show us your life - kids' bedrooms & nurseries...

~ Linking to Kelly's Korner - Show Us Your Life - Kids' Rooms & Nurseries ~

We moved Daniel's room to our extra bedroom when we were preparing the nursery for Joel's arrival.  He ended up with the biggest room in the house, yet it is usually the most cluttered.   We I spent two whole days during Joel's naps cleaning, sorting, and organizing the week after school was out for summer.  I really wish I had before pictures, but just imagine all the stuff in various piles on every square inch of the floor and bed & you might appreciate the organization.  He loves all things sports.  Penn State & Pittsburgh teams are his favorites.  We will eventually paint and hang the sports decals that I've had for two years - yes, I said two years!

 

Here he is, proud of his clean room!

His snow globe collection is on his dresser, far right corner 

{not sure why I didn't get a closer shot of those}

 

 Air hockey table with storage bins/baskets underneath

Steelers!!!

Soccer trophies :)

This is Dan's pleather couch from college...

Daniel wanted it & we didn't have anywhere else to put it.

The TV used to be in our room, then became Dan's computer monitor.  

We passed it on when he upgraded monitors. 

*****

Joel's room is probably my favorite room in the house.  It has been since it was Daniel's room when we first moved in...I think  like it so much because it's small & cozy.  Daniel had a nautical room since he outgrew his Peter Rabbit nursery on his second birthday and he was ready for a change...when we found out we were having another boy, I decided to use all of his things to decorate Joel's nursery.  The only decor we needed to buy was the bedding.  Missing from the pictures is the wooden rocking horse my parents bought for Daniel's first birthday...if I think of it, I'll add it later, but chances are, I probably won't think of it ;)

 Joel's crib  :)

We love this glider and have spent many nights rocking :)

Dan made the side table and stool when he was in high school.  

I repainted and decorated it with stencils & glued nautical rope around the edges.

 

This is Joel's dresser/changing table and hutch.  

We bought this and the crib from a friend for a great bargain.

They aren't truly matching pieces, but it works.  

I especially like it because it is huge & has tons of storage space.

 

I love this shelf!  My mom bought it for Daniel years ago. 
Most of the decor is from our many summer vacations at the shore :)

Daniel passed his kitchen set down to his little brother

{who absolutely loves playing here, "cooking" and banging his pots & pans!}
This is where the crib was before we moved the kitchen in.

Once Joel has a big boy bed, we will move the kitchen to that wall 

and the decal will once again be above his head while he sleeps :)

I bought the toy bins at Target last summer...they hold so much...love them!

Right above his door hangs this little piece of art that I bought a long time ago...

I heart the beach!

 Another toy bin, book basket & hamper

My sister and her family gave this puzzle stool to Joel for his first birthday.  

He loves taking the letters out and helping us put them back in :)

So...those are my kids' rooms...they aren't fancy & not even so neatly organized...but they're home to many hours of fun play time and peaceful nights :)

one.

We celebrated Joel's first birthday last weekend.  I can't believe our baby boy is ONE already!  This past year has gone so fast, and I have loved watching him grow from a tiny newborn into a little boy.
We're still holding steady at seven teeth, and he will eat anything he can get his hands on!  I'm so glad he's not a picky eater...we can take him anywhere and he's satisfied with whatever we put in front of him.  We started whole milk a couple weeks before his birthday and he has transitioned really well.  He drinks 3-4 bottles each day, but has started drinking from a sippy cup and is not so picky about which one he uses! 
Joel really doesn't want anything to do with walking, because he crawls faster than lightning.  I think he wonders why he should bother!  He does cruise from the coffee table to the couch and pulls himself up to everything, but he doesn't have much of an interest in putting his feet on the floor when we try to help him walk.  I'm okay with that if it means he's still a baby :)
Joel is becoming more and more aware of his surroundings and feelings of others.  He loves to be outside.  He will sit and run his fingers and toes through the grass for long periods of time.  He likes to watch us play ball in the yard and he giggles like crazy when we chase it together. 
He has a bit of a temper and will bang his head off the floor when something doesn't go his way {I swear he doesn't get that from me!}  He and Daniel are still the best of buds...they lay on the floor and play together every day after school.  He will crawl right up next to Daniel and lay his head down on the pillow and pretend to sleep.  Too cute!

*****

We had Joel's party at our house the day before his actual birthday.  All of his grandparents, two great grandmas, aunts, uncles, and cousins were here, and it was great fun!  We decorated and set everything up in the garage, and it worked out perfect for that many people to celebrate!  His party was inspired by the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.  I put a twist on a few ideas from Pinterest and also added a few of my own ideas into the mix. 

Goody bags filled with mini m&m's, button candy, silly straws, bubbles, and fruit stickers

The art teacher {and friend} at my school made this sweet poster!

Hungry Caterpillar labels for the soda bottles and sparkly lemonade with plastic ice cubes...and a snapshot of the food table :)

 

Cutest birthday cake. Ever. He loved it!

 

We had everyone write a note to Joel to put in his time capsule for his 18th birthday :

 

)

Joel loved his balloon!

We met family at Bob Evans for his birthday breakfast.  He got his first ever kids meal, Little Farmer's Breakfast.  He enjoyed pancakes, scrambled eggs, home fries, and bacon!   That evening he got his very own vanilla baby cone and loved it!  Afterwards, I cleaned him up with a wipe and he went crazy scrubbing the table with it when I was done.  It was so funny...he giggled the whole time!

Cute!

Brothers :)

love this picture.

He was DONE!

Ten months!

We're only two months away from Joel's first birthday.  Party prep is in full swing {cue I'm crazy and I know it in the background}.  I can't believe he's almost a year old, but so excited to celebrate his first year of life.  He brings so much joy to our family, and I can't imagine life without him in it!!

This month, Joel weighed in at 22.75 lbs and measured 28 1/4 in.  He did so good at his 9 month well visit.  We had a scare, but everything is fine...Thank God!!!

Joel is on the move...all the time!  And let me be the first to tell you...he moves fast!  He loves crawling all over the house and pulling himself up to his toy box, coffee table, couch, and anything else he thinks might be interesting. 
Two more teeth have made their appearance this month.  I think he may also be going through some separation anxiety.  He screams when I put him down sometimes and some days/nights absolutely refuses to nap or go to sleep for the night.  There were a couple times last weekend where he squalled every time Dan went out of sight, and he wouldn't come to me.  Definitely not my proudest mommy moment.  I'd be lying if I said I didn't shed a couple tears as he screamed for his daddy to come to his "rescue."  But...I know it's just a phase, and we're back to being buddies again :)

Joel hasn't been feeling the best these past few days.  The flu is sweeping through our family for the second time in two weeks.   His appetite isn't quite up to par, so we're trying to keep him hydrated with electrolytes.  The only thing he'll eat is yogurt, some formula, and puffs...but we are glad he has an interest in those few thing.  And, while he's been sick, he is still in good spirits with that toothy grin :)

New foods this month: goldfish crackers {I was paranoid because they seem so big, but he was fussing for some when Daniel & I were eating them, so I caved in.... he chews them up like nobody's business}, teething biscuits {not a huge fan of those either, but he loves them}!  I am trying really hard to get him to drink from a sippy cup and like it, but so far he's not convinced.  We took Daniel's bottle {except the one at bedtime} when he turned one, but I'm not so sure that will be the case with this guy.

He still loves books - looking at them and being read to.  His teeth are changing his looks...he is starting to look more like a toddler than a baby, and that makes me sad.  His favorite toys this month are his musical gears and wooden busy beads.  He still LOVES to play with his big brother {mostly with his little football} and looks for him when he's not around :)

Happy 10 months, Joel...We love you!

Joel's newest game...peek-a-boo behind the curtains in the dining room :)

From little things, big things grow...

~ Allume 2012 Link-up ~

So, I've been back from Allume since Saturday night.  I knew I wouldn't be ready to  write when I got home at 10pm, but my plan was to carve a bit of time in my day yesterday to get my words out.  The truth is, I had so many thoughts spinning through my brain that I couldn't find the words....or the time. 
But...as I was mixing orange cupcakes {praying we didn't lose power before they were finished baking - prayers answered!} and making cinnamon-sugar toast for Joel's lunch, it hit me like a ton of bricks.  Today is Joel's 18-month birthday.  Eighteen, as in a year and a half.  I. Can't. Believe. It. I knew it was coming, but I didn't wake up today thinking today is Joel's 18-month birthday.  Then Daniel came in and asked to lick the bowl {don't worry, I used Sierra Mist - no eggs involved!}  As he was licking the orange goodness from the spoon, he mumbled "mmm...this tastes like Nammy's orange cookies."  First of all, he was about Joel's age when she passed away so he has no recollection of her orange cookies...just my aunt's version that she bakes every time he goes to their house.  But that little conversation reminded me that today would have also been my grandma's birthday.  I'm not good with remembering how old she would have been {81, I think?  It's been nine years since she's been gone}, but I do remember how much I loved that woman to pieces and miss her so much I can't stand it sometimes.

All of that to say I was reminded of Saturday morning's keynote delivered by Darren Rowse {@problogger}..."From little things, big things grow."  I was reminded to stop comparing myself with others and to compare myself to me when I began my own blogging journey. From little things, big things grow.  This little quote is so true of our everyday lives.

Relationships begin with a smile.

From little things, big things grow.

 Every life begins as a tiny egg.
From little things, big things grow.

Each flower starts as a tiny seed.

From little things, big things grow.

 And, so I must remember this...if I've only reached one other person with my blog, it is big enough.  I am so thankful to have spent the weekend at Allume with great women who share my passion as a writer.  I hope that our friendships will grow beyond the walls of the Hilton Hotel and that  from little things, big things will grow.

Half - birthday...really?

I haven't been able to believe it each time Joel has turned another month older, but half the year has gone by, and I truly don't know where the time has gone.   Six months old is bittersweet.  Our baby will only be a baby for another six months, and then he'll be considered a toddler.  I'm not sure how I feel about that.  Wait, I do know how I feel - I am so sad that he is growing so fast (yet thankful that I get to witness his growth every day)...and those infant days are almost in the past...I cried when I changed out his dresser with 6-9 mos. clothes a couple weeks ago :(
But I also look forward to when he will be crawling, walking, and talking & I am excited to watch him grow as I've done with his big brother...who will be 10 in less than three months - let's not even talk about that yet!...moving on...
*He doesn't roll over much (and it has only been belly to back), but we have reports from the babysitter that he rolled from his back to his belly at about 5 months, 1week.  It will be official when I see it with my own eyes, as I wish to believe I'll witness all his "firsts" whether they really are or not - being a working mom & all, I have that right, right?   :)
* Joel can sit by himself!!!  He sits and plays with his toys for long periods of time, and is so much more content when he is upright, even though he topples over now & then.  :)
* Not only is he eating solids, he loves them now!  He gets excited and starts waving his arms when we put his bib on and when the veggies come out.  His favorites are sweet potatoes & bananas, but really - he eats anything (as of now)  I will even mash up potatoes and carrots that we're having with dinner & he likes that :)
*He goes to bed between 8 & 9 and is pretty much sleeping through the night.  There are some nights when he will grace us with fussing at 3am, but we have recently tried turning Froggie on and giving him Monkey, and he goes right back to sleep without needing to eat.  Side note: Froggie's batteries died this week...I will be stocking up on AAA batteries ASAP. 
* He doesn't have any teeth yet, but he gums everything he can get his hands on...we are now keeping small things out of his reach!!
* He recently started to make this silly screeching sound - and then he giggles!  He squeals and giggles when anyone makes funny faces or talks to him.  He "talks" lots & likes to make his motor run :)
* Favorite toys: Froggie...mentioned above - shines stars on the ceiling and plays lullabies (from Gee & Pappy when he was born), Pooh crinkle book, O-ball, Jumperoo...he bounces like crazy in that thing & gets a serious look on his face when he plays with the jungle animals on it - we just moved it up to the second setting today...he couldn't quite reach & made a big fuss...I stuck a pillow under his feet, and he started to giggle..cute!  Monkey is still a must-have at bedtime...Another note to self - pack Monkey and Froggie on our next road trip!!!   :)
* I can't believe Joel's first Halloween & Thanksgiving will be in the past the next time I update for his 7-month b'day. 
*He weighed 19lbs. 7oz. and measured 27 1/4 in. at his six month well visit...definitely growing fast!!
* No pictures yet, but today Joel is witnessing his first snowfall. In October. Yuck.

Happy Six Month Birthday to our sweet baby boy!  We love you, Joel!
And, yes...there will be cookie cake.  Cause that's how we roll.

He looks so much like his dad and big brother :)

 

one of my favorites :)

 "tailgating" at a soccer game

Show Us Your Life - Favorite Dessert Recipes

~ Linking to Kelly's Korner - Show Us Your Life - Favorite Dessert Recipes ~

Where do I even begin?  Dessert.  My favorite part of any meal.  Sometimes a meal in itself.  Here are a few of my favorites...{linking to Pinterest, of course.}

This right here?  This is the new and improved pumpkin pie.  Crunchy on top + smooth on the bottom = delish!

This oreo layer dessert is probably my favorite summer dessert {but you could make it anytime}.  I think I could eat the whole thing.

I think these black bottom cupcakes are the easiest, yummiest cupcakes I've ever made or eaten.

There's only one word to describe this cake batter dip: yummo. I made this for Joel's first birthday party and served it with animal crackers & Nilla wafers. 

  
What are some of your favorite desserts?

Happy Five Months, Joel!

I know I say the same thing every month, but seriously, where have the past five months gone!?! I think back to those first few days of Joel's life and can't believe how tiny he was. He is growing fast and learning so many new things...here he is at five months :)

* Joel continues to eat about six ounces every two hours (for me - he spaces his feedings about four hours for the sitter - not sure what's up with that, other than his pediatrician said he probably just likes me to feed him, so as long as he's growing, I'm okay with that!) We tried carrots, peas, and apples just after he turned four months...he loved them the first time, but didn't want anything to do with them when we tried them again the next day. We took a break & started back up a few days ago...his new favorite is sweet potatoes, but he's still not very interested.
*He loves to be held, talked to, and sung to...if we're doing any of those things, he is usually happy....but put him down to get some work done around the house & he throws a screaming fit...hence the current state of our house...clutter, dust bunnies, mountains of laundry, a kitchen floor that looks like a jungle because of all the grass that has been tracked in, get-your-own-or-don't-eat-dinners...yep, that's life in these parts these days. Oh well!
* He didn't want much to do with a pacifier the first four months of his life...he sucked his thumb for a while, but never relied on sucking to soothe himself (he would cuddle his monkey or just want to be held)...until right after his four-month birthday! He has been taking most nights to get to sleep, and sometimes it's the only thing that will calm him down...and he's been sucking his thumb a lot more - so cute! :)
*He loved having Gee, Pappy, Aunt Maggie, Uncle Jake, Parker, Fischer, and Finn spend the weekend with us for our birthdays (Maggie's & mine). He looks so big compared to his cousin who is only six weeks younger than he is! He would pull on Finn's bib and they just looked at each other in amazement...cute! :)
*First tractor ride with Daddy last night...he was so calm & content...

*He celebrated Mommy's birthday by sleeping the whole time while we were out to dinner at Texas Roadhouse...probably the best gift I could have asked for - I got to eat in peace while watching him sleep :) - sad that I don't have any pictures of my kids & me on my b-day, but didn't think about it! oh well!
*He rolled from his belly to his back last week, but hasn't done it again since. He tries so hard to go from back to belly...one of these days! He scoots all around on his belly...he still loves tummy time.
*He is sitting up for short periods on his own...it won't be long until we have a sitter :)
* We tried short trials in the crib earlier this month, and he did pretty well for short naps. We finally transitioned from the swing to the crib. He does so well and almost sleeps through the night...only waking up once to eat and then going right back to sleep. Hopefully, he'll go back to sleeping through the night every night again, but we wanted him to like his crib before he grew out of his swing!!
* He's settling into his routine of being away from me during the week (I guess I am, too - although I'm not a fan).
*I don't know what I was thinking when I bought up a bunch of 6-month clothes...I guess I thought that meant he would fit into them at 6 months...but I was reminded that they are up to six months (which really threw me off for some reason)! I'm only buying things 9 months and up now, because he's growing so fast!
*He weighed in at 16lbs. 3 oz, measuring 25 1/4 inches at his four-month well visit!! Although he is on the bigger side, he is only in the 70th (approx) percentile for both weight and height - so he's proportionate and healthy! His brother was always in the 90th and above for everything!
* Favorite toys this month are...his new OBall, My Pal Scout, rocking snail mirror, and his Monkey (of course).
*He's also been showing his team spirit with his brother & cousins :)

11 months

 
Joel now has a total of seven teeth {four on top & three on the bottom}.  As a result, he pretty much gave up having anything to do with baby food this month, with yogurt as the one exception.  He will eat anything.  His favorites are cheese, bread, rice, peas, corn, puffs, goldfish crackers, and cheerios.  When his current can of formula runs out, we're going to try 2% milk and see how he does.

Joel's first St. Patrick's Day...celebrating our Irish heritage...

Cocoa puffs for breakfast in the high chair that belonged to my sister & I when we were babies :)...

 Wearing Daniel's old cowboy pj's...

We love to play outside in this nice spring weather :)...

We rearranged some furniture this month, moving my office space out of the nursery and into Dan's office, a couch from Dan's office into Daniel's bedroom, and Daniel's old kitchen set into Joel's room.  Three words...He loves it.  Every time we put him down in his room, he crawls as fast as he can to the kitchen and starts banging pots and pans and "cooking" with fruits and veggies.  Too cute!!

As you can see from that picture, we moved up to a size 4 diaper this month...another sign he's growing up  :(  Another favorite past time is closing doors.  If we leave a bedroom or bathroom door open, Joel thinks it's his job to close it.  It's so funny to watch him learn and grow!  Joel will be moving out of his baby tub into the big boy one soon.  We could have probably made the transition already, but that is one step closer to him not being a baby, and I'm not quite ready for that yet.

Joel was baptized this month back home in the church where I grew up, we were married, and Daniel was baptized.  It was a special time as he shared his special day with his cousin, Griffin {six weeks younger}.   We celebrated with all of our families at church and then lunch afterwards with individual mini cakes decorated with crosses {Thanks, Mom & Dad}!  This picture doesn't do them justice, but they were so sweet and delicious :)

We also celebrated my mom's birthday.  I wish I had pictures to share, but she's not much for being on the other side of the camera. It was nice to spend the weekend with family to celebrate the best mom and grandma anyone could ask for...even though we're so many miles apart!  However, these boys don't mind taking pictures...this is by far, my favorite one from that weekend :)

We started this week with a trip to the pediatrician for a fever, coughing, and runny nose.  He's had the cough for a while, but when the fever came on over the weekend, we felt it was something more.  Long story short, he has an upper respiratory infection and needs breathing treatments through a nebulizer until the wheezing and fever are gone.  I am glad we got him to the doctor before it got worse...we didn't pick up on the wheezing at home...so thankful for doctors with the knowledge to treat sick babies and make them better.  We are praying for a speedy recovery and that this isn't the onset of asthma, following in the footsteps of his dad and brother!!

We decorated for Easter last week, and Joel loves the plastic eggs.  I gave him his own little basket to play with, and he sits for long periods of time dumping them out and putting them back in.  I'm hoping to take some spring/Easter pictures this weekend if weather & health permits :)

I am awestruck...the next time I update, Joel will be One. Year. Old.  Where has the time gone!?!?  Happy 11 months to our sweet baby boy :)