Eight Months.

So on Friday our little button turned eight months old. When Jack is holding him, I look at him and think wow he's getting so big and get completely depressed. But, this is getting to be more and more fun now that he does so many more things that I can't wait to see what's in store.

Weight: 18.3 lbs

Clothing size: 9-12 

Diaper size: 3 still!

Feeding: Still the same although your portions are getting bigger! 

Milestones: The other day you were on your legs in a crawling position and all of a sudden you sat back up. We were impressed! Your two bottom teeth are right there and you look so cute. You also started saying dadadada which to us, is just dada :) You say nananana and we are pretty sure that it will turn into mama and I can't wait! You learned to clap and it is the sweetest thing, you let out a sort of sigh, smile, laugh when you do it, I don't know how to explain it but it warms my heart.

Loves: Well you love your chicken and veggies! I've been puréeing your veggies but I take the chicken out and cut it as small as I can and mix it with your veggies. You're loving it! You love when we hide from you and surprise you although my brother did this to you the other day and you got scared and started crying. You lasted a second and went back to playing with him. You also sleep on your belly and I know it's not the safest but even if I flip you you go back to it so I just left that one alone. You can munch on carrots and celery all day, I give them to you for your teething and you love them. 

Dislikes: Diaper changes. You flip and get on your belly and you arch your back, it's crazy. You don't like being on your back for too long before wanting to get into everything.

Adventures: You had your first virus called Bronchiolitis. Not fun. You were coughing and coughing so I took you to the doctor where she immediately diagnosed you upon listening to your little lungs. You're on nebulizer treatments and I took you back to the doctor yesterday and she said you're doing so much better! She still said you have to do the treatments but you should be all better by Monday. It hasn't been fun waking up at four in the morning but whatever we need to do to make you healthy we will do!

Mommy and Daddy could not get through the month without: Each other. We have a relay race with you so that we can get things done around the house! You can't stay still and you hate not being entertained.

Happy Eight Months Button!

Note to mamas- Trust your gut. I noticed Elliot was coughing on Sunday evening and immediately knew this wasn't a normal I-have-a-cold cough. It was a rougher, coarser sounding cough and I second guessed myself for a bit thinking I could just give him some home remedies to help him get over it but ultimately trusted myself and I took him to the doc right away the next day. Turns out it was a virus and he had to get treatment for it or it could have gotten worse. When you know something isn't right with your baby, trust your instinct! You will probably and most likely be right about it. :)

Good Read-ance.

It's been raining all day long for the past three days here in Texas. How crazy is that? This is a very rare occurrence and I feel like we need to make the most of it! It is so nice. Although being stuck in an office all day isn't a good way of enjoying it, I am sipping on some green tea while going through emails and starting my work.

This rain and my tea make me think of being at home in bed reading a really good book with the curtains drawn and the blinds open looking outside listening to the rain with a baby playing by your side. Can you picture that? I know I can.

With Fall almost here, I'm already looking forward to good books to read in bed, although I already do that, but it just seems so much better when it's cold out. Good read-ance to this hot weather! I hope we finally start heading into cooler days because I am over the sun beating down on us.

Jack and I (before I had Elliot) would always and I mean always go to bed and read for a little bit. He's also an avid reader but he is more into the mystery/horror/suspense kind of genre. He's a huge fan of Stephen King and I like him as well, but I would just rather watch the movies (ha!). I did read Dolores Clairborne (a suggestion he made) and I absolutely loved it. It's a great book that I didn't include in this mix but definitely a good one to pick up. I'm more of the good, real life plot, girly, makes you laugh and cry kind of books and all these are great authors in that genre.

I am always on the lookout for a good book and what I've found (as a graphic designer) is that most of the time, if a book has a good cover then it's more than likely a good read, it attracts me to it and you know they spent time planning for it. If they invested in that then it means it must be good right? I usually skim through the summary on the flap and it has to catch my attention right away. If it doesn't, I put it back and move on. My favorite ones are always the ones that seems to have a good, original plot. If they're too cliché, or too predictable then I definitely put it back. I also buy two or three at a time because sometimes I start reading a book and decide it would be better for another time and grab the next one to read. I don't know what it is, but I guess it depends on my reading mood.

If there is a book that I really enjoy, I try to stick to that author to read a couple more of theirs. Kristin Hannah is a great author. Her books are so easy to read and her content is deep. Emily Giffin is one of my favorites. I've read all of her books and her next one is in the works, I can't wait. There's a movie out for Something Borrowed and I haven't watched it! Because you know what they say, the book is always better than the movie (Harry Potter may be an exception since the movies are awesome). If you've never read one of hers go buy one right now! Or as I do, go to Barnes & Noble and head straight to the clearance section. I've found most of my favorite ones there (though I did order all her books online) or head to Amazon and you should be able to find a good deal on them. I'm currently reading The Island by Elin Hilderbrand and I'm liking it so far. I guarantee you all of these are page-turners. I have a lot more suggestions but I'll write a post on those later and for now, I'll leave you with these as some of my favorites. Some of these I guarantee will have you wanting to read the entire thing in one sitting. Now go get yourself some beer tea and start reading!

Happy almost Friday!

Our Weekend in Pictures.

Ugh, Monday. I hate you. It doesn't fail. I get the crazy blues every.single.Monday. Is this normal? I feel empty on Mondays.

You know that scene in SATC when Miranda quits her job because her boss is a jerk to her and she finally makes Brady's science fair and she says something like, "I made it, I never make it." Well, I don't want to be like that! I want to be able to make all of my son's activities so that is something I always think about. I've also just been wanting to be with Jack and Elliot as much as possible. I think that instead of Elliot dealing with separation anxiety I am the one going through it. Weird. I'm not being clingy, or needy I just love my family so much and I love spending time with them.

I also think it's a combination of missing Jack and Elliot and hearing and seeing so much bullshit and hypocrisy from people. Do you ever get that? You're almost at that breaking point but you decide you will be the bigger and better person and you hold on to that for dear life? I'm almost there. But I won't let it get to me. I won't.

I can't complain about the weekend though. College football season finally started for us and Elliot got to go to his first game with us. They are always so much fun and this year we get to enjoy them as a family. Besides, we get to go back to our old college stomping grounds and Jack and I always talk about how we met and how things were back then and how far we have come. We loved it there and still do.

Elliot did great, but after a while the later it got and as the crowd got louder he just wasn't having it. He cried every time we screamed poor thing. We ended up having to leave at the end of the third quarter but it was so much fun nonetheless.

 I know his looks are deceiving but I swear he had fun! (Ha!)

Our football field is in the middle of the mountains and the weather and view are perfect! I love being there. It's so pretty and peaceful despite the awesome, loud crowd. The sky was overcast and it rained for a couple of minutes before we even got there but it cooled us down. There was a fan of the opposing team among our team fans and if his team made a good play he would get up and start cheering and asking for high fives and we all just stared at him. It was hilarious.



My entire world.

Then of course some mama and baby fun the next morning. His first bottom tooth is finally coming in and he is getting whatever he can in his mouth to help the itching. He hasn't been complaining, yet. We can't wait to see his smile with his little tooth!

I found this beer while grocery shopping and with Fall here I couldn't pass it up! It's delicious! This will definitely be my go-to beer for the season.

This little one is almost officially crawling now. We have been practicing with him as much as we can. I say officially because he slithers and gets to where he needs to that way, but he's already getting on his hands and knees and rocks back and forth. So damn cute!

Happy-not-so-happy Monday! Go Miners!

Weekend Recap.

So, it happened again...I cried on my way to work after leaving Button at daycare. How many times will this happen before it stops? Never? And he's only seven and a half months old. I'm in for it.

Wasn't this the most amazing weekend of weekends? It was. Until yesterday. We went out to eat with the family and we put Elliot with his car seat in a high chair, you know how you flip it over and it's wide enough to put the seat in there? But then the bottom is now narrow making it so unbalanced? This is something we NEVER EVER do. It just seems so dangerous. We always use a chair and put it against the table so that the car seat doesn't move at all. Well for some reason, against our better judgement, we just did it. We thought Elliot would be okay. I got up for only a second and that's all it took for me to hear a loud crash and Jack screaming "oh shit!" and find Elliot under the table face down. The Best Mama Award goes to...not me. Everyone was staring! I felt terrible!

Thankfully, it wasn't as bad as I thought and after only crying for about 30.2 seconds he calmed down and only had a little bruise above his eyebrow. Not that this makes it okay but it's certainly much better than him splitting his head open. Never again, lesson learned. Whew, what a freaking scare. None of us could even finish our dinner. After that when we got home it took lots of kisses and snuggles with a full checkup from my mom and he was back to his normal little self. My poor little Monkey.

Okay, besides that, the weekend was great. It was so relaxing. Knowing that we wouldn't have to go to work on Monday was the best feeling.

We started Saturday night with beer and crossword puzzles. You know how I told you I recently discovered that Jack shares my obsession? Yup, call us nerds. They're just so much fun to figure out. Every time we complete one, we date it and write our names on it. So dramatic.



Saturday we started late and it felt damn good. No rushing out of the house early, no pressure getting ready, no projects to start or finish, we just let time make the calls. A quick trip to Target also happened ;)

Sunday we had a little cookout for ourselves. Burgers, brats and homemade guacamole. We completely stuffed ourselves. There's nothing like the sun coming in through your window, your hubby on the grill, and you preparing everything else with a beer in hand, a happy baby in his high chair, and some good food cooking waiting to be demolished. I love days like these.

With these in hand :)

And this baby boy was there too. Because playing requires so much concentration.

Then Monday rolled around and we got that feeling of, oh-shit-we-gotta-get-ready-for-work-and-daycare and it just sucks. You know what I'm talking about?  Our only consolation was that at least it would be a four day week and we will get to the weekend soon again. Till then, we work.

Yup, I know the feeling Button.

Also, I ended up ordering this crib in this espresso color in case you were wondering :) Finally Elliot will have an actual little bed to sleep in.

Hope your Labor Day weekend was great!



No-Bed Baby.

I always thought that by the time Elliot was born that I would have his room completely set up. Crib, glider, decorations, toys, books, etc. All is true except for the glider and crib. The TWO main important items. It was hard when you think about the fact that we had just moved in and needed actual things to survive like a washer & dryer, a fridge, sofas, you get the deal. The crib kind of got put on the back burner and now I feel like it's been time. Of course I wasn't comfortable putting Elliot in one when he was born and he had his own little bed, meaning, his play pen. As he grows and grows I feel like he should already have a more formal place to sleep in and not a play pen. I think I should only use that now for actual play time. This is kind of a big deal because I feel like Button doesn't sleep comfortably in there anymore. I feel like I'm a bad mama for not thinking about this sooner!

However, I have been doing my research for a while now looking for the perfect crib to match his room (although I'm planning to have it in our room for a while) yes, I'm THAT mom. I just feel like he will be so far away from us in his room since our bedroom is downstairs and his is upstairs. Great thinking when we bought the house!

I also reaaaally wanted this Jenny Lind crib (and still could be a contender) I mean, look at it, what's not to love? It's vintage, it's beautiful, and the most inexpensive of the three but I read both good and bad reviews on it so now I'm over thinking it. Jack wasn't crazy in love with it either which makes it harder.

Anyway, I have found the perfect two and I'm having a hard time deciding. I'm also wondering if white is the way to go since it's usually a crib color picked for girls (I think?). As I said, I have been trying to decide between these two and I just love them both. Help!

I have no idea which one to get! I better decide soon or one of us will have to end up sleeping on the floor so that Button can sleep on the bed ;) 

Yay for Thursday!

Seven Months.

Sorry guys I've been crazy busy these past few days and I'm posting Button's update a little late. It's just beyond crazy to me how smart and amazing this little creature is. He's learning so much at such a fast rate. I know as mamas we say that about our kids all the time and to everyone but seriously, how can we hold back such information about our little ones when they're so awesome!

Excuse the half erased board. This kid could not get his hands off of it.

Weight: About 18lb. Your next appointment is not until nine months.

Clothing size: 6-12 the six month stuff I got you is going out the door pretty soon. 

Diaper size: 3 I seriously think we will be getting 4's in no time.

Feeding: Your schedule is pretty much the same as last time but you don't drink as much formula as you used to because you like your solids a lot more. And you drink water now too. I'm not going to let you drink juice until you're older.

Milestones: You are literally days away from crawling. I also love to stand you up on my legs because you push yourself up and down. I love that!

Loves: We recently got you a baby remote control. You crawl (or slither rather) your way to it and you press the buttons changing channels left and right. While all that is cute, we opted for one just for you. It plays songs, numbers and it lights up, you love it. We also bought you a Glow Worm and you are mesmerized by the way it lights up. I give it to you when I lay you down and you lay on your side touching its lit face. Your absolute most favorite toy is a monkey your auntie Yams bought you when you were born. We hang it from your car seat and you ALWAYS hold on to it when you're in it. Even if you're asleep. If we forget it (cause grandma takes it out so you can play with it) you look for it and you give me a look as if you want to ask me "where the hell is it mama?" It's the cutest thing.

Dislikes: You're starting to give us a hard time with diaper changes. You don't complain but you are so squirmy and try to get your hands on everything you can find on the bed while we are changing you. I think you just don't like not being able to do what you want during that time. When you're congested, you hate saline and the bulb. You already know when we get close to your nose and you start swinging your hands and turning your body away from us. I don't blame you on this one, it probably sucks. You also have never liked ANY teething toys. This has given us a hard time because although you love your hand, it's not enough to calm the itchiness of your gums.

Adventures: Everyday is an adventure with you! You did hit your head on the high chair because since you want to grab and touch everything, you were looking down on your little safety belt and you were slouching and hit your head. You cried for about 2.5 seconds and went about your business. You also love leaning all the way to the edge of the tray and biting it with your gums. It probably feels good since you're teething. 

Mommy and Daddy could not get through the month without: Still your paci but mostly all your toys. You can play with anything and you stay occupied for a good while.

I am also loving the stuff that Old Navy is coming out with and seeing that Fall and Halloween is almost here and reading other blogs it seems like everyone is in the spirit already! So why not join them?

The toys were purchased at Target and the PJ's and onesie from Old Navy.

More on ON. Seriously, I snagged this onesie as soon as I saw it. I love it!

Happy Wednesday! 

A Place To Call Home.

First off, did you guys watch Project Runway last night? It was such a good episode. I mean I never miss one but last night's was awesome. I got teary eyed when Heidi told Justin he was out. Ugh! Granted his dress wasn't his best but it really wasn't his time. Then he goes to say bye to the other contestants and they all cried! I cried right with them too. Then when Tim Gunn started crying and used his save for Justin? I was on the verge of more tears. That darn Tim Gunn. Gotta love him. Ahhh I love that show. Okay okay, post time!

When we purchased our home it was a foreclosure and it had been vacant for an entire year. Previous to that, the owners were renting it, and you know, when you're renting you don't give a crap about your yard. At least this was the case with this house. It was a disaster. Literally. I hated coming home to a dirty, ugly yard. As I walked inside it felt like home but I wanted the whole driving-up-to-my house-and-loving-it feeling. I didn't get that before.

We got a few estimates and some were just outrageous. No way anyone is going to pay you that much for landscaping dude. All we were asking for was grass, rock and brick. Something simple and cozy. After some research, we went with a landscaper recommended by two coworkers. He did such a good job! He was always on time and did exactly what he said he was going to do in the time frame he promised. Seriously, most of the time working with contractors is a nightmare but this one was easy breezy.

We also had major rain which is why all the dirt is on the sidewalk. Nice. Gosh I cringe when I look at this pic. Please mildly glance at these ;) Thanks.



Finally the landscaper began and he rooted about six dead trees. It was a mess but it already looked a million times better. I didn't mind all the dirt, I was so excited about getting to the final product.

Finally almost done! He still needed to do a couple more things to the irrigation and finish planting the rest of the grass and clean his shit up.

End result! (for now). What a difference right? It's a completely different home. I think now you understand what I was saying!

 It truly feels like home now. Granted, it still needs work, we plan on getting a tree, maybe a palm tree and a couple more plants because it looks a little bare, but maaaaan I get home and I get happy upon seeing how it turned out. You know how they say "it's the little things" I take that literally. Stuff like this makes me happy. I think that having a home means being proud of it and having it exactly the way you want it. I know with a house you're never done and you need a whole lot of money, but we take it day by day and work on a small project every weekend. I feel like this was one of the major ones we had and we finally tackled it and accomplished it. Thank God all this was done before Jack's birthday! We couldn't be happier.

Aaaaand it's Friday!! What more could you want? Have a great weekend! Cheers! (you know it) ;)

Birthday Madness.

What can I say. This weekend was one of the best we have had in a long time. We finally got to break our house in with a mini party for Jack's birthday and all I can say is, it all went as planned.

We had so so much fun. Family and friends joined us Saturday night and we had the music blasting, alcohol going and Elliot was passed around to family and friends and although he was a little scared at first, he was loving it. I put him down for bed and he passed out. I didn't leave him at my mom's house because a few of our friends wanted to meet him.

My sister in law made the cupcakes for him and I just made some quick little flags with washi tape and put one in each cupcake. They were so delicious and cute!

I had a menu planned which consisted of finger foods like cheese, fruits, nuts, chips, dip, etc. Aaaand forgot to take a pic. These flowers were the centerpiece. Everything looks prettier in a mason jar.



I opted for black and white and got some chevron napkins, black and white straws, washi tape and white and clear glass serving platters and bowls.



Then (when almost everyone had left, duh) we sang happy birthday. I only put two candles because I would have burned the whole house down if I would have put the actual amount :) Jack was so happy and had so much fun BUT he doesn't remember blowing out the candles. It was hilarious, I lit them up and we started singing the first "happy birthday" and he blows them out. We all got quiet and started laughing, I had to light them up again and finish singing. I was so glad that everything turned out the way it did though, the food was a hit, there were drinks for days, we had great company and everyone had fun.

I love this man more than words.

We went to bed late and the next morning at six am this little one was ready for some playtime. I think next time he will be staying with grandma ;)

Doesn't matter what this kid is doing, his sock is always falling off.

 

There were drinks left (not for long) and that's what our fridge consisted of the next day (hey, who's complaining). 

I played with Elliot and gave him breakfast then put him down for his nap. While both him and Jack were asleep I tackled the kitchen. It was a mess! Beer was spilled on the floor, food and crumbs everywhere. Bottles and beer cans galore. We were hurting a little bit, but it was nothing that a little club soda couldn't cure.

We also took Monday off to get some things done and Jack got a couple of gift cards for Lowe's and Home Depot. So off we went! Not really, I told Jack these are for him to buy whatever he wants aka his tools.

I did end up buying these awesome planters that we worked on Monday! They were on clearance at Lowe's. Love love love them!

If you follow me on IG (@shadiabrown) you saw that I woke up to this little cute face and also got to spend all day Monday with him and we couldn't have been happier. 

 I still owe you the landscape remodel post but we are adding some final touches and will post as soon as we are finished!

Have a great Monday! I mean Tuesday for you guys :)

Our Weekend in Pictures.

This weekend was nothing short of relaxing, busy and fun. I will let the pics do most of the talking.

Friday after work I got home to this and just had to snuggle with my little monkey.

I also got the latest IKEA catalog and got immediately depressed upon seeing all the awesome stuff they have for such good prices and we don't have one here. Boo to that.

After drinking a beer and getting over my severe depression (totally kidding) Jack and I decided to install a brand new mirror after taking down a hideous oval shaped one that came with the house in our half bath downstairs. We measured and prepped everything all we needed to do was attach the brackets to the back of the mirror to hang it. I'm in the bedroom and I hear Jack cussing so I go to the kitchen to find that he had broken the mirror while drilling the brackets onto it. Yay! Broken brand new mirror. We got over it pretty quick though and went to Hobby Lobby the next day and got a better one. I forgot to take a pic after we hung it up. Duh.

Saturday we headed to our usual grocery shopping and this little one slept through most of it.

 I can't believe he's sitting up!

I also got to snap a few pics of him in this cutest little outfit from Old Navy. We then headed shopping for a few items and one of our stops was World Market. Picked up some olives stuffed with Pepper Jack (get it? Ha) and this awesome bottle opener. We are having a mini party for Jack's birthday this weekend and I can't wait! It will be the first official party in our house. I hope I can make it through the night considering the fact that by ten-thirty or eleven I am out. Such a party pooper.

Sunday morning Elliot woke up at his usual time of six am to have his bottle and miraculously went back to sleep! Know what that meant? This girl got a whole hour and a half extra of sleep and this little Button woke up at eight-thirty. Win for mama. Jack was still asleep so I took Elliot upstairs for some playtime. 

We then cleaned like mad people in preparation for Saturday night. We did so much! We even had time to have a little cookout for ourselves and a glass of wine.

 To add to all of this weekend excitement, our front yard will be finished by Wednesday! Post on that coming right up! Hope your weekend was fun!