Playing Together

As Liam has gotten a little bit more sturdy, the kids have been playing together more frequently. He truly ADORES Natalie and I often hear them giggling in unison. This morning I put him in her crib to see what would happen. Natalie is such a good big sister and was happy to show him her book. I have a feeling Liam will want to play dress-up with Natalie and push the baby doll around in a stroller here in a year or two.

Yesterday I just discovered that Liam is getting his first tooth! He's been such a trooper if he's been in pain. At least we have something blame the constant drooling on! He's had one haircut already and looks like he could already use another. Bizarre, as he's only 7 months old! As long as he doesn't start sprouting chest or back hair next month. =)

Mmm...Carnitas!

Last week, Kevin made the BEST carnitas. Now I know I'm a Missourian living in Maryland so I may not hold as much weight as someone from California or even Mexico. But, I AM a foodie. This recipe, folks, is the REAL deal.

Note: we DID add green chiles to the crockpot and then browned up the shredded meat in a cast iron skillet while reducing a lot of the yummy juices to further infuse the flavors in the meat. We'll DEFINITELY make this one again.

A Nice Respite

I've recently made a fabulous discovery - one that gives me back a sense of "me" in the midst of the laundry, poopy diapers, work, meals to make, etc. I haven't had time at all to read much since having Liam. And I really didn't have all that much time with just Natalie. However, I DO have a lot of time to LISTEN and I've started listening to audiobooks on my iPod. I am in LOVE.

If you're interested, there's a site called Audible (owned by Amazon) that offers a monthly subscription to audiobooks. I came across an offer for a free two week Platinum membership to try it out. You get to KEEP the two books you download during that time and can even transfer them to two different computers and two different devices (other iPods) or burn them to CD. It's really a fabulous freebie even if you don't decide to keep the membership.

I'm also discovering that my local library system has a TON of audiobooks in iPod format available for free - so I may not end up keeping my Audible membership...we'll see. Just thought I'd share my new find with you in case you, too, are searching for the "grownup reprieve" in the sea of mommy tasks.

A Quick Update...

We've been sick around here for about a week. I took a good amount of time off work this week just to try to recouperate. I'm sure many of you know, there's no rest for the weary when you're a mom of young kids. Especially one that has just QUIT HER NAP!

I decided to devote this post to a quick update with pictures so I could start a clean slate for the week. Besides, most of my musings this week have been in the neighborhood of "Where is all this snot coming from?" and "What cold medicines can I take as a nursing mom?" and "How do you keep a sick 2 year old interested in playing with toys that she's played with for the last week and half because we've had two major snowstorms and now become housebound again with a family cold." Not that I couldn't put a spin on those, but you've got to admit that none of them are really exciting conversation fodder.
Anyway, here are some pictures of the kids in the snow. I should mention that they lasted all of 20 minutes on this particular day. Kevin was back at work and I was on my own with 3 feet of snow and the kids. I'm also not nearly as much fun as he is with the whole playing in the snow bit.

Valentines Day around here was pretty sad, with snot freely flowing and all. Kevin and I canceled our dinner plans due to illness and just decided to lay low. Instead we went out last night to a new Houlihans in Baltimore. Mmmm... one of our FAVORITE chain restaurants. Panko breaded stuffed mushrooms, thai chile wings, seared ahi tuna bites, long island iced tea... definitely a fun night out!

Blizzard

Well, we've been snowed in... COMPLETELY. We're talking like TWO AND A HALF FEET of snow. And drifts of like 4 feet. Internet is out on the street, but fortunately, this super-cool, geeky husband o-mine has rigged up his iPhone to provide internet for our home computer - so that we don't have to be completely prehistoric. We're also one of the only people on our street who don't have the local cable provider (Comcast) - which is down. Our DirectTV is working and we may end up being party central come the SuperBowl tomorrow night for all of our neighbors. Wasn't planning on that. Not sure what I can dig out of the freezer, but surely we'll find something. Frozen breastmilk anyone? Ok, ok... I'm just kidding!

Last weekend we had snow too, although, it wasnt anything near this much. We got a pic of the kids out in the snow. This is quite a change from last years picture. Natalie was on the sled screaming bloody murder in our front yard. I'm glad she's got a different perspective this year. I don't know if I can handle one of those kids that doesnt like to get cold/messy/dirty/etc.

Speaking of being "dirty" this past week has presented some challenges regarding the Natalie's nap time. She's officially given up the nap (today is the fifth day in a row). What's this have to do with dirty? Well... she's occasionally decided that taking off a poopy diaper and smearing it throughout the crib (and her body) is the best way to spend time while not napping. I, however, have tended to disagree.

Uggg... it's totally disgusting and hopefully NOT TO BE REPEATED UNDER FEAR OF HANGING BY TOENAILS UNTIL AGE THIRTY. A friend of mine suggested its merely a sensory thing and some finger paints would help to scratch the creative itch my daughter apparently has. I'll definitely be trying that, as duct tape, onesies and the FEAR OF GOD are all apparently not working.

So I'll leave you with a zoomed out picture of the first (taken today). Notice the accumulation on the trashcan. They STILL haven't plowed our street, but hopefully they'll get to it soon. I think I might go nuts if I can't get out at all tomorrow. That or I might have to make myself a "Mommy Igloo" in the backyard. NO KIDS ALLOWED!

What's the Word, Yo?

I know I've been distant recently. I've been head down in a lot of other stuff. Trying to get my blog into book format as a family keepsake, trying to get our family videos to DVD and trying to get caught up on my scrapbooking. I don't really have a TON of free time so any and all has gone to those things.

Life here has been pretty normal - chaos, chaos and more chaos! Natalie has decided herself that she'd like to potty train. I think she's more ready than I am. I still am leery of doing potty training on the go so we're mainly trying to do it at home. Something appeals to her about wearing big girl underwear (rather than a diaper). Hey... I had previously tried EVERYTHING I could think of to coerce her to use the potty, so if it's HER idea, that's perfectly fine with me. I better just get used to this sort of "reverse psychology" for the rest of her growing up years. =)

Liam can sit up by himself for short periods of time if you prop him just so. He also got his first haircut the other day (thanks for the great job, Debbie!). Natalie was TWO before she had a haircut. He was quite the trooper and was happy to slobber all over the smock. What a kid!

5 1/2 Months

Liam,
I can hardly believe that you're 5 1/2 months. Can you slow it down already? People stop me all the time and ask how old you are. They're shocked to hear you're only 5 months as you look much older with all your hair. It doesnt help that you're much bigger than other babies your age. Just today I weighed you in at a whopping 19lbs!

You're a good kid, but you've gotten much louder than you used to be. Sometimes I wake up to hear you "talking" to yourself in your bed. You're not mad - just awake and interested in making lots of noise as you entertain yourself in your crib. This should be interesting because your sister's quite vocal. I'm sure between the two of you I won't be able to get a word in edge-wise.

I love your bashful grin when you see me walk into a room. The way you are GLUED to your sister (and the TV?!?!) and how you LOVE it when I sing (I think you're the ONLY one). And then there's the way you get all excited when you realize you're getting fed.

You're quite reserved with your giggles and dole them out one at a time (mostly for your sister). Bath time is your favorite and you're getting better at standing in your Johnny Jump Up. Hey, I know it takes a lot to hoist up all your chub. You're doing a good job!

Buddy Bear, I love you SO much. It was hard for me to believe that it was possible for me to love someone as much as I loved your sister. But incredibly, I do.

I look forward to taking you to your soccer games, helping you with your homework, comforting you when the first girl breaks your heart (and every one thereafter) and watching you graduate from high school. But until then, I hope that time passes by a little more slowly. Because I dont want to rush through the spit-up and the exploding poopy diapers and miss this face that makes getting up everyday absolutely WORTH IT.



I love you kiddo,
Mama

Would You, Could You In A Box?

We bought a generator on Black Friday and had this box lying around waiting to be recycled. I thought we could put it to good use and have Natalie play in it. Jody helped her decorate it and it became quite the toy. I LOVE imaginative toys!

Liam is always fixed on what Natalie is doing and we know it's just a matter of time before he's tagging right along. He seemed rather content to hang out with her in her new digs. I can imagine she won't like that for long. I can already hear it..."Mom! He's touching my stuff!!!"

Christmas in Pictures

Things have gotten away from me recently and I find myself overwhelmed at trying to sum up the past couple weeks. So, pictures it is...

Christmas morning was so fun this year. Natalie got the present thing a little more this year and we really had a good time with it. Kevin knew what he was getting for Christmas, so I sent him on a scavenger hunt for everything. We have three levels so he was hoofing it from upstairs to the basement and then back again!

He worked up an appetite for this little concoction that I came up with mid-day...

Roasted Red Peppers, Red Onions, Eggs, Italian Sausage, Provolone, Mozzerella, crescent rolls (on the bottom) and Rosemary Olive Oil bread toasted on top. A veritable "Party in your Mouth"
A few days after Christmas we all got on a plane (not a small feat with 2 small kids) and headed to Kansas. Natalie decided to have a meltdown of epic proportions as the plane pulled away from the gate. Liam showed his excitement by pooping through his clothing as the plane took off. Good times.

While in Kansas we saw my grandparents (Mommo and Poppo), my Uncle Mike, my parents and my sister. It was nice having some extra hands for the kids for the week.

Poppo and Liam

Uncle Mike and Liam

Mommo and Natalie

Dad and Liam
All in all it was a good trip. And all of us (and our 7 bags) made it home safely.

Flip!

Kevin surprised me with a Flip video camera for Christmas this year - SO exciting! It's a pocket-sized digital video camera that plugs easily into the computer for quick video uploads. Our old video camera uses tapes and has a lot more steps to get videos online.

My parents are equally as thrilled because it means that they'll be able to see videos of the grandbabies from afar.

So here's my maiden voyage with the camera. While, it's super easy to use, I've still got a bit to learn about taking good video and the editing process. Let's just say you're not going to see any of my work at the film festivals this year!

I am Dumb

I took a 5 month old and a 2 year old to a craft store.

And I let the 2 year old walk (as opposed to making her ride in the cart).

Then I had to wrangle her into the cart because she kept running off.

Then when I left I realized I'd forgotten to pay with my gift card that I had (all $13 of it).

So I went back in.

And waited in line for 5 minutes holding a kicking 2 year old who was trying to rip buttons off of my coat and do backflips out of my arms. I arrive at the front of the line only to be told by the clerk that I'd have to return everything I bought (not just a few items) and did I really think my two year old would stand for that?

I inform her I have been standing in line for FIVE MINUTES just for that express purpose.

She moves me to a different clerk and I wait patiently with my daughter rolling around on a dirty floor walked on by who knows how many thousands of people as the new clerk returns my items and re-rings them for me. People in line behind me scoff and move out of line.

I then make a bargain with my toddler to go to Chik-Fil-A in the middle of the last-minute Christmas shopping hustle and bustle in the surrounding shopping area.

We leave the craft store after about a 20 minute return ordeal and head on to the mayhem at Chik-Fil-A and then to the grocery store.

/sigh

I'm a glutton for punishment.

Her Inner Diana Ross

Hunkering Down

I just love Christmas. There's something about this time that brings out the "nice" in people. Well, it also has the potential to make people really snarky, but generally people get in such a good mood. Yesterday we got the BEST snowfall that I can remember for quite a few years. We got two feet and the word is that it probably wont melt for a while so we *might* actually have a white Christmas this year!

*the Hallelujah chorus is playing in my head at this very moment*

Things have been good around here. I realized the other day I hadn't blogged in quite a while and perhaps that's just because it's been busy, but it also could be due to the fact that I haven't had anything utterly profound to say (as if my blog is profound anyway!)

Liam is getting bigger (4.5 months now) and is rolling over both ways. He poops enough for everyone in the whole house - of course that could be because he's a big eater too. I've practically bought stock in Oxyclean and have been searching for the best diapers to put him in so that we dont have to change his clothes 4 times a day. Seriously, it's not uncommon to take him (clothes and all) and put him in the tub in the middle of the day.

Maybe I've gotten lucky, but Natalie has taken well to the big sister thing and really seems to love Liam. She's very concerned that we get him out of the car when we go to the grocery store (no... I've never left him behind) and is happy to entertain him if he's crying. He seems rather taken with her too. I'm sure I'll be breaking up many an argument in a couple years here, but I hope they'll always be close.

Just a Day in the Life of Us

Not much going on around here. Kevin had a good time on his annual hunting trip and got a deer. Whoo Hooo!! So we should have some meat in the freezer - so that's exciting.

We were definitely thrilled to see him back even if he had to turn around and hop on a plane this morning for a quick business trip. Don't worry, hon, I'll hide your keys when you get back. Ha ha ha!

No, seriously, if you think of it, say a prayer for me. Almost as soon as he left this morning, I got chills and body aches (NO!). Ibuprofen has helped somewhat today so hopefully taking it easy will fix things. We'll see.

I'll leave you with a couple pictures taken over the past week. Ah... these two kids are a LOT of work by yourself, but you just can't help but love them.

Worth A Try

If any of you know me, you know I LOVE to scrapbook. However, I don't get much of a chance currently. But, hey...that's just the breaks when you have a 3 month old and a toddler. I'll get back to it though!

Recently, I've had my eye on a pretty cool new scrapbooking gadget that would be the perfect fit for all of my scrapbooking AND geeky tendencies: a Cricut Gypsy. Trouble is, they're ridiculously expensive. I found a blog contest (at the Gypsy Spot) where one is being given away and all I have to do is put a link on my blog. So here goes... I'll let you know if I win!

Happy Black Friday

Well today was the first in a long series of Black Friday's where I didn't venture out to join the mass hysteria in the retail stores. Kind of a bummer, actually. It's always a lot of fun. There was just nothing I wanted that was on sale this year so I figured I'd stay at home and shuffle around the house in my slippers, just enjoying the time with the kids.

Kevin left this morning at o-dark-thirty to go hunting with some buddies. Let's hope he gets one soon. He's definitely got buck-fever.

Natalie and I decided to use up some super ripe bananas I've been holding onto in the fridge and make a double batch of banana bread loaves. Mmmm... We used this recipe (one I've never tried before) and amped up the spices a little like one reviewer suggested.

This afternoon we're off to a bouncy birthday party. It seems those are all the rage here now. There's several party places in town that are warehouses full of moon bounce equipment for kids to tire themselves out on. It should be fun - and I'm hoping that no nap + lots of bouncing = early bedtime. We'll see.

Liam hasn't discovered bouncing yet, but he should be successful at drooling his way through the party.

Thankful

What do you have to be thankful for?

Last Sunday we had a sermon talking about Thanks-living (or living with a thankful heart). I'm typically annoyed by such light topics and want more depth, but interestingly enough something struck a cord with me. The pastor gave reference to Abraham Lincoln officially making Thanksgiving a national holiday where we give Thanksgiving to God.

Huh...

I am not sure that I ever really think about WHO I'm giving thanks to when it comes to Thanksgiving. More just the things and people that I'm thankful for. Kevin and I launched into a whole converation about "how can you be thankful to nothing?" and I realized that I had been. In my mind, this has never been a religious holiday, but more of one where I eat lots of good food, remember my friends and family, and plan my strategy for Black-Friday madness. Which I guess is exactly the approach any non-Christian might have toward the day as well. It's definitely how it's marketed.

How have I missed the point all of these years?

Later that afternoon I ventured out with Liam to pick up a treasure I'd found on Craigslist (a favorite site of mine). The well-kempt woman that stepped onto the tiny porch (housing her kitchen table, also for sale) looked kind but perhaps a little nervous. The bargainer in me asked if she'd take any less for the item that I thought was a bit overpriced. She faltered, embarassment in her voice as she told me "No, not really. To be honest, we really need food." All of the sudden, it was ME who felt embarrassed. Embarrassed for having wanted to wheel and deal her down five measly dollars. Embarrassed for my SUV with heated seats that was going to take me to Target to peruse stuff that I didn't really need. Embarrassed for buying her stuff so she could put food on her table. Oh no wait. She's selling that kitchen table.

For food.

I found out a flood of other information later that day about her. She's got cancer and can't sit long so she's stopped attending church and listens to it at home on the internet. Her husband quit his successful home improvement business to take a job that pays $330 a week at Johns Hopkins JUST so he could have the medical benefits to pay for her care. They have 5 dollars to their name after all the bills are paid. And wouldn't you know it, but they don't even have a real fridge. They have two of those dorm room fridges with the teeny tiny freezers inside and one of the fridge's doesn't quite work right. All that she had in that one was a little bit of vegetables starting to turn. Between the two of them there was no milk, no bread, no cheese, no eggs.

As we talked I saw her love for the Lord and gratitude for His provision and it cemented in my mind that if SHE can be thankful to Him, I MUST be thankful to Him for all that He's provided.

So this is it.

This Thanksgiving marks the first of many God-focused Thanksgivings for me.

Because it's not about the STUFF I have or the TURKEY I eat or even about the PEOPLE I love, but more importantly about the source of all of that. God. And Him alone.

Blackmail Material

Yes, you've taken a bath with your sister.

26 Months

I know 26 months isn't normally a big milestone worth celebrating. But, Natalie, I feel like I'm witnessing a transformation of baby to little girl right before my eyes. I saw a glimpse of the future you just yesterday when I fixed your hair in a neat little pony tail and noticed your face had lost some of its baby features. For a split second I could see you as a little girl and it made me instantly wistful as I realized that a chapter in your life was ending and a new one beginning. Just tonight you told me that you loved me, unsolicited, for the very first time. It's days like this that I wish I had a "pause" button and could just rewind and keep playing those moments over and over again.

This little face, YOUR face, grinning at me from the other side of the lens tonight tells me quite a story. There is the macaroni and cheese on your cheek from dinner out at Dennys. You and Liam and I went (despite my apprehension that your post-nap whininess would manifest itself into an all out war). Surprisingly we had the best time we've ever had out to eat. You confidently picked your meal from the kids picture menu. "Macaroni, please". And ate every last bite. We then went to Target where you informed me that the "A" in the Target sign was broken and I suggested that it needed new batteries. You must have told me 40 times after that "new baowees, A". You were very concerned.

Then there's the rug burn under your lip from the post-nap fall out of your crib. This is the second time this week that you've fallen out while climbing and I believe it might be time for the toddler bed. It makes me sad to think we'll be giving up this symbol of your infancy and also nervous about getting you to stay in place during time-outs and naptime. I'm sure I can't keep you in a crib until your 18 though so this time has to come at some point. Thankfully you weren't hurt more than what a popsicle ("popsollll") could take care of. And you seemed perfectly content to suck on that while you recounted to me that you "bussawip" (bust your lip).

The smile on your face and your bright eyes (despite being tired) speak to your interest in seeing how things work. You haven't looked at the camera (intentionally) for quite a while. It's a level of control you have over me, I suppose. You know I want you to look so therefore you don't. But, just recently I started showing you your picture in the camera right after I took it and you've been more interested in posing for me. We can call it an interest in how the camera works or just vanity... whatever it is, I'll take it!

Then there's the duct tape on your pajama zipper. Redneck, I know. But, seriously, it's the only way we can keep you from undressing yourself and taking off your own diaper in bed. It's happened a few times and I'll go to extreme measures to keep it from happening again. All I have to saw about that is... Ewww.

And finally, the Dora sticker on your pajamas. No, you didn't go potty, but at least you tried. I know you only agreed to try as a stall tactic for bed, but that's okay. I was convinced that we were going to have SOME success tonight, but no luck. I DO believe that I'll have the mental picture of you sitting on your throne in the middle of the kitchen scrunching up your face and trying to "squeeze" it out. Little girl, you make me smile every single day.

You're a good big sister for Liam and I think you two will be fast friends. He giggled for the first time BECAUSE OF YOU a couple weeks ago and is ALWAYS interested in watching you and seeing what you are doing. I know you two will be good buddies when he's a bit bigger and hope you can always be close.

Natalie, I love you so much. You are truly a blessing to your dad and me. I'm so glad I get a chance to be your Mama.

Happy Halloween... a little late

Halloween was fun this year. Natalie actually "got it" and enjoyed going around to the Trunk or Treat's at our church and a nearby church. She got LOADS of loot - most of which she couldn't eat. Yeah, we're evil and don't let our kids have sweets. She didn't really care though because we had plenty of her favorites ("bears" aka Teddy Grahams, Goldfish and a granola bar) to swap her for her candy. She really enjoyed carrying around the bucket and was very intent on carrying it all in her bucket - no matter HOW heavy it got.

Liam was the ever cool-and-collected slobbering dinosaur. Hey... I've got to take advantage of dressing him like I want now because this is DYNAMITE blackmail material for later on in life!

All in all it was a fun night. Kevin commented that it was too bad stuff like this didn't happen more often. It's nice to see the community coming out of their houses and interacting with one another - even if they are all dressed up like hoochie mamas.

Which is another thing...What IS up with the costumes these days? We were behind one young mom pushing a stroller wearing a super short skirt and thigh high stockings with her behind hanging out for the world to see. Seriously folks...what IS wrong with people?

But I digress.

I'll leave you with a picture of the fam right before we headed out to trick or treat. Don't the kids look enthused? They WERE having fun...really.