Entertained

My kids are freakin' hilarious. They say the craziest things. Well, at least Danny does. Michael says: ball, doggy, NO, more, mama, Danny, and a handful of other words. What his words don't say, his smile or scowl does. He makes the best facial expressions.

Danny startled me the other day. After he stopped laughing, he said, "Mom, I scared the Be-Jesus out of you". Yes Danny, yes you did.

While driving past a biker on Eagle Road (very narrow country road), Danny yells, "He needs to move the heck over". That's great Dave. Just be glad he said "heck" and not the lovely vocabulary you use.

Some of his favorite things to say as of late are: "I'm serious mom. I'm not joking. I mean it. I really mean it. I'm not fibbing." When this string of words comes out of his mouth, know that whatever story he just told you, is a LIE.

His imagination is running WILD. Which I found adorable and terrifying all at the same time. Today, we are at Chapin Forest, and he said he saw a bear in the woods. Since we live in a city that had multiple black bear sitings in July, this was not a funny "story". He cracked himself up so bad. Then, he told me there were lions too. I explained that lions live in Africa, so he replied, "we'll take a helicopter".

Speaking of helicopters, every time he sees one, he makes sure we all know there is a helicopter and he says "PRAY!" and then he (tries) to do the sign of the cross. David has done this for years when he sees an ambulance, and it has rubbed off on me as well. Now when we see a fire truck, or an ambulance, or a helicopter, we do the sign of the cross, and we pray for the family that's impacted. But to Danny, this is not to be missed. This is a big shout out, like, you better "PRAY" or else. In August, we watched a UH Rainbows helicopter land at "Touch the Truck" in Willoughby Hills. This is the third year we have gone, and the third time I've made him PROMISE not to ever ride in one. God, the mere thought of it brings tears to my eyes. Our house is between a few hospitals, so I feel like life flight is always flying over. It warms my heart that every time Danny sees them, he yells, "PRAY! It's a rescue helicopter". God love him.

All day long, Danny says the most hilarious things, and I need to start writing them down. Because here I am, at 10pm, and now I can't think of them. UGH.

Puppy Love

The boys are in love, and so our we. Yesterday we met the newest addition to our family. He will be coming home at the end of September and I don't know who's more excited, me or the boys!

He is currently un-named. We have several ideas, including; Dexter, (Sherman) Tank, Lucky, Moose, Cracker, and some others that I'm drawing a blank on.

I know that craziness will soon be arriving at our house with this little guy, but amongst the chaos, I think there will be so much funny and many memories to be made!

Babies breath

Michael woke up at 11pm tonight just as I was about to put down my kindle and go to bed. The little guy is just a little gassy. So now, he is out cold, sleeping on my chest with his head on my shoulder, mouth open...and just breathing in this sweet way. Little gusts of breath keep hitting my cheek. I feel like my heart is going to explode. I know I should put him back in his crib, but I can't stop staring at him, and I truly just want to eat him up.

God gave me such beautiful little boys. Part of my heart wanting to explode is because Michael looks so much like Danny in this moment.

Time is moving too fast.

Random Thoughts.

Danny is just like David. Yesterday when leaving the grocery store, I didn't even have him buckled in his car seat before he said, "Mommy, you need to turn the air on". Then, driving past a closed Pet Store, he said, "Mommy, I need a dog. Today."

Such a bossy pants.

But then, he melts me all over again when he says, "I need a monster truck size kiss". Coming right up :)

Today he asked if I was going to visit Angela. "No Danny. She's in Heaven. I want to visit Angela someday, but I'd like to stay here with you for now." As sweet as that question is, which this was not the first time, sometimes it scares me...like he knows something I don't.

Michael started day care last week. Mr. Too Cute. He is doing well, which makes us happy. Today, a week later, was the first time he came home in the same outfit I sent him to school in. There is something about this boy that just screams, "BLOW OUT!".

Nothing too Exciting

I'm going to try and add a blurb about each boy on a regular basis. That way, I'm not holding myself to long entries....but I'm still capturing some of the funny stuff.

Danny

Danny talks about himself a little in third person. Everything is "Danny Shafer". Not just "Danny"...it's gotta be "Danny Shafer". He has learned his full name now, so this sometimes becomes "Danny David Shafer". We'll work on his proper name, Daniel. For now, "Danny David" is good enough.

Danny discovered our neighbors pond yesterday. We have been hoping to avoid this until he was much older (preferably 40). Ponds scare the be-Jesus out of me because you can't see the bottom, and little people are so drawn to them. We are hoping to have remedied the situation by telling him that there are hungry ALLIGATORS in there just waiting to snack on Danny Shafer. And that only Mommy and Daddy can outrun them. He believed us. Let's hope he really believes us....because he also saw a frog in the pond...and frogs are big entertainment. And now Danny knows how to unlock the deadbolts and sneak out of the house. Hence, my fear of ponds.

Michael

Michael is helping the pounds MELT off me this time. Too bad he can't melt them and tone/firm at the same time. He is a gassy kid. So we (ie. me) are doing are darnedest to try and reduce the gassiness. I think it hurts me more then him. Needless to say, I've been off all Dairy for almost two weeks and off all Soy for almost a week. After his doctors appointment yesterday, I'm going to avoid all green vegetables. You would be shocked to know how much food has Dairy or Soy in it, in some jacked up capacity.

He's gaining weight though...darn he is gaining some weight! He weighed in at 12lbs 15.5oz yesterday. An increase of over a 1.5lbs in less than two weeks. We'll take it!

Michael Alton Shafer

He is gorgeous. And we are in love. Danny is in heaven. He adores his baby brother.
Michael was born April 30th at 5:41pm. He weighed in at 7lbs 11oz and 21 inches.

This post is so overdue it's embarrassing. I haven't had time to write long entries, so I haven't written any. Now, I will just make a better effort to come out here daily and jot something down.

Two boys is so much fun. Michael is an excellent sleeper. He sleeps from 10pm to 8am and usually only wakes once to be fed.

His witching hours are from about 5pm until he crashes around 10pm. During that time he's fussy and just wants to be held. The bjorn is my best friend :)

In lieu of picking a few pictures, here is a link to two albums from when Michael was born. These are all of them...the good, the bad and the UNFLATTERING. So be kind, and enjoy :)

Album #1


Album #2

Child of My Heart

This photo is from the 2010 Child of My Heart Walk.

Sometimes when I look at him, his perfect little face and beautiful eyes, I can hardly believe he is mine. God love him.

Bedtime Boogers

Tonight, I was following Danny's pediatricians advice on helping Danny get to bed (he's in a new BIG BOY bed). He recommended that I sit in a chair instead next to the bed instead of laying with him. And if he tries to engage me or socialize with me, I am to ignore him.


So, I am doing that. And then he told me that he has a "booger". So I helped him pick it, because he has a cold. Two minutes later, he says he has "another booger", and he picks it. And then he says he is going to go throw it out. I'm still ignoring him. Then he says, "nope, I eat it." And boom, just like that, my kid ate his booger. GROSS!

Our Third Blessing :)

This post is so completely long overdue, it's kind of sad. And not because I haven't wanted to write it a bazillion times, but for a long time we were just not really "broadcasting" the announcement online.

I am just over 23-weeks pregnant, and we are having another boy. We are so very excited. I found out on Thursday, August 26th, and waited two days before I told David. I was so shocked myself, that I had to get through that before I was able to tell him. And let me tell you, he was even more shocked! I probably would have held off longer if he hadn't invited his sister and her family over to celebrate a made up "Tequila Holiday" to enjoy margarita's and shots. That's when it was time..."Um, honey, Danny has to show you something". "What?" pause....as he looks at positive pregnancy test, and then the response, "You're Pregnant?". To put it nicely, David is not good with first reactions to big news. This is a part of his character that you just have to know and love, because if you didn't know that about him, you might just want to punch him in the face :) While he was saying "you're pregnant?", you could see his face glaze over and his mind race a million miles a minute with "HOLY $HIT!...two kids....etc." But then he has to process some additional stress, and that takes us back to Angela. And we have to think about testing, and when to tell our families and ultrasounds, and all of that. So, I get it.

So when did we tell our families? We told them on Friday, OCTOBER 22nd. We were just a few days shy of being 13-weeks along. That's when we got the good news, that as far as preliminary testing could go, we were having a healthy baby. Danny was going to have a baby brother. I had felt like we were having another boy, but David had been convinced we were having a girl. We won the lottery either way. We were just happy beyond words. Relieved. And Grateful. So very grateful. And we cried. And I tear up now just thinking about it.

I love being pregnant. Absolutely love it. I am lucky. I have had comfortable pregnancies. But, our first experience, that cuts like a knife. And sometimes, you've gotta "fake it till you make it" to convince yourself that it's ok. And everything will be alright. And to relax. But those last few days of the two-week waiting period for the test results. That's when doubt starts to creep in, and you begin to panic. And start calling the doctors office daily for updates. So that news, the good test results, it is like the weight of the world has been lifted. It doesn't guarantee anything, but it's enough to get you past a giant hurdle.

And when we told Danny, he wanted to name his brother "Spiderman" or "Nemo" or "Halloween".

Our little man is due on David's birthday, May 1st. :) That day, it's just special. Obviously, it's David's birthday. When we were pregnant with Danny, that was the date of his big ultrasound. And now, this little boy is due on May 1st.

I am so excited. So so very excited. And nervous. I know the transition to two will be difficult. But, it's something we'll have to go through to understand, and we welcome the chaos. Part of me is so excited to see Danny in a new role. And I know he may get jealous. And I know it will be so different for him, because he has our undivided attention now. But he will be such a loving big brother, and that just makes me melt. I love to hear him say, "baby brother".

So that's the big update. I'll post more soon, and not let so much time lapse between. This year the holidays were so much fun because Danny loved every minute of them, and that is what lit up our world.

Happy New Year!

Hold My Hand

Danny is going through a bit of a Mommy phase. And how can I turn away from all of the extra hugs and kisses and snuggle time, even if it means cooking dinner while holding him, changing clothes while holding him, and doing many other things, all while holding him.

One of the sweetest things he has done the last two days is ask (or demand) to hold his hand while I'm driving him to daycare. This means that my left hand is on the wheel, and my right arm is hyper extended to the back seat so that I can hold his hand. Usually, my arm is shaking by the time we get to school. But his warm little hands just hold on for all that they've got, and it melts me.

I continue to be amazed at his warm little personality. His hugs. His kisses. His everything. At night, when we say our prayers, we pray for our families and friends, and then I always say "who else should we pray for Danny?" and he names all of his little daycare friends and daycare teachers.

I love holding his hand. And I love that we are finally in that place where he wants to sit on my lap, or snuggle next to me when we are watching one of his videos. And even more sweet is to watch him just sit and play with his toys. He has trucks that he rolls around the fireplace hearth. A Melissa and Doug pizza set that he serves to David and I all of the time, and little animal figures that he can name and imitate. I always think that each phase is the best, but it seems to continue to get better...I just wish it would slow down.

Super lazy

Man, I have been horrible at updating my blog. HORRIBLE with a capital H. The last post is from August. Over two months ago. Wow. SLACKER.

Life is good. We've been having so much fun, that at the end of the day, when I should be making time to journal all of the great things we've done, I end up checking facebook or reading some of my celebrity gossip websites (people, usmagazine, etc.). Worthless time sucks, but oh so fun...and sometimes addicting!

Danny turned two...ALMOST A MONTH AGO. Holy wowzer. I have a 2-year old. And boy, is he such a happy guy. I'm so in love with him. I know that sounds ridiculous, but truly, he brings so much magic to our lives. He's so happy. SO HAPPY. How did we ever get so lucky.

Here are just a few things I won't want to forget.

1. He's absolutely obsessed with football. Carries his football all around. Sleeps with it. Takes it to the Kirtland football games. Holds it in the car. Obsessed. The only problem is that he calls it his "golf ball". This confused me for a while. One night, last week, Danny was picking up his football to go to bed, and Dave said, "that's friggin' awesome". Dave's in heaven. I worry that someday I'm actually going to have to learn about football if he plays. Oy vey.
2. Everything he wants to do again is "one more time". Except "one more time", isn't really one more time. It's 8,000,000 more times.
3. I think he will be a fighter pilot or a sharp shooter. His vision is amazing. At least as far as I can tell. He can spot an airplane or helicopter before I can even begin to hear it. This is really funny considering how hyper paranoid (ok, beyond paranoid) I was when he was an infant and even at his 1-year appointment that he was cross-eyed, and I was terrified if we didn't correct it, he would have horrible vision. This entailed two visits to a pediatric eye specialist at UH Rainbows. Yes, I was nuts (and that was $$$$). But it was worth every penny to know that in fact, he has great vision. And now that he is verbal, we are reaping the benefits!
4. He is off the bottle. I kind of sucked at this. Like a lot of other things, I let this go on longer then it should have. And to think I thought I would be more by the book. My sister always said "you pick your battles". Well, his bedtime bottle wasn't kicked until (I $hit you not), one week before his second birthday. We had him at the doctors to check his ear for what seemed like the millionth ear infection (of course he did not have one at this appointment). And the doctor we were seeing (not Danny's regular) made a point to say how "since he doesn't drink from a bottle anymore"...blah blah blah something about fluid in his ears. Dave and I just looked at each other and didn't say a peep. The next night we went cold turkey, and we survived.
5. His latest movie obsession is Toy Story, and Toy Story 2. We are getting Toy Story 3 soon, or I'm going to go NUTS. "Woody Buzz, Woody Buzz, Woody Buzz". That's what we hear each night while he drinks his milk (IN A SIPPY CUP THANK YOU) and eats his "O's" before bedtime.
6. I received an awesome collection of books at his baby shower. And all of "the books" say to read to your baby from what seems like the moment you conceive. Well, this didn't really happen. Ever. He wasn't interested. Until a few months ago. And I remember being nervous that he wasn't going to be a reader. Sherman's are readers! Now, he's obsessed. I mean, it's a minimum of three books a night. And he sleeps with them. And some of them talk. So he plays with them in bed, and we laugh. We hear him chattering away, playing with his books, and the Thomas the Tank horn going "Beeep" (or however it sounds). Thank GOD he likes books.

Ok. I'll try to get better at this!

Twice Off the Low Diving Board!

Today, at Danny's last swim lesson...he went off the low diving board TWICE at the Mayfield Village Pool! I couldn't believe it :) Last week, our instructors/12-year old life guards...(ok, they just look 12), finally caught the hint that the little ones in the class were not quite ready for Michael Phelps training, and decided to let them play. They turned on all the water toys and the slide. Danny LOVED the water slide. We probably went down 5 or 6 times! Today, they took the same approach...but then invited the kids to go off the diving boards. Dave and I hesitated even taking Danny over, because he doesn't like to get his face wet (really, it's his eyes). But, after seeing another little girl do it, he wanted to. So, Dave walked the plank with him, and I was in the deep water waiting. On the count of three, Dave helped him "jump". He went under but bounced right back up (they tie a noodle under their arms). He was confused, but once he saw us smiling, he smiled...and wanted to do it again. The second time, he jumped on his own (with Dave behind him!). I am so hoping that next year, he will do it again.

Swimming "lessons" at this age might seem silly to some....but I really want him to be comfortable in a pool. I won't even write what one of my worst fears is, but I'm sure you can guess...which is why learning how to swim and being comfortable in a pool means a lot to me.

Happiness

Yesterday marked the third anniversary that we said good-bye to Angela. We took Friday off, and took Danny to the Zoo. Which was also our fifth wedding anniversary :) Time flies when you are having fun.

Danny is the perfect age for the Zoo. He loves animals. Monkeys. Giraffes. Lions (just ask him, how does a Lion go?..and you'll get a resilient...ROAR!!!!). And while he enjoyed seeing all of these animals, he was far more interested in what you ask? Well let me explain. Each monkey exhibit contains a toy ball and a big thing of water. Welcome Danny's two favorite things. Balls and Water. I'm not sure he even saw the monkey's. Every glass we looked through, was the most enthusiastic scream of "BALL and WATER".

Staring at the Polar Bear

Seriously, I have no tan. I think I'm alergic to the sun or something.

One of the only times Danny was on his feet. Hand in his pocket like he is such a "what a guy".

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Staring at the monkeys..

Really into the monkeys in this picture...

He was able to maintain that energy level throughout the day because he maybe only walked 100-feet while we were there. Spoiled little monkey had his Dad carry him around (Daddy.....Daddy....) the entire Zoo. Including the walk UP the giant hill to the Primates. God love David that he did it. We took turns, but all Danny wanted was "Daddddyyyyyy". Now, if I could only teach him to do that in the middle of the night :)

Ok. So he crashed at the end of the day...

Look at that yawn!"

Out cold

So tired, his head flopped and he lost his coveted Elmo hat

For Angela's actual birthday, we took Danny to his morning swimming lessons...and then a friends daughters Birthday Party. We thought Danny would get a nap in at some time, but that never happened, unless you count the time from the birthday party to BJ's, maybe 35-minutes? (By the way, we haven't had a nap ALL flippin weekend!)

David carried him all around BJ's. Seriously, I'm loving this whole "Dadddyyyy" business. Ok. I'm not loving it all of the time. Only when it works in my favor. All of the other times, it hurts my feelings. Immature, I know. But it's the truth.

After BJ's, we took the little guy over to Red Robin...ahh...where it all began. That's where David and I had our "blind date" lunch 9-years ago :) Danny was mostly good. Busy, as always, but really good. Such a great place for kids.

We had a low key evening at home. Dave's parents and Grandma stopped by for a drink, and then we watched the movie, "It's Complicated". I laughed. Dave didn't. He swears he liked it, but I'm not totally convinced.

Have I mentioned how lucky we are? Countless friends sent cards, texts, emails and called. Look at the beautiful roses Dawn gave us.

Beautiful flowers from Dawn. She is so thoughtful :)

Attempt at a family picture...

David and his mini-me!

Me...and David's mini-me :)

Elmo? I love books!

Today, we went to mass to remember Angela. Danny was really good. Dave's parents, his sister, and Noelle and Noah joined us. All were a pleasant surprise. This was the first mass that the guy from Zimbabwee or Botswana (I can't remember) wasn't there raising money for his mission. An act I totally support...but not when the whole mass (2-years in a row...2-different churches!!!)is all about donating money in an accent so strong I can barely understand! Danny smiled, and sat so well during the whole mass. The only time he really got a little rowdy was right during the intentions when they said Angela's name as Dave was walking him out. Go figure. She'll pay him back somehow :) Maybe trip him in front of his dream girl. Karma :)

Oh my gosh, I want to push him down he's so cute!

Just look at that dimple! Must restrain from pinching!

Emotions are powerful. I think it is amazing that your heart can physically hurt from being so overwhelmed with sadness and joy. That is what Angela's birthday is for us now. We are so sad for the little girl we lost, but so overwhelmed with happiness at the little boy we have. So even though we are sad, and we remember Angela, it's almost more important to celebrate her birthday because she has given us so much to be thankful for, and we have hopefully become better. Better people. Better parents. More loving. More thoughtful. More caring. Grateful.

Happy Birthday Angela :)

June Pictures!

In June, we enjoyed our first Kirtland Strawberry Festival as members of the community! Danny just took it all in. This is all just a short walk from our house! I love our location :)


Last weekend, we had such a great time just hanging around at home. I couldn't help but pull out the camera and take a zillion pictures of my handsome men.


And finally, just a few miscellaneous pictures of my little guy! I love some of the faces :)

Updated Pictures of my Little Man

May 2010



April 2010

Let the Potty Training Begin

We have now made two unsuccessful attempts at going #2 on the potty. But we are getting closer. Danny makes his face that he has to go, and Momma starts running. Today was the closest attempt of the two. He was all for it. I don't know if he got stage fright and just couldn't finish, but he was so proud of himself. "Potty. Potty. Potty." And of course, David is in there high fiving him.

Men.

Honestly.

If it wasn't bath time, he would have sat on the throne all night!

We just received his little potty today from Jodi. And it was still in the car during our attempt. I am hoping that by having his own cammode, he will be even more enthusiastic.

Note to self: Pull-ups would be helpful to assist with speed. Oh, and to be even more efficient, lose the snap at the bottom shirts and undershirts. The double layer snaps coupled with a diaper that had to be undone...I know the potty training "gods" were laughing at me :)

Hopefully I'll get some cute pictures...that are appropriate...and post them soon! His wedding day slide-show is going to be a breeze!

Let the Landscaping Begin!

I can't wait to have a yard again! I am just chomping at the bit to get moving. But everything takes time, patience, and of course...money. So, we are excited to put the lawn in this summer, and may do a few other things.

I'm excited to finally put together a Memory Garden for Angela. I've got a few mini-rose bushes just waiting to be planted, a beautiful angel statue from my parents and I think I've decided that the center piece will be a Weeping Willow. I love Willow trees. I love the name Willow. I loved the book about OI where the main characters name was Willow and I collect Willow Tree figurines. Serendipitous! I haven't quite figured out what cozy corner or spot this will go, but I think I'll have a few options. I am currently doing some research on deer friendly flowers and shrubs. As much as I enjoy watching the deer, I don't want to invite them for dinner.

Danny loves the dirt. Go figure. And the machinery just fascinates him. Too stinking cute. He will have so much fun running around (dodging Freddy bombs of course).

I just want time to fast forward and to have a green lawn!

When did this happen?

I could just eat him up. He went from a mini-sumo wrestler to mischievous little boy! He was trying to squish into his Bumbo because his cousin Nicholas was in one too.

How I Get Daily My Workout

I can thank Danny for helping me get back into better shape. Of course I'd love to be in even better shape, but I'll take what I can get for now. Every day is a race.

These pictures are from Good Friday. Danny's daycare was closed, and I took the day off. He and I spent the afternoon attempting to straighten the house for Easter company. I was attempting to wash windows in the kitchen. But everytime I would finish, he would follow me and put his little face and fingers all over them. It became a game. I won't lie though...I love seeing those little fingerprints, and I'm so happy the windows are low enough for him to peek out at the world...or the porch.

I stopped what I was doing and followed Danny around with my camera. These shots were taken in about five minutes.

If you click on the pictures, you will see the larger Google size with my commentary :) He is a ball of fun, and a completely mischievious child. And that dimple. Oy vey. That dimple says everything!

I remember

when my grandma died. It feels like yesterday, when in fact, this December 1st, it will be 20-years ago. It amazes me that in the last 20-years, I cannot think of a day that has gone by that I have not thought about her. When I used to live in Rocky River, I would drive past her house everyday on my way home from work. I remember her funeral. I remember crying so hard and being so sad. I remember my Mom being so sad. I remember all of us gathering at my Aunt Susie's house that night. And we all just cried.

I have thought of this a lot lately. In the fall, my Aunt Rosemary passed away after a long battle with cancer. Aunt Rosie had a striking resemblance to my grandma, and as her hair turned gray, it was more like a mirror image. Her voice too. Sometimes it sounded so much like grandmas, that even as an adult, it would stop me in my tracks. Aunt Rosie's funeral broke my heart. Seeing my uncle, cousins and their children so sad, it just tears you a part. And my mom of course. I can't even bring myself to a place were I can fathom losing a sister.

This past week, we lost another special person. Mrs. Jolliffe passed away last Sunday, and I think I have cried everyday since. Mrs. Jolliffe was the happiest, healthiest person ever, I mean, she could run circles around me, until she had a massive heart attack in February. Followed by a massive stroke. And even though she was home again in March, trying to manage the stroke symptoms while she got stronger, her heart did not see her through, and she had another massive heart attack on Easter Saturday. Mrs. Jolliffe went Home on Easter Sunday.

The suddenness of this loss, it just takes your breath away. Seeing the sadness in my brother-in-law John's family, is just devastating. Knowing my sister lost her beloved Mother-In-Law, makes me so sad. And my nieces and nephew, they were crazy about Grandma Jolliffe.

I am so proud of them this week. Lori did an amazing job keeping it all together, getting the kids ready, helping coordinate the wake and funeral, making the program. John gave the most beautiful eulogy I've ever heard. My nephew Jack was a pallbearer. Seeing him so grown up, in a suit, so honored for the responsibility but so devastated at the loss. All three read petitions. They did an amazing job. You couldn't see Janie at the pedestal, but you could hear her voice. So confident. So clear.

It breaks my heart to see people I love so much, so sad.

I am thinking of them all so much with Mother's Day coming up. My cousins, my uncle, the Jolliffe's. A day to celebrate Mom, and this will be the first year without theirs.

I will thinking of them all with love.