Such is life.....

This is the phrase that sums up what life has been like for this month. I have gone through a lot of ups and downs this month and I am ready to get off the roller coaster. Let's start with the positives:

Bennett is completely off the bottle and has been since the day after his birthday. It was difficult to find a cup that he really liked. He would drink out of almost any cup between meals, but he really just wanted his bottle in the morning and before bed. We were using the Playtex drop-ins with the latex nipple because the soft texture of the nipple worked really well with bottle and breastfeeding. It was easy to switch back and forth. So, then I went on the hunt for a cup spout that was similar in texture to the latex nipple. And I found it!!! B is in love with the Nuk Trainer cup. It has a latex spout that is soft and he is able to draw it further into his mouth than the hard plastic ones.
On another note, I accepted a position for a new job. I start my new job on December 1st and I am really excited about it. The position is similar to what I do now, but I will be in contact more with my clients instead of sitting at a desk and doing a lot of paperwork among everything else. The best part is, I get to make my own schedule and it is a lot more flexible than what I do now. I really need that right now in my life, I feel very stressed out at the moment due to work and taking care of everything at home by myself.

Now onto the moments this month that have led to me really think about my life and the people that surround me.

I am stressed out to capacity! Not that I am surprised at all, how could anyone not be in a situation like this. It has really made me look at my life and how I can simplify it and make it less stressful for me and the boys. I have come to realize that I cannot be everything for everyone. There comes a time when you realize you have done all that you can possibly do to make things and situations go smoothly. Then you just have to take a step back and let things progress how they are meant to. I feel as though if I am stressed out and upset, then my kids are going to pick up on that. I want my kids to be happy and healthy and us all to get through this phase of our life in the best way possible. I can no longer pretend as if statements and situations do not bother me and remain silent any longer. I am not one for confrontation, but I am up to my eyeballs in stress with no end in sight. I have not had a day or night all to myself since May. So yeah, I'm a little tired and irritable, but I am doing the best that I can given the situation.

I just want people to understand that when you come to me with a full plate and you want to pile that full plate on top of my own full plate, I may just got a little nuts. I am starting to speak up and I will say what I have kept bottled up for so long. Just realize that when you want to come to me with your mound of issues and problems.

Needless to say, the holidays are going to be strange this year. I want my husband home to enjoy this special time of year with us. It already feels like something is missing.

Can't believe he is 1

My little monster man is 1! How crazy is that?! This year has flown by, even faster than normal. We had wee man's party today and everyone was so generous with new toys and clothes for him. Both boys were so excited to have everyone over to the house and to play with friends and family.

Let's see what B is up to these days:
--Cruising like a mad man, but still refusing to walk. (fine with me!)
--Has been on whole raw milk for about 2 weeks now
--FINALLY started sleeping through the night once he started the whole milk (thank heavens!!!!)
--Is cutting his top two teeth
--eats just as much, if not more than his older brother
--drinks about a gallon of milk per week, so we go through about 2 gallons per week for both boys
--calls me "mama" and will crawl after me yelling it
--he is super good at feeding himself and eats just about anything.
--some of his favorite foods are black beans, waffles, yogurt, cottage cheese, cheerios, hot dogs, chicken, pot pies, peas, carrots, cheese. Basically the kid will eat anything that I give him. :)

Wee man loved his cake so much! He was a little unsure at first about getting into it, but once he took a few small bites, he really went to town on it. He ate the entire piece that I gave him. We even video taped some of the party to send to daddy and we took plenty of pictures for him as well. Daddy really wished that he could be here for wee man's 1st birthday, but soon enough he will be home for a visit.