Kelly in NC

Last week, Tim and I went on our very first “Parents Only” vacation. I say first- because I hope that there will be more in the future! I can’t begin to tell you how wonderful it was to have my spouse just to myself. Since Grayson’s birth, we have only BOTH been away from him on 3 nights…and those were not consecutive. So to leave for 6 fulls days was something of a challenge, to say the least. Tim’s mom, who is called Nagy (pronounced “Nudgie” which is short of Grandmother in Hungarian) agreed to stay at our house and do the baby sitting. I can’t begin to tell you how lucky we are to have Nagy and Pop-Pop living so close to us now. Without them, I would not have been brave enough to leave for so long. And to leave the country at that….

It’s funny how I spent more time getting things ready for Grayson than I actually spent packing for my own trip. I made countless trips to the grocery store to make sure I had all of his favorite goodies. I wrote out a three page note on his schedule, where to find food, nap times, bed time routine, etc. I stocked the freezer full of meals from “Dinner Done”. We prepared a Will, cleaned the house, stocked up on more than enough diapers, wipes, etc. I printed out maps to Grayson’s daycare, wrote directions to his pediatrician. I pretty much tried to think of everything. Not that Nagy couldn’t have figured it out, but more because it set my mind at ease.

Anyhow, as expected, Grayson did very well in our absence. He ate like a horse, took great naps, and even started sleeping until 8 am again (since taking away the paci- he had been getting up at 6:45). Nagy is called the Baby Whisperer for a reason. She LOVES little ones and they, like-wise, LOVE her. I think spending 6 days together served as some bonding time for the two of them. Grayson has asked for her everyday since.

Tim and I were not sure what to expect from Grayson upon our return. By the time we got back from our vacation, Grayson was already in bed. So we had to wait for the morning to discover his reaction. When he woke up, he shouted out “Daddy” which is a bit unusual. He always shouted “Ma Ma” before. Anyhow, Tim and I raced upstairs as fast as possible. When we walked in the room- he seemed like his normal self. Bouncing in the crib, naming items around the room. Didn’t seem to notice that we had been missing for 6 days! However once we took him out of the crib, he proceeded to throw a tantrum. “No diaper change, mommy.” “No jammies on!”, “No powder!” “No shirt!” “No pants!” “no, no, no!” I pretty much put up with a major “No!” tantrum for about 30 minutes. It was almost as if he rememberd that we had left and wanted to let us know how mad he was at us! After the 30 minutes of two-year-old hell, he was back to hugs and kisses, tickling and laughing.

But the best thing happened tonight. After Daddy finished reading him a book before bed, Grayson sat on my lap in the rocking chair for our nightly songs. I asked him what song he wanted to hear- “ABCs” -and as I sang he laid his head down on my chest, facing me. (He usually just sits in my lap, with his back to my chest.) Anyhow as I got to the third line of the song “E,F,G”, Grayson sat up and planted a wet kiss on my lips. As I continued singing, he put his head back down. About three lines later ” L,M,N,O,P”, he sits up and repeats the kiss. And he does it again at the end of the song. I hug him and ask what song he wants to hear next. “Ba Ba Sheep” So I start singing and what do you know- he does the cute kiss thing all the way through that song too! And again for our final song “The wheels on the TRUCK go round and round.” (FYI-we sing truck instead of bus because Grayson prefers trucks.) When I finished the truck song he sat up again and this time puts his arms around my neck and says in the softest, sweetest voice: “my mommy.” I tear up and say “Yes, I am Grayson’s mommy.” He plants another kiss on my lips and again says “my mommy”.

I couldn’t have said it any better. Yes, Grayson I am your mommy and I missed you too. Just ask Daddy.

I got this from Crabby Mama. Love it! You highlight what you have done. Now you guys do it! Leave a blog comment so I can come read yours.

1. Touched an iceberg
2. Slept under the stars
3. Been a part of a hockey fight
4. Changed a baby’s diaper
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Swam with wild dolphins
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a tarantula
10. Said “I love you” and meant it
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Stayed up all night long and watched the sun rise
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. Gone to a huge sports game
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
20. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Bet on a winning horse
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Taken an ice cold bath
28. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Ridden a roller coaster
31. Hit a home run
32. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
33. Adopted an accent for fun (often!)
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment
36. Loved your job 90% of the time
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Watched wild whales
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Gone on a midnight walk on the beach
41. Gone sky diving
42. Visited Ireland
43. Ever bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited India
45. Bench-pressed your own weight
46. Milked a cow
47. Alphabatized your personal files
48. Ever worn a superhero costume
49. Sung karaoke
50. Lounged around in bed all day
51. Gone scuba diving
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Done something you should regret, but don’t
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Been in a movie
60. Gone without food for 3 days
61. Made cookies from scratch
62. Won first prize in a costume contest
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Been in a combat zone
65. Spoken more than one language fluently
66. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone
67. Bounced a check
68. Read - and understood - your credit report
69. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy
70. Found out something significant that your ancestors did
71. Called or written your Congress person
72. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
73. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
74. Helped an animal give birth
75. Been fired or laid off from a job
76. Won money
77. Broken a bone
78. Ridden a motorcycle
79. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph
80. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
81. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing
82. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
83. Eaten sushi
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read The Bible cover to cover
86. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
87. Gotten someone fired for their actions
88. Gone back to school
89. Changed your name
90. Caught a fly in the air with your bare hands
91. Eaten fried green tomatoes
92. Read The Iliad
93. Taught yourself an art from scratch
94. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
95. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt
96. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
97. Been elected to public office
98. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
99. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
100. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
101. Had a booth at a street fair
102. Dyed your hair
103. Been a DJ
104. Rocked a baby to sleep
105. Ever dropped a cat from a high place to see if it really lands on all four
106. Raked your carpet
107. Brought out the best in people
108. Brought out the worst in people
109. Worn a mood ring
110. Ridden a horse
111. Carved an animal from a piece of wood or bar of soap
112. Cooked a dish where four people asked for the recipe
113. Buried a child
114. Gone to a Broadway (or equivalent to your country) play
115. Been inside the pyramids
116. Shot a basketball into a basket
117. Danced at a disco
118. Played in a band
119. Shot a bird
120. Gone to an arboretum
121. Tutored someone
122. Ridden a train
123. Brought an old fad back into style
124. Eaten caviar
125. Let a salesman talk you into something you didn’t need
126. Ridden a giraffe or elephant
127. Published a book
128. Pieced a quilt
129. Lived in an historic place
130. Acted in a play or performed on a stage
131. Asked for a raise
132. Made a hole-in-one
133. Gone deep sea fishing
134. Gone roller skating
135. Run a marathon
136. Learned to surf
137. Invented something
138. Flown first class
139. Spent the night in a 5-star luxury suite
140. Flown in a helicopter
141. Visited Africa
142. Sang a solo
143. Gone spelunking
144. Learned how to take a compliment
145. Written a love-story
146. Seen Michelangelo’s David
147. Had your portrait painted
148. Written a fan letter
149. Spent the night in something haunted
150. Owned a St. Bernard or Great Dane
151. Ran away
152. Learned to juggle
153. Been a boss
154. Sat on a jury
155. Lied about your weight
156. Gone on a diet
157. Found an arrowhead or a gold nugget
158. Written a poem
159. Carried your lunch in a lunchbox
160. Gotten food poisoning
161. Gone on a service, humanitarian or religious mission
162. Hiked the Grand Canyon
163. Sat on a park bench and fed the ducks
164. Gone to the opera
165. Gotten a letter from someone famous
166. Worn knickers
167. Ridden in a limousine
169. Can hula or waltz
170. Read a half dozen Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books
171. Been stuck in an elevator
172. Had a revelatory dream
173. Thought you might crash in an airplane
174. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert
175. Saved someone’s life
176. Eaten raw whale
177. Know how to tat, smock or do needlepoint
178. Laughed till your side hurt
179. Straddled the equator
180. Taken a photograph of something other than people that is worth framing
181. Gone to a Shakespeare Festival
182. Sent a message in a bottle
183. Spent the night in a hotel
184. Been a cashier
185. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
186. Joined a union
187. Donated blood or plasma
188. Built a campfire
189. Kept a blog
190. Had hives
191. Worn custom made shoes or boots
192. Made a PowerPoint presentation
193. Taken a Hunter’s Safety Course
194. Served at a soup kitchen
195. Conquered the Rubik’s cube
196. Know CPR
197. Ridden in or owned a convertible
198. Found a long lost friend
199. Helped solve a crime
200. Responded to a NJP newsletter

~So far I have read finished two books since I started my summer break. I am currently reading “Wicked” suggested by my little sis Jennifer. It has caught my attention (finally)- but it is not my most favorite read…as of yet. I am only half way through it. Anyone out there have any reading suggestions? My favortie authors are James Patterson and Nicholas Sparks. I enjoyed the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyers. I prefer books that catch my attention quickly and make me “feel” something or see something from a new perspective.
~I am on the hunt for a new camcorder. I was considering getting a high def camera- but discoverd that I would have to get a new computer too in order to do all of my editing. Anyone out there own a High Def camcorder? I need some advice.
~Grayson has done very well without the paci. I mean- the paci is still in his crib- he just has no interest in it now that the tip has been removed. I am so thankful. I must say that I think he has done so well without because of preschool. He hasn’t had a paci there for almost a year. Thank you wonderful teachers!

I have said for the past two months that Grayson would be getting rid of the paci as soon as the arrival of my summer break. I have considered many ways of getting rid of the paci “cold turkey” (from giving it away to an infant to Grayson trading it in for a toy at a store). In the end- D-Day arrived and we had not found an oppotunity to officially say bye bye to his favortie night time vice. So last night, I decide to try a gentle weaning instead. This solution was actually from his pediatrician. The idea is to cut just the tip off the paci and then every few days cut another section off until eventually there is nothing left but the handle.
So last night we went through our normal routine- reading a story with Daddy, singing three songs in the rocking chair with mom, then placing him in his crib. As usually, Grayson grabbed all of his sleeping necessities- his blue tag blanket, his Thomas pillow, and his blue paci. He popped the paci (now with the tip removed) into his mouth, got a funny look on his face, pulled it back out, examined it and explained “paci broke, mama!” I examined it, tried it out for myself, said that I thought is was ok and handed it back. He tried it out one more time and again insisted that the paci was broke. I offered another paci, again with the tip removed. He gave that one a try, threw it out of the crib, and said “Y ucky paci, mama!” I simply told him I was sorry, put the two paci’s back in his crib, and left the room. He fell asleep within 15 mintues- so maybe this weaning will not be too bad.
He did much better than I thought last night. He didn’t get up once. The only change was that he woke up at 5:55 this morning. Yuck! When I went into his room- he held out both pacis and said- “Yucky paci mama. Broke!” So there you have the first night on getting rid of the paci. Send s0me prayers my way…I’m afraid that I may be in trouble tonight!

And with it comes Tim’s “To Do List”. He does this every summer- tells me 100 things that he would like for me to accomplish while I am off for 7 weeks. From repair men to vet appointments- Tim is sure to keep me busy enough to avoid naps and general laziness. But after being married for almost 7 years, I have learned how to accomplish his list and still have time for fun!
Speaking of fun, this past weekend we had a blast. My neighbor went out of town and I quickly volunteerd for pet sitting duty! There’s a perk to this little job…access to a swimming pool! We swam all weekend and got lots of sun. Most of our NC family also joined in the watery recreation- finding time to visit on Saturday or Sunday (or both). Here are some photos I took while splashing away!
I know it sounds strange, but I already feel as if my summer is passing too quickly. Yes, I know that it is only the 2nd day of my break. But my calendar is filling up fast. It doesn’t look as if I will get a trip down to Florida in this year. Between the vacation that Tim and I are going to in the Dominican Republic, swimming lessons for Grayson, a visit from my mom, and my friend Carri’s bachelorette pary and wedding- most weekends are already booked. Did tell you how excited I am to go on vacation with Tim? I cannot wait! Many thanks to my MIL- Mom B and my FIL- GB for agreeing to watch Grayson and Ozzy for us. And thanks to my mom for watching Grayson for us while we are at Carri’s wedding.
Summer is finally here and is flying by!

Well, I said that I would post the photos from the last few weeks- so here they are. Click HERE to view the slideshow.

Has it really been 3 weeks since I made a post? I have really been slacking when it comes to this blog. We have been really busy though- so here’s a run down of out latest activities!
~This past weekend, we went to the NC moutains. Tim was in charge of planning and packing for the trip. It is the first time he has taken on travel responsibilities since we have been married- and he did a GREAT job. The only thing he forgot was Grayson’s wet wipes (and actual outfits that matched- but we were roughing it, right?) He invited his brother Marc and his sister Jill and their families too! We hiked to a waterfall on Saturday and spent the rest of time relaxing by the creek.
~Last week at school was VERY busy for me. I had to plan for 80+ 4th graders to visit our middle school and shadow with a 5th grader. I also had a huge honor breakfast and field trip on Friday. I can’t tell you how happy I was to see Friday arrive. Now that all of those tasks are behind me, I am on “easy street”. ONly 4 more days of work!!!!
~Over Memorial Day weekend, Tim’s best friend Carter and his wife Wendy were in town. We spent most of the weekend visiting with them. We cooked out, drank, and just relaxed. I wish Tim had more 3 day weekend off. I really enjoyed having him around so much!
~Tim’s Grandparents were in town from OH on May 17-22. I wish that they lived closer and that we were able to see them more often. They ate dinner at our house on that Tuesday and I enjoyed hearing Grandpa’s stories about his war with the ground hog who keeps trying to eat the garden. He’s a fiesty one that Grandpa!
~May 17, Renee and I took Ella and Grayson to Leah’s 3rd birthday party. The kids had fun swimming in the pool (Grayson loved the little slide), digging for jewels in the sand box, and of course eating cake and ice cream. I am so glad that Angelle and Mike moved up to NC. I wish we saw each other more often- but am glad that we have the type of friendship that exisits even when visits can not happen often.

So there you have the short and sweet version! I’ll try to post photos of all the activites later this week!

It has taken me a bit to post Grayson’s 24 month photos. Let’s just say that it is getting more and more difficult to get him to sit still for a picture. Click on the picture to see what I was able to capture. There are also few photos from his party at school. I brought popcicles to share with the class.

Tonight, as usual, I went through the routine of putting Grayson down for bed. After Daddy read him a book, I took him upstairs. He brushed his teeth and then we went through the ritual of kisses, hugs, “luv yous”, & finally”night, nights”. As I was straigtening his crib- the final step before the end of his day, he looked over my shoulder, started pointing toward the corner and said “ock een” over and over again. Of course I had no idea what “ock een” meant, so I placed him on the floor and asked him to “show me”. He marched over to the rocking chair, removed his giant teddy bear (as I told him- “no, you can’t sleep with the bear.”), began tapping the chair and said “No mama. Sit.” I obediently sat. He grabbed his blankets, climbed into my lap, said “ock een, Mama”, (rocking) and then laid his head on my shoulder. Then and there my heart melted. I rocked him and loved the fact that my independent two- year old could now demand that I cuddle with him. Maybe I love the terrible- twos after all!

Grayson,
Today you turned two years old. 731 days ago, I held you in my arms for the first time and cried. I couldn’t believe how perfect you were and I thanked God for creating such a miracle. With the first glimpse of your face I was smitten and knew that my life would never be the same. I counted each of your little fingers and kissed your tiny nose and stared in wonder. I had waited over 41 weeks to hold you in my arms, and even now, two years later, I can remember the amazement of that moment. It’s hard to put that moment into words; there were so many feelings running through my body; so many hopes and dreams wrapped around the day that you entered the world and officially became the center of the universe for Daddy and me.
In two years you have morphed from a tooth-less human larva into a walking, talking, independent replica of your father (minus all the body hair). You try to talk like him, walk like him, and often mimic the things that he does- like looking at pipes under the cabinet. Only a few days ago, I found you sitting at Daddy’s desk, typing away on your Bob-the- Builder laptop. You now prefer Daddy over me for a variety of activities- such as bedtime stories, & showers. I am still your favorite when it comes time for kissing boo-boos, fixing toys, and tucking you into bed. So I guess all is not lost…yet.
You now have a mouth full of teeth, a head full of hair, and a mind full of independent thoughts. In one year, you have gone from just learning to walk to running and jumping; from just starting to say “Mama” to now ordering us around (“Up Mama.” “Help, Dada”) and expressing your desires (“I want truck!”). You have fallen in love with the outdoors and would spend all day pushing around trucks and tractors in your sand box. Your independent ways haven’t been all good. They have landed you in time out for things like hitting or just being blatantly disobedient (which is obvious because you smirk at us when you know you are doing something wrong)! But the flip side is that you are exploring your boundaries and limits; which means that you are no longer a baby- but now a little boy.
So much has changed since this day two years ago; but one thing has remained constant-my love for you. You have made Daddy and me see the world from a whole new perspective and have caused our hearts to grow bigger than we ever knew was possible. With each spontaneous “love you mama” you melt my heart and nothing could mean more than feeling you snuggle your warm, cuddly body into mine while trying to catch a few last moments of sleep. So in two years, you are still the center of my world. My hopes and dreams have changed with you- but still I pray each day that God will make me into the best mother possible and that you know each and every day how much you mean to me.
Grayson, I love you more and more each day! Thank you for the past seven hundred thirty-one days.
Love,
Mama

Since we celebrated Grayson’s second birthday with a party earlier this month, Tim & I decided to take Grayson to the NC State Zoo on his actual day of birth. It ended up being a perfect day for visiting the animals. The weather was overcast all day- meaning we didn’t get hot or burned and most of the animals were out and about! Grayson loved the sea lions the best- reaching out to try to grab them through the glass everytime they swam by the window. I enjoyed the gorillas and chimps & Tim was most impressed by the lion when he let out a roar. For those who haven’t visited the NC Zoo- I highly recommend it. It requires lots of walking- but it is well worth the measly $10 admission to visit.
**See our photos from the zoo by clicking on the photo above.

Attempting to finish making a chocolate cheese cake by busying your almost-a-two-year- old for less than 60 seconds with licking the chocolate bowl…

Not A Very Good Idea!
Anyone else ever made this mistake???

Since moving into the new house, I have been on the hunt for a painting to put over our mantle. I wasn’t necessarily looking for an orignial piece- just something that included the right colors, was the right size…and something that BOTH Tim and I would like. I have looked everywhere and could find nothing that would meet all three criteria. Then I stumblied upon the website of Tim Gagnon, a painter who lives in Maine. He paints almost every day and then posts his painting for sale on e-bay. If you buy one of the paintings that he has posted on ebay- they are an amazing deal! Especially for orignial works! Becaue I had issues with colors, size, etc. I commissioned a piece from him. I asked him for a painting that included one large tree with red leaves, and a silloutte of Mt. Katahdin in the background. (In 1998- Tim thru-hiked the Appachian Trail- over 2000 miles and Mt. Katahdin is the final peak of the trail). From start to finish, I had the painting hanging on my wall in less than 3 weeks. Tim and I love it! So if you are looking for a landscape painting- I highly recommend the artisit Tim Gagnon. He was very easy to work with and has an amazing talent.
Also, FYI- Tim is planning to build a frame for our new painting. Of course if you know Tim- that means it will take at least 6 months beofer the will happen. In the meantime- I hung the painting unframed.

So I just realized, that even though I gave an udate on Grayson two weeks ago, it has been at least three weeks since I have covered the major happenings of my life. So here we go:

Friday, March 28- My new patio was completed! It took them a day longer than we expected to get it finished and lucikly it was finished in time for a party we were throwing over the weekend.

Saturday, March 29- Tim and I co-hosted a couples bridal shower for by BFF- Carri and her fiance Dave. We had about 25 people over to our house and unfortunatley the weather turned cold and wet. We didn’t get to use the new patio as we hoped, but luckily we did have plenty of room inside. I was able to borrow a number of folding chairs and tables giving everyone enough room to eat dinner. The best part of the party was Carri and Dave playing a game of “Almost Newlyweds”. Dave completely over analyized every question while Carri just wrote down the 1st thing that came to her mind! It was too funny…and we learned alot about the two of then!

Monday, March 31- I car-pooled with my friend Anna all the way out to Iron Station for this month’s Girl’s Dinner Club. My very 1st NC friend- Katie- hosted and the food was declicious. I especially loved the coffee she made using a French Press. I think that I am going to have to get one of those things! Has anyone else ever used one?

Tuesday, April 1- I went back to work. I have really started enjoying working alot more lately. Of course I have been trying to figure out why I was in a funk a few months ago. Pretty much my job is exactly the same now as it was then. The only thing I can contribue it to is just the dreary winter weather…
Satuday, April 5-Tim’s parents officially moved to up from Florida. They now live about 15 minutes away from us. We are very excited to have them so near! Welcome to NC Mom Brun and GB!

Sunday April 6- Renee’ and I threw a 2nd birthday party for my neice Ella and for Grayson. Their birthdays are a little less than a month apart and since my Mom (A.K.A. “MiMi”) lives out of town- we decided to combine the two celebrations together. (Thanks Mom for making the trip up here! It meant alot to have you here for the celebration.) The party was originally planned for Saturday- but we changed it at the last minute due to nasty weather. And what a great idea that was! Who can imagine trying to keep 22 kids under a pavillion and out of the rain? Not me- so switching it to Sunday worked out well. After the cake and icecream, the kids were able to run around, play on the playground equipment and have fun. Grayson recieved a number of tractors, trains, and trucks for this birthday and he has played with them everyday since. Tim and I got him a mini-ATV and he would ride everyday if we would let him. (View the photos from the party by clicking on the photo of Ella and Grayson.)
Also on Sunday, My sister-in-law- Jill let out the news that she and her husband Chris are expecting a baby. She’s already 3 months along and is due in October- the same time as my other sister-in law- Kate. That will make 2 more NC babies in the fall! I am so excited to add a few more babies to the mix. I swear that Tim’s family is now growing by leaps in bounds.

Well, I think that covers it all. After two very busy weekend, I am looking forward to just relaxing for the next two day!

Grayson,
Only31 more days and you will finally be two! Who would believe that you would grow so fast? Certainly not me. It’s funny how I spend each month looking for milestones and yet I am still amazed at how quickly time seems to pass. This month was especially fast since it included a trip to Florida and had the Easter holiday included in it.
On the 13th of March, we flew down to Tampa for Carter and Wendy’s wedding. I am pretty sure that you had a great time- eating loads of junk food, missing naps, going to bed late, and oh yeah- participating as the ring bearer! And of course you also had Nagy and Pop Pop with us, who catered to your every demand. You were a hoot at the wedding, dancing like a machine, and even throwing in your newest move- sliding on your knees and then hoping forward on them too. (Think John Travolta!) The trip also included a visit from your Aunt Jennifer and Maw-Maw (thank you both for driving down) and a sleep over at Uncle Joe-Joe and Aunt Amy’s house. You were able to visit your new cousin Adler again and maybe next time you’ll find him a bit more fun. Right now he’s still to small to play with.
More recently, you celebrated your second Easter. You didn’t mind visiting the Easter Bunny at the mall and you were very excited about the basket that the bunny left on our hearth- especially the choo-choo and Blue. You were a champ at hunting eggs and actually won this year’s family contest…of course you were the only one hunting this year. But a win is a win in my opinion! It’s amazing how much you have changed since last Easter. Last year, you had just learned to walk and this year you went running from one egg to the next. Once you realized the game of looking for eggs, you had no problem spotting the next one.
Now this month hasn’t been all laughs and giggles. Unfortunately, this has also been the month that you have really gotten to know “time out”. We haven’t had to use it much at home, but after Daddy and I were asked to pick you up early from school for hitting your friends and teachers , we requested that they start really enforcing more severe consequences. After one week of using time-outs consistently, the hitting went away…at least for now. I know that you are almost two and that the spells will come and go. Our friend Katie (who is an expert on child development) says that the hitting is just a sign of you trying to communicate. So I am hoping that as your expressive abilities continue to grow that the hitting (and any other negative communication strategies you may aquire) will disappear! This month you started speaking in 2 to 3 word sentences most of the time- so I believe that we are on our way!
Going to the movies was another exciting adventure you experienced this month. Now we haven’t gone to the movies since Happy Feet when you were 7 months old. So this was something of a test to see how well you would do at the theater. You really enjoyed the previews- especailly the one for Speed Racer (imagine that- you watching fast cars!) and you did watch the first 20 minutes of the feature film- Horton Hears a Who. The truth is that you LOVED the popcorn. Once your little belly was full, you then lost interest in the movie. So you spent the next 70 minutes poping up and down in your seat, saying “hey” to other people in the theater, walking up and down our aisle to see Aunt Renee’ and Ella, tapping Kellynn on the shoulder, requesting other snacks out of our bag, throwing your “blankie”…and on occasion remembering to watch the movie. Whew! It was quite the experience for Mama too! I think that we may wait a little while before trying the movies again. Although I must admit that you did better that I really expected.
Now next month is sure to be another full one! We will be celebrating your birthday a little early with a combined party for you and Ella. (That way MiMi will only have to make the drive to NC once instead of twice in only a few weeks.) I can hardly believe that you will be two. So much has changed since you first entered my life. Its funny to compare the dreams that I had of you before you were born and how much my dreams have changed now that I see you little personality, your strengths, and your weaknesses. I love everything about you and can think of nothing that I would change. You are the perfect mix of both me and daddy combined in such a way that is uniquely you. You are the apple of my eye and the most wonderful gift I have ever received.
I love you more and more each day!
Love,
Mama

Well, thankfully, I am out on Spring Break right now! After our long weekend in Florida- I was in dire need of a chance to catch my breath. Grayson’s preschool was closed on Friday and again today- so I have spent the last four days coloring, running, tickling, chasing, looking for airplanes and trucks, and of course enjoying every moment with my little boy. Tim was even able to take the weekend “off” and enjoy it with us. (His side business is really doing well which equals him working his normal job plus most weeknights and weekends. I won’t be surprised if he decides to take on his business fulltime by the end of this year.)
On Saturday, Tim and I took Grayson & Ozzy up to a local park and spent the late morning/early afternoon laying in the sun, watching kites, playing on the playground, and walking the nature trails. The weather was beautiful this weekend- Carolina blue skies, a few puffy clouds, and warm weather- and I couldn’t get enough of it!
For Easter, we went over to my S-I-L Jill’s house and hung out with most of our NC family. The food was to die for and Grayson won the annual Easter Egg hunt…of course he was also the only kid there this year. All of his cousins were missing due to the flu or because they were busy with some other Easter festivities. We missed them all- but had a great time anyhow! Thanks Jill and Chris for having us over. (You can view my photos from Easter by clicking on the photo above.)
Today, I was adventurous and decided to take Grayson to the movies. Renee’ decided to live on the edge too and so off we went to see Horton Hears a Who with 3 kids (2 of which are under the age of 2). It wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be- I wasn’t forced to leave the movie theater- but it wasn’t the most enjoyable experience either. Grayson enjoyed the popcorn for the first 20 minutes and then spent the rest of time climbing off his seat, then back in his seat, asking for his “blankie” (yes, he’s finally named his blanket), asking for other snacks, saying hello to the kids behind us, tapping poor Kellynn on the arm, laying down, sitting in my lap, and on occasion he would actually watch the movie. I think that he enjoyed the previews more than the movie and overall I guess that I call our trip a success. He made it through the entire film without a melt down. I’m not sure when he will go on his next trip to the movies. Maybe when his attention span get a bit longer.
Anyhow, hope everyone had a great weekend and, oh yeah, Happy Easter!

~3.5 days in Florida
~3 total hours in flight
~Two 3 hour drives to and from Daytona
~ 1 Wedding
~1 Rehersal Dinner
~1 Jewish Naming Ceremony
~9 hours of missed sleep at night
~4.5 hours missed from afternoon nap
~4 Blow-Outs with 2 resluting in clothing change
~1 trip to the park resulting an a green and blue bruise on the forehead the size of a golf ball
~1 very cranky child by Sunday
Sum of all parts:
1 exahuasted mommy!

I am so glad to be home!

I could go into lots of detail about my weekend- but the truth is that I just don’t have the time. We had a great time visiting all of our family and friends- but I must admit that I am glad to be back home. The weekend and all the festivities were difficult on Grayson and I think that it has taken us the last two days to get him caught up on his sleep.
So here’s a link to the photos if you are interested! Click Here!

Yep. You read it right. Grayson was sent home today. Why? For kicking his teacher. Now you’re probably wondering WTF? Yeah we wondered the same thing.
The Asst. Director at Grayson’s school called me at 12:30 and said that Grayson needed to be picked up because he had been kicking his teacher. I was shocked- considering my child is 22 months old and in my opinion this would be considered normal toddler behavior. I mean- hello! Has anyone every heard of the terrible twos???? Anyhow, I couldn’t leave work, so Tim went to pick him up.
When Tim got there he had a conference with Grayson’s two teachers and the assistant director who told him that they have a policy of sending home children who continually hit and kick- especially if the consequences of time out do not seem to make a difference. According to his teachers he was hitting yesterday and kicking them today. Sometimes they would tell him no and he would say no, no, no back. Finally they put him in time out. In time out, he repeated no, no, no and/or laughed. That was when they decided he needed to go home. So Tim asked them what they wanted us to do. Their answer-1) Tim needs to be the head of the household and talk to Grayson about his behavior. (huh?) 2) Pray to God. 3) Read him a book about not hitting/kicking.
WTF???
When I got off work and Tim told me about his meeting, I was livid! I mean aren’t these people suppose to be experts on babies??? So of course I went in and asked to speak to the asst director. She was not there and so instead I spoke to the Director herself. After explaining to her that I work with kids Kg- middle school and that I have a Master’s degree in Psychology- she finally said that she wasn’t sure why Grayson was sent home. It is true that they have the policy about hitting and kicking, but that it is meant for older children. At 22 months, Grayson does not and will not understand being sent home. He thinks- Hey Dad’s here! Cool! In my opinion, he needs an immediate, consistent consequence. And if time out isn’t working, then figure out another time out spot. At home we have not problem with hitting or kicking and when he goes in time out- he screams the entire time. The Director agreed with me and is planning to meet with his teachers and figure out a better plan. I guess I will find out what the new plan is tomorrow.
So tonight we will be praying to God- but as I told the Director today, unless God is going to start issuing immediate, consistent consequences- then I am not sure that any of my prayers are going to make a difference.
So there you have it- Grayson’s first out of school suspension.
So again I say-
WTF?

Thanks to my friend Katie- I have a new blog post…another questionaire about ME! For those of you (aka NaeNae) who have been searching for something to update you blog with- then play along!
1. WHAT TIME DID YOU GET UP THIS MORNING? 6:20
2. DIAMONDS OR PEARLS? Diamonds

3. WHAT IS THE LAST FILM THAT YOU SAW AT THE CINEMA? I can’t remember…and this is a shame because I LOVE going to the movies. The last one I can remember is maybe the last Harry Potter movie. Has it really been that long? Also- is anyone else really annoyed at how expensive it is to go to the movies?!?

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW? ??? Lost

5. WHAT DO YOU USUALLY HAVE FOR BREAKFAST? Coffee with 2 splinda and creamer
6. WHAT IS YOUR MIDDLE NAME? Kelly

7. WHAT FOOD DO YOU DISLIKE? Liver

8. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CD? I guess it would be Dixie Chicks- Fly

9. WHAT KIND OF CAR DO YOU DRIVE? Honda CRV

10. FAVORITE SANDWICH? BLT

11. WHAT CHARACTERISTIC DO YOU DESPISE? People who are rude!

12. FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING? pajamas
13. IF YOU COULD GO ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD ON VACATION, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? I want to go to Greece- but Tim says not this year….

14. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR BATHROOM? the walls are taupe with all the accents (towels, etc.) a gray blue color
15. FAVORITE HOLIDAY? Christmas.

16. WHERE WOULD YOU RETIRE TO? Ican’t think that far away yet.

17. WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE BIRTHDAY? Graysons of course! His birhtyda changed my entire life and I will never forget a minute!

18. FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH? College football, Nascar, and UFC…who would have guessed the last two?

19. FURTHEST PLACE YOU ARE SENDING THIS? on the web, who knows!

20. FAVORITE SAYING? Lately I’ve been enjoying saying “CRAP” is that a saying??? If not CRAP! HA! LOVE IT

21 ARE YOU A MORNING OR NIGHT PERSON? mid-day

22. WHAT IS YOUR SHOE SIZE? 8.5
23. PETS? Ozzy our black lab

24. WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE LITTLE? a teacher

25. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CANDY? I love dark chocolate!

26. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FLOWER? I love the dafodills that are blooming right now!

27. WHAT IS A DAY ON THE CALENDER YOU ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO? March 14-going to Florida

28. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Popcorn while watching lost

29. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Yellow?

30. FAVORITE SOFT DRINK? diet cherry coke or diet mountian dew code red
31. FAVORITE RESTAURANT? Firebirds
32. SIBLINGS? 2- Renee and Jennifer
33. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD? cabbage patch kids and leggos
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer

35. HUGS OR KISSES? hugs

36. COFFEE OR TEA? coffee for a warm beverage, SWEET tea for something cold

37. CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA? Chocolate

38. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Last week when I found out a recent prognosis for a parent at my school with lung cancer.
39. WHAT IS UNDER YOUR BED? Finally nothing! I have plenty of closet space in my new house!

40. WHO IS THE FRIEND THAT YOU HAVE HAD THE LONGEST? Renee’-she’s been around since before I was born!
41. WHAT DID YOU DO LAST NIGHT? Ate dinner with Tim, Grayson, and GB. Then designe a business card for Tim and started editing a movie for my school.
42. FAVORITE SMELL? fresh cut grass
43. WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF? Dying before I am able to acomplish all my life goals.
44. SALTY OR SWEET? BOTH
45. HOW MANY KEYS ON YOUR RING? 2 - car and house
46. HOW MANY YEARS AT YOUR CURRENT JOB? 4.5
47. FAVORITE DAY OF THE WEEK? Sunday
48. HOW MANY TOWNS HAVE YOU LIVED IN? 5
49. DO YOU MAKE FRIENDS EASILY? I don’t think that i have a problem making friends…but I am picky!

So there you have it! Who else is going to participate!

Grayson,
Where did this month go? I swear that it has passed the quickest of them all! Or maybe it just seems like a blur because I’ve spent most of it chasing you. This month you learned to say “come on” (pronounced “mon” and used with a sweeping up-and-over arm motion) and you say it constantly. You want us to feed you: “mon eat” + hand motion toward the kitchen. You want to play basket ball: “mon buh ball” + hand motion running toward the goal. You want to go out side: “mon ou-si” + hand motion moving toward the door. You get the picture. If we do not listen the first time, you will choose one of two approaches: 1) repeat the request with a louder voice and bigger hand motion or 2) grab us by the hand and drag us to the requested location. I am pretty certain that you learned this new trick from your cousin Ella. She was telling you all about “come on” when you visited her house not too long ago. She’d tell you where to go and you followed her all over the place. Then, next thing we know you came home and started repeating it the next day. Too funny!

Speaking of funny, this month you have laughed over a million times over the game Hide and Seek. We started playing it a few weeks ago with Daddy. After putting on your pajamas, Daddy hides and then we search around the room looking for him. You have gotten really good at guessing where he might be and you giggle everytime you’ve discovered where he has hidden. This past week, you decided to start hiding too! You have declared some of Daddy’s best hiding places as your own- such as under the crib, in the closet, and behind the curtain. The funniest part is that before we even have a chance to begin looking for you, your laugh gives you away. And as if those elfish giggles weren’t enough to give away your hiding spot, you only give us 3 seconds before you peak you head out and wave “mon” before hiding again. I think that we are going to have to keep working with you on the strategy for the game- but strategic or not- we have a blast playing it!

In the past 31 days you have learned to put two and three words together. I believe that it began with you saying “Dada truck” and has now progressed to you giving us commands- “move Mama” or “more milk peas”. You boss Ozzy around- “Beep, beep Ozzy” and are working on your color words “boo tractor”. You can identify a circle and a heart and are working on naming your other shapes. Your cartoon repertoire has expanded to include Thomas and Friends (aka- “choo choo”) and Bob the Building (aka- “tractor”) although you still love to watch Blue’s Clue’s.

Now in your opinion, the coolest thing that you learned this month- better than saying sentences or learning how to hide- was learning how to hop. You have been working on this movement for quite sometime, but is wasn’t until a few weeks ago that you finally figured out how to propel youself forward. The look on your face was priceless- determination mixed with amazement- so glad that you had finally discovered how to hop like a bunny. So now when you get excited you jump around the house and often yell to us “Mon jump!” I have attached a little video highlighting your latest moves and I hope you know that Daddy and I are proud of your determination. There are so many things about you that make us proud…so many things that we can’t help but brag about to anyone who will listen.

Each day I look and realize something new about you. And so I aim to caputre each fleeting glimpse because I know that they will not last for long. I want to remember everything about being your mom and having you as my son. Already I forget how tiny you were in my arms at birth and the memories of you waking every 4 hours at night have also faded. So from this month, I want to remember you reciprocating a raspberry on my stomach and thinking is was hilarious. I want to remember the sound of your voice as you make the animal sounds when I sing Old MacDonald’s Farm- usually intermingled with giggles. I want to remember hearing you call my name first thing in the morning and feeling your hands tighen around my neck when we walk up the stairs before bed. I want to remember it all! Grayson, you are such a wonderful gift in my life and pray that I never take you for granted. So as always, thank you for another special month.

I love you more and more each day!
Love,
Mama

I started this post 2 days ago and then somehow clicked the wrong button and lost everything. I was so frustrated, I just walked away from the computer…so anyhow, I will try again!
~For Valentine’s day Tim went out of his way to make the day special. He brought home dinner, a bottle of wine, flowers…the whole 9 yards. We had a really nice time just the two of us (after Grayson went to bed). I usually hate Valentine’s day- but this year absolutely LOVED it! Yeah for Tim!
~Last Saturday Carri and her fiance Dave came over for dinner. It was nice hanging out with the two of them. It seems like it had been while since only the four of us got together. We broiled Mahi-Mahi (after unresolved issues with our grill), ate corn on the cob and salads, and hung out, enjoying the company.
~ Last Sunday, we went over to GB’s house (my FIL) to watch the Daytona Race. I had a hoot chasing all the kids around the house and tickling them until my fingers almost fell off. Even then, they kept asking for more- especially Kellynn. Writing the word “kids” to describe Grayson, Jack, and Ella almost breaks my heart. They truely are turning into kids now. Expressing thier wants and needs, running around in circles, coloring at the table. I just can’t believe how big they have gotten
Not to worry though. Apparently we will have a new baby joining the NC crowd in October. On Sunday Kate and Marc finally let us know that we would be expecting another nephew/niece. (We had actually heard a few days before via the rumor mill- but weren’t officially told until Sunday.) So congrats to Kate and Marc and congrats to us… I can’t wait to have another baby in the family!
Also at GB’s, Tim and his siblings presented GB and Mom B (via speaker phone) with their retirement gift. All the kids went in together and purchased them a vacation at the Aventura Spa Palace in Playa del Carmen. Tim and I went there in 2005 and have highly recommended it to anyone and everyone who would listen. Jill and Chris went for their honeymoon and Marc and Kate went in October. Everyone has loved it. GB and Mom B were both ecstatic and have called numerous times since last Sunday to thank us for the gift.
~For the past two weeks, I have been working on organizing a career fair for our middle school students. On Friday, all of my work paid off and the career day ran smoothly. There were over 25 careers represented and I think that the kids enjoyed themselves. Now this week, I will have to work on moving my office. A new building was finally finished at school and I get to move. Have a ever mentioned on this blog how much I dread moving? Luckily my new office is really nice- so I am not complaining too much. I just wish that I had someone to move all of my stuff for me!
~On Friday night, I went to PF Changs to celebrate Carri’s birthday. I listened to the waiter when selecting my meal (the sea bass) and really think that I was “up-sold” for no real purpose. The waiter claimed that the sea bass was the best seafood on the menu…my opinion- it was ok- but definitely not an original dish. I felt like I could have ordered it from anywhere…so for those who love PF Chang’s- skip the pricey sea bass. It really isn’t worth the extra cash. Now don’t take all of this to mean that I did not enjoy my evening. I really did. The food was great and the cake that Dave & Emily bought for Carri was delicious. So Happy Birthday Carri! (And thank you Tim for volunteering to watch Grayson when we couldn’t find a baby sitter.)
~On Saturday, Grayson slept in until 9:50- at which time I finally woke him up. Then he took a 3 hour nap in the afternoon. He must be going through a growth spurt. He ate like a horse for both lunch and diner and I swear he feels heavier than before. It’s amazing how much he changes from week to week. He has learned how to hop foward (like a bunny) and is putting short (2 and 3 word ) sentences together. He wants so much to be independent and it is funny when he struggles to accomplish something- but refuses to ask for help. Oh man, what am I in for? I am seeing glimpses of the terrible twos and am scared to death of what awaits me in a few months…Somebody say some prayers for me!

Well, I guess that’s the recap of the past week and half. Hopefully my next post won’t take so long!

My latest digital scrapbook page:

These pages were created using the following products:
Papers, Flower Embellishemnts, 31: http://freedigitalscrapbooking.com/index.html
Font: Footlight MT Light
Editing Program: Microsoft Digital Image Suite 2006

~Forgive me if this post doesn’t make alot of sense. I only got 5 hours of sleep last night. For some unknown reason Grayson decided to get up at 12:45 last night. He was wide awake and refused to go back to sleep until 4 am. No temp, no sickness- just wide awake and full of energy. For over an 1.5 I tried making him cry it out, then I finally put him in bed with me. That didn’t work either. For the next 1.5 hours I was tortured with his little fingers being poked into my eyes, him constantly sitting up, repositioning himself, trying to get out of bed, calling my name, etc, etc. At 3:45, just as I was about to throw in the towel and make Tim go on duty, he finally fell asleep. Whew! Needless to say, I am exhausted today!
~My mom came up from Florida this weekend to celebrate my niece Kellynn’s 6th birthday. After the birthday party, we went back to Kevin and Renee’s house for dinner and the race. I had so much fun watching Ella and Grayson run around the house, playing with each other. It’s funny to hear them talking to each other and mimicing each other. When did they get so big???
~I’m over my rut at work! I think that I was just suffering from those February blues (that Dena mentioned) as well as a VERY busy week. Maybe a little stress?? Last week ended on a good note and I here by declare my funk long gone!
~I am SOOOO glad that Lost is back on! It is my favorite show- although I must admit that I am dismayed to hear that there are only 4 episodes filmed. At least the writter’s strike is almost over. Maybe it will not effect this season…I NEED Lost!!!
~I have become addicted (no pun intended) to the new reality show- Celebrity Rehab. Is anyone else watching this? It’s on VH1 on Thursdays. (I DVR it and catch up on the weekends.) Dr. Drew is treating a number of celebrities for addictions. Perhaps it’s by back ground in counseling- or my curiosity about famous people- but I really like watching this show.

Lately I’ve been in a funk at work. It’s the wierdest thing. I mean- I like everything about my job- the people I work with, the hours, the kids…did I say the hours??? But there has been something “eating” at me for the past two weeks. I can’t put my finger on it-I just know that I haven’t been enjoying my job as much as I did in the past. Part of me thinks that I am missing the challenge and that my job feels stagnate. This is my 5th year at the same school and I feel like I have settled into a “rut”. Anyone else ever feel this way? Anyone have any suggestions? I really don’t want to leave my school. I mean where else can I work only 4 days a week, have time off for spring break, christmas break…not to mention a fall break. And like I said- I LOVE the people I work with. Maybe this is just a funk that will disappear in a couple of days. Whatever it is- I’m ready to be over it!

Grayson,
Today you are 21 months old and seem to quickly be approaching your 2nd birthday. You are steadily turning from baby to boy and I often watch in amazement as you learn to say something new or accomplish a task that the day before you could not master. You’ve developed a love for Blue’s Clues which you call “blue blue” complete with a self-made sign- your 2 hands near your head, facing outward, opening and closing twice. You are working on learning the words to the songs on the cartoon as well as the hand motions.
You enjoyed another trip to Florida by airplane this month and enjoyed staying at your Nagy and Pop Pop’s house. You visited with a number of aunts, uncles, and cousins and even got to see your Great Grandma and Great Grandpa who you haven’t seen in over a year. You enjoyed being baby sat by Pop Pop and was kind enough to reward him for his hard work with a massive poop! Ahh the joys of babyhood!
A new love of crayons surfaced this month. You could color and draw all day if we let you and of course we already had to set a few rules. You “accidently” colored on the wall in you play room- so now your coloring acitivites must be supervised and the crayons are not allowed to leave the table. The new rules seem to suit you just fine. Especially since you like for Daddy and me to draw pictures with you. While coloring, you like to hog all the crayons, putting as many as you can hold in one hand and refusing to share. You’ve learned the word “mine” (although you say “mines”) this month and say it over and over when we ask for one of the colors that you are hoarding. In the past you have shown a preference for your left hand, but since you have started coloring you now to seem to use the right hand more frequently.
You love to be outside and love all things to do with sports. You will stop anything you’re doing (including watching Blues Clues) for a promised trip outdoors. You are good at putting on your jacket with help and will often bring your socks and shoes. For Christmas you recieved a t-ball stand and a basketball set from your Aunt Jennifer. When outside you love to play with the t-ball set and have found that almost any type of ball will balance on top of the stand. Even better, you discovered that all balls will go flying when you hit them with the bat! Inside you love to play with the basketball and in my opinion- you’ve got a pretty good arm for being so little!
In your 21st month, you expanded your food favorties. You love oranges (you say “onzhhh”) and would eat two or three a day if we let you. You also continue to love apples- although they have taken a back seat to your new fruit favorite. Daddy has spoiled you with ice cream every night after dinner. As he prepares a bowl for the two of you to share, you often stand at his feet, clapping your hands, spinning circles, shouting “I May, I May”- your way of saying ice cream!
So another month has passed and as I looked back on the photos I took of you for this post, it hit me just how big you are getting. Long gone are the chubby legs and arms and the tiny baby body that I could easily fit onto my lap. Instead I now have a toddler who is working on his independence- but luckily still loves to hug, kiss, and cuddle. One of my favorite memories from this past month was when completely on your own, you stopped playing with your puzzles walked over to me, grabbed my face and planted a slobbery wet kiss on my lips. I rewarded you with tickles and kisses and thought how happy I am that you are growing up and are able to express your love for me now! I’m looking forwad to a thousand more of your spontaneous kisses and hope you know that I love each and everyone of them!
Grayson, I love you more and more each day!
Always,
Mama

The number of flavors of Baskin Robbins ice cream.
The atomic number of gallium.
The number of days in the months January, March, May, July, August, October and December.
The car number of NASCAR driver Jeff Burton.
Turkish slang for masturbation (”otuzbir”). Whoops!!!

See there are all kinds of great things about the number 31….

including the number of candles on my birthday cake this year!

My NC Family was kind enough to celebrate my special day with dinner at Cantina (a yummy upscale Mexican restaurant). After a number of margaritas and a plate of delicious fajitas, th festivities then continued at Carri and Dave’s house-where Renee’ was also able to join us! My S-I-L Jill made a appropriately named “Better Than Sex” cake that was to die for-(thank you so much Jill). Thank you to everyone who called, sent a card/ gift, and otherwise went out of their way to make me feel loved and appreciated on my birthday. I feel so lucky to have you all in my life!

Click on the photo above to see the other photos that were taken on my birthday.

It has been a very busy week. I was suppose to fly down to Florida on Thursday afternoon for a baby shower that I was co-hosting for my sister-in-law Amy. On Wednesday evening, I logged on to the airline website to print my boarding pass. That was when I noticed a warning that indicatd winter weather warnings for the next day. At 5:45, I called the airlines and they offered to change my flight for leaving that night. At 5:55, I got off the phone and then began running around my house like a mad woman packing for both Grayson and myself. Within 15 minutes, I had our bag packed, called our dog sitter, and was out the door. I arrived at the airport at 6:50 and due to the help of my S-I-L Jill (who also happened to be flying on my new flight) I was able to catch the plane to Florida.
Once in Florida, I seemed to spend alot of time in the car, driving 50 minutes one way to visit Amy-once on Thursday and again on Friday. Then at 7:00 on Friday night, while hanging out with all of Tim’s Aunts, Grandparents, and his Uncle who was in town, we received the call. Amy’s water broke and the baby was expected to deliver at anytime. We jumped back in the car and made it to the hospital in time. We waited about an hour for Joe to come out and announce that it was a boy! Adler John was born on January 18, weighing 5 pounds 1 ounce and measruing 18 1/4 inches. Amy and the baby were doing fine. We then proceeded to wait for four hours to see our new nephew- but because he was 6 weeks and 2 days early, it was to no avail. We ended up going home without even a peak at the new addition to our family.
On Satuday, we still held the shower. Joe (Tim’s brother) was our guest of honor and opened all the presents. It was hilarious watching him examine every gift. His comments and expressions were priceless.
On Sunday, we drove back to the hospital to visit with Amy and see the baby. SInce Adler was in the NICU, we could only visit one at a time. He was such a beautiful baby. His color was great and he looked so sweet and fragile lying in the incubator. At one point, while I was visiting, he began to cry but quieted right away once Joe gave him the pacifier. So the new baby is doing well- considering that he is premature. His lungs seem to be fine- which is a relief. He is being kept in an incubator to keep his body temperature up and he was given a feeding tube. (I heard news today that he drank an entire bottle- so maybe the feeding tube is over now???)
Early Monday morning, we flew back to NC. Once home, Grayson and I both napped for over 3 hours. I was exhausted from the lack of sleep. (Grayson insisted on sleeping in my bed while in FL.)
Today I went back to work and I am already ready to call it a night. I think I will need the next 5 days to recover from our trip away.

Ok, so apparently yesterday was “Delurker Day”. Well, I had no idea- so I’ve decided to do it today! I am calling out all of those friends, family members, and fellow bloggers who visit this blog, but never comment! I’m not aksing for a long, witty comment. A simple “Hey, I read your blog today” will do just fine. It’s nice to know that people are checking in- so please…tell me who you are!

No baby yet. And that’s good news! My sister-in-law, Amy is still in the hospital and still on bed rest. Poor thing, she hasn’t been out of the bed since she was hospitalized on Friday. They did finally give her permission to sit up and that’s a releif. For the past 5 days she has had to lay with her head lower than her pelvis…sounds like torture to me. She is still 5 cm dialated and is 100% effaced. They say that she will not go home until the baby is here and she won’t be allowed out of bed until next week. Then she will be in her 34th week of the pregnancy. Please keep her in your prayers. I think that I would be feeling a bit CRAZY at this point.

~Yesterday, my pregnant sister-in-law, Amy was hospitalized because she had already dialted to 4 cm. She is only 30 weeks pregnant, so there is concern about the baby being born too early. So far, she has spent a little over 24 hours in the hospital and she is being giving medications to stop the early labor. Things seem to be going ok- she hasn’t dialted any further. I guess tomorrow, they will make decisions about what to do. At this point it’s a game of “wait and see”. Best case scenario- labor stops and she will be on a bed rest for a while. Worst case scenario- the baby comes early. Of course at 30 weeks- the baby should be ok- except for some possible breathing issues and being under weight. We are all crossing our fingers that the labor will stop and that the baby will stay put inside Amy for at least a few more weeks. I will admit that I can’t wait to meet my new niece or nephew- but I know that it will be best for all of them if the new one can wait a few more weeks before entering the world. My heart and prayers go out to Joe and Amy as I know that they are worried sick and scared to death.
~Onto a happier note- Tim’s parents officially moved to NC this week. Thier moving truck arrived on Thursday and already they invited us over (last night) for dinner. Have I written about how happy I am that they are moving here???? I love Tim’s parents and enjoy spending time with them. They will now live only 15 minutes from our house and I couldn’t be more ecstatic. Welcome to NC Mom B and GB!!!
~ My winter vacation is almost over…and man have I enjoyed it. I have read 3 books, gotten back into scrapbooking, continued work on my house, and have spent an incredible amount of time with my family. There is a part of me that wishes I didn’t have to return to work- but at least I will be at a workshop on Monday and Tuesday. That should make the transition back into the working world a bit easier.
~Last, but not least, Grayson began running a 102.4 temperture tonight before bed. I gave him Motrin and the temp is down. Not sure what the problem is- since he just finshed antibiotics and he acted like an angel today. One of the tubes feel out of his a ear about a month ago and I am worried that he is going to get ear infections again. Looks like we might be headed back to the doctor tomorrow. Thank god for weekend hours!