Toddler Room/New Nursery

With Hannah's arrival being just around the corner (I'm full term this Thursday. Scream with me!), we've been busy making changes around the house.

First, we transitioned Drew to his big boy bed on Saturday night. I was so nervous and expected to be up half the night with him, convincing him to sleep on his newer, much softer mattress. He shocked us though! He's done great the last 2 naps and night times. I'm so proud! Speaking of proud, please look at the bed MY HUSBAND MADE!!!





Yes, he made this! He's never made a thing out of wood in his life until he attempted this bed. I told him he's getting an electric sander for Christmas so he can build me lots more beautiful pieces. ;) So proud of you, honey! Your hard work paid off!

After Andrew broke the crib down, he moved it into Hannah's room and set it up again. (I say we've done a lot of work, but it sounds like Andrew has done the majority, doesn't it?) Her room isn't nearly finished yet, but here's a sneak peak of what's going on...




Remember the bedskirt we made? It fits!


Dresser from Craigslist--$20!! A new coat of paint and shelf paper made it look brand new.


Shelf from Craigslist (same seller)--$20. Still needs to be decorated and last shelf put in place.

I still lack rehanging the curtain rod (it was too low), hanging the curtain, touching up the paint in a couple of spots, hanging the wall letters, filling/decorating the shelves, putting up wall decor and making a bow holder. Let's hope she holds out a little while longer before making her grand appearance.

Since getting these two major things accomplished, I feel SO much better. My anxiety level has decreased from a 9.9 to a 4. Just knowing both my babies have a place to sleep brings me peace! Stay tuned for more nursery updates....

Temper Tantrum

As if I doubted that Drew was a stubborn, strong willed child, he has decided to prove it over the last few days. Two words: temper tantrum. Over EVERYTHING.

Can't play with the broom while Mommy sweeps? Tantrum.
Can't vacuum while mommy vacuums? Tantrum.
Can't go outside when it's raining? Tantrum.

You get the picture. Add that to the fact that I think I've said, "No, Drew" so many times today that my voice is hoarse. Add that to him getting into EVERYTHING: dishwasher, fireplace, cabinets (reaches his hand inside even with the lock), etc. Add THAT to the fact he "undoes" everything I just did: puts clean dishes onto floor, purposely spills chocolate milk on newly mopped floor, turns over stack of folded towels, drags clean clothes out of laundry basket and puts them back in the dryer, pulls things out of drawers that I JUST put in there. Makes me feel like....well...in one word....

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And that was said more than once today. The neighbors probably heard me. Good thing they both have 3 kids each.

So Drew and I both shed tears today on more than one occasion. Any other mom out there ever had one of these days? Thank you, God, for bedtime. Can I get an "Amen?!" How about some advice? Please...I'm willing to try anything short of beating him silly. Comment away.

Running Into Toddlerhood

There is no denying it. We are in the toddler stage. To me, the toddler stage really starts defining itself when you have to clean up twice as much and handle temper fits. Yes. We are there.

Drew's favorite new activity at any meal is to attempt to see how many pieces he can crumble his solid food into with one hand. A lot. His other mealtime trick is swiping his hands across his tray as fast as possible, watching the baby goldfish soar through the air and onto the tile, the living room carpet--wherever.

Thank you God for dustbusters.

Let's not forget every 1 year old's favorite game, "Let's see how many times I can throw this cup onto the floor!"

Thank you God for paper towels.

Oh, and the temper tantrums. We're talking balled up fists and red faced and screaming. Oh, the screaming. I think his temper tantrums are more on the level of a 2 year old. The advice we've been given is to sternly tell him, "We don't act like that," and then ignore him. My mind cannot ignore that shrill scream. Nay, my eardrums can't!

How long does the toddler stage last again?