Eric = Daddy!

Dear Eric,

I remember the day like it was yesterday.  We were absolutely smitten for each other. The world shrunk into all-about-you-and-me and nothing, and I mean nothing, else mattered.  Often times, we'd forget the time, didn't have a care in the world, and could stare into each other's eyes for hours on end without a flinch.

It was your 16th birthday.  You had a Pontiac Grand Prix, royal blue, from 1900 (slight exaggeration).  You, in your eyes, were the coolest 16 year old on the block.  You so smoothly said "I have three girls that want to be my girlfriend now that I can drive.  I could date "option a", or "option b", or "option c".  {insert long awkward pause as I was NOT amused}.  Then you said "Will you go out with me?" followed by a little kiss and your quirky smile.  Of course I said yes and the rest is history...

Fast forward 11 years.  Man that makes me feel old {I remember old people saying "boy, that makes me feel old" phrases.  Does that make me old since I say them?  I'm guessing so.  Sad.}

We're nearing our 6th wedding anniversary.  You know what "they" say, time flies when you're having fun, right?  I cannot believe it's been that long since our wedding day.  Another day I'll never forget; "I got married and I got 21?!"  Oh, Eric, you never cease to amaze me.

You as a dad. {sigh}

My, where do I begin?

You, Eric, are the best dad to our little man Jack.  The way you snuggle him in and tell him "It's nuh-night time Jack, just like big boys, be sure to stay in your bed.  I love you." gives me goosebumps.  The way you jump out of your chair (which you know isn't like you) to sing "rubber ducky" in your awkward, out-of-tune voice just to make Jack laugh in the bath tub each night.  And, how can I forget that you let me sleep in every Saturday.  In my half-asleep state I secretly listen to you whipping up pancakes and singing the "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" theme song over and over.  I hear you and Jack pounding, singing, and forming a bond that no one will ever break.

Jack loves you, so, so very much. When I pick him up from daycare, he does his little waddle run and proclaims "daaaa dee".  Yep, that's right.  It's mom, not dad, sorry Jack.

Jack loves you.  We love you.  

Happy Father's Day --- cliche I know --- to THE best dad in the world.  Period.

Family Car Ride

So, split second decision: we're going to IKEA, darn it! I've been dying to raid the children's section for over a year.

Today, my good friend Jill asked if there was anything I wanted her to pick up from IKEA. I modestly told her a few items I had been hoping to buy. As I continued to scour the website i realized...I need to buy the whole store. No exaggeration.

So, we're on a spur-of-the-moment road trip.

After a quick fill up and a stop at Wendy's...we were off! We're so cool we bump to "baa baaaa black sheep". I know, you're jealous!

I was NOT smarter than a fifth grader, darn it! That dang game is so addicting...

After about an hour, I decided Jack was SO good. The next steps that follow make me laugh. out. loud. Literally.

Step one: "Jack, do you want a sucker?". "suuuuukrrrrrr".

Step two: Jack misses his mouth and covers his cheeks in sticky goo. At one point he has the sticky end in the palm of his hand proclaiming "uh oooooh" over and over. Yes, Jack, uh oh is right.

Step three: crocodile tears ensue because the sucker is gone. Well, I took it away anyway. There was enough sticky goo to cover his body. I handed Jack a napkin and continued my "wants list" conversation with eric. A few minutes pass and...

Step four: screams!!!!!!! I look back and find Jack completely STUCK to his napkin! It's shredded! His entire set of hands and every inch of his fingers are stuck! So. Freaking. Funny!

After a few baby wipe washes and a baby hand massage with my new Bali Mango BBW lotion, we were in the clear.

It all started with a little dum dum...

Now, Eric and I are jammin to hip hip from the 2000's on Pandora and our cute little man is fast asleep in toddler dream land. Maybe he's dreaming of the new table and toys he's getting tomorrow??

Walk it out, walk it out, walk it out...

Moooo?!

Yesterday, Eric and I decided to look at iPads for our little man.  Yes, I know.  1-and-a-half year old needing an iPad?  Well, technically his daddy wants one, but to convince me he's using this: "Jack could learn all of his colors/numbers/letters and watch Sesame Street on Netflix!"

After leaving the always-busy Apple store (supposedly the only one in Iowa?!), we decided to eat at the food court.  It's usually the best option for our family.   Eric always wants chick-fil-a, and I usually end up with a  bowl full of spaghetti and meatballs with a side of cheese pizza for Jack.  Everyone's happy!

Now you're wondering why the post title is Mooo, right?!

So we're sitting in the food court.  Over an over again Jack proclaims "mooo" in so many different ways.  He would take a bite, then moooo.  He'd mooooo three times and then take another bite.  The whole time we wondered what in the world he was doing or saying?  Then...suddenly....we realize what he's doing.  The chick-fil-a logo has COWS on it!  He was pointing to Eric's cup and "mooing" to tell us he saw a cow!  So funny.  We laughed and laughed at our little mooing man.



Jack knows almost all of the animal sounds.  Clearly, even when they're built into some environmental print.  Who knew?  He's learning and growing so much...it's so fun to watch all of our book reading turn into conversations!  And, I'm relieved that Jack isn't incessantly "mooing" for no apparent reason! :)

Should we get an iPad for Jack (and Eric)?  Any of you out there love yours and would highly suggest it?  I need help!

Kids want their MOMS!

So, awhile ago, our little family found out some devastating news.  News I never thought I'd have to think about or deal with - ever.  For the first time, I wasn't ready to pour my heart out on this screen...

In the same week, I came across an article that talked about how kids want their moms.  What a concept!  Instead of blogging, snapping pictures ALL the time, and wondering what project I could tackle on pinterest next...I decided it was time to take a break. I kept telling myself to enjoy our family...enjoy the moment. 

Your kids want YOU article

Honestly, it was nice to not wonder about what to type.  How to say it.  Did I want to share that?

As the weeks and months have gone on, however, I've found myself longing to type, to get my thoughts of the day down somewhere.  So, I scrolled through my blog.  I didn't remember drinking all that apple juice when I was pregnant.  I hardly remember some of the things that happened in the first weeks of a family.  And, it was really, really nice to read the candid words as if I was right there again.

So...I'm back.  Here to tell the simple little story of us.  The beach-ball-flying-through-the-backyard, trip to the park every. single. day., cupboard filled with raisin boxes for summer kind of adventures that I wouldn't trade for the world.

Speaking of Pinterest...

Here's my latest project :)  A picture wall that I've always wanted.

It was hard to pick pictures, color schemes, sizes, and who to include...but the finished product makes it all worth it.

While I'm on summer break, I've been checking off my to-do lists, sitting through boring grad. classes (more than halfway through the program towards becoming a principal!), and swimming, snuggling, and learning animal sounds with Jack.  We've landscaped, organized, created a little in-home gym, and much, much more!  For it only being June, I feel awfully accomplished.

Thanks for being patient while I took a break.  It feels so good to be back!

It's been awhile...

since I've blogged away on this little screen.

I have to be honest...I was kind of over it for a little while.

There was a LOT going on...and I had no idea what to type. I know, for the first time in my life I was speechless...well kind of more like type-less.

I'm back, though. :) And, after that gigantic margarita, I am ready to conquer the world!

Today I am thankful for so many things:

Eric. Jack. Maggie. My really, really great friends. Sweet 8th graders at school. Mountain Dew. My new red rockers on my front porch. My health. I could go on and on...

"Family isn't always blood. It's the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what."

Yeah, I have friends like that.

These last few weeks have been tough...but I've learned SO much about who I am, what our little family can handle, and just how many people are truly there when I need them.

And, I'm thankful.

Oh, the little Krieger family update!

We've got a lot going on in our little Krieger household. Big changes, lots of contemplating, and a vacation in less than a week {not that I'm counting down...} :)

Here's a little mini-recap.

1. Jack STAYS in his big boy bed. Every night. We put him down, and often times he climbs in himself, anywhere between 7 and 7:30. He usually falls fast asleep...and wakes up at 6:30 on the dot with a smile on his face and a blankie in his hand. We can't believe it was that easy of a transition. It must have been the right time?

2. Two words: Puerto Vallarta. Enough said. I'm thinking sandy beaches, 24 hour all-inclusive buffets, and lots and lots of relaxing time with my hubs and bestie.

3. Grad class, conferences, Waukee leadership classes, and city council meetings have been filling our nights and weekends. Eric and I like to be busy -- obviously. Lately, it feels like we spend more time away from home than relaxing together as a family. It will calm down soon I hope? :)

4. Root beer. Cheetos. Spaghetti and meatballs. For the first time in a long time, I went grocery shopping for what I wanted, not necessarily what I needed. And, I love it. After school I munch on Cheetos, and I share them with Jack of course. He prances around the house destroying everything in his path with cheetos crumbs. I then down them with a nice little bottle of root beer. Honestly, I think I smile a little more. :)

5. Jack's big boy room. I'm currently in the preparation process for getting Jack's new room ready. I mean, if he can be in a big boy bed, he needs a new room, right? I think I've convinced Eric that Pottery Barn Kids have ONLY the best bedding....click here to see my inspiration. All kinds of ideas are running through my brain...Dresser? Nightstand? Bed frame type? Oh, I can't wait to see the finished product.

That's about it. Krieger family lives in a nutshell. All in all, life is pretty darn good.

Big boy bed

So...

This weekend, while away at class, Jack decided it was time to crawl out of his crib. {funny how these wild adventures always seem to happen while I'm away} Well, he ended up getting both his little legs stuck between a couple rungs. After three adult men and a can of Pam came to the rescue, Jack was set free.

We decided it was time to convert Jack's crib to the toddler bed ASAP.

In hopes of not having a nerdy Disney toddler bed, we thought we might as well try the little bed converter that came with his crib. We set it up, with Jack's help of course...he loved being able to climb in an out!

Night one:

We tucked Jack into his bed. We almost shut the door and ran out. We hugged each other and chatted about how big our little boy has gotten. Seconds later...in walks Jack with the biggest smile on his face! Not only did he crawl out, he also opened the almost shut door. Stinker! We tried again...same thing. After lots of snuggling, patting, and convincing...Jack feel asleep after a few minutes.

Mom and dad = sleepless night of worrying about him falling out

Jack = good night's sleep mostly in his big boy bed

In the morning, I decided I had to go check at 630. Jack was snuggled on the blankie we had on the floor with his Mr. Snuggles and blankie sleeping soundly. Phew! A full night's sleep. A happy little man.

A 15 month old already in a big boy bed?!

Tonight is day two. Three minutes of crying and I snuck in to find this:

I think I'll get more sleep tonight. He can't fall far, and clearly he's enjoying his new big boy "bed". It's a nice stepping stone to the twin bed he'll call home in the coming months. Time sure flies!

A day at the park

So, we happen to have this little park across the street. Good thing? We thought so, that's why we picked this lot. Well...now that Jack's old enough to know better...the park is the only place he wants to be.

This was our first adventure to the park. Clearly, it was unforgettable for Jack; everyday when we get home from daycare, I plop him out of the car to walk inside and he turns and runs towards the park! Snow, sleet, rain, or hail...he'd rather be at the park. After I corral him inside, we have a few minute break-down-and-cry-it-out session, followed by a stare out the office window at the long-lost park.

On our way!

Before we even got there Jack was entertained by the grass...

And dirt.

Wee!

I just love his expression here. He's figuring out the world is much bigger than he once thought!

This picture made me realize how big Jack has gotten. He can walk and play while I step away and snap pictures. Kids grow up too fast!

His thinking face..

If you look closely, you can see Daddy in the glare! Jack is copying him...SO BIG!

Like father, like son. So cute!

It's a blessing having a little toddler park across the street. It's a nightmare having a little park across the street. It's going to be a long summer -- but I sure can't wait for it to be here!

Life is good...

good and busy.

It's been almost a year since we moved into our house -- and I can finally say I know which light switches power the ceiling fan and which switch powers the stairway lights.

Jack is a mover and a grover. He's a social butterfly like his daddy. He's SO content when his cousin, Bailey, comes to play with him. Otherwise he wanders around the house with my make-up and an empty pop bottle in his hands singing his version of "twinkle, twinkle". He shuts doors and drops his cup to an on-the-spot "uh - oh" every time. He completely understands the words "NO!" and "yuck-y" and will shy away from anything if we say either of them...including my all-glass front door. Baby smear prints are no more.

I am busy with classes, the newness of standards-based assessment at school, and having impromtu dance parties with my family at nights. Our weekends are filled with visits to the playland at the mall, home improvement projects, family and friends.

Jack doesn't cry in the car anymore. A bigger carseat and a dvd player tuned into "Your Baby Can Read" volume one has done the trick. Thank goodness. He can point to his nose, mouth, and sometimes ears if you ask. Jack mimics everything. Right now, when he has to poop he usually tells us.


Eric and I ventured into a little DIY this weekend. We tiled our backsplash and added hardware to our kitchen cupboards! I picked up the materials on Saturday while Boogs napped...and we were done by Sunday evening -- cleaned up and ready to go! It was fun to work as a team...and to accomplish something we didn't really know how. If you want to do any home improvement project - you MUST go to Lowe's. They know their stuff. And, they have the best selection.

People always said after you have kids your house will not be as clean. Not true :) Maybe I'm a little particular. Maybe there's a random plastic french fry under my couch cushion. However...my house is still really clean. Where we find the time I'm not sure? But, I'm glad I could prove that idea of a messy house wrong.

In a few weeks we're off to Puerto Vallarta! Eric's first time on a plane. Our first real vacation. We can't wait! I'm trying not to shop too much... :) I'm going to miss Jack a whole bunch though. He'll be in good hands at my sis and bro's house though. We're thankful we have people who love him as much as we do!

As usual, I'm counting down the days until May 23rd. Swimming pools, the park across the street, and messy faces filled with melted ice cream are screaming our names. I. Love. Summer.

Life is busy.

Life as a momma is unexplainably wonderful in so many ways.

Life is good.

Rolling with the punches...

Before Jack:

Eric and I were neatly organized, perfectly planned, and over-prepared for life. I would usually plan out my wardrobe a week in advance, write out to-do lists galore, and my desk at school was perfectly clear and organized. Not to mention, our house was impeccably spotless. I think I went almost an entire school year without using a single sick day. Each night I fit in a work out, a home-cooked meal for the two of us, and we spent quality time chatting about our days while I cozied up into a steamy bubble bath that Eric drew for me. I was to the point where I was bored with being bored. There's only so much shopping and cleaning a girl can do!

Planned.

Organized.

Structured.

After Jack:

Last week, Jack came down with terrible ear infection. We spent two nights home with him {gasp, sub plans suck!} and had lots of cuddles and snotty noses. Eric's parents were in town and we decided to treat them to Jethro's -- the amazing new BBQ spot in Waukee. After 17 pieces of food landed on the floor and two, count them, two helpings of strawberry fruit snacks to tide Jack over, we decided it was time to go. A messy diaper bag in hand...

Now-a-days, we're a little less structured.

A little less organized.

Tonight, we attempted to find Daddy a new set of shades...it's been 7 years since he's updated his lenses. After Jack ran around the store, took about 100 pairs of glasses of the shelf, and managed to annoy every person in the room...we realized, again, it was time to go. A 7 o'clock bedtime usually comes in handy, but on "running errands" kind of nights with a ear infection...7 o'clock comes awfully early.

It stinks to see Jack sick, sad, and tired...all at the same time.

It sucks to write sub plans and to disappoint my kiddos.

It is hard to live this less structured, much less glamoursly planned life.

Most days of mommyhood are amazing. Some are difficult. Almost every day gets a little messy!

As we enter into this not-so-sure-what-kind-of-a-mood-our-toddler-is-in stage, I'm learning to

roll with the punches...

I wouldn't trade any snotty night, any tired and sick snuggle, and any scream {no matter how loud it gets} in the middle of the store. I just love my little guy...and all of these adventures he takes us through. I'm sure there'll be more ear infections, more syringes filled with antibiotics, more sub plans...and that's okay. I'm learning to be cool with the less-planned, more happy mommy lifestyle!

Jack with his burn, runny nose, four molars coming in and an ear infection...still smiling :)

Jack having fun with Gramma!

Jack and Grandpa! He loves his chips and dip :)

Three generations!

You should have seen my black granite counter tops after we let Jack dig into the dip! AH! :)