New Car!

On Friday I bought a new car! It was a total spur of the moment thing. I took the Honda Fit to get the AC fixed and the mechanic informed me that the AC Compressor was busted and would cost at least $1300 to fix. We immediately drove to the Honda shop to bitch about how crappy made the Fit is and I ended up buying a 2011 Honda Civic. It was actually a great decision because I was totally over-paying on the Fit and needed out of that horrible loan.
London was a little trooper through the looooong car-buying process and hung out at the dealership for almost 5 hours :-( I felt horrible. Now we have AC...which is a requirement when you live in NC and we are in the 90's in May! So, yeah I bought a car with no preparation, research, or plan....that's how I roll......and it all worked out :-)

Crawling Backwards...Sleeping Through the Night...Teething....Oh My!

Those are just a few of the crazy fast changes London deals with on a daily basis. It is insane how a tiny person can all of a sudden learn something in just one day. Unfortunately, I think the babysitter was the first one to witness the backwards crawl but I got to see it yesterday evening and I was one happy mama! I know I am going to regret this excitement when he is climbing under tables, toward stairs, and trying to eat plants, dog toys, or anything else he can get his tiny little hands on. But for now I am super excited for this great milestone! London has been pretty ahead when it comes to fine motor skills but crawling development has been slow. I try not to compare London to other babies but it's hard not to and of course I want him to be able to keep up with the competition...haha. It is pretty funny that he is only going in reverse now but I am just happy he's moving and no longer crying when placed on his belly. I'm sure it is only a matter of time before he figures out how to tackle the toy in front of him.
We lowered London's crib a few weeks ago and I forgot to blog about it. I think it actually has helped with his sleeping. We are not experiencing many nights with crying fits and London has actually been sleeping up to 12 hours a night! There have only been about 2 days this week where he woke up in the middle of the night...yay London! yay mommy and daddy! He has been great about his bedtime routine and will play a few minutes before going to sleep like a big boy...I am so proud!
London has been teething for what seems like months! The poor baby grunts and moans and clenches his jaw. Kary and I were getting concerned about his speech because he seems to always have his mouth clenched down and makes little sounds with his mouth open. Most people (including my speech therapist sister) have assured us that it is normal and he will be babbling once the tooth pushes through. He does babble sometimes and was actually talking more a few months ago than he is now. I just wish that tooth would come through already!!! The whining and crankiness added to a long day with 20 second graders leads to one crank-ass mommy! Speaking of crank-"ass" I have noticed that I have a horrible mouth. I have been able to behave at work and have never slipped up in front of my students (knock on wood) but I have realized that my mouth is horrible around London. I refuse to be that trashy mom who swears at her kid. I also don't want London to be that kid in class that calls people cuss words. So, Kary and I have been working really hard to turn on our mommy and daddy sensors before London starts to pick up on our rubbish. We turned it into a competition so, of course, that got me interested. So far, I am winning!
I only have 10 more days of school before I get to be reunited with my sweet London 24/7! I am soooo excited!!!

Fantasy Vs. Reality: The Mommy Truth

There are many things you do to prepare for your first child. You make sure the nursery is immaculate, you have all the "must-have" items from the babies 'R' us pamphlet, you prepare for the pain of labor, you save up money, buy cute little outfits and hang them perfectly in the closet, you try to prepare your furry 4-legged babies to deal with a baby and claim that your relationship with your dog won't change, you imagine being home on maternity leave and spending late nights cuddled up with your baby feeding him and everything is just bliss.............or so you think....
the reality is....your dog will become a dog after the baby is born, no matter how much you spoil him, the baby will completely take over and the dog will be back to just being a "dog." I tried to fight this but it happens :-(
You end up not using half the baby supplies you thought you'd need and the nursery ends up being trashed 90% of the time. Your baby grows so fast it turns into a race to get him to wear all the adorable outfits in his closet before his little legs poke out the bottom and his sleeves get too short.
Those late night feedings turn into crying fits (for you) where you want to murder your husband and leave your whole family (haha) Your body becomes a disaster zone and every muscle turns to mush. If you love junk food and dislike working out (like me) prepare to have back fat, squishy boobs, a pouch, and jiggle like jello when you wave to your baby (haha) You will also go through some kind of depression whether it last an hour, a few days, or months. I was lucky mine only lasted 2 days. Mommy guilt also takes over and that is the worst. You feel bad when you're away from your baby, exhausted when you're with your baby and want a combination of cuddling their face off and your own personal space/ time.

But did I mention that it is all INCREDIBLY WORTH IT?!!!! I would do it all over again a million times. But the truth is many moms do not want to admit the reality involved in becoming a first-time mom. The fantasy is so much different than the reality. I remember watching my sister with my niece and nephew and wondering why she got so stressed when they didn't nap, why she got pissed when we'd drag them out of their bed when they were crying, and how she just couldn't relax. Of course, it's one thing to kiss and cuddle a baby that is not yours but your own baby is your complete responsibility and when they are stressed and upset, it consumes you...because really you and your baby are one in the same. When he's upset, you can't be happy and when he's happy, it's like there is a spotlight of glee shining down and you can't wipe the perma~smile off your face.
When I look back at my journey over the past 17 months I want to laugh, cry, scream, and feel empowered that I have made it through. I feel like I have some kind of mommy survival badge of honor...I did it...I made it through pregnancy, a birth, and the newborn hell phase...and London is just fine! haha... I feel like I am now part of a secret mommy club where only they can understand what it takes, what we've been through and others could never understand. When I see new mommy-to-bes and I hear them talk about names, nursery items, maternity leave...I smile and think to myself, "she doesn't have a clue..." it's not an arrogant thing and as a pregnant woman I was so annoyed when people who tell me that exact statement (I don't have a clue) I kept thinking,.."that's her, I am different, that won't happen." But, here I am and guess what? I don't have a clue... and I will continue to be clueless for each stage of my amazing little mini mes life. But, we are on this journey together and we will get through it. London has taught me how to be selfless, how to see the world all over again through brand new eyes, how to stop and feel the grass between my toes, how a simple smile can make someone's day, and for that I will embrace the squishy boobs, the bags under my eyes, the belly pouch, and the extreme lack of personal free time....they are the first gifts from my sweet baby son, my biggest joy in life: London James ♥

"Happy Late Mother's Day!"

Since I didn't get much of a first "Mother's Day" due to our Pittsburgh roadtrip, Kary said I could have a re-do this past Sunday. Well, that really didn't happen either...no breakfast in bed, no cute handprint mug, not even a card :-( I was pretty bummed but just shook it off. I'm sure London will give me plenty mommy gifts for years to come.
Kary is an awesome husband and makes me breakfast every sunday and usually always surprises me with sweet and thoughtful things so this was even more surprising. Finally, I told him how bummed out I was that I have no real memories of my first Mother's Day. I was bummed that I couldn't even blog about it :-( ..haha. After hearing this, he grabbed the baby and said they had work to do....25 minutes later they came home with big smiles, a pizza, lemonheads, sunflowers, nailpolish (London picked out) and a silly card with London artwork inside and a sweet note from Kary. I wish they would have done this without me having to remind for the 3rd time...haha...but I love my boys and they are the only ones I have so I'll keep them ;-)

slumber party with Dexter...and London update

Kary and I had a little taste of what it would be like to have 2 kids this past weekend. We watched my best friend Lynn's little boy Dexter. I have known Dexter since birth but after having London I have not had the time to see him like I used to. It was great getting to spend time with him and see how much he's grown. He is a smart little boy and it's a good idea that I see what I am in for in about 10 mos or so.
London and Dexter are almost the same size even though Dexter is 10 months older..haha. It is so funny to watch the boys interact. London wanted so badly to keep up with Dexter but is not quite sturdy and mobile enough. Kary gave the boys some tool toys and Dexter did not want to share. London kept trying to grab them and Dexter kept telling him no. After a few tries on London's part to intercept some tools, Dexter clocked him in the head with a toy. I panicked at first but London is resilient and if we are going to have a second child, we better be ready to intervene in sibling rivalry. Plus, Dexter didn't mean to hurt his buddy and felt bad afterward when he heard London cry.
The boys were so cute and watched tv, drank their milk and went to bed in the same room. Dexter laid right down which was adorable and London only fussed a few minutes (I think he was trying to be a big boy to show off for his buddy) I look forward to the boys becoming great friends and spending lots of time together this summer.





In other news, London is doing fantastic! Despite some teething issues, he is a well-adjusted, happy baby. He is lunging forward preparing to crawl, doing great with his helmet, eating all kinds of fruit and veggies, becoming way more involved in playing with toys, loves to yell to strangers and is becoming very attached to mommy and daddy. The way he smiles and flaps his arms when he sees us is the best feeling in the world. We just can't get enough of him and are both really looking forward to spending lots of family time together this summer. He is the absolute best thing that has ever happened to us.

Pittsburgh...feels like home

Last weekend we took our second road trip with baby London. This time we went to Pittsburgh which cut 2 hours off the drive, which is awesome considering the drive is daunting enough without gas being $3.99 a gallon! Anyways, we left Thursday morning. I took 2 days off work (much needed!) We got to Pittsburgh around 4pm and stayed with my sister, brother-in-law and niece and nephew Isla and Mason. We actually got there before they were even back so we had a second to relax and unwind before attacking everyone with hugs. My parents also came a few hours later and stayed in Pittsburgh until Saturday morning. Our main reason for the trip was to attend my friend Staci's wedding (I was a bridesmaid) and seeing family was a wonderful added bonus. We only see each other about 5 times a year so our time together is very precious!
London absolutely loves his cousin Mason. The two of them hit it off and despite the age gap, Mason enjoyed playing with his baby cousin. He kept running around yelling, "Come on Lon!" It was adorable. London tried to keep up the best he could. His favorite part of the visit was when he'd first see Mason in the morning. He'd squeal and lunge toward him to hug him. It was super cute.
Kary and I spent some time away doing wedding stuff and London was very well taken care of by all my family members. He adapted well and didn't give them much trouble except during bath time and a little fussiness at bedtime. Kary and I loved driving around the city and getting a chance to hang out with just each other. It was the first time Kary really saw Pittsburgh and he really liked it. We def are not used to driving up steep mountains to get to neighborhoods...but we loves how ecclectic everything is compared to Charlotte where everything is new and cookie-cutter.
London attended the wedding and did pretty good despite the fact that he cried when he saw me walk down the aisle. I was so worried he'd ruin the vows but Kary luckily got him to stop before the really important part. He had a good time dancing and hanging with me at the head table but he was spent by 8pm and passed out hard in his carseat despite all the noise pollution surrounding him. The wedding was really cute and we had a good time.
On our way home London was once again a sweet little trooper. He barely cried and was very patient. He napped on and off, played with some toys, and watched some backyardigans. He made the trip much easier than we had anticipated. We even rocked out to some yo gabba gabba music and London played the tamborine. It was a family jam session.
Driving around Pittsburgh with Kary brought a comfortable joy. I loved being so close to family and friends...it felt like home.


I was able to get a bunch of adorable pictures of our time spent together. We really wish we were all closer.

Sleep is for...everyone BUT London

London is recovering well from his surgery and on the brink of turning 7 months...so crazy how time flies! He has been quite an emotional wreck lately. He can be the happiest little baby on the planet and a second later he will have a meltdown. The worst part has been bedtime. London is not a fan of sleep. I think if he could have his way, he'd stay awake all day and night. His little body can't handle the lack of sleep and he fights every nap and bedtime. We have tried to be strong when he cries at bedtime and stick to keeping him in his bed and going in every few minutes to reassure him that we're close by and he is safe. This works sometimes, other times he is inconsolable and this is when I have the hardest time. I never want London to have any discomfort and when I can't figure out what he wants and can't calm him down I feel horrible and anxious. I used to get severe anxiety when he'd flip out as a newborn and someone else would try to calm him down...I'm crazy, but most people who read this already know that.

London loves books (Wag, Monster Counting Book, My Monster Mama Loves Me, Night Night Little Pookie, The Going to Bed Book, Ferdinand), backyardigans, yo gabba gabba, his new tamborine (from grandma), the tv remote, any phone, cords (tries to get them), sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables, squash, oatmeal, his toes, anything that makes a crinkling sound. His favorite is when daddy reads "Wag" with a British accent. He squeals and laughs hysterically the whole time.


London is reaching all his developmental milestones but I am getting a little worried about crawling. He is pretty lazy when it comes to lifting himself on his belly. But, I think he is figuring out that he needs to be able to crawl to get what he wants. I have been putting his favorite toys just out of reach and cheer him on to get to them. So far no real crawling movement but today he got very close. I was jumping up and down and I could tell he really wanted to do it but his chubby little legs just couldn't quite do it.

London spent his first Easter at his Gaffney grandparents' house and got an awesome Easter basket. I didn't get a picture (crazy right?!) but I think his grandma got one. He got baby food, a sock monkey/bunny, an awesome shovel, bucket beach set, and all kinds of other cute things. Kary's brother got London a few Beatles bibs, a raspberry binky teether, and a v-tech steering wheel toy...he loves it! London's nana and papa sent him a target giftcard from PA and Kary and I picked out an awesome rolling ball that lights up and sings and encourages crawling (which he needs!) London enjoyed Easter hanging mostly outside in his diaper. His grandpa put together a swing for him and he was very thrilled to swing but got a little nervous after a while.

Kary and I went out for only the second time since London was born. We didn't really have plans but since my birthday was earlier that week we decided to take my friend Lynn up on her offer to babysit. We ended up going to "Big Daddy's Burger Bar"...yeah I know sounds weird for vegetarians but they have the BEST bean burgers and you can build your own. Believe it or not I got the southern style bean burger...haha. Kary looooooooved his and we plan on going back again for sure, maybe bring London this time too :-) We had a few drinks at dinner and it was so awesome to be just us, we talked, laughed and got to actually focus on each other and not worry about feedings, diapers, crying, bedtime, etc. Of course we are madly in love with London, but we definately need some time alone. We went to a coffee shop afterward and just sat and enjoyed our coffee like old people...haha. It felt fantastic. We had planned to go out to the bar with our friend Brandon but by the time he goes out (11pm) we are spent, so we headed home. London was in great hands with my best friend Lynn and her son Dexter. They watched tv in their pajamas and she sent me an adorable picture of them. London did great there except for being his crazy little self and staying up until 10pm. Luckily, he was easily transferred to bed when we got home and no meltdown.

We are heading to Pittsburgh in 2 days to attend my friend Staci's wedding. I am a bridesmaid and we are staying with my sister, brother-in-law and my niece and nephew. My parents and sister are also coming...I am sooo excited! We are leaving Thursday and coming back Sunday. It will be a pretty crappy first Mother's Day being in the car all day but at least I'll be with my husband and baby. Hopefully London will stay entertained for the 14 total hours of driving this weekend...wish us luck!