Two Whole Years Old

That's right it has been two years since I have entered into this crazy world of web logs aka blogs with my first post. A good friend of mine had a blog and it looked like something I would be interested in as well so I started one up and I am so glad that I did because I feel like it is a journal of my life and has been a joy to look back on. It has also been a positive force in my relationship with my kids because even if I have had a rough day with them I can sit down at night and blog something positive. A whole lot has changed in the past two years. I have gone from taking a fair amount of pictures to taking a boat load of pictures. I have gone from working full time to three days to now two days. In the past two years my heart has grown bigger, my wallet emptier, and my wash machine has become a bottomless pit. I have gotten to know my husband a little better, grown to love and appreciate my family a little more, and found some great new mommy friends. I have had the chance to understand what it is to love unconditionally and am just learning what it is to respect unconditionally. I have learned how to keep socks whiter, remove grass stains from little pants, and how to get spit up out of tiny clothes. I have felt the warmth of a little bundle snuggled against my chest not once, but twice. I have been able to experience many firsts with Monk, first steps, first word, first tooth, etc. I have felt the soft touch of a little hand gripping my hand ever so gently. I have been thrown up on, up in the middle of many nights, and smiled more than I ever have. I have felt the warmth of little lips against my cheek. I have done things that have brought back my childhood memories and Christmas has gotten so much more meaningful. I was able to announce to friends of a new baby, I have carried a little bean full term, heard a tiny heartbeat for the first time, and felt a baby kick inside of me. It has been an amazing two years. I would not change anything about it. Thanks to all my readers and my faithful commenters for caring enough about me and my family to take time out of your busy day to see what is going on over at our house.

This is what Monk looked like when I started the blog. He was the exact age -2 days that Bebo is right now. Here is my little no nap wonder that I love oh so much.

This is what Monk looks like today. I cannot believe how much he has changed in the past two years. He has learned how to talk, walk, and eat on his own. His personality has emerged and has made our lives all the better. He has become this sweet natured little man that loves hugs and kisses.
God was good and blessed us with another little man in the beginning of this year. He has brought so much joy to our family and has also made some changes of his own in the four short months that he has been with us. He has learned to smile, laugh, roll over, and hold his head on his own.

Our family has grown not only in number, but in love for each other. Each day we are learning to love and respect each other more. I am hoping that in a year or two years I will be typing this same post, but with a whole lot more excellent changes that have happened in our family. Here is to another year of bloggin' at the Tripp Tent!

"Cheerios Bowl"

Monk loves his "cheerios bowl" in the morning. I am forever trying to think of things to feed this kid for breakie. I don't why it took forever for me to think of cereal. He just recently started eating cheerios. In the past he has had yogurt, breakfast bars, oatmeal and whole wheat waffles. I am liking the cereal, but the only problem I have with it is that there is little protein. Do any of you other mamas have any other ideas?

The Last Class

On Tuesday we had Monk's last kindermusik class. Fisherman and I had so much fun going with him. I learned so much more about Monk because I saw him interact with lots of kids and participate. It brought tears to my eyes a couple of times because the fact that he is a normal smart little kid just warms my heart. The class went out with a bang with Monk's favorite kindermusik activity, playing with the parachute.

Babywearing Stash

Adventures in Babywearing had a post today encouraging Babywearing Mamas to talk about their sling stash. So here you have a little insight into mine. I just recently got into babywearing with Bebo so I have only really been doing it for four months. The Internet has been a huge help in finding what carrier is best for me and my baby. The Babywearer has all the latest and greatest so check it out. The great thing about all of these carriers is that they create a seat for the baby to sit in so that no pressure is put on the baby's spine.

First off is my hoppediz wrap. I fell in love with it the moment that I put it on. It is a woven wrap, it has a little bit of give to it, but doesn't stretch out. I wear Bebo in this wrap when I am going to wear him for a longer period of time because it doesn't sag no matter how long I wear it. This wrap will be really awesome when he gets heavier and I can do some back carries with him. The nice thing about a woven wrap is that you can use it from birth to toddler with no problems. If you want a good woven wrap they are a little pricey, but well worth it.
I have two Mei Tais. A Kozy Carrier and my new BabyHawk. I have not gotten a chance to use these much yet because Bebo is a little too small to enjoy it in my opinion. I have heard people use a Mei Tai for a newborn, but for me it is not real comfortable. I have enjoyed carrying Monk in both my Mei Tais. So if you were to get a Mei Tai I would get it if you had an older baby.
Last and my most favorite (though it is hard to choose a favorite) is my Moby D. This is a stretchy wrap and the one that I use most right now. A stretchy wrap is good for newborn babies up until like 5 months or so I would say. Once your baby gets too heavy the stretchy material can start to sag a bit. In my opinion everyone with a newborn baby needs a stretchy wrap. They are so comfy and cozy for your new little bean.

I also have a ring sling. I have used this on occasion to run into the store with Monk. It is quick and easy and then you don't have your toddler running all over the store or in the germy shopping carts. A lot of people use slings for their newborns as well. While I have used it a couple times with Bebo he does not like to lay in a reclining position. I know that it will come in handy though later when he can sit on his own and I can throw him on my hip like I do with Monk.

I have fallen in love with wearing my baby. There is just something about holding him close and not feeling like my arms are going to fall off. I love that wearing him gives him comfort and that it is easy for him to drift off to sleep hearing the rhythm of my heart. Wearing your baby gives them a sense of security as well as makes your life easier. If you haven't ever worn your baby I encourage you to check it out. I would love to lend out some of my slings just to get others to feel the joy that I have.

Right now there is not really anything that I need to add to my stash, but I would really love a pouch sling someday. If you are a babywearer I would love to hear about your stash. Leave a comment and I will come and check yours out too.

Memorial Day Parade

We ventured out to the Memorial Day parade today. It was short and sweet. Monk didn't want it to end. Fisherman had to give the what for to the people behind us. For some reason when we go to parades the people behind us that show up late think they can throw their kids right in front of Monk. We got there on time so that we could get a good seat and when we did we expected it to stay that way.

Bebo hung out in the Moby while we watched the parade and took a little snooze. I have really enjoyed my Moby wrap. It is so great for a newborn baby. It is going to be sad when Bebo gets to heavy for it.

Let Ice Cream Season Begin!

Monk LOVES ice cream more than anyone I know. He is happy that the weather is getting warmer because that means Sunday night ice cream runs.
Bebo can't enjoy the ice cream goodness, but he sure likes the people watching.

Saturday 8:00 AM

This is what I'm looking at on my couch right now. This is after he woke both Fisherman and I up at 5:20. Monk had his breakfast and we all began to start our day and then he cashes out while I rock him. It is oh so cute and I thoroughly enjoyed the cuddle time, but it is almost enough to make your blood boil you know?

Like Daddy

"I wash my hair like Daddy."

My goal as a mom is to never get angry or annoyed that my boys get dirty or wet. This is part of being a kid and we have great inventions like showers and wash machines to help us out in these situations. I have to admit that I was frustrated because the whole kitchen was one big puddle after this incident, but I could have cared less that Monk's clothes were sopping wet.

Memories

Today Fisherman and I gained TOTAL custody of our whole wedding folder, this includes: the copyright, the proofs, and all the negatives. Our photographer is moving and didn't want to move all her files with her so she sold them for a SUPER reasonable price that we couldn't pass up. As I quickly thumbed through the folder a lot of memories rushed through my head. It was a wonderful day filled with so much joy. Yup we got married when film cameras were still being used. CRAZY!

I love Garage Sales...

...at my sister's house. My sister has two boys of her own and is selling all her clothes so I went over to her house last night and got first pick. Needless to say I found a few things I liked :). Her boys are always dressed so cute so there were so many things that I just couldn't pass up. Not only did I get some nice clothes, but some other cool things as well. I got a UV/bug cover for the stroller, a little matte that sticks to the table for Bebo to use at restaurants when he starts eating finger foods, and a cute little octopus toy that can hang in the car. I didn't have to deal with garage sale traffic and I got tons of stuff I can use in one stop, now that is my kind of garage sale.

P.S. Once I can get Fisherman to take some pictures of the kids in the new BabyHawk then I will post them to show you how it works.

It has Arrived

My Babyhawk has finally arrived and thanks to your votes I got the ocean stripes as one of my sides. I had to work today so since I got home I have had Monk on my front and Bebo on my back. I am loving this Mai Tei already.
I also chose this pattern for my other side. While it was popular in my poll, it was not in the top two, but this one was my gut instinct from the beginning so I went with it. I am really happy with my choices.

Tummy Time

I love when babies are able to lift their body up when they are on their tummies. It makes for such cute pictures. Those dimples just melt my heart.
There may be a chance for some more brown eyes in this family.

My little understudy doing a photo shoot on his own.

Thumb Sucker

I think it's pretty safe to say that this boy is going to be a thumb sucker. Each time I lay him down to sleep he finds his tiny little thumb and sucks on it as he drifts off. It is the cutest thing. Positives to thumb sucking include: it is always with you and you can never forget it, you never have to get out of bed to put it back in their mouth, and it makes for a very content baby. Negatives to thumb sucking include: each time his thumb will go in his mouth I can't help but think of all the germs on it and how do you ever break this habit?

Gilligan

A Fun Flickr Post

Here are the rules for a little blog post about me:
1. go to http://www.flickr.com/
2. type in your answer to the question in the “search” box (just use one word, with the exception of question #5)
3. use only the first page to choose your picture
4. copy the html and paste for the answer

1.) Your name:

2.) Your favorite food:

3.) What school did you go to?

4.) What is your favorite color?

5.) Who is your celebrity crush?

6.) Who is your favorite Disney Princess? (I am not sure why this lame one is on here)

7.) What is your favorite drink (I just had to choose both of these)

8.) What is your dream vacation?

9.) What is your favorite dessert?

10.) What do you most want to be when you grow up?

11.) Who do you love most in your life?

12.) One word to describe you...

13.) What do you dream about?

This was kind of fun to see what pictures came up when I put in my word. If you guys have time to try it, it might make you smile.

A Mother's Special Day in Pictures

When I woke up this morning this bean was coming up the stairs to greet me. He more often than not runs towards me with his arms open wide in order for me to scoop up his sleeper goodness for a morning hug. This morning was no different. Now keep in mind that I am in my morningness in these photos as well so give me a break :)
Not more than five minutes later I hear little squeaks coming from the bedroom. This little man wants to meet the day and have some breakfast. I scoop up his little warm body and bring him in for his morning hug from his brother Monk.

Not long after I woke up Fisherman and Monk were busy on the stove preparing one of my favorite breakies. Some eggs, hash browners, and cheese all mixed together. Fisherman is the best at making it. It was Oh so Scrumptious. After breakfast Fisherman and Monk headed off to church and I had some time to myself while Bebo took his morning snooze. The two eldest boys returned home and gave me a wonderful picture frame as my Mama gift. We then headed out the door to go see my mom for Mother's Day. She prepared a wonderful meal for all of us even though it is her day too because that is the kind of woman she is. When I grow up I want to be as giving as she is.

When I was younger I used to joke to my mom that there should be a kids day. She always said to me, "everyday is kids day." I always laughed in return, but never realized how true this is until I had two boys of my own. So to all the mothers young and old I wish you a happy mother's day and I hope that you enjoyed your day as much as I did mine.

Home

This little lady has taken up residence with her offspring in the light by our front door. Monk is loving this new learning experience.

Onsie Boys

Twenty-Seven Months 5/08/08 -Monk

Well today Monk you are two years and a quarter. You are doing so many funny things and I am just loving the age that you are right now. You are learning more and more things everyday and man do you crack your Dad and I up. This month you learned how to open doors so this means that you can get out of the house without me knowing. Sometimes while I am feeding Bebo you go in and out of the house several times (it is just into the garage so don't think I am a horrible mom). The first day I realized you could now open up doors was when I put you into time out and not more than 3 seconds later there you were right behind me smiling.

Things you are not liking lately are change and me taking your picture. You have always not been a big fan of change. I wonder if it is something most 2 year olds have a problem with or if it is just your personality. This past month we have had to go from long pants and long sleeve shirts to shorts and short sleeve shirts. The first day I put shorts on you it was mind blowing for you. You threw yourself on the floor and were not having any short pants put on your little body. You wanted long pants! I tried reasoning with you, but how do you reason with a screaming fish out of water? It took a good week before we could put shorts on without any problems. There are still some days that you ask to put your coat on and hate it when I tell you that you don't need it. Taking your picture is also a fun game. Whenever I get the camera out to take your picture you run away, but when I am taking pictures of Bebo and you are not included you can't get next to him fast enough. You LOVE gathering things and putting them in a container. I find many different items in the laundry hamper, in plastic baggies, and even a month old apple in one of our clothes drawers. You also went on the potty for the first time in the last week. You were rewarded with a sucker and you walked around like you were on top of your game. I loved seeing the joy on your face when you realized what you did (note: it has not happened since then, but it's a start). We have been putting you on the potty randomly since Bebo was born, but we have never had any results until now.

I love all the little things you say. Just the other day I was getting you a breakfast bar out of the cupboard and you raised your hands in the air and said, "Hurray, you did it Mommy." After you turned one I started making you clean up your toys and I always sung the clean up song from Barney. While I don't let you watch Barney because I don't really care for him, this was one song that I found useful from my babysitting days. Now I love hearing you sing this little song while you clean up your toys, "cwean up cwean up everybody..." Your latest and greatest excuse for not doing things is, "I workin." or "I can't do it." I love you Monk, all of your little quirks and all the little things that you say. You have brought so much joy to my life. You are a precious gift.

Love you, Mama