Missing

We made it. It's Friday!

Although it feels more like mid-week and not Friday.

However, I bet most of you are probably still enjoying your holiday break, and not stuck in the office like me.

 Some of us have to work ya know.

I went back to work Wednesday this week (wah-wah), and am feeling rather average. 

I'm still stuck in holly-jolly land that is full of cookies, carbs and wine. 

I'm happy to be home, but I'm missing time away from the office.

I'm missing no make-up weekends at the ranch.

Nights where me and my sister finish two bottles of wine (the big ones because that's how we roll).

I'm missing my mom's potato soup.

Extra cuddles with my boys.

I'm missing catching up with our best friends. 

Our Christmas lights tour de Wichita and deciding which display had the best radio synchronization.

I'm missing stuffing my face with every sweet I can find and pretending it doesn't go straight to my ass.

 I'm missing it all.

Do I really have to wait a whole year to experience holly jolly land again? 

Happy Friday y'all! Enjoy the last few days of 2012.

It really is the most wonderful time of the year.

 

TOP | coffee and a stache, boy do they grow up quick | the place we call home | ksu christmas

MIDDLE | bird hunting | snow day | high school garb for themed party

BOTTOM | teacher gifts | coloring at brunch | carson and grayson = best fwends

Christmas Wind Down

 Merry Christmas from the Kutter family!

We are winding down from our Christmas festivities, but soaking in all the wonderful memories we made.

Carson might only be one-year-old and not truly understand what Christmas entails, but we made it special for him regardless.

I've only thought about this holiday and creating traditions since he was a peanut in my belly.

We felt extra blessed this Christmas. Having this walking, talking, active little tyke to share it with.

Annual Christmas Ornament

Since we traveled home for the holidays and wanted less to bring back, we started our Christmas last week.

He was pretty stoked about his Carson-sized chair.

And enamored by the boxes gifts came in.

His favorite part was throwing them. He didn't really care what was in the box.

Because throwing it down was hysterical.

We laughed too.

And kissed our sweet, innocent, playful boy every time. Because it was that cute.

If only I would have known a simple box would have been enough:).

He got better with opening gifts as the holiday progressed and started to show interest in wrapping paper and seeing what was inside.

 Which ones are mine?

 I think I might like this Christmas stuff.

  More presents!? For me!?

  This is fun!

He has no clue how much his grandparents, and aunts and uncles (and parents) spoiled him. I briefly remember saying no toys, but that must have been oversight on their part...

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you had an equally enjoyable holiday.

Let's Meet a Real-Bearded Santa

Santa is a busy guy.

He was extra busy this past weekend. At Bass Pro at least.

Bass Pro apparently has the best set-up to see Santa. It's the word on the street. A winter wonderland, and a real beard. What more could you ask for?

Well, we were all pumped to sit our boy on his lap, see his reaction, and capture the picture with the real-bearded Santa.

Until we retrieved our ticket and realized there was a two-hour wait to see mister jolly himself.

No thanks. I have a kid that needs a nap.

So we looked at the fish instead.

Mr. C was enthralled. He loved it. Bass Pro is quite the place I tell ya.

Good thing the Santa at Von Maur wasn't busy. And had a real beard too.

Family, Work & Technology

I've been busy. I think I say that in every post I write. Literally.

Busy is our new normal. Which really makes it the norm, and not something that is supposed to make me go crazy. Organized chaos I call it.

I'm getting more used to it. I promise. It only took me a year of having a kid.

Anyways, there's three main things that consume my time: Family, work and technology.

Outside of work, you'll find me toting a toddler with snot on my sleeve, attempting to communicate with my husband daily, and iPhoning (is that a word?).

Whatever you want to call it. Electronics are consuming our lives.

Did you know that Americans now consume 12 hours of media a day, compared to five in 1960?

That's sad.

From 5:00-8:00 p.m., it's simply mad chaos at our house. We have our routine and it's our new normal, but it's non stop. And can get ambushed by a toddler that didn't nap all day, throws a crying fit, won't eat dinner, falls and busts his lip, or throws his entire dinner on the floor.

Once we put said toddler to bed and finish duties for the next day, Brian and I usually find ourselves snuggling on the couch, or in bed, in front of the TV with either an iPhone or iPad in hand. Why?

To make sure we don't miss anything on Facebook? So I can catch up on Instagram?

If you're like me, you get anxiety over getting behind. Even in social media...yes, I'm weird.

I'd imagine most people are like me. Over consumed by social media and the world wide web, but can't simply cut back. Please tell me other people are like me.

We can't go anywhere without our phones. Or sit in a waiting room of a doctor/dentist appointment and not check our Facebook. Or remember the number of a friend without checking our contacts. What's a payphone? What's map quest?

I love my phone. I love technology. It's a camera. GPS. My grocery list. A mini computer, really.

I would most definitely use it in an emergency situation. Remember when cell phones were primarily for emergencies?

I love it and I enjoy social media, I really do, but something needs to change for us. We need to talk more. I never thought a simple conversation would be hard to come by.

We need to lessen our electronic usage and make time to have conversations. Find a balance between quality, family time and the electronics.

I'd imagine it only gets worse as kids get older. We've already reverted to kid apps and videos when Carson is screaming in public or throwing a tantrum at home. Do other parents do this?

Which brings me to my biggest fear and purpose for this post: Kids and technology usage.

If a child sees you do something, they are going to want to do it too. Hence, my husband and I spending too much time on our phones/pads.

Carson's doc said he shouldn't watch TV or digital screens (i.e. iPads/Phones) until age two.

Well...we've already ruined that one.

Don't worry, we're not sticking him in front of the TV or anything, but he has watched it when it's on and he does enjoy watching videos (of himself mainly) on the iPhone.

What's your take on technology usage for kids? What age is too young? Do you limit usage time at home? How do you balance it amongst your family?

Carson: A Year in Review

If you're an avid follower of this blog, you've seen my super exhilarating posts about my kid every month. The series is called Watch Me Grow.

Each month, I attempt to capture a photo of Carson. I post them here for you to see (usually late because that's how moms roll), but mainly for my own personal reasons.

I accompany the photo with his monthly statistics and write him a letter or stories of what went on that month.

I know the content of this blog tends to be rather boring (hello...more pictures of Carson), but these monthly posts are so near and dear to me. I love them.

Sometimes they're mushy (okay, there's always mush involved), and sometimes they're funny. But, what makes them so special is the journal of memories I'm creating by explaining the experiences we most often forget.

Call me obsessed with my kid, but I love going back and reading these. It reminds me exactly how I felt at that moment, what I was experiencing as a mom at that time, and just how lucky I am to call him mine.

I highly recommend this to any mom. Even if you don't have a blog, write down stories in the baby book or a journal, and snap a picture each month.

It's priceless and simply amazing to see how much how they change.

Carson's Year in Review

Newborn

1 Month

2 Months

3 Months

4 Months

5 Months

6 Months

7 Months

8 Months

9 Months

10 Months

11 Months

12 Months

Friday is a happy day.

Well, usually.

I am deeply saddened by the school shooting in Connecticut. What a terrible tragedy. My thoughts are with those parents and families of the victims, and all who were there to witness the event. I have thought about them since the news broke.
 
Give your loved ones an extra snuggle tonight. Life is so unpredictable.

On a lighter note, we have a full weekend planned.

Christmas parties, a visit from Gammy, a trip to meet Santa, present wrapping, last-minute shopping and family time.

The greatest part about the weekend. Time with my babies.

I'm behind on the Friday Phone Dump posts, so some of these are old.

Enjoy your weekend!

Follow me at kutterchaos
TOP | my sweet niece maddie | lead singer of the cutest baby band | loading the dishwasher in his underwear

MIDDLE | union station at Christmas time | double chin | being merry with coworkers

BOTTOM | we like purple cats | bad habits | Christmas cards coming to a mailbox near you

 

TOP | squeaky clean | drive to work | leaf stomping

MIDDLE | first haircut | priceless pic of my tired boys | hug for maddie

BOTTOM | new train set | peek a boo | holiday mail from a dear friend

Meet our new pet.

I haven't posted in awhile.

Because life is busy.

Big Boy is cranky at night.

I'm up to my eyeballs in crafting.

We're sick.

And tired.

But it's the holidays, friends.

It's been a couple of weeks since Carson's birthday and things have yet to settle.

But he has. Into his new abundance of toys.

Every inch of the floor is nearly covered, with new things that sing, talk, move or make noise.

He even received something that takes up a quarter of the room. Literally, I'm not kidding.

Introducing the newest member of our family:

I'm surprised I am just now telling you guys about the tiger. We've all grown to love him.

I'll admit, I hated him at first (sorry, Grandpa Kutter).

He takes up a lot of room, and likes to scare guests at night when they forget he is there (Nana Jana), but he's fluffy, soft and huggable. Carson loves him. I mean, LOVES him.

If I can't find Carson in the mornings, I know exactly where to find him. In the guest bedroom zoo with the tiger. (The tiger lives in our guest bedroom because we have no other room for him.)

He's life-size, people.

Carson's favorite thing to do with the tiger is jump on him and bounce. He just laughs and laughs. It's pretty adorable.

If Carson is fussy, we go visit the tiger because I know it will cheer him up.

So this past weekend, we caught Carson bouncing on Jake like he does with the tiger. We thought it was funny because Jake is extremely patient with Carson, and just lets him jump all over him. Such a good dog we have.

It's funny, right? Our kid jumping all over our dog like he does a life-size tiger.

Funny until Carson's teacher informs Brian and I this week that he is jumping on other kids.

One of us laughed, one of us didn't. I'll let you guess. Apparently, him and another friend think it's hilarious to jump on each other.

The other friends? Not so much. Who knew a new pet could cause such riffraff?

You guys, I'm raising a bully.

1st Birthday Invite: Bright as the Sun Theme

Here's a First Birthday invite I recently created for a coworker friend.

A girly, yet simple, classy invite. I love the various use of patterns that give it added texture and a semi-scrapbook feel. The hearts add a subtle feminine touch that make it oh so sweet.

Designed in InDesign and printed to cardstock.

All patterns were free downloads.

Fonts: Sunshine in my Soul & Throw My Hands up in the Air

Watch Me Grow: 12 Months

We made it. One year. Our baby is one-year old.

It's been 12 whole months since he came into this world and Brian and I are still those rambling, sappy, overly impressed parents you make fun of in public.

Every new experience, every milestone, every first-time happening and we are jumping around yelling how intelligent he is. I'm just like every other mom walking around thinking I have the cutest kid with the highest IQ. It is so annoying.

Carson's 12-month stats:

Weight: 21 lbs (50th percentile) 
Height: 29 in (25th percentile) 
Head circumference: 18 in

In the Closet: Mainly 12 months, some larger, some smaller (pants)

Diapers: Size 5, but finishing out the 4s. You blew through the 4s big boy.


Teeth: Six! Two on the bottom and four on top. I still blame all your fussiness on teething, in case you were wondering.

Grub: Anything we eat, you try. Sometimes you spit it out and shake your head, making it seem like we just fed you dirt. But, for the most part, you'll eat most things. You went through a short phase where you wouldn't even eat your favorites, but I think we are past that. You love blueberries, meatballs, spaghetti, squash, peas, craisins, grapes and bananas. That sweet tooth is still prominent.

Sleep: 11-12 hours at night. Two hour (+/-) nap during the day.

New Activity/Development: Walking, talking, waving, clapping, blowing kisses, giving hugs, high fives, shaking head no, nodding yes.

Loves: Still loves the stairs and phones. All his new toys! Making messes. Getting into everything. Mommy and daddy. Watching things fall. Taggie blanket.

Hates: Playing by himself. Being restrained. Going in the car seat if you don't want to. Still eerie of the vacuum.

Carson, thank you for giving your daddy and me the best year yet. I knew you would bring so much joy to our lives, but I had no idea we would feel this.

It's just amazing son, being your mom.

You're so big these days. And very independent. You want to do everything on your own, and get frustrated if you get into trouble. You're independent, but also clingy. You have shown your first signs of stranger anxiety ever these past few weeks. You'll play on your own, but you want us in your sight.

Dropping you off at daycare when you cry and walk towards me is heart wrenching. It's the first time I've actually regretted working and not staying home with you. Ok, second. That first day leaving you when you were three months old was really tough.

Leaving you will never get easier. I hate being away from you. Trust me kid, the feeling is mutual. I want to be with you all the time too.

Just like the Baby Center update told me, how you want to be with me and dad all the time and that's why you're going through this clingy stage. I love you sweetie, more than you'll ever know, and I'm working so we can send you to college someday.

You pooped in the bathtub for the first time the other night. It only took you a year. I screamed like a little girl and shouted to your dad to come help. Good job buddy, but this overly-clean, anal mom could do without those bathtub poops.

The newest game you love is what we call "monkey see, monkey do." You repeat everything we do. It's completely adorable. We laugh, you laugh. We shake our head no, you do the same. I fold laundry, you want to fold laundry. What are you trying to say? You want to be just like me?

If you're having one of your "moments," we can normally cheer you up by showing you a video of yourself (you're so vain), or making things crash to the floor. I don't know what it is, but you like watching things fall. Knocking over stacked up blocks, stacked up Kleenex boxes, you just love seeing things crash.

Telling you no makes you laugh. You think it's funny to get told no. In fact, you are doing it right this very moment with the tall vase downstairs. You have one hand on the vase and you're looking at me like, "Look at me mom, look what I'm doing. I know I'm not supposed to and am just waiting for you to tell me no."

You ornery little booger.

Hey, Elvis.

You transitioned to the new room at daycare two weeks ago. You're adjusting, but noticing the changes. The one nap is throwing you off a bit, but you did awesome with the transition to whole milk and no more use of the bottle. We pretty much switched cold turkey and it's like you don't even miss it!

You're having problems sharing. But you'll get there. We both will. See, my sweet boy, that's the fun part in all this. All these new experiences we are learning together. You, me and your Daddy. The three musketeers!

Well...until we give you a sibling someday. Yep, I hate to say it, but you won't be the favorite child forever.

But you know what? You will always be my first born. The one who changed our lives forever. The one who taught me everything. How to be a mom. And how to love like this. You make me so very happy.

I love you Big Boy. Love, Mommy

11 Months
10 Months
9 Months
8 Months
7 Months
6 Months
5 Months
4 Months
3 Months
2 Months
1 Month
Newborn