August 29, 2009
Making comments
It has come to my attention that some of my wonderful readers are having a hard time figuring out how to leave comments to my blog posts. Well, I am here to help! It is quite simple, really. Once you finish reading one of my fine blogs, you will notice a link at the bottom that says "x comments", x being the number of comments currently left. Once you click on that, you will be able to read the comments already posted. Directly underneath is a space where you can write your own (and please do so freely!). Next, you will need to select a profile. Unless you already are a blogger with google, you will need to select the Name/URL profile. A box will pop up where you can enter your name and then click "continue". Note: *You DO NOT need to enter a URL address for this to work! You can then click the "post comment" button. You may need to enter a code before your comment will post (this is just to protect from spam). See, that was easy! Try it for yourself!
New addition
I want to take this opportunity to announce that Ryan and I are expecting a new little addition to our family! I am so excited I can hardly contain myself. We thought about it for awhile, weighed the pros and cons, did some research, and although it was a big decision we decided to go for it. It was official last Wednesday night! I have been thinking about this and wanting one for awhile now. Can you guess what it is? I'd love to hear what you think! I'll post more about it in the coming days when I have more information. Until then...enjoy these photos I took tonight at bath time.
August 27, 2009
A Saturday in photos
This past Saturday was georgeous. So georgeous that Ryan and I decided we had to get outside and do something. After a little research, we found a bike/walking path nearby. We loaded up Nate and the dog and headed off to enjoy the beautiful day. The following is our afternoon, as captured in a series of photos.
We decide that for a change we would try the carrier instead of the stroller. We get Nathan and Ryan all strapped up.
Nathan decides that the passing train, Ryan yelling Maverick to stay out of the busy street, and the short walk to the path is too much for him and promptly falls asleep in the carrier.
Maverick decides that this would be a good time to, ahem, do his thing. We realize we don't have a bag to clean up after him. (I did not take a photo of this, although if I was quick enough I may have because he decided to do his business right under the sign to pick up after pets). I decide to walk back to the car to get a bag and the stroller. This is what I find when I return. (I still chuckle every time I look at it).
We get Nathan all situated in his stroller, hooked up to his O2 and start walking.
***We walk a ways, and Ryan and I have a great discussion about which camera we are going to get (we are in he process of investing in a DSLR camera). We talk about all the awesome and wonderful pictures we could take on this walk with our new camera, and neglect to take one single picture of the beautiful scenery with the camera we have now.***
After our walk, we get back in the car and head to Walgreens to pick up a prescription. I sit in the backseat so Maverick doesn't trample Nathan.
Nathan wakes up to enjoy the car ride, plays with Brookfield the giraffe and makes cute faces at the camera.
Mav enjoys sticking his head out the window.
I, of course, am enjoying taking random pictures. Like this one for example. Just not ones of beautiful, scenic walking paths.
We wrap up our afternoon by stopping by one of our favorite spots and picking up sandwiches for lunch. A great afternoon, documented by a momma trying to capture every moment through her camera lens. (And soon, a MUCH, MUCH better camera lens. Watch out when that happens!)
We decide that for a change we would try the carrier instead of the stroller. We get Nathan and Ryan all strapped up.
Nathan decides that the passing train, Ryan yelling Maverick to stay out of the busy street, and the short walk to the path is too much for him and promptly falls asleep in the carrier.
Maverick decides that this would be a good time to, ahem, do his thing. We realize we don't have a bag to clean up after him. (I did not take a photo of this, although if I was quick enough I may have because he decided to do his business right under the sign to pick up after pets). I decide to walk back to the car to get a bag and the stroller. This is what I find when I return. (I still chuckle every time I look at it).
We get Nathan all situated in his stroller, hooked up to his O2 and start walking.
***We walk a ways, and Ryan and I have a great discussion about which camera we are going to get (we are in he process of investing in a DSLR camera). We talk about all the awesome and wonderful pictures we could take on this walk with our new camera, and neglect to take one single picture of the beautiful scenery with the camera we have now.***
After our walk, we get back in the car and head to Walgreens to pick up a prescription. I sit in the backseat so Maverick doesn't trample Nathan.
Nathan wakes up to enjoy the car ride, plays with Brookfield the giraffe and makes cute faces at the camera.
Mav enjoys sticking his head out the window.
I, of course, am enjoying taking random pictures. Like this one for example. Just not ones of beautiful, scenic walking paths.
We wrap up our afternoon by stopping by one of our favorite spots and picking up sandwiches for lunch. A great afternoon, documented by a momma trying to capture every moment through her camera lens. (And soon, a MUCH, MUCH better camera lens. Watch out when that happens!)
The Story of Shaggy the Bear
It was love at first sight. Once we popped that bear out of the box on Christmas morning and gave him to Nathan, the connection was obvious.
And since Nathan has grown, so has his adoration for Shaggy Bear. It melts my heart the way he hugs and kisses that stuffed animal. And also makes me slightly jealous. So, since Nathan is so fond of him, I thought I would share a couple photos with you. And then I thought you all might like to hear about how Shaggy got his name. See, it was a beautiful Sunday evening in June and I was at my parent's house. My sister had just arrived in town the day before and we had all just had a wonderful dinner. She announced that she had a little surprise for me, and pulled one of our favorite movies out of her suitcase. I couldn't wait to watch it, because I had been so busy and had so much on my mind as I was scheduled to have a c-section Tuesday morning. We settled down in the family room and she popped Shag in the DVD player (I bet you're starting to catch on a little now, aren't you?) About halfway through the movie, I decided baby (still in my tummy) wanted some milk and cookies. Then, just near the end (which is my FAVORITE part of the movie) something unexpected happened. I wasn't sure what it was at first, but upon running upstairs to the bathroom, frantically yelling dowstairs to my mom and sister, and asking my mom (who had three children of her own) some questions, I decided that my water had just broke. Our baby was on the way! And a day and a half early! The rest, of course, is history. And while at the mall, sitting infront of those computers at Build a Bear, trying to think of a clever name for our baby's Christmas gift from us, I couldn't help but be reminded of that night. And, so is the story of how Shaggy Bear got his name.
And since Nathan has grown, so has his adoration for Shaggy Bear. It melts my heart the way he hugs and kisses that stuffed animal. And also makes me slightly jealous. So, since Nathan is so fond of him, I thought I would share a couple photos with you. And then I thought you all might like to hear about how Shaggy got his name. See, it was a beautiful Sunday evening in June and I was at my parent's house. My sister had just arrived in town the day before and we had all just had a wonderful dinner. She announced that she had a little surprise for me, and pulled one of our favorite movies out of her suitcase. I couldn't wait to watch it, because I had been so busy and had so much on my mind as I was scheduled to have a c-section Tuesday morning. We settled down in the family room and she popped Shag in the DVD player (I bet you're starting to catch on a little now, aren't you?) About halfway through the movie, I decided baby (still in my tummy) wanted some milk and cookies. Then, just near the end (which is my FAVORITE part of the movie) something unexpected happened. I wasn't sure what it was at first, but upon running upstairs to the bathroom, frantically yelling dowstairs to my mom and sister, and asking my mom (who had three children of her own) some questions, I decided that my water had just broke. Our baby was on the way! And a day and a half early! The rest, of course, is history. And while at the mall, sitting infront of those computers at Build a Bear, trying to think of a clever name for our baby's Christmas gift from us, I couldn't help but be reminded of that night. And, so is the story of how Shaggy Bear got his name.
Like mother like son
Oh, the stories my mother could tell you about me when I was a child. Many, many stories involving a particular act that Nathan is doing in this very photograph. I didn't think we'd be headed down this road so early. I can only imagine what stories I will have to tell Nathan when he is older. That is, if he is anything like me in this department. :)
August 24, 2009
Go baby go!
All Nathan wants to do is move around, inchworm style, and poke, grab, point at and otherwise feel EVERYTHING and ANYTHING. It is so fun watching him move about, considering this and that, first cautiously touching (sometimes with his forehead-?) then moving on to find something else interesting to check out. One of his favorite games is to send one of his stacking cups or rings flying then inchworm his way to it, then send it flying in another direction and hurridly chase it again. It's to the point now where he doesn't even want to be held...he just squirms and squirms until you put him on the floor. And, more recently, he can't even sit still in his bed. Nope, all he wants to do is roll over and stick his hands out the side of the crib. I've found him asleep in this position the past two nights!
Started out by the window, checking out the curtain that was blowing in the breeze.
Then he spotted mommy with the camera and made his way over.
Wait! What's that?
What IS this thing anyway?
Off to check out more furniture.
I think I'll stop and check out this thing for awhile.
Someday soon, I'll be able to catch you doggy!
Started out by the window, checking out the curtain that was blowing in the breeze.
Then he spotted mommy with the camera and made his way over.
Wait! What's that?
What IS this thing anyway?
Off to check out more furniture.
I think I'll stop and check out this thing for awhile.
Someday soon, I'll be able to catch you doggy!
August 20, 2009
August 19, 2009
Spaghetti time!
Tonight was Nathan's first experience with spaghetti. Let's just say it was a successful one. He actually figured out how to slurp up the noodles!
And later, after we began the daunting task of cleaning him up,
he found some more in his bib!
August 17, 2009
Here goes...
I follow a couple other blogs who do this "Not me!" Monday thing but I have never really been brave enough to join the bandwagon. However, after reading over some of them the other night before heading to bed, I actally laid there with a small smile on my face, thinking "Wow. I am actually normal!" Initally, reading other mommy blogs made me feel like I wasn't doing enough. I actually thought these women were, well, perfect. So not the case. But in a good way! And I thought if they could admit their imperfections then I could too! Hopefully I am not going too far out on a limb here. Well, anyway, lets get on with it.
(Drumroll, please)
Not me Monday was born out of one mother's desire to admit her imperfections and moments she'd rather forget. Lets face it, we all have these moments! So, without further ado, here are some things I did NOT do this week:
In preparing to return to work yesterday, I certainly did not realize that I still hadn't organized our linnen closet. Which was one of the top things on my "list of things to do this summer". I always get things done and would never go an entire three months without getting around to organizing one simple closet. That would be ridiculous, and definately something I would not do!
After hanging out with my sister-in-law, mother-in-law, and neice and nephew at the local water park, it did not occur to me that it had been awhile since Nathan had lunch. Upon further thought, I did not realize that he had lunch nearly 6 hours ago and should have been starving by now! I would never be so wrapped up in tubing down a lazy river that I would forget to feed my own baby! No, not me!
And upon learning that it had been ,ahem , a few hours since his last feeding, I certainly did not just give him a bottle to tide him over until we got to the place where we all were eating dinner so I could feed him there. And this place did not happen to be Chipotle, which I most certainly do not have an addiction to. And if we did go there, I would never even dream of feeding my 14 month old Chipotle rice and guacamole for dinner. No way, I only feed him healthy, nutritous food!
And lastly, this evening, after deciding that it was time to start weaning him off the paci once and for all, I did not go into his room when he was fussing with the intention of calmly soothing him back to sleep without the paci. No, I didn't go in there, not even slightly annoyed that I had to leave my post at the computer, and just give in within the first 30 seconds just so I could get back to what I was doing. Nope, I would never give in that easily! Not me!
Whew, that felt good! Now that I was brave enough to share...lets see if you are! What things did you NOT do this week?
(Drumroll, please)
Not me Monday was born out of one mother's desire to admit her imperfections and moments she'd rather forget. Lets face it, we all have these moments! So, without further ado, here are some things I did NOT do this week:
In preparing to return to work yesterday, I certainly did not realize that I still hadn't organized our linnen closet. Which was one of the top things on my "list of things to do this summer". I always get things done and would never go an entire three months without getting around to organizing one simple closet. That would be ridiculous, and definately something I would not do!
After hanging out with my sister-in-law, mother-in-law, and neice and nephew at the local water park, it did not occur to me that it had been awhile since Nathan had lunch. Upon further thought, I did not realize that he had lunch nearly 6 hours ago and should have been starving by now! I would never be so wrapped up in tubing down a lazy river that I would forget to feed my own baby! No, not me!
And upon learning that it had been ,ahem , a few hours since his last feeding, I certainly did not just give him a bottle to tide him over until we got to the place where we all were eating dinner so I could feed him there. And this place did not happen to be Chipotle, which I most certainly do not have an addiction to. And if we did go there, I would never even dream of feeding my 14 month old Chipotle rice and guacamole for dinner. No way, I only feed him healthy, nutritous food!
And lastly, this evening, after deciding that it was time to start weaning him off the paci once and for all, I did not go into his room when he was fussing with the intention of calmly soothing him back to sleep without the paci. No, I didn't go in there, not even slightly annoyed that I had to leave my post at the computer, and just give in within the first 30 seconds just so I could get back to what I was doing. Nope, I would never give in that easily! Not me!
Whew, that felt good! Now that I was brave enough to share...lets see if you are! What things did you NOT do this week?
Mr. Adventerous
Nathan has REALLY been getting around lately. So much so that the Grandmas are freaking over putting a gate at the top of the stairs (and rightfully so). Last night he was being exceptionally adventerous and was daring to maneuver through all the chair legs under our dining room table. He only bumped his head a couple times, but you live and you learn! Here are some photos from his escapade.
Having a good time
Getting lost in a sea of wooden legs
A view from the, ahem, rear.
Gramma actually got on the floor with him. Although, not under the table.
Having a good time
Getting lost in a sea of wooden legs
A view from the, ahem, rear.
Gramma actually got on the floor with him. Although, not under the table.
Hello...is there anyone out there?
Okay, so I am feeling a little neglected. On the last website a wide array of people were periodically leaving comments AND I had a site counte\er when I logged in so I knew there were people looking. Since we have moved I have only gotten a few comments and am worried that I don't have a following anymore! And seriously, what fun is a blog if nobody reads it? :D So, dear readers, I beg of you...leave a comment after this post so I know that you are still out there reading! I mean, I wouldn't have anything to occupy my time if I stopped blogging. There is never any laundry or dishes to be done. The house is always spotless. Our refridgerator is always full. I would probably go crazy from complete boredom. Or something like that. So comment away!!!
Grandma D's summer squash
Gardens and vegetable growing is not something new to Ryan's side of the family. I have made the most wonderful salads with fresh romaine and arugula from Ryan's grandparent's garden this summer. And recently, the crookneck squash that Grandma D deemed "Nathan's squash", was ready to be picked. I failed to take a picture of this beautiful vegetable (actually two-they were siamese twins, joined together!) before they met their demise in a pot of boiling water. They were absolutely georgeous though-and totally pesticide free! I cleaned, sliced and boiled them, then put them in the food processor with a little of the leftover water. Next, I put the puree into an ice cube tray to freeze for later. I filled an entire tray! While I was at it I boiled some sweet potato, which you also see in the picture. I am trying to be creative with my cooking for Nathan-I want him to have a large palette. I am picking up some interesting recipes here and there so if you have any good ones, please send them my way!
August 13, 2009
August 06, 2009
Pure Michigan
As we were trying to plan for our vacation, the same thought kept crossing our minds, "Where do you go with a one year old"? Ryan and I both had fond memories of time spent in Michigan (and are in love with the "Pure Michigan" commercials) so that is where we ended up. We stayed 4 nights just outside of Grand Rapids and filled our days with the zoo, the beach and side trips to Holland and Grand Haven. We planned to go at just the right time, catching an annual arts and crafts show in Holland (even though it was shortened by rain) and the tail end of the Coastguard Festival in Grand Haven and saw some spectacular fireworks. I am going to sum up our trip with a top ten list, split two ways.
Five things I loved while on vacation:
1. Spending entire days with my two boys.
2. Getting to do things we normally don't do-like sleeping in, eating out, and letting Nate sleep in bed with us. (Really this only happened because he threw a royal FIT one night, but redeemed himself the next morning by looking adorably cute sleeping right next to me).
3. The fact that my husband *patiently* waited as I checked out the different vendors goodies at the arts and crafts festival, even though I know he hated every minute of it.
4. Sitting with Nathan under a tree along a river watching Ryan fish.
5. And this last one is purely me-getting to read a "trashy" magazine while soaking up the sun.
Five things I learned while on vacation:
1. When you stop feeding toddlers delecious cake (like Arnies, for example-yes, Uncle Mark, we went...we had to!) they usually do not like this and will scream and cry for more. Put this down in the record books as Nathan's first official "tantrum" in a resturaunt. I actually had to take him outside.
2. Beaches have sand. And sand gets EVERYWHERE!!!
3. It is impossible to feed a one year old organic food while on vacation if you don't bring it with you. At least I'll know for next time!
4. Fireworks start when it is really dark. This is usually after babies bed time. Babies who are forced to sit for long periods of time, waiting for fireworks that may or may not go off because it may or may not be too windy, but the cop directing traffic doesn't know anything yet, and we have been sitting waiting for an hour and a half already, should we just go? but what if they start? will probably be cranky.
5. Nathan does NOT like the feel of grass or sand. At all.
Here are some of our favorite photos:
Nathan napping at the zoo
Nate and Ry enjoying the peaceful scenery
Hanging out with mommy
Fishin
Nathan's first Jimmy Johns sandwhich. Not my proudest moment.
Trying to capture a family photo waiting for fireworks
Okay, so he wasn't exactly a fan of the beach at first...
but he warmed up to the idea.
Our last meal before heading home. Nathan is starting to become VERY vocal when it comes to food. This was almost another one for the books!
Five things I loved while on vacation:
1. Spending entire days with my two boys.
2. Getting to do things we normally don't do-like sleeping in, eating out, and letting Nate sleep in bed with us. (Really this only happened because he threw a royal FIT one night, but redeemed himself the next morning by looking adorably cute sleeping right next to me).
3. The fact that my husband *patiently* waited as I checked out the different vendors goodies at the arts and crafts festival, even though I know he hated every minute of it.
4. Sitting with Nathan under a tree along a river watching Ryan fish.
5. And this last one is purely me-getting to read a "trashy" magazine while soaking up the sun.
Five things I learned while on vacation:
1. When you stop feeding toddlers delecious cake (like Arnies, for example-yes, Uncle Mark, we went...we had to!) they usually do not like this and will scream and cry for more. Put this down in the record books as Nathan's first official "tantrum" in a resturaunt. I actually had to take him outside.
2. Beaches have sand. And sand gets EVERYWHERE!!!
3. It is impossible to feed a one year old organic food while on vacation if you don't bring it with you. At least I'll know for next time!
4. Fireworks start when it is really dark. This is usually after babies bed time. Babies who are forced to sit for long periods of time, waiting for fireworks that may or may not go off because it may or may not be too windy, but the cop directing traffic doesn't know anything yet, and we have been sitting waiting for an hour and a half already, should we just go? but what if they start? will probably be cranky.
5. Nathan does NOT like the feel of grass or sand. At all.
Here are some of our favorite photos:
Nathan napping at the zoo
Nate and Ry enjoying the peaceful scenery
Hanging out with mommy
Fishin
Nathan's first Jimmy Johns sandwhich. Not my proudest moment.
Trying to capture a family photo waiting for fireworks
Okay, so he wasn't exactly a fan of the beach at first...
but he warmed up to the idea.
Our last meal before heading home. Nathan is starting to become VERY vocal when it comes to food. This was almost another one for the books!
August 05, 2009
Making Mommy time
These past several weeks have put a bit of a strain on me. I was worrying about everything under the sun and freaking out constantly. Ryan didn't know how to handle my frantic-ess and in trying to get things done I felt that I wasn't getting any good QT with Nathan. I couldn't focus while driving and simple decisions were turning into agonizing life choices. At one point I actually considered going to my doctor and getting some medication (which is not easy for me to admit). And then someone (actually it was my sister-in-law, Kristen, who has two kids of her own and knows a little about this "crazy" feeling) suggested I get some good, quality ME time. And I decided to take her advice. I skipped a family function to have a girls weekend with friends from college. Of course this decision came with guilt (for not seeing my family), worry (of leaving Nathan for the first time and putting my mom and sister in charge of taking him the 2 hour drive to Michigan so family could at least see him) and feelings of selfishness (for doing something for myself for an ENTIRE WEEKEND). But it was exactly what I needed. Of course I missed my family and Nathan terribly, but I was happy to be consumed in a weekend full of strong friendships, celebrations, laughter and love. It proved to be the perfect medecine and just what I needed to feel like myself again. And I guess that's nothing to feel guilty about.
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