Danny's First Sledding Adventure!

He was too stinking cute! He loved every minute of it. Attached are the pictures...look at those dimples.

Angela Grace

A woman I don't know, but is a friend of friend type of thing, lost a little girl, Angela Grace, after being full-term, she experienced delivery complications. The mother also had complications, and it is a blessing she is still here. Angela was delivered on Thanksgiving, and went back to God yesterday. My heart just aches for her. This was her first child. How do you get past this? How do you move forward? We had a lot of reasons to be hopeful for a healthy pregnancy after our Angela Felicity. Enough that we were able to stay positive. I had milestones to work with. Test results, ultrasounds, and even getting past the 22-week and 6-day mark. But how do you have hope when you've had a full-term pregnancy, and that despite being a complication free pregnancy, complications occur during delivery? I know God has his own plans, and that we have to trust Him and have faith. That is not going to be easy for Angela's parents, whose world just fell down around them.

Please pray for baby Angela, and her parents. For coming to peace with God over this experience, and for a healthy physical recovery for the mother, and an emotional recovery for both parents, and the family and friends who are also grieving.

Christmas Spirit...

In awe and wonder.

At night, when I'm putting Danny to bed, I am still fascinated by how much I love him. To the point that sometimes it physically hurts my heart, but in the best way possible. And I still get teary eyed when I sit and stare in complete awe at this little person in my arms.

Then I wonder how many times he has heard me say "I love you" or if it would even be possible to count the number of kisses I've given him.

Putting him to bed is such a nice quiet time. It is the only time he snuggles. He curls right in for his bedtime bottle, and then slowly falls asleep. I love listening to the change in his breathing. From the quickness of chasing him into pajamas and getting him ready for bed, to the utter and complete relaxation by the time I put him in his crib.

It is such a privilege to squeeze him everyday and just love something so completely and unconditionally.

Rants & Raves

I am behind on birthday gifts. My sisters in July (there's a good reason...), the twins in September, and Brendan's from early November. Fortunately, I have them all...they just need to be distributed...before I get behind again.

I don't talk to my friends enough on the phone. I live in a basement that does not have reception. This means, that the extent of my phone calls is limited mostly to my drives to and from work (about 15-min each way). Especially for those friends that are not local and I need my cellphone plan for the long distance.

I don't care who you are, do not, under any circumstance, talk to my son while he is in his highchair and remotely interested in food. I know I joke that he's my little chubster, but the kid does not eat. To the point that his daycare comments on it! And if he is mildly interested in his food, and you distract him, just know that in my head, you've been tackled and beaten to a pulp.

I love that Danny dances. He wiggles to his favorite Baby Einstein songs and gets so excited at some of the images. Baby Galileo is his favorite DVD.

For anyone out there that thought that Baby Einstein would make your kids smarter and are on the bandwagon of getting money back for your DVD's...you're an idiot. And while I don't think Baby Einstein will make Danny a candidate for Mensa, I do know that it captivates his attention and watching a video about words, numbers, and animals isn't going to make him any less intelligent.

One of my favorite routines with him is before and after his bath, we listen to music (Q104 of course). He really gets a kick out of this...and we dance, and I'm sure I look like a goofball, but his smiles are the best.

When I'm really tired, in the middle of the night, I have a horrible habit of waking Dave up. Either by sitting straight up like a rocket and talking to him, only to go "never mind" and fall back asleep, or last night, I grabbed his face. At least I said sorry. Good thing I did...because he seemed kind of mad about it! Of course, I never remember doing this until he tells me in the morning, and then I can't stop laughing. About two months ago, I woke up convinced there was a giant white boa constrictor on his dresser, and even though I realized I was dreaming and said "never mind", he still made me look under the bed with a flashlight. Have I ever mentioned how much he doesn't like snakes?

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Family, food and fun...that doesn't involve finding the "perfect gift".

I'm ready to sell my dog on eBay. I love him to death, but he is under our feet in the kitchen ALL THE TIME.

Dave's mom might be the smallest and most petite person on earth, but she sounds like an elephant when she goes up and down stairs or walks in the kitchen. This is especially noticeable at night. Thank goodness I can tease her about it :)

Lots of things annoy me.

I don't like poker. I don't get the hype and I just don't think it's fun.

I don't like the TV on while eating dinner. I think this is one of those rules my mom had that I thought was annoying, but I totally get it now.

I love my job. It stresses me out and makes me go all "banana hannah" sometimes, but I figure that's got to better then being bored and hating my job. Who knew Office Supplies and Copiers would be so fulfilling?

Sometimes I'm surprised I'm not on blood pressure medication. Counting my blessings that it's always good whenever it's checked. According to my husband, I can afford to "take it down a notch". If this isn't the pot calling the kettle black, then I don't know what is. Get in a car with him for 10-minutes and we'll see who needs to take a chill pill.

I'm still waiting for "Bridget" arms. Where are they? I've been lugging this little boy around for 14-months, and I still have flabby bat wings. If you don't know Bridget, she had Michelle Obama arms before you even knew who Michelle Obama was. And I'm jealous. "Bridget arms" define perfection.

More to come....

Flu Shots = Sleepless Nights = Unbelievable Love

Have I ever mentioned what a ROCK STAR my son is when it comes to getting ANY shots? He is so good. Most times, he barely makes a peep. Even at his 1-year appointment when he received 4-shots, only two big crocodile tears welled up in his eyes, and that was that.

We always make his well check appointments for late Friday afternoons or first thing Saturday mornings. This keeps him from being fussy at daycare the following day. I love the girls that take care of him, and even though he's generally good after shots, you just never know.

Back in October he received his regular flu shot on a Saturday. He was fine the rest of the day, and then OK Saturday night. But Sunday night into Monday, he was awful. He went down just fine, and then he woke up in the middle of the night. He would only sleep if I held him, and he would not go back into his crib.

I've never been an advocate for letting Danny cry it out. I just couldn't do it. As he's gotten older, and I know his signals, there are times when I'll let him cry for 5-minutes, and then he'll be sound asleep. If he's still crying, I'll go in and get him. Some people might call me a sucker. I'm inclined to believe that among the worst pains in my life, hearing Danny cry for us, hurts my heart above all else.

Well, back in October, if I would have let him go for 5-minutes, the WHOLE house would have been up. Let's not forget we live with Dave's parents, and that his grandma lives here too...so there are a lot of other people to consider.

We made it through the night, but on the condition that I held him mostly by walking around. He would snore. But at the first attempt to sit, he would start to cry. I couldn't even think of putting him back to bed. Needless to say, I stopped and got myself a HUGE Diet Coke on my way into work.

Danny received the H1N1 shot on Thursday after work. His pediatrician had the shot, and that was when they could get us in. So, we jumped at the chance.

Thursday night he was good. Friday during the day he was OK at school. Last night, not so much. He woke up around 12:30, and it was an immediate holler. After a diaper change (he was wet), and a warm bottle, I thought we would be good to go. I had forgotten about October's flu shot sleeping fiasco.

Until it replayed last night.

I sat with him for 30-minutes in my arms while he snored. Only to put him back into his crib and have him MELT DOWN. We did this all night. We moved from the glider in his room, to the couch, to the floor of his room, to my bed, back to the glider, and to the couch again. He would sleep laying on me. And snore. But the few times I attempted to put him back into his bed, MELT DOWN CITY.

Dave tried to help. At one point I handed Danny to him, and he was all but apoplectic. If Danny was going to sleep, it was going to be ON ME. And that meant we were walking, laying, sitting, or swaying...we were trying our best.

And even though he was in a deep sleep, if he heard Dave coming to check on us, he woke up and freaked out. When I was able to get him to sleep ON ME in my bed, I thought I was in heaven...until he stretched his arm, hit Dave and MELTED again.

This is so out of character. And it has only happened twice. Both times, it was the second night after a flu shot. I'm really looking forward to his second dose in December. Yes, the week of Christmas.

Finally, at 7:15, I threw the towel in and gave him to Dave so I could jump in the shower before the day started. By the time I got out, the lights in the basement were on. Danny was running around with a giant smile and gave me huge hugs like the marathon sleeping event had never happened. Part of me wanted to scream, "SERIOUSLY???!!!". But this time, I melted. So cheesy, I know...but have you seen those dimples?

He is the light of our lives. And even though I'm really tired (and going to bed right after I finish this), there is no better feeling in the world then knowing that when all he really wanted was to be held so he could sleep, we were there to hold him. Those opportunities are going to be gone someday, so I am grabbing at every chance I can.

Life doesn't get better then that.

Now, say a prayer that we don't have a repeat tonight....

Babies...Babies...Babies...

The past few weeks have been a flurry of good news. Two of my cousins have had babies. Welcome to the world Abigail Rose and Ryker Joseph. We are so happy that you have joined our goofy family. This year, there will be four, yes I said 4 babies, under the age of 6-months at the Annual Cousin Christmas Party. What a blessing.

Several of my friends are due to have babies as well. Jen, my coworker, at this point, I am just waiting for the call. Every day I pull in and I'm looking to find her car. She is due in less then two-weeks. I can hardly stand it. She is quite possibly the cutest pregnant person I have ever met.

Karen, well, she is equally adorable and is due to have her Christmas miracle...well, on Christmas. Karen is a friend that I met online after we lost Angela. Coincidentally, she lives in Cleveland, and we work for the same company. Karen had been pregnant with "hyphen", but miscarried. She was due to have a baby on July 17, 2007. Same day as Angela's birthday. Our friendship was meant to be. Last year, Karen lost another pregnancy right around Christmas. This year, she is due to have a little girl on Christmas. That's why she is a Christmas miracle.

Gretchen is due with baby number two in April. She is such a dear friend of mine, there are just no words to describe the happiness I felt when I found out her good news.

Megan just announced she is due to have a baby in June. How awesome to have two in two!

And I have a secret friend out there who is also due....but I don't know when. She's still a secret.

All of these babies. All of these blessings. There is nothing that brings a bigger smile to my face then the announcement of a new pregnancy. Honestly, I usually cry because I am just so over joyed with happiness for my friend and their husband.

So here I have this growing list of friends and babies to pray for. Please keep them all in your thoughts for safe and healthy pregnancies, deliveries, and a lifetime of good health and happiness. Nothing has become more important to me that this.

And of course, people ask me CONSTANTLY about our next little one. We definitely plan to expand our family. Just not yet. Let me move into our new place for a while...and settle...before I shake it all up again!

Melting Down and Warming Up

Danny is developing quite a personality. It seems like a switch was flipped as soon as he learned how to walk. Now, if you pick him up against his wishes, he thrashes until I set him down again. Usually this occurs when I'm removing him from the bathroom (loves to lift the toiletseat), or when I catch him as he is running right past the stairs to the basement. The super steep stairs that don't have a gate. This also happens a lot when we're out at the house. Sometimes I can let him walk around, other times, I can't because of the debris lying on the floor.

I'm sure my future neighbors think I'm a great mom while they watch me throw him under my arm, like I'm carrying a rolled up carpet, and walk him down the driveway. A driveway he would like to walk down himself, but can't yet because it's too steep, and he tips forward. So I figure the under the arm is better then a trip to the ER.

There are so many things I'm learning. It's like a continuous course in patience. Meal times are getting better. I've learned that by only putting one thing down at a time, I have better chances of him eating. If I really want him to eat the chicken, I need to start there...and that's when I have the most success. Other times, he'll be eating right along, and then decide he's done with that menu item and just spit it of his mouth. Visualize mashed potatoes being oozed out. He has the ability to make that face and discard food that way with just about everything.

He eats a lot of cut up tomatoes, pears, applesauce, goldfish, cheerios, and now one prune a day. I'm sure an explanation for the prunes isn't required. He is a huge milk drinker. To the point that sometimes I have to "trick" him, and give him half milk and half water. It might sound mean to anyone else, but warmed up, it does the trick! If it were up to Danny, he would drink about 64-ounces of milk a day. And that ladies and gentleman, contributed to the prunes!

So, it's milk or water, but no juice. We tried to slip him some apple juice a few weeks ago when we were having "issues", but you would have thought he was drinking battery acid. So even though I'm of the frame of mind that juice is not necessary because it's full of sugar and will rot his teeth, he won't drink it anyway.

I've enjoyed one full out temper tantrum. It occurred on Monday. I was taking him to the park and carried him upstairs (rolled up carpet style) with an empty sippy cup. He was freaking out for the sippy cup, and tried to drink it...even though it was empty. So, I took it from him to put water in the cup, and holy $hit, did all hell break loose! He was all but apoplectic! I had to lay him down on the tile kitchen floor because I was afraid he was going to give himself a concussion. I mean this kid was screaming and crying and giant tears! The biggest, saddest tears I've ever seen. I was kind of in awe by the display. Then grateful I was at home and not in public. Then really grateful only I was home. This was a scene meant for Jerry Springer...not Susie Shafer. I am very much aware that this is just a taste of what's to come.

With all of that said (or written), the absolutely most frustrating meltdown is when Danny is so tired and is crying to be held , so I pick him up, and then he thrashes and cries to get out of my arms...only to get more hysterical once I set him down, so then I pick him up again. Lather, Rinse and Repeat. In these moments, I thank God for my patience, because before Danny, I would not have been able to handle this gracefully. Although, I'm not sure how graceful I handle it now. Maybe the grace is that we're all still in one piece?

With all of the above, I must add some positive highlights.

He loves music. He watched an Elmo sing along last week, and danced and bopped around, and clapped his hands, and was so excited. I about melted. I was almost more fascinated with the fact that the DVD looked like it was filmed in the 70's. Crazy.

He has learned to give kisses. Sometimes this is an all out open mouth wet kiss...and other times it's a lean forwad and bop his face towards yours. Kisses are the best though. Until it turns in to a wet kiss and biting of the nose. Watch out for this. I sometimes get so caught up in the warm and fuzzy of the kiss, that before I know it, he's teething on my nose.

And last, I will sign off with another heart warmer. Danny loves his walks in the red car. Most of the time, Dave and I are holding hands, and I'm pushing Danny. Well, a couple of weeks ago, Danny saw us holding hands...and immediately lifted his hand up to Dave's to hold while walking. So, I'm pushing the car, and Danny and Dave are holding hands. Danny just looks at Dave the whole time. And of course, I'm trying not to cry because it's just the sweetest thing I've ever seen.

This is what gives me the patience during the meltdown.

Some New Pics of Danny

It's been a while since I've posted a few of Danny. This morning he woke up with bed head the resembled a Rooster/Mohawk.

From Danny October 2009

From Danny October 2009

From Danny October 2009

That's Life

We have been busy the last few weekends and during the week. Danny, the house, work, weekends, birthdays, and more. I keep thinking everything will slow down...but it doesn't. And our lives are no different then everyone elses.

Danny is so busy. He is not a cuddler. Unless he's really sick...and I mean like really sick. And being a limp noodle doesn't count. He is always on the go. No relaxing for him. No snuggle time in the morning when he wakes up. No pause during the day to just chill and relax with me or Dave and watch a cartoon. Nothing. He'll sit for about two seconds. Then he'll want to get down, then back up, then down, back up...and the game of playing continues. And he doesn't like when you're out of his site. This makes trying to get some chores done difficult.

This week he transferred from the infant nursery to the toddler nursery. He is getting to be such a big boy! They said that he LOVES being in the gym and just runs around. Next week it will be full time. This week, it was just a few hours a day. We are both sad to see him leave the girls in the infant room. He loves them and so do we. We are hoping we have as good of luck in the next room.

Not a super exciting post today. We're all a little tired around here getting over colds and coughs. Ugh.

Happy Fall!

Sweet Rosemary

My Aunt Rosemary passed away on Saturday, September 26th. This has been a deep sadness. She was a wonderful woman, and my heart aches. But today I would like to share a poem that my niece Sarah Sherman wrote. Sarah is a talented writer, and I was blown away by the beauty and tenderness she captured with her words. Without further adieu,

Sweet Rosemary

Some people deal with death, by throwing their hearts at walls
Sobbing through the pain, laughing away the sorrow
Or by becoming a hollow shell of their former selves

By trying to forget the memories shared, but not lost
Some remember and don't let go
By building walls and letting no one else inside their boundaries, their misery...
By surrounding themselves in joy, By wearing black
Or by fighting off paper tigers, threatening, but harmless

To the stranger of this loss we now share
These mechanisms of coping seem weak and dangerous

But the only way to heal is to know and feel all of our pain
Letting it rush into our bodies, weak from the struggle
Of countless times we've seen her in agony, unable to do anything about it
And we tell the pain to do its worst
So we can begin to face our life somehow without
the lost wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend... Sweet Rosemary

In beginning to slowly and painfully heal
By realizing that her life is not over and will never be forgotten,
Captured in the tears of her sisters,
Or in the laughter of the stories her friends share,
By the twinkle in her husband's eyes when he sees
the smiles her children wear that radiate.... Sweet Rosemary

By the way her mother and father meet her in the sky
And hold her saying, "Welcome home."
And we know this is why her grandchildren look to the heavens
And swear they just they just saw their grandmother looking back

By being imprinted in the sweet memories of everyone here
She will live on until we see her smiling face again
Her body cradled in the glittering, soft clouds
Shining in triumph from a life well lived, well loved, and well served
In the heavens we will smile when we see her arms held wide open for us
Not soon, but in time

And we will embrace her and say
Sweet Rosemary...

Saturday, September 26, 2009
Sarah Sherman

Such a Great Weekend

We had such a busy weekend! So much fun.

Friday night...Olive Garden "Never Ending Pasta Bowl". Seriously? How would this NOT be the best way to kick off the weekend? The Olive Garden might be my most favorie restraunt on Earth. Always has been. Always will be. YUMMY.

Saturday, we ran some errands for the house in the morning. Then I took Danny up to the North Chagrin Reservation for Monarch Madness. What a fun time. Jodi and kids joined us, and the kids had a ball. Danny touched a butterfly and Noelle and Noah put them on their noses! It was so fun to watch Danny's little face react to everything. We enjoyed some music and walked around looking for frogs and turtles. And we found some!



Saturday evening, we went to the Corn Festival in Willoughby Hills. I wish we had gone up there a little earlier to see more of the festivities...but none the less, we had a great time. Danny sat on the edge of his seat. He loves crowds. He is so busy looking at everyone and everything. A firework went off signaling that fireworks would start soon, and he didn't even flintch. Meanwhile, I jumped about 10-feet in the air. We headed home shortly before the fireworks started. Although he did great with one boom, I wasn't going to jinx it.



Sunday, we started the day off with the annual Walk To Remember. This year was another big hit! We had lots of family to join us, and the kids had a good time (I think). It's amazing how far we've come in the three years we've done the walk. In 2007, our loss was very new, and participating in the walk gave me hope that we would be one of the couples someday remembering our loss, while walking with a little one. In 2008, I was 9-months pregnant. Danny was born less then 2-weeks later. And this year, Danny was with us. He was spoiled by his Aunts, Cousins and Grandmas who took turns carrying him for the one-mile walk. He fell asleep on the twins. So sweet.




After the walk, we went to visit my Aunt Rosie at the Cleveland Clinic. I am hoping that seeing Danny brought her a little bit of joy. She is amazing. Such an unbreakable spirit. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she battles cancer.

All About the Devil in Disguise

Wow. Where is the time going? Danny had a long week last week. He had a case of some belly bug that appears to have taken a toll on him and a few of his "classmates" in day-care. Hopefully, whatever virus they had has said good-bye to the infant room.

His little bootie has never been so red and sore. And I think it may have been harder on me then on him. He is a champ when it comes to falling down, knocking his head, getting his shots, etc. But this was a doozie. And his pain made him shake which in turn made me cry. I can only hope (sigh) that a bad diaper rash/belly bug is the worst of it.

Speaking of his bootie...we are seeing it more and more lately! He has a tendency to show it off when he should be laying down to have his diaper changed. Ahh...the diaper changing routine. I have now learned to master the art of putting a diaper on a standing child that looks like he is being frisked! He puts his hands on the wall, and I have to somehow manage to keep him from falling off the table, while keeping an arm around his waist for balance, and then using my third arm to put the diaper on. Wow. I actually break out in a sweat sometimes! (guess I'm out of shape!). Last week, this was extra challenging as he had two different types of bootie creams that needed to be applied!

Danny does not stay still....EVER! I was out of town for part of the weekend, and David would keep me in the loop by sending a few pictures to my phone...he was always on the go! When I got home on Sunday night at 7:00pm...Dave said "he's yours!". And he was. And I ate him up...after he got a bath. Then we did the stair routine. We try to burn some energy with him...so we let him climb the stairs a few times a day...in a row...to tire him out. He goes up...then we start all over again.

And he's loud. He talks...A LOT. Not much unlike his mom. I just hope he never has Ms. Daily for third grade. If so, he'll have lots of check marks after his name....

Stacking cups are a big hit. He loves to clank them together. His grandma gives him metal measuring cups...and boy does he have a blast with that. And spatulas. And spoons. And he's fearless. He goes after Freddy (our 120 pound dog) constantly. He chases him. Freddy is only interested in Danny when he's in the high chair and throwing food over the side. Otherwise, Danny just annoys Freddy. And because Fred is almost 10, we are aware that Danny might REALLY annoy Freddy, so we stay right on top of that. Otherwise...Danny is off like a dog after a rabbit.

Food. We are trying to figure out this food thing. For being a chub-a-lub, he really doesn't enjoy meal times. He will eat a few bites of something, and then the game is to spit it out. Frozen cut up bananas are always a hit though. Maybe he really is a monkey? I need to look up the book by Seinfeld's wife...that has creative ways to feed kids healthy foods. I don't think Cheerio's and Puffs are going to give him everything he needs.

We are working on cutting the pacifier out. We went cold turkey a few weeks ago, no problem. We had a mild set back when he was sick, but we are back to no pacifier. The goal is to wean him off prior to his first birthday...which is in 20-days!!!

My little man is going to be ONE in less then three weeks! What an amazing year it has been. We are having so much fun and still enjoying all of it (or at least 99.999999999999%).

I will try to add some pictures soon. He is growing so fast, and his hair is curling in the back. He still only has two teeth, but his uppers are starting to push through. And he is so close to walking. He will stand there like King $hit, smile, then take a few steps and fall. Thank goodness for diapers!

I would do anything...

if it made Danny feel better. He has a bad stomach bug which is giving him the poops. And his bootie is sore. I mean really sore. And he cringes when I wipe him with a cool cloth. No baby wipes. Lots of diaper rash cream. Baking soda baths. Poor little person. Breaks my heart. He's home from school until he's better. The doctor said to "quarantine" him to keep him from passing the bug. Hopefully it will get out of his system soon.

Family Filled Weekend!

Wow. 80-people!

This weekend we had our first (and I say first, in hopes there are more)...Siegwarth Family Reunion / Aunt Peggy's 70th Birthday!

My mom is one of four sisters (Siegwarth's). All four sisters had four kids. That's 16-grandchildren. Plus 3-bonus cousins from a second marriage. Take that and add about a zillion kids, and you have 80-family members at a weekend celebration.

Such a good time was had by everyone! I found out two cousins are expecting...sisters by marriage, and they are due about two-weeks apart! How awesome! Keep them in your thoughts and prayers for a happy and healthy pregnancy.

I am hoping for some cousins to send some pictures my way! Danny is at an age where he is go..go..go..without a break. So, this weekend, once I saw that there were several cousins with their pocket cameras and super fancy photo lense cameras, I threw in the towel and kept mine in the car!

I hope everyone has safe travels back to their homes all over the country including California, Colorado, Illinois, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Southern Ohio...and I'm sure I'm missing a few more spots!

Happiness

Sometimes I just want to eat him.

A Pictorial of Sorts...Danny's First Baseball Game

Leaving the game, I realized I hadn't taken any pictures...So I snapped a few in the parking lot.
Danny is so tired, he can barely keep his eyes open! Here he's thinking, "Seriously lady? All I want is a bottle and a bed!"

Yup. In just a matter of seconds, he was out cold!

Then it was time for jammies and a diaper change! Do you see the Red Devil in his eyes? He is trying to get away from me here! (Also a nice shot of Danny's temporary room...storage/nursery!)

Wide awake...AGAIN! To keep up with the theme of the evening, I put him in his baseball jammies! So stinking cute. He was asleep less then five minutes after this was taken.

Off Day

We all slept in today, which was really nice. However, the different schedule threw Danny off completely. These loaded in the reverse order...but here are some good pics.

Danny catching bugs...
He's like a raccoon!
Intersting...tennis balls!
This morning he was full of piss & vinegar! Loving his walking toy...
He is so excited here he can hardly stand it....literally!

Finally --- Zoo Pictures

Most of the pictures are of Danny looking at fish. But given his age, that was all that really captured his attention. He may have enjoyed the seals because they're loud, but the weather was unforgiving, and we left before we saw much.

Happy Birthday

For Angela's 2nd Birthday in Remembrance, we went to the Zoo. The weather was pretty much a DISASTER, but we managed to make the most of the day.

David and I didn't get a family picture on our Anniversary, so we (ie. I) opted for one on Angela's birthday. Danny was less then excited (in his fruit strpe PJ's) as it was time for bed.

This is his "bull" face, where he puckers his lips and snorts. He also looks like he has a wig on.

Zoo pictures to come!

House Slide Show

Overwhelmed.

That is a good word to describe how I feel lately.

Busy at home. Busy at work. Busy...Busy...Busy. Really, no different then anyone else in the world, but right now just seems like the perfect storm of all things busy.

The house is coming along fantastically! Everyday, they do more...which is marvelous. This usually requires a trip out there after work though to see the progress. And that takes time. Which needs to be coordinated with Danny's "after school" nap. Which is not always predictable. Especially with his teeth. The damn teeth. Oy Vey! It's a tap dance really.

Right now, he is getting spoiled by eating cold fruit. A LOT. Which does not make giving him "regular" food easy (or changing diapers pleasant). He is trying table food though. Tonight he had some mashed potatoes (loved them) and over the weekend he had some real mac n' cheese, and a bit of scrambled egg. Oh, and some watermelon that scared the crap out of me on when I changed his diaper! Not what I was expecting to see. At his 9-month appointment on June 27th, our doctor said it was time to give him table food. To start experimenting. What a treat. His face is great. I really enjoy watching him try something new. Cheerios are a big hit. He dabbles in American cheese. But he really seems to enjoy watermelon. My Dad loves watermelon and so does Dave's Mom, so we may have a junkie on our hands.

At his appointment he was in the 50th percentile for weight, which I think shocked everyone (including his doctor) because we always call him Sir Chub A Lot. He was 90th percentile for height, so the doc said his height/weight ratio was great. He took his shot like a champ. I mean, he really does take after me in that department. One of the few good traits I passed on to him.

In our spare time, we are picking out plumbing. Sinks and Faucets. So many decisions. Plus, I'm married to someone, God love him, who is not decisive at making decisions. Maybe I'm too flexible. I don't know. But picking faucets for the kitchen sink and bar sink, well, I'm embarrassed to say how long it took. I'll just sum it up with...FOREVER.

I love the sink we picked though. It's spectacular! It was love at first sight for me. I'll add a picture.

Over the weekend we made some progress in the granite department. I *think* we may have found our kitchen counter. Before we can make that decision though...we need to look at cabinets, and try to tie everything in together.

And work. Let me give you the up shot about work. It's fantastic. I love my job. I really do. But I feel like I'm so busy right now, and since I don't have the time in the evenings to supplement my workday, I feel like nothing is getting 100% of my time, and that is stressful. I pride myself in my job, but at the end of the day, with all that I have going on, I just have to check it at the door. That is hard and really does give me anxiety.

All of these wonderful things all at once. Danny is number one, and then mix the rest in with the moving, building, and working and I feel like I'm not giving 100% to anything.

I think about friends all the time. Play lots of phone tag. Haven't read the book for book club that is tomorrow night because I never made it the library on time to pick up the book! And I heard it was good, so when it comes in (for the second time), I'll pick it up and read it.

I think about the thank you notes I haven't sent (Katie for the picture frame and having us for a cook out, Noreen for having us for dinner and giving us some toys and books, Michael for letting my Father In Law park in your driveway during the Senior PGA Open, and I'm sure there's more).

I haven't sent birthday cards, or anniversary cards (Happy 1st Anniversary Kristy! I thought of you yesterday!), or even hello, I'm thinking about you and your pregnancy to Kimmy, Kristy, and Bethy. Three of my cousins due to have babies in August, September and October.

Not to mention that Jodi & Mark had a healthy baby boy on Saturday, June 27th! His name is Nicholas Alexander and he weighed in at 7lbs 12 oz. What a blessing! He is 9-months TO THE DAY from Danny, and I am thrilled that they will be classmates together in Kirtland. How special to have cousins in class together. He is a gorgeous addition to their family! Above all else, we are grateful that he arrived safe and sound, and that Momma is doing fantastic too.

What it comes down to though, is that I have a full life. I am lucky to have so much, and I need to remember that. But making time for my friends is very important to me, and it hurts that I haven't. So I am going to work on that.

This is July. So in addition to all of the above, I am sad.

July is a hard month for me. July puts me in rewind. And that makes my heart ache. So I fade in and out. I try to stop myself with the "2-years ago today..." thoughts in terms of what was going with my pregnancy. But I can't help it. I'm not sure I ever will. And that's ok too. Because really, 2-years ago we were so happy to have gotten the wonderful news that our amnio came back perfect and that we had a healthy baby girl after such a scary ultrasound. And we were celebrating. As hard as it hurts, I always think about all the love we have for Angela. And that is nothing to be sad about.

This year, we are going to celebrate Angela's birthday by taking Danny to the Zoo. His first time there. My first time there in years. It will be a nice day day together as a family. Cleveland Weather gods, please give us a beautiful day.

Yesterday, we were playing with Danny on the grass...and he was just grabbing at the sky and smiling. I said to Dave that Angela was playing tricks on him, and he agreed. I mean, truly, his face was angelic and he was smiling so big and sweetly, and trying to grab something...but nothing was there. Those are the moments I know she is with us.

We Have The Beginning of Walls!

Link to build pictures

Cutie Baby

It's not often that I'm in the picture with Danny. Here's one from the weekend. It's a great reflection that I need to get my hair highlighted and spend a little more time in the sun...I think I'm whiter then my shirt! Otherwise, it's a cutie...and I'm loving my baby!

*After reviewing this photo, I look like a cast member of the HBO show, True Blood. Awesome.

Some Cute Pics

If you can click on this last picture so that it is larger, you will see Danny's big smile. It's like he thinks we're playing hide and seek.

Tick...Tick...Tick...

One month. In one month it will be two-years. TWO YEARS. Two years will have passed since we said hello and good-bye. I can hardly believe it. But I can believe it.

Sometimes I still can't believe that this even happened at all.

I often think about Angela and the impact she had on our lives. I mean, for a little angel that spent such a short time with us, she changed the course of our lives forever. Not only because of Danny, but because of what she taught us.

Sherman Family Camping 2009

We had a great time last weekend camping with the family. Danny had such a good time with his cousins. He must have thought he was King Shit by all the love and attention he received. He had a blast and enjoyed all of the squeezes.

Sweet Little Angel

This mini-yellow rose bush was sent to us by my cousins Mark & Maura after we lost Angela. It was actually part of a set of three, but this was the only one that made it. I think I over watered them. Anyhow, we planted this at our house because we wanted to keep it and remember. For Christmas 2007, my parents gave us the statue of the the Angel as another way to remember Angela. I've always kept them together. When we sold our house, we included in the contract, that we would be bringing our mini-yellow rose bush with us. And there "she" is, in full bloom, and thriving almost two-years later. We're not going to plant her again until we move into our new home. But I am looking forward to having a special garden where this little rose bush and special statue will reside. I look at this and smile. So peaceful and so sweet. I look forward to sharing this with Danny.

What's New...

We've been down and out with another round of colds and sinus infections. I was at the doctor today, and Dave is going tomorrow. Not only is daycare affecting Danny, we're taking a hit too. Fortunately, I've been armed with antibiotics and some allergy medicine, and I'm looking forward to feeling better. Hopefully, our immune system is building up so that when our next baby is in daycare, we won't get hit as hard. If it was physically possible to remove my sinus cavity and nose, it would have been done weeks ago.

I have a few new pictures of Danny. He is just moving and shaking these days. Still no teeth! Can you believe it? He's almost 36-weeks (or 8+ months) and he doesn't have teeth! You can see where they are red and swollen, but no white yet.

Mealtime is still a chore. It is an hour minimum. I almost have to starve him to get him to eat (ok. take one look at my kid and you know he's not starving). I wait as long as I can to feed him. This seems to make dinner go by a little quicker. He's a trickster though. He will open his mouth for a puff....but not so much for his veggies. I know when he's playing me. Not only will he budge for the puffs, but when I give him his bottle for a sip, he's ready to chug like a college kid at a keg party. He does have a few dinner favorites. Vegetable Risotto with cheese, Macaroni and cheese, and even turkey. Oh, and he loves bananas.

Last weekend we had another big milestone. Danny can officially put a puff in his mouth by himself. But only with his right hand. When he tries with his left, he squeezes it, turns his wrist the wrong way and ends up dropping it in his lap. Does this mean he's a righty? I for sure that he was going to be a lefty like his Dad was "supposed" to be (ask him about it some time...it's a good story).

He's almost holding his bottle by himself to. More so at night for his last feeding. He is not interested in the sippy cup at all. He thinks that the sippy part is perfect for teething though. We keep trying.

He's *almost* crawling. He army crawls, which is hilarious because he only uses the right side of his body (I think), and the other side is like a limp noodle.

He's been an excellent sleeper too. Of course, I've probably just jinxed this, but we've actually had to wake him up a few times...of course this is only during the week when we have zero opportunity to sleep in.

And he still loves his bath. He could sit there all day and splash. And honestly, I would let him if I didn't think he'd shrivel up into a prune. Last weekend, he surprised himself in the tub when he found his "bits". His face was priceless, he looked at me like, "huh", then continued splashing.

The house is coming along. Here is a link that I will just continue to add pictures to. I add the date to the bottom so that I can keep track of the progress. House Pictures

And now for a few pictures of Danny!

Here he is on a mission to get to the chair and suck on the fabric along the bottom.

Unfortunately, Danny takes after his Mom in the cankle department. Poor guy. Hopefully he'll grow out of it.

Do you see all of the drool?

The Ground Has Been Broken

Here is a link to a slideshow of pictures mostly from today!
http://tinyurl.com/pp78ap

Breaking Ground Tomorrow...

Holy cow. The time has finally come. We are breaking ground tomorrow on what will be our dream home and I could not be more excited :)

This has been a long time in the making, and the build will be too.

The plan is to drive out tomorrow afterwork and take a few pictures of the the big hole they will be putting in the ground.

Danny has no idea what he's in store for! And for that matter, neither do David and I....

Cancer Sucks

My Aunt Rosemary received some disappointing news yesterday. She was scheduled to have a gamma knife procedure done that would treat four small tumors on her brain, and they found more. By the end of the day, they were able to treat seven tumors, and to manage the rest, she will undergo whole head brain radiation. I haven't researched yet what this means, but it doesn't sound pleasant. What I do know is that she will be required to receive this radiation everyday for three weeks at the Cleveland Clinic.

My mom told us by email. She couldn't bring herself to call us and tell us because it just means she has to say it out loud. And it breaks my heart. I called my mom on my way to work this morning, and my whole heart is aching. Aunt Rosie is my aunt, but she is my mom’s sister.

My aunt is a fighter though. Actually, it was just last Saturday that we attended a special mass to CELEBRATE her reaching the 2-year mark of being diagnosed with this cancer. The turnout of support was beautiful. My aunt and uncle then hosted a get together at their house to share bagels and breakfast, and it was standing room only. What a testament to friendship, love and support. My aunt celebrates life. She is an unbelievable fighter with an unbreakable spirit. A force to be reckoned with. And while those of us on the side are sad by yesterday's news, I can all but guarantee that she has already put her game face on and is ready to tackle this next challenge.

It would mean a lot if you are reading this to please say a prayer for my Aunt. Pray for her continued strength and determination, and for her family and friends that are so deeply touched by her friendship. Everyone could use a little lift right now.

Been a while...

Danny is fantastic. He is still teething, but hasn't cut any teeth. He is almost 8-months old, and does not have any teeth! They are just below the surface. His mood fluctuates based on how much they bother him and while it's sweet, sometimes (in the middle of the night) it can take a toll on me.

Last week I was out of town in Chicago for work. It was a quick trip jam packed with lots of fun conference stuff. It was also my first time away, overnight, from Danny. The first night I fell asleep by 9:30 PM. I woke up a few times to phantom cries, and then fell right back a sleep. I did feel extra rested, but I missed my pumpkin.

Fortunately, I had good company, which kept me quite busy. I checked in a few times (ok, a lot), but mostly because Danny had hit a wall in the days leading up to it. I think it all ties back to the teeth, but he would just shriek! Like the sky was falling. It was awful. And this behaviour carried over to school as well. Poor girls. He is so lucky to have such good daycare providers. They are so patient with him when he is fussing.

We are having fun though now that the weather is warm. We still need to get out more, but Danny is an excellent passenger while we drive around and look at stone (YES, still looking). He just sleeps. Or, if he's a wake, he has full conversations with us. We found a home with the stone and coloring that we like. Now we're just wrapping up a few things and we should be almost done with those decisions.

We break ground on May 26th. Yes, we have a date! Yippee.....

Off to bed. Not an exciting post...I need some new pictures.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Third Time is the Charm

I keep thinking about Mother's Day. Mostly because people keep reminding me that this is going to be my first Mother's Day. "Oh, your first Mother's Day...how special". My mouth says "Yes, very exciting" while my heart feels cheated and I physically have to contain myself from screaming.

I was pregnant with Angela on Mother's Day 2007. I recieved some special cards, and even a gift. I was pregnant with Danny on Mother's Day 2008. And I remember people telling me sweet things about pregnancy and Motherhood and that for Mother's Day 2009, I would be celebrating with the real deal.

Well, the big day is almost upon us. And I will enjoy a brunch with my family, but more importantly, I will be embracing my son and thinking about Angela. She may not be with me today, but David and I are her parents, and last year, Mother's Day and Father's Day was hard for us, even though we were expecting Danny.

I would like to note though, that a very dear friend of mine sent me a beautiful card last year, telling me what a wonderful mother I was to Angela, and many more thoughtful words. And that recognition felt so rewarding. She is an amazing friend and an even better Mother.

Back to my point...You shouldn't have to be a "Mom" to celebrate Mother's Day. I have so many friends that may not have children of their own or here with us, but they have experienced pregnancy, they are the Aunt any child would dream of, the stepmom to a spouses child, the girlfriend of a boyfriend with children. A role model. Someone who loves others children unconditionally as if they were there own.

I am counting all of my blessings this Mother's Day. This is the best job, and I couldn't be more appreciative to enjoy all of the ups and the downs that this road I have traveled has brought me so far.

This year, celebrate all the women in your life and the contribution they make to loving and parenting children.

Week 5 or 6?? I don't know

It's quite possible that he is entirely edible! I mean really, look at those cheeks! Most people could survive off of them for a week. I am that person that is constantly squeezing his cheeks. Poor guy. He doesn't know what he's in store for. This picture was taken after running around the driveway in his hot wheels (ie. walker) and then going for a walk. Wouldn't it be nice if falling asleep like this was socially acceptable in our everyday life. I'll admit it, I'm jealous.My life has become full of lists and post-it notes. I can't remember anything. To the point that last week I left a post-it note in my car, on my speedometer, so that I would not forget the sour cream that was in the fridge at work. This was of course to make the ranch dip to go with the veggie tray for Leah's First Communion Party. This guaranteed that I would not leave work on a Friday with out the sour cream. I remembered the sour cream. I made the dip. Only to get to the west side on Saturday for the party and realize that I forgot the veggie tray at home!!!!

Seriously, what is wrong with me?

I've even taken to leaving myself messages at work to remind me to do stuff. I call myself, and in a friendly voice tell myself not to forget to do XYZ and then say good-bye. To myself. And then in the morning, I get to work around 7:40-ish and see the red light voicemail indicator on my phone only to think, "My God. Who the hell already left me a message. It's seriously 7:30 in the morning." Only to listen to myself saying "Good Morning. Don't forget to do XYZ. Good-bye."

All the time I think of things I need to post on my blog. For example, Danny is sitting up on his own. This is a milestone, and it happened about a week or so ago...I can't remember (go figure).

We are in our 5th or 6th week of living with my in-laws and so far it's going great. Really. And I'm not just saying that to pacify the people that read this and know them and would love to bust their chops about whatever I write. It's true. It's been very easy so far, and I imagine as the weather gets better, it will be even easier since we can spend more time outside.

We have not broken ground yet. This is another question I am asked frequently. I will post some pics of the dirt and where our future front door will be. I meant to do that last week, but forgot. Hopefully, Kraig (builder) will break ground next week. We are very excited. The blueprints have been finalized and we are in the process of selecting our siding/stone/shutters/brick/roof. I think we've narrowed the stone down to two colors. We did that on Saturday and then drove around on Sunday to look at homes that have selected the same colors. These are tough choices. I want to make sure that I love whatever we decide because this is the house we plan to live in FOREVER.

I am also super busy at work. Which is wonderful. I would rather be busy then bored, and the key in this economy is employment. I am just lucky to love what I do and really enjoy my daily work relationships. Good work and good people. However, I have to "check it at the door" sometimes and make sure that when I am home, I am home. Because there is always a voice in my head that is telling me to do more.

So, I will continue to post, as I can.

Pictures....

Facing West on our dirt. We stop just short of the white house.

Facing East on our dirt. We stop just short of the red barn.

Dave wondering what he was thinking when he committed to so much lawn maintenance.

Me standing at the location where our front door will be.

A friend and coworker of mine is taking an entreprenueral adventure, and I wanted to support her! I'm envious of her talent...

She has a beautiful little girl, Riley, and being the fashionista that she, has designed some too cute hair accessories. The ones sold in stores are usually too big and too goofy. Honestly, half the time they look like garter belts that have been strategically placed on a poor little girls head.

Well, fear no more...Megan has created Little Miss Designs!

I encourage you to shop the site and the adorable hair accessories! These clips would make excellent shower gifts for that little girl that is on the way or the beauty that has already arrived. And considering the clips and bands are custom, they can be coordinated to go with any little outfit!

Please share this link with your friends and family!

That's How I Roll...

When I was in college at Ohio University, one of my favorite professors, Dr. David Chappell, told a story about a toilet paper case study that he had reviewed. I don't know if it was a Harvard Business Review or what, but to this day, every time I use the restroom, I think about it. And if the bathroom I'm using has the toilet paper facing the wrong direction, it irritates me. I'll go as far as correcting it when I'm at someones house...but not when I'm in a public restroom. When I'm at work, I often think that if our cleaning people were educated on the matter, we might just save $1,000's each year in toilet paper.

How you put your toilet paper on the roll determines just how much you'll use. Last night I decided it was time to pay it forward and share the knowledge, so I tried to Google the case study. I couldn't find the one that Dr. Chappell shared, but this link will give you the jist of the study.

Toilet Paper Study

You have officially been educated on the correct toilet paper installation method. Now go and fix your bathroom!

Some additional images have been provided for your viewing pleasure.

What I know so far.

I know the following...and these are not ordered by priority and may not have any relevance.

1. My pinky nail is the best booger scraper. Better then any squeegee. And when it breaks, well that just sucks because Danny always has "clouds in his sky".

2. Danny is expressing his temper a little bit more. Don't get in the way of his biter biscuits, or he'll squeal like a pig and bat your hand away. I worry about public temper tantrums.

3. I don't get to chat with my friends on the cell as much as I would like to. And I like to talk. Playing phone tag with friends like Dawn and Amy sucks.

4. I cut my hair (5"-7"). And it is not a "Mom" cut. And I'll grow it back. It just needed "cut".

5. Many lunch hours consist of running errands and not exercising. Sometimes that's ok. Sometimes it's not.

6. I buy Enfamil formula checks on eBay. And right now I'm irritated because most of the kind I need expire April 30th. Annoying.

7. We're doing a good job. I'm not bashful about feeling that way. My son is fat and happy and smiles everyday. So I know we're doing something right. And when everything else feels like it's going to shit, I remind myself that at least we have that going for us.

8. After 3-days of pinning Danny down to give him his antibiotic (sinus infection), we figured out a way to trick him. Give him a bit of warm bottle then slip in a little medicine thing that resembles a pacifier...Before he knows he's tasting crap, it's time to swap the bottle back in. Works like a charm.

9. My version of doing my hair is going to bed with a wet head and using a flat iron in the morning. That's about as good as it gets lately.

10. When Danny doesn't feel good, and it's the middle of the day or the middle of the night...he somehow knows the difference when you are holding him and standing up or holding him and sitting down. He does not accept the sitting down. This usually occurs around 3:30 in the morning as I pace the basement carrying what feels like a 20-pound sack of potatoes. (see #8)

11. My son has sausage feet. Because of this, socks that should fit him, cut off his circulation. To the point that he actually has scars from when he had socks on that were too snug and they rug burned marks into his legs (Mom of the year award). Because of this, my piglet is wearing size 2T-4T.

12. I've taken to wearing my pants even if they're a bit snug. It's the suttle reminder that I have some work to do and not to eat crap. I'll get there.

13. Danny goes into a trance if you trace your fingers along the side of his face. He eats it up. It's fantastic and the highlight of my days.

14. Baby Einstein = Baby Crack

15. Last but not least, even at 6+months into this, I still get the "Mommy, Danny has a surprise for you" which translates into "he shit and he needs a diaper change". Never mind if this is during my 5-minutes to get ready in the morning or when Dave is up with him and I'm sleeping in after pulling multi-hour potato sack tour of the basement. As trying as this, Danny is always so proud of himself and his big smile makes it worth it. Gags included.

Lucky Number 5

The number is 5 is my favorite number. Always has been. I was #5 when I played soccer. Maybe that's why? I don't know, but it's the best.

Why I am talking about my favorite number? Because right now, FIVE very special people in my life are due to have babies. I love celebrating pregnancies. And while I'll keep their names under wraps, this is a big deal. At the end of this year, I will be loving and squeezing five more little people.

I found out #5 yesterday. Hearing this news moved me to tears. And again this morning on my way to work talking about it with Dave. To understand how special the news from #5 was, I saw tears in my husbands eyes when he said to make sure I told her congratulations for him.

It would take me a novel to share how special each of these friends are. For some, these are babies #2, and #3. For others, these are babies #1. But for all of them, these pregnancies are so welcome and celebrated, and the journey has not always been smooth and clear of bumps. Something I am familiar with.

So, I ask, anyone that might be reading this, even though you might not know my friends, please say a prayer for them and their babies. My heart is overwhelmed with love and hope that all five friends enjoy an uneventful and healthy pregnancy with the rich reward of a happy and healthy bundle of joy.

This year, Christmas is going to be a celebration of babies...the best gift of all.

My New Favorite Song

I love music. I think it is the soundtrack of life. The first time I heard this song I thought of David and what an amazing life we have together. Especially now that our home has Danny. Yeah, I'm a sap. But I love it!


Lucky Ft. Colbie Caillat - Jason Mraz Music Code

Danny is 6-months!

I can hardly believe it! Yesterday we celebrated Danny's 1/2 birthday with his 6-month wellcheck and four shots. He is such a champion. I am convinced the shots hurt Dave and I more then him. He cries for all of 60-seconds, if that, and then he is quiet and content as soon as I can hold him. He's such a good boy. I am really hoping this response lasts, but I'm not too proud to resort to bribery when necessary.

He weighed in at 18.4 lbs and is 27.5" long. We have to switch him out of his infant seat to his convertible seat per the doctors suggestion. His seat actually goes up to 28.5", but the doc said if he we had the seats, just to make the switch now. So we have. He hasn't gone for a ride in the new version yet, but I'm sure he will sometime today.

He had a pretty good night last night after the shots. We were up a few times, and he had a light fever, but he was a snuggle bunny with me, and it was the best birthday present that I could ask for.

I've taken some new video of him, and I'll try to post it today. He's definitely found his voice and seems to love to roll his R's at the top of his lungs. Pure enjoyment. He's still hit or miss with eating his food. The doctor advised to keep forcing the issue and that by looking at Danny, you can tell he won't starve. That's my little Michelin Man.

He's also rolling around a bit. We need to do more tummy time with him, he just gets so bored quickly and prefers his jumperoo...but, he needs to practice the whole crawling thing :) We'll get there. I have a feeling he's going to skip crawling and move right to walking. He's much more interested in standing on our laps and bouncing or just standing.

I plan to post some pics today.

Making Progress

We made a lot of progress this weekend with the move. Our POD came on Friday...and we spent Saturday filling it up. Thankfully, I was not one of the "puzzle masters". Definition of Puzzle Master: Individual(s) responsible for making the best use of POD space by sliding boxes into available slots. How this was accomplished by three men without a lot of expletives is beyond me. I'm glad I was responsible for bringing the 8,000 boxes to the Puzzle Masters. The house was spilling over with helpers, and because of that, we were able to accomplish far more then we had anticipated.

Today. Well, today was good, but not as great. What's left to pack is miscellaneous crap. Our box labeling had started out beautifully. Color Coded and detailed (Kitchen: Everyday glasses). Now, some of the labels look like this: "Dave's mystery box of shit that he was supposed to clean out but didn't and should probably go in the garbage". Seriously. That's how I labeled a box today :) All of the big areas have been done (minus one bathroom) and now it's just a bunch of miscellaneous stuff. Stuff that we don't want to party with, but can't be boxed up nice and pretty with an easy label. Sigh....

Danny has been the super trooper. He's been pretty good for everyone that has been responsible for him. Yesterday he enjoyed some time with his cousins and today he enjoyed a long walk with Grandma. This kid is pretty spoiled with love. Must be a rough life. Today, he woke up at 5:30 ready to play. We ended up going downstairs so he good play in his exersaucer and watch one of his videos...while Mom went back to sleep on the couch. This went on until about 8:00 AM.

We are a little bit closer to the final plans for the house and the builder selection process. Hopefully final meetings will take place this week and we will have a plan by next week. Yippeeee!

Off to make Danny's bottles for the week and then relax on the couch...before it's packed up....

Michelin Man Part II