The Blueberry Thief

In our household, all of us are a bit fanatic about blueberries. The Costco size pack of blueberries only lasts about two days. No joke. We are that out of control. Or maybe, blueberries are just that good.

We love blueberries so much, we even had our own blueberry plant (who sadly got left in Scotland).

Connor, just like is parents, is crazy about blueberries. And he will do just about anything to get his hands on them.

As you can see, the dog is really into blueberries too. But, I am pretty sure she is in to just about any type of food. Except for french fries. No joke...weird dog. And she enjoys having Connor around because it means she gets to eat a lot of people food. And Connor enjoys feeding her.

Stretch

I am happy to see that my son has interest in a food that is good for him. He is even into vegetables. Connor, you make your mom and dad proud!

What's Your Plan?

Now that I am living back in California and seeing lots of people I haven't seen in a while, everyone seems to want to know the same thing...what's my plan?

A plan is such a tricky thing, isn't it? Back when I was with child, I didn't know how I would feel about staying home. Because of this, I was perfectly fine with the idea of going back to work. Then this adorable lttle guy came along and I was never the same.

The thought of abandoning leaving him and going back to work seemed awful. I kept getting sick to my stomach when I was actually talking to Starbucks about going back. Alas, that never happened and we ended up in California...the place where everyone seems to want to know what my plan is.

The truth is, I don't have much of a plan. I really do love staying at home with Connor. I pretty much think it is the life. But, for some reason, I feel so awkward telling people that I am staying at home. It makes me feel like people think I am a loser, a mooch, not driven. I know that isn't true. But it is I feel. I don't want to feel that way. In fact, I realize there are all sorts of people who wish they too were in the position to stay at home with their kiddos. So really, I should be talking about how blessed I am and not complaining about my feelings.

But back to my plan. If there was a job that really got my heart racing, I would consider doing it part time, but that is it. Part time. My time with Connor is much too precious for me to give it up.

Now I just need to get over myself and get to the point that I can admit to others that I spend my days with a one-year-old and freaking love it.

Driving with Baby

Back before Connor, when we would drive anywhere, all we had to worry about was my nervous bladder. Seriously though, that could be bad. I have some issues with not being around a bathroom. I used to not drink for hours before I went on a road trip. Ian helped by always being so cool about stopping for me to pee. But if anyone else was with us, I would get all weird and nervous again. Then Connor came along...

At first, car rides with Connor were a breeze. I mean, we drove to Italy and back without a problem! Long driving days, not a problem! The older he got, the less true this became. And now at a year, he definitely starts getting frustrated after an hour. Sure we can drive late at night, which we have chosen to do a few times. Problem is, I just want to sleep and Ian is left all by his lonesome.

If we are going on a daytime road trip, I have taken to stuffing the car with anything and everything for Connor. We have snacks, sippy cups, toys, toys and more toys. There are books, noise-making toys, small toys, large toys...you get the picture. And even then, it the the non-driving parent's responsibility to entertain the little fellow. And when he is done with the car, that is a pretty hard job.

Though I don't see us cutting road trips out of our lives, I do see us not deciding to make 3 trips to LA in a month again. It was just a little much. And I do still see a road trip across America in our future, just with WAY MORE stops than I originally thought.

Play Time

Our local Barnes & Noble has a train set in the kids section to play with. It has become a place we enjoy to go. Mom & Dad can drink some coffee and hope to have Connor entertained for 90 seconds before he runs off. Now, if there are other kids playing, Connor will stay. He doesn't play too well with others though. He must play with the train the other kid is playing with (even though there are a gazillion others) and he also has to stand right next to the other kids. When you think about it, it really is funny. Once Connor looses interest, he starts to run. Everywhere. And that is the end of peaceful coffee time.

This got me thinking...what is so wrong with Barnes & Noble putting up a fence around the train table? It really is a win-win situation. The parents get extra parent time and the store doesn't get trashed by the running youngsters. Come on Barnes & Noble. You know you want to help a mama out.


**You know you love the high quality cell phone picture!

Teamwork

One of the most annoying things to me is to hear a man say that stay at home moms have it "easy". It makes me want to punch the guy in the face. I know, violence is NOT the answer. The thing is though, it always seems to be dads saying this and the dads that say this always seem to be the laziest and least involved with their children.

On the flip side, it irks me to hear moms complain about how easy their husbands have to go off to work. It is as if they forgot they chose this life. If you are that miserable, throw your kid(s) in daycare and get a job. Problem solved. Now, I am not saying motherhood is a walk in the park, but it is the life I have chosen. And, I consider it an honor that I get to hang out with Connor all day. Ian actually has to wake up in the morning, go to work and function. I roll out of bed, feed Connor breakfast while drinking coffee and stay in my pajamas until 11...that sounds like the life to me! And Ian would love to be a stay at home dad. Problem is, we would have to live out of a cardboard box if I was the sole provider for the family. Sorry Ian. Plus, Ian didn't seem too keen on trying to breastfeed!

All I am trying to say is we are a team. We aren't working separately. We are working together to keep this family going. I love how involved Ian is in our family. And I love that he can provide for us and enjoys providing for us. I love watching Connor get excited when Ian gets home and am not jealous at all about that.

Its all about supporting one another, not tearing one another apart.
Its about making each other's lives easier, not harder.
Its about love, not hatred, jealousy or rage.
Its about family.

I love my little family.

Wordless Wednesday

Weekend Update

By Connor

On Friday, I finally mastered the straw. Mommy was really excited about this. To make it even better, I was even drinking water through a straw...which I normally refuse to drink.

On Saturday, I got to hang out with Mom and Dad. They love spending time with me because I am so dang cute.  Then Saturday night, Mommy and Daddy went out and Uncle Jeremy watched me. He did great, though he was a little unhappy about having to change my diaper. Twice. And both times I had a nice surprise in there for him!

On Sunday, we headed to Ikea to pick up a dresser for me. I was tired and slept the whole way there...holding my pal Woody, of course. Mom and Dad stayed up after I went to bed, putting the dresser together.

I was also able to convince Mom that I really needed a lawn mower. It reminded her of her childhood...but she said her's (well, her brothers) blew bubbles. I love it. Though I haven't been outside with it, I am great at mowing the carpet!

And what weekend would be complete without a trip to Starbucks?!? I am pretty sure we went way more than once. I love "drinking" Starbucks. And if I can get my hands on a lid, all the better!

 

 So that's it. Hope your weekend was a good as mine!