Not Me Monday, Tuesday Special Edition

I did not take a photo of my baby pooping this morning just because I thought it would be a fun memory.  I did not consider how potentially embarassing this may be in the future.  I do not find this funny face secretly endearing.

I would never make up a parody to the "Itsy Bitsy Spider" that I regularly sing to my son instead of the favorite children's song.  It does not go like this:

The itsy bitsy spider is on your Granny's wall,
The spider doesn't know it yet, but he is gonna fall,
'Cause Granny's got the ladder, and she's got a papertowel,
And the itsy bitsy spider is in the potty now!

I did not take an infamous "long arm" photo of Jackson and myself for blogging purposes alone.

I do not have the most beautiful boy in the whole wide world.  Oh wait, yes I do!

Diapering 101

My dad, aka 'PawPaw' got his Diapering 101 lesson today.  He didn't want to learn at first, but after a "now's as good of time as any" conversation, he caved.

Mom and I walked him through.  He got lucky that it was only a peepee diaper--but we simulated a poopoo, just in case!

He did well, but more practice is in order.

We celebrated nevertheless.  I'll take all the help I can get!

The Winner

I'm going to be brutally honest.  Breastfeeding was the most difficult and painful thing I have ever experienced.  Yes, I know everyone tells you that the first 6 week are the hardest.  They say "If you can just get through the beginning, it gets easier.  You'll really enjoy it then."  Well, Jackson's tongue tie resulted in my dependency on a hospital grade Medela breastpump and a subsequent kinship with dairy cattle.  I did explore the option of working with a Lactation Consultant, but at $195/hour, I thought this a bit steep for someone to look at my boob.  My plight as it was, I "hooked up to the milker" for 2.5 weeks, but I finally caved.  "This just isn't working for anyone!"  Much to my guilt and dismay, I switched Jackson to formula at 3 weeks.  Since then, it's been trial and error to find the right formula for my boy.  He has severe acid reflux, and is very spitty.  We've tried 5 different formulas since I stopped pumping, and I think we've finally found the winner with Enfamil AR.  Jax still has major spit-ups several times a day, but at least he's fat and happy.  To those women who are able to breastfeed, or heck, who actually find pleasure in doing so, I salute you.  I really do.  But for those who, like me, decide that it just 'isn't for you and your baby,' don't be too hard on yourself either.  Take that from someone who thought she'd never forgive herself.

This one's the winner.

We still get lots of bonding.

And now Mommy's happy.

And Jackson's happy too.

We're all happy!

The House That Built Me

I know they say you can't go home again

I just had to come back one last time

Ma'am I know you don't know me from Adam,

But these handprints on the front steps are mine

Up those stairs, in that little back bedroom

Is where I did my homework and I learned to play guitar

And I bet you didn't know, under that live oak,

My favorite dog is buried in the yard

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it

This brokenness inside me might start healing

Out here it's like I'm someone else,

I thought that maybe I could find myself

If I could just come in I swear I'll leave,

Won't take nothing but a memory

From the house that built me

Mama cut out pictures of houses for years,

From "Better Homes and Garden" magazine

Plans were drawn and concrete poured,

Nail by nail, and board by board

Daddy gave life to Mama's dream

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it

This brokenness inside me might start healing

Out here it's like I'm someone else,

I thought that maybe I could find myself

If I could just come in I swear I'll leave,

Won't taking nothing but a memory

From the house that built me

You leave home, you move on, and you do the best you can,

I got lost in this whole world and forgot who I am . . .

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it

This brokenness inside me might start healing

Out here it's like I'm someone else,

I thought that maybe I could find myself

If I could walk around I swear I'll leave,

Won't take nothing but a memory

From the house that built me

song by Miranda Lambert "The House That Built Me"

I stand amazed at how time flies.

PawPaw

This is my PawPaw.  I think he's a hoot.  You might not be able to tell by this photo, but I did this on my own.  I leaned way back and smiled really big.  You see, we're already exercise buddies, so we talk a lot.  PawPaw holds me upright and makes me push with my legs and try to hold my head up.  I'm getting there.  Soon, PawPaw wants me to run with him...but I'll be taking my time on that one.  For now, I'm going to stick with my indoor lap excercises.  I sure think my PawPaw's the greatest!

Thanks!

THANKS Aunt Serena and Uncle Michael!

I just love my dinosaur outfit (Mommy has a secret childhood obsession with dinosaurs too).

You are the best!

My Sweet Daughter

Yes, I have a sweet little daughter too.  She is sharing my heart.

And my dad is sharing hers too (this is what Miss Mags did when Dad went out onto the porch).  She wasn't game for leaving without me--but she sure didn't want him to leave.

The kids.  Maggie is just like a big sis--she just loves Jackson . . . until he starts crying . . . then she's out like a jet plane.