Caution: Automatic Sprinkler

This onesy speaks the truth. Beware the sprinkler. Or the fire-hose. Or the pee-pee. Take your pick. At seven months, changing this little guy's diaper can still be an adventure, as Randy found out the other day when he came face to face, so to speak, with the force of this kid's, um, nature. The next day I had to dress Wes in this outfit . . . for dramatic irony. I'm not sure if Randy found it quite as funny as I did.

Not that I haven't had bountiful experience with potty-related mishaps. The first night we were home from the hospital this exhausted mom--after being up with a feeding infant all night--brought said infant out to her mom looking like this nightmare:
Yes, that is projectile poop down the front of me. If I remember correctly, I think there also was some pee mixed in there. Now, please be kind. Remember that I had given birth just a few days earlier, that this awful pink tent nursing gown was three sizes too big (thank you Motherhood Maternity no-return policy) and I was in a lot of pain from my recent surgery. I'm not sure a shower ever felt so necessary or so darn good after that picture was taken.

It's a good thing these little ones are so cute--and bring so much joy into our lives. I feel like Wes has always been a part of our family, and it is amazing to watch him grow into this phenomenal little guy.

By the way, he has a few new tricks as well:

Happy Father's Day!

. . . to my wonderful Dad . . .

. . . and the wonderful Dad of my Wesley!

I love you guys!!

And a Happy Fathers' Day to all you other Fathers out there.

Cousins

When I married Randy, I was so excited that he was a member of a big family. One of the big reasons for my excitement, was that I was finally an Aunt! Plus I really hit the jackpot--all of his siblings have like the CUTEST kids ever. Last week and this week, we have been able to watch my nephew Sam while his mom goes and teaches a music camp (yeah, cute kids and super talented siblings) and we have had so much fun. Wes and Sam are eight months apart, and it has been hilarious to watch them together. Wes really hasn't been around that many kids, so Sam has come like a revelation. You mean little ones like me are able to run around and actually reach things that they want? The pure wonder on Wesley's face is priceless. Sam is usually a pretty good sport about his little fan. Although he is learning that fans can be pesky when they want to play with your toys :o).

Look at these handsome little devils, just chillin'!

We also got to go visit Lance and Mandy to celebrate Anna's birthday. It was so good to see all of them. I love that Wesley has such sweet cousins.

Sharing a cuddle with Syd.

Doorbell Ditch

Last night, Randy took Wes for a walk so I could have some time to get some work done and relax a little. After awhile, I heard the doorbell ring. When I opened the door, what should I see but . . .

THIS impish little guy! How cute and smiley is he?

He loved the crinkly cellophane. I love my boys!

Look who is so proud of his sitting-by-himself abilities! And in his nine-month old clothes as well. Yeah, nine month clothes. I didn't realize that he was so big.

Mom, get with it! I'm big now.

Natural Home Cleaners

Recently I have been interested in using more natural cleaning solutions around my home. I hate germs, but I also hate the idea of Wesley coming into contact with harsh chemicals. So I have been making some small changes as I can afford them. I replaced the lysol and 409 in my kitchen and bathroom with spray bottles of vinegar, and lemon juice in place of bleach in the laundry. When I run out of laundry detergent, I am going to make some of my own. And speaking of natural laundry alternatives, Passionate Homemaking has a giveaway you should check out. She is giving away samples of Soap Nuts, which sound amazing.

In other blogger news, you should also head on over to my dear friend Leith's blog and check out her brand new Etsy shop she has opened with her friend and sister-in-law. They are selling these absolutely gorgeous hand-painted tablecloths, and believe me--if we weren't such broke college students, I would be first in line. But they are definitely on my wish list!

Seven Months Goes by So Fast When You Are Having THIS Much Fun!

Around our house lately, things have been good. School is going well for Randy, Wesley is growing like crazy, Che is hoppy and ridiculously cute as ever, and I'm hanging in there! Recently we have been introducing Wes to more and more foods, and I've been having fun making them myself. My beautiful cousin Sarise gave me a food mill when I had Wes, and it has been really fun to use it. Plus it saves so much money!! And seriously, these days we are all about saving money.

My sister-in-law Joy has been helping me in that department with her many coupon-shopping skills. This woman has amazing shopping skills, and the patience to do it. My best purchase in recent history? Today I hit Albertsons with some double coupons and got about $20 worth of Boca products for $3.15, including tax. Yeah, I was pretty happy with myself after that. Plus their "chick'n" nuggets are sooooo yum. One of these days I need to find a good recipe to make my own, because they are so delicious.

My little garden is coming along, and I am so proud of my little tomato plants! Their leaves have differentiated (one of the few things I remember from my ill-fated course with the deceptively easy name, "living with plants) and they look nice and strong. I'm lucky that Randy doesn't eat tomatoes, because when my little babies produce I get them all to myself!

And of course, my sweet Wesley. Grandma has been waiting for these pictures too long, so here you go! Here is my Seven-month old boy (tomorrow) in all his cuteness:

A sweet moment with Daddy.

Our laid back little guy.

I looked at him in his high chair the other day, and I thought, "when did you grow up?"

Sitting up by ourselves! Of course, the boppy is still good to have nearby in case I lose my balance . . .

How funny is this shot? I love Wesley's little diaper hanging out . . .

And last but not least, here is a recipe that I have been loving lately, especially with the hot weather. We drink a lot of smoothies around our house--they are good for you (as long as you are adding fruit and not ice cream!) and are a nice desert alternative. Especially for those of us trying to lose the baby weight, ahem. Anyway, I ran across this recipe for a green smoothie on the Passionate Homemaking blog, and decided to try it out. I'll be honest--I was a little nervous to take the first sip (Randy turned up his nose and wouldn't try it) but it is seriously yummy, and a great way to get your fiber, iron, calcium, and antioxidants. Really good. I don't always use coconut milk--just a combination of soy milk and fruit juice. And let's be honest--I use regular sugar instead of stevia, because I'm just that cheap right now.

Green Smoothie:

1 1/2 cups of liquids (you can use a combination of water, coconut/soy milk, or juice)
3 oz or more of fresh greens I (about two or three large handfulls--I used baby spinache)
2-3 TB orange juice concentrate

After these ingredients are thoroughly blended, you can add a sweetener like honey or stevia, and an assortment of fruit.

So far I have tried frozen raspberries, canned pears, and canned peaches. All delicious! I think a banana would be really great in there as well. Canned or fresh pineapple would make a yummy tropical one.