What's Under There?

This is my son, trying to get someones attention on the other side of the door. This door opens to the bathroom. When he feels he should be in the room with you, but for what ever reason the other person does not a 1 year old in this private area, he feels he should stick his fingers under the door for you to see.

When you are on the inside, you know he's there. His stealth skills still have to be mastered, but all you see are the tops of two little fingers trying to grab onto anything under the door. Its funny when the person on the inside does touch his fingers, the laughter starts (on both sides of the door).

Just Like Grandpa

Drew not only does he resemble his Grandpa Charlie, but he likes to represent his favorite football team, Washington Redskins and look at Firetrucks, just like him! Wow, this is scary (not monster scary, just unbelievable scary how family resemblances come out through generations)!

Wordless Weds - For You Mommy

Apple Picking With Family

Sunday was a beutiful day out. I'm so glad we chose it to go apple picking with the family. Its our annual trip to the Dickenson Farm with my in-laws, my neice, FIL, Jeff and for his first time on this trip, Drew. It was the usual routine, hop on the tracter, go to the orchard, pick apples and wait for the tractor to return, but it was still fun. I don't think I could ever get tired watching everyone have a good time.



Drew loved running free, helping daddy and Ally pick apples. Everyone likes to sample the product before placing them in the bag, but Drew, not so much. I'm sure it'll grow on him! I know he just enjoyed being with everyone. At the end of the adventure, he got to sit on the tractor that pulled us to and from the orchard, he loved that!



I can't wait until we do our annual Vermont day trip and what adventures we come across then.

Halloween Practice

We were out practicing the other day with Drew's motorcycle. He's working on his stearing, but riding is no problem. The reason we need to "practice" is Drew will be a Harley Man for Halloween! I just don't know how we are going to get him off the bike to go door to door, maybe once he finds out what the neighbors are going to give him, he'll leave the bike behind!

We started working on his costume this past weekend. We found clothing pieces at the near-by goodwill a few weeks ago and now its time to put it all together. I have to pick up a couple more items, but we are very close to completion! I can't wait to see it all done.

Wordless Weds - Apple Picking Friends

This Weeks Agenda

We have a busy week, never mind the weekend. Today, Drew had his first field trip with day care. Mommy went along so Drew could ride the bus (yeah, that was my excuse for going) to get to where they were going. The whole day care went apple picking! It was so much fun. Each kid was able to pick 5 apples and got a little gourde pumpkin. Drew loved picking the apples from the tree, that is until he noticed the broken down truck on the tree line and so wanted to go check it out. I don't have many photo's at the moment of the field trip since I had to borrow a camera from my dad (I didn't want to lug around my big camera), so I'm waiting for the transfer of pics.

Tomorrow, Jeff, Drew and myself head to the Big E. Its a tradition in our area to go to the Big E, which is a fair that celebrates the New England states with items from each state and most of all Massachusetts. There is lots of yummy food, tons of things to look at from crafts to animals. Then there are the kid rides. I hope Drew is tall enough to go on some, the last fair we were at he was short by a few inches (of course mommy is going on with him, but I don't want to push the height issue, its there for a reason).

Then over the weekend we have my cousin Sebastian's second birthday party and then we all go apple picking on Sunday.

Phew, its a busy week, but its loaded with fun.

Jenga Anyone?

Have you ever had that feeling that if something, just one more thing falls out of place, your life would crumble like the game Jenga? Yup, that's where I am right now. Things seem to get better and then I turn a corner and another obstacle is in the way. I try to get buy it, I struggle at times, I succeed, then I'm knocked right back down.

I know I'll get through my newest bump in the road, it'll just take some time.

Bowling 101

I've bowled for fun in the past. So, I knew the basics going into this league we joined for Wednesday nights, but let me tell you, its also an education.

I'm learning how drinking and bowling doesn't mix (not me, just people on the other teams). I'm learning that my husband isn't the only person who hates to lose or not get all the pins down at once. I've learning that people think if they spend hundreds of dollars on bowling equipment, they think it will make them better (when its really the skills that make it all come together). I've learned that to some people, bowling isn't enough, they have to add other elements to the game.

What I've learned about myself, I have to drink tea before I play, it warms me up much better then waiting to warm up during the practice session. Its so cold in the bowling ally, I had to take it one step further. I'm using a borrowed ball and it works just fine. I'm there to have a good time and just concentrating on the actual bowling is enough for me.

Also, we did pretty good last night. We split the wins with the other team and over all had a great time.

I'm Not Ignoring You

I haven't forgotten about you. I think of you often. I've just been really busy doing homework for the past week, working on a very important task for Jeff and I. It ties up my free time after Drew goes to bed, so I had to pick and chose what was important.

Well, that homework is done for now and so I can continue to do the things I really enjoy.

You ask, what kind of homework? Well, Jeff and I filed for bankruptcy this year. Our process started back in February with a sit down with a lawyer. Then we (really, I had to) had to collect all the paperwork to support our finances for the past 6 months and submit them to the lawyer. Then we had to take an online credit counseling course that talked about bankruptcy and our finances.

Then the wait game began. They said it would take 6-8 weeks before we heard from anyone. It was more like 10 weeks, then of course I had to find MORE financial paperwork that for some reason wasn't on the list of things to gather up. So, that took a little more time.

Then finally, our first week of vacation we had turned in everything we needed, reviewed our paperwork and was able to officially file for bankruptcy. But, our case wasn't approved yet. We still had to go in front of a Massachusetts appointed trustee to review and except or deny our case. That meeting took place at the end of August. I was so nervous, I kept thinking what will happen if our case was denied. But, we were approved and all clear.

The final step was to complete a 2 hour online video education online. I am so happy the online classes were able to be broken up since they were so horribly done and degrading. So, that was my homework for the past week, watching online video's lecturing me/us about credit. So, that is done! Next step, submit our certificates to the lawyer once we receive them and we are dept free.

I know some people look at bankruptcy as a last resort and look at it as a mark on their credit history. Yes, it was our last resort, but I look at it as a chance to breath and have the weight taken off my shoulders.

Wordless Weds - Reading WIth Grandpy

3 County Fair

We had a fantastic time at the fair over the weekend. The weather was perfect, Drew was in a good mood and and there was lots of fun to be had by all!! The fair was a local annual fair that has animals, rides, displays of tractors, food and anything you can think of that belongs at a fair.

The big attraction this year was the Monster Trucks! That is what made our decision to attend this fair rather then another on going on in the area. We knew Drew would L-O-V-E the trucks. As we walked through the gate of the fair, there was an announcement about premium seats to view the truck show and the opportunity to walk around the trucks with the premium seat purchase. We made a bee line to the box office to check out the upgraded tickets. It was only $5 more to get the extra perks (and Drew was free to enter the fair, for the monster truck show and for the premium seats......score!!).

Drew was in his glory walking around these larger then life trucks. He would walk up to the tire and hit the rim and smile. He was loving it! Then we discovered there was rides IN a monster truck. So, yup, Jeff, Drew and myself all got to ride in the back of a monster truck. Drew was serious the whole ride, but once he realized what was going on, he was in his own glory!

The show was entertaining. We didn't stay for the whole show since it was way past someones nap time and he was getting tired (not fussy since he was enjoying himself, just trying to get comfy). So, we left half way through the show, be for what we got to experience in the short amount of time, it was priceless. I hope the monster trucks come around next year so Drew can experience it all over again being a little older.

T.G.I.F

Its the Friday before a long weekend, Labor Day weekend. This year, it doesn't matter for me since my little department, moved into another department on campus and they are open over Labor Day weekend for student services.

So, yes I am happy its Friday for some reasons, but my week will not end today. I will work over the weekend and welcome those students who need assistance.

I will have Sunday off and we are planning on going to a local fair, so that should be fun. Well, as long as the hurricane doesn't stall and stick around longer then they plan.

Happy long weekend to those who are off!! Enjoy the time with family and friends. Oh, and don't feel too bad for me having to work, I'm using my holiday another time to go to the big fair in a few weeks. So, no worries there!!

Always Helpin'

We have a little helper around the house. He loves to be involved, helping and then giving a hi-five once the task is done! It doesn't matter what is going on, Drew wants to be in it somehow and I think its great. I want him to learn things, to study how things work no matter if its big or small. I want him to be independent and want to do things on his own. And my philosophy is, it starts early on the small things. So, if he wants to take a swing with the fly swatter (once Grandpy takes care of the fly), sure thing! If he wants to throw the wrapper away once he's done eating his breakfast bar, sure thing!

Drew's new thing he's working on helping with is putting his socks on. He's getting there, the other day he put his sock on his big toe. Hey, you have to start somewhere, right!?!?!

Wordless Weds - Up, Up & Away

Drew Wants Something Face

My son has many facial expressions. They range from adorable, hysterical, not-a-happy camper and the every day run of the mill handsome little face.

The most recent one that has appeared is the Drew wants something expression. If you ask Drew if he wants {fill in the blank} he will flash you his cutest smile and his eyes will tell you yes. Its hard to resist those dimples once they are flashed in your direction. But, usually when we ask him if he wants something, its most likely something we'd give him, so its a no brainier. Its just so darn cute!!

Almost There!!

Its almost done! I'm so excited! I was only able to do a few things yesterday, like the clouds (and the wispy grass not shown yet) but I wanted to keep going. I didn't have to time to do so, but that urge was there after realizing there isn't much left to do!

Next is the stickers on the piece of paper on the doorway. Jeff helped measure out where the letters will be stuck, then Pooh himself and then a thin border. Once I'm done painting, Jeff and my FIL will make a wooden frame.

I can't wait!! I want to see it all done so badly!

New Slippers

Last weekend we were out shopping for fall/winter clothes you-know-who and came across the cutest thing for the upcoming season. Elmo slippers! I was laughing so hard in the store, I was crying. When I was able to see again through my tears, I searched for next size Drew will ware. Bingo! Found them! I was so excited!!! Once he got home, I had him try them on (since when he tried them on in the store, he was still in his stroller).

Once the slippers were on his feet, he had to figure out how to walk in them. He would lift his left up really high and stomp his foot down to walk. It was too funny. But soon after he realized he could walk normal in them, it was priceless.

I love watching him run around the house with his new slippers on. I think its the cutest thing. Now, to try and get his bathrobe on him while wearing his new slippers!!

Another Boo-Boo

My little boy is a mover. He's an explorer. He's a leader and a follower (when you have cookies or a little debbie brownie). He won't sit still if there in an adventure to be had. And with that comes boo-boo's.

Already Drew has had many scraped knees, cuts and bruises. He gets them at day care, at home inside and out. He's bonked his head countless times and once you've recognized that he got "hurt" he stops whining and moves on.

Recently I received a phone call at work from day care. I recognized the phone number on caller id and once I picked up the receiver, I could hear my little boy screaming on the other line. I hear one of the teachers explain what had happened just moments ago and my first question was, should I go to the ER or pediatrician?

Drew was stepping out of the sandbox outside of day care, tripped and fell face first onto a metal tonka truck and slammed his eye area. When they first called me, he was bleeding and not letting anyone look at his eye. But as my conversation continued, things calmed down and it was determined to just call the pediatricians office and see what they say.

During his appointment, they tested his eye for any damage. Drew was very lucky this time that just a small blood vessel had broken in his eye with some cuts on his face that did not require any stitches. So, I kept him home after the check-up for some mommy lovin and Tylenol since I assumed he'd have one massive headache.

Then, the next day when I picked him up at day care, the boy had two skinned knees from falling from pushing a bike. Man, oh man am I going to have my hands full for several years. But, I wouldn't have it any other way!!

Wordless Weds - Daddy Kisses

Crazy Week At Day Care

Last week at day care, it was crazy week. Each day, the kids (and teachers) followed a planned out schedule for a wacky thing to do for the day. It all had to do with clothes or something on their heads. I thought it was a fun thing to do and I had fun trying to figure out what to do with Drew!! The themes were-

Monday - Inside out day. All clothes were to be inside out. I originally was going to put him in an inside out football jersey, but I thought with the hot weather, he'd get irritated with the shirt. So, instead he has his superman shirt inside out (can't really tell in the pic) and his shorts with the label hanging out are of course inside out.

Tuesday - Crazy hair day! Of course, it had to be a humid day that morning, so nothing was really working in Drew's hair, but we managed to get some of it to stand up with my hairspray and Jeff's hair get.

Wednesday - Silly hat day! I thought this hat was perfect! Drew has baseball caps and this hat and the baseball caps are so day-to-day, so I though this one would be fun. I also had him in his firetruck tee-shirt too.

Thursday - mis-match day! I was so worried I'd have to go someplace after I had picked him up from day care that day and of course I did! I so wanted to put a sign on his back that I don't usually dress my child like this, it was a fun week at day care.

Friday - PJ day! Who wouldn't want to go to school (or work) in their PJ's.

Stinky Feet

My son, will let you smell his stinky feet if you want. You just have to say the magic words "Stinky Feet" and up the legs go with his foot dangling in front of your face, waiting for you to take a whiff. No worries, they don't smell that bad! He's so silly!!

Weds Nights for 34 Weeks

After next week, for 34 weeks, Jeff and I will be on a bowling league together. We will be on the same team and I've already warned him to not get upset with me if I don't live up to his expectations!

We had played on a rec center volleyball team for a few years, before I was pregnant with Drew. We loved it! The teams would rotate after so many weeks, so the shuffle would allow you to play with different people and get to know everyone who was playing. I was a little rusty when I had first started, it was to the point I was ready to quite. But, I stuck with it and it grew on me. Then I couldn't get enough.

I hope its the same for bowling. I've only bowled for fun, from time to time. Nothing too serious. So, last night Jeff and I went to the bowling ally to "practice". Jeff said that it was really to see what he was working with (since I'd be on his team). That is when I warned him and reminded him this was for fun! Next week is the official meeting to chat with everyone who is signing up to go over rules and regulations, then the following week, it all begins.

Wish me luck!!

Wordless Weds - To Be A Kid Again

Beach Bums

I love the beach! I love the sound of the ocean wave’s crash on the sand. I love the warm sand on the bottom of my feet. I love the warmth of the water (that all depends on where you go too).

I hope to pass those feeling onto my little boy and hope he creates his own joys being near the seaside. It’s already too late for Jeff and Zack, they aren't big enthusiasts about the ocean, but at least for a few hours they were good sports about the situation with watching Drew discover the new surroundings. My FIL enjoys time in the sun, no matter where we are, so he was easy to convince to tag along.

16 Months Already

Man, does time fly when you're having fun! I can't believe my little boy isn't so little any more. He doesn't look like a baby anymore, he acts like he's 5 years old and is definitely growing into his own self.

The list is growing by the day the accomplishments he's managed, along with those not-so-nice habits a one year old picks up on his way to becoming two. Drew just had his 15-month check up (I know, a little behind) and he got a clean bill of health. He's growing well, understanding wonderfully and learning body parts ahead of schedule. Drew is saying words like shoe, truck, bus, duck, turtle and wants to say so much more. And when he wants you to sing the "Itsy Bitsy Spider" song, he'll hold his hands up over his head like you would show the sunshine during the song. Once I start singing, the melt your heart little smile beams across his face.

I am so lucky to have a perfect little boy, I feel blessed every day (even after the tantrums).

Hog Wild

My son loves motorcycles. Yes, he's almost 16 months old, but he L-O-V-E-S the two wheel machines. Yeah, he likes trucks, buses and tractors, but once he hears or sees a vroom, vroom, nothing else matters.

Last weekend, while Zack was here, my FIL requested all of his grand kids get together for a photo session at Target. So, last Saturday we all met up and the kids were going through the motions pretty well. Then all of a sudden, something caught Drew's eye and off he went. Target has a promotion going on with Harley Davidson and they had a kid size Harley in the room where the photo's happen and Drew noticed it. It was all over then! There was no way of getting Drew back on the leather couch with the other kids for the pics. We finally said, just put Drew and the bike in the photo's, and that's how the photo session continued.

The other day my FIL was on craigslist checking something out for himself when he did a search for a kids Harley. And what do you know, he got a hit on one cheap. That night he asked that I email the seller and the rest was history. The other night, my FIL and I drove an hour from our house, picked up the bike and turned right around and headed home. We were debating on letting Drew see the bike that night or not, but we decided by the time we would get home, it would be too close to bed time and he would never fall asleep.

The next night, we decided to reveal the new purchase to the little guy. Once the shed doors opened up, he made an oooooh sound and made a bee line straight for the Harley. He hopped on and flashed the biggest smile! Grandpy helped him out of the shed (while he was sitting on the bike) and Drew was off from there. He pressed the peddle with his foot, and there was no stopping him then! His little cousin was over for a visit, so he also hopped on the back of the bike for a spin around the yard!

New iPhone User

Mr. Drew likes to play with mommy's iPhone. It helps keep him occupied for a moment while in the car and he wants to get out, so it works for me. He listens to music for now on the phone since when we try to let him watch a Blue's Clue's episode, he likes to push the button to close the application. But, I'm sure he'll learn soon enough and he'll be an expert with using the phone.

Wordless Weds - What's for breakfast?

Run, Run, Run

Run, run, run! That's what the boys liked to do when they were outside. Zack loved chasing Drew and Drew loved being chased by his big brother. Zack was amazed how much Drew changed since the last time they saw each other (the last time was at Christmas time). Zack also did a lot of growing up too, but he doesn't see that on himself.

It was magical seeing those too together and how well they got along and bonded. Its amazing that these two boys are 10 hours apart for most of the time, but you put them together and they act as if no time has passed since the last time they saw each other. Its priceless!

Fancy Shirts

One of our projects that took place over vacation was to make home-made tye-dye shirts. I haven't done this in so long and no one else in the house (including Zack) ever made them. I thought this was a perfect afternoon project to do with everyone.

Zack's is the upper left shift. Jeff's is the upper right shirt. My FIL's shirt (which he made for my niece Ally and we keep forgetting to give it to her) is the bottom left. Drew's is in the middle and mine is the bottom right.

We still have to make my parents a shirt and my FIL wants to make one for himself, so I see in our near future making more shirts. It was easy to do since we were outside and not worrying about getting the dye on the furniture. The longest part was waiting for the shirts to set with the dye. Other then that, it was a piece of cake.

Big Shoes To Fill

He may thing he's a big boy, but he's my little boy. I don't want him rush it, he can take his time. There will be plenty of time for him to get there. I want him to stay in his shoes for as long as possible.

This Weeks Adventure

We made it through our big adventure this week, the beach and aquarium. There were times I wasn't too sure if we'd make it, but we did. We survived and had a great time.

The first mis-hap....I forgot my camera. I had forgotten a few other things (geez, mom can't remember everything ya know), but I was most disappointed about the camera. We decided to pick up some disposable camera's (they are not developed yet) but I did snap a few pictures on my cell phone which did the trick for now.

Drew wasn't too sure about the sand, he didn't like it sticking to his hands so he was asking for help to get it off his hands most of the time. He wasn't too sure about the waves at first, he didn't even want to get his feet wet. But after several walks on the board walk and along the waters edge, he warmed up to it and was having a blast by the end of the time at the beach. Jeff and Zack are not the biggest fans of the beach, but they hung in there pretty good. They hung out on the beach, walked the board walk with Drew and we all went for ice cream too. My FIL and I loved to sit in the beach chairs and relax when we had the chance, that was wonderful.

After the beach, we headed to the hotel and once we were unpacked headed down to the indoor pool. Everyone had a blast there!

Yesterday, after breakfast, we headed to the aquarium. I was excited to see Drew's & Zack's reaction to the exhibits. But, once we checked out the place, we were all a little disappointed (well, except for Drew since he loved watching the fish). It wasn't up to our expectations. The Baltimore Aquarium was much better. But, we made the best of it and we were happy we just didn't come down for the aquarium, that we had combined it with a beach trip too.

Wordless Weds - Mural Progress

Summer Jewels

One of the best things besides fresh fruit during the summer is all the fresh veggies. I love the pulled off the vine tomatoes, just right cucumbers and the sweet taste of the perfect ear of corn.

Drew is exploring all of these things to the fullest this summer. Some things he likes and others, not so much. But, I do have to say this, he trys everything. The resent discovery was corn on the cob. A couple times earlier in the season he would hold the corn on the cob and look at it like, what am I suppost to do with this (even though we'd show him) but nothing more then that.

The other day, Drew was studding me eat my ear of corn. He was watching me very closely at everything I was doing, so I handed him my started piece of corn. He took it with both hands and started munching away. He loved it! I don't know if it was because I had started it for him or if it was my piece of corn, but he was really enjoying himself.

He Has Arrived

Zack has arrived! He is with us for the week, yeah! His mom brought him over the weekend, dropped him off and he's ours for the rest of vacation (except for a couple of hours Weds night).

He has grown up so much, he's taller, self conscious (no longer the kid mentality, but occasionally he acts goofy) and growing a little mustache. He's becoming the teenager that soon he will become in December.

Zack arrived during Drew's nap time on Saturday, so they didn't see each other until after he woke up. Once Drew woke up, he strutted out of his room like usual, then he noticed Zack sitting at the kitchen table and stopped dead in his tracks. He hasn't seen his brother since last Christmas and even though we've been talking about Zack and showing him pictures, there was still some getting used to each other time. Once that shy faze wore off, it was all about showing Zack all of his toys, following him around and studying his big brother.

It’s going to be a fun filled week. We have little things planned, but our big adventure coming up is heading down to Hammonasset Beach, stay over and then check out Mystic aquarium. Zack has no idea what we'll be doing, so we keep talking about out big adventure in code....it keeps him on his toes.

It’s going to be a great week!!

Rock Star Status

*Photo Disclaimer - I know its not the best picture, but it was taken quickly from the front passenger seat *

Drew is starting to like his sunglasses again. I'm glad so he stops breaking mine while playing with them, but for another reason....he looks so darn cute!

He puts them on all by himself (example above) every time I ask him if he wants to be a rock star?!? He almost immediately puts them on his face (under his ears) and looks around at his surrounds, waiting for everyone to notice him.

I just keep telling everyone, I'm just letting him practice for the paparazzi are around when he's older!

38 Years

I don't know if they'd say the 38 years have been long or short, but regardless.....Happy 38th Anniversary Mom & Dad!!

Stealing Kisses

Most of the time, when mommy asks for kisses and hugs my requests are granted. But, at times, I have to take my lovin' when the opportunity arises.

Wordless Weds - Driving Grandpa C's Car

Zoo

Last weekend we visited a zoo at a near by park. It was Drew's first time at a zoo (even though he's been to a local petting zoo before). As we strolled through the park to the zoo's gates, Drew had no idea what was in store for him. He got excited when a squirrel crossed our path and I told him, just wait buddy!


Once we got through the gates, I took him out of his stroller and he realized what we were looking at through the fence, he got so excited. At the moment he realized he was somewhere new and different it was a whole new world for him to discover.

Drew loved running from exhibit to exhibit to see what was next. I tried to keep him at each animal to at least make the animals sound, but once I started to explain about the animal, he was off to see what was down the line.

He had a wonderful time! I love to watch that wonderment and discovery in his eyes.

Optical Illusion

Doesn't it look like my son grew into a huge kid over night? Well, he has but not this big!

I was cleaning out a closet the other day and came across this stroller that my niece Ally used to play with (she may even play with it again if she rediscovers it). My little helper Drew was near by and spotted the same thing at the same time.

I took it out of the closet, opened it up and was reaching for a stuffed animal and before I could stick the puppy in the stroller, Drew was backing into it to sit down. At that point, I went along with it and hoped the material would hold Mr. Drew. Sure enough, it did and we went strolling through the house giggling.

Once Drew hopped out of the toy stroller, we tried to show him he could put things in it to push around, but he didn't like that at all! He wanted to push the empty stroller around and when he felt it was time to put something in the seat, it was him. Once he figured out how to sit in it by himself, of course he was looking for someone to push him. It was too funny to watch!