THE THINGS I LOVE

I love the grunting noise my son makes while he's trying to fall asleep.
I love the way he puts his hands, as if in prayer, while he sleeps.
I love ths crunched face he makes when he's done nursing.
I love the crooked grin he makes at us when our eyes meet.
I love the wide smile he makes at his dad when he comes home from work.
I love the way he smells when he's fresh out of the bath.
I love the prickly feeling his hair makes on my face when I rub my cheek on his head.
I love the way his toes curl around around my finger when I gently stroke his foot.
I love the way he sucks in his bottom lip when he's sleeping.
I love the way he holds my hand while nursing.
I love the way he sticks his tongue out when he coughs.
I love the way he sneezes and smiles big afterward.
I love the way he arches his back and sticks his butt out when cuddling.
I love the way he stretches when he wakes up.
I love the way he hums when he's happy.
I love the way he talks to his toys.
I love how his feet stink after a long day.
I love his bed head after a nap.

Stephanie M.
jrsmama2009@gmail.com

MOTHER OF THE YEAR AWARD

I've earned my first mother of the year award. It should have been worst mother of the year, however. My husband and I have spent the last few weeks Christmas shopping, like most families and amid one of our shopping trips, I earned said badge.

I have been eyeing the Iphone by AT&T and while in Wal-Mart.. we spotted a couple on display. Two young teens (13ish..) happened to be playing with them and so we waited patiently until they finished. They finished whatever it was that they were doing, returned the Iphones to their bases and walked off.

I should pause to say that lately.. I've been carrying THE MONKEY around in a sling. He gets tired easily and it's easy for him to sleep in there without having to move him around in the stroller, car seat, carts, etc. Plus I'm warmer than his cold seats so it's comforts me to know that he's warm and toasty in such cold weather.

Anyway, back to the story.

THE MONKEY was sleeping away in his sling while I proceeded to go check out the infamous Iphones. For some reason I figured since we were at wal-mart, the phones would be attached to their bases with some cheap fixation device.. like Velcro? So when I pulled the phone off the base, I pulled with force! Well.. when I did.. I whacked my son... in the head... with the Iphone. Great.

It turns out that it wasn't connected with Velcro. It was attached with a pansy little friggin magnet.

I immediately looked at his face and it was beat red.. squished in anguish and his mouth was wide open in the "Get-read-for-it-because-I'm-about-to-wail" face. I felt soooooo bad. I was absolutely sure that he was going to have a dark bruise the next day. He didn't. I kept checking his head over and over making sure he was okay. It was so sad.

The only thing I kept thinking was.. "good job, mom! Give you infant son a concussion. Yep, mother of the year!"

Then.. as I'm nursing him this afternoon... I'm clipping his nails while he's not really paying attention to me. He's preoccupied with nursing and it's my free time to bug him without him getting pissed. So what do I do?! I cut his little pointer finger, of course. It turns read and starts bleeding. Not bad, I do have to say.. about as bad as a pin prick would create but I still feel like a huge bum.

My poor son.
Stephanie M.
jrsmama2009@gmail.com

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME!

This, by far, has been the very best Christmas... EVER! We went to bed around 12:45am on Christmas morning after putting ginger cookies down for santa, along with some milk. Santa worked his magic, as well as Mrs. Claus. She makes all the stockings for the little boys and girls. At least she does in our house. Then we all went to sleep. We woke up at 6:30am to THE MONKEY wanting to eat. Perfect timing as our alarm was set to go off at 7am. I nursed him in bed.. then we all went out as a family to see if Santa came and to see what he brought us.

Poor MONKEY. He lasted through his stocking and into the first 2-3 gifts.. then he was OUT.

We were all spoiled this year.. Santa brought THE MONKEY many gifts that he LOVED and very much needed. Rattles, balls, teethers, keys, a play mat and a very cool bouncer. He didn't spent much time with his toys yesterday morning but he did taken a pretty nice nap in his bouncer that he got.

Once gifts were opened.. we went to breakfast with a great group of friends. She had to work and happens to waitress at a restaurant, in town, so we went to her work for breakfast. It was very nice of her to wait on us and provide excellent service!

After breakfast we spent the day at a friends house. THE MONKEY was dressed to impress and everyone LOVED his outfit and his behavior. He such a GREAT baby!

Once home we got to spend the evening playing with our toys... I'm loving my son so much! He's such a great baby and he is THE only thing that I wanted for Christmas and he's made this Christmas so very special to both me and Senior.

Stephanie M.
jrsmama2009@gmail.com

AS CLOSE AS WE'VE GOT

This is as close as we've got to capturing his precious little smile on camera...

Stephanie M.
jrsmama2009@gmail.com

WE'RE OPEN FOR BUSINESS

I just wanted to stop in to let you all know that my blog is PUBLIC again. I'm a little nervous about this as my biological father is lurking around and has access to the internet but I'm hoping for the best.

Wish me luck.

Stephanie M.
jrsmama2009@gmail.com

EASY HOLIDAY FAVORITE

Why is it that this time of year brings so much to do? Would we enjoy it the same if we didn't have so much to do? Sometimes I wonder...

During these times I love to make our traditional holiday favorites. Cookies, brittles, cakes, pies, anything and everything in between. We love them all. I wanted to share a super easy recipe with you that we LOVE to make. It's fool proof and so delicious!

NUT BRITTLE

1 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup White Corn Syrup
1/8 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Cup Nuts (your choice!)
1 Teaspoon Margarine
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Non-Stick Cooking Spray

Spray baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside. Mix sugar, syrup and salt. Cook in microwave for 4 minutes or just until amber in color. Remove from microwave, add nuts. Cook 1-2 minutes more. Remove and add margarine, baking soda and vanilla. Mix thoroughly. Spread evenly on prepared cookie sheet. Cool then break into pieces.

Stephanie M.
jrsmama2009@gmail.com

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

Okay.. first off, have you noticed that I've posted a blog 3 days in a row?! GO ME!

This year has been kind of crazy when it comes to Christmas shopping. We don't start Christmas shopping until the first week of December due to my impatience when it comes to giving people their gifts. In my family I am known for giving everyone their gifts early. Birthdays, Christmas, anyday.. if I have a gift for someone, you can safely bet that it will get to them before the festivities or celebrations. I just can't seem to keep a gift in my house, unused, unopened, unloved. I must share.

This year we started around the first weekend, or so. We got all of the items that would need to be shipped, first. We ordered all of our families gifts online and had them shipped to us so they could be wrapped, re-packed and re-shipped to their houses. Then once that was completed, we started purchasing our "in house" family gifts. The gifts that would be going under our tree, this year.

I got a Keurig Coffee Maker for my husband. Costco had a REALLY nice one on sale for $139. I couldn't pass it up. I was going to wait a weekend and come back to get it but I'm very glad I didn't because when I did come back, they didn't have anymore. I don't know if they'll be getting anymore shipments of it, or not, but I picked mine up and it's now wrapped and under the tree.

We got The Monkey a super cute playpen that he's going to LOVE. Perfect timing, too, because he's five weeks old (FIVE. WEEKS.) and he's just starting to get into his toys. I think he sat and told his little frog mobile toy a hour long story the other day, it was way too cute. We also got him about 50 little toys; rattles, blocks, balls, etc. His last big gift that we have yet to pick up is his bouncer. I'm also going to try talking Senior into getting him a Bumbo so he can work on sitting up on his own a little more.

We have yet to shop for me, but this year.. I'll be getting cloths. I need them horribly bad after having a baby in November and being pregnant since February. My body has changed dramatically and things no longer fit the way they used to. My shirts are now very tight in the bust (due to nursing) and my pants no longer fit in the hips. I'm tired of trying to squeeze (and I mean S.Q.U.E.E.Z.E!) into them only to have them barely button up due to my hips being too wide. Thankfully, we'll be doing that this weekend.

We only have a few more things to grab, wrap up and take to my moms for Christmas, thankfully. I can't wait to get it done and be on our way to Grandma's house. I can't help but sing the following:

"Over the hills and through the woods to Grandma's house we go!"

Stephanie M.
jrsmama2009@gmail.com

TRAVELING WITH A 6 WEEK OLD

This time next week, the three of us will be at Grandma's house. I really can't wait. We're going to be cooking Christmas dinner and enjoying all of the festivities. I am so excited!! It's been 5 years since I've spent Christmas with my mom as well as this being The Monkey's first Christmas.

If you know me, you know I'm the type that is way too impatient to sit back and wait for things like this to happen. Oh no! I have to prep and plan in advance. Not only do we have to plan and prep to take a 6 week old on a 10 hour trip, one way. One way, people!! ONE. WAY! 10 HOURS! Regardless of that, we also have to plan to make Christmas dinner once we get up there. Not directly after we get there, but a day or two later.

Now.. I'll be spending the next couple days preping, planning and hoping for the best. Crossing my fingers and toes that all goes well and that we survive this holiday season.

What are you plans this Christmas?

Stephanie M.
jrsmama2009@gmail.com

CHRISTMAS MEME 2009

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Yes, we started a few weeks ago and are almost done.

Tell me about one of your special traditions. One of our special traditions is to get everyone a brand new pair of pajamas. We open our new pajamas on christmas eve and wear our new get-up on the big day. It's something we did as a kid that I've brought with me to my adulthood.

When do you put up your tree? We usually put up our tree on the day after Thanksgiving, however, this year... we didn't get to it till the Sunday afterward.

Are you a Black Friday shopper? Nope, I never have been but it's a HUGE thing around here so I might get into it. I couldn't this year due to having a 2 week old but next year.. I may very well participate!

Do you travel at Christmas or stay home? Usually we stay home, I cook a huge meal and we have friends over. This year, we're heading up north to Grandma's house. It's a 10 hour drive (with a 6 week old!) but it'll be amazing, I'm sure!

What's a special Christmas memory of yours? One year.. I remember asking my mom, on Christmas Eve, what time we were getting up to open presents. She responded with one o' clock. We were so sad. We didn't want to wait that long, at all. We went to bed and were so disappointed. That is.. until my mom came in at 1am and woke us up to open our presents. We were so tired that it took a LOT of coaxing to get us out of bed. We did and had so much fun opening our gifts. That year I received roller blades and went roller-blading in the fired departments parking lot, next door, in the snow. It was so much fun.

What's your favorite Christmas movie? I would definitely have to say How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Do you bake any Christmas treats? If so, what are they? This year it's been a little hard to make any treats, period, but I have managed to make some pumpkin bread, christmas cookies and I'm very close to making peanut brittle. Yum!

Fake or real tree? Real... all the way! We spend the day after Thanksgiving (usually), out at the Christmas tree farm. Choosing, cutting and trimming our tree, we love it!

When, as a mom, does the panick set in, to get it all done? This is my first Christmas, as a mom, so I haven't had much time to think about panicking. Next year may be a different story.

Are you still wrapping presents on Christmas Eve? Nope, we buy and wrap the presents right away. We usually finish the week or so before so there's nothing left to get or wrap on Christmas Eve.

What's your favorite Christmas song? Oh Holy Night. My husband sings this and I absolutely LOVE it! LOVE. IT.

Stephanie M.
jrsmama2009@gmail.com

ONE MONTH: TRIUMPH!

Tomorrow officially marks one month since I've given birth to The Monkey. One month since I witnessed the most beautiful journey of my life. Endured the worst pain of my life. One month.
As I look back on this incredible journey and the amazing experience this past month has been, I'm trying to summarize it in one word. One word, people! That isn't easy! If I had to choose one word and only one word.. I would have to use: Triumphant!
I use "triumph" because not only have I graduated from the woman role to the "mommy" role, but I've also participated in the most extraordinary event of anyone's life; bringing a child, your own flesh and blood, into the world. Not only did I spent 7 hours trying to coax the child out of me, with a little help, I also spent a good 2 hours pushing the little guy out. I've also spent the last month growing more than I could have dreamed of and learned more than I could have ever imagined. About my son and myself.
I've learned that cold hands and a baby's bottom DON'T mix well.
I've learned that you really do bleed for the 4-6 weeks like they say.
I've learned that someone so small can cause damage to unsuspecting nipples!
I've learned that babies can and will projectile poop, especially when a diaper is no where to be found.
I've learned that it is possible for a baby to poop and pee 3-4 times in a row, within seconds of each other and ruin a good pile of diapers, within minutes.
Most importantly, I've learned that my priorities have changed.
Now...
I'd rather stay in bed and cuddle my son than getting up and jumping on the internet.
I'd rather change his diaper than tend to the fire.
I'd rather burp him or rock him than answer the door.
I'd rather nurse him than jump up to answer the phone (right, sheri?!)
I'd rather spend my afternoon with him, than with anyone else, (with my husband, too, of course!)
I would rather spend my time, with my family, than worrying about what everyone else is doing or saying.
With that I will leave with a letter:
Dear Jeffrey,
My gorgeous baby boy. This past month has flown so fast that it makes Mommy sad to think you're already a month old. It's been so amazing to see you everyday. To wake up and see your precious little face, next to Mommy's and Daddy's bed. It's been so overwhelming to watch you grow a little bit every single day. You make us so proud. I spend 24 hours a day with you and I still feel like I can't get enough. You are so perfect. I love watching your facial expressions, your little puckers when someone kisses you in your sleep. Your frowns when you're dreaming. We joke that you're dreaming of a milk shortage. You LOVE your milk, that is for sure! It's so amazing to see how much your dad loves you. As soon as he comes home the first thing he does is run in to say hello to you. Then he changes into his comfy cloths and immediately asks, "can I have him now?" It makes my heart skip a beat every time I hear that.
You've grown so much! You're now growing out of your newborn cloths and are officially in 0-3 month sizes. You're simply too long for newborn stuff, anymore. You're so tall and skinny that the waists of everything are way too big and often fall down, but if we put you in smaller sizes, they're too short in the legs and tend to look like shorts. All your newborn hats are now too small and you can no longer wear newborn diapers. It makes me sad to think you'll never fit in that size, again, but so proud all in the same. To watch you grow is amazing.
You've started following people with your eyes, just recently and have also started to look for people when they talk to you. For some reason you like looking at people's foreheads and eyebrows, but then again, your cousin JJ did the same thing. Just this past couple days you've started trying to "talk" to me and Daddy. You often coo and squawk and we're convinced that you're trying to tell us a story. I swear you try to tell Daddy all about your day when he finally gets home to hold you. You're the best cuddle bug and the best sleeper, I couldn't ask for anything better in a son. You, my boy, are perfect!
I look forward to watching you grow, each and every day.
I love you, my son!
Love Mommy
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

PAYING IT FORWARD

With all the holiday cheer going around this Christmas it's about time that I pay it forward. Thanks to Nicole over at Much More Than A Mom, she inspired me to participate in her little giveaway that she had going on, as well as create one of my own. Not only is she an amazing mom, she's a truly good friend who's always there to offer some great advice when someone is in need. (and sometimes not but hey, it's great advice and it's FREE! - What more could you ask for?)

Here are the rules:

The first 5 people to post a comment here will get a gift from me. This gift will be chosen, by me, with you in mind. If you have kids, it may be for or about them. If you don't have kids, but love your pets just the same, it may be for or about them.

As Nicole has stated, I cannot guarentee that you'll love your gift, but I hope you will.

I do have a year (12 months) to get you the gift but it will NOT take that long. How boring would that be?

You do NOT have to review the item that I send to you.

Here is what you do have to do:

1. You must do something similar on your blog and pay it forward to the first 5 commenters on your blog.

2. You must take a picture of the item that I sent to you and write about it on your blog, once you receive the item. It does not have to be a review or a big long post about what the item is, what it does, or where it's made.. but just something simple saying that you did receive it and how awesome I am for sending it to you. *you do NOT have to link back to me because my blog is private and they won't be able to see it, anyway.*

So... are you in?

Stephanie M.
jrsmama2009@gmail.com

THE BEST INTENTIONS

The day begins and I wish to accomplish so much.
The kitchen could use a good scrubbing.
The fireplace could be cleaned out.
The floor could be vacuumed.
Swept and mopped, too.
Dinner certainly won't make it's self.

I have the highest hopes for accomplishing so many things... then I look into these eyes:

and suddenly by the time I realize what happened... the day is over.

Oh well, they're always tomorrow, right?!

Stephanie M.
jrsmama2009@gmail.com