Pretty Cool Are the Jedi

Recently, my two (and a half) year old has become fascinated with a galaxy far, far away. He has a set of really cute Star Wars characters that he got a while ago. We tried explaining who they were when he got them, but he would just passively play with them from time to time. Well, in the past couple of days, he's become a fanatic. He calls them all his "Storm Troopers". He now knows the name of each, takes them everywhere with him, and has watched two full Star Wars "episodes" (which he also calls "Storm Troopers"). And if he's watching it, so is Mommy.

At first, {eh} it was alright. I paid quasi-attention to it while doing something else, playing on my phone, wrapping gifts, etc. But at some point in the week, I have been sucked in. I even found myself shushing Aiden and Jamie last night while watching Return of the Jedi. Who knew? I have googled more characters and questions than I even knew existed in the movies. And, on more than one occasion, have had to explain something to Jamie. For example, the tragedy of Anakin's transition from "The Chosen One" to "Darth Vader" and why his ghost was young instead of old. Aiden even knows that Darth Vader is a bad guy, but still good on the inside. ha.


Yes, I realize this makes me a weird person, but I like to think of it as simultaneously making me a cool mom. Even though I believe the term COOL MOM is an oxymoron. But still.

So I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited about the possibility of Aiden opening some Star Wars toys this Christmas. Or if I said I haven't searched On Demand and DVR for the other movies I have yet to see. Or if I told you I don't do all of the voices and sound effects (even when not prompted). And if I denied secretly wishing I had Jedi powers. Because Star Wars is cool, okay?

May the force be with you.

28 Weeks

How far along: 28 weeks

Total weight gain: Um. 30 pounds. I blame Thanksgiving.


Maternity clothes: Maternity clothes? Psssh. Try husband’s clothes. As soon as I’m home, it’s t-shirt and basketball shorts or sweat pants. As far as going out in public, I do that as seldom as possible. But my go-to is always my jeggings or my black dress pants from Target or Old navy. For tops, if it’s big/draped/long, I wear it. But like I said…when I’m home, all deals are off. Poor Jamie. He never sees me dressed up anymore.

Sleep: Between the burping and her kicking, not getting a lot of shuteye lately. I am still operating throughout the day though even with the lack of sleep. I like to think that the waking up every two hours thing is nature’s way of training me for those first few weeks.

Cravings: It really is still just milk. I love me a good glass of milk! I will say that lately, I have been wanting breakfast burritos. I had some last weekend at Dad and Rhonda’s, and they’re all I can think about since. I want to curl up inside one and live.

Best moment for these weeks: Seeing Aiden react to feeling Anna Scott’s kicks. His face just beams! The first time he saw my belly move, he said, “Anna Scott! You comin’ out?!” which consequently made Mommy’s face beam too.

Movement: WOW. This girl is active. I have been feeling movement since around weeks 16-17. Since then it’s gotten more frequent and more intense. I joke with Jamie and say that she has a pole in there. Girl’s got moves. Let’s just hope she’ll be a soccer player, not a dancer. Please, Jesus.

Labor Signs: no, gladly!

Belly button in or out: Finally committed to an outie—How do you spell that? It grosses my aunt and brother out. And I catch my kids staring at it while I teach, but I think it’s totally hot. Not.

What I miss: lying on my back without losing my breath and feeling the urge to cough, sleeping on my stomach, not burping and having heartburn all day, and definitely shopping for new outfits! Although it’s done wonders for our budget.

Milestones: Aiden feeling the kicks.

Favorite moments: When I have a stressful moment at work, and I feel her moving. It’s a nice little reminder that I have my baby girl with me.

Dear Santa

Seeing as how all of my recent posts have a common inspiration (my favorite time of the year), I thought I’d stick with my theme. I will argue that the best part of Christmas is the time spent with family (away from work worries) and all of the traditions. But, I have to be honest. I get mighty excited about the gifts, given and received. It’s that materialistic side of me, I know. But at least I’m aware. I mean, come on…Who doesn’t get super stoked when you see a pretty gift wearing a pretty tag with your name on it? DUH. So here’s what’s on Mommy’s list this year.

Last year for Christmas/Birthday I got a Canon Rebel. I got so hooked! It reminded me of those Christmases when I was little, and I would spend the whole break playing with my favorite toy. Because that’s what I did. I’m still in love with the thing. I still go through phases where I get addicted to those youtube tutorials. And Pinterest has added even more fun to my “toy”. So this year, I cannot wait to get my hands on a new lens and possibly even some editing software. I know pretty much zero about digital photography compared to other camera toting mommies, but I do know that this lens is what makes the background all blurry. I freakin’ love aperture. And this bad boy goes all the way to 1.8! Which means lots of blur. Like I said, I am way knowledgeable. Psssh.

Then there's Vera. Bradley, that is. I used to hate it, laugh at it, and even made Jamie swear to hit me if I ever wanted to buy it, but that was then. And this is now. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like the stuff is cuter. Or maybe my taste changed? Either way, I love it. And I love the Happy Snails print “like a fat kid loves cake”—[best line ever btw]. I really want the diaper bag. Really. With Aiden, I had a navy Kate Spade which I loved, but I cannot wait to carry something girly! I also like how lightweight the bag is. Cause let’s face it, the smaller the human, the larger the amount of crap necessities to lug around.

I am addicted to the Starbucks Café Mocha. Straight up addicted. One morning, while in the drive-thru line at Starbucks (no joke), I heard an advertisement about getting that “coffee house latte” at home. Heck yeah! And the coolest part is that this guy puts it all in one pot. No steaming the milk, then adding the espresso. I can do that. Now, I’m no dummy. I know it won’t be the exact concoction that the $500 dollar machine and paid barista produce, but it’s close enough. And better than forking out that extra $4 each time. I even found the mocha powder they use for sale on ebay. Word.

Okay, let’s talk sparkle (and wishful thinking). I planted a seed to the husband back in October about some possible David Yurman jewelry. Let’s just say if this happens, I will cry like a baby. Or scream like a toddler. I always love anything he picks out for me. He really is the best shopper. Better than me. So, chances are, I will be ecstatic about whatever he gives me. Just a little extra enthusiasm if it has a little cable detailing. {wink}

Now, I do know that the true fun of Christmas is the giving. And, no lie, I am just as stoked (if not more) to give gifts this year. I am about to bust! I love that we started early, but having to wait is killer. So in the words of Alvin and the gang, "Hurry, Christmas. Hurry fast!"

Christmas through Aiden's Eyes

Christmas is absolutely, positively my favorite time of the year. I love the anticipation, the smells, the music, the food, the family, the hustle and bustle, and most of all, the traditions. I have held onto my childhood traditions without fail throughout adulthood, so when Aiden was born, I was excited to continue them without feeling somewhat silly in front of the husband. The past two Christmases were great, don't get me wrong, but Aiden still didn't grasp the whole concept.

This year?

Haha...so into it! I. Love. It.

It started a few weeks ago when Santa sent us the Elf on the Shelf. We read the book, and all he wanted to do when we finished was to open it and get the elf out. But, of course, we can't touch him because he might lose his magic! Later that day, the elf (creatively named "Elf" by Aiden) had found his way out of the box! The look on his face? Priceless. He was sold. My son got his first experience of Christmas magic. And every morning since, as soon as those little feet hit the floor downstairs, he walks around so eagerly, looking up/down/all around for Elf. And when he finds him, you hear the sweetest, most energetic "WOOOOK!", and he lights up just like the first time. It rocks. He gets that the elf is here to watch him and report to Santa, so you better believe every time he finishes a complete meal or helps me in the kitchen, he makes sure it is known! "Elf! I eat all my food!" He also finds time to remind Elf that he wants a Batman helicopter. So stinkin' cute.

Elf may be the cutest tradition we have going on, but it's not the only one. So far, Aiden has helped pick out gifts, wrap gifts, select and decorate the tree, and watch all of the Christmas classics. Right now, his favorites have been "Turboman" (Jingle All the Way) and Frosty the Snowman--which made him so upset the first time he watched it because Frosty melted. "Mommy, the snowman's gone" (insert the most pitiful pouty/sad expression) So sweet. We have yet to visit Santa, but I have a feeling that will be a post all its own.

I always knew it would be fun celebrating Christmas with my children, but I NEVER knew it would be this thrilling. Witnessing that innocent trust and the look of "Wow" on his face melts me every time.

Christmas morning cannot come soon enough!

Catching up with the Warrens...

hmmm...let's see if I remember how to write.

I guess I get a little lazy. Also, I am a self-professed master-procrastinator. But, oh well. It is what it is. I'll blog four times a year, I guess.

So in the Warren house, we have been getting everything ready for Christmas. Actually, I have been getting ready since before Halloween (with the music, movies, and I even printed a Christmas planner!), but that's because I FREAKIN' LOVE CHRISTMAS! I mean seriously. I get all giddy when I pull up to get my Starbucks cafe mocha, and receive THE Christmas cup. I also love when Hallmark and ABC Family start showing those cheesy movies. {sigh} That's good stuff.

We had an excellent Thanksgiving Break (a.k.a. Christmas Break Practice). We ate wonderful food (twice), made a Wal-Mart trip that night, and even an early excursion to one of my fave places around the holidays, Bath and Body Works. I was proud of myself. After a day full of eating, I stood (sometimes sat on the floor) in line for 1.5 hours, slept four a few hours, then got up again! Go preggo! Aiden helped me decorate that week also, and even helped pick out the perfect tree. He was ultra picky, too. I was so proud. The tree? Is a big deal. Not even kidding. There were a few issues with our lights this year--I almost cried, but the crisis was averted.

So that brings us to the past couple of weeks. I have spent my days counting down with my students, trying to incorporate Christmas into every single lesson so that I had something to look forward to, and on days I was really bummed, making Starbucks runs. I've spent the evenings watching all of the Christmas classics with Aiden and even a few new ones. Jamie has even joined in on the viewing parties! Now, we're in the home stretch--four days and two hours to be exact. Man, it's gonna be a loooong week. And the kids are going to be insane, but I can do it! I just think of the payoff! Two whole weeks at home with my baby boy and watching him enjoy the most wonderful time of the year!