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Well, there I am.  But, minus the dumbbell and tan.  And…if I’m being honest…minus the flat stomach.  And shoot.  Who am I kidding?  I avoid whisk-holding like the plague.

Otherwise, it’s practically me.  Really!  Like looking in the mirror!

Except that Max is CRAWLING now.  Holy on-guard-every-second, Batman!

If I’ve learned nothing else from Motherhood (yes, I capitalize this word on purpose!), it is how to multitask.  And when I say “multitask,” I mean do things ONE-HANDED.

The days of propping this little man up on the bed with toys are officially over.

Less of that, and more of THIS…

He ain’t mad about it!

Kiddie jail is where it’s at.

But for reals, I could win a one-handed competition.  Max on right hip (held with dominate hand) with left hand accomplishing it all.

Make a bottle?  Duh – 4 times a day!  Take apart the exersaucer, including unscrewing 9 screws?  I did it this morning!  Toothbrushing, makeup donning, dressing oneself?  Piece of cake!

Luckily, Scott is the best Daddy in town…so it is not all me.  But sweet Jesus, having one-handed skills is clutch.

I think multitasking is at its finest when getting ready to exit the building.  Our biggest challenge yet?  Going to the beach with said adorable baby in tow. Oh.my.heavens.  Packing up the car, unloading the car, and then setting up our sandy real estate.  For an hour/hour and a half TOPS of keeping the little man from shoveling sand into his mouth?  Oy – this subject deserves its own post! (Hubs – AMIRIGHT?)

We WILL get better at it!

Juggling 40 bags (okay-at least 3!) with baby simultaneously on hip while trying to unlock the car (where are those keys again?), putting fussing baby into the car seat while checking to make sure you have the stroller, highchair/shopping cart cover, diaper bag (preferably with diapers inside), toys, water, bottle, food, bowl, spoon, washcloth, bib, burp cloth, change of clothes, picnic blanket, baby’s hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and at least three pacifiers (we’re going through a I-throw-my-pacifier-when-I-most-need-it phase).  MOTHER!  Did I lock the front door?  [After pulling out of neighborhood - "Where are my sunglasses?!"]  Yup, I’ve lost 2 pairs in 2 weeks. #FAIL

And imagine – there are people out there with more than one baby.  AT A TIME!!!

I bow down to you, Moms of multiples.  I bow down to you hard.

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I know tomorrow is Father’s Day, but today I salute all the Moms out there. While you’re enjoying your cocktail of choice at 3:00pm this evening, imagine me clinking your glass.  And then me chugging mine.

Cheers!

High Temperature: 86° 

In the Spring – Scott and I went to Charleston Repeats, a semi-annual consignment event, and struck out big time.  We were overwhelmed and under informed.  I’m pretty sure I was hungry and Scott’s eyes hurt (baby paraphernalia is BRIGHT!).  We were not ready.  Imagine – deer in headlights.

This time around I was better prepared, with a fellow Mommy friend, and felt like I actually had a clue.  I was on a mission, but was prepared to leave empty-handed (if I got caught up in all of the madness again).  Sarah’s head = on straight.

My goal was to look for a bouncy seat for Nana and Grandpa’s house and a Halloween costume for Max.  Success!  I also scored a boppy pillowcase, a changing table pad (also for Nana and Grandpa’s), a puzzle, cloth stackable pails, and all of this clothing…

FOR $78!

The clothes were $38 and in GREAT condition.  The little jacket alone was probably $38 brand new.  The labels are Gap, Old Navy, Circo, Carter, and Oshkosh.  I was very pleased with these Fall/Winter finds!

I will DEFINITELY go back to this sale in the Spring.  My advice?  Go with a plan, patience, and a full belly.  Be ready to commit, but don’t be impulsive.  It can be VERY overwhelming, but VERY worth it!  (BONUS: Admission and parking are FREE!)

TEAM CONSIGNMENT!  I didn’t think I’d be into it, but babies grow so fast and I’m a sucker for a good deal.

Did anyone else go?  What was your best find?

XOXO

p.s. The highlight of my time there?  Meeting someone who follows the blog! SO SORRY that I was totally awkward when you asked if I was Sarah from Charm of Charleston.  That has never happened before…please comment and at least tell me your name!  No, this dummy didn’t even think to do that.  <insert embarrassed face>  ::kicks rocks::  THANK YOU FOR SAYING HI!!!!!!!!!

p.s.s. Max’s Halloween costume is mixed in there as a teaser.  (Um yes, it was $3!)  I’m keeping it a surprise…for now! 

p.s.s.s. Cutest pic of Max on the blog tomorrow, so come back!

Beach Count: 77  

Pool Count: 32 

High Temperature: 83° 

Oh.  Labor Day was 4 days ago, you say?  

Hm.  Close enough, I say.  I’m on baby time now, kids!

I made a video documenting Baby Max’s start in this world.  [cue the tissues] Thankfully, I started it before his arrival.  Otherwise, I think I would’ve completed it just short of Max’s sweet 16 (man, it’s hard to get things done while taking care of an infant!).

It’s 6 minutes of your life, so watch at your own discretion.  I, myself, can’t get enough.

I suggest watching ON YouTube by simply clicking “Tube” on the lower right corner of the video box in order to see the video without having parts cut off. File under: I-have-no-idea-what-I’m-doing-with-videos.

ENJOY!

  ♥

p.s. A call out to my besties.  I’m sorry this is the only type of call that I’ve made to you in weeks.  I love and miss you.  I suggest calling me.  again.  repeatedly. everyday.  (no, but seriously.)  XOXO

p.s.s. HI GRAM!  Skype next week?!  xoxo

Beach Count: 77  

Pool Count: 32 

High Temperature: 90° 

Max is now 1 month and 1 day old.

That’s 4 weeks and 4 days.

32 whole days.

[Sigh]

My baby’s growing up!

Here is our little man in all his 1 month glory.

1 month new! (monthly pic idea stolen from Pinterest)

Max celebrated by sleeping (duh).  It’s okay…we took care of the cupcakes for him!

That’s Scott’s Death By Chocolate on the left and my Samoa on the right (thanks, Cupcake!)

So I’m going to share Max’s stats on a month basis, sorta like my weekly pregnancy updates.  I look at it as my most detailed baby book for our little man. Here we grow go!

ONE MONTH OLD

Weight: He was just shy of 8 lbs. at his last Dr. appointment, so we’re guessing 8.5ish…?  Where I gain weight in my thighs first (and mostly), Max gains them in his chin–s.

It’s okay, bud.  Someday you’ll have a neck!

Hair: Well, little man has definitely lost a lot of his hair.  Particularly on the top and front of his head.  We may or may not call him Benjamin Button sometimes. Scott says that now he knows what he’ll look like when he loses his hair someday. Haha!

Eyes: Still steel/dark blue.  We’ll see if they stay that way or not!  Scott has green eyes and I have brown. 

Clothes: Max is still wearing newborn diapers and mostly newborn clothes. Because he doesn’t have a whole lot of newborn choices, Max is also wearing some 0-3 onesies.  Some fit okay and others are ginormous – depends on the brand.  I think the days of newborn diapers are numbered.  The Daddy’s and Mommy’s Big Guy, green gingham, and polka dot onesies are our favorites!  I also can’t get enough of him in his pjs!

Eating: Well, I’m breastfeeding (TMI?) so baby boy is totally running the show right now!  Every 3 hours (from the start of feeding) is the average, but we are SO not on a schedule.  My little man is getting what he wants on demand at the moment.  Why shouldn’t that cuteness get what he wants?!

Sleeping:  Max currently sleeps in the bassinet (part of his Pack ‘n Play) in our bedroom.  He sleeps in 3-5 hour blocks at night, but 4 hours is usually his jam. When he wakes up, he is typically allll business.  Scott changes his diaper, I nurse him and attempt to burp him (he is NOT a big burper) and then put him right back down.  Scott and I have both been off from work for the whole month, so we’ve been able to sleep in.  Therefore, the broken up sleep really hasn’t been a big deal.  Big changes next week – Scott goes back go work!  ::Fingers crossed that we all transition well::

Nicknames: Max, Maxie Boy, Baby, Baby Boy, Bud, Buddy, Little Man, Pumpkin, Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Face (maybe I’m excited for Fall?!), Sweet Pea, My Littlest Love, Daddy’s Big Guy, Big Guy, Sweet Love {mush, mush, mush!}

Funny Things/Moments: Although Max isn’t a burper, he is big into farting. He and his Dada bond over this.  I’m pretty sure they have already farted the alphabet together or something.  Seriously though, when I’m in the other room I often ask, “Was that YOU or THE BABY???”  Hilarious!

Scott is an AWESOME Daddy (that’s a whole other post), but he must’ve been really tired when he dressed him this time.

First onesie, THEN pants…silly, Dada!

In a tizzy, Scott by mistake tried my breast milk.  ”How was it a mistake?” you ask. Again – a whole other post!  (LOVE YOU, BABE!)

Scott and I have both been peed, pooped, and spit up on.  It’s funny how much you don’t care when it’s your little pumpkin doing it.  (I’m pretty sure his pediatrician felt a little differently about being peed on…twice!)

Our little man sneezes a ton and never just once.  It’s super cute…except when he spits up simultaneously!  (Okay, that’s still cute.)

Max is easily startled, but just sometimes by some things (hates the dryer door but loves the vacuum…?).  It’s funniest when he scares himself!

Max’s Likes: Time on his play mat, MUSIC (particularly Zac Brown Band…for real), his sound machine (more music), time on the rocker in our screened-in patio, dancing, his Rock ‘n Play Sleeper (LIFESAVER!), farting with Dada, eating with Mama, spending time with his grandparents, being read to, his red ball, being out and about/fresh air, his duckie Wubbanub

Oops! Green line = dirty diaper

Max’s Dislikes: Tummy time (other than on people’s bellies), bath time, diaper changes, not being held for a long period of time, having tummy aches

Random: Max is SO CUTE when he yawns!

He’s super strong (we think!) for a baby his age.

He’s like a baby bird when he’s hungry.  Watch out – he’ll peck at you, too!

Although Max isn’t intentionally smiling yet, his little by-mistake (probably I’m-farting) smile is THEE CUTEST.  Here’s a semi-smile…

We can’t wait for more of these, little buddy!!!

I could really go on forever!  We are LOVING parenthood and time with baby Max Joseph!

I hope all is well with everyone…thanks for still checking in even though I’ve been so spotty with my blogging.  I’ll get back on a schedule, I’m sure…eventually!

XOXO

p.s. Congrats to Giuliana and Bill Rancic on their baby boy!  (Congrats to that Snooki character too, I guess. Ha!)

Beach Count: 77  

Pool Count: 32 

High Temperature: 82° 

Yes – pun intended!

Oh.My.Goodness.  

Max is THEE BEST little man on the planet.

He is SO sweet ♥

He sleeps more than expected.

He’s a good eater [OUCHIES for Mama!].

He smiles (okay, not on purpose yet – but still!).

He likes music and singing and bright lights and Daddy’s dance moves.

He’s a pro at Skype and was an angel during his newborn portrait session (can’t wait to share these pics with you soon – once we get them!!!).

He has the cutest, little feet.

He has razor sharp nails, the most adorable double chin, and HATES bath and diaper time.

He likes to keep one eye open more than the other…even sometimes while sleeping (trust no one – ha!).

He holds my finger while he nurses (pitter patter).

He’s (obviously) advanced beyond his years weeks.

We are enjoying every second.

I am SO THANKFUL that Scott has been home with us and will continue to be until the little pumpkin is 5 weeks old.  BLESSED.

Max’s birth story, my newborn must-haves, and other random posts will be coming your way in the next couple of weeks.  Here are some Max pics to hold you over!

Swooooon!

Who loves their Daddy more?

Just stop it…

Just chillaxin’ – watching some PGA with Dada

I’m semi-watching you!  (Happiest Mommy in the world, by the way!)

NOT a happy camper!

“Daddy’s Big Guy!”  We have a “Mommy’s Big Guy” onesie, too!

I can’t get enough of these two!

Our little family

Love ♥

Thank you to EVERYONE for the heartfelt well-wishes and congrats, both on this here blog and on Facebook.  I am too overwhelmed with love to answer back everyone, but please know that every single encouraging word is very much appreciated!!!

XOXO

p.s. We have company in town for 2 full weeks…maybe Max will get to explore some of Charleston???  We’ll see!

Beach Count: 77  

Pool Count: 32 

High Temperature: 89° 

BOY!!!

Can you believe it?  We have a healthy baby BOY and our hearts could not be more full.  BEST. SURPRISE. EVER.

BIRTH STATS

Gender: BOY

Name: Max Joseph Trottier

Date: July 30th, 2012

Time: 7:55am

Entrance: Via c-section (little boy was breech!)

Weight: 6lbs. 12oz.

Length: 19 ½ inches

Hair Situation: A dark, sweet combover

Eyes: Steel blue (for now)

Cuteness (on a scale from 1-10): Um, the scale is broken..seriously.

Our first family picture (relax, it’s just a boob)

He eventually warmed up to the whole car seat idea

I look forward to sharing my whole birth story (and other stories), more pictures, and more of everything.  But for now, I’m going to go enjoy my little family.

THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THE WELL WISHES, PRAYERS, AND VIRTUAL HUGS.  Max sends his love and wet kisses to all! ♥

“Star of Mommy’s Blog”

Ain’t that the truth! 

Thanks, Aunt Christina!  xoxo

p.s. Gotta love my pregnancy sweat glow!

Beach Count: 77  

Pool Count: 32 

High Temperature: 97° 

*Week 38*

CURRENT STATS

Percentage Cooked: 95%!

Baby Size: Over 6 lbs.?

Countdown to Baby: Less than 2 weeks (268 days down, 12 to go!)

Symptoms: Just about everything is sore.

Sleep has actually gotten a little bit better, shockingly.

I’m super hungry all of the time.  See wait gain…not good.

Hourly bathroom breaks.

Swollen feet and fingers, but now my hands/arms fall asleep quickly!

Vivid dreams – some related to labor and delivery, but some not.

LOTS of movement and hiccups from Baby, mostly at night.

We’re having cranky moments (all 3 of us).

We’re ready for ya, Baby!!!

 Cravings: Oreos, ice cream, fruit, Root Beer, I’m gonna throw you for a loop here - fish & chips!

Weight Gain: 35 lbs. as of last Wednesday…ugh, enough with the weight

Related Purchases: Some baby book items – yes, I’m attempting to make my own.  Otherwise, we are all set with baby items…as far as we know!

Fear of the Week: I have 2 Dr.’s appointments this week…I’m thinking we should have our hospital bags in the car, just in case?!

Relief of the Week: We get to see the baby this week – we’re going to have an ultrasound.  Yay!

I’m thankful that we’ve made it this far in the pregnancy.  Baby T. is already so strong!

Randomness: I’m sick of ALL of my clothes!

I saw this cartoon and thought of Scott →

Another funny one.  A little over the top, but funny! →

I can relate with the ice cream, nap, massage, and pjs!

 Scott’s Quote of the Week: Let’s give this week’s quote to my neighbor…

 Neighbor: “Oh, wow, when are you due?”

Me: “A couple more weeks!”

Neighbor: “My co-worker is due right around you, then.”

Me: “Oh fun – how’s her belly?  Is she ready to go, like me?” – ::for the record – dumb question::

Neighbor: “Well, she’s really petite – so her belly’s huge!”

Me: “OH, GOTCHA.” {insert sad face}

Me [after Scott and I got into the car]: “Um, I used to be ‘petite’ – what the heck!!!”

I mean, I’m not skinny anymore – but I am still only 4’11″.  Geesh!  Throw a pregnant girl a bone…or at least an Oreo.

Oy – I think I only have one week left in me!!!

xoxo

p.s. Any guesses on when this baby is going to come?!

Beach Count: 77  

Pool Count: 32 

High Temperature: 91° 

My parents, Scott, and I tackled the freezer meal situation last week.  As in – organized it, cleaned it out, and filled it to the brim with meals ready-to-go.

Success!!!

This is what we did…

First Mom and Dad made some meals of their own to freeze for themselves (they have A LOT of company headed their way in the next few months!) and then shared the wealth with us.  Thanks to them our freezer now has lasagna rolls, chicken madeira, bolognese sauce, and a gazillion meatballs (Mom made 100 or so…she’s incapable of just doubling a recipe – ha!).  That was an AWESOME start!

I had specific ideas of what else I wanted at my fingertips.  The garbage bread was already taken care of, but I wanted to tackle macaroni and cheese, turkey burgers, some crock pot recipes, cooked bacon & chicken for salads (or whatever), and blueberry muffins.  Mom and Dad came over for the day and we banged it all out (other than the muffins, I did those the next day).  I found the crock pot recipes on Pinterest (thanks for the tip, Heidi!) – terikyaki chicken, chicken enchiladas, and sausage & peppers.  Strawberries were also on sale, so we got some of those to freeze as well.

I am not at all saying that my freezer is full of the most nutritious and fat-free meals; instead I went for easy, filling, and yummy.  We organized everything by container/freezer bag, shelf, and bins – all labeled and ready to go.  I wrote the cooking directions on everything so it’s fool proof while I’m cooking through my eyelids.  We’re also ready for company (hello turkey burgers, thanks Christina!).

Look at the list that now lives on the side of the fridge…I am my parents’ daughter!

42ish meals later – I am ready for some easy meals on some maybe not so easy evenings.  Who else is excited?!

I’m embarrassed to say how excited I am that we now have bins in the freezer. WHAT…a dork.

In lieu of making this blog post ridiculously long, I am going to refrain from posting recipes.  However – if you want ‘em, I’ll share ‘em.  Ya just gotta ask!

This week, I’m going to make spicy Chex Mix, sweet Chex Mix (monkey munch or whatever people call it), and homemade chocolate chip cookies.

I absolutely suggest doing this pre-baby, if you can.  I am so glad that this task is completed!  

How was everyone’s weekend?!  Week 38 post coming atcha tomorrow!

xoxo

p.s. I’m a die hard Bachelorette fan and was THRILLED with last night’s finale!  (I won’t spoil it, just in case you haven’t seen it yet!).  How about Emily saying that she wants to get married in CHARLESTON?!  LOVE IT!!!

Beach Count: 77  

Pool Count: 32 

High Temperature: 92° 

I AM NOT A PHOTOGRAPHER.

(I repeat)

I AM NOT A PHOTOGRAPHER!

I absolutely admit that I have a semi-fancy camera and have not a clue what to do with it (hello, automatic setting!).  Scott and I both tried our very best to document Baby T.’s completed nursery, just like I am going to try my very best at this moment to let these photos speak for themselves and stop yapping.  always a struggle.

ENJOY! 

Okay, you know I wouldn’t be able to just leave it at that!  I’m a natural born narrator – I can’t help myself!!!

Note to Self (YOURself included): Planning a nursery without knowing the baby’s gender DOES present some challenges.  We chose to start with the primary colors from the bedding and the rug that we love and roll with the rest.  Yellow, gray, and red quickly became our accent colors.  We love the blue wall color and think it screams “baby!” without necessarily screaming “baby BOY!”  It’s just a sweet color.  We didn’t really theme-it-out, but went with a few different ideas that tickled our fancies.  It’s the only room in the house that we’ve planned from paint to curtain pullback and it’s the most serene-feeling room in the house.  We’re really happy with how it came together!!!

C’mon with the NY and SC prints – love ‘em, right?!  They’re so meaningful to us.

We found all of the wall art on Etsy, except for the gorgeous and thoughtful quote art.  My great friend in NY made that for me – thanks, Jenn!!!

I LOVE the nursing/reading nook by the window.  It’s so cozy.  Didn’t my Mom do an awesome job recovering the glider???  NAILED IT.  It’s perfect – thanks, Mom!  ♥

DIY Projects: I added the yellow ribbon to the chalkboard and lampshades.  I also made the curtain pullbacks with the yellow ribbon (and other small and cheap hardware pieces).  I made the mobile and I added the hearts to our home cities (Albany and Charleston) onto the state maps.

I threw that clock in the cube organizer last minute (I had a book opened and standing in place of it originally).  We still CANNOT figure out the perfect spot for that thing, but it’ll live there for now.  or for at least the next 5 minutes.  What a pain that clock has been – location suggestions welcome!

We love that there is still a lot of room to grow (re: space within the furniture, closet, bins, and baskets) and wall space to adorn, if and when we so chose.  I picture some large canvas prints on either wall in the nursing/reading nook of some pregnancy photos and then Baby T.’s newborn photos.  I also imagine a growth chart on the wall in the corner by the cube organizer and closet door. Maybe a little kid-sized coat rack somewhere.  Some more decorations on the top of the bookcase.  Baby’s name somewhere, even?  A baby will soon be in that crib…THAT I am sure of!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My favorite parts of the room are the personalized ones…the glider, the DIY projects, the blocks, the books, and the state prints.  What’s your favorite part?  What am I missing/what did I forget?  Anything look completely impractical?  What’s your favorite part of YOUR baby’s nursery?  

Phew – another BIG project checked off of the list!!!  I hope you enjoyed the big reveal!

HAPPY WEEKEND!

p.s. 17 days or less was YESTERDAY’S count.  Now 16 is the number – EEK and YAY! 

Beach Count: 77  

Pool Count: 32 

High Temperature: 89°