Top 10 - Activities to do With Sick Kids

I am so so very thankful for my healthy family. We do not have allergies (besides mine toward dogs...) and we rarely get sick. Colds usually pass us by, we've never dealt with ear infections and we generally get to play all winter without a care in the world. This week though, our friends have been dropping like flies. Kids and parents alike are falling down with flu like symptoms and I've just stood by, praying for them and hoping it wouldn't hit us next.

Well, Elijah got hit. Not hard, but it was enough to create about 10 loads of laundry in one day. I literally didn't know what to do! Actually, I did some of the things I learned you're NOT supposed to do with a kid who is throwing up. Still learning the sick ropes.

Even though it was just one day (really, just one afternoon), Elijah and I felt SO trapped at home. I had to get real creative to help pass the time and distract him from his hunger pains. And poor Lazzy didn't get to play outside at all! This is my Top 10 list of activities to do with sick kids at home:

1. Toys in bed. I really wanted Elijah to stay in one place. Preferably an area that didn't have a couch or a rug in sight and could be easily cleaned should something "sick" occur. I brought him his duplos in bed and he built towers and race tracks all while "resting" in his safe towel covered bed. He also enjoyed his travel car mat. Seriously, you gotta get one!

2. Crafts in bed. Cookie sheets make great lap tables for little ones. Bring in a few crayons, colorful paper and stickers (or band aids if you're all out!) and a glue stick. Let them go wild!

3. Movie Day. Pile up the blankets (and towels, duh.) and sit in front of the tube. Our choices were Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and Muppets from Outer Space. What little kids doesn't want to watch movies all day?

4. Give them a fun bath! When you have sick kids, the bathtub is the only safe place to play. If anything "sick" should happen, it's easy clean up! As well, you can create a pretty fun space for them within those safe shallow walls. Thankfully, I had just picked up 15 glow sticks from the Target $1 section. A glow in the dark bath was a big hit! You can also make your own bath paints.

{glow bath lasted about 55 minutes. not bad, not bad at all.}

7. Oyster crackers toss! No, not that type of toss...Saltines are boring, but those little "cracker balls" as Elijah puts it are pretty fun. We had a blast trying to throw them into each other's mouths. It distracts him from the fact that he's only had crackers to eat all day and definitely counts as an activity.

8. Steamy Mirror Pictures. There is nothing like hot steam for a nasty winter cough. Run the shower (or take one!! you wouldn't want to waste a perfectly good shower!) and let you child draw pictures on the steamy mirror.

9. Model Magic and Color Wonder. These two artsy items are amazing. They fulfill every kids desire to color, mold and make something wonderful but without all the mess. Perfect for a little sicky who's stuck in bed.

10. Video Chat. All I ever want when I'm sick is to be with my mom. It's the same when the boys are sick, too! We all climb into bed (bring towels, always bring towels...) and call up the most comforting person alive for a little chat.

These things helped us pass the time but I do think a happy cheery sick day helps the body to heal. Thankfully, Eijah got better pretty quickly. He's back to his silly self.

We are off now to Indianapolis (and Chicago!!) for Thanksgiving. Yay! Our big plans for the week are not ruined.

Happy Birthday to Me!!

Today, on my birthday, I'm at a birth!! Is there a better way to celebrate? I think not! Today is spent serving an amazing woman and her husband as they meet their first child, but I'll get pampered soon. Dan and I will celebrate me on Monday night. Not sure what he's got planned, but it probably involves good food.

On a day like this, I do enjoy looking back and remembering what's happened. Here's my Top 10 list for my year 29:

1. Definitely the number 1 thing I've done this year is become a foster mom. So far, it's the most challenging and life changing experience I've had. Looking forward to years filled with loving little lives!!

2. My doula business really picked up. I've had to say "no" to 5 potential clients now!

3. I potty trained Lazarus. It was easy. So easy, in fact, that I completely forgot to update y'all but he does it all on his own. Seriously, though. He yells at you if you leave the door open. The man wants the paper and a few minutes to himself. It's awesome. So there's your update...hopefully you weren't holding your breath....

4. I attended my 10 year High school reunion. WOW.

5. Family vacation on Lake Michigan and my first solo weekend away to Detroit.

6. Rearranged the living room. It doesn't sound like much, but our new set up has really encouraged more family time and rough play with the boys. We're having a blast!

7. I ran a 5k! And started running in general. I know, I know. It shocks me sometimes, too.

8. I hit the 150 sale mark in my etsy shop City Thistle.

9. I had abdominal surgery. I survived, although I it was so much worse than post partum recovery.

10. I began my What I Wore blog project. What a fun challenge it's been!

I am so incredibly thankful for my 29 years of life. What a surprise it's been!! The places I've traveled to, the friends and community I have enjoyed, family nearby and learning new skills, the challenges of marriage and parenthood...it's been such a blessing. My life belongs to the Lord and I'm just glad he's using me, even if it's in little behind the scene kind of ways.

Now to get cracking on my 30 before 30 list!!!

Top 10 - How I Survive the Day

Well, it's been a week since all hell broke loose in the Robbins home and I'm proud to say, we're still alive! As you can imagine, getting dressed has been a challenge, so instead of my usual (and much anticipated, I'm sure...) What I Wore post, I'll share my top 10 tips on how I survive the day with four kids:

1. Set Realistic Expectations. With two kids potty training and one in diapers, there will be a mess or two to clean up. Meal times will feel like World War III and sleep will be interrupted. Don't act surprised! Expect it!

2. Do a little bit all the time. During breakfast while all the kids are in the kitchen, I do a bit of dishes. As you can imagine, with one bottle fed baby, three grimy handed eaters and no dish washer, there are ALWAYS dirty dishes!! So, as long as I do a few every time I find myself in the kitchen, it keeps my sink from piling up. I don't have an hour to spend washing them at once, but I do have 2 minutes here and there.

3. Keep healthy snacks within reach. The only thing worse than a sleep deprived mama is a hungry sleep deprived mama. Not only are we getting meals and gallons of milk from our dear friends, we always have a fresh supply of muffins in the house. I think that's a huge way to bless a struggling family. Give them easy to eat snacks, because that's more than likely all the parents are able to eat!

4. Let it go. With each fit, each difficult bed time and each potty accident, you've got to deal with it and let it go. We do not have time for grudges. So one of the kids literally bit a hole in my favorite dress...I got mad, threw the dress in my fabric scraps pile, and I moved on. Lord knows there will be another thing to deal with soon, so I've got to save my energy!

5.  Sleep when the kids sleep.  Sleep is how I deal with my stress. Seriously, some people would spend money to watch my dreams if they were ever turned into films. People die, things blow up and there are tornadoes everywhere! All my anger, stress, confusion and frustrations come out in my dreams, so sleep has become a very important way for me to deal with the struggles of the day. If Dan is home and 2-3 kids are in bed, I try to get a nap! It helps a ton.

6. Check in. I'm a verbal processor. I don't ever know what's going on or how I am doing until someone asks me. I have to take time (usually while driving when kids are safe in their seats, ha!) to connect with adults. It's important for me to call my mom, sisters or friend to just talk through some of the challenges of fostering and let them know I'm still alive.

7. Ask for help/say YES! If I'm feeling overwhelmed, I invite a friend to come help me out for an hour or two. Even if things are still hectic while they are here, at least I'm not doing it alone :) If someone offers to help in some way, I say "yes", even if it's washing the baby's cloth diapers (thank you Chane'!!!!!!).

8. Let the kids do the house work! Before any big fun activity (going outside or doing an art project), the kids are expected to pick up toys. As well, I've been asking the boys to do the vacuuming. We have a light vacuum they can both maneuver pretty well AND it keeps them busy while I fold or put away laundry. Seriously, my boys fight over this task!

{not pictured, one adorable and sweet baby girl in a bumbo just behind Laz!}

9. Reminders. I have a journal logging the girls activities (sleep times, eating times and potty activities), a growing shopping list on the fridge and scripture throughout the house. My mind is all over the place, constantly checking in with each child, making sure they have what they need. These reminders are safe guards, so I don't forget to get the eggs and I remember that it's God's strength IN ME doing all this work.

10. PRAY! Speaking of God, I have to remember to fully rely on Him for everything, day in and day out. There are moments when I feel a total lack of compassion for these girls. I know it's wrong, it's the sin in me that gets selfish and wants my easy life back. But one minute with God can change all of that! I need a changed heart, one that is willing to give up all my own desires so I can love people the way Christ loves me. Prayer is my only avenue to a changed and willing heart.

We are still very much in survival mode. The girls have been with us one week today, and as the days continue, we hope to see more change, more trust, and more peace in our home. It can only get better from here, right?

Lazzy Potty Trains - Day 1 (Complete with Top 10 Tips!!)

Potty training your child is a lot like childbirth. The first time around, you have no idea what you are doing but hope for the best. You're shocked and even appalled at how hard it is at times, but eventually, it's over and everyone moves on. The second time around, you're much the wiser and are able to tweak your plan accordingly. The flip side to that is, AHH! You have to do it again?! NO!!!!!!! But it hurts so bad!!! Can't I pay someone else to do it for me??????

We've survived potty training once. The boy learned to go where he was supposed to, but not without a few bumps in the road. Now, he's four and the dinging timers and loads of laundry seem life times away from us. I'm so proud of him and the little man he has become. Ahh, hear that? No more dings. Just one mini-me, independently taking care of his business. Only problem is, we had another kid! He's spazzy and crazy and cuddly cute. Not only that, but he's reaching the tender age where I believe the small window of opportunity lies: 20-26 months old.

We anticipate a call from the foster agency at any moment. In order to prepare, I've cleared my schedule (minus my one doula client who will deliver any day now) so I can be ready at the drop of a hat. Yesterday, I found myself at home with the boys and realized "What am I doing with all this extra time?? I should be potty training Lazarus!".

I promptly took off his diaper and threw on the undies. There we were, setting the timer every 10 minutes, much like the boot camp I put Eli through just two years ago. We had a few accidents and Lazzy never went on the potty, but that's to be expected. It was just a practice round.

This morning, after sleeping soundly for 12 hours, Laz woke up dry. Hallelujah!! Then, he peed on the potty. WOO HOO!!! I guess we're doing this again. Here we go!

Top 10 : Tips to Potty Training a 1 yr old:

1. Be committed. No matter what path you choose, it is the parent that must first be trained. Do not give up on your system. Like everything else we train our children to do, it takes repetition and consistency to get the lesson learned.

2. Have a system. Whether it's a boot camp or you take your time, make sure you have set rules in your mind and follow them rigidly. Use treats or don't. Undies or camando. What matter most is that you don't switch things up in the midst of the training period.

3. No more diapers. Biggest mistake you can make is put a diaper back on your babe. Even at nap time! They need to know you are serious. If you're not quite ready to give that up, you haven't been trained and should not start potty training (see #1).

4. If you must, use cloth pull ups. "Pee pee goes in the potty, not your underwear. Oh, but here's a diaper to wear for convenience. Really, what I mean is, between the hours of 8pm and 7am, noon and 2pm, and while we are at Target and the playground, you can do what you want. But day time is potty time!". CONFUSING! Disposable pull-ups are just. like. diapers. If you absolutely must use something more reliable, cloth pull-ups will feel a lot more like underwear to your child. They need to feel when they are wet. It helps them to learn quicker. Just get a few for going out or bed time.

5.  Train in warm weather. If you can, try to train during warmer months. Spend time outside and let your little ones learn the feelings and signs associated with needing to go potty. Really, that's all you're training them to do anyways. Plus, you can sit outside and eat ice cream all day :)



6. Start young! Like I mentioned above, I believe 20-26 months is the perfect window for potty training your tot. Most kids this age are beginning to communicate clearly (my standards are low. you know this if you've ever had a conversation with Laz!) but aren't flat out defiant yet. Have you ever tried asking a 3 year old to something? It's worse than herding cats!

7. Keep it simple.  Who knows. Maybe you like the extra work of coercing your child to sit on the potty and then actually clean it out each time. I sure don't! Especially with the second child, just keep things simple and it will be less steps for you.

8. Have back up. Back up undies, back up towels, back up babysitter, etc. Be prepared and hopefully, things won't spiral out of control.

9. Give it time. The first thing kids need to learn is what it feels like to pee. What it feels like before, during and after, that is. When you potty train a bitty one before they've ever had a seat on the porcelain throne, the entire experience will be new. Give it about 6-8 days before baby is accident free.

10. Day 1 will suck! It just will. Because #9 is true, this means there will be nothing but accidents. If you already expect this, you will be more prepared (#8) and will have more fun (#5)! I definitely didn't know this with Elijah and the day ended in tears. Don't sweat, but don't give up and you will be surprised!

After a long (but fun!) day, Lazzy had three successes and 11 accidents. He's already doing better than Eli did! Pretty good for our first official day on the potty! Best part is, I'm not in tears.

Top 10 - Hopes/Dreams For Our Foster Kids

Dan and I both have hopes and expectations when it comes to fostering. We try hard to keep open minds and stay flexible, but it's only natural for us to want it to go a certain way. In my heart of hearts, these are the Top 10 things I hope and dream about for our foster girls:

1. Healing. I hope that their time in our home gives them the opportunity to heal from any abuse or trauma they've experienced in their little lives.

2. To go home. Truly, my first hope for them is that they are able to return to their families. I pray that their parents will take the help given to them, grow, change and mature into people who are ready to parent their children.

3. If they can't go home, I hope to keep them :) Dan and I have felt called to adopt for years. We've pursued it a few times, but the timing (or location!) was never right. If the heartbreaking worst were to happen and these sweet girls couldn't go home, I absolutely hope they could become ours forever.

4. To learn healthy attachment and trust. Many children who enter the foster care system do so without ever having attached to their parents. Their parents have not been trust worthy and their interactions with their parents have rarely been nurturing. I hope that somehow, we can help to break down the walls of distrust and be an example of people they can count on. I want them to see that even though their parents failed in this way, it doesn't mean they always will fail them. People change and there's always hope.

5. To know that God's saving grace is bigger than their broken situations. We have an incredible opportunity to share the love of Christ with these kids. Of course, we have to be sensitive to the parent's beliefs, but there are more ways than one to show the love of God to a person :)

6. Create positive childhood memories. I cannot imagine the impact we might be able to have on the foster children in our home. They will know their entire life that their government had to remove them from home  and be placed in a strangers home for their own safety. What a weight to carry! I hope that while they live with us, we can give them fun family experiences that they might also carry throughout their childhood. I hope that picnics, trips to the zoo and birthday celebrations will all be such treasured moments for them.

7. Forgiveness. I'm not going to lie. It will be extremely difficult for Dan and I to forgive any parent that has abused our foster children. To be supportive and non-judgmental in those situations for the good of the child and bio family-wow. Feels impossible. But, for their sake, I hope that Dan and I can forgive and teach our foster children to forgive their parents, too. God is big enough and can restore broken relationships. I just hope these kids will trust that.

8. Fight against bitterness. The flip side of forgiving is fighting against bitterness. Forgiveness is not a one time thing, especially as it pertains to abuse. There will be times in these kids' adult lives where the memories of abuse will effect their marriages, jobs and own parenting experiences. They will find themselves forgiving their parents over and over again. I hope (somehow!) to teach them how to do this, to let it go instead of hold onto their anger.

9. To know their worth. Like children who are adopted, foster children question their worth. They wonder what they must have done to deserve such a sad lot in life. I intend to tell and show our foster girls in any way I can about how special they are. We live in a sinful world. People are abused and overlooked all the time, but there is one who always sees. God is their creator and protector and I hope they will cling to that truth all their lives.

10. To know they have a purpose in life. Along with knowing their worth, knowing their purpose is something I truly hope for these girls. Everyone has a purpose in life and although their specific vocation may not be understood for some time, their life's purpose can be known!

Westminster Shorter Catechism:

Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?

A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever


I hope these girls truly learn about their Father in Heaven, that He loves them and has a purpose for them, one that is so full of life and love and sacrifice. A purpose that will fill them up with hope and gladness through all their lives. It's impossible to be hopeless when you're enjoying God! 

Top 10: Ways to Remove Clutter & Stay Organized

We are flying back to St. Louis today with two more suit cases than we came with. After celebrating Christmas with four gift exchanges, I look forward to organizing my home as we move back in. Those of you who know me well can tell that I am a bit of a neat freak. I like to stay organized because honestly, I can't sleep at night with cluttered surfaces! Yeah, it's probably crazy, but it's how my brain works. I also struggle to keep things tidy with a husband who can't let go and two little boys constantly collecting rocks. Many friends ask me for tips to manage the clutter, so here goes. Let's start at the beginning.

You know your home is cluttered when:

• Friends drop by and you rush to sweep stuff off the couch to make room for them to sit.
• You have three side tables and a coffee table in your living room but your coffee rests on the floor.
• Your cabinet doors are open juuuuuust an inch. All the time.
• You have four separate places for incoming/outgoing mail.
• Your key bowl also holds a chip clip, a bouncy ball, bandaids, stamps and a flash light.
• You have more than one junk drawer.
• Your junk drawer is also your sock drawer.
• You often pick up items or papers and ask yourself "what IS this?".

I'm sure some of you have made a new years resolution having to do with general organization in your home. I do not claim to be an expert by any means. However, keeping a clean organized home is something I love to do. Sure, it's a challenge, but I find that my kids and husband work and play harder when our home is in order.

For those of you who struggle to get motivated or stay on top of the game, here are my Top 10 tips for removing clutter in your home:

10. Have a spot for everything. If you find something without a home (mail, magazines, washable markers), ask yourself "Why is this purple washable marker homeless?" and make a home for it! Group similar items together, like art supplies and sports equipment.*

9. If you don't need it, don't want it or haven't used it in over 12 months, get rid of it! ESPECIALLY if this item also does not have a home. If it's maternity clothes, pass them on to a friend and get them back if/when needed OR put your best items in one clear bin and store it away.

8. Trade unwanted items with friends. I always find myself with too much of a certain craft supply. I buy an entire spool of ribbon for one specific project because I liked the color. Then, I am left with 10 different colors of entire spools of ribbon. I handed some off to a friend who is also a pre-school teacher. If I find myself needing three inches of blue ribbon, I know where to go!

7. If it's damaged, get rid of it. Shirts with holes or stains, toys with sharp edges or missing pieces, let it go. It's been well loved, but it's time to move on. If you're at all crafty and can't quite let go of that striped Old Navy sweater from middle school, here are some fun project ideas for old clothes via apartment therapy.

6. Try to keep new and old items at a 1 to 1 ratio. A new skirt comes in, an old item of clothing goes out. Dan and I share a closet that is about 3 feet wide, 7 feet tall and 1 foot deep. We each get one 3 foot long bar to hang clothes on. You'd better believe I live by this rule and Dan does, too! Before going on a shopping spree (do people really do that anymore?), take a few items out of your closet to giveaway or sell at a resale shop. Only allow yourself to buy the number of items you were able to remove from your closet. Since we're talking about closets....keep those basic beloved items front and center. Suits, evening dresses (what are those?) and other items that are rarely worn should stay near the end or furthest from the door.

5. Rotate toys. We've all seen how quickly our children lose interest in new toys. This doesn't mean you need to throw it out. Divide the toys into two groups: one that stays in the playroom or kids' room and the other group is put away in a box. Every other month, switch the groups and get some work done while your children re-unite with their toys.

4. Meal planning! Ok, truthfully, I am horrible at meal planning, but I always have dinner ideas in my head and a list of items needed when I go out shopping. If you're like me and don't have a meal planning binder, simply check your pantry, cupboards and refrigerator before shopping. This keeps your shelves free of 12 cans of coconut milk, making room for other foods.

{wow, that pantry makes me so happy!}

3. Spring Cleaning is a popular time when most people put away winter decor and clothing and generally get motivated to clean house. I suggest doing a quick clean sweep with every change of the seasons. It will take less time and will be less daunting of a job. Throw out any make-up or toiletries or that have expired, bring clothes that are season appropriate to the front and center of your closet and put away items that wont be worn for a few months. 

2. Do not attach. I know that sounds a bit harsh, but stuff is just stuff. It is not the memory. Keep an interesting suitcase or decorated box for those special items but leave it at that. If space is limited, naturally you will be forced to choose only the most dear items to have in your keepsake box.

1. Believe in the phrase "Less Is More". Less stuff is more freedom, more space, more time, more money, more fun! If "Just In Case" is your current mantra, you will live with clutter your entire life. Only buy items you will use immediately. This is a rule I am still working on following, especially when it comes to craft ideas! It's one of the hardest rules to follow, but it's worth it.

*everyone needs a junk drawer. Let that be the place for batteries, rubber bands, tooth picks, paint samples and smiley face stickers. (now you know what's in my junk drawer!) Make it the smallest drawer in your kitchen or office and clean it out if it's ever difficult to close.

**images came from apartment therapy. oh come on. my house is NOT that organized!

Top 10 Reasons We Don't Have a Dog

I grew up in the hills of Tennessee on 5 acres. As long as I can remember, we've never been without a dog and we've had quite a few. I have fond memories of those dogs, mostly the Border Collies (they are the smartest breed after all).

Currently, Pixie and Fin are the canine protectors of my home in the country. I do love them, but the older I get, the harder it is for me to pet them without wincing. There's a few years between us now and I'm growing into more and more of a city girl. I love that my boys get to enjoy them, though.

Outdoor dogs are totally different, but with livin' in the city and all, we would have to keep one inside with us. Cohabitating with us. In our house. On my floors. On my bed. In my kitchen.....and so these are my Top 10 reasons we don't have a dog.

10. Our landlords won't let us have one. Simple as that.

9. Dan is allergic. Any time he is near a dog, his eyes water up and his normal mouth breathing turns into full fledged snoring.

8. Their hair gets everywhere! Supposedly there are breeds that don't shed. I've been around such dogs and ........ um, they do. The hair gets everywhere. I'm already dealing with ungodly amounts of orange fuzz in my house. That last thing I need is dirty dog hair on my sweaters and pillow cases and in the corners of my living room.

7. You have to take them to the lou. Seriously people, you teach them to go on a tree outside, but they never become independent. Every time they have to go, you have to go, too. I cannot imagine doing that every single day.

6. You can't take them anywhere. Unless you live in Seattle, dogs cannot go with you anywhere. If I need to be out all day or want to go on vacation (you know, once every three years), you have to find a dog sitter or at least someone to escort them to their pee tree (see #7). It's too high maintenance.

5. They eat your money. Between special anti-flee collars, dandruff shampoo, bags of Purina and mystery ailments, it  probably costs more to have a dog than our two boys put together.

4. They die on you. Well, not literally on you, but they only stick around for so long. Like I mentioned before, my family has been through it's fair share of dogs. You spend so much time (money, effort, paper towels!) on training them, you spend all day worrying about their potty patterns and their lives are filled with you fixing them and maintaining them. They don't grow up to do amazing things that make you proud of them. No, they just die. And then, you get another one. Repeat.

3. I don't need more reasons to fight with my kids. People often say "Oh, we got a dog for the kids. We wanted them to learn how to be responsible." Oh please, people. Your kids will not learn the art of responsibility because you get them a dog. They learn because you decide to teach them. I'll just teach them to clean their rooms if they want to keep their stuff. In my experience, having a dog just meant their was more bickering between siblings and parents. I can barely get my kids to eat an entire meal in less than 50 minutes and from what I can tell, raising two boys isn't going to get any easier. I'm not ready to throw a dog in the mix.

2. I refuse to become a human pooper scooper! I've cloth diapered two boys. I've washed dirty cloth diapers by hand. But in my mind, there is something terribly wrong with people who get up at 6am, chase their dogs during a cold morning walk and finish it off with a nice hot poop scoop. Only a thin layer of plastic protects their human scoop and the poop. Sure, I've dealt with kid poop, but rarely does it ever come that close to my actual skin. Even with outdoor dogs, you can't run free in the yard without looking out for poop land mines! Sorry, but I don't have time to scrape poop off my shoes with a stick every day.

1. I do NOT like dogs. Wait, that's not fair. I do like some dogs. I like dogs who don't jump on me when I'm getting out of my car. Dogs who don't knock down my children while their owners smile and say things like "Oh, he's just excited. Bear loves children!". Border Collies who have been trained by my family members and will stay away from me when I holler "Get on back!" with a gravely kind of voice. Puppies are ALWAYS cute, but otherwise, I don't like dogs.

*Just so you know, I am not entirely an animal hater. I love horses. My horse Tinker was like the biggest smartest dog I've ever know. AND, he always pooped in one place. As well, like most girls, I love butterflies, unicorns, and kittens (but when they are grown, good riddance! ok, that was a joke).

**Another note-if Dan's face didin't puff up like a hot air balloon at the sight of dogs, we would be having lots and lots of, well, let's call them conversations about getting a dog. I am open to having one outdoors if we do relocate to Africa.

Top 10:Orange Fuzz

Orange fuzz has taken over the world. It's everywhere and I cannot control it. Lazarus has fallen in love with a twin sized orange knit blanket. It's his kryptonite.

If Lazzy is teething, had a bad fall or is just feeling sensitive, I give him the orange blanket. He literally melts to the ground, sucks his thumb and smiles.

He loves being wrapped up in this blanket either to cuddle or while using his walker.

When he wakes up, he usually spends 10 minutes rolling around his crib and grabbing fuzzies from the orange blanket. He collects the fuzz into a tight ball and continues to hold the fuzz in his fist throughout the day. It's funny to watch him try to clap and play with his fist clenching tightly to his fuzz. The orange blanket trumps everything else, including cute little friends to play with.

Lazzy will put a fuzz ball in his mouth and chew on it like a piece of gum. When it's time to eat, he takes it out and places the wet fuzz ball onto his plate, again like a piece of gum and then pops it back in after meal time. It's so adorable and yet so strange. People are always telling me "Awe, I found an orange fuzzy in my car today from Lazzy's blanket!" It's not just us dealing with the fuzz. It's everywhere!

And so, here is my top 10 strangest places to find an orange fuzzy from Lazzy's blanket:

10. The hinges of my glasses

9. My toothbrush

8. Various rooms of my parents' house in Tennessee

7. My wallet

6. My Tupperware drawer

5. Our church nursery

4. Dan's back pack

3. Lazzy's diaper (you guessed it-a dirty one)

2. My sister Abby's car in Atlanta, GA

And the number 1 strangest place to have found an orange fuzz is:

The Joe's O's cereal box. (not sure how that happened!)

Generally, Dan has to check me for orange fuzzies before I leave the house. Sometimes, I collect them until it's a nice fuzz ball and then offer it to Lazzy when he's having a rough time. It's the simple things in life, you know?

National Midwifery Week

Monday marked the beginning of National Midwifery Week and boy is that something to celebrate!! Where oh where would I be without my midwife? Well, without my particular midwife, I wouldn't be alive! She is my mother after all!

Seriously though, after attending a number of births here in St. Louis, I'm pretty sure I would have been the classic first time mom who arrived at the hospital too early, took too long to push and ended up with a cesarean (Missouri's current c-section rate is at 31.7% by the way). Of course there is no way to know that for sure, but still. Here is my top 10 list entitled

"Top 10: Why I LOVE my mom midwife"

10. She listened to all of my fears and anxieties (for both births!) and discussed with me different options I would have for different scenarios, thus calming my fears.

9. She prepared my otherwise oblivious husband for the most intense radical moment of his life. (Dan loves her because she let him nap on the couch while she kept his laboring wife company. Let's be honest, there was a house full of women there to help. I was never alone! Red Tent anyone?)

8. Not only did she encourage us to listen to soothing music like Iron and Wine & Gillian Welch during labor, but she new most of the songs! (yeah...my mom is pretty cool)

7. She wasn't afraid to give me a pep talk when I asked for drugs felt weak during Elijah's birth. (Who was I kidding anyway. I was having a home birth! In the boonies! Did I really think Tylenol was going to help?)

6. She was not afraid to transport me when I had a retained placenta and supported me throughout that entire event.

5. She made both Elijah and Lazarus sweet baby blankets to celebrate their arrival (and does this for each baby she delivers!).

4. She went shopping with me and participated in a dance party to both distract me and to help me get labor started.

3. She let me nest in her home while Dan and I waited for Elijah to arrive.

2. She set up and cleaned up leaving the house in better shape than when she arrived. FYI, most midwives do this for their clients!

1. She's my friggin' mom! But seriously, it's very rare that a mother can not only assist in the delivery of her daughter's babies, but be the primary care provider, too. She did a beautiful job both times and didn't shed a tear until well after babies were out and everything was said and done. I've always thought my mother was amazing, but seeing her at work (twice!) has proven that to be true.

Happy National Midwifery Week to all the amazing women that make natural childbirth in homes and hospitals possible all over the country!! We truly do appreciate you!