Baby Advice?

Mamas who read my blog - any advice on transitioning Cole from his bassinet to the crib? I know the open space in the crib is going to make him feel vulnerable, and I know Adam and I will mostly likely have to endure some sleepless nights during the change. Just wondering if anyone has any expert tips. Cole still sleeps swaddled in his sleep sack, without a pacifier, pretty cuddled in his bassinet right now. Help!

Best Friends

Tyler and his buddy Jason. Kindergarten self-proclaimed best friends. Jason is such a great kid. Very similar to Tyler, except - according to Mrs. Gasper - Jason is a chatterbox in class, while Tyler is very quiet with his school work. They sit at the same table, across from each other, and sometime (about mid-school year) found they were kindred-spirits. Jason's family is already super-bummed these two won't be in the same 1st grade class, and so are we.

Ice Cream Fake Out

We're on a sugar freeze 'til Easter. Not super duper strict (kids still drinking apple juice such), but last weekend Audrey had a ton of candy - friend's birthday party, Adam's birthday cake, early Easter goodies from Grandma, etc., so after that turned into Audrey on crack (not to mention I'm still a little sensitive about Tyler's past teeth issues), I told the kids, "No candy at home 'til Easter". Dessert can be fruit, yogurt, or smoothie popsicles. I felt like their little bodies (and ours) needed a detox. They're cool about it - I have pretty good eaters. Today I made banana soft serve. Totally passed it off as ice cream, and it was great. We did plain banana today, but you can add anything: frozen fruit, a little peanut butter would be yummy, even chocolate chips if you need a treat. Here's raspberry. Mmmm. We will definitely be making this again. Handed the kids bowls of "banana ice cream" and they licked 'em clean.

Tucked In

When you're the baby brother of a big sister I think you end up having to have a good sense of humor. Like when she tries to put bows in your hair, dangle necklaces around your neck, or tucks you in with her dollies in the morning.

The football pjs make Cole feel manly about it all, I'm sure. What a good little sport.

Rain

It's the perfect rainy afternoon right now. Mostly because it's Sunday and no one has to be anywhere. Today after a morning at church, we're staying in, catching up, budgeting, meal planning, making a schedule for the week as Adam has a hiatus. Dinner is turkey burgers, roasted potatoes, and asparagus made by Adam. Hoping to watch The Muppets with the kids tonight. Mad Men premiere later with Adam. I'm looking forward to Tyler's spring break in another week, and what we'll do (on a budget). It lines up with a Ladybug Music break for me, so that's nice, too. Ideas:

Huntington Library Gardens (I have free passes).
Travel Town.
Zoo.
Hit the local library and check out books (Tyler is quite the reader these days).
Visit the house, do something fun exploring our new neighborhood.
Hair cuts and errands.
Cook!
Visit Underwood Farms to pick strawberries (might be a stretch with the baby).
Play and picnic at the park. Invite friends.
Tyler really wants to go to the aquarium, but it's a little expensive - we'll see...

Right now is tea, napping and lazy time on couch while babies sleep. The sound of rain outside.

Winter Coats

I think my kids are the only two people longing for cold weather in March. Must be the year round warm Southern California weather that makes them wish for colder temps. This evening they put on every piece of cold-weather gear they had, and played around the house pretending they were in Antarctica. Pretty funny stuff. It's was in the 60s here this week - some beautiful, sunny days.

Happy 39

10 years ago I went to Adam's 29th birthday dinner at Olive Garden in Somewhere, USA while we traveled the country performing in Ragtime. We had just met, already good friends. 9 years ago we had been dating for almost a year. I threw Adam a dinner party for the big 3-0 with a few close friends at his Washington Heights apartment. 30 Magnolia Bakery cupcakes were a highlight. What will we do next year? 40 is big. As for 39, there will be cake (made by my awesome friend Michelle who is an amazing baker and offered to bake his cake - S'mores inspired at his request), and a painting party at our new house. Probably a shopping spree at Lowe's, homemade cards, and a few other treats.

Happy 39 to the best man I know. Lucky me to celebrate these past ten birthdays with you.

Goings On

I'm a sucker for the school book fair. Seriously brought home seven books from Tyler's school's Reading Night tonight.

Adam's birthday is tomorrow!

Cole rolled over today! Four times in one day. And slept through the night one night (8pm - 6am). Let's shoot for night #2, okay buddy.

We made snack necklaces. Super easy (because I don't do any complicated crafting around here), and inexpensive (because I'm on a budget - except, clearly, at the book fair). I already had ribbon, Cheerios, and pretzels. Picked up Fruit Loops and yogurt covered pretzels, too, (any food with a hole in the middle). Kids strung them, tied them around their necks. Voila. Snack necklaces. The only problem is it's hard to find healthy snacks with a hole in the middle. But it's fine for every once in a while. Kept Tyler and Audrey super busy in the afternoon while I nursed Cole.

We have pet caterpillars. Five of them. Tyler got a Butterfly Garden for his birthday from his buddy Jonah. Kinda cool. Hope they all turn to butterflies.

Dealt with a crazy eviction this week. Makes me so grateful to live the way I do, and have the life I have. It was stressful, but truly a sad situation for this person who left the building.

I seriously want this watch, and I've never, ever wanted (or worn) one before. I love it. So pretty.

Starting to throw around ideas for Audrey's birthday party. She says Minnie Mouse or Hello Kitty. I love these simple pink lemonade cupcakes.

Audrey's loves Idina Menzel. A week ago she caught glimpse of her PBS special and was glued to the TV. I recorded it, now Audrey asks to watch it all the time, and sings and dances around the apartment with her microphone - trying her hardest to sing "Defying Gravity" and others. The irony is that Audrey has met her. She doesn't realize she's singing along with a Broadway star, just a little friend's mama. Reminds me of singing in the mirror with the hair brush. Sometimes she wants me to watch her, other times she's private about it. Audrey has a true performer's heart. I recognize it, and it's so lovely to watch.

Speaking of, there's a free Ladybug Music demo class coming up. Sign up on the website if you wanna come sing and dance.

Oh, and aren't you glad Mad Men's coming back this Sunday. Depressing, but so good.

Motto

Yes! Since having my kids, pilates has saved me from many a crazy mommy days. Now off to my usual Monday night class.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

How cute are these? My kids would love them. Too bad Saturday mornings at our house are too busy to make something like this for breakfast:Instead my kids will be introduced to sugary cereal tomorrow morning. Some of this stuff:

Lucky Charms. First box of sugar cereal I've bought, (unless you count Frosted Mini Wheats, which you probably should. Audrey's favorite). Also making some green jello later today, for kids to enjoy tomorrow. Finding excuses, wherever possible, to add a little green (food coloring in the bath tonight)? Or to justify a McDonald's Shamrock Shake because they are sooo good. How are you celebrating St. Patrick's Day this year?

Today at the House

Progress is being made. We've started painting, which, by the way, is a lot of work. Many thanks to Amber and Brooke for lending us tons of supplies. We finished our little breakfast nook area (besides touch ups), and started on the dining room. It'll be worth it when we're done, but man - I'm glad we have time. I really like the red - especially once we move in our furniture. Still a work in progress.

Audrey in our "sand box" - an area in the corner of the back yard. The owner dumped a bunch of sand so the kids could dig. I wanna get another bag of sand next time we're somewhere that sells sand. Lowe's I guess?

View from the living room as I laid with Cole and cuddled while Audrey played. It was a gorgeous morning. After painting comes windows (some need new blinds, curtains or drapes - and on the cheap!)

This was the cuddle session. So in love with this boy. He is so happy, and still smells so sweet.

We also stopped at Tyler's school to pick up first grade registration forms, and Audrey's preschool to take a look around. Both seem really great. The view from Tyler's school play ground is amazing. Hills forever. Another morning of adventures in our new neighborhood.

Well Baby

For records sake, Cole had his 4 month doctor check today. He was all smiles with the doc.. 15 lbs., 25 inches long. He's average in both areas (50th percentile), and continues his run as the biggest Tait baby. He has two bottom teeth already (a record in his doctor's office - the teeth came in around 3 1/2 months). Cole is laughing, and almost rolling over. He loves people, and is even letting his sister beat up on him a little more now that he's older and tougher, (he just smiles through it). He loves his mom and dad, and loves being home. Sometimes gets overwhelmed in new spaces. Little man is doing great. Lots to look forward to.

Grandma Faust

My Grandma Faust died last week. Her name was Betty, born in 1922. Crazy to imagine all the things she saw in her long lifetime. 90 years. She was my dad's mom (I never met my dad's dad, her husband, George. He died before I was born). To be completely honest, I didn't know Grandma Faust that well. More so when I was younger. I remember her house in Pennsylvania with the tree house in the yard. Playing with my cousins, Sammy and Michael. She had a Dachshund - named Brandy, I think. She was an amazing baker. I remember lots of cookies. She was slightly intimidating, too. When I got older she moved to a townhouse that happened to have a mini-golf course right behind. My sisters and I loved that we could run out her back door and play mini-golf when we visited. I remember the four hour car ride from Virginia to Pennsylvania to visit (counting cows for pennies - a game my mom probably made up to keep us busy. Stopping at Gateway in Breezewood). When we arrived, there would always be yummy cookies baked, out on her table.

My Uncle Bill posted this photo of her on facebook. I think it's lovely. Betty Faust.

Another Reason I Can't Wait to Move

Baby gets his own room! Today's afternoon nap spot in the apartment? The kitchen. Where Cole napped wasn't such a big deal the first three months of his life. Now he's in more of a routine, and afternoon naps in the apartment can be dicey. Right now Audrey's napping in my room, Tyler's playing in his and Audrey's room, I'm doing work/computer time/exercise in the living room, so Cole ended up in the kitchen. His only constant? The fan (or some sort of white noise). See it on the counter in the back? And he's really only safe in the kitchen until Audrey wakes up. Juggle, juggle. We sure are pros at apartment living with kids. Just one more reason to be excited about the new house!

Money Saving Meals

I'm still meal planning somewhat successfully (just figured who wants to see my meal plan on the blog - kinda boring - so I haven't been posting it weekly). Now that we have the house (and plans for painting, decor, etc.), I'm especially planning budget friendly meals, or meals that feed us more than once. Wondering, do you have any favorite budget friendly meals? Not top ramen, although my kids would love it, and who knows it might make it's debut on our table sometime soon. Looking for healthy, easy, cheap-o yet delicious meals, for any meal of the day really. If you have a sec., please pass along any favorites, or favorite budget food sites you frequently check. I'll pass along any I think worth mentioning, too.

Funny Girl

Can you imagine a more entertaining, keep-you-on-your-toes person to spend your Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings with?

After a morning of playing, cleaning, laundry, music class, and a grocery store run, Audrey is serenading me and the baby with her usual song set. It includes "A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes" (known at our house as The Cinderella Song), "Castle On A Cloud", "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", "Joy to the World", "Tomorrow" (which needs a little work), and "Rock Around the Clock". Oftentimes she will also throw in Twinkle Little Star, and a handful of church songs. She just said, "Mom, I loooove to dance and sing at the same time". There are days I wonder if Audrey and I are anything alike. Today is not one of them. Love this little performer. Already more of a triple threat than I ever was.

This is my 800th post by the way. 800th!!! Can you imagine the blog book I'm going to have to put together. What a pain in the butt that will be, and why haven't I started yet?

Awesome things to look forward to this weekend:
Time change! LOVE!!! Bring on more sunshine and afternoons at the park.
Painting the new house. Making it feel a little more like home.
Thinking of getting on Pinterest this weekend to see what the fuss is all about.
Hoping to see Utah cousins as they drive through Cali this weekend.
Baby Cole is 4 months old!

Today

Cole totally rocks the pink Bumbo.Especially when this girl's around to entertain. (Who, by the way, still fits in the pink Bumbo herself. Skinny little thing).

One Two Three

Oldest boy. Got tons and tons of legos for his birthday. Plays with them all day long.Spunky girl. Getting over a cold, but thankfully well enough to go to school this morning.

Cutest babe. Starting to laugh, and make his way toward rolling over. Bundle of baby love.

Lucky me. Happy Tuesday.

Split

Friends - as of yesterday we have two places of residence. Crazy! So strange to think there is a home waiting for us to make it our home. I can't stop thinking about the house. Furniture we need to purchase, arranging our stuff around the house in my head. We're gonna start painting next weekend to fancy up the white walls. Taking yard toys and bikes to the house so they can finally be used as they're supposed to. But this morning when I dropped Tyler off at school, other parents were talking about how bummed they are that Tyler won't be there next year, and it made me a little sad. Driving from our place to school I thought how much I've loved this neighborhood. Five and a half years living here. Our family grew and grew here. I think the next few months are just gonna feel like this. Excited for a new beginning, but closing a chapter. Helps me savor living here a bit more these next few months, (and put up with the annoyance of apartment managing now that I know there's an end!). Awesome adventures on the horizon for sure... most exciting, some bittersweet.

Oh, Baby Weight

I am about two pounds away from my next goal (which I was supposed to hit Tyler's birthday weekend. I guess I didn't plan that well because birthday cake and goodies were consumed). I know I'm doing all the right things, and yes - I've done this before (losing baby weight), but it's always quite daunting. I'm truly not one whose weight falls right off after baby. I have to work. Hard. I try to be realistic because I don't like it when weight drives me nutty, but I have a closet full of clothes I'd love to wear people! Anyway, how I do it is I set smaller goals (five pounds at a time). Big goal of feeling like me (and fitting into old clothes) is by the summer. Hopefully by Audrey's birthday in May, but I'll even take the end of the school year. This goal seems realistic for my body, based on how I lost weight with my last two kids - every body is different.

What I'm getting to is I need a little inspiration, please. I tend to lose some baby weight, then plateau. Lose weight, plateau. Right now I'm in the plateau. I'd love you to pass along any words of wisdom, light recipes, cooking websites you love, snacks you enjoy while losing weight, lunch ideas, dinners for one plus kids when Adam works late, favorite tips for keeping motivated while losing baby weight, kick-butt mantras you say to yourself, exercises to help shake up my routine. What helps you most? (Today it might be trying on the pair of jeans I didn't fit into this morning - that helped with the inspiration a little. Haha). All advice on keeping motivated welcomed! Can't wait to feel a little more like me, even though clearly the reason for the weight gain was oh so worth it.