The Lanums Lately

i knew he could do it

2012-01-22T12:52:00.001-08:00

His bike has been sitting in the garage since Christmas day. The directions still in the zippered pocked on his handlebars. The tires had nary a touch of dirt on them. He had been excited about it on Christmas morning, but when he tried to pedal...and went nowhere...he parked it and forgot about it.
Every now and then I'd ask him if he wanted to ride. "No, it's too hard", he'd say.

This morning, while I sipped Starbucks and my littlest nugget finished his nap in the driveway, he told me he wanted to get on his bike and go. I wasn't sure if my heart could handle the frustrated tears or the meltdowns when he pushed the pedals backwards (which are the brakes). Reluctantly, I set my tea down and hoisted him onto the seat.
And what do you know? He took off. Fast. Down the driveway, up the driveway, around my Jeep, clipping the corners of grass, across the street, down the street, into our neighbor's driveway, through a puddle of water, and back again. His jammied little tushie rode like he had done this a thousand times before.
I could grab a few photos of him as he zoomed by (yes, helmet-less, and yes, we do have one, and YES he wears it now....don't worry!) and went on his way again.

This kid reminds me SO much of myself. He's a perfectionist in every sense of the word. He's so stinkin' stubborn--when he gets something wrong, or he's frustrated by something he sets it aside and comes back to it and does it better than ever before. He says he "can't do it", lets it go, and then when no one is looking he just gets up on it and goes....
...and I love that about him.

so what happened?

2011-12-16T07:11:00.000-08:00

It's been an interesting past couple of days around here...days we'd rather forget than remember, but I thought I'd let everyone know exactly what happened and why Chase was in the hospital Wednesday night!

I picked Chase up from school on Wednesday and he was inconsolable. Because he rarely cries, this was somewhat alarming to hear him screaming. At first we all thought "ears"--as he would cry when we put him down or picked him up. After 3 hours of screaming, Trey brought him to the ER at Sarasota Memorial to find a source of his pain.

**side note** WHY do these things always happen after office hours or on the weekends? I swear it's a conspiracy...

Anyways, Trey took Chase to the ER where he went through a series of tests (bloodwork for kidney function, ultrasounds and x-rays of both arms because that seemed to be where the pain was) everything came back within normal range. The only thing they could find was a little constipation, which Chase always has. Everyone was stumped! Because he couldn't calm down and his condition wasn't any better, they decided to admit him.

Now, I'm not sure if you've EVER had to see a baby get an IV, but I bet you could just imagine. It was HORRIBLE. After that, I hugged him and we both fell asleep in the hospital bed together. Trey had returned home with Reece so he could get some sleep too.
When he woke up Thursday morning, it seemed that a little rest did his body some good. We managed to get a couple smiles out of him and he drank a big bottle. They checked both his arms and couldn't find any breaks or dislocations, so possible muscle soreness? Who knows. It was so frustrating for him not to be able to tell us what was wrong, and even moreso to no know any answers from the pediatric doctors.

He's still a little sore under the arms, and we're still not sure what happened or where he's actually hurting, but that smile says a LOT...it is leaps and bounds better than how he was feeling the night before. He ate and slept well again last night, so i'm hoping he's on the mends...seeing your baby in pain is about the most HORRIBLE thing in the world!

my "mommy" gift

2011-12-11T05:36:00.000-08:00

I posted the other night on facebook that I was finishing up my "mommy gift" for my boys for Christmas. I had several people ask me what they were and since I'm sort of a "visual" person, it was hard to explain!

These are just sentimental collages I made for them, they're 20"x20" and I think this is going to be my gift to them for several years...I even found 20"x20" frames at IKEA so I can switch the pictures out every year!
There is no rhyme or reason to any of the pictures, they're just pictures I LOVE of my boys ;) So, there ya go, and now you know! I'm sure they won't care...ha!

it's elf on the shelf time!

2011-12-09T06:08:00.000-08:00

Oodle, our "Elf on a Shelf" has been rather mischevious this year! My sister, Rhea, bought the Elf for Reece's first birthday. He started out rather tame, but now it seems he's really up to no good while we're sleeping....check out what he's been up to this week:

Had some Italian Ice and hung out in the freezer. Good thing he had on a scarf and earmuffs!

Toilet-papered the bathroom. What a mess! Reece just stood in the doorway with his hand on his hip shaking his finger and scolding Oodle!

He brought some snow from the North Pole and make snow angels in the kitchen!

He used Mommy's sharp sewing scissors to cut paper...and cut himself! Bad Oodle!

Eh, just "hanging around"! (*side note- Oodle MADE me clean the fan blades...YUCK!)

Putting out the blazing fire of a (north pole-scented) Yankee Candle!

*It's hilarious because I've been posting these on Facebook each night and now people are expecting things from Oodle! I have to be sure to keep my game up until Christmas Day :)

a love letter to my three year old

2011-11-07T04:13:00.000-08:00

Dear Reece,

Today is your third birthday. You are THREE years old! It is hard to wrap my arms around the fact that three years ago today I held you for the very first time....because I feel like I've known you my "whole little life".

The things you say and do are just so funny! You are such a little ham....like when you decide that you're a dinosaur for no apparent reason. Or when you speak in your jibberish, or when you help yourself to something we thought was out of your reach. You're your own person now, and everything is fair game to you!

In the past year we've really seen you come

of your shell! You'll say "hi" to anyone that is breathing, dance in public, and have "friends" at school. The shy little boy that used to hide behind Mommy's legs now initiates conversation!
One of the biggest changes this year has been watching you in your role as a big brother! We knew once you settled in, you'd be the best big brother to Chase. I love when you sporadically go up and kiss him for no reason except to show him that you love him....or when I hear you quietly whisper in the backseat "it's okay, Chase, we're almost there!"
You're hilarious. You have us in stitches every day. I don't even think you're trying to be funny...you just ARE! Someday you're going to make some girl just as happy as you've made me...in about 30 years!
Reece, we've got so much more to conquer in this lifetime. I can't wait to see the boy that you will grow into and the man that you will become. I can't even remember what my life was like before you were in it, and I can't imagine my life without you. I'm the happiest Mom because you are my son.

Happy Birthday to you, big love.

Love,

Mommy

goofball

2011-11-02T19:36:00.000-07:00

He told me he was "dressin' up to go see his 'manager'." I'm positive he's going to get the gig, dressed up like this!

knockout

2011-10-31T19:15:00.000-07:00

This year Halloween was a kockout...literally! We had been preparing Reece for Halloween fun for a couple of weeks, asking him what he wanted to "be" for Halloween, etc. His answer? A tractor. Not a farmer, not a trucker, not a John Deere Sales Rep...nope, a TRACTOR.

Yeah, ix-nay on the tractor. We've had creative costumes for the past two Halloweens, and my kid was NOT going to be a tractor this year! Ha! I figure this may be the last year I can whip out the mom-veto card, so I did....and the featherweight champion of the world's costume was a total knockout!
What else would this little nugget be but an arteeeeest?! He had lots of fun looking at all the lights and pumpkins, but man...as soon as that clock struck 8pm (aka bedtime) all hell broke loose! He had had it with the beret, people in his face, looking cute, the whole shebang. Dunzo. Hey, he's a man of routine, what can I say?!
We gave it the one-two punch and a TKO---another Halloween bites the dust. Where is time going?! Before I know it it will be November and my big boy will be three.

Oh wait....

i like you, mommy

2011-10-19T16:19:00.000-07:00

This morning my big boy and I were sitting on the couch, watching "Oswald", eating grapes, and getting ready for the day. Out of nowhere he grabbed my left arm, pulled it close to his chest, squeezed it really hard and said "I like you, Mommy".

I like you, Mommy. Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked into his and I said "oh, Love, I like you too...so, so much!"

There was something special about that moment that I can't really put my finger on. Of course I know he loves me. Those unconditional moments...kissing a bug bite, mending a boo-boo, finding the favored matchbox car. You know, the things a Mommy does because those are things that Mommies do. We say "I love you" all the time, sometimes without hesitance. This time, for some reason, like meant so much more than love.
But this was different, he likes me. He likes me...the way we are together, the way we talk and goof, the way we love on each other, what we have that no one else has. I like you...used far less than love, and seemingly so much more authentic.
I guess this is something you grow to love about your child---and learn to like. All his little quirks, quips, and flashy smiles....and the way he holds you close and professes his like for you. These things make me enjoy every day of being his mommy...and enjoy just being with him.

You know, 'cause I like him.

behind

2011-10-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

I am soooo far "behind" these days, it's not even funny. Well, maybe it is laughable to some who think that I'm always on the ball. The other day I said "hey babe, Chase is 16 weeks old today"--only to be told otherwise (by the hubs who is severely N.I.D*) "um, you mean...tomorrow?!"

*Not Into Details

Yeah. That's right. Tomorrow. Ugh.

I realized I haven't even blogged about our trip to Ohio to visit Trey's family or how my little photography "business" is doing. Or how Trey fixed our hot water heater so I could enjoy a HOT shower instead of the lukewarm ones I've been used to for the last 3 years.

3 years. Say whaaaa?

Alas, life continues to chug away and I realize that our little love is now 16 weeks old! (PS- it's crazy how this works--to me, 16 weeks IS 4 months. In doctor-speak, 4 months will be on the 22nd of October when Chase will---literally---be 4 months to date. I like my thinking better, but that also means he's growing up way too fast for my liking!

Here is Chase's 16 week (4 month) milestone picture:
Isn't he the cutest thing? He refuses to smile for the camera, yet he smiles and laughs all.the.time. It's insane--the gas pump? Hilarious. Me tripping and stubbing my toe? Funny. Doggie breath? Laughable. He is just the happiest child, and probably the only one in our family that wakes up in a good mood!

Not to be outdone, big brother is turning 3 in less than a month. I went into panic mode today and started ordering all sorts of stuff after Reece told me he "weelly, weelly wanted a blue motorcycle birfday". I can't find blue motorcycle stuff, but maybe he won't notice :) I'm doing a little party for him with his buddies at school and then we'll have a family gathering at our house that weekend. We've also promised him a trip to Sea World (which he just can't get enough of!) Even though he's growing up way too fast, I just love hearing all of the new things that come out of his mouth. Trey and I look at each other and laugh every day when he says something and we have NO idea where it came from. "Where did you learn that?!" is a phrase we are constantly saying.

So yeah, the secret is out...I look seemingly put-together on the outside, but really...I'm behind. I'm working on it!

don't look, philana!

2011-09-28T07:12:00.001-07:00

I am 99.97% sure my friend Philana doesn't read my blog...but if you do, girl...CLICK THE RED "X" now!

Philana sat behind me in Mrs. Davis' English class in 6th or 7th grade. I remember the first day of school and my snazzy pink tie-dye Billabong shirt I was wearing and everything...anyway, Philana decided she would jazz-up my t-shirt and write on it. IN PEN. Yeah, Mama D had something to say about that...and couldn't belive we soon became friends!

In High School we were inseperable. There were MANY sleepovers that included home-made Glamour Shots (don't be jealous, peeps), cooking escapades (fortune cookies anyone?), and Saturday Night Live skits dreamt up. We were the first "Bennifer"--our names were synonymous with each other...you never said Philana without saying Joanna as well.

Well, gone are the days of "Philana and Joanna", but we still keep in touch and Philana is getting married in February! I am so happy for her because she always said she'd always be single. Her Ben is a super nice, funny dude, too...which makes me even more happy that they're becoming Benlana.

Where the heck am I going with this? Oh yeah, the wreath in this picture. This is the first of four gifts I am making her for her bridal shower next month. I'm expected to be the crafty gift-giver at bridal and baby showers alike, so a gift off the registry is SOOOOOO a cop-out. I'm making her four wreaths, one for each season of the year. This is her Spring wreath, made of felted flowers. This is also the most complicated of the wreaths, and most time-consuming. Well, I think so anyways, the others should be a little easier. I had never made felted roses before and I went a little overboard with the amount of them I tackled this time (seriously, there have got to be 300+ on there!) but I just love the way it turned out!

Then again, ask me the night of November 4th as I'm scrambling to get them done for her shower!

3 down

2011-09-22T05:47:00.000-07:00

eye spy a halloween craft!

2011-09-22T03:50:00.000-07:00

This was a super-easy (and ah-DOOR-able) craft I did with the boys this weekend! I used a cheap glass-less frame that I found in the clearance section of JoAnn's, spray-painted it black, and went to town glueing on googly eyeballs! Reece glued on a few and quickly lost interest.

The footsie ghosts, though? He was ALL over those! And Chase....well he didn't really have much to say about the whole thing ;)

wordless wednesday

2011-09-21T06:54:00.000-07:00

keepin' on

2011-09-12T11:35:00.000-07:00

I wish I had witty comebacks for when people ask ridiculous questions...when you're pregnant they're always asking "how ya feelin'?" and I thought many times that I'd love to answer with a witty "fat and sassy" or "pleasantly plump"...or even be fully honest and say "Lord! Thank goodness you asked! I've got heartburn a-plenty, your lunch smells horrid, and you're the 50th person that has asked me today! My hips are sore and I'd love some peanut butter. Aren't you glad you asked?!"

The questions never stop! I am asked daily "why can't you take a year off work to enjoy your little one?" and "gheeze, it must be sooooo hard for you to leave him at daycare"...how about "are you back in your pre-pregnancy clothes?"...and the obligatory "are you getting any sleep?"

So here are the answers: Yes, I am in my pre-pregnancy clothes, but I feel like things aren't shifting back into place as quickly as they did with Reece. Chase is doing amazing at daycare and I never feel guilty about leaving him (only the first couple of times...of course) and YES, we are getting sleep, in fact Chase slept 9 1/2 hours two nights this weekend! I, naturally, didn't sleep because I kept my ear pealed to the monitor because I thought every sound was him waking up. Ugh.

For now, we're keepin' on. I just can't believe that he'll be 12 weeks old on Wednesday and Reece will be 3 in two months. I looked at him the other day and he just looked so grown up. SO grown up. I swore he grew overnight (even though his teeny butt still fits into 18-24 month clothes) and I just couldn't believe it! I guess time really does fly when you're having fun!

Crockpot Craziness

2011-08-31T11:36:00.001-07:00

I have recently discovered the bliss that is....THE CROCKPOT! My friend Ashley sent me this recipe and it has become a "regular" in the Lanum household! It was also recently featured on "Mommies Need Sleep Too" and has been passed around my circle of friends many times. You'd think we were cooking up a big vat of chocolate the way everyone talks about it...but yes, it's THAT good!

Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos

3 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 Jar (16 oz) your favorite Salsa (We like Tostitos® Restaurant Style Salsa)
1 packet Low Sodium Taco Seasoning
1 Lime (juice from 1 lime)
lotsa Fresh Cilantro, chopped (muy importante!)
6 Tortillas

Directions
In a slow cooker, mix Salsa, Taco Seasoning, Lime Juice and cilantro.
Add Chicken. Cook on low for 8-10 hrs.
Remove chicken and shred.
Serve with a tortilla Add any of your favorite toppings* (lettuce, onions, peppers, black olives, sour cream, taco sauce, etc.)

gambling

2011-08-31T08:37:00.001-07:00

I'm not a very "adventurous" person. I'd like to say that spontenaety is fabulous, but I'm a planner and so VERY, VERY "Type A". It's crazy to me that people gamble their lives away in Vegas. I chill by the penny slots, and even playing all 13 lines (we're talking 13 cents, people) is too much of a "gamble".

Recently we've toyed with the idea of letting our house "go". Yes, letting it go at a loss in hopes of moving up to a much bigger space. For a couple of weeks we were both gung-ho, texting MLS numbers back and forth and setting up showings. We received a pre-approval and were ready to go with 2 mortgages. We were willing to rent out our little house if we had to. It was fun, exciting, and new! We thought about the future, our kids playing kickball in an awesome backyard....putting locks on the sliding doors so they couldn't get out into the pool, which room each boy would get.

And then we really thought about the future...what are we THINKING?! Take a loss of half our house's value and tack it onto a bigger mortgage? Risk having a huge house payment while we have little ones? We came to our senses and decided that putting a pool onto this house...or gutting the kitchen might be less risky.

I've also been pretty busy with photoshoots for the past month or so. As mentioned in a previous blog post, I gave up my long-time second job at the YMCA to just be a mom after school. I absolutely am loving this little gamble I'm taking starting a small photography business! I am having so much fun coming up with new ideas for photoshoots (yeah, ask Trey how much fun it is coming home to a new "prop" every now and then!!!) I've needed to get this creativity out for some time now...it's good for my mojo and food for my soul. Being creative for my students each and every day really sucks me dry of being creative for myself. Gambling, in this case, is good...because you never really know how people are going to receive you, and so far, it's been good!

Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of room for improvement.

I have a contest going on on my facebook page www.facebook.com/photographybyj for a photo contest on your most BLISSFUL photo moment. What blissful moment have you captured on film? Go check out my page, take a gamble, and ENTER!

2 months

2011-08-22T09:08:00.000-07:00

*I am adding this to our blog long after chase turned 2months. I just started doing these for him with the verbage on the picture, and I wanted to do one for this month as well!

defeated

2011-08-21T18:19:00.000-07:00

Normally I blog about my gorgeous family and how perfect my life is with them...and how happy I am all the time to be a mom. Today is not one of those days. Today I'm defeated and deflated. I carry my "mom" title loosely. Today the wind is out of my sails.

For the past couple of weeks Reece has wanted nothing to do with me. For some, this may be a blessing, a sign of independence, a right of passage, or even "the terrible twos". What used to be calm, peaceful, fun evenings have been replaced by tantrums and fights...and he's not the only one that is crying...tonight I am, too. What used to be a bedtime routine full of "one more kiss, Mommy", several "love you hunny bunnies", back rubs, hugs, and bedtime chats have become "get out of my room, i no like you". It's hurtful and I'm hurt.

Everyone I've talked to says "it's a phase", but I thought kids went through this phase when they were teenagers. Before I know it, he's going to ask me to drop him off at daycare instead of walking him in. I hate feeling like this, and I hope everyone is right.

What can I do to make him even respond to my voice? Punish him when he doesn't listen? Have him spend the precious 3 hours a day (now that school has started again) in his room tantruming? We've tried switching up bedtime so I have more time with him. That worked one night but not again. We tried letting Daddy be on Chase duty so I could spend tubby time with Reece. That worked for a second until he got out and went running to Daddy. I know I shouldn't be letting this bother me so much, but it does.

I look at the picture in this post and think back to the times when he needed me for everything, and didn't know any better. I wish I could get those precious moments back on nights like tonight, but I know that with time more independence is coming. So, for now, as I put Chase to bed tonight I hugged him and rocked him a little longer because I know these days will be gone in an instant.

yesterday

2011-08-15T18:52:00.000-07:00

I've been struggling to find a balance between time with my boys. Chase takes so much out of me that Trey has been spending a majority of the time with Reece for the past 7 weeks. I knew it would be like this, I knew that the rambunctious toddler would prefer hanging with his silly Daddy rather than me, but I didn't know how "left out" I would feel.
So, I requested a date with my boy. I dressed to the nines and picked him up. I even paid. I was pulling out all the stops for this little love!
We held hands and sipped juice boxes. We even went down the big slide together.
It was much-needed, for both him and I. I wanted him to know that I hadn't "forgotten" him. I wanted him to know that even though he feels as heavy as a tank, I'll still pick him up and carry him from the parking lot. I wanted him to know that I'm still that Mommy that will bounce in the bounce house and slide down the tallest slide just because.
I'm still that Mommy who gets lost in those blue eyes and that goofy grin. There will be a LOT more yesterdays in our future.

(my) boys of summer

2011-08-15T18:37:00.000-07:00

Tonight was one my last "official" day of summer. Even though Florida summers sometimes stretch into November, there is a sort of finality about the start of the school year that says "summer is now over". Maybe I'm in denial that I'll be back at school tomorrow.
Reece and I met Trey in the driveway with a swimsuit and flip-flops. A beach-trip seemed appropriate tonight to let summer know that we weren't going down without a fight.
In true Summer-in-Florida fashion, too, it rained...just enough to make everyone run for cover, drench everything, and make for a steamy sunset. The rain didn't bother us, we headed for the pavilion and had our picnic dinner (which, I must add, was awesome and something that in my 25 years of living here I've done maybe twice) of sandwiches and potato salad. We live 2 minutes and one flood zone away from the beach. Why don't we do this more often?
I watched as my boys dug tide pools for feet, playing in the way only the two of them can play.
And this boy of summer lounged in his tent through his first official beach trip. He looks right at home, doesn't he?

Summer brings on a spontaneity all it's own...we're not letting go of it thaaaat easily. So while school may begin tomorrow, summer will blaze on. Cheers to more nights like this!

dwindling

2011-08-13T18:15:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Daddy for manning the camera!

My days of summer are dwindling.

I hate this time of year: when mornings of leisurely drives to Starbucks become replaced by frantic toddler-chasing episodes, when lunches being entertained by the smiles and coos of my newborn will be replaced by gossiping teachers, and when laid-back evening routines that postpone bedtime "just because" are replaced by structured bedtime "chaos". It will be especially hard this year as I drop both my boys off at school...so much so that I'm taking a practice run at it on Monday because teachers have been furloughed (we can't work) and it's Chase's "official" first day of school.

I mean, I figured it'd be better if I cried and went home rather than cried and went to work.

Either way, it's been a summer of growing, both as a family, and in myself. I recently put in my notice to step down from a leadership position at the YMCA. For those that know me, they know that I've been a workaholic since the day I turned 16. Having one kid slows you down a bit. Having two kids slows you down a lot bit. The bit I've learned this summer is that I'll never get these days back again. I've seen how quickly Reece has grown right before my eyes. I hate that his big milestones in his short life seem so distant. I hate that it's hard to remember when and where and how even though he's only two. I know in the hustle and bustle of everything I won't remember Chase's, either. So, as hard as it was, I decided instead of being a workaholic mom, I'd just be a working mom.

This summer I have also learned to breathe. I was "tried" by a certain toddler at times. Okay...at many times. I just had to take a deep breath and let things roll (like the state of my house...holy Matchbox cars, batman!) or calm myself after I've tried everything to soothe a crying baby. Half the time I'm so stressed with work and housework and dinners and dishes and laundry and yardwork that I don't just sit and enjoy the moment. While I haven't enjoyed every moment this summer, I sure have savored them.

So while the days of summer are dwindling, I will enjoy my last weekend of summer with my boys, taking on new adventures and savoring these moments...because boy, are they going fast.

random conversations with a 2 year old

2011-08-13T04:50:00.001-07:00

Him: (randomly) Thank you GOD!

Me: What are we thanking God for?

Him: For Jesus. For baby Jesus.

Me: oh yes! What else do we thank God for?

Him: Fruit snacks!

Me: Thank GOD for fruit snacks.

Him: I say thank you God for baby Chase too, I guess.

what's so funny?

2011-08-10T15:19:00.001-07:00

My 7-week old boy. Doesn't even look like the same kid he did 7 weeks ago. He's grown into those super-long arms, those big ole feet, and those bright blue eyes. He's also smiling, cooing, and almost laughing when something is funny.

What's so funny, Chase? Could it be your party time in the middle of the night TWICE a night? Could it be your poopy blow-outs that you save up only for Mommy? Could it be how you amazingly spit out your binky when you see us come around because you know we'll put it back in for you? Could it be that the formula is not heated to your liking? Could it be that you are conspiring with your brother to cause me to gray at an early age?

Could it be...could it be...could it be...that the joke's on me?

Likely.

big love

2011-08-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

I love the way you request to eat popsicles in the tub so you can melt them and drink them.

I love they way you "another"-- (it sounds like "uh-NUV-eee")

I love the way your shorts fall off now that you don't wear a diaper.
I love how you tell me "Mommy, you crack me up".

I love how you call all your Matchbox cars "guys".

I love how you test out sneakers in the store to tell me if they're fast enough.

I love how you kiss your brother when I'm not looking. I love how you call him your best friend.

I love how your blanket smells, even though it stinks, because you chew on it.
I love how you know where all the yard equipment is at Home Depot.

I love how you see a truck with big tires and assume it's a Monster Jam truck.

I love how you squeal when you see the garbage men pick up our trash.

I love how you yell out to me in a quiet house at bedtime "Love you, Hunny Bunny".

I love how you sniff the air sometimes on our walks to "smell the grass".
I love how you're a magnet for anything messy, wet, or dirty...yet incessantly use wipes to clean yourself.

I love how you help yourself to snacks to delay bedtime.

I love how you manipulate your Daddy to delay bedtime.

I love hearing you and Daddy "fight" in bed.

I love how you go into the closet to "read" your Matchbox catalog while I shower.
I love finding reminders of you everywhere, except for when you hid my keys from me.

I love no matter how I try to fight your cowlick I know it's there for good.

I love when I look through the video camera I find 10 5-second videos that you've shot.

I love your skinny little bum in undies.

I love your affinity for chapstick, and your affinity for losing the lids to said chapstick.

I just love YOU, big boy.

on demand

2011-07-23T05:04:00.000-07:00

This boy has been pretty amazing this summer. While I thought he'd totally regress on ANY sort of progress we had made potty-training once Chase arrived...he has yet again proven me wrong.
Every milestone he's made....sitting, crawling, walking...has all been on his own time, on his clock, at his pace. Wonder where he gets that type-A personality from?
I'm not really sure why I thought potty-training would be any different? It's been a slow-go for MONTHS. We've tried stickers, Matchbox cars, candy, letting him sit in some of Chase's toys, popsicles...all to no consistency or avail. It's been frustrating, to say the least, with only one accident in a furniture store--but that was enough to take a few steps back and put the diaper back on.
It then went from us telling him to go...to now him telling US when he has to go and staying dry at school all day. This was literally out of the blue this week, what a wonderful birthday present!
While it's a welcome relief that he's almost out of diapers, it just proves to me how quickly he's growing up. It's a new chapter, a right of passage, and a stepping stone toward becoming a big boy!

wordless wednesday

2011-07-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

1 down

2011-07-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

Happy 1-month birthday to my littlest love! What a fast month it has been, it seems as though I've known you forever! You fit right into our fast-paced family, let's see what you have been up to in the past month!

You are 8 1/2 lbs and 22 inches long. You still wear newborn clothes, but are growing out of them length-wise. We're about ready to hand-down some of YOUR hand-me-downs to some other deserving little boy and just today moved up to a size 1 diaper.

You are very "go with the flow" and find your niche just about anywhere. You're content snoozing in your car carrier, in my arms, or chilling in the Boppy. You sleep in your own crib now (more on that in a minute) because we evicted you from our room. You have a big brother who adores you and kisses you when I'm not looking. When he wakes up his first question is "where is my little brother?" and the last thing he says at night is "let me kiss baby Chase". I just know the two of you are going to be the best of friends!

The past week or so you have been grunting and whining in your sleep, which was keeping us up all night, so we moved you into your crib in your room. Realizing that this was not normal, we've re-evaluated feeding, bottles, sleep positioning, etc to find out why you were in discomfort at night. We've got you propped in a "nap nanny" to sleep and have switched bottles. Last night you slept well and we hope we are on the right path!

I have enjoyed the past 4 weeks being home with you, learning more about your little personality, watching you sleep, and watching you grow! You are so alert these days and check out everything. You remind me so much of Reece, from your furrowed brow to your "old man's" hairline, to your long legs and arms. You're the perfect "bookend" to our family and we just love you so much!

attack of the clones

2011-07-13T04:56:00.001-07:00

I had to post these pictures because they made me laugh...the first picture is Chase and the second is Reece. These boys are so similar in appearance it's almost laughable! The same wrinkly brow, same piercing eyes, same lips, lack of hair (and widow's peak hairline!!!) and long stringy body. Huge hands and skinny feet. Both wiggle non-stop. Both had crazy hiccups.

There are some major differences, too. Reece was addicted to his binky from day one. Chase isn't impressed with the binky (fine with us! Less heartache in a year or so when we take it away!!!) Chase tolerates the buzzy seat, but doesn't like to be in it for more than a few minutes. Reece could have slept in that seat all day.

Can't wait to see what else these kiddos have in store for me...I'm loving every minute (yes, even the ones in the middle of the night) that I spend with them!

a nutter brudder

2011-07-09T18:57:00.000-07:00

I've caught him stealing kisses from his brudder lately. I thought that was my job?!

chase's birth day

2011-07-01T20:01:00.000-07:00

I'm really not the type of person to have a "birth experience", but wanted to write down the events of Chase's birth day just in case anyone

a) cared

b) wanted to remember someday down the road.

On June 21 I had felt some random contractions all day long. We went to Reece's swimming lesson about 4:30, then went to Publix to visit Trey afterward. I told him contractions were still sporadic, so just to finish his shift. He got home about 11 pm and there was no change. About 3:30 am I woke up to some more regular contractions, about 5 minutes apart, used the restroom, and realized I was losing my "mucus plug". Knowing that it would take us at least an hour to drop Reece off and get to the hospital, we didn't want to waste any time so we started packing up the last of everything, woke Reece up, and hit the road.

We got Reece to Aunt Kari's house, made it to L&D Triage in one piece, and actually had to wait in the triage waiting room for an hour because they were full!!! When they finally got me in and checked me, I was 3-4 cms with pretty regular contractions. At 7:30 they wheeled me up to a birthing suite because it was pretty apparent that we were having a baby today! I was progressing quickly, and in some moderate pain. At 9:30 my midwife, Lee, broke my water and that was when all hell broke loose!

My nurse told me we shouldn't wait too long for the anesthesiologist because she thought I was going to go pretty quickly from there out. She left the room, as did Trey, and I was in total agony. I kept pressing the "call" button for the nurse, and no one was coming. Finally when Trey came back in I sent him out to find someone. I needed some kind of pain relief. I needed it right away!

Long story short, the anesthesiologist gave me the highest dose of medication she could for my weight and it wasn't touching the pain. They finally decided to give me something called Staidol which made me completely loopy. I could still feel pain, but the Staidol allowed me to relax in between contractions. Sweet relief, finally.

About 11:10 they checked me and I was ready to go! Five pushes and he was out, whizzed all over the nurses, and was placed on my chest. I felt a little ill after birth, mainly because of the narcotic, but only had 6 stitches and otherwise was able to recover very quickly.

I am very blessed that everything happened very quickly, it was a day we had been waiting for for a long time! Our family is now complete and we are so in love with our two boys!

wordless wednesday

2011-06-29T07:38:00.000-07:00

5 days old

2011-06-27T19:17:00.000-07:00

Reece's favorite "band" is the Laurie Berkner Band and they sing a song called "Five Days Old". Many months ago we started calling this song the "Baby Chase Song" since it's about being tiny and growing up. Well, today my littlest love is five days old. This time last week I was still going about my business being annoyed that I was still pregnant, scheduling swimming lessons for Reece, making appointments I hoped I wouldn't have to keep since Chase's birth was impending...but I made the appointments anyways, just in case.

Today our goals were simple: showers before noon so we could get to Chase's doctor appointment by 1. his appointment went well...weighs just a tad over 7 lbs now, bilirubin levels are manageable with some indirect sunlight in his very near future. We were a little worried because his eyes have started looking a little yellow. He still has this little "pearl cyst" in the back of his mouth (which will warrant a trip up to see an ENT at All Children's Hospital next week if it doesn't rupture on it's own) but other than that, looks healthy and content!
In celebration of wonderful health, I gave him a bath. I was not the most popular Mommy in town during the bath. Note to self: make Daddy give the newborn baths until he loves the tubby just like his big brother!
I do, however, have a snuggly, Aveeno-smelling little dude to cuddle after bathtime, though...so it must not be thaaaaaaat bad!

Homecoming

2011-06-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

After an uneventful 48 hours after Chase's birth, we were more than ready to come home! We're ready to start our lives together as a family of four, with our handsome big brother and his even-tempered little brother. I am so thankful and blessed for a beautiful, perfect family!

happy birthday, chase!

2011-06-22T11:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday!

Chase Daniel Lanum

June 22, 2011

11:16 am

7lbs 3oz 19.5 inches

We love you so much!

happy father's day!

2011-06-19T05:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to the best Daddy we know!

Love, Reece

happy birthday, austin!

2011-06-14T18:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my beautiful niece, Austin Lynn born on June 7th. She and Chase are going to be the best of friends (if he ever gets here, little bugger!)

anatomy of a great weekend

2011-05-31T14:59:00.000-07:00

This weekend I planned Rhea's Bridal & Bachelorette Bash in Treasure Island, Florida. My due date lurking closer and closer, I wanted to stay semi-close, but go somewhere I knew the girls would love. During the 3-Day we walked down Gulf Blvd. on Treasure Island and it was gorgeous, so I scoped out some houses to rent there. I found a perfect house that slept 8 with a pool, hot tub, and dock! It was a great little place, in fact, we only left the house once to hit up an amazing crab restaurant for dinner on Saturday!
Rhea and Amy sit on the dock and enjoy their coffee. It's a rough life, but someone's gotta do it.
On Sunday I hosted Rhea's Bridal Brunch, which we ate poolside in our jammies. It was a great start to the day! The menu included this delicious cake from Slice of Heaven, fruit and yogurt dip, ham & cheese swiss mini sandwiches, and a delicious quiche (I will post the recipe later).
Rhea's cake and mimosa. A great way to start the day!
We could have gotten used to this. Rhea says I'm becoming more domestic in my old age. I took that as a compliment!

My little sis, the bride to be...she's not getting married until September 10th, but we wanted to cram in a nice weekend while we all had time...

Rhea's gift opening extravaganza was a little twist on the "norm"....we were all supposed to buy something for Rhea in a "time capsule" for Eric and her to celebrate with on one of their milestone anniversaries.

A whip...I think this was for her one-month anniversary. Eric isn't going to know what...er...hit him! One of the most fun gifts was a real-life prescription for Viagra (which expires 5 years after her wedding date)...just in case. It's frame-able and hilarious!
Add some flowery, floppy hats, lots of beer, shots, margaritas, mojitos, and "sweet teas" and you've got yourself a pool party.
Add even more beer, potato chips, tons of scavanger seagulls, a rigged-up floating "table", sharp oyster shells, Joy's iPod, and pool noodles in the middle of a canal and you have....
the anatomy of a great weekend.

a bit more real

2011-05-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

It's becoming a bit more "real"...this whole "baby Chase will be here VERY soon" thing. Yesterday the staff at school held a dual baby shower for Carmen Serrano and myself, which was absolutely perfect since I:

a. HATE being the center of attention.
b. think opening gifts in front of people ranks right up there with being the center of attention on the dislike-meter.

Alas, it was a good time and it was nice because we didn't have to play the obligatory "baby shower" games--because we were both parenting professionals (hahahhahha!) they just asked us to share our favorite moments being a mom, funny stories, embarassing stories, and lastly if we were "ready" to bring #2 home.

Ready? Yes. Know what I'm in for? No clue. But it's getting more "real".

Unpacking all of the baby essentials (lots of diapers, wipes, smelly lotions and diaper cream!) and putting it in Chase's nursery made things even more surreal. Sure, we've had 9 months to prepare ourselves for this little guy, I guess I'm just having a hard time envisioning the actual chaos that will take over our house in a short while!

Me with my fabulous teammate, Carol. She's now seen me through a wedding and two kids. Hard to believe this is the only school I've called "home" all those years! It's funny, because usually I'm the one that puts together the diaper cakes and gifts when there is an event at school. Then Carol goes ahead and whips up this:

Yeah, I think I'm going to pass on the diaper cake-making torch to Carol. I now see why no one ever wants to take mine apart!!!

Today was my 36 week OB appointment. So far I've gained 16 lbs (I gained 24 total with Reece). The Dr. said that Chase was "really, really LOW" and I didn't ask any questions after that. He also said that since Reece was born at 38 weeks, this one will likely follow suit. So yeah, that kind of puts things into a bit more perspective...and makes things even that more real.

yes, i guess?

2011-05-24T18:35:00.000-07:00

Picture courtesy of Aiming Low

Hi, I'm Joanna and I'm a Yes-a-holic.

It's this horrible trait that I have. In fact, I just finished putting the ribbons on my sister's party favors for her bridal weekend this Memorial Day weekend, doing a load of laundry, taking a 2-mile walk, playing with Reece, feeding him, and putting him to bed. During that time, I found a substitute for swimming lessons, worked on flyers for lessons, watered the lawn, and played in the sprinklers with my boy. Before that, I fielded umpteen phone calls and emails from angry teachers and parents wondering WTF was wrong with the yearbook printing and why pages are falling out and why kids are missing off those pages. Before that I taught 7.5 hours of classes to kids ranging from 5-12 and dealt with a kid hitting another kid. Before that I waited in line at Starbizzle for my weekly treat, my Soy Chai Latte, only to find out they ran out of Chai. Before that, I hit the snooze button.

While it seems like I'm complaining, I'm not, my life would be nothing if it were not hectic.

The first step is admitting you have a problem, right?

mommy needs a time-out

2011-05-18T17:50:00.001-07:00

Forgive me, for it's been awhile since I've blogged. I feel like I'm on overdrive these days in preparing for the arrival of Chase and trying to get our yard in order, house in order, and classroom in check for our final few weeks in this "normal" routine.

I don't know these days what "normal" is because we've been SOOOOO busy! I love it because it's taken my mind off the tick-tock of the pregnancy clock. This past weekend we took an impromptu trip to Sea World, which seems to be our favorite day-trip to date. Reece just loves all the action and people-watching (clearly something he gets from Grandpa John) and of course the animals! It was brutally hot, but we expected it, so we ended the day with a run through their water fountains. Reece ran and danced and did some push-ups and was just his normal goof-ball self. He's such a ham, even when he thinks people aren't looking!

As we were leaving we decided to let him choose a small animal to add to his collection. As he went through the bins he was saying "I have this at home, I have this guy at home, I have him at home...." until he saw a cool sea turtle. I was psyched. We were getting out of the Sea World gift shop for $3.99!! That was, until he honed in on the ONLY truck/trailer in all of Sea World. HOW DOES HE SPOT THESE THINGS?! I thought we were home-free. Little stinker.

I love these pictures so they were the only ones I added, even though I took plenty at Sea World. Rarely am I in front of the camera, so I wanted to remember the moment! Plus, they're great shots. Good job, Daddy!

I know I keep mentioning how funny Reece is, and that I need to write this stuff down....well, tonight Reece put me in time-out! I was talking to Trey and said the word stupid...and he pointed to the time-out spot and made me sit! The funniest part was when he kept coming over and saying "You no say that word, Mommy. You bad. That is not nice. You sit there and don't EVER say that word again!" I couldn't help but laugh, which made him even more angry. He was pointing and scolding and marching back and forth. I would ask him if I could get up and he'd say "no, not yeeeee-eeeet".

Oh man. I will never say the S word again!

C'mon, it's pretty hilarious to envision me, 35 weeks pregnant, sitting in the time-out spot.

Perhaps I should say "stupid" more often, just for the "break"?

Naaaaah, I'd rather keep chugging along, being busy and have a polite kid who knows the difference between right and wrong. I can rest when I'm much older.

made

2011-05-08T14:53:00.001-07:00

i'm pretty proud of many things in my life....but my single best accomplishment (so far) has been this little boy. he's the light of my days, the spirit that lifts me up, and the giggle that keeps me going. today i want to celebrate the little boy that made me a mom.

Happy Mother's Day!

a little behind...

2011-05-04T18:07:00.000-07:00

Yes, he will probably kill me for this one....someday...but for now it's just another thing that keeps me laughing at him all the time!

Forgive me, I've fallen a bit "behind" with writing about our life happenings lately...here's a quick menagerie of all that has been the "Lanums Lately"...

A few such things: boring, but worth nothing....

About a month ago I was contacted by a former swimming lesson client who had a (very) large playset in her backyard, was ready to move, and needed to get rid of it. She offered to give it to me for the very small price of painting murals in her kids' rooms. Noting that the playset was worth over $3,000, I jumped at the chance...long story short, this playset was so large that it had to be installed into two of our plant beds, which required moving the sprinkler system, laying new sod, making smaller mulch areas, and putting in grass plugs...is anything ever easy?! I won't show pictures of it yet because the grassy areas around it are still growing together and it isn't in "show" condition!

I'm currently 33 weeks pregnant. I feel pretty good for the most part, but have some major sciatic issues going on in my right hip. My belly is growing, growing, growing and I feel like there isn't any more room in there! Chase is moving and shaking and still goes crazy when I eat baby carrots. I'm doing okay with weight, though at my last check up last week I had gained 3 lbs in 2 weeks! EEEEEEEK! That means it's time to hit the pavement with the stroller!

Trey's schedule is likely to change in the next couple of weeks, which will really help with his whole "overnight" situation...but will make long days for Mommy without his help. Looking forward to having a somewhat normal schedule and his help in the mornings!

So we're chugging away at life...hoping not to lag too far "behind", but with myself slowing down a tad and a new little guy on the way....it's quite possible!

i need to...

2011-05-02T18:20:00.001-07:00

When Reece was a baby, I was very good about filling up his baby book with "firsts". I documented everything digitally and in pictures. I wrote funny things down. Lately, I've been lucky just to have five minutes at the end of the night to reflect on the day that was. I need to start writing down some of our conversations, however, because I am constantly amazed as to what goes through his little head sometimes!

This past weekend was a huge weekend in "current events". The Royal Wedding on Friday gave him plenty of questions to ask:

Him: "What you watching Mommy"

Me: "Kate and Will are getting married"

Him: "Why getting married? She in church?"

Me: "They're getting married so they can kiss."

Him: (wiping his mouth) "I no wanna marry Mommy. Mommy kissy me. Mommy, NO MORE KISSY!"

Sigh.

Yesterday, Osama bin Laden was killed and today on our Starbucks run, I said to him:

Me: "Hooray, they got the bad guy!"

Him: "Why bad guy Mommy?"

Me: "He was a very bad man, and he was very mean, so they got him!"

Him: "Him in jail? He bad? I no be bad, Mommy. I like gummies."

Me: "Yes, you're a good boy and good boys get gummies."

Him: "No gummies in jail. No go to waterpark, too."

I could go on and on and on with the hilarious conversations we have. Last week he was telling me about how a bird pooped on his friend's head at school. Our conversations right before bedtime, laying in bed, talking about our day, are the MOST special to me.

I need to start writing all of this down so I can read them at his wedding...

or not.

spin art

2011-04-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate to win a Melissa & Doug Spin Art Machine from The Chocolate Muffin Tree! I was going to take it to school, but decided not to since I am SURE there will be some fighting over this one...so until I get 9 of them, I'm letting Reece have free reign on the Spin Art Machine!
I can barely get Reece to slow down and take a bite of food, sit on the potty and try to go, or sit still while I try to clip nails, but one thing is for sure...Reece absolutely LOVES making art. He'll sit with me for an hour playing play-doh or coloring in his sketchbook.

He used to make all sorts of beautiful work at school, but I think he's too active there to actually sit down and create anymore. Poor guy, he doesn't stand a chance with an Art Teacher for a mom! I love that whenever he's creating his tongue is out in full-force. It's lethal. It's the sign of pure concentration.

He's also at this point where he tells me what he's making. Of course it is just scribble, but I adore all the random thoughts that go into his work. "Dis one elephant by tractor. Snake coming. Big apple in dump truck". There is no shortage of imagination in his little head!
We must have made 10 spin-art master pieces today and each is unique and beautiful! This was really a throwback to when I was a kid and would make tons of spin-art with our electric machine. I hope I can instill that love for all things creative in my little man!

the fountain

2011-04-22T15:25:00.000-07:00

he'll be comin' round the fountain when he comes...

he'll be comin' round the fountain when he comes....

he'll be comin' round the fountain,

yes he'll be comin' round the fountain....

...when he comes. YEE HAW!

W

2011-04-13T11:22:00.000-07:00

Today's post is brought to you by the letter "W":

White

Wedding

Wordless

Wednesday

Wonderful

Why (is he growing up so fast?)

he made a "funny"

2011-04-12T12:30:00.000-07:00

Reece is a real character and makes us laugh all the time! Seeing his face light up when he makes a "funny" is side-stitching funny....

This weekend, among other wacky things that he does (like try to stand on his head with his hiney in the air so you have to contort yourself to put on his diaper...which has since resulted in starting pull-ups!) he started playing hide-and-go-seek. His hiding places usually consist of a blanket and our bed, and he tells you he's hiding from you, but he loves to play...

Luckily I got this gem on video....WHERE'S REECE?!

different but the same

2011-04-07T10:42:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we travelled up to Orlando to visit our friends Ashley, Chad, and their spunky, adorable son Stellan. I've written about our travels far and wide to meet up with our dear friends, so I'm sure you're no stranger to the names.

Reece and Stellan were born within four days of each other. Their younger siblings will be born within 1 month of each other. Different, but the same....

Stellan's fair Wisconsin skin juxtaposes nicely against Reece's Florida tan. Different, but the same...

Both boys eagerly wade into the water of the zero-depth pool, one with hesitance and one with confidence, until they are chest-deep with their daddies. Different, but the same...

Both boys eat a lunch of hot dogs and chips. One sits nicely and eats, one eats on the run...Different, but the same...

Both boys energetically bounce up and down on a sofa bed, pinning each other in the way only brothers can. One dramatically falls and laughs, the other pins his friend down. Different, but the same...

Both mommies rapidly shoot photos of the boys, one from one angle of the room, and one from the other. One with a mega-zoom, and one with a mini lens...

Photo courtesy of Ashley Mae Photography

Different, but the same....

i'm good, but i'm not THAT good...

2011-03-22T18:20:00.000-07:00

I'm a rule-follower and always have been. I was good as a kid, too, and rarely got in trouble. I aimed to please and was a perfectionist. Yes, this is a good trait to have as well as a terrible trait to have. It is definitely considered one of my biggest flaws.

I'm not a very good pregnant woman. In fact, I don't like how pregnancy slows me down. W, ith Reece I walked every single day (due very much to the fact that my OB scared the bejeezus out of me when I had gained a bit more than average one month) right up to the "end". We moved when I was about 5 months pregnant with Reece, and that weekend I laid our tile floor on the lanai. I painted almost every room in the house, up on ladders, with non-EOC-friendly paint. I loaded and emptied kiln after kiln after kiln-full of clay at school and actually sometimes forgot that I was pregnant!

This time is no different, I've tiled the baby's room and our shower, I'm getting ready to do some painting, I've chaired the jog-a-thon at school and I've hoisted cases of water all over the place. Did I mention how I hate that pregnancy slows me down?! If I do all this when I'm pregnant, can you imagine how I am when I'm in normal "Joanna" mode? I exhaust myself! Ha!

Tomorrow I'm spending the day between doctor's offices. Yuck. Glucose test in the morning and another peek at Chase later in the morning. While I'm excited to see him, I'm nervous that:

a. Trey will not be there and will be working.

b. The echogenic focus they found at 18 weeks will still be there.

c. My placenta hasn't moved up (which is the main issue to be checked on ultrasound)

With all the unknowns of pregnancy, perhaps this is why I keep myself sooooo stinkin' busy... to stay positive and focused.

That, I will say....I'm pretty good at! Good thing I don't have to be a "good" pregnant woman much longer!

All's Fair...

2011-03-21T18:14:00.000-07:00

Last year when we headed to the County Fair we stood outside the ticket booth holding a tantrum-ing one-year-old and didn't make it in the gates. This year we had to hold back a energetic, excited toddler from breaking down the gates of the Fair! Somehow, it was decided that I would be the guinea pig and would ride all the rides with Reece, leaving Daddy with the camera. I swear, we're up there in the red helicopter.
We were waaaaaaay up there and Reece loved it. He loved waving to Daddy each and every time we circled around.
This picture was taken before he had terror in his eyes. I think if he ever sees the "airplane ride" again he'll freak out on the spot. At least he can tell me what bothers him "Mommy, I'm scared. This is scary, I want to hold on to you". We went bounding off that ride and onto something a little more calm, a little more up his alley.
Driving TRUCKS! He loved it. In total, I think we spent $6 driving trucks. He was so happy and so content riding around in circles with his lion and waving at us as he went by.
I had to add this picture in there, it's Reece's typical stare. I could get lost in those blue eyes...

I digress...

I just can't believe it was a YEAR ago that we tried to go for the first time to the Fair. I mean, now we're talking in YEARS and not in months or in weeks. It's the strangest thing when I tell people "oh, he's almost two and a half" and not his age in months.

All's fair when your kid grows up...hopefully time slows down a little for me, though. I'm not ready for all this "growing up" stuff!

on his own

2011-03-12T19:15:00.001-08:00

This week has been our Spring Break and while you would think I'd have even more time to get things done, blog, and clean, it's been quite the opposite...we've had a jam-packed schedule of fun, appointments, and play time.

Trey recently wrote a note on Facebook about how our little boy was growing up and gaining independence. As this week has gone on, I've also noticed how different our repertoire of events has been lately...

On Tuesday we went to get our hair cut. We sat nicely in the chair while Domenic cut (and cut and cut!) our hair and didn't shed one tear or whelp about not sitting on Mommy's lap. Afterward, we went to the beach where Reece ventured into the waves by himself.

On Wednesday I took down his toddler bed and put together his new twin bed from IKEA. No bedrails. No boundaries. No idea what we were getting into! He slept like a champ. We haven't looked back....

On Thursday we drove down to get fitted for Reece's tux for Ms. Ashley's wedding. He's going to be so handsome in his white tuxedo! We walked through the mall holding hands. We bought "fast" new sneakers and raced out the door to get home sooner so we could show them to Daddy.

On Friday we went to BounceU, our local bounce gym. Reece's "crutches" stood outside the play structures and let him go at it himself. He even got into it and started throwing balls and playing with one of the guys who worked there. He slid down the big slide head-first. Daddy and I just stood off to the side and let him play. His first time there was just a year ago and he could barely walk. Where has our little boy gone?

Today we went to the bookstore and read books together. He's now asking "why?" after we say certain things. He sat contently and watched "Land Before Time" and even made me kiss the TV after he saw that Littlefoot was crying.

This just makes me even more excited for the day when he becomes a big brother and can teach Chase everything he knows.

Until then....he'll still be my baby.

weathering the weekend

2011-02-23T07:10:00.000-08:00

After weather that has pretty much stunk since early November, we had a GORGEOUS weekend here in SW Florida! We never thought we'd be so happy to see 80 degrees. Luckily, Grandma and Grandpa Brink are here and have their great condo on Siesta Key along with...a PARKING SPACE on Siesta Key!...that we love going to. My Aunt Carla and cousin Federica are here visiting, too, so it was a wonderful excuse to go play on the beach with them!

It was also a beautiful weekend for an 85th Birthday Party, courtesy of Grandma! She's the most energetic 85-year-old I know! Woo hoo for birthday cake!

Please excuse the cruddy photos, they were taken on my cell phone and I'm too lazy to edit the ones from my camera!

Reece even weathered the (frigid) water! He kept saying "Mama, feel it!" and I obliged...but when he asked me to "sit down", I had to draw the line. My amphibious blood is pretty thin. He played, splashed, ran, and even chased a teenager running on the beach. When my cousin Federica (from Minnesota, mind you!) went chest deep into the water Reece was ready to go in after her. She held him and they went in together, leaving this mama on the shore. That was a little too much for me...and someone had to man the camera, right?

When we got home, Trey had ripped out our master shower. This is a project that has been on the dockett for a looooong time and with the long weekend we decided that now was the time. Our very helpful toddler was helping with saws, wrenches, drills, shovels, tile nippers, sledgehammers, and his new wheelbarrow. After 34,987 trips to Home Depot, a visit from Uncle Troy, and countless cuss words, we have 3 walls up and tile hanging on the walls.
While we're still days away from showering in our new shower, we've proved that we're not Weekend Warriors...we're more like Week-long Warriors.

Workin' for the weekend...so cliche, but oh so true when you have weekends like this!

dinner with the dinosaurs

2011-02-14T17:49:00.000-08:00

We're HUUUUUUGE Laurie Berkner fans 'round these parts. Reece can sing "We are the Dinosaurs" completely on-pitch, while marching and pretending to "sleep". It's hilarious. Trey's CD player in his Jeep miraculously "broke", so it's been Dinosaurs on repeat in my truck for oh...3 months or so? Sometimes after I drop Reece off at school I find myself driving down Center Road singing at the top of my lungs....to Laurie Berkner. Oy.

I wouldn't have it any other way, though! After Reece became obsessed with Laurie Berkner's music, we started watching the videos on YouTube. Woah. It's a nightly thing now, along with us watching him in his skivvies marching around like a dinosaur. Somehow we've even been able to convince him that "dinosaurs eat chicken nuggets, so Reece should eat them too"!

And he does...wonder how long this'll last?!

For Valentine's Day I found a tiny bag of dinosaurs at Target (I think they were party favors or something, but for $1 I didn't care what they were for!!!) and they were the hit of the night! The dinosaurs started out "watching Reece eat", but then became part of the noodle-eating extravaganza.

The dinosaurs "ate" noodles, strawberries, and drank orange Crush. They took a bus ride and even got to play in the tubby too!
I love this age. I love how he can play independently and "play" dinosaurs. He tells me what they eat, if they're "mean or nice", if they are happy or sad, or if they need a hug. All night tonight the T-Rex needed a hug because he was sad, and the Brontosaurus was hungry for a hot dog.

Wonder what the dinosaurs will want for dinner tomorrow night?!

full

2011-02-07T05:38:00.000-08:00

This last week has been full of new adventures, new friends, new beginnings, and new *family members*. This is going to be a full post as well, filling you with tidbits of "stuff" going on around the Lanum household!

Big Boy(s):
Last week Reece began his new adventure in the 2-year-old room with Ms. L! This move has been long-anticipated, but we knew that we were not ready for it. In his new room he'll practice potty-training, eating new foods, making new friends, learn shapes, colors, and numbers! It's also the beginning of more independance! We've noticed a bit more of "self-play" with him, too, even only being in this new room for a week! He crashes cars together, calls on the firemen to "help", and feeds his animals. Every new discovery for him made us sit back in awe of a toddler's brain works!

While we're anxious to start potty-training, we must first get over the hurdle of his "fear" of actually going potty in the potty! He'll sit, and he went one time (we made a HUGE deal of it with dances and a ring pop treat) and has never gone again. Grrrrrr. Ms. L promises to work with us to (hopefully!) get Reece out of diapers before summer. Fingers crossed for that!

Trey also turned 34 this weekend! We were going to go to Sea World again for his birthday, but the weather turned sour so we'll have to save it for another day. We opted instead for a dinner of shrimp-kabobs and Publix carrot cake!

Lastly, I've been feeling this little guy inside of my give me some HUGE reminders that he's in there! Chase (his name!!!!) kicks and punches non-stop whenever I eat fruit or baby carrots (which is pretty often these days, it's all that really sounds good!) I'm over 20 weeks now, halfway there, and love feeling those kicks!

Big Savings:
I've recently started to "coupon" (can that be a verb?!) and I've kind of started to figure it out! By shopping the ads and searching the internet for coupons, as well as modifying our weekly menu to eat off of the ads, we're saving significantly each week and it's kind of fun to see our bill at the grocery store! This week I saved $62 in coupons (our bill would have been "the norm" about $150, and we spent $90!!! I could get used to this!)

Big Bite:
Part of that $90 this week included this rubber alligator that Reece just had to have. In fact, he's so wobbly and rubbery and floppy that it was funny not to get it! For the past 24 hours he's had this thing in his hands, talking to it, feeding it, taking it for rides on the lawnmower, and giving him a bath. The alligator "watches" Reece take bites and sips of things. The alligator even "watched" Reece brush his teeth last night. Don't worry, though, he's a nice alligator and doesn't bite. Unless you're a dog. Then he'll bite you. (Again, soooo funny how their little brains work!)

Last night I caught the alligator hanging around Reece's dinner plate. When I opened his mouth, he had a hot dog and a strawberry shoved in there. Oh my. I got them out before he took a dip in the bubbly tub. No eating while swimming, ya know.

My life is full of surprises, none of which cease to amaze me on a daily basis.

today...

2011-01-26T18:45:00.000-08:00

today we "met" our newest little addition

today we saw a little boy that has the same body as his big brother

today we saw ten fingers, ten toes, and straight ankles

today we learned there was a dance party going on in my belly that we weren't invited to

today i got this little dude to move and shake by eating baby carrots

today i am marveled by modern technology, but am afraid of it all the same

...and today we learned that our little guy has a calcification on his heart

today we decided we already love him too much to risk his health...

so today we begin the 19 week countdown until we meet our precious boy!

(and pray that he continues to develop perfectly!)

navigator

2011-01-15T18:01:00.000-08:00

Today we busted out the TomTom for the first time ever. We got it from my parents and sister for Christmas and have (quite honestly) not had a need to request directions from "Tom". As we formulated plans last night for a last-minute trip to Sea World, we also realized Aunt Rhea would be playing in her National Flag Football Tournament right around the corner! It was a win/win!

We had a wonderful day nagivating our way around Sea World, courtesy of one curious toddler. He ran, jumped, clapped, climbed (oh boy did we climb), splashed, and chowed a mean hot dog. We finally got to one side of the park that we had never seen with Reece--and saw manatees, dolphins and alligators! The dolphins were a hit...and a SPLASH! One splashed his tail right in front of Reece and I and we were soaked!

The weather was perfect and we had such a wonderful time! We left Sea World to go see Rhea play in her flag football tournament since we were so close and they won both of their games!

I'd like to leave you with what might be the funniest "visual"---see this maze of ropes and tunnels?

Do you see how high it is? Do you see that there is no way down besides ropes and tunnels? Picture this: me. 4 1/2 months pregnant with a big camera and a diaper bag. Trying to take pictures, scale the ropes, dodge small children in the tunnels, and catch an over-energized toddler. One of my most (not)brilliant ideas ever was telling Trey "sure, I'll go with you!"

Seriously, next time I'm leaving the navigating to "Tom".

my christmas eve heart attack

2011-01-09T14:58:00.000-08:00

While most of the rest of the world was enjoying their Christmas Eve with family and friends, the Lanums went to BounceU! Reece absolutely loves it there and there was a "Preschool Play Date" (even on Christmas Eve) so we decided to head up and work off some toddler energy.

Just so you can picture the events leading up to this video, this is a huuuuuuuuuge slide, probably 30 feet tall and usually Reece will just stand at the bottom of it and watch the other kids slide down. They go fast. Reece told Trey that he wanted to go up to the top, so Trey trekked up the inflatable stairs (no small feat!) and although I could not hear the conversation (as you can tell from the obnoxiously loud music!) Trey says it went something like this:

Trey: Come on, Reece, come with Daddy. Sit on Daddy's lap so we can go down.
Reece: No thanks, Dada. Reece do it.
Trey: No baby, you need to ride on Daddy's lap down the big big wee (slide).
Reece: No Dada, Reecey do it. Reece go now. See ya!

Cue Video. Cue my heart skipping a few beats.

While I'm sure I wet my pants, he came up laughing. Figures.

comparing kids

2011-01-07T06:54:00.001-08:00

One thing you should never do while you're pregnant: compare this pregnancy to your last. While most of the things are similar (no morning sickness, ample energy to even work 2 jobs, no cravings or weird food combinations, etc) one thing is definitely NOT the same.

With Reece I really didn't start to "show" until I was about 23 weeks. This time around I feel like a big ole heiffer, at 15.5 weeks.

View exhibit A:

Also note the big ole smile I have on my face in this picture. This time I cut my grimacing half-smile out of the picture :)

Ugh. As if that wasn't evidence enough, this week I was given some "hand me down" maternity clothes (which, thank goodness I havn't had to wear and I'm 4 months now. My clothes are getting mighty tight, though so I may have to do the "hairband trick" to my pants in a week or so before going full-out maternity pants. bleh)

I digress.

So I was given some winter maternity clothes. I tried them on. Chich prego before me that bought them bought "skinny" jeans. There is one thing I am not: skinny. Cue self-image woes #2. I can wear them, but I'm not looking as chich as she did, I'm sure.

And just a bit more evidence: Two days ago Trey was building the stairs to the deck. I don't know what came over me, but I stepped on the stairs to get into the yard to take a picture of Reece. The stairs were NOT affixed, not screwed in (subliminally I knew this. I was watching him screw them in seconds before) and the moment I stepped on the stair I broke the support beam IN HALF.

How's that for meg-o preg-o?! I guess these 6 lbs are really doing a number on me! Ha!

2010 rewind

2010-12-31T17:42:00.000-08:00

This year has been eventful. It's also taken my breath away when I realize how quickly it passed. Another year down. To say "I just can't believe it" would be an understatement!
In January Reece learned how to walk. Today, I can't even recall the days when we weren't chasing him around to brush his teeth, get him to come inside, or change his diaper. He walked for us on his 14 month birthday. Now he's running, jumping, and side-galloping!
In February Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Brink began their stay on Siesta Key. Reece loved going to their condo and playing with the sand toys they had there. He also loved the white heron that would come to their door begging for swiss cheese! We are thankful that Reece is able to spend time with his great-grandparents (we are SO lucky!!)
In March the weather finally warmed up and Grandma took Reece for a swim at Great-Grandma's condo. He carried a battery-operated truck with him the whole time he was swimming (oooooops!) and he loved it. He did NOT love taking a nose-dive into the Gulf with Grandpa, though!
In April Reece got his first haircut. He was 18 months old. He had some wispy hair that was beginning to form a mullett and it was time to get it taken care of! Of course Domenic (my hairdresser) HAD to cut his hair. I kept those golden locks in his baby book.
In May Gigi and Papa Smiley came to visit. We hiked to the top of the Myakka fire tower. The view was gorgeous, but man was it HOT!
In June we met up with Stellan and Peyton, Reece's babycenter friends, for some sun, Sea World, and swimming in Orlando. Stellan and Reece are old friends, and meeting Peyton for the first time was a treat! I have a feeling these little guys will be friends for a long time to come!
In July we braved the seas and went on our first "family" vacation together: a 4-day cruise. It was wonderful! We went to Coco Cay and Nassau, Bahamas. We had a couple rough nights at the dinner table, but powered through the cruise with plenty of swimming and hot dogs!
In August we took on the jetty during a Tropical Storm! Mommy also had to go "back" to work. This is her 11th year at Garden. Time has really flown!
In September we got to see Stellan and Ashley again! Ashley needed a little sunshine in September, so she loaded up her half-pint and jet set for Florida. We also met up with Suz and Audrey, who were wonderful, too. Reece and Stellan enjoyed some sprinkler time, beach time with Aud, and lots of photographs of their smiles!
In October I walked in my fifth Breast Cancer 3-Day. Fundraising was hard this year, and so was training! Right before I went on my walk I found out I was about 6 weeks pregnant and had to be sure not to "overdo" it. The heat was brutal, so I remained hydrated and took some portions of the route "easy" (read: I didn't walk AS fast). It was horrible keeping this secret from so many that kept asking me point blank if I was pregnant!
In November we celebrated Reece's second birthday with a trip to Disney World. He absolutely LOVED Pirates of the Caribbean. I think we rode it 3 or 4 times. He was even able to pick out a sword before we left. He'll tell you "aaaaargh, matey" and "yo ho ho" if you ask him what the pirates say!
In December we celebrated another Christmas, the close of another year, and our many blessings that have been bestowed upon us. We are thankful for love, health, and this smiley 2 year old who brightens our every day.

We are inspired by what 2011 has to offer. It's going to be a wild ride!

new adventure?

2010-12-31T06:15:00.001-08:00

One thing I love more than anything is creating through the eye of a camera lens. One of Trey's friends asked me to take some pictures of their family, and I agreed to make them my guinea pigs. They have gorgeous twin girls and a 1-yr-old.

Quite possibly my favorite picture of someone else's kid.

So is this the beginning of a new "local" adventure? Who knows. For now, it makes me happy to share a little photographic evidence of three truly-loved girls.

best.christmas.ever.

2010-12-26T18:02:00.000-08:00

I can't remember another Christmas like this one. I can't remember being so excited to wake, so excited to wrap, and so excited to play "Santa". There is something about the magic of Christmas, something about the excitement of Christmas through a child's eyes. Reece really seemed to understand what was going on. He can recognize Santa, know's what he "says", and put out snacks for him and his reindeer ("mama reindeer eat to fill dare belly").

Santa brought a firetruck. Actually, it's called a wee-ooo-wee-ooo. He'll still tell me that "Santa brought dat to me". Love him.

The famed weedwhacker. Yes, I understand that he's two. He's a two year old with a weedwhacker now! We had a minor issue on Christmas day while travelling to Grandma and Grandpa's house 3 hours away when the batteries died in it...trying to find batteries on Christmas day to end the tantrum that is ensuing is a difficult find!

It's also day 3 of jet-ski ownership. So far he can ride forward, sit backward, and "boom on waves" (in case you were wondering, that means jumping up and down). He also pretends to fall over on the side like professionals. It is HILARIOUS!

And lastly, our little Clark-Griswold-in-the-making thought he'd trim the tree for us with his new chainsaw. There is no other kid on earth like this one.
After our Christmas we loaded up the Jeep and headed to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Grandma surprised Reece with his own recliner and Grandpa surprised us all with his own little "Festivus" celebration, full of used, handmedown, and new and exciting prizes! It was a wonderful weekend and now it's back to reality as Trey is in bed, not dreaming of sugarplums any longer...but dreaming about how his day starts too early at work.

Luckily, I am school-free for the next week as I enjoy hanging out with my handyman!

he gets it from his mama

2010-12-20T17:44:00.001-08:00

I'm seriously behind. Behind on my blogging, behind on my Christmas shopping. How does time slip by so quickly? How am I going to get everything done this week? What am I going to buy my Dad for Christmas? Where is that recipe for apple sausage stuffing? Am I going to be able to find all the gifts I've hidden around the house? How many calories are in that huge piece of banana bread that I just ate?...

When did my little guy develop such an affinity for all things artistic?! Is it an inherant trait that you are to paint with your tongue out?

Who doesn't love a hand-painted Christmas gift from a toddler?

How much does he love painting, drawing, making, and creating? THIS much. It's true. While the weather has been chilly and we've all been sick we've been filling our sketchbook with colors and letters and "circles" (his favorite thing to draw). I wonder where he gets his love for all things creative?

He must get it from his mama. And I love that.

Could it be?! Something for FREE?!

2010-11-29T17:42:00.000-08:00

For all of you Blogg'n Fools...who doesn't like a free deal this time of the year?

Here is a great holiday special for you from Shutterfly.

Shutterfly is offering Bloggers like you a free set of 50 holiday cards for promoting their offer. Yes, free! You may do with them as you please.

I have used Shutterfly in the past and find they always have a great selection of pre-designed images for you to chose from. Their friendly site is easy to navigate which makes it speedy to find the designs you want in a hurry by color, designer, size, style or price. Just click their options. I have posted a few image ideas here (Shutterfly designs) for you to check out; however, you should definitely visit them at the following links.For card ideas- http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/flat-stationery-cards?fg=256&sortType=1&pageNumber=3&foType=g&DCL=trueFor calendars- http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cardsstationary- For stationary or other options- http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery

Shutterfly is also offering great discounts on other items as well. I think it is worth sharing this information with friends- even if they do not blog. One reason I like to order things from Shutterfly is because Shutterfly gives 9% back to us through Reece's Upromise account! A little goes a long way, and the pennies have added up after spending a ton of money processing pictures on their site!

For Bloggers who would like to read more on the details of this offer please visit the official Shutterfly link here! You will be able to sign up from this link.

lucky

2010-11-21T18:06:00.000-08:00

Boy I hear you, in my dreams

I feel your whisper across the sea
I keep you with me in my heart

You make it easy when life gets hard

*Lucky, by Colbie Caillat and Jason Mraz

This was a "lucky" weekend, indeed. It was about to prove interesting, but things just sort of fell into place:

Trey was supposed to work some crazy hours, but read the schedule wrong and ended up with Sunday off. This, the weekend before the craziest week in the grocery business, and he had the day to spend with us!

A minor miracle: I dropped the ball and started looking for Reece's santa picture outfit too late, but found an awesome tie and hat at Children's Place. Reece wore the hat the entire shopping trip (he has NEVER worn a hat before, in fact he just throws them off his head!) and kept it on for Santa pictures!

Another perfect find: We've been looking for a "Mack" truck (from Cars) for quite some time. We found one at the Toy's R Us pop-up in the mall! Score!

Perfection in a bottle: We woke up from a nap a bit out-of-sorts, but rallied when it came time to see santa and Reece even told Santa he wanted a jet ski for Christmas! I didn't want to be that Mom that put her kid on Santa and he starts bawling. I think the lollipop had something to do with his willingness to sit on the jolly old guy's lap!

I am indeed a lucky Mom and a lucky wife...

so this is november

2010-11-16T02:01:00.000-08:00

Aaaaah, November. The beginning of the holiday season. Christmas decorations have made their way into stores and onto houses on our street.

Already?!

I love the holiday season. When I worked retail it pained me to have to go in for 12 hours the day after Thanksgiving, but it was just SO much fun! The shoppers are crazed at that point, and then totally lose it by the Saturday before Christmas. I loved them men who would go into Victoria's Secret and would get a $500 gift card at the last minute. I loved the women who would wheel their Sears shopping cart all over the mall, knocking things off racks because they felt entitled to a shopping cart while they browsed.

This year I'll be sitting in my jammies with my family in Leesburg instead of joining the masses for some Black Friday shopping craziness. Mostly because I'd rather do my shopping online (AND all of Reece's gifts are sitting in GiGi's closet because we've had them for awhile!) but also because I'd rather be out enjoying things with my family rather than get caught up in the hustle and bustle.

Sunday we went to the North Jetty for a family (just the three of us!) picnic and a walk along the beach. Reece loved playing on the playground and squealed with delight as his toes got wet. There were people swimming, but they must be from Canada....right now the water is COLD! Just getting your toes wet was enough to cool you down.

So this is November. Where we can still wear shorts and dip our toes in the Gulf, and also do some Christmas shopping.

There's nowhere else on Earth, friends!

Happy Veteran's Day

2010-11-11T06:40:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all our Veterans who have served our country. We are forever thankful for your service and for our freedom.

Our school has an annual Veteran's Day assembly, and I took a ton of pictures during the event. The pictures are on my classroom art blog.

Happy Fourth Anniversary!

2010-11-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

True Story: Four years ago today I was lucky enough to marry my best friend. Who knew that the "forever or for worse, in sickness and in health" would begin that night?! Half the wedding guests came down with some kind of stomach bug/food poisoning that weekend, INCLUDING TREY! So he spent his first night as a married man on the floor in our hotel bathroom. I was so knocked out I didn't even know he had moved the comforter and pillows in there too. Whoops! I promise I've been a more attentive wife since then!

This is one of my favorite pictures of us. It was taken at Vincent Arroyo Vineyard/Winery in Napa. We loved it there, it was one of our favorite stops.

Happy Anniversary babe! I love you!

a love letter to my big boy

2010-11-07T03:39:00.000-08:00

Dear Reece,

Today you are two years old. Two years ago I was not expecting you, you came unexpectedly early. Two years ago you came screaming into this world and I loved you from the moment I met you. Your bright blue eyes and your pathetic lip quiver sent me into this realm of love I had no idea was even possible.

Two years later, here you are. You are a fun, charismatic two year old with a contagious laugh and an infectious smile. You hold conversations with us and learn new things every day!

Today we took you to Disney World. Today we watched your eyes light up as we rode the rides and saw the choo-choo trains. Today we held you a little longer and kissed you a little more because we realized how quickly you are growing up. You aren't our tiny 7 lb baby boy anymore, you are a rambunctious 25+ lb toddler with enough energy to keep our smiles lit for years.
Today you climbed to the top of the trees, swashbuckled pirates, got your first sword, rode a horse...

...and earned your Disney Driving Permit! You are super-independent, intelligent, head-strong, and courageous. What other two year old would want to ride Pirates of the Caribbean three times?

Who would have thought that we didn't know love until you came along? You make me live in the moment and savor them...because I know I cannot get them back. Sometimes I sit back and watch you...watch your little mind work and watch you play. You've got things figured out...for now.

All I've needed to know in my life, I've learned from you. I've learned it's okay to run down Main Street and swashbuckle perfect strangers, it's okay to kiss your Mommy in public, and it's okay to scream when you're excited. I've learned that you make each day brighter, each kiss more special, and that there is nothing better than hearing the words "I love you Mommy".

Reece, I love you so much. Happy Birthday to the cutest two year old I know!

Love,

Mommy

happy halloween!

2010-11-02T17:36:00.000-07:00

I had tough shoes to fill after last year's costume. Reece was in this little "retiree" phase where he had all this personality and bright eyes but zero hair. The golfer was the perfect fit for him!

This year I ordered Reece's costume off www.etsy.com and had it made for him, and let me tell you- Bam Bam was out in full force on Sunday night, and it was so much fun! *Yes, I realize that some of you reading this may think I'm nuts for sending my kid out to trick-or-treat in nothing but a loin cloth, but it was 90 on Halloween night!*

Last year we pulled him around in a wagon and he sucked on a lollipop. This year he said "trick or treat" and "thank you" when he was given his choice of candy (still usually a lollipop) and checked out everyone's vehicles in their driveways.

Especially if there happened to be a jet ski.

Reece was running all over the neighborhood and had an excellent time. I got a zillion comments on how polite he was (score!) and how cute his costume was (sigh- now how will I top this one?!) and we're just glad he had fun.

Of course the John Deere tractor was the perfect accessory for him, I mean nothin' says "Flintstones" like a John Deere tractor!

taking candy from strangers

2010-10-29T16:43:00.000-07:00

So today began my journey at the Tampa Bay Breast Cancer 3-Day and I've been waiting for this one since October of 2009!

One of the craziest things that happen along the route is the amount of food that is given to you. Today I ate:
1 bag swedish fish
1 bag skittles
1 freeze pop
1 bottle "cool juice"
1 pixie stick
1 turkey sandwich
1 bag sun chips
6 orange wedges
2 peanut butter jelly graham cracker sandwiches
1 string cheese
countless pieces of double-bubble bubble gum
and....
dinner (which included 3 salads)

HOW MUCH WEIGHT WILL I GAIN ON THE 3-DAY?!
Taking bets now :) I did, however, walk 25 miles so maybe all those calories are justified!

halloween trail mix

2010-10-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

I was in charge of brining pretzels for Reece's Halloween party on Friday. BORING! I jazzed up a mason jar for each kid and filled it with my own healthy "trail mix" of pretzels, candy corn, craisins, and cheerios.

MUCH better and MUCH cuter (just like the kiddos who will be eating it!)

big boy airplane room

2010-10-22T18:41:00.001-07:00

While talking to my Dad this week he mentioned that he didn't realize that Reece had moved into his "big boy" airplane room yet! Perfect, because Kelly at Kelly's Korner is featuring kids' rooms this week!

Reece's "baby" room was a teeny tiny bonus room in our house and we (just this summer) moved him across the hall. It makes more sense for him to be in there and there is MORE SPACE so it's awesome!
Since he was about 10 months old, Reece has been infatuated with airplanes. He could also distinguish the difference between an airplane and a helicopter! I wanted to do his room in something a little more "grown up" and vintage so it could grow with him!

This is a fabulous dresser (and has a matching nightstand) from Pottery Barn Kids. I bought it from a crazy lady in Naples and it matches everything perfectly! Trey makes fun of me and my Craig's List finds, but this one was a STEAL! On top is his piggy bank (the kid has more money than I do!) and a big airplane I found at Ross. Total luck finding that thing! I also love the vintage green chalkboard easel I found at a consignment shop. I'm terrified about paint or marker getting on everything, so I like the fact that this is chalk. Chalk is easily cleaned!

This is Reece's crib. I love that it is a fold-down gate (it's called "Ocean" by Baby's Dream) and was a complete splurge when I was pregnant. Soon we'll have to turn it into a toddler bed!

Reece and I spend lots of time in this corner reading. Reece LOVES to read and look at books! He'll sit on his "special chair" and pat it and say "Mama lay down with Reece". We read together and pick out lawnmowers from the John Deere sales catalog for everyone in our family!

My sister found this great airplane at Target. She also got us a cool airplane propeller for his room, too! Someday I'm hoping to get inspired and hang some of Reece's artwork from these pegs. Must. Get. This. Done.

There was a great vintage airplane from Pottery Barn Kids that I loved. Trey cut me a couple of sheets of plywood and I went to town and saved myself about $150!

I love the navy blue paint in the room! You'd look at it in the can and think it'd be way too dark, but it's really not! The prints that flank his crib are from www.art.com and were about $5 each. They're vintage airline posters. I used a $.27 sheet of posterboard to mat them. Shhhhh! It's my secret!

My boy just loves playing in his new room, which will soon be rearranged after his birthday. He's getting a train table and I think it's going to go in there. It'll be some minor changes, but the basic theme will still be the same :)

What do YOUR kids' rooms look like?!

wordless wednesday

2010-10-20T05:09:00.000-07:00

a boy and his tractor

2010-10-17T17:46:00.001-07:00

If you would have asked me last night if I thought we'd make it to the pumpkin festival today, I would've said no. Reece had a faucet for a nose and crashed in my arms last night (which never ever ever happens!!) so we thought it was going to be a day spent watching Cars on the couch.

Bug woke up today and was a champ, so we drove up to Hunsader Farms to their Pumpkin Festival! I've lived in Sarasota for 10 years and have never gone--man, I sure have been missing something! It was more fun with a little one, that's for sure.

Especially when there is a giant John Deere tractor that you can climb on and touch and drive and kiss. Yes, kiss. It was tough to pull him away, but we managed a hay ride (and we roasted! My northern friends are laughing at us right now!) and even pet/fed some goats!
But we were most interested in this tractor!

In all, it was a great visit and Reece had a wonderful time! We can't wait to go back next year...and see this big ole tractor!

20 things...

2010-10-14T10:38:00.001-07:00

Normally I use this blog to write about family and document our lives through pictures. I just had to share this on here, though! It is a list of 20 things an Art Teacher will never tell you. I know that most of you don't have a clue what goes on in my classroom on a daily basis, but this is pretty much the gist of it. I love this list!!!!

Speaking of which, I have a second blog that is up and running! It is a blog for my classroom called We Heart Art and it's full of fun lesson plans and student artwork examples from my class! Head on over there, and become a follower and see what makes my "other" world go 'round!

I'm going to Orlando tomorrow to teach at my Florida Art Education Association Annual Conference. I'm teaching a unit on Ndebele Dolls. I've taught this lesson for 3 years, and have taught the last 10 at the conference. It is a great resource for us as educators! I am looking forward to making a day trip out of it!

dear daddy,

2010-10-06T05:57:00.000-07:00

I am sorry for throwing two tantrums over the lawnmower this week. Mommy told me I should write you a letter when I do something rotten, so here I go.

First of all, you have to realize that on Sunday all I wanted to do was help you push the lawnmower in the front yard. I know it was loud and you were trying to mow quickly before it started to get hot out, all I wanted to do was help! It's so frustrating that I'm not big enough to mow with you. Sometimes my little lawnmower just doesn't do the trick.

I am glad, though, that Mommy took me to Target to get out of the house while you finished up the yard. What's even better is that I got a new Doc Hudson out of the deal! I wanted to tell you that you did a nice job with the yard while I was gone. Way to go, Daddy!

Last night when my lawnmower got stuck in the thick grass I just lost it. I was just trying to help...again...what is with this thick Florida grass?! My friend Stellan told me that the grass is nice and soft in Wisconsin. I don't remember since I was there when I was just a little wee guy, but maybe I can go up for a visit with him when the weather warms up up there and check it out for myself?

Anyways, back to last night. You see, I'm having some anger-management problems. I have a hard time when something doesn't go my way. You keep telling me to "get myself together" and asking me if I'd like some juice, a snack, a diaper change, if I want to play in the sink, play trains, etc..but the truth is that I JUST WANT THE FLIPPING LAWNMOWER TO PUSH THROUGH OUR GRASS!

Here, in order, are the things that frustrate me the most:
1. My lawnmower won't push through our grass
2. If a bug gets in the house I cannot reach it to kill it
3. When Calvin or Riley sit on my blanket
4. When the straw falls out of my sippy I cannot get to the OJ
5. Mama tries to clean my ears or trim my nails
6. Cleaning up all my Matchbox cars
7. Having to go inside when all I want to do is play outside!
8. I cannot open the garlic, sprinkles, nutmeg, or rosemary
9. You won't let me use the computer
10. You won't let me stir my own noodles on the stove

So again, Dada, sorry for the tantrums. It's so hard being almost two, but this way you know the things that make me super mad--I'm really trying to work on this.

Love you!

Love, Reece

shoes

2010-10-03T18:00:00.000-07:00

They say you can tell a lot about someone by the shoes that they wear...where they've been and where they're going. I packed up a LOT of shoes today. Shoes that have defined you for the past year of your life. Some shoes were barely worn. Some shoes fit right in the palm of my hand. Were you ever really that small?! Some were scuffed and dirty, some were in perfect, unused condition.

Packing up your shoes had me a little misty-eyed, each pair reminded me of memories we've shared. I started thinking about where you've been and where you're going in your shoes.
Your little blue shoes. Your first pair of close-toed shoes we bought when we were going to Atlanta for the 3-Day and we didn't think it would be okay to wear sandals in 40 degree weather!

These were also the shoes you wore for your Christmas program at school we took you to when you were so sick. You were sick for about a month--- with croup right after your birthday, swine flu, and hand-foot-and-mouth disease. You shook your jingle bells while you chewed on your binky on stage. It was your first performance. We were SO proud!

Your first pair of sneakers. They HAD to be New Balance! Mommy loves New Balance shoes so it was only fitting that you had a pair too! We bought these for you when you first started walking in January of 2010.

You got a LOT of miles out of these shoes, especially when you started walking! Daddy took you to the park almost every afternoon and you'd run and laugh and play and took your first turn down the slides in these shoes!

Your little brown and orange soft-soled Stride Rite shoes. You couldn't even crawl when you wore those shoes!

You wore these shoes when we met Stellan, Ashley, and Chad in Orlando for a play date. Stellan pinned you for the first time! You crawled from the play area across into a shoe store. Was this a sign of things to come?! You also wore these shoes when you first started pulling up on things to stand. You were really starting to become a big boy in these shoes!

Your first pair of Crocs. Mommy was dead set against buying Crocs for you, but after awhile I figured they'd be a great pair of summer shoes! You now have four pairs of Crocs...

These were the shoes you wore in the backyard all summer playing in the hose, mulch, and dirt. These were also the shoes you wore on your first trip to Sea World and fell in love with the "Booga Whales" and "MuMu". You wore these shoes to the Relay For Life.I could rinse off all the dirt and grime from your daily happenings, but I cannot wash away the memories they hold!

So while I have boxed up your shoes from the past year and put them in the closet, I'll keep our memories for safe keeping in my heart!

the one about a leaf blower, mater, and feet

2010-09-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

With Trey's work schedule and and super-busy October coming up, our weekends as of late have been pretty low-key. Reece has been obsessed with "Dada's tools", everything from tweezers to screwdrivers to tape measures to blowers have become mini daily obsessions. The very fact that he likes the blower is insane, since he gets scared when I have the vacuum cleaner out in the house, but for some reasons since this is one of "Dada's tools" I guess it's okay.
Remind me to remind him when he gets older that telling me "I'm scared of the vacuum cleaner" isn't going to get him out of vacuuming his room.

Saturday morning Reece and I had a playdate at BounceU. We had such a great time bouncing and playing...the time went so quickly and we were worn out by 10am! We decided it was a great time to go to Target and get a new Tow Mater. He carried that thing around all day and even requested to "watch McQueen" on tv---

After his nap he woke up and I put him down and he immediately sat down, grabbed his left foot and said "Mama owie, Mama kiss it". I looked for anything that he could have stepped on, or a bite of any sort. Nothing. I thought maybe he twisted something at BounceU, but there was no swelling or bruising. Nothing. He would try to get up and limp for a couple of steps and then would sit back down and say "owie".

Let me tell you the pang that hits you when your kid tells you "owie". We didn't know what to do. Ibuprofen? Ride it out? Take a trip up to Sarasota to the ER? Call the doctor? Since it was almost dinner time we figured we'd let him watch more Cars and we'd wait and see what the morning held.

While I was on my 18-miler this morning Trey called me and told me Reece got out of bed, took a couple of steps...and sat down. He wouldn't walk. He wouldn't even stand on his foot. I called the doctor and he told us we needed to head to the ER. He said it sounded like a possible break or a viral infection of the joint. Great, I was 8 miles from home...

Once I got home Reece limped for a couple of minutes and then immediately began running around and playing as usual. It was literally like a light switch. Should we still go to the ER?

We decided to wait it out and see if he was okay for the rest of the day and HE WAS! We had a great day together and there was no sign of pain. We still have NO idea what it was, but we're keeping an eye on his gait just to make sure. Hopefully the problem resolved itself :)

Never a dull moment here in our house!

ps- Yes, Reece's hair is really crazy. He was out in the rain and this was what happened.

pps- Yes, I know it's time for a haircut!

EZPZ greek-style shrimp scampi

2010-09-23T04:10:00.000-07:00

this recipe is deeeeeee-lish! i found it on a publix apron recipe card a couple of years ago and have modified it a little bit to make it "our" own. this LITERALLY take 7 minutes to make, and it's so rich tasting you can tell your friends you slaved over it for a long time.

well, that is, if you caught the shrimp yourself. or if you cook it over a campfire. or make your own pasta.

neither of which i do, so this meal takes me 7 minutes. ha!

here's what you need:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled, de-veined, tails off.
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cloves minced garlic
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp crushed basil
feta cheese
whole-wheat vermicelli or angel-hair pasta
sliced black olives (optional)

to make:
put butter and minced garlic into saute pan and saute the garlic. don't let it burn! add in the shrimp to cook (just make them pink), basil, and tomatoes to warm them. here is where you also add in the black olives if that floats your boat. in a separate pan, boil your noodles.

drain noodles and add them to the pan (or you can serve up the shrimp and tomatoes on top of the noodles). add the feta on top.

enjoy...and add this to your rotation!

i had to laugh

2010-09-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

trey and i often just sit around and laugh at the hilarious things reece does everyday. i wish there were cameras rolling in our house sometimes because some of this stuff is very "AFV"-ready.

today reece was alone in the living room with the dogs playing thomas. i heard riley (our pug) choking on something and eventually cough. reece immediately says "riley bless YOU!"

too funny. at least he's polite, right?!

a few minutes later after i changed his *majorly stinky* diaper he came up to me and said "mama poo poo in dare?" and came over to check my shorts. luckily, i was clean!!! ha!

silly boy has also this weekend started randomly saying "O-H, I-O" and "buckeyes!!!" (no prompting from mommy or daddy on that one! ha!) as well as "ooooooooga oooooooga" just to make us laugh.

next time you see him, ask him what color the grass is. i guarantee it will change every day. ask him to say "bounce house" and ask him to do a forward roll. the kid is going to be a gymnast!

i just have to laugh...and love life :)

EZPZ chicken santa fe casserole

2010-09-16T06:16:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, yet another easy recipe that takes NO TIME!

"Dump-n-Go" Santa Fe Casserole

You will need:
2 boil-in-bags jasmine rice
1 small can chopped green chilis
2 whole jalapenos
4 tbs spicy salsa
1/2 can diced tomatoes (or rotel)
shredded chicken
colby jack cheese (shredded)
dash cayenne pepper
dash old bay seasoning

Directions:
Boil chicken breasts and shred with fork. Boil instant jasmine rice. Or any kind of rice. We like jasmine 'round these parts!

Chop up the jalapenos. Remember not to touch your eyes!

Use a medium-sized casserole dish.

Literally DUMP in all ingredients except the cheese. Save that heavenly goodness for later.

Put foil on and bake in your normal (not amazingly hot) oven 350 for 20 minutes to let everything cook together. The last 2-3 minutes, take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle the cheese on top. Put it back in the oven, uncovered, to melt the cheese.

Serve with sour cream and add this one to your rotation :)

good again

2010-09-14T06:42:00.000-07:00

this weekend we went to the beach...twice. i can't tell you the last time we've braved the beach even once in a weekend, but with northerners here it was essential that we showed them the "real" florida!
we took a trip up to siesta to the public beach. aaaaaah, yes, the powdery white sandy goodness of siesta. powdery sand that sticks to and gets into everything.

it gets into snacks, milk, swim diapers, and eyes...and eventually is the demise of our trip. oh white siesta sand, how we take you for granted!

our next visit was to our "private" beach in our neighborhood. we took the ferry across the intercoastal and listened to the waves lap calmly against the sand. and took pictures. lots of 'em.

and again we had sand stuck in crevices we didn't know we even had. so we ran in the sprinklers.

and life was good again.

two peas

2010-09-12T19:16:00.000-07:00

these boys...and their mamas...are two peas in a pod. it's crazy, almost to think that someone 1,700 miles from you could become an amazing friend you met (for the most part) through the internet. i've written about ashley and her adorable son stellan a couple of times before.

our boys, born 4 days apart, have become great friends. they play well together, play off of each other hilariously, and make us laugh all the time with how much they are alike.

but our boys, they're boys. boys who will be boys. boys who jump, roll, yell, kick seat backs, eat sand, have stinky feet, "cook" on the grill, eat berries, play in sprinklers, wear each other out, play footsie, smell like sunscreen, ride on boats, let their mamas snap 1,000 collective photos, and jump on beds.

boys who, like it or not, will be friends for life. boys who will have their meetings photographically recorded and blogged about....

...with two mamas who can't wait to watch them grow up and become little men.

EZPZ knockoff california pizza kitchen chicken bbq pizzas

2010-09-08T17:38:00.000-07:00

Hi, I'm Joanna and I'm a terrible cook. There, I said it.

My mom and my grandmother are fantastic cooks, both have "family recipes" that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Last Christmas my mom gave me a cookbook filled with recipes from family and friends. It was wonderful and I've used so many of them! My friends and family have great "taste"! I, however have ZERO "passing-down-able" recipes and we tend to eat the same thing(s) a couple times in a month. So instead of Reece having no recipes to impress the ladies with when he's 37 years old, I'm going to start writing down some of my kitchen delights for him. Or you. Or to remind me when I've got grocery-list-writers-block and can't think of anything that sounds good!

I'm a big fan of easy dinners. I'm also a big fan of personalizing your "own" dinners since half the time Trey wants to put scads of cheese and pepper on his food and I...well...I don't.

So here you have 'em. And they literally take 15 minutes:

EZPZ knockoff california pizza kitchen chicken bbq pizzas!

you will need:

mama mia's personal "thin and crispy" pizza rounds

bull's eye original BBQ sauce

mozarella cheese (shredded)

1/2 chicken breast (makes 2 pizzas)

fresh cilantro

red onion

brown up the chicken and red onion. cut the chicken into very small chunks. put bbq sauce on pizza shell. top the pizza with chicken, red onion, cilantro and shredded cheese on top of the pizza and put them in the oven for 10 mins on 350.

unless you have an oven like mine...then it's 5 mins on 250.

because 145,693 batches of chocolate chip cookies later i realized my oven is massively hot. ugh.

eat and enjoy...and add them to your rotation :)

wordless wednesday

2010-09-08T05:23:00.000-07:00

labor day!

2010-09-07T07:04:00.000-07:00

Reece and I spent our Labor Day...well, laboring. As homeowners it seems like we're in a constant state of "fix it" around here. Just last week our cholorine pump for our septic system broke again after just fixing another problem of the same nature the week prior. Our master bath is in mid-tile renovation and the guest bathroom is next. It's a vicious endless cycle.
One problem we had when we purchased the house was the back deck. It was in HORRIBLE condition...paint was literally peeling off of it and we'd sit out there and peel paint while we let the dogs out. Trey and Bampa painted over using outdoor deck paint and it seemed to fix the problem temporarily. In the brutal heat this summer Trey decided it was time to tear the whole thing down and start over. It's still not complete, but I'll post pictures once we get to that point. So far I like what I see!

I built a planter around the deck and Reece helped me move some of the plants to the backyard. He's such a good little handyman. Today was our (hopefully) last trip to the landscaping store to pick up some of the final plants we need.

Good thing I've got a cute lawn boy to help me with these last few final touches!

the menu

2010-09-06T10:58:00.000-07:00

It is no secret that I make two of about every meal we eat...one for Trey and I and one for Reece. I honestly didn't intend for it to be this way; I remember my parents telling me the story of my second cousins and how they wanted Easy Mac and "pink milk" instead of the beautiful ham dinner my mom had made for dinner that night. They still tell the story to this day. I swore I'd never be that parent, that my child would have a diverse pallette just like mine (with the exception of cooked carrots and meat on the bone---YUCK!) and would eat right off my plate.

Yeah right. Sometimes this parenting thing, as much as you think you have it figured out, throws you a curveball. It all started on Reece's first birthday when he refused to drink milk. He just flat out quit drinking it and while everyone else's kids were guzzling 3-4 cups of milk a day Reece was having none of it. Then along came his dislike for eating anything on a spoon, or anything that had to be spoon-fed to him. This included yogurt, oatmeal, applesauce and mashed potatoes--things that were staples in his diet that he LOVED were now poo-pooed. He refused.

As the past 9 months have gone on, we've had a challenging time figuring out what Reece will eat and what he won't eat, without spending a fortune on food. I refuse to waste food and I also refuse to battle with my child to eat a meal. Reece has been on the skinnier side of the "charts" since he's been born, so I just refuse to force him to eat anything, rather let him eat what he wants. For dinners this limits us to quesadillas, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, hot dogs, mac and cheese, any noodle, and taco rice. No veggies. Fruits are strawberries, grapes, and now PLUMS AND NECTARINES! You cannot imagine how happy this makes me, but how sad it's about to make me once they go out of season!

I know it's probably not the most popular parenting option, but he's healthy and he's growing! Reece's pediatrician is glad he's developing a taste for what he likes, and that he's eating (especially calcium-fortified foods because he doesn't like milk).

Guess we'd better develop a liking for ham so Grandma and Grandpa don't tell stories about Reece!

things you think about while walking 15 miles training for the 3-day

2010-08-22T17:51:00.000-07:00

This year I've become a "training walk leader"- which basically means organizing training walks for the big day. Since we live in a slightly smaller city, no one has decided to join me on my walks. That's okay, though, because it gives me plenty of time to think while I'm hauling butt through Venice.

You'd think "gee, why doesn't she use that iPod?" Well, iPods are against 3-Day rules because they're considered distractions around traffic. Fair enough...and since I'm supposed to be a model walker, I'll abide by the rules and can deal with the silence for 3 hours...well, except for the hundreds of thoughts that are running through my head:

1. These shoes are so comfortable. $129 was well worth it!

2. I don't spend $20 on shoes for school because I'm too cheap. Wait a minute...

3. Why didn't someone leave their garbage can out so I can ditch this string cheese wrapper?

4. Why am I eating string cheese at 6 a.m.?

5. Rain already?

6. If you trip for no reason at all and no one sees it, does that mean it didn't happen?

7. What the hell was that that just ran across the road?!

8. It's silly to put sunblock on at 5:30 am, no?

9. If only 20 more of my friends donate $20, I'll be at my fundraising minimum. I need to get on that.

10. These mosquitos are NO JOKE. Is there a sunscreen that has mosquito repellant in it?

11. If Reece sleeps in till 8 this morning I'm gonna rearrange some teeth.

12. When is he going to get those teeth?

13. 6 am string cheese has left a film on my teeth.

14. Click, click, click, click, click, click, clicky click. (The pedometer)

15. Do you think that person is laughing at my baggie of cereal hanging off my waist pack?

16. Don't answer that. Of course they are.

17. Why are people so rude that they won't say hello to you?

18. Ruh-roh, I bet I can beat that storm. It's travelling west. I'm heading south. No problem-o.

19. If I eat my cereal REAL QUICK I can put my phone in the baggie so it won't get wet since I'm walking right into this storm. Shit, I'm 9 miles from my house.

20. **under breath when the hubs comes to rescue me with my ornry 21-month-old** yeah, mama stuck running. mama wet raining. haha. ha flippin ha.

wordless wednesday

2010-08-18T18:04:00.000-07:00

wonderfully wet wordless wednesday

2010-08-11T19:09:00.000-07:00

*no children or dadas were washed away in the process of taking these photos. THANK GOODNESS!

shoes

2010-08-08T18:44:00.001-07:00

Reece has had a "thing" for shoes lately. Not just his own shoes, but making sure that everyone else is wearing appropriate footwear...you know, the lady behind us at Publix, the girl we saw running on the sidewalk on the way to school yesterday, the guy at Home Depot. He's worried about all mankind and their shoes.
Aaaah, my little philanthropist...always thinking of others and their podiatary needs.
He wants to be a bigger boy. He wants to wear size 13's.

Yes, my love, someday you will have shoes just like Daddy. For now, you're still my baby...my 21-month-old baby!

sips

2010-08-01T17:54:00.000-07:00

Whoever said "you're too little" to do this or to do that has obviously never met my son. He's always seemed wise beyond his years, with the bald head and plaid shorts to boot! He's determined to get what he "wants" and isn't phased by obstacles.
Today's menace: the water fountain at the Venice Fountains. This fountain had NO idea what Reece had in store for it!

I must say that the water was absolutely freezing cooooold! This did not stop my determined little munchkin!

We learn something new everyday. Today we learned how to drink a gallon of water! Okay, maybe we wasted a gallon and actually drank 1/4 cup. Sssssh, don't tell him that! Where in the world did he learn to drink out of a drinking fountain?!

I know, he saw one of the big kids do it. With bucket in hand, he can drink like the big kids. Well, he can attempt to drink like the big kids. We're gettin' there...

I mean, isn't the chase waaaaaaaay more fun than the catch?!

a friday list

2010-07-30T01:10:00.001-07:00

We've just gotten back from vacation this week and my head is spinning in 9,000 directions trying to jump back into work and reality that I've had no time to put thoughts together in a blog post. So, in the spirit of the Pioneer Woman, I give you my Friday list!

1. I just realized there are only 2 Fridays left until school starts. Please tell me that I am dreaming, that this is in fact not true, and that summer has only just begun.
2. My online BFF Ashley sent me a sweet birthday card yesterday which I was soooooo excited to get in the mail. Sure, like 674,021 people wished me "happy birthday" on Facebook, but there's just something about getting a card in the mail that makes your day!
3. Just remember, Ash, I'm older and wiser :)
4. I'll humor you and tell you I did NOT (*cough cough*) watch Jersey Shore last night. I also did not just text someone and say "GTL Baby".
5. I'm not white trash like that.
6. I just heard that my Dad got kicked out of the McDonald's in Cross City, Fl for "impersonating a drive-thru clerk". Now, if you know my Dad, this is hilarious. If you know about how seriously the shotgun-carrying-F350-driving-McDonald's-working citizens of Central Florida are about their drive-thru's, you'd not think this was hilarious.
7. My dad is currently making fake bags of "cocaine" to bring to a Miami Vice party tonight.
8. Who does that?!
9. Something smells funky in my kitchen trash and since it's 4:23 in the morning, I'm not going to investigate.
10. Best swim-procrastination line of the day yesterday: "Miss Joanna, what shape do you say this pool is?"--from Madden, 3.
11. Reece now says "weedeater away"--as in "the weedeater is in the shed"...
12. ...there is no way he's almost 2. I mean, I just gave birth to him last week!
13. "weedeater" sounds like "radiator"
14. If waste management does not pick up the pile of wood that used to be our deck which has been sitting next to our driveway for a month like they promised they would today, I'm going to drop-kick some Waste Management ass.
15. That would be a sight.
16. I would like to order 391 gallons of delicious Pei Wei Chai Iced Tea.
17. My sister finally picked her wedding date for next year, June 24, 2011.
18. We're trying to have Reece wear undies for an hour or so after his bath each night. So far, so good, until the mega pee we had in the kitchen last night. He slipped in his pee and fell.
19. I won't tell that story at his wedding.
20. I'm sure we'll have many more night like that.

happy (belated) birthday to me!

2010-07-26T17:07:00.000-07:00

I've waited 33 years for a photo like this...for a boy like this...for a birthday like this...
...and my wishes came true!

wordless wednesday

2010-07-21T06:28:00.000-07:00

weekend adventures

2010-07-18T18:01:00.001-07:00

This weekend has been an adventure for both Mommy and Reece! Trey has been in Ohio at his Grandfather's funeral and took a couple extra days to spend time with his family. We're doing well, but it really makes me appreciate having someone else around to "entertain" while I'm making dinner, folding laundry, and running errands. All in all, we've both enjoyed our weekend adventures!
Today we loaded up and went to Jungle Gardens in Sarasota. I've lived here 10 years and have never been there! There are a bunch of native plants, birds, and reptiles there...including flamingos--that will eat right out of your hand! Reece was so funny and just went right up to them and wanted to touch!

He LOVED being so close to everything, and I was loving playing with my new camera lens! I think I took 300 photos playing with different settings, which was fine since Reece was so infatuated with the flamingos!

He was trying to feed the "ishies" (GIANT koi fish), but the ducks kept getting it. He was saying "ishies, eat! ishies, here!" Little man knows what he wants.

Reece had a cranberry snack and I took some more pictures.

Reece climbed, and jumped, crunched leaves, and hid in the bushes to poop. I took more pictures. After watching the reptile show, we headed out to New Pass to go to the Salty Dog. It was the first time I attempted to take Reece to a restaurant by myself. He was perfect, just as I expected, and "oohed and aaaaahed" at the big boats that cruised by. He ate "dog bites" and I had a Mahi wrap. Seriously, our day couldn't have been better!

We're both looking forward to Trey coming home late tomorrow night. "Single-mom-dom" has been an adventure, but I sure am glad that it's only temporary!

chalk this one up to...

2010-07-16T18:34:00.000-07:00

Poor bug. He had to endure two yard sales and he did amazingly well. He played with all the toys we were selling, opened and closed the refrigerator door 1,287,682 times, watched our neighbor mow his yard and inspect his motorcycles, flirted with the yard-saling cheapskates, and squashed bugs.

By yard sale #2 he had had enough. Time to bust out the big guns. Time for us to be theeeeee house in the neighborhood with the perpetual chalk drawings on the driveway.

Hey, it could be worse, right? We both had fun. I mean, how long has it been since you've drawn on your driveway?
I highly recommend it. Unless you are like Trey and the only thing you can draw is a giant weiner. Yep, there is a weiner on my driveway.

All this happened a week ago. It's summer in Florida...where is the RAIN?! The chalky tushie marks and green lines all over everything I can handle...it's that weiner that is killing me...

I think Reece has inherited my creative gene. He sure does look the part of the artist, doesn't he?!

Okay, maybe he looks the part of a plumber. A plumber that can draw.

belly laugh

2010-07-05T12:38:00.000-07:00

"Mama, dis?"
Kyler: "Reece, can you show me your belly button?"

"Mama, bay-bun (belly button) yes. Peesh"

Mommy: "Kiss your belly button? Yes? Where?"

"Mama, dis, peesh"

Irresistable!

in"dependant" day...

2010-07-04T15:07:00.000-07:00

I can't believe we're at the point in our lives where we can say "a year ago Reece did this"...and we've both agreed that the past 2 years have been a blur.

Here we are at the boat races on July 4, 2009....

We didn't go see the fireworks because Reece fell asleep and we were afraid the "booms" would wake him up.
And here is my babe on a yucky, rainy Fourth of July, 2010.

We aren't going to watch the fireworks tonight, either, since it's been downpouring all day and that'd make for some soggy, smoky booms. Instead, we're going to grill and stay home, enjoying some time with cousins Kirkland and Kyler...

So I guess the more things change...the more they stay the same!

knockin' knuckles

2010-06-27T18:37:00.001-07:00

Our newest trick is knocking knuckles with people. I have absolutely no idea where Reece picked this up, but it's adorably cute and he does it with anyone who will play along.

It used to be high fives. Then it was waving at everyone who was looking. Now he'll stick his fist out expecting a knock!

I must say that Daddy plays along the BEST. His knock is accompanied by a huge "explosive" sound and then he falls over. Reece laughs like crazy, and it's that amazing belly laugh where he can barely catch his breath.

Let me wipe this goofy grin off my face just thinking about that belly laugh. 'Scuse me.

Speaking of 'scuse me, Reece says "moo me" when he's trying to say "excuse me".

I digress...

Ahem...so Reece and Mac learned to knock knuckles and Kristin ended up finally getting a picture of them...I swear they weren't ready to punch each other's lights out!