Happy Leap Day/Year

I think it would be silly not to post on February the 29th since this only happens every four years.  Remember I stay home with a 17 month old, it doesn't take much to excite me!!  Lots of good news around here.  The weather has been beautiful!  They are building a house across the street, and it is almost spring!

This past weekend, we celebrated Nanny's 80th Birthday.  This is Bryan's maternal grandmother.  We helped throw a surprise party for her--everything turned out so nice, and I genuinely think she was surprised.  I think there were close to 100 people there, and Nanny was so happy to see each and every one of them.  We had a big family picture that morning, and Martin was not having anything to do with the picture.  He was ok with the big group.....but when it came time for the picture of just the 3 of us, he was NOT a happy camper.  My child the nature boy had been playing with sticks and sweet gum balls.....so in our picture he had to hold one of each.  We tried to take them away, and it led to a meltdown, so needless to say, we will happily have a little nature in our photos.  But, I still don't think he smiled!  The photographer said, that will work.  Her idea of what will work, and my idea of what will work are obviously not the same.  I haven't seen the pictures yet, but I can't imagine that they were very good.  Haha!  We also figured out that Martin does not like sleeping in the pack n play anymore.  So, he slept in the bed with us.  There was no danger of us rolling over on him, but I am pretty sure Bryan was close to having a black eye.  He kept slapping and punching Bryan in his sleep as he flopped around.  What a mess.

Monday was beautiful and Martin and I got to go walk in the afternoon with a friend in the neighborhood and her 2.5 month old.  Being around a baby that small makes me wonder where my little baby went.  I can barely remember when Martin was that small.  And, I get to watch that sweet baby Friday morning for a little while, and I can't wait!  After we walked, we played in the yard for about 45 minutes with bubbles.  What is the fascination??  I mean he loses his mind when you pull them out.  Ooh! Ooh! Ooh!!  Then we squeal with delight as we chase them, and when we actually catch one and pop it, that is a real treat!

Mardi Gras Cookie Time

I see y'all are packing!  Don't forget me.

The big kids during the pictures

This is his fresh face!  We see it A LOT.

Man on the run

I am pretty sure this is how all the pictures will look

The boys during the party.

Happy 80th Birthday Nanny!

So, I mentioned the house across the street.  We live in a very young neighborhood.  It has lots of phases and plans.  At the end of phase 3 we get two pools, and I cannot wait for that....but it is so far away.  We are nearing the end of phase 1.  So, I am excited to see a house go in across the street, because that means one step closer.  However, I am not excited about the Mexican Radio blaring from 7 am-6 pm.  Needless to say, it interferes with our Siesta, and THAT is a problem.  I am thinking of posting a sign on the front door that says--"Sleeping baby--or Angry Mommy--it's up to you!"  I don't think it would do any good.  Seriously though, I am not mad, it is just forcing me to be creative with nap time.  Hope everyone is having a great day!!  Happy Hump Day.

Almost Forgot

Well, yesterday I totally forgot to put this in my blog, and I can't believe I forgot.  DRUM ROLL PLEASE......


We are officially PACI FREE in our house.  This may not sound like a big deal, but trust me when I say, it is a HUGE deal.  The hardest part has been getting him down for naps without it.  He goes to bed without an issue.  I am so proud of this accomplishment!  What a big boy.

PS- for those of you non-moms reading, never say never, cause I swore I would NEVER give him a paci.  I think the second night home from the hospital I gave in....haha.  I also said my child wouldn't watch TV very much, and wouldn't you know it....when the TV is on, it spends most of it's time on nick jr, because someone loves all those silly shows.  But--I know that these things don't make Martin who he is.  He is a beautiful little miracle and I am so lucky he calls me Mama!

Anyone interested in how we did it??  Well, I cut the tip of it off, and handed it to him.  He put it in his mouth, took it out made a weird face and examined it.  Stuck it back in again just to test it one more time--and then threw it on the ground.  He still spots it occasionally and has to inspect it.  But, doesn't want that silly thing in his mouth.  I was so scared of taking it away---and he did great!!  So, maybe it was me that needed a paci.  I almost can't stand how grown up he is getting.  Where did my baby go??  Because, there is a toddler in his high chair screaming dowwwwwn--ready to read 20 books, and play cars.  Gotta run--duty calls!

Happy Birthday Thomas

This past weekend, we went out of town to help celebrate cousin Thomas' Birthday!  We left Friday to spend the night in Tupelo with Stephen, Ashley and cousin Luke.  The boys had a big time, even though Luke was sick--although we didn't know it at the time.  His fever hit 102 before we went to bed, and stayed there over night, so a trip to the doctor bright and early Saturday morning revealed that Luke had strep.  The kid was playing and happy and you wouldn't have known he was sick, except he was burning up hot.  So, we headed to Columbus early.  When those two play they end up doing too many, "here taste this toy" games....so as to avoid further exposure, we left early.  Sweet Luke had to miss the party, but off we went to Thomas' First Birthday Party.  It was so nice to see everyone-- especially to see Thomas the toddler.  He wasn't too sure about the present unwrapping, but loved the presents!  

Martin watching the mayhem

Look at this truck mom!

Can I please see my mom--I need to help her write what everyone brought.

Free at last....now what can I get into??

Thomas LOVING his red wagon.

I feel certain Martin was dancing at this point....this kid is a ham!!

Mom and Dad with the birthday boy

Martin had a really good time at the party....of course he had plenty of playmates to entertain him.  He played for over an hour with the Post Office stand up toy.  And, then showed another little girl how to play with the busy ball popper.  Happy Birthday Thomas!!

This week has been kind of weird.  The weather has been cold and rainy several days, so we are a little restricted to what we can do outside of the house.  There is only so much target a boy can handle.  Haha.  I am so ready for warm weather, the Easter Bunny is planning to bring Martin a year membership to the zoo, and I plan to get my use out of it.  It is less than 100 for the family for the year, and I figure if we can go 3 times, I will have gotten our money worth, but I know we will go more often than that.  The zoo here is very nice, and they even let you bring your own food and drinks in the park, so you don't have to spend a fortune on a few chicken fingers.  

Is anyone else as addicted to pinterest as I am?  Just this morning, I cleaned my glass top stove from a recommendation on there, and I must say it looks 100 times better than it does with my glass top cleaner.  I have made my own laundry soap, and LOVE IT!  It was kind of fun making, and even more fun to think of all the money I was saving.  And, of course the recipes.  I have made several things that were a big hit in our house for supper.  If you need an invite, send me your email address, but be prepared to be addicted.  I need to go chase Martin down and see about a bath, since about 50% of our lunch ended up on Martin....happy Friday everyone!

Almost February!

I simply must stop saying I cannot believe.............. you fill in the blank.  I cannot believe it is 2012, I cannot believe my baby boy is almost 16 months old, I cannot believe we have been in our house over 2 years.  I cannot believe Martin is walking, talking, and being crazy.  It kind of makes me crazy.  I cannot believe it all.  I cannot believe our lives are so full of blessings.  We are so so lucky.  

We had an AMAZING 7 days off with Bryan.  It is always good to have him home, but this week was so calm, relaxing, and full of US.  I loved every minute of it.  And, yesterday was icing on the cake.  We went to church (as usual).  However, nothing short of a miracle happened when I went to pick up Martin from the nursery.  The drop off is always the same.  Somewhere between the car and the front doors, he realizes we are about to "drop him off".  Starts being extra clingy, and scrambles to be sure he can hold on real tight to my shirt!  Then we get to his class, and the meltdown starts.  Now, they have never paged me during church, but they usually tell me when we pick him up that he didn't really want to play.  He always without fail, is in one of the worker's arms either asleep, or in their lap being extra clingy.  Well, NOT this Sunday, he wasn't.  He was running around playing with another little boy, and having a big time when I walked up.  It took him about a minute, to even notice I was in the doorway.  And, that might have only been because I was shrieking, "Bryan, look he is playing, and having fun, Thank you God!"  And, I really mean that, that makes me enjoy church a little more.  He was PLAYING!!!!!  The lady said, oh he was great, he has been giggling the whole time.  I should have asked for that kid's # and set up a play date :)  So, that was a nice end to our weekend.  

We are working on kicking the paci habit this week.  We are starting small, only at bedtime.  I find myself sticking it in sometimes when he doesn't need it.  So, wish us luck.  I hate to go cold turkey.  But, I think we might be close to that if I don't get my act together.  We had a good check up at the doctor, but he did mention we should get rid of the paci.  Martin is probably ready, but I don't know if I am.  Ha.  Sad, right?  Martin just climbed up on the couch with his monkey blanket and settled in for a nap, guess I better see if I can help.

Brushing our teeth!

Martin hates for you to brush his teeth, but loves to do it himself!  Who would have thought??  Such a funny boy, he even had to rinse his brush and tap it on the sink at the end.  What a mess.  I love every inch of this sweet boy.

15 Month Check-up

My baby boy is a few days from 16 months, and I absolutely cannot believe it.  This time has flown by, like I knew it would.  I cannot believe it really wasn't yesterday that I was excited that Martin was crawling.  Now, he is turning into a little boy.  And, while I am excited to watch him grow, it is a little bittersweet.  We went Monday for our 15 Month Check-up and shots.  He did well, and got a good report from the doctor.  He weighs 21 lbs and 8 ounces, and is 31" tall.  Hard to believe he was only 7lbs 9 ounces when we met him and just 19 3/4" long.  Hard to imagine he was that tiny.  And, isn't it funny how fragile you think they are when you bring them home from the hospital??  You are scared to pull their onesie over their heads, boy does that change in 15 months.  Ha!  He is becoming such a busy butterfly.  We don't stop all day.  I basically have to beg him to take a nap.  He isn't just walking anymore, now he is running!!  He is a climber, but luckily we can keep that at bay pretty easily.  He likes to be wherever you are but doing whatever he wants to do.  He loves to play with his zoo talker animals.  He loads them up in his truck and pushes them all over the house, and then chews on the ostrich or flamingo heads.  He wants to read approximately 25 books each day.  He has at least 14 teeth.  At the peds office Monday, the doctor said wow, cutting canines already, that is ahead of the curve.  Well, aren't we proud you are ahead of the curve on THAT of all things!!  Ha.  You can certainly tell that he has been cutting teeth, all of his clothes are constantly soaked on the front.  He refuses to wear a bib.  He will pull it off. And, if you try to put one on that doesn't have velcro, he will just try to pull his head off.  He loves destroying lego towers and loves to play with the busy ball popper.  That toy has really held his attention.  At first he hated the sound it made, but now he loves to put his face over the air spot, and blow his hair around.

Helping Mama open her birthday presents

Fun with Tissue

Hard to get him to be still for a picture

After about 20 pictures, this is the best one 

PJ's covered in drool

Blowing his mohawk!!

He is learning more and more every day.  Sometimes I forget what a little sponge he is!  He can sign more, milk, please, thank you, eat, and me.  And, he will try to say most of the words you say.  They aren't always perfect, but they get the point across.  He really likes animal noises.  If you ask him what the cow says, he will say "MMMmmmmmm".  He will also make the lions roar, the dolphin screech, and the orangutan sound from the zoo talkers.  Pretty funny if you ask me.  But, naturally I think he is precious!  Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Lucky Readers

Good morning all!  Three posts in one week, aren't y'all lucky?  Haha!  I think my sinuses are going to be the death of me--no seriously!  Everyone's facebook posts this am are about how warm it is outside, and it feels like spring.  Where do these people live??  Certainly not Memphis.  It is 40 here, that isn't spring, and it was so cool last night we brought Bailey in.  Don't judge me for having an outside dog, you obviously haven't met him.  He is a beagle, so naturally has that hound dog smell, or stinch, whichever term you prefer.  Plus, I already sweep up goldfish everyday, no sense adding dog hair to the mix.  And, as my father-in-law would say, he already has on a coat!  So, I think he will be fine.  I am ready for it to feel like spring here, I am ready to see my bulbs coming up, and plant some new flowers, and watch my porch peach tree bounce back from the winter.  Ready to cut my mum's back, and ready to be outside!  Martin and I were able to sit on the porch swing for about 15 minutes yesterday in the sun and relax and it made me ready for spring time when we can be back outside again.  And, then maybe we can park Martin's new cozy truck in the garage instead of in my living room.  A girl can dream, right?

I've got sausage biscuits sizzling in the oven, and Martin is standing at the oven door watching them cook.  He must know how good Mimi's sausage biscuits are.  He was watching the morning news in his truck, yet again.  I might not can move that truck to the garage.  Haha!!  And, now he is trying to build a tower of books.  Busy Boy!

I didn't make a New Year's Resolution....did you??  No real reason, just didn't.  I do have goals for myself, I always have goals, but I didn't want to peg one down.  I plan to cook more this year.  I got some new pots and pans for Christmas, and am loving them so far, and I plan to exercise more on our new treadmill.  Back to the cooking aspect, since Bryan does 7 on, 7 off....it is hard to make myself cook.  When it is just me that I am cooking for I don't have much motivation.  I can just eat a PB&J, why would I cook?  But, that is silly, because if I cook then I have leftovers that Bryan can take for lunch the next day.  I need to remind myself of that.  I have cooked 3 nights this week, 3 out of 4 ain't bad!  

Gotta go read with Martin, he keeps bringing me stacks of books.  I can take a hint!

Goldfish are Gold!

It's nap time at our house, can you tell??  It's about the only free 15 minutes of my day to do something I enjoy.  And, from the lack of my posting recently, you can't even tell that I enjoy blogging.  We are in a strange phase, I think Martin is close to dropping the morning nap, and opting for one long afternoon nap.  But, in this phase we just fight the morning nap and finally give in about 12:30 and crash for about 45 minutes, making us cranky until we get our nap out during our second nap of the day.  How do people at daycare's get all of those babies to take a nap??  Maybe I should go ask for some pointers!

But since he has been asleep, I decided to start supper and throw it in the crock-pot.  Anyone else love the crock-pot as much as I do??  Today it is cubed steak--laugh all you want, one of my favorite meals, and it doesn't break the bank.  It's easy, all you really have to know how to do is make a roux, and let's face it, if you can't make a roux you should probably not be in the kitchen.  You just have to be very attentive but other than that, no real skill is involved.  I usually make cubed steak in the skillet along with my gravy, and serve immediately, but for some reason that cut of meat tends to be tough, so I thought cooking it low and slow in the crock pot will help.

Want the recipe??  It's groundbreaking!  I simply take the meat and flour both sides and stick in a hot skillet with EVOO.  Before flipping, I pepper each side with cracked black pepper.  You are just browning each side, not cooking thru.  When the meat is browned, place all meat in crockpot.  Here comes the fun part.  Turn your skillet way down medium-low, and add more EVOO-  (or whatever you want: canola oil, butter (not margarine), or whatever your little heart desires) then add about as much flour as you did oil (I used 1/4 cup of both).  This is the roux part.  The key is stirring like crazy, and NOT letting it burn.  You DO want to pick up all of that cooked on beef up--drippings make it extra yummy.  Keep stirring until it starts to dissolve all the flour.  No lumpy gravy here.  Then you want to let it cook a little longer to brown the gravy a bit.  Then add your water, while whisking (1 cup).  Repeat after me....NEVER STOP STIRRING!  Depending on the taste you prefer you could use a gravy packet, but I don't find that is necessary.  I usually toss in a beef bouillon cube to enhance the beef flavor.  Add pepper and salt as desired, BUT don't overdo it on the salt.  Then I poured the gravy over the meat in the crock-pot and turned it on low--will cook about 6 hours.  I will let you know if the meat is more tender!  Yum-o

Martin thinks our goal this week is to read every book he got for Christmas at least 3 times a day.  This is no easy feat, since I am pretty sure he got at least 30.  Kid is obsessed with books.  Our favorites are the Opposites book from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Happy Hippo Angry Duck by Sandra Boynton!  We are still loving destroying any towers built out of legos, and riding around in our truck.  He also gets in his truck to watch TV.  And, carrying around all the animals from the Zoo Talker is also high on our To-Do List each day.  Keeps us busy, and makes the day go by quickly.

That picture is from last week when my parents were here.  My dad won't tell Martin no, so Martin naturally LOVES his Papa John.  There aren't a whole lot of folks that he will actually jump out of my arms for like that.  But, I mean, does your Mama let you stick your whole arm in the goldfish bucket?  Don't think so!!  Hope everyone has a great rest of the week!