The Bee Chronicles

Eleven

2013-06-12T09:11:00.001-04:00

This is a little late, but I am officially 11 months old, and I am starting to resemble a toddler more than a baby. I am starting to take steps, stand, climb and throw tantrums! I am on the move too much to pose on the floor. Fun! I also am starting to really play, and that IS really fun!

Social Media Overload

2013-05-24T09:06:00.001-04:00

Lately I feel overwhelmed with the amount of articles everywhere on how to be a better Mom. I especially feel overwhelmed trying to sort through what I should be feeding my children, how I should never yell (I do, it's my fiery Italian side-I'm working on it), how often I should play with my children, whether my house should be clean or dirty, etc.The current trend I have seen is- No yelling (but you should still discipline, but find a way to do that promotes self esteem), do not clean (but be organized), eat organic (but don't, or don't stress over it) play more with your children (but don't get them more toys, be creative), be more flexible (but still have a schedule), don't plan so many activities and extracurriculars for your children (then, again, you probably should).

After reading all this, I am pretty sure I am the world's worst parent. Every time I get on the Internet I feel less sure and more wary of what the heck I should be doing. I've lost the ability to critically think for myself. It's ridiculous.

So this weekend, on this great Holiday weekend, I am shutting it off. No facebook, no email, no twitter, no instagram. I need technology free and I'm going to try to live (and parent) without it.

At least I will for 3 days.

Mom for a Day

2013-05-13T09:19:00.000-04:00

Mother's day was great. Mr. B got to be Mr. Mom and be the primary caregiver of our little angel baby, Matthew.

He was exhausted and needing a break by 1pm. Methinks someone forgot what it was like to have a baby.

My favorite part of the day was when Matthew woke up from his afternoon "nap" and I got to wake up Mr. B, who fell asleep.

I know he says he knows how hard and exhausting it is, but it is different when you actually experience it. I think we all forgot what it was like to have a mobile baby in the house and we had no idea that adding a third child to the mix would feel like we added 5 children to the mix.

Matthew loves his Daddy and thinks he's a rock star. Mr. B thinks Matty's awesome too.

Don't worry, I let him take a shower at 2pm. I think that was generous of me.

I wonder how he is going to manage when I go away on a trip with my friends in the fall.

I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's day!

The Secret Joy of a SAHM

2013-05-06T08:15:00.000-04:00

After dropping one kiddo at the bus and another kiddo being picked up for carpool, I set off on a walk. It was just baby and me, no frustrating dog to worry about. We walked around the ~~lake~~ pond by our house. Little Matt was so enthralled, and sat up straight in his new stroller where he can see out instead of just staring at me and the sky. I knew I was getting close to his naptime, so I tried to hurry.

When we arrived home, I grabbed his blanket and gave him his pacifier and carried him to his room. I sat down in the glider and instantly the boy was asleep. He was so cuddled up and heavy on me. I just felt this complete trust and love from him. I just wanted to take a mental snapshot of everything about that day: the beautiful morning, the nice brisk walk, the fact that I was flushed and rushing him to his bedroom, his silly mustard colored pajamas and that feeling of his total contentment and my feeling like my heart would burst from it. One day I won't remember these little things or these little pockets of feelings, and I want to hold on to them so tightly.

It feels like things are moving at a snails pace some days; they are not.

Even though not every day is easy, I'm very thankful for this time I have alone with Matthew.

Just so you know...

2013-05-04T19:52:00.001-04:00

Jacob picked the pink cup for dinner. Drew looked at him sideways, like- really? a pink cup? and Jacob looked right at him and said "so? Pink is the new Khaki."

I so love that kid.

Ten

2013-05-02T14:38:00.003-04:00

My Mommy says that there are only six words to share in this month's update, but she says that they are some of the most important words in the world: I AM SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT.

Complete

2013-04-29T14:31:00.001-04:00

I've always scoffed at the idea of a family being complete. Everyone says that as a way to justify their means, right? I never felt that feeling of complete after Jacob, our second child was born, I always had longing and wonder. I assumed it was because I was longing for a girl.

So we decided to try again, even though I was scared about having 3 babies, and I felt so selfish and irresponsible for bringing another being into this world when I wasn't sure I was a good enough parent for two beings already. I also felt guilty about breaking with the status quo. Having two children is "just right" in the eyes of many, while three seems excessive to others. The looks that I received when I was pregnant and people found out I was a having a third boy were not very reassuring, either.

The pregnancy was the toughest of all three and I thanked my lucky stars when I was done with that process (seriously, I smiled through labor, even BEFORE the epidural) and I had a healthy baby boy. Still, I worried about the affect this baby boy would have on my other boys.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that instead of resentment on their part, there was so much love.

Ten months later, this love is still there, and you know what? Today I am making it official: I feel our family is, in fact, complete. Matthew was always meant to be here, and now our family feels finished. This was right for us, for our family. The picture is complete, and it really is amazing the difference I feel. Now I don't even pay mind to what others think. Dang I'm lucky.

Nine

2013-04-05T14:31:00.002-04:00

I was 9 months old on Tuesday, but I was pretty sick, so Mommy waited to take my 9 Month pick. I am starting to feel better today. I am crawling, pulling myself up to stand, waving and saying "Hi". I love finger foods, my Daddy, big boy toys and being out and about! I hate being changed and sleeping through the night. Mommy and Daddy are tired, but they think I'm adorable.

*Notice the handcuffs? It's the only way I could get him to take the picture without moving!

What We Have

2013-03-28T10:24:00.000-04:00

It's Spring Break around here.

A lot of D and J's friends are going places. One of his friends told me nonchalantly "we are going to Disneyworld, I think."

The Bees are staying home. My not working, a new baby, and a desperate need for a new roof kept us there.

Sometimes I worry because we are in an affluent suburb that they will feel the sting of being on the lower end of the "normal" income spectrum. It's hard for me to watch as they see their friends going places and doing things we just can't afford.

Then again...

I told the boys we are going to the local Zoo. They are over the moon thrilled. They are excited to all be home as a family.

Never once did they complain about not going on a trip. Never once do they take a fun outing for granted. I can guarantee that my children will never say they are going to Disneyworld nonchalantly.

J told me that we "don't have a lot of money". This is my fault naturally, as when they want to do something this is tooridiculous/tooexpensive/toomuchsomething, I flat out tell them it's too expensive (along with other reasons). Sometimes this is true, sometimes it's a little bit of a fib, but it stops the begging. "No," I corrected him. "We have just the right amount."

And it's true. Look at all we have.

That being said, we could still really use a vacation. Just keeping it real.

On three

2013-03-20T13:07:00.000-04:00

My wise sister-in-law once told me a joke she heard by a comedian (not sure who) that having a third baby is like being handed a baby while you are drowning (or something like that). It's totally true. When you have your second baby you think how much harder it is with more than one. Well, when you have the third, all that impossibleness of two seems so easy. It's true that with the day to day stuff I feel like a seasoned veteran, but as far as any quality of life for myself or any time to do anything, I feel like I am just keeping my head above water. I miss a full nights sleep, a shower, time to work out, time to spring clean and organize.... and this blasted never-ending winter isn't helping either.

It's a good thing he's so damn cute.

Let's Pretend This Never Happened Review

2013-03-07T10:14:00.000-05:00

Let's Pretend This Never Happened (A Mostly True Memoir) By Jenny Lawson (aka, the Bloggess) is just as silly, fun and goofy as her blog. I enjoyed every moment of reading this memoir. In fact, often while reading this, I was asked "what is so funny?" by my family. I also was offended, but only mildly so which I'm sure she would consider a win. Some of the stories were so unbelieveable but she had picture to make them up.This book was not only funny, but it had a lot of heart. Caution: the story about Hailey's Birth/Barnaby Jones Pickles are quite tearjerkers, even though they are funny. Also caution: lots of information about taxidermy/ animal parts are in these books. Even though it is presented in a funny way, I did feel squeamish at times. I am kind of a wimp, though- I almost passed out yesterday when Mr. B cut his hand and there was blood.

Disclaimer: after you read this book you will find your inner monologue begins to sound like Jenny's, or at least what I imagine it sounds like.

You can join the discussion about this hilarious memoir at Blogher.

This is a paid review for BlogHer Book Club but the opinions expressed are my own

Eight

2013-03-02T21:36:00.000-05:00

I'm 8 months old today! I'm a busy boy, and my family loves to call me Matthew "Curious George" B because I am curious about everything. I love big boy food and my brother's skylanders. I am pulling myself up to stand, cruising to where I want to go- can walking be far behind?

A Good American Review

2013-02-21T09:29:00.000-05:00

A Good American, by Alex George, is a (fictional) memoir by (fictional) James Meisenheimer. It starts before he is born, as his Grandparents Jette and Frederick meet, fall in love, and quickly escape to America from Germany. Their story is where the book really shines. Jette and Frederick's differing opinions on this new, foreign country are intriguingly different. James' characterization of his grandparents leaps off the page, and I find myself sympathizing with both Jette and Frederick, right or wrong, and my heart broke when (spoiler) America tore them apart.

The book then talks of Frederick's "American Dream"- the bar that he works at and eventually owns which morphs into different establishments through the book, then talks about James' parents and then ultimately James and his brothers, all four of them. This part of the book for me was less strong (some of the comedic elements were a little over the top-wacky, and sometimes this worked-sometimes it didn't). It was still a very enjoyable read, even if the "twist" at the end was unsettling to me and without any resolution.

Overall, this book was interesting, heartbreaking (there are some scenes that moved me to tears) and generally funny read that kept me coming back to finish (and that's not an easy task right now).

Please go visit Blogher to join the discussion about the book, A Good American

This is a paid review for BlogHer Book Club but the opinions expressed are my own (of course)!

Too big

2013-02-14T14:37:00.002-05:00

Too big for his Baby Bath....

Too Big for his carseat.....

Seriously, how did this happen? Wasn't July 2nd yesterday?

Seven

2013-02-02T17:38:00.001-05:00

I'm 7 months old today! A lot of changes happened this month- I have 7 teeth now, I am crawling everywhere, I can sit up and pull myself to sit up (sometimes)! I love to eat, my favorite foods are wires and shoelaces. No, really. Too bad Mommy always takes them away from me! I'm a big boy too- I am wearing a 12m outfit in this picture :)

The Eights

2013-02-01T23:19:00.003-05:00

I'm 6 days late in writing this, but I now have an eight year old son. Eight years, how did this happen? He's no longer my little baby. He now gets embarrassed by his parents acting goofy in front of his friends. He wants hair gel to do his hair. He has certain clothes that just are cooler than others. He had his first "big boy" party with only friends from school. (10 7-8 year old boys playing laser tag... yeah, I'll let that sink in). He has a ton of baseball cards and loves rough and tumble boy things, like fishing and archery.

Yet...

He is still so sweet and considerate. He loves taking care of his baby brother. He is always looking out for his middle brother. He loves and cares for everyone in his family and his friends. He somehow turned out awesome, which is all his doing, because I was a clueless mess with him. I love that little guy. Sometimes I don't realize it, but I am lucky to have been blessed to spend 8 years with this boy.

Thanks for being awesome, Drew.

Baby

Big Boy

Six

2013-01-02T17:30:00.000-05:00

I'm six months old today! I'm getting to be a big boy. I'm eating solids (I especially like peas- yes, really), I have 4(!) teeth as of today, and I'm officially getting into trouble, rolling to where I want to go and grabbing for everything! I love my blankie, my activity center, my dog Louie, and being in the middle of all the action.

Review: Egret the Elephant

2012-12-03T10:00:00.000-05:00

I recently (well, recently-ish- I am way behind) was contacted to review Egret the Elephant, written by Corey Feldman and illustrated by Rachel Fishman. I looked forward to reviewing this because we are always looking for new reading material in this house, and the title seemed to suggest a whimsical tale, which is always a hit at our house. I was not disappointed.

The rhymes in this series of stories about Egret and her sister Red, are infectious and add even more spirit to these playful tales. There are seven stories in all, and the tales tend to build on one another to add to the story of Egret, even though they could be read separately. My favorite story is titled "Egret, Red and the Mysterious Light", which explores the friendship between Egret and her sister, and is a great moral for siblings. I also really enjoyed "Egret Dances with Moon Rabbit", which was a perfect story about Egret's dream to send your own child off into dreamland.

The singsong quality of the rhymes along with the whimsical story and pictures, are perfect for a sweet bedtime story for a young child. My five month old was very captivated with the story, and even my 5 year old stopped running around to sit and listen to the stories (that's high praise indeed). We will definitely be adding these stories to our bedtime collection.

Egret the Elephant is available in both paperback and Kindle versions on exclusively on Amazon.

Disclosure: I was provided with a Kindle version of Egret the Elephant for this review; all opinions and experiences are my own. I received no compensation for this review.

Five.

2012-12-02T17:56:00.001-05:00

I'm five months old today! I have a new tooth, I can reach and grab things, and I am so much fun! I am also having too much fun to sleep through the night, but I am sleeping in my crib. I am a happy little guy who loves watching his big brothers play, and playing with my Daddy and cuddling with my Mommy. I am getting close to crawling, so watch out world, here I come.

Thankful

2012-11-09T21:59:00.000-05:00

Everyone is doing this 30 days of thankfulness thing on Facebook, and I decided to do it on my blog. I know I'm a little far into the month, but honestly this is the longest Matthew has napped in a while, and I got a lot of my chores done.

I'm going to do these in video form. It should catch everyone up on the past 4 (!) months.

*BTW This took me all day because of Mr. M. He is sweet but he is a handful!

Introducing Mr. Matthew

2012-07-12T17:18:00.002-04:00

My baby may have been a day late from his due date, but I am 10 days late in posting this:

Matthew George, born 7:43pm on Monday 7/2/12, 8lbs 11oz, 21.5 in. He's my sweet baby boy and he is perfect. Love, love, love. The brothers are doing great and love him too. More details to follow soon. :)

Beginnings, Endings, and In-Between Things

2012-06-12T09:22:00.001-04:00

So this week is the last week of school, FINALLY. It seems like the kids were going to be in school forever, or at least that's how they made it sound.

I will have a 2nd grader, a Begindergartner (yes, we are delaying Kindergarten for a year. Jacob has the academic and social skills of a Kindergartner, but his focus and emotional skills need some fine tuning before taking an all day Kindergarten plunge. Luckily Begindergarten is all day. I am so happy that I will get some alone time with the baby... in 3 months.)

Battlestix is still chilling in my belly. I am 37 1/2 wks. I am feeling pressure from everyone to get the babeh out! as to not ruin their entire summer. As if I have a choice! I am so ready. Also: I am not ready at all! I don't want to go through labor, and mostly the aftermath! Wah! What was I thinking? I feel like this is my first baby, I feel nervous like it is. With the second, it had only been 3 years, it's been almost 5 with this one. Wish me happy easy soon labor fairy dust, please.

30 w 6 Days.... Comparison

2012-04-27T10:43:00.000-04:00

Mr. B came home last night and had the audacity to comment on how large I've become. Because yes, pregnant women in their third trimester LOVE that! He even said I was bigger than I was with Drew, my 9lb baby. I disagree wholeheartedly, especially since I don't want a 9 lb + baby if I can help it! So here is a comparison shot of me at 32 weeks with Drew, and 30w 6 days with Baby Battlestix. I know it's not a perfect match, but lets see....

32weeks with Drew

Lets just call it 31weeks with Battlestix

Wow, I think it's a pretty close tie- I was hoping it wouldn't be so close. I will try to think Average-sized baby thoughts for Battlestix....

Being Pregnant is FUN- a list and pie chart

2012-04-01T10:06:00.002-04:00

Fun things you are NOT allowed to do while Pregnant, according to Pregnancy Message Boards
(My favorites are in purple and the ones I've done anyway are underlined)
1. Eat Sushi
2. Drink alcohol
5. Run (unless of course you were a runner beforehand, but due to my track record of falling while running and lack of consistency I had to give it up.)
6. Walk my dog
7. Listen to loud music
8. Get a pedicure/manicure without making sure the nail polish is pregnancy safe
9. Eat lunch meat
10. Eat Hot dogs
11. Get hair colored/highlighted/dyed
13. Drink soda
14. Drink "Diet" anything
16. Ride Roller Coasters
17. Take hot baths
18. Go in hot tubs
19. Eat soft serve ice cream or Yogurt

Warning: this Pie chart is very scientific, I know because I made it on the Paint portion of my computer.

"Fun" things you are allowed to do while Pregnant
1. Go to the Doctor a LOT
2. Pee in a cup
3. Get weighed a LOT
4. Think about your weight a LOT
5. Eat (although not TOO much, you aren't really eating for two, you heffer!)
6. Read
7. Get your ~~ass~~ stomach kicked from the inside by Damien-like spawn in the belly
8. Have strangers touch your stomach and guess that you are way further along than you are
9. Have strangers touch your stomach and guess that you are not very far along at all and look at you concernedly (okay, that might not be a word)
10.Watch TV
11. Take Pictures of your belly
12. Nap, a lot if you are lucky and can
13. Play poke your cankles
14. Wear a "new" fakey wedding ring when your hands swell up.
15. Read message forums and laugh at all the neurotic first-time Moms
16. Read message forums and get freaked out by all the posts from neurotic first-time Moms
17. Think about Baby Names
18.. Argue with SO about Baby Names
19. Have people ask you what your Baby names are and watch them be frustrated by your refusal to tell them. (Alternately if you tell them you get to hear why that name doesn't work because it was their frenemy's, Dog's, or kooky Uncle's name).
20. Hear every person's ~~horror~~ Birth story.
21. Hear every one's opinions on breastfeeding, cloth-diapering, epidurals.... etc
22. NEST
23. Register
24. Gain weight (but not too much, you heffer, you want it to be ALL belly. Not too little though, don't diet, and if you're a bigger girl, well then even less, because OBVIOUSLY you are really good at controlling your weight, so let's add some pressure!)
25. Cry at EVERYTHING

25 and Change

2012-03-20T11:12:00.000-04:00

Here it is- 25 weeks, 2 days....

Me: TIRED. I feel larger at night so sleep has gotten difficult. Hot. Really, 85 degrees in Michigan in MARCH?!? We don't have our window air conditioner in right now either. Also: nesting. After my next Dr appt in 2 weeks I have them every 2 weeks, so it's getting to be "that time" when crap needs to get done. Mr. B has a list. It's 2 pages. I think I might need to add to it. Also getting nervous about the gestational diabetes test. I had to take the 3 hour last time after I failed the first one, and it was fine, but still! No 3 hour test again please. Also- cankles and swollen finger joints. No more wedding ring, so I have to put on my fakey one or deal with little old ladies disapproving looks as a Mother of 3 LIVING IN SIN.

Mr. B: Excited. Even suggested having a 4th boy to increase his odds of having a child who wins the Masters golf Tournament. Hahahahaha. He's so funny.

Drew: Adorable. Every day it's "How's the baby?" Right now he's sick and at home, which means lots of video games. Unfortunately.

Jacob: Trouble. Seriously, from picking on his brother, to climbing our fence and climbing our towel bare and taking a chunk out of the wall when it came crashing down. He has hit his 1/2 year mark with a vengeance. I hope he can calm down before baby comes....

Louie (dog): Annoying. Has picked up a nasty habit of barking at EVERY. Fricken'. Squirrel.

Baby: Kick, kick, roll. Kicked at the Doppler in the Dr's office. He hates it when electronics are rested on him (He's looking at you, Ipad!).