Luxuries: Before & After Kids

So I was thinking this morning about what I consider to be a "luxury" now that Josiah is constantly attached to my hip. Then I got to thinking how different it is from even this time last year! Here is a short compilation:

Luxuries before kids:
Eating out
Going to the movies at any time of night
Meeting couples at events
Picnicing at concerts
Buying cute dresses
Anniversary or weekend vacations
Stay up late watching TV
Taking a nap on Sundays


Luxuries WITH kids:
Going to the bathroom alone
Going to the store while it's raining
Eating a hot meal in a restaurant
Leaving on time
Sweeping without someone chasing the broom
Making it 2 days without washing bottles bc he ate so many solids
Taking a shower
Staying seated through Church service
Having an empty car (doesn't constantly have a pack&play, stroller, diaper bag and carseat in it)
Carrying a purse or Wearing heals
Sleeping through the night
Being away from the house after 7pm

What are your luxuries now that you have kiddos around????

Cooking And More

So I know most of you are wondering, now that I am staying home, if I am keeping up my end of the marital bargain. There were several posts/blogs back in the summer when I was working part time, trying to show Austin what kind of fancy meals he could expect if I was at home more. Well, nearly two weeks into his new job and me at home (and no one to visit for the holidays) it has been a smooth and successful transition!

Instead of traditional Lipton pasta bags tossed with chicken, or frozen pizza, or fast food we have altered that! Although there have been a couple of pizza nights, I have been trying very hard to come up with yummy, and somewhat healthier meals for both of us. Most recently I have made black bean quesadillas (last night), chicken fried rice (bad recipe, won't retry!), chicken & dumplings, veal meatloaf, chicken enchiladas, beef lasagna, gourmet burgers and I'm sure others I can't think of right now. As for breakfasts, I am trying to make sure Austin gets some and takes plenty of healthy snacks with him (nuts, celery, carrots, raisins, apples, crackers). The breakfasts made are: zucchini bread, breakfast casserole, strawberry pancakes, fruit smoothies, bagels, and eggs & toast.

Josiah's eating solids too!!! He gets a banana every morning and usually a second fruit after his first nap. Then a veggie and some cheerios for lunch, cheerios for snack after second nap and either oatmeal or yogurt for dinner. We start last bottle and reading to him around 6:30, then he goes to bed around 7. Last night he slept all 12 hours for the second time (first time was last week) and the night before I didn't feed him but put him back to sleep and let him fuss for a bit for both typical "feedings." I'm hoping that by this weekend when he turns 9 months that he will be consistently sleeping through the night!!!

Thanks for all of your support, and keep sending me yummy recipes to try!

2012 - The Best Year Ever

Ok, so 2011 had some bumps, but with prayer from many, many people and considerable help from Mom, we got through it! However, the most joyous event EVER occurred in 2011 - the birth of our first son!!!!! He is growing daily and healthy as can be :) We can't ask for more than that.

So how is 2012 going to be different, you think to yourself behind your computer? New jobs and new roles in the household. Some of you may know, but it hasn't been public knowledge yet: I have chosen to stay home with Josiah and cook and clean the house. In addition to that I will be working on attaining my real estate license so that I may sell homes on weekends and evenings when Austin can be home with Josiah.

Austin is starting a new job today. He will be working for a family in our church installing phone systems. I think he will enjoy it as it involves many of his hobbies, just not guitar. Speaking of which, he received a beautiful new one from his mommy for Christmas.

My second resolution (other than getting my license) is to read two books this year. I know, for most of you that seems very small, but I never read and as I get older and am now at home, I will need to do something to keep my brain active and not static. So I am going to try to read one book by June 30th and then another by the end of the year. I usually get 3-4 chapters in, and then forget to ever pick it up again, so I am in the middle of a dozen books, but would need to restart most of them. Any suggestions on what I should read that would hold my attention, would be helpful. (I should note, I don't care about teeny-bopper books)

Josiah's birthday is Saturday, April 14th, and I don't see why everyone can't be invited to help celebrate him turning one. Everybody we know has given him or us gifts, money, food, shelter, advice, wisdom, or babysitting! So you should all be able to see him crawl and probably walk by then. Come help us celebrate the birthday of the best thing that has ever happened to this family, and hopefully, tell me if you need to buy or sell a home too ;-)