Danny and I decided to decorate the outside of our house this year for Christmas. We've never done this, so we have had to go out and buy garland, lights, wreaths, drop cords, etc. One of the things we still need are bows. Not just any bows, but the perfect bows, and I want bows for all the wreaths and for the outside lights. I don't want the bright red pre-made velvet bows and I don't want plaid, I'm not exactly sure what I want, but I know I'll know it when I see it. Any who, I sent Danny out this morning to get bows made at Michael's, but the bow lady wasn't there. He came home with some very pretty and shiny ribbon. The only thing is, I can't make the PERFECT bow. So..... I ventured out.... in the rain.... with Ben to peruse Target and Michael's for more bows. I get to the shopping center, park a mile away (in the pouring rain), get the stroller out of the car, stand there for 5 minutes while the lady next to me be balances her check book so I could get Ben out of the car w/o her driving over us, finally get Ben in the stroller, sprint to the front door of Target, and then realize..... I forgot my purse.
Turn around, sprint back to the car, load up, and then head home. When I get home, as I am getting Ben out of the car, I step back in the oh so very soggy side yard and sink deeply, soaking my Birkenstock (who wears backless shoes in the rain???), my sock, and my jeans. As soon as I get in the house, I take my pants and socks off and leave them in the laundry room and then Danny greets me pant less, in my raincoat... carrying Ben in the carrier. I said to him, "I am just not meant to have bows. It's just not meant to be." He replied, "Where's your pants?"
The End...
"Anything which parents have not learned from experience they can now learn from their children. " - Anonymous
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
The baby monitor diaries
When Owen wakes up from either his nap or first thing in the morning, he is generally in a good mood and very chatty. We'll usually let him babble on for a few minutes (sometimes 30) before we actually go up to get him.
His babble usually consists of him greeting the elephant, turtle, puppy and giraffe in his crib and then he'll stand up and turn on his sea turtle, which will usually lead to him singing his ABC's to the Twinkle Twinkle Little Star melody. He'll often say Mama, Baby, Dada and Onan (Owen) over and over along with baby eats or baby bath and he'll count over and over.
This morning was a bit different. He woke up and turned on his sea turtle and then started saying, "B-E-N, Ben" over and over. It was the cutest thing and we have no idea where it came from. There is nothing in his room that says Ben, however, I do write his and Ben's names a lot trying to teach him how to spell them. Perhaps it was a success.
His babble usually consists of him greeting the elephant, turtle, puppy and giraffe in his crib and then he'll stand up and turn on his sea turtle, which will usually lead to him singing his ABC's to the Twinkle Twinkle Little Star melody. He'll often say Mama, Baby, Dada and Onan (Owen) over and over along with baby eats or baby bath and he'll count over and over.
This morning was a bit different. He woke up and turned on his sea turtle and then started saying, "B-E-N, Ben" over and over. It was the cutest thing and we have no idea where it came from. There is nothing in his room that says Ben, however, I do write his and Ben's names a lot trying to teach him how to spell them. Perhaps it was a success.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Tofurkey Day!
Just kidding, we actually had a real turkey.
Normally we invite ourselves down to Danny's Grandparent's for Thanksgiving, but this year we had dinner at our house. Danny's mom, her boyfriend Randy and his son Wayne drove up from Winston-Salem and Danny's Nana and Bobo came up from Spartanburg. We had a pot-luckish buffet with a smoked turkey, dressing, sweet potato souffle, cranberry-apple bake, cranberry sauce, mac and cheese, green bean casserole, a few corn relishes, spinach artichoke dip and a few other appetizers. For dessert, Nana made a pumpkin-chocolate chip cheesecake and a cake and Danny made hazelnut truffles, YUM!
Because we don't have a table big enough for everyone to sit at, we had to use both the kitchen and dinning room tables. I really hope to have a long 8-10 person table one day and enough of our china to have everyone over for a formal dinner. One day.... and while I'm wishing, we also need WAY more places for people to sit in the living room. I am thinking a sectional would be really nice! Hint, Hint ;)

Here is Owen eating his dinner... I will spare you and not post a picture of Ben eating his, HA! Maybe I'll save that one for my very liberal "Mothering" Magazine.

Normally we invite ourselves down to Danny's Grandparent's for Thanksgiving, but this year we had dinner at our house. Danny's mom, her boyfriend Randy and his son Wayne drove up from Winston-Salem and Danny's Nana and Bobo came up from Spartanburg. We had a pot-luckish buffet with a smoked turkey, dressing, sweet potato souffle, cranberry-apple bake, cranberry sauce, mac and cheese, green bean casserole, a few corn relishes, spinach artichoke dip and a few other appetizers. For dessert, Nana made a pumpkin-chocolate chip cheesecake and a cake and Danny made hazelnut truffles, YUM!
Because we don't have a table big enough for everyone to sit at, we had to use both the kitchen and dinning room tables. I really hope to have a long 8-10 person table one day and enough of our china to have everyone over for a formal dinner. One day.... and while I'm wishing, we also need WAY more places for people to sit in the living room. I am thinking a sectional would be really nice! Hint, Hint ;)

Here is Owen eating his dinner... I will spare you and not post a picture of Ben eating his, HA! Maybe I'll save that one for my very liberal "Mothering" Magazine.

And our happy little family. Owen is wearing the same shirt that he wore to the pumpkin patch... and although Ben still isn't looking at the camera, at least Owen doesn't have "apple boobs." And I guess Danny and I spent so much time getting everything else ready that we forgot to brush Owen's hair....
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Comparision picture time
just a little update....
Sweet Ben...
My precious baby is growing and changing so fast. He's such a mature little fella and you can just see it so much in his sweet little eyes and the way he'll touch you with his little hands. He's so easy! He hardly ever gets upset and I actually don't recall a single cry from him in days! He'll get a little scared if Owen starts squealing and may cry a little if he's hungry, but really, that's it. He's mostly smiling, laughing and squealing himself (Owen thinks it's hilarious!)He is already cutting teeth and one of his lower front teeth is already coming through. Isn't 4 months way tooooo early for teeth???? Owen was almost a year before he got his first tooth. He responds so well to music and books and right now he loves Mimi's Toes and The Bear's New Friend. He loves to be on his play mats and the picture above shows how I found him the other morning after I checked my e-mail. He can now sit up very well in the Bumbo, although we haven't been using it that much and I pulled out the Jumperoo the other day for him to play in.... he's still a little small for it, but he'll get it soon.
and this little genius...
Owen just amazing me everyday with his vocabulary and the things he can do. His newest word is "draw bridge"...what???He is speaking in 2-3 word sentences, he LOVES his "letters" and as I have mentioned before, he knows all 26 and their sounds. He was counting backwards from 10 in the car yesterday (where did he learn this?). If he does it in Spanish, I'm going to assume it was Dora.... We are working on colors right now, which poses a bit more of a challenge. He knows pink and black, but gets the others confused. He did go to the bathroom with Danny the other day and when Danny finished, Owen looked in the toilet and said "yell-woo." He is really beginning to show interest in pretend play and his imagination is really starting to emerge. He'll cover his eyes and count and then uncover and shout "surprise." The other night at Crackle Barrel, he thought the little peg game on the table was a piece of cake and the tees were candles. He kept pretending to blow them out (way too many birthday celebrations..ya think!).He wants eggs, toast, juice and a nana for every meal. He no longer wants us to cut up his food for him. He helps me by letting the dogs in and out of the house. He hates to wear socks unless they are accompanied by his new (slightly used) shoes. He loves to give hugs and kisses still, which continue to warm heart!
and this little genius...
-------------------------------------------------------------
I am hoping to move Ben to his room sometime soon, so I have been doing a little rearranging. I finally took the changing table out of Owen's room and moved it to Ben's room and I went through all the toys and pulled out all the ones Ben could play with now and in the next few months. We are hoping to transition Owen to a bigger bed and make his room more like a big boy room and less like a nursery. This make me happy and sad!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Mouse squared
Playhouse Disney....
Let me tell ya, the shear joy on Owen's face was so well worth all the trouble of going! Amy and Adam met us at our house and then she followed me downtown. We thought parking in the parking deck would be our best bet so we wouldn't have to walk far or search for a spot on the street, but when I pulled into the deck and saw a sign that said "special event parking $7," I held up my baggie of change and told the attendant I only had $4 in quarters, and he quickly waved me out of the deck. Amy must not have had enough either, because she followed me back to the street. Fortunately, we found two metered spots and it only cost us $3 each.
It took me almost 10 minutes to get Ben in the front carrier, Owen out of the car and to put money in the meter and then another 8 minutes to walk to the Civic Center. Owen held my hand and Adam wanted to hold Owen's hand. It was so cute, but took us forever to walk up the street.
We had great seats and could see everything just perfectly! Owen was a little scared at first, but as soon as Mickey Mouse appeared on stage, Owen was in heaven! He recognized all the characters and the songs and just lit up every time something new happened. The best for me was about 3/4 the way through when he leaned over and gave me a big kiss, as if he were saying "I love you Mommy," and just as the show ended, Adam came over to me and said, "Thank You" with the cutest smile and sweetest 3 year old little voice.
Well worth it!!!
Chucky E. Cheese...
We had our final birthday celebration for Owen last Sunday at Chuck E. Cheese. My mom and Chip were so excited to throw this party for Owen. They had a special table with balloons and a lunch box for Owen, pizza, cake, and Chuck E. Cheese came over and sang to Owen. Owen loved it and danced his little butt off. My grandmother, two aunts and cousin were there along with Danny's Dad and stepmom and Maggie and Miles. Owen got another round of fun new toys to play with!

Let me tell ya, the shear joy on Owen's face was so well worth all the trouble of going! Amy and Adam met us at our house and then she followed me downtown. We thought parking in the parking deck would be our best bet so we wouldn't have to walk far or search for a spot on the street, but when I pulled into the deck and saw a sign that said "special event parking $7," I held up my baggie of change and told the attendant I only had $4 in quarters, and he quickly waved me out of the deck. Amy must not have had enough either, because she followed me back to the street. Fortunately, we found two metered spots and it only cost us $3 each.
It took me almost 10 minutes to get Ben in the front carrier, Owen out of the car and to put money in the meter and then another 8 minutes to walk to the Civic Center. Owen held my hand and Adam wanted to hold Owen's hand. It was so cute, but took us forever to walk up the street.
We had great seats and could see everything just perfectly! Owen was a little scared at first, but as soon as Mickey Mouse appeared on stage, Owen was in heaven! He recognized all the characters and the songs and just lit up every time something new happened. The best for me was about 3/4 the way through when he leaned over and gave me a big kiss, as if he were saying "I love you Mommy," and just as the show ended, Adam came over to me and said, "Thank You" with the cutest smile and sweetest 3 year old little voice.
Well worth it!!!
Chucky E. Cheese...
We had our final birthday celebration for Owen last Sunday at Chuck E. Cheese. My mom and Chip were so excited to throw this party for Owen. They had a special table with balloons and a lunch box for Owen, pizza, cake, and Chuck E. Cheese came over and sang to Owen. Owen loved it and danced his little butt off. My grandmother, two aunts and cousin were there along with Danny's Dad and stepmom and Maggie and Miles. Owen got another round of fun new toys to play with!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Tagged
I have not been feeling well since last Friday, so I have some post updating to do and pictures to share, but for now I am just going to play along with Pamela since she tagged be on her Blog.
Tagged !! It is that time again...RULES
1- Post Rules on Your Blog
2-Answer the Six "8" Items
3-Let Each Person Know They Have Been Tagged by Leaving Them A Comment
8 Favorite Shows
1. Dancing with the Stars
2. Ellen
3. Oprah
4. Private Practice
5. Dirty Sexy Money
6. Grey's Anatomy
7. Project Runway
8. House Hunters
8 Things I did Yesterday
1. changed diapers
2. folded 4 baskets of "little"laundry and then started mine
3. vacuumed upstairs
4. went to Crackle Barrel for dinner and then to Lowe's to look for playroom storage ideas
5. fed kids...
6. tried to catch-up on e-mails
7. watched Private Practice and Dirty Sexy Money
8. read lots of books to Owen and Ben with what little voice I have left
(after reading this, I realize I really need to get a life... )
8 Thinks I look forward to
1. Spending the holidays with family and friends
2. the smells and sounds of Christmas
3. playing with Owen and Ben
4. nap time
5. warmer weather
6. tax return time, so we can actually do some home projects
7. selling our other house
8. getting my house back in order... being sick really throws everything off
8 Favorite Restaurants
1. Carrabbas
2. Papa's and Beer
3. Lucky Otter
4. Laughing Seed Cafe
5. Marco's Pizza
6. Stoney Knob Cafe
7. Lulu's
8. Tupelo Honey
8 Things on My Wish List
1. to get organized
2. a fancy camera
3. furniture and rugs for the house
4. to get back in shape
5. new clothes (once I get back in shape)
6. to get Ben sleeping through the night again
7. to play more with Owen and Ben and spend less time on the computer
8. a massage
8 People to Tag (if you wanna play...)
1. Heather J
2. Heather M
3. Alice
4. Shannon L
5. Cindy
6. Maggie
7. Bethany
8. Molly
Tagged !! It is that time again...RULES
1- Post Rules on Your Blog
2-Answer the Six "8" Items
3-Let Each Person Know They Have Been Tagged by Leaving Them A Comment
8 Favorite Shows
1. Dancing with the Stars
2. Ellen
3. Oprah
4. Private Practice
5. Dirty Sexy Money
6. Grey's Anatomy
7. Project Runway
8. House Hunters
8 Things I did Yesterday
1. changed diapers
2. folded 4 baskets of "little"laundry and then started mine
3. vacuumed upstairs
4. went to Crackle Barrel for dinner and then to Lowe's to look for playroom storage ideas
5. fed kids...
6. tried to catch-up on e-mails
7. watched Private Practice and Dirty Sexy Money
8. read lots of books to Owen and Ben with what little voice I have left
(after reading this, I realize I really need to get a life... )
8 Thinks I look forward to
1. Spending the holidays with family and friends
2. the smells and sounds of Christmas
3. playing with Owen and Ben
4. nap time
5. warmer weather
6. tax return time, so we can actually do some home projects
7. selling our other house
8. getting my house back in order... being sick really throws everything off
8 Favorite Restaurants
1. Carrabbas
2. Papa's and Beer
3. Lucky Otter
4. Laughing Seed Cafe
5. Marco's Pizza
6. Stoney Knob Cafe
7. Lulu's
8. Tupelo Honey
8 Things on My Wish List
1. to get organized
2. a fancy camera
3. furniture and rugs for the house
4. to get back in shape
5. new clothes (once I get back in shape)
6. to get Ben sleeping through the night again
7. to play more with Owen and Ben and spend less time on the computer
8. a massage
8 People to Tag (if you wanna play...)
1. Heather J
2. Heather M
3. Alice
4. Shannon L
5. Cindy
6. Maggie
7. Bethany
8. Molly
Friday, November 14, 2008
Still celebrating...
One very special TWO year old!
I am taking Owen and Ben to see "Mouse" and "Einsteins" today. I have been wanting to take Owen to this ever since they started advertising it. Unfortunately, it's a little pricey and I didn't think we would be able to go. However, with Danny working for the TV station, he got the hook-up and now me and the kiddos get to go! My former neighbor, Amy, and her son are supposed to be going with us. I imagine it'll be a lot of work with a baby and toddler, but so worth it; I am sure!
On Sunday we are going to Chuky E. Cheese to celebrate his birthday with our families. I can only imagine how much fun this will be.
I am taking Owen and Ben to see "Mouse" and "Einsteins" today. I have been wanting to take Owen to this ever since they started advertising it. Unfortunately, it's a little pricey and I didn't think we would be able to go. However, with Danny working for the TV station, he got the hook-up and now me and the kiddos get to go! My former neighbor, Amy, and her son are supposed to be going with us. I imagine it'll be a lot of work with a baby and toddler, but so worth it; I am sure!On Sunday we are going to Chuky E. Cheese to celebrate his birthday with our families. I can only imagine how much fun this will be.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
The weigh in...
Both Owen and Ben had their check-up's this week.
Ben at 4 months....
Weight- 14 lbs 15 oz (50%)
Height- 25 1/2 inches (50-75%)
Head- 42 cm (75%)
Ben did really well and was so excited to have mommy all to himself. He squealed the entire time we were there and he loved looking at himself in the large wall mirror. He received a great well-check along with a few vaccines (which did not go over well with him...poor little guy.)
Owen at 24 months...
Weight- 27 lbs (45%)
Height- 33.5 inches (25%)
Head- 5o cm (80%)
So Owen is short and skinny with a big head. He'll be happy that he can continue to drink whole milk until his weight catches up.
Dr. Love was really impressed with Owen's ability to say and recognize all the letters of the alphabet and count to 20 in English and 10 in Spanish. Owen did really well with his flu mist and finger prick (for a hemoglobin sample), and only cried for a few seconds when he received his Hep A vaccine.
Ben at 4 months....
Weight- 14 lbs 15 oz (50%)
Height- 25 1/2 inches (50-75%)
Head- 42 cm (75%)
Ben did really well and was so excited to have mommy all to himself. He squealed the entire time we were there and he loved looking at himself in the large wall mirror. He received a great well-check along with a few vaccines (which did not go over well with him...poor little guy.)
Owen at 24 months...
Weight- 27 lbs (45%)
Height- 33.5 inches (25%)
Head- 5o cm (80%)
So Owen is short and skinny with a big head. He'll be happy that he can continue to drink whole milk until his weight catches up.
Dr. Love was really impressed with Owen's ability to say and recognize all the letters of the alphabet and count to 20 in English and 10 in Spanish. Owen did really well with his flu mist and finger prick (for a hemoglobin sample), and only cried for a few seconds when he received his Hep A vaccine.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Holy Cuteness, Batman!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
4 months old



- Takes 2 naps (one at 10am and one at 2pm), more like 9 and 1 since the time change
- Nurses every 2-3 hours
- Is starting to spit-up more after feedings than before
- -has a contagious smile and giggle (that is VERY loud)
- legs and hands never stop, making it hard to clip his little nails
- loves watching big brother and the dogs
- loves, loves to be read to. Favorites these days are The Bear Snores On and Goodnight Moon.
- Loves to be sung to. Our favorites are, You are my Sunshine, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Hey Diddle Diddle, the ABC’s
- Says “geeeeee”
- LOVES getting a bath and being just in his diaper
- Wearing size 2 diapers now
- Went to the GA Aquarium
- First visit to the Lyda Farm Pumpkin Patch
- First Halloween
- Celebrated Owen’s birthday at The Little Gym
- Visited Gramma Karen’s house for the first time and met Great Grandma Florence
- Can hold objects in his hands
- Does mini push-ups
- Rolls over from front to back and can roll from side to side while on his back. Is so close to rolling from back to front.
- Sleeps on his side (still sleeps with Mommy)
- Wears size 3-6 month clothes
- Still takes a paci
- Loves to be held and to cuddle
- Is looking more and more like daddy everyday!
- Eyes are a dark brown
- Starting to lose patch of hair in the back and on sides. He’s totally sporting a Mohawk!
- He’s discovered his voice and loves to hear himself squeal!
- sucks his thumb and rubs the edge of his blanket
- loves Owen's old lovey.
- 10/28 first snow
- 10/28 went with mommy to vote
- 10/28 first snow
- 10/28 went with mommy to vote
TWO- the party & the gifts
We celebrated Owen's birthday on Friday night at The Little Gym with 20 of our favorite "little" friends and their parents. We are so blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives and I wouldn't have wanted to celebrate any other way than by being surrounded by those we have grown to love so much!Because the venue provides the decorations and paper goods, I didn't really do a "theme" party, I just had Owen a "Go Go" cake made at Carolina Mountain Bakery. It wasn't exactly the way I envisioned it and it was a tad on the dry side, but overall I think Owen really enjoyed it and that's all that matters.
&
Gift Table

Here's Owen digging into the cake as we were singing to him....When the ladies took the cake away to cut it, he got really upset and starting crying out, "cake, cake."
(he wore the same shirt last year)
Friday, November 7, 2008
TWO
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Birthdays, Birthdays, Birthdays!!!!
I just wanted to send out Happy Birthday wishes to my Uncle Mike, mother-in-laws Lorna and Natalie, good friend Ali and new found friend Pamela. Also, we are gearing up for Owen's AWESOME Birthday Bash at the Little Gym tomorrow night. I still have to get my house in order for company, get the favors finished, pick-up the cake and pizza and Danny has a long night ahead of him putting together Owen's BIG birthday present.
Monday, November 3, 2008
another super cool costume for ya!
The husband and three kids of Deedie, a girl I went to HS and College with, dressed as a mouse, cheese and mouse trap; I LOVE IT. I saw this on her husbands facebook page. Preston is an art teacher and although I loved the Starbucks costume below, I think this one totally gets family costume of the year!


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