A Little Late....

Ok, so this post is very late, but I just have to post pictures from Mason's first time at the park... It wasn't as nice out as I would have hoped, and he was exhausted by the time we got there, so there aren't many pictures. I think he still had a fun time! I can't wait for him to get a little bit older so he can really enjoy it!

Mason's First Time in a Swing!

Daddy and Mason on the big boy swing!

Mommy and Mason going down the slide <3

The Arboretum is Good for the Soul...

This past sunday, I packed up my camera, and dragged Hubby and Mason to the Arboretum along with my dad. I have been wanting family pictures for a while now. Mason is getting so big so fast, and I wanted some pictures while he's still sort of small, so I had to make this happen.


Mason had a blast getting to play outside with his daddy. Mike has been working non-stop so he has only been home to sleep this past week. Mason was ecstatic to be with his daddy, mommy and grandpa to boot! 

         

He got to see geese for the first time, which i think he would have been more excited about if he weren't VERY tired.

We took a quick break so Mason could eat, and he fell right to sleep. My sweet boy. Then we continued on, walking through trails and spending time together. When Mason woke up we took a few more pictures and headed home. Lots of memories of me as a child at that arboretum, and now I pass them down and recreate them with my son...wonderful, perfect, nothing is better. 

Moms are like WHAT?!

Stumbled across this fun blog post relating moms to adult film stars... It gave me a little chuckle, maybe it will give you one too!

Click Me!

Now that I'm a Mom....

Now that I am a mother to a handsome baby boy, this story makes me cry my eyes out!

Love You Forever

Life is too short; eat dessert first!

Today is a laid back day in this household of mine. Hubby has returned to work, and Mason and I are just kicking back and having a mommy and baby day. As he enjoys bouncing up and down in his jumper, I'm getting a little me time, and before having my actual lunch I've decided to treat myself to some ice cream. Life is too short, you should eat dessert first sometimes! 

Since birth, I have affectionately coined Mason with the nickname Squishy, and for lunch, I am trying to feed my Squishy some squash. It's an entertaining conversation to say the least, even if it is pretty one sided. I imagine anyone listening from the outside would get a kick out of it anyways. 

After lunch, Mason and I watched the Yankees win another game. Then I decided to try to get a few pictures of him, which ended in very few pictures, and me being bitten by some mystery bug. Oh Friday the 13th, why are you so cruel?

I am a co-sleeper and PROUD!

My decision to co-sleep with Mason was a no-brainer. I hadn't looked into sleep studies so much, in fact, I hadn't looked in to many studies about parenting at all. I figured that as a mother, my instinct would tell me what was right. I stand by my decision whole-heartedly.

Since Mason was born, we forged and instant bond, we were instantly on the same schedule, and just totally in tune with each other. I know this isn't the case for everyone, of course. I would never tell someone to do something simply because it worked for me, because as my favorite saying goes, ever baby is different.  In my case, however, everything just came very naturally and made sense to do things the way I did. I knew that co-sleeping would be best, because I was very successfully breast-feeding, and to avoid fully waking myself up every hour to go retrieve my crying child, I could simply roll over and pull out my boob as soon as I felt him stirring. This way, Mason wouldn't get to the point where he was upset and take longer to fall back to sleep, and I would be able to fall back to sleep easier as well. As any new mother knows, sleep is VERY important. When you don't get sleep, you are irritable, and much less likely to be readily available for your new bundle of joy.

Another reason I love co-sleeping, is waking up to my smiling baby, nothing quite beats that. Then there is the physical and psychological benefits of touch. There have been numerous reports and studies which back up that touch can stimulate growth, and better health, and sometimes even produce a miracle.

The Rescuing Hug

Kyrie and Brielle Jackson were born on October 17 1995 in Massachusetts. They were 2 lbs at birth and Kyrie was gaining weight. Brielle on the other hand was not. She was crying a lot which left her gasping for air. 

Brielle was having a bad day, crying a lot. Gayle Kasparian, the nurse, tried everything to calm her. Nothing would work. She decided to put the girls in the same incubator to see what would happen. Almost immediately Kyrie snuggled up to her sister and put her arm around her. Brielle stopped crying, Her blood oxygen levels stabilized. 

Through time she got better. Brielle and Kyrie are now healthy, active children. 

****************

The power of touch is just undeniable, and that is a huge reason why co-sleeping was the way to go for me. To me that is more important than making sure I have all the room in the bed. As Mason grows, co-sleeping definitely becomes more of a sport, but its so worth it. I would sacrifice anything to ensure my child could thrive. 

Again, I know that not everyone is able to do this, even if they may want to, sometimes circumstances just don't allow for it. The negative sides to co-sleeping just aren't significant enough to convince me that I shouldn't be doing what every ounce of instinct tells me is right.

Here is a Pros and Cons List for Co-Sleeping if you would like to look into it.
Click Me!

Now, on a lighter note, here is a pretty funny and accurate portrayal of the sport we know as co-sleeping!

50 Rules for Your Son...

This was just too cute not to share!

50 Rules for Your Son

Work Boots from the Bestest!

So once upon a time, there was this crazy lady. I was terrified to meet her, because I had met my husbands immediate family and it was NOT pretty, to say the least. He assured me this crazy lady was not like his immediate family, but for some reason I was still terrified. I always want people to like me, realistically, who doesn't? 

Anyways, this crazy lady is my auntie-in-law, and her name is Marion. This woman is amazing... since day one she has always gone above and beyond to do whatever it is that she can to help my family, and I simply love her to pieces.

When Mike and I were driving back to New York from California, I was quite pregnant, and with two dogs in tow, she welcomed us into her home with open arms. I've never felt more welcome and more at home somewhere that I had never been, and with people that I have never met in my life!

She didn't stop there either! This woman is like a superhero! She drove up several hours to New York for my baby shower, for which the date had changed with very little notice. She wasn't going to miss that for anything, and I was nothing short of thrilled she could make it. It is because of this crazy lady that I love so dearly, that we haven't needed to buy Mason any diapers or wipes so far, and he is going on 8 months old! I never in my wildest dreams imagined the kindness and support that I would have from so many people. I've always expected it from my parents, that goes without saying.  

So This blog shall be my tribute to crazy Maid Marion 

as I so affectionately refer to her <3

Yesterday, I  received a wonderful Easter package from Maid Marion, for Mr. Mason, which included his very own mason jar, the only one i've ever seen that actually says MASON on it! I will be dying the glass blue thanks to pinterest and it will be on display in his room shortly there after. The item that stole the show in his box of goodies that she so wonderfully spoils him with, was the tiniest pair of work boots that were just too cute! So without further delay... here are some photos of the cute baby in the cute boots!

xoxoxoxoxoxo

Family Introductions!

I've decided that maybe i'll add more of the family element into the blog, it's alot more entertaining then just writing about a 7 month old. I love Mason more than anything but bless his heart, he hasn't gotten into much mischief...yet.

So perhaps now i'll take the time to introduce you to my family, and tell you a little bit more about us. I won't feature a paragraph or anything about Mason this time around. You already know about him, so for now I'll just introduce you to those you haven't heard about.

hmmm, where to begin?

Well, I met my husband, Michael, back when I was a freshman in High School, but we never dated. We kind of just admired each other from afar. My first love at the time was the one that introduced us which is pretty funny. Michael being the girl crazy teen he was, saw me in the hall and approached my boyfriend and said, "Hey man your girl is hot, you should introduce us." And my boyfriend at the time, bless his little heart, did in fact introduce us. Michael was the only guy that caught my attention other than my boyfriend. Eventually my boyfriend and I ended things, but it would still be years before Michael and I ever came together to become a couple.

In 2008 when Myspace was still the place to be, I had noticed a status update from Michael saying he was deploying to Iraq, and if anyone wanted to see him, to do so soon. I sent him an email immediately. Turns out he had already left, but from there we started talking almost daily. Every chance we got was spent on computers, phones, webcam...any way we could be in touch.

When his deployment was coming to an end I made plans to fly from New York to California to be there for his return. That is where our romance blossomed. They say that when you find the right person, you'll just know. And we knew.

Waiting for the buses to pull up, I was a ball of nerves. So anxious. I hadn't seen him in a VERY long time, but in the instant we saw each other, everything just clicked.

Fast forward to November:

My wonderful professors knew I was dating a military man, and were more than accommodating during midterms week. I was back on a plane to California to attend the Marine Corps Ball and spend his birthday with him. It was the first time I would be away from home like that by myself. I had the best time that week, I hid out in his barracks so we wouldn't have to pay for a hotel, and he would sneak me chow hall food, (i do not recommend it) and took me for rides on his motorcycle. When my time was winding down, his friend casually suggested, "why don't y'all just get married?" to which Michael responded, "don't tempt me." Then the next thing I knew he was a nervous wreck, chain smoking on the third deck of the barracks, pacing frantically while he tried to figure out what to say when he called my father to ask for his blessing to marry his only child. I found it to be adorable, and very funny... As the phone rang, Michael looks at me in a panic and says "omg should i call him dad or charlie or... hello d-charlie..." I couldn't help but giggle. When he asked my father, my mom chimed in, she had picked up the other phone and was listening in the whole time. Her response, "what the hell took ya so long?" Cute right? I love my family. So we changed my plane ticket home, and got married at the courthouse the next day during Michael's lunch break. 

So there is a little bit of background info on the Hubby and I, now I shall introduce you to the source of all of my fun/frustration/anxiety etc. THE DOGS!

  

First we got Jasper, He was born the day before Michael got back from Iraq, seemed pretty fitting that he belong to us, and I wanted a friend for when I packed up and moved 3 thousand miles away from everyone i've ever known. So here is Jasper, aka, furbaby numero uno! He literally was like my child. We bought him 2 days before we packed up everything that I ever owned, and crammed it into my Toyota Corolla to drive to California. That dog went everywhere with me. Including our apartment where dogs weren't allowed. Good thing we were living there while he was tiny, so when I had to take him places I could put him in my purse which could easily double as a pet carrier as it is. I like my purses big. He was there when Michael and I got in our car accident, and he was there through my recovery, keeping up my spirits. He definitely kept me busy. I trained him to do all sorts of tricks, and he really was my constant companion. I love that little dog. He's gotten pretty jealous since Mason has been born. He was so used to being my number one, and then in an instant life changed and Mason came into the picture, and poor Jasper just didn't get as much attention as he used too. I feel pretty guilty about that. He's still a good boy, even though he tends to be a little less loving towards me, and he cries out for attention by getting into a little bit of trouble every now and then.

Next on the list of fur children would be Queen. I was in New York trying to finish up a semester at school, so Michael was alone in Cali and i felt horrible that he was alone, and suggested that we get him a friend too! It's only fair after all. And being that I know my husband I knew he would want a BAMF of a dog, especially after he was stuck walking around with Jasper for a year. So I suggested a Cane Corso, and just happened to find one at the animal shelter. Fate? I think so. So we went and got her. She turned out to be the most amazing dog. She and my husband bonded INSTANTLY, and when he wasn't with her, she had severe separation anxiety. Mike had to fly her back to California with him, and he even joked at the check in desk how he hoped that we didn't have a homeward bound incident, and as we waited for Michael to board the plane we got called to the podium. Queen had busted out of the 300 dollar crate we got her and was running around the baggage area in the airport, the workers ended up trapping her in a shipping container. CHAOS! Mike joked how nice of the airline it was to give us a tour of the inner workings of the airport. Another incident like this one happened when Mike took her to work with him. She had never been there before, and he left her in the car (yes he cracked the windows), but she couldn't be without him. She figured out how to not only UNLOCK the doors, but to open them as well.. and she found her way to his office door. Clever girl. She has been the most loyal and protective amazing dog we could have asked for. And to think she was left for dead in a shelter. ADOPT A PET PEOPLE!!!

Now our most recent addition, Bella. She drives me INSANE. I will be honest, I didn't want her. Not because I don't like her breed, because I am a total advocate for Pit Bulls. They are fantastic dogs, and I stand by them. I simply didn't want another dog. I had JUST had Mason when we got her, and my hands were full enough as it was with two dogs and a newborn. This girl is a gorgeous one though. If I had the time to train her she would be fantastic. She has the most loving personality I've ever seen a dog have. Mason and her are like best friends. Mason loves her. When she comes close to him, he grabs her face and pulls her in for kisses, which Bella is more than happy to supply him with, in ENDLESS quantities, and Mason just smiles and laughs and squeels with joy. She also knows Mike is the pack leader, she tries to groom him, which is a sight to see if I do say so myself. She crawls up into his lap, puts both front paws on his chest, and licks his head until he is so soaked that it looks like he just took a shower. She is a character, that one. She is also the ONLY dog that has brought out the playful side of Queen. Queen would never play with any other dog, she didn't even know how to play until Bella came along

Easter Has Come and Gone

Yesterday was Mason's first Easter! I can't wait until he's a little bit older so we can make a big deal of all of the holidays and he will really enjoy it. It kinda stinks that he doesn't know whats going on right now, just a normal day for him. Maybe that is for the best right now, for yesterday anyways... poor baby was NOT a happy camper. We were able to get ONE family picture, so here we are in all our glory!

Please take note of Mason's amazing fedora, and our matching Chucks :)

He's started to get on a schedule for the past few weeks or so, and he has times of day where he naps even if its only for 15 minutes, but he tends to need those few minutes to function. Go figure, my child the cat-napper. His short naps don't really let me have anytime to get anything done while he naps, but if he doesn't nap, i will spend the rest of the day holding him and rocking him until he takes a long nap or he will be straight up miserable! So I welcome the tiny cat-naps if it means that when he wakes up I can put his show on and he will happily watch while bouncing away in his jumper. 

Shots, Baskets, and Real Men Wear Pink

On this past Tuesday, my handsome Mason man had to head to the doctor for his Flu booster shot. I swear when he gets shots, it is an equally unpleasant experience for both him and I. Knowing that hes hurt breaks my little heart into a bajillion pieces, then I pick him up, and hold a tissue on his leg to stop the bleeding and just rock him as a tear falls from his cheek. Makes me cry every time. And now it's all worse because he's come to the realization of what happens when I lay him down on the paper covered table, he knows whats coming, and you can tell he is stressing. Way to make me feel even more horrible!

So after the early morning trauma at the doctors office, we head to find some props for Easter pics for the little man...of course what should have been a simple trip to the store turned into an adventure. Since when does NO WHERE sell a decent basket? Thankfully my mother had an idea where to go and I had success in finding a basket to plop Mason in for a cute photo. The only catch is that it happened to be the day before the deadline to upload pics to buy at an amazing 1 cent per 4x6, and I rely on this deal to get ALL of Mason's pics printed. So his torment for the day wasn't over. Ok, I don't want to really call it torment... I never purposely torment my child. Once he's had enough, then I call it quits, thus why he only has 2 pictures for St. Patrick's Day. 

But my little trooper actually did REALLY well! I was very surprised, and thrilled. I was expecting to get maybe one picture of this little man, being that he was exhausted and had a shot only 2 hours earlier. I have the best little man ever. I'm truly so lucky to call him mine <3

Clearly, Real Men Wear Pink :)

Mason in a magazine?

It would be so cool if that could happen! Mason has already been featured in the newspaper twice since he was born, but to have a spot in a magazine, and professional photoshoot would be really cool! So I'm giving it a shot and entered him in a contest.

Wanna join in on the fun? Click me!