The Y Journals!

One Word Wednesday!

2012-02-01T23:30:00.000-05:00

Office

Chairs

Are

Fun!

One Word Wednesday!

2012-01-25T10:38:00.000-05:00

Nothing

Better

Than

Saturday

Morning

Snuggle

Time

A Fun Phillips Fact

2012-01-24T22:00:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend the hubs and I were talking babies...our babies and somehow we put together a fun random fact:

I had my first baby Q, bright and early (12:45am) on Wednesday April 4, 2007. We brought him home on Saturday April 7.

The day before Easter. I would love to tell you we made Easter dinner, but the host reads this and I am afraid she'd call me out! I was so dissapointed, and I tried to suck it up, but I just couldn't do it.

My next handsome guy, B, came in the afternoon on Thursday Sept 3, 2009. We left the hospital on Sunday September 6.

The day before Labor Day. Needless to say we didn't leave for the beach that day!

Baby girl came on Wednesday December 28th. We left the hospital on Saturday December 31st.

New Years Eve. Yeah, we were home. Saw the ball drop.

I know I am a lover of all things holiday, but think this is kind of funny.

Weekend Wrap Up

2012-01-23T21:12:00.000-05:00

This weekend we didn't have much planned. Two birthday parties were the extent of our plans. Chad took B to the first one and mom, C, and I went to the second one. Both bounce parties. Thankfully B's party was early which led to a nice little nap!

My parents came up for the day on Saturday. We had given my dad University of RIchmond basketball tickets for Christmas and this was the game. They got beat up pretty good, but I think they all had a great time. Since my brother and his oldest boy went to the game, my sister in law came over and brought their 4 year old. It was great to see her and the boys all played great together!

Unfortunately, I didn't take a single picture, even though it was the first time they had all met and held Little Miss.

Sunday it was too cold and rainy to take Little Miss anywhere. Chad got to run out and do a few errands including the grocery store. I was actually a little jealous. That's saying a lot considering I despise the grocery store.

This week isn't looking too exciting either. Thats ok, we could use a little down time! Lots of time for games, crafts (maybe a pinterest pin or two), coloring, and reading! And it makes it a little easier that it is winter time and not beautiful outside!

What have you got planned for your week?! Something fun? Fill me in!

The Nursery

2012-01-20T22:43:00.000-05:00

You can check out the finished nursery here. I'm so glad to have this space finished for Little Miss. I love it and I think she is going to as well! Hope you do too!

Our week so far....

2012-01-19T20:55:00.000-05:00

We've had a really great week so far! It's almost over, but we plan on having a really great weekend too!

On Monday Grammy & Granddaddy made their way up to Richmond, to meet Little Miss, play with the big boys and help mommy out!

Since Little Miss made her debut at Christmas time, we didn't get away to celebrate....so we got to celebrate in January. I think the boys really enjoyed having Christmas last so long! It's been almost a month of presents! They are getting spoiled. Every time someone comes we open presents! How awesome is that?!

Look at all that paper!!

Tuesday we headed to the Science Museum of Virginia! Everyone had a blast and Q was more than a little excited to show G&G Rat Basketball.

Wednesday G&G helped get the boys to school. (Side note: I am really missing driving!!) Grammy got to enjoy "the minivan regatta" (car pool) and pick up process. They are always in such a good mood when you pick them up! B likes to tell you about his day and Q is starting to tell you more and more!

I got to enjoy some thrift store shopping with Grammy and a few hours of downtime!! I got a nap one afternoon and a few hours of just laying down on another! Little Miss was not going to let me nap! It was fine, I got to hold her and snuggle her all by myself in peace and quiet while the boys were playing with their grandparents! It was a win for everybody! Besides the boys getting to and from school, I didn't ask them to "help" much. I don't think they felt like they were much help, but they were! Just being here and making the boys smile and play with them is a HUGE help! And for that I am greatful.

Can't wait to do it again! I don't think it will be long. Grammy learned we have a Home Goods and an antique mall within a mile of the house!

One Word Wednesday!

2012-01-18T14:40:00.000-05:00

Clothes!!

Calm Down....

2012-01-17T21:42:00.001-05:00

It's no secret I LOVE Pinterest. Honestly, I have gotten some great ideas. And not only have I pinned them, I have actually done a bunch of them.

Yesterday the boys and I created the calm down jar. Originally from Chasing the Fire Fly. (Actually, she credits someone else, who credits someone else, etc etc. But I found her recipe easy and her site was the one I had pinned!) I wont give you the how to, because it's pretty easy and she explains it. The idea of the jar is to shake it up when feeling overwhelmed, grumpy, stressed, or frustrated with your sibling. You sit and watch the glitter fall and by the time the glitter is settled, you should be too. We haven't had to use them yet, but it's only been a day. Believe me, they will get lots of use!

Here are Q & B with their bottles. It was great, I got them to drink a quick 8oz of water and it took a few minutes of our day. We are still home bound (3 more weeks!) so a few minutes is precious!

I found this pack of glitters at Michaels!! How fun are all these colors?

And here are the boys with their jars! They were so excited and loves Shaking them and watching the glitter settle.

Q used silver. It was pretty but didn't photograph well.

B used a dark blue.

I could have filled it up a bit more. But the boys were excited and ready to play!

Weekend Wrap Up

2012-01-16T19:48:00.000-05:00

This weekend was pretty slow. Normal I guess when you have 2 small children and an newborn.
Saturday we didn't do much. It was super cold outside. Well, super cold if you are 13 days old. However, daddy took the big boys outside.
We B spent some time on the potty.

That would be Q reading to him. They sat there awhile. No luck. We keep asking byt he seems uninterested.
Sunday it was more visitors! This time it was Uncle Dirk, Aunt Michelle, cousins Paul & Piper!

We celebrated Christmas and got some lunch! It was cold again, but that didn't stop the kids from playing outside! Everyone had a great day! B was a little worn out!

It was a great weekend and we have a big week ahead of us!!

One Word Wednesday!

2012-01-11T21:56:00.000-05:00

Home +

Bound =

MESS!!

In training

2012-01-10T22:05:00.000-05:00

We have a boy in training. Potty training. Ugh. My least favorite parenting activity. I don't know why. It just is. Even before I had kids I knew it would be. My idea was just to let them decide when they were ready and let them steer the course. Either plan on being home or short quick errands. I am also not above bribery. No reason to not reward them with an M&M or two!! Ask them all the time. (I still ask before we leave some place!) I had no intentions of visiting every restroom in every store or restaurant in Raleigh. Other than that, I can't claim to know the road to victory.

Q was pretty easy. He "played" on the kiddy potty a few times and then on February 14th, 2010 he walked in and said he wasn't wearing a pull up anymore. And he didn't. Even night time was pretty easy.

I guess I am scared of the mess. The grocery store is already a hassle, then you add in potty breaks across the store, an "I need to potty" the minute you get in the car etc etc. And I have boys. How easy are boys?! You open the door and drop the pants. Wait until Little Miss starts...ugh.

Lately B has been having a fit about wearing his diaper and/or getting diaper changes. But he never mentioned wanting to wear underware or using the potty. Then finally I asked him if he wanted to use the potty and he tried. So Sunday Chad went up into the attic and grabbed the training potty. He went once.

Today since we were homebound, I thought it was as good a time as any to give it the ole' college try. I brought the toilet down stairs asked him if he needed to go when it was time to get dressed. He took off his pants and diaper and they never made another appearance. He spent the whole day naked. His choice. He did great! He used the potty three times and all three times in the potty. All by himself. At one point we were upstairs and he went running downstairs to go.

I'm so proud of my ~~baby~~ big boy. I can't believe we are there already.

Weekend Wrap Up

2012-01-09T21:29:00.000-05:00

Since I was just over one week post op, we didn't plan on doing much. In fact we don't plan on doing much for the next 4 weeks. Great for the wallet. I'm sure Visa is wondering what happened to me!

Because we are hanging out close to home, this let everyone know we were available for visitors! And let the visits begin!! I love having company. I don't know why, but I do. Since I was a little girl I have always loved having visitors. I didn't really do much to prepare for my latest gathering, and I don't think they were expecting much. Which are the best kind of visitors to have! Just being with and spending time with family makes me happy. Especially since we have this new joy in our lives to share!!

Uncle Todd, Aunt Sarah, and cousins Josh and Caroline came to visit us. The weather was fantastic. It is the beginning of January and everyone was playing outside with no jackets!! This weekend last year we were in the middle of an ice storm. I know, because I was trying to paint the guest bathroom in order to put the house on the market. Home Depot had to deliver the paint to my house (since they mixed the wrong color)and I wasn't dragging the boys out in that!

Don't you love it when you watch a grown man let a baby put such a smile on his face?

Little Miss is a bit out of focus but look at that smile on her Aunt Sarah! I think both girls are just beautiful!

Cousin Josh, was pretty excited to hold Little Miss as well, however, she wasn't as interested due to timing. It was feeding time and Josh really didn't have what she wanted.

Speaking of pretty girls, check out these two! Caroline has lots to teach Little Miss and I can't wait to see the things they get into together!

We had lunch downtown and celebrated Christmas! Even though we spent the day together, they left much too early for their drive home. Something about the kids having to get ready for school and all. I mean, who needs school!? But I am glad to have had a Phillips' fix! I'll take as little or as many hours as I can get!

We'll get some more family time with another set of Phillips' this weekend! Can't wait!

A birth story

2012-01-06T23:32:00.000-05:00

As promised here is my latest and last birth story. There isn't too much sap here as I like to keep that in a little journal for my self and for each child later. But these are the deets for those that have asked. Not surprising, I have lots of friends that really like a birthing story. What is more amazing than the miracle that is life?

CGP (Little Miss) joined our family on December 28th, 2011 at 10:08am. She was a ~~whopping~~ petite little thing coming in at 6lbs 8oz and 19.5" long. She is the smallest of my babies.

Unfortunately, I didn't have a good relationship with my OB. Sometimes I think I put too much pressure on her, because she had big shoes to fill. My last practice and all their Drs were amazing. However, the more I saw her the more I didn't like her. But by the time, you see them on a regular basis and decide you would really like to change, it's too late. Since we had only been in Richmond a few short months, I didn't have many references to go on. I had to go with my gut. I guess the hormones got in the way and I didn't have very good intuition that day.

My first big decision to make was to have a VBAC or a repeat c section. I was pretty sure I wanted the C section, but was trying to justify having sugery if I didn't "need" it. When I had decided and told my Dr, I wanted a c section, she seemed dissapointed but willing, since it was a repeat. I had several personal reasons for wanting one. This was week 37. The nurse came in and let me know we were going to have a baby on December 28!! I would be 38 weeks and 6days. At the same time she told me I was having really early signs of preeclampsia. YIKES!

At my last visit week 38, I tried talking to my Dr about the preeclampsia and my c section concerns. My biggest one being how the epidural & spinal make me feel (TERRIBLE). I told her my blood pressure dropped the minute I got my epidural with my first baby and I had to have oxygen and something in my IV to bring it back up. Same thing with my second baby and first spinal. She explained what happens with these procedures and it made since, but it wasn't taking away the anxiety.

After a pretty busy Christmas season Wednesday December 28th rolled around and Chad and I left for the hospital at 7am. I tried to find my happy place and go there immediately. But I was going on a couple hours of sleep due to being happy and anxious and excited to meet my girl, and sad that this was my last pregnancy etc etc. I was pretty calm until it was actually time to go back to the operating room.

The room was FREEZING and I was shivering like crazy. I was nervous about getting the actual spinal but that was nothing compared to what I knew was coming. I will admit, I was hoping that maybe, just maybe those feelings wouldn't happen this time?! No such luck. They laid me down to strap me in and like a freight train it hit me. The elephant. It was standing on my chest. I was focusing on breathing. I was trying to go to my happy place (preferably with a margarita). I couldn't get there fast enough. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. And......lights out. I fainted. Well, that is what happens when your blood pressure plummets. Thankfully, there is no better place to do that than on the operating room table with a room full of Drs.

But a minute after I came to, the Dr was ready to get down to business. I had been "stablized" and felt fine. That darn elephant finally found something else to do. A couple of minutes after that and I heard her powerful lungs. I saw her beautiful pink little body. And the tears flowed. They brought her around for me to see and when she heard my voice she opened her eyes. Ahhhhh, now that is love at first sight.

The rest is just medical details. They wheeled me to recovery (the same room I would be in for the rest of my stay) while "holding" my baby!! Shortly after that we got to nurse. She did great. While I was in recovery, my nurse told me about my fainting spell and how they were actually pretty worried. Which is why it took them a little longer to get Chad. I also learned it was a good thing I had a c section because Little Miss had a knot in her umbilical cord. It was loose, but during a delivery can become tighter resulting in the need for an unplanned c section. Finally, some justification I made the right decision. This time, I'm glad I listened to my gut!

Then they took her to the nursery to observe her, get her temperature up and give her a bath etc. She had some fluid in her lungs (common for c section babies) and ended up spending pretty much the whole day in observation, before getting her bath, and before seeing me again. She never had to be put on oxygen and we were praying to keep it that way. Around 6pm she was released from observation and was able to come to the room and meet her big brothers.

They exchanged presents and went home with grandma over stimulated and exhausted from their big day. Q was actually very nervous all day so for him to come to the hospital and see everyone was ok and healthy was a big relief for him! It was a big day for everyone. We were all tired. It seems like such a blur now and it wasn't that long ago.

On her release day, Saturday, her weight had fallen to 5lbs 15oz. The peditrician wanted her seen on Monday for a weight check. He didn't like that she had lost that much but didn't feel the need to suppliment at that point. Little Miss and I went home and got right to work on that weight gain. On Monday she went and checked in at 6lbs even. Still no reason to suppliment, but we were willing, if needed! Yahoo! Other than that he said she was perfect. As if, I needed him to tell me that?! But he wanted her back today. And today. Today, my petite baby girl checked in at 6lbs 12oz!! She gained 12oz in 5 days!! Let's just say her peditrician was very happy and he might have even studdered a bit when he saw that!

It isn't the most amazing birth story, but it's hers. I didn't want an amazing birth story. I like to keep things bland and simple when it comes to babies and surgeries and Drs and deliveries!!

It's been nine days now and we havn't stopped smiling yet. God has blessed us once again and we are so thankful. We have been trying to soak it all in.

Our Little Miss Magic at one week.

You singing what I'm singing?

2012-01-05T21:38:00.000-05:00

Tonights post was going to be all things birthing story, so I will warn you that means tomorrow nights post will be. So on Saturday if you wake up with a hankering for a good ole fashioned birthing story I'm your girl. If not, you were warned.

However, as I went to write tonights post, Little Miss woke up and wanted my attention. My mother hands her to me and all I could do was laugh.

THAT BOW!! (Which by the way one of the nurses whipped up right there in the OR when she heard "Here SHE is". I was quite impressed that I of all people had a "Martha" for a nurse. Only appropriate, don't you think?!)

Immediately the vision in my head went south. It was bad. You thinking what I'm thinking?!

Source

You singing what I'm singing? Name that tune. I'm sure it will be stuck in your head all day! Your welcome.

One Word Wednesday!

2012-01-04T21:49:00.001-05:00

Busy

Being

Blessed

Beautiful

Baby

Girl

December Wrap Up

2011-12-26T23:43:00.000-05:00

I really did mean to keep up with the blog over the holidays. Honestly. I did. Because it would make what I am about to do so much easier. But then again, if we kept up with everything on a daily basis, all our chores would be easier. You know, if you clean up while you are cooking, there isn't so much after dinner to clean up. And if you put away your toy when you are done playing with it, you don't have an entire playroom to pick up before bed.

December was busy. VERY busy. And I went from being 34 weeks pregnant to 38 weeks pregnant with baby #3. I also learned that week 39 won't be coming. Because that baby #3 is coming Wednesday. One day before I hit 39 weeks.

Finding and decorating a tree. Hitting Hallmark, so the boys can pick out their ornament. Wrapping up those festivities by searching for "the pickle".

Putting together the train (and changing the batteries on day 2!!)

Throwing up some lights outside, so we can say we "decorated"

The boys and I spent lots of time in the kitchen

We got ready for Christmas break with a school performance by Q (where he actually performed!)

Chad and I spent ~~too much~~ lots of time trying our hardest to be creative and find spots for "Elfie"

With some help from a favorite elf in Florida

Doing Christmas Crafts
Gingerbread House:

Including some time at Build A Bear to make a gift for our new baby sister!

Passing out in random places and random times

Annual trip to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

Riding the train with Santa (and Papa Joe, Grandma, etc etc)

Chaos of White House Family Christmas

And then it was Christmas Day!!!

The aftermath

And that my friends, was our December. January doesn't show any signs of slowing down. So you might want to brace yourselves and prepare to wait for a January update as well. Maybe even a new blog name, since we will have added some new XX chromosomes?!

Weekend Wrap Up

2011-11-22T21:09:00.000-05:00

We will start this weekend wrap up on a Tuesday, I'm famous for that. Monday I was just to tired to post. And it really wasn't all that exciting, but let's get real, you just came to see the cute babes!

We made some yummy chex mix.

Did some painting

I am usually the painter, however, this time around, I just cut in and let Chad roll. That's a big deal for me. First, the Behr paint that we picked and made sure was low VOC and were told it is actually NO VOC, is pretty smelly. Second, I was tired. Too tired. Even to paint. Actually Chad is upstairs now, cutting in the second coat on the top. I don't really need to be on a ladder. Unfortunatly it did need a second coat. It looked really bad. So that involved a second trip to Home Depot for a second gallon. That was after we finally decided on a color. Frolic. It was in the "special fans" behind the counter.

Our pumpkins were starting to go bad and it was time to throw them out. Q was sad. He didn't like that option. So he took a bunch of picures of it and now he can remember the pumpkin he painted in art class.

In between playing in the kitchen and playing at Lowes/Home Depot, we ran errands and played in the yard and in the house.

It was a nice weekend together and that is what we really needed!

One Word Wednesday!

2011-11-16T17:49:00.000-05:00

Veterinarian:

It's

His

Blood

Weekend Wrap Up

2011-11-14T21:21:00.000-05:00

I debated writing a weekend wrap up, because my weekend didn't include the boys at all. Thanks to all these weddings, I've had lots of girls weekends! I also don't have a single picture to share. I have a few but they aren't for sharing.

On Thursday my amazing mom came up to spend the day and Friday with the boys, so I could take off to Raleigh and spend some time with my awesome friend, Jenny and the other Lanka women, wedding dress shopping! Grandma always comes through for us. She allows us to do so many things and get so many things done, if she isn't doing them for us! Which is why tonight I wondered why the laundry shoot was full. She was just here! AND I KNOW, it was empty when she left!

Friday morning we went to our first appointment. It was fun but, not much personal service, especially since it was a bridal boutique (that is so busy, they are expanding?!). Later we went to Davids Bridal. Pretty good service, not many choices. After that we had a great dinner out at Bonefish Grill!

Saturday we were up and at 'em and on the way to Burlington to check out the Bridal Mart. Lots of choices, but not really any for our bride. We called from there and made an appointment closer to home. On the way to the next appointment we swung into Davids Bridal to show her mom the dresses we liked the night before. Our beautiful bride did find a gown she liked at our last stop. However, the search continues!

I am confident the gown she finds will be amazing and look just as amazing on her! Jenny is the MOST photogenic person I know. She could wear a burlap number and look stunning!

I finished off my weekend having brunch with my great friend, Ashley, and her beautiful pre schooler! She is also exactly two weeks ahead of me coming in at 35 weeks with her second baby girl. She looks amazing and is anxiously awaiting meeting Eleanor Grace! I know, she has great taste in names!! I'm glad someone is using it! FYI, we never discussed names!

Thank you Jenny for flying home and letting me be a part of your big day! It was a very special weekend for her to share and I am so honored she did. A big thank you to her sister Kelly for allowing me to crash her very short weekend with her big sister and letting me stay with them! I had a great time and an education in all things "Girl" from Kellys daughters!

Looking forward to her February visit and shower!!

One Word Wednesday!

2011-11-09T15:34:00.001-05:00

Figured

It

Out!

Weekend Wrap Up

2011-11-07T13:14:00.001-05:00

This weekend was a bit slower than last. Not many big things on the to do list. But the to do list is definitely long and getting longer.

We got some things put away in the attic and sorted through clothes for winter. It didn't take me long to do mine, since I can't fit in any of my winter clothes!! However, the washer has been going non stop with new (new as in, new to us!) winter clothes. I'm also trying to wash everything that came out of storage too. Every pillow, sheet, towel, cover. You name it, it's been/being washed.

The yard got cut and raked. It was pretty wet, but it had been too long. Daddy mowed and the boys helped.

B and his blower

~~Laveranues Coles~~B & ~~a Zoo Keeper~~ Q doing yard work! I'm sure the neighbors got a good laugh!

When we (um, everyone but me!) weren't helping in the yard, we (just Q &I) were at the grocery store or we were all car shopping or getting a flat tire turned bent rim fixed (good times with two pre schoolers!). It was a weekend of yucky projects, nothing fun!

The fun is left for home, where we had plenty of time for play. The weather was great and actually kind of warm, but we were trying to keep the boys some what settled so they can fight whatever cold B had. Grandmas coming this weekend and we can't have germs for her to take back to Papa Joe!

After yesterdays wardrobe choice and todays, I'm convinced Q needs his own fashion blog. I always thought being a fashion writer would be awesome....maybe I will live vicariously through him one day?!
My camo wearing scuba diver? Actually this wasn't really an outfit choice, it was "dress up" but I'm not sure what he was pretending to be.

This was todays outfit choice, until he put on his spider man costume and then a few others..

Until I started talking about going to the store and he changed the layered tops in for a t shirt and hoodie. I wonder if he was feeling self conscious or was he just dressed up for fun this morning (he likes to pretend he is an animal "hunter" at all times, so I never know when he is dressed for school or dressed to hunt?!). I never want to make him self conscious so I don't ask..."ha ha what are dressed as today?" and he stares at me blankly...and says he is just dressed for school. I have enough "mom fail/guilty" moments, I don't need help from my big mouth! Frankly, I don't really care what he wears to school. It's not like he owns anything offensive (besides that Carolina t shirt) and as long as he is dressed when we are ready to go, that's all I care about!

When cleaning up our "dress up" clothes last night, I called them make believe, to which he started yelling and crying that he does not play make believe. Then I was told by my husband that he wouldn't want them called make believe either. Is make believe a girly term? Is "dress up" not girly? What do you call boys dress up clothes? Character clothes? Pretend clothes? When I told him where to put his Buzz Lightyear wings (come on people, in a basket, I wasn't that mad!), he told me they weren't Buzz Lightyear wings they were his scuba tanks?! Isn't that pretending?

And this morning when I asked him to put the red vest away, he looked at me and said "I'm a red coat". Um, ok?! Did red coats not listen to their mothers? I think it's time for naps. This pretending stuff is wearing me out!

Just some sentances...

2011-11-04T13:58:00.000-04:00

It's Friday!!

I'm worn out from a crazy busy week that included:
*Sending my best friend back to FL after a nice visit
*Too much halloween candy
*A yucky head cold
*B having a yucky head cold.
*Which means he didn't go to school.
*That makes mommy sad.
*Contractions
*Qs new favorite song is Hey Soul Sister by Train.
*He knows lots of the words and it makes me so happy to hear him sing.
*Especially songs I like!
*A textbook 31 week Dr visit for me & lady bug.
*Car shopping.
*UGH...

And while all that was happening my to-do list grew?! How did that happen? Oh! Right, instead of doing anything about that list, I sat on the couch and snuggled my oldest while trying to convince the youngest that snuggling is fun and let ladybug rest as we watched toons, read books and talked...Let the list grow!

Gearing up for a busy weekend. Soccer, grocery store and car shopping to name a few...and perhaps we will accomplish a project or hopefully two?!

One Word Wednesday!

2011-11-02T14:14:00.001-04:00

~~Mostly~~ Ready ~~for your arrival~~!

Give me a break, it's supposed to be a ONE WORD description! Everyone knows, I'm more long winded than that!!

Weekend Wrap Up

2011-11-01T13:11:00.000-04:00

We started our weekend on Friday (like most people) with a field trip to Maymont. It was a fun way to let B run around with his classmates but it was FREEZING! Well, it was 55 degrees, but it felt much colder!
B could not get enough of the fox....until we later found the bears!!

B and his classmates! Can you imagine teaching all these little guys?! It takes three teachers (there are a few kids missing!!) to keep all these 3 year olds in check. They do an amazing job and have patience of saints. B is loving school!

Later, we took a trip to the airport to pick up Aunt Kelly. She came to spend Halloween with us! It's becoming quite the tradition. The boys were up extremely late, but it's not every day your Aunt Kelly comes to visit!

Saturday we woke up to rain (that was to last all day...boo) and an email that there wouldn't be any soccer. So Aunt Kelly and I took the boys to Monkey Joes to expend some early morning energy. B is getting really good at the climbing, but some are still a bit big. Q just likes all the jumping and running!

That afternoon brought naps for everyone. Including a certain auntie that was enjoying a little snuggle time, with an anxious spider-man. This is what happens when she hears the shutter and yells at you to stop taking pictures of her sleeping...but I couldn't help it, they were so cute.

Chad had to work some, but once he got home Kelly and I got to enjoy some time alone shopping and eating. Shopping which, unfortunately (for her) was Lowes and the fabric store. But she was a good sport. (She'll probably never come back.) We did stop on Cary St to hit up Clover and a few other stores. We even got to see The Richmond Zombie Walk. It was more than a little bizarre but...to each their own.

Sunday we headed to Ashland VA to the Ashland Berry Farm (apparently there is a farm much closer in Chesterfield...oh well, next year!) The weather was great! A little muddy from Saturdays rain, but they had hayrides and an actual pumpkin patch. Q was really disappointed we didn't get to see the baby farm animals (he is OBSESSED with all things animals). You could only see them by going through the corn maze which was closed because it was too wet. Something else to keep in mind for next year!
Coming in at 3 and 3.5 feet (or something like that) it's the Phillips Brothers

All the pumpkins you can hold for $20

Our $20 loot!

When we were done there we headed over to the train station, where thankfully, a train passed close to every ten to fifteen minutes. No really. It was great fun!

We then walked to have some lunch and headed home with two very tired small children!! We needed them to be tired because we had lots more to do....or lots of pumpkins to be carved.

Monday brought Halloween (and Pioneer Woman pumpkin seeds DELISH!)! Here is your beloved Spider-man and Dumbo.

Dumbo is a third generation costume...it's just too cute not to use again and again!
The weather was gross (RAIN) for trick or treating but thankfully these guys are young enough that the five or so houses we visited was good enough.

Daddy evaluating B's take home. If it had been a picture of my dad, he would be looking for snickers.

Q showing off his take home. (take home=candy after mom, dad, and aunt Kelly have taken their share. You know, just like uncle Sam.)

Today we all woke up from sugar induced comas and struggled to make it out the door and take Aunt Kelly to the airport. The boys were bummed, but not nearly as bummed as mommy. There is nothing more fun than spending time with your family, no matter how busy or boring, trips to Lowes or pumpkin hunting! We will miss you Aunt Kelly but we can't wait until your visit in February!

I realize this post was a little photo heavy. I could have made it two post, but lets face it, your lucky you got one at all!

We did get one project done...some art on the cheap! Curious? Check it out on Refresh & Repurpose

30 Weeks

2011-10-27T13:19:00.001-04:00

I am 30 weeks today! Ten more to go and this sweet baby girl will be here and safely in our arms! But first there are many things to get done. Her room would be one (oh and getting B out of her crib, is kind of big too) and then we have to get a car or we can't bring her home from the hospital! Today, I am not feeling good, so I am trying my hardest to keep my feet up, or at least, stay off of them.

We spent Monday night in Raleigh so we could meet the movers at the storage unit bright and early on Tuesday morning. Thankfully Ms. Ashley stepped in and watched the boys!! LIFE.SAVER!!!
They arrived yesterday in their big huge truck (that was full, gulp)and went to work immediately. I was pretty prepared:

We did a walk thru first and these signs were everywhere! I stood at the back of the truck and directed, in case something didn't have a sign.

This is what my house now looks like....in EVERY room:

Yes, it's a little overwhelming, slowly but surely we are washing dishes and laundry and getting it put away and assembled!!

However, the boys room was left pretty much unscathed. A few boxes, mostly clothes to try on and see what will work for this winter!

I did get their new nautical flags up today! The room is far from finished, we are just taking it one day at a time! Check them out here!

One Word Wednesday!

2011-10-26T19:16:00.001-04:00

Movin'

One Word Wednesday!

2011-10-19T20:08:00.001-04:00

Grandmas

Been

Girly

Shopping

Gone Missing

2011-10-18T14:21:00.000-04:00

This boy makes our family whole.

And we can't imagine life without him. Today, we got a glimpse of what that would be like. Thirty minutes of awful. We had some contractors over today and they left the gate open. When they left, I let Porter out. Not even thinking to check the gate. For whatever reason, about an hour after I let him out, I went to check on him and noticed the gates were open. Porter was GONE.

I went to throw the boys in the car, but of course Bradley needed a diaper change and I wasn't sure how long we would be. So I changed him and we all got in the car. Three of us, cruising our new neighborhood, screaming for him between sobs. I was trying to remain nonchalant and cool. But then Q told me, he'd "never be able to sleep again". That is when it made me even more sad!

Porter has no idea what open roads are. He is always on a leash and has NEVER escaped. We don't live THAT close to busy roads, but there are plenty of cars that drive around and he hasn't ever been loose around them!

Thankfully some neighbors were out in their yard and noticed him. They thought it was the neighbors dog so they tied him up at their house! Probably saved his life. And mine!

He is sound asleep in his bed. Safe & sound! I wonder if he was stressed too? Especially once he got tied up. No more exploring! And I learned a lesson, to always check after people!!

Weekend Wrap Up

2011-10-17T21:55:00.000-04:00

What a weekend! Even though we stayed within a 10 mile radius of the house, it was busy!

It started on Friday morning with a baby Dr visit for me. Ladybug is doing good. However, I did get a text from Chad during my wait, that B had fallen down basement steps and there was blood everywhere. I learned in a frantic call back, that it was the bottom two stairs. It was a face plant. No blacking out, no vomiting. I called the peditricians office just to make sure. When I got home, there were pacifier pieces on the garage floor. So obviously it was a pretty good smack. I am glad it was Chad with him. If it had been me, he wouldn't have had a paci. I think it probably saved his teeth, his lips, and tonque. Maybe all three. He was acting completely fine. He was pretty busted up and his lip has finally gone down, but is still a little purple/blue on the inside. Needless to say we took it pretty easy the rest of the day.

Saturday we went to the fall festival at the boys school. Magic show (Q totally unimpressed. Chad and I thought he was pretty funny!), face painting, hay rides, Irish dance troupe, live music, balloon animals, fair food and lots and lots of pumpkins.

We then went to soccer and watched another hard core game of ball chase amongst four year olds.

Saturday night we carved a pumpkin. Got a few more to do, but here is a teaser!

Sunday we headed to a park to play and then watched some big kids play soccer. As usual there was a Lowes run. You'll have to check in on us at Refresh & Repurpose to see what fun things we are doing "on the side"!

A Speech

2011-10-13T13:56:00.000-04:00

The bride from Tuesdays post has been a friend since kindergarten.
She asked her three bridesmaids to give a little speech at the rehearsal. The minute she asked us, my heart started pounding. I'm not witty. I'm not funny. I'm not a writer. What was I supposed to say? Especially about a journalism major who is now in sales. She knows how to write and think fast. In front of all these people? And strangers are no problem. I don't really care what strangers think. I'll never see them again. I also am not sure I would have been able to get through it without crying. Even though it's not very sappy.

Nobody wants to be judged by their peers. I used to have a huge problem with role playing for rush too. I know you, why am I going to ask you about your major. I know what it is and why you picked it.

But the rehearsal dinner went by fast and people got distracted and we lost the crowd before we could give our personal shout out to the bride and groom! SUH-WEET!!! However, I took the time to write it and I never got to share it with her. So here it is for ~~her~~ the whole world to read (and judge).

I've known Jennifer since we were 5. In that time we've learned a lot about each other.
When I knew I had to give a speech, I wasn't sure whether I should tell you what I've learned about her or give advice. I thought better of telling you all that I know & I haven't been married long enough to dole out too much advice.
But I'll share my mantra for love and life with you.
Live, Laugh, Love.
I've learned that Jenny knows how to live. Let's face it, the girl has great taste and likes to have a good time. Keep having fun. Keep living. Live for each other.
Laugh. Have you heard our friend here laugh? It's infectious. It can wake a room. It can turn your day around. The first time I heard James' make her laugh like this, I knew he was different. I knew he was the one. Other than all the times I'd heard his name around that time!
Love. We'd all like to think this is the easy one. I'd like to think I even know a thing, or three, about this myself. It's why we are here, right? These two people love each other?
On tougher days (I know there haven't been any) but believe me, sweet babies cry, dinner burns, laundry piles high and dog hair gathers in corners, remember why you are here. What brought you to each other. What brought you, above all else, to this day. A day you vowed to each other to love from this day forward.
So in the almost 30 years we've been friends, I have learned one thing about you that I can share: You've got this!
Salute!
This is where I wish I had a picture from kindergarten to share. Hope you are enjoying your honeymoon in Mexico! XO

One Word Wednesday!

2011-10-12T14:23:00.000-04:00

Yes, I should have included this in this post announcing baby girls impending arrival but that would have made too too much sense! And I could have edited the post (too long ago) and it was too cute not to include! Opps!

Weekend Wrap Up

2011-10-11T13:30:00.000-04:00

This weekend we spent a nice long weekend on the Outer Banks.
We were home for a friends wedding. Well, a really good friend. And I was in the wedding.

I hardly took a single picture, since we were so busy the entire time. This is why I don't blog for money! I do it for me and I don't have to feel bad that the pictures and memories are for me and no one else. We have quite a few weddings coming up. Maybe I will take some more pics then?!

Friday was a early morning mani & pedi! Always a nice way to get your day started! We left there and went to Duck for a Bridal Luncheon at The Blue Point! Yummy fresh food, an excellent view, great company, and lots and lots of laughs. We left there and made it back in time for rehearsal. After rehearsal we got to rest for a minute and then get freshened up for dinner.

Chad met me at dinner. Always nice to share a meal with new friends and enjoy their company instead of cleaning up spills and pretending that your children really are this well behaved all the time! More yummy food and another great view. This time in Nags Head at Pamlico Jacks! I mean they call themselves "the pirate hideaway". What could be more perfect for two pirate fans, like the hubs and I?!

Saturday morning, I was up and out of the house early to go get my hair did. It was a beautiful morning and it promised to have some chill later! Perfect for this prego! So I just wanted my hair back. Out of my face. Off my neck. But first I had to shove my face full of amazing food prepared by one of the groomsman. You laugh, but Melissa and I took some to the hair appointment. We knew there would be none left upon our return! The old saying "Never trust a skinny cook", is just that a saying. However, Andy did tell me you can trust a skinny cook, if he has fat friends. Oh, ok! After hair is was clean up time. As in clean up ourselves, steam a tie or two and a very important dress. Then it was time to hurry up and wait.
Here is our lovely bride..waiting...dress puffed out to not get wrinkled. Excuse the poor quality, this is from my cell!

Then it was "I DO" time..and introduce to you Mr&Mrs James and Jennifer Michael

(Obviously, I didn't take this picture, but thanks to facebook, I got a few extras)
(The most delicious I've ever put in my mouth)Cake time

Sunset pics on the roof deck. These boys sent my heart racing and my stomach to the floor!! I couldn't take all the jumping running and standing on the roof!! Especially after a few cocktails. And they were wearing flip flops. And do you know that I have two boys, that love to act like boys. These boys inparticular. Eccckkkkk. I couldn't take it. See my face in the corner. Proof enough?!

And here is Auntie 'Lissa with my dancin' machine. Jacket & tie no longer required. (Q told Chad they were wearing their president outfits. Because they looked just like our president....well kind of)

And here are the lovely bride and groom "leaving the reception". When your dad has shed blood sweat and tears restoring a corvette, you don't really get to leave!

Pooped babies

It was a tummies full off yummy food, a fun band, feet sore from dancing, reconnecting with old friends and their parents, assuring them that yes, my children really are this cute and well behaved all the time (ahem), talking with children ~~drinking~~ that I used to babysit, eyes swollen from crying (that may have just been me?!), beautiful, chilled, October kind of night. FILLED.WITH.LOVE

One Word Wednesday!

2011-10-05T13:56:00.000-04:00

I

LOVE

TO

DIVE!!

Can I get an X?

2011-10-04T20:40:00.000-04:00

Why yes, yes you can!!
I don't have much to write and wanted to keep the momentum up, so thought I would back track a bit.
We're going to have to change the name of this here blog. 'Cause we are adding a X to the family! I know it's hard to believe. I still can't believe it. August 17th was a pretty exciting day for the Phillips' family. We thought for sure we were having a boy. Why wouldn't we? It's what we know. We already have two. We have the clothes, the toys, the linens! How did that happen?

But a girl it is. I believe I let out a little yelpy cry when she said it. It was truly a shock. Q was not so excited. He really wanted a brother. Or so he thought. By that afternoon he was asking all kinds of questions about his baby sister.
At the begining she was making me pretty sick, but about week 16 I started to feel better. And even though I was so sick and home with the boys, I was trying to count my blessings.

This is my last one. My last pregnancy. The last time I will feel a baby kick from the womb. And it's so amazing. It's a feeling you can't describe, one that only a once pregnant woman can understand. One that changes your life forever.

Now that I am feeling better and she is growing and healthy I can enjoy it so much more. I've never had to do fetal count kicks. All my babies have spent their free time kicking me. And I LOVE it. It reminds me, they are healthy and growing and strong.

She doesn't have a name yet. We are close. I've been calling her lady bug because one landed on my tummy, right after we found out she was a girl! I have had fun searching Pinterest for girly things!! Clothes, room ideas, decorations, etc. The boys were exciting to shop for too, but it's exciting to shop for something new (& PINK!).

Here is lady bug and I at a bachelorette party! I was 20 weeks and just found out (and shared with my girlfriends) that baby was a girl!!

Weekend Wrap Up

2011-10-03T20:01:00.001-04:00

We have a new address and a new home.
We've unpacked most of those boxes that took so long to pack. When I was packing the apartment the boys seemed to find it fun to unpack them as fast as they could. Now that we are here and I am trying to unpack the boys are packing boxes and pretending to move!! AHHHHHHH!!!
Of course the majority of our stuff is still in storage. That ought to be fun to unpack!
We did have a great weekend with some visitors! Aunt Linda came and brought cousin Faith on Friday. Saturday of course was soccer.

Naptime soccer games are tough. On everyone.
And two trips to Lowes. One at 6am for the hubs. We were trying to get the floor in the laundry room done before our washer and dryer arrived.

You'd cover that beautiful floor too!
Saturday night Zanney and GGP came over for some spaghetti! Zanney and GGP brought mums and Aunt Linda brought a Home Depot gift card!

Sunday was another trip to Lowes for fire/smoke alarms and a dehumidifier. Looking forward to working on some projects that are a little more fun. But first up, shoe molding in the laundry room. I should do the half bath next, but think I will move on to the boys room. More work, but more fun = more reward!

Packing

2011-09-23T20:56:00.000-04:00

Packing and more packing....
I hate packing. I sit here in this apartment wondering how in the world I packed our old house all by myself (Chad was already in Richmond)?
We move tomorrow and the entire apartment needs to be packed.
If I have my way, we are never moving again. Although, it was a great way to get rid of things.
I feel sorry for these three children of mine. Because the next time we move, their daddy and I will be in our 90s and won't be able to do it. And we will have 60 years worth of stuff (including their old stuff, they didn't want to take with them) to go through, get rid of and throw away!!
Guess, I should get to packing!

Weekend with the Family

2011-09-22T21:22:00.001-04:00

The first weekend in August our family (4 generations!)made our way to Bath County, VA.
We all converged on Ft. Lewis Lodge on Friday. It took a good 3 hours to get there from Richmond, but was so worth it. It was a tricky drive for us because we left after Chad got off work. It was very dark, we had no idea where we were going, and it was in the middle of no where. But Google maps did us right and sent us the correct way the entire trip!

We spent the weekend eating, drinking, swimming, walking, hiking, reading, biking, talking, catching up, fishing, playing ping pong, footsball, and eating. (Yup, we did enough of that to mention it twice!)

There aren't too many details to share so I will get to the pictures. Let's be honest that's why you are here anyway!

The whole gang

The Phillips 5

Here's the 4 generations!

One Word Wednesday!

2011-09-21T19:56:00.001-04:00

Q

First

Day

Preschool

2011

Welcoming Walter

2011-09-20T23:17:00.000-04:00

I'll go back to the baby shower I co-hosted for a cousin.

Our cousin Andy is married to a great girl, Olga. They've been married a few years now (3) and live "up the road" in Maryland. This family (as well as hers) doesn't really have patience when it comes to waiting for babies. Our family is large and we like it that way.

My mom, cousin Michelle and I drove up to Northern VA to an aunts house. It's kind of in the middle and this shower, was supposed to be a surprise. We needed a believable excuse to get her there. There were lots of laughs and some good stories. Mostly from my mom, who knows all the secrets! Although, I was holding back a big secret of my own. Or so I was thinking.

At the grocery store that night, I spilled the beans to my cousin. I was pretty sure I was pregnant, but hadn't confirmed it yet. I didn't really want to find out before the shower. I wanted to focus on Olga (& Walter)and I didn't want to slip up in front of all my aunts. Espcially at a party in someones elses honor!!

When we got back to the house, I got a phone call from my friend Jennifer that she was engaged. Now, I couldn't tell one of my best friends!! This secret was getting harder and harder to keep!

Saturday morning we got up early to prepare. Our theme was Pickles and Ice Cream.

My cousin and I with 2 of my lovely great aunts (one on left her mom, one on the right our hostess!).

My mom and I skipped out for a few minutes and took a walked around the corner to the house she grew up in. She said it looks exactly the same as she remembers it. Pretty wild when I think about my own children and their antics and can picture my mom and her sisters. It was fun to hear her stories (sometimes for the second or third time) but now I could picture that friend and their house. The owners watching us from the windows didn't invite us in, so we just hung out outside and took pictures. We wondered if any of the neighbors were the same, but neither of us were brave enough to ask.

Q and I had fun making some decorations during B's naptime. He's my design partner, assistant party planner and my right hand man.

First up: the decorations!
Whats a party these days with out a bunting?! They are a fun and easy way to add some color. Granted these aren't the nursery colors or the shower colors. But Andy & Olga are FSU alumni and Walters room is a sports theme. I coudn't resist doing this for him. It was the one thing I did off the theme. I didn't mind because, I can kill a theme. I mean kill it. Once I get the theme in my head, my brain just goes wild with ideas.

And what's a baby shower without a game? Our game was baby songs. All different genres. Songs with the word "baby" in the title. You get a point for knowing the song title and a point for knowing the artist. We played this at B's shower and I loved it. Had to do it again. Picking the songs is almost as fun as playing the game! Every guest gets to take home a cd.

Spoil me table...an understatement!

The cake!

Flowers

And the favors. Yankee Candles in pink, white and brown (of course!)

Now we can get on with the party. Olga was very surprised! Always a plus when you've worked so hard not to spill the beans.

She was even more surprised when she saw her mom.

Yes, she is jumping and yes, her feet actually came off the ground. We were scared. Very scared. We thought we'd be delivering a baby!
And her dad.

And her aunt.

And her uncle!!

Showers and parties are hard work, but so worth it! A great time was had by all and Baby Walter ("baby dubs" as I like to call him) made out like the prince that he is.

A big shout out to Carli at Dimpleprints on Etsy for the invites and the CD labels. She was great to work with and very patient! She was willing to work with me on any and all changes!

Summertime

2011-09-19T19:51:00.000-04:00

As suspected I took a nice long summer break. Well, that is my excuse anyway. We were busy. I seem to start a lot of projects and don't complete them. I'll file this blog under that long list.

I'm not even sure where to start. Do I go back and fill you in or just start fresh? But we did so many fun things this summer I hate to not post about them. Afterall, I did start this blog as a way for me to keep the boys informed of all the fun we had as a family.

Here is a brief run down of things to come.
After the strawberry picking journey, I co hosted a surprise baby shower for a cousin! It was a fun weekend with my lady family members celebrating family, babies, and making memories.
After a quick drive to Arlington and a long grocery store visit I got a phone call from one of my best friends that she just got engaged! (This will be the begininng of many crafty post!)
That Monday (May 2nd) we learned we would also be welcoming a new baby!! After some quick calculations, we also calculated I was 5 weeks. The bean was the size of a sesame seed.
I watched the final episode of Oprah. Hey! It really was a momment, in my book!
We went to the Beach for Memorial day. Chad and I celebrated 6 years of wedded bliss!
The boys and I took a trip to Pittsburgh PA for a quick visit with our friends, (they used to be our neighbors)
June 23rd & 25th my new cousin Walter arrived and one of my favorite roomates announced the arrival of her son Finn.
June 30th brought another man into my life. Another great friend got engaged! More crafty post on the way! Not to mention a trip to Denver, CO in June 2012!!
We went back to Nags Head for the 4th of July holiday! More family, more food, more good memories made!
Q went to camp at the church where he (now attendds) preschool. We thought it would be a good introduction to the teachers and space.
We spent a weekend in Bath County VA with more family. Lots more great memories made!
We then found out the gender of the bean!! I went right to Asheville for a girls weekend/bachelorette party. And the boys hung out with the grammy & granddaddy.
We experienced our families first earthquake (5.9)!!
Hurricane Irene came and threw Richmond for a loop! Lots of damage (none for us)
We closed on a new house! Talk about some project post! There will be lots!
We spent Labor Day and Bradleys 2nd birthday in Nags Head.
Then we came back in time to start school and soccer!
There were also many trips to Raleigh and Lake Gaston for some family time.

So with a boring timeline of a post I will leave you with a picture to hold you over until the next post. Hopefully, it won't be so long.

One Word Wednesday!

2011-04-27T08:01:00.000-04:00

Strawberries!!

New Here Monkey Joes

2011-04-21T14:10:00.000-04:00

This Thursday we are taking you to Monkey Joes!
A huge warehouse type space with lots of blow up slides and bouncy houses!
A great place for getting rid of some energy! We got there at 10am when our location opens. $7.99 for Q since he is now 4 and $4.99 for B. This is our second visit to this location. It is clean. There was an employee there that was having lots of fun with the kids. The girls at the front desk could have used a few smiles or some Starbucks. In my opinion, I would have expected a little more hospitality from them.
There are some games and a snack bar and a few trinkets for sale. There are also a handful of TVs with Disney on. I would prefer they not have those, since my boys like to take "breaks" and watch TV. I prefer they jump and use up some energy since that is what I paid for. There are 2 giant TVs for parents and a few desk with wireless. My kids are too young to not float around and watch them. B is so small that he actually needs me to help him up the slide ladder, (oh darn, I have to slide down too!) I do like that there are some spaces designated to the toddler set!

I did get to take a few pics but it's hard when trying to play (and I should have been talking to other moms)

So now you know there is a Monkey Joes in town. You know how to spend $13 and you know where to go to expend some energy!

Enjoy!

One Word Wednesday!

2011-04-20T15:06:00.000-04:00

Are

You

Really

Talking

Again?

New Here-Adventures at the DMV

2011-04-14T21:09:00.000-04:00

Todays new adventure took us to the DMV.
You gotta admit, the DMV in any city is an adventure. And with two small children even more so. I had a lot to get done there today. Honestly, I feel like I deserve a metal or something similar. Maybe ice cream. That is our usual prize!

Virginia has a DMV NOW page and a New to Virginia page that is pretty helpful. It is the DMV, so it can only be but so helpful, they want you to "forget" something!

I left the DMV today with a title for each car, registration and tags for each car, my VA drivers license and the same two living children I went in with!! That's right! I didn't have to give them my first born!! All with in one hour!

I printed out all the paperwork on line and had it all filled in before I got there. Below is a list of all the items I took with me. I packed it all last night, so I was sure to not forget anything. I also put it in a gallon size ziploc so NOTHING would fall out along the way or as I was chasing those two small children across the parking lot.

Current registration for the family mobile
Title
Transfer paperwork from the DMV (with mine and Chads signatures)
Current registration for my car
Title
Transfer paperwork from the DMV
My current NC drivers license
Completed paperwork for my VA license
My passport
My Social security card
Our marriage license (I had NO idea I would actually need this. I took it just to have another piece of official paperwork with my name on it. None of the car paperwork has my maiden name on it?!)
Our lease
Three bills (utility, gas, and cable)

I was a nervous wreck taking those boys in there and feeling so prepared, yet knowing I would leave with nothing. We got up got ready and went. We weren't there at opening but close. You check in at a front desk where someone checks in all your documents and gives you any paperwork to fill out and a number. At least this way, if you are missing a document, you know now, not after waiting to see someone! She also checked over my printed forms to make sure they were complete. This is also your first place to ask questions.

The boys were SUPER! Seriously, super. We looked at plate designs and got some good letter recognition in! When my number was called I gave each boy a lollipop and placed them in a chair. B promptly ate his with in a minute and was then bored. I packed some entertainment that he wanted nothing to do with. I let him sit/climb/play on the floor and circle my legs. I didn't care, he was quiet and no one seemed to care. Except the security guard who told me B couldn't sit on the counter. I was holding him and he wasn't going anywhere. He told me B wasn't listening to me, so I had to put him down? I wanted to hand them off to the friendly security guard and ask him to entertain them.

Not too long after that and we were done! On our way, legal residents of Virginia!

One Word Wednesday!

2011-04-13T13:26:00.001-04:00

~~Purple~~ Pollen

Haze

I fell hard....

2011-04-12T20:20:00.000-04:00

Those darn marketing geniuses got me again.
Today I went to do some grocery shopping. Regular old grocery shopping. I make a list so that I don't forget what I need for my meals. I have never been a list only person because there are always things we are out of, that I forget to check on before I leave.

I do not buy snacks because I love them. I will eat them. All. Inonesitting.
But today, I failed. I succumbed to the marketing and pretty packaging. I love presentation. Whoever said it's all in the packaging was genius #1. #2 would have to be location. (It works in real estate too!)

These made the cut.

We can always use some animal crackers at the park or to leave in the car. They don't go stale, they don't get crushed too easily and I won't eat them! But they are cute, oh so cute. Anything Lilly is cute and I can usually justify somehow. Who doesn't want to tote these around for spring?!

As for these:

Well, I couldn't resist. I am a sucker for Doritos. Not just any chips, but Doritos. New and Limited Edition? Oh, why not? I have not eaten the whole bag. I will share them and that will be my fix. Done. FYI, they are yummy.

It was me and not one of the boys that added these to the cart:

We got a late start on the grocery store run, meaning B didn't have a morning snack before we left and it was time in the grocery store. I picked up these yummy and delicious Panda Puffs and let him go to town. Out of the box and all. Yes folks, I am that mother. He was happy and I got to finish my shopping trip. For a few more minutes anyway. In case you were wondering they are "better" for you than goldfish. They certainly aren't apple slices, but who can eat them in the grocery store?

One last thing not on the list. These bad mama jamas.

Pampers clean and go wipes! This is proof that just because an item doesn't make the list, means you can live without it. You can not have enough of these. I am convinced. These were the wipes that got me through this epic mom moment

So thank you Mr(s) Marketing genius for adding to my regularly scheduled grocery trip.

Weekend Wrap Up

2011-04-11T21:03:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we made our way to Williamsburg for a short visit at Great Wolf Lodge. We thought this would be a nice distraction from a party for Q (seeing as that all his friends live in Raleigh).

My mom joined us on our journey. That was a great treat! We got lots of good time with just Q. And Q LOVES spending time with Grandma!

Here are my thoughts. Remember this is my opinion from my experience.
The ride is short and easy. Love that with two excited children!! We left early so we could enjoy the park. We had lunch on the road to avoid "amusement park" food prices.

I went inside to check in. Lots of front desk staff made for a very short line! After exchanging pleasantries and a few "my boys are so excited" along with my last name, no I didn't book it under another name, then my first name, saying hello to the new staff member who came over to help, no, there is no other last name, then handing her my credit card, yes this is the card I used to book the room online, we finally found the problem. It had reserved our room for the day I booked it online?! I noticed I had been charged, but thought that was a deposit type thing. When I told them I noticed I had been charged, she said that is what they do. Charge when reserved. That can make a huge difference for someone! At the point I am about to cry thinking about having to go tell Q we don't have a room she starts telling me about what they do have available. For more money of course. They do have a business center, where I could have printed out my confirmation (of course, I could have brought one as well!!) but I was more concerned with getting a room. I am not sure what she could have done anyway. Lucky for us, this new room was already clean, so we could go on up! They also transferred my payment to that night instead of saying "Oh well, you didn't show, that's the charge". We also needed a room (like we reserved) with a little space/privacy since my mom was with us!

We parked around by our side of the building and took the elevator to the 4th floor. Everything was clean and maintained. Stepping off the elevator, there were no signs to tell you which rooms were which way.

Room keys were "in" your wrist bracelet. We learned this after giving Q Chads bracelet. When she asked if everyone needed room keys, I told her no, the boys didn't need one. Leaving Q's bracelet without key privileges. We also didn't test moms (which didn't work, when she brought B up for his later than usual nap). Room was clean and roomy. Plenty of space. We got our suits on and headed down to the park.

Easy enough, lots to see and explore on the way down there.
Baby/toddler pool was nice. It was right by the door and was freezing if you were wet and then standing there playing. I spent a lot of time sitting. It didn't smell real great. There were three small water slides. Great for Q so he could test out his nerves. He loved them, but went under the first time down and was NOT excited about that! It also had a few interactive play things. B enjoyed those.

The wave pool was fun. The water was shallow enough that Q could go pretty deep. The waves were pretty strong if you were anywhere near the shallow end. Water in the mouth is pretty unavoidable with our splashing kids. It tasted like gym socks smell. Gross! Q liked chopping at and jumping over the waves. B liked being rocked by them.

There was a "Wolf Rider Wipeout" where there were "waves" and a boogie board and you could test out your body boarding skills. We avoided this. But Q would have been tall enough to try.

Crooked Creek (think Lazy River) was more our speed. Single and double tubes provided enough entertainment for a little while. B LOVED the buckets that dumped water on your head. Q not so much. B kept pointing and screeching "BUCKET"!

Then there was a huge fort with two water slides and LOTS of spilling water, nets, crawl throughs etc. Q was pumped about trying out the water slide. I was extremely nervous, that he and Chad would make it to the top and Q would be too scared to go down. He did it! I was so proud of him! All that water in his face!! He could not wait to go again. This time I went with him. It's been a LONG time since I have been down a water slide!

Food is available (you can use your wristband to pay!!)It was food/snacks that you would expect. Nachos, soft pretzels, icees, etc. $3 for a pretzel.

We ate dinner in the restaurant. It was buffet night (there was no choice). Something I don't enjoy, because I don't feel like I ever eat that much. $20 for adults. $10 for kids 3 and over. Buffet food always looks good, but is never what I am expecting. This was decent, but certainly not worth the money. We did get free wolf ears. The boys seem to like them! There was some entertainment that we didn't want to miss, which is why we didn't leave for dinner.

At seven there was a magician. He was goofy but the kids loved it. Then there was pajama story time with Violet (the girl wolf mascot) in the lobby as well. However, it required all the kids to move to another spot. It seemed like chaos. Everyone was already seated and tuned in to the magician, I don't understand the move. Then you could get your picture with Violet. Parents could take these pictures. After that B went upstairs with grandma for bed. We took Q to the arcade.

We got 20 tokens for $5 (thanks to a tap of the ole' wristband). Most games cost 2 tokens including the ride on toys. Q enjoyed a few games. Whack a mole has met it's match! He enjoyed getting tickets out and then picking out something with his 75 tickets! Chad and I enjoyed watching Q get so excited over the games and his tickets. We also enjoyed watching all the more serious players. You know the ones. The people with bags of tickets. Playing skeeball like it's their job! Then it was time to put our big 4 year old in bed.

Breakfast time came to the tune of $20 for 2 cups of coffee a cup of fruit and some doughnuts. We got ready for the pool and packed up. You are allowed to stay and enjoy the amenities. We played for a couple of hours and wanted to get on the road for lunch and naps! The dressing rooms were terrible!! Ladies "locker room" consisted of a few toilet stalls (there are other just restrooms available) and three shower stalls. THREE! Only 2 benches!! The floor was soaking wet and extremely slippery. Sticking to the locker room theme there was no private space for changing. There was some room in the shower stall but everything was so wet and there were so many people waiting. There was only one changing table! NO WHERE to put a baby while mom changes. Certainly no room for a stroller. Pretty disappointing.

There was a lot more, but these were the highlights of what our family enjoyed! It was a bit much for a four year olds birthday (we have always done parties for friends and family at home) but again we wanted to make it special (as a birthday should be!!). Would we go again? Maybe. Q had a great time. It will be a few years, when both boys can enjoy more. Maybe next time we will go when the outdoor area is open. It was nice to get some fun pool time in without having to go to Florida!
I will add some water pictures once they get developed. I forgot our water digital camera!!

New Here

2011-04-07T13:29:00.000-04:00

For todays "New Here" we are going to the mall.

Today we went to Chesterfield Town Center for a little playground action.

I'm not a big mall person. I like to shop, but I guess I spent too many hours working retail in the mall.

Today, I had an errand to run that was in the mall. So to avoid taking the boys in and out of the car (I don't know why, but I hate doing that to them?!) we went to run my errand and then play.

It's a big closed in area that is great in the early morning. About 10:30 they start to get busy. Great if you are hoping to meet and talk to other people but it is hard to socialize when your kids are climbing over or being pushed by others.

It's got things to climb, go under and slides. The equipment is all that hard foam and the floor is carpeted and a little squishy.
For the most part it's clean. It has a hand sanitizer right outside where the stroller parking is. Today it was empty, but what mom doesn't have hand sanitizer/wipes on her?! Of course, like most playgrounds it's free! Great for a rainy overcast cold day or when you have some things to accomplish!

There is also a smaller play area outside of Garden Ridge that is good for younger kids.

The mall is nice with a variety of stores and price points. The food court has a decent selection of fast food choices as well as a pretzel store and a smoothie store. A nice size Barnes & Noble(that host a story time. Times vary so be sure to call first). There is also a moms club that meets once a month in the food court.

With Spring here (I think?) we'll get to go outside and get a "real" playground review for next Thursday!

One Word Wednesday!

2011-04-07T08:25:00.001-04:00

Creating

Aeroplane....

2011-04-05T21:24:00.000-04:00

The first thing that came to mind when sitting down to write this post was a song from one of my favorite bands,Red Hot Chili Peppers.

The weather was crummy and rainy which means after it cleared and warmed up a bit, the playground was still wet. Q decided he wanted an airplane. Ok, no problem. We have plenty of boxes around here! He was pumped!

We got to work collecting everything we thought we would need to create a kick butt plane. Boxes, colored duck tape (these marked our boxes for Richmond versus no tape meant it was going to the storage unit), a screw or two, some scissors. Now I know we could have had a really amazing plane if I had all my paint and art stuff, but alas we don't.

After some creative cutting and taping we had this:

I was pretty impressed. A steering wheel and a propeller that moves!
Q however, was not. He started with "but I wanted a real one".
"A real what?" I replied.
"A REAL PLANE".
"Oh." It actuallly frightens me to think, that he thought we were going to build a real one from a cardboard box. He's pretty smart, but I am not quite sure what he was thinking.
"This one is silly. You can save it for B."
At least someone is enjoying it!

Happy flying everyone!

4 Years

2011-04-04T22:49:00.000-04:00

Oh Q. It's here. Year 4.
I must say, some days I wondered if we'd make it. You. Me. Daddy. Us. Being a parent is not for wimps. It's tough. Not everyday of course.

At 12:45 am on April 4th, 2007 you changed my life. THe minute I heard your cries you rocked my soul to it's very core. I knew life would change. I knew you would be perfect. I knew you would be everything I'd ever dreamed of. I had no idea how badly I wanted you. How badly I needed you. Those first cries were the warning that it wasn't about me. It was all about you. And now you were the one with a need. Your need was me. From that momment on we were one. I'll do whatever it takes.

This year you have changed so much. You have left more baby traits behind. Your run in more defined. Your language is beyond articulate. Your memory is out of control! You are inquisitive. You like to take things apart and reassemble. You are creative. You are sincere and sensitive. You are an awesome big brother. And you are one increibly amazing son.

Mama loves you no matter what. Every day. Through and through. NO ONE loves you like your mama.

Happy Birthday to the most amazing 4 year old on the planet! Here's to another year!

Weekend Wrap Up

2011-04-03T21:38:00.000-04:00

We had a great weekend here in Richmond. The weather was a bit chilly but we had a fourth birthday to celebrate!

Saturday we headed to Zanney and GGPs to play by the river and have a picnic.

Present time!

(CUP)CAKES!

I had to include one of the little brother

Today we went and looked at some houses. But we did take Q to Red Robin for a birthday dinner. For tomorrows dinner he has requested chocolate chop pancakes. He has never had them, so I am not sure where that came from.
Grandma and Papa Joe are coming up for the day! We are pretty excited!

It's no secret

2011-04-01T21:33:00.000-04:00

It's no secret that the people in this house like to eat. We also like to cook.

Q is getting better at holding, pouring and dumping in. B likes to sit on the counter and watch, sometimes stirring.

I am a recipe follower. I like to find new recipes and try new dishes. I have my favorites but I get bored easily and the only way to keep the momentum going is to try new things. It's the same for the boys. I find myself getting so excited when they like something, I just keep buying it and get frustrated when they all of the sudden don't want it. They are bored with it. Who can blame them? So the same could be said, when all they want is hot dogs or oatmeal or cheese.

Q is not a recipe follower. Now that he participates more in the kitchen, he has been getting his say in what he would like to eat. At lunch anyway. Our dinner are usually pretty balanced and Q likes most vegetables. (The only veggie I can think of at this moment that he doesn't like is asparagus. He proved his point by vomiting one time I made it for dinner. I don't make him eat it.)
For instance at lunch the other day he decided he wanted waffles. Easy enough! With peanut butter. Delish! And syrup. How sweet! And sliced cheese. Now you've lost me. He loved it. I knew he liked peanut butter and cheese together. But on a waffle. With syrup?! Yesterday for lunch he had peanut butter and honey. One of my faves. However, he added apple slices. Today for lunch he had a hot dog on a bun with mustard. And cheese. And a pickle.

I LOVE that he is creative in the kitchen. I LOVE that he loves food. I LOVE that he, like his mama, LOVES vegetables. I LOVE that he loves to cook. I LOVE that he is willing to explore and taste and use his senses to discover.

I LOVE my (almost four year old) blue eyed boy.

Hi, I'm new here.

2011-03-31T20:35:00.000-04:00

We are new here.
This is a very new feeling. I've been "the new person" before but the situations were always different.

The first time I was ever completely new and on my own I had graduated college! Seriously. I was an intern, with 30 other interns. Then I moved to a new city where I already had friends. I had a sucky job, but worked with some really cool people. I got invited to tag along, explore and learned my way around my new cities with visitors, other interns, friends, roommates
and finally the love of my life.

We moved together to a new city, where we again, had friends. We got married, bought a house in a subdivision and had healthy babies. Insert stereotype here. I don't mind. This is exactly what I wanted. Chad and I both worked outside the home. The boys were in daycare. We met parents of other students. We had a great church that was really focused on children. We met parents in the nursery. And we had ah-may-zing neighbors that had children. We lived there for almost six years and got quite comfortable with our little life.

Now everything is new. Our temporary housing, sharing a room, there is no preschool, no friends, the library is new and doesn't have rhyme time (a favorite for B) and if it weren't for the GPS we would be in trouble! But we are here together as a family.

Just like us, people get comfortable and have their friends and their life. And I know it can be hard to "break into" some circles. Remember, I graduated high school with people I started kindergarten with. I KNOW all to well what a tight circle is. Because I have never been "the new one", I'm not real good at doing the whole, "Hi, I'm new here".

But I can't be the only new person in town. So once a week, I am going to take you to a new hot spot. Hot spot being a relative term. By relative, I mean if you are two and four. We are going to meet new friends. We are going to eat, play, and have FUN.

Even if we have been to a place before, we will go again with a new perspective. Consider this your newcomers guide. Exploring Richmond with a two and four year old.

See you back here next Thursday!

One Word Wednesday!

2011-03-30T21:29:00.001-04:00

Dinosaur

CRAZY

Weekend Wrap Up

2011-03-28T21:06:00.000-04:00

There isn't much to wrap up given the weather we had. It's the end of March and it was COLD! So cold that it snowed on Saturday night early Sunday morning.

We looked at a preschool on Friday. It was nice. It was close. It's priced resonably. It's only 3 days a week. And it is iffy if B will get in or not. It is also only until 12:30. No lunch. (Lunch was nice because we could run errands after school if we needed.)I really want B to be in one day a week and I wanted Q to go 4 days. That is what we were planning on. Three is what we do now and I don't want to do 5, because we will be in school five days soon enough for a very long time. When I asked Q if he liked it, he told me "It was loud." I tried explaining that the children were having fun and playing. I am hoping that won't be a deal breaker.

Saturday and Sunday we ~~relaxed~~ watched a lot of basketball. When we weren't out looking at neighborhoods. We get daily email updates from our real estate agent but like to go look at the neighborhoods first before we inconvience owners for a showing. We have 3 we would like to go see. We are hoping when spring hits (for real) that we will see lots of houses hit the market.

Today we went and looked at another school. Q liked it bc it wasn't as loud. All the same things as above, except a little further out. Which will not be so far if/when we move.

But while we were busy doing a whole lot of nothing "we" were looking cute doing it:

B laughing at daddy joining in and mommy getting it on camera!

These boys will do ANYTHING to distract mom and dad with their cuteness all while delaying bath time!

WORDS!

2011-03-25T20:09:00.000-04:00

I was totally unprepared last week at the peds when they asked me how many words B was using. Even writing this post and fearing that B wasn't using too many words, I was unprepared. After blabbering a few of the words that I could come up with he said that 8-10 words was good for an 18mo old. I was fine with that. I KNEW he could say 8-10 words, I just couldn't tell you what they were.
For a few days after that, I wrote down more as they came to mind. Needless to say we are in good shape!
Mama & Dada. I didn't forget these, I just figured it was obvious. But then I forgot to count them.
He says woo-woo for firetruck. He likes to make a snoring sound while pretending to sleep.
Bath
Hat
Hot
wawa
Boot
Shoes
Duck
So, as if anyone even questioned whether B would have talking skills. He does. I am his mother after all. There is your proof!

Sick days

2011-03-24T20:09:00.000-04:00

We haven't done much today except lay around and snuggle, nap and watch some toons with a few books and games thrown in there.

B has pretty much spent the day in my lap or asleep on my chest. But I will take it, because that NEVER happens. Since he hasn't been "sick" since Tuesday and he has kept (balnd)food down, I thought he was in the clear. So this morning I gave him some milk. He LOVES milk. Well it came back up and he hasn't had a fever all day. Really hoping it's not a milk allergy!

I will leave you with few pictures of my happier times...
G diaper wearin happy baby

Happy Q making letters out of pasta

I got a letter today saying our car seat has a recall. So I called them to verify mine was on the list. It is. But they aren't doing a full recall just sending some oil? Not sure I am on board with this solution.

One Word Wednesday!

2011-03-23T21:30:00.000-04:00

Porter

Needs

Sleep

The scenery

2011-03-22T21:41:00.000-04:00

There isn't usually much to see on the strip of I-85 between our house and my parents. But today was different. For everyone else but me. I We were the scenery.

We decided to head down to my parents for a change of scenery and to escape what was to be all day rain and storms. We left after everyone was up and dressed. I had to stop and get gas and since we left early, I thought I would get the boys some breakfast too. In addition to that, I needed some caffeine. Burger King had a drive thru and we were on our way. I gave Q his chocolate milk and B his white milk. The french toast sticks were too hot so I drove down the road holding the bag out the window to cool them off. Meanwhile the boys were happily drinking their milk. I will admit, that my boys are excellent in the car. I am super lucky, I know.

After 30 minutes or so Q wanted his sticks but B did not. I couldn't believe he wasn't hungry. He was adamant. He was NOT hungry.

After 45 minutes, it started. I heard it coming. A little cough. A little gurgling. And then it happened. B. All over himself. All over his car seat. Before I had time to comprehend what exactly I was going to do, Q started. Which I knew was coming. He has a highly sensitive nose. Do I even need to mention stomach?

So I pulled over on the side of interstate 85. Thankfully the roads are really wide. In hindsight, I probably should have pulled over once I found an exit, but I was more concerned with getting them out of the car. I wanted them to be able to finish out the ride in their car seats, not knowing where the end of our ride would be.

Q was the least messy, so I took him out first. I got his clothes changed and cleaned his car seat. The he sat on the edge of the woods.

I got B out next. I got him cleaned up and then put him in Q's car seat while I cleaned up his.

Thank goodness for plastic grocery bags and strong wipes. Since we were on our way to my parents I even had extra clothes!!

Meanwhile this incredibly busy interstate and no one stopped. Usually this road has tons of police, sheriffs and troopers on it. Where were they today? Just an act of Murphys Law. I didn't need their help. I needed a safe place for my kids to sit (since they say, it is safer for you to be out of your car than in it, while on the side of the road). Lights on a patrol car are usually a good way of getting peoples attention.

Once I got to the lake, I figured out it was the milk from BK. I called customer service to let them know. I wasn't looking for anything, just wanted them to know so hopefully they can do something with the milk and the same thing doesn't happen to someone else. The milk was within the date, but it was awful smelling. When I went to tell him the lot number, he didn't even know what one was?! So, for all the future moms and dads this happens to, I am sorry. I tried.

But the day is done, laundry has been folded, car seats washed, and baths taken. All in a days work for this

Fountains

2011-03-21T22:56:00.000-04:00

When you don't have any kind of schedule, no routine, no rhyme time and few friends you have to make fun.

With the threat of ran we headed to the outside mall early to get some energy out! We walked around the entire top level and the entire lower level. We made a wish at every fountain. Q wished for a fire truck. At each fountain. We played at the toy store and we played at Pottery Barn Kids.

Then we headed home for B's nap.

While B napped Q decided he would like his own fountain.

So he sat in a bowl and made fountains.

Oh, to be 3!!

18 months!

2011-03-20T21:49:00.000-04:00

This is what a happy 18 month old looks like!

After a great nap, a nice dinner of chips and salsa, a lil drum stick, and a bath!

B had his 18 month well visit on Friday. We like our new peditrician, but it was different. Everything they did and how they work was different. But the Dr was just as nice, except he forgot to tell me how perfect B is?

He asked how his vocabulary was and I went blank! I guesstimated B says between 8-10words and had to ask if animal sounds count as words. They do.
He is 26.12lbs (60th %) and is 33" (75%)

B is a boy that knows what he wants. And if he wants it...HE WANTS IT. If by chance you if hand him something you think he wants and you are wrong, he will throw it at you. Just in case telling you "no" was not enough. He likes to swing his arm front to back in a manner that is hilarious (if it wasn't for the fact that he is mad!)He is in that stage where he points and whines and screeches and sometimes cries. It was much more frustrating with Q. I had no idea I could walk away and ignore him and he would be ok. I tried for ~~hours~~ minutes to satisfy him.

He wants ANYTHING Q has. He wants to do EVERYTHING Q is doing. This also frustrates him to no end.

He is all boy. He loves dirt, sand, mud, rain, balls, bubbles, and trucks/cars. He climbs in and on EVERYTHING. He hardly walks. He is much too busy. HE RUNS. And when he runs he toddles. IT.IS.ADORABLE! And when he runs his cheeks jiggle. I'm sorry but it doesn't get much cuter than that!

He is in love with Porter. I love when he snuggles with him.

And so I won't forget, below is a list of words that my baby boy likes to say!
He knows that a cow says moo, a duck says quack, and a kitty says meow.
Please, Go, Bye-Bye, mine, nuggle, no (when reading What's Wrong Little Pookie)
Bubbles (a favorite) Ball Books Keys
Caw (car)
Bink & Bank for binky and blankey (his 2 favorite things!)
GaMaw (Grandma) Ashey (Ms. Ashley) Nina (Aunt Nina)
Oops, that is 19 words. And I am sure there are more, that I can't remember!

On that note, it's late. I gotta run!

Brown Bear Brown Bear, what do you see?

2011-03-18T21:24:00.000-04:00

I see Eric Carle! Or not!
My trip to Atlanta was cancelled to see one of my favorite authors. Well blogger turned author and since she has written a book, that makes her an author, no? Well she wrote a cook book too. That is two published. I can call that an author!

Yesterday I dropped by Barnes & Noble to pick up The Complete Sourcebook for our new city. I asked about story time and other good kid time fillers. That is when I learned that one of our favorite children's authors would be in Richmond today! I was so excited! I was told he would be doing a story time, but not sure if he would do a signing or question and answer session. I tried explaining to Q what great fun this was going to be, but I am not sure he quite got it?!
I gathered a couple of our books last night and put them in the diaper bag, so we would NOT forget them. Just in Case.

We were up and ready (me with a KILLER headache, but it is ERIC CARLE!). Even Q is excited now and "gets" who he is about to meet! Or maybe it is the Red Robin we have promised for afterward?

We head to the childrens space in the back and read and wait. I see two women coming out with books and coloring paper, crayons and some props. Maybe he is late, I suggest to Chad. So they read The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Then they read The Grouchy Ladybug. I was then expecting an explanation or an arrival. Next they passed out some coloring pages and crayons from these books. And then? It was over. No Eric Carle.
I had to ask. "Where was he?"
The ladies looked at me like I had four heads. "Who, they asked?"
Um, DUH! "Eric Carle."
"He wasn't scheduled to be here."
"Oh. They told me at checkout yesterday he would be here."
"No. She must have been confused."
Yeah, must have. But how do you confuse that? An author coming to read or not?

I don't think it fazed Q at all, but I was pretty disappointed. However, Red Robin was delicious!

Where we've been

2011-03-18T13:49:00.000-04:00

I haven't forgotten about my blog. Actually quite the opposite. I check it everyday to check in on my fellow bloggers that are more active than I am. So I am reminded every day that I have not posted since mid November.

Should I even try to recap? We made major life changing decisions, snow, Christmas, vacation, and made major life changing decisions. (Yup, I said that twice, for us this was huge.) In a nut shell.

From mid November until Jan 26th we were trying to accomplish one family picture:

That is exactly how long it took us to prepare, list, sell and close on our first home.

So believe me when I say, there was more than enough to blog about. Actually I would find myself taking pictures and coming up with titles and post through out my day.
Such as, what were were doing to list our house, B learning to point to his belly, Q's first school Christmas performance. And the daily fun with pictures of our vacation.

But none of that happened. And I still didn't get things done I thought I would do, since I wasn't blogging (everything that was not a necessity was in a storage unit...art supplies)

Now we are in our temporary new home and learning our way around a new city, trying to meet new friends, visiting new pediatricians, exploring the new (to us) children's museums, walking new trails (literally and figuratively) . Which has also lent it self to many "internal" blog post!

If nothing else the boys are enjoying their time in a new space with lots of empty cabinets! This too, is temporary!

One would think I would have plenty of time to blog, with half our space to clean and maintain and no room for projects. However, I am trying to entertain two small children with no routine!

One Word Wednesday!

2010-11-17T22:26:00.000-05:00

Purple

Carrots

For

Snack

With

Friends

One Word Wednesday!

2010-11-10T11:38:00.001-05:00

Rollin'

Weekend Wrap Up

2010-11-07T19:53:00.000-05:00

Because it is Saturday and it is football season, we were in Greenville to cheer on our beloved Pirates.

We took Q and my dad. Grandma and Aunt Nina to the rescue, they stayed with B! It was cold. It turned wet. And we got ~~our butts handed to us~~ beat. When I say beat, I mean absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt, no questions asked, run over. The final score was 35-76. The most points anyone has ever scored on us since 1932. The first year East Carolina ever played football. The ride home was quiet while we sulked and ate chocolate chip cookies. Or maybe that was just me. There was actually quite a bit of talking...by Chad and my dad who debated the loss, the plays, the coaches, the injuries...Hey Q, pass another chocolate chip cookie to mama, please.

Today was low key. I got to go and browse Target with my Aunt Linda. It was so much fun to look and touch and feel all those great new winter turtle necks and sweaters. Remember, I LOVE fall. And of course, hang and talk with my Aunt! The Halloween stuff was 90% off! I perused the racks but had no intention of buying a costume, because there is no telling what Q will want to be next year. (B will be Dumbo, because A) we have the costume, B) Q and big cousin Paul wore it and C) because it is so stinking cute and he (hopefully) won't have an opinion about what he wants to wear?!) However, Aunt Nina, to Q's imaginative rescue, just knew that he would want "imagination clothes". So Q now has a bin of play clothes

A Magician (or black jack dealer?)
Q tried to make his little brother disappear..

B realizing his costume is a garden gnome...soooo not cool mom.. I thought it was hilarious. B in retaliation would not even let me get the booties on him! Little does he know...I will win!

Then there was the zoo keeper. Who went and got his panda immediately! Chad hid him in the backyard and Q would go and find it. It was a great way to play the "hot cold" game. We even got in a little right and left.

Then the boys did a Lowes run and a little deck repair. I had to miss that trip. You KNOW I wasn't happy about that! Why do I love that place??!

Q enjoyed jumping over the missing boards!

Finally we settled in to watch some toons and pass the witching hour, which was not only early but extended today. Thankyouverymuchfathertime!! B was not feeling his best today. I gave him his binkie and blankie. I knew it would make him happy, binkie outside of bedtime...what a treat! Then he sat in my lab and snuggled for a full 30 min. My feelings confirmed.

Today at Target (shocking, I know...they have everything!!) I did not find riding boots...anyone know where I can find some cute ones?

Mail Call!!

2010-11-05T22:03:00.000-04:00

Today when I checked our mailbox, this is what I found:

A TON of mail!! For a house that may get a piece or two every other day. It was all from attorneys and chiropractors! There was a piece for me and each of the boys. From the same places!!
I separated out anything that wasn't from them.

Six pieces were left.

And then I separated out what I needed.

One. One piece of mail. One measly bill. That is it!

I decided to open a piece to make sure it was just "An advertisement for legal services". I am glad I did. There was a copy of the police report. With all my information!! And the guy that hit me! He doesn't need my home address or my boys names or my drivers license number! The police officer gave us each a copy. My copy had my information and his had his information with the officers take on what happened as well as a case number. I am glad I opened them. Now I have a shred pile the size of a telephone book! There were 16 copies of the accident report in those 36 pieces of mail!! That is a lot of information to be thrown away.

And yes, I do know that if he wanted to find me or my information he could. I don't disagree that he shouldn't have some (I don't think he needs Q&B's birth dates or their names). But what if he doesn't shred his letters from attorneys. I am making assumptions that he got them too? I'm sure there is an attorney somewhere that thinks he should sue me for stopping or something?

A couple of the letters opened by telling me they we're sorry to hear about my accident and that I was hurt?! Really? I am pretty sure I wasn't hurt. I told 911 that as well as the EMT (who didn't want to check out my children) and the officer (who was not amused by my three year olds infatuation with him). You can read about that here

But now it's the weekend and I won't dwell! It's game time and we are pumped to be heading back to Greenville!!
Party on Pirate people!

Fall=Nostalgia

2010-11-04T12:23:00.000-04:00

Does fall mean nostalgia to you?
For whatever reason it does for me.

Whenever it's a nice crisp day with a clear blue sky overhead I always think about walking across my college campus. I can see myself and my surroundings. Sometimes I can imagine what I was doing. I was so young. So naive. I took the same path to class almost everyday. The grass was so green and campus was so alive. Everyone was excited to be back. Meeting new friends and catching up with old ones. Sitting in a new class with new classmates and a favorite professor. Learning about things that, for sure, you will use in the "real world". And I am pretty sure the week ended with a tailgate and a football game!

I think about my friends and how I met them. I think about where we were going and where we are now. I think about how some of those friends help me make decisions, I never thought I'd be faced with. My roommates and I used to play patient for our fourth roommate in nursing school. And we would gather in one twin bed on a Sunday night after sisterhood to watch and cry over a Hallmark movie. How much fun were road trips?! One of my roommates and I ran out to Target to pick up some things. We decided we wanted to get away. So without even going back to the house, we got in the car and hit 40 west.

I have been bringing out and organizing bin after bin of winter clothes. Mine, Chads, Q's and B's. I always remember getting out winter clothes. It's like Christmas! Especially for the boys since everything they will see is new...well, new to them. Needless to say it's taken all week. And then folding the laundry I find more pieces to stuff somewhere! Since all these aforementioned bins sit in front of all the Christmas bins, I must admit, I have been thinking about getting it out. I didn't say decorate, I said get it out. Still sick, I know!

Funny things happening at our house lately:
B likes to pant like a puppy. I am pretty sure he got that from his big brother. And now if you ask him what a puppy says, he pants. It's adorable and here's a picture. It's not as funny as a video would be, but you can deal with it!

He loves to give Porter his biscuit. The minute Porter goes into his kennel B runs over to the biscuit jar and screams with his hands up to the jar. He even gives Porter the biscuit.

He drinks milk like there is no tomorrow. The kid LOVES milk.

He is a sweet sweet boy and loves to snuggle, sit in your lap, give away smiles and squeal.

This week I have had him behind the passenger seat. It's been fun to be able to see & touch him!

The big one (the big of BigYSmalls)is extremely creative and imaginative. Everything has a dual purpose! We went to a Japanese steakhouse a few months ago. Haven't talked about it since. Q decides the other day that he wants to be the chef there! Here he is tossing a roll "into his hat" like the chef! That or he was performing a magic trick...something else he has been talking lots about!

He knows what he wants. He does not like to be corrected. If you tell him no, he starts crying. By crying, I mean truly (most of the time) crying. He is very sensitive. If you try reasoning, he says you "aren't listening to my words". Even if you are, but having chocolate chip cookies is not going to happen for breakfast. I would like wine for breakfast, but you don't see me drinking that now do you?

Today it was a cold and wet yucky fall day. I got a late start which means then we are rushed. Anyway, I was trying to get Q to get dressed. He was dilly dallying as usual. I tossed some sweat pants at him since they would cover his legs and would hopefully be to his ankles! (I now have a stack of pants ready for him to try on!) He threw them back and said "I.WILL.NOT.WEAR.THOSE!" It was actually funny. I couldn't help but laugh. I wouldn't wear them either, so I didn't push it. So we had to try on 3 more pair until we found a pair of pants that worked! But we did and of course made it to school on time!

One Word Wednesday!

2010-11-03T11:12:00.000-04:00

This

Is

Y

Love

Weekend Wrap Up

2010-11-02T12:08:00.000-04:00

WOW! What a weekend!

It started off on Friday, with a bang. Literally. We were on our way home from a disappointing fabric store outing and someone hit me from behind.
It sounded awful and I thought for sure I wasn't going to be able to open my tailgate! Of course my first thought was those two precious babies that sit behind me! Reminder that car seats involved in an accident, no matter how minor need to be destroyed!

An hour and a half passed before the police arrived. I am not even sure he was coming for us, but I flagged him down. It was the first one I had seen!
Q proceeded to tell him, we were going to soccer, that Mitchell was on his team and "that man over there hit my mommy" "hit our bumper". Boy, I am glad nothing else came out of my mouth!! I am sure this officer was busy. However, would it have hurt him to appease my three year olds infatuation with him and show him his car or handcuffs or something?

Thankfully we were all ok, because the EMTs wanted nothing to do with us. I had to ask them to look at Q&B at which point she told me to take out B. She said both looked (without really looking at them) fine.
Um, ok. Would it have hurt her to appease a scared mom? I wasn't that scared, both boys looked and acted ok. But wouldn't it have been better for them to look then so this shaken up mama could relax!?

Saturday we had a birthday party for our favorite set of twins! The S twins turned 1!! YAHOO!!

It was quite the party. As it should be! It was a long year! I can't believe they are one. They aren't mine, but I feel somehow responsible for them. I just love them so much! And so do my boys. Q is so taken with them. I don't know if it's because they are someone else's brothers or because they are twins. It's funny to watch him interact with them. B thinks they are pretty cool too. He likes having other little people to hand with! Q and I out stayed our welcome, way past every ones bedtime!
Sunday was our cousin Kyles birthday! We headed over to Cary where the boys got in some good outside time! Lots of soccer and running and games! B had fun chasing all the big boys around and getting all the attention of all the moms who no longer had babies his age!

We stayed and went trick or treating. Kyle and his big sister Alex went way too fast for us! Q went to quite a few doors and then was ready to go home! Q enjoyed himself and meeting all of cousin Lizas friends! It was a pretty long day! He is always the hit with the ladies. I think it's the blue eyes! I am in TROUBLE!

This was their cul de sac heading out for some treats!

Yesterday it was back to the regularly scheduled week!

Spoooooky

2010-10-28T20:28:00.000-04:00

It's almost time for Halloween!
Every day Q asks if it is time for Halloween.
Wednesday at school they got to dress up. Q was so excited! It wasn't until the night before he finally decided what he was going to be. I heard Handy Manny several times and Diego several times as well. So I waited until the last minute to get the pieces of a costume together. The best part was we had the items to do both characters!

But as I got him dressed Wednesday morning, it felt kind of lame. We didn't have a tool belt and our shirt wasn't raglan sleeved (but I did look for one!). The inner Martha in me, was disappointed. I could have made a shirt. I thought of even putting "Handy Manny" on his shirt, so people would know who he was! However, Q had no idea and was so excited to wear his hiking boots! I thought they were a good substitute for steel toes! He wore carpenter jeans so no need for a tool belt!
When we got to school a little boy was so excited to see Handy Manny! That made me happy!!

There was a parade! I noticed besides a couple others we were the only non store bought costume. It never crossed my mind really, until I started looking around once we got there.

And a pumpkin patch for my little pumpkin!

So I have to say watching Disney has paid off! Thank you Handy Manny! Thank you for being a "hero" with an outfit moms can create at home!
Now I am of to Starbucks to drink some of that money I saved!

One Word Wednesday!

2010-10-27T21:29:00.000-04:00

October

is

Breast

Cancer

Awareness

Month!

Weekend Wrap Up

2010-10-25T19:51:00.000-04:00

A weekend wrap up on Monday! I know, I'm excited too.
I covered Friday in the last post!
Saturday we all headed to Greenville to cheer on our Pirates. It was homecoming! We missed the parade and brunch at the DZ house only because it starts so early and we were waiting to leave Raleigh until.....that's right....NAP TIME! A bonus...BOTH boys fell asleep!

We found a place to park pretty easy. Then we packed up the double stroller and boys and headed up the hill to tailgate! It's funny every year as we stroll up the hill to tailgate Chad always says how he never thought we would be heading up this hill with a double stroller! I'm pretty sure he always knew he would have children. I'm pretty sure he always knew he would be attending football games. What I'm pretty sure of is he never thought he'd be doing all that with me!

We got to see some friends, eat some yummy food, "play" some corn hole, and watch a great football game! Great because WON!!

The boys did great! I was very happy with them! Since they had late naps they hung in there pretty good. Chad and I were prepared to leave at any time. I will admit that B had his first lollipop. Hey it bought us some time. Then my friend Sabrina (THANK YOU!) took B and snuggled. After that he was ready to go again! We left after the third quarter. By the time we got back to the car and the boys in their pajamas the game was over and we had won!! Yeah! Go PIRATES!! The ride home was easy with two sleepers and they transferred to the bed nicely!

B is definitely a walker now! He spent Saturday in shoes, which he was not fond of. Did a little more "Frankenstein" walking on Sunday and today dropped the "arms" for the most part!

Sunday we hung out at the house. We played and played and played. The weather was amazing!! I LOVE fall. Although, it was a little warm for fall.

(The Redskins won too!!)
This week is our last week of soccer and other than that, we haven't got much going on!!
Hope you had a great weekend as well!

A Visit to Grandmas

2010-10-22T21:59:00.000-04:00

We took a quick visit to Grandmas house!
My aunt Peggy was in town. I wanted to take the boys to see her, since it has been a year. They have changed a lot in a year!

We played with bubbles. B LOVED the bubbles.

Q hopped on one foot!

There were lots snuggles for Aunt Peggy!

B did lots of walking.

They played in grandmas bedroom,

and grandmas laundry room.

Q "fixed" the dryer, while B played in the water bowl.

Papa Joe took B for a ride to the street

to watch Q ride his bike.

Then we came home and someone was feeling like a super hero...

We got a busy day ahead of us tomorrow, I'm heading to bed...

One Word Wednesday!

2010-10-20T10:28:00.000-04:00

Rainy

Day

Non

Toxic

FUN!

Weekend Wrap Up

2010-10-18T20:07:00.000-04:00

Oh, it's another weekend wrap up! At least it isn't Thursday!

This past weekend, we swore we were going to the pumpkin patch. Really, we wanted to go. But football got in the way, again. Our Pirates were playing NC State and it is a huge rivalry. Long game..short story is WE WON! In overtime! We intercepted them in the end zone. It was exciting stuff!! If you are a Pirate fan. I realize some of you (ahhhem, Aunt Michelle) reading are not. I would say I am sorry, good game and all that good sportsman ship stuff, but I am not. Because if my Pirates had lost, it would have been a bad rest of the weekend. You see, the hubs does not like it when his Pirates loose. It is not pretty. And the rest of the weekend I hear things like "I can't believe we lost that game", "I can't believe this play or that play" "Man, I can't stand NC State". You get my drift. You wouldn't want to spend the weekend with that either. Instead, I sit here and listen to him watch the game for the third time. I think I might have to call our cable provider and cancel that channel!

Aunt Nina was here! We did some shopping. Nothing extraordinary, no big bargains to tell you about! We did make it to get pumpkins, at a "fake" pumpkin patch close to our neighborhood in an empty lot. Hey, at least we got pumpkins!

We did make a jack o lantern! Q wanted nothing to do with the insides! In fact he was gagging when Chad had his hands in there and would pull out gobs of pumpkin guts. Thankfully, I was never asked to help!

Of course I made pumpkin seeds! However, this time I added cinnamon and sugar! Can you say YUM? I also made a new sweet potato chili recipe that I can not get enough of! And B LOVES it! Fast, easy, cheap, healthy and the boys LOVE it! That makes me happy!! It's pretty too!

To finish up our weekend we had soccer today. What? Monday isn't part of the weekend? Oh well, I can't wait to tell you. Q made two goals tonight at soccer. It is only micro soccer and yes, it mostly resembles a game of sharks and minnows, and yes he did score a goal last week (even though it was the other teams goal) but today he got the ball dribbled and kicked! TWICE! He would have had a third but it went out of bounds, but I was proud of him getting it dribbling down field! I was so excited. I was so excited for him. I had no idea, I would get choked up! Truth be told though all the boys and one little girl did great tonight. They all wanted to play and participate! It's been awesome to watch that change!

So that was our weekend! Hope you had a great one!

Weekend Wrap Up

2010-10-14T20:02:00.000-04:00

Weekend Wrap Up on Thursday?! I know, I know. And yes, I know I missed One Word Wednesday as well. Sorry!

Last Thursday the boys and I headed to Grandmas. We like going to Grandmas but we like that Grandmas is half way to Richmond! Richmond is not far, but hey we'll take any excuse to go to Grandmas and get pampered!

Friday morning we loaded up and headed to Richmond. At nap time. That's how we roll. At nap time. We have two time slots to get in the car. 9-10 and 2-3. I really like the 2-3 time slot because the big one sleeps then too! However, Q is a great car rider. He sings, "dances" , talks, and likes to ask "why". No movies required! Which I love. I will say now that I am not against them. I am 99% certain that B will require them to ride the 2 blocks to the grocery store. We tried them on two long plane rides and Q was not interested. At all. And believe me when I say, I tried. I tried all five movies we brought. Each time. All legs of every flight. He was tired and cranky and couldn't sleep.

About 30 minutes from my moms house, I realized....I forgot the freaking pack and play! Mom and I discussed lots of options. I decided I would wait and see what my options were once I got to grandmas.

We got to Richmond at lunchtime! In time for everyone to wake up and eat! We showed up to my grandmothers well rested with full bellies. This also means I had happy babies! Everyone likes a happy baby! We then walked down to the river to expend some energy! It was a great fall day!

Then...it was nap time. First we cleared the room of ~~anything B could reach~~ everything & I laid with B on a "mattress" on the floor. I read and stroked his head as usual. But now I realized I had to stay until he fell asleep.

Once he was asleep, I thought about running out to Target to get a pack and play. I thought for sure he would be so tired that night, he would go right to sleep and there would be no reason for the PNP. I was right. He was. It was 2, 3, and 4 am when he woke up, that I could have used that containment area. He could cry it out and he can't get out. Oh why didn't I go to Target?!

Saturday morning, was good. We were excited about going to the folk festival. But then 9:30 rolled around. It was nap time. B wasn't tired. At all. I needed him to be. I needed him to get a good nap. So he could wake up and eat. Then he could be well rested and have a full belly and be happy. I NEEDED a PNP. Why didn't I go to Target?

Aunt Linda showed up with Q's cousin Faith and we made our way to the folk festival.

The sun was brutal and there was very little shade. Add to that, I was wearing an extra 22 lbs (B, not my baby weight!) and pushing a double stroller. I didn't have him in the sling the whole time. Just the end of the day, when it was even more hot and he was more tired and there was no shade to be found. But, where was I supposed to put all our stuff if we had two kids in the stroller?!

We listened to some great music, made hats, wind socks, and marched in a kazoo parade. When was the last time you did that, all in the same day? The kazoo part anyway. Well, come to my house and join in, because we've had one every day since our return.

We made it home after our afternoon nap time, so there was no containment area needed. Did I need to go to Target? No. I was too tired. For sure B would sleep better, he only had a 20 minute (if that) nap. ALL DAY. I may have given him some Benedryl to help him sleep in a new place on a new bed. AND to dry up his stuffy nose. Nope, definitely no need to do a Target run. It was dinner time. Everyone was exhausted. I fed the kids what I could to counteract the 12" corn dog, french fries, funnel cake, lemonade, and ice cream. We were with their grandparents, who was I to say no? (insert wink here!) Oooopppps, forgot I bought them cookies to decorate..

Then it was the little guys favorite. BATHTIME!! Then PJs and because everyone was so good and mommy was beat, I turned on some Nick Jr! I took a shower and enjoyed some yummy yummy pad thai and wine. Oh pad thai how, I love you. Then it was my favorite time...BEDTIME. B went down amazingly. His head hit the pillow and he might have made it through two books. Maybe.

And then. THEN it was 11pm. B woke up. Crying. Down to the floor I went where I spent another night on the "mattress" on the floor with my babe. It's not often I get to sleep with my youngest love, so I sucked it up and enjoyed my snuggle time.

Say what you want, but coffee is NOT overrated. I had a long day ahead of me. We packed up and took some pictures and enjoyed some last minutes with our grandmas!

Thanks GGP and Zanney for hosting us. Me, my wild toddler, & my why asking, music demanding three year old. We had a great time!

Good news: We came home with everything from our trip! I didn't leave the pack and play in Richmond!

My turn!

2010-10-10T20:02:00.001-04:00

You did not think I was going to let B have all the glory of this blog did you?! You must not know me. There is no way I am going to let that happen!

I say some pretty funny stuff too. I am three and I soak up everything you say and do. I will then repeat it at any moment, hoping to embarrass you or make you feel completely uncomfortable.

The other day my mom had on tennis shoes and capris, I told her she looked silly. I mean it's still 90 outside, why are her feet covered? We share the love of bare feet or flip flops.

A few nights ago I was getting mom good with my "Why's" and I wasn't listening to any replies, nor did I care what her answers were. Here is how that went... "Q lets brush our teeth and get ready for bed" I threw in a bunch of "Why's" she threw in another "Q please brush your teeth" I procrastinated a bit more. She threw in another "PLEASE.BRUSH.YOUR.TEETH". I asked a few more "Whys'. "Q please don't make me say it again" "Well mommy then don't say it again" I think she may have smiled and tried not to laugh?!

Last week daddy and I were playing work. I gave him a bill. He told me he didn't like the total. He told me to fix it. I told him I didn't know how. Him and mommy burst out laughing. I have no idea what was so funny. I then grew insistent that I didn't know how to fix "the invoice" as they kept referring to it!

B&I went to the Dr with mommy. I was good and kept my hands to myself and tried to keep B happy with cheerios. But it was all too much and mommy was too happy with how it was going. So I decided I needed to add some excitement! Bathroom trips in public places always add a little fun! Especially when we have a stroller! And then I was thirsty. But that was easy because there were little plastic cups right there in the bathroom. Mom gave me one. She burst out laughing once she read what was on the cup. Something about urine collection cup. Whatever that means, but she gave it to me anyway!

I started playing soccer at the Y. I really like it. I also like it because my friend Mitch is on my team. Mom likes it because she says I go to bed easier. HA! I am going to have to do something to change that!

Porter still goes to bed with me, but at some point he must get up and leave, which makes me sad. I can not go to sleep without him. He is my friend.

I am definitely becoming an expert at the potty thing. However, I still have a tendency to wait until I absolutely HAVE to go. Which isn't always a good decision. My mom says she buys a box of clean up wipes every week? Is that supposed to be my problem?

I had a great weekend with my Great Grandmother, my GGP, Grandma, Aunt Nina and my cousin Faith. Mom and B were there too, but I see them everyday. I will try to get mom to post about that soon....ha ha ha!

"Uh oh" and other things you may hear at my house!

2010-10-06T15:17:00.000-04:00

Hi guys, B here. This post will be all about me! I know you were expecting a One Word Wednesday but let's face it...if it's up to my mama, it ain't happening...I mean seriously we are so easy to write about, yet when was the last time she blogged. And we all know she is not lacking for things to talk about! Sometimes I wish she would blog so I could have five minutes of silence. Why do you think I still take two naps?!

Anyway, I am starting to ~~talk~~ babble some more. I LOVE to say "Ma" and "Mama"! I use it as much as my big brother uses "WHY". It's fun to listen to mommy answer us both. Sometimes we like to egg each other on and see who can use the most in one minute! You should see the look she gets on her face. She usually starts looking for clocks to see what time it is. Something about 4 o'clock and wine but I am not sure what she is talking about. Q likes to whine a lot right now, but she tells him not to?

Anyway, back to me...I said "Vroom vroom" last week when playing with cars. Mommy was so excited she called everyone she knew. I refuse to say it again. I mean really, that's the noise cars make, right? What's the big deal?

She told dada (that's another favorite word, but I like to use it liberally, especially when he is not around, but sometimes I like to throw him a bone) that she gave me some benedryl to help me sleep? Seriously, I love my sleep, just not when she is. That would be no fun! Daddy made sure to correct her "so he can sleep and get better". Yes, I've been kind of stuffy, but I have a big weekend ahead of me, so I need to get better! Which, in case you are wondering, I am!

I am an expert in the kitchen! I could play in the kitchen all day! My favorites are spoons. The other day mommy told me to "put the knife back in the kitchen" and then she burst out laughing. She started babbling about what people would think if the windows had been open. People, I have my own kitchen and my own plastic utensils. I may be the second child, but they don't let me play with real knives!

Speaking of laughing, that is my new trick! It really gets mommy and daddy going! Mommy said it's music to her ears. Sometimes I laugh at nothing. I like to see them get all excited over nothing!

(That's me in my new big boy seat!!)
On that note, I am getting up and taking a few steps. I know, cool, right?! However, it's so much more fun when mommy has to tote me around. I am thinking I will be milking this one for all it's worth! Thanks for the milk intro, for those that are curious, I am no longer nursing. This makes mommy babble too. Always talking about calories and exercising now. Not that she does either.

I'm going to leave you with one last picture, this is me yesterday. Yes, those are my pajamas and no it is not morning. In fact it is afternoon. The orange drool stain you see on my shirt is not orange juice. It was from my first candy corn! Thanks Mrs Manda, you rock! And if my mom thinks I am going to sit here and eat these grapes when there is more candy corn in the house, she has another thing coming! I think I will just sit here and scream for me!

Which reminds me, there is candy corn in the house! Gotta go!

One Word Wednesday!

2010-09-21T20:22:00.001-04:00

Stylin'

This post dedicated to the coolest Burberry wearin' GGP in the whole universe!

Weekend Wrap Up(s)

2010-09-20T20:33:00.000-04:00

Yup, that's right wrap upS.

First weekend to wrap up was our trip to the mountains of Willis, VA. It was labor day and B's first birthday!

We stopped on the way for some lunch at Pilot Mountain. This is where the Andy Griffith show was filmed. It was a beautiful day. Nice and clear. We were looking forward to mountain weather. Chilly in the morning, amazing during the day and perfect at night. It's been sooooo hot here and it's going to be in the 90s this week!

This picture is for you Aunt Kelly!

Friday night we went into town to listen to music, ~~walk the streets~~ eat yummy food, and browse handmade crafts. Q was in awe of the music. He did not want to leave. Guess we will be looking for some instruments for Christmas.

We came home and had a birthday cake for B! I don't know what I was thinking getting chocolate? Oh well, it was yummy!

Saturday we played and took walks and played some more. We went to breakfast and did some fabric and antique shopping. Saturday night we had a campfire and roasted marshmallows and of course 'smores!

Sunday was more of the same. Walking, exploring, playing in the creek. We did take a timeout to watch the East Carolina game. Watch them kick some butt! We won in the last 5 seconds!! It was awesome. Then Chad watched it again, right after that. And then he watched it two more times. It was a great way to start our season....however, we have a tough season ahead of us and just lost last week to Virginia Tech.

Monday we cleaned up and came home.

But I did help herd cattle before we left the driveway. In true beach girl fashion. In flip flops.

Then we started a new week of our new chapter. Q started at his new preschool. He did awesome. His friend Mitch is in his class so I am sure that helped. So we are getting into a new routine. We have school three days a week and we play the other two.
First day of school. They were asked to bring a pet. Oliver made the cut!

Q, Mitch, & Abbey practicing for senior pictures

Second weekend wrap up: We celebrated B's first birthday with family and friends here at our house. Just a simple cookout. Burgers, dogs, grandparents..you know the drill. It was chill, which makes it fun.
Birthday boy (again)

B got a smash cake. He never really dug into like I thought he would. However, he did like it!

He got a bath and then it was present time!

He is getting so big. Turning into a toddler. He is amazing and wonderful and full of life. Like his big brother he likes to observe everything around him. Taking it all in.

Today while playing with cars he said vroom vroom! I'm sure he will never say it again. At least for a few days while I hold a movie camera in his face throwing cars at him yelling "vroom vroom". "B what does a car say?" "B what is this?" "B what noise does this car make?"

I'll let you know what we get. And I must apologize because at some point I think I promised you this blog would get more interesting. Um, about that....maybe it will, as I blog more I won't be so behind, which means I can remember to blog about what the boys actually said and did. There are honestly some really funny things that go on in this house! At least you have a lot of pictures to keep you interested! You gotta admit, me and the cattle is pretty funny...

One Word Wednesday!

2010-09-15T21:55:00.000-04:00

Thought I would at least give you a One Word Wednesday, since I can't seem to get it together enough to do a whole post!
Enjoy!!

Sad

Happy

Weekend Wrap Up

2010-08-31T20:44:00.000-04:00

I know, weekend wrap up on a Tuesday...but we've been busy. It's fun when your weekend runs into Tuesday!

We had a low key weekend hanging out getting Q's old toys out of the attic for B.
This picture cracks me up, because it looks like B is screaming out the "window" at someone. I like to call it "Heeeeeyyyyyy Auntie JLa" (Perfect on an Escalade)

This is a good shot of what is making B not so B lately...Two left top teeth trying to come in. Don't get me wrong, he is still pretty happy. I can't imagine how much teething hurts!

Cleaning, organizing and a 30th birthday party for our friend James. He "belongs" to Auntie Fer. But we think he is pretty fun so we decided to go party. The boys did great and they weren't alone! James' niece and nephew were also there. They both crashed on the way home and Sunday was completely off.

Then Monday we were off to Grandmas. Hey, why not I don't have to go to the office! I needed to get some work done on some cushions (and get grandmas expert opinion) and wanted to get some swimming in. We also wanted some grandma time. Poor grandma. She had to spend three weeks here and then we are going to be together tomorrow and then again this weekend! We are a lot of work, the three of us.

Here is B greased up with some Soleo for swimming. I LOVE this sunscreen! (No, they did not pay me to say this, but it is ALL natural (not a drop of bad stuff!) Check them out here! This nectarine kept him busy while I work my magic on him.

Here is my design assistant..working hard!

He was cutting squares and triangles.

Looking forward to a nice long holiday weekend with the family! B turns 1!!! I can't believe it!! I year ago today I went in for my 39 week appointment and Dr. L told me, that B was breech again. He said I could not risk going into labor. It was too dangerous. He was ready to check me in to the hospital then. I needed to go home and talk with Chad. I was nervous, scared, but ready to meet baby boy #2. Tonight I couldn't listen to him cry anymore, I went and rocked him and he fell asleep on my chest. He has never slept on my chest, only in my arms. But I rocked him and rocked him and rubbed his back and head. I couldn't help repeat over and over to him, how much I love him, how grateful I am for him and I thanked God for him and how healthy he is.

I gotta get to bed. Someone has their year 1 pictures tomorrow!!

New adventures of a SAHM. Week 1

2010-08-27T21:01:00.001-04:00

Well here we are...end of week 1.

It was a good week. Nothing out of the ordinary and nothing too exciting. It was basically as if I was on vacation. We just did this in early July due to Q's surgery. Except for seven days I had to keep him quiet and still. Ha ha ha.

We had lots of play time with friends we don't usually see much of during the week! We started our week with a play date with Mitchell and ended the week with a play date with Mitchell. The boys played pretty well together, only needing a few minutes of alone time each.

I learned a few things about myself while learning about my boys as well.

I have more patience than I thought I did. I find it easier? I don't know why. You would think it would be the opposite. Since I didn't see them all day, I should have been so lenient and exhausted, picking my battles loosely. But that is not the case and I have finally found my patience. (side note, this is mostly the 3 year old with his mothers persistence and stubbornness) But believe me there is still discipline happening here!

I am learning how to give directions. I notice that when I tell Q how to do something and he doesn't "get it", that my directions were not clear enough. Which is funny because lately he is pointing and saying "that" whenever he wants something and I get so annoyed that he KNOWS the word, yet won't use it. Time to start using more adjectives!

I am a pro at changing batteries! I have changed dozens this week. Literally DOZENS! Only in the toys that truly need them.

When B was playing in the kennel, I took the opportunity to read a page (seriously, it's all I got in) of a magazine (and take this picture), I promise I didn't put him in there & if you look real close you can see it isn't locked.

Remember that manicure I got last week...yeah it's gone. That is why I don't get them.

Since maternity leave, I had forgotten how much I despise the doorbell and the land line. The land line is about to go and if I could I would clip the door bell line! And landscape people. I don't care what time you come, whatever time it is, it is guaranteed to be nap time. I am about to offer mowing services to all my neighbors, so my toddler can sleep!

I cooked dinner every night (except Thursday, which was leftover night) mostly for cost purposes and a personal challenge to see if I could! And we ended out play date today with oatmeal chocolate chip cookies!!

I got to make more than my fair share of tents, cars, boats, ambulances, fire trucks, tents etc this week.

But I also got to watch my boys play. With eachother. By themselves. Doing their thing.
Q LOVES to get in the crib with B when he wakes up from a nap. I LOVE listening to them "talk" on the monitor! I also get a potty break with both contained, which also means a potty break ALONE!

B LOVES cars, trucks and trains!

Today when we were playing with B after lunch and I noticed a banana piece on him, I actually ate it, because I was too lazy to get up and throw it away. Plus it was a fresh piece of organic banana!

Pretty sure when B picked up the phone this week he said "Hi". Wow, these last two are actually kind of sad. Maybe I shouldn't admit this part. Nah, come on now, you know me better than that!

So that was our week! Like I said, not to exciting but interesting enough for me!

Enjoy your weekend! If we do anything worth blogging about I will do a Weekend Wrap Up for you!

One Word Wednesday!

2010-08-25T08:23:00.000-04:00

Trucks!

Equipment!

Weekend Wrap up

2010-08-23T10:31:00.001-04:00

Another weekend came and went.
The weather is getting a little better. Not as steamy. And by not as steamy, I mean you can stand outside for 5 minutes without glistening instead of 2 minutes!

Friday I got the boys matching pajamas! The first matching thing I have bought them! I have to admit, they were pretty darn cute!

Saturday I went to the spa for a nice relaxing massage, manicure and pedicure. I have had a gift card since Christmas and my Friday called for it to be used!! After B's afternoon nap we went to the Home Depot and picked up a few project items.

Sunday we went to church and came home in time for B's nap. He is still taking 2 naps and I am going to try and keep it that way as long as I can. Even if it means, not as many errands get run!

Yesterday B took his first "steps". He hasn't seemed real interested and I wasn't pushing it. He is the kind of kid that knows what he wants and goes for it...FULL SPEED ahead! He also knows that he gets there faster by crawling. I also put away almost all of his bottles, since he is not taking them anymore. Then I got an email about my 11month old week 3! Boooooo. They want him to be such a big boy, but he is my baby!!

We went and picked up a new piece of furniture for the play room. It's an "in the meantime" piece. The boys love it!

I on the other hand am not a fan since it took off my toenail. Yes, the whole toenail. Yes, I was waring flip flops. And Yes, I know better. However, the stars were aligned and everyone was happy and occupied, I was trying not to waste one minute putting on tennis shoes! Lessoned learned, won't do that again! Going to the Dr today, we will see what they do to for me.

When one door closes

2010-08-20T11:52:00.000-04:00

"They say" when one door closes another is sure to open.
There are no endings, only new beginings.

The chapter in my life that lasted three years has come to an end. The chapter titled full time working (outside the home)traveling, trying to have time for myself, trying to be a good friend, wife, daughter, employee, co-worker and MOM. Today was my last day at the natural personal care company with the yellow lip balm. No more rushing out the door in the mornings (at least not to go to work) no more daily sheets explaining what my child ate, drank or played with from day care, no more calls to pick up sick kids. The best part...no more dropping my babies off to pick them up in time to put them to bed.

Instead we will be rushing out the door for pre school! I will know what they ate, drank and played with, because, I will be the one that gets to eat drink and play with them!! I will be home with them when they are sick, which is where I should be. And I will not feel guilty about it. And I will not have to answer work phone calls or work emails or put out any fires. And I most certainly won't be out of town!! (I wasn't even an important person)

I have spent two years dropping off an infant at or before breakfast only to pick them up in time to give them some dinner, maybe or maybe not give them a bath (depending on what time they last napped at daycare) nurse them and put them to bed, only to start the same routine the next day. Perhaps that is why I nursed each for so long? It's my time with them. Number two is still nursing strong, if my head had been on straight three months ago, and I could calculate timing, I would have started weening then. However, it wasn't, I couldn't and I didn't. We will deal with that at another time.

I am excited to start my new chapter. Start making up for lost time. Time that I will never get back. Time with my babies, while they are still babies. I am also nervous. Can I do it? Will I drive everyone crazy trying to keep them occupied? Will they be ready for school? How will I ever ween B now? Will I be ok with a messy house but dinner on the table? How will I ever find a balance? What about the husband? Is he really ok with supporting us? We've never lived this life before. It will be an adjustment. How do I keep him motivated? This economy isn't the easiest to convince him of that, we are that case in point. What if it happens to both of us?

Don't get me wrong I still admire the full time working mom. It is a super tough life. Depending on your commute or travel schedule you have an average of one hour (~~lucky me~~, I had an hour and half) a day to yourself. But is it really to yourself? The entire way to work I think about whats on my plate for that day. Prioritizing my to do list. The entire way home, I think about whats for dinner, wondering what time B woke up from his nap, what kind of mood Q will be in. There is no shut down mode. Not that there is as a stay at home mom either.

I always say "If it works for you, it's the right decision". So I am hoping that the decision CP & I just made was the right one. The best one for our family. Afterall, that's our job as parents.

So here is to a fresh start, a new challenge. My life as a stay at home mom! This blog is about to get a little more interesting for sure! (I'm hoping for your reading pleasure!)

I know two little boys (and one yellow puppy) that think this is going to be great!

One Word Wednesday

2010-08-17T22:03:00.001-04:00

Before

During

AFTER!!!!

Out of the mouth of a 3 year old

2010-08-17T21:44:00.000-04:00

Life as a 3 year old seems like it could be fun? Things that come out of Q’s mouth are amazing.

Right now he is obsessed with twins. As in “I have 2 babies in my tummy” “when I come home from the hospital (after his tonsillectomy) I will bring a baby home like B?” “Maybe two, like Mrs. ‘Manda.” And since spending more time with Mrs. ‘Manda and her beautiful boys, Q has declared Joshie and Oliver twins. They look so much alike, don’t you think?

He has put B in timeout a few times and tries to explain to him why he is there. Upon being told, B is rather young, I am not sure he understands his reply is a stern “Grandma, I got this” with a hand up as to hush her. But today he redeemed himself when he saw some Toy Story shoes that he “needed”. Granted his six month old Stride Rites have a hole in the toe. Grandma agreed to buy them. He then told her how “she was the best grandma in the whole world” and he “was the luckiest little boy ever”. Wow, Grandma, wait until those Target sneakers are Nikes!!

We often hear, “OKaaaaaayyyyyyy” or “I’m just telling yoooouuuuuuu”. I am not sure when he turned into a thirteen year old girl, but I’m not liking it.

“Mosquitos are eatin’ me alive” “Holy Smokes/Moly”. While getting his sleeping bag and pillow out of his overnight bag he exclaimed that it was “a terrible mess”.

My chairs I just completed are “Beautiful”.

And then he can warm your heart my telling you he loves you and showering you with kisses randomly yet several times a day. It also tends to happen after correcting his behavior, however he is very sensitive and does not like it when you are upset with him or he has hurt your feelings.

Imagination? Check! Here is Q sitting in his pink truck, or grey or red. It depends on the day!

Manners? Oh my boy has manners! We are hearing more and more. “Mommy what are you cooking? It smells delicious” “Dinner was so yummy, thank you for cooking” Amanda got to hear this first hand after she slaved over a PB & J for him. Hey, when you have 3 under 3, I imagine that is an accomplishment! After having lunch at cousin Liza’s, Q made sure to tell her “Thanks for having us, it was so nice of you”.

Oh Q, those poor poor teachers of your future. They are not going to know what to do with you. And girls, don’t even get me started. You are handsome, charming, and smart and you know how to use them. And because you are so nurturing and genuine it all comes across so authentic, even when it’s not!

BUSY!!

2010-08-14T19:28:00.001-04:00

Yes, I have been busy, but other than the things keeping me busy, life is not all that exciting to blog about!

Here is one project keeping me busy! Table still not done, actually I have not even started..

I also have some pillows to finish for my sister in law. I made her some cornice boards and these match. My mom offered to sew them, I wasn't going to deny her that privilege!

And then I have some chairs in the garage that need some love.

In the meantime, the money mailer is keeping the boys busy. I had no idea this would create minutes of fun!!

I also attended my first Bunco night. It was fun. There was wine and yummy food. And fun girls. When has that combo ever made for a bad time?!

B is standing on his own. No help needed! Yeah for Uncle Todd, who got to see it first!!

Q and I went to the grocery store this morning for super double coupons. Honestly, coupons frustrate me. I never feel like I get any value. I must though, right? Maybe, if milk didn't cost $4.99 a gallon, the bill wouldn't be so high? After naps we went and got some frozen yogurt! YUM!

Tomorrow is Sunday and we plan on just hanging out. Getting ready for the last week of this chapter, I've called full time working mom!

Farm Fresh

2010-08-06T14:19:00.000-04:00

When people ask where I am from upon hearing my accent, I tell them “North Carolina”. Which is funny because I don’t really have an accent. Not all the time anyway. And I actually talk pretty fast. However, I guess in any conversation where someone says “cah” for car and “pizzer” for pizza I probably do sound a little different. I say things like “y’all” and “darlin”. (And don’t put a g on the end of that, we don’t use ‘em.) And then I get to answer questions.

My favorite: Did I grow up on a farm? Um, no. We actually have other things in the south besides farms. Ever heard of Key West? No, I didn’t grow up there, but it’s in the south. Go there, it’s amazing! I get all worked up when people “talk” about the south and they have never experienced it. But that is a whole ‘nother subject for a whole ‘nother day and time.

This doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate the farmer and what he provides for me. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to eat. Anything. Seriously. Gardening and I do not go well together. I have tried. I LOVE going to the farmers market and looking at all the fresh produce and fruit. I enjoy knowing that the meat, eggs and cheese I just bought for my family are not loaded with things we don’t need. We have a really great farmers market here. I wish I could go more often (and soon I can!) But I do love a farm. Both Q & B had a farm nursery. And I LOVE farm animals!

On the way to my parents there are many farms. Many MANY farms. I love riding up there throughout the year and see what is growing. My favorite is cotton. After it has been “picked” the fields look as though it has snowed. If I knew there weren’t snakes hiding in the bails, I would probably catch myself laying on top, dreaming about what that one bail of cotton would become.

But, summertime is tobacco time.

One of the more famous crops from my home state. Probably the most controversial as well. I don’t smoke. Never have. Don’t think I ever will. I am not a fan of tobacco, but I know it has done a lot of good things for my state and the farmers that live here. I don’t think that growing up here encouraged or discouraged any of my friends. I do blame RJR and their “all the free smokes” in their benefit package (40 some years ago) for my fathers terrible habit. He could smoke in his office. During a meeting. With non-smokers in attendance. Although, I am thinking there probably weren’t too many of those?

On my way up there last week (a nice hour and a half by myself) I did what I say I am going to do everytime. I stopped and took pictures! I was a little nervous about snakes, you just never know. At least the rows between the tobacco is a bit cleaner. Ever been to pick strawberries? The rows are not as open and the bushes so low to the ground…and strawberries are so yummy!

One Word Wednesday!

2010-08-04T10:56:00.000-04:00

CALM

One month

2010-08-03T21:46:00.000-04:00

I’ve got one month left.
One month to call him my “infant”.
One month (give or take) before those itty bitty feet start walking.

B is one month away from being 12 months old. One whole year! I know I say this all the time, but where has the past 11 months gone? I feel like he should have arrived yesterday. I can’t remember him being an infant, like he should still be an infant. I look at pictures and wonder when they were taken. How could that have been so long ago? How are we already into our fourth season?

But, alas, what I am holding on to is no longer. He is no longer an infant. He is turning into a big boy. He is becoming independent. However, as the mother of a three year old, I know B is no where near the independent boy he will soon become.

He waves bye bye.
When told “NO” he shakes his head from side to side. Sometimes while smiling. (There is that independent thing I was talking about!)
He says “uh-oh” after dropping something.
He loves music. Starts bobbing up and down the minute he hears it.
He walks behind his Mickey plane.
He will climb on ANYTHING. Stairs are his favoirite!
He loves to throw the ball and loves to hit golf balls. It’s amazing to me that he actually can hit them! I mean, they don’t go far, but the fact that he makes contact…I think that is pretty cool.
And last Friday when we went to the Dr, he weighed in at 22lbs!! I LOVE every inch of him.

Hint

2010-08-02T13:23:00.000-04:00

Here is a hint...

Guess!

2010-08-01T21:34:00.000-04:00

Can you guess what this is?

One Word Wednesday!

2010-07-28T14:49:00.001-04:00

Hello?

Grandma?!

Ohhhh Goodness

2010-07-27T21:48:00.000-04:00

Another giveaway!
This time from Jones Design Company"!! Oh how I love her page. She has so many great ideas and pictures. I love her clean simple beautiful rooms. Check out her daughters nursery! I mean, who wouldn't want to sleep in that room?

Not that I am expecting to win, but thought I might give it a try.

Why not? Someones got to win. Right? How fun would it be to get this package in the mail?!

And yes, by blogging about it, I get an extra entry!

Weekend Wrap Up

2010-07-26T21:43:00.000-04:00

It was HOT. Like 110 degrees hot. All.Weekend.Long.

We hung out and did inside things. Coooking, movies, hanging out with friends and drinking too much wine. Chad did some yard work and I even helped. Well…I trimmed a few bushes.

I went to the fabric store. Oh, how I love the fabric store. I went to two different ones. Two days in a row. But I found what I was looking for. And I bought it! Now I have to complete the project and use the fabric! I’m pretty excited about this little project. I think it is just what the Dr ordered. I even picked out some fabric for Amanda and my sister in law Michelle!

I got to hang out with my friend Amanda. That is where the wine came into play. I mean, I HAD to show her the fabric I found for her. And while I was there, we had to talk staging. So stage away we did. She has great taste, so she has great stuff to work with! She is my mommy soul sister. She lets me be my mad mothering self and assures me that it’s ok to take my kids to the Dr for a bump, and it’s ok that Q hasn’t had a vegetable in two days, or that B had four popsicles to cure his aching raw gums. She reminds me that these are things all moms do…we just happen to be the only two that will admit it. Out loud. The other awesome thing about my friend Amanda….she lives within walking distance. So close, in fact, that my monitor will work at her house. I know what you are thinking….and no, I have NEVER left my children and headed down for a glass of wine with my monitor. However, tempting it may sound.

Mitchell came over to play on Sunday after church. Chad played outside with them, doing the only thing imaginable in this heat:

SPRINKLER FUN!

I had a blast watching these silly boys (all three of them) run and scream and giggle and spray each other. It’s the kind of stuff that makes your heart happy. And that my friends, is the only thing worth working for.

One Three Word Wednesday!

2010-07-21T09:28:00.001-04:00

Let.Us.Out!