Mine

Seeing Santa - take 2

2008-12-20T00:32:00.002-05:00

Notice anything different?

2008-12-17T21:59:00.002-05:00

I said what the heck, it grows back - take it all.

anyone else think this looks wrong?

2008-12-09T15:57:00.001-05:00

When you pay to subscribe then I'll post more frequently.

2008-12-06T19:58:00.010-05:00

I know, I know - you've been waiting. We have many, many things to discuss.

Let's start with JT's actual birthday - the Wednesday before Thanksgiving both Jim and I took off. We hit the children's museum thanks to free tixs from Karen. I'm not sure which of my boys had more fun! Luckily we went early so by the time it got crowded we were ready to leave.

That evening we went to Greaters for ice cream with the family. JT loved his ice cream and cookie.

Thanksgiving was 2 houses and 2 meals - but JT ate everything. I think turkey and stuffing is a new favorite.

Then, the birthday party. The day went by so fast, but everyone said they had fun and the cake was wonderful. I wish I had a picture of JT at the end of the night. He played hard and was exhausted at the end. Poor little thing looked like a walking zombie.

Here are all of the Flickr pics: http://flickr.com/photos/catsmine/sets/72157610493172041/

Now I'm all about the cake shot - that's what the first birthday party is all about. JT wasn't really happy while eating his cake so I figured we'd give it another shot. I expected carnage, complete and total destruction. But he didn't seem to be interested. I finally cheated and smeared a little icing on his face, he didn't seem to appreciate it.

I think he'd rather hang out with his new pet . . .

I ordered a toddler size Santa hat and have been trying very hard to get a good picture of him. Supposedly Pam has several, I'm hoping they are better than this one. I know there's a hilarious caption for it, but I'm too tired right now.

Today we went downtown with Jan and Don, Macy's had Santa in for DIY pictures. I know that kids are sometimes scared of Santa, but I never really expected it of JT. I was wrong. This is one of the few "usable" pictures. However I like the video better, it shows the scene. I couldn't get it to upload here, but you can see it here - http://flickr.com/photos/catsmine/3088532530/

His scrapbook is finished (finally) and off to the printer. I still have a list of things to get done before Christmas, but that's a good chunk off my mind.

Ok - so there's the update. Are the masses satisfied ;-)

Don't Blink . . .

2008-11-28T09:56:00.004-05:00

JT's first birthday was celebrated with a family trip to the doctor for shots, the children's museum where both of my boys were into everything, a trip to the toy store, and ice cream with the family at Greaters.

Thanksgiving was highly successful - two houses, two full bellies. The boy likes his turkey with all the fixins!

I attempted the Black Friday madness this morning and then retreated to the condo convinced that I am not medicated enough to deal with the madness. Besides, I have to get ready for tomorrow's shindig

For those who did not make the exclusive guest list . . .

(details have been removed to prevent throngs of fans rushing the exclusive Estate where it will be held)

they call me Nanuk of the Westside

2008-11-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

Sick, again . . . still

2008-11-17T12:36:00.002-05:00

JT is sick again, or still - who can keep track. Seems like the poor thing has been sick since we got back from vacation. We were at the doctor last week and they said it was teething and the leftovers from the ear infection. Now he's coughing up a lung and still covered in snot. We're waiting to hear if we'll have a repeat doctor trip today or if we're going to try another med that will inevitably have a $50 co-pay.

T-minus 9 days and counting, he has to get better for his birthday!

let the party begin

2008-11-14T08:27:00.001-05:00

I clean up nice!

2008-11-08T23:18:00.002-05:00

We had a baptism tonight so little man had to spiffy up. How cute is he?

I have big shoes to fill!

2008-11-04T21:14:00.002-05:00

Happy Weenie-Hallow!

2008-11-01T00:06:00.006-05:00

The great thing about having children who can't speak or really form their own opinions is that you can dress them however you like!

Karen, Kris, and I decided to go with the Star Wars theme - Chewy, Yoda, Princess Leia, and Darth Vader . . . and Scooby. There's always one ;-) but as you'll see, even Scooby eventually turned to the dark side!

I think I now understand the phrase "herding cats" - I can't believe we actually got this picture!

My boys - aren't they adorable!

It took Jacob a little while to get the hang of trick-

or-treating, but once he realized there was candy in the deal he was thrusting his little hands into bowls and grabbing as much as possible. Who would say no to Yoda?

Of course - more pics can be found at Flickr

This is just hysterical - someone online dressed their daughter as Gallagher for a party at the aquarium, she was then a watermelon on Halloween!

Only 17 pages to go . . .

2008-10-28T21:40:00.002-05:00

My goal is to have JT's scrapbook up-to-date by his birthday. I've done the math and that means I have to do 4 pages a week (one week I'll do 5) until his birthday. I've added the four I completed last week (scroll all the way down for those) so that leaves me with 17 more pages. I guess I should stop blogging and get going . . .

Welcome to Toy Land - now move the &*$$ out of my way!

2008-10-27T20:03:00.002-05:00

Saturday Karen, Kris, and I woke early and hit the Hamilton County Fairgrounds. We arrived at 7:15 to join a line of 30+. We were all waiting for the same thing . . . cheap toys. After a scary as heck trip to the restroom the doors opened at 8 and we surged into the warehouse.

Talk about chaos. Anyone that remembers McAlpins Midnight Madness sales will appreciate this toy sale. You grabbed - anything and everything! We shoved toys into garbage bags and pushed our way through narrow aisles. Experienced shoppers had parked their husbands along the walls and in corners, throwing full bags at them and heading out for more. It was hunting and gathering - in reverse.

Once you'd pushed your way through the aisles you scurried off with your kill, snarling at others who may look towards your catch. Less desirable items were cast off, to be picked over by others. We surveyed the cast offs of others, grabbing those few things we found worthy.

I cam home with a box of toys 6 times the size of JT. Some items are gifts, others will be tucked away until spring, a few will find their way to his birthday party, or under our tree.

JT had spent the night before with Mimi and Poppy so after picking him up we stopped at the park. He toddled around the playground until he discovered mulch. Apparently it is quite tasty, even better when it's topped with dirt!

Sunday was a relaxing day of naps and PJs. There was a lot to get done, but we let it sit. I'd like to say it was a conscious decision to spend the time with our son, but we were really just lazy.

Tonight I finished JT's birthday party invite. I'll post it once they get mailed out, no sneak previews!

MythBusters Slow-mo Slap

2008-10-24T15:10:00.001-05:00

This is pretty good too!

MythBusters- Adam Savage Drunk On A Treadmill

2008-10-24T15:08:00.001-05:00

I want this looped as my screen saver!!

Snot, drool, and tears . . . oh my!

2008-10-21T22:55:00.003-05:00

Poor JT - he's sick . . . again and he's just cut his 8th tooth. So there's drool from the tooth, snot from the cold, and tears from all of it combined. He's being a trooper though, smiling as much as he can. Here's a little "best of" footage from the last week or so.

Waiting on a Woman

2008-10-18T23:18:00.002-05:00

I love Brad Paisley - this is one of his most recent and I cry every time I watch it. It takes me back to "parking" Papa on a bench and telling him "don't let anybody steal you" while we shopped.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvKgnkIN8C8

Yes J, I know you're crying - I warned you when I said I cried!

It's good to be home - snot and all

2008-10-18T17:54:00.000-05:00

I've been enjoying my day with my boys although I could do without the constant flow of snot from JT's nose. I'm wondering if he has alergies, I can't imagine another cold so soon.
My bag showed up around 12 so all is right with the world, Carrie World at least.

Dead Ducks Tell No Tales

2008-10-17T12:42:00.004-05:00

So for those of you who don't know, which shouldn't be any of you, JT's first birthday party will be a duck-tacular experience. We've got rubber ducks going out the keester and I am making this a party that he will never remember, but the rest will never forget.

As part of this process I've invoked my Martha genes and dove into polymer clay. It's something I've thought about getting into, but never really had the reason - so I made up a reason.

I created these adorable ducks to use as decorations for the party. I was so excited about them. I was waiting to get the little hooks I needed before baking them so they sat on the bookshelf and made me smile every time I looked at my rubber duck army. Over the weekend I got the hooks and rushed home to put them in the ducks and finally bake them - sealing their cuteness forever. I thought I remembered the temp. and I knew I baked my sample one for about 20 minutes. After 15 I smelt something funny . . . the kitchen was full of smoke . . . my nose burned . . . apparently I thought wrong about the temperature.

I killed the ducks. Burnt into a green/black murkiness that took away all aspects of cuteness. I had killed them all. Devastated isn't even the right word - I was horrified! All that work, all that cuteness - gone!

I've now realized that they can be rebuilt - we have the technology . . . look for newer and better ducks, and double checking the oven temperature on the package!

The weekend recap, just in time for the following weekend

2008-10-15T23:35:00.003-05:00

This was a big weekend for the little man. He had his first hair cut and went to the punkin patch.

We went to Kids Kutz in Hyde Park where the ladies are very skilled in bobbing and weaving along with the kids. He had fallen asleep on the way there and we woke him up for the haircut. You can tell he looks a little dazed and confused. It played to our favor though - he sat through the whole thing without getting all wiggly like he normally would.

Now, I know this is just me, but 80 degree weather is not punkin patch weather! The last time Jim and I went to this farm it was cold, sweater weather - you know, that whole season known as fall! He seemed to have a good time, he made new friends, was partially buried in corn, and picked out a few pumpkins.

More pics on Flickr . . . http://flickr.com/photos/catsmine/sets/72157607901180660/

seAts people - seats

2008-10-15T23:34:00.001-05:00

My 'a' button isn't always working right now. But can I just say that after first class to Europe coach sucks! Expecting payment for drinks, movies, and food - plus there were no slippers! How primative!

Airplane sets

2008-10-14T12:21:00.000-05:00

are my worst enemy . . .

How Old Am I

2008-10-10T18:39:00.001-05:00

we have tickets to Frank Calindo tonight, but with a few pre-show drinks I'm thinking bed sounds better!

APB - where'd my sweet little boy go?

2008-10-07T21:51:00.003-05:00

Over the last few days JT has become whinny, very very whinny! He seems fine for everyone else, but at home you can tell he's frustrated we can't read his mind (which if we could would consist of "Let me climb on the couch, pull the blinds off the wall, and chew on your power cord or I'm not going to be happy.") Tonight he wanted nothing to do with his dinner - it was bottle only. After dinner I had fudgecicles which he was very interested in. He got that they go in his mouth and he seemed to like the taste, but the cold threw him off a little.

He's really developing his own little personality. He's got his mom's patience (none) and his father's determination (too much), which means he tries something over and over again, progressively getting pissed until he finally figures it out.

Over the weekend we had out first parent mishap. We went to a shoe store looking for giant sizes for Jim and JT took a header off a chair, landing on his head, on the bar of a display case. I felt like an awful mother! He cried for awhile and was fine as soon as food appeared. I cried for much longer than him that evening. I know it's the first of many "boy" incidents, but it was awful!

On the walking front, we have a standing record of 5 steps, he seems to have little interest in walking without furniture to hold onto. I bought a duck push toy stick thing and he carries it around the living room while holding onto the furniture. In his eyes he tells me he knows what I'm trying and he's not going to fall for it. He has taken more interest in his Tonka truck and can get off and on himself and can also get on Bert (his horse) himself too. When I'm not so exhausted I'll get up, plug in the cameras, and post pictures of these events.

We tried on his Halloween costume the other day (this is a model, JT is much cuter) - didn't go over so well. Is it wrong to duct tape the hat on?

Super Mom Genes

2008-09-30T16:02:00.001-05:00

I thought moms were supposed to have super genes that kept them protected from illness. Apparently I thought wrong. . . is it wrong to have Nyquil for dinner?

Mooom!

2008-09-22T20:56:00.003-05:00

A horrid headache and a couple of presentations kept me up late last night. JT waking at 4 didn't help matters. He ended up in bed with us which wasn't necessarily restful. When he woke again and wanted to play I put him back into his crib and laid down on the floor begging for 10 more minutes.

His first response - to throw pacidog at me. He didn't really seem upset and kept playing so I closed my eyes again. Then I felt him hit me with something else . . . but he didn't have anything else in the crib. He'd taken off his pants and thrown them at me! He was starting no pants Monday with Poppy a little early and was in no mood to wait for me.

JT's new shoes

2008-09-22T18:14:00.001-05:00

He's such a big boy in his new shoes!

What a week

2008-09-21T20:47:00.002-05:00

Since my reading radius is only the tri-state area I'm sure everyone knows what the last week has been like. A week ago Sunday Hurricane Ike rolled through Cincy, bringing wind gusts up to 70 mph. Our power flickerd slightly but never went off. Mom and Dad lost power so they grabbed what was supposed to be dinner at their house and AJ and headed over. Little did we know we were facing the largest power outage in tri-state history. At one like over 90% of Duke customers were without power. Schools and businesses were closed, gas stations ran out of gas, groceries had to through inventory away - it was nuts.

We were some of the lucky few who had power the whole time and that left us as a haven for the rest of the family. It was a little crowded here Monday, but we made it out unscathed.

In the midst of the chaos JT took his first steps. Sunday night he went from me to Jim - 2 steps, unassisted. He's done this a few times now but seems to chicken out after that. At his last appointment Dr. Schroer recommended getting him a good pair of shoes to help the process. We headed out to Stride Ride today and got him measured for his "walkers". I'd been putting him in size 3s and 4s . . . he measured a 5 which means he should be in a 5 and a half. We asked if that was big for a 10 month old . . . the lady looked at us and said, "um, yeah." We picked out a cute pair of fancy gym shoes, plopped down $50 (yes, I said $50!) and walked out. We then went to Dillards and bought Jim 5 shirts for the same price as JT's shoes.

He seems to like them, especially the fact that it makes so much more noise when he kicks things - he is all boy.

Only 8 more months to go

2008-09-10T08:38:00.004-05:00

I've been trying to get caught up on my scrapbooking, last night I managed to get 4 pages done. One month down, 8 more to go . . . I need to stop sleeping.

On a side note, we went to the doctor on Monday. If you remember from the last appointment in June JT was 28 1/4", 18.8 pds., and had a 17" head. This time he is 32", 23.2 pds., and has an 18" head. He's off the charts for height, 75th-90th for weight and 10th-25th for his head. His head doesn't look small, I'm guessing it'll catch up with him.

I've been trying to find a growth chart online that I can edit and post here but I've been unsuccessful. I'll keep you updated.

Oh - and GAJ . . . NOT YET!

Figures . . .

2008-09-04T20:52:00.002-05:00

Mom, Dad, and I took JT to Harvest Home Parade tonight. I was so excited for his first parade, I figured he'd be all over the people watching, seeing as he's so nosey. The first few minutes he watched the police cars and saw the runners and then promptly fell asleep as the first marching band passed by. He made it almost 15 minutes. He slept though sirens and motorcycles, clowns and politicians (wait, is there a difference?), dogs and horses, and even all the little Shriner cars.

Once the parade was over we packed up and headed home, JT still asleep. Until we hit the driveway, where he woke up, ready to play.

Stupid little Japanese &^%^!

2008-08-28T21:34:00.002-05:00

I know, I know you all want video and more pics from vacation - I'll get there eventually, but in the meantime I have to go off on my WiiFit. Tonight I finally had time to hook it all up and I started with the WiiFit Body Test. When I stepped on the board the little computer person called out "Oh!" - I felt like Garfield and was waiting for it to say one at a time please!

It then calculated my BMI, there was a scale that went from under to obese - mine promptly exploded off the top of the chart, called me obese and then porked out my little Mii character. To make it even worse, every time I step on the board it continues to call out "oh!" (to which I respond with language that isn't suitable for a blog that is focused on my son).

I must say it is fun, especially now that Jim's home and trying to balance his mammoth feet on the board! He named his Mii "Fatass" so when he went through the body test it told him to "focus on eating less and lowering his BMI, Fatass."

We've been challenged to a Mario Cart competition by the little Soldanos - but we need to buy Mario Cart first and practice, practice, practice so we can kick some little Soldano butt!

Hilton Head or Bust!

2008-08-20T07:47:00.002-05:00

With some VERY creative packing we were able to fit 4 adults, JT, and all of JT's stuff into a rented Suburban. About 12 hours later we arrived. Friday and Saturday were spent recovering from the car ride. JT really was well behaved, but he is so over the car seat thing.

Sunday we went to Savannah so JT could meet his not-so-secret admirer, Abby! We fought the rain that's plaguing this vacation and managed to walk a little of the river, have dinner, and a little gelato (not as good as in Milan).

Monday everyone else hit the golf course, while Mom, JT, and I went to the beach. He loves the beach! Loves the freedom to crawl and eat sand! The surf is a little rough for him, but he enjoys the water at the pool. Yesterday was more beach time and then long naps and an afternoon of my birthday present . . . a wii! Even dad has been playing some of the games that don't hurt him.

So far this trip JT has figured out how to use a sippy cup, started holding his own bottle when he feels like it, learned to scream even louder than before, gotten his hair trimmed, decided he no longer wants baby food, and has figured out he's a bottom-less pit! The boy is eating a ton of "real" food - the other night he had some baby food, half an order of mac n cheese, cookies, biscuits, and topped it off with a bottle on the way home. It's been so much fun to spend all of this time with him, but it's taking 6 adults to keep him occupied!

They're calling for rain everyday, thanks to Fay or Fran or whatever that tropical storm is. It's okay though, we're making the most of our days. We only have 2 days left before we hit the road! It does fly by.

Check out Flickr for pics http://flickr.com/photos/catsmine/sets/72157606848626058/

Happy Birthday Bubba

2008-08-14T19:45:00.002-05:00

I'm a little late today, but I've been thinking about you all day. Happy Birthday our Angel, we can only imagine what an amazing little boy you would have been.

More of Europe

2008-08-07T09:08:00.002-05:00

I've got some of my other pics uploaded and a few comments trying to remember all the places I saw.
http://flickr.com/photos/catsmine/sets/72157606582124667/

Oh good

2008-08-06T10:45:00.002-05:00

"People just aren't honest about their weight. Our law enforcement has come to conclude that that's not a correct way to determine if that's the person you're looking at. Whereas people don't tend to lie about their height. "
NEW HAMPSHIRE DMV SPOKESPERSON KATIE DALEY ON WHY THAT STATE, LIKE MANY OTHERS, DOES NOT LIST A PERSON’S WEIGHT ON THEIR DRIVER’S LICENSE, WASHINGTON POST 7.21.08

This is good news - I've always worried that if I were in a bad accident they'd find my left leg, look at my license and say "We've got her boys, let's go home!"

BTW - I'm hooooome. I think Toots remembers who I am, at least he remembers he likes to pull my hair and chew on my locket.

Dissed by George

2008-08-04T04:34:00.006-05:00

On Sunday we did as the Milanese do and fled the city. We jumped on a train and headed first to Varenna, a very small village along Lake Como. The ride out was beautiful, crossing the Italian country side and then lining the lake.

Varenna is built into the side of a cliff so to get anywhere you have to climb steps. I'm convinced that everyone in Varenna has awesome legs.

We explored some of the gardens and took a zillion pictures of the amazing view. We then jumped on a ferry to Bellagio. We booked tickets on the rapido boat to Como and went for lunch on a phenomenal veranda overlooking the lake. We had lake fish (complete with the heads) and some other dishes that were good but I now can't remember.

The guys managed to find a shop with wonderful gifts, but I was too busy trying to find something to take care of an unexpected visit from Aunt Flo. There is nothing in Bellagio - just in case it ever happens to you. So I missed out on the one good shop - thanks Mother Nature.

The rapid boat took us to Como and while I'd love to say I waved at George as we went my his villas I have no clue which was his as there were all gorgeous. The Farmacias were all closed but luckily some nice hotel workers pointed me in the direction of a souvenir shop that sold Aunt Flo accessories. We explored the streets, but most of the shops were closed since it was Sunday. I did manage to buy some scarves and pashmina made in Como from Como silk.

From Como we took the "direct" train, which stopped 8 times, back to Milan. We jumped on the Metro to Navigali (or wherever we went Friday night) and got dinner and walked the canal.

The street vendors were out in full force, but didn't really have anything unique. The 'skeeters are really bad in this area so we made the trip short and headed back to the hotel. We had layers of sweat and stink on us and our feet were sore for the second day.

I decided to stay in this morning, having stimulated enough of the European economy. We have interviews until 7 so I'm sure we'll have a wonderful dinner somewhere and then head back to pack. I fly out tomorrow at 11:50 - 5:50 home time and get home around 9, 3 am my body's time. Doesn't matter - as long as I get home to my boys tomorrow night!

Next time, I'm bringing a Hover-Round!

2008-08-04T04:00:00.008-05:00

We've had a wonderful weekend in Milano, covering much of the city and about half of nearby Lake Como. On Friday night we went to Le Brelin for one of the most wonderful meals I've ever had. I'm not sure what all of it was but I think we tasted over half of the menu. We had osobucco, rissoto, prawns, steak, cannelloni, and proseco (Spumanti sparking wine) - all amazingly delicious. Apparently it's traditional Milanese which is very different than what you expect from Italian food. As we were getting ready to leave the sky opened and the rains came. We had hoped to explore the Navigli area but instead had to waste some time in the bar until it was down to a rough drizzle. We ran for the Metro and finally arrived at the hotel fairly soaked. Walking in the rain in Milan . . . pretty darn cool.

Saturday we walked a zillion miles - literally. We started out at the Duomo, the largest cathedral in Milan. We walked the inside and then took the lift to the roof where we could walk around and see the amazing details.

From the Duomo we walked the area, including an amazing department store that ended with lunch on the roof overlooking the top of the Duomo. From there we walked through the Galleria of shops (the most BEAUTIFUL indoor shopping mall) and ventured through the small streets of Milan.

We ended up at the one castle in Milan, now a museum. Not sure what we were looking at as there were no English descriptions, but I have a feeling we saw a lot of really important old stuff. There was a huge fountain in front and both on the way in and out we sat and soaked our soar feet, considering the heat and the layers of sweat covering us, it was rather refreshing. The youthful tourists were jumping in and getting soaked - I try to avoid wet t-shirt contests with clients in tow, so I stuck with getting my feet wet.

From the castle we again walked to St. Ambrogio - one of the oldest churches in Milan. Founded in 380 by St. Ambrogio, who is laid out in a glass casket - skeleton dressed and on display for all to see. After the church we took the Metro to Via Papi-somethin or other. On Saturdays it's a huge street market, about 5 blocks long. Full of clothes and shoes and produce and people. You can barely walk through. We browsed but didn't buy.

From the market we headed to Curso Buenos Aries, where the locals shop. It's a street lined with 350 shops that are supposedly "affordable" - HA! But I had a list of 3 "plus size" stores so I set out to try and find myself something fabulous. The shops are different than at home. There are fewer choices both in style and size. T-shirts are even pricey at over $40. And apparently even here it's hard to find something in my size, so I ended up reverting to my favorite shopping target - JT. There was a Chicco store so I bought him a cute jacket.

After "shopping" we headed back to the Duomo area hoping to find a nice restaurant. Apparently they don't exist in the area so we ended up eating food at a cafe that was not worth the price. Feet screaming and smelling like Europeans we headed back to the hotel to call it a night.

Things that make you go hmmm . . ..

2008-08-01T09:15:00.005-05:00

So I'm at the facility in Milano (where may I mention it's hot as heck and amazingly enough the small window AC unit isn't helping all that much). There are 3 weird things about the facility and they are all in the bathroom: 1) a bidet - I have one at the hotel too. I always thought a bidet shot right up your bum, but apparently it's like a drinking fountain built into a toilet, but there's no seat. Can you see yourself using a bidet in a "public" facility? Me neither, but definitely not because of point 3. 2) when you flush you have to turn a knob on the wall to the right a certain distance and then you have to turn it back to stop the flushing. So you can control how long the flush is. I think we should build that in at home. 3) What I do NOT want built in is the all mirrored walls. I'm serious - high ceilings to floor the whole thing with the exception of the door and window is one giant mirror! And this bathroom is about three times as big as any of mine. I don't want to watch myself go to the bathroom and I can't imagine anyone wanting to watch themselves use the bidet!

What the heck are these Italians up to?

Bye bye Berlin

2008-07-31T16:01:00.003-05:00

EDITED: Here are some pics from Berlin, including the view from my room, street performer, Checkpoint Charlie, a piece of the wall, and the TV Tower

Today we went to Checkpoint Charlie where for 2 euros I got my passport stamped. We visited the museum and took our pictures with a large chunk of the wall.

Then we went to the television tower. You can go up in it but the line was too long. So I split from the guys and went to KaDeWe which is the biggest, best department store I've ever been to. I bought a little something for myself and a few things to share with others. I grabbed Currywurts mit fromme something or other which is sausage with curry sauce and french fries. Then I jumped on the UBahn and came back to the hotel.

After interviews we walked around the square in front of the hotel and sat for hours at a cafe. We talked and people watched - it was wonderful! Kin and I went to grab dinner where he gave me a photography lesson. Hopefully I'll remember some of it and be able to apply it in the future.

Guten nauht!

Will the real Carrie Schmidt please stand up?

2008-07-30T09:07:00.003-05:00

So we got to Heathrow this morning and I went to check in. I used the console with no problem, even changed my seat to an open row. Got to the counter to drop off my bags and was told that I had already checked in and had luggage checked. I assured them that I was standing in front of them with my only luggage. After what seemed like an hour and a zillion calls and lean overs to the guy working next to him I was cleared to continue.

Heathrow airport is HUGE - we were only in one terminal and it was one of the largest open format buildings I've ever been in. We got lunch and did a little shopping to use up the rest of my Pounds.

I went to board the flight and the computer beeped at my pass. The guy shrugged and said hopefully there isn't a problem, but it said I was already on the plane. We joked as we walked the corridor to the plane - I couldn't wait to meet my twin who had caused me headaches today - haha. As I went to my seat there was someone sitting in it! A guy! I went to the flight attendant who gathered both of our boarding passes. They both said Carrie Schmidt!

Apparently he had missed his earlier flight and when they went to rebook him they saw Schmidt (also his last name) and gave him my boarding pass. So in the system I had already checked in and had baggage checked. The flight was not even half full so there was lots of room for me anyway, but it solved the mystery of my twin!

Berlin is very different than London, but there's no time for pictures today. I'll put up what I can tomorrow night. I have the morning and the evening free so I'm getting in all I can!

Ahhhh . . .

2008-07-29T18:40:00.004-05:00

Apparently yesterday ended London's summer - thank god! It was much nicer today.

Got up this morning and we had breakfast and headed to Hamleys. JT made out like a bandit. I'll have you know that I was very reserved in my purchases, I could have gone NUTS in there. They had things that we don't have in the states - same name brand, but different versions. There just wasn't enough room in my suitcase though. No worries - they deliver :-)

(This is made of Legos!)

We walked through the neighborhood which was like a whos who of shopping - Prada, Burberry, D&G, Cartier, etc, etc, etc. There were 3 attendants and maybe 5 pieces of clothing to each boutique. I call those scary stores.

We eventually made it to Buckingham Palace - it was just in time for the changing of the guards. You couldn't see very well because it was too crowded, but there was some definite pomp and circumstance going on. I need to get me one of those fuzzy hats.

After that I got lost for a while and ended up in Chelsea - nice area, but not my target. I finally found my way back to Marks and Spencers. I asked a clerk where the large sizes were, novel concept - they're in with the rest of the clothes. But unfortunately there wasn't anything different enough or flattering enough to make it worth the cost.

(Just thought this was funny!)

After the interviews we went to China Town for dinner. Kin picked the restaurant and it was delicious. I got to talk to my little man and my big man tonight, which made my evening. I'm now showered, packed, and ready for my 6:30 ride to the airport. I'll be in Berlin, working until after 9 tomorrow so there will be no pictures. Thursday we have the morning and later evening to explore. Friday we have a 6:15 flight to Milan - 6:15 - *eye roll* fabulous.

Who has the CUTEST tattooed tooshie?

Send Air Conditioning!

2008-07-28T17:58:00.005-05:00

I just checked Weather.com to see the weather for London - they said it's 66 degrees and was a high of 70 today - 70 my ass, more like 170!

First off the trip over the pond was pretty good. Business Class is absolutely the way to fly. The seats are more comfy, you have your own video screen, a three course meal that was pretty good for airplane food, and a good bag. They give you a little travel kit with toothbrush and socks, chapstick and lotion, etc. It's a pretty nice case in and of itself.

Customs was a breeze, took about an hour in the cab to get to the hotel. At first my room wasn't ready so they lent me one to shower in since I had to go to work. It was the size of a telephone booth. I'm in my room now and it's the size of 2 telephone booths. I'm moving up in the world.

We had an interview cancel (well we had 2 cancel and one they couldn't fill so we're starting off with issues) so we went to a pub for lunch. I had sausage and chips, fish wasn't on the menu apparently. The pub seems traditional, but it also served Thai food. I thought that was a little weird. The chips were normal, no big deal. The sausage was really soft - softer than hot dogs and it didn't have that much flavor.

After lunch we started to walk around. There isn't much right where we are in Olymipia so we hoped on a doubledecker. Apparently doubledeckers aren't air conditioned. I melted! It was horrid! We didn't stay on long and jumped off at Kensington Gardens. I didn't have my camera with me which is a shame because it is a beautiful park. We didn't have enough time to try and find the Princess Di memorial. We drove by the park later and it is huge, it's a good thing we didn't try.

After work we took a Taxi to Piccadilly Circus. It's described as London's Time Square. On a Monday night at 10 the place was packed with people - people from all walks of life and countries. Oh! I forgot - I ran into some women in the lift (elevator) the one lives here but is staying in the hotel with her aunt who is visiting. They said I had a "lovely accent"! Isn't that funny? I figured we sound different, but never thought we'd have accents.

Tomorrow we're meeting for breakfast and heading to Hamleys - it's London's version of FAO Schwartz. After that I'm splitting from the guys and heading to Marks & Spencers - I think it's like Macys here, but they have plus size clothes. I'm hoping to hit Ecco or Clarks along the way - they had sign sales in their windows and I could use a new pair of walking sandals. It is very expensive here though, the exchange rate is $2 to 1 pound which makes everything twice as expensive as home. I'm hoping I can find a few little things without eating up all my money.

After work tomorrow afternoon (or this afternoon as it's 0:36 here) we're going back to the circus to check out China town and get some good Chinese food. Wednesday morning we fly to Berlin and do the whole thing over again. In Berlin I actually want to learn something - I'd like to see the Checkpoint Charlie museum. It's suppose to be warm there as well, but not as bad as Milan - it'll be in the 90s there! I may have to call up George and see if there's room at Lake Como.

For those of you missing Toots as much as I am . . . here's a little video Jim shot last week when I went out. Toots is apparently trying a little truck swimming.

*sigh*

Ditto

2008-07-24T08:26:00.003-05:00

Yeah, yeah, I know it's the end of the week and I'm posting like it's Monday. I'm a lazy blogger, get over it.

The past weekend was another wonderful one at the Lake.

You - you in there, did you hear her? Are you paying attention? Do you have on glasses or a necklace or a stray piece of body hair I can grab onto and put in my mouth?

Sunday night I leave for my longest work trip to date - 9 days. I'll be in London, Berlin, and Milan. I have a weekend in Milan and I hope to have a few free hours in the other cities. I'm taking both cameras so hopefully I'll be uploading some good pictures.

Try not to miss me too much, I'll be missing my boys enough for all of us.

Slow down!

2008-07-14T22:41:00.004-05:00

Over the weekend Toots fell asleep in my arms and I just held him and rocked him. Mom asked if I needed anything, Jim answered, "A machine that stops time." People laugh when I take a zillion pictures and video tape the everyday, but I know this will go quickly and I want to remember all of it. It's amazing how he's growing so quickly and changing everyday and it's all wonderful.

We had another great weekend at the Lake. The weather could have been a little better but we still had time on the Lake. Toots has his personal pool on the boat. That's how he rolls.

He rolls a little like this too.

Now before you call social services - he's fine. He's still teething and has been whiny all night. He also pulls himself up and then can't figure out how to get down. That boy is loved more than any child could ever hope for. We know soon we won't be able to catch him, so we get our kisses in now.

This just in

2008-07-11T14:41:00.001-05:00

Lazy blogger throws unedited videos and pictures on Flickr in hopes of satisfying demanding public of one . . .http://flickr.com/photos/catsmine/sets/72157606106969183/

This one's for GAJ

2008-07-02T00:46:00.003-05:00

It will likely bore the rest of you, but GAJ needs a little look into life back at the 'Nati.

I've uploaded more images to Flickr - you'll seem them rotating through on the right. The fam went out to celebrate Mom & Dad's 36th wedding anniversary. A little Montgomery Inn did us good!

We've unfortunately dropped out of swim lessons. It seems JT would rather sleep at that time. We're oging to try for the Saturday session starting in August, but we'll have to see.

Overall the boy is into everything - Jim is off Thursday and will be baby proofing the crud out of the living room.

Introducing . . .

2008-07-01T22:06:00.007-05:00

Mrs. JT! (hehe, she's less than a day old and there's 3 boys vying for her hand in marriage - okay, 2 moms, but still). She's beautiful and looks like her mama.

This is perhaps my most favoritest picture I've ever taken.

One more!

2008-06-23T01:16:00.003-05:00

I was looking through videos and found this one from last week when I gave him little baby poofs for the first time. He'd spit them out, we'd put them back in . . . it was pretty cute. He can pick them up, but they tend to stick to his hands and then he can't figure out how to transfer them to his mouth. We've also done Cheerios and little pieces of graham crackers. Still can't figure out the sippy cup though.

We're still here!

2008-06-17T12:04:00.006-05:00

I'm sorry - I know I'm way behind. Let me tell you what we've been up to over the last 2 weeks:

JT's first Red's Game! We went with Mimi and Poppy and the Red's stunk. JT even tried his rally cap but it didn't work.

We went to the Lake and spent the night last weekend. JT went swimming in the lake for the first time, although he liked his float better in the living room than in the water.

Just in time for Father's Day JT started crawling and saying Dada. He got Jim a metal detector for Father's Day, here's hoping for found treasure and an eventual father/son hobby.

Poppy got a Father's Day/Birthday gift. You can see what that was on Flickr . . . the man isn't right.

We had our first swim lesson at the Y. We tried blowing bubbles and ended up with mouthfuls of water. We'll keep working on that. His favorite thing is splashing, but unfortunately that wasn't one of the skills we were suppose to be working on.

This weekend Toots stayed with Mimi and Poppy at the Lake. He was gone from Friday morning until tonight. Mom gave him a bath in the sink and apparently EVERYTHING got wet because of his splashing!

We missed him so badly but we got a bunch done in the yard. I think he grew while he was gone!

We got home tonight and he was crawling around the living room and into the kitchen, pulling himself up on things, knocking over his stacking blocks . . . this house was too quiet without him.

Here's a little clip of the last week or so.

Clean up in tub one!

2008-06-11T19:25:00.002-05:00

Karen once told me that she had never felt more like a mom than the night she caught Andrew's vomit in her hands. Tonight as I hand scooped Toot's poop out of the tub I started to understand what she meant.

I tried with a plastic bag but that didn't work - how do you scoop poop out of a tub?

Louisville?

2008-06-09T09:39:00.002-05:00

Toots babbles, we know this. He loves to hear himself talk. Sometimes he talks to you, sometimes to himself, other times he's singing. A couple of months ago a select few heard him say "Hi". Sometimes it was at the appropriate time, sometimes not. I think we shook it off as a coincidence and not really a first word.

Last week while at Mimi and Poppy's they swear (including Tata) that he said "That's crap" and "I'm done". I've never heard those phrases in his babble, but they also say he shimmied out of his rocker and held on and walked around it. Video proof people - just like Big Foot, I must see to believe.

Yesterday Tata was over and was talking on the phone as I was feeding Toots. She said something about going to Louisville. Clear as day (okay, well maybe a slightly overcast day) Toots repeated "Luirvle". We both turned to look at him, it was pretty clear he'd repeated her.
So, his first "official" word is going to be Louisville? Not dada or mama? Louisville? Yes, he's been there, once, for an afternoon. He was like 3 months old. It's a great town, but . . . Louisville?

Video Just In

2008-06-02T23:07:00.003-05:00

Not really, I've been working on it for like an hour - yet somehow it's only a minute and a half clip. If my computer would have not died after each step . . . anyway.

Enjoy a snippet of Toots, he is a cutie!

Publish Post

Love that Laugh

2008-05-27T21:27:00.003-05:00

Toots is still working on developing his full-on little kid laugh, but we got a peak at it Monday. Jim started playing with him in Dom's bean bag chair. It's really loud because there were four thousand people at Ellie's party, but you can tell that he seems to like a little adventure.

JT's Long Distance Relationship

2008-05-27T20:15:00.002-05:00

How do you carry on a long distance relationship when one part can't speak - you bribe him with gifts!

Last Saturday JT got mail! Inside was a little pair of yellow socks and this note. In case you can't read it, it says "I love you with all my heart. These socks are for you JT. I know you love me too. From, Abby" Abby is the wonderful little girl GAJ watches in Rhode Island. She has talked to JT on the phone many times and can say she's known him since he was in my tummy. Apparently Abby (age 3) outgrew these yellow socks. They were too big for her dolls so she insisted that JT get them. She told GAJ exactly what to write and asked multiple times if they had been mailed yet.

We called to express our thanks, but Ms. Abby was too busy with her cartoons so we are voicing our appreciation here as well. Thank you for thinking of us Ms. Abby, JT can't wait to meet you.

Another Weekend of Firsts

2008-05-27T19:24:00.007-05:00

The holiday weekend started with a trip around the lake at Winton Woods. "Mr. Hollywood" was disappointed that the park didn't have swings.

He was tired after all that fun and slept in Sunday morning. (Don't freak people, he was on the couch and I was sitting right next to him, he does not sleep with pillows or a blanket)

On Sunday we hit the Lakes - first time! Mimi and Poppy had the place stocked with toys! After hitting the play yard hard Toots relaxed in his private pool.

It was too cold to go out on Poppy's boat, but we went out on Uncle Al's. First boat ride! He didn't care for the life jacket, but I think he liked the speed and the wind blowing in his hair.

Monday we went to the Y - it was supposed to be first trip to the outdoor pool but it was waaaay too cold, so we ended up inside. Once again he was pretty kicked back about the whole thing. We start swim lessons in June.

Then we had a 5th birthday party to go to. Lock up your ladies, cool-mo-dee is on the prowl! He loved watching all the kids runs around but eventually tuckered out and took a nap in the midst of all the chaos.

This morning it was pack to the same-old routine. But Toots was very excited to see Pam. Have I mentioned how lucky we are? Pam and her family love our boy and that means all the world to us. She has a new grand daughter, so Toots has some competition for cutest - but I think he can hold his own!

Zooooooooooooooo!

2008-05-19T10:07:00.004-05:00

I spent all morning yesterday trying to get JT to say zoo. I got pttttffffff - his new catch phrase.

I know the day was more for Jim and I, as is the pass we've now purchased - but I think he liked seeing all the kids running around. Some of the larger animals caught his attention - the manatee and elephants. He liked the penguins playing in the water as well.

Earlier in the week we went to the park by the library - JT's first time on a swing - he liked it right up until his dinner started to talk back. We need one for the house!

Not crawling yet - but trying so hard. I'm in no rush to be chasing him, so it's fine with me.

He's a little under the weather today - a little fever and cranky. I'm hoping it's just another tooth popping through. We'll keep you updated.

Not even in the dollar store

2008-05-13T08:52:00.001-05:00

99 cents, that's all I asked - but nooooo, no one would play along. Pffffffttttttttt to you!

The bi-annual blog update

2008-05-10T21:29:00.005-05:00

Okay, so I'm not that bad - but I am blogging less and less. It's not for a lack of desire, it's more a lack of energy. I've been traveling a lot more lately and it's taken its toll. Hopefully things have settled down and I can keep up a little better.

So here are the updates:
1) AJ Snoring - one day only on Ebay! I know, I'm a brat . . . hehehehe
(Do you think this is why she says that if she ever won the lotto I would get monthly payments dependent upon my behavior?)

2) Toots is trying to scoot! JT can move backwards, a little sideways, but forward is still a mystery. He's rolling all over the place and enjoys being on the floor more and more.

3) He's a water fool! While we aren't sitting up for longer than a few seconds, his bath ring allows him the chance. This was shot on my phone so the quality isn't good, but you get the gist.

4) Finger Painting! I know, I'm crazy - the clean up really wasn't that bad and we've begun our exposure to crafts.

5) The family that wigs together, gets lice together - JK! There's no lice, but if there were I'd blame it on the cat.

That's all for now - start the bidding!

A Good Weekend

2008-04-27T18:27:00.005-05:00

A few times a week I search a few sites for digital scrapbook freebies. There's a lot of freebies to be had. While searching tonight I came across this web site and the following post:

I love those kinds of days where tears of laughter make your belly feel like it couldn't possibly function anymore.
When you feel as if the veins in your head will burst.
When your have no breath to continue.
When you feel like you might have to change your underwear.
And when you think there couldn't be anything more funnier to laugh at - you look at the other persons face and wonder where you will have the energy to find more air to conjure up more snorts.

We had a moment like this on Friday. GAJ is in town and we hung out at Nan's house to have dinner after GAJ and mom had been cleaning. Abbey (3) called and recited the national anthem and then immediately began singing My Country Tis a'Thee. We silently howled at how cute it was, for she sang with all her heart. Add that to Dad's story of ordering cheese coneys at White Castles and we were crying - one of those good cries that leaves you winded and wiping your eyes. It was wonderful.

Add to that Amy turning JT into "Pants Head" and it was a good night.

On Saturday JT went for a walk with Daddy - first time in the umbrella stroller - seems pretty chilled to me.

He's still flipping over on his tummy - but then he pulls his knees up, sticks his butt in the air, and stays that way most of the night. It's pretty darn cute.

We "volunteered" to work the March of Dimes this morning - very early, very busy. The turn out was amazing and they even ran out of wrist bands. We had a chance to check out all the cool strollers and wagons to see which ones we liked better.

We then went to a baby shower with 2 cakes - one telling the truth "Hello Daddy, goodbye sex" and one telling a lie "Hello Mummy, goodbye tummy" JT was his usual adorable self and even fell asleep in the midst of a crowded, noisy room.

All in all a good weekend. I head to LA on Tuesday - 2 nights this time. I'm gonna have to bring Toots back somethin' good!

I'm the old, crabby neighbor

2008-04-26T21:44:00.003-05:00

We have a rental property next to our house. Some of the renters have been good, some have been bad. We can't really tell about the current - there's a zillion kids always over and we aren't sure which live there and which don't.

Tonight I'm sitting in the family room watching TV and adding more fabulous items to my Kaboodle list and I hear teenagers. Ugh, teenagers. I wouldn't mind if they were walking up the street and making a little noise - but they stop, in front of our house, making noise. They really weren't being that loud and I tried to give them the benefit of the doubt. I waited, they talked, some yelled. I looked out the blinds so they would notice, they talked, about me looking out the blinds. I turned on the lights, they talked, about me turning on the lights, they yelled.

Finally I opened the door "Hey guys, I've got a baby trying to sleep, move along." That wasn't too crabby, was it? I though I handled it well - yet I saw nasty looks on faces as they walked into the house next door, the rental. I didn't even know they had teenagers living there!

So we'll see how many eggs are smashed on our cars when we get up in the morning . . .

Where should I buy the replacement?

2008-04-23T07:02:00.006-05:00

I asked Jim to send me a pic of JT last night, as I was missing him horridly. This is grainy as it's from his cell phone - but you can see the bib-less JT covered in squash and cereal. According to Jim "we don't need no stinkin bibs."

Issue is, this is a borrowed shirt, so the question is . . . Karen, where do I buy you a replacement?

Here we go again

2008-04-22T05:48:00.008-05:00

As I sit at the airport heading to ATL again, I look back over the last week or so.

We added peas and squash - he liked both. Hmmm, imagine that - he's going to be a good eater.

We went to the dog park for the first time. He apparently had a lot to tell them. Probably about how when he eats he likes to give the dogs his food covered hands so they lick them!

We pimped out the JT-mobile. We call it the portable office.

We moved our friends to their "big boy" house and started wearing shorts to show off the "ham hocks". All in all it's been a good week.

Green Beans!

2008-04-13T20:50:00.003-05:00

We added oatmeal to the menu a few days ago, so we were able to add green beans today. You can see how well they go over . . .

The last few nights he wakes up frustrated because he has rolled onto his stomach. During tummy time this evening he rolled from his back to his front and then back to his back! Let's see if he can remember how to do that in the middle of the night!

Break on through . . .

2008-04-11T20:11:00.005-05:00

Apparently I've used this title before - it popped up as an auto complete. I think the last time I was asking Toots to break through my water and be born. This time it refers to his teeth - yes I said teeth!

At 19 weeks Grandma felt a tooth cutting through, the next morning it had brought a friend!

They're just barely showing, but you can feel them. Hopefully that explains the few bad nights of sleep.

On another note we went to the doctor for Toot's 4 month. His head is 17 inches, he is 27 1/4 inches tall (100%), and weights 18.4 pounds (95%). He's wearing 6-12 month clothing and his favorite thing is standing. The shots and teeth have had him running a fever off and on. Poor thing woke up this morning with a 102.5 fever, but he was still smiling!

We've really seen his motor skills improve the past few weeks. He's enjoying toys more - especially the exersaucer (The Office). He takes his play very seriously. He even has an exersaucer at Mimi and Poppy's too (The Branch Office).

We've added oatmeal to the eating schedule and will add one new food every 3 days until we've worked through veggies and fruits. We had been feeding him in his rocker in the living room - but as soon as we add in food with color I think we'll be moving into the kitchen!

Last Sunday we took Toots Geocashing for the first time. We hit several different sites and found all but one. You can see he was enthralled. We stopped that morning and got a hiking backpack for him - the soft sided carrier just wasn't cutting it anymore. This works much better and I even took him for a walk with both dogs this week.

What a Shower Gift

2008-04-09T08:51:00.001-05:00

Heck, given the last few nights with Tooters I'd fly her in now!

http://www.hushabyebaby.biz/

Hush-a-bye Baby is a leading provider of personalized services for busy families in locating the right nanny for your home. The safety and security of having someone you can trust in your home with your children is invaluable. Each nanny is interviewed and screened, with references provided, to perfectly match the specific needs of your family. The specific services we offer are: Permanent full-time and part-time nannies; Night-nanny/sleep-trainers; Sleep-training consulting.

You deserve a good night's sleep. Many years of childcare experience have proven to me that well-rested parents can do more for their children's well-being than tired parents. Although tired parents do a good job of "getting through the day," they tend to be too tired to do much else. This is where I can help! I started this business for babies and parents. When parents get a good night's sleep, they wake up feeling rested and ready to start their day with their children. I've seen over time that babies respond to a well-rested, happy parent in a very positive and reassured way. The babies are more relaxed because YOU are more relaxed--making feedings and playtime much more enjoyable, and making naptimes easier to accomplish.

I want you to know that I am here to assist you through these next few months. I understand that is is an exciting time for you and your babies, yet it is also an exhausting time. I will be pleased to do anything I can to help you. I promise that once you and your babies are sleeping through the night that it is a whole new world for you and your family.

You better listen up!

2008-04-03T10:11:00.003-05:00

Sorry folks - this has been sitting in my posts just waiting for me to hit a button. We are all feeling better and actually got out for some fun yesterday. I'll post more about that later. In the meanwhile, enjoy the sweet tunes of JT . . .

Welcome Home - Achoo!

2008-03-29T15:20:00.004-05:00

I eventually made it home very early Friday morning. We were all tired on Friday.

Jim has been sick and JT's got it. He slept a lot this morning and when we checked his temp this morning it was 101.2 and he's stuffed-up and coughing. We've given him meds and I've got him lathered with baby vics and sprayed with saline drops. His temp is down, but he's still pretty congested. Poor little guy is very tired but not interested in sleep this afternoon. He is however interested in his Daddy's new tv. I typically keep him away from the television, but it seems to distract him from the fact that he can't really breathe through his nose, so I guess I'll make an exception today.

In another note - I've added JT's digital scrapbook to the very bottom of this page - you can see I've got a whole 10 pages done - none of which actually include him "on the outside". I've got a list of pages I want to get done and we'll get there eventually . . .

Grrrr

2008-03-27T15:53:00.003-05:00

Ever heard that you shouldn't get between a mother and her cub? Apparently Delta hasn't. We were on a 5:20 flight, that got pushed to 5:55, which is now 6:05 - as long as I get home, that's all that matters . . . but I'm getting angry - you won't like me when I'm angry.

Greetings from Atlanta

2008-03-27T05:39:00.002-05:00

My first work trip since Tooters . . . I don't like it. I miss him horridly.

Although the bed was comfy I had to get up at 5 so there wasn't even enough sleep to make up for it . . .

mobile blogging

2008-03-24T13:52:00.000-05:00

2008-03-24T12:48:00.001-05:00

HAHAHAHAHA

2008-03-24T11:53:00.003-05:00

Guess what today is . . . POOP ON POPPY DAY!!

And POPPY GOT POOPED ON!!!

I guess when you sell your soul to the devil the deals have expiration dates

(here's his "poop face from the 2 month pics at Sears - it still pretty much looks like this, but he gets a little more red and there's fantastic grunting involved)

Catching Up . . .

2008-03-23T20:55:00.008-05:00

So here's what we've been up to this week . . .

We went swimming for the first time. JT loves the water and really likes watching the other kids.

We started cereal again - while it's going a little better this time we're still having issues making our mouth.

We made friends and got an exersaucer!

(Jacob is demonstrating the teething benefits of the exersaucer)

We had our first Easter! JT got some goodies left in his basket, but the Easter Bunny seems to have forgotten the one thing we asked for . . . chocolate formula!

Somebody tell Tata that's JT's basket!

Poop on POPPY!

2008-03-17T08:25:00.002-05:00

Mondays are Poop on Poppy day - the day dad watched JT. For about 8 weeks now JT has not pooped on Poppy! Last Monday I took him to lunch with my boss and he pooped on my watch. This morning I rolled over in bed and looked at him in the bassinet. He gave me a big smile and told him it was Poop on Poppy day! The smile left his face, he began grunting and he pooped!

What deal did my dad make with the devil?

Pants in a Pinch

2008-03-11T21:53:00.001-05:00

http://www.pantsinapinch.com/index.htm

What a great idea - but at $19.95 each, how do you get them back into the little capsule?

And even more smiles . . .

2008-03-08T22:42:00.002-05:00

New Toys!

2008-03-08T22:34:00.005-05:00

I've had time to play with my video editing software - fun! Here's one to make you smile.

The abobminal snowdog

Welcome to Motherhood, let the guilt begin

2008-03-05T11:05:00.003-05:00

I saw a card that said that once, oh how true it is. Just last night I was convinced that I broke JT, possibly scarred him permanently, and messed up what could have been a good night of sleep.

I feel asleep very early Monday night - didn't cut his nails . . . he can now only play the role of the villain in James Bond movies.

Yes mother - I cut his nails last night!

JT has been really big on standing lately and is pretty good at it when you prop him up on something. I did so and then missed him as he fell to the floor with a thud. He screamed for 5 minutes before we realized it was also time for him to eat. He was fine after we fed him, but I was left trying to make sure his eyes were still dilating.

As for the sleep - I let him sleep through his last bottle, he was then up at 2, 4, and 6 - I'm really really tired.

Oh and we weighed him on Sunday, we're up to 17 pounds.

Finally

2008-02-27T00:04:00.002-05:00

Today JT is 3 months old. It's not until you look back at pictures that I realize how much he's grown. He's almost out of his car seat, I've packed up a large amount of clothes that no longer fit, his feet almost hang over the edge of the swing . . .

We're still working on the cereal, it's not going too well. Tonight he got himself so worked up that he threw up everything he'd eaten. I'm calling the doc tomorrow to see what we should do. He's sleeping peacefully now, after a bath and a swaddle to calm him down.

I've taken the evening to finally work on my digital scrapbooking. It's not anything too fancy at this point, but I'll get better over time.

Here are the two pages - (click for a larger image)

Blogging Good

2008-02-25T23:41:00.002-05:00

I'm finally getting around to thinking about starting to maybe try and stay awake at night to work on digital scrapbooking. I've downloaded a bunch of stuff, bid on external hard drives on ebay, scanned in various things that were in the paper version of JT's scrap book, made a list of all the pages I want to do, and made lists of things to include on all the pages I want to do.

Now, I just have to do it.

I must say though, I couldn't remember some details and I'm very glad I have this blog to look back on. It's fun to look through the chaos that was the last several months and know that I made it through.

(Plus I can't remember crap since JT was born . . . what was I doing again?)

First Cereal

2008-02-25T11:14:00.001-05:00

This may take some getting use to. We did cereal for the first time this weekend. It's a strange dance of spoon, scream, bottle - spoon, scream, bottle. We'll get there eventually.

Star Wars according to a 3 year old.

2008-02-25T10:58:00.001-05:00

Too cute!

Roll over . . .

2008-02-20T09:06:00.004-05:00

I use to say that to Jim - to get him to stop snoring. Now I'm cheering on my son! At 12 weeks 1 day he rolled from his back to his front - twice! Pam said he'd been trying really hard, but she wasn't going to say until he'd actually done it. So I'm glad I got to see it.

According to AJ he had rolled from his front ot his back all the way back on the 4th . . . I still don't believe it - but whatever she needs to tell herself to feel better ;-)

Monday was Poop on Poppy day, there was no poop - but there was sleeping!

A weekend of firsts

2008-02-17T21:50:00.002-05:00

First Valentine's Day - can you believe all these presents?

First trip downtown! We did story time at the library, ate lunch at Cadillac Ranch, and visited the square. Mommy was so proud that I sat enthralled during story time . . . at least for the first 3 books.

I left the state today! We went to this cool restaurant in Kentucky for Kelly's birthday. The ceiling here was way cooler than at Poppy's!

You may say using a Bumbo is cheating at sitting up, but I would have to disagree, the view is pretty good from up here!

Happy Valentine's Day - 2008

2008-02-13T22:43:00.002-05:00

We did a little Valentine's photo shoot tonight - JT is a fabulous model. I made my own studio with fabric, a garage clip light, and the free tripod that came with our old video camera. Reaffirms that I need an external flash - it makes for much better pictures. I took over 600 pictures, the cream of the crop are in the 3 month group on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/catsmine/sets/72157603802184326/

I think I like them better than the ones we took at Sears!

JT Cool

2008-02-13T01:54:00.001-05:00

Create Fake Magazine Covers with your own picture at MagMyPic.com

Discount Magazine Subscriptions - Save big!

2008-02-10T22:22:00.000-05:00

Loyal readers may recall "Save the Drama for Your Mama" the drama returned last night. Kinda - Charlie caught the cat outside our window and had a few things to say. Luckily the dogs didn't chime it so JT was able to sleep through it. No matter how many times I kicked Charlie off the chair he kept coming back. Even though the cat left shortly after this began Charlie talked for some time . . .

There's a mama in there somewhere

2008-02-08T11:04:00.001-05:00

It's a little dark, but you can hear that JT has a lot to say!

I'm ready for my close-up

2008-02-07T22:16:00.000-05:00

The infamously expensive Sears photos are back. They turned out better than I thought. Although he's so darn cute how could they not!

The rest are in his 3 month folder on Flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/catsmine/collections/

I went out with Mom, AJ, and Amy tonight. As I was changing JT in the front window of a jewelry store (hidden behind the grandfather clocks) I had to think . . . it use to be, what's the weirdest place you've ever had sex. Now it's what's the weirdest place you've ever changed a diaper?

Some people have a family tree . . .

2008-02-04T08:39:00.000-05:00

We have the family arm. Reading the arm top to bottom . . .

- the rose is for mom

- the mask looking thing is the Tahoe boat symbol which serves for a T for Tony, Thomas, Tahoe for skiing, and his boat

- the eyes are Amy and I - brown and blue

- the gun is for dad

- the footprint is JT

what happens if I have like 8 kids?

Angels

2008-01-28T10:05:00.000-05:00

A year ago Friday we lost a very special little boy,

this Friday we lost a very special woman

We love you both very much.

Bubba, let Nanny hold you from time to time - she'll need some little boy hugs.

One week in . . .

2008-01-25T01:07:00.000-05:00

Well, I made it working 2 whole days this week. Tooters seems to be doing well at the sitter's and she can't stop saying how cute he is. Next week I work 3 days, the week after that 5 . . . ugh. Oh well, unless someone we know wins the lottery and gives us some it's off to work I go. At least I like my job!

So here's what's happened in the past week:

I only cried a little when I dropped him off the first day and not at all the second.

We had our first "professional" photo shoot (Sears) and the little booger didn't smile once. We did everything but stand on our heads and he was having none of it. In fact he pooped during the session. Yet we still walked out of there with our wallets empty. When I get the CD and can upload the pics I'll show you all.

We survived the dreaded two month doctor appointment with 4 shots. He screamed his little head off and then promptly shut up as soon as I placed a bottle in his mouth. He's 13 pds. 13 oz. and 24.25 inches long - off the charts for both height and weight. At the end of February we start spoon feeding him rice cereal. The dogs will love cleaning that up.

My father, our Monday sitter, believes he and JT have a "no poop Mondays" agreement. Considering we're still working out the constipation issues, he may have something - but my money is on JT.

Jim and JT have begun communicating. It is adorable and it I can get it on tape I will share. They sit and "talk," carrying on a full conversation. I compare it to the sound of whales they have on those nature CDs, but JT loves it! He smiles and laughs and pauses to let Jim respond.

Tomorrow we're getting a second car (as my DH would be quick to point out, we currently have a car and a truck). It's Nan's Corolla, the family has been nice enough to give it to us so we have 2 cars that can have car seats. We had a little work done on it as soon as I start back full time we'll be taking turns with the JT drop-off.

When you have a second look through the Kaboodle list - I keep finding the best stuff! Feel free to express your grattitude for my humor by showering us both with gifts! :-)

With all due respect . . .

2008-01-18T16:17:00.000-05:00

Anyone who has seen Tallidaga Nights knows there are many memorable lines that can be quoted at particular moments. One of my favorites is "With all due respect . . ." In the movie it's used as a buffer for the rest of the sentence, which is something nasty and mean.

With all due respect, I love my job - but I don't necessarily want to go back to it. I really have no choice and so I will start back next week. I'm part time for the next two weeks and then full time starting in February.

Ya'll want me to leave this?

I think my parents will suffer the worse though - I've been at their house at least 3 days a week. Once I'm back to work they may only see him one day a week. I'm not sure they'll survive.

Birth classes shmirth classes

2008-01-15T21:59:00.000-05:00

If you refer to an earlier post (I'm not really sure which one) you'll know that we went to parenting classes. I don't think we remember a damn thing from them. If they wanted these classes to properly prepare you for being a parent I propose the following list:

- grab a bag of cement, hold it for 4 hours - while a wombat wails in your ear (I don't really know what a wombat sounds like, but I'm pretty sure they would have a high pitched annoying wail)
- attempt to dump the small formula cup into the only slightly less-small bottle opening - while holding a squirming puppy - while a wombat wails in your ear
- take a stroller and maneuver it through a minefield without waking the baby inside
- take a garden hose and attempt to block the stream of water with your hand (for those with boys)
- take one of the wet naps you get when you eat ribs and try to clean the sauce off the ribs (for the advanced class you'll attempt this while blocking the garden hose at the same time - the 400 level simultaneously includes the wombat)

That might get you slightly more prepared . . . but I doubt it

We Have Poopies!

2008-01-13T22:52:00.000-05:00

First - happy belated to Punk Boy. JT enjoyed the party very much and is sorry he had to pass on the cake, maybe next year though! (Oh, and I'd watch him, he thinks some of those toys you got a really cool.)

As to the heading, it's amazing how quickly things change when you become a parent. A year ago I seriously doubt I would have had such a heading (although Yogi was constipated once and we had to give him something). Yesterday JT had some play-doh like poop, no big deal, just keep an eye on him. He was up most of the night with Daddy and this morning we found out why. He grunted and groaned and did his all and out came a little marble of poop. Pushed his legs up, more grunting and groaning, the vein in his forehead popped out a little - another little marble. This one had a little blood in it. We went through this for another 10 minutes with little progress and then called the doc.

His suggestion - prune juice. 1 oz. of prune juice once a day until things got moving. JT downed the juice like a champ. We continued throughout the day, anxiously checking him at every grunt-like sound. Finally one birthday party and one grandparent dinner later . . . we have poop. Regular, green, non-marble like poop. Jim said there was definitely a relieved smile on his face, I know his parents both have them.

Tomorrow JT will be 7 weeks old, almost 2 months - it always amazes me how fast time goes. I try to enjoy every minute, knowing that even when he only wants to be held and scream in my ear, there will come a time when he doesn't want to be held or even talk to me.

Doggie Time

2008-01-09T20:01:00.000-05:00

Given the difficulties of the other day I decided we should take the dogs for a walk today. I bundled up the boy, strapped on the front carrier and grabbed the leashes. It's hard to believe that I once survived a half marathon, today just getting around the block was taxing. The dogs did well and before he fell asleep JT seemed to like it (a "different ceiling" to look at).

We came home and got settled and after dinner Daddy gave JT his bath. He seems to really like the water, I'm hoping it stays that way!

I'm with JT everyday so I don't think I see him growing, but today he looks so big. When we first brought him home we had to prop him into the swing with blanket rolls on either side. Today his feet almost hang off the bottom!

Thank you for good neighbors

2008-01-07T21:46:00.001-05:00

They may look cute and unassuming in this outdated photo, but in truth you are looking at two criminal masterminds . . . well Yogi is the mastermind, Daisy just wiggles and looks cute. I returned home from a wonderful playdate with Mr. Jacob (he played, JT screamed) and was told by my neighbor that the dogs had somehow left our yard today. They got out not once, not twice, but three times - from two different fenced in yards.

Two of our neighbors were kind enough to round them up each time, bringing them home from as far as two blocks away. They have tags and microchips, but the thought of them running the neighborhood and standing in the street makes my heart jump to my throat.

To say thank you the dogs baked brownies and cookies and wrote a couple of very nice little notes to be delivered in the morning. It's only a small token, but it's the least they can do.

When did showering become a luxury?

2008-01-06T16:25:00.000-05:00

Much like the title of this book http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0970510063/ref=sib_dp_pt/103-7692618-4895805#reader-link "Peeing in Peace" when did showering become a luxury and not a necessity? God forbid I actually have clients when I go back to work and have to meet with them in person - I'll need good scarves and more Febreze (actually none of my clothes fit so I'll have bigger issues than scarves).

The other evening he slept for 7 1/2 hours. I woke up and it was light out and I freaked. He was laying next to me in his bassinet, but still! Last night, it was more like 3 hours at a time - oh well, we'll work up to it.

I'm thinking about having professional pics taken at 2 months - any suggestions between Sears, Pennys, or Olan Mills?

I only have 2 weeks of maternity leave left - he'll be 6 weeks old tomorrow - when the heck did that happen?

The Many Faces of JT . . .

2008-01-03T19:51:00.001-05:00

Is he the cutest little boy ever or what! Not only does he have rhythm, he has style.

Playtime!

2008-01-03T10:04:00.001-05:00

A little snippet of the little man playing.