Not a creature was stirring

So, when you have a 15 month old and things are really quiet, you can be sure of one thing: Something's not right.

In my house, it means:


1) Jacob's playing in the toilet again. Splashing around like he should be sitting in it taking a bath and smiling the whole time.


or


2) He's climbed on the kiddie table we have for Adam to use for coloring, playdoh, drawing...



or

3) He's climbed onto the kiddie table that we have for Adam to use for coloring, playdoh, drawing, and painting...

Oh, don't forget that we also use that table for cutting too (note the scissors in his hands).

I have to go. Someone's knocking at my door. I'm sure it's someone to give me "Parent of the Year" award. Or, maybe it's child services to save my kids from certain injury.

2 months...really?

Holy cow! Two months since I last posted. I am failing severely at keeping this thing updated. So much has happened in the last 2 months, that I don't even know where to begin. So, maybe I will just post some pictures and let them do the talking.

After about 20 (ok, I might be exaggerating by like 1 or 2) ear infections, Jacob got tubes in his ears. He hasn't had an infection since, however his nose still runs like it drank rotten milk (that means he has diarrhea of the nose). I can deal with a snotty kid as long as he doesn't have the fever and restless nights like before. He really is a sweetheart. Love him so much. Still isn't saying mama, but I'm working on it, a lot.

We have been playing outside as much as possible. Now that spring is here, we are trying to take advantage of letting the kids run off as much energy as possible. Adam has made a new friend in the neighborhood and he loves playing with her and her little brother. Of course he has his other friend, Noah who he loves to play with also! One of the faves- the bounce house.

So, apparently I am one of "those" moms who sucks because I don't take enough pictures. I have very little else to post for pics because, well, I suck.

Here's a random picture of Adam. Just cause he's so darn cute and he thought it would be funny to put a bunch of head bands in his hair.

He makes dad so proud.

Num, num, Give me cake!

Jacob turned one year old on Wednesday! Let me repeat myself: Jacob turned one year old on Wednesday! How is this possible? I am still remembering very vividly the day/night he was born. I know everyone says this, but it is so true: Time just goes by so fast! We had a party for Jacob on the Sunday before his birthday (on Valentine's Day). My good friend Stacey made him a darling giant cupcake. He loved it!

Brandi took his pictures on Tuesday night. I attempted to make a giant cupcake (I ordered the mold because I am such a baker and thought I could do it myself). Turns out I am not as awesome as I thought I was because my cupcake just fell apart. Apparently you are supposed to let the cake cool down before you try to take it out of the mold. Who knew? Anyway, I kind of improvised and just frosted the bottom portion. It didn't matter much because he knew what to do and just dug right in. He is hysterical.

Jacob gets tubes put in on Monday. Thank goodness. He has pretty much had an ear infection since October. Never gets over them! I am hoping they work and he starts to feel better soon!

My Secret Addiction

So, here it is. My confession. My big reveal. My 12-step recovery process. I am officially addicted to reading blogs. I love it. I think it all started with Rock Star Mommy. I loved her. Read it religiously. Made me laugh, cry and well not much else but I loved it. Then it was over. I had a void in my life. Then Brandi sent me a random post from someone else, now I am addicted to hers. So, in order for me to not feel so bad about my addiction I thought I would share with you what I am currently reading. Maybe you can check them out and you too can become addicted.

Maybe If You Just Relax: http://www.jennepper.com/
Why I love her? She has a baby 3 days older than Jacob so often she is writing about the same things that I am going through. Plus, she has the same sense of humor that I do- but she doesn't care what other people think. Often I wish I could write about these types of things, but I'm not brave enough. She has an awesome style of writing also. Makes up funny words, illustrates events through pictures (post from Oct. 26, 2009- The Day I struck My Mother Blind with My Lady Business is one for the record books http://www.jennepper.com/2009/10/day-i-struck-my-mother-blind-with-my.html), and is just all around full of "the awesome." Cara and I often recall and laugh about her posts. (if I was more awesome I would be able to figure out how to create a link in here so you don't have to read the whole address- sorry).

Mommy Wants Vodka: http://www.mommywantsvodka.com/
Aunt Becky cracks me up. You just have to check her out. Kind of rough, but has a soft side. Guaranteed to make you laugh.

A Baby? Maybe...: www.ababymaybe.com
Love the quotes at the end of each post. Plus she takes beautiful pictures. Not to mention she works in HR, and all awesome people work in HR. How can you not like her?

Conceive This!: http://murgdan.blogspot.com/
She too is good to read. Funny. No particular reason that I like her, I just do.

So those are my main blogs I follow. Maybe you too can join me. Let me know what you think. They are girly blogs so I am pretty sure no man will enjoy them. Although I did get a chuckle out of Jeff when I read him Jennepper's post about her lady business. Really, it is priceless.

Also, if you have any to add to my list, please do. I love reading them. It makes me feel like my life just isn't as weird as I think it is.

I might not post often, but darn it

I might not be the best blogger. In fact, I'm sure I'm not even close. I'm probably one of the worst. Regardless, my background will be awesome! I am soo ready for spring. Actually I am soooo ready just to see the sun!

As for an update. We are hibernating, sorta. Work, kids, and eating. That's what we do. Jacob is on ear infection number 5 since he has graced the World with his presence 11 months ago. Thinking it's about time to consider tubes or something. We are so tired of the constant shoving medicine down his throat. Poor guy. He's awesome though. The happiest little guy. Just constantly smiling with the big dimples. He's also in to everything. Now he's starting to take some steps all by himself. Tonight he took about 5 steps before he realized he would rather be crawling cause he gets where he wants to go faster. He is the sweetest thing ever.

Adam is awesome. Learning so much and just changing every day. He is always saying something that cracks me up. Earlier he told Jeff "I need some Daddy time." Of course he would probably never say that he needs "mommy time." He is by far a daddy's boy. Doesn't really want too much to do with me if daddy is around. I'm not bitter, can't ya tell? Today at day care, he was given crackers with peanut butter on them. They caught it just as he took one little bite from the corner. I'm thinking he didn't really get any peanut butter and if he did it must have been a tiny amount. My bestie Kelly ran over there for me and gave him Benedryl as I was just going into an interview at work. He didn't have a reaction thank goodness! The sad (and infuriating) thing is that the same person that gave him the peanut butter today is the SAME person who gave him peanut candy the last time. Jeff and I are considering not taking him there anymore. It's hard because he is such a sensitive little guy and does NOT adjust to change well at all. Of course, if he is not going to be safe someplace - then a mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do.

I have some awesome pics to post. As soon as I take the 100+ pics off of my camera I will be sure to post. However I really don't think anyone reads this. So if you read, please leave a comment every once and awhile. I'm getting discouraged.

Well, I'm off to say my good-byes to Conan!

January 22, A day that will live in infamy...

It is a dark day today. The end of a wonderful thing. My world will never be the same. Well, until September at least. That's right. Conan's last night on the Tonight Show. I have loved Conan for years. He cracks me up. I'm getting ready to watch his last show. Maybe I will have a nice cry at the end. Oh who am I kidding, there is no way I can stay up until the end. I'll be there in my dreams Conan.
Long live Coco.

Our Little Smurf

Jacob found blue paint today. He thought it was pretty funny. Me?? Not so much.

Adam turns 4

Adam turned 4 on Thanksgiving day. I cannot believe it! It literally feels like we were just bringing him home from the hospital. Time just flies! Because his birthday fell on Thanksgiving this year, he actually had 2 birthday parties. We had a cake for him with our Thanksgiving dinner, plus we had one at a local pool with some friends. Here are some pictures:

Such a big boy!

On my last nerve

So I might be feeling a little irritable over the past week or so. Some might automatically assume that they know the reason, but I am pretty sure that's not it. It's just a cumulation of many things that are just getting on my nerves. So, lucky for me (and not so lucky for you) I am going to take a few moments and get these things off of my chest. Do I really think that this will help? - Probably not. But I will try it.

• Can anyone really open the macaroni and cheese box by pushing in the little tab and pulling back? I mean, are you for real? You want me to push that thing in with my thumb? What are my thumbs made of? It's enough to make me not want to make macaroni and throw the kids in the car and go to McDonalds. (making something else would be too much effort)
• Really- why is it that I can have every size of battery in the house EXCEPT the ONE SIZE that a new toy requires? (commence the screaming and crying of a 4 year old)
• We have a dish washer, however there are certain things that I prefer to wash by hand. Things like my pans, baby bottles, and tupperware I usually wash by hand. Also I will sometime just wash everything if there isn't very much. So why is it that when I wash dishes, there is always that ONE dish that gets missed? Drives me nuts.
• Stinky little bean beatles.
• Hardee's commercials. They make me want to vomit.

Ok, I can't think of much else right now. If you have anything you would like to add to my list, please feel free. I would love to hear it!

So many thoughts, so little time

Often times I think about random thoughts. I would love to use this blog to rant and rave about these random thoughts, but I am afraid that people might think I am weird. And then I think, who cares if people think I am weird. Maybe I am, so get over it. See, that's a random thought. Like, maybe I want to talk about how I really enjoy watching football and miss the lazy Sunday afternoons when I could sit on the couch all day and do that. Or maybe I want to talk about how people really annoy me when they still act like we are in high school (fresh memory- sorry). Or if I just have a really crappy day. Couldn't I just talk about it on here? I really don't think anyone reads anyway, so that would be ok. See, just random thoughts spewing out of my mind and onto the screen.

This is the weirdest post ever. I'm going to bed.

PS - Did you know that Pierce Brosnan used to be a fire-eater for the circus before he became an actor?

Fall update

Wow, can't believe it has been over one month since I last posted! Time has just flown by. We have been busy, but if you were to ask me what we have been doing, I am pretty sure my answer would be "I don't know. Not much." We are just living day by day, trying not to go insane.

The boys are just incredible. Changing so much. I love to watch them interact. It is so fun to watch them make each other laugh. Jacob just loves his big brother, and Adam loves his little brother just as much - except for when Jacob tries to play with his toys. We could have the floor covered with Jacob's toys, but he wants nothing to do with them. He goes straight to Adam's little cars, tractors, choking hazards, etc. that Adam is playing with. And he is so fast. Just in the last week he has grown an interest in the stairs. Why? Who knows. I think it's time to get the annoying gate out. I really sound like I am complaining - and I am not. Here is a list of my favorite things that are going on right now:

Jacob-
1. He always has a red nose. No matter if he's hot or cold - it's alway red
2. He sucks his thumb - all of the time. Love it.
3. He has very little hair, but has a long patch right on the top of his head and it's curly. I just love to play with it.
4. His belly laugh. Priceless. And he laughs at everything. Of, the squeals of delight are just as great as the belly laugh.
5. Chunky baby legs. Nuf said
6. The large gap in between his 2 front teeth. Then with his big smile - it just cracks me up.
7. He loves bouncing
8. The little slips of "mama" every once in awhile.
9. He thinks its really funny when you chase him when he is about to tumble down the stairs. It's like he knows that your heart is about to jump out of your chest.
10. He's starting to eat more table food. Loves Cheerios and bread. This is one of my faves because this equals less stinky baby food that I have to feed him.

I was going to stop at 10, but I just thought of one more. Maybe one of the best:
11. He likes to cuddle with me in bed and fall asleep in my arms.

My favorite things about Adam:
1. Love it when he says big words like "automatically," and "anhydrous ammonia" (he loves tractors, I know that might sound weird that he knows that)
2. He has such an imagination. He is starting to play on his own and I love listening to him pretend play with his cars and tractors.
3. He learns something new everyday and loves to tell me about it.
4. Only MOM can brush his teeth.
5. Only DAD can lay with him at night. (this is a selfish fave thing on my part because it means I get alone time where no one is bothering me)
6. He sings funny songs
7. He is convinced that the word "tunnel" is pronounced "tinnel" and there is no telling him otherwise.
8. Adam loves to dance with me around the kitchen.
9. Adam likes to read the comics - even though he makes up his own story based on the pictures.
10. He asks me about 10 times a day to: "Scratch my back, scratch my arms, scratch my legs." Annoying, yes. But I wouldn't want it any other way. I think I am paying for all of the times I made my mom scratch my back.

Should I make a list for Jeff? Maybe later. He's awesome all around and he loves me regardless of my oddities. Couldn't ask for a better hubby.

Weekend fun

This weekend was such a nice relaxing couple of days. Yesterday I ran (and walked) in a 5k in the 12:1 Run at Harmony Bible Chuch. Although it was cold and cloudy, it was a nice time. Then me and the kids just hung out at home and played. Today we woke up to SUNSHINE! Haven't seen the sun for awhile so it was nice. Adam picked that he wanted to eat at McDonalds for lunch so we went there and even ate inside - which I normally would not do with 2 kids. But they were both good. Then we went to my favorite store - Target. When we got home we made some cookies. Adam was so hungry that he was saying that his shoulder was growling?! I didn't realize that your shoulder would growl if you got hungry, but apparently it does so beware.

Is she an Angel?

Wow. To see the world through a child's eyes would have to be the most refreshing thing a person could do. If we could all do that, especially when things seem confusing or difficult, I think we would have an awesome perspective. Innocence is just amazing.

Yesterday Adam, Jacob, and I went to the park. It was an absolutely gorgeous day. There were a couple of birthday parties going on in the shelter house and then in the large room, there was a wedding reception. As Adam was playing, I saw the bride walking out in her pretty white dress. I said to Adam, "Look at that pretty lady." He just stared at her and asked, "Is she an angel?" I kind of laughed a little and said, "I don't know. Maybe we should go ask her." He agreed. We got up to go ask her but then she started talking to some of her guests so I figured we better leave her alone. Why would she want some strangers bothering her? It made me think about seeing things through a child's eyes. I wonder why Adam would even think that this is what an angel looks like. I wish that I could look at someone and truly believe they are an angel like Adam did. I think we can learn so much from children. I know mine teach me something pretty much everyday. For instance, last night I learned that if you run down your block with your 3-year old at 8:30 at night people are going to open their doors and wonder what in the heck you are doing. Who would've thought!!

This is my kid on peanuts

Jeff and I have often wondered if Adam's peanut allergy has gone away. The first time he had peanut butter was when he was about 13 months old. He had a peanut butter sandwich at my moms and then had another later on in the evening. That night on the way up for his bath, we noticed a rash all up his back that was spreading all over his body. The hives stuck around for a couple of days until it was all out of his system. We visited an allergy doctor (I'm sure there is an official name for that type of doctor, but whatever) and they tested him for peanut allergy. Of course he tested positive. So, since then he hasn't been exposed to peanuts. Until today.

I received a call from day care a little after noon saying that they "think" Adam might have eaten peanuts. Turns out that there was some candy in the room and he must have eaten some. Whether it was a kid who gave it to him or a teacher, not 100% sure, but I have a feeling I know which one it was. Regardless, Adam was red with hives from head to toe. He was crying and had a small fever. He was itching so bad. He was also swollen, especially his face. It was absolutely awful. He also had a runny nose and they said he had been sneezing. I took him home and laid with him on the couch just scratching his back, arms, and legs for about 45 minutes or so waiting for the Benedryl to kick in. After about an hour and another dose of Benedryl (ordered by the doctor) he was feeling a little better. By about 3:30 he was feeling pretty good wanting to play and eat. We dodged the bullet today, but it makes me scared for what will happen next time. Everyone always tells us that the more they are exposed to peanuts the more severe the reaction will be. Tonight he still has a rash all over his back and stomach, but it's nothing like it was and he isn't itching anymore.

Here are some pictures of what he looked like. Although they really do not do him justice.

Poor little guy. I just felt so bad for him. It kills me to see him suffer like that. Thankfully he is ok and we just need to speak with the day care to make sure this NEVER happens again.

"Turn all your worries over to him. He cares about you. Control yourselves. Be on your guard. Your enemy the devil is like a roaring lion. He prowls around looking for someone to chew up and swallow. Stand up to him. Stand firm in what you believe. All over the world you know that your brothers and sisters are going through the same kind of suffering. God always gives you all the grace you need"(1 Peter 5:7-10a, NIRV).

BINGO Queen

Thursday night a few friends and I went to play Bingo. Wow, was that ever intense! We had a lot of fun. Can't believe no one took their camera. We ate GREASY maidrites, nachos, pie, Pepsi, and Kelly had her favorite: "crack in a bag" (see picture). We all agreed that if we did this on a regular basis that we would all weigh 300 pounds.
We had a great time. I didn't win any money, but a few others did. Each pot was $14. We met a lady named Laura who plays pretty much every night. She gave us some helpful tips. She also had the inside scoop about where the best places to play are and where the crooked places are. Apparently there is a place in Ft. Madison that cheats. Who would have known that there is an underground to bingo!

Jacob's surgery

Yesterday Jacob had his "little" surgery. It was a long day! Poor little guy. We arrived in Peoria around 9:30 after just getting slightly lost. Jeff and I ALWAYS get lost when we are driving places we are not familiar with. Jeff's parents would be able testify to that fact after our trip to Florida. Anyway, we got checked in and went to the surgery area. There we talked with several nurses, support staff, the doctor, and anesthesiologist. Everyone was so nice and understanding. We waited for about 90 minutes or so. Finally, the nurse came and took Jacob. While his surgery was originally scheduled for 11:00, they didn't get him until around noon. I still was not ready to hand him over. He's so little and the thought of having him under general anesthesia made both Jeff and me really nervous.

After they took him, Jeff and I went to the surgery waiting area. Talk about a busy surgery center! That waiting room was extremely busy. We got a pager and a patient number. It was really nice because they had a large tv screen that had the patient numbers listed along with where they were at with the surgery. So the whole time that Jacob was in there, we could tell what stage they were at. So, they started the procedure at 12:25. Around 1:10, the status changed to "closing" and the doctor was with us shortly after that. Then I was able to go see him in Phase 1 Recovery. I met him there with a very welcome bottle. He was so hungry because he hadn't eaten since around 6:45 that morning. He was in Phase 1 for about 30 minutes and then they moved us to Phase 2. That is where Daddy was able to join us. We were there for a little bit. The nurse checked in on him a few times, went over instructions and care with us, then we were off. We were hitting the road around 2:30pm. Then we had about a 2 hour drive home, which Jacob slept the whole time. Thank goodness!

He did really well last night considering. He was a little fussy, but was crawling around some. He was still his smiley little self. Such a happy little boy. We were totally expecting for him to be up a few times last night, but he slept all night without fussing. Jeff and I were excited about that because we were both so exhausted. We had an early morning and an emotionally draining day. Adam got to spend the day with Grandma Pam and Grandpa Greg. They took him to school where he got to go "upstairs to the basement." His words - not mine. He said they would go there if there was a "fire tornado." He cracks me up. If I try to correct him, he gets very annoyed. He knows what he is talking about so don't waste your breath. Adam was a trooper though. He is so concerned with Jacob's oughey. He's such a good big brother and loves Jacob so much.

This picture was taken in the waiting area before surgery. His surgery gown was so little!This picture was taken in the recovery room. He was pretty out of it. He was sucking his thumb A LOT yesterday. The nurses kept asking if he had a special blanket or pacifier. He just wanted his thumb.

Today he has been just great. Almost like nothing happened. He's been playing, crawling and just acting like his usual happy little self. We are so thankful that everything turned out ok and hope that the healing goes fast! Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. We definitely needed them.

The Big Day

Tuesday was Adam's first day of preschool. He did so wonderful. Jeff and I are so proud of him. He woke up in the morning and was really crabby. He was saying that he didn't want to go. Then after he had a little bit of time to wake up and eat breakfast, he was ready to go. He did so great getting ready and letting mommy take lots of pictures.

When we got to school, he hopped right out of the car and we stood outside and got some more pictures while we waited to school to start. Here are some pics of Adam and a couple of school buddies.

After preschool was over, we went to BK (Adam would be mad if I actually called it by it's real name of Burger King) with FG and Kelly. I think they are destined to be good buddies!

It turned out to be a great day. I was very nervous that Adam would be crying and clinging to our legs. He is just becoming be such a big boy. Jeff and I are so proud of how he is growing and learning. We feel so lucky!

Preschool Orientation

Thursday Adam had his preschool orientation. Jeff and I took Jacob to grandma's house so we could both go and show Adam what a special place he would be going to. He woke up in a horrible mood that morning. Jeff and I were a little nervous thinking that he would be a crab about the whole thing. As the morning went on and Adam had breakfast things got a little better. When we got there, Adam just walked right in to check things out. He wanted to show the teachers his bag and how he colored it. He put his name tag on and washed his hands (the first thing they do when they first arrive at preschool). Then he was off, a little slow at first, to check everything out.

He is being such a big boy. Just in the last few weeks we have noticed a change in him. He is talking more to people he doesn't know very well (he still talks non-stop at home) and he is just being a little more social. He is ok with the idea of going to preschool. I made a calendar where we can cross off the days until his first day of school. Everyday he is asking "Am I going to preschool today?". This Tuesday will be his actual first day. I am sad about taking him, but I know he will have a great time. Here are some pics from his open house plus a family picture that we had to have taken so he can take to school.

Here is Adam with his buddy F.G.. Jeff will be taking both of them to school everyday and picking them up. He is such a good dad! We took a bunch of pictures to try to get one family picture.
There wasn't one of them where we were all looking at the camera.

On the Wings of Angels

My 35 year old cousin Kelly passed away last week on Monday after a long battle with cancer. She has 3 beautiful young children and was truly taken from her family too soon. Her passing has made me think so much about life, death, family, and the legacy that I want to leave. It broke my heart to see her kids say goodbye to their mommy. What were things like the last few weeks when the hope had diminished that things would get better? How do you possibly let go of your children? I can't even imagine how strong she had to be to hug her children and let them go not knowing if she would ever be able to hold them again. I don't know how strong I could be. Her oldest daughter read a poem at the funeral and did a wonderful job. I know her mommy was watching her and was so proud of her for doing this.

So many questions that can never be answered or understood. Things like this just seem so unfair. She still had so much ahead of her. I think we just need to take comfort in the fact that it is ok to not understand. It is ok to question God. It's even ok to be mad at Him. He can take it. In fact, I have a feeling He kind of expects it. The important thing is that while you can be mad, it's important to trust Him - knowing that we could never possibly understand why.

Anyway, on my way home from work this evening this song came on the radio. I have heard it a hundred times, but today it meant something different. Is Kelly really up in Heaven, smiling down on us saying "Don't worry about me."? I think she is. God bless Kelly and her family.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8sWwFIFlK8