No really...

If you are reading this through bloglines or some other update type service... you need to change your links! Especially if you would like to know the sex & name of baby #2!!!! Why yes, I am bribing you as a matter of fact! If you click through to this site, you are automatically redirected to: www.thisendlesslove.typepad.com. So please click, and please guess!

I'm alive

Please click here....

A teaser of sorts...

So it's been an interesting week around here. My headaches, while no longer 24/7, are still present and drugs aren't doing much to change that. Increasing my daily intake of caffeine to the max that I am comfortable with in a state of pregnant has seemed to help- so we're going with that. It's still well below what most people say is acceptable, there's just only so much that I am willing to have and feel ok about it.

Matt managed to break off a toenail last night when he stubbed his toe in the middle of the night. It was actually a dead nail and would have required surgery, so while it may not be the fun way to do it, it's gotten the job done. And the best part was that he managed to not scream and wake up me and the child who no longer sleeps all night. YEAH! I knew I loved him! =)

Brody is... well, better. I guess. His cold seems to be better. Did I mention the ear infections? No fun... and the rash that broke out shortly after starting the antibiotics? No fun... but we did a controlled test in the doctor's office today with more amoxicillan, and he did ok. So we are watching him today and making sure that it was just a fluke and going from there. If he doesn't react again, we may be home free... otherwise we may get a big reaction next time since kids are more likely to react the 2nd time apparently.

Hmmmm.... we lead quite the exciting life, no? But alas- the child is awake and my free time (that should have been spent cleaning my kitchen, but was instead wasted on the internet) is over.

OH YES! The teaser... I MAY have something exciting to tell you this weekend. I make no promises, but I figure it might get you to come back and read again... because even if it's not exciting, there should at least be something new. So try back on Sunday. (And no mom, I'm not even telling you!)

Happy Halloween!

I'll have to post pictures of the Brodster in his costume later. (That's assuming that we actually get some, unlike last year, when 2 weeks into motherhood I couldn't even be counted on to take a photograph of my child in his Halloween outfit!) Ahem...

I feel like a broken record. I am tired. I am not sleeping. My head hurts. Rinse. Lather. Repeat. Add to it Brody being sick and spending most of the night hacking up a lung, and well, sleep doesn't seem like it is going to happen anytime soon. Basically, I'm cranky. I want rest. GOOD, DECENT, REST. But as I've learned... sleep isn't for moms. And yes, I know I signed up for all of this... begged for it, prayed for it, bartered for it. But right now... right at this moment I would trade anything but my children for a decent night of sleep.

Despite being sleep deprived, and the child's coughing... it appears that he will be doing his first Trick or Treating tonight. The whole family is coming over for dinner and door to door candy begging. Hmmm... dinner. Perhaps I should go get that started. =)

Match Made in Heaven

You have just got to love a doctor who promotes the use of narcotics and increasing the amount of caffeine you are consuming during pregnancy. OK, you don't... but I most certainly do! =)

You see, I have been having quite the nasty headaches. Fall, hormones, my lack of eyes that play well together, and my head feels daily like, well like someone is stabbing big giant knives in it. And then twisting. And never stopping. But the advil and tylenol combo that typically helps me during the fall when I am having such issues is a no no while pregnant- or at least the advil part of the equation is. So what's the solution? Narcotics. Because they are safe. Which is baffling... but who am I to argue?

And she said that if caffeine helps, to drink more Coke or coffee because the benefits would outweigh the possible problems at this point as long as it wasn't long term overuse of it. So I think I am going to fill my prescription, and pick up some Coke and see where it gets me. Maybe tonight I won't dream that someone is squashing my brain in a car door!

16 Weeks

Must be time for an update!

Sorry for the lack of details with the last post... friend's of ours miscarried their baby at about 13 weeks, and I was looking for a place to donate in honor and in memory of their baby.

The pregnancy is hoping along. I can't believe I am already 4 months pregnant! Of course, getting to 16 weeks has made me incredibly antsy to find out the sex of the baby. While I am still completely convinced that the tadpole is a girl, I would really like to know for sure. The stress of trying to find a boy's name is really getting to me. And yes- I know that everyone says we have plenty of time... but you have to realize- between the two of us, we have looked at over 50,000 names. There is not one that we have completely agreed on. Mainly because I just can't find one that I am ok with- Matt is much more agreeable than I am (and much more easily bought when I do find a name I like!) But it seems that whenever I find one that I love- he completely hates it. Grrrrr... I'm not sure this is a problem that time can fix.

Tomorrow is my OB appointment, but I'm not expecting it to be anything spectacular. Just check the heartbeat and such.

Brody is just amazing as always. He now says ma ma constantly, and is starting to really point at things when he wants them. His level of communication is just sky rocketing lately, and it is so much fun to be a part of. He's still not really trying to walk on his own, and has even boycotted walking between Matt & I. So we're cooling off for a little bit. But he does take a few steps on his own now- so I think he just wants to do things at his own pace.

Today, Brody is spending the day with PapPap. Yesterday I was trying to stretch out my back... it's been a little sore from the stretching ligaments and such, and was laying on the floor with my feet on the ground, but my knees in the air. Brody pulled himself up using my legs, but at some point lost his balance or decided to sit down or something and quickly pulled my left knee to the floor. My back popped and there was immediate pain around my SI Joint. So I think he managed to pull a ligament that was a little more malleable than normal. But as of right now, I'm not really able to lift him or carry him- so my dad was kind enough to take him for the day so that I could rest and hopefully heal it up.

Well, enough babbling. I think I may indulge and take a nap before I work on laundry and dishes and such. =)

Charities

Does anybody know of good charities that support miscarriage or the loss of a child? I don't really want something fertility related (like Resolve), as we are praying that it isn't a fertility issue, but just an isolated horrible tragedy...

Thanks!

And no- I didn't believe my husband

When as I was crying into my scarf on the way home from a good, and yet very very bad football game last night that my son had done the impossible and SAID. MY. NAME. And yet- he picked a good time to lie, because this morning my son would not stop saying my name. While POINTING. AT. ME.

It is truly a wonderful day. Even if the Steelers lost. And even if we were (*shocked beyond belief*) unable to procure tickets to the World Series. And even if I should be in the shower and now could be very very late... I had to mention what a wonderful day it is. =)

Motivation

My parent's were lovely enough to watch my child today so that I can do things like empty the dishwasher without first having to pen him up and listen to him sob that he can't play with knives. (I know, the first child is always screwed... as I've been told numerous times, the second one will be juggling them coming out of the womb- but Brody just isn't allowed to yet.) With my level of energy lately, or lack thereof, I nap with him, and that leaves little time to get things done. So today is my day to clean and get organized. But what am I doing? Playing on the internet!

In my defense... so far this morning I have gotten rid of all of my pre-pregnancy underwear and bras that haven't fit in 2 years... (exciting, no?) I have opened millions of boxes of toys (all with those damn ties that take hours to undo), I have started putting away the 6 baskets of clean laundry that are littering my bedroom, and I have have gotten through all of the boys names through Chaney and decided that our next boy is likely to be named DeMario Crosby (with a LONG a sound). Of course, my husband prefers Francis Carter- but well, he's just silly. (10 points to the person who knows where all 4 names come from!)

So anyway... week 15. That's almost 4 months pregnant (the scary thing is that I just wrote 6 months and got overly excited... oh well...) Really- other than typical exhaustion (shouldn't that have gone away by now?) there's not really anything interesting to report. I think I have felt a few kicks, but at this stage, I have a hard time distinguishing them from bubbly feelings of another sort! We changed one of our possible girl's names- and I think I am finally content with it. I actually very much like both of the girl's names that we have, and think that we may just have to use them whether we have a girl or a boy, because our boy's options are just not appealing to me in any way.

Can you tell that this post is wholly about procrastination and not about content? I guess I better get back to hanging clothes! Happy Friday!

Done Worn Out

I need a nap. Unfortunately, my house feels like I have been napping for the better part of a year and in the meantime a giant tornado blew through it creating much havoc. But I'm pregnant- and right now, there's just not much I can do but give in to the urge to lay down and sleep for a little bit.

I do have birthday pictures to post... and I'm sure I owe the occasion more than an "It was great!" but really... that just about sums it up. The party was a lot of fun- despite a lack of anything resembling a decent nap- Brody did great, and seemed to have a fantastic time playing with all of this friends. I just wish that I could have spent a little more time with everyone- but when you divide 2 hours into 40 people, I guess it just doesn't work too well. Not to mention that there were things like presents and cake and such that required my attention and took away about an hour and a half of that 2 hours. =) But it was wonderful. And my baby is now officially not a baby anymore, and there are mixed feelings about that around here. I have to wonder if I would be crying less about it if I weren't so tired and hormonal! =)

We also had his one year check-up yesterday... he did great with the shots... he weighs 24 pounds, 13 ounces... he is 31 inches tall... both of which put him squarely at 75% for kids his age- and mean his mom is a pretty good estimator at how big he is! =) He is developmentally right on track and she is pleased with how well he is doing. She did say he is working on the top tooth that still hasn't poked through, and not one molar like I thought... but 3... FUN!

OK- he finally gave in, so I am off to nap as well!

Happy Birthday Broderick! (Almost!)

Brody,

This weekend you will turn 1 year old. I’m starting this letter now because I know the next few days will be very busy for us. We have your 1 year pictures, your birthday party, and a fun day picking pumpkins and going on wagon rides planned. I am hoping that you will enjoy all of it as much as I will enjoy sharing it with you.

Words cannot express how happy you have made me past year. Though I wouldn't have believed I could ever love you more than I did the first moment I saw you, my love for you grows exponentially every single day. I could list the things that you do now… like trying so hard to walk (you can take about 5-6 steps before falling), or how you have grown, (I don’t know exactly how tall you are or how much you weigh, but I am guessing about 31” and about 24 ½ pounds), but those aren’t the memories that I cherish from this past year.

When you are big and grown, I want to look back at this year and I want to remember your smile and your hugs. I want to remember how when you are very tired or hurt, you reach for me and lay your head on my shoulder. I want to remember how you like to kiss/bite my toes, how often you do it, and the lengths you will go to if my feet aren’t readily available. I want to remember how everyone not only stops to tell me how cute you are, but also what a good baby you are. I want to remember how you laugh when I try to get you to say “mommy” or when I tell you no (because next year, I won’t think it’s cute anymore!) I want to remember how you love to be outside and how watching the bunnies makes everything better. I want to remember how curious you are, and how you will spend hours exploring somewhere new without caring how many toys are laying around being ignored. I want to remember how much you love emptying the Tupperware cabinet and the dish towel drawer, and how proud of yourself you are when you are done. I want to remember your look of complete bliss when I caught you playing in the toilet- and how you love to chase the kitty (who doesn’t love that game NEARLY as much as you do.) You are just so cute when you know you are doing something you shouldn't! I want to remember how when you stand on your own, you wave with both hands like your little Spiderman toy. All in all, it’s these things (and so many more that I don't have the space to mention) that make you the little boy that I am so proud to call my son. It’s these things that make me look forward to each and every day that I am blessed enough to be woken up by your cries, or even better, your babble.

The next year will be filled with so much fun, and so much learning and changing, and I am sure that I will love the next year just as much as I have loved this one. I just can’t wait to see what you do next.

I love you,
Mommy

Bring on week 14!

Yeah! I have officially bid farewell to the first trimester. But funny enough all that magical energy that I am supposed to have now is still alluding me. Perhaps if I could sleep… but that’s a pipe dream. It’s been over 3 months since I have gotten more than 2 hours of sleep without waking up to pee, or because Brody has woken up, or because Matt has stolen the covers (or worse has dared breath on me in my sleep!) And I don’t see it changing anytime soon.

But I am feeling better in general. And I think the quality of my 2 hours of sleep is getting better… so hopefully that’s a sign of good things to come. I know that with the holidays coming up and such time will pass quickly, but at the moment I feel like I’ve been pregnant a lot longer than 3 months, so the next 6 seems like It will never pass.

I think I am buying our double stroller soon. It appears that the color scheme that I want (and the one that matches our infant carrier) is being discontinued. There is another color that is close- but if I can get this one 31% off, and it is the one that I actually want- why not save the $70? It just has to sit in storage for a few months… but better than spending more money on one that I don’t like as well, right? Right. I’m glad we agree.

In Brody news- we are gearing up for his birthday, and I am getting excited about his party! I have everything planned and ordered. I just need to wrap presents and pick everything up on Saturday and we’re all set! There will be lots of friends for him to play with, and cake to smear all over! Fun, fun fun!

Did I mention that he is taking his first steps? He can take about 5 or 6 now before he simply lunges forward or loses his balance. My baby truly is growing up! *Sigh*

Please don't faint

I would hate to think that my reappearance had caused someone to pass out- so hopefully you all survived the shock.

We are plugging along. I think I can safely say that we are all over the stomach flu that we've been dealing with. (Have I mentioned that I got it TWICE???) Brody seems to be feeling much better- and I think I have managed to go 2 whole days without throwing up. YEAH!

Today Brody is getting his first haircut. I am a little sad about it- it's the start of a week long of first birthday stuff. First haircut, first birthday pictures, first birthday party... I'm tearing up just thinking about it. My baby is turning one and won't be a baby anymore. It just doesn't seem possible.

But anywho... (to avoid all out tears!) the tadpole is doing great. We got to see her (no, we don't know- I just don't like saying "it") at our 12 week prescreen last Friday. Everything came back completely normal. We have a very active little one in there. Our sonographer had a hard time measuring because tadpole kept moving so much. It was very cute, and a relief to see after spending so much time dehydrated and feeling crappy lately.

Brody is very close to walking. He will take a step or two as he falls into me- but still has a little ways to go in the balance department. I think the coolest thing is that I've really started to notice how much he wants to walk. Most of his playgroup friends are a little older and are walking- and he just stares and stares at them. He's not really content to crawl, and prefers to walk with mom's assistance while we are with them. I guess peer pressure starts young!

Since posting 2 days in a row is quite unlikely, I figured I would post some pics early... enjoy!

Seriously? How cute is this hat?

Brushing his teeth!

"GET THIS HAT OFF OF ME!!!! Can't you see I'm a Steeler's fan?"

Hmmmm....

"What do you mean the lettuce crisper isn't supposed to go on my head?"

No matter how many toys we put in the bath- the only one he plays with is the temperature checking duck!

12 Weeks (*with update)

Let me first mention, that it is 7:45 am... I am updating my blog... and do you know why? Because my child is still sleeping!!!! HOORAY! =) Over the last week and a half, Brody has nicely transitioned from getting up at 6 to getting up at 7. This morning he woke up at 5, and I was very fearful that he wasn't going back to sleep... but he did... and he is STILL SLEEPING! So I was able to get up leisurely, make myself a cup of faux coffee (the little instant latte junk that I am strangely addicted to), watch a little news, and now am realizing that if I want the child to nap before we go to playgroup today, I need to wake him up... but instead I am blogging.

So yes... week 12. With Brody's pregnancy, it was a HUGE turning point. It was when I got to stop taking meds for nausea because I wasn't sick anymore. It was when I started feeling OH so much better, and when I really felt like the 2nd trimester had started. Except this time, there is no instant change, and I feel exactly like I did yesterday (just slightly more rested). But tomorrow we get to see The Tadpole, and that is making me oh so excited.

Sometimes I feel very disconnected from this pregnancy, so I am anxious to see pictures of da babee to help me reconnect a little. I think I am just so busy already being a mommy that I don't have the time or energy to pay attention to what's going on with my body. But then I start feeling guilty that I'm not obsessing over every milestone like I did last year. All of this is sounding very familiar... have I just thought it a lot or did I actually write about it before? Scary...

Well, the boy(s) are finally up, so I'm going to cuddle with them and enjoy our relaxing morning!

*Updated to add: Apparently I got ahead of myself... Brody was still sleeping because he is sick. He threw up all over himself at some point last night (it was dark in there at 5, so I didn't notice anything when I gave him his binky back) and threw up his entire bottle this morning. YEAH!

Where HAVE I been???

That is a very good question. Unfortunately, the answer is simply- here. Trying to take things day by day. You see, we knew Brody was teething- he's been working on his top 2 teeth for quite some time. (Read: miserable and making all those around him miserable.) Well, then I realized that there was a bump on his bottom gum where sometime a molar will be. So he was working on 3 teeth. YEAH! On the 12th, he popped through the first, on the 10th, he popped through the second. Today? Well, today I found a tooth I didn't even know was coming! So now he has 3 on top, two on bottom... a molar working it's way through on the bottom, and another top tooth about to pop through. All of a sudden, his foul mood makes perfect sense. But really? I could take a day or so off!

Beyond that, Matt and I have both been feeling pretty nasty lately. We got hit with some sort of flu and while the worst of it is certainly over, it's just kinda lingered. So we're just trying to get by without completely losing our minds. =)

Oh let's see... since I'm too lazy to update the other blog- the pregnancy is good. The Tadpole is swimming away, and we get another look on Friday. Really- there's just not that much I can say about being pregnant this time that I didn't say last time. This pregnancy is like Brody's, except with much more rainbows and sunshine and much less puking (well, except for that whole flu thing)

As much as I hate to say it, because truly I'm annoying myself at the possibility, so I can't imagine how frustrated ya'll must be... I'm thinking of combining all the blogs. I just can't decide if I should do it here or somewhere else. It seems unfair to put both kids and my life in a blog named after Brody... but then again, moving all my posts, forcing all of you to update links in the hopes that you would follow me for yet another move... that doesn't seem right either. Geesh. Maybe I can create another one, but have this site automatically link there? That might do it. But I'm not moving until I am sure of a name that I can keep... regardless of additions to our family, or what I want to talk about. So stay tuned... for now- I will most likely just put everything on here. Keeping up with one blog has been hard enough, let alone 2 (oh wait, I have 3!)

And hopefully I'll be around more often- as I have been reminded, I have missed several Sunday Snapshots, so I will attempt to download some pictures soon and post them... at least as soon as the clingy baby/toddler/crazy kid lets me. (You can all thank Matt for watching him during his lunch today so that I can update and shower. YEAH!)

Good News/ Bad News

I don't even know where to start. I know I owe Krystle a huge thank you... and I promise, one of these days I will attempt to do the post justice, but right now, I just can't.

We got both wonderful and horrible news today. Friends of ours who have been trying to get pregnant for a number of months found out recently that they are expecting. While it is overwhelmingly exciting, their joy was horribly cut short last night when a man with a shotgun entered their home last night killing her brother's girlfriend and seriously wounding her brother. It was apparently a crime of "passion" as the man with the gun was her estranged husband who was under a restraining order after assaulting her earlier this year.

I can't begin to express both our joy and sorrow to our friends. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to be going through all of this at once. Though we only met Nikki once, I think I can surely say that we will never forget her.

It's better than Christmas!

We FINALLY have a 3rd tooth!!!! And with any luck, the 4th one will pop through within the next few days like the 2nd one did. I can't even begin to describe the relief that this has brought both Brody and me. For his sake, I really wish the teeth would stop coming in 2's- one at a time is rough enough!

Beyond that, we're just plugging along. But it seems my free time (and one of the only times I have ever been up before Brody!) is over- so I guess it's time to start breakfast.

Well Wishes

I was hoping to get a decent post in today, but my brain is otherwise occupied. I'm not sure I have permission to talk about it publicly at this point- but someone we love is not feeling so hot lately and should get some important tests and results today. So we're waiting on pins and needles to hear that everything will be fine! Once I can think about something else, or have some good news to report, I'll be back.

Tuesday Teachings

I remembered! Aren't you all proud???

Today's "lesson" is more of a plea than a lesson... but it is very heartfelt.

Brody,

Please stop beating mommy up. It hurts when you pull my hair, or kick my belly, or chew on my toes. (Sidenote: Yes, he LOVES my toes... won't touch Matt's, but at least 4-5 times a day, he tries to munch on my toes- and please don't tell me it's cute, cause I'll send him to your house to munch on yours!!!) It also hurts when you poke out my eyes and jump on my bladder. Truly child, I know that you are going through a mommy phase, but mommy needs a break. Just a day or two to let the bruises heal. Can we work something out?

Still loving you (even though you beat me up!)
Mama

Slacker

Yes, I know I'm slacking. Yes, I know I missed both the Sunday Snapshots and Tuesday Teachings. I wish I had an excuse- oh wait... teething 10 month old who seems to be getting sick on top of it... pregnant mama who can't sleep or eat, let alone form coherent thought. So I'm slacking. And while I would like to pretend that it will get better soon- well, I just can't. I can promise to update as often as possible, and when not feeling like ass though- so as often as that happens, I'm all yours internets.

Let's see... Brody news- he's teething. Have I mentioned that? Both top teeth at once- one of them now has a little white blister on it. I actually thought the blister was the tooth this morning, but we aren't that lucky. The other one has a bump and should be through soon as well. And well, he's quite miserable, and quite attached to mommy's hip.

Other than that? Who am I kidding- there is no other than that this week. It's full of middle of the night wakings, screaming, and luckily more than usual cuddling. So I'm in hell and heaven all at the same time! YEAH! =)

Tuesday Teachings

I got nothin'. I'm done warn out, and my brain ain't working. So again, you get short and sweet. In honor of the best man winning... (If you haven't been watching- Terry is quite simply, amazing. I can't imagine what it's been like to try to follow this dream, but it is finally coming true. He says he once had a performance, and only one person showed up- but he didn't give up. WOW. He deserves everything coming his way tonight!)

Brody,

Never give up on your dreams.

Love,
MaMa

Sunday Snapshots

I lied

I know my message to Brody on Tuesday was to not wish time away, but right now, I'd really like it if we could fast forward to the point where his top two teeth (and possibly one bottom one) have popped through. They all seem to be coming through at once, and it's making nights rather miserable. I really hate to medicate him, but otherwise he wakes up in the middle of the night screaming, and I hate that more. I guess the good part about it is that he's taking nice long naps, which gives me a chance for nice long naps, and with my inability to sleep well at night, I desperately need those naps!

Tuesday Teachings

Brody is 10 months old today. Can I just take a second to ask how the heck that happened??? I mean seriously! I know I say this often, but it still marvels me how time can fly and yet seem to stand still all at the same time. Dashing our hopes that his first meaningful word would be mama or dada, it seems that the cat is who Brody loves most. So cat is the first official word. Who would have thought? =) But I guess the good news is that he is putting meaning to sounds- so I can't really complain... much. I know one day I'll wonder why I ever wanted him to learn to say mama (you know those days when that's the only word the kid will say?) But for right now, it would make my heart melt.

But since the boy just woke up... I better hurry up, so here's today's lesson.

Brody,

Don't ever wish that time will pass you by. Enjoy each day for what it is, and take the time to realize that every day is special and that the journey is just as important (sometimes more so) than the destination.

I love you!
Mama

Sunday Snapshots

TOUCHDOWN!!!!

Tuesday Teachings

Oh goodness.... I have nothing planned for today. So I guess I'll be pulling from today's top headline...

Brody,

Please don't do drugs. Drugs are bad. Despite some recent evidence to the contrary, drugs will not make you successful or happy. Don't be like him. Winning things doesn't matter if you can't say that you did so fairly... dignity is so much more important.

Love,
MaMa

Sunday Snapshots (a day early, because I just can't wait)

Brody has an announcement he'd like to make.... though I promise he's more excited about it than he seems in the picture!

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Click over to Baby Making 201 for all the details... it is no longer password protected, so please stop by!

Tuesday Teachings

This is the post that I had originally planned for last week, before more pressing matters came to light. =) For those of you who read Baby Making 201... I'm sorry for my quick departure. I will probably go back to it sometime soon- definitely sooner than I had originally planned. I just kinda had a breakdown and needed to step away for a little while. When I return, I don't think it will be password protected anymore... but that remains to be seen.

But anyway... today's "lesson" is one that Matt thinks Brody needs to learn soon- and hopefully without feeling its effects full force.

Brody,

You are now nine months old, and you LOVE to explore. Unfortunately, sometimes exploring means climbing, or begging mommy or daddy to pick you up and let you sit with us on chairs or couches. And we think it's sweet- because we think you want to cuddle. Until it becomes completely apparent, that all you really want is to be able to dive off the other side.

So I think it's time you learn about gravity. Really- it's a good thing. Gravity is what keeps us from floating away into space. So you see, it is quite a necessary thing. But gravity also means that if you dive head first off the back of a chair, you're going to make a big boom. A big boom that will scare both you and mommy and daddy. It could even require a trip to the doctor. And that doesn't sound like much fun.

So for now- how about we keep our feet planted on the ground? Because unless you sprout wings (which would be REALLY COOL!) it's going to hurt when you fall.

Love,
Mama

Dreams

I had a dream about Brody last night. He started talking... in full sentences. In fact his first word was "Tanya", followed immediately by "won ping pong." How crazy is that? I'm not sure who Tanya was supposed to be, or why we were playing ping pong, but whatever. It was strange to hear Brody talk- even if it was in a dream.

We think Brody has his first word, though he just says it all the time and not because he wants one or even to repeat us if we say it... so I think it's just a conglomeration of sounds that don't mean anything yet... but it would be a pretty cool first word (well, not as cool as mama, but ya know!) It's hug. And even if he doesn't know what he's saying, it's still awfully darn cute.

And even if he isn't talking- he's definitely getting more communicative. He never shuts up these days. Not crying, just all out screaming babble most of the time. He's also clapping a ton, and even sometimes to show that he's excited.

It's definitely helping me realize that he's growing out of the baby stage and will soon be a full fledged toddler. (I say as I hold back the sobs...)

Sunday Snapshots

Showing off the pearly whites! =)

Tuesday Teachings

I wrote a letter to Brody, but I think I'm going to save it for next week... instead, I will address something more on my mind today.

Brody,

Sometimes things won't immediately go your way. Sometimes it will take time for solutions to come to you, and sometimes you'll have to listen to someone else's ideas. But until all options have been exhausted, please don't give up. Please don't assume something is impossible because answers don't immediately come to you. Yes, sometimes things won't happen as you want them to. Sometimes things will be difficult to come by. But don't give up unless you have exhausted all possibilities, and PLEASE be willing to see that sometimes you can get what you want, but you may have to compromise on how you get there. But that's ok. And it's not worth getting upset about.

Basically- please try to be an optimist. Pessimism wastes so much energy... it's just not worth it!

Love,
Mama

Sunday Snapshots

Stats...

Well, he's not nearly as big as I thought he was... he is squarely in the 70-75th percentiles for height, weight, and head size. He weighs 21 pounds 12 ounces, and is 29 inches tall/long. The doctor is really pleased with how well he is doing... except for talking. She says he's the most vocal non-talker she's ever seen. She's not terribly worried about it, just wants us to encourage him to use words like "up" instead of just putting his arms up to get picked up, and wants us constantly repeating everything we do.

Let's go to the car.
Can you see the car?
Where's the car?
I see the car!
Let's get in the car!
The car goes vrrrrroooommm.

Should we read a book?
Where's the book?
Can you get the book?
Give mama the book.
Let's read the book.
Turn the pages of the book.

I thought I was doing a lot of that- just not in quite the ocd kinda way that she says we should try now.

So there ya go... he's all set for another 3 months.

Sunday Snapshots (formerly known as Silent Sundays)

Hitting close to home...

I'm thankful every day for my little miracle... and I remember all to well feeling like "I would die for that"...

I want my baby back, baby back, baby back...

Remember that commercial? Unfortunately, I don't just want his ribs, I want all of him! =) If you don't read the other site, just to catch you up- Brody spent the night at MeMa & PapPap's last night, and won't be back until later this afternoon. I love that I could have slept in this morning, but unfortunately, I must be rather programmed to getting up, because once 5:45 rolled around, I tossed and turned until I finally got up at 7:30.

Have I mentioned that Brody will be 9 months old tomorrow? He's entering his last "baby" stage and it's kinda making me a bit teary eyed. But I will admit, now that he is crawling around and having more fun with toys and such, I am enjoying this phase a lot more than I was a few weeks ago. I am guessing that he's about 23-24 pounds and 29-30 inches. We'll see how close that is Monday when he goes in for his appointment...

I'm not sure that 9 months ago today, I realized just how much this little boy would change me. I'm not sure I thought that there was any way that I could have realized that time would intensify my love for him, and that never- not one day in his life, no matter how crabby, no matter how difficult- would I take him for granted. I can't hear his cry without my heart breaking too, I can't hear his giggle without instantly becoming happy myself. There is nothing in this world that I want more than for him to be happy. Becoming a parent is truly a humbling experience.

I miss the days when I could sit and rock with him for hours at a time and have him be perfectly content- but I also can't wait to see what happens next.

Tuesday Teachings (Wednesday Edition)

Because I suck, I'm a day late.... and now, because I'm in a rush, I can't think of anything good.... so I guess we'll keep it short & sweet...

Brody,

Don't procrastinate like your mama does!

Love,
Mama

Silent Sundays

Teeth!

So we have a tooth... ok, so you can't see it unless you look really close, but don't get your fingers too close or you'll be sorry! =) There is another one that should be through in the next day or so. Even today Brody is a much happier baby, and I am one relieved mama!

(Oh... and if you haven't checked out this site, please do, leave a comment or email me and I will send the invite!)

Tuesday Teachings

Tuesday Teachings sounds so preachy.. I'm thinking about Tuesday's With Mom, but it loses the alliteration then... any suggestions?

But I digress...

Brody,

I thought about doing a really long, drawn out post about this, and how you should take responsibility for your own actions instead of letting a friend take the fall... but MeMa feels sorry for you and thinks that I'm making you sound like a very bad baby... which in fact you are not... you are just having a few issues right now... like growing, and teething, and a mommy who isn't too fond of you beating her up. Which are all combining to make you a very grumpy little boy some days. (Like yesterday, and today) And she says I just need to take you on more walks... except that on days like yesterday (and today) when I attempt to put you in the stroller, you throw quite the mighty fit and aren't so thrilled with the walking... unless of course there are cars driving by which is quite magical to you. And unless of course it is over 100 degrees outside, because you turn into a child I don't recognize when you get too hot.

So here's today's lesson... while you are certainly a wonderful little boy, and while I definitely need to focus on that when you are screaming for hours on end.... no matter how good intentioned we are, mommy's are not always right. But we always love you, and we always try to do what's best for you... and for awhile now, I will definitely know more than you, so we'll follow what mommy decides, k? (Like when she says that cat food is for cats, not babies, and that it is much better in the bowl than all over the floor...) But I promise that eventually, you will grow up into a wonderful man, and mommy will let you make your own decisions- and she will be happy as long as you are happy...

But she won't be happy if you let your friends take the fall for your boneheaded decisions that turned out badly. K? K.

Love,
MaMa (and if you could get around to learning how to say that, I'd be VERY happy!)

STOP! The Crying....

Is it bad to give the child 10 Popsicles a day? Because that's the only thing that stops the crying- and to be honest, I'm not sure how much more I can take.... PLEASE let the teeth be here soon!

Silent Sundays

Whoa Baby... look out!

Since I think it's been awhile since I've done an actual update on all of Brody's new activities, I figured I would catch everybody up... well, and I'm not feeling very creative and simply can't think of anything else to write about...

Brody is officially crawling. Well, has been for a few days now. He's also started using something besides mommy and daddy to pull himself up (you can interpret something else to mean everything and anything that stands more than an inch off the ground.) My mom swears she's going to buy him a helmet?

Did I mention he's also a very good basketball player? He's already VERY good at making baskets with his little basketball hoop. The kid is amazing I tell ya! =)

I think he's also going through a pretty big growth spurt and/or may finally sprout some teeth. He's definitely gaining some weight, I may have to start calling him thunder thighs if he doesn't start getting taller too! And he is INSANELY clingy and grumpy. It's quite tiring.

But all in all, he's doing great, and continues to be the best baby boy ever...it sounds cheesy, but there are so many times every day, whether he's playing, laughing, or sleeping where I wonder just what we did to get so lucky. (I don't so much think it when he's screaming his head off, but ya know...)

Tuesday Teachings (Wednesday Edition)

As my mother puts it... I'm slacking- so sorry Brody. But I think this one was worth the extra day, so here ya go...

Brody,

People who spout hate in the name of God, are not Christian. Beware of these people. Ann Coulter is their leader. The woman makes fun of a kid dying? Says that she wishes someone was killed by terrorists? THIS is not Christian. This isn't even human.

If there is one thing that I wish you to learn in your life, it is to live your life without judgement of others. All people are worthy of love- regardless of religion, sexuality, race, nationality, or political party. Even Ann Coulter... just please don't be like her, mmmkay?

Love,
Mommy

Silent Sundays *Video Edition

Silent Sundays

HOME!!!

We are home... safe and sound, and all in one piece. I still even have a few hairs on my head that I managed to not pull out while we were gone. Despite the happy pictures that you will see soon... (I am hoping to have them uploaded for tomorrow, but we'll have to see how that goes) Brody didn't smile the whole time... far from it. But I would prefer not to relive the week that was... it is much better behind us. So I'll give you a few of the good times, mmmkay?

Father's Day was fun. We drove up the coastal route and by some stroke of luck (or my power over the cosmos) we happened upon the restaurant that Matt most wanted to eat at. ) Truly, neither one of us knew where one was... and we had resigned ourselves to fast food if necessary because we were in the middle of nowhere (is that possible in Southern California?) and had a screaming child with us... good times.

Brody and I took a trolley tour and he had his first boat ride. l learned more about Santa Barbara than I know about Denver and Pittsburgh combined. We also spent a lot of time at the pool, and a LOT of time driving around Santa Barbara and Montecito.

Brody loved the pool- he did not love the car seat or the hotel room. He slept wonderful at night, but naps were a laugh. I can't tell you how close I came to buying ear plugs and losing myself in my book while he tired his lungs out.

Matt is on baby duty today... which I'm sure means that he will be a peach all day long and I will be forced to cry.

Tuesday Teachings

(posted from beautiful Santa Barbara... check back soon for updates on the fun Brody and I are having while daddy is stuck at work... ok, so daddy has had some good times too!)

Ok, so I'm kinda on my own personal journey lately- and have been thinking a lot about the lessons and things that I want to teach my son. Some of these will be short and simple (and most likely happen on weeks when I'm busy or lazy), some will probably be exposes of my interpretation of things happening in the world... A discussion if you will. I am going to attempt to keep things of the positive nature, but I have to admit, there may be a few... "Don't do this" kind of posts. Some will be serious, some will be funny... So here is today's... in honor of father's day being this week, this one was at Matt's request.

Brody,

Dinosaurs roamed the earth a long time ago. They became extinct, but we still find their bones buried underground. The earliest dinosaurs lived about 230 million years ago and became extinct about 65 million years ago. There are many myths about dinosaurs, including whether or not they ever existed- please don't believe them. Science is a wonderful thing that can teach us a lot, and can prove many things with absolute certainty- this is one of them.

Love,

Mommy (& Daddy)

Silent Sundays (Father's Day Edition)

Happy Father's Day to all the dads in Brody's life... especially Daddy...

How organized am I?

I have posts ready to post for while we're gone... so despite the fact that we will be living a life of luxury (or at least watching people who live a life of luxury) next week, you can still tune in and get outdated info while we're gone. =) New weekly segment starting Tuesday... something to perhaps keep things a little more interesting around here.

Or maybe not... I forgot that I can't set things up to post automatically on a date on here. One of the things I miss from type.pad. Grrr.... I will publish Sunday's before I go... Tuesday's I will wait until I get back for... SORRY!

OH! After weeks of working on it, Brody started clapping last night. I figured it was close yesterday morning when he let me clap his hands together and he actually straightened his fingers and they made noise... so last night while we were playing on the floor, he did it all by himself without any prompting. In fact, he still really won't do it when prompted, but just breaks out clapping occasionally. Too cute!

Have a great week!

Is there a weekly award?

Because it is now absolutely confirmed, that whenever we leave the room or are not watching- our son sits himself up... but he absolutely will. not. do. it. if we are watching. Stubborn little bleepity bleep bleep bleep....

Bad Mom of the Day Award Winner!

YEAH! Congrats to me!

So we have this daily routine... Brody and I get up in the morning, and since it's usually his least fussy time, and he is, for the most part, content to play on his own with little interaction, I let him. Mainly because it is when he typically will not get too frustrated by trying new things, and ends up learning a lot as a result. Plus, I need coffee and internets to start my day or I am a very fussy mommy.

So after a little fussiness when the lobster bit him (it's stuffed, but he was still convinced those pinchers were real!) I laid him back on the floor to let him crawl around. I SWEAR I put him down on his tummy... but the next thing I knew, I looked up from the internets and he's sitting up.

Now, I'm not convinced that I am not losing my mind and that sometime between laying him down and looking up at that moment, I hadn't assisted him in getting this way, but I SWEAR I don't remember. Leading me to believe that I might not be losing my mind is that yesterday morning, he was SOOOO close at doing it. I kinda thought it was an accident, but perhaps not.

So now I'm on Operation Spy. I am pretending that I'm not watching by typing this, but I have one eye on him just waiting to see what he might try next. I'm sure that typically, as soon as I look away he just gets up and starts running around, and now I am determined to catch him in the act!

Silent Sundays

Not talking

You know the saying, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all"????

That's me....

Snuggle Thursdays

I love Thursdays. Matt hates Thursdays. You see, on Thursday, Matt has to get up and go to a meeting. So every Thursday I get up with the baby (yes, I know- I'm spoiled, because most of the time, Matt does it and I can sleep a little longer) But, every Thursday, I also get to bring him back to bed for some mommy snuggle time. This morning he woke up at 5:30, he had a bottle, screamed a little because he didn't want to go back to sleep yet, and finally gave in to the sagging eyelids. And Brody and Mommy slept and cuddled (he slept, I cuddled) until 8:45.

Even though I got 2 hours less sleep than I might have liked... I love Thursdays.

Is he 2 yet?

I have never "wished away" time in Brody's life before. I have been very grateful for every moment, whether he be laughing or crying. But seriously, the teething? Without the appearance of a tooth? It's maddening. Do you know how Brody and I have spent the afternoon? With him standing, while holding my fingers, with a mesh feeder full of ice stuck in his mouth. Sitting is simply unacceptable. Laying down will not be tolerated. Toys aren't worthy of a second look.

Right now? Right now he is screaming. Less than a foot from me because I DARED to set him down. Because I thought his full belly might have distracted him. Because I was insane apparently.

Is 3:00 too early to start drinking? I mean it's 5 on the east coast! =)

Mobile Milestones (aka Monday Madness)

Wow- once mobile starts, it grows... quickly. For a couple of weeks now, Brody has been doing an army type crawl. It gets him the limited amount of space that he wants to go, and when he gets too frustrated, he screams like a banshee and someone comes and rescues him. (Namely, mom... sometimes dad... and always MeMa or PapPap if they are around- because they don't believe in crying babies)

Two days ago, I scared the heck out of Brody, when I expressed (rather loudly) glee at him getting himself up on his hands and toes. (Picture a human bridge) But my glee made him fall, and he hasn't attempted again to push up off of his tummy... until this morning that is. When he did nothing else. Where he started rocking... on his knees... and looked like he was about to take off. Which scares me more than anything. The idea of having to baby proof... more than sticking covers on plugs, quite frankly is quite overwhelming to me. Would it be overreacting to just empty out the entire house- or at least everything that is less than 5 feet off the ground?

I mean seriously- the rocking chair can be rolled under while being used and his poor little arms could be crushed. The couch could be pulled up on and then fallen from. The portable plastic dresser that has taken residence in our living room can be pulled over. I won't even go into the computers and the CORDS that go with them. The list is endless... and yes... overwhelming.

Silent Sundays?

Everyone (ok, not everyone, but enough to make me seem like a follower if I start) does Wordless Wednesday's... basically- it's a picture day. I've wanted to start something to keep me posting pictures regularly, but like I said, I felt like a follower... so I'm going to do Silent Sundays. (After today, there will be no words, just pictures...) But a little explanation is required today... I can't remember if I posted this picture before or not- but because I'm a dork, I entered it in May's Cutest Babies photo contest for the local paper. Brody took 2nd (and was in 1st before a shall we say VERY BIG CHEATER entered her daughter and started doing nothing but voting for her daughter and against Brody... yeah... bitter I am... but it was my stupid fault for ever doing it in the first place, right? But yes, we know she cheated because Brody was in first and 20 minutes later, let's call her Taylor, and Brody had about 200 votes more than anyone around them and she had jumped insanely high, and he had gone down a whole lot lower)

ANYWAY... Brody took 2nd even with the crusade to lower his average, and it makes me slightly giddy. =) Maybe in a few months we'll enter him again and there won't be another "Taylor" (or her mother) to cheat.

Mom's Day Off!

Today is my day off. From 7:30 this morning, until whenever I wander home this evening, it is a day free of child. I've even boycotted the dirty kitchen and the piles of laundry that are screaming to be done. You see, a day off is very very rare around here. Even weekends, when Matt's attention is forced to be at his computer, the child is still here, and we are usually trying to get things accomplished. Even as lucky as I am that as a stay at home mom, I also have a stay at home dad around, I have been very worn down lately. Feeling very much like if I took a break, the house just might fall apart. So today is a blessing.

Matt and I enjoyed a nice lunch (interpreted to mean- we both got to eat our food... while it was warm... without feeding or entertaining anyone else!) I even got to stop at Target for a brown purse that I've been in need of for awhile. All in all- a lovely hour!

I think now, I am going to take advantage of the time to catch up on some sleep... suffice it to say that things, while not horrible, are not roses when it comes to Brody's nighttime slumbers. So a nap is most definitely in order!

Tonight- it's Moms' Night Out with two of my favorite moms! =) Dinner at a grown up restaurant, perhaps a little browsing at a bookstore, girl talk... I'm a little more excited about this than is probably PC.

Ahhhh....

The difference a day makes.

Depending on the length of the naps- Brody has been taking 2-4 naps a day. (4 when he gets off to a bad start and only sleeps a half hour or so)... Basically, he was up for 2-2 1/2 hours before he lays down again- except in the mornings when he wanted to lay down 1 1/2 hours after he woke up. But apparently that is changing. The last 2 mornings he's been up over 3 hours before he will sleep, but has been getting great naps once he does lay down. So I think he is transitioning to 2 regular naps a day. Perhaps we'll even be able to get on a schedule? Maybe? PLEASE? =)

Boycott

Argh. That's really about all I need to say to sum up how I feel right now. Brody is boycotting sleep. He took two awesome naps yesterday, but ever since has decided that sleep just isn't much fun. He wouldn't go down the last night, he was awake (and SCREAMING) for 2 1/2 hours last night (I tried drugs, I tried rocking, I tried letting him cry, I finally had to feed him, but he wasn't hungry, but at least it got him to calm down...), and now this morning, he wouldn't nap either. He is finally down, and has been asleep for almost an hour.

I can't help but think that his teeth are bugging him, but the Tylenol isn't helping, cold binkies aren't helping... there are no red bumps in his mouth, no indication whatsoever that he's closer to popping a tooth through.

Any advice? Any good reason why he wouldn't be sleeping? He's definitely tired. He's not running a fever.

Argh, indeed.

Silly Quiz

OK... I took this silly little quiz... and here are the results:

What can you expect for your baby? He will be very popular. He will not have any problems making friends. He is fun, optimistic, and full of energy. He may not be the most organized person but he thinks well on his feet. He likes to see everyone get along and may meddle in other people’s relationships in his attempt to keep the peace. He is outgoing and not afraid of meeting new people. In school, he is likely to be in the drama club, on a sports team, or involved in the yearbook committee. He enjoys socializing and he may be everyone’s best bud and confidant. He likes to give out advice even though his advice is not always the best. Even though he is very popular, he is very insecure. He likes to be praised by others and will seek out people that give his attention.

He will likely pursue a career working with people. He would be miserable if he had to work in a cubicle with nobody to talk to. He may be indecisive when picking a career. He may try more than one job before he settles on one he likes. Career choices may include waiter, journalist, teacher, health professional, stockbroker, or sales representative.

Actually, what's funny is that seeing how he reacts to things and people, I have thought many of these same things!

Sleep Changes Everything

So for the most part, we're pretty lucky in the sleep thing. Brody sleeps decently- though he does typically wake up 2-3 times a night looking for the pacifier which has been thrown to the floor, or is in his hand and he can't really figure out that it would solve all of his problems, even if he is capable of finding his mouth with it. But those 2-3 times a night of waking up, plus waking up when Matt feeds him around 6, well, it's hard. It's hard to never get more than 3 hours of sleep at any given time, and it wears on you. So while it's not always the quantity of sleep that's missing when you are a parent, the quality certainly decreases.

But last night? Last night he went to bed around 8, slept until 5:45, and went back to sleep at 6:15 until 8. And me? I slept from 10 until 5:45- WITHOUT. WAKING. UP. Not once, not ever. And it was the best feeling in the world. I even stayed in bed and slept on and off until 7:30. I mean seriously? Is there anything better in life?

Mom's Zoo-rrific Birthday Pics

Brody loves his Auntie Keri!
Brody's First Carousel Ride! Weeeeeeee!

Tuckered Out!

And Party Pics

Another Exciting Saturday Night!

Brody with Cousin Mandi
Brody & Great-Grandma
Brody's First Tractor Ride
Brody's first 4 Wheeler Ride
Brody's first visit to the ocean! BRRRRRRRR...... (Early May isn't the warmest time to visit Cape Cod)

And more pics from the trip....

More Beach Pics

Right before he became a rolling maniac