Project 365:: Day 59

Day 59 our little boy is growing up and we are having fun---maybe to much fun!?! What could be better than a baby with a mustache!!

project 365:: day 58

Day 58 today we headed to target for some much needed household supplies. In between stocking up on soap and toilet paper Kannon had a meltdown. He recovered quickly but I felt so bad I ended up sneaking this gumball toy machine home. He was so excited when he saw it at home. He spent hours exploring each colored ball and playing with the levers. I am happy because it's made of recycled materials and benefits children in need. I think it was a worthwhile purchase!

Project 365:: Day 57

Day 57 Today, Pike (7 months) came and stayed the day.  He will be a regular visitor on Fridays and Saturdays while his talented chef parents are running Revel & Joule with Dale.  We had so much fun together and strangely my life with calmer with 3 babies!  Kannon immediately took a liking to Pike and offered to share toys, food, and books.  At the end of the night they all shared a bath with laughs and squeals and silently passed out.

(PS, Pike's parents made him some pretty tasty baby food!  This kid already has a palette for kolhrabi, spinach, and garlic; orange, carrot, and ginger; and pear, barley and cinnamon!)

As a parent, I am constantly learning, adapting, and having fun.  Some things I learned with 3 kids:

1.) Always have back-up toys for distraction when they can't share

2.) I hated the double stroller and vowed I would never get one---but seriously, my new Phil & Teds double makes me wonder how I ever lived before!

3.) Try to get everyone on the same schedule---unless you want to constantly revolve your life on naps.

4.) Feed everyone at the same time and make sure you have plenty of extra!  These kids were hungrier than usual and Clark devoured 4 oz of food in minutes!

5.) In all the bustle, dont forget to feed yourself.  

How cute are they????  Both Kannon and Pike chewed their hat straps while on a walk to the market!

Project 365:: Day 56

Day 56 Kannon was really confused why this telephone booth didnt move or go anywhere. Maybe he thought it was an elevator? Maybe he thought he was Dr. Who? In any case, he kept walking in, pushing on the glass, and then sitting down in frustration at the lack of excitement--until he saw the telephone. Then it was operation piss off the operator :) I love this kid.

Project 365:: Day 55

Day 55 Clark is almost 5 months old and while we were planning on waiting until 6 months to introduce solids Clark had other plans. His weight gain has been a little slow and he went from waking up once a night to waking up 4, sometimes 6 times , a night. I was debating supplementing with formula or introducing rice cereal but my pediatrician said it would be okay to try starting solids a little early. Research does indicate that breast milk is best for the first 6 months and delaying solids can prevent obesity, asthma, and diabetes later on. However, ensuring proper nutrition and growth is important. We got the go ahead to skip rice cereal and slowly introduce solids to Clark. What a difference!!!! Clark had avocado (mixed with lots of breast milk) and woke up twice last night! He seems much happier and has started napping in 2-3 hour stretches! What a big boy!

Project 365:: Day 54

Day 54 After a few days away, we felt refreshed and renewed. We woke up to very snowy roads--not good for our departure. We debated calling it quits and giving in to mother nature but Dale needed to be back at work. We challenged the very slippery roads but made it just in time to board the ferry. I think we are all a little cranky from our journey.

Project 365:: Day 53

Day 53 Dale and I finally got a bit of alone time as Kannon was having fun with Mark & Kristie and Clark was finally sleeping. We had a beautiful hotel, meal, and view of Friday Harbor! To top it off we had went to sleep with a snow storm :)

Project 365:: Day 52

Day 52 Today we headed on the ferry to
Friday Harbor, WA for some R&R. Kannon loved the ferry!

Project 365:: Day 51

Day 51 Today we relaxed and enjoyed each other. Clark surprised us with a three hour nap and Kannon followed suit a few hours later. After a few quick trios in preparation for our adventure tomorrow we headed to Revel for some a duck noodle bowl and ice cream. Kannon kept trying to reach Mr. Roger's shoe so we finally let the two meet.

Project 365:: Day 50

Day 50 Kannon was very glad to be home with all his toys. He cuddled with his dog and took a 3 hour nap!!!

Project 365::Day 49

Day 49 tomorrow we head back to Seattle. We have had a blast hanging out and even more fun shopping!! This mama finally got some new clothes. After 2 years I am kissing my maternity clothes good-bye!!!!

Project 365:: Day 48

Day 48 Today we discovered that Kannon loves ketchup. He was scooping the red mess into his mouth and all over his face!

Project 365:: Day 47

Day 47 another fun day after little to no sleep. I am starting to miss my old bed :( somehow I think the boys are okay with their new arrangements.

Project 365:: Day 46

Day 46 Today we spent some quality time with uncle Sam. We went out for lunch, hung out at the park and finished off the day with coffee and a good nap. Kannon and Clark both adore their uncle!!

Project 365::Day 45

Day 45 I took the boys to Seal Beach today. Kannon loved the playground but soon discovered the fun of sand!

You can watch the video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVx5lzDEqCA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Project 365:: Day 44

Day 44 Kannon is clearly on vacation time!!! What a little lounged!

Project 365:: Day 43

Day 43 this one is for you Dale. You said you missed my face. I miss yours too.

Project 365:: Day 42

Day 42 This kid just gets cuter by the day!!! Kannon is loving all the attention he is getting in CA and he really loves all his new outfits!!!

Project 365::Day 41

Day 41 Whew. We made it to CA!!! We had a few minor meltdowns and an argument with TSA but we made it!!!

I checked our bags and wore both boys in the Ergos with my backpack attached. All I had to carry was our carseat.

We checked in just fine. I asked 3 different TSA agents if I could wear the boys through the detector. They all said it would be fine, that I would be pat down but they would work around the boys.

Well I walked through, did the body scan, waited for a female TSA to tell me that the boys needed to come off!! I told her who I talked to, they all disagreed, and I wasn't allowed to touch any of my stuff. So they made me set Kannon on a chair and Clark on a cold ass table while they did the pat down. I was in tears and expressed my frustration!!!' If I knew that this was going to happen I would have taken them off and carried them through security. Grrrrrrrrr. To make matters worse One my Ergos got stuck and the waist clip cracked!!!!!!!

Anywho, I loaded the boys back up and we had no problems getting on the plane. Boys flew okay until Kannon protested his seat belt but he was easily distracted by the TVs on the plane.

Word of the wise. Travel lightly, baby wear (but not through security), don't bother with a stroller, bring lots of snacks and airplane treats and toys, and lastly, the MOST important, bring duct tape to keep your toddler from unlatching the seat belt!!!

Clark Updates:: 4 months!

It is hard to believe 4 months has passed since Clark joined our family.  He is a joy--so happy and content.  He has started rolling over, grabbing toys, and exploring his hands and feet.  Lately he has discovered his ability to express himself.  What a doll!
4 months stats: 12 lbs 6 oz, 24 1/2 inches tall

Project 365:: Day 40

Day 40 We are headed to CA tomorrow and in honor of the occasion we buzzed our boy's locks! It was his 6th or 7th haircut. He was okay until he got hair in his eyes and then the madness started. He couldn't get away from the hair clippings so we threw him in the bath and he calmed. To reward him, we hopped on a bus and joined Dale at Revel for some yummy dinner!

Kannon Updates:: 15 months old

My sweet boy just keeps growing!  Lately, Kannon has been climbing, exploring, and it is hard to keep up (especially when you have a baby strapped to your chest!).  My little toddler is revealing his personality to us day by day and we are in love with the little man he is becoming.  Joy!


At 15 months:
Kannon weighs 22 lbs and is 30 inches tall
Kannon sleeps in a full size mattress on the floor
He can unscrew and screw lids on things
He says "bow, wow, wow" "meow" "mama, dada, baba, nemma" and "haaaa"
He loves pancakes, noodles, oranges, blueberries, and apple-carrot crushers
He waves hi and bye
Kannon signs "more, eat, drink, please, and help"
He loves his little brother
He can climb on the bed and couch by himself
He can walk down the stairs holding the wall
Kannon tries to put on shoes, socks, and jackets (but he has more fun taking them off)

We just love him!

Full Circle Farm!

Do you live in the Seattle-area?  Want fresh organic and local produce delivered to your front door?  Become a member of Full Circle Farm's organic produce delivery program!  

 I have nothing but good things to say about Full Circle Farm.  We have wonderful produce delivered to our door once a week.  It has changed the way we cook, eat, shop, and think about food.  Even though buying produce from FCF is marginally more expensive we have saved money.  We shop less at the grocery store.  We plan meals around our produce box.  We make use of what we have at home.  In short, our grocery bill has gone from $600 /month to $300 /month for a family of 4.   Wow!

FCF has many different options according to your family size, needs, and budget.  We started with a $35 standard box every other week and quickly realized we needed more!  Now, we get the $44 family box every week and we have more than enough fruits and vegetables for a week's meals.  Our diets have changed and I am so confident in the meals I prepare for my family.   Plus, we are doing a good thing in supporting our local economy and community farmers.  Hello, think global, buy local!

Again, fresh produce at your door!!! Could it get anymore convenient?????

From now until March 1st, 2011 you can save $15 off your first box. 


1.) You can get $15 off your first box by signing up for Full Circle Farm.

2.). Have them use promo code EATWELL and enter Kat Pittman in the 'how you heard about us' field when you sign-up.

Project 365::Day 39

Day 39 These boys were cranky because of the shots they had yesterday. I like to think they took comfort in one another. In actuality, Kannon was jealous about Clark using his chair. The solution? They both share the chair! Aren't they adorable??

Project 365:: Day 38

Day 38 Kannon was very excited to open our CSA produce box from Full Circle Farms. He went straight for the orange but was disappointed biting into the bitter skin.

Project 365:: Day 37

Day 37 I surprised Dale with a new set of wheels so we can all ride together. Kannon is still a little small so we will be searching for a bike trailer to hook up to the bike. Dale us very happy to have a bike to take to work once it warms up!

Project 365:: Day 36

Day 36 Both boys are sick and have needed extra mommy time.  So we spent the morning reading stories.  My cousin gave me this book "Andy Warhol's Colors" and it is the boys favorite book.  Kannon brings it up to me and says "bow, wow, wow" because written on the first page is "big red dog goes bow, wow, wow."  What a smartipants!

Project 365:: Day 35

Day 35 Clark woke up early this morning and we were too tired to get up. So I put him beside us and gave him glasses to play with. I think he was entertained!

Project 365:: Day 34

Day 34 Clark has been spending a lot of time on his tummy these days.  Unlike his older brother, Clark loves tummy time!  Look how cozy he is--chillin' like a villian!  On a side note, Clark rolled over!!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3KfXa2B2Ic

 

Project 365:: Day 33

Day 33 girls night out!!! Finally, I snuck away for delicious drinks with my besties. Brandy milk punch anyone?

mama confesses:: friends in real life

By today's standards, I am a young mom.  I am 25 and I have two kids.  I love being a young mom.  However, none of my friends are married let alone close to having children.  I have tried making friends with other moms in meet-ups, coffee shops, grocery stores, and everyone assumes I am the "nanny".  As a result, most of my friends are online--mothers I have never met but I still value and respect their friendship. 

I am tired of the mom-snobs.  I am tired of having moms turn their noses at me when I walk into a coffee shop hauling my two boys.  I am tired of trying to make conversation and later be rejected with one-word answers and little acknowledgment of my presence.

For example, I had coffee and there were three mothers there.  Our children were playing together,  I asked "how old is your daughter".  She replied 13 months and then turned away to continue talking to another mother.  Um, hello?  Was I rude?  Was I socially awkward?  Did I interrupt her?  All these things were taking place in my mind.  The truth is, this happens on a daily basis.  I make attempts to meet mothers and socialize and I am continually ignored.  Why?

Yesterday, I thought I had a breakthrough.  A youngish mom was walking with 2 children.  She smiled at me, waved, and said hello.  I said hello back, we chatted briefly, and then she asked if this was my only nanny-job.  Ouch.  She said she nannied two other families on our street but lived on Capital Hill.  Ouch again.

I am thankful to be a young mom but it comes with its challenges.  Especially in a highly educated community like Seattle where moms are waiting until they are 35-40 to start families where we are so separated by an age and class gap.  Maybe it is the age gap.  Maybe it is the "Seattle Freeze" (Seattleites are notorioiusly anti-social).  Maybe it is me.  Whatever the reason, I am lonely, tired, and annoyed.  I have friends online, friends in other places, and friends with no children.  I am happy with that and for now it will do.  But sometimes, I have those days where I just want to grab coffee with a mom who understands.  That just isn't possible.  I need friends! 

My friend and I realized last night that this is a problem.  Not just for me, but for everyone.  1 in 5 relationships are now started online.  Facebook, twitter, and blogs have taken over and we have forgotten our social skills.  It is easy to make friends online, unshielded by social antiquities and awkwardness but have we forgotten how to make friends IRL (in real life!)???? 

So other mothers, young and old, have you faced challenges meeting other moms?  Is it just me?   Do people think I am a "nanny" or have they just forgotten how to play nice?

Project 365:: Day 32

Day 32 Clark is a Tomlinson. Look at those legs!!!