Goodbye 2012, HELLLO 2013!!!

I haven't written since May. It's been quite a whirlwind of a year - ups and downs - and some real emotional realizations.

2012 for me was a year of change. At least I called it that...from separating, filing for divorce, figuring out how to single parent and co-parent with my not-quite ex-husband to building a new relationship with someone I've known almost all my life, finding my role in his life with his children while making sure my son's interests are my priority. It has been EXHAUSTING! Whew!!!

But along the way, there were plenty of good times - highlights:

• Soft Cover Girls - my monthly book club which somehow has turned into meeting for drinks at Happy Hour and catching up
• Dishin' Divas - my monthly cooking club with my 'Mom friends', which unfortunately has turned into an every other month gathering
• Monthly Happy Hour - my sister and I started this so we could try out different places for drinks and appetizers, catch up with old friends and meet some new friends too!
• Work - has been amazing. To having GREAT co-workers that are friends too, helps to keep my motivation and gives me gentle reminders about how much work is a second home. So much, that you should do what you love and enjoy what you do! 
• Legoland!! The six of us took an amazing trip (our first!) and the kids (us adults too) all had a blast! It was less stressful than any of the trips I've taken in the past three years even with kid attitudes and tantrums.
• North/South Carolina - This was our first solo trip (me and Cubby). Although I was my usual panicky self pre-trip, we managed to make it there and back without any issues. Cubby is a GREAT traveler, I'm so lucky! He's my little adventurer for sure. We got to see a really good friend (and nanny) who we haven't seen in over two years. What a GREAT trip!
• Dating/Relationship - I have never felt more like myself. He has brought such a peaceful feeling into my life and even when I act crazy, it doesn't phase him. He is such an understanding, loving, forgiving person. He makes sense when nothing else does, and when I'm with him I just feel like the world is right. It's just surprising that after 20+ years of friendship (he's also one of my brother's best friends) that we are actually together. 

So, 2013 - a  new year... still some changes coming down the pipe but what will actually happen remains to be seen. All I know is that I'm looking forward to embracing all that this year will offer and continue with the good times with my friends, family and co-workers. Happy New Year!!!

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Another Life Change

It's been a long while since I've posted. Much has been going on and my life has taken a left turn onto a new road.

It has been an adjustment with the arrival of our new Cub into our life and unfortunately, it hasn't always been easy. In fact, it's been rough. Only those closest to me know how rough it has really been for me - I've struggled with my own emotional and mental issues becoming a new mom and finding balance with my new role.

So it is with sadness and acceptance, that I finally put it down in writing that my life as a wife to my Pappa Bear is over. It involved a mutual discussion, a struggle with the acceptance that I have once again failed to make a marriage work - and then determination to move forward and start putting one foot in front of the other to start a new life.

It has been quite an adjustment for everyone involved, including my little Bear Cub. It's been five months since the decision and four since we have been physically separated. I've noticed quite a change in Cubby - he's becoming more of the happy-go-lucky kid that I've known he always was, and it's been a learning experience for both of us.

This is something I've never envisioned for my life, for our little family of three - but this is how life sometimes shakes out. One thing I've learned from becoming a Mom, you have to be flexible, learn to adapt and keep moving forward.

Here's to a new life!

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A Blog for Cub

I know, another thing to manage, right? Yep, I did it. I started a blog for Cub & all things Cub related (which includes my love of cloth diapers!). :) So, if you're following me here - please continue to do so but also follow me over there too so you can see updates on the Cub and what's going on in the World of Cub :) So head on over to It's a Cub's World... See you over there!

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Almost 8 Months!

Okay, so I know I haven't blogged much recently - and the ones I have done are all about cloth diaper giveaways! Ha ha! (More about that later). So, I thought I'd post some updates about the Cub and what we've been up to the last month or so.

Cub is eating more solids and 'chewing' although he has no teeth. He's tasted beef, chicken, pork, fish and duck. Each week we try something new to give him variety and depending on what we're eating, giving him a taste of that.

He had his first pork rib at his grandma's and Grandma gave him his first taste of asparagus!
Cub also seems to have a little girlfriend! She's been over several times to hang with the Cub. They have taken a liking to each other and has even entertained her in his crib! Hee hee!We have also been on several playdates to catch up with some Moms that we know and love and the last time, he was the only boy! Not that he was complaining, mind you! *wink*
We have finally taken the bassinet part of the pack'n'play off and now he enjoys a little bit of time in his playpen everyday :)
We also took him to the county fair, where he enjoyed his first taste of beef jerky! He also got his first ride on a 'roller coaster' and the Carousel!

What else is new? The Cub is CRAWLING!! So excited and yet so scary for us! Thank goodness the BabyLegs I ordered him came in so he can keep his knees protected! (Pappa Bear hates them btw)AND the Cub has managed to stand up in his crib! We have yet to move the mattress to the lower setting, but it's coming soon!
And lastly, tonight, Cub started swim lessons! I'm starting him early since most of you know, I didn't learn how to swim until two years ago! LOL! He had a fun time with Pappa and tomorrow night I'll be getting in the water. :)Ok, I guess that's it for now - I'm off to shower and bed. I hope you enjoyed the pics! :) I promise, I'll try and update more often. :)

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another sleepless night...

I'm not sure how many of you mommies are having this problem but my kid now does NOT sleep through the night (STTN). He sleeps at best, 4 hour stretches. He used to be SUCH a good sleeper and I had NO complaints! Now, he wakes up every 2-3 hours and one night it was every hour! Holy ca-schmoly... It is driving both me and E insane. It started right around 5 months and now that he's 7.5 months, there is no sign of it getting any better. I'm so reluctant to let him cry it out (CIO) because I cannot STAND the crying. It grates my nerves, it breaks my heart. Although I'm sure if I did let him CIO, he'd probably STTN because he'd wear himself out! LOL!!! Anyway, just had to vent - if any of you mommies have any tips, please share! :)))

Here's what he should be doing at night... LOL!!!

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Luvin' the Cub!

For those of you who follow me, I have been absent via blog lately. Except for blogging about fabulous contests! I'm totally in love with cloth diapers and have recently branched out and purchased my first set to try on our own. If it all works out, we'll be canceling our diaper service and buying more! Woo hoo!!! I guess I'm turning into a 'crunchy' kind of Mamma! LOL!!! Who knew I had it in me?? :)

Anyway, I don't have much to say but here's some pics of the Cub!!

E took this pic my first day back at work...




















Cub managing his own bottle of Mamma's milk!




















Our first family trip to the park with Pappa Bear luvin' on the Cub!















Cub eating his foot!




















Cub trying out some lettuce on Mother's Day!

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... and he's OUT!!!

Cub has been such a cutie pie today... E was feeding him dinner of carrots and apples in his high chair while I was making dinner and then all of a sudden... he fell asleep!!!

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