Not Me Monday

Ok I know McMama didn't do a Not Me Monday today, but I AM!  (Not Me Monday is a sarcastic way of saying something you really did do.)

Today I did not get a FREE sling and carseat cover (I paid S&H, about $11, but still a steal).  YOU CAN TOO!  It is today only though.  Go to sevenslings.com and pick the one you like (the gift sets will be $5 with the discount, the slings free).  Enter the promo code "BeMine" and it will give you the sling for FREE.  You pay S&H.  

Same deal at https://www.carseatcanopy.com  use the promo code "seven"

There's another one for a free nursing coverup, but as I have two I didn't do it.  https://www.uddercovers.com is the site "seven" the code.

When it came to homeschooling I always ALWAYS said "Not ME".  Well, this year...yes, me.  

 Snug only goes to school at our local public elementary 2, sometimes 3 days a week because of budget cuts. Being a former kindergarten and first grade teacher...I know that is NOT ok.  So we homeschool 2-3 days a week.  This past week shoe tying was top on our list.

 He's getting it...

 ...but it isn't easy!

 When he does, he is pretty proud!!!

 Along with doing math, reading, writing in a journal, and fine motor things, we are also doing handwriting.  Because handwriting is a BIG deal to me.

I think he's doing pretty good!

Published!

As many of you know I write for The Cloth Diaper Whisperer, usually about once every six to eight weeks.  If you cloth diaper, or know someone who does, it is a fantastic blog (not because I write for it, but because it is a great resource...had to clear that up).  As I have (obviously)been out of the blog world for quite a few days, I missed the day that my post about washing a disposable diaper was published, but you can read it here.  It was a total fiasco (the washing ordeal, not the blog post).  So I did not was a disposable diaper.  Not me!  (Linking up with Not Me Monday which has returned!)

I've been out of the loop because:
A) #1 switched shifts at work which always alters our entire family's schedule
B)  Homeschooling Snug two days a week is rewarding, but also takes a lot out of me
C) I am SO tired at nap/bedtime that I rarely do anything but fold laundry and lay on the couch.

We had a great weekend as a family, and I have some nice pictures to post...later.

Monday Memes

AND "Mama Guilt Monday"
A Combo Deal

First things first, I am well aware this is the old "Not Me" button. I like it better thankyouverymuch.

Mama Guilt Monday gets first priority today. This is my first Mama Guilt Monday. Welcome to my misery...er..guilt. Cop Mama runs this meme...click over to see what others are guilty about.

I struggle quite a bit with guilt over Little Monkey's health. Should I take him to the dr? Should I not because I am being paranoid? Did I wait too long to go? I struggle with this constantly.

As I mentioned earlier, we are having trouble with his digestive system again. We totally thought we were out of the dark with him after his final GI appointment some months ago. However, four days of the BRAT diet (banana, rice, and toast sans toast in case of a wheat allergy) he was continuing to have diarrhea. We took him off the anti-diarrheal medicine prescribed to him because it was not helping and turning his BM an awful black and green color. Besides that it contained quite a bit of aluminum which isn't great for him and was expected to work after just a couple of doses. Nope.

We then switched to a clear liquid diet that he has been on now for 24 hours. He is still having diarrhea. I contacted our family practitioner to get the results of his labs from Friday (took in a stool sample) and they are completely clean. No parasites, not sick, no worms etc. They directed me to contact the GI dr. immediately and they would also to get us in as soon as possible. We are going tomorrow at 1:45. Our family practitioner is afraid it might be crones disease or something along those lines. We are still holding out that it is something easy we have missed. Keeping the allergist appt. for (hopefully) a full run of food allergies that is on March 1.

So I feel guilty. Am I doing what is right for him? Did I wait too long? Is it something simple I am just missing?

Ok, now for "Not Me" Monday hosted by MckMama. Click there (on the word "MckMama" to read other people's) I've done lots of these, but don't do them like I used to.

Today's Not Me has to do with a trip to the grocery. Hang on, it is weird.

I did not discover I was completely out of Jell-O, only had one bottle of emergency Gatorade, and no chicken stock in the freezer right after #1 left for work. Liquid diets are a little hard without these staples I think.

I did not pack up both kids into the van (Little Monkey has to use the bathroom stool to climb himself up into the van these days, I'm not allowed to pick him up) without any help.

Once at the grocery, I did not tell Snug that Kroger doesn't do cookies on Sunday. I know I lied and that could go up under "mama guilt", but seriously he couldn't eat that in front of his brother, that would not have been nice. They give a free cookie to each kid who comes through the door. We didn't go by the bakery.

I did not make Snug carry a basket through the store because I couldn't push a cart and drag Little Monkey by the hand (remember, no lifting into a cart). Instead I did not drag Little Monkey by his hand through the store getting essential items. He did not go to his knees or lay on the floor about every 100 ft. I was not forced to convince him to stand up and KEEP WALKING. Meanwhile, Snug was not dragging a Gatorade and Jell-O laden basket behind him.

Our little parade did not catch the attention of the store manager who is most definitely not married to our tax guy. She was so sweet, she picked up Monkey Man, took the basket, and escorted us to the U-scan, instructing the girl (who is just there to make sure no one steals) to get me checked out ASAP and a bag boy to carry my stuff to the car and put Monkey Man IN the car.

I did not then attempt to go to the evening service at church (hey, we were already in the van and about 1 min. from the building) only to discover that there was a gas leak and they were evacuating the building and the fire dept. was rolling up. Think I might be bad luck? Not Me!

Not Me...

Yes, yes, I realize that I have A) not done a 'Not me Monday" in ages and B) am using the old "Not Me Monday" button. I happen to not like the new one, and so I'm using the old one!

I haven't done a "Not Me" in forever because, well I think pregnancy brain just explains everything and I do dumb things all the time. However, this past week. Wow. I topped off my pregnancy brain big time with plain old dumb stuff!

I did not completely forget to wrap Snug (who is in LOVE with unwrapping) stocking stuffers so that when he dumped out his stocking there was a pile of little cars, a pad of notebook paper, applesauce, Fruitabu, and his ornament just laying there. The rest of us has nice little presents to open and he was a little bewildered. Not Me.

I did not feed my children leftover ham (thanks mom!) and Cheerios for Christmas dinner. After arriving home from MI there was not a veggie in the house, and I thought all the instant mashed potatoes were gone (and the real ones were smushy)...

...and after grocery shopping I did not find a brand new box of instant potatoes in the pantry. Not Me.

We did not arrive at church "barely on time" for Sunday School only to find out there wasn't any this week. We did not use the time between our arrival at church and the service actually starting to go grocery shopping.

I did not get equally (ok, ok ten times) as excited about the snow we are getting as Snug. I did not forget I was nearly 24 weeks pregnant when I made plans in my mind to play outside with Snug . Perhaps shoveling and romping should be left to daddy? I seriously forget ALL THE TIME that I am expecting. I seriously feel that good much of the time. Except I'm getting "fat".

I did not put my kids to bed at 6:45 one night because I was exhausted. When I realized what I had done, I did not go to bed myself at 7.

I did not fall in love with a house that would have been 99.8% of what we were looking for only to have it go off the market. I did not swear I would not get attached to a house and then not be able to buy it. Not Me.

I am sure there are many other things I have not done this week, but man!

Not Me! Monday

Ok, well this past week has been a horrible, no good, very bad week. So, to de-stress, here are some things I have absolutely NOT been doing as of late...

*I did not have to come back and write that this is all due to MckMama and go to her blog to see other Not Me! Monday accounts. I did not completely forget to write that in this post. MckMama would be so disappointed in me.

I did not forget to do the June budget until the 4th...or the 5th. Dave Ramsey would be so disappointed in me.

We did not eat an entire cookie cake from #1's birthday (with a tiny bit of help from the Draycare kids) within 4 days. Jenny Craig would be so disappointed in me.

I did not drag #1 to a volunteer cookout ON his birthday. He did not have to work late, drive separately, and then sit with a bunch of old seasoned volunteers for the evening. Not Me. The social committee would be so disappointed in me.

I did not spank Snug the other day because he was acting terrible, only to find out a couple of hours later that he was quite sick. SuperNanny would be so disappointed in me.

I did not discover when looking through pictures I had taken over a 2 week period that the SAME laundry baskets with the SAME laundry were sitting in a corner of my living room. Martha Stewart would be so disappointed in me.

I did not have several youth group students get their sticky marshmallows for S'mores on me, and have the ash from the fire burn two tiny holes in my shirt. That was not the nicest shirt I own at the moment. I did not wear it to youth group. Liz Claiborne would be so disappointed in me.

I did not get five loads of laundry folded/put away, spend thirty minutes of one-on-one time with each of the boys, get the floor mopped, go to the library, and visit with one of my Draycare moms today...and I did not manage to get both boys down for a nap simultaneously (a miracle of late). Oh, I am so not disappointed in me!

It's a good thing I don't know MckMama, Dave, Jenny, the social committee, SuperNanny, Martha, or Liz, huh? :o)

Not Me! Monday

Not Me! Monday...does it really even need an introduction? I didn't think so. Hop, click, and jump on over to MckMama's blog to see what no one else dared to do this week.
I did not feed Baby J in the pool so that it wasn't such a mess to clean up later. Nope, not me!
I did not play a half hour of backyard baseball with Snug this week so that I could get him nice and tired and then take pictures for I ♥ Faces. No, Not Me! I did not have so much fun that I almost forgot to take the pictures, not me.

I did not take my children to a SWAT training where they watched men jump off a building and missed their naps. I most certainly did not take them the next day to a graduation open house where they missed their naps for the second day in a row, not me.

I am not staying up writing this post Sunday night way too late so I can watch the end of the Red Wings hockey game.

I did not forget about a load of diapers I had hanging on the clothesline and leave them there for two days. Not Me!

I have not eaten six hot dogs in the past week. Never ever would I consume that many nitrates in a small time span.

I have not gotten a little panicky that I have nothing for my husband's birthday on Friday. I am not considering giving him what he wants...but won't post what it is yet.

I did not totally blank when giving my testimony at Financial Peace University on Wednesday night and forget our pastor's daughter/Snug's Sunday school teacher's fiance's name in front of everyone. Not me! I am great with names.

I am not asking you to help me with my I ♥ Faces post by looking at the following pictures and telling me which one you think would be best for their Sepia Tone contest next week. Not Me!

Please help me! Which one would you use?
#1...not my favorite, but it is sepia and his face...

#2 I love this one, but it is only a partial face...

#3 I like this one, but his eyes are closed...

#4 Probably not this one...he looks like he might be crying, but he isn't....

#5 Not the best picture of Snug...but it is kinda artsy, and they like artsy...

#6 I love this one, but it would need some edits...and my editing software isn't ready yet...

#7 I don't think this picture is eligible because you really can't see his face...but I still wanted to share it with you.

#2 is my favorite...how about you?

Not Me! Monday

Ah, Not Me! Monday where we can tell all the dumb things we have not have done. Please click the button above to participate or read other people's Not Me!s...cause theirs are better, I will guarantee it. I have gotten out of the habit of trying to remember dumb things I have done...better luck next week!

I did not contemplate for a few seconds this week going back to all disposable diapers.

This was not because Baby J rolls every time I diaper him and when he's had a BM it gets messy!

I did not start giving him a small smack on the thigh because it has got to stop.

Please do not call children's services. Speaking of which...

I did not get really nervous when I answered the door today and the health department lady was standing there. I had not forgotten she was coming...I did not think she was there to inspect my home because of Draycare! My table did not have crumbs all over it from lunch (just ending) and cheese bits on the kitchen floor and two small children fighting over soap in the bathroom as she arrived. Not here.

She was not actually here for me to sign some paperwork I had requested. I did not check recently to see if we qualify for WIC (which in all seriousness, we don't). This was not because Baby J drinks $35-$40 of PediaSure a week (more than 1/2 our budgeted groceries!) and I was HOPING to get some help with that.

I am not wishing I wasn't playing church softball this year because it is NOT fun. I am terrible. I signed up and now I don't know how to get out of it without hurting anyone's feelings. *sigh*

I am done. Not very exciting. Just what is not happening around here.

Not Me! Monday

Baby Stellan is still in the hospital. To get a full and accurate update, please go to My Charming Kids. He is being seen by a new and more specialized cardiologist now, who is not even part of the hospital he is in. He may be facing a difficult and unprecidented surgery, which would include transporting him to a different hospital...possibly across the country. Please continue to pray for the MckFamily in this hard time. Not Me! Monday was started by Stellan's mom a few months ago to show how God uses imperfect moms to raise children, and to help us vent out the craziness of life.

This week I definatly did not hang my Bummis wet bag out of the van window in an effort to have it dry by the time I got to church. NOT ME. My laundry is always clean, folded, and left in baskets put away in a timely fashion.

I did not put up three posts today because I hadn't blogged since Thursday.

I also did not drop a chocolate egg in Snug's carseat only to have him discover it one 70 deg (where is that weather now I'd love to know) afternoon as he climbed in. I did not overhear him desperately whispering "Oh no, poo poo in my seat" and trying to hide it! That kinda cracked me up. He really thought he had messed up without knowing it.

I did not underestimate how many diapers I would need when I dropped Baby J off at Liz's house Sunday night. She did not have to give me a dishtowel to use as a diaper on the way home. Thank you Liz, you are a lifesaver!

I did not let my son participate in an Easter egg hunt Saturday and then promptly take away all the candy because I don't want him eating it. Not Me.

I did not almost choke when I saw my MIL hand my infant to an extremely shaky resident of the nursing home to hold for this picture, which in all seriousness I did not take. The lady was thrilled, but I was a nervous wreck.

I did not get up on my soapbox earlier today and get really aggitated about people who do not appreciate police officers. Sorry if you've had a ticket lately, slow down.

I did not swell with pride when Baby J ROLLED OVER AND AROUND ON THE FLOOR recently while playing. Can you belive it? We are just busting out with pride :o)

I also did not get a bit teary as I taped Snug singing for you all. Enjoy below! (To turn off my obnoxious lovely jukebox music so you can hear him sing, scroll to the bottom of the page and pause it.)

I will leave you with a few more pictures from the weekend. This is Baby J's brand new SPF 50 swim shirt that goes with his new swim trunks. Snug has a matching set. Their Grandma Dray gave them to them for Easter!I mentioned earlier that Snug had a great time showing the nursing home residents his egg hunt treasures. Here is one picture. He stood and talked to this lady for about 15 minutes. He showed her each egg and its contents about twenty times each, no exaggeration. She was so happy to listen.

Last, but certainly not least, Aunt Jane was with us Thursday night through Saturday morning. She was on her way to Cincinatti to visit a supporting church. The boys like her very much and she was a big help. Thank you Aunt Jane!

I ♥ Faces tomorrow morning!

Not Me! Monday, Stellan Style

If you have not heard about Stellan or heard his story you are either very new to blogging or have not read my blog in over a week or are living under a rock. Today's Not Me! Monday is being posted in honor of little Stellan, and the entire MckFamily. Emily is hosting Not Me! Monday, Stellan Style and you may too if you click here.

So I was actually thinking of doing something along these lines yesterday. I first though of just not doing Not Me! Monday and making sure people clicked over to My Charming Kids to pray for Stellan as Not Me! Monday was started by MckMama.

Then I thought about doing a Not Me! Monday post telling all the things that I of course would not do, that I am pretty sure MckMama would never do either.

Then I read Mama Bear's blog and discovered that Not Me! Monday was being done Stellan style and decided to join in. So without further adieu...

Not Me! Monday, Stellan Style

I did not keep my phone ever so close this week to make sure that I didn't miss a tweet about Stellan's condition....I did not even keep it on during church just in case.

I did not almost choke on my drink when I saw the new button (see below) because the angle it was taken at or something made me think that they had a picture of Baby J when he was in the hospital. For the record, he and Stellan look nothing alike 99.9% of the time except that they are both white, male, babies and probably weigh about the same.

I do not let Snug do what he is clearly not doing in the picture below after I am done pumping. This does not gross my husband out to no end. He (Snug) does not say "Mmmm, Momma milk!"

My son did not have a "dying hissy llama fit" about having to get out of the recycling truck at the museum when his turn was over. He is always well-behaved and mild mannered.

I did not take 3 children under the age of 3 to the museum by myself for a few hours this morning. God gave me a brain and I use it to its fullest. I would never attempt something like that by myself.

I am not elated that my diapers are all hanging on the line right now getting some good old fashioned sunshine. I did not have to step over 5 doggie doodles to get to the clothesline to hang them.

So please, please continue to pray for and check up on Stellan. In fact, run right over to his mama's site now...we are!

Not Me Monday, Hospital Style

I'd almost forgot about Not Me Monday until I got MckMama's tweet a few minutes ago. I was actually firing up the ol' computer to get an update posted...so I am going to do a combo deal. A Not Me! Monday hospital post. Hang on, this has been a crazy ride. (I can't upload any pics to Blogger right now...)

*For those of you who do not normally read my blog, Not Me! Monday was started by "MckMama" to relieve a bit of mommy stress and admit all the silly/crazy/dumb things that inevitably are a part of motherhood. If you want to read more of those, you can have around 400 entries to choose from for your reading pleasure if you go here. You know, because you are not reading my blog at work or while your kids are running around the house...

First things first. I will give the official medical updates.

Baby J was on NBM (nothing by mouth) from midnight last night until he started squealing his head off at everyone around 8:30 this morning. We then learned that his first test wouldn't be until 4:15 this afternoon so he was put on a clear liquid diet at which point he has had 18oz of Pedialyte (not the PediaSure he has been having) since 9:00 (writing at 10:45). Wow. It goes in one end and we can literally see him filling his diaper as he sucks them down. They come in 2 oz bottles...so we have been giving them to him as fast as we can switch the nipple. He is now back on NBM until after he recovers from the anesthesia.

The Upper GI has been moved to Tuesday morning...so at least here through Tuesday. We can go home when he is off the IV and gaining for 2 days. That doesn't seem possible to me seems how he hasn't had gain since November...and I don't plan on being here until June thankyouverymuch. He was 14.2 oz today, but his IV fluids are at 100% so he has no physical way NOT to gain as they up his IV. Now if he doesn't get the IV fluids changed he could level out again, and not gain. You can't reject IV fluids basically...they just go right into your veins.

Other than that, we know nothing. I'm working on getting a therapy dog up here to see him because he loves animals and once his Pedialyte wears off...or runs directly through him, he'll be pretty mad at us again.

If you can't tell, we are in pretty good spirits today. Baby J is fairly happy and we have the tests we have been waiting for within sight. If baby is happy, mommy is happy.

This week I did not...

I did not bring 5 children 4 and under to a specialist appointment at a large hospital.

I did not violate policy and feed them all a super healthy McDonald's lunch.

I have not broken down and cried on at least 100 occasions, and then within minutes be totally in control. Not Me

I do not get a bit annoyed when everyone thinks my son is "such a pretty girl"

I do not miss my other son so much it hurts sometimes and try to make him sit on my lap when he visits even though he wants to play hide-and-seek.

I do not hide in the shower and behind the privacy curtains making that 2 1/2 year old laugh his head off.

I do not secretly love that hospital food (which I get for free because I am nursing) is totally unhealthy and the stuff I try not to eat a ton of at home but "have" to eat here. not me

I have not come to terms that my days of nursing are very numbered even though I have fought so hard to keep it up until he is one. I am not relieved to have the doctor's blessing to pump and bottle feed because my son has not bit me until I am bleeding and bruised in the last few days. Not Me (I also have not gotten irrationally emotional about this very hard decision, as I watch my son slug down bottles of vanilla cake batter PediaSure.)

Thanks for the prayers and the encouragement. 4:15 is a very important time today and we covet your prayers. Please pray that not only do they find nothing or nothing serious, but that when they remove the IV he starts gaining and never looks back...total healing. No matter what the outcome, God's will be done.

Not Me! Monday

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I did not have a sick 2 year old for 8 days (pending no vomit today) straight.

I did not stay in my pajamas a few days this week when I had no Draycare kids. Not me.

You would not catch me saying "No, you may not have a banana. Drink your pop." to my toddler. Not me. (He was on a clear liquid diet and needed the ginger to settle his tummy. I assure you he doesn't drink pop EVER normally)

My son did not lose his lunch and dinner in a hotel pool. That pool did not have to be closed for almost 24 hours. If that did happen it certainly would not have been the hotel that my family wasn't actually staying at (only my husband, under my dad's name). Not me.

I did not feel just a little sad that our TV broke because I don't care about TV, right? I did not laugh when the basement TV was brought up to replace it because being 1/2 the size it looks goofy in our TV cabinet.

I am not kinda relieved to have no Draycare kids tomorrow (due to illnesses) because that would be SO bad seems how I didn't work or bring in hardly any money to the family income last week either. Not Me.

I did not get super excited when my dad brought down my mom's surger (fancy sewing machine) and then proceed to have her make 3 XL and 8 medium bamboo inserts, fix/piece together 4 cloth diapers, repair/update 10 fleece inserts, and create two sets of cloth diapers for baby dolls (one even has a mini bamboo insert!). I don't get big pleasure out of things like that. Not me.

I did not finally get done with my friend Megan's baby gift...you know for her baby that is not a month old already. Not Me.

Not Me! Monday

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Well, so much has happened in the last week. Last Monday I was showing off Snug's new haircut instead of letting you all know just how bad I had been. Since then...

I did not start giving Baby J formula after all the fighting against it I had done.

I did not spend an average of 2 hours a day crying this week. That would accomplish nothing, so I did not do it anyway.

I did not gag and then get kinda happy when Baby J gagged at the taste/smell of soy formula. I am so not like that.

I did not cancel Draycare three times in one week. Once for Baby J having a fever, once because I was not having an emotional breakdown over Baby J's growth, and again today because Snug has a fever/vomiting/etc.

I did not step on the scales and then think just for a tiny second that perhaps I need Grave's disease so I could lose some weight. I will not be so relieved when we know more of what is going on there...

I did not get so stressed at one point this week that I did not buy 2 liters of pop and drink them. I am giving up pop, so that was definatly not me. Ok, giving up...is a little strong, but I am trying to only have about 8oz once a week or less.

I did not get very envious in the nursery at church yesterday that other babies were doing so many fantastic things. I do not envy. Not Me.

I do not think that Baby J has the most beautiful little face on him and that Snug's smile could win over the world.

I did not leave random comments on BlogBaby so that Ringmaster could win a headband. A headband people. C'mon.

I do not wonder why Ringmaster's name isn't Ringmistress.

I did not tell Snug to be quiet and go to sleep at nap time when he said he had to potty. I always listen to those requests and take them seriously. He did not have a large BM in his pants during his nap. Upon awakening he did not say to me "I tode you mama".

I am not worrying again about the doctor's appointment for #1 today. I will not be twittering as soon as we find something out.

I did not frost over a section of cake that Snug had stuck his finger in before taking it to a church function. I did not do it after another mom said that is what she would do. Not Me! (Oh Christine and Janelle I know you are never going to eat anything I bring to church again!)

What on earth did you not do this week? Please tell me because I NEED some laughs at this point.

Not Me! Monday

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I just got back from my parent's house in Michigan, it was such a nice weekend, as always. Here are some of the things I did not do this week.

I did not feed Baby J dishsoap this week for dinner. He did not cry very hard and blow pearly rainbow colors out of his mouth. Oh I felt so terrible. I had defrosted and warmed some sweet potatoes for his supper in a small glass bowl. After I fed him I put the bowl in the sink and helped #1 get dinner for the rest of us on the table. Baby J was howling and I thought maybe he was still hungry so I grabbed the bowl back out of the sink (no one had set anything dirty on it) stuck some summer squash in it and threw it quick in the microwave. It had a funny consistency to it, but it didn't look bad, just a little thin. As I fed it to him he started to cry very hard. I checked the temperature and it was fine. He didn't want the squash at all-I gave him about 10 spoonfuls. Then as he began to cry really hard I noticed the bubbles he was producing. I quick smelled the bowl and it was very lemon fresh. Apparently I had put a squirt of dishsoap into the bowl when I put it in the sink. I do NOT remember doing that, but apparently I did. Of course it wasn't the Melaleuca soap that would have been perfectly harmless, it was what was left of the regular kind we used to use. Of course it says "do not ingest, if ingested drink plenty of water and call physician immediately". We gave him lots of water, but he calmed down and seems ok...no Dr. visit this time.

I did not leave my cell phone charger at my parent's house...the only one we have for both cell phones. That would not happen to me because I am so organized. Ha. (ok we have a car charger, but it doesn't work very well)

I'm sure I did more dumb things this week, but for now this is all I will admit. Happy Monday everyone!

Not Me! Monday

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Wow...I twittered about taking stupid pills this week and I really think I did. Here is my not-so-short-list of things of course I did not do. Too bad I can't blame it on baby brain anymore.

I did not drink pop this week...twice. Oh how I wish I could give it up completely...it is seriously my vice.

I did not make a quadruple recipe of Draycare pancakes (scroll WAY down if you click that link to find the recipe) for 6 people-that would be enough pancakes for about 15 people. I was trying to double the recipe...ran out of room in my bowl so I split it up and continued to add ingredients...only I kept making a double recipe in both bowls.

My son did not wear a tiny blue turtle barrette to playgroup on Friday. In all fairness, he traded it with another girl and let her hold his precious blue bear...but still...

I did not at the same playgroup grab another person's daughter, plop her in my lap, and proceed to put E's socks on her. Her mother took it very well being a friend of mine, but wow, I was glad it was someone I knew!

Along the same child predator lines, I did not kiss a total stranger's baby I was holding at a Pampered Chef party over the weekend right in front of her. I think it is just a habit, I pick up small children all day long and kiss their little heads. Oh dear. (I did have her permission to be holding, just not smooching)

I did not drop Baby J out of the stroller and onto the floor. HE IS FINE NO PANICKING (because I know my mom and my Aunt Kim just had mini heart-attacks). He was securely fastened into his car seat which got tangled in a blanket and tipped off the stroller. He didn't cry, complain or anything. He just looked at me like "You're gonna blog this, huh?". I felt horrible.

I did not put Snug's blue kid toothpaste on my toothbrush and then try to brush his teeth with it. I did not then decide not to waste perfectly good toothpaste and use it myself. I must say it doesn't leave that minty fresh feeling I enjoy from Melaleuca.

I did not put an Imse Vimse liner into Snug's underwear at a basketball game because it was in double overtime with 45 seconds left and the game was tied. He said he needed to have a BM and I didn't want to clean that out of his pants. Nor did I want to miss the end of the game/walk in front of a ton of highly stressed parents watching their girls in districts! I had JUST taken him to the bathroom between overtimes and I was pretty sure he was just tired of watching the game. I was right, when we went to the bathroom less than 2 minutes later, he just laughed and said he was "all done" before we even got into the stall. They won by the way...go Warriors :o)

Not Me! Monday

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I did not brush off tons of pieces of enchilada left strewn on the table from Snug and then call the dogs in to clean it up...not me.

I did not get a relieved/giddy feeling when the nice lady who helps to run Snug's class on Wednesday night came and got another mom because her kid had a potty accident, and for once it wasn't me. I did not feel totally terrible not even ten minutes later when it was me called out because Snug had a potty incident also. (I say incident because he did go in the potty...but also out of the potty) I am going to have to train toddler workers how to help little boys on the potty because the same thing happened again at church on Sunday.

I did not tear up just a tad today as my 2 year old marched himself into his new classroom and posed for a quick picture. I just feel like God is really blessing our church and I hope he finds me worthy of serving there.

I did not serve popcorn for dinner. #1 was totally ok with it as he wasn't very hungry either. That is my kind of Sunday night dinner!

I did not start brushing my teeth today...think something wasn't quite right, and then discover I was using my husband's toothbrush...maybe because I was so tired (the boys were up multiple times again last night...I forgot to give Baby J solids for dinner due to us just having popcorn so he was hungry all night, and Snug had a piece of candy...and well...there is more than just the health aspect to why he doesn't get candy).

I do not now have to brush the teeth of two of my Draycare kids every morning. Clearly I don't have enough to do already :o) I just fit it into the schedule...

I did not have to replace my blog counter. My other one died about a month ago...when I was moving things around and I couldn't revive it. I was at 3,000 something, so I just started the new one at 3,000. It isn't really accurate anyway because it counts ME as a visitor each time I log on, it started in October, and I have had a blog since April, and it was down for a month. Oh well. I really don't need it anyway, it just helps give me a good idea how many of you are out there...some of you show up on my blogfrog...but MOST of you do not. Those are just people who I follow their blogs, or people find me from their blogs.

Thank you to everyone who gave us advice on the heater. We still are not sure what we are going to do. We are leaning a little towards insulating our house, but we're not sure how much that will cost. After further research and your comments we're not sure the heater would help where we need the most help-our bedrooms. They are the coldest and they really do need to have their doors closed (especially our bedroom) for a majority of the day. We also do not want our bedroom doors open all night because if there was to be a fire, you have a higher probability of surviving (while sleeping) if the doors are closed. It buys you a few precious extra seconds by acting as a buffer between you and the flames/smoke. Toxic smoke kills more people than actual flames. We are cold in the main part of the house often too, and the heater would help that, but the bedrooms would get even colder. What a conundrum :o) Thanks for all your help! Happy Monday!

Not Me! Monday

First things first here people. Baby J gained 7 oz (apparently I received the wrong info and he had lost not 2 but 3 oz last Friday at his weight check) and is now 14lbs flat. They still want me to supplement, but I informed them that still wasn't happening. They were hoping for a 1 lb growth in 3 days, not just 7 oz. I pretty much was happy with 7 oz thanks. Not that I wouldn't have taken more, but really, 7 oz gain instead of no gain or a loss, well, I was happy. Later today I have an appointment with my new lactation consultant over at the hospital I had Baby J at.

My regular doctor wasn't there, which I was kinda glad for because sometimes it is easier to stand up to someone you don't particularly know. It was the same doctor who diagnosed both boys' ear infections a few weeks ago...she was more congenial today to say the least. I actually left kinda liking her. (She was the eye roller about cloth diapers)

And now to what I did not do this past week. Check out www.mycharmingkids.net to see other people's wonderful parenting skills this week.

I did not try to get Baby J weighed with a semi-full diaper just for good measure. The nurse did not insist I change him two seconds before the big weigh in :o)

I was not sick with a terrible stomach bug Friday-Saturday and then watch as Snug and #1 also got the fun experience.

I did not throw away a board book I found in the bathroom because it had traces of vomit and urine on it and I totally didn't feel like cleaning it up. I think it was a freebie at a garage sale anyway...

I did not lose it when Snug hit the button on our dishwasher that turned on the heating element. I then did not have to throw away several plastic containers because they were getting burned up in the dishwasher. I don't heat plastic in the microwave or the dishwasher (other than regular hot soapy water).

I did not cook buttered macaroni for supper last night (remember when you used to do that for us dad?) and then make it all the more healthier by adding some fried chicken I found in the fridge. By the way, no idea if the chicken dropper-offers are readers or not, but that was VERY kind of you to bring it by on Friday when you knew #1 needed a meal. Thank you so much, we super appreciate it.

I did not get my dates mixed up and then forget to call my dad on his birthday. I still feel terrible about it, and the stomach bug was NOT a good excuse, especially since his birthday was Thursday, not Friday as I was thinking. Happy Birthday Pop Pop!

I did not totally ruin a fresh batch of rice cereal/avocado/hind milk by forgetting it was in the food warmer, not me!

I did not overhear a conversation between #1 and Snug this morning that went a little like this:

Snug: "Beer IS tumming"

#1: "No [Snug] its not coming, it isn't good to drink and drive"

Snug: blank stare

Nowadays Snug refers to his two bears as "beers" and the cop in my husband doesn't exploit it at all.

My Husband Did NOT flush Elmo Down The Potty

Ok, here is #1's Not Me. Snug has had a few mishaps in the potty area in the last few days. It could have something to do with the fact that the bathroom was all tore up...that at one point there was no toilet, or that life has just been so, well, exciting he doesn't want to take the time to go. Anyway, he had a 'not urine' in the underwear yesterday and #1 was using the spatula to do the thing that spatula does. After a few minutes my mom and I heard "uh...that's not good" coming from the bathroom. One small pair of Elmo underoos went slip sliding down the toilet into the city sewer system. Goodbye "Melmo".

On a happier note, here is what the tub box has been used for today. Hours of fun were had by all, and when nap time is over, hours of clean up will have to happen because every toy from the upstairs is currently residing in this box.

No paint and no trim yet, but the blue paint I picked is close to this blue, so you can use your imagination :o)

I LOVE our new flooring. I think it is what I am most excited about...and I really thought the tub was what I would be most excited about. Again, no trim or paint...but I will do it ASAP.

So, there is a story behind this...scene. My parents don't normally hang out in my bathroom like this. However, when the toilet went back in, it wouldn't sit flat on the wax ring (if you don't know what I am talking about, hope you never will). SO, I laid on the floor with my hairdryer trying to melt it a bit, and my dad and mom sat like this and eventually the toilet sank back down to where it belonged.

Laying the floor...

Ok, this picture is for my mom, because we both really enjoyed seeing how it looks under the toilet. REALLY gross. This picture also gives you an idea of how bad our flooring was. This was under the carpet (not a good idea with small children in your house) and it was so bad looking and so hard to clean. It always looked dirty because of the holes and glue marks from the carpeting.

Just a cute Baby J picture. Notice how he is gaunt and fatigued looking due to the weight issue...I am still going between worrying about him and his progress to being totally disgusted with the whole thing because I know he feels fine and is eating and that Snug went though the same thing. I need to just not worry at all and give it to God.

This is Baby J smiling because his mommy is making him homemade yogurt for supper! He is saying "my mommy didn't burn it!" if you want to know the truth! I will see how it turns out, and if it does, I will walk all of you out there through how to do it. OR you can buy Ruth Yaron's "Super Baby Food" book and do it yourself with about 100 other things!

I had my mom take this picture for me to show you another way I am using this sling. I like him better on my back, but it is hard to get him up there tight without a spotter. He really likes being up and seeing what is going on.

And last, but not least, here is a video of the tub box being enjoyed by all. It will go out to the recycle next week, but until then, let the good times roll!

Not Me! Monday

Here it is!
Yeah Not Me Monday is back! Go to http://www.mycharmingkids.net/ to join in the fun.

I did not find myself blocked into the bathroom laying flooring and tell Snug to “go watch TV” so he wouldn’t walk on the vinyl glue. My mom did not immediately tell me that it sounded like something I’d not do and then blog about. Does she know me or what?*

I did not wake up Christmas morning at 6 am before anyone else because I was really excited for Snug and #1 to get up, not me!

I did not get really grumpy for a couple of days while my husband and dad worked their tails off putting in a bathroom for me and my mom watched my kids for hours at a time. Really, I am still trying to figure out what my problem was. Anyway, I really appreciate all they did for me/us this past week.

I did not do a load of laundry and realize when it was done that I had never put any clothes in.

Snug and I did not play Wii until 9:00pm Christmas night while he and Baby J were tired and getting a bit cranky. I don’t believe that video games are good for children and I certainly do not get addicted to them*.

I did not write this post on Sunday night...save it for Monday...see that MckMama had posted on Sunday...put up a partial post and save it so I could be #8...and then finish the post. :o) That might be cheating :o)

That is all I can think of for the past couple of weeks. How about you?

*Whatever your beliefs are on TV and video games for your children is your choice. It is never my intent to judge other people in this area, so please don’t be offended. Our family chooses to set strict limits on the amount of TV consumption (30 minutes a day, usually a DVD, and rarely “real” TV) unless of course we are doing home improvement that involves not having children walking in glue. I must admit that Snug has watched a fair amount of Wheel of Fortune and football in his young life. As far as the Wheel of Fortune goes, Pat and Vanna don’t speak rudely, almost always have appropriate clothes on, and never engage in questionable relationships on air. Their commercials on denture cream, joint pain relievers, and medicare simply do not cater to the whims of 2 year olds, so we also don’t worry about their influence on him. We also have decided we will not own a gaming system at this time, and have no plans to own one in the future. As our kids grow our opinions may or may not change.