Five on Friday!

It's time for Five on Friday with the ladies! I love this linkup; it's perfect for a sporadic blogger like me!

1. Belated Anniversary Date Night

Our anniversary is in August, but instead of celebrating then, we decided to buy tickets for Wicked when it came to town wait to have our date. My parents came into town and kept the kids while we went to dinner and the show. We had a fantastic meal at Sotto, one of my favorite restaurants in Cincinnati. We had goat cheese & honey bruschetta, polenta with fried egg, brown butter, and parmigiano, pennette with vodka sauce, and braised beef with tomato, red wine, and polenta. The food was incredible and we finished our meal with the ricotta donuts and dipping sauces. I was kind enough to share them with my husband, but I could have bathed in the salted caramel sauce. 

After our dinner, we headed to the theater to see Wicked. In February of 2007, we went to dinner at the Signature Room in Chicago and afterwards, Tyler asked me to marry him. Spoiler alert: I said yes. After we got engaged, we went to see Wicked, but I was practically giddy so I honestly don't remember much of the musical! The company that put on the show here in Cincinnati did a phenomenal job. I enjoyed every minute; Wicked is such a clever story and the music is wonderful. It was one of my very favorite theatre experiences. Tyler and I had a wonderful night out and it was great to spend some time together without our little people. 

2. Burrito Love

I'm pretty sure that I've talked about food in every Five on Friday. Oh well, it's just who I am. I've been eating these Amy's Bean and Cheese burritos for lunch and I love them SO much. I craved Taco Bell bean burritos with extra cheese throughout my pregnancy with AB. These are a much healthier option and they really are delicious! I haven't made them in the microwave yet; I just wrap them in foil and baked them for about 50 minutes. They're a fool-proof, easy lunch! 

3. Toys Galore

Griffin was an only child for nearly three years and he was also the only grandchild on both sides of our families until his sister came along. Naturally, this position comes with lots of spoiling and toys. His room was getting so cluttered and he was just going from one toy to another. He really didn't even know all that he had because there was just so much stuff. While he was at school on Thursday, my mom and I organized his toys into four groups. I put three groups in the attic and kept one group in his room. It's my plan to rotate groups of toys every Sunday. This weekend, I will take the laundry basket in his closet that's full of toys and replace it with the next group that we have in our attic (our attic has very easy accessibility). Some of my friends do this with large Rubbermaid bins and just bring down a bin a week, but I didn't really want to spend the money on bins and a laundry basket worked just fine for us. It's also easy for me to carry up and down the stairs depending on where we're hanging out that day. We'll see how it goes; my parents just left today, so Griffin's been occupied with playing with them and hasn't realized that a lot of his toys are "missing". 

4. Potty Training

Well, last Friday I decided that it was time for Griffin to say goodbye to his diapers. This was after I'd spent $70 in diapers for two the week before. No way, man. Plus he was totally ready. I used an abbreviated version of the "three day method" and he did so well! He had a few accidents on Friday, one on Saturday, and since then has only had 2-3 more! I am so proud of him! We decided to wait to night train him since I'm a little more tired than usual these days, but we're planning on working on that next week since he's done well. I'm not as worried about that. My little guy sure is growing up fast. Time really does fly! And how darn precious are those little boy underwear?? I thought my heart was just going to melt. I love being that boy's mama.

5. My Babies

And for my grand finale, here are two gratuitous pictures of my sweet babies. I just can't help myself. Griffin loves sleeping with his hammer that he borrowed from his buddy next door and Miss Annabeth started smiling last week. I couldn't love them more if I tried!

Happy weekend, friends!

Five on Monday

I didn't get a chance to link up with Five on Friday, so I'm doing Five on… Monday? Let's all say it together… better late than never!

1. Pixie Pants
Right now I'm in that really awkward stage of post-pregnancy where nothing fits quite right. Shirts, pants, you name it-- it doesn't fit well. I headed to Old Navy last week to check out their new pixie pants because I thought they might be a good transition pant for these last weeks of winter and spring, and I was right! I was able to go up one size and feel very comfortable. They're a good streamlined pant and I'm able to pair them with lots of different types of tops. They're also a great price point! I'm glad to be wearing pants that aren't of the yoga variety, but let's be honest, I'm still wearing a lot of those too.

2. Sandwiches

This is a weird one, but I thought I'd add it anyway. Before I was pregnant with Annabeth, I can probably count on one hand the number of deli meat sandwiches I'd ever made for myself. They just didn't really appeal to me much. Then when I was pregnant with AB, I craved them hardcore. I would make myself subs and bake them in the oven to make them "pregnancy approved". Now that she's here, I literally have a ham and salami sandwich with colby jack cheese, light mayo, dijon mustard, and Penzey's Sandwich Sprinkle every. single. day. I look forward to lunch so that I can have my sandwich. It's the strangest thing, but it sure is a delicious and easy lunch! Griffin usually joins me and has a "ham ham sandwich", as he calls it. It makes me laugh every time he says it! Also, this Sandwich Sprinkle is one of my favorite things; if you have a local Penzey's Spices, go grab some. It's delicious!

3. Mrs. Meyers Honeysuckle Hand Soap

I have to be honest… I'm not a huge fan of Mrs. Meyer's cleaning products. Eek! I know that's not a popular opinion, but I much prefer the candles and the hand soap. I honestly don't love a lot of their scents. Iowa Pine is a favorite around Christmas time and I love the Bluebell scent, but it can be hard to find. I recently grabbed a bottle of the Honeysuckle hand soap and I am obsessed. I have it in my kitchen and it is the perfect spring scent. Now, if only spring would show up and stick around. 

4. Pens

I'm sure I've written about my love of office supplies here before, but I'm about to wax poetic again. I love, love, love them. Highlighters, notebooks, Sharpies, spiral notecards, etc. Staples is my happy place! About a year ago, I fell in love with a new set of pens. I'd been faithful to Sharpie pens for a long time (and still love their pastel colored pack), but I grabbed a new brand on a whim during a trip to Target. The Staedtler Triplus Fineliner pens have made me a changed woman. They come in this handy little case that becomes a stand and it's so easy to throw them in your purse (or diaper bag) along with your planner. Most importantly, they write well! I love the super fine tip. I've used these to color code my planner and our family calendar that hangs on the fridge. If you're an office supply freak like me, get you some. 

5. St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Paddy's Day! We have corned beef every year, but we always have it in the form of reubens with lots of sauerkraut, swiss cheese, and thousand island dressing. I cook mine in the crockpot using this recipe (no coleslaw for us). It's easy and always yields a really delicious corned beef! The smell has been taunting me all day long. I'm eager for 5:30 to get here! Annabeth O'Haney says, "Happy St. Patrick's Day and have a great week!" 

February #haney365

I'm still planning on trying to do these weekly once I catch up, but for now, here's our February in pictures!

February 1

My mom makes the best lasagna in the world. I'm serious. I've never had a better lasagna in a restaurant or homemade. I desperately need to blog the recipe! She was kind enough to make it while we waited for Bubbles to make her arrival.

February 2

Tyler introduced Griffin to his shadow. It was a huge hit! I love this picture so much!

February 3

Griffin is always the head smoothie maker in our house! He whipped up a few before we left for the hospital to have the baby.

February 4

After getting to know our girl for a night, we announced that our sweet Annabeth had joined our family! It was such a joyous first full day with our baby girl!

February 5

Headed home from the hospital! We couldn't wait for AB to meet her big brother!

February 6

She really is her daddy's mini-- she'd much rather sleep than eat!

February 7

Tyler got some great snuggles at Annabeth's weight check. She was gaining like a champ!

February 8

Griffin had a great morning-- breakfast with Daddy & Papa and then a trip to the library with Mimi & Mama. I love that he loves going to the library as much as I do!

February 9

Handy Manny gave Griffin lots to think about.

February 10

Tyler worked from home and kept AB while I went to the store. When I got home, I offered to take her, but he wanted to keep her with him while he was on a call. So, so sweet!

February 11

Our first girls baking day!

February 12

This baby girl is proving to be quite a problem! ;)

February 13

My parents took Griffin to get his hair cut by my dad's barber, Mr. Joe, who has cut his hair for over 20 years. Mr. Joe gave my brother his first hair cut and his wife used to cut my hair when I was a little girl. Griffin loved Mr. Joe! It made me so very happy when my mom texted me this picture.

February 14

Happy Valentine's Day from a hungry Haney baby and another very concerned one!

February 15

Tyler and I took Griffy to coney island for lunch. We had a really sweet time together! We ordered him his first Jello, but he ended up not liking it. Oh well… sorry, Bill Cosby.

February 16

Heading home from Michigan as a family of four! We had to listen to Griffin's favorite song over and over and over and over. 

February 17

It was my first day alone with both kids, so naturally we ordered pizza and had a picnic on the family room floor! Three cheers for Pizza Hut delivery!

February 18

Griffin loves this drill and just wanted to share it with AB. I believe his exact words were, "I'm just showing Sissy my drill! We're a construction team!" Sweet boy.

February 19

Two kids? Piece. Of. Cake.

February 20

A year ago on this day, I was being wheeled into an OR for what we didn't know would be life-altering surgery. A year later, I'm holding a tangible reminder of the fact that God ALWAYS has the final word. I'm still so grateful for all He taught me this past year. He is good and He is sovereign. GREAT is Thy faithfulness!!!!

February 21

We were getting ready to leave and Annabeth started to fuss. Griffin grabbed his guitar and started to play her a song and sing to her. She quieted down almost immediately. It was such a precious moment for me as their mama.

February 22

Our first family walk! It was a gorgeous day and left us longing for spring.

February 23

I'm convinced that there's nothing better than your newborn burying her face in your neck and falling asleep. Best feeling ever.

February 24

I was so thankful that sis slept through Griffin's doctor appointment so I could focus on him. He just had a fever virus, but he was pretty miserable. After his appointment, we snuggled on the couch and I introduced him to one of my old favorites, The Land Before Time. 

February 25

Griffin's hair is dark, coarse, and curly. Annabeth's is blondish red, silky, and straight. I love that they have such different heads of hair!

February 26

Super Griffin (wearing his gloves, no less) thought Sissy's cradle was broken. He was determined to fix it!

February 27

My sweet boy couldn't love his sister more, but he's having a hard time sharing his mama. I love looking at his precious face while he sleeps. I know the transition will get easier as time goes on!

February 28

I can't get enough of seeing these two together! Love them so, so much!

Annabeth :: 1 Month

Annabeth, you are one month old!

March 3, 2014

What were you up to this month?

You fit in newborn clothing for the first few weeks and you still do fit in certain things. However, things have always been too short on you! Three month clothing fits length wise and in the arms, but it's still quite baggy. You are long and lean! You have the longest fingers and toes, just like your big brother when he was born. 

Your hair hasn't fallen out at all and continues to look either light brown, blonde, or red depending on the lighting. People comment on your hair constantly; it's incredibly soft and silky. You have the biggest eyes and they're a beautiful cornflower blue. I really hope your eyes stay blue like your daddy's!  You are such a beautiful baby!

You are SUCH a snooze-face! You still sleep most of the day, but as the month went on, you were more alert for longer periods of time. Sometimes it's still hard to get you to eat because you're in such a deep sleep and you rarely wake up to eat. Usually I have to wake you up and then you realize you're hungry and you get mad, so I have to be ready! 

You sleep from about 10:30 to anywhere between 4 and 5:30. You wake up, eat, and go back to sleep until anywhere between 8 and 9:00. Your pediatrician told me to let you sleep as long as you will since you've gained weight well. This was just fine with me! We swaddle you just like we swaddled your brother and you seem to like it. We switched you to a Summer SwaddleMe from your A&A swaddle blanket when you were about 3 weeks old. You're just too strong to not use velcro! You're sleeping in a cradle in our room, which has been wonderful for those middle of the night feeds. You're a very quiet sleeper, so you don't keep us awake at all! You don't nap on a schedule yet, so you nap all over the house. You've taken several naps in your crib and you seem to like it in there! 

You are nursing exclusively, which has been a new ballgame for Mommy. We were (and still are!) prepared with lots of formula samples and coupons, but we haven't needed them. You're eating around 8 times a day and you nurse anywhere between 30-45 minutes at a time. You still fall asleep a lot while eating. Daddy gave you a bottle on your one month birthday. It took some coaxing, but you drank about two ounces before you were too tired to eat anything else. I pump off about 14-16 ounces a day in addition to feeding you, so we're hoping to give you at least one bottle a week so that I can still have a little freedom. We used a Playtex Nurser bottle;  we'll see if we stick to those or switch in the coming months.

You don't care for your swing, but you love your bouncy seat. You almost always start to cry when we put you in your carseat, but as soon as the car starts moving and we put on some music, you pass right out. You also like your Wubbanub pacifier, just like Griffin! Daddy picked out an owl for you and you really love it. You typically don't keep it in your mouth long; you use it just long enough to soothe yourself and then you don't care anymore. You don't need the Wubbie to sleep at night (yet), so that 's been helpful. You started sucking your thumb shortly after you were born and as cute as it is, a paci is a lot easier to take away than a thumb, so I'm happy about the Wubbie!

You love baths, but hate being cold. As soon as we run the warm water over you and wash your hair, you're a happy camper. You hated having your diaper changed your first week of life, but after that, it's like you just resigned yourself to the fact that it's just part of life. However, you really get upset when your diaper is wet or dirty. If you're fussy, it's the first thing we check! 

You made your first trip to Michigan to pick up your big brother and have your newborn pictures made. You slept the entire way there and back, with one stop each way to eat. You're already a super traveler! 

Your big brother couldn't love you more! When I go and get him in the morning or after his nap, he always asks me, "Where is my baby? Where is Anna-bef?" He wants to hold you and kiss you all day long. He'll be in the middle of playing and all of a sudden run over to kiss on you. I really think he's your biggest fan! 

Annabeth Noel, we are absolutely crazy about you. I dreamed and dreamed of having a second baby and I'm so glad that God's timing was not mine, because you are the perfect fit for our family! You have the most precious personality already and the joy of being your mother is almost too much for me to handle sometimes. I can't believe you're already a month old! You are a content, sweet baby angel and I love you so very, very much! 

1 Month Stats

Weight: 9lbs, 12.5 oz (70th percentile)

Height: 22.5 inches (90th percentile)

Head circumference: 15 inches

Diaper size: Newborn

Nicknames: Nugget, Sweet Pea, Sissy, Sis, Sissy Bear, AB

Happy one month birthday, baby girl! We love you!