Well...only two days then we start the journey to the beach! Yes, we have decided that we are going to take the boys to the beach! To my seven year old's joy, this is going to be an educational trip as well. At that age, they kind of think that is cool. Anyway, we will be driving around eight hours! So, even though no one is reading this...maybe, I can put it out in the universe for us to have a good trip. :) I'll post more about where we went, what worked for our family, where we stayed, etc.

Baby Shower Gift

So, I was invited to a baby shower this weekend. It is funny...my 7 year old has asked me many times why it is called a shower, and why are we buying presents for a baby before he or she is born. Such very good questions, I tell him. I think it is called a shower because you "shower" the mom with gifts. I can't really give him a good answer for the other question.

I thought about what to get this new mom and her unborn baby. I decided that something practical would be best. I mean...I remember getting all of those cute little outfits that just hung in the closet for months. Really, how many moms dress their new babies in something different every day...I mean some thing cute and hard to put on and get off?! Don't get me wrong, I was grateful for EVERYTHING that everyone gave to me. But, I have learned through two boys that those cute little outfits go to waste. The ones that are my favorite are those that have to be ironed! Who irons an outfit for a 3 month old?!?!

O.K. I'm finished. What I set out to do in this post was to talk about things that I think make a good shower gift. Even if the mom thinks at the time the gifts are lame (she might if this is her first). After the baby is born, she will be grateful! So, here are my ideas:

• DIAPERS - in as many sizes as you can afford and the better ones are good (Pampers, Huggies, Luvs, store brand...in that order)
• Wipes - Again, as many as you can afford. Unless the mom is picky, I don't think brand really matters.
• Mylicon Drops - These are a lifesaver when the baby has gas, and they are a bit expensive.
• Diaper Rash Ointment - The best I have found in Desitin Creamy or Johnsons and Johnsons.
• Medicine - Tylenol, Motrin. Again, these can be expensive.
• Baby Washes, Powders, Lotions - Personally, I hate the baby powder smell, but I know some folks really like it. So, I like Aveeno and the Lavender scent by J & J. My other favorite, but it is a bit expensive is Burts Bees.
• Storage - Baskets, plastic bins, etc.
• Bibs - I found that I needed bibs. We went through SEVERAL a day.

So, those are my ideas. If you HAVE to buy clothes for someone, I mean we really do like to buy them...they are so cute, buy something functional. Get a pack of onesies or gowns or something like that. Unless the mom has specifically asked for blankets and clothes, she probably already has them. Folks come out of the woodwork to give you hand-me-downs when they find out someone is pregnant. Also, make sure the clothes are season appropriate and a variety of sizes. All children grow at different rates. My almost 2 year old wears a 4t! And, neither one of them ever wore Newborn size diapers!

My favorite gifts were when someone put together a basket or a bin with "supplies" in it. The items were useful, and I could use the basket to store things after I took out the gifts.

Art Project Site

I just found this site for art projects and lessons. I thought I would share it (when someone actually reads this).

http://artsmarts4kids.blogspot.com/

Fun at the "Bouncy, Jumpy Place"

Today we met our friends at the "Bouncy, Jumpy Place"...you know those huge inflatable jumping thing in a warehouse or large building? We didn't have anything like that when I was a kid. Anyway, it was a lot of fun! I was a nervous wreck. I mean...what would happen to my fragile little 22 month old son?! What would he do around all those HUGE inflatable things and those older kids? Well, he figured it out. After about fifteen minutes, he was jumping all by himself. By the time we left, he was climbing up the HUGE slide and sliding down all by himself! His big brother was so helpful. He had assured me before we went that the little one would have fun and that he would make sure that he was safe. :) They played non-stop for 3 hours!

We also started homeschooling last week. So, today, was gym class with our group. They are a GREAT group of moms and kids. I feel so lucky to have found them. It makes this first year of homeschooling so much easier knowing we have support!

My Life with Boys!

My husband walks to the freezer. He opens it to get some ice. A box of cereal falls on his head then hits the floor. That causes a dinosaur that happens to be on the floor in front of the fridge to bounce up and hit him on the shin! My life with boys is full of excitement!

Last night, my husband and 7 year old son taught my almost 2 year old son how to pretend to fart. Then, of course, the 2 year old says, "Mommy, do it!". So, we were all standing around pretending to fart and laughing!

My boys are so different. We have two as I mentioned above. The 7 year old is so laid-back, passive, understanding, loving...The almost 2 year old is so demanding. He is a very sweet little boy, but so different. He wants what he wants, and he wants it now! It is interesting to see how they are so very different and so similar in so many ways. The weird thing is that the 2 year old bullies the 7 year old. Now, our 7 year old is a big kid. He stands almost 4'5"! The 2 year old is about 1/2 his size! So, we have some giant children. It will be fun to see how their relationship grows.

This begins my blog about "My life with boys"! I am the only female in this house. I have a husband, a male black lab, and two boys! I will talk about my journey as well as my challenges regarding our budget, raising these boys, my relationship, etc. Does anyone really care? I'm not sure, but I think it will help me. And, that is all that matters. :) Enjoy!