Flooring Makeover: Part 1

As I mentioned the other day, we recently tackled the living/dining room with laminate wood flooring. Jonathan's parents came up on a Thursday and helped out. I don't have the final "after" pictures taken yet. I was going to wait to take those after we got all the last bits of trim installed. Those bits of trim haven't come in yet, so I might just go for the pictures without. Anyway. Today I'd like to share pictures of Jonah helping out! 

Playing with some toy cars. He had to keep changing locations because of our  moving things around.

Daddy's little helper. I just love this photo!!

We Jonathan had to scrape up the backer board from where the linoleum was in the foyer. It was a rough yucky mess.  

Here we see our faithful helper lounging on the oddly arranged furniture.

All of the above are pictures that involve removing the nasty carpet. It took 2 1/2 days to get it all out. Then we got to move on to the exciting part. There was a LOT of measuring and RE-measuring. (that's the part they don't show you on those home improvement shows).  This last photo shows a bit of the finished product. Jonah was helping hammer the baseboard back in place.

And....the best little video....Jonah "measuring and marking" like his Daddy!

Potty Time!!

Well, as I have mentioned before, we have been potty training around here. We started the week of Valentines and I think I can officially say we are THERE! He's doing SO great! 

These are all the supplies (plus underwear and pull-ups) that we used to get going. Since the first week I've often asked myself why I didn't just use the normal "m&m rewards" like every other potty-trainer out there. Especially when he goes right before bed. Oops. Clearly, I didn't think ahead on the reward system.

clorox bleach spray with paper towels...on hand at ALL TIMES, lollipops, tootsie rolls, and stickers! 

Not only do we reward him for going(tootsie rolls for tinkle and lollipops for poop), but we have a sticker chart he's filling up each day that he stays totally clean all day. When that one is full, he gets a BIG reward!  

We also use this nice potty seat that fits on the regular toilet. (he's decided he likes standing better...and that is actually more clean most of the time)

Last night Jonah slept in underwear. He'd been waking up dry every day for two weeks. And he'd been asking to sleep in the underwear all week long, so I figured we'd give it a try. 

Leap Day 2012 (Tornado Footage)

Many, if not all of you, know about the tornado that ripped through our little town early Wednesday morning.  It has been all over local and national news. We were not nearly as devastated as some other places were on the same day and the damage doesn't even come close to what our neighbors in Joplin faced last May. 

Lots of family and friends called/sent text messages to check on our family. We came through just fine. Our trashcan blowing over (not unusual) was the only evidence of any kind of storm at our house. For that I am thankful. I know people who rode out the storm in closets and others who no longer have a house or car. There are many many businesses that were destroyed/damaged beyond doing business anytime soon. 

This video shows some footage of the destruction. It covers a portion of "The Strip" (Hwy 76), then moves to the Mt. Branson area where the iconic Candlestick Inn overlooks The Branson Landing, and then switches to helicopter footage that covers the eastern portion of Taney County. I personally had a hard time following the camera in the helicopter...it gave me motion sickness. 

If you are wondering about joining in the relief effort you can check out Volunteer Branson by clicking here. It might be a few more days before any projects officially get going. Thankfully most places have electricity again. (and wouldn't you know...the city of Joplin sent some reinforcements in to help us out)

Drano Test

Maybe you've heard of the Drano Gender Test. I tried it with my first pregnancy. And now I've tried it with this one. The results?? Rather inconclusive if you ask me. 

If you want the full details/instructions, click HERE.

Basically, you mix a certain amount of drano crystals with a certain amount of first morning urine. If it changes color within a certain time frame, you're having a boy. If it doesn't change, it means a girl. 

You are supposed to base your results on the first 10-15 seconds...of the "reaction."

(yes, there is quite a reaction in that jar...the test MUST be 

done outside)

I did my best to get some video (while avoiding the fumes).

Well, when we did the test, it didn't start reacting right away. I don't know what that means. But, it did end up turning very  dark, which I assume is brown, so I guess it indicates a boy. 

I have no idea at what point I should have started timing the 15-20 seconds. 

When I was expecting Jonah I did this test three times. Each time the end result had a different appearance. I am not going to waste the product/effort on multiple tries anymore. I'll wait to find out in a less crude, more modern way! 

BUT, the GOOD NEWS is we have an ultrasound scheduled for March 16th.

 I am so excited to learn the gender of our little one.  

We already have names picked out. We've had the girl name in mind since we got married. The boy name came to me last summer (before we ever  even anticipated another pregnancy) when a friend was having trouble choosing a name for her boy.  Once we know the gender for certain, we will call the baby by name and let Jonah get to know his sibling more tangibly. 

Spit it Out

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a mimic on our hands. Guess that comes with the territory when your child is two-years-old. 

*warning, this may not be appropriate for all readers. it may be considered a bit graphic if you have a weak stomach.

Last week I got very sick. Nothing catching. I had the WORST migraine! It may not have been the most terrible of my entire life, but it was the most terrible I've had in at least 5 years (ie: the worst Jonathan has ever witnessed).  He was concerned that I'd dehydrate. Which, is very concerning for a pregnant gal. No matter what I tried, it made me sick. Plain water, ginger-ale, Tylenol, plain bread...would not stay down. 

Jonah slept through most of my "episodes" (by pure coincidence). But, one time, in the evening, I was on the couch. I was trying my best to drink water. He saw me go into the hall bathroom. He kept saying "spit it out?"

Next thing you know, I felt REALLY sick, so I went into my own bathroom and shut the door. While I was in there, Jonah asked Jonathan for some water. He took a sip and left the room. Then, moments later came back for another sip. Jonathan followed him to see what he was up to. Jonah toddled into the bathroom and spit the water from his mouth into the toilet. And then he joyfully proclaimed he had "spit it out!"

Hopefully he doesn't remember this. EVER. I also hope I don't get that sick again for a very long time, if ever!

I had the hardest time recovering from that migraine too. Maybe it was because I am pregnant. I was weak and light-headed most of the next day. Gatorade helped a lot. 

New Year's Medical Extravaganza!

Well, this year we celebrated New Year's Eve (day) much differently than anticipated. And I hope to never do it again. 

We usually spend the holiday near Kansas City, MO with Jonathan's family. The night before we planned to leave Jonah started showing symptoms of illness. (well, just a 101.7 temp). He seemed miserable. We decided to travel anyway. We figured we'd treat the temp and see what happened. 

Oh, he also stopped eating, which is very unusual for our boy. 

We made it to the Atkins house by early afternoon. Jonah was doing pretty good...pumped full of alternating doses of Tylenol and Motrin. Then, we let the meds fade out through the night. BIG MISTAKE. We decided at 4 am that we would be seeking out an Urgent Care as soon as possible. The no-eating made me wonder if he might have strep.

*time lapse for attempted sleep and then some breakfast*

Because of where my in-laws live, we had to travel 45 minutes to the nearest clinic. On the way there, I looked back to check on the sweet boy. I was curious to see if he was still awake. He was. And the lower half of his face was covered in blood. I told Jonathan to pull over now!

We battled a very major nose bleed, called his sister (a nurse) who waylaid our fears by saying the dry air mixed with the Motrin was the likely culprit of a nose bleed. 

We continued on to Urgent Care, waited on a very nice leather couch, and then were called back. Amid all of the chaos and unfamiliar medical people Jonah freaked out, started crying, and bleeding again. I tell you, this was no minor nose bleed. The word spurting is all I can think of to describe it to you. Apparently spurting noses do not please the medical community. Neither do low oxygen readings on the pulse-measuring-finger-clamp device. The nurse said we needed to go to the ER. And not just the one across the street. They told us we should go to Children's Mercy in the city...because the oxygen reading was SO dangerously low.  

So, we sojourned on. 15 minutes later we were all checked in at CMH. They were very prompt to get us in. They had to take his temp....in his rectum. Poor kid. It doesn't take any time to figure out that stickers are a very poor exchange for having a device shoved in certain crevices!   Suffice to say, the nose bleeding started up all over again. I can't tell you how many gauze pads we went through. OH, and they re-checked his pulse/oxygen and it was FINE.

THEN, we got to see the Dr. *cue angels singing.* She was the perfect blend of professional/caring. I immediately liked her manner.  She assured us that a nose can bleed a LOT from being dry. She gave us some creme to put in his nostril and it hasn't bled at bit since then. She said the Urgent Care must've used a less-than-accurate device for reading oxygen. Whew! 

So, the question still remained...WHAT was wrong?? 

She checked his ears, they were very clear.  They swabbed his throat. Nothing unusual. 

We ended our visit with a chest x-ray. They saw one spot that could be pneumonia. So, the Dr. prescribed amoxicillin. 

Whatever was wrong is definitely better. We may go ahead and schedule a follow up with our family Dr., but PRAISE THE LORD our boy is better. It took a couple of days, but he is eating again and playing and making messes and making us laugh like normal!  

Sneaky Little Sneak

The other day Jonah was in my bathroom while I was getting myself ready for the day.

He likes to go through my bathroom drawer. I HATE when he goes through that drawer. He always finds earrings and contact lenses that DO NOT need his attention. 

He also often finds floss. 

Well, on this particular day he was pilfering as usual. I was trying to dry my hair and couldn't see what he was doing. I thought I saw him snatch something...then he ran away.

I quickly followed, but couldn't find him. I walked from my room, past the computer desk to the living room, then into his room and his bathroom. I just wasn't seeing him. I called his name, but got no answer. 

So, I headed back through the house thinking maybe he didn't leave my room in the first place. On the way there, I found him. He was crouched down in the computer desk chair HIDING. He was so cute hunched against that chair back. And sure enough...he had the floss!

Sweeping me off of my Feet!

The other day I gave Jonah some graham crackers for his snack. I don't remember if I gave him the package, or if he snuck it while I wasn't looking. Somehow he ended up with the package. And made a mess. 

But, then he did the cutest thing.....

all on his own, without me even asking him to!

Makes me so proud! 

on being two

this is dedicated to my TWO-year-old. the week before his birthday he practiced being two. 

he's good at it:

 

 *red crayon on the wall. (jonah, meet Mr. Magic Eraser)

*shoving dishwasher detergent under the microwave

 

 

 

and last, but certainly not least... the one where he played with mascara.

(jonah, meet Miss Eye Make-up Remover) *

 

Why do I document my child's bad behavior teachable moments?

That was not rhetorical. WHY do I do it? 

I do not know. 

I'm going to have to quit. He's going to catch on that mischief brings out Mommy's camera.

*note, this is not my house. this was the week we stayed with 3 of our favorite people.

Somebody Had a Bad Day.

We saw this several months ago in the parking lot of Lowe's.

I'm really glad this didn't happen to me.

How To: get your sink clean...sort of.

Do you struggle with keeping the bathroom sink clean?

My new method doesn't involve any cleaning products.

All you need is a change in perspective.

First:

Get the sink REALLY dirty.

How did that sink get dirty?

before

after

Oh, just a little haircut for this sweet boy.

Final step: 

Wipe & rinse sink clean. 

It will appear more clean than it did before. Promise.

Oh, one more step...guess you could call it the 

"After the Final Step" step: go play with that cute boy! 

Wasps...Lots of Wasps

What is it with the creatures around here? Remember the slug from last week? Maybe I am too easily bugged! 

Yesterday a neighbor came to the door. As we were talking I saw a couple of wasps (or some such winged stinging creature) flying over head. We ended the conversation quickly so they didn't fly into my house.

Later, when I walked out to the driveway I discovered a ton of them swarmed on the corner of the house. YIPES.

(sorry the photo isn't better quality...I was trying to keep my distance...and it was difficult to see what I was capturing due to the glare of sunshine)

When the handy husband came home I asked him to check it out and take care of it. 

He sprayed some deadly stuff on them and down the inside of that edging. (they were falling out the bottom of it too)

This is what we discovered this morning:

I don't know what kind they are exactly. But, I know they are dead now. There were probably 30-40 of them lying all over the driveway and sidewalk today. 

Mountains of Laundry!

do you ever feel like you are drowning in laundry?

i copied that picture from the internet. i am not brave enough to show you my real-life pile in my real-cluttered house. my pile is twice this, probably.

so, here's what i'm gonna do. i'm gonna fold it one piece at a time. then, when it is all nice and pretty i'm gonna put it away. immediately. none of that sitting around folded in the basket at my house. nope. straight to the closet.

SEE:

isn't that better.

oh, wait. still not my real-life picture. oh well, it's fun to dream, right?!

wouldn't you just LOVE to have a closet that looks like this:

(can you hear the angels singing?)

i love this. i love the pink, i love the cute little dresses, and THAT BENCH...please notice the bench!

The Alphabet Book Monster

We have these alphabet books:

Jonah likes them a lot. You should see the "G" book...he REALLY likes it (the whole corner was yummy)!

Anyway, on this particular day he was having fun making a mess with the books. He'd started out running and sliding, so we got the camera. Then, he resorted to plain-old-messmaking. But, I made a video anyway. You will see a bit of sliding at the end.

Enjoy!

the one with yogurt

OH. MY. GOODNESS!! 

this post is a two-part series. well, maybe not in the true sense of that. i am including both parts in today's blog post. the main feature is the second part, but I am including a little back story for you!  so, without further ado...i present: the one with yogurt!

Part 1

one day a week or so ago i was working at the computer after dinner. jonah seemed to need something more to eat, so i set him up with some yogurt in his high chair. i helped him get started and then let him go at it a bit on his own. i figure he's old enough to start learning more in the self-feeding dept. plus, he is happier when  he can do it himself. this was the result of that:

a bit messy, but very accomplished. he loved feeding himself!

Part 2
THEN...yesterday, i was making dinner. he was very very hungry (read: he was screeching so loud i could hardly hear myself think) and the cheerios were not going to cut it much longer, and, in order to get real food on the table i had to keep cooking. so....i thought a little yogurt might do the trick. well, it sure did something!! this is the result i faced this time:

 

in this video you will see when i turned on the light. sorry it is dark in the beginning. 

enjoy!

hair. eyes. diaper. he was  covered. 

as you can see, that final picture was taken in the bathroom. 

he had a good scrub before i ate my dinner. 

in the end i'd call this little venture a success. 

nobody or nothing was [permanently] damaged. he loved it, and probably developed some sort of motor skills.