Thursday, October 31, 2013

Happy Halloween After All

Our Halloween shaped up to be mighty fine after all.  It's hard not to get into it when cute little corduroy horse toddlers and ladybugs and superheroes are out on the town.  Even the teenagers warmed the night with their politeness and show of having some good clean fun.  

Before we watched the parade of characters though, Jonah and I visited Miss Jane-Alice and her sweet girls!  These wonderful ladies will be watching Jo when I go back to work part time in. January.  


Jonah got a kick out of the girls!  They were pretty entertaining!  I think he'll have a good time.  I could never leave him with anyone I didn't trust as much as Jane-Alice!  

Howard reminded me that it's OK for Halloween to celebrate both the cute and the creepy.  Some people think it's fun to be scared!  I'm not one of them, but especially as a boy mom the 'creepy is fun' concept hit home and I got more into Halloween this year.

(I also realized today as a boy mom no one will ever tell me if my hair looks like THAT.)

We have a new tradition on our block where we sit in the pickup truck and hand out candy instead of answering the door.  It was so much fun!!  We enjoyed more conversation with our neighbors, the nice cool weather, and it was so fun to watch all the kids go up and down the street.  



(Again with the hair.  I'll make sure it looks good in another 5 years or so.)

Jonah, the Very Hungry Caterpillar, was a big hit.  



Now I, the caterpillar's leaf, have got to hit the hay.  

Can't believe I'm saying this, but yes, Happy Halloween.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

What I didn't realize before these 9 weeks

Before these 9 weeks with Jonah, I didn't realize that having the right burp cloths doesn't make me a better mother.

I didn't realize that a preferred pacifier wasn't just a cute baby idiosyncrasy...it's more of a turn-the-car-around-and-go-back-home-because-oh-my-lanta-we-grabbed-the-wrong-pacifier-why-do-we-have-any-at-all-that-aren't-the-right-pacifier-oh-dude-walking-your-dog-you'd-better-get-out-of-the-street-stat kind of idiosyncrasy. 

I didn't realize I had room to become even more paranoid about home security.

I didn't realize walking would be considered exercise for me before the age of 80.

I didn't realize I'd feel just as proud of myself for vacuuming the downstairs AND the stairs in the same day as I did for completing grad school.

I didn't realize how effectively chubby legs could make my heart go pitter patter.

I didn't realize that a 9 week old could find certain things like Dad doing jumping jacks absolutely hilarious.

I didn't realize a 9 week old could need a hairbrush.

I didn't realize that anyone could like my singing.

I didn't realize how fast we'd go through sizes of clothes and diapers.

I didn't realize how much I can accomplish with my left hand.  It's really very useful.  And to think...it's been there all this time...

I didn't realize how much God loves his creation.  Nor how little I understand his geniusness in making it.

We love you Jonah.  Happy 9 weeks!  You're a whole grading period old!






Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Top 2 Tuesday: Springtime!

I know I know...Fall is this magical time of year for most of you.  Probably all of you.  It's just not for me.  Believe me, I try.  I go to the pumpkin patch and pick out pumpkins for the porch.  I put out our fall leafy plates.  I drink all the drinks...pumpkin spice latte and Carmel apple cider.  I eat the foods...chili and chicken pot pie and anything and everything mixed with a can of Libby's pumpkin pie filling.  (Gag.) I even wear scarves and boots and use words like 'autumnal.'  It just doesn't do it for me.  It doesn't help that I HATE Halloween.  I mean I hate it.  I saw Halloween cards in Target the other day.  Please no one ever anywhere send me a Happy Halloween card.  

Sorry to be a downer, but I'm simply a springtime girl and I miss it terribly!  (I've heard you like the season in which your birthday falls - is that true for you too?) So today I'm getting out of the fall pits by thinking about Spring!!  I just love it.  Here are my top 2 reasons why:

1.  EASTER!!  Easter is hands down my favorite holiday.  I love the meaning, I love the traditions, I love the colors and decorations, I love the food.  Brunch is my favorite meal and I feel like Easter is the only time it really gets to shine.  Eggs Benedict, little ham sandwiches with jelly on homemade rolls, mimosas, quiche, great coffee, sigh.  It's just the best.  

2.  The weather!!  Green grass, flowers starting to bloom, sun shining and just the right temperature to make dresses the perfect thing to wear.  And HATS.  Whatever happened to hats??  We need to bring hats back.

Springtime, I'm comin' for ya!!  In the meantime, let's enjoy the best part of fall:



Sigh.  I'm so in love.  Even when he pees on people we visit.  At their workplace.  Wearing a white shirt.  Not that he did that yesterday...

Monday, October 28, 2013

Calling all readers!!

Because I'm on my phone a lot while Jonah eats all day (40 hours a week mind you) and because I need more mental stimulation (though watching Frasier on Netflix is certainly fun) and because I want to know who our regular blog readers are (because you're so fabulous and obviously have great taste) please leave me a comment with a good book recommendation!  Any genre - just something you've read recently that you couldn't put down!  Don't be afraid!  Comment today!  Don't worry. It's normal.  It's what people do now on the intrawebnets.

Thank you!  I can't wait to find a new good read!!

A weekend from South Bend

Aunt Heather (Howard's little sis) came to visit from South Bend, IN this weekend!  

Jonah and I met up with her and Lolli on Friday for lunch and shopping


We stayed out all day and Jonah didn't come home until after dinner!  He did great!

He had another great and more familiar day Saturday watching football at the ranch (or in Jo's non-screen world, listening to football).  I've decided our sleep sheep should have a 'football game' setting.  While the whale sounds might seem more fitting for Jonah, it's really the football that does the trick.

(Papa and Jo were rocking in this pic so it's blurry)


Then on Sunday we had a very special day!  Jonah went to church!!  He did so great!


Sunday was another relaxing day at the ranch.  We took Jonah on little walks around the property.  He loved looking at all the different animals and plants!  I think looking up at the trees was his favorite.


And THEN we went to HEB with Papa.  


And that, my friends, is how to get your baby to sleep through the night!!  He went from 9:00pm last night to 5:00 this morning!  Yeeeeeeehawwwww!!!!!

Happy Monday!

(I know mine is :-)








Friday, October 25, 2013

We love you Eli

One year ago today we said goodbye to our precious son Elijah.  

Eli, we love you and miss you so terribly and cannot wait until our family can all be together. 




Thursday, October 24, 2013

Oh no.

I think I'm getting the cold Howard had.  My head is swimming so this will be short.  (Everything I do is.  Ha.  Ha ha.). 

We had a big fun day yesterday - a much anticipated one!  We had coffee with a sweet friend and her 5 month old boy and then went to school!

Even at the coffee shop we got to see some awesome seniors but then we really had the parade on campus.  It was so exciting I forgot to snap a picture!  Are you kidding me?!  That's saying something!

I almost teared up watching Jonah interact and be held by people who will influence his mind and thus his soul in profound ways as he grows up and hopefully attends the school where Howard and I teach.  It was just so special.

And to add to the special I learned we have like 3 whole blog readers!  So I'm not just typing into a Word document after all!  It was so fun to know we share our days and our joys with people who have been here in the baby days, who get it, and who love us.  We cherish our school family!  It's the blessing of a lifetime to 'do life' with these people.  

Jonah was good on campus but was thrilled to be home and was all smiles with me the rest of the afternoon.  He couldn't even focus on eating he was smiling and talking so much!  :). And THAT'S saying something.

We have a very special visitor flying in tomorrow so we got in a no-people stay-at-home kind of day today.  I love being more mobile with Jonah now but I cherish these kinds of days too.  Days where I can just hold Jonah while he sleeps.  Talk to him.  Play with him.  Get to know him.  Like his Lolli says - he's just not loved at all. ; )




Wednesday, October 23, 2013

On this day 7 years ago / On this day 2 months ago

This day 7 years ago was not the day I got a manicure because Howard surprised me with birthday trip to Tulsa and I thought he was going to propose.

This day 7 years ago was not the day Howard flew to visit me in France where I was studying abroad and we went to the Eiffel Tower and I knew that's where he would propose.

This may have been the day 7 years ago when Howard's black truck unexpectedly pulled up to the house of girls where I was living a few blocks from the OU campus and my roommates slapped some makeup on me, did my hair, and made my outfit look cute all before Howard made it to the doorstep because we knew he was going to propose.  They watched from the back hallway as Howard shyly held his arms behind his back and said he had a surprise for me.  He then waxed eloquent about how he saw this item and thought of me and knew he wanted me to have it.  He pulled out a big box.  Big - like big enough to hold an electric griddle.  It had a picture of eggs and bacon on the front.  I knew it wasn't an electric griddle.  He already had one.  If we're becoming one we certainly did not need 2 electric griddles.  I knew it was one of those box within a box scenarios and eagerly opened up the large-enough-to-hold-a-griddle box.  

It was a griddle.

But alas!  Perhaps he was about to ask me to cook for him the rest of his life and that's how he would propose!!  

No.  It was not how he would propose.  It was all about the griddle.  It was not the day.

THIS was the day 7 years ago I'd had enough.  Not knowing if this guy would EVER pop the question, I told him no, I would not go to dinner with him that week.  

Just a few moments later I heard a knock on my door.  It was Howard.  Mascara streaked, I opened the door and saw him holding a ring box.

OHMYGOSH.   This was it.  But it was probably a component that went with the electric griddle.  

But it wasn't.  It was a gorgeous gorgeous diamond ring.  And he asked me to spend the rest of his life with him.

(I subsequently made him get down on one knee and ask me again, clarifying he meant marriage and not just dating the rest of our lives.)

And then we were engaged!!!!  It was magical!!!!



This was also the day 2 months ago our sweet little butterball was born.  He is such a happy, talkative baby!! He weighs a whopping 12.4 lbs.  He's using his legs a lot more and really follows a person in the room.  He's just beginning to reach for objects intentionally.  And I know that much anticipated laugh is just right around the corner.  He still has tons of hair.  He's settled back into a good nighttime pattern of down at 9:30, feed at 3:00, up again at 7:30.  His daddy and I love him so very much.  But not just that - we love having him!!  He is just so much fun and we got so lucky.  We can't wait for more conversations and discoveries with our Jo.




We love you Jonah!!!!!!!!



Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Weekend recap

I've been trying to eat healthier.  During pregnancy with Jo all I wanted were sweets.  I'm talking hard.core.sugar.  The morning I decided to start eating Paleo, I received this little doozy in my inbox:


Thanks universe.  Thanks a freaking lot.

I have not ordered any Lobster Tails.  Today.

But I did make Paleo Pumpkin Spice Granola from fedandfit.com.  Oh it's delicious!

And don't you know after I snapped that last pic I slathered the top with melted dark chocolate...mmmm.

Saturday morning Jonah received this on our porch:

I knew I'd never be ready for this stage, but it really threw me coming at not even 2 months of age.

I casually asked Jonah, "So who's Jaidynn?" and completely got the 'look off into space and act like I didn't hear her' move.  We'll be investigating this one a bit further...

We spent the day watching football at Lolli and Pops' and enjoyed the cooler weather!


It was a great weekend!  We're looking forward to Jonah being cleared to go out a bit more this week!

















Top 2 Tuesday: Howard Things!

 My post from yesterday was lost for a while in cyber space (it's back now).  That seems like such a late 90s excuse!  But it's true!  I posted from my phone and it said "publishing" all of yesterday but never did.  I also recently had an email that showed as sent but never actually went through.  What up intrawebnet?!  This ain't AOL anymore!  

Oh didn't you love love love You've Got Mail though?  It beautifully preserves for all of posterity that quintessential anticipation as the space junk sound of dialing up and connecting held our attention better than anything else in the moment.  Sigh.  I just LOVE that movie.  Sharpened bouquet of pencils...Pride & Prejudice.  I love how the whole storyline mirrors Mr. Darcey and Elizabeth.  

Howard and I fell in love reading Pride & Prejudice before we ever met for a date.  It was as we emailed for about a month prior...so You've Got Mail don't you think?!  But I was not nearly as cute as Meg Ryan in her Anthropologie styled clothes and apartment BEFORE Anthropologie was a thing.  I think we called it shabby chic back then.  And Howard didn't have a dog or own a book store.  He worked IN a bookstore and had a cat.  But he was cute enough to replace Tom Hanks.  And that, my friends, is saying something.

And that brings us to Howard things!!  My top 2 favorite things about him are:

1.  He is so polite.  Seriously, all the time.  He has always been this way and it sets such a good tone for our home and our marriage.  It's just...refreshing.  

2.  He teaches himself.  Howard is so good at challenging himself to pursue new areas of study, and following up on it.  I admire this because I don't do well bored.  I've also said for about 8 years now that I need to learn Spanish...



Why am I waxing sentimental today about my hubby?  Stay tuned for tomorrow's post to find out!

Friday, October 18, 2013

Funny Flu Shot Friday



We tried to go to playgroup this morning but Jonah decided he would nap a long while (because we're totally not doing that schedule thing anymore - thanks and no thanks).  Then he decided he would eat at 9:30 when we were supposed to leave.  And because he's my child he not only isn't ready on time (because of food) but he takes an hour to eat.  




So then after that of course we sort of start our day over with a diaper change, an outfit change (because the two are one in the same - what can I say - he's potty trained!), and then oh yeah - Mom's still in her pajamas and robe and glasses so let's get her a little more ready and now ok - we're out the door and in the car!  Look at us on the go adventurous folk!  Out the door in 2.2 hours FLAT!

So we turn on Siri and They Might Be Giants and we're off cruising in the Corolla through the beautiful hills of Texas toward an awesome park.  Except Siri had us cruise right off the paved road and up what turned out to be a private gravel drive that ended in two very fierce dogs barking and what probably would have been shotgun firings had I not turned around after deciding this was probably not where playgroup was meeting today (I know - it's just an insanely sharp maternal instinct thing - what can I say).

 So we headed back into more familiar parts and decided since we had invested the aforementioned 2.2 hours to get out the door that we'd go ahead and make use of it by swinging into Walgreens for a flu shot.

This is where the story takes the unexpected turn to work out in the end.  Jonah sat in his car seat and watched with the most intense focus as the man prepped my arm, got the bandaid ready, and gave me the shot.  Then Jonah decided this was the most HILARIOUS thing he'd ever witnessed.  He can't laugh yet but if he could he'd have been bowled over in tears.  

So, that's all it takes.  Who needs friends and playgrounds when you can watch Mom get a shot?!  HA!  Hysterical!  Everybody come on out for some fall family flu shot fun at your local pharmacy!

That was enough adventure so we headed home where Jonah proceeded to sit at his 24/7 diner bar, order some warm milk, and tell me about his day.  


And tonight this waitress is off and Papa's taking the night shift.  Muwahahahahahaha.  Now that's delicious.

Happy weekend!






Thursday, October 17, 2013

Someone please stir my brains up because I think I'm a zombie

This kid partied all night and is ready for more this morning.  Frat brothers, here's your one-upper.  


And no, I have no idea what my post title means.  It's just an example of what happens to a brain on baby.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

7 Weeks Old!

Sweet Jonah is 7 weeks old today!!  This month of his life is so much easier for me to remember than his first.  I'm so glad!  The sleep deprivation of the first just completely erased my memory.  I mean seriously - it's like it was one 24 hour period.

I'm still pretty sleep deprived (as in I call my mommy crying and saying I'm tired - it's such a pretty picture of a mature, almost 30 something woman who has no love handles or weird mystery flab and has brushed hair and one single shirt without spit up on it...) so we're working on one of those schedules from a book.  I'm giving it the 2 days until the promised full night's sleep, a size 00P, and uber wealth and happiness.  We'll see.  Jonah's so go with the flow that I'm not sure a schedule is really his thing.  

Speaking of Jonah let's talk about who he is at 7 weeks!!


This kid LOVES being outside.  He looks out windows when we're in and gets so excited when he gets into his car seat and knows we're going on an adventure!  In fact this morning we walked and it started raining and he was just "Hey, I'm cool.  I'm lovin' it.  It's nature, babe."  (I know - his verbal skills are amazing, aren't they?!) He wasn't even worried about his hair.  This may not be our child after all.

He has started to use his legs to 'stand up' a lot more this week.  I can hold him for several seconds before they don't support his weight anymore!  He even takes little practice steps.  

His smiles are so much fun and are regular.  He only fusses when he's tired and it takes swaddling, shushing, and walking for about 15 minutes and he's out.  When he's hungry in the day he moves his fist to his mouth and during the night he just sort of whines until I get him but it's not a full on cry. And hopefully soon we won't be getting up during the night at all!!  Go Jo Go!  If there's one thing I'm going to be pushy about as a parent I've decided this will be it.  Ok - play football - don't become a concert pianist at age 4 - but you WILL sleep through the night. 

We make fun of him for being such a baby lol.  Seriously he acts like such a baby when he's fussy.  He says 'waaa' and makes this little whiny face.  It's really funny to us.  (That's probably the sleep deprivation kicking in because I swear we used to have more sophisticated senses of humor...)

He's almost 11 pounds and is wearing 3 month clothes.  3-6 month sizes fit with a little rolling and 6 month sizes work perfectly in footie pajamas because of the length but need more rolling in play clothes.  I do not understand the sizes for baby clothes.  I feel like as long as I've been babysitting they've been off.  We can send man to the moon but we can't just start calling a 3 month size a newborn and a 6 month a 3 month?  I'm pretty sure NASA could handle that.  Then again I've been to the Houston NASA and it looks like something straight out of a 1980s alien movie set starring Sigorney Weaver and really atrocious special effects (to all the single ladies:  don't ever laugh at the atrocious special effects when your guy picks out one of these films from the alarming plethora we inherited  from the 80s.  It will only lead to divorce).  There aren't even touch screens on anything.  It's all really huge actual buttons.  We sent man to space with ACTUAL BUTTONS.  Mind boggling.

Huh.  We're a little off topic.

Let's wrap this up:  Jonah is precious at 7 weeks and can do no wrong and we're really missing Elijah lately.

Happy Wednesday everyone.  Here's to sleeping tonight!!  

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

October 15

Today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day.  In October 1988, President Ronald Reagan declared October as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month saying, "When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, there isn’t a word to describe them." (October15th.com)

Mr. President, I would call them bereaved.  And thank you for the recognition.  

But more than anything I fight to make sure my child is recognized.  As a child.  A baby. A full human being.  It's a shame I have to fight for that understanding in our culture.  

We never held Elijah with our arms, but I held him in my womb.  We never heard Elijah's voice, but we cherished the sound of his heart.  We are separated from him, but not for long.

Sometimes I wish for a picture better than an ultrasound to show people.  They'd see all the body parts formed and fleshy in color.  I think people just imagine blood and tissue when they picture him, and then it's easier to say goodbye, minimize, and forget.  But I know he looked like a very tiny baby.  Because he was.  A sweet, sweet little baby.


Monday, October 14, 2013

At least it's in-state tuition

Saturday's game was, well, a surprise.  They don't call it an upset for nothin'.  I told Jonah yes, he can go to UT.  At least he'll be closer to home and it will be cheaper.  But still.  Blech.

We had a rainy Sunday yesterday and since we still can't take Jonah to church yet we took the opportunity to hang out in our pjs all day.  We had a blast playing with Jonah on his floor blanket.  We put him between us and rolled him back and forth for a short conversation and then back to the other parent.  He was genuinely surprised and delighted to see the 'new' person each time.  I'm not sure if I should be endeared or concerned...

He also got in some good TV watching time.


And since we don't yet allow him to look at illuminated screens, this is what I mean by that:


Hehe!  He loves the contrast of the black square on white background.  It's a great show. 

He has been going through the growth spurt the doctor forecasted and it's been a challenge.  He's fine.  I've been an exhausted wreck.  I can think of few things more stressful than worrying if your baby is fed and hydrated.  We went to the big city today for a checkup and he's just fine.  (10 lbs 13 oz!) I look forward to the days where we can all sit at the table and eat together.  Eat solid food together.

He was of course his normal laid back self on our little trip.  He looooves going to new places!  It's always an adventure when he gets in his car seat!


Well, Papa's home now.  Enjoy your evening everyone!

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Sooner Strong


Papa snapped this pic!  His photography skills are coming right along don't you think?

BOOOOOOOOMERRRRRR!!!!

Friday, October 11, 2013

Shine On, Boerne!

Now through the holidays go get a fabulous 'do and check out my photography for sale at Shine Salon in Boerne!  You can visit them online at Shineboerne.com.  In every prom picture I've seen where the girl has some amazing Anthropolgie-esque updo, it's always by Shine!  They are just quality.  

It was so fun to work with Heidi, Shine's owner, to get my photography up!  








Isn't her shop gorgeous?!  

Jonah was such a good boy while we worked.  I think he loved the hair dryers!


Go check out Shine!  And be sure to visit the Photography page above to see more of my work!

Yesterday I made Monkey Bars but replaced the banana and chocolate with Craisins and white chocolate chips.  Delish!!



See that little green thing in the background?  That's my new kitchenaid mixer and I have no idea how to use it!  Maybe when Jonah's 5 I'll have time to figure it out...

Happy Friday and weekend everyone!
 




Thursday, October 10, 2013

God Bless America

Jonah slept through the night last night.  Jonah.  Slept.  Through.  The.  Night.  Let's all observe a moment of silence to let that sink in.

I woke him up at 3:00am to eat because I was worried.  And because in the fifth grade I wouldn't even let my tomagatchi go that long without eating.  He slept so much I called the doc's office this morning and they said not to wake him anymore.

Now here we enter a loud rendition of Glory Glorrrrry Halleluuuuujah, Glorry Glorrrry Halleluuuuujahhh...

To top it off, he ate in 20 minutes this morning instead of his normal 40.  He. Ate. In. 20. Minutes.  I don't even do that yet. 

The only song appropriate for that level of sheer shining awe is Boomer Sooner, Boomer Sooner....Boomer Sooner, Boomer Sooner...Go Oklahoma Go Oklahoma Go Oklahommmmmaaaaaa!  OKU!!

It must have been the football pajamas that did the trick.  Those and the Holy Trinity.  Always a good combo.










Wednesday, October 9, 2013

6 Weeks Old!

Little Jonah is 6 weeks old today!  He went to our awesome doctor this morning.  We learned he is doing great at 10 pounds 2 ounces and 22.5 inches in length!  His eyes, ears, nose, throat, teeth, and fin look great as well!





Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Top 2 Tuesday: Confessions

1.  I may listen to the They Might Be Giants children's station on Pandora when Jonah's asleep in the car.  This may not be from happenstance, but very much on purpose.

2. My favorite song on there is not in English.  It's in Chicken.  It's really very good.  "Forget You" by the Muppets.  You can watch / listen to it here: http://youtu.be/tLdYI8zk4QQ

Bonus confession: I may have watched Sesame Street by myself today.  I'm glad to know the directions haven't changed.  And no one looks a day past 1988.  I was, however, a little befuddled by the fact that in 24.2 minutes of watching I did not see one single White kid or adult.  There were represented Latino/a, Black, Biracial, Asian, Green, Blue, Bear, and Yellow Feathered.  But no White.  Granted, I did not finish the episode. But I'm just sayin'...can't a little chubby uh-oh Oreo get some representin' too?