Tag Archives: mommyhood

Currently: Happy Spring!

March 23, 2015 Only Hsuman 7 Comments

Happy Monday! I’m linking up again with Becky at Choose Happy and some more awesome bloggers for this week’s Currently. I love having this link-up every week to start my week off with a fun post. Join us! We want to hear what you’re up to!

Watching || Gilmore Girls. I know I’m late to the party, but I’m pretty excited to be catching up with Rory and Lorelei. I’m digging all the scenes with Emily; she’s hilariously infuriating.

Listening to || worship tunes to gear up for Palm Sunday and Easter. I want to make sure they’re topically appropriate but also good ones that people will know and love. Do you have any suggestions for Easter-y worship songs?!

Loving || warmer weather! I’m pretty sure I’ve said this every week, but every week it’s just been a tease. There are a few warm days, and then we go back into the cooler temperatures. I should be glad, because soon I’ll be complaining about how hot I am all the time. Ha! For now, I’ll be loving that I can wear dresses instead of squeezing my belly into pants.

Enjoying || my Jamberry manicure I did earlier this week! It’s springy and fun – a gift from a Mystery Mama! I’m part of a Facebook group (that I found through a blogger I follow) where we all swapped names and are sending sweet notes/small gifts over the next few weeks. I’m really enjoying it, on the receiving end AND the giving end! I’d tell ya what I sent, but I don’t want to ruin my MM’s surprises!

Eating || some gorgeous tie-dye cupcakes! I found them on Pinterest, and told my baker friend Lauren about them, and we gave them a go yesterday! We actually used a Paleo chocolate cupcake recipe we had used before (because chocolate) but the dairy-free buttercream icing was the winner of the day. Especially since the EK-approved tie-dye colors worked out as perfectly as we had hoped! We will do them again in “princess colors” for her birthday in two weeks! I am SO happy with the way they turned out!

Looking forward to || having my whole house back! We are officially at a countdown, folks. Carpet goes in today, stairs go in this week, as well as touch-up paint, and then it’s just cleaning up and moving back in! I can’t wait to be posting pictures of a finished, furnished basement! If you’d like to help us move furniture or play with my kiddos while we move it, or eat pizza and drink beer while it happens, give me a shout!

That’s my life in a little, teeny nutshell, y’all. Thanks for joining me! Now let’s hear what you’ve been doing!

faith, mommyhood, My Big Jesus

Keeping My Cool When My Kid Can’t

March 23, 2015 Only Hsuman 2 Comments

This post also appeared on the My Big Jesus blog!

Sometimes, your kid (read: toddler) gets upset. Really upset. Really, really upset. For me, when that moment begins, the first thing I want to do is the same thing my toddler’s doing: cry, throw something, run away… you get my drift.

I’ve heard all the ways to prevent these meltdowns from happening: make sure they aren’t tired or hungry, prepare them properly for whatever you’re asking them to do, let them help make the decisions, etc. All of these are well and fine, and may actually work, but every once in a while, the circumstances are out of your control, or things just look differently than you had planned. And your toddler doesn’t go with the flow like she usually does. She freaks out.

Now, in the depths of my OCD soul, I must have order. (Yes, I just sounded like Delores Umbridge in Order of the Phoenix.) I’m coming to terms with the fact that being a mom means not having it. But I like routines, and so do my kids. I like schedules, and so do my kids. But when our schedules and routines fail, we are all a big mess.

This week, my kids were sick. That meant a trip to the doctor (during naptime, because that was the only time they could get us in), humidifiers, Tylenol, movie-watching and trying extra hard to get to bed on time. It also meant no preschool, no church, no play dates, no leaving the house and no fun-having. FOR ANYONE.

On my list of priorities, right behind routines and schedules is getting out of the house. I get cabin fever in roughly 20 minutes. Even if all I do is go to the grocery store and buy one item (typically milk or bananas), I need to get out. Sometimes, putting the kids in the stroller and making laps around the neighborhood does the trick. (Note: this week was cold and rainy.) But I need to drop EK off at preschool. I need to let them play on the playground or at Chick-fil-A. I need to have friends over. I need my kids to have fun so that I can, too.

This week has been a whirlwind of crying, coughing, needing, snuggling, napping, refusing to nap, and wearing pajamas. I’m trying to appreciate these moments of relaxation and snuggling on Mommy’s bed watching Disney movies. I’m trying to appreciate a slow down, especially in the midst of a renovation and gearing up for a busy spring. But it’s been hard. I’ve been reaching out to the Father for patience and for health. I’ve been wrestling toddlers and sickness and the need for caffeine versus the amount I’m allowed to have while pregnant. I may or may not have subbed in sugar on several occasions.

But this is life. This is a season. It’s already almost over. Later when they’re sick, I’ll just hand them a Gatorade and they’ll sleep till they feel better. There won’t be extra snuggles and needing me. I will do my best to rest in these times, to enjoy the break in routine, with the help of Someone who knows the weight of being needed.

faith, home, mommyhood, women

Wifely Bragging Rights

March 19, 2015 Only Hsuman 4 Comments

A friend of mine posted in a Facebook group recently that she had heard too much recently about wives/moms/girlfriends doing some man-bashing. She suggested that women collectively take a few minutes to brag on their fellas. Naturally, being married to the best fella in the world, I figured I’d jump on in there!

This one is from the St. Patrick's party last weekend! — This one is from the St. Patrick’s party last weekend!

Y’all, my Hubby is a rockstar. I mean that literally and figuratively. He literally is the front man (a sexy one) in a band that plays and writes awesome music all the time. That makes him a rockstar. He’s also the most loving, patient, and hilarious husband and father I could ask to have a family with. He’s encouraging, challenging (in a good way), exciting, caring, and a hundred other things I would never have time to list, much less explain. In short, love of my life. Big time.

Photo Cred. to my incredible wedding photographer, Eleise Theuer. She is the bomb, y'all. — Photo Cred. to my incredible wedding photographer, Eleise Theuer. She is the bomb, y’all.

One of my favorite things about him is that he is fun. He can take a boring situation and make it awesome. He can cheer up a hormonal pregnant woman, a tired toddler, or a cranky baby. He can make you laugh while you’re crying. He can make you forget all your troubles, at least for a minute. He’s the best.

Hubby's brother snapped this one when we were in the reception band at his cousin's wedding last summer! — Hubby’s brother snapped this one when we were in the reception band at his cousin’s wedding last summer!

I often find myself watching something (like the Bachelor) or talking to a single girlfriend about a terrible date, and thinking “I’m so glad I’m married.” I mean that on the surface level, in an I-will-never-have-to-go-on-a-first-date way, and also a deeper way – I know I’m married to the best man in the world, and I’d never choose another path. I keep hearing Taylor Swift’s lyrics in Blank Space, “Boys only want love if its torture…” and thinking of all the women I know that have found that to be true. Then I think about how I will never again experience torture, or even unhappiness in my love life.

Also, he is the most incredible, totally competent, loving, nurturing dad I’ve ever seen. He kept EK and then J as well for two years while I taught full time. I never worried for one minute that they’d be anything but perfectly cared for. He is an amazing cook, and is always able to please the picky eaters – and his wife! He is an awesome photographer, and getting better every day. Here’s a sample of his magic:

EK in my mother-in-law's magical backyard. — EK in my mother-in-law’s magical backyard.

I’d never be able to say everything I want to and could possibly brag on him about, so I suppose I’ll spare you a full-on rant. But he truly is the most wonderful Hubby ever. I love him from the top of his head to the tips of his toes. I love him on his good days and his bad (though there aren’t many of those). I’m the most blessed woman on the planet. Really. I love you, babe.

mommyhood, parenting fails, things toddlers say

Things Toddlers Say: Grandparents Edition

March 18, 2015 Only Hsuman 4 Comments

This past weekend, my parents were up here from Georgia. Because of the renovations, there isn’t exactly a guest room, so we blew up a queen-sized air mattress, and they slept in the kitchen floor. I know – crazy. Anyway, the air mattress in the kitchen was a lovely plaything for the kiddos, and EK was making us laugh by calling all the pillows “puddles”. I’m not sure where the disconnect was, but no matter how many times I tried to correct her, it wouldn’t take. That may or may not have been because I was laughing so hard about her saying “puddles”.

We did have a little moment on Saturday when J and EK were playing on the air mattress – like we frequently do on Hubby’s and my bed, which is king-sized – where J was rolling and rolling, and rolled right off onto the floor. Now, this thing is sitting on the ground, so the floor was less than a foot away, so he wasn’t falling from several feet or anything. But, he must’ve hit his face first, before anything else took the weight off, because he ended up with a giant bruise (and scratch, somehow) on his cheek. I noticed today (four days later) that the lovely green and purple have spread up to his eye. I think it’s appropriate to do this: #motheroftheyear

My other favorite thing EK said was when she had woken up from her nap on Sunday, and my parents had left to go home. She knew they would leave while she was asleep, and she got a goodbye hug and kiss and everything, but this was the first thing she said when she woke up:

“Necie and G-Daddy gone to Georgia! I can’t find them! I need to chase them!”

Necie and G-Daddy are obviously what we call my parents. Once again, I will reiterate that she knew they were leaving. And also, I’m not sure we’ve really used the word “chase” before, so I’m not sure when she decided chasing them to Georgia would work, but she definitely wanted to go for it.

An aside: My kids love my parents. They don’t see them as much as Hubby’s family members, so it’s a special treat when they’re here. They also get pretty spoiled, which as long as I’m not doing it, I don’t really mind. But there are definitely times that they get to do silly things (see picture above) that I’d not normally be okay with.

Anyone have a hilarious thing your toddler said this week that you’d like to share?!

faith, mommyhood, My Big Jesus, pregnancy, siblings

I am exhausted.

March 16, 2015 Only Hsuman 4 Comments

This post appeared on the My Big Jesus blog! We spent today bopping around town, carrying kids to and fro, shopping for this and getting ready for that. Our house is a madhouse, like it often is these days. I don’t mind – really, I don’t. I know that it’s a season, and that things will return to a semi-normal. I know that my kids will be these ages but once. I know that my niece and nephew (who I also got to see this evening!) will be these ages but once.

Yet, my lovely and insightful mother-in-law said something to me, in passing really, tonight that made me think. She had spent the morning with my son, and part of the afternoon with my daughter. She said, “I don’t know how y’all do it with these two. I guess I did it with mine, but I’m exhausted!” Going on, she explained that she meant chasing them around her house, entertaining them, and making sure nothing got broken.

Well let me tell you, I understood her completely. While my house is basically baby-proofed and I can let them run free a little more in our home than she can in hers (split-level=stairs upon stairs) I am still frequently exhausted at the end of the day. Even if I haven’t completed a single housekeeping task, or didn’t get in a work out, or haven’t left the house, or if I did catch a little snooze during someone’s naptime, I’m often exhausted.

It isn’t simply that my back hurts, or that I’m sleep deprived, although sometimes those things are true. (Have you lugged around a 30lb sack of flour recently?) It’s emotional exhaustion. It’s mental exhaustion. I’m not a creative person, so EK really makes me work my imagination (ie: silly voices, strange scenarios, and telling her “stories” that I made up). I’m constantly trying to think of ways to educate – nay, entertain – two developmental levels, two totally different personalities. I’m trying to explain to my daughter why she should share, can’t push her brother, and shouldn’t scream in the house. I’m trying to distract my son when he just wants to be held – for the entire 12 hours he is awake. I’m trying to make healthy breakfasts and dinners that also look enticing and taste delicious. I’m trying to not lose patience with messes and attitudes and too-short naps and refused meals. It’s a lot. It’s trying, giving, sacrificing, and pushing myself.

So yes, in a word, I’m exhausted. I’m exhausted when I think of how much love I’ve got in my heart for these little beings that need me so. I’m exhausted when I think that by the end of this summer, I’ll have a third little being that needs me like these two do. I’m exhausted when I think that in 18 years, they’ll need me so much less. I’m exhausted to think they won’t always snuggle into my neck or say “mmmmmm-ah!” when I ask for a kiss. But being exhausted in the midst of right now is a fulfilled, happy exhaustion. When I slip into my bed, and don’t have time to finish one sentence in my book, I’m not really upset about it. I’m just wishing I had more patience, more creativity, more knowledge to share with those exciting, excitable toddlers that I call my own.

home, mommyhood, random thoughts

First Ever Friday Feats and Fails!

March 13, 2015 Only Hsuman 8 Comments

I found this link-up party through a blogger friend, and decided it sounded fun! Just summing up my week in a list of feats and fails – so naturally I love it. List-making + bragging + making fun of myself = total win. (By the way, I want you to know that when I typed “win” just now, I typed “wine” first. My fingers know what I’d like to be doing right now.) It’s hosted by Ash at More Than Cheese and Beer, and Jeanine at Jsack Mom Blog. You should join us!

Let’s get those fails out of the way first:

– I’ve been eating a lot of ice cream. At first, this sounds like a good thing. I promise you it isn’t.

– Besides ice cream, my main food groups this week have been tacos and pizza. I need to reign it in big time, or else I’m going to be a whale long before the third trimester.

– Because of the work in the basement coming into our hallway and living room, everything is covered in dust. EVERYTHING.

– I have overslept several times this week, which has been lovely until I’m running late for something… like church or preschool. Neat.

– Daylight savings time has thrown off my life by throwing off the lives of my children. Why do we do this, again?

– Let’s be honest…that first feats and fails graphic is pretty bad. I’ll do a better one next time, ha!

And now for some fantastic feats:

+ Dinner out with both kids tonight went PERFECTLY. It was amazing – everyone ate well, there was no whining or tears, and we took a quick trip to the Dollar Store to get some shamrock necklaces to boost our St. Patty’s spirit tomorrow. FOR THE WIN!

+ Painting upstairs looks amazing!

+ The washer and dryer got hooked up this afternoon! Hellooooooo, laundry in my own home again!

+ My parents arrived for the weekend… bearing oatmeal cookies. Yay!

+ The weather this week was glorious. Kids played outside a lot, I/we got to go on several walks, and there’s been limited heat/air running. I call that a total feat!

+ Tomorrow is going to be one of my favorite days of the year! I LOVE St. Patrick’s Day! (I’d love it more if I could drink all the Guinness, but I’ll take it.)

What were your feats and fails this week?!

mommyhood

Things Toddlers Say

March 10, 2015 Only Hsuman Leave a comment

I’ve been a little slack this week. There’s been a lot going on. Good things are coming, I promise! To show you, here’s a hilarious little glimpse into the conversations one might have with my sweet baby girl…

I’ve started trying to write down the funny things that EK says now that she’s such a great talker. Hopefully you’ll laugh about these as much as I did!

EK, unprompted, when I picked her up from childcare at the Y: Mom! I dressed up! I played toys! I played balls! I played diaper man!
Me: ….neat, babe!

Me, to Hubby: what time did EK get up this morning?
EK: at fourteen.

EK: Help me do my nightgwown!
Me: Okay, here, it’s inside out.
EK: I GOT IT! NO!
Me: You asked me to help you.
EK: I DON’T NEED HELP!
Me: …okay…

EK: I need a tissue.
Me: Okay, here you go.
(I hand her a tissue)
EK: Phew. I had two booders!
(Boogers, obviously.)

Hubby: EK, could you sing “Getting To Know You”?
EK: Hang on. I need my mikey-phone.

Those are just a few funnies from this week! What are some hilarious things that your toddler says!?

food, home, mommyhood, pregnancy, random thoughts

Currently

March 9, 2015 Only Hsuman 2 Comments

Linking up with Becky and Choose Happy and several other friends for another Currently! Please join us and let us know what you’re currently up to!

Craving || Banana peppers. I like them on sandwiches, salads, and pizza. Why do I need them all the time? No clue. I’m also eating a lot of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. 🙂

Enjoying || The gorgeous warmer weather! It’s finished snowing (hopefully) and we are seeing the sun! I even took my kids on a walk AFTER DINNER tonight! I know – totally unheard of!

Excited about || having only three more weeks (ish) in our renovation! That’s only three more weeks of farming out laundry, going around the whole house to get to everything in the back, and having WAY TOO MUCH stuff upstairs. Also, I’m excited to start looking at some new furniture for the downstairs, and get back all the furniture that we kept (because we loved it) that’s in garages all over town.

Loving || My kiddos. EK has made it at least a little bit past her truly ornery stage (she was a pill for a few weeks there) and gotten back closer to her regular disposition – which is good, because I was going nuts. Also, both kids are communicating a lot more (at their own levels) than they used to, so I’m excited to see how this next few weeks goes in the way of talking!

Watching || The Bachelor finale! I’m leaving for a friend’s house in just a few minutes!

#imonteamWhitney

Whelp, I’m off to see who wins!

home, mommyhood

How to get your toddler to nap in 33 easy steps.

March 8, 2015 Only Hsuman 4 Comments

If only my kiddos loved naps as much as I do…

This is our simple, easy, nap routine! Is it similar to yours?

1. Notice your toddler’s getting a tad cranky.
2. Look at the clock.
3. Realize it’s definitely time for a nap.
4. Tell your little sweetie it’s time for a nap.
5. She asks for “5 more minutes”.
6. You agree.
7. 3 or so minutes later, you remind her it’s time for nap.
8. She asks for 5 more minutes.
9. You say “you already had five minutes”.
10. She cries.
11. You say, “This is why it’s nap time.”
12. Change her diaper.
13. Ask her if she’d also like to sit on the potty.
14. She says no.
15. Ask her to try anyway.
16. Put her on the potty.
17. Wait 3-5 minutes.
18. Put her in her clean diaper.
19. She asks to wear her “nightgwown”.
20. You concede, knowing it’ll be worse if you don’t.
21. Change her into her “nightgwown”.
22. Tuck her in.
23. She asks for a bottle (sippy cup) of milk.
24. You say, “Okay, stay here and I’ll be right back.”
25. Go to the kitchen, pour the milk, warm it up.
26. See a “ghost” with a blanket over her head walking through the living room.
27. Put the ghost back to bed with her milk.
28. Tuck her in.
29. Wait 3-5 minutes.
30. Hear a toddler playing with toys or reading books.
31. Put her back to bed.
32. Wait 3-5 minutes.
33. If all is quiet, you’ve finally succeeded.

mommyhood

Things Toddlers Say – Backseat Driver Edition

March 5, 2015 Only Hsuman 12 Comments

This may become a normal series of posts, now that my kids are speaking more and better (sort of). They say the darnedest things, right?

EK has this new thing she’s doing while we’re in the car. Her seat is on the driver’s side of the car, and so she sees mostly oncoming traffic. She keeps saying, “Mommy! Don’t hit that car! Don’t hit that trash can! Don’t hit that tree! Don’t hit that house!” half the time we’re moving. It’s about to get real, because when she shouts, “Mommy!” it startles me enough to make me want to turn around, or look frantically around to see what’s happening. She’s also about to turn into the girl who cried wolf, because now when she’s like, “There’s a ________!” I won’t believe her. I basically told her to stop shouting in the car because it made me nervous.

Has anyone else dealt with this with their toddlers?

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