The Murphy's!

Cloth Diapering!

2011-01-28T21:23:00.001-05:00

After much discussion and research Justin and I have decided to go green with diapers! We are going to attempt and hopefully succeed in cloth diapering! We understand cloth diapering can be a lot of work but with proper care and patients, I believe we can do it! Not only is it green for the earth its green for our pockets! Yes, at first, upfront, to get started the cost is a lot more than anyone I think would want to spend on diapers. However after about 6 months of cloth diapering they will have paid for themselves and save us hundreds and hundreds of dollars. I actually did the math between cloth diapering Mason & Conner we can save about $1600 ($30 a box of diapers)! I think that number alone is enough to want to switch to cloth!

We (when I say we, I mean me) have been looking at all different brands and types as well as what we can afford and what is convenient for us. I have decided on doing pre-folds with covers. Pre-folds are not only are easy to clean and maintain (with proper care and wash), they are also the most affordable option. I have found two brands of covers we are going to use, Thirsties Duo Wraps (size 1 & 2) & Blueberry Diaper Coveralls (one size, 10-35+lbs.). And Thanks to Nicki's Diapers I was able to buy everything we need to get started!

The only thing I am not looking forward to is cleaning soiled cloth diapers. However I already clean my two year old soiled undies due to potty training so how much different can it be?! Plus by spending an extra $50 we can invest in a diaper sprayer that attaches directly to the toilet plumbing which helps spray away particles. Or we can just simply dunk the pre-folds into the toilet and wash/swish those particles away (good thing I keep my toilet fresh and clean).

This is defiantly a personal decision, one that Justin supports to the fullest! I really thought he was going to be fully against, tell me I was crazy but I was wrong! I am grateful he is supportive of this idea (just like many of my crazy ideas). Its an experience that I sort of, kind of, really can not wait to start!

More post to come on my cloth diapering experience! We plan on starting Mason with in the next week!

Chunka’s First Birthday!

2011-01-25T22:15:00.001-05:00

O good morning birthday boy! That how our morning started along with breakfast and some cartoons.

We didn’t do much in the morning because I went out with my mom to get some things for Conner. But our afternoon was filled with lots of running around, games & prizes at Chuck E Cheese’s

Then we went to Nunnies house for some ice cream cake!

I hope he made a great wish and had a fantastic first birthday!

Happy First Birthday to my little chunka monka!

(Can’t post pictures for some reason)

32 week; I’m prepared!

2011-01-25T21:01:00.000-05:00

I am so ready to have Conner and I mean everything is all set up for him! We hit our 32 week mark! Only 8 more weeks to go.

Yesterday my mom brought me out to get some last items we needed for Conner. We got him blankets, stroller toys, some onesies and bottles.

Then today I cleaned, re arranged, and organized my room. We got a bassinet this pass weekend and that is all set up. Also his clothes are put away in his dresser and his car seat is ready to go. I guess you can say I am ready but he is not so its waiting we do.

The last few things I need to do is wash/boil his bottles, pack my hospital bag & a few things for him at the hospital.

Let me tell you some great things about being 32 weeks:

His movements are getting stronger.
We only have 8 weeks, maybe less to go.
We are prepared for his arrival.
His heart rate is great!

Not so great things about being 32 weeks (might be repeats):

Heartburn
Un-comfortableness
Restless leg syndrome
Shortness of breath

In all honesty even the not so great is great.

Til next weeks update!

O where did the year go; Chunka is one!

2011-01-25T09:11:00.002-05:00

Happy first birthday to my sweet, chunky, silly, smiley, little baby boy, Mason!

About this time a year ago Justin and I were heading to the hospital to be induced to have Mason! It was a quick labor (just like the one with Logan), we got there around 9:30am, contractions started around 2pm and he was delivered at 6:35pm! And here we are a year later, it went so quickly!

Let me share 12 facts about Mason in celebrations of him being 1!

1. He loves playing with his brother (Logan) more than anything.

2. He loves to play/wrestle with his daddy.

3. He eats pretty much anything, most definantly fruit!

4. He has 8 cute little teeth (4 top front, 4 bottom front).

5. He loves to dance.

6. He says "ball", "mama", "dada" & "vroom".

7. He loves books.

8. He loves tubby time.

9. He enjoys watching "Super Why" & "The Backyardigans"

10. He is a great little cuddler (when he wants to be).

11. He likes to play with the football & cars but whatever Logan has is always better.

12. He the greatest mamas boy ever! Yes he is a mamas boy and I love it :)

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-01-19T13:26:00.001-05:00

Dream place to live...

2011-01-19T13:16:00.000-05:00

You know winter is starting to get the best of me when all I can think about it my dream place to live.

I want to live were the grass is always green and freshly cut. I want to live where the air is warm and crispy but the wind is cooling. I want to live where you can smell the ocean and feel the warmth of the sun durning the days.

I want to live where I can take out the stroller and go for a walk with the boys. I want to live where the town is small and the shops are cute. I want to live where there are corner candy stores and icecream shops. I want to live where the park is clean and the fields are so open and free. I want to live where the people are always friendly.

I want to live by the beach. Yes I do. What beach, not sure. What state, a warm one of course. Somewhere South or West, maybe. Maybe still close to home along the East coast but a little further South.

If only Justin and I could pack up our apartment into a truck and go. Just go until we find the perfect cute little town by the beach. Only if it wasnt all just a dream. Maybe someday...

Why, hello 31 weeks?!

2011-01-18T13:17:00.000-05:00

Hello indeed. 31 weeks, only means we are 1 week closer to Conner's arrival.

This past week has really kicked my butt! I have been experiencing braxton hicks contractions. Those lovely useless but not so useless pretty much painless contractions. I have been beyond tired due to not sleeping comfortably at night. I have resorted to sleeping on the couch, not as great for my body come morning but at least I get more sleep. I also got to experience the winter 24 hour stomach bug which kept me up all of Sunday night into Monday. Thank goodness for Justin or I would have felt a lot closer to death due to the fact I was vomiting every half hour for about 8 hours! Lastly last week we had our 30 week prenatal appointment that went great as always. Conner was being extremely active (as always) so we were not able to get a straight heart beat reading but its between 130-140 BPM. My belly is round and measuring between 30-31 CMs. Only about 9 weeks left!

I'm thinking in the next two weeks I will slowly prepare everything for his arrival. I'm hoping to get the few items we need/want for him, like bottles, binky's, his blanket, and a bassinet. A friend is going to get us his swing and we don't need much of anything else. Then I will pack, maybe un-pack & re-pack (just in case I forget anything) my hospital bag and pack a small bag for him. I rather be prepared early than rushing around at the end, most defiantly if by any chance we go early!

I am still very patient and not rushing his arrival but then again ask me next week. My thoughts on this might change. I am most defiantly very excited and can not wait to hold our baby boy! Only 9 more weeks and I have a strong feeling they will pass quicker than I'm going to expect!

Happy 2nd Birthday Patrick!

2011-01-16T20:23:00.001-05:00

Today we celebrated Justin's little brother, Patrick's 2nd birthday! It was a nice time there, like always!

Snow Day Fun!

2011-01-13T09:32:00.001-05:00

Nothing better than a snow day! Let me tell you why; pajamas, Disney movies, yummy food!

Plus pig pile on daddy is alway fun!

Im pretty sure we ended up with about 2ft of snow! I honestly can say I could not wait for it to stop so the boys can play in it! Which so happen to be the following day.

So, the next day we went to my moms and had fun in the snow with our friends!

Playing in the snow is one of my favorite past times. However I did not play in the snow this time. I need to invest in some snow clothes after Conner is born.

Logan really enjoyed "building" a snowman, throwing snow balls, and playing with his friends. Mason wasn't a fan of the wind. He didn't last very long. But they both had fun & that is what matter most to me!

Loving the new potty training attempt!

2011-01-11T22:07:00.001-05:00

Its has been one week since I changed my whole potty training routine with Logan. I have to say it is going wonderfully! I highly regret spending all that money on pull-ups!

Logan is really proud of himself every time he gets to pour his pee into the big potty.

He really enjoys picking out which pair of underwear he gets to wear.

He does really well at getting to the potty when he needs to. However he has trouble getting over the gate so that results in accidents. I have to say 98% of his accidents are because of that. He has had a few poop accidents also. I'm not sure how to get him comfortable with pooping on the potty. That will be our next goal, after we get peeing down!

All together Logan is doing great. He has been doing great from the start.

Week 30; Where did the time go?!

2011-01-10T23:38:00.000-05:00

I really wish I did weekly updates during this pregnancy but I did not. So here we are week 30 ins, only about 10 weeks left to go and I'm going to start giving some sort of weekly update. Better late than never, right? To begin, I'll give you a little run down of the past 30 weeks, how about that?!

First Trimester:

5-6 weeks: We found our we are pregnant for the 3rd time!
6-13 weeks: My toilet became my best friends. While the thought of food became my enemy. I felt and looked like death (at least I thought so).

Second Trimester:

15 weeks: Finally got over all the random sickness spells and gained an abundance of energy.
16-19 weeks: Everything felt like it was in slow motion as we patiently waited to find out the sex of this baby. Honestly can't say there was much excitement in these few weeks.

20 weeks: Finally, the big day to find out! Now as you can imagine after having 2 boys how badly I just might want a baby girl. Honestly I really believed I am carrying a baby girl (this pregnancy has been very different from my other two). My husband was even convinced the baby is a girl. But I guess the ultra sound said other wise. Now I didn't see the sex of the baby, my husband wanted to tell me for himself. So after the ultra sound he tried to find a way to tell me with out making me upset. He was already feeling heartbroken, he was really hoping for a baby girl. He was scared to tell me but he told me. When he did, I kind of just blocked the world out and went into depress mode for about 2 days. I didn't want to talk to anyone about it. I was really upset. But I quickly got over my "~~selfishness~~" (I believe I was being selfish) and thought of all the positives of having a boy! Here are a few good reasons; he is healthy, we don't have to buy much (like clothes, toys), he will have 2 of the best friends in the whole world (his big brothers).
21-30 weeks: The last 9 weeks have passed by pretty quickly thanks to the holidays!

Third Trimester:

We are now all caught up in time with the basics of the last 30 weeks.

Some great things about being 30 weeks:

We now have appointments ever 2 weeks.
We only have 10 weeks left to go until Conner (we decided on the name Conner) arrives.
Conner's movements and feeling his little limbs outside of my tummy put a smile on my face every time!
We can begin to prepare everything for him (crib, car seat, clothes, etc.)

Some not so great things about being 30 weeks:

Heartburn/acid reflux; Zantac, tums, Maalox are like my best friends!
Beginning to feel uncomfortable and exhausted
Not being able to sleep comfortably.
Back pains, sciatic pains.
The randomly and many trips to the bathroom to pee.

I sort of, kind of, really hope these next 10 weeks go quickly. I can not wait to hold Conner. I can not wait to see who he looks like. I can not wait to officially meet him!

Till next weeks update :)

Getting frustrated...

2011-01-09T23:41:00.000-05:00

I made a new header, I loaded it. But now there is a whole blank section on the right side. Its frustrating. How do you fix it?! Or am I just imagining it?!

My Own Rules To Live By

2011-01-09T11:41:00.003-05:00

Do you have your own rules to live by? Do you follow your own rules?

I was reading Clover Lane: My Rules To Live By and it had me thinking, "Why don't I have a small list of rule to live by"?! I like the idea, it gives me a calm feeling. Sometimes I feel like my life is hectic (it really isn't, not even close).
So here it is, my own small list of rules to live by!

Make the best of every day, slow down a little bit, enjoy the moments!
Remember a happy mama is the best mama!
Always pay credit cards and necessary bills monthly but stick to our budget!
Make where ever we live the best living situation possible. Make it OUR home!
Turn the TV, computer and gaming system off more often.
Create, imagine, play with the boys!
Have a date night with my husband often, even if we have to do it at home!
Have more "ME" time, indulge myself to a treat, a gift once in a while.
Have a clean home but remember most of the cleaning can wait til a later time.
Before getting angry, frustrated, mad (however you want to put it), take a step back, breath and re-think the best way to approach the situation.

This list might become longer or smaller over time. Either way that's my list. Nothing special. Nothing to crazy, just simple rules for myself.

New approach on potty training.

2011-01-03T10:34:00.001-05:00

After reading, Clover Lanes: Potty Training, I have decided to take a new approach. This morning I hid all Logan's pull ups and set out his pile of his underwear for the day (we will stick to good nights for the night time only, for now). I am mentally prepared to remind him every 30 minutes to an hour to use the potty. As well as ask him where he needs to go pee (the correct answer to this for him is "Elmo potty"). I have also mentally prepared myself for the numerous amount of times I might have to change his undies a day. I plan on not taking him out anywhere for the next couple days in hope that he will catch on quickly at home. Then we will slowly bring him out. When we are out I just need to remember to pack extra undies, pants, socks & maybe even a pair of shoes! Also to bring his big potty attacher with us.

My only down fall is not having a washer or dryer in my apartment. I will have to go do a small load of laundry every night to make sure he has enough underwear for the following day.

Logan's choice of underwear is the Toy Story 3 pack (can I complain on how expensive 7 pairs of underwear are). We bought 3 different packs to start.

I still have hopes in having him potty trained before Conner's arrival. I know I have been working at this for weeks now. I guess I finally figured out where we have going wrong (the pull ups). So lets see how strictly underwear turns out to be!

New reading!

2011-01-03T00:38:00.000-05:00

I found a new blog! I think I am in love with it! Clover Lane, I ~~like~~ love everything about this blog! I love her post. I love that along the right side there are the popular post (which I am loving the most right now)! I love her pictures. I love her creativity. I love her writing!

No she didnt tell me to write any of the above, actually I have no idea who she is. Im just in love with her blog!

2010, You have been a wondeful year!

2011-01-01T15:36:00.001-05:00

It seems many of my friends and some family is happy to see 2010 go but me I'm a little sad! Its been a great year! It was a wonderful year for us! Although I am a little sad to see 2010 go, I really cant wait to see what great things, events, and adventures are in store for us in 2011!

January 2010

Logan becomes a big brother, Mason was born!

February 2010

We went to the Aquarium.

Daddy turned 23!

March 2010

We visited the Children's Museum

Celebrated St. Patrick's Day!

April 2010

Happy Easter! Logan experienced his first egg hunt!

Justin and I over came our first year of marriage together!

I can not wait to celebrate many more years with him!

May 2010

Logan turned 2!

June 2010

Right at the beginning we moved into our own apartment! Still give Justin tons of credit for getting it done in 12 hours!

We had fun in the sand.

Logan went on his first go-kart!

We went to the zoo for Fathers day!

July 2010

Happy 4th of July!

We found out we are expecting baby #3 in March on 2011!

Logan learned how to bumper bowl on the Cape!

August 2010
Nothing that I can remember happened in August. A few random drives. A few family visits. A few days at the park. Just a nice way to end the summer.
September 2010

We went apple picking!

October 2010

We went pumpkin picking

Had a spooktacular Halloween with our handsome firefighter and adorable giraffe!

November 2010 (no pictures of any of our memorable events for November)!
I turned 23
Justin and I went to my first Boston Celtic game!
Had 3 family Thanksgivings!

December 2010

We saw some beautiful lights at the zoo!

Finally got a get family picture, just in time for Christmas!

Santa came!

We also had several wonderful Christmas' with family!

Logan got to go sledding before the end of the year!

It was a great year! I honestly can not wait to see what great things come in 2011!

Playing in the snow!

2010-12-27T23:41:00.002-05:00

We got snow, which meant sledding! Logan is still a little young to understand everything about the snow. He thinks the snow itself is a snowman. Either way Daddy & Logan had fun sledding! Mason & I kind of stayed at the top of the hill in the car (it was beyond cold because the wind). We probably sat in the snow for a couple minuets.

Heading out to go sledding!

Daddy & Logan getting ready to go down the hill!

"Hi mama!, See you at the bottom!"

There they go...

...and goooooo...

...and gooooooo....

...and they made it!

Mason wondering about the snow...

He was a little unsure about it.

Then he decided to roll in it.

I think someone is cold!

"Mama my hands cold"

Mason was a little cold too!

I cant wait for it to snow again hopefully with less wind! Logan had so much fun & I really want Mason to be able to play in the snow a little more!

Christmas at my moms!

2010-12-25T15:28:00.000-05:00

Christmas morning at my mom's was an other success! The boys were so incredibly spoiled. Justin and I got more than we ever expected. It was so nice to see my whole family together.

Christmas Eve & Christmas!

2010-12-25T14:10:00.000-05:00

It was a wonderful Christmas! I love seeing the excitement on Logan's face, he got so many great gifts! This was also Mason's first Christmas! He had more fun playing with the paper then his toys! Needless to say our Christmas was a success. The boys now have a mini toy store in our living room. I am truly blessed to have my boys, my husband & a wonderful family to celebrate this day with!

Decorating cookies for Santa!

Logan's Christmas Eve jammies!

Mason opening his Christmas Eve gift (Jammies)

Reading "The Night Before Christmas"

Cookies & Milk for Santa, Carrots for his Reindeer!

The boys all snug in their beds!

SANTA HAS ARRIVED!

Time to open gifts!

Again it was a wonderful Christmas for us!

Till next year Marvin!

2010-12-25T10:31:00.002-05:00

Marvin's enjoyed his last night here at the Murphy's, high up on our tree star. I hope next year we have just as much fun with Marvin. It was such a joy watching Logan find him every morning. It was sad that Logan didn't understand this morning that Marvin went back with Santa to the North Pole til next year.

Marvin did leave the boys a sweet little note!

Christmas lights!

2010-12-23T22:19:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite things about Christmas are the lights people decorate their houses with! I love driving around looking at them all. This year was expecially fun due to the fact that I had Logan to share the excitement with. Logan called the lights, "Santa lights" and he loved all the big blow up Santas!

It was an other great night spending time with my husband & our boys!

Wordless Wednesday!

2010-12-22T21:18:00.000-05:00

My wishlist for Conner

2010-12-22T11:39:00.000-05:00

Seeing how Christmas shopping is done and Mason's first birthday party is pretty much planned, I couldn't help myself from looking at stuff for Conner. I don't expect any of it but hey I can dream, hope and most certainly browse. I really want to do an Owl theme for Conner, Logan has turtles and Mason is giraffes

Fisher Price Woodland Friends take along swing

Skip Hop Treetop Friends: Stroller Toys//Hug & Hide Owl Activity toy

Stroller Blanket & Owls Sky Boudoir

(DwellStudio Owls Sky collection)

Owls Sky long sleeve play suit with New Dots Chocolate hat & booties set

(DwellStudio Owls Sky collection)

Owls Sky Madison diaper bag
(DwellStudio Owls Sky Collection)

Aveeno Baby products & Pem America Cozy Wrap

A Bassinet, like this one!

Then we need bottles (8oz), plain crib sheet, a breathable bumper, a crib mattress & probably a few outfits. Lucky for us we already have 2 boys so clothes will be handed down that are still in GREAT shape.

I want...

2010-12-22T11:08:00.000-05:00

DwellStudio Peacock Duvet Set

When it comes to finding a bed set I am very picky. For the past 3 years I have been trying to find one I love. As of right now we have miss matching of everything on our bed and its not appealing to me.

I was browsing the DwellStudio site for things for Conner (next post) and I came across this set! I fell in love instantly. Then I looked at the price and what was included, then my hopes to have it one day simply vanished! Either way I am still so in love with the set & I want it desperately!

I want these for Conner :)

2010-12-21T18:09:00.000-05:00

I'm not a huge fan of shopping at Etsy but I like to browse.

I came across some cute hats that I want to get Conner!

I love the Owl one! It think its so adorable!