The End Of January

 

It's always hard to believe when a month is over and a new month is about to begin.  I always get excited over a new month though.

 

 

January was definitely a good month.  My babies are so perfect and getting so big.  Ryan's turning into a little terrible two toddler- Okay he has been one for a couple months now.  However, he is super easy to entertain and can easy be distracted into being a good boy.

 

Ryan's language this month has totally taken off!  At the end of Decemeber/beginning of January Ryan's words had finally reached over 100 words.. he is now over 150.  He is learning new words constantly.  He is saying new phrases daily.  He even ran into one of Jakey's old pacifiers, picked it up and said "Jakey sucker."  Tim & I always called them suckers... but we got rid of them 6 months ago when Jake turned 7 months and Ryan just NOW said the word "sucker."  Isn't that crazy how little baby brains work??

 

 

He may not be talking as much as other toddlers his age.. but it's finally taking off!  I am so happy for him that he is finally able to express things he wants without getting frustrated.  Even though he doesn't talk a lot, he sure is smart.  He knows so many things.  We're still working on colors.  He likes blue.  I think it's his favorite :)

 

 

This picture totally sums up my life as a mommy of two toddlers.  One of them is always hanging on my legs.

 

 

Ryan & Jakey spent so much time together this month just playing together.  They love being in the same room together and I can now leave them in the same room to play while I do dishes.. or whatever else I need to do.  However, it's usually dishes.  If I walk around holding Jake, Ryan will run up to me, "Momma? Jakey play Jakey play?"  It makes my heart smile.

 

 

Jake officially became a toddler this month!! At the beginning of the month he started standing on his own.  He goes from sitting to standing pretty well and will just stand there.  He started taking 2-3 steps at a time but couldn't make it past 3 steps.  On January 14, I got Jakey from his crib in the morning and he was super smiley.  He had two new teeth!  Ryan got both of his bottom teeth on the same day too.  Ryan was 11m 5 days when he got his first two teeth.  Jake was 12m 14 days.  I love little gummy smiles but little teeth are so cute too.  You can see all 4 of his top teeth just about ready to pop through his gums.  I check his mouth every day to see if any more have come through.

 

On January 24 my little man walked for the first time!  Sure, he was taking 3 steps but he wasn't going anywhere.  I was sitting on the couch and he just let go of the coffee table and walked 10 steps over to get a toy.  Does anyone else get totally emotional with everything their child does?  I remember having tears of joy when Ryan started walking.  Now that Jakey is walking I get teary too.  He doesn't spend too much time walking and hasn't gotten past 3 feet of walking, but he's still trying.  Sweet little guy.

 

 

 

We have been spending a lot of time before bedtime looking at books and reading.  Ryan likes reading books with pop ups.. or ones that make noise.  But he is finally letting me read him normal stories.  Some nights he will sit on my lap as we read book after book.  His favorite is a Fisher Price Zoo book with lift up flaps that his cuzzies, Aiden & Rian, got him for his second birthday.  He calls it "Zoozy zoo."  (Just like the song on Barney!)

 

 

Speaking of Barney-- we haven't watched it in a few weeks.  It may be weird, but it actually makes me a little sad.  We have watched Barney, and nothing but Barney, for about 18 months!  Ryan wouldn't even bother watching TV unless Barney was on.  He now likes other shows, Curious George, Dinosaur Train, Super Why & some super obnoxious Cars show on Netflix.  He's becoming such a big boy.  I actually like Dinosaur Train & Super Why.  On Super Why he always calls out the letters with the announcer :) 

 

 

Ryan has also been into coloring lately.  "Momma, color!" He lovse his crayons and his coloring books.  He also loves this little table and makes me put Jakey next to him, "Jakey sit" as he points to the chair that is next to him.  So I put Jake next to him and Ryan just giggles away.

 

 

 

Look at him? After 2.5 years, he finally lets me take his pictures and will SMILE at me!  He loves looking at himself on the camera.. so that helps me to get him to smile at me.  "Momma- see!"

 

 

Always playing together.  If I put Jakey in the buggy, Ryan will run around the house pushing Jake.  So cute.

 

 

We spent a lot of the month inside.  I hate the cold weather and now that January is over-- it's one month close to it being nicer weather.  I can't wait.  I was able to take the babies on a walk this evening while dinner was cooking & I kept thinking to myself how I can't wait for Spring.  I miss taking the kids for a walk every evening.  They behave so well on walks and Ryan just talks and talks about everything he sees.

 

 

Jake is still a thumb sucker when he's sleepy.  I don't know how I'll ever take his thumb away.. Maybe he'll just grow out of it.  Tim & I think he looks too cute sucking on his thumb.  He is just the sweetest little thing.

 

 

 

Here are all the random pictures that wouldn't go under a specific post.  So here was our January.   Trying to blog a lot more this year.. so far, so good!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Citrus Lane- January 2013 Box Review

I have been waiting over  two weeks to be able to post this review!  For Christmas, my mother in law got both of the kids a Citrus Lane Groupon, good for a 3 month subscription.  I am definitely not a Citrus Lane expert, not even close.  However, ever since I redeemed the Groupons on December 31- I have been obsessed!  I googled Citrus Lane blog reviews & checked out the Citrus Lane Facebook Page.  I already loved my box before I even got it.

For anyone who does not know, Citrus Lane is a subscription box service for babies/toddlers/kids from birth to age 5.  Basically, you will receive a surprise box filled with 4-5 (mom approved, top of the line) items tailored to your little ones age.

You can get boxes on a month to month basis for $25/month.. or you can a 6 month subscription for $21 a month!  When I signed up, I put in my little one's name, birthday, and gender to ensure that both Ryan & Jake will receive boxes especially made for them!

Citrus Lane ships their boxes from California on the 15th of every month and arrive on your doorstep between the 17th and 22nd of every month.  Did I mention that you also receive free shipping?!

Okay- on to our goodies!

Both boys were anxious to open their boxes- but I let Ryan open his box first.  Don't mind his lack of clothing.. today was potty training day #1!  Ryan received a 31 month old box.

The boxes are nicely packaged with bright yellow tissue paper.  I wanted to get a picture of the products nicely put together but Ryan had different plans.

Each box contains a list of items you will recieve & a little information about each one.

The first thing we received was a plate and bowl combo pack from Skip Hop.  Do we need another plate and bowl?  No.  But I was still excited about these.  The plates are super cute and bright.  These plates are also durable, which is hard to find in kids' plates these days.  I have been checking out the Skip Hop website lately- especially before Christmas because I really love their new Zoo line.  This set retails for $10.  We also received a code for 25% off a purchase of $30 at Skip Hop.

Next, we got a book from Barefoot Books.  It also came with a CD with an animated video and audio sing along sang by the author.  We have not watched this yet, but I know Ryan will love it as he is totally into music and dancing.  The book is beautiful and has great pictures.  This book retails for $9.99 on the website.  This came with a coupon code for 25% off all Barefoot Book products.

We also recieved soothing cream and a playful wash packet from Episencial.  This lotion is perfect for sensitive skin & is scent free!  They also included a sample of 2-in-1 shampoo and body gel.  This soothing cream retails for $11.This came with a coupon code to save $5 on any purchase.  

I am actually pretty excited about this To-Go disinfectant spray from Clean Well.  This spray is perfect for grocery cart handles and restaurant high chairs.  If you know me, I am constantly cleaning my babies hands and what they are going to be eating off of.  I will keep this one in my purse for all of our outings!  This disinfectant spray retails for $4.

Ryan's 31 month Citrus Lane box had a retail value of $35... & it was sent straight to my door with free shipping!

Next, we opened up Jakey's box.  I let Ryan do the honors since he was so excited about it.  Jake received a 13m box.  I was a little nervous that both boys would receive the same box, but was so happy to see that they did not!

Jake posing with his box.  I was holding Ryan on my lap because he wanted to rip into it!

The product detail list.

The first item we pulled out was a Skip Hop lunchie from Skip Hop.  A few people were complaining that their little ones can't use a lunch box.  Obviously they can't.  However- they can still hold bottles, snacks, and sippy cups!  I can now retire our ugly black shoulder bag I received from the hospital when I gave birth and use this cute little lunch box when we go on picnics to store the kids food!  This retails for $14.

We got a box of Nibbly Fingers from Ella's Kitchen.  I was pretty excited about this one too!  My kids love their snacks and these are perfect for on the go!  They are recommended for ages 12+ which means they will be great for both Ryan & Jake.  The box was already open when I took this picture because ran had to eat one right away!  This came with a coupon code too!  This retails for $3.99.

We got a cute little board book from Barefoot Books.  Glad they chose a board book to include in this month's box because everything goes straight into Jake's mouth and this was the first thing to go in his mouth after we opened his box.  This book retails for $6.99.

& Lastly, we received the lotion & disinfectant spray as well.

The retail value of Jake's 13m box was $40.  Definitely worth it!

Here are my two monkeys enjoying their new books :)

If you would like to check out Citrus Lane, please click the link I just posted.  This will give you $10 off of your order-- even if it's just one box!  Your first box will be $15 & it will also credit me $10 to keep providing my kids with these boxes!  You can cancel your subscription at any time.

I am incredibly pleased with our boxes and surprised I had never heard of subscription boxes before.  The only thing I am bummed about is that I have to wait another month to receive our next box!

Jake's One Year

I know I already wrote a post for Jake on his birthday... and then wrote about his birthday party. I still need to post his 12 month pictures and tell you about his doctor visit.

 

The day of Jake's actual birthday (Dec 30) I woke up and got ready because I had invited people out to Golden Corral for his birthday breakfast and we were meeting everyone at 10:30am.  I was going to pick up Tim's mom & when I got to my car- it wouldn't start!  I'm usually pretty good about not letting things bother me.. but this did bother me!  It was my baby's birthday & I had already had someone at the restaurant waiting for us.. so what did I do?  I had a meltdown- started crying- & called my mom!

 

Fast Forward.. we made it to breakfast!  I wanted to go to Golden Corral because Tim, Elyse, Ryan & I went to Golden Corral for his birthday too. 

 

I filled Jakey's plate up with eggs & he didn't want to eat!  He sat in his chair like a good little boy.. & didn't eat.

 

 

 

"What's going on, mom?"

 

Grandma snuck in a rice krispy treat on a stick for Ryan.

 

 

 

After Ryan finished eat he ran over to Jakey to play.  Have I mentioned how much he loves his brother?  It melts my heart every.single.time.  They are so sweet. 

 

Then I started thinking back to a year ago.  The moment when my mom brought Ryan to the hospital to meet Jakey for the first time & he loved him then too :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our server asked me if I wanted them to sing Happy Birthday to Jake.  Did I?  Of course I did!!  They sang to him & brought him a little piece of cake with a candle that momma got to blow out and make a wish on.

 

 

 

Jake fell asleep on the way home.  My parents, grandparents and niece came over for a few hours before they had to head back to Yuma.  Sweet little Jakey slept the whole day!  What a party pooper.

 

Eventually, I woke him up because I wanted Tim to take his pictures before the sun went down.  We headed downtown to take pictures.  The weather was pretty nice & it wasn't too cold so I was happy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A lot of pictures are similar but I couldn't help myself!  I also brought a cake because I wanted to do a cake smash.  It was too cold and Jakey just cried when I took his clothes off! So.. the weather didn't end up getting any warmer so momma ended up eating the cake all by herself.

 

I told Tim he needed to do 15m cake smash pictures because I still wanted them!  It's too bad my baby was born in the middle of winter.

 

We ended our Jake's first birthday with dinner at Fuddruckers.  Yum!

 

 

 

Jake had his 12m check up on January 2nd.  He was 16lbs 5 oz & ABOUT 27.5 inches long.  I say about because he was measured by 3 different people and they all had something different.  Last, but not least, he is still perfect :)  His pediatrician told us that his growth was right on track & that I could start him on rice milk.  But I haven't yet started it.. I wanted to give him about another month on formula and then I will gradually make the switch from Alimentum to rice milk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cold Weather

I don't know what's going on with Tucson lately, but we are on a 5 day cold streak of temps in the 40s!  & I have to say, I absolutely hate it.  I will gladly take 100 degree weather over freezing cold any day.

 

 

Last Winter, Tim wanted to go up in the mountains to take Ryan to see the snow.  For whatever reason, that never worked out.  Every time it snows in the mountains this year, he talks about taking the kids up to see the snow.

 

I am from Yuma, Arizona... probably one of the hottest places in the US.. seriously.  Okay- maybe not.  I have seen snow only a handful of times. 

 

The first time I saw snow I was a junior in high school.  My family and I drove up to Colorado to spend Christmas with my brothers.  While we were there we drove up to the mountains to see the snow.

 

 

The second time I saw snow, it was actually pretty exciting.  In January 2007, it snowed in Tucson (after living here for 9 years I have seen it snow twice.)  It was my first time seeing snow fall.  I don't think I even cared about how cold it was outside.  My roommates and I played in ths snow, built a little snowman and a turtle & threw snow at each other.  We took a ton of pictures, which I'll have to find someone-- they are somewhere stored in internet space.

 

 

 

The third time I saw snow was January 2008.  Tim & I and our friends Jennifer and Bryan went up to the white mountains for New Years Eve.  (There we are down below!)  I went sledding for the first time in my life.. hopefully the last time too :)  It was fun.. for a while.  Until my fingers felt like they were going to fall off.  I did everything I could ever want to do in snow.  I went on a sled.. I made a snow angel.. I wrote in the snow with my fingers and I threw snow balls.

 

 

 

 

 

The fourth time I saw snow, was February 2010. I was pregnant with Ryan, Tim had woken me up in the middle of the night to go see. I went downstairs and looked out the garage and then went back to sleep. Eh. It was only snow & it was too cold for me! That next morning there was still snow on the ground and my little monsters at work were so excited about it.

 

 

That brings me to the fifth time I saw snow, this past weekend, January 12, 2013.  Tim has been talking about it for a couple years now and I finally gave in on Friday night when I looked at Tim and asked "Hey, did you want to go up to Mount Lemmon tomorrow?"

 

That is how this day began.  We made breakfast in the morning.  Tim grilled up some hot dogs and hamburgers to take up to the mountains.  He popped some popcorn.  I packed diapers, sippy cups, mayonaise and ketchup. 

 

I don't think they even sell snow gear anywhere in Tucson.  I took the babies in their rooms and put a couple pairs of socks on them, pajamas, long sleeved shirts, sweat pants, more pants, more long sleeved shirts, sweaters.. and once we were out of the car, jackets.  Jakey actually had on two jackets.  The kids had five different layers on them. 

 

 

Jakey actually made me giggle.  He had so much clothes on him that he looked like a little rollie pollie and he couldn't even put his arms straight down; they stuck out.

 

 

 

We got out of the car, took some pictures, walked around for a few minutes and then went back in the car to warm up.. & this process repeated again.. two more times.

 

Whoever actually enjoys cold weather is crazy.  Being cold is probably the worst feeling.. if it's not the worst, well then it's pretty close.  My fingers hurt. My nose hurt.. My body hurt.  I had lots of layers and on and I was still cold.  Maybe that's why some people wear face masks with little eye holes cut out of them.

 

 

 

 

 

We drove back down the mountain because I wanted to eat and it got warmer the further down the mountain you were.  Well, it only felt like half a degree warmer.  We got out of the car.. took a few more pictures.   Then I asked Tim if we could eat in the car.  No way was I going to sit down at a picnic bench and let my booty freeze. 

 

 

 

We got back in the car & ate our popcorn.  I decided I didn't want to eat in the car, I wanted to go back into town and have a picnic.

 

 

 

 

Before we left, we stopped to say "hello" to a dog.   Ryan laughed and laughed as the dog licked his face.

 

 

We drove into town & had a picnic at the park.  We let Ryan run around and play for a few minutes & then sat down to have our hot dogs and hamburgers.  We decided it was too cold to stay any longer and went home.

 

When we got home, I checked the weather and it wasn't even in the 40s yet!

 

 

If I learned anything this day, I learned that I could care less if I never see snow again.. and if I do, I will be wearing a beanie that covers my head with the eyes cut out.