life updates and Little Mermaid giveaway winner

 

Potty training has been in full force this weekend… and that’s been about the extent of my “life updates” and everything that my life entails right now.

While he definitely “gets it” and has been going in the potty since as soon as we took that first diaper off and let him run free, there have been numerous misses in between. It looks like the absolute opposite of what I assumed would happen… our boy absolutely stops what he’s doing and runs to the potty for #2 {Yay! for tiny miracles} but for #1, he’d rather continue to play through the puddling.

 

My pants-less boy!:

 

My hands feel like they could crack and bleed any moment from all the clorox wipes, constant hand washing and alcohol hand sanitizer.

My tip for those about to potty train that they seem to leave out of the books: gloves to save your hands and industrial strength hand lotion.

;)

 

and in case you didn’t catch this *jewel* of a story/Lucy moment on my Instagram, let me relive it for you here:

After two days of all encompassing potty training, I got a little 30 minute break to walk the dog and zone out. Of course the dog does his business and I clean up, toss it in a street trash can and walk on just to find out he needs to go AGAIN (unusual for him) in a yard where neighbors are out and about and see me walk on without a picking up since I'm now bag-less and ashamed. With all the poo/pee/potty madness at home, you’d think a little walk could at least sweep me away from it for a just a little bit?!

I then walk on home to find this bottle, randomly on the curb...

 

In the midst of frustration, did I really need an adult beverage taunting me in the street… from  a"Kentucky Gentleman" no less? ;) {I swear we don't live in the ghetto and this is not a common occurrence in our “hood”… just the irony of my life as usual.}

Then, just to make a long story even longer, as I typed this story to share with Instagram, Houston sat in the floor crying after a spanking, peed a puddle and preceded to splash in it with glee. Seriously. I. Can. Not. Catch. A. Break.

{First world problems… seriously, it’s all good and we’ve been getting some good chuckles out of yet another beautiful mess we found ourselves in now that we’re in this particular stage of parenting our happy, healthy, hilarious 2 year old!}

 

 

 

While I apologize for not announcing the giveaway winner last week as I had planned, sadly, on Friday, I was out of town for the funeral of a family friend, gone too soon at the age of 24. This entire past week has been a sad one and mind numbing when I try to wrap my head around what happened and the fact that he’s gone. I would sincerely appreciate prayers for his family and the long road to healing they have ahead of them.

 

 

Without further adieu, the winner of THE LITTLE MERMAID Diamond Edition 2-Disc Blu-ray+DVD Combo Pack with Digital Copy is Beth who said:

“I would love to win this so I could share it with my niece who is now my age when I first saw it.”

So excited for you girl and I hope your niece LOVES it! Please email me in the next 24 hours with your mailing address so we can send it straight to you: robertslove {at} live {dot} com

 

More updates to come as we journey farther into this potty training adventure!

 

XOXO,

Stephanie

there's a common theme between Mondays and Potty Training...

Mondays are hard enough. 

A Monday after working the weekend on a 7 day work day stretch, a little tougher. 

Knowing there's a 4 day weekend waiting for me at the end of that stretch - PHENOMENAL!

Using the 4 day weekend to potty train a certain two year old little boy?... Eek. 

Honestly though, I'm a little excited. Having lots of one-on-one time with this love of mine is just what this working momma needs right now. Getting him out of diapers at the same time...

Could any career success even come CLOSE to matching that high?!

Somehow, this potty training adventure took me by surprise. I was waiting for some magical sign that this little dude was "ready" to train. I figured around 2 1/2 - 3 we'd start working on it. This momma was in nooooo hurry. 

But then I stumbled on the "3 day method" and while there's lots of e-books out there they all pretty much have the same premise: stay at home for 3 days with either a completely naked from the waist down child or have them wear only underwear, then let the fun start rolling as they learn, through messes, "when" to know to GO. Most methods also say the older they are, the tougher the case may be, so I decided to strike while the iron was hot... and before winter hit and my naked boy was potty training in chilly temperatures ;)

Sounds like a blast, eh? I'm hoping we have a quick learner on our hands and I'm cautiously optimistic. We shall see!

 

 

We've had a few instances lately where he would rather run sans diaper around the house and has done so without any accidents. I'm hoping this means he dislikes the diaper and will LOOOOVVVE the very awesome "Thomas" and "Cars" briefs that I bought to plan to bribe him with... 

Bribes, after all, have a decent track record with kids and this boy is allll about him some Thomas the Tank Engine. 

Any advice for this new adventure before we start on Friday? I'd love to hear it all! I most definitely will be updating on our success/failures next week. Hopefully more success to report than failure - fingers crossed!

XOXO,

Stephanie

The Little Mermaid DVD set GIVEAWAY!

Friday funday giveaway!!!

I absolutely adore this giveaway and am so happy to spread my intense mermaid adoration with the world ;)

 

 

 

 HANDS DOWN, no lie, The Little Mermaid is BY FAR my favorite Disney movie... maybe it's the red hair {I have to be somewhat partial as a ginger myself}, maybe it's how awesome the entire musical soundtrack is {I've had every song memorized since about 6th grade and still absolutely JAM to them}, or maybe it's dreamy Prince Eric {is it strange that he's my favorite Disney prince and that I have a cartoon crush on him to this day???} 

 

 

 

 

True story: when I needed to sing to Houston at night as a baby (and even now) or even humm, the only song and lyrics that have ever came easily to me was "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid. I have a full choreographed routine to match, mostly spinning around and looking up as I sing and pretend to be floating up to the surface, jazz hands includes of course, but it doesn't get broken out that often these days... ;)

 

 

Whatever the case may be, this movie is FINALLY back out of the vault and being released. I have the absolute PLEASURE {no, really, I'm freakishly thrilled to be doing this!} to giveaway one of THE LITTLE MERMAID Diamond Edition 2-Disc Blu-ray+DVD Combo Pack with Digital Copy. 

It's simple, if you're a U.S. or Canada resident, leave a comment letting me know you'd like to win. Share this giveaway on any other social media site and leave another comment letting me know to receive additional chances to win. 

I'll announce the winner by random drawing next Friday on this blog :) 

Happy weekending, all!

XOXO,

Stephanie

 

 

 

I received a copy of the movie in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.

Summer... lately

We have had one of the busiest, most eventful, FUN summers I can remember in a loooooong, long time.

 

As much as I miss blogging, I'm not even sorry I haven't been around :) I wouldn't trade that time I've had away with my boys and the rest of my family and friends for the world!

 

I will be looking back fondly at this summer for years to come.

 

{Though technically these days, if you follow me on instagram - which is crazy addicting for this girl- you're pretty well caught up with this family! It's like a mini-blog almost, no?!}

 

 

2013, The summer we...

 

 

...took a "second honeymoon" to Excellence Playa Mujeres in Mexico and celebrated 5 years of marriage!

 

 

 

 

 

... the summer this boy really BLOOMED into a little boy, complete with becoming absolutely WILD, hilarious, non-stop energy and IN LOVE with anything that "goes": planes, trains and automobiles all day and night!

 

 

 

... the summer we took on home improvement projects together, the biggest being tiling the backsplash - a full two walls under cabinetry in our kitchen - and we SURVIVED each other ;)

 

 

 

... the summer we talked about, dreamed about, and AWAITED the arrival of a certain little girl for my sweet sister and brother-in-law.

 

 

... the summer we took every moment we possibly could to spend with dear friends that we don't get to see nearly often enough and whose lives are changing just as crazy fast as ours have!

 

 

... the summer we celebrated the SECOND birthday of the cutest little boy I know.

 

 

... the summer we celebrated the big numero dose again together with his Mimmie's big 60th birthday!

 

 

 

 

... the summer we played, played, and played some MORE!

 

 

 

 

...the summer Isabel LeAnn finally made her big debut on Labor Day and stole all of our hearts, the way only little girls can do!

 

 

 

...the summer she made those two above become parents for the first time, made some grandparents for the first time, gave Houston his first cousin, and made Nick and I an uncle and aunt for the first time♥

...the summer we celebrated #2 for a THIRD time in a big, big way!

 

 

 

...the summer Houston was a ring bearer and broke hearts with that adorable face and bow tie combo walking next to the prettiest fairy princess you ever did see. 



 

 

...the summer I relished every moment and thanked God for these two greatest blessings to spend my days with, the best days of my life.

 

 

 

 

 

While each of these little clips deserve their own posts, {in the making!}, I now go happily, MERRILY into fall. Summer left me smiling and spent and I gladly welcome the cooler weather, my favorite season and a much lighter schedule than what we've been experiencing this summer.

 

Hoping your summer has been just as peachy!

 

XOXO,

 

Stephanie

makin' twitter waves

Thanks to Pinterest and a little search for how to get "beach waves" without heat, I'm rocking a new little 'do at work this morning, a trial run before we hit the beach next week.

I put my own spin on a few different takes and made my own "Medusa Buns" with just some barely damp hair, twisting and pinning sections in buns with a bobby pin, and then sleeping the night away. This morning the buns were all still perfectly intact. I took them down, pulled my fingers through and separated my Medusa locks and voila!... Curls that are holding much better than in heat tool does for me and relaxing more into the beach waves I was looking for as the day rolls on. 

In other news, have you all heard of this thing called Twitter?

;)

I avoided joining the rest of the world on Twitter for so long.... yet another social media app to take MORE of my small, dwindling attention span??

No, thanks.

Until my Facebook status updates became a Twitter feed of their own and I needed an outlet to share my incessant, rambling thoughts.... ya know, more often than I find the time to blog... instant gratification.

Join me in Social Media rehab, won't you? :)

Look me up, girrrrrrrrl.... @StephRob4



At least you'll be able to tell I'm still alive when I spontaneously go MIA from blogworld from now on.

XOXO,

Stephanie

What's normal?

 

I don't know about y'all, but my family doesn't fit anywhere inside the realm of normal.

 

 

 

 

Thank you for your prayers and well wishes, Houston seems to be almost back to 100%!

 

 

 

 

We continue to push the boundaries, even at the pet store.

 

{Which we were treating as a makeshift "zoo" on Saturday morning after breakfast!}

 

 

 

 

I don't remember seeing the sign on the front door that pants were optional... but apparently Houston is an early reader ;)

 

 

 

 

It's definitely not normal, either, for me to be ahead of schedule and on top of my to-do list, but a little promise of some sunshine in my future has me packing 8 days ahead of time.

 

 

Any beach/vacation packings tips from you pros out there? I'm planning on making a little list of my own to share, I would love to add your advice in there as well!

 

 

 

 

 

The hubby and I will be sans bebe for what we're calling our "Second Honeymoon" celebrating our 5 year anniversary next week. I'd also love to hear any tips specific to Mexico as 1.) I've never been and 2.) while we'll stay mainly on the resort, we would like to venture out a bit and could use any tips you might know of to make it a little easier on us.

 

 

Me voy, México!

 

 



 

 

 

 

May the Lord be with me at work this week, because my brain will be already in vacation mode.

 

 

Be kind to my friends and me, Ms. Monday, you can be quite the diva at times...

 

 

 

XOXO,

 

Stephanie 

 



 

 

Happy 4th and Prayers for Our Boy

So that virus with all the high fevers we've been dealing with since last Friday?

New diagnosis: pneumonia.

This poor baby went through a barrage of testing including deep nasal and throat swabs, a urinary catheter to test for a UTI, a chest x-ray and blood work on his teeny tiny baby arm, all while already feeling terrible. My heart broke into a million pieces as Nick and I had to hold him down for the tests.

Simply horrific. While I know he will never remember, I will never forget :(

The good news is we now know what to treat and as long as we keep the fevers at bay alternating ibuprofen and tylenol through out the day, you would NEVER know this boy is sick. He plays happily all day long and he plays HARD! :)

I caught a few pictures of my sweet, sleeping angel on the 4th of July that I just had to share as well...

Dream smiles!

Dream on, sweet soul, dream BIG♥!

We had the RAINIEST 4th of July I can ever remember, but I was weirdly relieved to take the pressure off of us to "do" anything for that day but to relax and be together. We got to hang out with some great friends that evening and no one could believe our playful, wild man had just been diagnosed with pneumonia!

{Though he looks to be on the upswing, we would appreciate and love continued prayers for him and that the chosen antibiotic will be the right course of treatment for him!}

Happy Birthday, America!


XOXO,

Stephanie

lemons into lemonade

We had a 3 day weekend planned this past week that pretty much fell through the cracks... serious lemons.

A trip out of town that we had been looking forward to got canceled for various reasons and quickly turned into a trip to Cincinnati instead... Happy times anyway, right?! A trip to Cincinnati that was suppose to be full of Zoo and Aquarium fun quickly turned into a very HOT trip to the zoo where we learned how miserable an almost two year old can be when you take him to see all the animals he would normally LOVE in 80+ degree weather and a 103+ degree fever.... the fever was unbenownst to us until we finally admitted defeat at the zoo and drove back to my in-laws and realized it was something more than the summer heat.

Our son would get sick 2 hours from home, on a weekend, the worst of it spiking at night leaving us a little panicked and googling our next options with no other real symptoms besides the same runny, green nose we have been battling for weeks. Of course all the things we already had at home, in multiples, had to be quickly RE-purchased at the closest Walgreens... a vaporizer, saline and nose suction, Tylenol and ibuprofen, sore throat suckers, pedialite, baby chest rub ---- I bought the whole dang store to try and find this precious boy some relief!

THIS is parenthood, right?

A silly boy who talks to the mouse at the ortho office like it's a cellphone one evening... and a sick boy with a fever for 5+ days the next.

These illnesses smack us right in the face going 80 miles an hour at the high point of fun and happiness.

Yesterday clocked in as our TENTH pediatrician appointment in the past 4 months... with a little boy who was in picture perfect health until 19 months old.

The next few pics from the zoo and whatever else you might have seen from me on Instagram this weekend remind me of THIS meme:

It appears to be the sweetest little trip, doesn't it? ;)

But while the adults really did have some fun (my sweet mother-in-law isn't pictured here!)...

 

...our boy was struggling to keep it together :(

Even a train ride with our dear Thomas the Train Engine in tow couldn't perk the boy up:

 

We took ole' glassy eyes back to Lexington for some serious TLC!

With lots of treats, fluids and constant medicine, his grandparents did fit in a little spoiling this weekend♥

Despite the changes in plans, our pitifully sick boy, and a couple long car trips, Nick and I STILL agreed on Sunday night that we had a fun weekend together.

THIS is parenthood, together, as a family, weathering a few rain showers and dancing in the cloud breaks of sunshine, appreicating them all the more because of the rain.



I thank God in retrospect we didn't end up on the longer trip we were originally bummed not to go on, now that we see we would have had a very sick baby with us. I thank GOD we have only a little virus and not a boy fighting some serious, long illness like I see in our children's hospital every day. I thank God we took the leap of faith and had tubes put in his ears a couple months ago because I can't even imagine how much deeper we would be with his drainage right about now! And I thank God that HIS ways and HIS thoughts are higher than mine and I can trust HIS plan will always be better than whatever I had dreamed.


Here's to hoping the next weekend finds us a little healthier though... :)


XOXO,

Stephanie

my sweet neice's baby shower

We had an exceptionally beautiful day on Saturday, June 15th, celebrating a very precious little girl who will be entering our lives in just a couple short months. {I.Can.Not.Wait.To.Be.An.Aunt!} My sister's baby shower was held in my hometown of Prestonsburg, Ky in our church's fellowship hall.

The theme {and what is also the theme of her nursury} was "Classic Winnie the Pooh".

For the centerpieces, we grew wheat grass in flower pots {grown in just a week - wheat grass is amazing!} and cut "Crazy Daisies" that sat inside the grass.

 

The favors - handmade honey herbal soap cut in the shape of a honeycomb from WildHerb on Etsy.

We printed gift tags made by the very talented graphic designer, Erin, on Etsy at EThree Design Studio.

Some of my sister, Melissa's, Winne the Pooh character stuffed animals joined the party as well ;)

A picture of the food table before we had everything set out - once the food was out, it got a little too happily hectic to take pictures!

 

A "Rag Wreath" I made with Pooh fabrics - tutorial to come!

"It's a Girl" paper banner also made by E Three Design Studio and printed by moi...

Ballerina diaper cake made by yours truly with a picture of Melissa as a young ballerina beside.

The best helper we could have, Hannah.

 

So many presents!

Mimmie and her ONLY grandchild while he can still hold the title!

We are so thankful to all the people who came, some from hours and hundreds of miles away, to offer well wishes and to share in our great joy over this blessed little girl.

We're almost ready for you baby girl!!!!!!

Auntie just can't wait to kiss those baby cheeks♥♥♥

XOXO,

Stephanie