My kid has this night time ritual of dumping toys all over the floor when it’s bed time. Last night I was able to intercept before all the books were tossed.

I think someone has too many toys, perhaps it is time for a yard sale!?!?

For the past week or so, my kid has screamed bloody murder when I put him in his crib. He even climbed out the other night trying to get to me. Last night we went to Epcot, if I was not directly beside of him he would start screaming “mama”. On rides, he sat on daddy’s lap but still kept one hand or his head against me.

We saw his regular pediatrician yesterday and she said his ear infection is completely cleared up but his molars are causing some discomfort. I told her about the screaming when he does not want to go to bed and how he clings to me like a monkey. She explained he is having separation anxiety, meaning when I walk out of his room he is not convinced I will come back. This could have something to do with a recent visit from his grandparents. For over a week, they played with him and he loved every second of it. Then one day, he went down for a nap and when he woke…they were gone. Funny, why didn’t I put the connection together? When she was asking if anything in our routine had changed, it clicked! Duh! Thanks mom and dad! 

I was looking at old videos and came across this. I captured my son taking some of his first steps! Check out how excited he was!!! Disregard the scrubs he’s wearing, a kid must be comfortable when learning how to walk! I still remember this moment like it was yesterday even though it was well over a year ago.

My son has been fighting his naps and bedtime lately. Well, tonight he took it to an entirely new level. No sooner did we say prayers and shut his door until I heard a loud thump and stomping…of course accompanied by screaming. Sure enough, he scaled his crib and was stomping on his hardwood floors. I thought there were advantages to living in a historic home, but now I am rethinking it! I thought the glass doorknobs would be great since he cannot turn them. My mind thought he’d stay in his room and play, but no….he panicked and wanted me.

It has been a very long day to say the least. He refused to nap and has been up for over 12 hours now. I think mommy needs a VACATION!!! Did I mention daddy is at happy hour with friends???? Thank God for Netflix because he is watching the Backyardigans!

My neighbors may just be the smartest people in the world. Why? Well, the other day they came home with a brand new PUPPY! I am not saying this because the puppy is one of the most adorable little fur balls I have ever laid eyes on either, it is all because this couple decided they are NOT ready to take the baby plunge. Perhaps living next door to us for 7 months and listening to the toddler tantrums day in and day out helped them make this well educated decision?

At least if the dog is bad, they can lock him up in a kennel or put him outside. I remember the puppy stage very well, it is a lot of work. I used to think caring for a puppy prepared me for taking care of a baby. WRONG! OMG, big difference!

While their decision to get a new dog still means lots of work for them, I highly doubt they will have to listen to the painful screaming I endured for an hour last night as my toddler fought going to bed. My ear drums are still ringing!

Diaper shortage is a growing problem in the United States. Did you know…

• 1 in 3 American mothers struggle to provide their child with diapers? As a result, 79% of moms have had to choose between diapers and other necessities and 82% have had to cut back on food.
• Nearly 1 in 5 moms in diaper need have extended the amount of time they leave their babies in wet or soiled disposable diapers – in extreme cases, moms have cleaned out and reused wet or soiled diapers.

Babies kept in wet, soiled diapers for extended periods of time are not only uncomfortable, but they can have both health and emotional implications. Also, moms and/or family members may be forced to miss work or school because many day care centers will not accept children without an adequate supply of diapers.

Huggies recognizes this need and plans to donate 2 million diapers to diaper banks across the country. To find out more about the Huggies® Every Little Bottom program, read the study and learn about some ways that YOU can help, please click here. Also, here is a list of partners helping to make Every Little Bottom a success.

Please help spread the word about diaper need and ensure that ALL babies get the healthiest start possible!

Yesterday, I received this email from eBay:

Congratulations! You’ve been on a super sales streak and since you’ve done so well, it’s time to recognize your efforts. Your PowerSeller level has been upgraded to Silver!

Now, to someone who does not sell on eBay, this is probably not a big deal. But to me, it is! I have been a bronze PowerSeller off and on for awhile now. It wasn’t until recently (since I have gotten into a consistent routine after being laid off, selling our home and moving… all while being a stay at home mom) that I could truly concentrate on eBay.

Not only does this mean selling discounts but it also reassures my customers that I am a trusted and reliable seller.

You can ask my friends and old co-workers, I have always wanted to be a full-time seller but was too afraid to take the plunge. I used to make statements like “I could do this full time and make just as much money as I am now” and people thought I was nuts. I also used to give eBay 101 lessons to my coworkers so they could bring in some extra money. The bottom line is this, you can do ANYTHING you put your mind to! YES, it is a LOT of work but my philosophy is this…you get out of it what you put into it!

The best part of all is that I get to stay home and raise my son! What a blessing! Thank you eBay!

In the past, I conducted an interview with Tammy over at “This Mama Works It” where she shared some great tips and advice .

Today, she posted a terrific blog about “How To Be A Great Buyer On Ebay” and I encourage everyone to check it out! Since I typically share successful selling tips, I thought this particular blog would be beneficial for buyers looking for a more pleasant experience.

My son has an ear infection, GRRRR! I could tell he was being fussier than usual. I still wasn’t convinced though, thought perhaps his 2 year molars were causing him discomfort or he was coming down with a cold. My parents were visiting (hence why my blog was so quiet) and unfortunately, they had to listen to the fuss. I tried explaining that he is usually very pleasant, so I hope they  do not think he is this brat all the time!

Anyway, we took him to the Downtown Disney MarketPlace and he begged to get on the carousel. The second it started moving, the screamfest began. The red flag went up immediately, it was at that very moment I knew something wasn’t right. My kid would NEVER cry at Disney and especially NOT on the carousel.

I decided to take him to see his pediatrician. Well, we didn’t get to see one of our usual doctors, instead we saw “Lucifer”. I am baffled how this woman is a pediatrician because she appeared to hate children and did nothing whatsoever to warm up to my son. Instead, she immediately called for a nurse to pin him down so she could look inside his ears. This attempt is not necessary, or at least not with his usual doctors because they engage him and he cooperates. I truly believe if I wasn’t in the room, she would have hit my son over the head with a sledge hammer to knock him out before trying to be nice. I am hoping she was just having a bad day and since we were  the last appointment, she was just eager to go home.

Once the exam was over and my traumatized child was near vomiting from wrestling with the nurse, it was confirmed. His left ear was very red and infected while the right one had fluid on it. He is taking Augmentin for 10 days, then we have a follow-up appointment (obviously, I will beg to see one of our regular doctors).

I thought my son was a tomato monster, until I met this guy…

He ate my ENTIRE tomato plant, all he left was the stem! I think I am going to start using Topsy Turvy and planting my garden upside down to keep critters like this away! Any other suggestions for keeping tomato hornworms (and other tomato loving insects) away?