Knitting Aunt

Jj on the rug

2010-07-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

Toddlerhood is so much fun! Everyday is a new adventure

2010-06-25T13:19:00.000-07:00

More Skateboarding....can you stand it?

2010-06-18T06:56:00.000-07:00

Summer Fun:Our cousins have a WONDERFUL splash pool at their apartment complex....a great place to play and stay cool...
JJ has become completely OBSESSED with skateboards (big surprise?)....he carries around Tech Decks (think the Matchbox of Skateboards) everywhere and looks forward to skateboarding the daddy. He is learning tricks in the backyard .....check out the skills.....

2010-06-01T05:50:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Weekend: lake texomaWe survived our first blood this weekend.....it was a near miss for stitches......JJ was pretty unconcerned about the whole thing, he was more upset about us cleaning it off and trying to apply ice than he was about the fall.....he has obviously inherited Daddy's pain tolerance....and energy level.....even a head injury doesn't slow him down.

We took a break from the heat on Sat and took a visit to the Texoma Children's Museum. It was a great place to burn energy on a HOT Sat afternoon.
JJ LOVED the lake, he and daddy looked for fish.....and all three of us enjoyed playing at the beach.
Our little guy is growing fast.....we sure enjoyed camping with our "Toddler".....

2010-05-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

Scarborough....FINALLY!

We finally made it to Scarborough Faire this past weekend. It was hot and muggy and we had a perfectly wonderful day!
Our favorite part (and evidently, one of the FEW places we stopped for photos) was the Petting Zoo. We had a BALL showing JJ the animals we have been telling him about. He squealed, chased, talked and signed his way thru.
Here he is "mid-sign" for "more".....he wanted to pet the bunnies "more, more"
Yeah! for the ducks, chicks, pigs, dog, llamas, pony, turtle, goats, rabbits.....JJ loved the chicks and goats the best. He loved to CHASE the chicks who ran and clucked.....and he loved the goats who stood still to be pet.
(The Royal Court is dancing in the background) A lovely day was had by all.....and next year we will try for a FAMILY portrait :-)

2010-05-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

Not a surprise......JJ is a natural.I had hoped JJ would make it to 2 before the Skateboarding began.....but we made it 16 months instead. JJ is completely obsessed with "po-pod". It's the only thing that reduces him to complete hysterics when it's time to be over.......or if mommy touches the board (evidently this is a "boy only" event). It's adorable to watch his enthusiasm for skateboarding.....

Play is a child's work and JJ has been a very busy bee.....

2010-04-28T14:29:00.001-07:00

Bluebonnets: It's spring in Texas

JJ is 17 months old this weekend. He is officially in "toddler" mode. Thank goodness for Signing Time (Thanks to Matt and Teresa), JJ loves to watch the DVDs and tells us what he wants via sign language much of the time now...not to the exclusion of verbal language, of course. JJ uses 20+ words and 40+ signs....and counting.....feels like we add something new each day now.

We are all healthy, happy and enjoying spring......how about you?

Love,

Annise, Jason and JJ

2010-04-12T11:07:00.001-07:00

I know, I know....it's been nearly a month with no new photos......more are coming soon but for now here is THE BEST RECIPE EVER! You can thank me after you make it for dinner TONIGHT! Love,

Annise

GUMBO by Dr. Margot

2 yellow onions, chopped
2 green bell peppers, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 zucchini squash, sliced
3 cloves garlic, pressed
½ smoked turkey sausage, sliced

1 large can of diced tomatoes
1 small can of diced tomatoes
2 Tablespoons Cajun spice (Weber grill creations N’Orleans Cajun Seasoning is very good)

1 package of frozen okra
1 small package of frozen corn

2 large sweet potatoes, cooked & mashed
________________________________________________________________________________

Put first 7 ingredients in a LARGE pot. Cover with water , so that ingredients are immersed in about 1” of water. Cook until onions are soft/translucent.
Add tomatoes and Cajun seasoning. Stir well.
Add okra and corn. Stir well.
Add mashed sweet potatoes a little at a time. Sir well. Heat on medium heat until it comes to a slow and steady boil. Turn down heat and simmer for about 45 – 60 minutes. The longer it cooks the thicker it becomes.

Serve as is or over rice.

2010-03-29T06:23:00.001-07:00

Here's what we were up to this weekend.....

http://parlettegazette.blogspot.com/

thanks to our wonderful neighbor Michelle for posting it!

:-)

2010-03-01T20:05:00.000-08:00

For You Grandpa Jim!

2010-03-01T19:40:00.000-08:00

FEBRUARY PHOTO CATCH UP:

My boy with the "harry potter" hair.....
Little niece wearing the dress I knit for her :-)
Yes, snow in Texas! It was amazing....we had 12 inches! The weather broke all kinds of records that day....

And for your entertainment:

2010-02-02T16:06:00.000-08:00

Hello? Can you hear me now? This Remote Control Reception stinks!
The baby days are far behind us......

My little man is SO BIG!

2010-02-02T15:14:00.000-08:00

Today my baby is 14 months old!

Here is the latest and greatest......

I'm okay!

2010-01-11T14:44:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to me!

Our garbage disposal went kaput....again. This time, hubby said it was more trouble than it was worth and did I want a new one?.....YIPPEE!

So I got a new disposal, a BIG sink and new faucet.

What an WONDERFUL gift. Hubby and FIL even installed it in time for me to show it off at the family birthday dinner.

Then my niece and sister stopped by to wish me a happy b-day today and I just could not resist putting her in the basket of balls.....I think she liked it

And then JJ went off for a nap.....
I think that is it.....you're all caught up on the good stuff.....

And there has been some hard stuff too:

We lost our cousin this past week (my in-laws god-son and nephew). He was 18 years old.... . It was a tragic loss to our family. Please keep the Jonas family in your thoughts and prayers as they remember Andrew and come to terms with his passing. He joins his father, grandfather and grandmother in Heaven.

2010-01-11T14:39:00.000-08:00

Catch Up Post TWO:

Baby's First Haircut: January 5th, 2010, thirteen months and three days old....Amy at The Kid Salon in Allen, did an awesome job! She kept the curls (yeah!) and trimmed it up so that he can see :-)
The two most handsome men in my world.....

2010-01-11T13:25:00.000-08:00

Catch up Post ONE: Christmas

Merry Christmas! Look what Santa Brought! (with a little help from our local consignment shop) :-)
Papa Jim, can you put this together for me?

I LOVE Lego Rock Band!

Another favorite from Santa.....BALL!

Retro Rocket....this thing has THREE buttons that make noise, making it a favorite in our house....that and it has WHEELS!

We had a wonderful Christmas, lots of visiting, celebrating and reflecting on 2009

2010-01-04T11:22:00.001-08:00

Have you heard of www.5dollardinners.com?

I love her blog, it's great for healthy, varied and cheap dinner ideas.

Enter her contest this week to win her new cookbook!

...more photos soon...

2009-12-30T21:07:00.001-08:00

Dear 2009,

I'm sure I'll look back and be in awe of all the things I learned from you, but right now.....PLEASE pack your things and GO!

Dear 2010,

I'm looking forward to your arrival......but please be a kinder, gentler year.....I'm worn out!

Annise

2009-12-24T10:13:00.000-08:00

Hey! Merry Christmas to ya!

2009-12-17T06:47:00.000-08:00

Family Photo Day:

Auntie Jen took beautiful photos of the family at a local park.....can you believe the smiles?
We LOVE having Grandma and Grandpa close by.....not only for the help but for the FUN. With a quick phone call we are all having dinner together, or telling jokes or getting an extra hand with projects around the house or to chase down our little RUNNER!

Our little man is in LOVE with his grandparents, he squeals when they arrive....it's so much fun to watch. We feel truly blessed by their arrival in Texas. We know it's been a sacrifice to leave family, friends and steady jobs....but I just can't thank them enough.

Yes, we really are this handsome in person too! HA HA HA!

The little man is getting FASTER and FASTER every day.....he tells us "get set, GO!" almost every morning......we used to giggle at his new words and now we take it for the WARNING that it is......

2009-12-10T12:02:00.000-08:00

One Year Check Up Today!We have come a LONG way from the tiny infant stage.....

JJ is 23 pounds, 30 inches long and has a nice big head (his doc says he has a big brain like mommy and daddy)

JJ started walking at 10 months, to date he has 18 words, two signs (finished and bye bye).....Doc says he is PERFECT....doesn't want to see us for six months!

No more formula, Doc suggested we switch to milk (which I hate to do....wish we were done with bottles all together...at least I can get organic milk).....JJ has been VERY slow to go to solid foods...we think this is because of his very high metabolism (just like another Jason in our family) and his lack of teeth (he has only four, the average is 10 at one year of age). He is still drinking 32-40 ounces per day.

So this week I am going to switch to milk in the day (formula at night, for sleepy parents who can't walk to the kitchen) and encourage more solids.....maybe we'll be bottle free by 18 months? Gotta have a goal eh?

Doc says for a baby who "coded" at birth, he is amazing.....and I must agree!

2009-12-06T17:54:00.000-08:00

More Birthday Photos:

JJ had lots of help opening gifts :-)

Gluten Free Cupcakes......yum!

Babies!

2009-12-06T17:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Little One!

On JJ's birthday, we spent the morning remembering his labor, birth and exciting delivery. It was our great honor to go back and visit the fireman who saved our baby's life....to thank them and let them see how their quick action and wonderful training not only saved our baby but how well he is doing.

They were surprised, touched and so thankful to see us. Here we are sitting in the ambulance and of course JJ was thrilled to stand on the firetruck.
We also went to the birth center to show JJ where he was born. When we got to room, JJ started pointing and babbling on.....as if he was telling us the story of his birth.

Here is the BIRTHDAY BOY!

We celebrated "Yo Gabba Gabba" style! (thanks to www.nickjr.com and their downloads)

Happy Birthday, sweet baby boy!

2009-11-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

Peek a BOO! I see you!

Thank you cousins for outgrowing such an awesome outdoor toy! WE LOVE IT!

Thanksgiving 2009: no camping this year......a heavy dose of life set in.....hopefully we'll be back camping next year......we threw together a Thanksgiving dinner in 12 hours! it was delicious!

Baby's First Thanksgiving! and yes, we forgot to take photos DURING dinner.....can you believe that? He loved the squash but not the potatoes......no turkey for him this year daddy fried it in peanut oil.....yummy for us, not good for babies.

One Year Ago today: prelabor had begun....we didn't know it but all the classic signs were there: eating a big meal (breakfast at Cracker Barrel after Black Friday Shopping), burst of energy (made a big meal and invited friends) and preparing the nest (insisted that Jason decorate the ENTIRE house for Christmas).....

I can't believe we are HERE, talking about "one year ago today". This year truly has FLOWN by....and we would not be here with a...baby is who is talking, walking (running), eating solids and still not sleeping thru the night... if it were not for our family and friends who surrounded us with LOVE and SUPPORT, brought us food, helped us care for our baby when we needed it, told us that we were doing a good job (even when it felt like we were failing) and reminded us that babies will survive and thrive with LOVE even if you mess up the small stuff. It really does take a village to raise a child and we live in an AWESOME village......THANK YOU!

Coming up: Baby's FIRST Birthday! Please come celebrate with us: Sat. Dec. 5th, 10am

2009-11-22T17:46:00.000-08:00

Rotovirus is disgusting!

I had hoped to have lovely photos and hilarious video for you this week.....but instead I have spent the past six days taking care of a sick little baby.

It started out with what I thought was "teething" (low grade fever, fussy baby with loose stools) and progressed in two days to "SICK". Turned out it was Rotavirus/Gasteroenteritis.........and let me tell you....it's was DISGUSTING! (I'll spare you the details).

I did feel blessed to be able to be HOME with my baby.....to hold him and cuddle him and let him sleep in my arms until he was better.

It was a slow recovery but he is finally on the mend.......just in time for Thanksgiving and his BIG BIRTHDAY PARTY!!!!

Photos soon!

2009-11-15T17:48:00.000-08:00

One More Photo:
My beautiful sister, her beautiful daughters, me and my little man......at the local pumpkin festival.....

2009-11-15T17:12:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the delay:

We MOVED! and I lost my camera charger.....so for the past several weeks I have had no camera, except in my phone.....but I'll share some photos that family has emailed to me :-)

We have moved back to our "old" house (where my mom has been living for the past year), which many of you remember fondly. We had to make the decision quickly. So we canceled our dream vacation to Sedona, and started packing and fixing up our house to get it on the market.

We got most of mom's things packed and into storage, packed our entire house, and got it on the market all in less than 10 days. And all of that with a 10.5 month old who decided to start WALKING half way thru the week!

So we are all here: me, Jay, JJ and mom in our old house.

And my in laws have finally arrived. They are officially "snow birds".....staying here in DFW for the winter. We are OVERJOYED!

It's been an interesting month to say the least. We are all still adjusting. JJ could not be happier.....he has all of his grandparents around him and he is walking......or more accurately running everywhere he wants to go.

We are making preparations for the holiday season as well as a party to celebrate the successful completion of our FIRST YEAR AS PARENTS!

Many thanks to family and friends for helping us to move, keeping JJ happy while we moved and helping us to keep our sense of humor about the changing seasons of life.

2009-10-04T19:04:00.001-07:00

Why it's been so long since the last post:Good Bye Dear Melon,

You were the best dog EVER! You were our first "baby". We became a family the day we picked you up. We will always remember how you used to boss us around, tell everyone who entered the house "the rules", cuddle when we needed it, protect us from everything you could hear, see or smell, try to sit on mamma's lap and S-T-R-E-T-C-H to put your head on dad's arm when we were in the car, chase every ball you could get your mouth around, find wiggle-giggle even if we hid it in the washing machine, and mostly how you made us feel important. We were "your people".

I know you told us in the best way that you could that you were sick and tired. We did everything we could to keep you happy and comfortable and in the end you made the hardest decision for us, a comfortable one.....you are our angel and you are missed.....

And as always: Life Goes On.....

and for us that means CAMPING......

Canoe ride.....on beautiful Broken Bow Lake.
Train Ride....at the park

The river is amazing. Only trout OVER 20 inches are "keepers" here. We can't wait to come back and have more time for fishing....

Melon was missed on this trip, she would have loved the car ride, the squirrels, the sleeping in the camper......Micron did enough napping for them both :-)

We saw a Golden Eagle and a Bald Eagle flew back and forth across the river near our campsite ALL weekend. They are amazing creatures!

And finally a video:

The next few weeks are filled with changes for us.....might be a while before I can post but I will soon!

2009-09-17T16:59:00.000-07:00

On September 15th JJ took his first step!!!!!

Camera was not on but it looked something like this:

He has yet to do it again :-D

Thanks to Auntie Liz, JJ looked ADORABLE at Stroller Skate today. Hawaiian Shirt and Cargo Shorts on a 9 month old are just TOO CUTE!

JJ's favorite toys right now are WHEELS (cars, trucks and strollers), he loves to spin them and eat them. I had no idea that wheels were so amazing.....

2009-09-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

We LOVE camping!

Our first camping trip, was hard....JJ was teething and we were not sleeping.....but this time....we had a BALL! JJ loved being with his family, especially his cousin Maddie.

Uncle Stephen caught a catfish!

There is nothing like a nap in the camper!

We're off camping again this weekend......in the rain......JJ is sleeping REALLY well.....we just might all move into the camper in the driveway if he keeps this up :-D

2009-09-08T15:00:00.000-07:00

Nine Month Check Up:

Wt: 20.4 pounds (46%)

Length: 30 inches (92%)

Head Circ: 18inches (68%)

He has hit all his milestones and then some :-) Yes, I know I was concerned about a few of them but all is well now (as soon as you say it out loud, they do it). JJ is standing on his own for a moment here and there.....walking is just around the corner.

Look for camping photos soon! We had a lovely labor day weekend of camping. JJ did just wonderfully! he LOVED his canoe ride, playing with his cousin, auntie, and uncle. Going for walks and a ride to walmart to take a nap :-D

We are hoping to continue Stroller Skating and add Kindermusic soon. The busy fall season is upon us: Camping, Camping, Trip to Sedona, More Camping, Halloween, Family Birthdays, Our 13th Anniversary, Thanksgiving, FIRST BIRTHDAY, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Years!

It's the most wonderful time of the year.....

2009-08-27T19:28:00.000-07:00

What's so funny??

Tomorrow we are going to a Stroller Skate Off......not sure what to expect but I hope it involves me in roller skates and JJ in the stroller....I think we will BOTH enjoy that :-) The other way around would be just too silly!

On the work front: I am doing LOTS of research on how to build my own website/blog. I am so excited to work on this. Since I have cut back on my hours to see patients, I wanted to make sure I was still "working". The website has needed updating for over a year....and I have been dying to add a blog on PRACTICAL tips for healthy families. There are some wonderful resources available but I think many of the gurus are so over the top that families don't have the time/money/fortitude to stick it out. .....that's my two cents.....

On the Knitting Front: I am knitting a few hours here and there. Working on the Great American Aran Afghan. I have started the first square and am about 20 rows in....only 60-ish to go :-) I also need 19 more squares.....my goal is to have it done in time for JJ to take to college with him ;-D

I am also knitting on a shawl that is to be a gift to the midwife who delivered JJ. .....any other ABC mamma's out there....SHHhhhhhhhh! It's a surprise!

Well, that's it! Just had to share another LOVELY photo of my boy!

2009-08-25T13:15:00.001-07:00

Family Picture Day-

JJ will be 9 months old in just seven days.......my how time flies.....and how full our hearts!

2009-08-20T05:44:00.000-07:00

Growing, Growing...

and for your viewing pleasure:

2009-08-11T18:12:00.000-07:00

Photo Day!Today we went to get photos of JJ with his cousins. It was fun! Chaos.....but fun!

Do I have the most beautiful nieces or what?

Here is Mr. JJ just as cute as can be!

2009-08-04T13:56:00.001-07:00

EIGHT MONTH UPDATE!

Jj is officially 8 months, he is more amusing and adventurous every day.

He is over 20 pounds and so we have taken out the infant car seat and upgraded to the Britix rear-facing. It's SO much easier to move him in and out and not that huge carrier...I got tendonitis from lifting it in and out of the car...so it HAD to go!.....but I do miss how easily he used to sleep in the infant carrier and how it attached to the stroller.....but we are moving into "big baby" toys and activities now which is good for all of us.

JJ loves to crawl, explore and pull to standing on EVERYTHING. We still struggle with sleeping but it is SO much better than it was a few months ago and I am sure in a few months this will be behind us as well....replaced by new challenges.

As parents we are struggling to balance our new life (work, baby, marriage, friends, hobbies). But I feel we are doing great. JJ hasn't had to go to daycare or a babysitter. He is cared for by loving family always. I hope we can continue this for him as long as possible. It's such a blessing for all of us.

My practice continues to grow and JJ is now enjoying coming along with me a few hours a week:

Mommy! I'm helping out at the office!

And we try to get in a family adventure at least once a month. This time we picked Peaches and made homemade jam:
Yeah, yeah, that one on the left....Peaches for me and a few for mom and dad.

YUM! Fresh from the orchard

Oh No! He has been corrupted forever......ice cream.....

We are making other adjustments as well in response to JJ's growing capabilities:
Time to lower the crib! We also had to move some furniture, remove the changing table from the pack-n-play, remove the diaper organizer from the pack-n-play, move baby toys out of the playroom to make room for bigger toys, remove the fireplace tools from the hearth......there are new things each day that have to be moved or adjusted.....it's awesome! he is growing so fast.

Little Explorer

I LOVE bathtime.....FINALLY! JJ was afraid of the pool and bath for a few weeks but now he giggles and plays with his ducks. We haven't been in the pool in a while...it's been so rainy. Hopefully this weekend we'll swim with the cousins.

Miss Ellie, wearing the dress I knit for her......isn't she precious?!

2009-07-14T19:27:00.000-07:00

2009-07-14T18:37:00.000-07:00

Fair Haven Trip Continuted:

This was a historic walk. It's the same stroller, hat, beach and pier as Big Jason enjoyed 34 years ago....

Four Generations: Grandpa Gene his daughter Judy, her son Jason and his son Jason......the big smiles are obviously genetic....

Grandpa Jim showing JJ how to drive the boat (this is one of the few moments JJ was not SCREAMING during the boat ride. He hated the life jacket)

JJ enjoyed his grandparents every minute of our trip.....he looked for them when we got home and spent several days GRUMPY that he couldn't find them....

2009-07-10T13:55:00.000-07:00

We spent 10 days in heaven......Fair haven that is :-) The weather was cool and gave us a break from the Dallas Oven temperatures.....also JJ had lots of FIRSTS!

Here is his first plane ride!

He did just great. He loved having Mommy AND Daddy's uninterrupted attention for HOURS. We played, snoozed, ate and read his ducky book.

We spent many days like this......scooting around the blanket in the shade. At first JJ just shivered at the grass so we didn't worry that he would leave the blanket....as the week went on he got braver and sometimes ventured into the grass. We even had one day warm enough for a little splish splashing...

Most mornings JJ and his new BFF, patsy, watched Baby Signing Time....until it was warm enough to play outside (and mommy got to shower and eat breakfast).

JJ enjoyed his first visit to a playground with his cousin Malcolm and they both just giggled and giggled on the swings! (HINT: Daddy we need a swing!)

More Photos to come.......his first boat ride, FOUR generations in one photo, a historic walk and the greatness of grandparents....

2009-06-12T15:58:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!, Howdy!, and THANK YOU!

Congratulations to our "little brother" John. He graduated from High School last week. We are officially graduates of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program....but we got John a Netbook for Graduation so that we can all stay in touch.

"So Proud"

HOWDY GRANDPA!!!! Grandpa hasn't been to visit since JJ was TINY......we're thrilled that he is here.

THANK YOU!!!! To Marc and Michelle who have passed along toys their three beautiful daughters have outgrown.....JJ is thrilled! and so are mom and dad. We won't have to buy anything for a LONG while.

We LOVE to recycle! Especially TOYS!

I'm feeling blessed, this is a fun age and we are all enjoying it very much. Sleep is much better, not great but it's enough to survive on now.....Mom and Dad even get a few hours in the evening to watch a movie, read, play farmtown......

We're looking forward to our next big adventure: Traveling with JJ. We have a trip to NY planned for this summer and a week in Sedona planned for the fall....

2009-06-09T23:29:00.000-07:00

Well, it's 1:30am and I can't sleep......I have a busy day tomorrow and am just thinking of a million things.....thought I would share a couple of them with you web people:

I was wasting time on the internet the other day and came across this great website. It had a recipe for Black Bean Soup and I had all the ingredients....so guess what I made yesterday? I put it in the fridge and enjoyed it today for lunch with my friend and my cleaning lady....we all agreed it was DELISH.

Mary, the cleaning lady said "if you added cliantro this would be even better" and we all agreed.....

After reviewing that thought today (I can't sleep remember?) I was hit with this High School memory: in 9th grade English we had a "technical writing assignment" to write out "how to" do something. One option was how to cook something and so I talked it over with my mom (since I was in 9th grade and wasn't cooking a whole lot) and I wrote out Spaghetti sauce or something (damn that was a long time ago)....one of the steps was to "chop and add cilantro"....I nearly failed the assignment because my teacher didn't agree that the recipe would have cilantro.....he kept me after class to discuss it and everything (because he was Italian and just knew how to cook everything).....well it was MY recipe, and I added Cilantro (well, Mom's recipe and SHE liked Cilantro).....the spelling was correct, the steps were easy to follow he just didn't want to use Cilantro?????

Well, this is just one of 587 reasons (which I might list one day) I hated High School......that AND:

I had more than one teacher suggest I would not be successful in life due to my performance in high school....

my cleaning lady would probably disagree.....she liked my bean soup.

2009-06-04T07:41:00.000-07:00

Our Trip to Children's Hospital:

It went off without a glitch!

The hardest part was keeping him awake for several hours before the test to ensure sleep during the EEG.......so the car ride was awful. Daddy drove us downtown and I sang and basically annoyed my baby for an hour.....he screamed and just kept closing his eyes and then looking at me "Mom, I WANT TO SLEEP, you usually want me to sleep, I don't understand".....and then he got hungry.....I felt like a bad mamma keeping him awake and hungry.....

When we arrived, I took him out of his carseat and he was HAPPY! We even got a great parking spot, arrived early enough to take a stop at the Trainscape. He LOVED it, and we loved it too. Daddy just kept saying "it's a good thing he's not any older, we would never get him outta here".

(yes, he and I are "jailbirds")

Can you believe our boy started to fall asleep just during the set up for the EEG? Daddy asked if we could feed him while they poked on his head.....GOOD THINKING DADDY.....happy tired baby....that is red marking pen....it was a "painless test".

Then we woke him up so they could compare his "awake" brainwaves. He didn't want to wake up....look at that tired little man

He slept all the way home.....mommy and daddy wanted to too.....it was a long but SMOOTH AS SILK day! Thank you for all of your prayers and good thoughts.....THEY WORKED!

We already have the results as of 9:48am this morning: JJ is perfectly normal! Our doc says: It doesn't completely rule out Epilepsy, but makes it HIGHLY unlikely. So JJ's tremor is just a tremor......I was really hoping for mutant powers.....but I'll take normal, in fact I LOVE normal....

2009-06-02T18:29:00.001-07:00

Note: tomorrow is our EEG at Children's Hospital. We should have results by Friday.....

SIX MONTHS:
("You want me to do what? I can't sit still!")

Dear Plankton,

A year ago today I was feeling you wiggle inside me for the first time.....I could hardly imagine what it would be like to be a mother...how hard and wonderful it would be. During my pregnancy I told daddy that you were FUNNY! he didn't believe me, he also could not figure out how I could know from your kicks and wiggles that you were FUNNY.....but you and I had our little jokes and I swear you were laughing while in my belly. I also knew you were blonde haired and blue eyed. I told Daddy your name would be Jason Jr. Daddy was not too sure but agreed to "see what you looked like before we committed to a name". He also shocked me by asking "what if he is dark haired like you"......I freaked out for two days just thinking about that....it seemed so wrong......

You are not only funny, you are HILARIOUS and you not only LOOK like your daddy but you have his jovial spirit, his ENERGY and his love of making other people smile......

And I have come to know you, not just a little glimpse but really getting to KNOW you......at first you were a stranger to me (so tiny and cranky), motherhood was strange to me......we have come a LONG way in the past six months (15 months really). We are learning to be a family, to work together, play together, BE together.

I look forward to every day with you. As I watch you grow, I know that my heart is growing too. I didn't know if I could really change for you and with you.....you have left me no choice....you are making me into a mother. It's a beautiful and some days painful thing to become. I look forward to watching you and your mate go thru this transformation as well.....

I won't say I have enjoyed every day of the last six months, but they have been AMAZING and I can say that I look forward to the next six.....WE HAVE A PARTY TO PLAN!!!!!

I love you!,
your mamma

Enjoying a walk during our camping weekend

First Sippy Cup

A trip to the Farmer's Market

Angels

2009-05-26T15:01:00.000-07:00

6 month check up! (a few days early)

*Just a quick note that I LOVE our doctor.....he is so sweet, spends time, answers questions and is just an all around neat guy. If you are looking for a family doctor check out www.harmonyfamilyhealth.com *

Now on to the stats:
16.8 pounds, 27 inches (or as the doc says he is "two foot, three") and his head is 17.5 inches around. He is "well developed, well nourished, well appearing, alert, active and in no apparent distress" :-D

On the other hand, the doc was able to see JJ's little "head shakes" that I have noticed for the past three months but just chalked up to "a weird baby thing" (there are a LOT of those). Thank goodness JJ did this right in the office! Doc says "I am sending you to see a Neurologist at Children's Hospital". He has met all of his developmental milestones so there are no worries there but we might see something on an EEG or an MRI. Especially with JJ's history of respiratory arrest at birth......

Please keep a good thought for us that the head shakes are just "a weird baby thing"......or maybe a sign of baby genius, or special mutant powers, or......just something SIMPLE. The doc reminded me this is nothing NEW and won't change anything.....I know that in my heart.....just a little un-nerving.

No new photos here, but if you are on facebook check out the photos we uploaded recently....

More soon....

2009-05-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

New Camera for Mother's Day:

I got a new camera for Mother's Day.....it's all fancy and has lots of buttons that I have no idea what they do.....but I'm learning....

Here's my boy all "prepped out".

And "on the move"

Last weekend was Miss Ellie's Welcome Party.....it was a BIG TO DO at my house....it was so much fun but boy am I glad it's over :-)

My beautiful sister and her beautiful daughter

Photos of the FUN

and now for the cutes giggle on the planet:

2009-05-16T05:37:00.000-07:00

Catch Up:

A little catch up on our adventures in the life of new parents....

My First Mother's Day: We hosted a breakfast at our house which was a lot of fun. We had My sister and her two daughters over along with my dad (the rest of the family was out of town). JJ thought it was a cousin party for him (it was). The dad's made waffles, sausage and OJ. My sister was DYING for crab legs so we went to Big Shucks for dinner....it was WONDERFUL!

Our original plan had been to go to Ren Faire but the weather report was for rain... babies, strollers and MUD were just not our idea of a fun day so we restructured our plans only to watch a beautiful day unfold.....but we all enjoyed Mother's Day very much...

JJ LOVES his Cousin Ava

Yesterday we went to the mall for a small errand and I watched dozens of kids with large yellow bags with LEGO stamped across them run all around the Mall.....WE MUST FIND THE LEGO STORE I said to my sister and look what we got to do:

Build a block...

Hand it to the MASTER Lego builder to help him create an 8 foot tall R2D2 out of legos and we got a certificate for helping and a coupon to the NEW Lego Store

JJ thought it was AMAZING! He loved watching the kids at the mall (ice skating, playing, in strollers, at the disney store)

I can't wait until he is old enough for his own set of Legos! They have huge sets for 18months old. They are train sets, zoo, farm....it's adorable. Also, Mommy loved looking in Build a Bear, JJ didn't really get it.....that will have to wait til he is older. :-)

In other news:
JJ is trying very hard to crawl. He rolls over both ways, and now scoots around a bit...it's very exciting! He sucks his right thumb (YEAH!, I have been hoping and wishing for this, cause you can't loose it like a binky) and is much more interested in butternut squash than rice cereal but is still not thrilled with solids so we're not pushing them.....just trying it out here and there when he seems excited to watch us eat. We have a doc appt next week so I'll have a weight update at that time (I'm thinking 16 pounds).

2009-05-02T18:11:00.001-07:00

Five Months Old! OH MY!

Time Flies when you are having fun...and we are getting older by the minute.....DANG!

We had a wonderful visit with Grandma. All day Friday we had both babies. Thank goodness for Grandma. I got laundry done, and even got to wash some baby stuff that has needed washing for MONTHS and we made dinner for the whole family.

Poor Maddie was fighting off a cold and was pretty tired and miserable.....JJ too....so it was a long hard day of fussy babies but Grandma didn't seem to mind. I think she was happy to be needed and play with the little ones. They are growing up so fast.

Videos:

and for those "professional mammas" out there: yes, he is too young for that chair and probably too young for cereal.....but it's all for entertainment right now....and this is ENTERTAINING!

Happy Five Months my little Plankton....mamma loves you!

2009-04-28T12:48:00.000-07:00

Sleeping Baby.....

well, i thought I better post it.....my baby is sleeping! Those of you who read my facebook, blog and talk to me hear me whine about my non-sleeping baby.....so I thought I better post when he IS sleeping :-)

he slept wonderfully the last two nights and is on his THIRD nap today, of course this is so unlike him, I am thinking he might be fighting something off (swine flu perhaps?....HA HA HA HA HA).

Actually, I think he finally wore himself out with all the weekend excitement and a very busy day yesterday.

I love his joy, laughter and excitement for life.....he is teaching me so much about my heart and how I need to live more in the moment.....what a gift!.....and it's so much easier to see that WHEN HE IS SLEEPING! :-D

2009-04-23T09:01:00.000-07:00

Me Too!

I received a call at 6:30am this morning that my SIL's babysitter was in the hospital last night and she needed someone to care for my little niece.....YEAH! I was so excited that JJ and I got to play today with his cousin.

Then the terror set in: I still had to get to work at 3pm. Would I be able to get dressed, eat breakfast, Pee with TWO babies?

I jumped in the shower, got dressed and put make up on while I had just one baby (JUST one....HA!). My niece arrived with big smiles ready to play. JJ smiled and laughed at the craziness yet to come.

My SIL then goes thru the instructions for my niece which include: feed her cereal (WHAT? OMG!), go ahead and just strip her down because the cereal goes everywhere," I just set her on my knee and feed her" she says (Again, WHAT?).....

Well, after all the instructions of bottles and diapers and naptime etc...she left for work and I stared at the two babies in my house.....trying to look brave so that they would not see my panic!

We settled into the bouncy seat and swing in my kitchen and I "put my big girl panties on" and started to mix rice cereal....I did however leave the little one in her bouncy seat with a bib on (no naked knee sitting in my house today, thank you very much). I start to feed her (she is really funny and LOVES her cereal, tries to grab the spoon but really just spits all the cereal out on herself) then JJ starts to fuss, so I pretend to give him a bite (the last time I did this he GAGGED in a big way so I figured the pretend bite would satisfy him) and go back to feeding my little niece. Then JJ starts to scream (me too, me too)....so I give him a real bite and he LOVES it. So now I had to mix him up his own bowl of cereal and feed one blue spoon bite and then one pink spoon bite.....it was so cute. My niece spit most of hers on her bib but really enjoyed it very much. JJ made faces like I was feeding him something rotten but cried for more. I didn't even use a bib because he just ate it up (and I am not so good with remembering bibs). I think we were both surprised!

I can't wait to try cereal again tonight with Daddy!

Now both babies are sleeping (after a very dramatic crying spell). Each cuddled up in their own bed. And I got to eat a bowl of cereal myself!

what a day! and it's only 11am.

Next will be "tummy time".....

2009-04-21T17:53:00.000-07:00

What I know for Sure:

NOTHING and I mean NOTHING can prepare you for the complete change of life that mommyhood brings. It's like being dropped off, and I mean without time to plan the trip or pack your bags....just dropped off in a foreign country. No language skills, place to sleep, etc.

I am too sleep deprived to do math, give directions, think of a word, place or time of something we have done in the past, or operate big machinery...possibly ever again

The diaper bag must be repacked every day

Every piece of clothing has drool on it

I am more fun, exciting and beautiful to a four month old boy than I had ever imagined I could be......

I am still not sure it's an even trade for the pregnancy, labor, delivery, no sleep, no life, no money, did I mention NO SLEEP, change of life he has brought on...but it's been very interesting.

I have super-sonic mommy hearing....I can hear him breathe from across the room

I desperately need a pedicure (among other things)

Swaying, rocking, bouncing for HOURS every day doesn't burn enough calories to loose the rest of the baby weight

I'm FUNNY.....wanna see:

2009-04-12T18:46:00.000-07:00

Bluebonnets as promised.....

Martha and Ellie, Daddy, Mommy and Baby

My boy enjoying the Texas Sprintime

2009-04-12T13:01:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter!

We took all the babies to our neighborhood Egg Hunt on Sat and then for photos in the Texas Bluebonnets (still waiting for those to be downloaded)

Then Church and out to breakfast on Sunday.....more church photos coming soon....here is the baby in his Sunday Best.....wait til you see his Cousin, she was wearing a pink bonnet, it was adorable

2009-04-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

Baby Playing and Teething:

A video of the baby for your viewing pleasure....

Also, today my friend is having Round Two of Chemo, her name is Alissa, please pray for her that she tolerates the Chemo well and that it blasts away her tumors. THANK YOU!

2009-04-07T18:41:00.000-07:00

Aunite Jen takes the BEST photos and Oprah is amazing!

Auntie Jen and Cousin Maddie came over for a visit. We went shopping for "Baby's First Easter Basket" (yes, it's really all for us, babies don't eat candy) and then played and had dinner together. She takes the best photos of the kids. The babies have recently started to recognize each other, smile and even coo at each other. It's so adorable....

Plankton is showing Maddie how to BOUNCE in the exersaucer

He is such a "little man"

Mommy's Beautiful Boy

For those who watch Oprah and for those who don't: the episode yesterday was WONDERFUL. It was all about Mommyhood and keeping it REAL. I loved it. If you are a mommy and have not yet seen it, I highly recommend watching it or reading about it here.

I plan to have a bigger post, but here are two "mommy confessions" for you:
I dropped Chocolate ice cream on my baby's head (before noon) while he was in the wrap.....and laughed.....he barely noticed.
And I have worn an outfit a whole day, slept in it and then wore it the next day.....hey, it already had drool on it, why start all over again?

What is your Mommy Confession? And what do you wish you could let go of in your life to enjoy motherhood more?

2009-04-07T08:12:00.000-07:00

Wishin' I Was Fishin'

Plankton: Mamma!!!! I am Wishin' I was Fishin'

Me: Yes, baby we are gonna go fishin' at THE COTTAGE in just 78 days!

Plankton: Really? That is great!

2009-04-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

FOUR MONTHS OLD!

Oh my! I can't believe our little one is four months today.

We are officially out of the "4th trimester". I appreciate this term now. It's when baby and mom are adjusting to their life with baby OUTSIDE the womb. It's truly an adjustment for both of us. So many things are talked about with "trimesters" of pregnancy. The sizes, what is developing etc. So to call these past few months another trimester makes sense. It's a huge adjustment along with lots of numbers and statistics. The whole family changes and grows during each trimester but this 4th trimester is the hardest. It's painful to grow that much. It's worth it but it is a painful process to outgrow your thoughts, your understanding of the world and your old life. All while gaining new skills in parenting, communication, eating and sleeping.

We have survived the change so far and on most days think we are doing so with flying colors. The three of us are working as a team, which is amazing. Daddy has been so patient, helpful and loving, baby keeps us laughing and puts up with our moments of parenting stupidity and mommy just hangs on for dear life.

Well, enough reflection and the much anticipated PICTURES:

Our preferred way to travel, around the house, at the store, etc etc....

His FAVORITE toy....a frog with two rings....he just lights up when it's brought out....and especially when daddy makes him sing and dance :-)

Oh and the promised video of my baby LOVING himself on youtube:

2009-03-26T15:24:00.000-07:00

As Promised: More Photos and an update from our Doc visit today

Baby is 13.8 pounds (37% percentile), Head Circ is 16.75 inches (77% percentile) and 25 inches long (63% percentile). Doc says he is well developed, well nourished and alert, active with no apparent distress....other than teething.

2009-03-25T16:33:00.000-07:00

May I present THE cutest family EVER!

We had so much fun today at the Portrait Studio, daddy has this week off from work so we went to take photos....baby started giggling and smiling for the camera and I said "daddy, this is going to be expensive...." We got a great deal on our pictures....so be ready to see more soon...

2009-03-22T19:28:00.001-07:00

Baby's First Camping Trip:

We had an AWESOME trip. Baby did wonderful, enjoyed the weather, stroller rides, shopping, his cousin, auntie and uncle. He just didn't sleep so good in the camper, so we came home a day early....which was fine because today we did the grocery game, visited with Ellie and had dinner with Grandma Natalie and Grandpa Ira.

Check out all the camping photos on our Cousin's blog:

We have a doctor visit Thursday....check back for the stats :-)

2009-03-17T21:59:00.001-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day and Welcome to our new Niece/Cousin:

Here is the boy in his "green" outfit for today....thanks to Manda and her WONDERFUL knitting skills....of course it was 80 in Dallas so he wore it for the photo and then we had to strip him down to cool him off.... :-)

Approx. 105 days and 7 hours after our birth at the local birth center, my niece was born in the very same room. She had a water birth, and her big sister cut the cord....it was WONDERFUL and very exciting! Here we are welcoming her:

Here is my BIG boy! He is getting HUGE! We know he is over 14 pounds but have yet to get an "official" weight check at the doctor.

I am doing so much better this week, now I know why folks say just wait until 3 months....all things really do change. We are FINALLY settling into a sleep pattern that is "predictable" (all new parents know how loosely I use this term), he is eating better (imagine that), smiling, laughing and just all around a lot more fun. It's not that life with baby is "easy" by any stretch of the imagination but at this point it feels more "survivable" and there are moments that it is truly FUN!

Hubby has this week and next week off from work (it's a cost savings shut down at work) so we get to be a little family EVERY SINGLE DAY! It's so much fun! We have projects to work on and both the boys have come to work with me a couple of times....I LOVE IT! Tomorrow hubby is going to paint the family room (it has been in various stages of "started" since before thanksgiving) while baby and I are out with friends. Then this weekend we are going CAMPING

It will be our first camping trip since Thanksgiving and our first trip with the baby!

more photos to come.....

2009-03-07T08:49:00.000-08:00

3 month update:Here is the BIG BOY! He is 14 pounds, by our bathroom scale. I can't wait to get an "official" weight at the docs office. Check out his "80 degree" day outfit. Yes, we had an 80 degree day yesterday.

Auntie Amelia came to visit and got to see the boy for the first time, she fell in LOVE, how could she not. Plankton had two amazing days with two of his cousins. He thought they were HILARIOUS, he just stared and laughed at them. He refused to take any serious naps for fear he would miss a moment of the cousin-excitement.

Daddy's 34th birthday, last year we forgot to take photos and it was just the two of us. This year we are a family.
And we spent the evening with our big family celebrating. Good food and even better company.
Cousin Ava, the "little mama".

And of course another video: "Grandma Natalie" found this seat at Babies R Us and said "it's perfect, he must have it"......I wasn't too sure but of course the boy LOVES LOVES LOVES this new toy. So now it is mammas favorite too :-) THANK YOU NATALIE!!!!

2009-02-24T10:42:00.001-08:00

In an Octopus's Garden

Here is my adorable son.... another video, if you can stand it (click the link if the embeded video doesn't work)
and yes I do know that my desire to stare at my baby 24/7 and think EVERYTHING he does is amazing and genius doesn't extend outside of my immediate family.....but that just doesn't stop me from posting more videos :-)

This little guy is more and more like his daddy every day:

1) they both LOVE TO EAT
2) they get grumpy if they don't eat
3) they are both BOOB men
4) they talk a LOT
5) they LAUGH and LAUGH and LAUGH.....everything is HILARIOUS in our house, especially mamma
6) they love to ride in the car
7) they are both MORNING boys
8) they both love family, the more aunties, cousins etc around the happier they are

I can't wait until the little one SLEEPS as much as Daddy likes to! Then I will be in HEAVEN!

2009-02-18T06:54:00.000-08:00

Another GOOD MORNING!, my baby wakes up just like me and daddy....ready to go!

Yesterday was my first day back to work. Plankton joined me and was fussy and screamed most of the time. We did get a bunch of stuff done that has been on my todo list for MONTHS (no, not the thank you notes/birth announcements, I am REALLY hoping for enough time this weekend). And I saw some patients....some very understanding and patient patients :-) My office was it's usually chaos, which I LOVE! GOD BLESS Auntie Martha who snuggled, fed and soothed my screaming baby.....

It wasn't a complete bust, nor a raving success and we'll try again later this week and next week. We'll get the hang of this "work" thing again soon.

OOOhhhhhhh, also GOD BLESS Dr. Margot who has kept my clinic running more smoothly than when I was there alone. She is a wonderful doctor a kind hearted soul AND she has agreed to stay on and join me....YEAH!!! Also one more GOD BLESS to Kimberly who treats my patients with warm, therapeutic touch. She is a joy to work with.

Okay, enough of that....I am off to a family appt and then KNIT CLASS!

2009-02-15T06:23:00.000-08:00

Good Morning!

Baby slept well, mommy not so much..... but we did get to play this morning before Daddy woke up. Of course, before I grabbed the camera, baby was giggling....you don't get to see that but you can see how much more active he has become and why we say the mornings are the BEST!
About 20 minutes after playtime, baby is SLEEPING!

2009-02-14T06:58:00.000-08:00

Date Night:

Hubby and I spent a LAUGHTER filled evening reading the "free" posts on Craig's List. It was probably the best date night we have had in a long time (okay we don't have a lot to compare it to....).

So, if you need a good laugh....or some more junk for your garage go read the free posts.....and read them with your best hillbilly accent....

Here is my favorite one:

Yeah, okay. It's weird. Tons of Mismatched Socks. (Frisco):
I must have a decades worth of lonely, mismatched socks - men's, women's, and both boy's and girl's - all sizes. It's ridiculous. I was going to throw them away but it seems like such a waste. There is a large tub full of them. Can someone use them? Sock puppets? I don't know....

2009-02-12T06:41:00.001-08:00

GOOD LUCK

This little yellow outfit was worn by my nephew and niece. My sister gave it to me when were trying to get pregnant as a good luck charm. She said our baby would wear it. She was so confident. I put this little outfit under my pillow and slept over it every night of my pregnancy. Hoping that we would not only become pregnant and stay pregnant but that I would carry a healthy baby and one who would wear this outfit just like his cousins did.

LOOK AT MY BOY!!! He is wearing that little outfit and it is nearly too small for him. :-)

What an awesome day! It's amazing how much can change in a year. Last year I was worried about my hormones and ovaries and this year I am worried about the Flu, all germs, and keeping my beautiful baby healthy.

I miss sleeping and being able to get showered and dressed in the morning without a big circus act.....but I don't miss all the worry over infertility and the possibility that we may never have a family....we are truly blessed this day!

2009-02-07T15:06:00.000-08:00

It's a jungle out there!

Plankton loves this baby toy at his Auntie Jen's house. He just ooohhh-ed and aaahhhh-ed over it. We had so much fun watching him enjoy it.

Plankton and I got to get out shopping yesterday and today.....it was awesome to get out. It's a lot harder to get out and about with a baby, stroller, diaper bag etc. But, I am thrilled to do that. I got to pick up a few things for ME! That was a huge treat, as well as few baby things and start shopping for my family (we exchange gifts in February in celebration of Intercalary Days, the Baha'i gift giving holiday). I also enjoyed lunch with two of Plankton's "Aunties", it was BLISS (and bumped into two others). They were patient with the feeding, baby walking, diaper changing and even said they had "fun".

We're starting to sleep a bit better, I am getting more confident about motherhood and Plankton is amazing! He is smiling and laughing.

We're even starting to make some plans for future travel......exciting!

2009-02-02T06:11:00.000-08:00

More photos of my adorable boy!, our weekend and some answers:

(Here he is in the sweater that mommy knit for him and sitting on the counter with Grandma watching mommy cook.)

He is getting so big! We had a great but BUSY weekend. Hubby had to work which left me with lots of baby time.

Sat I enjoyed our last day with Grandma here at our house. She worked on the boat bassinet, we talked and talked and then worked on printing out some photos and designing Plankton's birth announcement at Buddy's house (my dad). Better late than never.....

I don't want Grandma to leave, she has been so helpful. I have always enjoyed my in-laws but this time has been so special. We have shared colic, dirty diapers, first smiles, giggles, battery installation, diaper shopping, etc etc. She has helped (along with my wonderful family) to make my transition to motherhood easier, more enjoyable and less scary. I know she will be back soon but I don't want her to miss a minute of what is going to be the most amazing year of our lives.

Sunday was the baptism of my little niece. Check out photos on her blog. It was beautiful and the best part.....PLANKTON SLEPT RIGHT THRU IT!!!!! Also, little Madison seemed to enjoy it herself.

Then we stayed all day with Madison and her family to party and then party again for the superbowl. It was a great day....even if Plankton refused to take a decent nap.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:

1) yes, I am going to return to work, but a little later than I expected due to my broken tail bone and slow adjustment to mommyhood. I will be back to my "full schedule" by March....and a part time schedule before then. I don't know yet what we are doing for babycare. Some combination of Daddy working from home (maybe with some help from Char), Buddy cuddling him at the office and mommy reducing her hours.

2) Yes, thanks, I AM looking better. I have adjusted to an average of 3 hours of sleep as best I can. I finally know that everything is going to be okay.

3) Plankton IS big, he has nearly doubled in size :-)

4) Plankton is not his real name. It was our "belly name" for him and now it's his "blog name".

5) No he is not sleeping thu the night, he is still young, a "high needs" baby and he thinks he is going to starve if we don't feed him every 2-3 hours.....also, see #2

6) I know "it's going to get better soon".....is it soon yet?

7) Yup! He looks just like Daddy.....

8) NOPE! If it happened in the world after Dec. 2nd I know nothing about it....We didn't even watch the end of the superbowl....okay we did watch the inauguration...that was monumental.

9) why yes! he is the cutest, most handsome baby EVER!

2009-01-27T19:00:00.000-08:00

8 week check up and I might be a Cylon....

We are finally over the Plague at our house. It left both hubby and I weak and tired (hubby more so than me). Thank goodness for the grandmothers. They came, they helped, they didn't get sick! It was awesome. We would not have made it without them....

Today was Plankton's 8 week check up. Here are his stats:

Weight: 10 lbs 6 oz
Length: 21 inches

Everything else was right on target. In fact, we are going to cancel the appt for the Developmental Pedi. Our doc feels confident that our lil' guy is right on track and doesn't require any special follow up from his NICU days. YIPPEE!

He is already doing all the good baby things: reaching for an object that is midline, following a voice from one side of the room to the other, seeking out mamma and daddy from other noises in the room, holding head up if you put him in a seated position or to look up at things, little push ups when lying on his belly, mirrors facial expressions, I could go on and on, he is my little genius.

We are officially out of Newborn size diapers and most clothing. We have moved into Size One and Size 0-3 month clothing....YEAH! He is finally big enough we can try our cloth diapers again.

Even tho I have watched enough TV in the past eight weeks to last several lifetimes......I loaded up Battlestar Galactica today. I didn't realize how many episodes behind I was.....I am so ready to start "THE FINAL EPISODES". Dang! I love that show. It's a pretty complex show for a mamma with only two talking brain cells....but I still enjoyed it. I did start to wonder if maybe I am the last cylon....I wouldn't mind having some collective knoweldge right about now and six's body ;-D

The rest of the week will be sad: no knitting tomorrow, my MIL will be back for a few days but they are her final days, then we have my nieces' baptism (okay, so that will be fun)...time is FLYING by. Soon, Plankton will be writing his own blog from college.....

I have to put in one more plug for Metro Moms they have a great calendar on their site for things to do in DFW with kids....and I have I mentioned they give away AWESOME prizes? :-D

2009-01-24T14:45:00.000-08:00

Little Plankton did it again! His luck is amazing!

Remember a few months ago when we won the Stokke Sleepi crib? Well, he did it again. I didn't even have time to check the list of prizes but when I left the house I told little Plankton to think about what he wanted and send me with his good luck..... So off Andrea and I went to the Metro Moms Best and Hottest Event and drew number 5 and 6 out of 100. We both won TFK strollers. Check out our photos here. It was a great night and we signed up for another event in two weeks. We have so much fun with the Metro Moms.

Unfortunately the next morning I ended up with the stomach flu....YUCK! But thank goodness for the grandmothers who came to the rescue and let me sleep all night and rest all the next day. I am all better but sticking with bland foods for a while.

Well, here is our BIG BOY! He is over 9 pounds!

We go for his two month check up on Tuesday so I'll have another update with all the stats next week.

2009-01-20T11:44:00.000-08:00

An Update: and seven weeks today!

I finally made it to knit class last Wednesday. It was awesome to see the 'gals', let Plankton meet his aunties and we celebrated my birthday. The gals spoiled me with gift certificates. I can hardly wait to get out and spend them :-)

Check out these cupcakes....they were AMAZING. I choose a lemon and blueberry one. I am not a frosting fan but that blueberry frosting was so delicious I would have eaten a whole bowl of it. Next time I am in Frisco, I am going to have to find this cupcake place for a second helping.
The cousins....hanging out looking adorable
Auntie Cheryl made custom bumpers and a blanket for Plankton's crib.....look how perfectly it matches the nursery! The fabric has mamma and baby manatees. Also, check out the mobile. We finally installed it. Plankton thinks it's just "amazing". :-) THANK YOU!!!!

Plankton is seven weeks old today, he witnessed the inauguration of our 44th president with mommy and daddy. What an historic moment for all of us!

2009-01-13T19:55:00.000-08:00

We've been gifted!

One of Hubby's amazing co-workers spouse made this. It has a really soft velvet other side and the photo doesn't show all the detail but the quilting is BEAUTIFUL!

Plankton looks so handsome today....I can't believe someone makes pants so little.

Tomorrow we are off to knit class.....I can hardly wait. I miss my girlfriends terribly and it's time for Plankton to meet all of his Aunties.

2009-01-12T00:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to me! and "the truth just sounds better":

Well, here it is my 33rd birthday and hubby says I am "one hot mamma". How true, how true :-)

I woke up to cake for breakfast.....THANKS MOM! what a way to have dessert first. Then my mother in law fixed the most delicious birthday dinner and we had all the family over. It was really fun. Plankton's aunties confirmed that he is getting bigger and heavier....yeah!

Thank you to everyone who posted or emailed, your support means a lot. One friend said "I'm glad you are not a plastic mom". MEE TOO! Then I thought, maybe I am being too honest on my blog? But I think "the truth just sounds better". And as they say on Jon and Kate Plus Eight "it may be a crazy life, but it's OUR life".

The past few days have been better. I think my remaining brain cells are done grieving for their lost relatives and have started talking to each other again. I got my hair cut by Victoria, THE MOST WONDERFUL HAIRDRESSER IN THE WORLD, on Friday. She came to the house, colored and cut my hair. Isn't that amazing?? Mom came too, since they are friends and kept Plankton happy. Then on Sat, I went to the grocery store and Babies R Us and then got a few things done on Sunday while my mother in law fixed dinner and the baby slept.

I may survive this newborn phase yet......

2009-01-09T02:03:00.001-08:00

Insomnia during new mommyhood is just NOT okay......I did a search online for Domperidone (the medication I started to pump up my milk supply) and Insomnia. It's a RARE side-effect (lucky me). I feel pretty confident it's the medication since the ONLY other time I have had insomnia in my life was during the first trimester of pregnancy.

While I am motivated to make more milk for my boy, not sleeping does VERY much interfere with my ability to parent.....so let's hope this side effect goes away with treatment.....like by TOMORROW!

Plankton is just sleeping away.....he is so adorable when he sleeps (I would post a photo but that might wake him up and even tho I am awake, it's nice that he is not). So you get the one above instead.....it's a weird angle but he's cute no matter what.

2009-01-08T11:10:00.001-08:00

If I had my old life back:

I would have gone knitting yesterday with my girlfriends....caught up on all the news and probably gone out to eat. I would also have recently had my haircut and colored, legs waxed, eyebrows done, and maybe gone to look at new glasses frames (I am sick of the ones I have), gone out to eat again, shopped at Sephora for new eye shadow (cause I am sick of the same shades I have been using for nearly 10 years), shopped the after Christmas Sales, found a pair of shoes (I really need a plain pair of black shoes), went camping with hubby.....I could go on and on and on...

Since being home and becoming a mom, I am thrilled with some of the changes and not with others. I would love to say that "it's totally worth it" like I hear so much from other mom's. I am not there yet. This experience is amazing and I don't want to trade it all back just yet....but I feel like the verdict is still out on if this is better than my "old life". So far it's not better it's just radically different.

I was too busy before to have noticed the whole eye shadow and glasses thing (not that I am wearing make up these days but I just noticed) and now that I have noticed....I can do nothing about it....DANG that is really annoying....I may not make it to Sephora and the eyeglass place but I can make it to target and grab a new eyeshadow when I pick up more formula/diapers/wipes :-) because it's all about realistic expectations and redefining "productive day".

In my previous life I was a MORNING person. Up early, wide eyed and bushy tailed. I would sleep 6-8 hours and then be ready for anything......now I am still a morning person, just not bushy tailed or bright eyed, and on a LOT less sleep. I didn't think I could be this tired ever again.... In fact, I was so tired I fell down the last to stairs last night on my way to bed (while daddy had baby duty for three hours), I'm not hurt but it shook me up and made me cry. I was this tired during graduate school.....but I have blocked most of that out of my memory. I also did things I now regret to stay awake and reduce the pain of exhaustion (mass amounts of diet coke and a few cigarettes).

In my previous life I enjoyed babies and kids and thought they were kool....but now my kid is AMAZING! He makes the weirdest noises in his sleep and is even teaching hubby and me his own version of baby sign language (he has a sign for daddy, mommy and food already).

In my previous life I ate healthy and stayed active....now, I love a quick snack (anything I can eat one handed and prepare in less than I minute), OREOS (yes, I will keep mentioning them until I can break my habit), and sit on the couch most of the day...

In my previous life, very little made me cry and now I cry nearly every day....sad, happy, angry, frustrated and joyful tears.

I'll leave you with my latest tear inspiring moment:

In my "Daily Hugs for Mom's " book on Plankton's birthday page:

"It is pleasant to see dreams come true" Proverbs 13:19

2009-01-06T22:22:00.000-08:00

Great Blog Posts

I have had all these great ideas for blog posts lately but I keep being interrupted by feeding the baby or peeing before I have to feed again or falling asleep or eating another oreo.

Finally I am able to post....why? Because I CAN'T SLEEP! I am exhausted, but for the first time in over 5 weeks I can't sleep. Maybe it's because hubby is going back to work tomorrow, or I had my first cup of coffee in a VERY long time at 10 am (more than 14 hours ago), or we ate a big dinner after 8pm. Plankton has been sleeping soundly for over two hours....but not me! I went to bed, read, prayed and then laid down to sleep....prayed some more....no luck....so, I decided to relieve hubby from baby duty to let him get a few hours of extra sleep before his first day back to work and here I write. Let's hope tomorrow is not a "no good, terrible, bad day".

Since, I am too exhausted to remember one of my cleaver blog ideas....I have mushy brain...it used to be such a good brain....but now it's mush....I am going to post a bunch of photos I meant to post earlier and we'll pretend this is a great blog post! :-) Photos are what my readers (all four of you) want to see anyway right?

Here is my adorable 12 day old niece wearing the sweater I knit for her

Here is my little man, looking exactly like daddy
This photo makes my heart skip a beat....Plankton has the most adorable feet I have EVER seen

Christmas Eve as a family of three!

My very crafty cousins invited me to participate in a swap on Ravelry, I eagerly signed up thinking this would be a very fun "end of pregnancy projec"t. The package had to be in the mail my Dec. 15th....I was due the 24th so I thought this was a great idea.....then Plankton arrived three weeks early and my poor swap partner ended up with a Knit Picks gift certificate on the final day of the swap (I did try to send her the package I made up for 10 days... I just couldn't get to the post office....at least she can pick something she wants....lots of books for 40% off maybe?). But check out MY adorable package. My lovely swap partner made booties for Plankton and even read my blog to find out I missed fall in the Northeast so she sent fall colors, yummy smelling apple stuff as well as yarn and other goodies. WOW! It was such a wonderful treat!

Plankton's first walk. We bundled him up and pushed the stroller out the front door, down the sidewalk to the driveway, up the driveway to our garage to show daddy.....then Plankton cried and his walk was over....it was one small step for me and grandma but evidently an exhausting outing for Plankton.

Well, that's it! Plankton is 5 weeks old today. Weeks 1-4 were very hard for all of us. There were days I was sure I wasn't going to survive. But I have had two really good days in a row. Plankton is sleeping better, eating like a little shark, and smiling at us! We celebrated today by going out to lunch as a family of three. Plankton slept the whole time and mommy and daddy enjoyed a lunch out. It was wonderful.....I just might make it after all.....

2009-01-01T11:59:00.000-08:00

Happy 2009!

This week last year I was recuperating from the surgery that made all of this possible. It's been such an amazing process.

On Tuesday we celebrated Plankton's four week birthday! I can't believe how much we have been thru in just four weeks and also that we have made it this long.

I haven't posted our recent challenges but Plankton didn't gain back his birth weight by 3 weeks....so we have had more doc visits, interventions and we found out yesterday that he gained TEN OUNCES!!!! in five days after we implemented our PLAN.

I am finding that motherhood is WAY harder than I had anticipated. I don't think anything can prepare you for this....my best girlfriend is pregnant and visited yesterday, I was trying desperately to think of something I could say, wisdom to pass along and the best I could come up with was: 1) have changing stations ALL over your house 2) get everything ready at least a MONTH before the baby arrives (this part is biased due to Plankton's surprise arrival) 3) Encourage hubby to take time off, you'll need the help and emotional support (again biased, I have been thru a lot and still not sure I am surviving this but each day I do, it's because of my husband and his positive attitude and help with EVERYTHING) 4) Let people help with food, cleaning, errands etc. Plan to do nothing but sit and nurse for weeks! 5) Get track suits or something COMFY to wear for those weeks of sitting and feeding.

That is it! Weak! It will not prepare her for the PROFOUND sleep deprivation, emotional rollercoaster etc that she is in for in just a few short months....but then again everyone adjusts differently.

I was shocked to learn:

1) How great just one hour of sleep can feel
2) That a shower can be a spa-like experience
3) That the idea of getting my hair cut seems impossible
4) I can feel like a hero and a complete failure in the same 60 seconds
5) My son is ABSOLUTELY the cutest creature I have laid eyes on
6) My body is amazing
7) My body is my enemy
8) Someone else doing the laundry, dishes, food prep is not just a luxury
9) Eating Oreo Cookies can fix nearly anything
10) That I am dying to go back to work and yet can't figure out how I can ever leave again...

It's been an experience! From the difficult labor, to a broken tail bone, to the hospital stay, to home, feeding issues, and trying to cope....thank god for hubby. He keeps me sane, gives me a break when I am sure I am going to run away, laughs with me, and shares my awe in the miracle that we created.

....duty calls.....and he calls loudly....

2008-12-25T12:44:00.000-08:00

HARK! the little baby angels sing

(Plankton and his little cousin celebrating their first Christmas!)

2008-12-18T19:10:00.000-08:00

Oh Happy Days!

Look who arrived on Sat! Nana and Poppy from New York. They were so excited to finally see the baby...

On Tuesday our little one (who is NOT named Plankton in real life, just a little FYI for all you blog readers) celebrated two weeks on the outside :-)

Today our little niece was born. Not to be out done by her cousin Plankton (again not his real name), she too arrived at 37 weeks and one day with some drama. She was born via c-section and kept her mom in the hospital all last week with high blood pressure awaiting her early arrival. Mom and baby are doing well. All the grandparents and most importantly the AUNTIE got to snuggle her today!

Jason and I would like to send out a HUGE thank you to all the friends and family who have stopped by to visit and brought food. We feel so blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives. We look forward to the opportunity to return the favor one day in the future.

Next week we'll have another update after our check up.....

2008-12-11T18:57:00.000-08:00

We went to our family doctor yesterday and we and we can now say that Plankton is OFFICIALLY perfect! :-) His weight is wonderful, everything is working well and our doctor said he would keep an eye on him and that it's possible we don't need to follow up with the Developmental Pediatrician in two months....that is a HUGE relief. He said the hardest thing for Plankton right now is eating and pooping so as long as he is doing both we know all is well. He is a champion nurser....which is amazing for a NICU baby. And he sure can poop...

We were so excited with the news!

We also found out I can easily stay on Vicodin for two weeks....YIPPEE! I thought I was going to get cut off....and I am still to sore to sleep thru the night without drugs....god bless pain meds.

Auntie Tasha posted an ADORABLE photo of plankton.

We received a WONDERFUL gift from Auntie Michelle and Uncle Marc.....a PHOTOGRAPHER! So we'll have more photos to post soon.

We want to send out a HUGE THANK YOU!!!!!!! to everyone who has brought meals. it is such a relief not to have to cook and just focus on taking care of the baby. Jason and I both greatly appreciate your love, support and delicious meals.

2008-12-08T06:39:00.000-08:00

38 Weeks! Well, today my computer tells me I am two weeks from my due date....HA! Plankton had his own time line...

Thanksgiving Day, we were camping at Lake Texoma: here I am showing off the "bump sweater" and socks that I knit to wear during the cooler days of my pregnancy....at least I got to wear them together ONCE :-)

Labor began at 4am... 7 days ago....WOW, I can't believe it's already been a week! Jason never missed a beat or a contraction. We worked as a team for 21 hours to bring Plankton into the world.

Plankton spent nearly a week in the Special Needs Nursery. It was scary and then comforting to know how well he was cared for.

We found out on Sat that the reason for the excruciating pain I had been feeling and ignoring after birth was due to a broken tail bone. My little boy KICKS BUTT, it's just too bad it was mine. By Friday I stopped holding him because in the NICU you have to SIT to hold the baby and I just could no longer do it. I would stand behind Jason while he held Plankton....then I went for an Xray Sat morning once we knew that the Neonatologist was on her way with an update that afternoon....I just couldn't leave until then. So, it's broken, nothing we can do but just have a reason for all of my pain and suffering.....and call and ask for SERIOUS drugs....advil wasn't working anyway. So, I am still in a LOT of pain, there is no sitting for me but at least I can get some relief and sleep a bit here and there.

After 5 days under wonderful watchful eyes in the NICU, Plankton was released to us for 24 hours of OUR care while still in the hospital. It was such a sweet moment. We had our OWN room just the three of us for the first time ever (we didn't take a photo we just enjoyed the moment). We all cuddled and mommy cried....

At 11am on Sunday we were officially RELEASED from the hospital! We packed up, dressed Plankton in a warm outfit (including the father/son mommy-made hats), put him in his carseat for the first time and went HOME. Mommy cried again....

We are home, right where we are supposed to be. The trauma is over, our family life has begun. It's sweeter than I could have ever imagined.

2008-12-07T17:06:00.000-08:00

We're HOME! Thank you for all the prayers and good thoughts.

We'll post photos and an update tomorrow.

2008-12-05T18:00:00.000-08:00

A little update:

Plankton is off oxygen, IV, most of his monitors and out of his special bed (this photo is from yesterday before the tubes came out). He is being monitored and we get to feed him, change him and hold him. The Neonatologist told us this morning that he MIGHT be able to come home on Sunday. They want to observe him for 24 hours after coming off of his IV, then give us 24 hours of "rooming in" at the hospital where we will have nurse support as needed but we do all his care....then he can come HOME!

We are asking for good thoughts and prayers that the three of us are HOME together this weekend!

We have had several offers of "what can we do to help".....THANK YOU FOR ASKING! Right now we are so overwhelmed with the hospital schedule and trying to see the baby as much as possible and still rest (which is really not happening) that we can hardly think clearly. However, as soon as we are home we are going to need help with meals, short visits to help us celebrate Plankton's arrival, errands etc. Once, we are home if you are available to help....PLEASE just call or email. We would love to take you up on your offer :-)

THANK YOU for all of the love and support! It means so much to us and we can't wait to introduce you to Plankton in PERSON!

2008-12-03T19:36:00.001-08:00

This should have been another post with belly photos but it's a photo of PLANKTON!

I went into labor at 4am on Dec. 1st. Baby arrived at 12:45am on Dec. 2nd. It was a LONG labor but went very well. We labored at home and at the birthing center. Jason was with me every second....he was amazing! It was an unbelieveable experience. Hard, long, painful and incredibly beautiful.

Baby popped out BLUE, he just wouldn't breathe....the midwives revived him and then we opened his eyes and passed out again....so he and Daddy took a ride with WONDERFUL EMTs to the hospital (while I rested for a few hours and then went to the hospital). He is being very well taken care of at the NICU. I finally got to hold him today and sounds like he'll be able to eat tomorrow. It is our great hope that he will be home this weekend. I am so ready to have him home and in my arms.

We're still coping and in survival mode around here but can't wait to be ready for visitors and enjoying our new life as a family of three.

2008-11-25T11:53:00.000-08:00

Anniversary, 8th month and more

Well, I am just going to POST! I keep waiting until I have a photo to share and well....it's just not happening right now. (I am making up for the lack of photos with links....be entertained okay?)

Jason and I celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary this past weekend. It's hard to believe we met over 14 years ago. 12 years ago today we were back in school after having had a beautiful wedding and a lovely weekend together. Here we are 12 years later, pregnant, we spent the weekend playing board games and we're back at work.....we're geeks and we're proud!

We usually spend our anniversary weekend at the Board Game Geek Convention and this year we did that but only for two days (usually we stay three or four). We played some AWESOME games including the new Battlestar Galactica game. It was really good but lasted nearly 4 hours and my brain was mush by the end. I loved learning Goa, Dominion, Power Grid
and I am sure there were others but I can't remember. We got to see old friends and met some new ones too. I also must say that I love the DFW Westin hotel. They have the most wonderful shower and bed.

I am now officially 8 months pregnant....dang this pregnancy is flying by! We have just 28 more days to go (give or take 14) and I am feeling ready. I have been blessed with a happy and healthy pregnancy. But, I am tired, uncomfortable and ready to HOLD this baby in my arms and not in my abdomen. He is active and likes to head butt my pelvis and kick me in the ribs....it was cute the first time....it's no longer cute....it hurts. I love being pregnant, it's the most amazing, awesome, hard to describe experience ...and now I am done. Which I am really happy about, it means I am making the transition to be ready for birth and motherhood....

We are also preparing for Thanksgiving which will be at our favorite campground again this year. We are heading out on Wednesday and plan to return Friday or Sat depending on the weather and the fishing. We'll participate in the BIG potluck (last year was over 350 people) and this year my family is going to meet us there for the day. There will be several of us and I am looking forward to a day outside, letting the cousins play, the dogs be crazy and the adults relax and visit.

Then I hope we can come home, decorate for Christmas, put the carseat in the car and pack our birth bag....as of Monday the baby will be "full-term" and he can come anytime safe and sound.

I also hope to have PHOTOS to post....some from Thanksgiving and some BELLY PHOTOS! :-) I know you are all dying to see how HUGE I am.....but the truth is, I am not really gaining weight.....I have the full permission of my midwife to eat Ice cream, whole milk, and whatever else I would like. She said I don't have to drink Ensure just yet (thank goodness) but that I need CALORIES! (it's so against everything I am used to).....but I am going to do the best I can. I stopped and got a Frosty on the way home....but then was too full to eat anything else. I'll try again in a couple of hours.

I think that is it for my update.....have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a great Black Friday....

2008-11-14T07:39:00.000-08:00

Sonogram Update:

ALL IS WELL! Plankton is approximately 5 pounds (WOW!, I was only 5 pounds 14 ounces at BIRTH), he is practicing breathing and sucking on his hands/fingers/thumb....which is the best sign that he is not distressed in any way. His placenta is right where I thought it was (on the left where he likes to curl up and sleep) and it is not disrupted in any way.

We are healthy and happy!

My midwife thinks we may HAVE a baby by Christmas. She really doesn't think I'll go past my due date......interesting.....wonder if Plaknton got the memo.....

I have been planning on a "late" baby.....so I am going to speed up my plans for packing, organizing etc.

And for Jen: My waist is 40 inches around at 34 weeks......GOODNESS!

2008-11-13T05:33:00.000-08:00

A few more Guatemala Photos (I just couldn't resist) This is our last day, we are headed for the airport
one of the fountains at our hotel, it was a simple hotel but the grounds were AMAZING!

My BEAUTIFUL front Door.....Melissa gave me this beautiful wreath to take home after my baby shower so that my house would be all ready for all of Plankton's visitors. Isn't it PERFECT? I have never had such a beautiful wreath. THANK YOU MELISSA!

Well, here I am at 34 weeks: I know I am making a funny face, I was struggling with the camera position.

I am off today for a second Sonogram, we were planning to just have the one at 20 weeks but Plankton is measuring small (big surprise there eh?...have you been keeping track of the photos?) so we're going to check him out today and come home with a few more pictures. He is very active and has a strong heartbeat so there is no huge concern other than checking sizes of all his little parts. Also, I had a fall yesterday, everything is fine but we're just going to make sure....I'll post more photos and an update soon!

ON THE KNITTING (Nesting) FRONT:

Here are the "Coming Home" Hats for Big Jay and Baby Jay...Mom's hat is in progress and I just might have to make a second one for Plankton that he can grow into. I used Koigu for Plankton and soft and wonderful Berrocco Comfort for the adult hats. We're going to be so cute!

The Entrelac Socks are nearly done. I had to pull out the toe and am putting it back in on the second sock. Should be done by this weekend (thanks to Andrea and about 10 yards from her ball of the same Socks that Rock yarn). The socks match my Bump Sweater (which I will post photos of soon, I have been wearing it and forgetting to take a photo) and I can't wait to wear the whole ensemble together.
And Finally Plankton's Baby Surprise Jacket. It just needs some finishing and buttons. I am going to find buttons tomorrow at JoAnn's since the ones I bought are too small....darn. This jacket is going to be so cute!....it's SUPER SOFT and I have a TON of yarn leftover so I just might have to make matching hat and booties.

The house and nursery are no where near done, but seriously that stuff can wait. I am hoping to get that huge surge of energy to clean house and finish up the nursery....still have a few weeks to go. Knitting is more fun! :-)

2008-10-31T09:40:00.000-07:00

Guatemala at 32 weeks!
(finding a ripe coffee berry)
(dressed in local Myan clothing)
(a cute street vendor)
(at our hotel)

We spent an amazing 4 days in Antigua, Guatemala for the wedding of Joe and Shelia. We took tours to make the most of our visit. We got to take a walking tour of Antigua learning about it's history as the capital of central america, we learned the workings of a coffee plantation, macadamia nut farm, a bit about the beautiful woven textiles famous in Guatemala. It was a grand time. The food was wonderful, the weather perfect and the company divine.

Now we are back home and I am recovering. I did great, walked everywhere and didn't miss out on anything (except the 3 hour volcano climb which I am glad we missed). I am more jet lagged and exhausted returning home than I was going to Antigua. Plankton was VERY active in Guatemala. I think he loved all the sights and sounds so different from my daily routine.

It's amazing how exhausting four days can be. I am still not back on track at home and work but hope that next week will go more smoothly.

2008-10-19T15:04:00.000-07:00

This is me at 30 weeks....the belly is growing (and something is wrong with my camera because all of my 30 week photos are missing part of my head)

Baby Shower #2 (last one)

Plankton has the most talented "Aunties" he received 3 hand made quilts, receiving blankets, burp cloths, knit blanket, knit socks (with matching mommy socks), adorable knit dragon socks, and slip covered crates (these are so cute and they match the nursery). He also received many adorable toys, outfits, a monitor and more. It was a day filled with DELICIOUS food, laughter, tears and JOY!

Plankton has the best "Aunties" and "Grandmas" EVER! And he already knows their voices, he really moves around when he hears all of us chatting. I can't wait him to meet each of you....

Today, I am catching up on laundry, dishes and eventually I will put everything in the nursery away, but for now I just love looking in there with all the gift bags and wonderful tiny treasures.

2008-10-17T14:18:00.000-07:00

BLESSED!

Check out this link, I am about 1/2 way down the page of photos:

http://www.metromomsevents.com/Photos/2008/20081016/20081016_BH1.htm

I have been attending Metro Mom events for about 7 months now, and this is the event everyone waits for. It's the Best and Hottest Event. We had a delicious dinner at Blue Mesa Grill. I met some new and lovely moms to chat with as well as old friends. Then everyone gets a number (random number selection) and then you get to choose your prize in number order. I picked NUMBER TWO! (there were 91 moms in attendance). So I chose the Stokke Sleepi System (the most expensive and largest prize on the floor). WOW! I was in SHOCK! Then at the end of the night, we got GOODIE BAGS! Not a bad take for the $45 ticket......

This is one lucky kid, I think he has inherited his Dad's luck already.....

Andrea, thank goodness sat next to me so that I didn't fall over from the shock and also has a taller SUV than me so she could bring the crib home....God Bless Andrea.....she didn't make out so bad herself. She came home with a really neat baby bathtub. Her photo is on the bottom of page 2.

We are 30 weeks and 5 days pregnant....time is ticking away. The Nurse-Midwife says all is well (as of my visit TODAY). I am measuring perfectly, the heartbeat is about 150 and Plankton kicked away the doppler so we know he is strong and in charge in his "widdle' womb". :-) I have gained about 14 pounds which may sound small to some ( the most common comment I get lately "but, you are so little") but I am right on track. Let's hope I can keep things that way. Since, Ice cream, root beer and frozen yogurt call to me constantly it might be hard to stay on track.....

More photos soon!

2008-10-07T05:06:00.000-07:00

Our First Baby Shower

(the Four Pregnant ladies, due in: December, January, March and May)

What a weekend! It started out on Friday with lots of errands to get ready for the showers. My shower was on Sat at Andrea's house. She and my SIL, Jennifer (with help from both grandmothers) did an amazing job. Everything was decorated with rubber duckies. It was ADORABLE. What a gift to have an afternoon full of Grandmothers and "Aunties" who can't wait for Plankton's arrival. The nursery is now full of baby goodness!

Then on Sunday we had my SIL's shower at our house. Another lovely party with beautiful tiny baby things everywhere. What fun!

Thank you, thank you to everyone who made this a fabulous weekend, and for your generous gifts for our precious little one.

2008-10-01T19:50:00.001-07:00

Third Trimester- 28 weeks

I can't believe how quickly our pregnancy is flying by. The first trimester seemed to drag on forever and now the 2nd trimester is already gone. We have been very busy with work and so that sure makes the time fly.

(here we are last year at a Cousin's Wedding)
On Sept 23rd 1994 Jason and I attended the Monroe Community College Leadership Retreat. Jason said he fell in love with me on the bus ride to the retreat....I was alseep so I don't remember. We met that night during the ice breakers....well, several of us met, including TWO guys named Jason. By the first night it was obvious MY Jason and I had so much in common. We traded phone numbers written on smooth flat Lake Ontario Rocks (Jason was so creative even then, how could I forget a guy who wrote his number on a rock?), we cuddled around the campfire (he gave me his flannel shirt to keep me warm) and walked along the beach discovering we had a lot in common. Within three months of dating Jason made me a promise anklet (remember friendship bracelets?), and I didn't take it off until our wedding day two years later. We were officially engaged on the same beach where we met two years earlier and eight weeks after our engagement we were married. Some folks thought we were having a shot gun wedding.....HA! It took us 12 more years to get "knocked up". I can hardly believe it's been 14 years since we met.....time sure flies where you are having fun and we have had some FUN!

Happy Birthday Esther!
Our Wednesday Knitters Group has so much to celebrate! Today we had cake, dinner and then DELICIOUS frozen yogurt to help Esther celebrate her birthday. Over the past year this group has been getting together to knit at Yarn and Stitches. We have all become like a family. We celebrate the occasions together, support each other thru the stressful days and eat chocolate together when there are no words....Lately there has been a lot of celebrating. Overcoming infertility, pregnancy, birthdays, family triumph etc.

I just can't thank these ladies enough for helping me to keep my sanity over the past year. Not just during the stress but also in helping me to celebrate this pregnancy. I really needed that! I have needed all the celebration.....Knitting really is therapeutic when you have knit sisters like these! Wait til Plaknton meets his "Aunties"!

2008-09-12T05:21:00.000-07:00

100 DAYS!

Well, my online countdown just hit 100. We know that less than 3% of babies arrive on or near their due date but that means I might have LESS than 100 days to prepare for Plankton's arrival.

I am TRYING to be at peace about this, knowing that after birth Plankton needs only me, daddy and some diapers....Check, Check, and Check. But I would LOVE to have the Nursery done (it's a complete disorganized mess right now), the upstairs family room painted and my knitting projects for him done....oh yeah and I am building my business every day (which is really exciting).

Then of course there is the: eat better, exercise more, read another 3-4 books on birthing, learn more relaxation techniques, etc etc. Those projects are on-going and never ending.

But, all of that will have to wait as I am off to the Knitting Fairy Sock Retreat. We'll be in Lindale, TX having a ball. We might loose power or live thru an tornado due to Ike....but it's all in good fun with some great knitting friends.

More photos soon: Knitting Photos and of course the ever growing BUMP

2008-09-04T05:31:00.001-07:00

Yeah! Blogger is talking to me today! So here are the previously promised photos:

Our Little Family, on vacation

Me and Plankton on the Pier

Hubby on the Rock Beach....I love the rock beach, it's so beautiful and you can find the most amazing rocks (we collected some and have them as drawer pulls in our kitchen, stop by and check it out sometime)

This is the Knitting Room that is inside the Miniature Museum, that is inside the Fly By Night Cookie Company. we have to make a stop here every year. The cookies are YUM and the little cottage is just too cute. They have added a "Book Cottage" in the back yard. You can donate a book and take a book and leave donations for building a park. It's a neat community project and has done really well this year.

On the Knitting Front: I finished the Magic Shawl yesterday (but forgot a photo) and the wonderful Knitting Fairy is going to block and finish it for me....WOW, that is so divine...when I get it back, I'll take a photo. I also have put the Baby Vest in TIME OUT (my gauge was WAY off and the vest would have fit ME....but should fit Plankton).

So here is my revised "To Knit Before Plankton Arrives" list:
2nd Entrelac Sock (to be finished at the Sock Retreat) for me (they will match my bump sweater)
Felted Boots
Hat to Come Home in
Baby Kimono Sweater
Baby Surprise Jacket
Tofutisi Socks for me
Ophelia for me
My So Called Scarf (this is going to be my December "baby waiting" project)

I am also considering fingerless mitts as thank you gifts for the women who are helping me with labor and birth (Bradley Instructor, Midwife, birth assistant and counselor)...and I have THREE family babies to knit for due in January, March and May. That's it! no more time for working or cleaning or eating....just knitting :-D

2008-09-03T04:06:00.000-07:00

Four Days in Heaven

We spent four wonderful days on Lake Ontario with hubby's parents. They have the most adorable "cupcake" cottage on a little bay. We went for walks, ate delicious fresh fruits and veggies, went fishing and just relaxed. I finished New Moon by Stephanie Meyer....WOW, I really liked it and I enjoyed answering "What are you reading?" with "Vampires and Werewolves"...HA!

I have lots of other beautiful photos that I wanted to share but evidently Blogger and I are not on speaking terms this morning....I'll try again later.....

Here is the update on Plankton: He is now about in its 22nd week of development (at the start of month 6, the last month in the second trimester), is 8.4 inches (21.3cm) from crown to rump and weighs about 1.2 pounds (544g). He is starting to produce white blood cells, mostly for combating disease and infection, and may respond to Mom's touch or sounds.

Mom Update: I am feeling great!, more energy and have started NESTING....my belly is getting bigger. I finally look pregnant even for those who don't know me, which is fun. I still have days I am tired or get indigestion but that's all par for the course. Plaknton kicks/punches/dances/head buts all day long now. It's fun to feel him moving all around in his little womb.

I am knitting a shawl, small baby sweater (for a gift), socks (for a gift) and will soon begin Plankton's "coming home" hat. I am feeling the knitting "crunch". My list to TRY to get done before Plankton's arrival are:
Vest for baby
Kimono for baby
Coming Home Hat for baby (DH wants one too...we'll see)
Magic Shawl for me (great nursing cover up)...almost done
Felted Boots for baby (the pattern is so adorable)
Baby Surprise Jacket
Ophelia "vest/cardigan" for me

I am also taking a Sock and Sweater class at YNS, we'll see how far I get :-) I know it's a lot to try to get done before December as well as get the nursery and rest of the house ready.....but it's knitting so every stitch is fun and as much as I can get done will be wonderful!

2008-08-18T05:09:00.000-07:00

Baby Shopping, Lunch and then the Purse Party. We had a ball looking at TINY baby things and then eating HUGE pieces of cake at Ed's Deli and Esther tempted all of us with beautiful purses.

HAND ME DOWNS!!!! YEAH!!!!! I am so thankful for hand me downs. Plankton is going to be one well dressed baby and he is "going green" without evening knowing it. Baby clothing recycles so well....

Gay Bingo! A bunch of us dressed up for "Double Wide, one man's trash is another man's treasure" It's bingo with a twist! It was HILARIOUS and I can't wait to go again.....do I look trashy or what? (yes the cigarettes are CANDY....duh)

Oh and here is what Plankton is up to:
Your baby measures about 7.6 inches (19.3cm) and weighs about 12.3 ounces (349g). The muscles are getting stronger every week now, and the eyelids and eyebrows are developed. Your baby's acrobatics are pretty constant, and since he responds to sound, rhythm and melody, you can try singing and talking to him. After he's born, the same sounds will soothe him.

2008-08-08T15:34:00.000-07:00

This week Baby Plankton is about 5.6 (14.2cm) to 6.4 inches (16.3cm) from crown to rump and weighs about 9 ounces (255g). He can hear sounds by now -- voices, heart and stomach growling, as well as sounds outside Mamma's body. He will cover his ears with its hands if a loud sound is made near by, and it may even become startled and "jump." The baby is moving often, too -- twisting, turning, wiggling, punching and kicking.

How cute is that?

We went out shopping today, with help from several of Plankton's "Aunties".....found WAY TOO MANY cute things. A lovely crib, the stroller I have wanted to see in person and clothing so small and adorable it nearly made me cry.

But, I am now EXHAUSTED, achy and have a MEAN case of heartburn.....time for mommy to take a NAP and have a cup of ginger tea.

2008-08-04T08:56:00.000-07:00

BABY BOY!!!!

The sonogram was amazing! Plankton stayed still while his head was measured and kicked his feet so that we could get a picture.....and then he held on to his privates for several minutes (dad says this makes him HIS BOY).....So we included all the "shy baby" votes into the WINNER pool as we thought for a while we might not find out and then he FLASHED US at the last second :-)
Yes, this is Jason's son for sure!

There were 19 "correct" guesses and our winners are:

Tasha for the Knitter Prize
Jim (Jason's Dad) and he refused both prizes so I pulled one more....
Cindy for the Starbucks Card

We are THRILLED and could not be more excited. I feel some shopping in our future.....heh heh heh....

Let the knitting begin!

2008-07-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

It's CONTEST Time:

The time has finally come for the Sonogram Contest. On August 4th, we go for our first sonogram and if all goes well, we'll know if we are having a boy or a girl.

How to Play:

Post a comment or send me an email with your guess on the sex of our baby and which prize category you prefer.
There are three choices
1) Boy
2) Girl
3) Shy Baby (we couldn't tell on the sonogram)

After August 4th, we'll pull a random winner from the "correct" guesses. There are two prize categories Knitter and Non-Knitter. The knitting prize is lovely and I will try to post photos later today, the non-knitter prize is a $25 gift card at Starbucks.

Best of Luck to all of you!

2008-07-10T09:30:00.001-07:00

WEEK 16/17 UPDATE:

Plankton is MOVING (well, he has been moving for weeks but I FELT IT!!!)

And we painted the nursery last weekend (actually Hubby did it, but I helped with the wallpaper). It's adorable! Plankton will LOVE it. And there are no whales so he/she is safe.....HA HA HA HA

We have our sonogram scheduled for August 4th and if Plankton isn't shy we'll know if it's a boy or girl and I can finally have my contest :-)

All you mommies and aunties and grandmas, please post the "things I could not live with out" in the comments. We are getting ready to register and there is so much silliness out there it's hard to know what we will really need and use. We are going to use gently used items as much as possible to reduce Plankton's "foot print", but we are looking forward to a few new things too.

I am off for a MUCH needed pre-natal massage (had an Chiropractic adjustment this morning)...