Breastfeeding.... I made it!

All my babies were breastfed... Some more then others.

Princess was breastfed for about 3 months. After 48 hours of being awake and being alone I gave in. I'mnot sure why I never went back to nursing but I was definatly NOT easier! Midnight bottle feedings are far worse then rolling over and nursing :)

Prince was nursed for 22 months. He remembers it to this day and it was almost 2 years ago that I stopped

Munchkin was nursed 11 months.  While I had no struggles with her like I did the first two, I really wanted my bady back. Me back. As selfish as that is to say it's the truth. I pressured through it and made it the amount of time I wanted, a year.

I have bottle fed, I have breast fed, I've even had to tube feed 2 of my kiddos and by far nursing is the easiest.  I bonded with my babies and gave them something no one else could, liquid gold.

My journey nursing is done, for me at least. One day when I can go to school I hope to get an education in lactation to help other military wives when they are at their end.

Is it over yet?

I can honestly tell you for the first time in my life I am ready for summer to be over.  We went on a vacation to Texas. We did summer school and continued the therapies and I am pooped! I need a break.

I had kids playing inside and outside while an infant was trying to nap. I tried to schedule things around the times of therapy so I was not taking dirt-covered kids in public. I lost my mind, found it then lost it again.

Getting used to summer was much worse then getting used to having the kids gone.

With all the complaining done…

I got Princess into the school I wanted to get her into, It is attached to E’s school so I do not have to be all across town.  I am really hoping this school turns out to be a good thing.  This school district has me rather nervous.  

We never intended to live here longer then this month, we wanted to be out of California before Princess started kindergarten. Those plans fell through; She will now start school in a district that is not what either of us grew up in.  I will give it a shot and if I cannot handle it then she will get home schooled.

Prince will either be going to a private school or the special education school that will be attached to Princess’ school. I really wish said school had more communication with me so we will work on that,

I can’t believe I am asking for summer to be over. I want a clean house, I want it to be quiet and I want some tired kiddos at the end of the day…. Maybe with all that I can get a few moments of me time too! 

Goodness....

Hey there folks! I am back home!

I honestly need a vacation FROM my vacation.

I had a blast. My hubby has a rather large family so it was a big hectic and leaves me overwhelmed. I never know where to jump in and help and never know who is coming or going.

Sadly, I did a total Mom Fail and have no pictures on my camera from our vacation. I was to busy watching my kiddos and trying to keep track of them to worry about a camera. Lucky for me there were family running around with video cameras and personal cameras!

On our vacation, we went to a wedding (lasted all day), Munchkin got baptized, and we spent time at a lake house up in Cedar Creek Texas.

Over all I had a lot of fun. It is now time to welcome myself back to reality and get back to the daily grind.

I plan to do short little posts about my vacation and bother some of the family for pictures.

Thanks for staying tuned to my busy life!

Wordless Wednesday - Chollas Lake

Munchkin- 7 months

Munchkin is now 7 months old. She is such a sweet baby, total morning gal. Loves to hang out and play for a few hours before she starts demanding attention.

Munchkin, currently has two bottom teeth and two more are coming in. This little one does not handle pain well. My previous two babies would do great with Hylands Teething tablets, not Munchkin. I have even bought Hylands Teething Gel, it didn't work. I broke down and bought Oragel and give her motroin and she does well.



Munchkin is mobile now! She crawls and gets to where she needs to go. She is able to crawl but a majority of the time she scoots her head on the floor without picking it up. She stood at the couch for the first time today. I have mixed feelings about that, we have a large opening to our kitchen.

We are still nursing. She really is a champ. She would be more of a champ if she nursed anywhere, but I guess I can't be to picky. She loves to eat big girl food and loves her veggies. We have another veggie lover on our hands ;)

From what we can tell as of now she is on track. She is very vocal and babbles. She laughs and can carry on a "conversation" with her toys.

For a little munchkin that surprised our family, she is filled with so much love and laughter. I am so glad that I was blessed to have this sweet little girl come into my life.





-- Post From My iPhone

This thing haunts me

This lovely thing was brought home from school. Preschool, I might add. They treasure chest at school has lots of lovely things in it. This thing happens to be one of them.
The kids think it is great. Me not so much. This mama don't do bugs. Not at all. Nope, can't do it.
In case you haven't figured out this is a fake gigantic fly. It haunts me. I put it in the playroom and it weasels it's way out.

Who gives bugs in a preschool treasure chest?! I mean really???

Touching base....

Just touching base with my lovely readers. Lately I have been at a loss for words as to what is going on in my life.

Life is hectic.

Deployment for me is going well. Over five years of marriage has made me used to doing it alone. Since it is just me there are things that I am not able to get to. Laundry is one of those. I have about 5-6 loads that need to be folded. Hey, at least I wash them.

Prince, is not doing so well. We have 4 busy days a week. Our only off day is Tuesday. So he is always going but he really needs more interaction with other kids. I will write a post about this over time. It is taking me a bit to get my words together. 

Princess, is doing great! She is so used to this that it comes natural to her. She is trying to have patience with her brother but at times it just doesn't work. For the most part she is doing really well. She has school 3 days a week and loves it. 

Munchkin, is doing great! She is rolling around everywhere and stays sitting up when I put her that way. She is eating regular food now and has two teefers. She will be 6 months next week. So I will update more then!

Kipper (the dog) is a brat and loves his mama ;)

One day at a time... I take it, I take it one day at a time.

Whew, It has been awhile

Hey there folks. I know it has been awhile since I have posted but we have been busy. I have been juggling three kids, no break and loads of house work all by my lonesome.

Honestly, it is not that bad.

Untill....

I hear the words :Mommy, is daddy coming home yet?"

Stab me in the heart why do ya?!

The kiddos are handling it rather well. We have many things to keep us busy. One day a week is free. This week we have no free days.

I am really proud of the kids. We have taken on the challenge of doing many things that seem overwhelming and we have made it through them only stronger. We still have a bit to go but we will get through this....

One day at a time..

Saturday outing, Sea Life Aquarium

This weekend I got a chance to take an adventure up to Sea Life Aquarium in Carlsbad. It is owned and operated by Legoland. I was very interested in heading up there because the kiddos love fish. I was not interested in heading up there because I was single-momin it due to deployment.

The kids had a really good time. I should really give my kids credit, even though they drive me nuts sometimes.

Sea Life Aquarium is a large reef tank with sharks. They focus on conservation efforts and how to care for the ocean. Since Sea Life is also part of Lego Land they have a couple things made from Legos. I am not sure which my kids liked more, Legos or the fish.

 The aquarium is not in the same gate as Legoland. It is right by the front gates. You have the option to leave your stroller behind or take it with you. I took mine with me (remember I am single mom-in it) Sea Life is geared towards kids. There are interactive parts in every section,

 

They also have a large shark section that I was impressed with. Since sharks do not always do well with captivity, These sharks looked great. 

This is one of the Lego statues. Prince called it a Diver Dude.

The tickets to Sea Life  are cheaper than Legoland. It is well worth it if you want an interactive place for your kids to play. For a family of for the total is $64 and their food in the cafe is reasonable. 

 

 I like Sea Life and we plan on going when Sailor Dude gets back from deployment. I really enjoyed myself there. It is somewhere  that I can take three kiddos alone and not feel like they will run off and get lost. 

 

 Sea Life also offers tickets at MWR for a 10% discount for Military families. Please call your local MWR for details.

 

*To write this review Sea Life gave my family tickets to Underwater Parks Day.

Where a kid can be a kid

So Sunday afternoon was a birthday party for my friends 3 year old. The party was at Chuck E Cheese.

GULP!

I really wanted to say no. For many reasons. I didn't.  I made her a felt crown so I had to go!

Keep in mind folks, I have a child who is  not social, then Ms. Talks A Lot!

I must say all the fear was for nothing. My kids were great. Maddison's mommy really helped me with Princess, though. Prince did run off but that was expected.

It is not a challenge that I will take on ALONE, as in no one there to possibly help me but I will do it again with help.

This will defiantly be a first stop when Daddy gets home!

Pizza time

All of the above pizza fixings were bought at the .99 cents Only store.

Gorditas (5)
Prego pasta sauce (140z)
Salami (3.5oz, about 18 slices)
Mozzarella cheese  (6oz)

I used
2 gorditas
4 TBS of pasta sauce (2 each pizza)
4 kids hands full of cheese (2 each pizza)
2 TBS salami (1 each pizza)

The kids made their own Pizzas.

I put them in the oven on 350 for 20 minutes.

Princess and Prince happy they made pizza

He was so happy of the outcome!

Princess ready to eat and bothered by the Momarazi

The pizza's were a great success and the kids ate it all (Prince's words!) We will make these again.

He's off...

(photo courtesy of www.northtreasure.com)

Well folks, He is off. Plans changed a tad bit since liberty was over at a crazy time. We took him to the ship last night. The kids did a lot better than I expected. Princess was asleep when we got there and Prince made sure to stay up to see daddy off. 

Sadly, I do not think they get the time frame of the things happening.I tried to explain to them. After birthdays, after this and after that.  We will see. I am hoping that it works. 

Honestly, This is my first deployment with kid(s). Princess was 18 months last deployment. She did great. WONDERFUL I should say. Prince has had daddy home a large majority of his life so this is really new to him. I will teach him to roll with the punches.

I tried to snap some pictures last minute. They are a bit goofy and everyone is tired. 

                        

Prince decided to be Hulk

All smiles!

Daddy and the Munchkin

A daddy and his girls.

We love you! Stay safe and we will see you later.

Wordless Wednesday: Mini me & I

Do you believe?

This year the Santa thing has been a struggle. Princess goes to a Christian school and they teach them the true story of Christmas. Jesus' birthday. While that is great, I still want my kids to believe.  I have went along with the true reason of Christmas. I will never deny that fact. I want my kids to know that there is a purpose to it and not just an event to get gifts. 
My Princess came home and said Santa was not real. Mrs. Paula said so.... Damage control! Prince still believes in Santa. I want it to stay that way.

I explained to Princess that Santa is in her heart. It is something that you have to believe in. Later that day she saw Santa at the mall. Win for Mom!

This year Santa is a big deal in the house. Prince is talking and "trying" to venture out to see new people. This year he wanted to see Santa.

So off to see Santa we went:

Santa was informed to bring Princess something Pink. Prince a BIG bag of toys. Munchkin had no response.

Their wishes have been granted. They will get toys, not a lot but some toys.

As I go to sleep excited for their faces tomorrow morning I think to myself about how crushed I will be once they no longer believe.

Merry Christmas. I hope you have a wonderful family day.

Boys will be boys

Prince told me to take his picture. This is what I got: