Cash vs. Cereal: Round 2

So we've tried the cereal for almost two months now. At one point, we kind of took a break just because he really wasn't getting it and it was not worth the daily battle. So, a couple of weeks ago, I finally started trying it again. I could get some down but he gets so distracted. His toes, the dog, the spoon, the bowl, anything else in a 10 foot radius can take his attention away. At my mom's house this weekend, he at least started licking it for me but would push it all off the spoon because his lips were closed so tight and his tongue would just jump out without warning. But I finally saw the effort there and knew we were about to turn a corner. Then, I think it was Monday morning, I asked Patsy if she could watch Cash while I took the kids to school so I didn't have to wake him up. When I got home, there they were sitting in the kitchen and he was opening his mouth and swallowing cereal and bananas like he'd been doing it for years! That night I finally got him to eat for me but he's sooooooooo much better with Daddy & Mammaw. I think I need to work on being more entertaining but I'm not too sad about others having to feed him every once in a while!

Woe is Me

Okay, these aren't true "woes", please know I understand that. I know my family is happy and healthy and I know it's really not cool to feel sorry for yourself about small things but Cassell's blog inspired me today to use my blog to "journal" a little more. I usually just report the facts (my facts) about what is going on in my life but today, I'm gonna whine a little.

So why do I feel sorry for myself today? Mostly, because of my sub-par blog. I know. Most of you are probably already tearing up. But seriously. I don't even have a cute page. It's only one of those templates that you can choose from on blogger. My friend, Paige, tried to tell me how to make a cute header (if that's what they're called) like hers and all of her rad blogger friends. That's another thing. She likes meets people through her blog. I think I must not be utilizing this blog to its fullest. I was so sure of my blogging for a while and now I feel like a wannabe. My pictures haven't been all that great lately. I haven't focused on capturing the moments like I used to. I think I'm in a rut. It probably has to do with the fact that I feel a little guilty when I blog because now that I'm working from home I feel like every minute Cash is asleep, I need to be working. So when I do blog, I'm always in a hurry so I don't write like I used to either. I used to think I could really tell a story. Not so much. So, instead of blaming myself I'd like to blame all of my blogging friends. Mostly Cassell, Paige & Seana. You all and your blogging skills can kiss it. I, of course, am saying that with love. Kind of.

One Day Without Shoes

Makin' Pretzels

My mother-in-law, Patsy and her mother, Fritzie make the German pretzels sold at the bakery. They go in almost every day and spend a few hours together putting together these yummy treats. Ashley has always liked to help and every once in a while she gets the chance. These pictures get me all teary. She looks so cute.

Let's Go Fly A Kite!

There was some kite flying. Some kite crashing. Some kites stuck in trees. Some kites attacked by dogs. Some horses FREAKED out by the kites snapping in the wind. Some laughing by me and kids watching the dogs and the horses and kites. And a grown man climbing a HUGE tree to retreive a his dad's kite purchased in Hawaii 20 years ago. It was funny to see Derrek sweat a little about getting in trouble by his dad. I mean, he headed to town for a huge ladder and scaled a tree that scared him to death as it swayed in the gale force winds to get that thing down before Mike got home. Wish I scared him that much sometimes. You know, just to get some stuff done:)

Kite #1 in flight.
Kite #1 stuck in a tree.

Kite #2 preparation for take-off.

Kite #2 in flight.

Kite #2 chased down.

Another take-off. My guard dogs.

Kite #3 HIGH in the tree.

Austin Turns 30

A couple of weeks ago, Cash and I made a day trip to Austin for one of my best friend's, Austin Mitchell, 30th birthday party. So I totally should have pictures of the birthday boy right? Right. But I don't . My friend Molly was there with her son, Trent. He was born 5 weeks after Cash and this is the first time we've all seen each other since our boys arrived. Trent is sooo cute. His lips are super kissable and his eyebrows are perfectly manicured. I asked Molly if she was already plucking and she swore she wouldn't do that...unless he developed a unibrow and then she might start him before kindergarten:) Please look at his rosey cheeks!

And since I forgot to actually take a picture of the birthday boy, here we are a couple of years ago at my wedding. I love you, Austin!

5 Month Baby-No-More

So it took all of what felt like 3 seconds for my baby that liked to be held sweetly and cooed at me and gently played with my face and liked to kick his legs a little bit to become a kid that's flip-floppin all over the place and yelling loudly and yanking my hair and laughing big and SCOOTING around and sprouting TEETH. That's right 3 days ago, Cash cut his first tooth. It seems like things have just settled a little bit since then. Two weeks ago, remember I tried to give him some cereal and he just wasn't all that into it. I tried for few nights then gave it a rest. Last night, we tried it and he was all over it. In two weeks, he's figured out how to open his mouth for it and move it around and swallow it!. Another first that happened last night was, not only did he sleep through the night, he slept 11 hours!!! Woo-hoo!!! Mama might be herself again! So the game plan from now on is to stuff that kid full of food before bed. Good plan! He's taking great naps, although I'm still not being all that productive during his nap. (We're still not officially settled in our new digs and it seems I'm the only one that is still working on it. Funny how that happens. I helped everyone else with their stuff but no one seems to be helping me with the rest? A day in the life of every mom, I know. Anyway, I'm torn between work and moving in and battling allergies/cold/whatever. I'm really good at excuses, by the way.) Yes, he's a little crazy now but it really is so much fun. He's starting to give wet kisses. Not on demand, of course, but there's nothing better than him squeezing my neck and sliming my whole face. That's love, my friends.

Hanging out with Big Bro on the floor. Just rollin' around. You know. No big deal.

Trying to soak it in with Big Sis while she still lets me in her room!

This is the first of all the pics I took trying to get that silly tooth! I had to include them all.

I think if my flash wasn't reflecting off all the saliva, you'd be able to see it here. In fact, I think you can!

I was persistent but the little toot put up a good fight.

Cash's first bite of cereal.

He quickly moved on to the toe. Much more tasty.

We love our jumparoo!

Bath time with Daddy!

That crooked smile.

Tonight has been another first. I'm not sure if it's another tooth, allergies, a cold, an ear infection, or being overtired but tonight Derrek and I couldn't console or make him comfortable for about 4 hours. We finally decided to get him in the bath because he LOVES the bath (as you can tell) and it worked. Until we took him out. But it was nice to see him smile again. He's trying to sleep now but he's having trouble battle the pacifier with all of his congestion. Poor guy. Here he was just before the crying started. The nose obviously had started to run and his eyes were puffy but he was still his happy little self!