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  • Hi! I'm Ainsley, and I'm the mother of two adventurous little boys named Wyatt and Dylan. I'm here to blog about the joys of parenting and all the resources out there to help us. But most of all, I hope you'll come back here for a community of friends.

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June 2008

Sharing Space

We figured starting out in a new home was as good a time as any to move the boys into one room. Slowly we're gathering decor, bedding, etc. to create a really fabulous space for them. But in the meanwhile, they love just being in the same room. In fact, they'd opt to sleep together if we'd let them... as I did for a recent nap. (Yup, that's a twin bed.) Rocks_004 Rocks_007 Rocks_008

June 30, 2008 at 11:27 AM in House and Home | | Comments (3)

Visiting Churches, Take 4

We've been doing a crazy church-hopping marathon since moving to Georgia last month. It's been fun check out some really great churches, but I'm starting to feel like a vagabond with my kids... I'm ready to have a church home.

Yesterday we went to 12Stone Church, where some of Ben's work friends attend. The building was gorgeous! It looked like a tree fort... or more like a tree mansion... complete with a Starbucks and an Olympic-size swimming pool (I could be wrong about the last one). Wyatt had a fun time in his class, but I think Dylan finally reached his church-visiting capacity. He wailed and looked more fearful than I've seen in a while, so we watched the service from their Theater Cafe, where Dylan was clearly more comfortable.=)

12stone_ains

June 30, 2008 at 08:55 AM in Faith & Family, Places to Go | | Comments (1)

What's Your Dream?

I had lots of childhood dreams. A lot of them included a deserted beach, a hammock, and lots of good books (yes, even as a child). Discovering Atlantis, going on safaris and saving orphan children were also among my childhood dreams. I have to say that I'm still passionate about all of them (rescuing orphans clearly tops the list), but I don't regret the course my life has taken. Besides there's still time for all of them.=) What about you?

Edited to add: I'd love to hear about your dream if you care to share in the comments!

poll by twiigs.com

June 27, 2008 at 03:30 PM in ChattahoocheeMama.com | | Comments (5)

The Southern Craze

Today's plans include going to the gym, Clothing_2a drop-off at Goodwill, a trip to the library and checking out 2 consignment shops. From what I've seen and heard, consigning is huge here in Suwanee... almost every shopping center has a second-hand store. I have an appointment to take some lightly used children and maternity items over to Once Again Kids, and another at Upscale Resale, that takes womens clothing among other things.

I'm curious to see how much I'll get for everything... I might just get hooked.

June 27, 2008 at 09:27 AM in Shopping | | Comments (3)

Scrapping Plans for Sanity's Sake

Yesterday, after grocery shopping, running errands and getting an emissions inspection, I drove completely out of my way to make a much-needed Trader Joe's stop. Once we got there, the boys were so fried (i.e. Major Meltdowns) from being in the car that I knew we'd never make it through Trader Joe's alive. At least, I wouldn't. Or they wouldn't... depending on whom I turned. Kidding! =)

So we just hung out at the fountain for a while. Wyatt and Dylan especially loved watching the man scrub the walls. I'll never understand boys.

Fountain Fount_boy2 Fount_boys

June 26, 2008 at 08:41 AM in Personal stories | | Comments (4)

Daddy and Son Day

On Sunday, Ben took Wyatt to a Braves game with my best friend Kelly's hubby Ben and son Braden. Wyatt is still talking about it today. He loved seeing his first live baseball game and just hangin' with the guys. But I think his favorite thing had to be the cotton candy and snowcone he ate, which we payed for on Monday (thank you, Artificial Coloring). But they had the BEST time, so it was totally worth it. =)

Braves_sunday

June 25, 2008 at 11:46 AM in Family, Places to Go | | Comments (1)

In the bag

Purse_7 The other day, I found these random (albeit some disgusting) items in my purse. Not my diaper bag. My purse.

  • A baggy with 2 slices of apple, now turned to slime
  • 3 packs of Crayons from a restaurant
  • A bag of pulverized gluten-free crackers
  • A brownie I was saving - now it's a brown pancake
  • 3 of Dylan's missing pacifiers
  • 11 coupons for Pampers that I always forget to use

June 25, 2008 at 08:43 AM in Personal stories | | Comments (6)

Going Ape Over Cute Kids Clothes

You might have seen these over at Goody Blog, but I thought they were too cute not to talk about. Ape_3 Ittikid is a company started by a Danish designer/mom who now lives in California and imports clothing and accessories from Sweden and Denmark... much to my delight!

If you know me, then you know I couldn't possibly justify spending $79 on a sweatshirt, even if it is the cutest darn hoodie I've ever seen. But wouldn't it be fun to show up at a baby shower with the Chocolate Hungry Viking Onesie as a gift? It's a good thing I don't have more pregnant friends at the moment... or else I'd be broke.

June 24, 2008 at 03:24 PM in Baby Fashion | | Comments (1)

Don't Be That Mom

I recently joined Golds Gym, thanks to a sweet corporate membership that Ben gets through work. The childcare there is exceptional, and the workers all remembered my boys' names on our second visit. It's been 4 1/2 years since I've worked out at a gym, and so I'm super excited to be back!

Free_weightsThis morning I went in for an orientation with a trainer, who assessed my body fat % (how embarrassing), goals, etc... and then worked me out. Hard. I know tomorrow I'll be sore in places I didn't know existed. After coming up with a game plan for the next 6 months, he asked how committed I was to the process. I told him that I wasn't sure how to answer him, because I REALLY want to meet my goals, but I didn't want to have my kids at the gym 5 days a week. I've worked at a gym before and I've seen the psycho moms who can't miss a day without beating themselves up. He said, "No. Please. Don't be that mom."

With that said, I'm really looking forward to not being that mom, but still getting stronger and healthier. Wish me luck.=)

June 24, 2008 at 11:53 AM in Parenting | | Comments (9)

Love Is In The Air

Totally kidding. But aren't they cute?

Wy_ains_pool_2 Wy_ains

June 23, 2008 at 01:16 PM in Friends & Family | | Comments (2)

Ricki Takes Heat For Home Birth Advocacy

Ricki Lake appeared on GMA Sunday in defense of her documentary,Dvd_2 The Business of Being Born. She's been taking major criticism from the medical community about promoting home births. You can read more and watch the video clip [HERE].

I understand why people feel that the hospital is the safest place to give birth. I personally am grateful to have been in a hospital with the delivery of my first son. But it wasn't for saftey reasons... it was for comfort - I felt safer. And Ben definitely was more comfortable in the hospital. But the truth is, if my labor hadn't been progressing at home and I needed to go to the hospital, we would have gone.

I thought it was interesting in the interview that Dr. William Saks, obstetrician and gynecologist said that whether you are at a hospital or at home and you need intervention, the outcome is not going to be much different.

I'm not here to advocate home births... I had two hospital births of my own. But why all the knocking of people who do? It's not as if they aren't preparing for their birth, getting assessed for risk, etc. And every woman giving birth has their child's safety as the number one priority.

I know this is controversial, and I'm not trying to create a debate. But I am interested in your thoughts... respectful comments, please?

June 23, 2008 at 09:20 AM in Childbirth, Media, Pregnancy | | Comments (10)

Morning Kiss

The_kiss

June 23, 2008 at 07:46 AM in Family | | Comments (3)

Who Needs a Waterpark?

Today, we're heading over to Canton to spend the day with friends at their neighborhood pool... it has several water umbrellas for the kids, 2 waterslides and 3 enormous pools, one with zero degree entry for the little ones. It's pretty incredible. Wyatt's so excited he can hardly stand it.

But just last week, the boys had a blast playing in a blow-up pool in the backyard. I think they really have the most fun with the simplest pleasures in life.

Pooltricks More pool pics at Flickr.

June 20, 2008 at 09:26 AM in Family | | Comments (5)

Some Thoughts on Southern Life

We've been in Georgia nearly 4 weeks... here's an update on the sweet southern life thus far:

  • There are people here that don't drink Sweet Tea.
  • I feel myself talking slower already, but most people tag me as a Yankee anyway.
  • Fresh Market. Trader Joe's. Whole Foods. All within 10 miles. Sweet.
  • Churches on every corner... already received a batch of brownies from one and an Edible Arrangement from another. Mmmm.
  • I have not eaten grits. I will not eat grits. Please don't make me eat grits.
  • Moms are really young... women my age typically have older children. One actually said to me today, "I'm sorry. You look just like my mom's sister. My boy thinks you're her." She better be one young sister, sistah!
  • Miss being close to family. And friends. And everything familiar.
  • Looking forward to paddling down the Hooch with the fam in some NuCanoes from Up The River Outfitters this summer.
  • A.C. is awesome.

June 19, 2008 at 03:11 PM in House and Home | | Comments (12)

A Morning I May Live to Regret

Dylan recently discovered the Peg Perego that we keep in the garage. He absolutely loves sitting in it... for walks or just chillin' in the driveway while Wyatt rides his bike. This morning, I came downstairs and he had brought it inside the house and was begging to sit in it. Seeing him in his swim jacket at 8AM asking to get in his stroller was too cute to deny. So I caved and let him watch Backyardigans with Wy while I got dressed.

Just in case you're wondering... Do I always give him what he wants? No way. Did I just open up a huge can of worms with Wyatt wanting to bring all the bikes in the house? Absolutely.

Dylan_stroller Dylan_stroller1

June 19, 2008 at 09:16 AM in Chillin Like Dylan | | Comments (0)

My Son, the Charmer

Wyatt: Mom, wait just a minute! Is that your bathing suit?

Me: Yes, honey.

Wyatt: Oohh... You look beautiful, Mommy.

Seriously, this is why everyone needs a to have a 4-year-old boy. =)

June 18, 2008 at 03:46 PM in Wyattisms | | Comments (5)

A moment while I wipe away a tear

Last night, Ben and I caught a bit of America's Got Talent, where 4-year-old Kaitlyn Maher gave the sweetest performance. What a little cutie! I can only imagine how proud her parents must be.

June 18, 2008 at 08:36 AM in Television | | Comments (9)

Remembering childhood beach days

Ever since I moved away from the beach in 2001, I sometimes get overwhelming cravings to have sand between my toes and ocean air whipping against my face. Va_beach_047If I can't get away to the beach, I get antsy and irritable until I do. I must be a true beach girl at heart.

Anyway, since I'm landlocked and the nearest beach is 6 hours away, I thought I'd reminisce about some of my favorite childhood beach memories. I'd love to hear some of yours, too, if you're willing to share. =)

  • Making sand sculptures out of people
  • Salty lips
  • Body surfing and boogie-boarding
  • Taking showers in my Grandmother's outdoor shower stall
  • Staying until evening and watching the sun set
  • Playing on the sand cliffs that the tides make as they recede throughout the day
  • Sandy feet
  • Falling asleep under the umbrella after lunch 

June 17, 2008 at 03:22 PM in Personal stories, Places to Go | | Comments (4)

Crayons that Rock

A recent discovery that my kids are loving are these Crayon Rocks from Let's Explore. Made from soybeans and tinted with mineral powder, they are all natural and non-toxic. They come in 16 rich colors, draw smoothly, and are easy to grip (created intentionally with the tripod grip). They even come in a purple velvet pouch and arrived on my doorstop packaged up with a little note and organic lollipop... I'm a sucker for special touches like that. =)

Rocks_018 Rocks_015

June 17, 2008 at 08:50 AM in Products | | Comments (3)

Big Swings Keep on Swinging

There's a great playground on Main Street in historic Old Town called Playtown Suwanee. A new friend recently introduced me to it (thank you, Michelle=). The boys love it, especially when the train comes chugging down the track that runs in front of the park. But their fave thing has to be the big red swing... it's near impossible to get either of them out of it.

Playground Wy_playground Boys_swing Wy_push Dylan

June 16, 2008 at 11:06 AM in Places to Go | | Comments (6)

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