Thursday, July 28, 2016

Over The Rainbow

This is what my house looked like last night. Isn't it gorgeous? I can't stop staring at this photo!!! We've had quite a bit of that good summer rain here in NWA this week. Last night the rain stopped and the sky was decorated with the most gorgeous rainbow I've ever seen. I couldn't get the entire thing in the photo but it wrapped itself from one side of my house to the other. It looked just like a picture I would have drawn when I was a little girl. The rainbow was so deeply colorful and I think I will treasure this photo of my home forever and ever!!
Our house is full of adventures this week. Today I started potty training Campbell. I have been dreading this for forever but I feel like this is the most opportune time since he's on break from MDO. I'm going with the 3 day naked method because I'm hoping to knock this out as quickly as possible and I've heard great success stories from this method. I'll update everyone next week and let you know how it went. I'll just say for now that I have been (extremely) pleasantly surprised!
As far as Bennett goes, he's just chillin. He's been sleeping through the night for us this week. Whoop! I think we're there folks, I think we're there. I'm going to give it another week before I feel confident about it but I'm pretty sure this little man finally figured it out. Holla! Even his naps have been darn near perfect all week. Getting him started on a schedule right away was the best decision I could have made. Now I'm ready to drop that 11:00 dream feed so I can crawl in bed before 11:30. I'm getting more sleep now but I'm still so tired. Gah! I require so much sleep y'all. Once we get this 11 hour sleep thing figured out, I'm going to pour myself a tall glass of wine to celebrate. I haven't had any of that in almost a year now and my taste buds are ready.

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Big Boy Bed

Tonight is Campbell's first night in his big boy bed!!
Scott and I set it up together while Campbell was in the playroom and when he came in his room and saw his "new" bed he got SO excited! He ran and jumped in it and had the biggest smile on his face. At first Scott and I were like "yeah this isn't going to work" because he kept getting up and down and up and down. But when it was time for bed we tucked Campbell in and explained to him that he had to stay in his bed until we came and got him. We turned his lights off, said good night, then ran and got the monitor to see what he was doing!! I was pleasantly surprised to see him lay there so sweet and still just like he always does! He was asleep within five minutes.
Nighttime isn't what I'm nervous about. It's naps! Campbell sleeps like a rock at night for 11 solid hours and has since he was an itty bitty little thing so I'm not concerned about that. Naps are more questionable. Campbell takes a 2 hour nap every day but sometimes I put him in his bed kicking and screaming because he wants to keep playing instead of take a nap. He typically falls asleep really quickly but I'm worried that he's just going to leap right out of his bed and I'll have to keep putting him back in it. We'll see! He could surprise me and do awesome! Or we may have to turn it back into a crib tomorrow. Which is why we kept one side of the crib rails up just in case!
I asked Scott if it made him sad that Campbell wasn't in his crib anymore. He thought about it for a second and said "no. I'm excited that he's a big boy!" Aw. Yeah....I guess so! Campbell's room looks cute with his "new" toddler bed and my little toddler looks pretty cute snuggled up in his bed like a big boy. I'll be so proud of him if he does good! I'll keep you all updated!


Monday, July 25, 2016

Just Me and The Boys (and girls too)

Hey all! How was your weekend? Mine was...fine. Scott went on a guys trip for the weekend so I was left home alone to take care of the boys all by myself. Yikes. It wasn't bad but I'm not sure if I've ever been more happy or relieved to see my husband walk into our house on Sunday afternoon. There's no doubt that I need my partner and teammate to help me with our kiddos!! Scott does A LOT for me with the boys so it's a bit overwhelming when you're left to do it alone!!
The weekend started out pretty solid. My MIL came over on Friday night (with Pei Wei!!) and helped me get the boys ready for bed and I was so thankful. I actually enjoyed my quiet house all to myself for the night though. I can't remember the last time that's happened and it was a little refreshing to have some alone time.
Bennett slept until 5:15 on Saturday which was so awesome! He's so close to sleeping through the night, I can feel it!! I was soooo glad he slept good and whenever he does, it always gives me a boost so I had a lot of energy Saturday morning! I woke Bennett up at 7:00, fed him, then got Campbell out of bed and made him a yummy oatmeal breakfast.
Yes my almost 2.5 year old still eats in his high chair. Campbell is the worlds messiest eater and he would ruin my house if he ate anywhere else! I don't know what I'm going to do when Bennett needs the high chair.
I digress....
We had a birthday party to go to Saturday morning and I was excited about it! I needed some adult interaction and a way to keep Campbell entertained. The party was right next door so that was convenient! Campbell had fun and I was glad to get out of the house and hang out with some friends. After the party we had lunch at Chick Fil A then came home for naps.
We spent the rest of the day just hanging out at home in our playroom, watching Sheriff Callie. Campbell emerged from his bedroom looking like this and it really tickled me!! This boy is obsessed with all things cowboys thanks to Sheriff Callie.
I fully intended on going to church on Sunday but I just couldn't seem to manage it by myself. Plus I was just plain tired. I was so happy when Scott walked into the door on Sunday afternoon and I'm pretty sure he can never leave me again. I need him.
Overall, a bit of an overwhelming weekend with my two boys and two girls (although they go easy on me!) but I survived it and never cried! Win. I'm 11 weeks in but still trying to get used to managing two kiddos. I'm learning and getting better though! Once Bennett is sleeping all night and I can get some solid rest, I think I'll manage this better. In the meantime, I've got my partner to help me navigate the crazy and I'm glad because I most definitely couldn't do this without him!

Friday, July 22, 2016

Switch

Happy Friday folks! This little guy has been sleeping so good all week! We had another night of him sleeping all night long. Woo Hoo!!! The last two nights he's woken up at 4:00 but I don't mind. It's much better than that 3:00-3:30 time that he seemed to get in a habit of and I'm hoping he's broken that now.
I switched up our nighttime routine and instead of swaddling him with one arm out I've swaddled him all the way again. For naps too. It's definitely made a difference. I've also started giving him a bottle for his dream feed instead of nursing him. I did that with Campbell too but was wanting to avoid it with Bennett because pumping is so annoying. I always noticed Bennett would sleep longer if he took a good dream feed but most of the time he would just fall asleep while eating. The bottle gets him to eat more so it looks like this may be my new thing until he's ready to drop that dream feed. Hopefully just another 4-8 weeks or so. We're definitely moving in the right direction now instead of being stuck like we have been for the last month. Campbell was sleeping 10:30-7:00 by 13 weeks so Bennett only has a little over 2 weeks if he wants to beat his brothers time! Let's cross our fingers that he's competitive and wants to win this one!!
That's pretty much all that's going on in our life right now. I'm working hard on getting Bennett's schedule just right so he sleeps because Momma needs her sleep! Bennett needs his sleep too so his brain can grow and he can learn new things! It's a win for everyone really.
Y'all have a good weekend and I'll see you back here on Monday!

Thursday, July 21, 2016

School's Out For Summer

Today was Campbell's very last day of MDO. I'm sad. And if Campbell knew and understood that it was his last day with his teachers he'd be sad too. I dropped him off this morning and snapped a few quick pics while we were there because our church has the most beautiful grounds and it makes for the prettiest photo backdrops!
We have a month long break before the fall session starts so I thought now would be a good time to attempt to potty train Campbell. I'm not really looking forward to it and I don't know if we'll be successful or not but I at least want to try. I'm going to do that 3 day naked method and hope for the best! I'll probably get started on it next week so say a prayer for us!!
I also want to move Campbell into his toddler bed sometime within the next month. I honestly think he'll be okay with it but if he isn't we'll just stick the rails back up and convert it back into a crib! Naps are more of a concern for me than nighttime sleep because sometimes he goes dead weight and cries when I put him in his crib for naptime. We shall see! A lot of big changes but it will all be great if we're successful at it! I'm not putting any pressure on myself to be successful so no big deal if it's too early for it. I'm interested to see how this all goes and I'll definitely give you all an update once we get started!

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Chiropractor Update

I wrote a post a few weeks ago about taking Bennett to the chiropractor for his reflux and I promised to give you all an update after going for a few weeks and let you know what I think about it. In short, we LOVE!
I take Bennett twice a week to get "adjusted." I feel that he just overall seems more comfortable. He doesn't spit up after every feeding anymore but he does still spit up at least once a day. A couple of weeks ago the chiropractor and I made a decision to try to stretch him out to just once a week. One day last week Bennett just wasn't himself. He wasn't taking good naps and was overall just not sleeping great. Scott and I were getting ready for bed and I was telling him about Bennett not taking good naps that day and Scott said "I wonder if it's because it's been a while since he's been to the chiropractor?" I instantly knew that's what it had to be. Thankfully we had an appointment lined up for the next morning. After he saw her, he was back to the same ol' Bennett and taking good naps again. Amazing! Needless to say, we're back to the twice a week plan and I don't feel like we'll change from that any time soon.
There is a chart in the room we usually go in that says the many things chiropractic care can be used for in babies and it's so interesting to me. Everything from reflux and colic to eczema and torticollis and even sleep troubles can be treated/helped with getting adjusted. I believe it! I wish so badly I had known about this when Campbell was a baby because I think it would have made a world of difference in his fussiness.
I have no idea how much longer I'll take Bennett but I'm in no hurry to stop. He seems to feel so great and relaxed after she gets him all lined up. Plus he always has an insane blowout within an hour after being adjusted so you know something is happening in there! Apparently that's very common to happen in babies and I take it as a good sign when Bennett does that! Probably a little TMI but you know...
Overall, this has been such a good thing! Bennett's reflux/spit up has slowly gotten better the more we go and I'm so thankful! I was determined to find a solution this time around and I'm pretty sure I found it! Again, it hasn't taken it away completely but it has reduced the spit up significantly so that's a win in my book!

Monday, July 18, 2016

Summer Weekend

We haven't been to the Farmers Market in quite a while so I wanted to make sure we were able to get out there over the weekend. I was in the mood for some yummy peaches and while I was there I stumbled upon the most colorful and beautiful bunch of carrots and tomatoes that you've ever seen! We strolled around for quite a while and ate lunch out there while we were at it!
Before too long we were all hot and tired so we called it a day and came home so the boys could get some naps.
Later that evening, Scott and I went on our very first date night since Bennett was born! It was beautiful. We ate a delicious meal at Tavola (our favorite) then strolled around the square for a little bit. I was in so much need of some quality time with my husband so I am so thankful to my MIL for asking us if we would like to go have a date while she watched the boys! Now that Bennett is going down for bed around 7:30-8:00 and predictably staying asleep until his 11:00 dream feed, I feel like we can get out now. Yay!
We rounded out our weekend with church on Sunday and an evening in front of the TV watching Big Brother. Overall, a great weekend! I need more just like it. :)

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Short & Sweet

Yay for almost the weekend! I'm ready. I haven't gotten out of the house much this week so I'm due for some fun activities whatever they may be.
We spent a large part of our morning yesterday curled up in bed. Bennett took a nap while Campbell watched Sheriff Callie. I had to put a pillow over Bennett to protect him from the crazy toddler.
While I was rocking Bennett to sleep tonight, Campbell walked in with his pillow and two lovies. He laid right at my feet and quietly hung out there until I was done. I thought it was so precious! I love my sweet boy so much. He melts my heart sometimes!!
That's all I've got for ya! Not much to talk about these days but I still want to talk and share pictures!

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Ramblings

I don't have anything in particular to talk about today so I'll just be random!
My girls. Sometimes I feel like the only time I get a chance to love on them during the day is when we crawl in bed at night and cuddle. My days are just crazy and sometimes I don't even have time to go to the bathroom. Thankfully they're just always on my heels and walk through the crazy with me! I try to encourage them to lay in their bed and rest but they say no. They'd rather be my shadow and help with their brothers. Sweet little nuggets. I love my girls.
Campbell got his first milkshake a few days ago. He loved it of course. With every sip he took he would say YUUUMMMMMM!!!! I thought he would eat the whole thing but he only had about 1/4 of it which worked out for me because I finished it off! I've never had a milkshake from Chick Fil A before but they are very delicious.
Some of Bennett's hair up top has fallen out but it's still holding up strong in the back! I love that sweet little head of hair. I hope it always stays that dark.
I'm thinking about transitioning Campbell into his toddler bed. I almost did it right before his 2nd birthday but changed my mind. It's on my mind again now and I think we may officially make the switch before the summer is up. I'd also love to get him potty trained before summer is over as well. I always said I'd work on Bennett's sleep then tackle Campbell's potty training. I totally dread potty training but Campbell's diapers are starting to get legit so it feels like it's time.
While Campbell plays in the playroom, Bennett swings and sucks on his paci. He likes it in there. Totally content. :)

Monday, July 11, 2016

Cowboy Campbell

Yee-Haw! Campbell had MDO today and it was cowboy day! It's pretty awesome timing because Campbell is obsessed with the TV show Sheriff Callie's Wild West. He calls it "Hal-HE". Scott and I have made sure to record every episode we stumble across because it's the only thing Campbell wants to watch right now. He hands me the remote and says "Hal-HE." He's always liked the show and it's always been in our cartoon rotation along with our other Disney Jr favorites (yep we watch a nice amount of TV around here) but he's especially into it these days and I don't mind because I think it's a super cute show.
Since he's become so obsessed over the last few months, my Mom bought Campbell these cowboy boots to play around in. I was excited when a note got sent home with Campbell one day saying they would be having cowboy day today because we already had our cowboy gear and I knew Campbell would love it! All I had to do was find a bandana and my little sheriff was all set!!
Campbell had fun being a cowboy and I couldn't stop giggling at his cuteness before we left the house. Scott wasn't here to see it in person but it may be worth putting the outfit back on Campbell because he missed out on a whole lot of adorable this morning!

Saturday, July 9, 2016

Bennett | Two Months Old

Another month has flown by with our precious Bennett!! Two months old and just as loveable as ever. Here are his two month stats.
Weight: As of two days ago, 9 pounds, 10 ounces (3%)

Height: 21.3 inches (2%)

Sleep: We've finally gotten into a good, solid bedtime routine. Bennett is all set and ready for bed by 8:00. He has a dreamfeed at 11:00 then sleeps until at least 3:00, sometimes 3:30. He's up at 7:00 the next morning. Bennett takes five naps a day and they last between 1.5-2 hours. He sleeps in his crib, swaddled with one arm out. I lay Bennett down sleepy but awake. If he wakes up halfway into his nap, he quickly puts himself back to sleep. We started healthy sleep habits from the very beginning with this little one and I am SO glad I did that because getting him down to sleep is a piece of cake. No sleep props (aka paci, rocking, bouncing) needed for Bennett!!
Eat: I'm still exclusively breastfeeding Bennett and he nurses 8 times a day. He's quick! It takes him no longer than 9 minutes to eat.

Clothes: Newborn clothes fit him perfectly now. I've put him in some 0-3 month clothes and they don't completely swallow him! He's still in his preemie and newborn Kickee Pants although I should probably stop putting him in the preemies because his toes are at the very edge but it's always SO hard for me to let go of those first set of pajamas!!

Diapers: Size 1 Pampers Swaddlers
Likes: Being outside, looking around, baths, cuddles, milk.

Dislikes: Clothes going over his head, when his brothers kisses are just a little too rough.

Milestones: Bennett is starting to coo now! Sweetest little noises ever!!!

Month Two: Bennett has had another wonderful month! He's still just a chill little guy and he's starting to become a really good sleeper!
All About Bennett: What a sweetie! I can't even handle how precious Bennett is. His wake times are only about an hour at a time but during that time he is just adorable! If I'm not able to hold him while he's awake, I put him in his bouncer or rock n play then stick him in front of something interesting for him to stare at! He loves to just look around. We are just so in love with this sweet boy and I bet I kiss his cheeks 100 times a day! And every time I do, he opens his mouth wide like he wants more! We are so lucky to say he's ours!!

Friday, July 8, 2016

Sleepy Heads

We have had the best day in our house because Bennett slept through the night for the very first time last night!!! I put him to bed at 8:00, gave him a dreamfeed at 11:00, then he didn't wake up this morning until a few minutes before 7:00. Woo Hoo! Go Bennett!!
Bennett's middle of the night feedings have been stretching out longer and longer just in the last week. He was waking up really consistently at 2:00 then we've slowly gone to 2:30, 3:00, and 3:30. Bennett took a really good dreamfeed last night (he usually just halfway eats) so I had a feeling we would get to 4:00 but I never dreamed he would go all night! I woke up on my own at about 6:15 this morning and my first thought was "oh my gosh it's daylight!" Then I was like "wait, did I feed Bennett last night?....No! No I didn't. Oh my gosh he did it! He did it!" I just sat and starred at the monitor with a smile on my face and it was all I could do to not shake Scott awake to tell him the good news!
I'm aware that this probably isn't going to be the consistent new thing from here on out. Bennett will most likely wake up tonight and maybe even tomorrow night. But from my experience, I also know that he's proven that he can sleep through the night now. I have a feeling that in a few weeks he will start doing it consistently and that makes me so very excited!! If you want your baby to sleep through the night put them on a schedule. It's as easy and simple as that. Babywise is everything to me!!! I want to find the people who wrote the book and kiss them.
Not only did Bennett grace us (well, me) with good sleep last night, so did his older brother! Campbell goes through phases of sleeping in and he's in one right now. He typically wakes up at 7:15 every morning but for over a week now he's been sleeping in until 8:00-8:45 every day. It's so awesome! I wish he had chosen to do this the very first few weeks of Bennett's life but we'll gladly take it now and cross our fingers that he keeps it up for another week or so! :)
Needless to say, our weekend is off to a good start! Let's hope is stays awesome!