Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Shoe Diva

It goes without saying that Peyton is a shoe diva like her Mommy.  She is constantly going in my closet and bringing me shoes.  She grabs one, brings it to me, says "Mama", then waits until I put it on.  Then she goes back and gets the match and does the same thing.  She knows which pair of shoes belongs to which person.  She does this to her Daddy, Pa Pa, and Nonnie as well. 

Back when Peyton was wearing size 3 shoes, I thought I'd be super prepared and buy several pair of size 4 shoes.  I planned ahead and figured she'd be walking by then (which she was) so I got some "early walker" shoes as well as some "experienced walker" shoes that are more sturdy. 

Out of nowhere (like really, overnight) none of Peyton's shoes fit her anymore...except sandals!  She was wearing them one day and the next her toes were crammed up in the ends.  Obviously I was not the super prepared Mommy for size 5's. 

Luckily I ordered these bady boys for Christmas (yes I have already started Christmas shopping and have made lots of progress!)...


and they should be arriving at our house today!  Obviously they won't be able to wait until Christmas, so I'll just have to order another pair even larger and wrap them up.  Seriously, what child doesn't need a pair of Converse All Star Hightops?! It's like a right of passage!!  I remember I had these exact shoes in purple, they were awesome!  I can't wait to see how stinkin cute she looks in them. 

Friday, August 26, 2011

Just Another Day

We have 2 different living areas in our house.  We have what we call our "adult living room" where Edwin and I hang out after Peyton goes to bed.  It has the nice furniture and no toys in it.  Then we have the play living area, aka family room.  It's an extension of our kitchen and the sun room is right off it.  It's perfect because I can keep my eye on Peyton while I'm in the kitchen since most of her toys are in the living room and sun room.  In the family room we have an "L" shaped couch that Peyton loves to climb on.  There's a window behind part of the couch and she likes to look at the butterfly bush and see all the "Bah's" (that's Peyton-talk for butterfly, obviously). 

Last night I was sitting on one end of the couch responding to a text and Peyton was on the other end.  About 10 seconds later I hear "bah's, bah's, Mama, bah's".  I looked over and this is what I saw....




I guess she has the best view of the butterflies from a higher altitude.  That's my wild child!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

What's In My Purse Wednesday!

Soooo what treasures have I found in my Coach bag over the past week?!  I know you're all on the edge of your seats right now!

Well, there was a lovely collection of trash...




A peppermint from Sonic, just in case I need to freshen my breath....




And the flower from one of her necklace sets, to add a splash of color...


That's all for this week folks, tune in next Wednesday!

Monday, August 22, 2011

A Zumba Kind of Weekend

We had a pretty low key weekend, which is a good thing.  We went out to 42nd St. Oyster Bar Friday night to celebrate a friend's birthday.  It had been a while since we spent time with them, so it was great to hang out for a while. 

Sunday we went out to breakfast, ran some errands, and my in-laws came over to visit for a while.  We played a lot and just enjoyed the day.

Yes, I know I skipped over Saturday.  Saturday involves some discussion.  I had a pretty busy Saturday afternoon.  My friend/neighbor was having a Thirty One party followed by a ladies pool party.  I went over for the Thirty One party, but couldn't stay for the "after party".  I had already committed to participate in zumba fundraiser for MS.  For those of you that follow my blog, you know I love to zumba.  I go to weekly classes and have a great time.  Well 2 of my friends from church told me about this fundraiser, and I was sold.  It was held at a nightclub and was 2 straight hours of zumba.  Yes, you read that correctly....2.STRAIGHT.HOURS.  This was a whole new level of zumba for me, it made the classes I go to look like kiddie zumba....and I loved every second.  There was a lot more dance incorporated, lots more club music, and it was about 10 x's more intense than what I've been taking (I'm talking dance one second, then down doing push ups the next).  There were 4 of us that went and I really couldn't believe I made it the entire 2 hours.  I felt so accomplished, not to mention it was for a great cause.  By the time I got home it was all I could do to put Peyton to bed, shower, and plop on the couch for the night.  Edwin ordered a pizza, we got a movie off Netflix, and had an at home date night.  By Sunday morning I was sore, but nothing compared to this morning!  My poor legs are killing me! 

Here's one of the routines we did, it was one of my favorites...

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

What's In My Purse Wednesday!

I know a ton of bloggers that do "Wordless Wednesday" posts.  I thought I'd change it up a bit and do a weekly post about what I find in my purse...thanks to my beautiful daughter.  If you're my friend on FB, you know I often have posts about the random things Peyton puts in my purse.  They're usually "surprises" I find once I get to work.  Sure I could put my purse somewhere else so she can't reach it, but it's a game to her and I enjoy (most of the time) finding the things she hides.  So I'm going to take a picture of all the crap wonderful treasures I find throughout the week!


This weeks prizes are...


Costume jewelry and a headband, woo hoo!  Tune in next week to see what else I come across :) 

Monday, August 15, 2011

A Few Quick and Easy Recipes

I wanted to share 2 recipes I used this weekend that were quick, easy, kid friendly, and a huge hit with the family. 

The first is a super easy smoothie recipe.  Peyton absolutely loves smoothies and I found this cheap and very tasty recipe that she was crazy about (Edwin and I loved it too!).  I filled up her sippy cup and she downed the entire thing in a matter of minutes!

The second is a chicken club pizza.  It was another super easy recipe that both Peyton and Edwin devoured.  Peyton's a bit of a "ranchaholic" like her Mommy, so she scarfed this meal down with a quickness!  Enjoy!


What You Need

1 container (6 oz.) strawberry low-fat yogurt
1 stick  (0.27 oz.) KOOL-AID Singles Cherry Flavor Soft Drink Mix
6 strawberries
1 cup  ice cubes
 

Make It

BLEND all ingredients except ice in blender until well blended.
ADD ice; blend on high speed until thickened.
SERVE immediately.




What You Need

1 can (13.8 oz.) refrigerated pizza crust
1/4 cup  KRAFT Mayo with Olive Oil Reduced Fat Mayonnaise
1/2 cup KRAFT Ranch Dressing, divided
1-1/2 cups  KRAFT Shredded Triple Cheddar Cheese with a Touch of PHILADELPHIA, divided
1-1/2 cups finely chopped cooked chicken
8 slices  OSCAR MAYER Bacon, cooked, crumbled
1-1/2 cups finely shredded lettuce
1   tomato, finely chopped

Make It

HEAT oven to 400ºF.
UNROLL pizza dough on baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray; press into 15x10-inch rectangle. Bake 10 min.
MIX mayo and 1/3 cup dressing; spread onto crust. Top with half the cheese, chicken, remaining cheese and bacon.
BAKE 5 min. or until crust is deep golden brown and cheese is melted. Top with lettuce and tomatoes; drizzle with remaining dressing

Bath Time Fun

This is what we like to call Peyton's "fake laugh". She does this laugh any time she wants someone to pay attention to her. She does it to strangers when we're out, family, friends, you name it!




Friday, August 12, 2011

So Tired

I'm tired...that's really all there is to this post.  Peyton woke up around 12:30am screaming and it was obvious she was terrified.  She had a bad dream and it was so pitiful.  She attached herself to me and clung to me for dear life, I have to say that never gets old.  Once I knew she was OK (and gave her Motrin just in case those pesky teeth were giving her a hard time), I put her back down but Peyton decided she wasn't going to give in that easy.  She screamed some more and Mommy came back in the room, worried she was still upset from the dream.  I held her and she started talking and trying to play.  OK kid, I see what you're trying to do and this is NOT happening.  She screamed off and on for the next hour trying to get Mommy to come back.  It's amazing how fast they learn "hey if I scream this way, Mommy will come spend time with me". 

Between Peyton's bad dream and the hubby getting home in the middle of the night, I got next to no sleep.  I know I'm whining, but I very rarely have to deal with lack of sleep.  Peyton has literally only woken up during the night a hand full of times since she was 6 months old.  I'm not bragging, it's just matter of fact.  She may be wide open and stubborn, but the child is a great night time sleeper!  So on the very rare occasion I have to wake up during the night, I tend to complain. 

Which got me thinking...how the hell did I do this for months when she was an infant?!  Day after day, night after night.  I remember it just coming naturally and going through the motions in a constant zombie-like state.  The lack of sleep was by far the hardest thing for me during infancy.  Now, a year later, I can't even go through 1 night of Peyton waking without doing an entire whiny blog post on it!  With all the friends I have that are pregnant with baby #2, I can't help but think about when/if I want to have #2 and what it would be like.  After nights like last night I realize, I do NOT want #2 any time soon :) 

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Sappy Moment

I saw this video on a fellow blogger's page and found myself tearing up as I watched it.  
It's beautiful, so I wanted to share it with you! 




Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Kickin' It Old School

This post spawned from a conversation my husband and I had the other evening.  We realized we're pretty old school parents...and we like that.  This is nothing against the way other people do things, it's just us.  We prefer dinners at home vs. going out to eat, spending time together vs. leaving Peyton with someone so we can go out.  We make sure to have a date night every few weeks, but we're home by 10pm.  We go to the occasional social event without Peyton, sure, but it's few and far between.


A while back my Mom was talking about how different it was when I was little.  People didn't go out to eat all the time, go on lots of vacations, go out and party a lot when they had kids.  They stayed at home with their family...where they were supposed to be.  I think back about my childhood and I really like what I remember.  My parents went out on the occasional date night and had get together's at the house, but I never remember them sending me to stay with family so they could go out and get hammered and party all night weekend after weekend.  Unfortunately, I know people where this is the norm for them.  I also remember loving our weekends, we spent them together as a family.  It was a big deal to order a pizza and rent a movie for us to watch together, and I always looked forward to it. 

These are the kinds of things I want Peyton to remember about our family when she grows up.  I want her to look back and think "my parents really showed me how important I was".   I've just noticed how many people are constantly on the go...they don't even slow down to enjoy each other.   Parents now expect their infants to adapt to THEIR lifestyle and THEIR schedule.  It's all so selfish to me.  I like those old school values where your child comes before your wants, and have done (and will continue to) my best to keep those alive. 

Monday, August 8, 2011

True Life: I'm a Mommy Blogger

My name is Jessica and I am.....a Mommy blogger!  I started this blog as a way to keep track of my ever changing, ever growing little girl.  It eventually evolved in to just a blog about my wonderful, crazy life.  I work full time with the county, I'm the Mother of a toddler, and Wife to a police officer.  


I have a 15 month old daughter that definitely keeps me busy and on my toes!  She's my entire world and I can't even remember what life was like before her. 



I've been married to my wonderful husband for 5 years.  I'm a police wife which in itself is an added level of stress and chaos.  We love to have fun and he's definitely my best friend. 



We both went to ECU (Go PIRATES!!!!) where I had more than enough fun for the both of us!  I was a wild child during my years at ECU without a doubt.  We met in February 2005, were engaged in February 2006, moved back to my hometown in April 2006 after Edwin was offered a job here, and married June 24, 2006. 



Peyton Dawn came along in May 2010 and turned our world upside down...and I mean that in the best possible way!








We were blessed to be able to move in to our dream home in December (BTW, moving with a then 6 month old...not an easy task!).  Thanks for checking my blog out!


Sunday, August 7, 2011

Weekend Recap

I can't believe it's already Sunday night and I have to go back to work tomorrow!  We had such a great weekend, even when we weren't doing anything. 

Between Thursday and today we went to the park twice.  It's an old park that was recently remodeled and Peyton loved it.  Unfortunately I'm not allowed to go to that park without my husband.  Why you may ask?  Well it's in the same town where's he's a police officer, in a not-so-great neighborhood, and lets just say he knows way too much about things that have happened around there.  It's frustrating to me, but I totally understand his logic.  Thursday night our friends The Ridlehoover's met us so their son Jonah could play with Peyton.  We had a great time. 




Friday was a great evening of just resting, relaxing, and having some beers! 

Saturday morning, it RAINED...and when I said "rained", I mean IT.REALLY.RAINED!  Edwin let me sleep in (Saturday and Sunday!) then we headed out to breakfast.  Peyton napped when we got home, then we went back out for a little tax free shopping.  After nap #2, Peyton had a hot date with her boyfriend Owen.  I love watching these 2 together, I always have.  She's adored him ever since they were infants.  We started at the park, then headed back to Owen's house to grill out and relax.  It was an awesome evening with great friends.  Owen and Peyton were incredibly entertaining and made sure all eyes were on them at all times...such hams! 

They were going 100 mph, so I couldn't get any good shots of them.  But they were rushing in to dance to the Hot Dog song at this point!


Sweet Owen :)



Then today we went to church and spent the rest of the day at home!  I'm hoping for a fairly relaxing week at work after the chaotic week I had last week.  We have another shower to go to next weekend for some friends of ours, so I'm looking forward to an adult night out.


I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

15 Month Update

I haven't done an "official" update since Peyton turned 1, so since we had her doctor's appointment today I figured it was time to do one. 

Height - 32" (90-95%)
Weight - 23.3 lbs (50%)
Head Circumference - 46 (50%)

She has held steady at 50-75% for head circumference and weight since she was an infant.  She had been hanging around 50% in height since she was about 6 months old (she had a big growth spurt at 6 months), but I couldn't believe she was in the 90-95% for height!  I knew almost overnight her 12 month tops and onesies got awfully short.  The doctor said she's going to be tall and skinny...guess she got that from my side of the family!   

What she's doing at 15 months...
  • Bed: goes down 7:30pm - 8pm, wakes 7 - 7:30am
  • Naps at 10am and 3pm (except Sundays)
  • She's an amazing eater and is starting to get the hang of a spoon
  • Wearing 12-18 month clothes
  • Talks all.the.time.  I'm not even going to attempt a list of words. 
  • Separation anxiety had calmed down, but is gearing back up.  She's fine when we leave her with the Grandparents, but she has started having a more difficult time in the nursery at church when I leave her 
  • Still a total Mommy's girl
  • She's extremely cautious and wary of men, I'm not sure what it is.  It takes her much longer to warm up to them.  She LOVES women and other children though. 
  • STILL 6 teeth...her molars and k-9's have been giving her a time lately.  I think they're just all going to pop out at the same time
  • Running/Walking constantly
  • Extremely affectionate.  She hugs and kisses everything...pets, people, toys, etc...
  • Loves taking things out of boxes/containers/baskets and then putting them back in
  • Absolutely adores the outdoors.  She would stay outside all the time if we let her. 
  • Total water baby...pool, ocean, bath, you name it
  •  Diaper changes have become a battle, but she's starting to calm down a little
  • Temper tantrums have started rearing its ugly head
  • COMPLETELY AND TOTALLY OBSESSED with Winnie the Pooh!  We watch The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh multiple times each day, she sleeps with Pooh, and the the DVD must be on at all times when we're in the car
  • Sits on her potty when she goes with Mommy (she's starting to let us know when she has a wet diaper by pulling at it or pointing...I think she's going to be an early potty trainer)
This hasn't even scratched the surface of what's new with Peyton, but it's all I feel like typing and probably more than you wanted to read! 

She's wild, opinionated, strong-willed, feisty, exhausting, and the most affectionate and loving child I've ever known....she's the most amazing little girl and I'm so blessed to be able to call her mine!

Monday, August 1, 2011

We're Back!

Peyton and I are back from our trip to the beach.  It was a wonderful time, but we missed Edwin and were excited to get home to him.  I don't have any pictures of Peyton on the beach, but as soon as my Mom emails them to me I'll be sure to post them. 

I have to say, it was a different experience going to the beach with an actual toddler.  The last beach trip we went on, Peyton was only taking a few steps so I had to constantly hold her hand.  This time was much easier in that respect, and the water was perfect for little ones.  There were lots of sandbars that created pools for her to play in, but of course my daredevil wanted the waves!  Luckily the way the sandbars were this week, the water was only up to her knees for a good 15 feet out.  So she was able to run around and play on her own a lot. 

I'm also pretty proud of myself for braving the trip on my own.  I had never traveled with Peyton on my own further than an hour away.  I was super nervous to tackle the 2 1/2 hr drive alone, but it went well.  She got fussy at our 1/2 way mark, so we swung in to Neuse River Sport Shop (our usual stop) and I strolled her around and then let her run around outside some.  She fussed when we got back in the car, but 5 mins after I turned her music on she was out like a light for the rest of the trip.  She did amazing on the way home, and even got a decent 1 hr nap in!  She was thrilled to be home with her Daddy, her pets, and her toys.  After hugging and kissing all the animals (yes all 3 of them), she went around to inspect her toys and make sure they were all accounted for.  Silly girl!

Here are a few pics of our week (minus the beach pics)...