Fun Days and Vay-cays!

We are on day 2 of our mini-vacation in NY. Last night, Steven and I met with a friend of mine from high school and her husband for dinner. We ended up meeting at Turning Stone Casino and ate at a restaurant there. Then we hit the blackjack tables for a bit. Guess who won $100...me! I am the bomb at blackjack!! LOL...yeah right.

Today we had a great day at the Sterling, NY Fall Festival. We listened to a cute little country band, ate some picnic food, and shopped. I got Carter a personalized football wall hanging and an adorable cowboy hat, which I will add pics of later. Until then, enjoy a few others that I took today. Have a great weekend!

Wordless Wednesday

A lot on my plate...

I must admit that I am feeling a little overwhelmed. Between being a stay-at-home mom, keeping my house in order, paying bills, making sure I keep up with readings and homework, planning 2 birthday parties (1 in Ohio, 1 in NY), preparing for our NY trip this weekend, the mountain of sorted laundry on my bedroom floor, making sure my fantasy football team is in good shape, trying to get the TV fixed (for 3 weeks now...RCA is the devil), and countless other things, I am surprised I can even see straight.

I try not to complain, because 2 years ago, I was desperate to have a family...I longed to be overwhelmed by the needs of a husband, home, and baby. Don't get me wrong, I love being a wife and mother...its the other things I could do without! For one thing, school is next to impossible. Tonight I had to read a 34 page chapter on programming strategies, write a 2-3 page paper on the 5 elements of programming, and then discuss what effect the Digital Must Carry will have on media. Really?? To be honest, I don't care...and none of those things will help me in my career of being a radio dj. The end result of me not giving a crap about these things is a paper that barely makes sense to me...and I wrote it! This particular class has me writing pieces that I am almost embarrassed of. Its not like me to half-ass any assignment, especially since I love to write. I dunno...I guess I'll just have to trudge on through. There's only 2 more months in this semester. Breathe, Candi.

Sometimes I am so thankful I have this blog to blow off steam. Although I don't get many comments, I am aware of all you lurkers out there! Your prayers are certainly worth just as much to me as any "atta girl" comments I receive.  I think it should be mandatory for every mother to have a blog...the therapy that posting here gives me is way better than any shrink...well, maybe other than Dr. Phil...love him! Speaking of Dr. Phil, the new season started today! Yesssss!! Lord, thank you for DVR. Amen. OK...I am off to switch the laundry, make dinner, load the dishwasher, then maybe sit down on the couch with my beautiful family and remember why all this is worth it.

Also, I am officially in the dreaded two week wait. Prayers needed!

GIVEAWAY Winner!

Carter picked a winner from a hat this afternoon and that person has won the frog necklace that I made especially for this contest! Congratulations Lisa! I will be emailing you requesting your info.

Thanks to everyone who entered. Keep checking back for more jewelery giveaways!

"Not Me" Monday

 

I always get such a kick out of reading these on other peoples' blogs...so I thought I would try it for myself. Don't judge me! It was a long, stressful week!

• I did not lose my child at my friends house after he crawled under the excersaucer when I wasn't looking. I am a very attentive parent and never take my eyes off my child.

• I did not make Carter's birthday invitations by myself because I am too cheap to do it the easy way and call a printer...I simply did it because of my affinity for Photoshop and my new Canon printer.
  

• I did not give Carter a tape measurer and a box of baby wipes to play with so I could get the dishes done. Those things are dirty and dangerous and only bad moms would let their children play with such things!

• I am not allowing my 10 month old to Swiffer the hallway in his walker at this very moment so I can participate in "Not Me" Monday. That would be very neglectful and its just not my parenting style. 

Are you ready for some football??

Its that time of year again! My family is donning their jerseys and exchanging four-letter words while eating pizza, wings, and chugging Coca-Cola...ahhh the NFL season has begun! Being that Steven is a Steelers fan and I am a Browns fan, Carter has jerseys/onsies for both teams. Since the Steelers played Thursday and the Browns played today, no problem arose in the dressing department. Next week, I assume that we will be setting our alarms to be the 1st to get to Carter in the morning so we can pick out our favorite clothes. Unless his Steelers shirts were accidentally not washed in time. Hmmm...how sad. Anyway, Brady Quinn is officially the Browns starting QB...although we lost, he played great and looked hot. Its safe to say, he has a tight grip on his position. My life is finally complete.

We took Carter outside for a little photo shoot today because he looked so cute in his "Quinn" jersey and the natural sunlight was just too perfect to pass up. I think they turned out great. They will make a great gift for Papa...who is also a die-hard Brownies fan. He bought our jerseys last Christmas.

I hope you all had a great weekend and enjoy your Monday.

The Snot Monster

Carter has been sick for a couple days. We took him to the doctor today because she wanted to check up on his development, considering he wasn't sitting up on his own at his 9 month well-visit. Obviously, everything is fine with that. She checked his lungs, ears and chest and said that its just a regular ole' cold and it'll run its course. Poor guy is dripping snot 24/7!

We hit another milestone today...Carter pulled himself up!! We are so proud of him!! Now the fun begins as he learns to walk! Pray for me!!

I finally got around to designing and printing Carter's birthday invitations. I have been working on them for quite some time. I even toyed with the idea of paying to have them done.  I am so glad I didn't. I'd have paid a couple hundred dollars for 60 invitations. Between ink, card stock, and envelopes, I paid less than $30. How's that for thrifty?! I guess I'm making up for the $4,000 I spent at Microcenter this week. Either way, there's one more thing checked off my list of things to do. Now I just have to stuff, address, stamp, and send. What do you think??

 

OK...I am going to watch a bit of the football game, although the 1 player from my fantasy team that plays tonight is injured. Just my luck!! Have a good night. Here are a few more photos I worked on today.

Our Princess, Bianca.

 

 

  

  

Guess who dressed him...

 

Shopping Spreeeee!

So...I went on a giant shopping spree last night at Microcenter. Originally, I was going to get my MacBook Pro. Well, things spiraled out of control sometime between our arrival at 5:00 and our departure at 9:00. First, I grabbed the computer. I added Microsoft Office and Photoshop Elements 6. Then I went over to the photo section. A laptop, software, router, EOS Canon Rebel XS, 55 mm lens, all-in-one printer/copier/fax, and all the accessories...I was finally ready to check out. I'm not sure, but there could've been a bead of sweat on Steven's face while heaving the cart to my truck...or maybe he was just crying from the amount of money I spent. Either way, he was a trooper and even helped me set up the printer network so it is wireless! Whatta man! And he's alllll mine! Yummy!!

I have been trying to fiddle with my camera here and there today, but Carterman is starting to get sick, so I haven't had much time. He did let me snap a few photos a bit earlier...then I played around with Photoshop...

My poor sick man! Little snot-face!!

Such a big boy.

We had to lower his crib mattress!

Don't forget to comment to be entered into my giveaway! (See yesterday's post for all the details.)

Like my amazing new layout?? I love it!! Thanks to Hazel at Crazy Ladies Creations!

GIVEAWAY! Frog Necklace Made By Me!!

Frogs were also worshipped as fertility symbols in the Americas. In many areas in ancient times the patron goddess of fertility and childbirth was a frog or a toad. Again they were associated with the rains. One Peruvian tribe placed statuettes of frogs on hilltops to call down the rain. To the early Aztecs the great mother goddess was a toad. In representations she often appears in a squatting position, giving birth to the world.

Its time for my first giveaway! I have started making my own jewelry and I will be giving away some of my work from time to time. I have made a beautiful necklace that has 2 charms hanging from a brown leather cord; one frog prince with Swarovski crystal eyes and a tag that reads HOPE. It is similar to the frog necklace I wear while trying to conceive. It is cute and will serve as a daily reminder to keep your head up and never lose hope.

So, entering is easy...leave a comment on any post on my blog and don't forget to mention the giveaway That's it! I would certainly appreciate a link on your site, but it is not required. Why are you still here...leave your comment!

I will pick a winner next Monday, September 14th.

Mission Clomid: Accomplished

As of yesterday, I am officially done with this month's round of Clomid...now we just wait until Friday and its "go time". Wouldn't it be sweet if I got pregnant on my 1st round?? I am staying cautiously optimistic, but am keeping in mind that there is a next month. Either way, I will keep on trucking with my head held high.

OK...Carter is napping, so I'd better take advantage and get in the shower. If the day goes smoothly, I will be going to get my new MacBook Pro and possibly my Canon Rebel XTI...keeping my fingers crossed!!

Picnic Pics

I don't have a lot to blog about today, but I got some really cute pictures yesterday with my "good" camera, so I thought I would share.

 

Eating breakfast before church.

 

 

Playing in the grass at Mummy's.

 

 Daddy and Carter playing.

 

Getting dirty because that's what boys do.

 

 

Such a ladies man...Carter with Alayna and Delaney.

 

 

Carter's BFF Tyson

 

 

Its about time for an intervention.

 

 

Kisses from daddy.

 

 

My whole world.

Labor Day...without contractions.

Happy Labor Day! I hope you all are spending it out in this beautiful weather with your families. We definitely are! We got back from church about an hour ago and Carter and I are outside watching Steven mow the lawn. After he's done, we are heading over to a family picnic. I know I should always feel this way, but holidays always make me take a step back and appreciate everything I have. We were listening to Sounds Like Life by Darryl Worley on our way to church this morning. It made me realize that we are not the only ones who struggle in today's economy...and that it shouldn't change the way we live and love. Sometimes I worry about adding another mouth to feed, but I know that we have what we need and will always provide for our children. Most importantly, we have a loving Christian home to raise them in, and that is what will matter when they grow up. They will not be wonderful people because we gave them new cars and shoes and designer clothes...don't get me wrong, I love me some Louis Vuitton, but that doesn't make me who I am. I am a strong Christian and a good wife and mother because I grew up with parents that taught me how to love and treat others. I am so thankful that I can provide the same type of home for my own kids.

So, as you celebrate Labor Day, whatever it even means...does anyone know?? Anyway, just take a minute to be thankful for everything you do have. Even in the worst of times, watching your families can remind you that life is good!!
 

Carter hanging on and scooching himself

down the coffee table. Such a big boy!

I'm not crazy...stop looking at me like that!

OK...so my appointment yesterday was good. I took my 1st dose of clomid last night. So...here we go again! Keep your arms and legs inside the ride at all times!

You wouldn't believe the looks I got there seeing as how I'm seeking fertility help while holding my 10 month old. I have always dreamed of having 2 kids close in age and them being best friends. So, that is what I am going to do. I keep telling people, "I'm doing it with or without everyone's support...it'll be easier on you if you jump on board because I don't care." Honestly, as long as my husband and close friends and family are cool with it, I have all I need. I am perfectly happy.

We did discuss with the doctor (again) the possibility of multiples and what we will do seeing as how my uterus does not have the room for one baby, let alone two. He said "I already know what your decision would be...but I need you to think about everything carefully." I am giving it to God. If I get pregnant with twins, it will be His will what happens.

OK...Carter needs a nap so I can clean!! So...keep us in your prayers. Have a great weekend!

Sink tubby.

Playing with Viking Brobee.

My beautiful blue eyed boy!

http://thebutchinofamily.net

Baby's Day Out

Carter and I had a fun day out today! We went to the mall, TRU, and the grocery store...and now we are exhausted!! Carter got another onesie from Spencers that says "You Can't See Me" in camo, another pair of jeans, and a Precious Planet bath toy caddy from TRU. I also had to restock my supply of Boogie Wipes because I can't live without them. Its nice when I can get all of his boogies in 1 swipe! I let Carter pick out the scent...he chose grape. Yummy!! Then we stopped at Walgreens for some much needed household items. We have been out of toilet paper since yesterday...tissues and baby wipes, people!

Well, now it is time for Carter's dinner, Cheerios, and bath...then its bedtime!! Tomorrow is massage day, then I am meeting with the woman who is doing Carter's 1st birthday cake. Can you believe he will be 1 in less than 2 months?? Where did the year go...and where can I get it back?? OK...I hear my husband's turkey call and Carter laughing hysterically. Another moment I can't miss! I love my family!!

P.S. WTF?? Seriously?!?!?!

I Hate Bad Hair Days!

Before I blog at all, I had to share these hilarious pictures of Carter. Whenever he wakes up, whether it is from a nap or night-night, he has the worst bed head. Its funny because my mother and I are both the same way. After his afternoon nap yesterday, we picked him up and this is how he looked...


LOL! He is so cute! And yes, he always smiles when he wakes up. Unless he is sick or cutting a tooth, he rarely wakes up on the wrong side of the crib.

So...pertaining to my previous post, I have an irritating but somewhat humorous story. Somehow, when I update my blog, it was also posting to my Facebook. I figured out why and immediately turned it off, but not before some FB friends read and commented. Most of the comments were surprisingly supportive...even my cousin, who was my L&D nurse, was cool. She said she was sweating already...but she was cool. I was quite taken aback by all the supportive posts, until...I read one from someone in my family. She insisted that I wait until the economy is better and we can better "provide for another child". Umm...hello?! The question wasn't ever that of finances, it was whether or not I should put myself in jeopardy of dying during delivery. It just made me mad that someone who doesn't have a very good idea of our financial situation would suggest that we would attempt to have a child we couldn't financially handle. Whatever. I am just venting. I'm over it and it makes no difference in how I feel about having another baby. My appointment for Thursday is still a-go!

OK...Steven, Carter, and I are going to MicroCenter to order me a new MacBook Pro (sooo excited!!) and then to Gander Mountain so Steven can pick out either a new bow or a new gun...what a neanderthol. See...even if we can't afford food for the new baby, Steven will hunt and we will be all good...hehe! Sorry...that was my last joke. Anyway, I hope you all have a great weekend. If you can, get outside! Enjoy the sun with your families before it is gone!

Getting back on the horse...

How come the more I talk about having another baby, the more people think I am crazy?? Not my IF/Blogger friends...but people in my home life. Steven and a couple close friends are being very supportive, but others think I am making a mistake. Apparently they forget that able-bodied women get hypertention and have seizures during delivery fairly often. It has very little to do with my disability and can easily be prevented next time around. I refuse to let something like that stop me from living my dream of having a large family. I just wish people would consider that before giving me the hairy eyeball referring to my appointment next week. Needless to say, I don't really care.

Anyway...Steven and I decided to start taking a bit more action on Carter's sleeping (or should I say non-sleeping) habits. He still won't sleep through the night, so we decided to make sure he has everything he needs and shut the monitor off. His room is right next to ours, so if he really cries, we can hear him, but we are trying as hard as we can not to give in. 3 nights in a row and he is doing great. I am very happy that we made the decision to do it. It sucks to let him cry, but it is completely temporary.

Well, I am going to try to get something done while Carterman is napping. Here are a few more new pics of my sweet angel.

He loves trying to feed himself.

In his new bath seat.

Blackmail material...

Napping at our cookout last weekend.

Dustin' off the old laptop.

Hello blog friends...or those of you that still check to see if I am alive. Well, I am! I am soooo sorry I have been slacking so badly on updating. Just look at it this way, the less time I spend blogging, the more fur Bailey gets to keep...if I take my eyes off of my dear son too long, I hear a yipe and see Carter with a guilty look on his face and a clump of white fur between his chubby little fingers. If dogs had thumbs, PETA would be here right now.

Anyway, the last few months have gone by fast. Carter now has tooth #3 coming in and is starting to crawl. He can stand up by himself if he holds on to something. He drinks everything except formula from a sippy cup. He is also talking...a lot! He says "Mama", "Dada", "Nana", "Baba", "Baby", and "Dee dee" (who is his girlfriend). He can't say "Bianca" or "Bailey" so if he wants to get one of their attention, he just goes "B! B! B!" until one of them looks. He is such a fun kid and I love being with him 24/7.

On the mommy-front, I have an appointment next Thursday to start Clomid. I am really hoping we don't have to do a frozen transfer, but plan on doing that in December if we can't get pregnant on our own by then. Oh...the roller coaster of infertility rides again!

Well, it is breakfast/Cheerio time for Mr. Carter. I am sure you are just dying to see what the little man is looking like these days. Here are a few recent pics. I will post more when I can.