Hoarders

It's 8 o'clock on a Saturday night. My two boys are sound asleep -- we had our first neighborhood block party today and it must have exhausted both of them. So, here I sit...blogging and watching Hoarders.

Why am I so compelled by these strange people? Why can I, the person who absolutely hates sitting down and watching t.v., stare and watch episode after episode of these strangers? I'm obsessed.

It leads me to think: is there an opposite of hoarding?

Instead of keeping things, I absolutely love getting rid of things. You can guarantee that on Friday - garbage day - our garbage can AND recycling bins are filled. In our old apartment we had dumpsters and oh man I loved them. In fact, I still visit those dumpsters if I am feeling in an overly-get-rid-of mood and my garbage is filled already.

Is this normal? =)

As I watch these strange people with houses filled with clutter, dolls, feces, dust, and dirt I'm absolutely disgusted. I'm inspired. And, I throw more away.

I also clean like crazy.

This morning, I put Jack by my side in his Bumbo seat, threw my hair back in a ponytail, and I blasted my iTunes. I cleaned every inch of my fridge, wiped every non-existent smudge of my stainless steel appliances, and cleaned and re-cleaned every mirror. I scrubbed all three toilets (one huge downfall to having so many bathrooms!), wiped down every sparkling inch of my countertops, and dusted everything. By the way, new construction homes are filled with dust - my biggest enemy! Tonight, as Eric napped on the couch, I shop-vac'd the edges of our carpet, our stairs, and every rug in our house. {Everyone told me I'd give up on my clean house after kids...they were oh so wrong}

Well, I'm going to diagnose myself with: Gnidraoh, the opposite of hoarding. Instead of keeping, I get rid of. Instead of being unorganized, I alphabetize my canned goods. Instead of living in filth, I live in sparkling clean. And...if you ask me...I'd much rather have Gnidraoh than Hoarding. =)

Cheers to all you fellow clean freaks out there!

Ahh....fresh vacuum lines =)

These are my best friends in cleaning. Must buys!

Nothing better than a sparkling clean fridge...

And, I have the cutest little cleaning buddy around!

Another episode is starting...it must be a marathon. Yes!

Wordless Wednesday

I can pick up goldfish...

...and get them in my mouth!

Poor fishy.

Dear Jack,

You just woke up screaming from what your Dad and I think was a baby nightmare. I went in your room to pick you up and as soon as you were in my arms you snuggled, squeezed, and let out an adorable little **sigh**. Within seconds you were fast asleep in baby dreamland. I plopped you in your comfy spot in your crib with your Mr. Snuggles and blankie, and kissed your forehead. As always, a soft "Goodnight, Jack. I love you" followed.

You make life so fun and exciting. You grow and change everyday. Yesterday was your first grab-and-get-in-your-mouth day with Cheerios. As you got one out of twenty Cheerios in your mouth - we cheered! It was hard to not laugh at the cheerios that surrounded you and the half-eaten smooshed ones that covered you from head to toe. I don't mind that you get messy -- you're a boy after all. I'm slowly preparing myself for future skinned knees and grass-stained clothes.

Please, please don't ever give up your love for snuggling. Your daddy is a huge snuggler, and I'm hoping you also inherited that trait from him. Everyday, when you're sleepy, you rest your little head on my shoulder and squeeze with both hands around my neck. Sometimes, I even get a big, slobbery "kiss". After being gone for the night, my snuggle from you was extra long and it made my day. Your little hugs always make my day.

Last night was your first experience with fireworks. You were such a good little man. You rode along in the stroller, checked out people, and held your own bottle. When the fireworks show started, you slowly closed your eyes after each little boom. After a few minutes, you were brave enough to watch...but then slowly fell asleep on my shoulder. Good job, buddy! I'm glad the loud noises didn't bother you. A Josh Groban song started playing during the end of the show. Just for a moment, everything felt perfect. You sleeping on my shoulder, your daddy with his arm around me, and the words "You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains" gave me goosebumps. I love our little family. I love you, Jack.

I promise to be the best mom I can be. I will kiss your owies, laugh at your every little milestone, and read to you everyday. I won't go crazy when my living room floor is covered in toys and squished cheerios.

I can't wait to see you crawl.
I can't wait to watch you walk.
I can't wait to hear you say Mom.
I can't wait for our future as a family together.

I love you, baby Jack, with all of my heart.

Love, Mommy

You raise me up so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas
I am strong when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be...
Josh Groban - You Raise Me Up

A Night Out!

Yesterday, I left my boys at home, and went back to Waterloo for a Girls' Night Out! This was only the second time I've left Jack overnight for something fun and exciting. It was so much fun to spend time with some of my best friends.

Friends.
I've noticed as I get older (25, gasp!) that most people aren't surrounded by close, best friends. I am so lucky to have a couple really, really good friends. I have Eric and Jack, whom I love, but I also have the best little group of girlfriends ever. Whether we're shopping with my little man, or sharing martinis while out on the town, it never gets old or boring. We laugh, give advice, chit-chat, and mostly support each other through the many changing stages of our lives. Boyfriends, babies, houses, cars, clothes, and much more...I am thankful for you girls.

Food.
It's funny...as soon as food lands in our faces, we are quiet! Autumn, Lexie, and I made dinner reservations at the Brown Bottle, a locally owned Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown Waterloo. Our last memorable time there was senior prom night...so it brought back lots of memories. We devoured the home-made roasted garlic dressing, devoured only half of our amazing entrees (so we wouldn't be too full for martinis!), and gossiped.

Lazy river at the pool.
Being at the pool without Jack was weird for me. I love people watching, but now at the pool I baby watch. I watched the wee littles faces as they were blasted with buckets of water on the lazy river. I watched little boys run around and play -- looking forward to my little guy running around at the pool. I stared at the other family dynamics and oodled over some great dads hanging out with their kids. It made me miss my little man so much, but I did enjoy the relaxing girl talk without burp rags and Gerber puffs.

Martinis.
Downtown cosmopolitans, white chocolate martinis, and a root beer float were sipped at a tucked away bar called the Cellar, also downtown Waterloo. We studied the menu forever, each ordered a different martini, and then shared with each other as we chatted the night away.

Fireworks.
Fireworks in Waterloo have become more and more interesting as the years go by. I used to plan my summer around My Waterloo Days and the fireworks. I loved running into people I only saw at these events and I looked forward to the strawberry slushies and mini-donuts. I obsessed over what to wear, and we always made sure to have the biggest group of people to go with. This year, however, I saw things through different eyes. I noticed lots of strollers being pushed by young, definitely too young, single moms. The bridges that once were filled with people and booths were blocked off and patrolled by numerous police officers. There wasn't a strawberry slushie to be found. I don't know the reason for the changes, but the fireworks atmosphere has definitely changed. Sad really...we did run into some friends we knew, and the actual fireworks show was great.
Mr. Mom.
I am so thankful for Eric. He encourages me to have these little getaways with friends. He gears up for "boys night" and plans out their time together. I never have to worry about Eric with Jack -- he's the best dad I've ever seen! He's so determined to be there for every little step. This morning when I got back home, Eric and Jack were matching: white polos, blue plaid shorts, and smiles on their faces. When I pulled up they were sitting on the porch, just back from a neighborhood stroll waiting for me. The house was picked up, bottles were already washed, and most importantly Jack and Eric were happy and excited to see me. Oh, what would I do without Eric??

A little piece of my heart goes missing when I'm away from my family, but thanks to great friends I'm still able to have a good time. It was nice to get away...I missed Eric and Jack SO bad. I truly believe distance makes the heart grow fonder...and my car couldn't drive fast enough this morning to get back to my little boogs and hubby!

A good friend is a connection to life - a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world. ~Lois Wyse

Happy 7th Month Birthday, Jackson!

I can't believe it once again, but Jack is another month older. Seven months sounds so much older than 6 months? Jack has been growing and changing everyday...and we just love watching all of his little milestones.

Weight: 20 pounds-ish. He was 18 pounds at his 6 month check up. He is about average for height and weight. However...in his carseat he feels like he may weigh 100 pounds. We've already started the search for a booster seat in the car, so we don't have to lug him around in his carseat much longer...

Diaper size: Size 3! They are still a little big. We've moved on from Pampers to Up and Up's, and they are fantabulous! I would highly recommend the Target brand to any new mommy.

Clothes size: This one makes me sad. I've been shopping in the "toddler" sections for clothes now. I realized it the other day when I was at Von Maur. I went straight for the "infants" section, and could only find clothes up to 9 months, which is what Jack's in now. In order to buy some bigger clothes for a few months from now, I had to venture over to the big boy section. It was so weird...but there are many more options! Boys are so easy, a cute t-shirt and plaid shorts work every time.

Sleep: Jack's still our little sleeper man. He goes down around 7 p.m. and wakes up around 6:30-7 a.m., depending on teeth. He takes a little nap right away in the morning, and then a few hour nap in the afternoon!

Favorite activities/things: Snuggling, attempted crawling -- he's getting close, chewing on everything and anything, growling, baths and pools, and people watching.

Eating: Jack's eating about everything. Our doc said by 9 months he should be eating what we are eating, so we're working on real food. The other night he had peas and pancakes for dinner! He will pretty much eat whatever we put in front of him. He's still working on picking things up and getting them to his mouth -- but it's adorable to watch him try.

Nicknames: Boogs. That pretty much sums up what we call him...and he always has boogers. Fitting.

Talking: I've been saying, "Do you want to go to the pool?" about everyday. So, Jack's newest talking attempt is "p" "p". While he tries, he blows bubbles out of his mouth. So adorable! I started mimicking him when he was coughing, and he gets such a big kick of out it! It's really helping him learn how to talk, because he loves to watch and copy now.

Oh, and he still growls, screetches, and coughs for attention. I was reading my What to Expect the First Year book, and it said that baby's will find interesting ways of communicating. I'd say so!

New adventures: Crawling, almost. He's up on all fours and can turn sideways, but before he moves forward he lands on the ground like a beached whale. So close!

Pool -- is a huge success! We even have a little routine down. We go right at noon (feeding and then nap time). We splash and play, he eats, then passes out for an hour or so. It's still relaxing pool for me, I just have a little booger snoozing on my chair with me. When Jack wake's up he's so happy and we splash and watch the kids together. He even likes dipping his face in the water already! My little fish.

Teeth -- 2 little pearly whites have popped through. And, I can feel rough edges in the back of his mouth. It's not fun, though. Not. One. Bit.

(Can I do this?)

(Almost!)

(Or how about I sit up? I'm really good at that!)

(You want me to wear what?! Shoes?!)

(I don't like shoes, not one bit. But, I'll chew on my shirt instead. His first big boy outfit!)

(Jack LOVES his jumperoo, for about 20 mins. He's too smart!)

Dear Baby Jack,

I love you.

Keep making me laugh and smile as you gurgle your new food adventures. Keep up your splishy-splashy ways at the pool. Thanks for being such a good shopper, and thanks for working so hard to say your first "p" sound.

You light up my life. You make us feel complete.

I love you today, tomorrow, and for always.

Love, Momma

Master Suite Re-do!

Apple Green. That's the name of the paint color swatch I found that would make my master bathroom absolutely perfect. Really?

It didn't take long for me to absolutely hate the color...in fact, before I finished the final coat, I was wondering what had just happened. My wall paint color matched the "frog tape" I used to trim. Some of the responses we've gotten from our many guests (we love guests!) have been:

"It's a really bold choice!"
"I'd never do it, but it looks nice."
"I can't believe you painted it lime green."

All of these say: WHAT THE HECK?! :)

It's not the first time, and it won't be the last, that I paint and repaint a room. Once I get an idea in my head, I go for it. So, Sunday after a busy, busy week and weekend I spent hours at Menard's in an attempt to re-do my master bath. I decided while there that I might as well tackle my master bedroom, too. Why not? My 10-page grad paper was due Tuesday, so this was the perfect distraction.

I came home with bags upon bags filled with lamps, picture frames, paint rollers, and paint in shades of tan and gray.

Here's the BEFORE: (it's almost hard to look at it...)

Here's the AFTER:

Ahh...refreshing! The new-and-improved master bath feels much more relaxing than a hit-you-in-your-face green =). After spending hours in Menard's, I came home with a really light tan paint. After a few sample swatches, I realized it looked a little like a band-aid. And, this time I wasn't going to hate my paint! So, at 7:45 (Menards closes at 8) I was frantically back in the paint aisle. Instead of alabaster, I went with basketweave...and I love it! Finally =)

The next day I was determined to paint the bedroom. The white and empty walls were driving me bonkers...but I vowed to leave that room since no one really sees it. Now, my vision for our bedroom, furniture included, is perfect!

Here's the BEFORE:

Here's the AFTER!

It's painted a light gray all around, and then I painted a dark gray accent wall -- Eric's little input. I think it looks great!

Scout -- A MUST BUY!

Say hello to Scout, our newest favorite baby toy --- EVER! This toy is from leap frog, and it comes in green (Scout) and purple (violet) for either a boy or girl. We've had this toy since Christmas, but just recently I realized just how cool it really is.

Of course, the batteries died...just like all of Jack's noise-making toys. If it sings or lights up, chances are they become our favorites. Well, while changing the batteries I noticed a USB port in the back. I did a little research, and sure enough I could personalize this little toy.

I went on LeapFrog.com and uploaded Jack's name, favorite food, color, and animal. I also picked the songs I wanted it to play! SO cool.

Now when Jack or I push the power button, it says "Hi, JACK!" He looks every time! It also sings songs that spell out Jack's name. And, there is a lullaby feature that will play for your choice of 2, 5, and 10 continuous minutes of songs you pick. When it starts it says "Goodnight, Jack."

So, if you're expecting, or if you have a little....GO BUY THIS TOY :) It comes highly recommended by baby enthusiast, Jenni.

(Did he just say my name?)

(Give me that tag! His newest obsession..)

(Did he really just say JACK?! Love his eyes...)

Happy 5 Year Anniversary, Eric!

I can't believe how fast time is flying. Today is Eric and my 5 year wedding anniversary. That means we've spent the last 10 years as a couple...crazy! I couldn't imagine life getting any better than it is at this moment, but I'm looking forward to our future together.

At fifteen...

Eric was working as a bus boy at Beck's on weekends. I worked at Hy-Vee as a customer service rep. Eric just got his driver's license and a sweet blue Pontiac Grand Prix. He drove us everywhere for the first six months! Eventually he would teach me how to drive in that car. I still remember going 5 miles per hour trying to figure it all out while he patiently explained blinkers, windshield wipers, and not putting both of my feet on the brakes and accelerator.

At the time, I went to West and Eric went to East. Every single day he picked me up and took me to school...and at the end of the day I could be sure that good ol' blue car would be waiting for me. I would write him notes, which he hated reading, because we could chat about what I wrote as soon as I got in the car. Eric was the truest meaning of reliable and dependable, and not to mention lovable.

We spent our days watching movies, hanging out with friends, playing with Eric's nieces and nephews, and going out to eat -- all things we still love to do now (minus the movie part, there was nothing else better to do back then)!

At 25...

Eric works as a Senior Lender at a local bank, where he works with lending and real estate mortgages. I am an 8th Grade Science teacher in Waukee. We've built our "forever" home in this perfect little suburb that we adore.

Most importantly, we're new parents to our baby(not for long!) Jackson Charles Krieger. He's changed our lives in so many ways, and I cannot imagine what it would be like without him.

We spend our days playing with Jack, spending time with friends and family, and going out to dinner. A typical Saturday usually includes a stroller ride around town with Jack and Maggie, a trip to the grocery store, and a grill-out with friends. You will find both Eric and myself laying in the middle of our living room floor cooing, singing along, and reading to Jack.

It is so crazy to see how lives are so different now then they were before. I am more in love with Eric each day. We've pretty much grown up together, and I can't imagine it being any other way. I am thankful for our carefree days together as we figured out what being a teenager was. I love thinking back to the days of college, late night study sessions, and crappy cars. I am happy right where we are in this little life we've made for ourselves and our family. It's weird to think of ourselves as adults, celebrating our 5 year wedding anniversary. I will always remember the beginning, the now, and I will always look forward to our future. Here's to many more, Eric Dean Krieger!

I love you, hub bub,

Love, Fife

My Little Study Buddy!

Yes, Jack's into reading graduate level texts =)

It's absolutely, ridiculously, impossibly hard to get any school work done with this little boogie at my feet. So, Panera has become my second home. In college pre-Jack, Panera was too crowded and all I would do is people watch. Now, it seems peaceful, quiet, and much less distracting than an adorable, loud, chatty, and grabby baby Jack.

Thanks for sharing your momma with some school work, Jack. Daddy spoils you and you have "boys nights" without me, and that's okay. =) Just keep being you little man.

And....now my book has a big smudge of slobber. I get to think of you every time I grab this out in my all-day classes. Thanks for that big guy. =)

Summer Has Begun!

The sun was shining bright, Jack was in a way good mood, and our only agenda for the day was to test out a brand new baby bug floatie at the pool. It was Jack's very first trip to the pool. And...it was a success! Oh man, he absolutely loved the water, being outside, and napping on my towel as I soaked in the golden rays of sunshine.

It really wasn't hard to get us packed for the pool. All I needed was a towel, and I basically packed a 'waterproof' diaper bag of sorts for Jack's things. When we first got there, I went straight for the water. It was ABSOLUTELY freezing. My first step in took my breath away; I was scared for Jack's reaction. Slowly, we made it to the point where his little feet were in the water, too.

Jack's reaction? A big, huge sigh, a squinty "biz face" as we always see, and then a big ol' smile as he started splashing away! He almost fell out of my arms because I think he thought it was a giant bathtub and he was ready to play! He absolutely had a blast in the water. I put him on his little bumble bee float and we floated, splashed, kicked, and giggled for almost a half-an-hour.

After that, Jack played with some toys on the chair while I just relaxed and enjoyed the sun. Eventually he fell right asleep, and we spent more than 2 hours just hanging out.

I was pretty proud of my sunblock/baby covering up skills, as I got a little burnt, and Jack looked just like before - white as Casper the ghost.

It now feels like summer has begun. All those days in the pool with a little "baby Krieger" in my belly must have paid off. Once a fish, always a fish.



It also feels a little more like summer because our sod has grown roots and is more like real grass everyday =) After a stroll through Valley Junction Farmer's Market yesterday, we plopped our happy little Jack in the grass when we got home. He fiddled, pulled, and chewed on grass for what seemed like forever! Who needs toys when you have grass. The neighbors came and chatted and we enjoyed a wind-less evening outdoors. (We live way out in the "middle of nowhere" for now, until more houses are built in the development, so it's really windy here!)

He could have sat and played for hours!

Yep...he's eating the grass. Boys will be boys?!

He's looking up because the sprinkler got him! =)

I am excited for bonfires with friends and neighbors -- we love our neighbors already! I can't wait for more sun shiny days at the pool with Jack's buddy, Quinn. I can't wait for these wonderful summer days when we stay in pajamas until lunchtime, snuggle for an afternoon nap, and do nothing but enjoy our time together.

Cheers to summer everyone! Glad I'm a teacher =)

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken. ~James Dent