I want to live in a place where winter doesn't exist...like Texas.

For now...

My sweet grandma went to be with the Lord last Saturday evening.  I want to write a post dedicated to her soon.  But, it will take me time to get it just right.  For now...
* C and I flew in to Texas Wednesday morning.  I was talked into paying just $100 extra for things I was assured I needed when I signed for our rental car.
* I did, however, stick to my guns when they tried to give me something other than the minivan that we had reserved!  I only had to wait 20 minutes while they located and cleaned said minivan.
* We both got strapped in just in time to swing through the passenger pick-up lane and greet my sister and baby B.
* It only took my sister and I 10 minutes to get baby B's carseat strapped in, change baby's diaper in the backseat, figure out how to fold the back seats down, rearrange our luggage, and fit my sister's big ace stroller in the back!
* Hubby got here Wednesday night.
* C has been channeling Baby B.  (It's his new favorite thing to pretend to be someone else and then talk about himself in 3rd person)  Baby B is crying.  But, that other baby B stopped.  Baby B is so good at pulling his suitcase.  Baby B is like a big boy.  Both Baby B's are going to lay down on their tummies...
* Today we went to my great aunt's house to visit with family and have lunch.  There is a park right across the street.  We played outside!!!  I laid down on the slide and watched hubby pushing C on the swing.  They were both laughing.  The sun was bright and warm on my face.  It was bliss.  Hubby finally joined my team and agreed that we should settle in the south.
* While at the park, my sister was attacked by ants.  It was awesome (but only because her jeans kept her from getting bit...it wouldn't have been nearly as funny had she been hurt)  And it was funny!!  I have pictures and video to prove it.
* My grandma's visitation was this evening.  Her funeral is tomorrow.
* We went swimming tonight in the pool.  It is outdoors/partly enclosed.  The air was cold, but the water was so warm.  And we could look up and see the moon.  It was lovely...until we had to get out.  Then it was cold.
* C and I are bed-sharing here at the hotel and I am loving the excuse to snuggle.

March for Babies

As my sweet Wesley's birthday is approaching, I have found myself thinking of all the things that I have missed out on this past year. I have missed holding him in my arms, nursing him to sleep, seeing who he favors in appearance and in personality, celebrating his milestones, hearing him cry and coo and babble and laugh, and so, so much more. I have missed having a heart that was whole and a life that felt full. I don't think complete peace will find me again until my son and I are reunited in heaven. So, until then, I will allow myself to feel this pain, but not without allowing it to change me...not without finding a way to allow God to have His glory...not without celebrating Wesley's life.

The March for Babies is one way we have chosen to celebrate Wesley's life. The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. By raising awareness and striving to improve the lives of other babies who were also born too soon, we feel we can bring honor to our son's memory and a small bit of peace to our hearts.

Would you consider joining me? Make a donation in memory of Wesley...in honor of a child you knew who left this world too soon...in celebration of a baby who survived...or simply as a way of expressing thankfullness for your own sweet, healthy child.

You can also join team Walking for Wesley if you'd like to participate in a March for Babies walk. Hubby, C and I will be walking in Baltimore, MD on April 25. There are events all over the country. Choose the "walk with me" option on my page. When filling out your information, click "change event" on the right hand side of the page to register for a walk near you.

***Go here to donate or sign up to walk!!!***

Do not hesitate to pass this letter on to your own friends and family. We want our story to make a difference. We want Wesley's life to make an impact. And we want to help equip the March of Dimes to improve the health of babies! Last year we raised over $2,000! I would love to see that number grow!!

The money raised for March for Babies will help:
...support all-important research offering preventions and solutions for babies born too soon or with birth defects
...educate women on things they can do to increase their chances of having a healthy baby
...provide comfort and information to families with a newborn in intensive care
...push for newborn screening and health insurance for all pregnant women and children.

Thank you.

The things he says...

(Holding sunchips up to his face)  Look at my face!  It's all beardy like Grandpa!

But hen and fish sound the same.  Like cat and dish.  Do you get it?

C: Could you carry me like that? (Looking at pictures of mama lions carrying their cubs in their mouths)
Mom: If we were lions I would carry you like that.
C: Ok!  You will.  We have to wait for that Halloween guy come and change us into lions. 

Mom:  Did you toot?
C:  No I didn't.
Mom:  Yes you did!  That's stinky.
C:  No it's not!  It's yummy.
Mom:  Phew.
C:  No, it's a chocolate chip cookie toot!

C:  Grandpa and Grandma are red and green.  Grandma's a green sign and Grandpa's a red sign.
Daddy:  Why is Grandma a green sign?
C:  Cause it let's us go.
Daddy:  Why is Grandpa a red sign?
C:  Cause it let's us stop. 

(Walking past the lingerie section at Kohl's)  Oh!  We have one of those booby things at our house!

C:  And I can grow up big and strong and then I can get a wife like in that story.
Mom:  What?  Get a wife?
C:  Yeah, like in that baby Jesus story.

(Talking to cousin B)  You can't break that horse.  That is not a toy.

When I was a rooster I was at the farm.

I tell Nana and Papa I had a frog in my throat last night.

*Warning-The following occured in the bathroom...always the enviornment producing the most inappropriate yet humorous conversations.

(Said in a tiny "character voice" while standing up in the bathtub with his finger between his cheeks, yep those cheeks)  I stuck in that hole.  Could you get me out?

C:  Are you all done poo-pooin'?
Mom: (I seriously considered altering this story by writing Dad instead.  He would never know.  He only "reads" my blog for the pictures.  But, I choose to be honest...and accept the humility that comes with it)  Yep. 
C:  Ok.  Get off the potty and wipe yourself and I could see what animal it looks like.  Whoa!  That's a lot of eggs.  Those baby turtles are gonna be hatchin' out of those eggs soon.  *flush*  Bye-bye.  I see you again next time I go poo-poo!

Pancake Success

I had some leftover buttermilk in the fridge and needed to find a way to use it before it went bad.  I thought I would give homemade pancakes another shot and found this recipe on allrecipes.com

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons white sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup milk
3 eggs
1/3 cup butter, melted

Directions
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together buttermilk, milk, eggs and melted butter. Keep the two mixtures separate until you are ready to cook.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. You can flick water across the surface and if it beads up and sizzles, it's ready!
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture, using a wooden spoon or fork to blend. Stir until it's just blended together. Do not over stir! Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/2 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Yum!  They browned up so beautifully and even got a little crispness on the outside like the ones at restaurants do.  Exciting.  Yeah, it's the little things. 

1st Girlfriend?

This afternoon, my good friend informed me that our children are, in fact, dating. 

After we left sweet Em's birthday party last week she announced to the remaining guests that "That was C. He's my boyfriend.  And he got me shoes!" 

C's Photography Debut

First Haircut!

When C was 15 months old we busted out the clippers and buzzed his hair off!  And we've been cutting it at home ever since.  And when I say cutting, I mean hubby cut and I held down our screaming, kicking, very unhappy little boy.  I decided that with hubby gone, it might just be time to subject someone else to share with someone else the joy that comes from cutting C's hair.  We had our coupon, we had Papa (for moral support), I had a purse filled with cookies and suckers, and my head was filled with all the possible bribes I could offer.  I was fully prepared to pay my $7, carry my hysterical child out the door with an unfinished haircut, and just buzz it off at home.  We walked in and were greeted by a very friendly woman in the middle of giving a haircut.  Deep breath.  She's nice.  She'll understand.  Then our stylist walked out from the back room.  "I'm ready for him," she said on her way to her chair.  What?  No "Hey there little guy" or "Hi buddy, you ready for your big haircut?" or "You wanna sit in the special big boy chair and wear this super cool penguin cape?"  Nope.  There were no words to set my mind (or C's) at ease.  And there was definitely no encouraging smile.  Ok, then.  Here we go.  Turns out...a little tough love was just what C needed to make his first official haircut a huge success.  I'm serious.  It could not have gone any better than it did!!  I stood back (you know, because it was going fine without me...not because I was scared to get too close).  Our stylist did not crack a smile the entire time.  And she didn't say anything except things like "Look down.  Relax your shoulders.  No, don't do that."  C was so sweet and cooperative (or scared into submission?).  His little brow was furrowed the whole time and he would look up at her with such concern on his face.  Then she'd say, "No don't look at me look down."  So, he'd put his head down but keep watching her with his eyes.  He was very suspicious.  I was nervous.  We weren't really going to make it through the entire haircut, were we?  We did!  With flying colors!  And without any bribery!  I did sneak in a few pictures.  I didn't get any closer and I turned my flash off.  Our stylist didn't seem like the type who would appreciate a crazy stage mom documenting her child's first haircut.  So, these were the best I could get while trying to remain inconspicuous. 

He did smile a few times!  He really thought it was funny when she used the blowdryer to get the loose hairs off the back of his neck.

Not sure what he thinks about his new 'do.

Spiking it up...I think he likes it.

A sucker! (And not even one of the million I had in my purse...he got to pick this one out of the salon's stash.

So proud of my big boy!!

Reunion

Just some pictures from our weekend together.  I didn't get very many.  I was so giddy at the idea of being together for a whole two days, that I kept forgetting to get my camera out!

Running on the treadmill was a special treat since I refuse to let him do it.  I'm not going to let him smack his chin and bite through his bottom lip on my watch!  But, I guess he'll no longer need any assistance now that Daddy showed him how to use the safety key!

My niece's 1st birthday cakes.  Not my best work.  I was stressed out.  Hubby's whole family was over to see him...all sitting at my kitchen table while I worked...all waiting for me to finish up so they could eat lunch...all saying how beautiful it looked...but still, stressing me out!

Opening up his Valentine's goody bag.

Let it never be said that I only put unflattering pictures of my husband on my blog...and this was the best one of my face?!?

Happy Valentine's Day!

We dropped hubby off at the airport this morning. :(  But, what a wonderful two days we had together.  (Ok, I'll admit, it wasn't all wonderful...isn't it crazy how you can find time to argue even with only two days together?!?)  Seriously though, it was awesome to be together as a family again.  We can't wait for our trip to Maryland next week.  And we really can't wait until we are all living under the same roof again!! 

I was so disappointed when hubby called to tell me that his flight had been cancelled.  Darn snow!  If I didn't hate you before, I really hated you now!  After moping and easing my sorrows with a good chick flick and some cookies, hubby called the next morning to tell me he was on his way!  What?!?  He had gotten up early and started checking flights from surrounding airports...anything within a four hour drive.  He ended up driving to Norfolk, Virginia to get on a plane and come see us.  I am so thankful for his resolve.  I had accepted defeat...but he was able to (as they say in the army) adapt and overcome! 

C just ate it up having Daddy home.  The little booger snuck into our bed every night that hubby was home.  He does this once in awhile, but never 3 nights in a row.  He was definitely glad to have Daddy here.  He asked several times if he could "go to Maryland now?"  Thankfully we have our trip planned so we were able to tell him that soon he and Mommy will get on an airplane and go see Daddy. 

Nana was gracious enough to come over Friday night after C was in bed so hubby and I could go to a late movie together.  We wanted a date, but hubby didn't want to give up any C time while he was here.  We saw When in Rome.  Cheesy, but cute.  We went to the library, the Bass Pro Shop, the "train table store" (book store!), and out to dinner on Saturday.

And we even got to spend a little time together on Valentine's Day before we said goodbye.  I love you hubby!!  You're the best valentine. :)

I'd say we've got the self-portrait perfected, wouldn't you?

Together!

Hubby is here!  We picked him up from the airport last night.  I will tell all about his crazy trip to get here later.  Let's just say he loves his family very much!  At some point last night C snuck into our bed and I snuck out (it's a little crowded with all three of us in there!)  This morning when C woke up he rolled over, saw his Daddy, and got the biggest grin on his face!  What a sweet moment for hubby to have. :)  I will write all about our weekend after hubby leaves.  But, for now, I'm busy.  Baking birthday cakes and being with my sweet family.  Happiness.

Superbowl

With the hubby gone, I hadn't even planned on watching the superbowl.  And I was shocked to even get a superbowl party invite.  But, I'm so glad I did!  C and I both had a great time!  Tori and Allison, along with their husbands (ok, mostly their husbands) made a ton of awesome food.  Suprisingly, all four of the big kids played pretty well together.  (Baby Charlie gets along with everyone) :)  There were very few fits and even those were short-lived.  I honestly didn't watch one single minute of the game.  Too much fun to be had.

"Grapes in a bowl!"  That's what they were shouting while running around in circles.  I don't even remember how this got started.  Maybe something about one of the kids asking for more cake and Tori saying that if they were still hungry they could have some grapes.  They all got so excited about it!  And I'm pretty sure once the bowl of grapes was presented only one of them even ate any!

Can you see C in the way, way back of this photo?  I guess he wasn't feeling it.

It looks like he is getting his hair ripped out, but he really is laughing.  I promise you.

I love Colton's face in this one.  Sheer terror.

Young love :)

They were pretending to be sleeping kitties.  It wasn't long after this that they started fighting over the blanket.  Aww...already practicing for married life. ;)   

Too sweet. 

We had a great time with our friends.  C and I are both going to miss them when we move.  A lot.

Stuck

The weather here is nasty.  Now before anyone on the east coast (including my husband) calls to yell at me, I just want to say that I'm not complaining.  It's just the kind of weather that makes me thankful hubby finally cleaned out the garage before he left and for the first time since we moved over a year ago, I've been able to park in the garage.  I love it.  I love everything about parking in the garage.  No scraping ice off the car, no shoveling around the car, no climbing up icy steps, no freezing to death while unloading groceries, no going anywhere when the bottom of the garage door freezes to the ground and we are stuck at home.  Oh, wait.  Did I say I loved everything about parking in the garage?  Ok, I meant almost everything.  Because this morning I discovered the one thing I don't like about it.  I called my Dad.  Because that's what girls do when their husbands are not available.  I tried, unsuccessfully, to free us.  I was outside tossing ice melt and scraping along with the shovel.  C was on the other side of the door yelling, "Did you get it Mommy?  Did you fix that door?"  When I got back in, I called my Dad again and asked him to come save me.  A few of my favorite lines from our morning...

C:  I sorry Mom.  I sorry you broke the garage door.  I didn't mean to Mommy.  I didn't mean to let you break the garage door. 

C:  It is stuck!  Now we can't go anywhere!!!

Mom: Well, Papa is going to come over and help us get it open.

C:  Oh, I so worried.  I so worried about Papa.

After my dad had gotten the door loose and was scraping all the ice up...
C:  You are working hard Papa!  You are working so hard!  Great job Papa!  You're doing a great job!
That was my favorite part.  C was so excited about cheering Papa on...it was too cute.  

Pictures of the finger puppets we made last week.  As you can guess, they didn't last long.  We taped them as many times as we could until eventually, we had to say goodbye.

Hubby hasn't been in to work yet this week.  That's because he's in Maryland and they got 26 inches of snow!  I feel like I need to say that, just in case you hadn't heard.  Who hasn't heard?  You might be asking.  Well, one of the pastors at our church apparently.  He caught me last Sunday to ask how hubby was doing.  "Oh, he's alright.  He's buried in snow!"  With a look of shock he asks, "Oh, really?"  "Yeah, they got like 26 inches."  "Oh, wow!"  Seriously?  I don't read the paper or watch the news and I knew about this storm.  "Yeah, the whole east coast is getting hammered."  "Oh, man," still shaking his head in disbelief. 

Anyway, he was sent home early last Friday in preparation for the storm and they haven't gone back in since.  He didn't take a snow shovel (didn't think he'd need one living in an apartment complex) and since the storm hit he's been unable to find one.  So, he dug his car out with a garden spade!  It took him two hours!!  He was very considerate and instead of dumping the snow onto the car next to him he carried it to an empty parking spot and dumped it there.  Well, while he was gone, his parking lot neighbor did not give him the same consideration.  She got her car out and instead of dumping the snow in the spot that clearly no one had been parked in, she dumped it all into hubby's spot.  How does he know it was a woman?  Yeah, I asked him the same thing.  He said it's a woman's car (because they do that at the dealership you know...only let you shop in the "girl section")  He backs this up with the fact that there is "girl stuff" in the car.  How does he know you ask?  He's a creepster.  And really bitter about the whole thing.  I wouldn't ask him about it if I were you.  He is now parking on the street.  I told him to just steal some one else's spot.  He then pointed out to me how shady that would be after some one spent hours digging their car out.  After that he added, "I couldn't anyway, people are saving their spots with lawn chairs and coolers now."  He's been out several times.  Today he rented like 6 movies.  I guess that's what you fill your time with when you can't get to the mall. 

They've already cancelled all the flights out of Baltimore through Wednesday.  He is supposed to fly back here Thursday evening.  They are supposed to get another foot of snow between now and tomorrow night.  I really hope he is still able to get back here.  But, at least we have our trip up there to look forward to if he can't make it out.

B has been sick this week (poor baby has another double ear infection!)  So, C and I have just been hanging out and trying to stay warm.  Check back soon for pictures from our superbowl party!

Conversations...

...with a three year old!

C:  Hey, where's the dish that ryhmes with that fish?  Could you tell me where it is?

Mom: Well, I have a dish (pointing to my bowl).  Do you have a dish? (pointing to his plate)

C:  Oh, yes I do.  We could get a fish like this fish (in magazine) and put him in a bowl.  Could we do that please?  Could we?

Mom:  Hmm...maybe we could talk to Daddy and see if you could get a pet fish when we move to Maryland.  Would you like to have a pet fish?

C:  Yes, I would.  I will get a fish and keep him in a bowl. 

Mom:  And you could feed him every day.

C:  Yeah.  And I will eat that fish.

Mom:  You can't eat your pet fish.  He's your pet.  You have to take care of him and feed him and watch him swim around.

C:  Could you tell me that story Mom?

Mom:  What story?

C:  That story about how kids can't eat their pet fish?

Mom:  When you have a pet fish, you can't eat it.  You feed it and keep its bowl clean and watch it swim around.

C:  Oh, right.  I will eat a owl!  Could I do that please, oh please?  When I move to Maryland could I do that?

Mom:  Umm...

C:  That owl will fly in our house and we will put him in our oven and eat him.  Could I do that please?

Mom:  Well...

C:  I will eat bats and owls!!  Can I do that?

Mom:  If we ever eat at a place that serves owls and bats then you could order them.  Ok?

C:  Ok, I will.

Mom:  You won't even eat vegetables and you're going to eat an owl?

C:  Yes, I can!

Pure Joy

C spent most of the day on Friday having a fabulous time at Zonker's with his Papa.  B spent most of the day with a smile on her face.  I'd like to say it was because she was so thrilled to have a day of alone time with her aunt, but I'm pretty sure it was because she got all the trains all to herself. 

"Is that for me?"

A package in the mail from Daddy made this little boy's day!!

New puzzles!!

And candy!

"Hey, thanks for putting this whole thing together while I ran around like a wild man.  You're the best Mom."

We love you Daddy!  We get to see him a week from tomorrow!!  He will only be here for 2 days, but we will make the most of them.  And I just booked flights for C and I to go to Baltimore!!  We are going to visit hubby at the end of February/beginning of March.  The tickets were cheap, the flights are non-stop, and we get to stay for a whole week.  So, so excited!