Yum, Cake

Happy Birthday Carter

I can't believe my baby is one. I know it's really cliche that everyone says they grow up so fast but the time really does fly by. One year ago today I just kept saying "I can't believe I had a 9 lb baby."

At his checkup today he
Weighed 20 lbs = between the 25th and 50th percentile
30 inches tall = 60th percentile
19 inches around your head = 95th percentile.


I love you Carter. At one you...

...can say
mama
dada
nana (anna)
dawh (dog)
uh ah (instead of uh oh)
and your newest word just a few days ago: bawh (ball)

...love
to take a bath
push anything around, including chairs, toys, the booster seat
put smaller toys inside bigger toys (sorting)
get into every cabinet that doesn't have a lock
to be on your mommy's hip
your binky
to hit things to make loud noises
the nightlight in the outlet in anna's room

...have six teeth, your top front four and your bottom front two. Plus I think you're getting more since you were up for two hours last night which is very unusual

...walk everywhere

...like to eat what everyone else is eating

...throw balls with your left hand - daddy is so excited that you might really turn out to be a left handed pitcher

...go to bed at 7:15 and sleep until about 7 am (except for last night)

...pull your shoes off right after I put them on you

...drool. More than any dog I've ever met. Your shirt is always soaked.

...won't hold still for 10 seconds so I can get a diaper on

...sleep on your tummy with your booty in the air and your hands tucked under your tummy

...pat your hand over your mouth to make indian noises

...won't hold still for me to dress you. It should be an olympic event

...like it when I
Blow raspberries on your tummy
Smell your toes and say PU! you have stinky feet
pretend to eat your toes
tickle your sides
play peak-a-boo around items
chase you and say I'm gonna get you
jump out in front of you and say booga-booga

And more...

You have the cutest giggle
When you smile really big you have dimples
You have peach fuzz for hair
You clap when I sing Patty Cake
You move your arms up and down when I sing Its Bitsy Spider
You like to hear Old MacDonald and sometimes this will make you hold still to get your diaper or clothes on

Random people always comment on your beautiful blue eyes

I miss that you won't fall asleep in my arms when I'm rocking you anymore

I love the way you smell after a bath

I feel like I should
Spend more one-on-one time with you
Read more books to you

Happy First Birthday my Handsome Snuggle Bug. I love you sweet precious baby.

Think Tank

Have you seen the IBM commercial where they're all laying around in a dark room and brainstorming?

I was stuck in that meeting today. From 8 am until 3:45 pm with no more than a 5 minute break.

And they really started at 7:30 but I just couldn't make it there by then. Clearly the people who decided on this time are not full time working mothers with children to get ready in the morning and drop off at daycare and drive from the outskirts of town.

I quickly downed two cups of coffee to try to wake up and not yawn in front of everyone. Carter was up off and on between 1 and 3 am last night so I didn't really feel like I'd slept.

While I was in the meeting today and someone was talking about taking out full page advertisements in major newspaper publications I was reminded again of what I call the "generation gap" in technology. These people are not that much older than me.

I turned to my fellow coworker and asked, when was the last time you picked up a newspaper?
- years.

Ditto for me. I don't read the paper. I don't want to read the paper.

To me, when this last not-entirely-technology-savvy generation finally grows up I think the online space is going to take off even more than it already has. Just like no one buys Encyclopedia Brittanica and you don't look anything up in a Card Catalog at the library, I predict that newspapers will only be delivered to old people and online advertising is going to be more relevant to you, based on what you are subscribed to, your profile, the sites you visit.

When we finally don't have the target audience that are my parents - who read every line of text presented to them on screen and take 20 minutes to checkout on a website - making the decisions about company websites, then this internet thing is really gonna take off.

Overheard in our house

"Please may I want some help."



"Don't shut ME in the fridge, I'm not a snack!"

Love Hurts

I love you Sonar.



I love you Carter.



I love you Tassie.


I love you Anna.


And I love you all. So super cute.

Shopping Success

About $350 worth of clothing for around $140. My best deal was a $52 coat for Carter for $10. Yea!

Coming soon - pics of our Christmas decorating.

MMMM, Sales

So, as a super girly girl who LOVES to shop, I was very excited to see a special announcement in my inbox this morning from Gymboree for an additional 30% off my entire order. See, I also received a special 20% off my entire purchase coupon in the mail this week. PLUS I have gift cards totaling $30 AND I have the Gymboree Visa so I get an additional 5% off. IN ADDITION, to the items that are already on sale, this mean I can get a fleece hoody and pants, super cute here here and here, for a really good deal

Regularly 19.50
on sale for 12.00
add'l 30% 8.40
add'l 20% 6.72
visa 5% 6.38

This is cheaper than Target people. And much better quality.

This is a really good deal. People wonder how I buy so much Gymboree for Anna (their boys lines are not quite as cute) and this is how. Sales people. Watch the sales. Then I stock up. And a lot of times I buy a year in advance. So I would buy some size 3's now, but probably also buy size 4's for next year for her.

Crowds don't bother me too much. Guess where I will be (and yes, braving it with two kids because my parents are out of town and Kevin has to work) at 10 am on Friday morning. Too bad they don't open earlier, not that we could make it anywhere before 10.

Only in Missouri/Kansas

It was 75 degrees yesterday. Right now, it is snowing outside.

Fuh-real.

Blackout

No, I haven't blacked out but I did realize it's been about awhile since I did a post.

So it's been almost a month since the release of Blackout by Britney Spears and as a fan I thought I'd provide my review, song by song.

Gimme More
You know this one by now. It' my ringtone although I plan to upgrade to Toy Soldier when it's available.

Piece of Me
At first this was my least favorite song. But after listening a few times I enjoy this track just for the lyrics. Now if you can get past the fact that most of the lyrics on the album are cheesy.

I’m Mrs. Lifestyles of the rich and famous
(You want a piece of me)
I’m Mrs. Oh my God that Britney’s Shameless
(You want a piece of me)
I’m Mrs. Extra! Extra! this just in
(You want a piece of me)
I’m Mrs. she’s too big now she’s too thin
(You want a piece of me)

But honey, I hate to break it to you, you are not too thin right now.

Radar
A forgettable track.

Break the Ice
One of the top 3 songs on the album. Leaked under the title "Been Awhile" this song reminds me a little bit of Early Mornin' and Showdown from the In The Zone album.

Heaven on Earth
Leaked under the title "Your..." I like this one after the first 20 seconds.

Get Naked (I Got a Plan)
Keep laughing, it's worth a good laugh. The song doesn't live up to it's title. Sorry Best Week Ever, I know you were hoping to use this as your background music. Danja is featured on this track and the beat is pretty good but it's just boring to me.

Freakshow
Skip. Sorry again Best Week Ever.

Toy Soldier
Hands down the best track on the album. It should be her next release, right before the holidays. A hot video complete with sexy toy soldiers doing synchronized dancing is on my Christmas list.

Even though it's super cheesy I find myself ROCKING OUT to this song on my way in to work.

When I shut the door leaving with my bag, hit the scene in my new wagon
Bet he gonna wish he knew the type of fun I'm getting into,
Peek a boo, he good...doing things you wish you could,
He's not talking, he's just walking like them city boys from New York

This time I need a soldier, a really bad ass soldier
That know how to take, take care of me
I'm so damn glad that's over
This time I need a soldier, I'm sick of toy soldiers
(I need ....i'm so sick of...toy soldiers...)
A boy that knows how to take care of me,
Won't be just coming over...


Hot As Ice
Like Piece of Me, I didn't like this one at first, but now I find it kind of catchy.

'Cause I'm (oooh) cold as fire baby, hot as ice
If you've ever been to heaven, this is twice as nice
I'm cold as fire baby, hot as ice
If you've ever been to heaven, this is twice as nice
Break it down, break it down, break it down
Break it down, break it down, break it down

Ooh Ooh Baby
You'll feel dirrrrty singing along. The most hysterical lyrics on the album, but the music is good so you have to listen. And sing along. Without the kids in the car. It's in my top 5 for the album.

The way you smile, the way you taste
You know I have an appetite for sexy things
All you do is look at me, it's a disgrace
What's running through my mind is you,
Up in my face
yeah, yeah

Your voice is like music to my ears,
Whisper softly and the world just disappears
Take me higher and just wipe away my fears,
If you're with me
Oh boy, it's my heart you're gonna hear

Ooh, ooh baby
Touch me and i come alive
I can feel you on my lips
I can feel you deep inside
Ooh, ooh baby
In your arms I finally breathe
Wrap me up in all your love
That's the oxygen I need, yeah

You're fillin me up
You're fillin me up
You're fillin me up
You're fillin me down
You're fillin me up
You're fillin me up with your love

The more you move,
The more I dance
It's like you got me hypnotized
I'm in a trance
Your jersey fits
It's right at home, between my hands
And now I hope you know that I'm
Your biggest fan
yeah, yeah

Perfect Lover
Leaked early under the name this one is worth listening to and also reminds me of the In the Zone style.

Why Should I Be Sad
I think this is a stab at K-Fed, but sorry sweetie, I don't think this one is going to have him crying in his room. Maybe if you didn't show your cha cha to everyone and fail your drug test you could say you were moving on, but K-Fed has taken the high rode on this breakup.

They couldn't believe I did it
But I was so committed
My life was so restricted for you
I just told them set of lies
Couldn't see what's on inside
Thought there'd be real panic for you

Exchanged my vows
And said it all
Woman, let's prepare to fall
Even, screaming did it for you
(Remember it?)

My friends said you would play me
But I just said they're crazy
While I was crying, praying
Was it true?

Well, should I be sad?
Heaven knows
From the stupid freaking things that you do
(Stupid freaking things)
Or should I get bad or sad
Who knows?
Just take it all
As a sign that we're through
Goodbye

It's time for me to move along
(Goodbye)
It's time for me to get it on
(OK)
I'm tired of singing sad songs
(All right)
It's time for me
(Britney, let's go)

I sent you to Vegas
With a pocket roll of paper
Don't put no ultimatiums on you
I thought what could separate us
But it just seemed to break us
Only brought the playa part of you
(Hey baby, what's your name?)

Lavish homes and fancy cars
Even got the drop Ferrari
Filled up our garage for you
Made your choice with all the teams
People let us in magazines
Tell me who'd I do that for, who?


Top 3 Tracks
1. Toy Soldier
2. Break the Ice
3. Ooh Ooh Baby

To Round Out The Top 5
4. Heaven On Earth
5. Piece of Me

Worst 3 Tracks
1. Get Naked (I Got A Plan)
2. Why Should I Be Sad
3. Freakshow

Checkout MTV's review here (I read this AFTER writing my review)

First Family Photo Ever

Officially crossed this item off the to-do list now. I think it's been on there, oh about 3 1/2 years.

And yes, I drove Kevin crazy. I had the outfits for the kids, from babygap. But he and I didn't have anything to wear to be matchy-matchy. So yes, at 8pm the night before I went to the gap and got sweaters for us.

I did it

I had both kids by myself for five days. Kevin was out of town on a hunting trip and my parents were out of town at a bed and breakfast. I did it and I didn't lose my patience. The kids. were. awesome. I had them both in bed at 7:30 tonight. I don't think Anna was in timeout once. Actually Carter had his first timeout this morning for hitting Anna repeatedly after I told him no, but other than that things were great.

AND I've been working on my first home project in four years. I realized I haven't done a home project since before I had kids and we lived in our first house. I thought it would be a nice surprise for Kevin. I hope he likes it. I hope he notices it, before he reads about it here.

I'm painting our bedroom. Wednesday night I taped and moved furniture. And sorted papers. - We have a paper issue. I think admitting it is the first step to recovery - Thursday after Anna and I got our hair done she went to daycare/school where we had dropped Carter off earlier. I then painted one coat over everything in four hours. Friday night I worked on the raised ceiling. Saturday night I did the second coat over the walls. Sunday day removed all the tape and moved the furniture back. Cleaned. I am now getting ready to finish off the raised ceiling. I hope. I hate to have it unfinished when Kevin gets home but I am also tired so we'll see. I hope he likes it.

I ordered a new duvet cover. I got matching lamp shades. The lamp shades came but the duvet cover is apparently on back order so it won't have the full "makeover" effect I was going for but that's ok.

Also Kevin isn't getting back until 11:30 or so tonight and I'll hopefully be asleep so the lights won't be on and he probably won't even be able to tell, other than I think it still smells like paint.

So that's what I've been up to.

I'm watching this show on TLC called john and kate plus 8. They are parents with twin 6 year olds and six three year olds. I'm fascinated with this. It reminds me of a BUNCH of Anna's. The parents took them all to an amusement park. I'm so impressed they can keep track of all of them by themselves and enjoy the experience. They are making me laugh. The parents say things like Kevin and I would say it. "That's poison don't put it in your mouth, you'll die."

So over the past few days here are some quotes from Anna

"Stop helping me."

"I don't need your help."

There were also some funny ones that I can't recall at this moment.

Before and after room pics to come after the duvet cover arrives.

Where Does Santa Live?

Anna: Where does Santa live?

Me: Santa lives at the North Pole.

Anna: But I want to sit on Santa's lap.

Me: Well, we'll have to go to the mall. Santa will be at the mall.

Anna: NO! Santa doesn't go to the mall.

Christmas is Coming

"Mommy when are we going to drive in the snow?"

"When it snows."

Last week she was the weather helper. This week she is the calendar helper. They must talk about how Christmas happens in the winter because it is all Christmas and Santa Claus talk around here. I keep telling her that first we have Ben's birthday, then we have Thanksgiving, then we have Carter's birthday. THEN we have Christmas.

In other news, this weekend I made a trip to Archiver's to pick up some card making supplies for the next Scraptacular scrap party I'm hosting. I have also decided that instead of making the memory book for my grandparents using the Kodak Gallery printed and bound albums that I should do a "hand-made" scrapbook with pages that slide in from the top. Why? Well, I just feel like this genealogy stuff will always be ongoing. And sometimes I'm 90% sure I have the right names and dates but if it's wrong and it's printed and bound, there's no going back. But if it slides in from the top, well then I can change that item or that page and slide it back in. Or insert additional pages, etc.

So while I was there I indulged in lots of black, white, chocolate brown, light blue and red solid Bazzill cardstock (I like them because they are textured) as well as some cute pieces from Deja Views (Click Sharon Ann then Timeless and scroll down).

I still plan to keep it pretty simple and how funny is this - ancestry.com - the site i've been using for genealogy - has scrapbook products. I picked up a few.

And of course I couldn't resist a few products for myself. Those of you who know that I'm obsessed with letters won't be suprised to know I picked up this and how could I resist some stickers that look like these guys.

Nothing like some new product to get motivated!

Dear Baby Jesus

Little minds are like sponges. I know this. It's why I try not to cuss or let Anna watch Cops when Kevin is watching TV. But it sort of hits you when other people have made the impressions in your little one's mind.

All morning yesterday Anna was carrying around this stuffed animal Owl which Kevin's mom gave her last year. She got it when they were in Oregon. It reminds me of an Ewok. Anyway, she kept carrying it around and calling it "baby jesus." It's not unusual for her to carry a baby, usually named Carter or Carson, or sometimes Carson Carter (we have a friend with a baby named Carson) or sometimes Alex (another friend's baby), but "baby jesus" was new.

Two weeks ago my mom had asked if she could take Anna to Sunday School. I thought it was fine since I wasn't really planning on taking her but I would like her to be exposed to different religions. After my mom took her I asked her how it went. Turns out they don't have Sunday School for Anna's age at my parents church, it was just babysitting or something.

At daycare, she has learned a few prayers and songs like God is great God is good let us thank him for our food. Ahhh men. and some song that ends in "for the sun and the rain and the apple seeds, the lord is good to me." And occassionally she says/sings these things at home. I think it is a little inappropriate to teach these at daycare, but I figure there are worse things she could be learning. I have wondered how other parents in the room feel about it, especially if they are jewish or muslim, etc.

But the "baby jesus" thing was a little much. Especially when she wanted to bring jesus to lunch with us (to meet my mom) but I was like, whatever. I kept trying not to laugh because all I could replay in my head was the Talladega Nights scene when they pray to "dear baby jesus."

She asked me where jesus stayed and I told her in a manger. She asked me who jesus mom was and I told her Mary. She asked me who jesus grandma was and I was stumped. I told her to ask grandma.

When you're little you just believe what people tell you. And even growing up I thing this is true. You learn your political beliefs and religious beliefs and all kinds of nuances about life and people just from how your parents handled it or said what they believed. When you're young you just think your parents are right. End of story. Or at least I did. Until I learned to question that later or realize, you know, my parents actually don't know it all. It sort of happens when you realize your parents are just people too.

She hasn't mentioned it once today so maybe she's over it.

But really I wish everyone else would let me teach my child what to think about jesus. And really I think it's something you have to learn when you're older and make your own decisions.

If I tried to explain now that mommy and daddy don't pray to jesus, etc. I just don't think she would understand what I was trying to say. And I already answer enough "why" questions that aren't even hard.

Would you believe...

That someone in our neighborhood put up their Christmas decorations yesterday? Um, three days ago it was Halloween.

Happy Halloween

Tassie's Ready

(overheard while we were out: "oh look, a construction dog.")

Dragonfly and Butterfly are Ready

And We're Off...


Both of these costumes are from babystyle. I got the Butterfly one two years ago after Halloween, I think it was on sale for $2, no kidding. The Dragonfly costume I got on sale for $15, looks like they have it for $10 now. It's great to buy now for next year, good deals.

OMG - this one is so funny and only $5