Timeline Thursday

Merry Christmas 12/25

Daddy gave me an Oreo for the first time 12/26

I'm so happy!! 12/27

Good Morning Sunshine 12/28

Spoon fight with Grandpie 12/29

Army crawling gets you everywhere 12/30

Watching Sports Center 12/31

2010 Resolution

I am sitting in the kitchen, starring out the window with the sun coming through the windows thinking about what I could do different in the new year. I really don't make resolutions, but we can call them that if it makes things flow better.

I've had a wonderful year. Drew blessed us with his arrival. We got to experience several visits with Zack. My nephew, Jayden was born. My niece, Ally turned 5 (where does the time go?). And for the most part, my family was healthy. I know my mom had her minor mishap with her heart condition, but she is recovering nicely and bouncing back with advengance. So, with that, what more could I want for the next year?

Of course I want myself and everyone around me to be happy, healthy, wealthy in love (since money is so hard to come by) and to experience everything to the fullest.

But, for me, what do I want in the new year? I would like to sit and relax on the couch on a Sunday afternoon (any Sunday, I'm not picky) and drink my cup of tea to the end while its still warm and read the newspaper (including the flyer's) from front to back. If I get to do this several Sundays, I will be ecstatic, but I'm not going to push it. Lets just aim for one Sunday and see what happens.

I know I'm a day early, but I want to wish everyone out there a Happy New Years!! And celebrate safely!

Wonderful Day Together

Today, Drew and I are home together. We are having so much fun and Drew especially. He now has so much room to move around in our living room these days. The other night, we baby proofed and moved things around since Drew is starting to get around more and more each day. He has the middle of the living room all to himself to do what ever his little heart desires.

This morning, we snuggled together for a nice long nap on the couch. After we woke up, it was off to the grocery store and then we had a lunch date with daddy. We went to Jeff's work to visit him at lunch time and had a great little visit with him and Grandpy (since they both work at the same place).

After lunch, we came back home so we could all visit with Drew's Grammie and Grandpa. They came over after we got home. My mom is having withdrawals with not being around him with the holiday time off.

Now, my mom is trying to convince Drew its time for a nap. Um, he's not listening very well. He's still rolling all over the floor, playing with all his toys, talking and giving us raspberries with a giggle thrown in there once-in-awhile. Regardless what the rest of the day brings, its been a great day together.

Our First Christmas Together

We celebrated Drew's first Christmas and let me tell you, it was tons of fun. The day did fly be between all the gifts, cooking, visiting, playing and eating, but it was a great time to be had.

Drew and I were the first ones up (I was up because of the little guy waking me up). I tried not to bring him in the living room to avoid the gifts since they were on the floor. Shortly after, Jeff and Grandpy woke up so we could start the fun of Christmas morning.

Jeff and Drew started with checking out what Santa left in their stockings. Drew needed some help with his, so his daddy helped him look in the stocking to see what was inside. A book and a container of puffs were found. Drew was so excited!

After everyone else looked in their stockings, it was time to open gifts. Drew was placed on the floor next to me (I was there for assistance) to open gifts. The first gift was placed on his lap and he looked down at it and then up at me with the look on his face, now what? I tried to show him what to do, but instead the paper went right into his mouth! So, I continued to help him with his other gifts while he sampled the taste of all the variety of paper that was wrapped around all of his new gifts. It was too cute to watch!
As the day went on, my parents arrived for a gift giving session. Then later in the day, my in-laws arrived for the third present exchange and by then Mr. Drew was exhausted. He barely took a nap that day, and it was showing after we had supper late in the afternoon. But he was a trooper, dazing in and out of his little world, but you could tell he was fighting his exhaustion with all of his might.

But, everyone had a wonderful day and Drew had a great time too. It was wonderful to experience his first Christmas and visit with everyone too. I can't wait until next year!!

Merry Christmas

I hope you and your family have a splendid Christmas.

Timeline Thursday

I can hardly contain myself!!

I'm getting so excited.

I can hardly wait.

The anticipation is killing me.

I can't wait for Christmas to arrive this year!

New Trick

Drew playing with all of his toys all around him (that's the way he likes it)

Oh, mommy's looking at me.......

Up on all fours, rocking back and forth.....

Oh, whats on TV............

Back to playing, never mind that mommy's watching....

Drew has learned to get himself on all fours. He is still working on doing it when ever he feels like it, but you can tell when he's trying. And once those hips listen to what he's thinking, he's up on all fours rocking with a smile on his face....probably thinking of all the mischief he'll be getting himself into very shortly. Mr. Drew has even mastered the army crawl. Yesterday at day care, he was nicknamed the "floor inspector" since he covered every inch of the floor. Oh my!!

Christmas Visit

Zack arrived on Friday early afternoon and just as quick as he arrived, he left yesterday afternoon. We had a jammed pack visit filled with fun, cake, presents and did I say fun?

We had two birthday party's this weekend. The first was for my SIL on Friday night. Yummy cake, fun and excitement for all took place that night.

We then had Zack's 12th birthday party on Saturday. He received lots of good stuff, including Nerf guns. Of course the "kids" had to try the guns out, so the "adults" who where visiting with each other had to dodge bullets flying through the air while all the kids played. Jeff at one point had to try out the aiming ability of one gun and told his dad to hold still. Yup, Jeff then shot his dad from across the room to try out the gun. Bullets were flying off the wall and his dads chest. I just sat in the corner, watched Drew play on the lap of my dad and shook my head at my 30-year old kid (yeah, my husband).

Sunday, we did something special for Grandpy John. He mentioned last week that he wanted to have a portrait done of all the grand kids since Zack was around. So, I helped him plan the event and all the kids were together on Sunday morning at Target for a photo session. We didn't get as much snow as predicted along the East Coast, so it was no problem heading to the mall for the kids to smile big and have their pictures taken. It was so nice to see them all together in one place.

Zack is now gone until the next time. We see him again in February in Maryland.

1 Week To Go

Our tree this year

Can you believe it? One week to go until Christmas arrives. I can't wait to see how Drew is on that magical morning with all the boxes, bows and toys all around. And of course, all the unconditional love that just fills the house when everyone is around while visiting, eating and celebrating.

All of my shopping is done. All the gifts are wrapped (nothing is under the tree at the moment to avoid any pre-opening by the 8 month old that lives in the house). The Christmas cards are sent out. The decorations have been up for a couple of weeks now and now we just wait for Ol' Saint Nick to arrive. We don't have a chimney, so our key to help Santa into the house is hung up and ready for him to use.

I love to drive around the neighborhood and check out all the decorations people have in their yards. I love this time of year!!

Timeline Thursday

Happy Belated Birthday

I missed wishing Zack and my SIL Sarah a happy birthday yesterday. I did send a wish to Sarah on her Facebook and text Zack, but I still like to recognize them here, so the world can see that it's their special day.

So, Happy Birthday you too!! Zack turned 12 and Sarah turned 29 (again) yesterday. I hope you both received everything you wanted!

This weekend we have parties to attend too! Friday night is Sarah's and Saturday afternoon is Zack's. Party, party, party!!

Christmas Miracle

Mom & Dad

My family had a true Christmas miracle happen this week. My mother gave us all a scare, but is doing fantastic. Could it have been the fight inside her, the way she pushes her self to exercise or truly a Christmas miracle? No matter what it is, I'm glad what ever it was worked.

Yesterday morning, my mom complained of tightening in her chest area on our way with me to drop Drew off at day care. It relieved itself quickly, but shortly after it returned after I dropped her off at my dad's office. When I returned to the building (my dad's and my office are in the same building) my mom complained the same feeling returned. My mom decided to go to the emergency room.

My parents went to the ER while I stayed behind in the event I had to pull Drew out of day care quickly since he is right around the corner from my work. After a long few hours, tests were done on my mom, an EKG and blood work. It turns out, my mom had a "minor heart attack". I don't want to call it minor since all heart attacks are serious, but this was how the doctor described it when he was explaining the results. The attack was only picked up by something in her blood work, not the EKG. She was then admitted into the hospital for more tests overnight.

Today she had an angioplasty (where a tube is inserted into a major artery to go to the heart to see if there is any blockages). It was found that she had a 90% blockage. The doctors were able to clear out the area that caused the heart attack, but left some behind in other areas that were not too serious. They will give her medication to help with those areas.

I visited with her this evening and let me tell you, she looks awesome! It was truly a blessing! I am grateful she listened to the signs of her body to get her into the ER and help the doctors find the blockage to avoid anything even more serious from happening. Tonight, she was so alert, looked so well rested and it just seemed like she was ready to take on the world again.

Original Santa

Drew visited Ol' St. Nick again. This was the original planned visit before we found out about the Santa in Maryland.

I was curious if Drew's reaction was a one-time thing when he sat on Santa's lap (the no screaming, crying or kicking). So, I was prepared for anything when he approached the jolly old elf this time.

This Santa visit was located at a local park with their own Santa land. There were lights outside, guiding the way to the warm and cozy cabin where Santa was visiting. We walked in and there was no line. All the people inside were waiting for their photo. So, we took Drew's hat and coat off and Jeff walked Mr. Drew up to Santa. I stood behind the camera for funny enforcements if needed.

Jeff placed Drew on Santa's lap and Drew just starred in amazement. It was hard turning that boy's attentions away from the guy in red, but we finally did to capture the picture. Drew was all serious though, but no tears. Mr. Clause said that Drew was the first little one of the night who did not fuss. Wow! I am still amazed!!

Its Me!!

Hi everyone, Drew here!!

Its been sometime since I've gotten a chance to chat with my fans. But, I've been a busy little boy. My mommy and the rest of my family have been on the go visiting my big brother and getting ready for Christmas.

I love my big brother and I can't wait to see him next weekend. I can't believe he will be 12 years old. I can't wait until I'm 12 years old. I will be able to do big boy stuff just like him! I know my mommy doesn't want me to be 12 anytime soon, but she can't keep me a baby forever.

But, man have I surprised everyone with showing them all my tricks that I choose to show them at the moment. I love to see their faces when I roll, roll, roll around the room Seeing their reactions amaze me just makes my day. I can't wait to show them my crawling moves (since how else would I make it to mommy's computer). I give them all a taste and I hear shrieks of excitement. I move my hips while I push up on my arms and they all go crazy. I can't wait to see their reactions when I just take off.

Oh, and let me tell you this. Teeth hurt when they come it. I got two it two weeks and it wasn't fun. I have to get used to those things, but its fun trying new foods. Some of the things I eat are delicious, like the apples and sweet potatoes. Then there are other things that taste so funky, like squash and pea's....yuck! But, I take a few bites just to please my mommy.

But, what I've heard, I can't wait to experience this Christmas thing. As you already know, I've visited with Santa and he is so jolly. I love the feel of his beard! When mommy and grammie hung up all the Christmas decorations, it made things so beautiful. I heard there are gifts too. I don't care whats inside, just give me the empty boxes, bows and paper. I can't wait!

Well, I think my mommy has told you everything that's new with me, but I wanted to say hi to everyone and can't wait to see what Santa leaves me under the tree (since I whispered my list to him when I sat on his lap a few weeks ago).

Timeline Thursday

With Bonus Christmas Photo's

Ok, what happened?

The other day, Jeff and I had a misunderstanding through a text message. It was quite comical afterwards when Jeff explained his interpretation of my text.

The message was-

Jeff - "How was your day? Mine ok"

Amanda - "I got shot today, on my way to pick up the baby"

It was my response that confused Jeff, but he didn't say anything until we got home after work.

What I meant was, I got my H1N1 shot today and I'm on my way to pick Drew up for his appointment. But, this just goes to show you, that the texter (me), has to be a little bit clearer on messages!!

Jeff thought it was odd that I had been "shot' and I'm telling him by text and then going to get Drew (after my supposed injury). I told him later that if I ever did get hurt like that, I wouldn't have text him the message, I would have called. And then told him he would have gone to pick Drew up from day care.

I just laughed in amazement the interpretation of texts between Jeff and I.

Was there a Sat or Sun?

Tis' the season to be busy, fa la la la la, la la la la!

Wow, what a jammed packed weekend we had. I can't even believe a Saturday or Sunday even took place. I know I didn't have to work, but it was everything else we did that made it feel like it just flew by. I was saying Sunday night, where did the time go?!?

Friday Drew has his 6 month check-up (even though he's moving right along through his 7th month). He has a great bill of health, growing perfectly and off the charts. He height and weight are off the normal growth charts, but he is proportioned so there are no worries. The poor little guy had to have 3 shots and a liquid one to wrap up his visit. He cried, but quickly calmed down. I feel so bad and helpless when that happens!!

My mom and I almost finished our Christmas shopping on Saturday, but it was a day outing at the local mall. We payed off our lay-a-ways, had lunch, shopped for decorations and other items we thought of while we were there.

Saturday night we went to the first party of the season. It was Drew's first Christmas party too. It was a group of friends who got together to catch up, eat and relax. Little Drew was so well behaved too. There was a 16 month old there too and Drew just loved watching him and sharing his toys. To cap the evening off, we had our first major snow fall (yeah it was only a little more then an inch, but the snow stuck and now winter has begun).

Sunday it was time to decorate and clean. But before that, I ran to the store to finish up my Christmas shopping (yeah!!). Then we got home and arranged Zack's new room. His new room will be located in our finished basement area. He doesn't know about it yet, but he will have a TV in the room so I'm sure he won't mind too much since he travels with his Wii and now he'll have a place to hook it up to play (its our selling point).

After much cleaning, the house became a Christmas wonderland. Our tree and decorations are up. Drew was amazed when I turned the lights on the tree, he just starred and jumped up and down in his jumper.

After supper, I was finally able to sit down and relax. By the time that happened, the weekend was over. I needed last night to rest up for the rest of the week. Man am I pooped!

Touchdown!!

My boys were watching football the other night. Its so funny to watch Drew be so interested in sports already. I'm sure its all the fast movements and bright colors flash by on the tv screen, but Jeff is so excited!! He's happy to have Drew around to be able to teach him how to throw a ball, swing a golf club or tackle an opponent.

Jeff did his best with Zack with their visit schedule and he did a great job. Zack loves golf because of his father and its great to see. Now, I will have the three of them out on the golf course when Drew is old enough.

Its so fun to have my boys around!!

Timeline Thursday (Two Weeks Worth)

Great Visit

We had a wonderful visit with Mr Zack this past weekend. He is growing up so fast and it seems to go faster since we don't see him often like we have in the past.

He is growing into such a young man, its scary. I have a soon to be teenager as a step-son. Zack turns 12 years old in a few weeks, but next year bring on the teenage years.

Zack loves his little brother so much, it makes things run so smoothly when we are together. I was worried that he would resent Drew for so many reasons, but all that has melted away months ago. The other day at breakfast, Zack made a comment that just reassured what I thought about their relationship. He told me that he "will miss having the little guy around. I'll miss you guys (me and Jeff) too, but....." Then I said "yeah, yeah, I know its all about Drew now-a-days". Then he smiled.

I wish things were different so the boys could be together more, but how things are these days, we have to keep the visits up so they can maintain a great relationship regardless of the distance between them.

We will see Zack next the weekend before Christmas. We will celebrate his birthday and Christmas in that short visit, but it will be a blast as always.

Santa Clause Lane

While we were out shopping on the famed "Black Friday", we stopped in the Bass Pro Shop to peek at the camping gear and other outdoor goodies that massive store has to tempt us with. My dad caught up with me and mentioned that Santa was here (the store). I flashed a big smile and said "Santa?!?!".

I made a bee-line to the area where my dad said the jolly ol' elf was seated so Drew could experience his first time with Santa.

When we made it to the children's section of the store, we noticed Santa's area. There was no line and no one else in the area. This is great I thought, we had Santa all to ourselves.

I picked Drew up out of his stroller as I kept saying, who's going to see Santa? in my most excited voice that he is so used too!! Drew had no idea what was going on, but he went along for the ride. We approached Santa as he stood where the line would have usually formed and mentioned to Santa that this was someones first time seeing him. Well, Santa took much pride in this and asked if he could hold Drew. I said of course. At this time, Drew was just starring at this guy, dressed all in red with a beard (a real one might I add).

Drew was in Santa's arms while they walked back to the big chair, all while my little boy starred at this strange guy. Then all of a sudden, Drew flashed a great big smile while petting Santa's beard. It was so nice to see Drew being comfortable around Santa. Phew, no tears!

Well, Santa did report that Drew only being 7 1/2 month's old does have a big list and will see what he can do about granting some of those wishes. Then the photo session began. Drew was starring at Santa so much there was only one photo we could capture with him looking at the camera, only because Mommy was calling him from behind the scenes. Then he went right back to starring at this strange guy.

Overall, it was a great experience for Drew's first time sitting on Santa's lap. Yeah!!

Mad Hatter

Drew has started a collection. Its not baseball cards, its not Blue's Clue's DVD's and its not match box cars (well, not yet at least).

He is starting his own little hat collection. Drew is so adorable when he wears a hat and he loves it. He occasionally takes his hat off, but for the most part he leaves it on to bring his cuteness up a notch.

Drew purchased a new hat this past weekend. Its his own little hunting hat. We were saying when he was trying it on, "He's hunting Wabbit" and he would smile big. It was too cute.

So far he has a couple of baseball caps, two crazy winter hats and now his hunting winter hat. That little boy is too much fun!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Today is the day to give thanks. Everyday should be a day to show how grateful you are about those around you, but I won't pass up a great holiday to celebrate that includes pumpkin pie.

I am grateful for my wonderful family who has assisted us through many things, big and small.

I am grateful for my beautiful little boy who has blessed our family this year.

I am grateful for a wonderful husband, who is a devoted father and husband.

I am grateful for friends who care.

I am also grateful for those baby items that have helped us out so far-

Desitin Diaper Cream

Disposable Diapers

Exasauser

Blue's Clue's

Little People CD

Car Seat Wedge

Pre-made baby food

Cell phone camera (ok its not a baby item, but its used for the baby)

Nursery Rhymes and songs

and many other covenant products!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Timeline Post-Poned

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, this weeks timeline Thursday has been post-poned. Next week will have double the pleasure of seeing Drew entertaining his mother for the sake of a daily photo.

Poor Ralph

This isn't right!

The Wrong Stuffing

Day After Thanksgiving

Who out there will brave the crowds to get a deep discounted item next Friday? Anyone? Anyone?

Well, I won't be out there at 3am or 4am or 5am, but I'll be out and about next Friday with other folks getting into the holiday spirit.

Only, I'll be out there looking for the annual Christmas Bear my Grandfather collects since my Grandmother started collecting them years before she passed away. We still go out looking for the dressed up bear with the current year on his/her foot. My Grandpa has them piled on a spare bed in his office in memory of my Grandma. So, of course I have to help him search for this years bear!

Last year we had to go to several Wal-Marts to look for the specific bear. I hope this year, we just have to go to one store and she (this year it'll be the girl bear out of the pair) will be sitting there waiting for us to pick her up!!

After we find the bear, we'll walk around one of the many malls in the area and my Grandpa will people watch. He doesn't like going in the stores so he sits on a bench in the mall's hallway and observes all the individuals that walk past him. When I return to him after I've looked in a store, he has a full report of who walked by him and how strange it is that everyone has a cell phone.

But, its our day after Thanksgiving tradition and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Its a fun time with Grandpa and I'm always interested in hearing his interpretation of the world passing him by while we are at the mall.

Timeline Thursday

Hey Kid 11/13/2009

Father and Son 11/14/2009

What a mess! 11/14/2009

Checking out the menu 11/16/2009

Vroom, Vroom 11/17/2009

Cat Nap 11/18/2009

Whatcha doing? 11/19/2009

Just Breath

Yesterday, was the farthest I've been away from Drew. I was an hour and half away from him at one point. If anything happened to the little guy, I would have to drive back a long distance before I could be by his side. Its not like our usual day distance, when he's in day care he is 6 minutes away from me. When he's at my house with Grammie, he is 14 minutes away from me.

I had accompanied my FIL for a follow-up appointment in the Boston area yesterday. We make this trek often ever since his liver transplant almost 4 years ago.

So, Drew was left with Grammie at my house, no problem with that. It was just the thought of how much distance was between the little guy and me. I think I handled it well being my first time. When we arrived at the clinic and I did call to check on him, but I only did that once. I think it was because I was so focused on my FIL's appointment and I knew Drew was in good hands so I'm sure it helped ease the anxiety.

At the end of the day, my FIL had a great appointment, Drew survived being so far away from mommy (like he even knew) and I didn't speed (too much) to get home.

What a little man!

My little boy is growing up so fast! He is 7 months old today. Wow, did that last month fly by or what?!?

Drew is growing up so fast, he looks like a little man already. He was dressed up in a sweater, carpenter pants and sneakers for his big cousins birthday party and I almost cried because he looked so grown-up (and so darn cute).

His first tooth is popping through this past week. We are exploring anything to make him comfortable these days while hes awake (and sleeping).

He has mastered rolling over both ways, tipping over his toy basket, starting to get into mischief around the living room, working on pushing his upper body up (prepping for crawling) and working on giving us kisses.

I love it when he puts both hands on your checks and pulls your face closer and plants an open mouth "kiss" on your cheek, near your mouth or on your nose.

What a cutie-patutie!