucer

Laying on your changing table and smiling and talking up a storm... sometimes when you're just SO fussy for no reason, we go up and hang out on your changing table. It's weird, but you love it so I love it.

The bathtub. Still. You're like a fish. It's ridiculous.
Your fingers. We can't keep them out of your mouth. But that's alright. Drool and all we still love you.

Your current dislikes are:

Staying in one place for too long.

Sleeping anywhere besides my arms.

Me eating. (I swear you side eye me and give me evil looks every time I try and have a meal. Finger foods have become my best friend thanks to you.)

Tummy time. You learned to roll over from tummy to back and now it's like you find no reason to be placed on your tummy. You FREAK every time I try to initiate tummy time. You won't roll, you won't do anything but freak out until I pick you back up.

I think we are going to take you for your first trip to Ocean City next weekend. It's going to be so fun to get your toes in the sand and start a family tradition of going every summer. 

Both your Daddy and I grew up going to Ocean City, and I want you to experience that as well.

Overall little boy, you grow and change every day and I love it. It's an amazing feeling I have watching you grow. When you were first born, I honestly didn't know how I could love anyone more than how much I loved you in that minute. But everyday I love you more and more. 

Everyday you amaze me more and more.

I couldn't be more proud.

Love,

Your Mama.

PS- Here are some pictures your Maw Maw took of you, you big three month old.

And a quick look at how much you've grown since being born. 

Five Minutes old

One Week Old

Two Weeks Old

Two Months Old

Three Months Old

Annddddd all the rest of the "3 Month" pictures I took of you this morning.

 I love you Baby Boy.

Stuff I like.

If you're reading this post, it's because you're interested in the stuff I like. 

ORRRR because you're interested in good things to have with a baby.

The latter? 

Yeah...  I thought so.

You'll notice everything on the list is gender neutral. Why?
Because I'm not about to spend hundreds of dollars on stuff that I may only be able to use with one baby (and I'm certainly not putting a little boy in something pink or a little girl in something blue and manly). Sure it'd be fun to buy blue or pink, but hey, that's what clothes are for! (And those I get at consignment shops!!)

Everything on this list can and should be purchased at Wal-Mart. Keep my hubby employed. K?

Shark Steam Mop

This bad boy is AMAZING.

You see, when people come over my house, I invasion them taking a look at my hard wood floors and picture me on my hands and knees scrubbing and polishing to keep them clean.

Well. I don't do hard labor. 

It's sold with three microfiber pockets that are machine washable.

You fill it with tap water, plug it in, wait about a minute, and start steaming. It cleans and sanitizes your floors at the same time.

AND

It's perfect to have around children because you're not putting nasty chemicals on the floor that they're crawling and throwing themselves on.

It's a higher priced item, but you spend the money on that, and never have to buy another mop or bucket or chemicals ever again.
It works on tile, sealed hardwood, linoleum and vinyl!

It leaves a beautiful shine on my hardwood floors, easily cleans my kitchen floor, and sanitizes the bathroom floor perfectly. I seriously LOVE it.

Baby Einstein Baby Neptune Ocean Adventure Gym

Another higher priced item, BUT totally worth it.

All of the items that you hang on it are removable and therefore able to put in other locations. 

LIKE hanging from the car seat handle or next to a changing table. 

It comes with this awesome 3 in 1 electronic crib toy that lights up and plays sounds. We have ours wedged next to the changing table and turn it on when it's diaper change time and Dean LOVES it. Like he's actually getting use to the music and recognizes it. He gives a "UH MOM?! Where are my tunes?!" look if I forget to turn it on. 

The cross bars are removable for when baby no longer wants to lay on their back, and links are attachable around floor mat for tummy time and to encourage crawling. 

They don't call it Baby Einstein for nothing.

Best part?

It's Gender Neutral!! We can use it with every child we have!

Oh, and it has turtles on it... *side eye to Big Dean* ...yay.

Boppy

I feel like everyone knows what this is, but just in case not.

It's a Boppy or "Man's gift to nursing women"

It's in the "U" shape so Mom's can slide it around them, lay baby on it and nurse very easily.
It also works well with baby learning to sit up and keeping them inclined when necessary. Like so:

We just found out our boy has a little case of acid reflux, so this is nice to lay him in after he finished nursing and is asleep so gravity can do it's work to that nasty acid and keep it down.

The link I gave takes you to a "naked boppy" which is the one we own. We bought a gender neutral cover (as seen above) so I can take it off and wash it and continue to use it with all our children.

The boppy also serves as a great pillow for Mom or Dad (mainly Mom... sorry Dad).

It never gets flat and can be twisted and shaped into whatever you need to make you comfortable.

Bumbo

We've only had this guy for about a week now, but I can tell you it's worth the money. 

It helps Baby to learn to sit up on their own, and teaches good posture. The Tray pictured is usually sold separately, (so obviously it's removable) and works well with putting toys in front of baby to play with or feeding the little one rice cereal that isn't quite big enough to sit in the high chair. 

They also sell covers for them now, but the seat it's self is like a vinyl, plastic, rubber kind of material that wipes off easily.

Also sold in gender neutral colors like lime green, or teal, so we can continue to use with all future children!!

**UPDATE: Since writing this, the Bumbo pictured has been recalled. But for a seriously stupid reason. People, parent your children. Don't leave them alone in something they can fall out of and fracture their skull. One would think this is obvious, but, in today's society, it needs to be spelled out.**

Fisher Price Snugabunny Swing

Ok. So first, this is just freakin' adorable.
Second. Gender neutral! (Can you tell I'm all about the gender neutral stuff?!)
Third, it PLUGS IN!
Do you know how many swings plug in? Not many. Most require batteries, so what are you constantly doing? Buying batteries.
This positions three ways. The way shown above, turn to the left and turn to the right.
A beautiful mobile with a mirror in the middle, harness straps (because babies fall out of this kind of stuff), 6 speeds, and 4 different musical selections (Music, Music and Nature, Nature, Water). If you're feeling REALLY rebellious, get the matching bouncer.

Fisher Price Snugabunny Bouncer

Totes Worth it.

On both apparatuses, the seats are like fur soft and removable so they can be washed... because leaks happen.

The bouncer only uses batteries, but I have yet to change them since putting them in, and we use it at least once a day... for three months.

Diaper Genie

As I wrote when I was pregnant, we chose to use disposable diapers. For a while there, I was thinking about starting cloth, but, that left my mind quickly.

We purchased this because "everyone needs a diaper genie!"

But really...

EVERYONE NEEDS A DIAPER GENIE.

This one has a foot pedal for easy one hand disposal.

Keeps all smells trapped in nice and tight, and surprisingly holds a good amount of diapers. I think I take them out maybe once a week? I'm sure as the diapers get bigger, that'll change, but so far it's really worth it. 

I've only had to buy two refills so far, because I empty it correctly. Not many know that you need to push the diapers together and push all the air out before cutting and tying the bags. I'm pretty proud that I can get about 50 diapers compacted down to a space about a foot big. Can't tie the bag you just took out? Who cares! It's going out in the big trash bin for the nice garbage men to take away on Monday morning!!!

And finally...

Chick-fil-A

I just couldn't resist.


So that's my list for now. I'm sure I'll have more lists as Baby Dean gets older.


What are your favorite items that make your life easier with baby?