Recap

I feel so guilty that it has been weeks since my last blog entry!  Things have been so crazy recently.  

Christmas was wonderful!  We spent it with Grandma and Grand-dad.  Luke got lots of fun presents that he has been playing with constantly :)  Cookie monster has him dancing a few times a day.  Scott and I also received awesome gifts that we have been enjoying for the past couple weeks.   New Years Eve was spent with close friends and it was a great night to start off 2009!

We are officially moved into our new house!  Boxes are still everywhere but everyday we get a little bit closer to being settled.  I am totally useless b/c being 8 months pregnant is not really the best time to be lifting heavy objects.  Poor Scott has had to do ALL the lifting and moving.  

The new place is amazing and we are so so so happy to be here!  However, the peek of my excitement may have been yesterday when a few young college kids took our old couches!!!!  I know it may sound silly and many people will ask why we just didn't get them cleaned instead of giving them away.  Those things were BEYOND cleaning.  Deuce had somehow managed to lick every last inch of the furniture so there were about 10 million water stains all over it.  It looked like a tie die couch.  I have no idea what caused him to do this but there was no stopping it.  The stains on it are also about 5 years old.  We even tried to have it cleaned once before and there was no real difference.  So, its gone and we are now looking for a new couch and chair  - yay!

Today when the alarm clock went off we were forced to realize its back to work for Scott :(  It was so nice having him home these past two weeks.  Luke and I are spoiled now.  But thankfully in 10 days we get a 4 day weekend!  

Well, I need to run and get some things done before Luke wakes up.  I promise to be a better blogger!!

Cool Hand Luke

move

Our big move is on Saturday and we have sooooo much to do.  I have managed to pack up all our clothes and I am now working on the office.  Luckily we are only going a few houses up the block.  But it is still a lot of work.  I will be so happy once we are all settled.  Thank goodness grandma and pop-pop are going to watch Luke on Saturday and hopefully Sunday too if they have time.  I just hope he is a good boy for them :)  Actually, his most favorite thing ever is a pop-pop tour so he will probably get about a 100 of those on Saturday :)

I am still able to work for about an hour a day on my quilt AND we got our Christmas cards all finished.  I now need to mail them out.  I had an unfortunate experience with the photo lady at Cosco but, whatever, its Christmas so I'll let it slide and not call her the name that she deserves!  

I have promised Luke that tomorrow I will buy him a truck book that his friends Tess and Kai have.  Other than that we are going to pack and pack and pack.  Luke has been a great help until he decides to empty the boxes I have filled.  I can usually get him to put everything back in but his folding ability is not so great.  Oh well, at least he makes me laugh!!

B-day recap

I had a VERY nice birthday yesterday!  The day started with roses and cake and ended in steak and key lime pie!  YUM!  Scott and i went to dinner alone.  It is not that we don't enjoy going with Luke, but, sometimes it is nice to be able to have a slow dinner and chat and be relaxed without having food being thrown :)  Erin graciously watched Luke while he slept so he didn't even know we had left the house.  

Everyone who was supposed to remember to call me did so I'm grateful for the b-day wishes!

Today was a good day too.  Luke had an AWESOME nap and we got our new couch delivered - yay!  We are so excited to move into the new place.  Oh, and as of this morning Luke can make monkey, lamb, and chicken nosies :)  So funny!  He loves looking at animals.  I need to get him a few more books.

I need to cut scott's hair now so got to run.

God, I'm Old!

Today is my Birthday!  

Usually Birthdays get me sort of down but I'm ok today.  I woke up and found the most gorgeous pink roses AND cake from my sweet pickle.  My parents also sent me this really cool Christmas clock that plays carols every hour.  Very sweet.  Oh, and I got a hysterical card from my inlaws that plays the song "Super Freak".  

Overall, I feel really blessed.  I have all the loves of my life (well, one is due to arrive 2009) who make me realize everyday is a gift.  I guess the older you get the more you understand that you should never take things for granted - especially your family!

Well, that's it for now.  I plan on going to target today to figure out our Christmas card crisis.

50%!!!!!!

Today we had Luke's 15 month well check and guess who is 50th% in height................ LUKE!!!!!  We even measured him twice to be sure.  This is a huge jump from his 12 month check up.  I think he was only in 7th% for height at that time.  Luke is 10th% in weight but I'm ok with that b/c fat kids get made fun of.  So, I am very happy with his growth progress over the past few months.  

Luke passed with FLYING colors all the milestone tests.  In fact,  Luke can do more than what they asked :)  There was a picture of a cow on the wall and he would moo every time he saw it.  Luke got his flu (mercury free) and DTAP shot.  I need to come in over the next few months to get the chicken pox and MMR vaccinations.  I have decided to get Luke's vaccinations spread out vs jumbled together.  I think it way to much to give a child over 4 vaccinations at once.  Their little bodies need time to process them.  So, doctors have me labeled as the anal crazy mom but I still have no shame and stand my ground when they try to talk me out of it.  However, I do have to say I really like all the doctors in his practice and they do their best to accommodate us.  They also have great poker faces and don't laugh at me when I have a crazy Luke fear :)

It finally stooped raining today so I plan on taking a nice long walk.  Luke is napping now but not for long b/c Alexandria has decided to cut all the trees right outside of our house this morning - so annoying!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Christmas Baby

eww

Welcome to the third trimester!  

I now have acid reflux at night and during the day I am completely sick to my stomach.  Not sure what is going on but I go to the doctor on Saturday for my normal check up so I will for sure mention this.  I'm guessing this little guy is now pushing up on my stomach so that is the reason for these fun developments.  I remember Luke was right on my bladder so I can't decide what is worse??  I also remember going to the doctor and asking him if there was a leg or something sticking out b/c the pressure was crazy!!  Actually, I was crazy but it was uncomfortable!  

I can barley fit Luke on my lap now when we read our books but thankfully Luke is an AWESOME squatter so he sort of squats as he sits on my lap.  No kankles yet, but I'll give myself a few more weeks until that attractive occurrence happens.  

I am still waiting to hear back on the gestational diabetes test results.  I have to admit I am sort of glad they have not called yet b/c during my final days of carb freedom I have had pizza, chocolate chip cookies, and spaghetti.  I'll let you know the results and discuss the whole antibody issue.  That is a whole other post in itself!

Although all these things can be a drag there is really nothing more incredible then having a baby.  It truly is a miracle and 100% proof that God exists.  Such an incredible gift to be given and I do thank God everyday for Luke and for TBD (by the way mom, that means to be determined).

Well, I need to sit and do nothing now as I wait for Scott to get home from work - I'm exhausted and miss my pickle!  

preschool

Today I wrote Luke's first preschool essay.  They give you no space at all to fill these things out on the application.  But thankfully, Scott thinks he can figure out a way for us to type in all the info on the form.  We will see what happens with these schools.  I have heard that sometimes children don't get in anywhere the first year you apply.  That doesn't bother me at all b/c he is still a little guy and I enjoy being with him everyday so much.  So, we will see!

This afternoon I am going over to maritza's house to begin my quilt.  I washed AND ironed all my fabric last night so I am ready to sew - I think.  I am going to cook vege soup tonight for dinner (I feel so domestic!).

Well, need to run b/c Luke decided to take a short nap this morning.  

More to follow...

Sweet Boys

I thought I'd give an update on my boys this morning.  

Luke:

Luke is incredibly inquisitive and he seems to change a little everyday.  He knows what dogs, cows, ducks, lambs and cats say.  He can also point to his feet, belly, head, and my nose.  He is very sweet and will give hugs and kisses when I ask.  I love to watch him play and see him laugh.  Nothing in the world is better then that!  Luke has 4 teeth total and still loves his pacifier (trying to figure out to stop that??)  We have his 15 month check up this month so I will soon find out how much he has grown since he turned 12 months.  I am hoping alot but not really worried b/c he eats well and I certainly don't want him to be over weight.  He actually is a pretty muscular little guy.  I hope he gets his daddy's athleticism b/c mommy is lacking a little bit in that department!  Overall, I think he is perfect and looking at him is like seeing my heart outside of my body.

TBD Baby:

TBD (probably Ryan) is kicking alot now especially at night when I put Luke to sleep and sit on the couch.  I am 28 weeks today and counting down the days til I meet this little guy.  I am so curious to see who he will look like.  Its amazing how fast the time has gone.  February will be here before we know it!  I am so thrilled to be having another boy.  Luke and he will be 18 months apart and I hope the best of friends throughout their lives.  I think siblings are so important.  No one loves you like your family does.  Brothers have very special relationships too.  I see my brothers and Scott and his brother together and tend to get a little jealous I have to admit.  They are all so close and share a very special bond.  I am so glad that Luke and TBD/Ryan will have that as well.

Last but not least, Pickle:

Scott is working insane hours now but still managing to be an amazing husband and father.  I hope he can take some time off this month to relax a bit b/c he certainly deserves it!  I count down the days til the weekend b/c we get to actually spend time as a family then.  We laugh all the time together and joke that we are meant to be b/c there is no chance in hell another woman could put up with him and no other man could deal with my OCCASIONAL craziness.  I am so blessed to have married such an incredible man!

Well, that its for my boys.  I am by far the luckiest girl there is to be surrounded by these guys.

Catch Up

Hello again!  I can't believe its been a week since I last wrote.  

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at Grandma and Pop-Pop's house.  The food was amazing!  I don't think there is anything better then my mom's stuffing.  Believe it or not I made a chocolate pie from SCRATCH!!!  I made it specially for pickle :)  I think he has asked for one every single Thanksgiving for the past 4 years so I thought I would give it a shot this year.  I must say it was pretty good!  Luke could not get enough of the turkey.  He also liked the green beans.  Luke also loved being with his big cousins and had a blast imitating Billy fall down.  It was so cute to watch him interact with the older boys.  He wanted to play outside with them soooo badly.  We took turns walking him around as all the boys played catch.  I think that and going up the stairs was probably his favorite part of the whole trip!

We left Saturday morning in a hurry b/c I had a baby shower to go to for my friend Mindy.  It was a great time and I had so much fun seeing her.  She is due 2/15 so about 2 weeks before me.  If she has a little girl we have already decided that Luke or TBD baby will have to get married.  Scott and I will expect a hefty dowry :)

On Tuesday I meet with my friend Maritza to buy cloth for my quilt.  Yes, I am actually going to make a quilt!  I want to make one for the boys to have to cuddle with.  I am actually really excited to see how it turns out.  Maritza has promised to help me the whole way through.  Lets hope this isn't the beginning to the end of our friendship!  The last homemade project I did was stitching Marylou's name in a blanket I bought her.   I stopped at Mary. So, there is a really cute pink blanket in our house that just says Mary.  Oh well, I tried!  

Well, today I have a doctors appointment and plan on making some homemade chicken noddle soup again.  I feel so motherly with all the cooking and sewing! 

this is great!

Subject: Turkey Recipe

Here is a turkey recipe that also includes the use of popcorn as stuffing. Imagine that!  When I found it, I thought it was perfect for people like me and those of you, (you know who you are)  who just are not sure how to tell when poultry is thoroughly cooked, but not dried out. Give this a try.

BAKED STUFFED TURKEY 
6-7 lbs turkey1/2 cup melted butter 
1 cup stuffing (Pepperidge Farm is good)
1 cup uncooked popcorn (Orville Redenbacher's Low Fat)
Salt/pepper to taste
 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush turkey well with melted butter, salt, and pepper. 
Fill cavity with stuffing and popcorn. 
Place in baking pan with the neck end toward the back of the oven.
 Listen for the popping sounds. 
When the turkey's ass blows the oven door open and the Turkey  flies across the room, it's done.
 
And you thought I couldn't cook!!!!

What To Do??

Today I REALLY want to take off for the beach BUT a few minor details have lead me off course:

1.  I am still packing

2.  Luke woke up pretty ticked off so is now sleeping again

3.  If we leave later today will he sleep tonight if he sleeps again in the car??

4.  I can't go upstairs now to finish up packing b/c Luke will wake up

So, I think I will play it by ear and see when I am ready to go and WORST case I can always leave tomorrow morning after rush hour.  I have my packing list so that helps a bunch.  Poor Scott is so slammed right now at work that he hasn't a clue when he can leave.  

Speaking of Scott he got his first review yesterday and got the BEST you can get!  This doesn't surprise me one bit but I am still so proud of him and so glad he got this b/c he works so hard and always gives it 100% no matter how tired he is.  He most def. is a rockstar!!

Well, I need to get organized and figure out what in the heck to do!

wow

Today I went to a health food cooking class for babies.  Wow.  I now feel like i need to throw out everything in my kitchen!  I was a little overwhelmed and sort of grossed out at points as well (the lady breastfeed her son until he was 3!!  eww).   But, it was super interesting and I am going to do everything I can to use the right foods when cooking now for Luke and for us.  At the moment I cant remember what those foods are but she gave out handouts so lets hope she has them there!  

The class was 3 hours long and my sweet one armed husband watched Luke the whole time!  When I came home Luke was wearing a sweater no pants and one shoe.   Scott says they had a good time and took a nice nap together.  :)

I am totally bummed that tomorrow is Monday :(  But thankfully it is a short week!  We are heading up to DE for thanksgiving and I cant wait to see my family!!! 

Well, this is it for today.  Hopefully tomorrow I can come up with some sort of healthy dinner - hmm, wonder if getting the salad bar at Whole Foods would count???  :)

Poor Pickle

Poor Scott had to get up at 5am this morning to get into work early :(  And he had to do all with one arm!  Scott had shoulder surgery about 2 weeks ago so his right arm has been in a sling ever since and it makes for getting dressed, driving, typing, etc more of a challenge.  Work has been non stop for him basically since Oct. 2007 (when he started!).  But even with all the long hours when he is able to make it home before Luke goes to bed he still helps with bath and bed time.  Luke get sooo excited when he sees his Daddy walk through the door.  I have to say he really is the BEST Dad and he is a pretty good husband too (ha ha love you pick).  

Luke and I hope he can get home at a decent hour tonight so we can have some family time.  Our Friday nights are usually pretty crazy - we have frozen pizza and watch a movie, wild!  But we wouldn't want it any other way!  

I saw today that we will get some flurries this afternoon so I cant wait for Luke to see that.  It snowed a little last year but he was to little to really care.  Despite the cold weather we have still been able to go on our walks which is fun.  I bundle him up in the stroller and he can still point with his mittens on.  Oh, he can now say "woof woof" when I ask him what a dog says - genius!

  

I'm thinking about taking Luke to story time at this little local book store in Old Town.  I know he would love that.  I just need to find out where and when it is - that might help a bit :)

Well, need to jump in the shower while my little monkey is sleeping.

  

Home Sweet Home

Well, looks like we are going to actually have a place to live that can fit our newest little addition to the family!  We are thrilled b/c the house is actually about 6 doors down from where we live now.  One of the neatest part of the house is the newly renovated kitchen that opens to the family/dining room.   Scott is probably biting his tongue if he is reading this b/c he is thinking that the kitchen will never be used.  One of my favorite sayings is "I only have a kitchen b/c it came with the house".   But I DO cook believe it or not!!!!  And have made some pretty good meals recently.  We are really happy to be able to stay in Old Town.  I just love being able to throw Luke in the stroller and go for long walks around town.  And I think he would be beside himself in a normal neighborhood b/c the highlight of his day is to walk on King Street and point at EVERY single bus that passes by and screams "BAA". 

Today is playgroup and the whole crew will be at our place.  Luke and I both look forward to this every week.   We have made some really good friends!  Its hysterical to watch the kids together b/c they totally ignore each other the entire time unless someone has an interesting toy that they want.  I think its more of a play date for the moms :)

Well, I need to hit the store to get some more milk.  This blog thing is pretty fun!

monkey #1

inspired

So, today at 7am I decided it was time for me to start a blog so that when my boys are old like me they will have a glimpse into their lives when they were little.  My sweet husband helped set this up for me and probably thinks I wont follow through but I will show him!  

OK, where do I start? Luke was born 9/10/07 and is currently 14 months old.  He is by far the most adorable child I have ever layed eyes on.  And I am not just saying that b/c he is my son.  He really is a beautiful child.  Luke started walking this month and has not slowed down since! Right now he is mastering the ability to identify objects.  When we go on our walks or in the car he sits with his pointer finger laying on his chest ready to show me what he sees.  His favorite things now to point at are trucks, buses, dogs, cats, trees, bushes, etc.  He knows where his belly, head, and feet are.  He can also go and grab his shoes and coat when asked where they are.  Oh, and he gives us kisses now which is my most favorite milestone so far!  We spend alot of our days reading books, walking, talking, laughing and playing.  Words can not describe how much I love him.  Thankfully (due to my incredible husband), I am able to be home with him.  BUT, that's not all - we are expecting our 2nd baby boy on 2/27/2009!  We are beyond excited to meet this next little guy.  Right now we haven't decided on a name yet but think we will name him Ryan Michael.  I love the name.  So far he loves to give me a lot of taps and jabs at night when I am trying to go to sleep.  In fact, I think he has a dance party in my belly every night but that could also be because I am on an ice cream sandwich kick right now so the sugar could possibly have something to do with that.  But there is nothing I look forward to more than feeling him move around.  Cant wait til I can finally hold him!  

So, I hope this is a good start to my new blog that I plan to be writing on everyday!!!