As you can tell I have decided to change my blog name - for a couple reasons, but the main one is I wanted something fun, and something that will stick in peoples mind. When I come across a blog the first thing I notice is, obviously, the name. And I will be completely honest in saying that the names of blog is what either draws me in, or turns me away, and it's probably true for most people in that way. Anyways, the other day I came across this blog called "Rage Against the Minivan" - how freaking awesome is that! I loved it (Especially because I love the band Rage Against the Machine.) So it just got me thinking.. Is "Life As A Paisley" really as mind appetizing as I originally thought it was? I mean, its not a bad name by any means. But I wanted something that could last through the ages, and get people talking about it. I love sharing my everyday life, and my thoughts & feelings on certain subjects, and I wanted a name that would make people want to stay and read them.

So last week while I was bedridden, I just started writing different words down. I combined some, and rearranging different phrases. Some that applied to me personally, or to my family. At the time I was listening to my favorite band, Of Monsters and Men, and I literally stopped writing.. Lightbulb.

I chose it because it makes me smile. While I was contemplating it, all I kept thinking was all of the "monsters" that creep inside of my mind daily. I am constantly going through a battle of emotions as a mom. And sometimes not good ones. So while I was thinking about the name, "Of Monsters and Mom", I just thought how excellent it was because we all have "monsters" inside of us. Some of us are plagued with them more than others. But as mom's we all get our daily dose of it. And although sometimes we scare ourselves with our ridiculousness, we wouldn't want our life any other way than messy, imperfect, but full of love.

There was another reason... I am always surrounded by crazy monsters - My ultra hot husband, Renner, and of course, Roxy. But that's a completely different idea entirely. ;)

11 Months.. & A Bit.

It has been quite a long time since I've posted anything. It's just been a crazy few months with Christmas, and New Years. But I'm back!

Things have been pretty quiet around the Paisley Household. Christmas decorations are gone, but it snow is still falling. All in all, it's been a pretty boring winter. Well.. Winter to me is always boring. I don't snowboard, or ski, and basically slip every time I walk outside. Seriously. It literally takes me 10 minutes to walk out to the parking lot to get in our car. But when you live in Canada you basically have no choice but to master your coordination skills when walking on ice. 

Anyways, on another note, I am absolutely in love with Ren, and watching him grow up in front of me brings me so much joy. I can't believe he's going to be 1 in a month. Freak. It's scary. But exciting. Me with a 1 year old - oh man. He's hasn't walked yet. But he's getting there. He's practically scaling the walls already, and trying to balance, but he's got a huge ole head so it kind of throws him off a bit. I mean the kid is in 18-24 month old clothes already - he's huge. 

Now every month I put a most recent picture of Ren on Instagram and write from his point of view of what has been going on the past month, and what he has learned, and done. Here is this months :) - 

"So, I totally skipped last month. I was a bit busy snowboarding, and eating wrapping paper. So I will just do a little catch up - I'm everywhere, and anywhere I want to be. If I'm not trying to scale the walls or dig into my mom's purse, I'm trying to eat Roxy's food.

I've become pretty talented at escaping. Whether its diaper changes.. which mom has to hold me down with her legs - or getting out of a tricky situation involving getting dressed. I'm practically a newborn Houdini. 

I'm a super fast crawler too. I should win some sort of medal for it. I've been beginning to stand up on my own for about.. 30 seconds. Then I slowly go down. I've been pushing my big toys around, and walking around with them. Walking around the table, and holding Dads hand is sissy stuff. I'm trying to take it to the big leagues, and walk on my own. 

Roxy absolutely loves me. She comes and greets me every morning, and I yell - Ga-Ga! Every time I see her. Dad thinks it means I want something, but I'm really trying to tell her is, "I'm going to body slam you with love as soon as I get out of my cage, and drool all over your face." I'm still sleeping in my bed, and sleeping all the way through the night. I love my sleep, and usually don't get up till 9-10 ish. It's fantastic. 

I haven't been wanting to eat food lately. Pretty sure my top teeth are coming in. Not fun people. But all in all, I'm gonna be 1 in a month, and I am so excited. Mom and dad are kinda sad, but I'm almost 1! It's a big step, literally. 

Until my birthday homies! ✌️" 

STATS -

Weight: 27.5 Pounds

Height: 29 Inches

Shoe Size: 7

Clothes Size: 12-18 Months

ACCOMPLISHMENTS -

Pulls himself up, and walks along furniture 

Says ; Baba - Dada - Gaga (Said Mama once..)

Eats all table food & feeds himself

Stands up for a couple seconds

In front facing car seat

Speed crawling champ

Knows the words yes, no, come here, don't touch, food or eat, bath, & bottle

Knows who we are

Plays Peek-A-Boo

Chases us around the house

He makes me smile. We are so lucky to have Renner. Even with the little tantrums, all the late night sicky session, teething cray, and all the wonderful and not so wonderful days I have with him. It's all worth it.