James is 2

I seriously can't believe it, my little boy is two!  It's crazy to think two years ago we were very patiently awaiting (it was definitely on his terms) our first born child to come into the world

and now look at this guy!

A little bit about James lately....

He is definitely a two year old.  Sigh.  This has been super hard for momma especially now that my hormones are out of wack and I'm moody.  Where has my sweet little boy gone?  He has started this blood curdling scream that he does when he's mad and doesn't get his way or when he's mad and someone just looks at him.  Sure makes him look like a bratty kid when he does this to complete strangers.  But then in an instant he can do a total 180 and he's back to his sweet old self giving kisses and telling mommy she's pretty.  Split personalities, I swear.

One issue we are having is eating time, this kid does not eat lately.  I wonder if he's getting his two year old molars in.  But he's also just gotten more picky which I didn't know was possible.  He used to like a small variety of things but now it has gotten even smaller!  So frustrating!  He used to love fruit especially bananas but now he won't eat them.  And what he does eat, he isn't eating much and of course mom's like to control that because you want your child to grow healthy and strong.  My sister who is in nursing school said she learned that kids around this age will go through a time where they won't eat much at all and that is perfectly ok, they are hitting a plateau in growth and don't need much at this time.  And my mother in law sent me some information that said kids will eat however much they need to at a given time so these things have helped me feel better.

He has been getting up around 7:30am (sometimes before) for the past couple months no matter what time he goes to bed even if it's a late night...I really shouldn't complain but I really enjoyed sleeping till 8-8:30 every morning haha.  Oh well, such is life.  We used to put him down at 8:30 at night but now that he's getting up earlier, we put him down at 8pm and he does just fine so that's a good compromise.

We have started limiting the binky to naps and bedtime.  He has actually done pretty well at this which I was surprised, that kid loves his binky.  As long as we keep it out of sight, he doesn't really ask for it.  We will probably let him keep it during naps and bedtime for a while.  I worry about taking it completely away.  He'll wake up usually one time during the night (sometimes even twice) which is annoying...he used to sleep through the whole night when he was younger....but it's usually because he has lost his binky so all we have to do is go in and pop it back in and we're good so I worry about eliminating the binky completely for fear he won't be able to put himself back to sleep.  Hopefully it'll come with age.  Advice or words of encouragement from other moms would be greatly appreciated :)

He has figured out how to open all the doors in the house now!  Ahhhh!  I liked that I could hide stuff behind a closed door and know it was safe....not so much anymore ha.  I still need to go out and buy those baby proof door knob covers.  His favorite door to open is the pantry.  He helps himself to pretty much anything he wants in there, though not as of late because he's not eating!!

He is a smart little stinker and knows his colors pretty well and can count to 10 in English and Spanish.  A little toy got him started with the Spanish counting.  He usually needs help with counting but we will hear him counting to himself and will do pretty well, only skipping a couple numbers and then he'll clap and say "yay" when he gets to 10.

He even knows how to work our iPhones!!  It's not like we gave this kid a course on how to use it! Oh the day and age we live in.   He knows how to slide it on and will get into Netflix to find Thomas.  I have no clue how he even figured out how to use Netflix, we very rarely use it on our phones before he figured it out.  If someone texts me and I leave it lying in a reachable spot, he will slide it open and start texting them back.  I will also go to use a certain app and find it is no longer there, yep he deleted it haha.  Good thing Apple tracks all that for you so you don't have to go and buy it again :)

He sings to a couple songs on the radio, usually those with a repetitious chorus.  He likes the Taylor Swift song, "We are Never Getting Back Together"  and will sing parts of it.  It is so cute.  He still absolutely loves Thomas the Train and now has a Thomas the Train shirt and when given the opportunity to pick out a shirt to wear, it's always that one whether it's clean or not.  He for some reason really likes the At&t commercials, he likes the little chime at the end and will sing it and say "At&t" after it.

Some of our favorite things he says lately are...

"Mama/Dada hold you."  if he wants to be held.

"Kanks" for Thanks.  He's a very polite boy ;)

If we ask him something like, "Are you ready to get out of the bathtub?" he'll say, "No, I'm not" but will even give that response if you ask him something like, "Do you like your toy?"..."No, I'm not."

"I wanna sit on couch."  when he wants to avoid taking a nap or going to bed and wants to just snuggle.

"Mama pretty."  melts my heart.  He'll say this and play with my hair too.

He will pass gas and then try to blame it on one of us, "Mama/Dada toot."

After we get off the phone or one time I asked an employee at a store a question, he asks "Who's that?"

He'll ask, "Mama/Dada what you doin?"

Here's a picture he created on Doodle Buddy on the phone, and then subsequently saved it for me to find later.  He's so creative :)

Carson and I took him to Red Robin for his birthday dinner and then we had a little family get together for his birthday yesterday and had cupcakes, rice krispie treats, and ice cream and opened presents.  It was fun getting everyone together to celebrate his special day.  

giving hugs at the party

baga and papa Swensen got him a Tonka truck

baga and papa Cullimore got him a wheel barrow (you better believe he'll be helping put in the yard this Spring/Summer)

Mama and Dada got him a trike

Happy birthday sweet little boy.  We love you so much.

Here We Go Again

I feel like I am singing Whitesnake haha.  Yessir I am expecting.  I am currently 13 weeks and baby Cullimore #2 will join us somewhere around October 8th!  We are super excited!

I can't believe this little boy will be a big brother!  When I took the test and got the results, James was hanging out around me playing and I said, "James!  You're going to be a big brother!!"  he got so excited and started running around making silly faces and yelling "Big brother!"  I had to capture the moment :)  He definitely doesn't have a clue quite yet what it means to be a big brother haha

So sort of funny, we found out on Valentines day (aww so cute).  I had my iud taken out and it messed up my cycle a little so I couldn't gauge anything off of that.  I had taken tests before but all came back negative.  Well on this particular day, I woke up with James at about 6am just to put his binky back in and he went back to sleep.  I felt SUPER nauseous and (sorry for the info) threw up.  I was planning on having a play group at my house that day and James and I had already had the stomach bug only like a month or two before and had to cancel something when we got it that time.  I figured I'll be darned if I have to cancel one more thing because of illness so I decided to at least rule one thing out.  I ran to the clinic I work for and grabbed a pregnancy test and took it home.  I seriously wasn't expecting it to be positive but here we are!  Needless to say, I still held playgroup :)

So then I wasn't sure how far along I was but I was guessing at that point about 5-6 weeks because I was having the nausea.  That day I couldn't keep anything down and I felt so crummy.  I told Carson if this is what morning sickness is like and it's supposed to last 6 more weeks, we are not having another one.  As a lot of you may know, I did not have an ounce of nausea when I was pregnant with James.  Well, the next day I went to work and felt a little weak and just didn't feel like eating anything but after that I have been feeling pretty well.  So it's weird, I either had my bout of morning sickness (I had actually felt sort of queasy the two days before I actually threw up) in a few days span or I had the stomach bug again.  I'm guessing the latter, thought no one else got sick this time around in my family??  So really it's been pretty good despite that first week, but pretty crappy that I've had the stomach flu twice this season..boo!  Sorry to those who get sick while pregnant :( 

I made an appointment to see the doctor and they kept asking me why I was coming in so late based off of my last period...I kept telling them, "I wouldn't use that to gauge.  I know I'm not as far along as you're telling me."  So they did an ultrasound to find out and at that point I was 8 weeks which is exactly what I was thinking.  

So how have I been feeling/adjusting?

It has been quite a bit harder this time around with emotions and mood but I really think that is because 

I am dealing with a two year old on top of all the pregnancy hormones and fatigue.  Wow, he definitely tests my patience.  I have a lot to learn :)  Oh my poor husband and child... But they are so good to me and forgive me time after time for being the wife/mother from hell.  Things are getting better now that I'm in the second trimester (or close I guess).    

It has also been more challenging this time around with fatigue and lack of motivation.  You would think that last time would've been harder because I was going to school and working a lot...maybe it was and I've forgotten :)  but I seriously have struggled with this.  I do exercise 2-3 days a week which definitely helps me gain some energy and motivation though.  I can definitely see a difference on the days when I don't exercise.

I know things progress differently with the second and on.  It's interesting comparing this one so far to my pregnancy with James.  This time around I started showing at 12 weeks!  Crazy.  Last time I didn't start showing till 15 weeks and even then I think I was the only one who could tell.  I just looked like I had gotten a little pudgy in the mid torso area.  I think (hopefully) this time you can tell it's something more than just gaining a few pounds :)  I can also feel the little dude (or dudette) moving at times.  Right now it feels like little flurries or muscle spasms that kind of tickle.  I wasn't able to for sure recognize baby movements with James till 18 weeks.  

this was taken at 12 weeks...excuse the "grunge" look, I had just gotten out of the shower ;)

We're super nervous but we're also really excited!  We know there are a lot of people out there and we have a few personal friends who struggle with infertility and our hearts go out to them.  As scared and nervous as we are, we are so grateful for the opportunity to not only be parents to one child, but now two!

It's going to be an interesting year!

Painting the Inside of an Exterior Door

Sorry for all the project posts, Carson had his first business trip this last week which left me and (not-so-baby anymore) James home alone by ourselves! This was seriously the first time spending even ONE night away from each other since we've been married...yeah in 5 years.  But since we joined the real world of adults, I guess it was bound to happen.

Since I knew I would have a lot of time on my hands I convinced Carson to let me do another diy project from my list (I have a rapidly growing list...which may or may not be turning into a crazy obsession...HELP. ME.).

I figured I'd go with one I for sure could tackle in one week.  Also, most important, I wanted to go with something that fit into our budget...remember we still have blinds and a yard to put in.

Oh, by the way, we bought a water softener and blinds for the master bath!  So we're slowly nicking away at that daunting new home-owners task list :)

I've seen people paint the inside of their exterior doors black and really liked the look so I decided to give it a whirl.  I originally decided I'd just do the door leading to the garage just in case I didn't like it (are you kidding?) but I LOVED it so I did my front door too!

Supplies used (and why I chose them....I am definitely a "why" girl and always have to know the reason behind what I am doing):

• 1 quart Behr "Black Suede" semi-gloss finish paint/primer in one-   In this case, I found using a paint/primer in one works just as well as priming then painting in two different steps.   I'm all about eliminating extra steps if possible!  I also used semi-gloss because it's good with hiding fingerprints (must have with a toddler). And one quart is plenty!
• Wooster PRO nylon/polyester 1 1/2" angled paint brush-  Definitely splurge on a good angled brush- this ensures a smooth application and doesn't shed bristles.

• 220 grit sandpaper-  The larger the number, the finer it is (less rough). You don't want to gouge holes in your door ;)
• Painters tape- definitely a no-brainer, you don't want to make a mess 
• Small paint roller with a roll that is shed resistant and indicates it gives a "smooth finish"- like the angled brush, this is very important for quality! But you can find these for far less expensive.

The How to:

1. Clean the door and let it dry
2. Remove doorknob hardware and using painters tape, cover door hinges (and around door frame if you feel the need- I did on my first door but felt I didn't need it all that much around the frame so with the second door I didn't)
3. Lightly sand entire door using a 220 grit sandpaper and wipe with damp cloth to remove debri.
4. If you are painting a door with grooves, use angled brush in grooved portions of door first (see pic below)
5. Use small roller to apply paint to raised areas of door and let dry for at least 2 hours before second coat.
6. Use 220 grit sandpaper to smooth out any blemishes caused by first coat paint job and wipe away debri with damp cloth.
7. Apply a second coat of paint following steps 4-5

here is a pic of step #4

Seriously, SO easy!  The hardest part was getting the dang doorknob and dead bolt back on!  Seriously took me over an hour just for that part.  I'm so not handy :)  And I believe it only cost around $35 with paint and supplies. 

And of course the before and afters...

The door leading to the garage

and the front door

yeah...I forgot to remove the painters tape for this pic :)

I absolutely LOVE it!  I think it gives a more classy and sophisticated look. It was a little hard to get used to at first, sometimes in the evening I would catch a glimpse of it out of the corner of my eye and think the door was wide open!

I guess I was overly anxious with this project.  I gave myself a week to finish it and actually finished it in two days (both doors) and that's with a toddler...woot!  So other than this last minute project that I also did this last week, the rest of the week I just sat and twittled my thumbs until Carson came home :)  Oh, not entirely true, I shoveled a boat load of snow a couple of times.  Geez, Carson timed going out of town just right ;)  Good thing I have awesome neighbors who helped.

Doily Wreath

I am not a huge Valentines fan so naturally I don't really care to decorate for that holiday

 but I ran across this project on this blog and really liked how easy it seemed and how cute it was so I thought 

ok, I will decorate a little :)

I had THE HARDEST time finding doilies (possibly because Valentines Day is two weeks away?) but finally found some at the Dollar Store.  They were a different shape and size than the ones in the blog I had seen but they were going to have to do so I just had to use a little more of my own creative senses.

DIY Doily Wreath Tutorial:

Supplies:

• Doilies (lots!)
• Styrofoam wreath form
• Hot glue gun

The How-To:

First, I folded the bottom up just to shorten them a little.  These were pretty big doilies, I didn't want my wreath to be all floppy.

Then I folded one side in to touch where my thumb was and then folded the other side the other direction to touch where my other fingers were.  To look like this.

Then I put a dab of hot glue to hold the sides in place and started gluing them onto the styrofoam wreath form.  By the way you can use a 40% off coupon from Hobby Lobby or Michaels on the wreath form making it only just a couple bucks!

I wiped out the Dollar Store (and I even checked other $ stores and they were out) so I went sparse at first and then filled in holes after I had gone all the way around.  I really would have liked it a little more full but what can you do?

I really liked how the blogger from the site I saw this on put it on her vintage window.  I have been looking for something to put on mine and so it was a no-brainer that's where mine was going.  Plus my window sits on my mantle shelves so why not decorate them a bit for the holiday?  And I decided to get more into the spirit of love and bought some pink flower and heart piques and made a few Valentines arrangements :)  You'd think my heart was changing but not entirely, that's going to be all the decorating I do for this wretched holiday ha!

Here's an up close all finished 

(the doilies are white but I couldn't get the lighting right so they look off white here, but I think I like it.  Sort of goes with the vintage feel)

And the whole ensemble.  

The two pictures on the lower shelf have just been there as a sort of filler.  Not quite the look I'm going for but I'm working on something :)

 This cost me about $10 to make!  It could have been even cheaper but I had to use my 40% off coupon on my hot glue gun (can't believe I've never bought one until now) instead of using it on the wreath form.

I also like that I potentially could keep this up 

even after Valentines.  

It really isn't an "in your face it's Valentines!" decoration.

Testing Colors

I have just found the greatest invention of all time!...Ok I guess it's not the greatest but I've sure been having fun with it lately.

It's a website, mycolortopia.com by Glidden.  You can test out paint colors on your very own walls by uploading a picture...GENIUS!  Why didn't someone think of this before?

I have to warn you though, this is a definite time-waster.  It's so fun!

When we built, we just chose an overall color for the whole house.  It's called Sprite and no, it does not resemble the drink in any way ;)  It is like a yellowy, creamy, beige color.

I have this large vaulted wall in my living area that definitely needs some tlc.  I have plans to put a picture collage up but am still collecting frames and what-not.  Long term we have major plans for this wall- it's going to be fantastic and I can't wait till we can do what I really want with it but that probably won't be for another year or so so for now I am thinking maybe throwing some paint on it and making it an accent wall.

Paint is one of the best ways to make a dramatic change to a space and it's so inexpensive too!

I know I want a pop of color and am really drawn toward the blues but there are SO many shades.  So I narrowed it down to a bunch and I need help, what color blue do you like?  I understand some of these are pretty close but I can't choose!

You will notice the paint color is typed on the wall in white.

This is what the room currently looks like

Thanks for your input!

Life as a Toddler

James is now 21 months old...Carson hates when I tell people he is 21 months.  He thinks I should say almost two.  He wonders how long we will tell his age in months.  Makes me think of that Adam Sandler movie, Grown Ups.  Haha if you've seen it you know what part I'm referring to. My argument- he still has 3 months till then and A LOT changes with a toddler in that amount of time, but I am now humoring him.

James is now almost two.

This kid has a lot of personality.  He is so fun!  Buuuut I'm afraid the terrible two's have hit the Cullimore house hold.  I know, I know, you say 3 year olds are much worse.  Well I like to cover my ears and pretend I can't hear you ;)

Ignorance is bliss, right?

James has quite a high vocabulary for his age.  Strangers even comment on how well he communicates.  I guess that makes up for his not crawling (on hands and knees) till he was 10 months old and not walking till he was 14 months.  One day I was singing  loud and he put his finger up to his lips and said "Shhh Dada's ni-night." Carson wasn't even home from work yet. He cracks me up.

He is obsessed with trains, more specifically Thomas the Train.  He even knows all the characters names!  Maybe he watches it too much...  Though he is really good at remembering and saying names especially family (and Thomas characters).  He loves to look at pictures of our family and go through and name everyone off.  He also a few times a day will ask, "Where's so-and-so?" to which I'll answer, "Probably at school, or work, or home."  and then he'll move on to the next person and ask the same thing.  This kid even talks in his sleep...no surprise there :)  He is definitely his mother's son.

He for some reason does not like to wear his shoes (and sometimes his socks) in the car.  So we just don't ever put them on until we have arrived at our destination.  Now that it's cold outside, we get comments asking where his shoes are, to which I have to explain I'd rather not put his shoes on twice.   Speaking of shoes, he loves his snow boots and will often be found wearing them around the house.  Yes, he helps himself to this.

He is so sweet and loves to give kisses.  He often kisses his books, his stuffed animals, gives kisses toward something on the tv.

He often tells us "I pee" or "I poop" after he has gone, maybe even before sometimes.  He also has tried sitting on the toilet- he does that all on his own.  Now, I am definitely not saying he is ready for potty training.  We have a lot longer to go for that but it's interesting seeing him become more independent and aware all on his own!


He has become mama's little helper.  He says, "I help" all the time for everything.  He loves to help me cook and clean which was such a hassle in the beginning but now I embrace it and put him to work!  Before he was sort of in my way and I felt I couldn't get anything done around the house.  Now I give him a rag when I'm cleaning and he follows behind me, helps me load the washer and dryer, and stirs things for me while I'm cooking.  It takes me longer but at least I'm getting it done and I'm keeping my toddler happy while I do it.

Every day isn't always a good day.  We definitely have our struggles, but we are enjoying each day we are given.

New Years

As we say goodbye to the year 2012 I can't help but think back on what myself and my little family has accomplished this year.  We had some major events happen this year.  Just to name a few:

• January: Carson started his job working part-time at Anglepoint 
• February: Busy busy with school
• March: hmmm celebrated St. Patty's day?? haha
• April: Carson and I graduated- Carson with his Masters in Information Systems from BYU and I with my Associates in Radiography!  We also celebrated James turning one! 
• May: I turned 26...really?  I'm closer to 30 than I am 20... I also took my Radiology Boards and passed!  Carson was offered a full-time position with Anglepoint.
• June: I started working prn at The Clinic doing Radiology and Medical Assisting.
• July: As we were building our home, we were blessed to not be affected by the Saratoga wildfire.
• August: We bought our house! 
• September: SWe ran our first half marathon- the Big Cottonwood Half Marathon.  Our community was hit by a devastating mudslide but we were fortunate to not have been personally affected.
• October: Took James trick-or-treating for the first time.
• November: Payed close attention to the election- we were bummed about the outcome but know the Lord is in control.
• December: Grandpa Pulver passed away. We celebrated our 5th Anniversary.  We also celebrated Carson's 27th birthday- he's getting old.  

Now, I am not one for New Year's resolutions but I will say that I am going to strive to be an overall nicer person and be more service oriented this year (and really, hopefully for the rest of my life).  I would like to make a difference in the world, my community, my family's lives.  To have a more Christ-like attitude.   

We are looking forward to what 2013 will bring us!  We hope everyone else has a great year!