Flower Picture time!

I know you've been anxiously waiting for me to post these. Okay, maybe not, but enjoy anyway!
These are all untouched photos...I'm not good at all with photo programs. (ETA: these were taken with a Canon 40D SLR)






A whole new meaning to a bed of flowers...

Jinx!

Bella was not my good little sleeper last night. Oh well.... we have good nights and bad. FWIW, she was pretty fussy yesterday afternoon and evening so maybe she wasn't feeling well.

Milestone

Bella slept thru the night last night! Yea for me! We got home late so she went to bed probably around 10ish and didn't get up until after 6am. I was so knocked out, I didn't even wake up to worry. LOL Maybe it was the heat yesterday or the excitement of Disney (just the out of routine excitement)

Normally though she's been sleeping from around 8:30pm to 3-4am so still not too shabby!

Cop out!

I'm just in a posting mood this morning I guess. ;)

So I'm reading on one of my boards all about Mother's Day and how it's a Hallmark holiday. Isn't every holiday a Hallmark holiday now? I mean they have decorations and cards for everything now! Anyway, some moms were venting about how they didn't get anything. Not even a card because their dh said that his wife wasn't his mother (some wives sure do have to act like it LOL). I think it's a cop out! No, he doesn't have to go buy something for his wife for Mother's Day but unless their kids have their own job and can drive themselves to the store or are old enough to do something themselves, then YES dh's should do something for their wives. That is the MOTHER of his children. They should have their toddlers make mom a card or do a craft. No money would have to be involved. I just think it's a cop out.

Happy Mother's Day!!

To all my mommy friends and mommy blog readers! Have a wonderful Mother's Day!!

Here's what Logan made me in school this week...I also got a potted plant he's been growing.
A card- inside it says "I Love You"

Butterfly House

Here are some more pics from the F&G Festival. These were from Minnie's Butterfly Tent where they have lots of butterfly friendly plants and "hatch" butterflies.





Butterfly house


You can see a couple hatching here.


This poor guy is missing most of a wing. He was still able to fly though. It was probably ripped by someone trying to catch him. I did see one woman stepping as far into the garden as she could so she could catch a butterfly for her son (age 7 or so). Why not just leave them be??


There were several hanging out on this tree.

And we're back! Bella's 1st Disney trip!

What a hot, tiring yet nice day. As I said earlier, we took our moms to Disney today. We started at Epcot since that's where we planned to end the day at. We took the boat over to the Studios where I split off from the group to go feed Bella. We had originally planned to do the new Toy Story ride and that's the only reason for going to DHS but the wait was 90 min!! That's nuts and this was passholder weekend only for the ride. We did see the Indiana Jones Stunt show which was too loud for Bella. I think the movies may be playing in our house soon. The boys seemed to enjoy the show.

We headed back to Epcot to check out the Flower and Garden festival. The castmembers always do such a beautiful job on the gardens and topiaries. There was a butterfly garden too. I've got tons of pics so I'm sure you'll be seeing them all week long.

I did wear Bella around the parks most of the day and I was very comfy! It did get a bit hot at times but we took breaks once in a while. I got quite a few compliments om my Mei Tai and lots of oohs and aahs over her. Everyone wanted to know how old she was since she's still so little. I also spotted other babywearers! I saw another MT at DHS plus a pouch and ring sling on a mom and dad coming into the park while we were leaving. I also saw an Ergo at Epcot and one of the moms I met in the nursing room said she used a Maya wrap. It was a good day for BW!

Bella's 1st Disney trip (1st of many!) She even wore her new Disney outfit. She had a Mickey bow in her hair but it was lost this morning. I found it in my tank top once I got home!


Here are the boys with Aladdin and Genie- I was surprised Logan went up there until he told me afterwards- I only like boys, NOT girls! (meaning no princesses- funny bc he played with only a little girl at school on Friday)

A hidden Mickey my mom spotted! (it's upside down)

Snow White and the seven dwarfs

Ian and Logan with Pluto at the beach

My Mom and I with Bella


Mickey and Minnie on the beach and Goofy catching a wave!

I'll post more soon....

Off to Disney!

We're taking our moms to Disney today. Yea!! I'll be back to post more later.

Sooo sweet!

Logan's pre-K class had a Mother's Day party today for us. I got there just in time to see the presentation they made. I wish I could upload the video for you! Basically, they all lined up in front of us and counted off the ways/reasons they loved us. Logan was #5 and said it was because I let him play Lego Star Wars everyday. LOL!! After they were done, they said "and that's why we love you, Happy Mother's Day" all at one time. They had made us flower cards and a copy of everyone's "why I love you" and we each got a flower pot with seedlings they had planted and were growing.

It was such a great Mother's Day gift because it came from the heart. Logan may be my oldest but he's still my baby boy. He's the most loving child. I'll miss the day he doesn't want to give me hugs anymore. Hopefully that will never happen!

Awww

I'd love to know the back story to this. As I was driving Logan to school this morning I noticed a neon green posterboard sign that said "will" on it. As I kept driving I saw 3 more so they all spelled out "Will you be mine?". I'm guessing maybe it was a teen (the high school is on the same street) asking a girl out? I'd love to know the story to it though. How sweet!

Ugh Healthcare!!!

Tell me this isn't the dumbest thing in the world. Not only do we pay out nearly $500/mo (and that's with the company paying for dh and 90% of the kids I think) for our healthcare but we have a $3000 deductible per CALENDAR year. It doesn't matter that our plan starts in Sept and ends in Sept. They only count it as Jan-Dec which means I had to pay OOP up to $3K Sept- Dec. last year and again with another $3K (which is done for this year) for Jan-Dec 2008 (and actually only til Sept as we'll be changing plans again). I'm kinda glad I waited to take Logan for his 5yr appt now. It won't come out of my pocket since we've met both the individual and family ded. for the year. Guess I should take advantage and get a check up and go to the dermatologist and get some stuff checked out. Too bad dental and vision aren't included. LOL

Now this is neat!

How about Mickey Mouse shaped clouds? This guy has invented a way to make "clouds" shaped in your business logo. Apparently Disney will be trying them out next month!

Stupid!

Why is it teens think they are invincible? Okay, I know their brains aren't finished growing (thanks Dr Phil) and they aren't grown/experienced enough but you'd just think they'd know better!

As I was driving home tonight through my neighborhood, I spotted something weird on the car in front of me. Then I spotted the passenger side door open while they were moving. It never closed properly. I sped up a bit to see and it's the guy who lives or visits a house behind mine. He has 2 teens hanging onto the back of the car sitting on the trunk and I guess the inside was full or something too because the door wouldn't shut and I saw it open a couple of times like someone was trying to hang onto it. Do they not know how dangerous sitting on a moving vehicle is? People have died doing that. They weren't going 10mph either. They were doing a good 20 or so. WTH?

Playgroup then & now

I've been a part of my playgroup since July 2003 (I think). There are a handful of us who have been here since the beginning and we're all great friends. Our kids have grown up together, we've shared our thoughts and secrets and our sadness and joy. We've seen many members come and go. I thought today's blog should show you all just a glimpse of how we've changed and grown. The pics will be mostly the kids and how they have changed but you may see a pic of yourself in there! You've been forewarned... the 1st pic is from 2003-2004 and the 2nd is from 2007-2008.

CLICK on images to enlarge!

Matthew


Hannah


Trey


Evan


Maggie


Erin



Olivia
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Holly and Jen


Far right is Julie and Olivia


Me and Logan

If you don't see yourself (Andrea and Kandee), sorry about that. I couldn't find any recent pics!

6 week checkup! and more

Bella and I (and Ian) went in today for our 6 week. Bella has gained yet another pound from just a week ago! (the scales could be calibrated differently too) She was 10lb 9oz today. The other birth assistant finally got to hold her. She left early that morning after I had Bella.

I am still healing and apparently my abdominal wall is still seperated a bit. Other than that, I'm good to go! I saw our picture on the wall (they take a pic of the new parents and baby before you leave after birth). Ian was even able to spot us. Speaking of Ian, he's so cute. He's so used to me hopping on the table and helping the midwife find the baby's HB that he grabbed the doppler and goo for her. He doesn't understand Bella IS that baby!

On a different subject, my truck is at the dealer's today getting the rear AC fixed. It went out a few months ago. Apparently it's something pretty common for an '03 Pilot. They also say I need to get my timing belt changed soon and do the 85K maintanence. Can you see the $$$ blowing away? We're only doing the AC right now and we'll look into someone else doing the timing belt.

So while my truck was there today, I had dh's Civic (plus I had to drive to Lakeland). Can you believe we did it? We fit all 3 carseats in there!! It was NOT easy. The harnessed seats (Radians) were in tight and Logan's booster fit next to them. We had to slide his booster over with him in it just to buckle him in though and then slide him back and tighten him up. There's no room for a hand to fit in between the seats! Glad it's not an everyday thing! I took some pics last night so I'll post them soon.

Room Remodel In Progress

Thought I'd share a pic of Bella's still unfinished room. It's painted, the wainscotting is up and the chair rail and window trim are done. Dh still thinks he wants to put some crown molding around the top of the room. There's still plenty to do! I bought some letters from Joann's in a cute lowercase font that need to be painted and hung and I want to find some quilt clips to hang her quilt or buy some framed art to go in there. Not sure yet. Here's what we have so far...don't mind the mess...



BTW, her shirt says My Dad Rocks. I realized you can't really see it...

This was this morning. Okay, so I need some decorating help too....I need to paint her letters, what color should I paint them? White with pink and brown and green dots? Brown letters with pink/green ribbon or white ribbon? Comments anyone? (yes, I'm soliciting again)

Food Prices

I spent so much at the grocery store last night it's ridiculous. Yes, I bought some convenience foods and snacks but I also bought fresh vegetable and fruits and just those alone cost me a ton. I decided to try a friend's suggestion and do "spaghetti" using spaghetti squash instead of noodles. One squash was over $7. Ouch! Maybe I should just make my own pasta- even boxed would be cheaper! Grapes were $2.99/lb. Again- ouch! My boys love fresh fruit and it's so expensive.

We're not lucky enough to have stores that double and triple coupons in our area and it seems most coupons are for foods I don't usually purchase anyway. I use them when I can though. I buy extra when things are Buy one, Get one free (plus coupons if I have them) so I can at least think I'm getting some kind of bargain. What do those less fortunate do in times like this? Milk has gone sky high- should I just buy my own dairy cow? (LOL) It may cheaper in the long run.

Gas prices have really affected us too. We aren't going on trips around town as much. I've def. stepped down my shopping. As much as I love SuperTarget, it's much further away and I don't know that the prices are worth the gas. Will a new President help things? I doubt it but I can be hopeful!

My newest creation

My aunt is having a baby! Today was her shower. This is her first baby and boy did she make out on the goodies! I decided to make her a bouquet of "flowers". I saw the idea on the net and decided I could do it for so much cheaper! (seriously, they were $60 on the web). It consisted of regular silk flowers and foliage plus 2 pairs of mittens, 4 onesies and 4 washcloths. I left the wood box plain so she could paint it as she wished (she's an artist).
Here's the result:







If I get to do it again, I'll buy some different wire or some skewers to hold the heavy onesies up better. I'll also add ribbon to the box. I'm always tweaking things as I get to make them.

Bella and I had a good time. I talked to a few people I hadn't seen in years and met some new people. Bella was passed around and everyone ooh-d and aah-d over her. Then it was time to come home to the chaos. ;)

Girl crush?

Have you ever had a girl crush? I've never had one and the ladies on Babycenter were talking about Callie from Grey's Anatomy being a girl crush for many of them. She is a beautiful woman. I love that she's sexy and secure in her body but I can't see her that way. So send me a comment on who your girl crush is/was!

WW update

Down another 2.6lbs this morning! I know after this week it should slow down but I'm happy none the less.

Lack of options

I'm so tired of the lack of clothing options in my wardrobe! Nothing fits anymore and it's driving me bonkers. I have a babyshower to go to on Saturday and I have nothing to wear. All I have that fits is some jeans and maternity shorts and I still have a muffin top(which I guess means they don't really fit). Ugh! All my shirts are tshirts. I stopped by Target tonight and found NOTHING. I'm just frustrated right now. It doesn't help that I only get 2 hours max to shop before dh is calling me about Bella. She's hungry and wants food...and of course that means NOW to her. sigh....

WW- weight loss update

Forgot to post this on Saturday- down 4lbs this week!

Wordless Wednesday

Who's Who?
ETA: To those who commented, you were all right! The 1st pic is Ian at a month old, then Bella at a month and Logan at a month. Even I was surprised at how much Ian and Bella looked alike!

Oh my!

Ian and I had quite the conversation this morning. I was changing his diaper and had to touch his penis. For those who don't know, he'll be 3 next month.

Ian: Why did you touch my penis?

Me: So I can clean it.

Ian: I want to touch it.

Me: Oookay.
Me: You never let anyone but Mommy, Daddy and the Dr touch your penis, okay?

Ian: Okay....I want to show my friends my penis.

Me: Uhh no, we don't show off our penis.

Ian: why?

I'm sure there was more to this conversation but I can't recall it all. It struck me as very funny though. He's very inquisitive. Everything nowadays is- Why? I don't remember ever having a conversation with Logan at this age about his penis. He's never said he wanted to show his friends either. I'm in trouble! LOL

Hungry Girl!

If you've never heard of Hungry Girl, you MUST check out her website. I just got my cookbook in today (bought one for my mom too) and there are some fab sounding recipes in there! All the desserts caught my attention. :D I can't wait to try some out and maybe use my friends as guinea pigs too. Hmmm... Mom's night in should be coming up soon.....

It's done

Logan is registered for Kindergarten. It's both a happy and sad day. I can't believe my little man is old enough to head off to school already! Now I get to shop for school uniforms!

Dreaded Dr visits

Logan finally had his much dreaded (on my part) 5 yr exam(he's 5.5 so we're a bit late). He did fine in the hearing test which kinda surprises me only because he's so darn loud all the time. His eyesight however was 20/35. That doesn't surprise me a bit. Dh and I both need corrective lenses and I'm sure my kids will follow. Ugh. Darn genetics! He was 47.5in (95%) and 55lbs (94%). That basically means only 5-6% of kids his age are bigger than him. He also had 5 shots. Poor baby! I wouldn't want 5 shots in the same day! I had to lay on him and hold his arms. He of course cried and it brought tears to my eyes to see my baby in pain- deliberate pain at that. After a few minutes he stopped crying but he was walking really stiff legged. LOL I told him they didn't give him shots in the knees! We went to McDonalds for lunch and all seems to be well.

Bella also had her 1 month appt this morning. She's 22.5in (91%) and 9lbs 10oz (59%). Everything looked good with her. He didn't seem concerned about her face breaking out. I figured it was just acne but wanted to make sure. Her gurgly tummy is just gas too. Not much else I can do for her there. She's gaining right on schedule. No more appts for a month!

Attic find

Dh was up in the attic this morning running some wiring for Bella's light and came across a box of old paperwork. Inside we found a Navy recruit ID card and 2 photo ID Liberty Cards along with savings books, bank statements, pay stubs and other paperwork from the previous owner. I know this is a piece of history and this man served our country during the war (WWII). I haven't been able to find any info online though to get it back to his family. I was told to go to Ancestry.com and I posted a found notice there. If you know anyone with this surname, pass it on. Maybe they are a relative!

Dear motorcyclist....

The helmet does you absolutely no good if it's on the bike behind you and not on your head. Moron.

Pampered?

No, not really. It 's hard to relax and be pampered when you have a fussy newborn with you. This morning I had a hair appt with my wonderful stylist Sally. Usually it's 3 hours to relax and talk or read a magazine but not today! Today I brought Bella with me. She's been really fussy lately- I think it's gas or something in her tummy because it's always gurgly even if she's been fed/is being fed. I've tried Mylicon, Tummy Upset and now I'm trying Gripe Water. Anyway.... she was fussy today but the girls at the salon were wonderful. They would give her a bink or pick her up (had she been my first baby, I probably would have balked at that) and rock her. It wasn't just the stylists either, a couple of other moms with their kids in tow tried to help out. There were times when I just couldn't hold her. Eventually though, after being fed twice (once while I was under the warmer and once while I was getting my hair cut), she fell asleep. By that time, I was done though! Sally did a great job as usual but this picture just doesn't do the color or cut justice. It's already fallen. We'll see what it looks like once I get to do it.



As you can see, I need makeup help too! I suck at it. LOL

23 days...

Left until school is over. I can't believe it's done already. I'm thinking of sending both boys to summer "camp" at the preschool Logan attends. It's a 6 week program, 3 days a week. I think they'll both enjoy it and it will give me some Bella time.

I've also started thinking about uniforms for next year. Logan can wear navy or khaki pants/shorts and navy, white or burgandy tops. I found a website on my bargain board that has kids' polos for under $5. I just don't know the quality of them. I can't believe my baby is going off to Kindergarten!