8 Months

He:

Takes baths in the big boy tub now, and much to his own delight (and his fathers) has discovered a certain part of his body that he finds fascinating.  Haha!

Is developing more and more likes and dislikes when it comes to his daily routine.  Example: he watches little bear then team umi zoomi... If Ryan turns on a different show, Mason gets visibly irritated. Ha.

-finally sleeps in his own bed, thank goodness. He still doesn't sleep through the night, but he is comforted with just a few tummy rubs to fall back asleep 

-doesn't really like to crawl, he more or less scoots on his belly, but he cruises around the living room using the couch, ottoman, or our hands to assist him in chasing the dogs and finding his toys.  This boy will be walking so soon! Within the next month I feel :)

.  

-HAS TWO TEETH!!!! And thus, chews on everyone and everything he can. Nom Nom

-eats rice puffs as a snack while we eat our dinner. He's almost mastered picking them up and putting them in his mouth!  The dogs find this learning process absolutely fantastic, as they get all the thrown rice puffs

-wears 12 month clothes, because he's his fathers son, a big strong boy, and continues to be nothing like me...and oddly, I'm 100% okay with that. :)
 

I:

-am no longer breast feeding, not because I can't, but because teeth on a boob is EXTREMELY unpleasant. Mason was visibly angry with me for the first week of no-boob, but he has since forgiven me and life is good.

-finally feel like I'm getting back to my pre-baby self, in looks (read: no more giant boobs. UGH) as well as feeling more like a lady, and less like a milk-production bank/alien vessel for carrying children.


-feel so lucky to have a job that allows me to off work at 3:30 instead of 5:30, it really gives me SO much more time with Mason and Ryan :)


-have been seeing a LOT of people getting engaged, pregnant, etc...and yet have NO desire to even go there right now..haha! is that ridiculous?

. 


Random Misplaced Musings:


- Im not perfect, and I dont claim to be, so im not posting this as a lecture, but more as my opinion (which is what a blog is, DUH, y'all). So here goes... I'm tired of underage people drinking. honestly. Personally,I didnt have even ONE drink of alcohol until I was in college and that first year I only drank 3 times.  after that, I didnt drink until my 21st Birthday.  Probably because im a nerd who is older than all my friends, maybe because im a nerd who doesnt have a bunch of lushes for friends, I dont know.  There is a REASON that the drinking age is 21.  people under that age (and admittedly, quite a few people older than that) cant handle the responsibility that comes along with drinking.  I could get into examples, but I dont want to call anyone out.  Bottom Line:  if you find yourself acting unlike yourself when youre drinking (like an asshole) then stop drinking...Well...unless you're just an asshole to begin with, in that case, just go away.  Things can be just as fun when you're sober.  Be an adult.


-Ryan and I have done some MAJOR work on our house.  we recently got a new bed, a new couch, and lots of new things to hang on the walls!  We are going to be painting soon, and it just makes me so happy to see our "bachelor pad" turn into a home :)  Also, I bought some herbs (chives, basil, oregano, parsley) to plant in a month or two, so we can cook with fresh herbs! yay.  PS- did you know that oregano can legally (FDA guidelines) contain 1250 "insect fragments" per 10 grams... think about that the next time you sprinkle some on your pasta!

-Mason's Momma

So Much Love

This blog post is probably going to be one of the sappiest things ive ever written, but I just gotta do it.  I have so much love, im talking CRAZY love for you people.  So what follows will be a detailing of why all of your are so amazeballs and how I cant live without you.

I was going to number these, but then you'd feel like I ranked you...so these are in NO order..besides ryan and Mason, they are number 1 obvi.

- My darling Ryan and my sweet Mason man:
You two are my whole world.  I never thought that two people could be the totality of my existence, but I feel like my life is exponentially better since you are in it.  I love the way you two smile at me, talk to me, and basically make me feel like im gods gift to earth, youre too good to me, really.  I love you more than life itself, and I'll feel that way until the day I die.

- My girlfriend Amber Lynn Wellington and my BFF Nikki Wright:
YOU TWO, are my best friends.  I know that I can call you, anytime, day or night, and youll answer and listen to my excitement about something new, or listen while I vent, whether its pointless or not.  You are the most dependable, hard working women I know, and I feel blessed that you've let me be a part of your lives for the past 5 and 12 years (consecutively).  You guys are my favorite, I love you. :)

- my best friend Ramin Mehranfar
I met you in 2005 at MIZZOU, I wish I'd known then how much you would mean to me.  I love you so much.  We have never been as close as we have over these past 3 years.  You've consistently lived at least 2.5 hours away from me for the duration of our friendship, but I feel closer to you than almost anyone else.  Our skype dates make my day.  Your family is amazing, I love them too.  You crack me up, in an unintentionally incredible way.  Our trip to Chicago was, no lie, the BEST time I've ever had. ever.  When I was pregnant and scared and lost and alone, you were right there, even at 3am when I called you crying, and you cried with me.  and THAT, is why you will mean the world to me.  You not only are a caring individual, but you FEEL my pain.  That means more to me than youll ever know. Mason is so lucky to have you as his godfather. You could conquer the world someday, bestie.

- my family, McQueen, Eads and Rodgers:
I dont mean to lump you all together, but this blog post is already looking like its going to be quite long!  to my momma, you are the most amazing mother I've ever met, and I hope to even be half as amazing for Mason as you were for me, you've taught me how to be a strong but tender mommy. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.  My dad and step-dad- you've both taught me so much about being a parent, being a good person, and that old men will never make sense.  Both of you think you're hilarious but you're nerds. someone had to say it! love you anyway.  To my baby brother - you're a weirdo and i love you for it.  I'd like to personally take credit for how awesome you are.  You're welcome.
To my Rodgers baby brothers - you guys are lame the best.  It seems like every time we are around each other, I've never been so insulted and yet overjoyed...thank you? I guess?  but for realzies...I cant wait to officially call you boys my brothers in law :) To Ryans mom and dad - Thank you.  I know that our situation is less than ideal, but you two have welcomed me with such open arms that I'm tearing up just now as I write this.  Mason, Ryan, and I are so lucky to have you in our lives, especially in a way that you can watch Mason grow each day.  We will never as long as we live be able to repay you for your kindness and generosity...besides that we promise not to put you guys in an awful nursing home or anything..haha!  Love you guys so much.

-My Coworker Shannon Brown
Work...blah.  There really isnt much I can say without being worried that we will get in trouble, but let me just say, darling, you are the light and sunshine and rainbows of my workday.  Our conversations of pewp, newdz, and bewbz are a crucial part to my well-being.  I feel so lucky that we got stuck together in this situation, and I find it crazy how alike we are, even down to the odor of our toes.  I love you, and ill really miss you, should our time together end sooner than later :) ...that was pretty well stated if I do say so myself. booya!


-The gang
I really dont know how to make a category for you people...so Ill try and name you...but if I forget you, dont blame me, blame the coffee I've been hyped up on for giving me caffeine-related-functional-blackouts.  Speaking of black-outs, this is something all of you should be familiar with, hiyooo!  You people are the ones I see when I go out...Alex Cook, Tara Cook, Marwin, Tanner Knox, Tony Follmer, James Spink, Jen Goodman, Nicholas Parlow, Ryan Hodapp, Jessie Smith, Dave Owens, Emily Hall, Tony Wilshire Nicole Cross, Brittany Young, Kecia Albers, Anna Holke, Sabrina Suellentrop, Krissy Trojahn, Joni Wiegers, -I know this isnt everybody..give me a break :)  You guys seriously make my weekends rock. You crack me up, and usually take me on adventures that I dont want to go on, regret later, but wouldnt give up for the world.  You're the bomb.com, and I consider myself lucky to be able to see so many awesome people on a regular basis.

Aunt Terri:
I didnt want to put you in the family category, because youre more than that to me.  You have been such a big part of my life, from beginning in...2000?  Maybe sooner...I remember riding to the bus in the mornings, and always getting the best snacks from your house.  Even when I was just a teenager you talked to me like an adult, like a friend, and I appreciate it.  When I found out I was pregnant, you were happy with us, which made things a lot easier.  I miss being able to go next door and see your smiling face, but I know youre loving Arizona.  I love the random texts we send each other about recipes and our dreams and how you're eventually going to kidnap my son, and I'm overjoyed that youre part of my life.  I love you so much.  You rock.

My facebook besties that I rarely, if ever, see:
Sam Carder, Chrissy Yaeger, Rachel Pennington, Savanna McNabb and Angie Hermann - you four are so cute in your COMPLETELY OPPOSITE ways.  I love the way I can go to you for unbiased advice, and know that I'll get an answer thats straightforward and true to your hearts.  I love stalking the pictures you post, but it makes me miss you so much! I love/hate facebook for letting me stalk you, but i am so glad that it has kept us connected, because you ladies are incredible people.  You have grown and changed so much in the 6 or so years we have been friends, and I feel proud..is that weird?  I feel proud to call such amazing women my friends. Sam, you're free spirit is something I would KILL for, you're an incredibly sweet and hilarious lady, if only I could live in Hawaii with you! Chrissy- I've been there as we both have gone through relationship after relationship, and it always seems like you come out running from each one, I admire that. You are SO strong. Also-your dog is the cutest pet alive. Rachel, you are the most incredibly gorgeous independent woman I know. I live vicariously through your travels and can't wait for you and Barry to settle down and make a baby so I can coo over how precious he is! Savanna- there are so many feelings we share for each other. Our bond is unique, and I know my life would never be the same without you. Thank you. Angie- you are seriously the funniest lady I know. Every time we go anywhere I find myself near peeing my pants, and I like it. You are so sweet as a teacher, if only
Mason could be so lucky as to be in your class someday! You're awesome.  I love you all.

My twitter followers:
This is mostly just for @amehranf @marleyems and @mishwebster - you two make my twitter feed ridiculously awesome.  I love the responses that you give me, whether they are serious or seriously insane.  I'm glad that I get to be a part of your daily lives, and I think you guys rock.  I love your faces, because you guys love the real me...because everyone knows you can post how you REALLY feel on twitter... twitter > facebook ...right? :)

Are you all thoroughly grossed out yet?  I hope so. If I think of more people/things, which I'm sure I will, Ill be sure to add updates.

With Love (as if there wasnt enough in this post already),

-Amanda

6 months

He:

-sits up on his own now, although he would rather stand :) such a strong boy!

-still sleeps in a bassinet, because his crib is too big and lonely...or maybe his mother just doesnt want to let him out of her bedroom yet :)

-gives hugs, kisses, and shows preference for Ryan and I over most anyone else

-can be a bit of a ham, and a sass, at times

-eats SO many new foods now! (Im still making ALL of his baby food myself.  So rewarding!)  Likes:  pears, carrots, green beans, oatmeal, icecream..... Dislikes:  squash, mashed potatoes, peas :)

-holds his own bottle and it breaks my heart

-weighs almost 20lbs. its ALL cheeks :)

-sings himself to sleep every night, and also has found many other noises to make..some examples, mmmmm (its the beginning of MOM right?!!?) ahhhh,  boooo, and of course, our favorite, the shriek to get our attention.

-still has blue eyes :)

I:
- Am still breastfeeding, and no, I dont know when I'll stop.  My feedings are 90% pumped, really the only time I feed him myself is if he wakes up in the middle of the night.  Its free, makes me happy, so thats that.

-oddly have an awful self image lately...I think its because I havent been able to work out, due to breastfeeding.  Every time I work out, meaning running, crunches, etc. my milk supply dwindles...significantly :(  So while Im breastfeeding, I guess I wont have a 6-pack.  blah, but apparently Im the only one that cares about that, because Ryan thinks im crazy. ha!

- pinch and kiss Mason's cheeks more than he would like..he has now started turning his head if I come up to him and try to kiss him.  Ohhhh Mason...you'll never escape mommy and daddy's kisses.  Give up now.

-find SO much joy in cooking and baking.  I find myself looking through recipes and getting excited to head home and test them out for Ryan!  I dont think he minds either ;)  He probably assumes im just trying to fatten him up like in hansel and gretel so I can eat him. He wouldnt be too far off with that assumption I would never do that.

Random Misplaced Musings:

-I am crazy for pinterest.  Seriously, I could spend hours browsing through peoples pins, finding ideas for outfits, home decor, and of course, FOOD!!!  I've found so many neat ideas on pinterest, and a lot of DIY things that I've already done and they turn out wonderful!  I love feeling like im doing something productive in my home instead of sitting around watching tv.  Susie Homemaker FTW.

-Im kind of REALLY tired of listening to peoples problems, then getting shot down and scolded for trying to help.  I really do feel loved and honored that my friends know they can come to me with anything, and maybe most importantly, not be judged.  However, when anyone vents to me, I have an almost uncontrollable urge to fix it, because thats what I do.  I fix it.  Im like bob the builder, but with no overalls, and I dont build things, or own talking construction equipment...okay maybe Im like bob ONLY in that when someone asks if I can fix it, I start singing "Yes I Can!"...maybe im like rosie the riveter...but with less butch.  What was I talking about?  Please friends, dont complain to me about your problems and tell me how bad you have it or how miserable you are or that you're in a tough situation, if you wont let me problem-solve with you to fix it!  If you're willing to talk about things with me, Ill listen for days hours as long as it takes, unless I get hungry.  I just want to help.  If you tell me I dont know what I'm talking about, or that Im "over-stepping" by giving advice, then dont tell me your problems.  kay?

-I had the weirdest (read: I may be crazy) dream the other night.  I was pregnant again (gasp!  please god, no not me, not yet!!!) and it was time to deliver...so Im in the delivery room, but I was watching myself...like an out of body experience I guess.  Anyway, I was doing the whole baby-thing, and I looked AWESOME.  It was so weird.  Maybe its because I was talking with a friend recently and said I never felt more powerful or beautiful than when I brought our little human to life....Seriously though, ladies, childbirth is insane, if you think about it for a minute.  We rock.  So anyway  I had the baby, and then of course, flew out the window and soared around in the sky a bit, naturally a normal reaction to childbirth.  Now that I've typed this out...it sounds a little less eloquent and a little more nutjob.  Eh, what are you going to do :)

-Mason Momma

5 Months

He:

-is quite the ham.  He now understands that certain things he does, like squealing, makes us do certain things, like pick him up.  Oh I am so wrapped around this boy's finger.

-loves looking in the mirror at himself and laughing at what "the other baby" does

-sits up on his own for about 45 seconds, but then the weight of his big 'ol head tips him over

-doesnt roll over, but would rather stand...our pediatrician says that is completely normal, so ok, he just wants to grow up so fast :(

-EATS SOLID FOOD!

-Mason started off eating carrots, then we moved on to peas (seen above) which he CLEARLY dislikes, so now we are eating green beans :)

-gives kisses.  Big Sloppy Drooley PERFECT baby kisses.  He also grabs our face to make sure that he gets the kiss everywhere. ha

I:
-am still breastfeeding...6 months will be my stopping point......I think.

-started drinking coffee during the day at work, and then realized that caffeine apparently stays in my system for a while, and was making Mason crabbypants.

-make 100% of the baby food mason eats.  For example- I spend $1.66 on whole carrots, peel and simmer them myself, and it makes 8 days of baby food.  You should know that it takes me LESS time to peel, simmer, and blend his carrots myself than it takes to get in your car, go to the store, buy expensive canned baby food, and get back home.  ALSO, I know exactly what my baby is eating, and that gives this momma peace of mind :)

-couldn't possibly have baby fever...but im just saying...I wouldnt mind giving mason a brother or sister...or two...or three?!?! (what am I saying? have I been possessed?) whenever Mason goes to kindergarten :)

Random Misplaced Musings

-Im SO tired of the OccupySTL people being outside of my office downtown.  They jump out in front of my car, and sometimes, I just want to mow them down.  Hey "99%", you bunch of dirty, drum circle having, hasheesh smoking hippies, why dont you be a little more progressive, and get out of Kiener Plaza and occupy a job.  Thanks.

-I have an amazing co-worker.  Seriously, the broad makes work SO awesome, AND she cracks me up on a daily basis.  For example-she spends a majority of her day passing gas in her chair and then telling me that it totally wasn't her.  Yeah, like someone else who sits 5.3 feet away from me just did it. ha.  Also, I think its important to note that shes also adorable...this post is starting to sound really brown-nosey...she totally paid me to say this didn't tell me to write about her though.  More about her later.

-Alright people, I need to be honest here for a second. The Duggars are having a 20th baby....and Im totally okay with it.  So many people are being so awful saying that there is something wrong with them for relentlessly popping out tots  experiencing the miracle of birth so many times...but I think its a good thing.  They are gracious and kind, had plenty of money and land to take care of their children BEFORE their 19 kids and counting show, and can sustain themselves without the help of welfare or mooching off the public.  They are not an example of what is "wrong with the world".  They are an example of what is right!  A family that is self-sustaining, who clearly loves each other, and just want to expand their family further.  Its all good, in my opinion.

-I am so SO tired of these "developmental milestones" that dictate when my baby should do certain things...Mason is ahead of the game in some areas, and just plodding along in others, and it really is kind of irritating that I cant help but read and compare him with other babies.  That, my fellow mommies, is ridiculous.  My son just so happens to be perfect, so what if it takes him a little longer to learn mandarin Chinese than other babies...

-Masons Momma

How to be deliriously happy with your significant other

The following is a list of things that I think are important to always keep in mind in your relationship.  The term relationship as mentioned herein, can apply to spousal, boyfriend/girlfriend, life partner, dog/owner, parent/child...however, not concurrently, that would be creepy. So for the sake of keeping things clear, I'll refer to your person as "One" because I like to think that Ryan is my "one and only" "the one" etc.

1.)  Never go to bed mad.
- people take this for granted and say its cliche, but its true, if you go to bed angry with each other, or with anyone you're close with, you'll wake up angry, and no one likes waking up in a bad mood.  Especially because if you wake up angry, no doubt you'll stub your toe, and that's AWFUL.

2.) After you wake up in a pleasant mood, tell your One you love them
-blah blah cliche blah, we have to get through these cliche sayings before I can get to the good stuff...But seriously, tell your One you love them, every single day.  Tell everyone you love them, as a just good rule of thumb.  I don't know one person whose day was made WORSE by someone saying "hey I totally love you"

3.) Stop holding Grudges
-let. shit. go.  Please and Thank you.  It is pointless to stay mad about anything.  more on this later

4.) Quit Your Sassing  Be Polite
 -Being polite is more than just doing what Barney says and saying please and thank you.  If you've had a bad day, I get it, you're crabby, but do NOT under ANY circumstances, unload all your days worth of stress onto your One.  If you have to decompress from your day, do it gently.
Example of what not to do:
a) put your hand up when your One walks in the door looking rough and say "save the drama for your mama"
b) as soon as your One walks in the door, unload your day
-Whoever comes home last should be able to explain their day first, so they can get it over with and move on to making my dinner. ha.
-When explaining your work troubles, avoid excessive sh*t-talking.  Honestly, the more drama you bring home, the more stress you'll foster. eww fostered stress.

5.)  Show your One the love
-Sometimes you just gotta suck it up (hiyyooo) and shower your One with praise, happiness, massages, making dinner, etc.  People lately have been acting like its SUCH a big deal to give up a massage or just tell their One how much they rock.  I tell Ryan how much he rocks my world on a daily basis, because I love him, and because I know it makes him happy.  If you know you can make your One happy with just words, why the heck wouldn't you do it?! Suck up your pride and just lavish your One for once.  You usually get this response back twofold.

6.) Understand that fist-fights, screaming matches, Hiroshima-style nuclear home wars, lovers quarrels do happen.
- I get it, people have disagreements and you cant be deliriously happy all the time.  That would be boring (note: if you and your One haven't had a disagreement and you've been together more than 1 year, please be advised that you're probably dating a robot, and that's just creepy. unless you're into that)
When a disagreement happens, do NOT: call names, raise your voice, cry, ignore, or EVER hit your One.  If you don't think that you can have an adult conversation, then just explain that you don't want to say something you'll regret.

7.) LASTLY, and maybe most importantly - Don't stay in a relationship when you're unhappy
-evaluate your relationship every once in a while.  If your One isn't the person that makes you smile, that makes you happy to wake up each day, that makes you feel good about yourself and where you're headed, then do whatever it takes to find it.  Life is SO painfully short to be stuck somewhere that you're unhappy.  Dont stay in a relationship "for the children" because "the children" probably just want you to be happy as well.  Dont stay in a relationship because you're afraid to be alone. [tough love time] Dont be that pathetic person that clings on to someone they don't like, SOLELY for the purpose of not being alone.  We are all scared to be alone, but in the end, we have to find ways to make it on our own. Because that's how life works.  Move on, and find someone or something that makes you truly just explode with happiness.

-I feel like this post needs more, but it sounds like I'm already in a wine-induced rant, more later.

Masons Momma

3 Months

my sweet silly peapod.

He:

-smiles SO much. Whenever Ryan and I come home from work, the biggest smiles spread across his sweet cheeks! ahhh! melts my heart

-recognizes Ryan and I every morning with a delighted scream...like "hey, its you guys again!!"


-talks to himself in the morning in his bassinet/crib when he wakes up, so cute.

-finally has a semi-schedule of waking and sleeping, and although he isnt sleeping through the night, he goes right back to sleep after his mid-night feeding YESSSSSS!!!


- tries as hard as he can to stand/sit up whenever we hold him,  big strong man!

-takes showers with Ryan and I instead of baths. His whole body relaxes when we hold him under the warm water, and he makes little ooohhh and ahhh noises.


-LOVES being outside.  If he is fussy, and we take him outside and sit on the deck its like a button is pushed and hes just suddenly happy.

-at 13lbs 8oz, is the cutest baby alive

I:


-got fired from my job for not asking permission to take my required break to pump breastmilk.  Its a load of nonsense, really.  Im thinking there must be something else going on...the attorneys I worked for never spoke ill of my work...so whatever.  Now I have much more time to spend with my peapod!


-feel healthier and healthier every day, and im still losing weight. yay :)


-have dreams about kissing masons cheeks...and about teleporting to hawaii after chewing tea leaves. no big deal.

-think that Ryan and I may be doing something thrilling next year....juuusssssaaayyying! :)


-got a brand new mommy car!! no more mustang here!

Random misplaced musings:

Ive come to realize that people are going to give me advice, whether I want it or not.  I've learned to just take the advice in stride, but not to get worked up.  Most peoples "advice" REALLY sounds like "ways to tell you that youre a terrible parent and your choice to supplement with formula is as bad as letting your baby play with pythons". If you want my opinion, which im fairly certain you do, since youre reading this, a python is perfectly acceptable parenting aid.  I mean, they've got to grow up someday. Right, so stop telling me what I should and shouldnt feed my tot.  My baby is happy and healthy and YES he is a chubby boy and NO I dont feed him pats of butter, he was born that way (hiyooo Gaga) and he is only in the 80th percentile.  So suck it. Stop calling him fat, hes just chubby.


Ryan and I are ridiculously, disgustingly happy with each other.  Its odd, really.  I feel like we have something so beautiful growing in our relationship. yay.


Speaking of beautiful relationships...Im actually suprised at the way my friends have reacted to the addition of mason to my life.  The majority of my friends are just distant, but old friends have come back into my life with such enthusiasm that I wondered how we drifted apart in the first place!  How DO people drift apart? and Why?


I absolutely cannot wait for the holiday season.  As it gets cooler outside, my body ACHES to go apple-picking.  Thanksgiving and Christmas are going to be so amazing this year with baby Mason.  ahh.  I even made turkey and gravy and stuffing and potatoes for dinner last night because of how much im craving the holidays.  Also, Justin Bieber has a holiday CD coming out... judge me.

-Masons Momma