A Day in the Life - 13 Months

If Max could type up a blog post for you all, I'm sure he would love to tell you guys all about his day. Since I have never done a “Day in the Life” post, I thought it might be fun to share what goes on during an average day in the Hauck household from both of our perspectives (or at least from mine and what I imagine he must be thinking in that big brain of his).  On this particular day, Mama was home because our babysitter was on vacation. 

6:45 am
Oh my goodness, seriously? Do I hear him chattering to himself already? I feel like I just went to bed! Max has always been an early riser but I have never gotten used to it.  This is actually a late wake up for him.  I believe he would sleep later but with both Papa Rob and myself having to get up early for work, Max inevitably hears us (our house is small).  We wait as long as we can to get him and often I will bring him back into bed with me for some cuddles. 
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Max: Ah, good morning crib buddies! Can you believe we all just slept for 11 hours. Yeah, I know that the sun hasn’t risen yet, but I am so excited to be awake! I already have so much on my mind to talk about: Bananas!  Pacifier! Books!  Dada, DADA!!  I have so much energy right now that I want to roll around and shout!

7:00 am 
Papa Rob has left for work, so I go in to get Max.  I try to bring him back into bed with me but he thinks its wrestle mania time.  He bounces all over. 

Max: Yes! Is that Mama I hear?  I'm so hungry!  And after a long night, I am so happy for my milk! Wait, why aren’t we cuddling anymore? I don’t want a fresh diaper! AHHH! Oh, it’s over already? Great.  Bring on the food!

7:15 a.m.
I prepare breakfast for Max.  Normally I would eat with him or at least drink coffee...but I know in a bit we are meeting my parents at Tim Hortons so I hold off.  Max usually eats a big breakfast...while also still flinging foods off his high chair if they displease him. 

Max:  WHERE IS MY MILK???  At least mommy brought me the yogurt bites I like. Oh, you know what would be fun?! I think this cereal bar should be a hat (rubs it all over his head).  Mom!! Wahhhh!! I was so excited about that new hat! How dare you take that away from me, wahhhhhhh!! Oh yeah, I still haven't eaten my nana (banana). I guess I’m not that sad. I wonder if this banana can fly? Whoa, why aren’t I in my high chair anymore?  Time to play!!!

7:40a.m.
After cleaning up the kitchen, we play in the family room together.  Lately, Max has been into pushing buttons of all kinds and using his walker.  He's right on the verge of walking so he drags the walker all over.  I also spend a great deal of time shoo-ing him away from the DVD player and TV. 

Max: What? Why can't I press these buttons?  They are my favorite!  I'm sure daddy won't mind.  Wait, my walker is stuck - it makes me so mad!!!  Alright, mommy gave me my pacifier so I promise to chill out a bit.  Oh my tummy feels funny.  "Poop!"  Yep, I just pooped in my diaper.  Ha! Joke’s on you. Oh wait?  We have to go change it?   Ugh. 

8:00 a.m.
We head upstairs and I change Max's diaper and change him.  We also go to our bedroom and I make the bed, get dressed, and fix my hair. All the while, Max is at my heels.  He walks around the bed, crawls into the closet with me and crawls into the bathroom while I straighten my bangs.  He is not too pleased that I'm not holding him. 

Max: Why won't mommy hold me every second that she's home???  Oh I found another pacifier on the floor?  Pacifiers are my favorite.  I like these bathroom cabinets too.  Let me just haul out all of mommy's things...curling iron, brush, and even mouthwash!

8:15am
Drive to Tim Horton's.  We are meeting my parents for a quick breakfast before they hit the road to Dayton.  Max is pretty content once he settles into the car seat.  I like looking into the mirror and seeing his face.

Max:  I'm tolerating this car seat but only because I have my pacifier!  Oh....my grandparents!! Yay!!  Oh, they want me to sit in this high chair?  No thanks.  Not interested.  I like donut holes! This must be a special occasion...I don't normally get these.

9:00 am
Drive home and play for just a bit.  Attempt to get Max settled in for his morning nap.  After he goes down - I sort some laundry, check email, text with work friends, and pack our lunches for a play date with a friend.  I expect this nap to be a little shorter, but I end up waking Max at 10:40.

Max:  Exhaustion...zzz

10:40 am
I hustle around getting the diaper bag ready.  I also remember to grab my purse, Max's shoes, my water bottle, and our lunches.  I have already map quested directions to the park and it's only two and half miles away.  Awesome.  We roll up and I'm amazed at how cool the park is (how did I not know about this?).  We spot my friend Liz and her daughter Brianna right away.  We chat for a second and the kids are off!  It's a little more difficult with Max because he's a bit clingy and not walking yet.  But, he eventually warms up and explores all the slides, musical instruments, swings, and walkways. It's so great catching up with Liz and I contemplate for a hot second about being a stay at home mom! ha!  We have lunch...which goes well for the first twenty minutes but since we don't have high chair and I forgot the stroller, I'm holding Max on my lap. He finished the PB&J sandwich, cheese, and a tiny bit of banana so I'm not pushing it. We play for a bit longer before heading home.

Max:  Hooray for the park!  I can crawl wild and free!  Wait- why is mommy talking to her friend?  Doesn't she know all her attention needs to be on me???  Jokes on you lady - I'm going to demand to be picked up.  Up, Up, Up I say!  Oh I see some steps to climb over there.  Put me down.  Pick me up. Let's go swing! 

12:45pm
We leave the park and head home.  It isn't quite time for Max's second afternoon nap, so we play outside in our backyard for about another twenty minutes.  I bring out the slide and also decide to try and water the flowers (it's a super hot day and they seem to be wilty). Once we are done playing - we come inside and I decide to give Max a bath.  He's knees are practically black from the park and he's super sweaty.  He does great in the bath and settles right in for his second nap.

Max:  I love playing in the backyard!  My slide is my favorite.  Why doesn't mommy get out the water table?  Hmm...what is she doing over there?  Why won't she let me pull off the leaves on this plant (zuchinni)?  I want.those.leaves.now!!  Yawn. I don't want to go inside yet.  Yawn.  Why am I in the tub?  Is it bedtime?  Zzzz...zzzz...

1:15-3ish
I give myself time to shower, and change clothes (it was so hot out earlier...)  and then it's time to power clean up from the disaster that was morning play time and the toy hurricane that blew through our family room.  Next, I decide to catch up on some Netflix while Max is sleeping.  My new favorite is House of Cards.  I settle into the couch with I-Pad in hand and monitor close by. 

Max:  Sleep....dreams of being outside.

3:10pm
I hear the little man stirring and wait until he settles before getting him out of bed. Change diaper and outfit (since the one pre-bath was super dirty). We sit down for post-nap snack. 

Max:  Ugh, I love my crib. I’m awake, but wish I was still sleeping. That mommy better not rip me out of the crib before I’m ready.  Uh oh, here she comes. (Crawl around crib in circles).  Ok lady, here I am. Let’s get this diaper change over with quick. Oh, time for more food. Cool. 

3:45-5:45pm
Rob's home!  How the heck do stay at home parents do this every day?  My house is a disaster.  The high chair tray needs cleaned and Max just wants to go outside again. I pass Max off to Rob while I go to the bathroom (by myself...a real treat!)  While they play outside - I start dinner.  Tonight it's meatball subs and broccoli (plus the rest of the banana for Max). They come in during dinner prep because it's so hot and Max needs a diaper change. By the time they are finished - dinner is done. Max gobbles up the meatballs and broccoli.  He has a couple pieces of banana and some applesauce too. I have to leave - I'm picking up a friend and going to a presentation by Joel Sartore (an animal photographer). 

Max:  Daddy's home!!!!!!  He's my favorite (after mommy ;)  He loves to play with me.  Swing me higher!  Grab my toes!! I love being outside!  We're going inside??  Not happy about it.  But, I do love broccoli.  And I love dropping food off my high chair. Fetch this! Now get my sippy cup! And my fork!  This is so fun!

7:00pm

Rob bathes Max and goes through the rest of the routine.  He says Max goes down without a peep.  Nice work. 

 

Max:  Why am I in the bath again?  At least all my tub friends are here.  And, I don't have to get my hair washed tonight.  Daddy is silly - why is he talking in a funny fish voice?  PJ time!  Night Night!

 

 

9:00pm

Rob heads to bed.  I arrive home shortly after.  I check on Max, work on the computer, and head to bed about 11:00 pm.

 

Max:  zzz...zzzz..zzz

xoxo

While you were away - Grandparent Camp edition

Editorial note:  I was trying to publish this post last night...but our internet was being weird and thus I couldn't work on it until today.  But, the sentiment is still true.

Dear Max,

For awhile now we've known that your normal school teacher (daycare provider) would be on vacation this last week of June.  At first, mama flipped out - how was I going to take off another week of work?  How could Daddy?  Not that we didn't want too...(we always do!)...but we were already taking two vacations and I'm paranoid about stockpiling my vacation/sick time. I immediately buzzed up your Ohio grandparents, who first agreed to two days of watching you, and then when I said we would bring you to them for a couple days..they were on board for three days. All this to say - I knew this time was coming.

Fast forward to last Sunday.  We drove you down to Dayton...went to the pool, had lunch, took a walk, napped, and had dinner together.  Your dad and I were sort of dragging our feet on leaving but finally pulled out of the driveway.  I was surprised that I didn't cry while saying my goodbyes.  And, I knew you be fine. Totally fine.  Your grandparents are doting, wonderfully attentive people. What I wasn't prepared for was about half a mile down the road, having a total meltdown.  To the point where I looked at your dad, grabbed his arm, and begged him to turn the car around.  Thankfully, one of us was semi-sane and kept driving (spoiler alert: it wasn't me). I blubbered on about missing you already, how lonely we would be, and that I didn't know what I was thinking leaving you for three nights. I finally fell asleep and we arrived home.

I set out to check on my beloved plants and give them some much needed water.  This is something you and I normally do together. You watch as I uncoil the hose.  You sit in the grass as I unwind it all around the deck.  As I start to walk away to hit the flowers on the far side with water, you usually decide to crawl after me. You sort of bear crawl because you still aren't sure about the grass. You point to the flowers.  I tell you what they are.  You point to the tree.  I pull off a leaf for you to twirl and sometimes shred. Either way - I couldn't even water the flowers that evening without becoming a tearful mess. I rushed inside and collapsed on the couch with your dad...demanding for the second time that he drive me back to Daytona and "to hell with work!"  I called grandmim, who informed me of all the fun you had already been having...including a trip to the ice cream store.  In her no-nonsense way, she reminded me that everything would be fine. 

 The crazy part in all this - I had a HUGE list of all the things I was going to get done while you were with your grandparents. Clean out my closet, catch up on my scrapbooking, bake cookies, wash the sheets on the bed, organize all your clothes and on and on...  and you know what?  I got absolutely nothing done on Sunday.  I could barely muster up the energy to get off the couch.

 

It felt so weird to be without you.  I knew our lives revolved around you (in the best way possible) - but it's crazy how even when they don't (even for a few days) - we couldn't even figure out how to use our time. I got home from work yesterday and daddy was cleaning the garage.  I just looked at him and I knew - he missed you!  He was trying to keep himself busy so as not to think about it! 

Well ....here we are on day two (and a half) - I have gotten some things put away, clothes sorted, and definitely got to work on time in the morning...but we will be SO glad to have you back tomorrow!  We miss your smile...your babble....your curly mop... all of you sweet boy!  You complete our family in such a big way.  It's never been more apparent than the last few days.  I check my phone every ten minutes to see if a new picture has arrived from Grandmim, we slept with your baby blanket (no joke), and I find myself just wandering into your room thinking of all the books you will want to read when you get home.

We know you had a great time with your grandparents (as evidenced by all the pics in this letter) ...and are so thankful they could help us this week...but we can't wait to see you! 

love always,
Mama

P.S. Yes, it's true - I even sent you mail during your stay at Grandmim's and Gramps house.  But, I think you liked it :)

Currently: June Edition

 

(above:  scenes from the flowerbeds)

 

Currently...

 



loving puttering around in my flowerbeds and repotting flowers for the deck

celebrating Father's Day and my favorite guys, Papa Rob, Grandpa Tim, and Grandpa Jim

enjoying planning out how to accomplish everything on our "Summer to do List"

obsessing Max's new bottom teeth that are coming in

preparing for an upcoming trip to Oregon!  And a work potluck (it's a garden party theme!)

wondering how many toys to back in the carry on to keep Max occupied for close to five hours of air time...not to mention airports.

packing lunches in the evening so as not to be rushed in the morning.

checking on my zuchinni every single night.

wishing for a closet full of new clothes! (specifically maxi dresses and the perfect summer sandals)

drinking cold brew coffee...and diet cherry coke (how did I not get on this band wagon sooner?)

planning a trip to babies r' us for diapers tomorrow

reading Gone Girl (thanks for the rec Candice!)

listening to Dierks Bentley's "I Hold On" - the entire ride to work in the morning

watching Orange is the New Black season 2.

marveling over the little opinonated boy that lives in our house now :)  Silverware is a must.  Always wants his pacifier (if he sees it).  Only certain books for reading time (Easter Bugs, and Dear Zoo).

feeling like I want to change up some of the decorations in our house.  And design a playroom for Max (but how....and what room??)

xoxo

Learning Tree Farm

We were in Dayton over the weekend to celebrate Father's Day and my Mom's birthday...but of course we managed to squeeze in a little family fun time too! Max has been into farm animals as of late...requesting me to read "Moo, Baa, La, La, La" ten times a night, and really only wanting to look at the farm animal page of his animal book.  He can totally point to a cow (#geniuschild)...so it was natural that a farm trip was in order!

 

(Preparing for the trip...studying up on his animals)

 

Randomly, my mom remembered a farm called "Learning Tree Farm" that some kids from high school worked at...and a few clicks on the old internet and we located it (google really is such a magical thing).  It looked like the real deal...and they had two pigs named "Snoop Hoggy Hog" and "Hameniem" (after the rappers)...so obviously it was a no brainer. If you name your pigs after rappers it's pretty much a guaranteed that I will come visit your farm. 

 

(I was loving the vibe of this farm...a hand painted sign! yes please!)

 

Miracoulsly Grandpa Tim knew the area pretty well (despite grandmim's constant questioning of his navigational skills)..and by the time we pulled in - we were the only car in the very small lot.  There was no staff in site...but the directions said to leave our money in the drop box (honor code enforced).  All I have to say is the people running the farm must be real trusting because all the signs indicated that "if you could open the wooden gates, you were welcome to go in!"  What??!  Well in we went and were so.close.to.all.the.animals!  Maxwell's young dreams came true!

 

 

 

I was dying as the pig's snout came over the railing...Max did not appear to be frightened at all!

Out in the pasture we encountered more sheep, two horses, some cows, ducks (Max loved those too!), and some baby goats!

 

 

At one point I was trying to hold both his hands and he insisted on walking with just one of my hands.  He was especially interested in this sheep with super thick, curly hair! 

 

 

(The ducks weren't too sure about us...and promptly fled as we got closer!)

 

 

It was so adorable to see him stand on his tippy toes to see between the slats.  In the above picture he was investigating a donkey who was patiently tolerating two little baby goats trying to jump on its back!  What can I say?  This farm was bustling with animal activity. Max is still pointing at everything...and would flap his arms in excitement when he saw something especially wonderful!

 

 

After exploring the animal barn, pasture, tobacco barn, chicken coop, and checking out the barn cat -- we had one last spot...the garden!  This garden was awesome...it had everything from cauliflower, beets, swiss chard and potatoes...to grapes, tomatoes, and peas!  We were very inspired (maybe next year we will take it up a notch from the three zuchinni plants we have?).  Overall a great afternoon...and a wonderful way to celebrate Grandmim's birthday! 

And...most importantly - we made it home in time for nap! 



13 month update

As time consuming as it is to do those monthly updates...they are awfully fun to look back on too!

So - even though I'm not taking weekly photos anymore - I decided to keep up with the monthly updates with a slightly different format and tons of pictures (your welcome).

 

 

Age:13 Months
Stats: 25ish lbs. and 31.5 inches (though none of this is official since we haven't been to dr.)
Clothes: Wearing size 12-18 month mostly, although a lot of the 18 month clothes are a little big in the waist and shoulders.  Perhaps my favorite addition are the two piece pajamas - gosh they are just so darn cute :)  Love seeing his little belly peeking out!

 

(speaking of that belly...)

Favorite Foods: Bananas, Mandarin Oranges, Chicken, Broccoli, Pancakes

 

(peanut butter and jelly sandwiches cut into elephants for a recent zoo trip..)

 

Favorite Words: Nana (banana), Da-Da, Ma-Ma, Nah (no), and Ba Bye (bye bye)

 

 

 

Favorite Activities: Strolls around the neighborhood, watering the flowers, getting into and out of the Cozy Coup, crawling into and out of the tent, cruising along the couch, our bed, and baby gate. Playing with straw cups (the take and toss ones). Hauling out books and flipping quickly through the pages.  Stacking the rings on his Rock a Stack, looking for hidden objects in the towers of stacking cups, and pounding on his drums.  Also - we are loving being outside on the weekends...going from the slide, to the water table, and over to see the zuchinni.  He is obsessed with our two elephant watering cans and tries to help water the flowers.  Has to use all silverware...if he sees it on the counter then forget about trying to hide it...you pretty much have to give it to him.

 

(visiting Library Park on homeschool day)

 

(cozy coupe...aka the "crazy coupe")

 

(renewed interest in the crawl car)

 

(giving his nod of approval to Mama's flowerbeds)

 

Least Favorite Activities: Diaper changes & anything that involves him laying/being still. Also he hates to be without his pacifier.

Favorite Things:

 

Animal books - such as "100 First Animals", "Moo, Baa, La La La, and "Dear Zoo", and really anything with a flap such as "Where is Baby's Belly Button".

 

Duck Pool - loved throwing all his foam bath toys in, dumping water from the watering can in, and trying to crawl out of it (because it was filled with super cold hose water).

 

 

Signature Moves: Fake laughing, grabbing his feet, sticking his finger in his nose, pulling off his socks and shoes, drinking from his sippy cup (we are officially done with bottles), using his drum sticks on everything, pointing (and whining sometimes) at everything, and this new "scunchy face" smile which mama loves :)

 

(the scrunchy face kills me...it's like he is smiling with his whole face) 

Mom's Proudest Moment: Letting him have the knife from the utensil set we bought and then him insisting on using it at most meals. Turns out it is real hard to get any food to stick on a knife.

 

Dad's Proudest Moment: Daddy tried to teach Max how to go down the stairs backward by turning around using his legs to touch the next step.  Max got a little impatient with the whole process and basically just slides down backward until his feet hit the floor (Mama calls this his magic carpet ride).

 

 

(park time is the best!!)

 

Other Milestones: Max can understand basic sentences (i.e. where are your shoes?).

 

He mostly puts himself to sleep now. No bottle.  We are sort of over the weird bath freak outs (I'm thinking he didn't like the water being poured over his face). 

 

Working hard at trying to walk.

 

Can point to his nose (most of the time).  Looks down at his belly when asked "where is your belly"?

 

Loves to be outside and touch everything.

 

(A special zoo trip to see the Heart of Africa opening)

 

(Another Zoo trip where we found the photo booth and got our first

pictures as a family...and now I can die a happy mama).

 

What a great month!  As always, I'm amazed at how much he is growing and learning and what a big boy he is becoming...always willing to give a hug or high five :)

We love you Macho Max!!

xoxo