Article Reviews

The other day I was checking my email on Yahoo when the title of this article caught my eye: "10 Habits of Happy Moms." How can I not read that, and how can I not share what I think?? I copied the 10 point below with my thoughts in red underneath.
First, let me just say that I am by no means an expert on babies or "how to be a happy mom". I simply just take one day at a time and try to live by the notion, as my dad put it the day she was born, Avery is a PERSON not a POSSESSION! It has worked great for me but may not work for someone else.

1. Find time for yourself
Happy moms know they deserve a little time to themselves. When you know you're going to have a little room to breathe later on in the day, it's easier to take on everything that's in front of you. Our formula? Take 2 hours out for yourself every 3 days.

The key to this one, I think, is knowing when you will have that breathing room. Until just recently Avery was not very consistant at night so I never really knew when and for how long that time would be. Its hard not to use those free minutes to do something like laundry, dishes, cleaning, etc, but I have tried to adapt to figuring out ways to do these things while she is awake so that when she goes down for a nap and bedtime I really can focus on my projects and fun stuff. I honestly would go crazy without some kind of creative outlet on a regular basis. It's my means of escape and relaxation. 2 hours every 3 days seems pretty easy to reach. I think that most should be able to easily do that; I try to strive for 1-2 hours a day. Most of this happens after she is in bed at night, but nonetheless, I try.

2. Don't make a happy baby, happier!
We all do it...you see your baby's head at what you're sure is an unnatural angle snoozing in their car seat. You just know they'll be happier if their head was straight. So you move them. And they wake up. Then they scream. Or, you see them playing happily in the sand. You just know they'll be happier if they played on the slide. So you interrupt them and move them to the slide. And they're angry. And they let you know they're REALLY angry. Here's the thing, they were happy. It can be hard to do, but if your kid's not complaining, leave them be! Happy baby = Happy Mommy.
I am guilty of this one!! Jeff tried to do this just a few nights ago! I had to learn the hard way with this one in the car. She always looked so uncomfortable when she was in her seat but she never failed to fall asleep every time the car turns on. It would happen just like they say, here. I continually have to put myself in her shoes. I wouldn't like to get woken up and moved if I was happy and comfy, either! lol

3. Embrace the mess
So your house doesn’t look like something out of a magazine. That just means it’s cozy! Your children have hands coated in dirt from the playground and faces coated in spaghetti from dinner. It’s not gross—it’s an adorable photo op! Life is about how you look at things. Next time that pile of laundry that’s been sitting on the chair for three days starts to get you down, just remember… it’s probably feng shui.

Again, I am guilty on all counts on this one!! Before I had Avery I was pretty anal about everything being clean and in it's place. I think she has been a little bit of therapy for me. I still have to keep stuff clean but everything is definitly not in its right spot 100% of the time. In fact, as I sit here typing, Avery has been in bed for an hour and there are still toys all over the place, craft stuff covering the dining table, the ironing board sitting out, Jeff's beer making stuff on the kitchen counter, dry clothes in the dryer... it's a mess, to say the least. You know what, though? I kind of like it! It's home. We live here. It's the sign that we play; focus our time on eachother instead of the little stuff. I still love a clean, neat home, but if no one is coming over, why put it on show?

4. Make time for your friends
Your family can survive without you while you make time to see friends. You are a woman with your own identity and its imperative that you and that identity go out for some margaritas once in awhile!

OK, I think this one can be taken a few different ways. I think it's healthy to have your "things" that you do so that you don't get so involved in baby land that you have nothing else to talk about. I do think, however, that moderation and low key is best. Especially if you are going out with out your husband. I am a part of a Pokeno group that meets once a month. I feel like this is a great way for me to have one evening for a few hours to spend with my friends. Jeff has his things that he likes to go do, too, like hunting. I figure that if I do Pokeno he should be able to do some stuff every once in a while, too.

5. Stop blowing yourself off
While you may be the one taking care of everyone, it doesn't mean you can't also get what you want. Help your family realize your needs are as important as theirs and when mom is happy, everyone is happy, but when mom is not....

It is definitly true that if mom is happy then everyone is happy. ;)

6. Get in the zone
Take 10 minutes to do absolutely nothing but rest. Take a break from your day, close your eyes, breath in slowly and deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Repeat several times. Think about a place you love that is relaxing, spend 10 minutes there in your mind.

Yoga is awesome! It never hurts to shut your eyes for a few minutes and rest. I love naps and never feel guilty anymore for taking one when Avery does.

7. Remember your dreams and goals
Everyday we are encouraging our children to reach their full potential. But sometimes in the midst of being a parent we forget about our own dreams and goals. The best thing you can do to encourage a child is to lead by example –happy moms hold on to their dreams and goals and don’t let go.

I have a few long term goals with my Interior Design career that I would like to accomplish one day since my job was cut short sooner that I would have liked. I would never put this in front of Avery's or any of my other future kids goals.

8. Be lighthearted
Don't be the uptight mom. Be silly and dance with your kids to their music or tv show tunes. Be romantic and pull your partner into a waltz. Dance in slippery socks in your kitchen while making dinner.

I was never a kid person before I had one for myself. I am not a naturally silly person but these days I have no problem braking out into a Barney song in the middle of a grocery store if it means making Avery happy.

9. Bend the Rules
One of the best parts of making the rules is occasionally breaking them. Maybe it’s taking your child out of school for half a day on their birthday, or waking them up in the middle of the night to see a sky of shooting stars. Happy moms know how to turn the mundane into fun.

I dont remember ever being able to skip school except for a doctor's appointment. Not sure if I like that idea, but I know what they mean. I love to take Avery outside to play on blankets on days that we are home all day, instead of being stuck inside. I also found a new indoor play place that opened up that seems really fun and clean for all ages that I hope to take her to when it gets too cold to go outside. Walks are also really fun for her now. Ive taken her in the pet stores in the mall since she is really into animals these days, she gets a kick out of all the puppies.

10. Mind your own business
Concentrate on creating your life the way you want it. Take care of you and your family. Don’t get overly concerned with what other people are doing or saying. Don’t get caught up with gossip or name calling. Stop seeking the validation of others and be confident in yourself.

This is a hard one for me. It always has been. My biggest downfall is comparing myself to others. How others are coping with motherhood, how their baby is developing, things they have done that I have not and vice versa. I have to make a conscious effort daily to remind myself that we are a family and we are different from any other family. What works for us may not be perfect but it works. What works for someone else may not work for us. We are happy, so why change anything? Confidence is the key here. I need work in this area but I want to be a good example to Avery and help her learn confidence in herself. Dont get me wrong, I have no doubt that we are good parents, there are just details along the way that everyone does differently and I naturally wonder if there are rights and wrongs. My mom told me the day she was born that to Avery, I am the only mom that she knows so in her eyes I can't do any wrong. Obviously she needs to learn to sleep and needs to eat but the rest is just details.

At Home Daily Facial

I absolutely love these products! I meant to add them to my "Favorite Things" Post but, like usual, I always forget one or two things.

Aveda Botanical Kinetics Exfoliant

I use this in the evenings after I wash my face. (sometimes in the morning instead). You would be surprised at how much dirt and makeup is left on your face after washing!! This helps get rid of it all. It really keeps your skin from getting over dry or oily, too, which then helps with any breakouts. LOVE!

BeautiControl Microderm Abrasion Facial Set
I try to do this once a week. I get lazy, but when I do use it on a regular basis, along with the Aveda stuff everyday, I can really tell and feel a difference. The cream that comes in this set is obviously the best, but to save some money I sometimes use the St. Ives Apricot Scrub that you can get at any drug store for much cheaper and it works pretty good.

Of course, after you exfoliate you need to have some good lotion. My favorites are from the Aveeno lines. They are light weight, don't make your skin feel oily, and they are affordable and easy to find.

Perfect!

This weekend I decided that it would be fun to take Avery down to the Ponchatoula Trade Days to walk around and see what kind of things they had. I had never been, so I figured it was about time to go!
Of course I found something I loved. There was a lady there selling hand made crown molding picture frames. She had one there that caught my eye and I knew instantly where I could put it to use. I have a print from Avery's photoshoot in the antique tub with Kelley Cook that I have been wanting to put in our guest bathroom but I still needed to find a frame for it. (I actually have a stack of pictures I want to set out, but I have come to realize how picky I am at finding the right frames).
I loved how it had the rustic reclaimed wood look and white wash finish; it was perfect with the rustic look of the tub and field in the picture. I passed it up at first cuz I told myself that I wouldn't buy anything when we got there... I even thought about trying to make one myself but I have so many other projects in the works that I didnt need to get started on another one right now. (I always feel guilty buying something I know I can make) Plus, after looking into how to make one, I would have to find someone close with a saw, find the right moldings, paint, etc... I wouldnt be able to make one for less than the lady was selling it. I wanted instant gratification, anyways. Needless to say, I ended up going back on Sunday just to get it cuz I couldnt stop thinking about it! lol Here it is:

Isn't it PERFECT??!!

A Few Of My Favorite Things...

Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo & Conditioner with Body Wash

Aveda Volumizing Tonic

Aveda Confixor

I put this in my hair on the ends while it is still wet. Once my hair is dry, it feels so thick (if you know me, that is saying a lot!) and actually helps it hold some curl (also saying a lot!) without making my hair feel heavy like most gels.

Big Sexy Hair Hairspray
You can find this at any drug store. It is the best hairspray I have been able to find!

Mary Kay Satin Hands

I love to pamper my hands with this every so often. It makes, not only my skin pretty and soft, but also my nails. After I use it, my hands feel so good for days! I've even been known to use it on my feet. :)


Bare Minerals Powder Makeup

Beauti Control Extra Help Concealer
This concealer is the best coverup out there! It is the perfect consistancy and the colors are so natural; you cant tell you are wearing it even with other brand powders/foundations. Plus, its onlly $5!!
Smashbox Foundation Primer
I have always thought things like this were a waste of money until I was given a free sample last time I was in Sephora. Holy Cow! This stuff is awesome! It feels so soft when you put it on and it really does help your makeup go on smoothly and stay on longer. I am pretty hard to impress with things like this, but it is definitly a winner in my book!

Avery 9 Months

20 lbs

28.75 inches long
(Obviously, I was way off when I tried to measure her length on my own last month, lol)

This puts her in the 75th percentile for both groups

I feel like I say this every month (probably because I do), but time really does fly by so fast! I feel like it goes by so much faster when I watch Avery grow and develop. It really is amazing how much a baby changes in just under 1 year...

Anyways, this has been a whirlwind of a month! Since September 25, we have been back and forth from my parents house almost every week; It has been a lot of fun, though. Avery's cousin, Ella was born (today is actually her 1 month bday!), which is mostly why we have been there so much.

I feel like Avery has made a whole bunch of changes in just a short period of time. These last 2 weeks of her 8th month she has:

1. given up her pacifier (huge!)

2. two teeth have surfaced

3. sleeping through the night (again, HUGE!)

4. Pretty much down to 1 nap. If it's a busy day and/or we have a lot going on she may take 2, but normal slow days she is down to one 2 hour nap. I felt like it's pretty early for her to be wanting just one nap, but if she's tired, she will sleep. She sleeps in the car so that can throw her whole day of nap schedules off completely even if I just have a few errands to run.

5. She still uses her pointer fingers a lot. I think it has developed into her way to wave hi and bye. Every time she sees someone she sticks her arm out and points at them. She also will randomly look at me and get a huge grin on her face and point at me with both hands. It's like she is saying, "I see you!" I find it pretty hilarious ;).

6. I've had to do some minor disiplining already. She really likes to get the small rocks out of our fireplace (it's a gas fireplace with the fake logs) and throw them around. The pumpkins I have out for decorations right now also have caused some problems. When I get on to her, she smiles big, points those fingers at me, and jibber jabs while laughing. I guess it's her way of talking back and saying "ha ha mom! I knew I could get a rise out of you by doing that!". I can't wait for what lies in my future ;) lol.

7. She still nibbles on her food and formula. I can't get her to eat more than a few bites of food at a time and she is still at 3-4 oz at a time. She will take 2 oz here and there as "snacks" as I call them since she doesnt eat a lot at once. I give her some of those teething biscuits/cookies; she will gum them up and get them everywhere but she really likes them.

8. She is crawling really good and getting really fast. She seems to find her way around the house really good, too. The other day I was in the kitchen and I had put her down in the living room by her toys (the rooms are right next to each other) and the next thing I knew she was in our master bath sitting outside of the shower waiting on Jeff to get out. wow!

She is pulling up on everything and will get brave and let go, stand for a few seconds, then sit. I dont think it will be long before she is walking.

9. She is physically attached to her girafe print blanket. Within the past week she has decided that she can't go anywhere with out it. She reaches for it and fusses if you leave the room with out it.

10. She has started dancing. When she hears a song she knows she starts shaking her arms up and down. It's really cute! I've tried to get a video but as soon as she sees me and the camera, she stops. I'll get her one of these days!

This is one of my favorite pictures. She was really tired last night but it was a little early so we were trying to entertain her when she layed her head down on Jeff's shoulder, closed her eyes, and started humming. It was so sweet, I wanted to cry!

That's all I can think of right now. Everyday is different but so much fun! I am so blessed and couln't ask for a better life right now.

Weening and Sleeping

Avery decided randomly one day last week that she no longer wanted her Binkis (aka: pacifiers). It was quite possibly the easiest weening known to man! lol I didn't have to do a thing; in fact, I kept trying to give it to her at night to soothe her but she would just grab it and throw it away. So, that was the end of that....

Which leads me to my next point. Since the pacifier wasn't going to be any good anymore, the only way I could get her to go back to sleep at night was to pick her up, rock her, and sometimes even give her a few ounces of formula. On Saturday night she woke up every hour starting at about 1am. I picked her up each time and rocked her but she would wake up shortly after I layed her down in her crib. {She has also began to use her crib as a play-pin. She crawls around, stands up, sticks her arms through the rails to try and grab her toys outside of the crib... you name it. This was not going to cut it!} After about the 3rd time of rocking her I decided that she needed to learn the hard way. It was just as hard for me as it was for her I think. Around 5am I knew she wasn't hungry, hurt, or in pain from teething, so I went in there and layed her back down, rubbed her back and forehead for a few minutes, then left. I went in every 5 minutes if she was still crying but it took less than 30 minutes before she layed herself down and went to sleep. It was pretty awesome to hear her do that! She then slept until 7:30ish.

Sunday was better. She woke up 3 times but each time she only cried for less than 10 minutes and then went back to sleep. Monday, even better; she slept all of the way through until about 5 (when i heard the monitor I was shocked to see 5am on the clock!!) she started to fuss but I didnt rush in there. I gave her a minute, then went in and repeated everything and then left. She went right back to sleep. Tuesday, she slept all throught the night!!!! She woke up at 6:45 and I tried to get her down but she was pretty wide awake so we just got up.

I guess you could say that we let her "cry it out" as some call it. I had been thinking about it for months and talked to multiple people and read multiple books on methods for CIO. We had always been told that it only takes 2-3 nights and then you will be amazed at how well they sleep. IT'S SO TRUE! However, I never felt comfortable doing it because all it took to soothe her was her pacifier. I felt really bad taking that away if she still needed it. Some babies use their thumb, some use a blanket, and others a pacifier. The pacifier is so hard because if they loose it during the night then its hard to find and takes some coordination for them to learn to put it back in correctly on their own (being half asleep at the same time adds even more difficulty). Now that she decided that that wasn't good enough, I figured it was probably time to try something new. She is old enough now to know night vs day and is fully aware of her surroundings so I didn't feel as mean.

I really hope that she continues to sleep this good. We travel so much that that could put a kink in things; not to mention teething. I am just happy to say that it has worked and with hardly any pain and tears!

High Chair Cover

I decided a while back that I needed to get a new high chair cover. I have this one (but in the green toile print), which is awesome as a grocery cart cover but its so fluffy and big that it doesnt really fit on a restaurant's high chair and the bigger Avery gets, the harder it is for me to fit her in the high chair with it on. Therefore, in true "Suzie Home-maker" style, I decided that I couldn't buy one, I need to make it. I found a pattern from McCalls but I changed it up a bit (again, just like me to do that!) lol. It called for some straps to tie toys onto. These are really nice but Avery doesnt really play with those kind of toys that often anyways, and I always end up taking them off the ties anyways. I can still go back and add them if I decide, but for now I am going to leave them off.
Also, I added some velcro so that I can fold it up and carry it by the leg seperator strip. It folds up perfectly into a little square, so why not?

I think that if I ever make another one I might add a pocket or two, just for the heck of it. :) I love it; I hope you do, too!

My little Rockstar!

Avery was PINK for Holloween this year! :)

Like the mohawk?! lol

Learning A New Trade...

As you may know, if you've ever been ot my photography website (click here to see it. There's also a link on the left side of my blog) you would know that I focus on still life and landscape photography.
I have always admired people who can photograph people and babies, like Kelley Cook who did Avery's newborn and 6th month photos. It has always seemed too daunting and difficult in so many ways that I just never really gave it a shot.

Since my neice Ella was born this month, I thought it would be fun to give it a shot to see what I could come up with. Luckily, my sister was happy to let her be a model for as many photos as Ella would cooperate for. :)

I have to say that it was just about as hard as I expected. Because I am used to still life and landscapes I do not have to work nearly as fast as I do with a baby!! There were a few issues that I ran into:

1. Emily and I had our other two little ones running around while I was trying to take pictures. BAD idea! haha. Avery is abnormally curious of other babies and has to be right on top of them! Annie is almost 2 so she was running around and knocked over the backdrop a few times and would walk between the camera and ella. She obviously didn't realize what was going on but it would have been nice to have someone there to take those 2 in another room.

2. I obviously do not know my camera as well as I thought. By the time I would get the settings figured out how I wanted them, the scene set, and then Ella into position, something would go wrong and I would have to change my camera settings, background, lighting... you name it. I would get so flustered and ended up working up a sweat from trying to get everything to coordinate. I guess it just takes experience and doing it over and over to learn some tricks; I ovbiously know the basics but I really need to dig into my camera to learn more about it. Right now, it is WAY over my head.

3. Skin tones are the hardest thing for me to get looking right!!! I can't say that enough. I really want to look into getting some filters for my camera that can help in that area. Photoshop is good, but isnt the same.

4. Photoshop... I need help there, too. Kelley was able to help me a little on one of the photos. She was kind enough to give me a few pointers, but I really can't live up to her standards! lol

All in all, I ended up with a few pictures that turned out ok. They are not wonderful, but they are a start. I doubt I will ever do this professionally since it is not my forte, but it can be a useful trade to know since I plan to have more kids in the future. I hope to be able to take great photos of kids and people on a regular basis of every day things, too.

Here's a few of my favorites:

The best part of carving a pumpkin...

...Roasting the seeds after its all done!