The Merfett

Currently.

October 5, 2016February 4, 2017 The Merfett

Reading: Present Over Perfect. Almost done, and man. It’s given me a few solid punches to the gut. In a good way. Have Uninvited and She Reads Truth. Also cannot wait to read the newest from my girl crush, this.
Eating: Whole 30. No surprise there. It’s October Whole 30 time! Every year for the past 3 years I’ve done a round. This is now my 4th, and it took me a few days to get psyched about it. I’ve found some new recipes and I’m excited about cooking. I know how to shop, and I know what kinds of things I like to make and eat.
Thinking About: What’s next. I’m trying to be really focused and present during my days with the boys. But I keep getting little nudges to step out and expand. And I don’t think I’m ready to move on to the seemingly bigger and better stuff on the other side of the grass. I’m trying to make friends, make our home welcoming and build a routine for the boys. And that’s plenty to keep me busy. The sparkly objects keep calling to me, but I’m choosing to just stay the course. The theme for our family this year was: Survive. And we’re really doing it. Next year might make way for other things, but this feels right for now.

Looking Forward to: A fun girls weekend coming up. It’ll be a whirlwind trip, but I’m really looking forward to some quality time with a dear friend and a little alone time. I’m already sad to be missing the boys for those few days, but I think it’s going to be a great weekend for all of us!

Enjoying: FALL! We have Fall! It’s amazing and wonderful and just like it is in the movies! I’ve always loved the “fall time,” but in Los Angeles it made me grumpy because the weather was always hot and miserable. Here – it’s so amazing and fresh and comforting. I knew when we decided to move that I needed to have 4 seasons in my life, and I’m so grateful we found it. I may think differently, come Winter. Fall might cause me to dread Winter – but I’m loving it so much, and tying to soak up all the colors and smells and sights. It’s amazing – COME SEE!

Learning: How to make friends all over again. Mom dating is hard. Making friends as an adult is hard. Moving to a new place where you only know 2 people is hard. But I’m trying. I’m like a freshman girl in collage. Join all the clubs! Get all the numbers! It’s working, I hope. I’ve met some really great people, and I feel welcomed and included. I have no doubt we’re going to find our village here, and our people. But I miss my other village. A lot.

Loving: Livepool jeans. I’m 100% obsessed. I got a pair from StitchFix, and it was the first time they’ve ever sent me jeans. I was skeptical…they looked just like maternity jeans with I pulled them out. Elastic band. But, I put them on and I’m converted. I want to shout it from the rooftops! All women should own a pair. They are the only jeans I’ve worn for the past 3 weeks. I’ve got my eye on a black pair next.

Family

Riley is 3

October 4, 2016 The Merfett

Riley is 3. We have a 3 year old. A Pre-Schooler.

He’s fun and silly and chatty and full of energy and spunk.

He LOVES:

Waffles. Paw Patrol. His Dogs. Helping Daddy. Cinnamon Rolls. In N Out. Watching Movies. Playing with Cars. Construction Trucks. Playing Hide and Seek. Fruit. Happy Cake (Birthday Cake). Talking on the Phone. Nonny and Grandpa and Gran. Popcorn. His Best Friend Leon. Rescue Bots. Playing on his Swing Set. Being chased. Jumping in Rain Puddles. Digging holes. Doing Laundry. Sarah + Duck. Baking cookies. Hot Wheels. Cutting papers. Carrying his favorite toys to and from his room for naps and bedtime. Taking pictures. Green Smoothies. Pointing out any trash trucks or construction trucks he sees. Telling long stories.

Favorite phrases:

“Mom, you pop the horn.”

“Sure.”

“Daddy be home in four minuets.”

“Pelescope” = “Telescope”

“Nulk” = “Milk”

“Tee-Show” = “TV Show”

“God Bless You.”

“Careful ____!” Dad, Charly, Mom.

“Oh, hi Charly.”

“Wake up early, early.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

Happy 3rd Birthday, Riley P. We love you and your enthusiasm for life. You wake up each day full of ideas, and plans and possibilities. I hope you never lose your energy and joy for life. Love you, dude.

Family

Charly is 1 Year

October 4, 2016October 4, 2016 The Merfett

One.Year.Old

Weight: 25+lbs and I can’t remember how tall he is. I feel like he’s a bit shorter than Riley was, but weighs more. He’s 98% on the scale for both.

Health: No new teeth, but I’m thinking any day! We’ve all had some winter cold’s recently. And allergies due to all the new Mountain things! He got a 12 hour stomach bug a few weeks ago, which was no fun, but thankfully brief!

Sleep: Restless sleeping lately, and some crying before naps and bedtime. He’s also standing in the crib and moving around much more. I feel like he’s on the verge of walking and more talking so his little mind is on overload. He’s had a few time where’s he’s woken up panicked and screaming and nothing will comfort him until he’s laid back into bed. It’s so sad, and breaks my heart that I can’t make him feel better – but he’s really comfortable self-soothing and will stop immediately after we lay him back down.

Nursing: WE MADE IT TO A YEAR! All the feels about this. It was hard in so many ways. Pumping 3x a day for 5 months is no joke, I could write a whole post about our experience. Especially with a 3 year old and a baby that needed me. I was so ready to be done, but also felt guilty about stopping. Mom guilt is real and serious. He’s transitioned to whole milk after some diluting and he’s taking one bottle in the morning, and just a few sips before bedtime. We’ll cut that at 15 months, that’s when Riley weaned so I think it’ll be a good time.

What Charly is up to: Not yet walking. Loves music, clapping and dancing. Daddy is his favorite – he lights up when he sees him. Thinks Riley is cool, but doesn’t like that he takes stuff he’s playing with. Still hanging out in the Ergo. Took his first shopping cart ride! Says, “Ma-ma,” “more” and “hello/hi.” LOVES reading. He would have me read books to him all day if I could. Waves “bye” by opening and closing his fingers to his palm, normally behind my back if I’m holding him, after the person has walked away. Nods “yes” and “no” to almost any question. Loves to eat. Favorite foods are any kind of fruit, mac n cheese, peas, yogurt.

PostPartum: After weaning I’m starting to feel more like myself. Doing my yearly Whole 30 in October. Trying to find the motivation to work out more.

Baby Gear: Ergo. $5 walker from the thrift store – which he loves playing with more than walking with. Play food. High Chair. Britax Marathon Convertible Car Seat. Size 4 diapers. 18mo,24mo, 2T Clothing. Fresh Picked Moccasins. His baby swing on his birthday swing set.

Thoughts: We love our little Charly Bear so much. His personality is so easy going and laid back – a lot like Dad. He’s happy and content much of the time, and I’m looking forward to him walking and really playing with Riley. I hope they grow to be really great friends. Love you, Char – happy first.