That's What We Said

2011-11-09T09:00:00.005-06:00

So what better way to make a girl feel better than to make her Christmas list. This might sound cliche, but I can honestly say that I don't need a thing for Christmas this year. I received the best gift I could ever hope for on May 11 and that is a healthy baby boy. BUT, since the holidays are upon us and I need something to take my mind off of my current situation, why not do a little lusting....

New Everyday Dishes

Source: crateandbarrel.com via Marissa on Pinterest

Dryer Balls

Source: amazon.com via Marissa on Pinterest

Cupcake Corer

Source: hostessblog.com via Marissa on Pinterest

Medium Sized White Gold Hoops

Source: tiffany.com via Marissa on Pinterest

L.L. Bean Tote

Source: llbean.com via Marissa on Pinterest

Leakproof Travel Mug

Source: starbucksstore.com via Marissa on Pinterest

Tall Brown Boots - I heart these, but they cost more than most of my shoes combined!

Source: elefantitasalegres.blogspot.com via Marissa on Pinterest

Black Wedge Heels

Source: piperlime.gap.com via Marissa on Pinterest

Black Flats

Source: piperlime.gap.com via Marissa on Pinterest

Black Kitten Heels

Source: piperlime.gap.com via Marissa on Pinterest

Genuinely Sad

2011-11-08T08:25:00.001-06:00

For the past week, I have started writing this post and deleted. It just wasn't right and I was crying so hard the screen was all burry. There just aren't words to describe what's going on right now - I'm going back to work. Tomorrow.

To say that I am sad would be an understatement. To say that I am scared and nervous and anxious and I have a heavy pit in my stomach that makes me feel like I am going to vomit at any given moment - that might explain it a little better.

For 6 months, I got to be a stay at home mom. I got to do all the things that stay at home moms do. Change diapers, feed a baby, bathe a baby, play with a baby, clean up spit up, clean the house, do laundry, cook, mow the lawn, rake leaves, grocery shop, run errands, chase the dogs, and the list goes on and on. I treated every day like it was my job. It was my job to be a wife and a mom.

Before having Owen, I couldn't imagine what a stay at home mom did all day and now I don't know where the time goes. It is the most rewarding feeling at the end of the day to look at my happy baby, husband and puppies and know that I contributed directly to their well being.

Tomorrow starts a new chapter of balance. I know I have to figure out a way to balance all of the things I love doing for my family, while still working away from our home 9 hours a day. Owen will be well cared for. He will be spending his days with a neighbor of our who has two children of her own, one of which is a little boy 1 week older than Owen. What a world that will open up for him!

I try to look at the positive side of our situation, and there are many positives. For now, I am just sad. I know it will pass and there will come a day when all of this will just be second nature. I'll be super mom accomplishing everything in half the time with thinking twice. And it will make me a better, stronger person. I hope.

Souper Sunday Week 9 - Team Clancy Chili

2011-11-07T07:55:00.000-06:00

Several years ago, Brett and I put our heads, and several recipes from different places together, and created our very own chili recipe. While we've never won a chili cook off competition, although we've never entered one, we think it's pretty good. We even wrote down the recipe so we can remember what goes in it.

Team Clancy Chili
1 can beer (this is by far the most important ingredient; we recommend Old Style but understand that may not be available to everyone)
1 can beef broth
2 cans bean (whatever you like; we use a combo of kidney and great northern)
1 lg. can crushed tomatoes
1 lg. can diced tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
1 lb. ground meat, brown and drain
1 1/2 lb. "chunk" meat, tossed in flour and brown (by "chunk" I just mean any kind of meat you can cut up - steak, etc. )
1 green pepper, seeded and chopped
2 jalapeno peppers, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped + the leafy hearts
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/4 c. Worcestershire sauce
Salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder to taste

Here's the best part, other than chopping up the veggies and browning the meat the only directions to make this chili is to dump everything in a crock pot and let cook all day. Simple as that!

Serve this with some cornbread "But you ain't ever had my cornbread, A little bit of heaven and a little bit of..." and enjoy yourself a nice relaxing Sunday on the couch watching football.

Souper Sunday Week 8 - Cheeseburger Soup

2011-11-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

Well the month of October got a little crazy around here and we haven't been home to make soup and watch football in quite awhile. Yesterday, we finally got the chance and it was wonderful! By wonderful, I am referring to both the soup and the Steelers win over the Patriots!!!

Cheeseburger Soup

Ingredients:

2 lb ground beef

Hamburger seasoning of your choosing

1 large onion, diced

1 Tb butter

32 oz. Chicken broth

1 lb. Velveeta cheese, cubed

1 pint Half and Half

2 Tb flour

2 Tb cold water

15 oz. can diced tomatoes, drained

Directions:

Brown ground meat. Drain grease and season with whatever you would season your burger with. I used a Beef Rub spice mix that I happened to have on hand. Set aside.

In a large soup pot, melt 1 T. butter. Saute onions until translucent. Add the chicken broth, Velveeta cheese and the half & half. Stir until cheese is melted.

In a small bowl, mix the flour and water until smooth. You may have too add more or less of each to get the right consistency. Whisk into soup. Add ground meat and tomatoes. Bring soup to a boil, stirring occasionally.

The recipe I based this off of, called for a half of a head of lettuce, shredded. All the reviews said it was good, but I was being lazy. So at this point, you can add shredded lettuce to the soup or be lazy.

Remove from heat. Serve in bread bowls, topped with a thick slice of bread, croutons, or plain.

Enjoy! It's like a grilled summer burger in soup form.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T13:00:00.001-05:00

Babies + Pumpkins = Too cute

2011-10-31T08:06:00.000-05:00

I don't know if I ever mentioned that last year in my department at school, we had 5 pregnant mammas at he same time and 6 babies born! Four of the five are good friends and have tried to get the babies together as often as possible. (We aren' leaving the fifth out, but she only works part time and not directly with us so we arent' as close.) Last weekend was the first time we were all able to get together and so Owen was meeting a new friend, Jayden, for the first time.

Side story - Owen and Jayden were born on the same day, 20 minutes apart. When we went to the hospital on tuesday, I jokingly sent Jayden's mommy a text and told her that we beat her to the hospital but if she was quick, she could beat us in the baby race. She did. Jayden was born on 5/11 at 10:30 and Owen was born at 10:51. Our due dates were two days apart - mine on 5/ 17 and hers 5/15. What are the chances?

Anyway, we all met at Johansen's Farm and couldn't have had a better time taking pictures of the babies and enjoying our new roles as mommies and daddies.

Owen (5 months), Jayden (5 months), Camille (8 months) and isabella (10 months)

Birthday buddies!

My new favorite family picture!

Our little pumpkin!

BFFs!!!

Solids 101

2011-10-18T15:47:00.000-05:00

I never thought I would have such strong feelings or emotions connected to pureed food. I also never thought my husband and I would discuss poop via text during the day. ( me: "i cant evn bgin 2 describe owen's diaper 2 u. brett: "dont") Along with baby, comes change.

I am in no hurry to feed Owen solids. I think I mentioned that before and I also mentioned that Owen won and has been eating bananas for over a month now. If I had my way, he could have a treat of bananas every once in a while but mommy's milk would be the #1 food for much longer. Unfortunately, I'm not getting my way (for several things, but we won't talk about going back to work because, yep, cue the tears). Owen is/ has been showing all readiness signs to start solids and the recommendation is between 4 and 6 months, although like everything, it's a personal choice. We decided that 5 months would be our starting point so that we could see the funny faces he was sure to make when trying new foods. The plan was to give him rice cereal on his 5 month birthday and start a new food every 3-4 days after that, watching for any signs of an allergic reaction. So that's what we did. On October 11, Owen "enjoyed" his first helping of rice cereal. Mixed with breast milk. Then mixed with bananas. The jury is still out on his opinion of rice cereal. A few days after, we gave him sweet potatoes and then pears, both of which are now favorites in Owen's book.

I decided that at least to start, I wanted to make Owen's baby food. With the help of a friend who did this last summer and the internet, it was a breeze. I found this website - Wholesome Baby Food: Momtastic -which was a wealth of information. I especially like their chart of foods to give baby for each stage. I downloaded and printed mine and stuck it in Owen's section of the Home Binder.Why did I want to make his food? Who wouldn't want to be up to their elbows in steamers, food processors, and purees? Seriously. I just felt that since I am home and have the time I could at least provide Owen with the best possible food to start. I don't know if I will make all of his baby food, but he is now well stocked for a while. Because I made his food, I know that there are no added ingredients, no chemicals, and that it is as fresh (or was before i froze it) as possible and is all organic.

What I did
For starters, Living Social offered a Whole Foods deal several weeks ago that I bought and recieved $20 worth of roceries for $10. So last week Owen and I headed to Whole Foods and purchased some organic fruits and veggies (and maybe a thing or two for mom and dad). I also purchased some packaged food just to have on hand. Here's what we started with:

Organic carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, apples, pears
Earth's Best Rice Cereal and Oatmeal
Earth's Best Sweet Potatoes (jar)
Sprout - Squash, Peas, Pears

When we got home, I got my supplies ready. For the sweet potatoes, squash, and carrots, I steamed them using my steamer basket inside a pot with a lid. After they were very tended, I used a food processor to puree them. In order to get the right consistency, I used the water they steamed in which also ensured we didn't lose any good nutrients. For the apples and pears, I peeled, cored, and diced them and then baked them covered on 300 for about 30 minutes. I then used the food processor for them also. They didn't need much water added because they created so much of their own.

So when I had several bowls of pureed foods lining the counter, I started filling up ice cube trays with all of the purees. I put them in the freezer over night, then popped them out into their own labeled freezer Ziploc bag.

Now, whenever Owen is ready for some food, I simply pop out a cube and let thaw. If we are in a hurry, I will nuke it in the microwave for a few seconds but I then make sure to stir it well and text to make sure there are no hot spots.

There you have it. I have enough cubes to last him until well after i go back to work since right now he is only eating one cube a day.

So simple. If anyone has any questions, I would be more than willing to offer my advice. I'm no expert but found this to be a very simple and economical project.

5 Months of Baby Love

2011-10-11T15:58:00.000-05:00

To my sweet boy! The past month has flown by even faster than the first 4. It must be because my time home with you is finally coming to an end. We have only 4 short weeks left.

You are getting so big! You have reached 16 pounds but I can't get an accurate length because you are alway on the move. Keeping your drawers full of clothes that fit is becoming a job. You are in 6-9 month clothes and can even wear some 12 months. We never know what trick you will show us each day. Last week, October 4, you woke up and rolled over. And that, my boy, has been the end of you spending any time on your tummy. Any time I put you there, you almost immediately roll right to your back you think you're pretty cool being able to do that.

"I'm not staying on my belly long!"

You also woke up one day and decided to try to mimic my mouth. Hilarious!

On September 18, we gave in and gave you bananas because you are so grabby when we eat. You love them. When the spoon gets near, you use both hands to try to force more than I am giving you in. What else has changed this month? Your baby bath tub is packed away. You needed your freedom and so we now lay a hand towel in the bathtub and you kick and splash like crazy.

You've been a traveler again. We visited Washington the first weekend in October and you attended the end of Julie's wedding. Daddy, you and I danced in your PJs to Kenny Chesney and Dave Matthew's song, "I'm Alive". We have decided that it's our family song! Your Gammy, Grandpap, and Uncle Ben were so happy, as always to see you. You even got to spend some time with your Great Grandma Rheba and Great Grandpap Bert. What a lucky guy you are!

You have visited Kuiper's Farm, The Morton Arboretum, the Adler Planetarium, and swung on the swings at the park for the first time. We had almost two weeks of perfect weather that we took full advantage of. We have been a busy family!

In nothing but a diaper on October 7!

You continue to amaze us each day with your bright disposition. You still sleep well during the day and are taking fewer but longer naps. You still wake up once in the night and I think it has just become a habit. We need to break that ahbit. You chew on everything and are drooling quite a bit. I think teeth might be in your future. You are still very loud at home, in fact your screams are ear piercing, and serious when we are out.

Just like your Daddy. He gave you a tiny taste of cream cheese frosting and you nearly lost your mind!

Owen, your Dad and I just love you so much. We have talked recently about how there was something missing in our lives because and we didn't even know it until you came along.

A Perfect Fall Weekend

2011-10-10T09:38:00.000-05:00

Could we be more blessed with this weather lately? I mean really, it's October and this man is outside with no clothes on...

What a wonderful weekend we had! We opened our home to good friends, the Hooli's, and had more fun than we could handle. The interesting thing about the Hooli's is that Brett met Brian the same weekend that he and I met in Myrtle Beach. They became instant friends and as both boys moved on, got married, and had kiddos, our families have become wonderful friends. They are the kind of friends that you love to have as overnight guests. They're very much like us and we can have the greatest time doing nothing at all.

On Friday night, we enjoyed catching up playing with their boys, Colin is 3 and Brendan is 4, and they got to meet Owen for the first time.

On Saturday morning, the men went golfing and Claudette and I took the boys to the Adler Planetarium. Brett and Brian met us later on. What a beautiful day to be by the lake and learn a little about space. It's wonderful to be grown adults hanging out with your children and still acting like little kids. The joke of the weekend was "five" because so many jokes were made that you would think we were still kids. What planet comes after Saturn? Uranus. Yep! Still funny!

Saturday night we had a cookout, play tag in the dark and all retreated to the basement for some laughs and some good episodes of the Backyardigans.

Sunday was equally as beautiful so we went to park. This was Owen's first real trip to the park and he enjoyed it immensely already.

Cluadette and I entertained ourselves by trying to learn to juggle with walnuts. "five".

Oh, I wish this weather could last forever!

seasons change . . . and so do babies

2011-10-05T08:45:00.000-05:00

i was standing at our kitchen window this morning looking out into the back yard. my coffee was heating in the microwave for the third time and i was chuckling to myself about what had just transpired over the last 5 minutes.

owen is a great napper. he gets squirmy and loud and that lets us know he is ready for bed. all we have to do is put him in his crib on his belly and he falls asleep. he may fuss or talk for a minute, but never longer.

yesterday, owen woke up and decided that he was going to start rolling over from his belly to his back. there went tummy time. he will. not. stay. on. his. belly. also yesterday, we had no problems with naps.

fast forward to this morning. owen let me know that he was ready for a nap. i kissed him and put him in bed. before i even got out of the room, he rolled to his back and was laughing. so i rolled him back over and the same thing happened. he has a mirror on the side of his crib that he started playing with.

as i stand at the kitchen window, he is currently in his crib, on his back, yelling at the top of his lungs playing with his mirror. he thinks this is the greatest thing since breast milk.

so as i look out the window and notice the orange and yellow leaves starting to spot the grass, it's hard not to think back to that the first time i looked out this window when owen was home, it was spring and he was nothing but a swaddled bundle on a phototherapy machine. as we moved into summer, the swaddling stopped because he needed to move. he developed a personality, learned to "talk", and found a way to communicate with us. now it's fall and he doesn't stay put. he's even louder and he loves bananas and his toys. a month from now, (because we live in the midwest) i will stand at this window and there will most likely be snow on the ground. and owen will be different.

and that's the life of a mother. standing at a window, looking at the same back yard and things are always totally different. it's amazing the incredible life lessons you learn in less than 5 months.

Fall Fun

2011-09-30T09:00:00.002-05:00

Boy does time fly when you're having fun. And, boy, are we having fun being parents to this little boy.

Two weekends, we made a family trip to The Morton Arboretum. We had always wanted to see what the arboretum had to offer, but their admission price is a little steep for what were thought were just walking trails through a bunch of trees. Thanks to their partnership with Groupon, I was able to get us in for less than half the price. While I still think their normal admission is a little steep, especially for large families, it was definitely more than walking trails though trees. Since we had no idea where to go and were struggling to read the map (yes, we are both beyond college educated), we went to the Children's Garden first. As you can imagine, Owen is a little too young for most of the activities but his parents sure had fun walking thorough imagining what he'll be like in the place next summer.

After the children's Garden, we headed down the Conifer Walk and saw some pretty amazing trees. this also leads into most of the "Nature Unframed" pieces. The pieces were interesting to say the least. I admire the artists for their imagination.

Lichen It!

By this point in the day, we had decided that we really liked this place, enough so the we ended purchasing a family membership. We're looking forward to going back this October with Owen in his costume and painting a pumpkin and this December for breakfast with Santa and a sled dog demonstration. The Arboretum also offers snow shoe rental which sounds like a fun day date for us! Overall, the Arboretum is beautiful. It is meticulously cared for and we are so excited to spend time there enjoying nature and the peace and quiet.

This past weekend, we visited Kuiper's Farm with the intention of picking apples and bringing home a family pumpkin. We had visited this Farm years ago and were excited to go back...until we got there. Much of the apple side has been redone and it is much more commercial than it was before. The line to pick apples was ridiculous and the line to pay for bags of apples was just as long. We did buy a bag of apples and took a few pictures. unfortunately, we didn't plan to spend so much time waiting in the line and by the time we got to the pumpkin side, Owen was not in the mood to be his usual smiling self. we're learning!

Buffalo Chicken Soup {Recipe}

2011-09-29T09:00:00.025-05:00

Souper Sunday - Week 2 was an old favorite, Zuppa Tuscano. But last week, Week 3, we were daring and tried a brand new soup. Since we love buffalo chicken dip, we decided it could only be better in soup form. I had to do a little digging the internet to find one that sounded like it would turn out. It was good and is definitely "make again" but with several changes.

Buffalo Chicken Soup

Ingredients

2 bunches green onions, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
3/4 cup milk (I used a cup)
3/4 cup chicken broth (I used a cup; also made my own with some chicken base and the water I boiled the chicken in)
2 cups diced cooked chicken (I used 1 lb.; not sure how that compares to 2 cups)
1/4-1/2 cup chicken wing sauce (I used closer to 1/2 cup and it was SPICEY)
4 ounces Velveeta cheese (forgot to put in)
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

Directions

Saute onions and celery in butter until tender.
Stir in flour until smooth.
Slowly add milk and broth.
Add remaining ingredients and simmer, stirring occasionally, until cheese has melted.
Serve with biscuits, breadsticks crescent rolls, or crushed tortilla chips.

*So it really was good, but it was super thick and didn't make much at all. So next time, I would use 2 cups of milk (actually probably half and half) and 2 cups broth, maybe even more, because it needed a lot more broth. I also would not put the velveeta in, I think that seems odd, but I think I would add 4 ounces of cream cheese instead.

Why we didn't tell

2011-09-28T09:42:00.001-05:00

I've been thinking about writing this post for a while, but didn't know how to put it into words without perhaps offending someone. Then just this morning, Blue Eyed Bride (probably my most favorite blog) wrote a beautiful post about being a boy mom and it really got me thinking.

Brett and I tried to get pregnant for 7 months. As I have said before, I'm not claiming to have suffered any great getting-pregnant struggle. There are many of you out there that have gone to the moon and back and still don't have that bundle of joy. My heart goes out to those families. But, as a member of a family that has been through infertility (it wasn't planned that there is 10 and 11 years between my brothers and I), I know what a blessing pregnancies that end with a healthy baby are.

So on September 8, 2010, when that test said positive, the only thing left was to pray for a healthy baby, and even at that, we would have loved whatever we were blessed with. From the start I was torn about finding out the gender of the baby. I went back and forth with all of the common pros and cons. It's the only real surprise in your life. Don't find out. It's so much easier to plan if you know. I decided that because it didn't matter to me at all, I didn't care to find out. Brett felt differently and really wanted to know. So like everything in marriage, we compromised.

We found out but made the decision to only tell our immediate family and one friend each. It was hard knowing and not sharing some of those feelings with people, but the bottom line was that it didn't matter. I didn't want this baby already entering into a world of pink or blue. I didn't want the world casting judgement that "Brett got his boy! Congratulations!" or "Maybe the next one with be a girl, Marissa." I didn't care and neither did Brett. We both had the same fears. Brett confided that he didn't know what to do with a girl and it made him a little nervous, but also admitted that she would be a Daddy's girl forever. I was worried that I didn't know what to do with a boy. I'm not the most athletic and I knew that if we had a boy there would be so many things that Brett would do with him that I would not be a part of or at least on the outside of. Even with those fears, the gender of our baby was the least of our concerns.

Many people had a hard time with our decision and made it their mission to find out. People badgered and asked over and over. People tried to trick us into telling (Brett actually fell for one). It mattered more to everyone else what this baby was than it did to us.

When I think about Owen's future and my relationship with him, I know it will not be the same as it would if he were a girl. It will be different and special in its own way. I want him to be the tough guy who shows a brave face to his teammates and Dad and then comes home and cries on his mom's shoulder because they lost the game.

We hope that there are more babies in our future, but there may not be. If there are, we will love them and open our hearts to a son or a daughter. There's a special relationship between brothers and brothers and sisters just the same.

For now, I just hope that Brett and Owen will let me tag along to the batting cage. I'm really good at packing snacks.

Going Bananas!

2011-09-27T16:19:00.001-05:00

"I'm not giving Owen solid until I absolutely have to." Yep! That was me saying that not too long ago. Well, the little guy won. As I posted before, he became SO interested in what we were eating, especially after we put him at the table, that I gave in and gave him bananas. He loves them. I don't. Why? Let's just say the consistency and odor of his diaper changed immediately. Gross!

Happy 4 months to Owen!

2011-09-23T10:33:00.001-05:00

To my little boy - you're growing up. Each month I can't believe how much bigger you get and how your personality shines through more and more. This month is no different. You went to your 4 month doctor appointment and Dr. Ables thinks you're doing great! She told us you need more tummy time so that you will start to roll over consistently. It's not that you don't like it, but you sometimes think it's time for bed and put your head down and fall asleep. You still have that one little problem (I know Owen is only 4 months but right now I don't want to embarrass him) so we have made you an appointment with a specialist in December; we're hoping things resolve and we can cancel it).

Weight - 15 lbs. 3 oz.

Height - 26 3/4 in.

What an active guy you are becoming. You don't like to be help in my arms any more unless you are eating; you love to be sitting up so you can look around. Everyone comments on how serious you are and how observant you seem. The funny thing is, when it just you or you and us, you are LOUD! You love you voice and love to talk to yourself. You think it's hysterical to scream, not cry, just yell really loud! You especially love to do it at the store. You've started to laugh a little, especially at Daddy because you think he is so funny. You still love Lucy and Tucker very much, although Lucy seems a little afraid of you lately (I think it's that loud thing). Because you are more active, you love your toys even more. You can pick things up and put them in your mouth. you like to chew on your Sophie and on blankets. You have found your hands and feet and love to play with both. You have stopped taking a pacifier all together and like to suck your fingers although you never suck the same combination of them. As for your feet, you love to kick them up and play with them and it's making diaper changing a little more difficult.

For the most part, you are always happy. You let us know when you are tired and still can put yourself to sleep; all we have to do is lay you down. As long as you are rested and fed, you don't cry. You're still getting up 1 time a night (although you slept through the night a few times in Washington because you were up late) but when you do, you are hungry and eat well. We have a great routine during the day and I love being able to spend this time with you.

The past month seems to have flown by - you've been a very busy boy!

You kept a secret and helped daddy plan a surprise 30th birthday party for me on August 13.

You visited Dayton Ohio and helped move Uncle Scotty into school.

You spent two weeks in Washington visiting with Gammy and Grandpap and lots of other friends and family.
You visited Pittsburgh and helped Uncle Ben move into his apartment.
You rolled over for me to see and haven't done it since.

You made it through your first "Souper Sunday", September 11, with us. You loved sitting in the kitchen watching Daddy cut potatoes for the soup.

You helped put out the American flag on September 11 to mark the 10th anniversary of a very sad day. We will help you to understand the importance of this day when you are older but for now, you just need to know you live in a wonderful country!

You have started having to trouble nursing when we are eating because you are so interested in what we are doing. You watch us eat and drink and look sad that you aren't getting any. We aren't quite ready to give you food, but we did get out your high chair and now you sit with us at the dinner table like a big boy.

You stayed with a babysitter, Grandma Shari, Aunt Cathy, and Grandpa Mike, for the longest time yet so that Daddy and I could celebrate our 6th anniversary.

Good job, stinker butt, on another fun month! You keep making us smile and we'll keep changing your diaper!

What have we been up to?

2011-09-14T14:07:00.001-05:00

We have had an exciting past few weeks. I'll try my best to catch up...

Scotty went to college! On August 20, Brett, Owen, the puppies and I packed up and drove to Dayton to meet my fam and move Scotty in to the University of Dayton. We stayed at an awesome hotel, The Drury Inn, and had a blast relaxing in our suite and enjoying their free food. On Sunday, we said good bye to the baby of the family. We know he'll do great things!

The fam in Dayton. (love the use of a stranger's car as a "tripod")

I turned the big 3-0! The Sunday that we left Dayton also happened to be my birthday. It was wonderful getting to spend it with my family, even if most of it was in the car and we ate at KFC.
We went to Washington! When we left Dayton, Brett drove home, but the rest of the Clancy crew drove back to Washington for 2 weeks. It was wonderful getting away for a while and watching Owen spend so much time with my parents. It was also nice being there for so long because I got to visit with people that I usually don't get to see.

A visit from our good friends Sarah and Aunt Zoe!
I think Owen and Shane will be good buddies when they're older!

Lunch at Bahama Breeze with Gammy.

Still lovin' the Moby!

Getting ready for the Steelers preseason game with Grandpap.

Owen and his buddy Bryce.
Bryce is my cousin's son so they are 3rd cousins?

"I wanna be big like you, Uncle Ben!"

Owen rolled over! On Thursday, August 26, Owen and I were playing at my parents house. He was on his back playing with his feet and before I knew he flipped himself over. I don't know if he was proud or surprised. He hasn't done it since.

Owen sits in his high chair. It will be another month before Owen has a taste of something other than my delicious milk, but we decided it was time he join us at the table. He loves it!

Happy 6 year Anniversary! September 10 was our 6 year anniversary. We celebrated with a FABULOUS night out and a babysitter! Is it bad that for a second I forgot about Owen and almost thought we were carefree with no responsibilities again? It didn't last long :-) We had a yummy dinner at Maggiano's and then went to Tasting Divine for a wine flight. Let's just say I can't drink like I used to!

Hard to see in the picture, but Owen
is wearing a handmade onesie that says "Happy Anniversary". How sweet of him to remember!

Souper Sunday Week 1 2011! Last Sunday was the kickoff of the NFL season and the start of what we like to call "Souper Sunday" or Dirtball Sunday in the Clancy household. We started off with our favorite soup - The Clancy's Crock Po Potato Soup - and of course had Buffalo Chicken Dip. It was good start to the season for Chicago. As for the Steelers, not so much.
Yesterday Owen and I went to Whole Foods. We returned to find that one or both of the dogs had eaten a box of raisins. (my money was on Lucy) After a call to the vet, we all went to the Glen Ellyn Animal hospital where Lucy and Tucker were given an injection to induce vomiting. After the evidence that came out proved that it was Lucy, she was given charcoal to rid herself of any of the toxic raisins that remained. Love our crazy dogs!

"Bittersweet Song of September"

2011-09-07T16:52:00.000-05:00

It's bittersweet, the start of school. I am usually like a little kid buying new school supplies, but this year, instead, I am home. While I am thankful for everyday, I am counting down the days until I go back to work. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not sitting around each day sulking with impending dread, but I know it will be here faster than I want. I know this because almost 4 months have gone by in the blink of an eye and my baby is starting to "grow up". When I return to work, things will be different and this time will be over. There have been so many firsts, big ones and little ones, that I want to freeze time. And yet I don't. I love watching him grow and learn something new everyday. Some days it's a big "new" like rolling over and other days it's a little "new" like rasberrying his lips. The problem is that every time he does something new I know he is one step closer to not being my baby any more.

I read this column in the Boston Globe today. I couldn't have said it any better myself.
*actual article can be found here

Bittersweet Song of September by: Beverly Beckham

I’m glad I’m not a young mother shopping for school clothes and new backpacks, studying the bus schedule, filling in the calendar with “No school day’’ and “Early release,’’ scheduling gymnastics and dance lessons, switching gears and mindset, getting ready to give my children back to the world, bidding this long, hot, summer goodbye
I never liked September when my children were young. It meant the end of something, not the beginning. Every year, when they walked out the front door and down the walk to wait for the school bus, a little taller and a little wiser than they were just 12 weeks before, my heart ached because I knew that when I got them back again in June, they wouldn’t be who they were now.

Children grow in the summer, too, I know, but it’s different when school starts. They seem to grow faster then. Everything seems faster.

There is a song from “Big: The Musical’’ that sums up the bittersweetness of raising children. It’s called “Stop Time,’’ and the first time you hear it, it stops your heart. “Nobody warns you of this parent’s paradox. You want your kid to change and grow,’’ the song says. “But when he does, another child you’ve just begun to know, leaves forever.’’

Even when you win, you lose. That’s the truth of the song. And that’s the truth about kids. You love your children at every stage exactly as they are. You love the way your baby fits snugly in your arms, the way he opens and closes his tiny hands, the way he sighs and leans into you when he’s sleepy. And you want to stop time. But you love it when he’s bigger, too, when he sits up all by himself. And you want to stop time, then. And when he learns to crawl. And when he walks and talks. And look. He’s starting kindergarten. And he’s learning to read. Can it get any better?

It does. It gets better and better. Parenting is filled with bests and a million happy tears. But it’s filled with lumps in your throat, too, and yearning for what was because even as you’re snapping pictures and head over heels in love with the moment that is, a part of you misses the moments that are not anymore. The infant your child was. The 2-year-old you pushed in her carriage all over town. The 5-year-old who said “pinuter’’ not computer. The 6-year-old who raced in from school every day eager to show you what he’d colored and learned and made.

September whisks kids away and entertains them and beguiles them, but returns them not as they were but changed and in a different size. That’s why parents cry as they stand and wave goodbye. Because first grade becomes fifth grade becomes high school becomes college even as you watch.

How is this, I wonder, that a day alone with a colicky baby and an I-don’t-take-a-nap-anymore 2-year-old can feel like a year? But 18 years can go by in a blink of an eye? How is it that both my daughters, who just yesterday were upstairs trying on their new school clothes, are this year dressing their own children ready for first grade?

They’ve bought new clothes and a lunch box and a backpack. Just as I bought new clothes and a lunchbox and a backpack for them, just as my mother bought new clothes and a lunch box and a green cloth book bag for me.

It’s a big step, first grade, the first in a journey that will take their children physically, emotionally, and spiritually to places they cannot begin to imagine. And not only will their children change, but the world will change, too.

The kids are excited. We’re all excited. A stop-time moment is on its way.

But time won’t stop. It won’t even slow down. That’s why we’ll pay attention and take pictures. So we’ll never forget the day. So that even when it’s passed, it will remain.

The big 3-0...

2011-08-20T21:00:00.034-05:00

today, i turn 30.

i said it.

it doesn't bother me.

i belive that age is nothing but a number.

as i enter this whole new decade it's so fun to look back and see what my 20s gave to me. they gave me my first time away from home at a beautiful college and a chance to make some lifelong friends. they gave me a college degree that allowed me to do what i love; allowed me to offer a gift that i have to children and young adults with special needs. they gave me fun times with my family, both at home and on vacations.
they gave me a trip a to myrtle beach where i was young and wild and free with those lifelong friends and where i met a young man named brett. they gave me a job right out of college where i gained some confidence in my profession even though i made little money. they gave me the chance to watch my "little" brothers grow up (they were 8 and 10 when i entered my 20s and now they're 18 and 20). my 20s gave me a wedding that was more beautiful and memorable than i deserved. i had my mom and dad beside me as well as so many friends and family to watch me marry my best friend. they gave me the chance to leave my family a strong and confident young woman and try my hand at being a wife. they led me to a new home and the opportunity to belong somewhere else, to buy a house and create a home and make new friendships that also will last a lifetime. they gave me trips between IL and PA to spend time with those i am physically far from, but in my mind we are always together. they gave me 5 years of memories with my husband - doing so many things that we were so blessed to be able to do. they gave me my first baby, lucy, and then another, tucker, who allowed me to figure out how to care for "someone" other than myself. and finally my 20s gave me a son. they gave me the chance to be a mom and parent a sweet little boy right along side that boy i met so many years ago in myrtle beach.

what advice would i give my 20 year old self? absolutely none. the last 10 years of my life have brought me to where i am, and i wouldn't want to be anywhere else but here.

Bittersweet

2011-08-19T09:39:00.000-05:00

I can't wait for this weekend! My family will be together again for the first time since June. Ben has been at basic training in Fort Benning for 9 weeks and graduated yesterday. Our whole family is so proud of him!

On Saturday, Scotty starts a new chapter - college. We all have no doubt he will make the best of it and have a wonderful time. We only hope he remembers why he's there (love you buddy!).

So, we are driving to Dayton early Saturday morning to help scotty move in and spend our first family weekend together in quite a while. It is bittersweet because while I can't wait to see them all, there comes the realization that my "little" (they are both like 9 feet tall) are growing up. Most likely we won't all be under the same roof again until the holidays. I am so proud of both of them in such unique ways. They couldn't be more different, but so special in their own way. Ben has always been known as gentle giant. He is soft spoken and carries himself with grace. Scott has always been the one with "the personality". He can walk into a room and everyone instantly loves him. They both have so much to offer and will do great things, no doubt!

O-Dawg is a quarter of a year old!

2011-08-15T21:25:00.002-05:00

Oh, Owen! I think I will ask this question every month, but "How are you 3 months old?" I have to tell you, I've been a little more emotional approaching this monthly birthday because you are just getting so big. This week, you helped me officially pack away your three month clothes without tears by laughing at me when I told you a story about every outfit.

We love to go for walks, well, I walk and you fall asleep in the Moby.

I swear you become more of a person each day. You smile so much now and your laugh makes your daddy and I crack up every time. You are becoming more vocal and more independent. You continue to LOVE your activity gym and I can leave you playing in your room all by yourself. You entertain yourself by grabbing at all the toys, kicking your music box and yelling so loud. I still read to you every day and you are starting to make it more difficult because you grab at the pages. This morning, you wrapped your little fingers around the pinwheel on your changing table and threw it over your head. We both laughed.

You LOVE to be naked!

This month, we have spent more time at home and worked at you getting used to eating, playing and sleeping on a schedule. You took to it so easily! You eat every three hours like clockwork and if I am late feeding you, you let me know! We are still tweaking your bed time because as you continue to play more and more during the day, you are tired at night. You are going to bed now between 7:30 and 8:00 and you sleep until 4:00/ 4:30.

Just one of your funny new faces

You are more aware of the puppies now, and I think you have a special relationship with Tucker. Lucy isn't interested in you quite yet, but I think that will change when you become mobile. Tucker doesn't leave your side. He lays at your feet while you play and you love to kick the heck out of him an rub your tootsies through his fur. When you nap, he naps in your room on your chair.

Highlights this month

Your first trip to the Bean.

Hanging with Camille in the backseat after our long day in Chicago

Your puppies are always close even during a smelly diaper change.

You think Dad is the funniest thing in the world! You guys have a routine - every night when dad gets home he takes you downstairs and makes you laugh your head off!

You are turning into our little man...

Suprise!

2011-08-15T08:41:00.003-05:00

All last week, I was looking forward to Saturday night. Brett and I were going out. Like, for real. We were meeting at Natalie and Jason's house and there would be a BABYSITTER to stay with Owen and Camille. They love each other, so even Owen was looking forward to it. I was so excited I was even stressing over what to wear. Saturday evening came, and I was ready. Dressed by 3:00 and diaper bag packed (with everthing the boy could need for a month). We got to their house about 5:00, and walked in....

Surprise!!!

There was no babysitter, but rather tons of our friends there to celebrate!

I was absolutely shocked! Everyone asked if I had any clue about the party and I really didn't. The only thing that I had thought a bit off was that Brett had not asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday and I leave this weekend for two weeks. That's unlike him since he usually has something in mind. I also told everyone that had I known anything about the party, 1.) I would not have walked in wearing my hideous yellow raincoat and 2.) I would have changed Owen out of his poopy clothes before we left the house.

The party was a blast. Brett ordered way too much food from Portillo's, extra chopped chicken salad just for me, and Natalie did an amazing job (as always) of creating such a warm and fun party atmosphere. Her house is always beautiful and she put on quite a spread of munchies and desserts.

It's amazing how things have changed though. Most of the guests had to leave early, because well, bed time for little ones is not to be missed. Owen was an angel and slept on their bed until midnight so we could celebrate a bit later.

Over and over, I continue to be amazed by the generosity and friendships that our friends provide. It was wonderful celebrating this milestone with everyone!

Thanks to my mom, there was a wonderful picture on the cake from my freshman year in high school!

Our little man did a great job of keeping the secret!

To top off this fabulous weekend, Brett told me Saturday night that I would be spending Sunday at the Coldwater Creek Spa, a combination "Happy birthday" and "New Mommy" gift. It was heavenly!!!

I Dig The Stay At Home Mom Gig

2011-08-12T16:04:00.001-05:00

Owen turned 3 months yesterday (post coming soon...the little stinker wasn't cooperating for his photo shoot), which means I have officially been off work for 3 months and a few days (remember that baby free maternity leave that was cut short by having a baby?) and as of Monday have exactly 12 weeks to go. Yep - the new school year starts on Monday and thus begins the countdown to me return to the "real" world. The world of getting up early (even earlier than I do now), taking a shower (not at 3:00), getting dressed (in something other than running shorts (if only it was to run in) and a t-shirt), and getting out the door (not to Target). *sigh*

Before Owen was born, this phrase passed my lips on more than one occasion - "I could never be a stay at home mom. I don't know what I would do all day." Well, part of that is true - on most days I look back and am not sure what I did all day - but the other part was me being naive. I could TOTALLY be a stay at home mom. I absolutely adore it and think that there is no other job in the world that compares to raising our son. It makes me sad to think that come November, someone else will be the one to wipe his butt, clean up his spit up, and hear the ear piercing cry when he is beyond hungry. To many people, that may not sound like fun but I consider it a privilege to do these things every day. It is things like this morning, when I walked up to his crib and he smiled at me, lifted both legs, rolled to his side, and farted that makes me proud to be the Mommy of this sweet little boy. Why would I consider that a privilege? Well, it's easy to love on a baby when they are happy and smiling, but it's a little more work when you are wrangling this baby and his new found love of kicking his feet in his poopy diaper. But I am the one who gets to do it. I am the one who gets handed the baby in a group of people when he starts to fuss. I like being "the one". I guess that may not make sense to everyone.

A lot of people's response to this post would be that anything is possible and that if I really wanted to stay home, that we could make it work. That's true. But, we have made a decision that we feel is best for our family (at least for now) to continue working. Being a 2 income family allows us to do things we would not otherwise be able to do if I didn't work. This may sound silly, but I can't wait to take Owen to Disney World and that trip would be a lot farther off if I didn't work. Also, being a teacher gives me a schedule that most mom's would drool over. I get to work decent hours, have every night, weekend, and holiday off and get several weeks throughout the year and summer break to look forward to. It really is a win-win situation.

As for Owen, I know that Brett and I are the best people to raise him. On the other hand, going to a sitter allows his world to be a little bigger. It allows him to learn life skills like sharing and will help him to understand that the world is a bigger place than just him and his home. I want him to know these things. I want him to be a patient and kind young man and I truly believe that some time away from us and with other people can teach him these things better than we can. Part of this might be me convincing myself of these things, but one thing is for sure - I want the best or our son!

"Why on Earth are you using cloth diapers?"

2011-08-02T17:46:00.000-05:00

Since I made the decision to use cloth diapers, I have gotten this question a lot and I get it. Disposables are easy and can be affordable with the right research. Basically there are 3 reasons that I made the decision (and then got Brett on board) with the cloths.

1. Cost - Initially cloth diapers are expensive because individually they do cost a bit, but you are basically buying (hopefully) all the diapers your baby will need at one time. You may need to purchase a few additional ones due to size, comfort, absorbency, etc. but you basically have all you need.

2. Waste - Not the waste that comes in the diapers, haha! We are not crazy Earth conscious people but we do try to recycle, conserve when we can, and do our small part. In addition, where we live charges for garbage by the bag so we are even more into recycling for that reason. We knew that disposables would likely increase the amount of times we had to put trash out and therefore be an additional cost.

3. "What's in a disposable?" - Again, we aren't crazy natural people but when I can choose something that is not made of chemicals, I do, and that is just what is inside a disposable diaper. I don't know what it is, but I know it's not natural.

One of Owen's first days in a cloth (Grovia) diaper

So taking these things into consideration, as well information we gathered about the reduced risk of diaper rash, we decided to give it a try. Now cloth diapering isn't hard, but it does take some getting used to and developing your own system. In addition, you have to figure out which diapers will work for you. We are fortunate to have a store dedicated to cloth diapering very close to where we live called Comfy Bummy and they were a WEALTH of information. They also have a blog with even more information. My fellow new mama, Natalie, and I spent several hours over a few different trips learning about all the brands, types, etc. Their suggestion is to purchase a few different brands and types (inserts vs. all in ones) and then decide what works best for you.

Initially, I purchased a Grovia cover and 2 inserts, a Thirsty cover and a Flip cover with one insert. In addition, I purchased 12 Chinese prefolds. For the first 3 weeks of Owen's life, we did use Pampers Swaddlers because they just fit better. They were also easier to keep off of his belly button before it fell off and easier to care for his circumcision.

After starting to use the cloth diapers, I wasn't sure I liked them because of how bulky they are. In fact some of his 3 month clothes didn't fit any more because of the added bulk. We kept with it though and ran into another snag - he did get a diaper rash and a BAD one. So one Saturday night, Brett had to go to Target at 9:45 to buy disposables so that we could smear his butt with Butt Paste (you can't use most diaper rash creams with cloths because they affect the absorbency). So after soaking his butt and treating the rash we went back to the cloths, but I still wasn't sure how I felt about them. If he was going to get diaper rash again and we were still going to have to buy disposables, was this really worth it? Well, he has yet to get a rash again and we are now in full swing of using cloth diapers.

Washing
I ultimately purchased 2 more Flip covers which each come with one insert and 6 more prefolds. I now have a total of 5 covers, 2 Grovia inserts, 3 Flip inserts, and 17 prefolds (Tucker actually ate one of the diapers!). Owen can mess a diaper with the best of them so we go through a lot of diapers. I also change him quite frequently because I don't feel wasteful since I'm not throwing out the diapers. I do laundry now every 3 days (sometimes every 2 if he has been super messy and gone on too many of the covers). I settled on Ecos brand laundry detergent which I was able to find at a local grocery store for a reasonable price. When I wash the diapers, I do a cold rinse, a hot regular cycle, and then an additional warm rinse. After washing, I throw the diapers in the dryer for about 10-15 minutes to fluff them then line dry outside. I always line dry the covers and the Kissa's Antibacterial liner. Oh, the liner goes inside a small step stainless steel garbage can that I purchased at Wal-Mart. I found out by mistake, that the sun is the BEST way to bleach a diaper white again. You can't believe the yellow stains that have virtually disappeared just by being outside.

Cloth diapers aren't for everyone. Since Owen drinks solely breast milk, his diapers are pretty easy to get clean. I'm a little over the top and I do rinse out ever diaper before it does in the bag. Every once in a while I sprinkle a little baking soda in the bag. All in all, it's not hard and after consistently using cloth diapers for a over about a month and a half, I love them!

I'm "Becoming Baby Wise"

2011-07-27T09:54:00.002-05:00

Let's talk about being a first time mom. When I had Owen, it was like there were two different people inside of me. On the one hand, I was convinced that being a mom couldn't be more natural. Women have been doing it for a few years now and shouldn't everything just work. This was my view on breastfeeding, sleeping, basically everything involved in raising a baby. I never thought it would be easy just natural. On the other hand, I was scared to death that I was going to mess up. Surely at some point I would do something wrong that would scar Owen for life. I mean, seriously, I had NO idea what I was doing, so I just did what came naturally and for the most part, it worked. Breastfeeding was something that just worked for us. Owen latched immediately and even the lactation consultant at the hospital had no suggestions as he was doing very well. At times he's a lazy eater and sometimes a distracted eater, but always an eater. I have no horror stories of problems with my breasts, Owen refusing to eat, not gaining weight...it really just worked like it was supposed to. For the most part, everything else worked just fine too. He is a happy little boy. He smiles so often now and laughs on occasion. He has started to coo and you can tell he is responding to us being around.

The one thing that didn't come so natural was sleep. Now, I have to say, that I can't complain. I know there are moms out there that are up every hour and get no night time sleep. That has never (knock on every piece of wood within reach) been the case. Our problem was more that I never knew when Owen would sleep and for how long. His "schedule" basically went like this - I would nurse him, he would be awake for a little while, then he would get fussy so I would nurse him to sleep, then gingerly place him in his crib while creeping out, praying that he would stay asleep. Then I played the waiting game because I never knew if he would sleep for 30 minutes or 3 hours. I started to get very frustrated because I could't get anything done. Any time I thought I had time to do something, he would immediately wake up. If I thought he wouldn't sleep long, I would wait for him to get up and I would end up waiting for hours. I really couldn't take it any more.

At the July 4th parade, I ran into a neighbor with a little one a week older than Owen. She mentioned that she had "done Baby wise" with both of her kids and loved it. I knew had heard brief mentions of "Baby Wise" but had never paid attention because like I said, shouldn't a baby sleeping just come naturally? Well, I did some research on the internet and checked the book out of the library. At first I was skeptical to say the least. I hated the thought of letting Owen cry and I just didn't think such a strict schedule fit our lifestyle. I like to go, go, go and didn't want to be tied down. Please hold the laughter. I do know that I have a baby :-) Anyway, I started by changing nothing, but writing down exactly what time we did everything each day and I found that he already had the start of a pattern. I then put him on a 3 hour feeding schedule that looks like this -

7:00 am Owen gets up to start his day I sometimes have to wake him up. He eats and we play on his activity gym.
8:00/15 - Owen goes down for a nap.
10:00 Time to eat again. I sometimes have to wake him from this nap. We read some books, go outside if it's not too hot, play with the puppies and do some chores around the house.
11:30 Down for another nap.
1:00 Time to eat - he usually wakes up on his own. We read and go for a walk in the stroller.
2:30 Nap time.
4:00 Time to eat. 50/50 on whether I wake him or he gets up on his own.
5:00 He starts to get cranky and doesn't like to go down for a nap, but he is back in his crib by 5:30.
6:10 I wake him up to go pick up dad at the train station. He is usually fussy when we get home and dad makes every attempt to make him laugh while I finish dinner.
7:00 Time to eat. He is usually satisfied for a little while.
8:00 Start getting read for bed. We were putting him down at 8:30 but decided it's a bit late and are starting to put him to bed now at 8 or 8:15.
10:00 Dream feed...I initially wasn't sure how I felt about this, but after trying it and not, have decided it works for us.
3:00-5:00 Owen gets up to eat. He doesn't yet have a set time, but I hope that he will soon. Last night he got up at 4:50-woohoo!

So for now this seems to be working. Obviously these times are approximate, but what I love is that I now recognize exactly when he is tired. I can put him in his crib and might yell once or twice but goes right to sleep. I feel like I am being a better mom to him because I am giving him what he actually needs and not what I think he needs. The other nice thing about the Feed/ Wake/ Sleep schedule is that he is not eating right before lying down. He has a slight case of reflux and I think that is why he was previously waking up only a short time into his nap. (He is also sleeping better now that he naps on his tummy. I do not need reminded that "Back is Best", I know this, but Owen doesn't) Now, because he is up and awake for a while after eating, he is having less trouble and works through it while awake instead of asleep.

I am certainly no expert and am constantly second guessing myself, mainly on the waking him up form naps part. But, things are going so much better. I can accomplish more during the day, can plan our time out of the house, and Owen is SERIOUSLY a happier baby!

I linked up with Kelly at Kelly's Korner for her Show Us Your Life Series. Today's Topic: Best Parenting Advice.

Another Attempt at Being Organized: A Household Notebook

2011-07-21T13:34:00.000-05:00

So I've had this idea stewing around upstairs to create some sort of notebook to stay a little more organized and on track while I am home and to make things a little easier when I go back to work. I started looking around the internet for inspiration and it seems that my idea was definitely not original. Blue Eyed Bride posted just today that she has completed her Home Organization Binder. Impressive. She provided several resources at the bottom of her post, one of which I found extremely helpful - Organized Home's Printable Pages for Your Household Notebook.

To start, I needed to figure out exactly what I wanted my notebook to do for me and in what areas of our life. In other words - what can I just not get organized.

Recipes. I am a hot mess when it comes to recipes. You might even call me a recipe hoarder. I love them. I crave them. I get them everywhere. But then what? They end up on the coffee table, on the dining room table, in my purse, mixed in with my coupons, in a "recipe catch all" binder.

Menu Planning. I have tried printing a template. I tried making my own. I did really well leading up to Baby Boy's arrival. Then it all fell apart. I guess a baby sort of does that to you. So, to get back on track, I need a central location to write what we will be having for dinner and a place to track things we need so I'm not running to the store 4 times a week (even though an evening alone at Target is becoming quite a treat).

Chores. Oh boy! Another hot mess! I actually enjoy cleaning. When I have the time, supplies, organization and desire. I hate the scramble to clean something quickly and would rather take me time and do it right. That's probably why several chores don't get done as often as they should. Again, I need a system. Fly Lady? Same problem as menu planning.

To Do List. I am the queen of lists. I make lists of lists. The problem is that I lose the lists or simply don't follow the lists. I actually put things on my list that I have already done so that i can cross them off and feel like I have done more than I actually have. I need to have a weekly planner in the category so I can map out how I will get errands run, phone calls made, etc. This also needs to include a long term list of things that need done. For example, things I need Brett to do; I could simple look at my list and tell him what I need done as opposed to saying I don't know.

Things to Look Up. One of my biggest time wasters is the internet. I will see one thing (be it online, on TV, the radio, out, etc.) and go to look tup. An hour later I have looked at 17 things since that initial one. I need a place to write down websites, products, etc. that when I am relaxing I can look those things up as oppose to dropping everything and doing it "right now". i don't know that this list would completely eliminate this because that's just the "drop everything" kind of person I am.

So this is where I want to start. I figure that if I can start small and this seems to be working I could add to it things like a car maintenance section. Update on this project to come...

Wednesday Brain Dump

2011-07-20T12:09:00.000-05:00

I love brain dumps...whether they are via blog, email, text, whatever, we all need them. So here's my mid week dump (I have the same mentality as a 10 year old because I giggled as I typed "dump").

1. It's hot. I hate it. I know. I shouldn't complain because we are what seems like days away from breaking out the parkas in the good ole Midwest. I don't know why we live here. It's too hot, too cold, too rainy, too windy. Always too something. The hot is much more tolerable here.

2. I want one of these. This one is at Target and is actually made of glass, not cheap plastic. I don't know where I would store it as our house seems to be shrinking.

3. I also want one of these L. L. Bean tote bags. They're so cute and would be perfect for schlepping (my new favorite word) our stuff around. Owen has a lot of stuff + I have a lot of stuff = we need a fun tote bag for all our stuff. I have no clue what color to order, nor do I know what size or whether I should get it with our without a zipper. I do know I want to have "Team Clancy" embroidered on it and I don't know that it will fit.

4. My birthday is coming up. I am dreading it a little bit. It's a big one. Fortunately, I get to spend my actual birthday at the University of Dayton with the whole fam. Scotty moves in that weekend and Ben will be home and is coming along for the ride. So we are road tripping it to Dayton to see everyone and "help" move in.

5. Love. This. Smile. He is smiling up a storm and it makes me laugh every single time.

6. I also love this face. It's his poopin' face.

7. Did I mention it's hot and I don't even want to go outside.

8. Owen woke up 3 times last night. It sucked! The 3rd time was the worst because he wasn't hungry or need a change. His reflux was bothering him and he spent about 15 minutes burping and doing the hard swallow like it was burning. I hate that for him.

9. From where I am sitting, I can see a huge cob web in the corner and i don't feel like getting up to get rid of it.

10. Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Products are my new fav. I have the Lavender hand soap and Lemon Verbena All Purpose cleaning concentrate. Even Scotty commented on the scent when he was here.

11. I want to make my own cleaning wipes, I just need a container big enough to hold a roll of paper towels. Any suggestions? I found one idea - to cute the roll of paper towels in half with an electric knife. Good thought. No electric knife here.

12. My lil man just woke up. Brain dump ends here :-)

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins

2011-07-18T21:08:00.000-05:00

The French market in Wheaton is just full of delicious, ripe summer produce. This weekend, I bought a zucchini. Not just any zucchini but the kind that people grow in their gardens at home and let grow, and grow - you know the big ones! To start off with, I made some Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins. Yum!

Here's the start of the process:

and here's the end:

These muffins are delicious, especially warm right out of the oven!

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour ( I used half all purpose flour and half whole wheat)

3/4 cup sugar (I used half white and half brown sugars)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup vegetable oil (can substitute half or all with applesauce, but I didn't; call me crazy!)
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup shredded zucchini
1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (these are a no, no in our house but go ahead if you like)

Directions

In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Combine the egg, oil, milk, lemon juice and vanilla; mix well. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in zucchini, chocolate chips and walnuts. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until muffins test done.

Notes:

If you wanted these extra chocolatey, throw in 2 T. of cocoa powder and you would have Chocolate chocolate chip zucchini muffins.
I made a double recipe and got 16 regular size muffins and 6 Texas size muffins.
When I grate my zucchini, I leave the skin off. Isn't that where all the good stuff is?

Our 2 month old boy!

2011-07-14T10:52:00.000-05:00

Mister Owen -
How on Earth are you 2 months old? In some sense, it seems as though it was just yesterday I was lying in a hospital bed, scared out of my mind and in more pain that I could ever imagine being in. In another sense, that night was light years ago. Our world has been turned upside down, but for the better, and I can't imagine our family without you. You just fit.

You're like you Daddy already in so many ways; your face looks so thoughtful as you ponder your growing world. You are calm and take things in stride. You are so flexible and don't mind the (many) times I hoist you out of your crib still asleep so that we can go somewhere (I know, I know, never wake a sleeping baby). You are like me in many ways too. You are silly and you don't hesitate to show how you feel - happy, sad, mad. You still look so much like me, many people comment on that, but when you make certain faces, I see more of your Dad in you.

At the beginning of this month you had just started to smile and "coo" every once in a while. Now, your "smiley" times are almost predictable and the other night you cooed so much, Daddy and I knew you were talking to us, so we cooed right back. We were laughing hysterically and so were you. Each morning, we play together on your activity gym. You love the lights and the music. You also like when the puppies lay with you and you kick the heck out of Tucker when he lays at your feet. You still don't know how to feel about Lucy licking your face, especially when you have remnants of milk on it. You are starting to fall asleep on your own, although there are times that a lot of crying takes place before hand, but you also are waking up happier, sometimes just talking instead of crying to let me know you are awake.

Highlights this month

A visit from Aunt Cari (June 8-June 14)

Hanging with uncle Scotty and Grandpap in Naperville while Gammy and Mom shopped.

Aweek long visit from Gammy and Grandpap (June 25-July 1)

A play date at Cosley Zoo with 5 other mom's and babies

Your first dinner at a restaurant. You were so good we went out the very next weekend.

You still LOVE your baths!

Also, you celebrated Daddy's 1st Father's Day, your Baptism, had a 2 week visit by Uncle Scotty (June 25 - July 11), your first Fourth of July celebration complete with fireworks and a parade, and your 2 month check up. Wow! What a month it has been.

2 Month Stats

Height - 24 1/8 in.

Weight - 12 lbs 5 oz.

Head Circumference - 16 in.

4th of July Celebration

2011-07-08T09:29:00.000-05:00

One of the fun things about having a baby is experiencing all of his "1sts". This 4th of July was no different. I was so excited to dress Owen in his red white and blue outfits, watch fireworks, and attend the Wheaton parade. On Sunday morning, Scotty and I ran to Old Navy to pick up some new t-shirts for the boys. Brett and Owen got matching Captain America t-shirts and Scotty also got a Captain America T, just a different one because they were out of his size.

We spent the day at Cantigny, having a picnic, bike riding, walking through their gardens, playing Frisbee and listening to music. It was a perfectly relaxing day.

After coming home and regrouping, we walked to enjoy the fireworks. Owen slept the entire walk there but as soon as they started, he was mesmerized; he wasn't bothered by the noise at all. He even cried when we got home, he was so sad they were over.

On Monday the 4th, we woke up early and walked to stake out a good view of the parade route. It was hot, but we weren't going to miss our first chance for Owen to see a parade. He slept the entire time!

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th and that blessings were said for our freedom and for all all those serving in our military.

Uncle Love

2011-07-05T12:03:00.000-05:00

Owen is a lucky kid! He has two uncles, my brothers, that think he is pretty cool. Uncle Scotty has spent the last week with us and is here for another week. Aside from making Uncle Scotty realize that babies are a lot of work, Owen has been able to spend lots of quality time with him.

Uncle Ben is at basic training, so Owen is sending his love to him in Georgia!

God Bless Owen!

2011-07-03T23:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday was a very special day for Owen - he was baptized! He was very fortunate to be surrounded by family and friends on a perfect summer day while he was welcome into the church.

During th actual baptism, he was so content. he only cried at the very end, probably because the water was so cold.

Brett and I feel blessed to have Natalie and Mark in our life. We know that Owen is equally blessed tot have them as his Godparents. They are sure to be a special part in Owen's life!

Owen was given a special white cloth made by the ladies of the church. He looked adorable in Brett's baptism outfit. He also wore a special pin with a medal on it that was worn by both my mom and myself at our own baptisms.

"Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart."

A sleepless Thursday

2011-06-23T17:43:00.000-05:00

Today is Thursday and Owen is 6 weeks and 1 day old. While normally a precious and peaceful baby, today he has decided that naps are overrated.

That is fine except that he is TIRED!
Here has been his day...
Mommy holds/ feeds/ dances with/ rocks Owen for said period of time until he falls asleep.
Owen lays down in his crib and almost immediately wakes up and begins wailing.
Mommy listens to Owen wail for as long as humanly possible.
Mommy picks Owen up and it begins all over again.

At about 4:00, I gave him a warm bath and we came into his room to play. He is now on his Boppy under his Baby Einstein Ocean Adventure Gym as happy as could be, smiley and filling his pants.

I sit here staring at my little angel - still in my night gown. It's 4:42 pm. . . glad I'm dressed for bed already.

*Note - in the time it took me to take above picture and finish post, the little angel is fast asleep. I am not moving him.

What did people do before electricity???

2011-06-23T09:11:00.000-05:00

We have a 6 week old baby. My parents are coming to visit this weekend and will be here for a little while and then my brother and his friend will crash our house for a week. Owen is being baptized on Sunday. So - we have a few things going on. What better way to spend my day yesterday than packing up our refrigerator and freezer into coolers of ice because our power went out?!?!?! For 22 hours! The storm Tuesday night was horrendous. The wind was 75 MPH, the thunder unbearable and the tornado sirens were going off. Then to top it all off - it all went dark.

Fortunately, my dear friend Natalie brought the ice over (because the stores near our house were either closed or out of ice) and soothed my crying baby while I took care of house needs. THANK YOU!!!!

Last night I got so desperate, I took owen toWhole Foods so I could get dinner and use their free WiFi. What did people do before they had electricity and the internet?!?!?!

I should get the "Mother of the Year" Award for taking Owen out yesterday just so I could get a Starbuck's fix (don't judge, we had no power). I dropped everything at about 10 and threw him in the Jeep with nothing but my wallet. By the time we got there, it was raining again. Hard. And the wind? Blowing. Sideways. Not going to stop me. We ran inside and I can't even describe the look on his face. He was soaking wet and in shock I think of the wind :-) Well, I splurged and got a venti (I should at least make the trip worth it, right?) and we braved it to the car again. Only this time, I was a better mother. I put napkins all over him so he wouldn't get as wet.

A Special 1st Father's Day

2011-06-20T17:53:00.003-05:00

While this isn't the first year that Brett got to celebrate Father's Day (Lucy and Tucker have always been good to him in the past), this was his first "real" Father's day and we did everything we could to make it special. I remember last father's day hoping and praying that it would be the last without a baby to make it special. Here we are a year later, and so blessed with a little man to help Brett celebrate his special day.

Daddy and almost all his presents. Not pictured is his new iPhone!

The cutest little feet in the world after being dipped in blue ink to make

daddy's present.

Brett has grown into the role of Daddy so easily. He has amazed me with how easy he makes it seem and how unconditionally he loves Owen. He is a blessed little boy to have a dad who is not the least bit shy about showing him as much affection as possible.

To end this special day, brett and I each had a slice of this heaven - Chocolate Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. (recipe compliments of Southern Plate) The picture doesn't do it justice but it was delicious. The cake was perfectly moist without falling apart and the frosting, well, let's just say I almost didn't need the cake to eat it!

I also feel very lucky to have a wonderful Dad myself. He and I have a special relationship and it is even more special to see your Dad be so so overjoyed with your own child.

Chocolate Velvet Cake

1 Box any flavor of chocolate cake mix (I use Duncan Hines)
1 Cup sour cream
1/2 Cup milk
1/4 Cup oil
3 eggs
1-2 tsp butter flavoring (can substitute vanilla)
1 cup chocolate chips
2 heaping T cocoa powder, plus more for dusting pans
Preheat oven to 350.
Grease pans with shortening and dust with cocoa powder. Combine all ingredients into mixing bowl, except chocolate chips. Mix about two minutes, or until well blended. Mix in chocolate chips. Divide evenly among prepared pans and let cook until done, about 25 minutes. Let sit in pans for ten minutes before turning out to cool completely.

Cream Cheese Icing

8 ounces cream cheese
1 stick margarine or butter
3 1/2 to 4 cups confectioner’s sugar
1-2 tsp butter flavoring (can substitute Vanilla)

Soften cream cheese and margarine by leaving out on counter until it reaches room temperature. Combine the two in a mixing bowl and mix until well blended. Add sugar. Mix until smooth. Add flavoring and mix some more until well incorporated and icing is creamy. Ice cooled cake.

Babies bring with them a whole new life

2011-06-17T21:12:00.003-05:00

It's Friday night.

Brett is on his computer working on a contract for a friend.

Dateline or 20/20 is on TV.

I am blogging.

Baby boy is in bed.

We had KFC for dinner.

The dogs are cuddled up next to us.

I am enjoying a cold Berryweiss.

This my friends is our new life - I couldn't be happier.

Owen is 1 month old

2011-06-16T09:43:00.004-05:00

WOW! How time flies when you're having fun and we truly are having fun! Owen is a dear sweet baby with an old soul. He has these thoughtful looks about him that you can tell he is pondering the world from a baby's perspective.

When we got home from the hospital, Friday May 13 (it hadn't donned on me until just now that it was Friday the 13th!), we were lucky enough to have my mom with us for the next week. My Dad arrived Sunday which made things even better.

They were there to pick up the pieces and help us out with all the tings we couldn't or didn't want to do. My mom even cooked us dinner and made us eat at the table while Owen was sleeping and she ate in the next room. It was our "date night".

When Owen was discharged from the hospital, his bilirubin was high so we had to go to the pediatrician the very next day to retest. It was still quite high and he was ordered to be put on phototherapy which was delivered that night. I knew he was fine, but as a new mom, I was worried just the same.

He also needed to be supplemented with formula because my milk was not in (but came in only a few hours after talking to the doctor and me having my first of many new mom melt downs) and because he needed as much nourishment as possible to flush his system. So on Saturday night, Owen because our "Glow Worm", "Glowin' Owen", and "Mellow Yellow". We continued to have to take him to the pediatrician/ hospital for check ups and heel sticks. He was on lights until Tuesday at noon and had his last heel stick on Wednesday when we were finally in the clear. He actually had two heel sticks Wednesday because a tech at the hospital dropped his sample form the morning and we had to go in for what would be his 7th stick. Insert 2nd new mom minor melt down). After that things were all up hill and by his two week appt. he had gained a whole pound from his birth weight!

Life in our household has changed but not entirely. We have not let Owen rule the world but have continued on with our daily life only on a baby's schedule not ours. While we might like to be at Starbucks at 8:00 on Saturday morning we might not make it until 11 now. That's just fine by us. Our first trip out actually was to Starbucks and the French Market and Brett and I played the part. Parking on the street right in the middle of Wheaton, we COULD NOT open the stroller. All we did was laugh and it finally popped up! Another milestone was when his belly button fell off at 2 weeks and 3 days old. It was right after a bath and I cried that he might as well be heading off to college.

Owen is a great baby and has put himself on a bit of a schedule. He's not totally predictable yet and I don't always know if when I put him down he will stay down or will be up for a snack in 45 minutes, but he is so pleasant to be around. These last few days he has had some fussy spells, but I think he is just actually more like a "normal" baby that the perfect one we have had for these last few weeks. Lucy and Tucker love him no matter what. Tucker comes to find me any time he cries, even just a little and Lucy is always there to nudge his toes if he's in his swing or kiss his head if I'm holding him.

We started cloth diapers this week which has been interesting. There are pros and cons. I love that we are saving our family money by not spending over and over on boxes of diapers. They are a little gross and he has some diaper rash, but I think we can manage.

And here we are, one month into a family of 5 and loving every second of it!

Owen's Birth Story

2011-05-24T09:16:00.015-05:00

*A few things first - i actually wrote this post a looong time ago. However, putting pictures in on our Mac is giving me troubles so I basically didn't want to deal with it which is why this is several weeks late. Also, this post is long and detailed. Don't say I didn't warn you.

So he wouldn't be member of this family if he simply decided one day that it was time to enter the world and all went smoothly. Nope, leave it to us to spend 27 hours in the hospital before we welcomed owen!

Monday, May 9

This was day 3 of my "no baby maternity leave" and I felt tired. Not just "I don't feel like doing anything tired" but rather I don't have the energy to pick myself up off the couch tired". I didn't think anything of it other than I was about 10 months pregnant and carrying around just a liiiiiiitle extra weight. I also during the day starting have addition thin discharge (sorry if this is TMI) but again I didn't think much of it because that is normal this late in pregnancy. I did manage to make a to-do list for the week which included multiple errands, a hair appt., a grooming appt. for Tucker among other things. Denial about having a baby much?

Tuesday May 10

At about 2 and 4 am I woke up feel wet (again, sorry if this is TMI). Not enough that our sheets were wet so I woke Brett and asked him what he thought. Well, in the middle of the night you can all imagine that his response was "Go back to bed and we'll see how you feel in the morning." So I did.

Brett woke up about 6:30 and got in the shower. He was to be in court at 9. I got up shortly after and let Tucker outside. I walked back downstairs to get Lucy out of bed and I finally had that "rush". Sort of. It still wasn't the amount that i expected so I went up and told Brett. I was supposed ot have my 39 week docr's appointment at 8:45 and part of me said just to wait and go to the appt. We decided to call though and within20 minutes the doctor called back and said that even if there was just a suspicion of my mebranes rupturing (AKA water breaking) that I needed to go to the hospital. Brett and i just smiled. As ready as we were, we were still walking around wondering what else we needed to take. I proceeded to get dressed and Brett changed from his suit to jeans. It was about this time that tucker came inside and we realized that he had rolled in something, most likely rabbit poop. So while I continued to get ready to go to go to the hposital for what could eb the birth of our first child, Brett gave the dog a bath. he then came downstairs and was looking for the different jeans he wanted, a pair more comfortable especially if he migt be wearing them for more than one day. I had done laundry the night before so they weren't totally dry. No problem, I threw them in the dryer and Brett and I stood in the kitchen drinking grape juice laughing at how we were waiting for his jeans like we had nothing else to do.

We arrived at the hospital at 8 am and were take to the triage room in labor and delivery. The first and easiest test for amniotic fluid came back negative. Of course. False alarm which is what deep down I really thought this was. So next came two more tests which were a little more invasive and hurt pretty bad. At this point while laying in the hospital bed, I had a pretty big "gush" something that felt a little more reliable and both tests cam back positive. My water had not fully broken, but the more likely case was that I had a high leak which is why I hadn't had a huge gush like I was expecting. It was about this time that I found out that my least favorite doctor was there. Great! He took a little looksy and feelsy and reported that I was in fact NOT dilated. Great again! So at around 9:30 am we were taken to our room in labor and delivery where I was told I could not eat (the last thing I had eaten was a root beer float the night before at about 7:30) and that the doctor wnated a report again at about 4 pm. Until then I was to walk around and "see what I could do on my own".

What a long day of walking circles around the nurse's station and watching the never ending marathon of Law and Order SVU. Brett and I made the most of it and the time actually wnt by pretty quickly. I did ha

ve to laugh that a few of the magazines that I had brought were Everyday with rachael ray and every single thing in the magainze looked delicious! It was during this time that my mom decided to fly here and we made arrangements to ahve her picked up at the airport by Sam and Natalaie (a huge thank you here for their awesomeness). I was also able to Skype with Ben which his friends found rather amusing.

At 4:00, I was no farther along and the contractions were still not getting stronger. The decision was made that I would get an IV at 9 pm and start pitocin at 10pm. Not really what we wanted to hear but they did say I could order dinner. I chose the blandest thing on the menu worried that if I ate too much i might be seeing it again later. The evening continued pretty much as the day had and my mom arrived arrived around 8:30. I got my IV, and we then tried to all take a nap before the pitocin started, not really knowing what would happen after that. Well it was shortly after the IV was started that "Code Red" was announced - over and over and over. Whatever it was it didn't affect us, but the constant announcement made sleeping impossible. At 10, the pitocin was started and soon after the contractions did too. This started a night like I have never had before.

Wednesday May 11

Very quickly my contractions were closer together and very painful. My mom was a savior in walking me through some breathing techniques but I eventually tried some medicine so that I could sleep. It worked for a bit but I finally gave in and got my epidural. As much as I kept thinking in the

back of my mind that I didn't want one, my labor was just lasting too long to do it without some big time help. It provided almost immediate relief. I was finally able to sleep! Until.....I don't know what time it was but two nurses rushed in and threw me into an oxygen mask because

my blood pressure was going down and it was affecting the baby's heart beat. They also rolled me on my side and propped me with a pillow which was supposed ot help. At 6:45, I woke up. The room was dark, Brett and mom were sound asleep, I was still in

oxygen and I could not move anything from my waist down. It was about this point that I started to freak out a bit simply because I felt so helpless. eventually the doctor came in and I was finally dilated to 10 cm. e however did not like how numb I was and ordered my epidural to be turned off. When I had some use of legs we would start pushing. This happened at 9:22 am. For the first few contractions, this thought entered my mind, " Really? This is it? This isn't so bad at all. The epidural is still working and all I feel is a little pressure. I can do this." Well, I never said those words out loud and pretty quickly after that I started feeling everything. Brett was a phenomenal coach and watched everything. I thought I wanted to watch and asked for the mirror to be brought over. I looked up one time and instantly said, "Take it away! Take it away! I don't wanna watch!". I do there were various points that I yelled, "get him out" and i also know that at one point I looked straight at Brett and told him this would be our only child. At 10:51 am the sweetest little boy entered the world and was placed on my chest. Brett was right there and looked at me for his name - I knew it would be Owen Anthony. It juts fit! The rest of the story is typical, the baby was checked out, we were given time to bond and the doctor and nurse took over the rest of the delivery stuff. It wasn't until after that I found out Owen was born occipital posterior - basically instead of coming out looking at the floor he cam out looking at the ceiling. 75% of first time moms end of with a c-section if the baby is in this position. I knew something was going on during delivery because the doctor had come in several times. It wasn't shortly before that we had joked with the nurse about the doctor not coming in until the last second to take all the credit. The staff however did an excellent job of not alert me to any trouble. They simply took care of what they needed to so that I could focus on my job.

While the pain is still fresh in my mind, giving birth to our son leave me speechless. I know all the cliches about motherhood and not understanding it until you experience it, but truly, to go through that experience with my husband and my mom right there was a priceless time in my life. And because of it, we have been blessed....

Welcome to the world Owen Anthony!

2011-05-22T09:11:00.003-05:00

On May 10, we looked like this...

And on May 11 we looked like this...

Owen Anthony was born on May 11, 2011 at 10:51 am. He weighed 7 lbs 13 oz. and was 21 inches long.

His entrance into the world of course has an interesting story attached that I can't wait to share.

For now, we are so in love with our BB (Baby Boy, tricky, huh?)!

Meredith is leaving????

2011-05-09T07:48:00.003-05:00

WHAT?????? So today is day 3 of maternity leave and I'm sitting here doing my FAVORITE thing to do in the morning when I am home - sit on the couch, cuddling with puppies, checking blogs, and watching the TODAY show. Well, Meredith Vieira, what are you doing to me? She just announced that she is officially leaving the show!!!! I do love Ann Curry, but Meredith, you'll be missed these next 6 months!

Now all we need is a baby...

2011-05-05T14:57:00.002-05:00

It's official - I am on maternity leave. Yes it's a bit early but I'm hoping that BB allows me a few days (or at least until May 12 after say 2:30 when I should be done with my hair appt.) to relax and put my feet up. I swore that today I was doing nothing, and that's exactly what I did. Here's a run down...

6:30 am - got up and fed the dogs
7:00 am- took Brett to the train station
7:15 am - returned home, ate cheerios, a banana and a glass of milk
7:30 am - returned to couch to promptly fall asleep
10:00 am - woke up and had a glass of orange juice and watched I don't know what on TV
12:00 pm - fixed lunch and started watching the multiple episodes of Pregnant in Heels that I had a recorded
1:30 pm - talked to two of my best friends on the phone for the next 1+hours
3:00 pm - returned to couch to finish watching recorded episodes of Pregnant in Heels

Now this is my kind of day. Tomorrow will be more productive, but man this was fun!

Could I be a Fly Lady?

2011-04-28T10:22:00.006-05:00

I remember years ago, when my family was first getting introduced to the Internet, my Dad checked our family email and there were hundreds of emails from a "Fly Lady". Apparently my mom had happened upon this web site designed to help "you" get control of your life, declutter your house and help you escape CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome). Since then, on occasion, I have looked at this web site, "shined my sink" and then never got nay further.

I guess I should say that I L.O.V.E. for our house to be clean. I love to spend a day off work, cleaning top to bottom, and completely wearing myself out. Then, cleaning goes by the wayside until my next day off or the next time I know someone is coming over.Well, with a new baby on the way, I know those all day cleaning extravaganzas won't be happening. I also know that it will not be a top priority and ultimately whether our house is clean or not, it really won't matter. BUT, I still love a clean house and even more so am motivated to have a clean house to raise our baby in. A big issue is the dog hair. Lucy and Tucker, cute and lovable as they are, shed. A. LOT.

So, I am thinking that between now and the arrival of this little thing I am going to try to do more than shine my sink....we'll see.

Baby, Baby, Baby

2011-04-26T16:54:00.011-05:00

I know I have been a bad, bad blogger. I really have no one or thing to blame except for myself. So let's see if I can catch you up on the happenings around here over the last few weeks.

Today, I am officially 37 weeks. I don't like the shirt I am wearing, AKA ugly maternity shirt saved until the end because now my belly is so large and in charge that shirts barely cover my maternity panel/ belly. So here is a cuter one from 35 weeks. Yes I am (much) bigger now, so we'll see about getting an updated one.

I made a Shutterfly book documenting our pregnancy. There's not a whole to it other than our weekly belly shots and random photos of a few things I took pictures of. It is however up to date and will be easy to print whenever I decide to do so. I would love the last picture to be of us leaving for the hospital because I figure the next book after that will be BABY, BABY, BABY.

Speaking of baby, BB still has no name. That's right folks - nameless. Everyone says we'll know the name when we see the baby, but I am doubtful. We still have a list of 9 :-)

I now see the doctor weekly and have been seeing a new doc who I L.O.V.E. First he has the greatest bedside manner of just about any doctor I have ever seen anywhere. He comes in and does what he needs to do, but then always sits down and asks about questions and concerns that I have. I love this because I don't like to feel rushed or intimidated.It also doesn't hurt that he is incredibly good looking and a very nice dresser. He reminds me of Prince Eric from the Little Mermaid. Not that I am into cartoonish looking men, but he has that same perfectly cut jawline. Brett even likes him, although more for his bedsdie manner than good looks. I have to see Dr. Needs-To-Retire tomorrow and I am not looking forward to it. He just seems impatient and doesn't make me feel like I can ask what I need to.

A few weeks ago we were blessed to be given not one but two baby showers. One by my very good girlfriends and another by Brett's step mom and sister. I was truly overwhelmed by our friend's and family's generosity. I am not a "shower person" simply because I struggle when lots of attention is on me, but I had an absolutely fabulous time.

The same weekend of the showers, my very best friend (we've been friends since Kindergarten) and her daughter were able to fly in and spend the weekend with us. It was so great to see them and have them stay with us. It really made me miss them and wish we lived closer so that we could see each other more often.

The baby's room is done...almost. We have a last minute shopping trip that we'll take care of this weekend and we still need to decided on a glider/ chair for the room. I have been stressing and researching this for a while. My big dilemma? How much do we spend? I want something moderately comfortable if I am going to spending a lot of time nursing in this chair. However, I don't want it to be a major purchase because while I may spend a lot of time there at first, it won't be in the room forever.

I don't know if I have mentioned this or not, but I (Brett is totally on board but just said I have to tell him what to do) have decided to cloth diaper. I have been told on more than one occasion that I am nuts. That's OK. I figure that even if I do it for the 6 months that I will be home, it will be worth the benefits (not buying diapers, not disposing of diapers, and hopefully a baby that doesn't get a whole of diaper rash). We are lucky that there is a store specializing in cloth diapers in the same town that I work. Cute name - it's called Comfy Bummies. I bought a variety to start with and then we'll go from there. It's a trial and error thing when it comes to brands and types so we'll just have to see what works for us. I started the prepping process (washing the diapers a million times before using them) and tracked down a laundry detergent that is cloth diaper approved. S0, now we just need a baby to try these things on.

Saturday Brett "graduated" from daddy boot camp. He received a certificate that says that he can officially "change a diaper as well as he can change a tire". Cute, but I have never seen him change a tire :-) He also received a very cool camo shirt that he will be wearing for delivery.

Our bags are packed - for the hospital that is. I'm sure I brought a lot of stuff I won't need and will think of something once there that I forgot, but we are "ready".

So, we haven't just been sitting around, we really have been busy. As each day passes we get closer and closer and closer to the arrival of our sweet baby. I am nervous and overwhelmed and impatient and terrified and excited and I would be lying if I said I wasn't all of these things. But this baby will be here soon and I truly CANNOT wait any longer!!!!!!

2011-03-31T13:38:00.005-05:00

I think I need a reality check because the month of March simply CAN. NOT. BE. OVER. I mean really? If March is over, that means it's April. And if it's April, that means that the very next month on the calendar is May. And May 17 is on that page in the calendar! WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!

Recently I have been extremely tormented inside. On one hand I want this little baby in my arms more than anything. I want to know that this baby is healthy and really, really here. On the other hand, I am simply not done being pregnant. I love it! I love knowing the baby is inside me and even when I grimace because there is a body part trying desperately to climb out of my belly button, I love every second of it.

This household has been nothing but productive recently. My parents and Ben were here for a long weekend and got lots of little projects around the house done for us. Brett has also been working super hard at checking off things on my ridiculous "Must be done before the baby gets here to do list". Thanks to Brett, the baby's room has a new paddle fan, the bathroom has a new floor, all of the doorknobs in the house have been changed (hooray for no more brass). That's not really all, but those are more of the ridiculous things I wanted done.

Brett has also ben getting ready for the baby by figuring out what all this stuff is for. Baby Bjorn tested and loved by Tucker!

While the family was here, my dad, Ben and Brett ripped out our shower downstairs and put in a bigger and better one. This was a necessity because the old shower was out of commission due to a leak in an undisclosed location. The other major accomplishment was taking the bed down in the spare room and getting the mattress and box spring all stored away. That means that our house no longer has a spare bedroom, but rather a nursery! Yep - a whole room dedicated to caring for a baby. The nursery is not done, but it is well on it's way and I am more than pleased with how it is coming along. Last but not least, Ben took some awesome pictures of Brett and I right before he left. These would be officially 32 weeks and 5 days pregnant and I have never felt better.

Is a post a post if it doesn't have pictures?

2011-03-23T16:26:00.003-05:00

So I know I haven't posted in a while and it's not because there's been nothing to post. We actually have been up to a lot of things, many revolve around getting ready for BB. I also love to post with pictures and have been struggling to remember my memory card to download them. Anywho, I actually have lots to update and will soon. My parents and one of my brothers will be in town for a few days and after that I have sometime off for spring break. After that, I'll be sure to post - pictures and all!

Here's something though...Brett made Balsamic Steak with Radicchio a few weeks ago for dinner. We got the recipe from the Food Network Cookbook and it was delicious. It was our first time cooking with radicchio and eating it not mixed in a salad. It is bitter, which I did not realize, but was OUTSTANDING with this steak!

Start of the 3rd Trimester Brain Dump

2011-02-28T14:15:00.010-06:00

So I am week behind but we have hit another pregnancy milestone - the third trimester! Yep! Last Tuesday we are officially 28 weeks pregnant and in the home stretch. Now, sooner rather than later, this little person will making his/ her debut to the world and we can't wait!

I think Brett and I are both starting to feel the time crunch. While May 17 seems like far away when you take into account all the things going on between now and then and all the things we need to get done, time seems quite precious now.

Here's my brain dump for today...

Here I am 29 (as of Tuesday, 3/1) weeks pregnant.

We have a our first prenatal class this weekend.This one is an overview with a tour of the hospital and a Q and A session.
I finished replacing the knobs on the dresser. The new ones seem a little too modern for this old piece but I like the brushed silver so much better and they are functional. It will work.

Brett helped me for several hours in the kitchen. Not what you think. There was no cooking taking place. Instead, we removed almost everything from every cupboard and tried to rearrange/ organize better in preparation for all of the new baby kitchen items soon to come. Our kitchen is terrible in terms of space and functionality.

I made this Sausage, Pepper, and Onion Pizza from Rachael ray's magazine for dinner last night. It was different. I used Italian chicken sausage form Trader Joe's and it was quite tasty. This picture is clearly from her website and not of my actual pizza - I have trouble taking pictures of food lately. I am far to hungry to put off the the satisfaction for a picture.
There is a substitute sitting in our office right now couching so loud I think he might need help. When he finished coughing, he farted. I giggled. I might be 5 years old.
Winter...I am done with you.

Baby To Do List

2011-02-21T08:14:00.004-06:00

I would first like to take this moment to thank our Presidents. Because of those wonderful men that have come before me, I get to stay home in my jammies all day cuddling with my fur babies and the future star of "So You Think You Can Dance" growing inside me (Brett and I wish we were millionaires and could afford our own ultrasound machine to watch just exactly what this little thing does in there to make my belly move like it does!).

So as I sit hear on the couch, sipping coffee, Today show on in the background (how COULD you take the day off Matt and Meredith?), and finally catching up on my blog reading, I think I need a Baby To Do List. Not that I plan on checking anything off of that list today, but a list would at least let me see what I would like to accomplish over the next 12 or less weeks.

We did not purchase a new dresser for BB's room, but rather will use the antique that we have from Brett's grandmother. I had previously painted it black and antiqued it, so that will still work but I would like to change the drawer pulls. So that will require removing the hardware, filling the holes because they are not standard, and then reattaching the replacement hardware.

Wipe out the dresser and put in drawer paper to start filling with all the abby stuff taking over the room. Any suggestions on where to find neat paper would be appreciated...I'm not digging the weird stuff at Target/ Wal Mart intended for your Grandmother's kitchen.
Finish spray painting the wooden curtain rods for BBs room and then get curtains hung.
Clean and organize kitchen - this involves taking everything out of every cabinet, wiping them down and reorganizing.
Take down and store the bed in what is the spare bedroom but will be BB's room. We can do this now because we finally ordered our new couch for the basement and....it's a SLEEPER!!!! Delivery is March 5 and I can't wait to post a picture.
Begin freezing meals for after baby is born.
Decide on a few decorations to purchase from Etsy for BBs room. Here's one that we are considering - don't get excited...it comes in pink and blue, it's just shown in pink :-)

Reorganize laundry room. In desperate need of some better storage!

Purchase either bookshelf or cubby storage and a glider chair for BBs room. I'm hoping to find a glider on Craigslist and then my plan is to just paint it since I can't seem to find the right color.

Final sweep of the house for stuff to take to our favorite donation location.

I know this list might seem kind of funny, but this is where my brain is at right now. Anyone want to come over and help?

Pregnancy Confessions

2011-02-17T19:07:00.003-06:00

I have a confession to make - I LOVE being pregnant. I love every single thing about it. I love when I burp and food comes up with that burp. I love being so uncomfortable on the couch at night that I turn from side to side to side 400 times. I love walking into my closet and not being able to wear 90% of the clothes hanging in there. I love the taste of Tums. I love getting tired at 8:30 and falling asleep in the middle of a TV show. I love the disgusting smell of my prenatal vitamins. I love that yesterday I had to drink 10 ounces of the worst tasting fluid ever and then have my blood taken 1 hour later to see if I possibly have diabetes. I love that my back and my left side hurt. Yeah....I love everything about being pregnant.

While Brett and I only had to try for six months for this sweet baby, each of those months that we weren't pregnant brought tears to my eyes. We in no way went through any ordeal to conceive like so many people. I say prayers for those people every day because to me, being pregnant is the greatest gift I have ever received.

My real confession should be that while I love being pregnant, I don't think I am good at it. I am sure I don't eat enough fruits and vegetables. I probably don't drink enough water. I certainly don't exercise like I should. I can become obsessed with reading online what horrible thing could happen to our baby. But, I don't think I could love this baby inside of me any more. This sweet thing has a personality of its own already. Today in the middle of teaching, I grabbed my side in pain. It was not an "Oh my gosh something is happening" kind of pain, it was a "please for the love of all that is good stop poking me from the inside" kind of pain. It seriously hurt and I loved every second of it because it is one more thing that makes this baby a person, a real live living human being.

For the first several weeks of being pregnant, I simply loved being pregnant. Then I was scared. Not about the baby but because I was afraid that I wasn't sure I actually wanted a baby. I thought maybe I had gotten caught up in wanting to be pregnant that I had ignored the fact that pregnancy only lasts for 9 months and a baby forever. Those fears have certainly been calmed and I can't wait for this baby to arrive. I can't wait to hold BB in my arms as I see that proud Papa look on Brett's face.

Sweet baby, we love you and can't wait for you to get here...

Oh the Blizard of 2011

2011-02-09T17:07:00.003-06:00

I know everyone is pretty much over the blizzard, but I was just looking through pictures and I still can't get over how buried our house was....and how buried the car was... and how beautiful our street looked.... and how funny I look posing as "Brett's snow bunny"....and here's the snow already building the night before!

Stay warm, freinds!

Snow-M-G!

2011-02-03T14:59:00.008-06:00

While everything around here seems to be in reference to the unusually large amount of snow - approximately 20 inches - Snow M G was my favorite reference! Tuesday night when all this started, it was the first thing I said to Brett after picking him up at the train station. He thinks I'm funny! So while everyone by now has heard that, yeah, we got a lot of snow, I will tell you how my experience with blizzard 2011 started out.

Monday afternoon, our school announced that we would be getting out at 1:18 the following day to allow students and staff extra travel time home since that was about when the blizzard was going to hit. I was not in school that day, but rather at a training. Well, our "trainers" couldn't decide whether we were getting out early, working through lunch, etc. The decision was made to work through lunch( I was not one who voted for this option seeing as though I need to eat every few hours and I had already grazed my way through all of my snacks) and then we would get out at 1:30. well, by 1:00 everyone had received texts that their respective schools were already canceling for the next day and so we were worse than elementary kids on Halloween. They let us go around 1 and I made 2 stops on the way home. I pulled in my driveway at about 2:10 and by this point, it was an all out blizzard. I couldn't tell exactly how much it was snowing because it was blowing so dang hard. So I get out of the car with my purse (AKA very large bag with everything I would need for the whole day), three grocery bags, coffee mug and keys. I get to the front door...insert key...turn...push down on handle. Nothing. Try again. Nothing. Put bags back in car. Try again. Nothing. Tray again. Nothing. Try kicking the door. Nothing.

Well, our front door has been sticking and we knew it probably needed replaced but those things are pricey so we'd been putting it off.

So there I stand - 6 months pregnant, starving, I have to pee, there is a blizzard going on around me and the STINKING FRONT DOOR WON'T OPEN. So, I did what any rational person would do, I started to think of ways that i could break into the house, weighing the cost of various things I intended to break. In the end, I called Brett who looked up a locksmith and got someone to come and take the lock apart and let me in. Unfortunately, it took him almost an hour to get to our house and another hour to get the lock open. So, at 4:15ish, I finally got into the house.

Additional notes to this story - the dogs barked the ENTIRE two hours that I could not get in (Tucker was hoarse) and the man opening the door shows 4 inches of plumber's crack every time he bent over. You would think he would have dressed better knowing there was a blizzard coming.

A Few Favorite Pregnancy Items (WARNING: a bare belly pic is involved)

2011-01-07T13:59:00.005-06:00

Now these things are by no means necessary to get through a pregnancy. I am, however, fortunate enough to have a super excited husband who can't wait to be a daddy and is doing everything he can to make it easier on me. He told me one day that he had bought the baby and I a few gifts and that they would be delivered soon. All I can say is...he done good!

Belly Buds: Specialized "head phones" that stick to you pregnant belly and adjust the volume of music so it is not too loud for baby. Since Brett and I are both very into music, we felt it was important for the baby to be exposed to some of our favorites ahead of time, mainly Dave Matthews. The baby has however already "attended" two Dave concerts. The neat thing about Belly Buds, is that they have a website that you can send invitations to family members to record messages to the baby. When we were home for Christmas my mom recorded herself singing to the baby. My only complaint is that you can't download the recordings so you have to plug the headphones into your computer. I think it is just easier to make your own audio file. Anyway, we created a lay list so that I can sit at night and the baby can listen to my iTouch!

Snoogle Pillow: This is a MUST HAVE. I honestly don't think I could sleep with out it. It is a pillow with a hook shape at the top, long straight body part and then a curled bottom. It fits my body so perfectly and helps to ensure that I sleep on my side. A lot of women at this stage in their pregnancy struggle to get a good nights sleep. I don't attribute it all to the snoogle but so far I am having the opposite problem. I feel great but when it's time to go to bed, I have no problem!!!! Brett ordered my pillow from Amazon, but I saw something similar at Babies R Us.

Prenatal Yoga DVD: I must confess that I have been VERY lazy so far during my pregnancy. Fortunately, my weight has not suffered but I know that it is good for both me and the baby to get some physical activity. Brett realizing that I was struggling with this ordered me a prenatal yoga DVD. I tried it recently for the first time and I love it. It is broken into practices by trimester and then special symptoms (morning sickness, sleeplessness, back pain).

And most of all, the one best thing to have while being pregnant - this guy!

What up on this chiiiiiillllllyyyyy Friday?

2011-01-05T17:45:00.006-06:00

I have been off work since December 23, you would think I would have made a little time for more blogging, but nope. So, please excuse this jumbled mess of thoughts going through my head.

Planning for a baby is overwhelming. Brett and I registered at both Target and Babies R Us and while I sort of know what we need, it is a very overwhelming feeling trying to decide exactly which nail clippers will be best for your baby! HAHA! I know, I know....women have been having babies for a long time with a fraction of the stuff we will be blessed to have. This being our first baby, though, I want everything to be perfect.
We know the sex of the baby. We have told our immediate families, but that's it....IT'S KILLING ME!!!!!!! I am so excited I just want to tell the world - which would be why I told the lady on the phone with the insurance company this morning and the cashier at Whole Foods.
Speaking, of knowing the sex, we picked out bedding which is what the theme of the nursery will be. I am not a them-ey sort of person, so it is basically just the color scheme. We will get a few pieces from the bedding set and then coordinate from there.
Last night, I made dinner....twice, because the first was not edible. I wanted to try this delicious looking lemon pasta from Pioneer Woman. I got the sauce all done (with no lights on in the kitchen) and when I turned the overhead stove light on, there were blue chunks in the white sauce. I am truly at a loss for an explanation and no the sour cream was not moldy.
I would really like to go away for a long weekend, preferably someplace warm. Unfortunately, if I wait until Spring break, I will be 33 weeks pregnant (WHAT????) and I don't want to travel at that point. Soooo, I am looking for a long weekend relatively soon and relatively cheap. Any ideas? Anyone want to come? Oh, Brett is most likely going on a golfing trip with his buddies in Florida, so I may be counting him out on this trip....just kidding, honey! But seriously, anyone want to go somewhere???
All I want to eat is cookies, cake, brownies...you get the picture!
As I said at the beginning, I have been off work since December 23 and go back this Monday. I know that most people will have no sympathy for me whatsoever, but I really don't want to go back. I love being home with these sweet things. I love sipping coffee in the morning, baking warm muffins, being caught up with laundry and having a semi-clean house.

My brother bought this for the baby for Christmas....the baby is a Steelers fan already!

Happy Friday, friends!

A Look Ahead

2011-01-01T09:34:00.002-06:00

Here it is, January 1, 2011. I am curled up on our couch with both puppies under my blanket, each cuddling up to a leg. The Christmas tree lights are on, Brett is snoozing away in the bedroom, and the wind is blowing furiously outside. There is a baby wiggling inside of me (probably because of the M&M cookie I just ate for breakfast). I couldn't feel more blessed. It seems that every time I turn around I read or a hear a story of heartache. Of truly good people that have bee thrown into a whirlwind of suffering - death, sickness, loss, infertility, etc. You get the picture. While Brett and I have surely had our ups and downs in the past 5+ years, I feel that we have come through stronger and more faithful than ever. We are so blessed in ways I couldn't even have imagined.

I don't know what 2011 will bring. It will hopefully bring a healthy baby into our life. It will hold moments of sheer joy that we wish we could hold onto forever. There is a chance that it could bring sadness because we don't always know what God has in store. Whatever 2011 will hold, I know that it is all part of our plan. I have always held deep in my heart that there is a reason for everything, that nothing comes by chance. 2011 will be no different.

Happy New Year!

20 weeks until BB Arrives

2010-12-30T08:25:00.003-06:00

First, I should explain that ever since Brett and I found out that we were pregnant, I hated the idea of not having something to call the baby. Brett and I started joking around calling each other Baby Mama and Baby Daddy so the baby naturally turned into Baby Baby. That didn't exactly roll off the tongue so we shortened it to BB and it has stuck. When I talk to the baby or about the baby I refer to him/ her as BB.

Tuesday marked a pretty big milestone in our pregnancy - half way! It also marked our big ultrasound. Fortunately, Brett was able to go into work late so that he could come to the appointment with me.

Due to some concerns throughout this is actually our third ultrasound. We just had one three weeks ago, but it is still amazing every time we see that little baby moving around on the screen. Even more amazing, is that the baby is so small but all of it's important parts are visible. We have seen its bran, spine, vertebrae, stomach, heart, fingers, toes, jaw, nose, eyes, etc.

We also found out at this ultrasound that our baby is a little big - 14 ounces! They aren't changing my due date because it could certainly even out, but apparently my big appetite is going straight to BB. And maybe a little to my stomach, thighs and hips!

The best part of being pregnant so far has just happened in the past few weeks - we have been able to feel the baby move. I felt some things at first that I suspected were the baby, but in the past 2 weeks, I am sure. Brett and my Mom have even been lucky enough to catch some pretty good kicks and last night I saw my stomach move during one the those big kicks! It is the most amazing thing in the world to feel this little thing wiggling around and know that before we know it, she/he'll be wiggling in our arms!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-30T07:48:00.008-06:00

I can't believe that Christmas has come and gone already. It seems like every year that time between putting up the tree and feeling all of the excitement of the season and the time to take down the tree gets shorter and shorter. I can't even imagine what next year will be like with a baby!

20 Week Baby Bump

As always we traveled to PA to spend the holiday with my family. We didn't leave until the afternoon of the 23rd because I worked up until then. Brett and I cooked my Mom our now traditional Birthday/ Christmas Eve meal, although she had done most of the prep work. We had one of Brett's delicious turkeys and some yummy corn casserole and mashed potatoes.

Christmas morning was wonderful. I love how everything we do over the holidays has become predictable. Not in a bad way, but in a comforting traditional way. Mom passed out gifts and we all had a wonderful time opening so many amazing things! Here we are in our 2010 Christmas Morning in PJs picture...

I hope that everyone enjoyed their Christmas and made some memories with family.

Happy Holidays from the Clancys!

A Christmas Filled Weekend (and a minty cookie recipe)

2010-12-13T14:00:00.008-06:00

This past weekend was filled with Christmas spirit. On Friday night, Brett planned a little surprise and after dinner we bundled up and went to Lilacia Park to view the Christmas light display that they had set up. There is nothing like some cold weather, Christmas lights and the greatest husband ever to put you in the Christmas spirit. We tried so hard to take some good pictures but really struggled with the dark sky bright lights, and so many settings on our camera.

On Saturday we did some Christmas shopping, and although the weather was terribly rainy, it was still quite festive. In addition to a few Christmas presents, we made our first very important baby purchase - his/ her going home from the hospital outfit. Leave it me to feel that an outfit is one of the most important purchases. I would love to post a pic of the darling little outfit, but it's in that special color or pink or blue and that is still a big secret!

Saturday night we made Christmas cookie. Over the past few years this has become one of my favorite Christmas traditions. We get all of our Christmas CDs out and bake all evening long. I love having Brett in the kitchen. This year (and I do think this was only round one since we have already eaten quite a few) we made 178 cookies! One kind was a super easy mint cookie by Betty Crocker. Super easy, very festive and DE-LICIOUS!

Me in my super ~~ridiculous~~ cute cookie baking outfit.Brett and Tucky just waiting for the cookies to be done.

On Sunday we had our first family Christmas celebration with Brett's family. We had a fabulous dinner and exchanged presents. Brett's sister got us a beautiful baby book....I can't wait to fill it with cute picture and exciting milestones!

Guess what...

2010-12-01T14:51:00.006-06:00

A while back I blogged about having a lot going on. This was true, but to explain, there was really only one big thing going on, and it was something that I wasn't ready to blog about. Until now....

On September 8, 2 days before our 5th anniversary, Brett and I got the greatest gift ever. The news that this little guy (or girl) was on his (or her) way!

Yep - we're having a baby!!!!!

BB (as we're calling him/ her) is set to arrive sometime around May 17 and we couldn't be more excited! Lots more on this big news to come...

Hello! Anybody out there?

2010-11-23T16:13:00.009-06:00

I'm back?Maybe? No promises....but at least today I am back. So, what's been going on?

My Birthday - At the end of the summer, August 21 to be exact, Brett and I celebrated my birthday with a laid back but super fun today. Caribou Coffee, the French Market, a bike ride and a delicious dinner cooked on the grill summed up the day. Inside my card were two tickets to the sold out David Gray concert - Amazing!

Brett and I at the Jay Pritzer Pavilion in Millennium Park. What an amazing concert with an amazing city in the background!

My celebration didn't end there, but the girls and I partied hard to celebrate my last year in my 20s just like all 29 years old should....at the Raging Waves Water Park. The GREATEST!!!!!

Mom and Dad come to visit! Over Labor Day weekend, my mom and dad came for a visit. The visit did include Dad putting on a new roof with the help of some hired help from Craigslist. Yep - you read that correctly. The visit was so much fun - we drank a little wine at Tasting Devine and enjoyed the beautiful late summer weather at Cantigny Park.

The following weekend, September 10, we celebrate our 5 year anniversary! Being married to the love of my life = it doesn't get any better!

DMB - Brett's two favorite things in the world (besides me and the puppies) are the Cubs and Dave Matthews. Does it get any better than a Dave concert at Wrigley Field? Yes, actually it does...when there are TWO Dave concerts at Wrigley Field! We were lucky enough to get tickets to both shows and spent an awesome weekend in the city. It was like a vacation. Jason Mraz opened for Dave which was awesome! We also stayed at the Old Chicago Inn....if you ever need a quaint place to stay near Wrigley. This. Is. The. Place. The rooms were small, but it was just awesome. The innkeeper was too cute and made this stay just perfect!We ran in to Lauren Jiggetts from NBC and Brett HAD to have his picture taken with her.

So, that's about it....there have been lots of fun things going on...and more to come soon!

Don't go too far

2010-10-06T17:14:00.003-05:00

For some bloggers, they are faithfully devoted to their readers. Others like me sometimes forget that you are all out there. So, if you've missed me -thanks. If you didn't notice I was gone, that's OK too. All I can say is that hubby and I have had a lot going on lately. In time I will get caught up and fill you all in on what for the most part is our boring suburban life. For now, well, I don't really have a for now. I guess my only promise is that I will be back to blogging, I promise that...so don't go too far.

Best Furiends Forever

2010-08-13T14:37:00.003-05:00

As I type, Lucy and Tucker are curled up on their bed together. So cute!

Our Week of Demo and Construction

2010-08-09T17:16:00.009-05:00

So the past two weeks have been trying to say the least. There is nothing like having your life turned upside down by disaster and not having the faintest idea of where to start with repairs and rebuilding. Thankfully, my newly retired dad was able to fly out and give us an entire week of his handy man services. I sincerely do not know what we would have done without him!

Here's a pic in the middle of the "bad" phase. Carpet ripped out, old tile foundunderneath removed, baseboards out and dry wall cut!

Shortly after he arrived, we came a up with a plan. Basically it involved some demo of the basement (ripping out all bas boards and cutting out the drywall about a foot high), removing the ancient tiles that we found under our carpet, installing ceramic tile and then putting it all back together In addition, he installed a back flow preventer that will prevent us from (hopefully) ever having our sewer back up again. Since the everything was already torn up we did a few extra projects that basically left us with a gorgeous, newly remodeled basement! We love it and can't thank my dad enough for all the hard work he put in. I do think we managed to have a pretty good time in the process!

On Monday, we took him to Wrigley Field for his first Cubs' game. Unfortunately they lost to the Brewers 18-1!

The back flow preventer requires us to break a hole in the floor of our laundry room to access the sewer! I got to use some cool tools!
One of those cool tools was a saw!
I learned how to do so many things from my Dad throughout the week. Here I am grouting the ceramic!
Brett got to buy a new toy - a nailer. My Dad showed him how to use it :-) J/K!

You an also see the new floor in the pic.
At the end of the week, we had two great nights out. Both Friday and Saturday night we went out to dinner and had some wine at Tasting Devine.

We really had the bets week. I loved hanging out with my Dad, spending time with him and learning so many new things. Although, the situation was awful we are so lucky to have him and are now enjoying our beautiful basement again!

How many licks does it take?

2010-07-30T21:19:00.002-05:00

Lucy and Tucker were stuck inside all day because I was outside with my best girlfriends having a yard sale. Tucker was quite anxious and took to licking the window...

(sorry the video is sideways...I took it with my phone and can't flip it!)

Words to live by...

2010-07-28T12:15:00.002-05:00

She may not be my fairy godmother, but I feel like she's always out there...with just what I need to hear...

"I'm realizing more and more and more that life is
exactly that. A day, a moment of pure joy, perfection, interspersed
amongst confusion and chaos. THAT IS LIFE at its most real reality.
They all blend us to make us what we are, what we are becoming ~ what we choose to do with our joy and sorrow is a constant
struggle. If we didn't have a perfect day, a disastrous day once in a
while amidst the majority of the "boring is good" days and weeks, it would just be too vanilla."

Amen, sister!

And it all falls apart...

2010-07-25T21:31:00.016-05:00

How funny to think a few short days ago I wrote about finally getting things together and feeling as though my summer has been very worth while. Well, this weekend we ran in to some trouble - water trouble. Our basement flooded again and it's worse than ever before.

Several months ago Brett had planned a "Guys' Weekend" that included friends from out of town staying here and going to the Cubs/ Cardinals game on Saturday. Things started out great on Friday as everyone arrived safely and the boys had a great lunch at The Tilted Kilt. They came back to the house for a bit and then we all headed out for a fun night in Naperville.

At 6:30 am on Saturday morning, one of the guys knocked on our bedroom door letting us know that his air mattress had turned into a raft! We went to check things out and the basement was full of water and the water was still coming in! Everyone went to work - putting stuff together to take the water from the pumps away from the house, trying to open drains, going to Home Depot, manually sucking up water with a wet vac, etc. It was a mess. We had two functioning sump pumps, but it had rained so much that the city's drainage system couldn't handle it. Water was coming in the shower drain, the floor drain - everywhere!

Once the water had stopped coming in, I finally convinced Brett to go to the game so they all showered and we hopped in the car and who knew? 290 was closed! We physically would not be able to get to Chicago. So, we drove for an hour and a half and ended up at Buffalo Wild Wings to watch the Cubs beat the Cards. That night the guys ripped out all the carpet and padding and continued with the clean up and preparation for more rain that night.

The damage is done. Our basement is a wreck and we have a lot of work and expenses ahead of us. Because this is not the first time this has happened, our insurance will cover none of the damages. My Dad is coming out next week to hear what Perma Seal has to say and we will go from there, either by doing more preventative work (like when they installed the sump pumps)or just reconstructing the basement into something livable.

Although this has been a very difficult weekend for us, there is something to be said for good friends, good family and good people in the world. I don't know what we would have done had it not been for Mark, Paul, and Aaron being at our house and being willing to do manual labor for what should have been a fun relaxing weekend. My Dad coming out next weekend will be a huge help and probably a big money saver. My good friend Natalie who offered me moral support today (because I should not be left alone with my own thoughts) and ripped up all the tack strips in the basement! Rick, the good man who owns Olde North Pancake House, who heard us talking about the water damage on Sunday morning and came and took care of our check! Our wonderful neighbor who shared info regarding issues with the city and our other wonderful neighbor who brought us dinner tonight! We are blessed to be surrounded my people who love us and are willing to come to help when we need it. Thanks everyone!

The Dream Team - in the rain - saving our house!

How many guys does it take to....?

"This is the greatest weekend ever!"

Paul saved my Uggs! He found the perfect spot on the ladder in the garage to dry them out!

My closet with about two inches of water that just wouldn't go away.

Mark's feet, completely submerged, as he manually pumps out water.

Our bedroom furniture - on bricks!

The end of our street completely flooded.

Brett looking so happy to be spending more money at Lowe's. This trip was for fans and a dehumidifier.

Monday morning - all the carpet waiting for the garbage man.

And through it all, I love this guy more than anything!

Getting it Together

2010-07-15T15:24:00.007-05:00

Last week (and this week too) I finally felt organized. I had a plan to the week, stuck to it and got a lot accomplished. The house actually feels clean and while there are always little chores to be done I felt comfortable in knowing I was caught up on most of the big stuff. I created a menu for the week and was able to shop for most of the things we needed in one trip. I finished the class I was taking this summer and got it in the mail. While I am not always the most organized person in the world, it is amazing how much better I feel when I am. I feel like my like is less chaotic, I am less stressed and I am able to enjoy the time I have much more. I also feel like I am a better wife to Brett and a better puppy mama to Lucy and Tucker. When Brett gets home at night I am ready to listen to him about his day and I don't feel like my time has been wasted but rather I have contributed to making our house a home.

Planning our menus for the week seems to really save me a lot of time and stress when it comes to "what's for dinner?" A while back I found this (via According to Nina) at The Project Girl and it was a huge help, both in shopping and planning. I was able to make notes about what days Brett would need a lunch and when he wouldn't and what we were having for dinner. I was able to shop more efficiently because everything I needed was already divided into categories saving me time when at the store.

I have had a few misses, but hey, that's what I love about cooking - you never know what you're going to get. Here's a little summer specialty and while it may not constitute a "meal", it was a great week night dish. I ended up making something more filling to go with it, but this would make a delicious appetizer or a side to perhaps some Italian chicken.

Rustic Tomato Basil Tart

***Although I did get the idea for this from a recipe, I did not follow it.

Ingredients:
In addition to the fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil straight from the plant, you will need this

a balsamic glaze made simply by simmering balsamic vinegar until it reduces by at least half. It will be thick enough to coat a spoon.

Unroll a pre made pie crust and roll out slightly. Layer sliced mozzarella over the pie crust leaving about 1 1/2 inches around the outside. Top with a single layer of sliced tomatoes, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and top that with roughly chopped basil. Top with another layer of cheese.
Fold the edges of the crust over your toppings life this
Bake your tart at 375 for about 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is also has a nice brown crust.

Well, the tart was delicious! However, Brett and I dove into it before I was able to snap a good picture of the final product. You'll just have to make it yourself!

P.S. The new changes t blogger are not cooperating with me! I have no idea why my last post looks as though it does. I have tried formatting it 7, 000 times!

P.P.S. I still owe you all a chocolate chip cookie recipe. I have not forgotten!

What am I reading?

2010-07-14T07:43:00.023-05:00

I can't believe that my summer vacation is already about half over! What have I been doing? More importantly what have I been reading? So far, I am pleased, not ecstatic, but pleased with what I have read so far.

My Fair Lazy by Jennifer Lancaster - Her funniest book yet!

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte - I read this in high school and I enjoyed and appreciated it so much more now as an adult!

Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner - Ms. Weiner is an incredible writer. Unfortunately, the plot of this book did little for me personally. I am excited to read more of her books, but this was not my favorite.

sTORI Telling by Tori Selling - Loved the book. Love her.

Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson - A thoughtful and enjoyable, yet VERY quick, read.

Mommywood by Tori Spelling- Loved this book even more. Love her even more.

Reading Now - Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen- I'll let you know what I think...

Support Bear Photography, Support the U.S.

2010-07-11T20:56:00.010-05:00

Several weeks ago I mentioned that Brett and I had traveled home to PA to celebrate my brother Ben's high school graduation. Before I get to the purpose of this post, I would like to tell you a little about Ben.

Ben is about 9 1/2 years younger than I am making him currently 19 years old. My parents tried to conceive shortly after I was born with no luck. After a series of failed fertility treatments, an adoption that didn't work out, they finally found out that their last fertility attempt had worked and our family of three would become a family of four. (Scott who is eighteen month younger than Ben was truly a beautiful surprise!) I was the proudest big sister you could imagine. Growing up, Ben was a quiet kid - gentle. He became known for a long time as gentle Ben. He had a talent for sports, academics, and music. A while back Ben decided that he wanted to apply to the United States Military Academy at West Point. This is one of the most prestigious and competitive schools in the country requiring an impeccable academic, athletic and leadership resume, as well as an appointment by a congressman. Ben found out late this spring that he was deemed "Qualified but not Selected". While this was a hard dose of reality for someone who is used to getting what he sets out to achieve, Ben took this setback in stride and enrolled at Washington and Jefferson College, a very reputable school (that just happens to be in our hometown). For the 2010/ 2011 Ben will play football for W & J as well as dedicate himself to being the high caliber of student that he is used to being. Ben has decided that he will make the most out of this freshman year and treat it as a transition year. He may reapply to West Point in hopes to be accepted for the following academic year. Ben has decided that whether or not he is accepted to West Point, serving his country in the U.S. military is something that he wants to do. Tomorrow, Ben will be sworn into the Army and participate in the ROTC program for at leats the next year. As someone who cares very much for Ben, joining the military with our country still at war is a scary venture, but I am filled with pride that this young man, who I have watched grow from a gentle and quiet young man into a strong and loyal young man, wants to serve our nation.

During his senior year in high school, Ben developed an interest in photography and developed a creative eye for turning pictures into art. He enjoys editing pictures on the computer just as much as he enjoys taking shots with the camera. He has decided to turn this into a small business that he can hopefully earn some extra money while he is in school. (He intends on going to medical school and knows the road will be paved with bills and loans!) I have been impressed with Ben's photography since he started, although I understand I may be a bit biased. Several days ago, Ben launched a website to showcase his work to this point. On the site are some beautiful images he has taken of the city of Pittsburgh, nature shots, and portraits, as well as some artsy photographs created with a technique call light painting. If you are in the Pittsburgh area and are looking for an inexpensive photographer to take say some shots of your dogs (there is a great image of both Lucy and Tucker on his site), your new baby (he doesn't have a lot of experience photographing babies, but he's cheap), you (don't feel vain) or you like his stuff...get in touch with him. He would like to sell prints of work he has already done as well as create a client database that he can offer quality shots at a lo cost. Without further ado, I present to you -

Bear Photography!

At the very least, check out the site, read the blog, and leave him a comment. If you are feeling daring, shoot him an email and buy a print....here's a sneak peak at one of my favorites...

Summer Treats for Us and Puppies

2010-07-10T19:47:00.011-05:00

Lucy and Tucker have had a guest for the past three weeks - there cousin Hera! Hera's mom was away on a pseudo-vacation so we kept Hera while she was gone. She is such a great dog (except that she sheds big time and it kind of makes me cray but I love her) and Lucy and Tucker love having her around. They especially enjoyed chasing each other around the yard and then relaxing with an ice cream treat....
I used to buy the peanut butter Frosty Paws for the dogs, but they are a bit pricey at about $1 per cup. I started making my own and the dogs love them just as much, if not more. I started making them in Dixie cups, but Lucy tends to get overly excited about the ice cream and eat the whole cup so I started using recycled plastic cups from individual serving sized apple sauce, fruit cups, and jello that Brett and I take in our lunch and then wash out. Once you have a few you can sue them over and over. I simply fill the cups half way with either plain or vanilla yogurt and then put a dollop of peanut butter right in the centre. Place in the freezer and the puppies with have a delicious and inexpensive treat on these hot summer days!

Now, we wouldn't the puppies getting all the good stuff so here's a recipe for the humans in your family....S'more Pie! I am a sucker for a S'more and I have to say this is pretty good.

1 graham cracker crust (the 2 extra serving size)
2 1/2 cups cool whip, divided
1 bag regular size marshmallows

3/4 cup milk

6 oz. hot fudge
1 reg. size Hershey bar + some to shave

Place marshmallows, milk, and Hershey bar in a saucepan on low-med. heat. Cook until all ingredients are melted and mixed together, stirring constantly. Remove form heat and let cool.
Mix 1 c. cool whip into marshmallow mixture.
Spread warmed hot fudge evenly in the bottom of the crust.
Pour marshmallow mixture over hot fudge and top with remaining cup of cool whip. Garnish the top with shaved chocolate if desired.

Nothing Says Summer Like....

2010-07-08T13:25:00.003-05:00

Ribs

and

Peach Cobbler
YUUUMMMY!!!

Life is Good

2010-07-06T09:15:00.014-05:00

WOW! What a weekend! We had talked about a few things we wanted to do but when Brett got home I presented him with an entire itinerary for our weekend. He could not have been happier because I am the queen of "I don't know, what do you want to do?"

Friday night we had dinner at Genghis Grill. It's so funny but we just love that place...even if I do have to basically cook my own food :-) After that we walked around Wheaton and took in all the old cars. Each Friday in Wheaton is Vintage Ride Night where people from all over the area park their vintage cars for people to check out. Some of the little sports cars are so cool! We came back home to relax and have a little dessert (recipe for the greatest cookies EVER to follow in another post) because we were in for a long day on Saturday!

The alarm went off at 7 am on Saturday...we were about to set out on our longest bike ride to date - 30 miles. Although we didn't actually know how far we were going when we left home, we had an idea of where we were headed. We started out going North on the Illinois Prairie Path until it met up with the Fox River Trail just past Geneva. We made it into St. Charles for lunch at The Filling Station. We were exactly 15 miles from home. After lunch we contemplated going farther but decided it best to just head home. That was a smart idea because on the way home it was HOT and my legs were getting pretty tired. We made it home though and were pumped that we could make it that far. We're already trying to decide where our next adventure will be to. Here are a few photos taken near the Fox River.

My favorite - the blue heron - made an appearance on our way home!

If you're interested in our exact route, click here. We used my Garmin Forerunner 405 for the first time biking! I love this thing!

On Sunday we finally made it to the Kane County Flea Market! What an experience! I love flea markets and this one did not disappoint.While we did not buy anything (except for Italian Shaved Ices) we were on sensory overload with all of the unique items for sale and the unique people to watch! This place was full of some of the neatest pieces of antique furniture; if only we had a place to put them! When we left the flea market we stopped for lunch at the Claddagh Irish Pub in Geneva Commons. The food was delicious and this place was full of character! After lunch we went to the Chicago Premium Outlets where we did buy a few things. Brett needed some new shirts for work from Brooks Brothers and I found a few cute things at Banana Republic. The best part was this outfit that Brett picked out for me - I bought it without trying it on and it is super cute!

When we finally got home we were exhausted. We settled in for the night and watched Stepbrothers!

By Monday we were in need of a little R and R. We did decide to do something we have been needing to do for a while - clean out our closets. We were both running out of room due to having SOOOO many clothes. We are planning a garage sale in August and this definitely gave us a head start!

I hope everyone had a wonderful July 4th holiday and spent some quality time with friends and/ or family!

Bad Weather and Free Stuff

2010-06-23T21:29:00.006-05:00

So tonight I went to Whole Foods...not to grocery shop but to score some free samples from their "spa night". While pretending to be interested in cosmetics, soaps and lotions made out of every thing from bees guts to plants to dirt, the sky became dark and it started to rain. I don't mean a peaceful summer rain, I mean an all out God is mad thunder and lightening across the sky and the world might end kind of rain. I finished up with Miss Put Bee Guts On Anything And Your Skin Will Glow Like The Sun and hightailed it home. I felt like a terrible mother - my poor puppies were probably scared to death. I was right...they were hiding, so we cuddled on the couch and fired up all my gadgets to see what what up - phone? Check. iTouch? Check. Computer? Check. Cable? Nope - satellite was out. So I pulled up the news web sites, weather.com, and of course facebook and found out that yes, there was storm going on outside and there may or may not be a tornado in the area. I am thinking that the tornado siren was my first clue. Brett was stuck in the city because they had stopped the trains due to winds (and it is now after 9:30 pm and he is still not home and the train left the station at 7). So, the puppies and I got cozy and I started to browse craigslist for free stuff. I mean, you never know what people might be giving away. Here are the top five things that I found very amusing...

5. 1/2 of a bag of Aldi brand dog food

4. Felt

3. A box of food, leftovers to be exact

2. The contents of a man's trunk...he cleaned it out, left it by the door and welcomes anyone to come to his (provided on the Internet) address to walk away with his snow scraper, umbrella and probably his life.

1. A stripper pole...apparently her boyfriend gave it to her as a birthday present and she's "just not into that".

After the storm passed, the sky was amazingly bright, almost eerie!

Time flies when we're having fun!

2010-06-21T12:51:00.011-05:00

So...what's been going on? It seems that life takes over sometimes and time just flies. After just sitting down and finishing up my posts about our fabulous vacation, it is hard to believe we've already been back for a few months. Looking at those pictures makes me wish we were still there since it was such an incredible time! Buuuut, here's what we've been up to lately.

Just a week after getting back, we went to see John Mayer in concert at the United Center. His concert was amazing as usual, but we didn't expect to be blown away by the opening act - Michael Franti and Spearhead!!!

On April 30, the Billing's family joined us for a "let's play hooky from work" day and went to the Cubs game. We had tons of fun especially when Brett tried to look like Jason with no neck!

On May 12, I went to Grant park for "Workout in the Park" sponsored by SELF magazine. What an awesome time! We did some interesting workouts including, a Bollywood workout, a hip hop dance workout (yeah, I can't dance!), a trampoline workout, and we did yoga with Mandy Ingber (Jennifer Aniston's yoga instructor). Maria Menounos was the host - soooo that was kind of cool!
The best part, however, was all the free stuff!!!!!!
And finally - school is out!The girls and I spent a record day partying in Wrigleyville! That's really all that needs said about that! Thanks ladies for a fun-filled, memorable day!

And less than two weeks ago, Brett and I traveled home to Washington, to celebrate with my brother Ben as he graduated from high school!

Mayan Adventure

2010-06-21T12:11:00.016-05:00

After what could only be described as an "interesting" van ride into the jungles of Mexico (at one point I was POSITIVE we were being taken to have our organs harvested) we arrived at our destination for our Mayan Adventure. Our first stop was near an underground river where a shaman performed a Mayan purification ceremony. After the ceremony, we walked to another location where there was an underwater river. We were able to walk through parts of the river, swim through parts, and learn about the caves and cenotes. Next up was rappelling, I was a little nervous but very much looking forward to it!

Here is the cenote that we rappelled into - Brett taking the plunge! After rappelling into the water, we hung for a bit taking in the awesomeness of the cenote. The only thing I didn't like was that it was home to LOTS of bats!After drying off, we took a bike ride to the ziplines!

Helmets on and we're ready!
Hiking to the "high" ziplines!
Here he goes!!!!

And here's where we ate an authentic Mayan lunch cooked in this outdoor kitchen!

That's What We Said

Genuinely Sad

Souper Sunday Week 9 - Team Clancy Chili

Souper Sunday Week 8 - Cheeseburger Soup

Happy Halloween!

Babies + Pumpkins = Too cute

Solids 101

5 Months of Baby Love

A Perfect Fall Weekend

seasons change . . . and so do babies

Fall Fun

Buffalo Chicken Soup {Recipe}

Ingredients

Directions

Saute onions and celery in butter until tender.Stir in flour until smooth.Slowly add milk and broth.Add remaining ingredients and simmer, stirring occasionally, until cheese has melted.Serve with biscuits, breadsticks crescent rolls, or crushed tortilla chips.

Why we didn't tell

Going Bananas!

Happy 4 months to Owen!

What have we been up to?

"Bittersweet Song of September"

The big 3-0...

Bittersweet

O-Dawg is a quarter of a year old!

Suprise!

I Dig The Stay At Home Mom Gig

"Why on Earth are you using cloth diapers?"

I'm "Becoming Baby Wise"

Another Attempt at Being Organized: A Household Notebook

Wednesday Brain Dump

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour ( I used half all purpose flour and half whole wheat)

Directions

Our 2 month old boy!

4th of July Celebration

Uncle Love

God Bless Owen!

A sleepless Thursday

What did people do before electricity???

A Special 1st Father's Day

Babies bring with them a whole new life

Owen is 1 month old

Owen's Birth Story

Welcome to the world Owen Anthony!

Meredith is leaving????

Now all we need is a baby...

Could I be a Fly Lady?

Baby, Baby, Baby

Is a post a post if it doesn't have pictures?

Start of the 3rd Trimester Brain Dump

Baby To Do List

Pregnancy Confessions

Oh the Blizard of 2011

Snow-M-G!

A Few Favorite Pregnancy Items (WARNING: a bare belly pic is involved)

What up on this chiiiiiillllllyyyyy Friday?

A Look Ahead

20 weeks until BB Arrives

Christmas 2010

A Christmas Filled Weekend (and a minty cookie recipe)

Guess what...

Hello! Anybody out there?

Don't go too far

Best Furiends Forever

Our Week of Demo and Construction

How many licks does it take?

Words to live by...

And it all falls apart...

Getting it Together

What am I reading?

Support Bear Photography, Support the U.S.

Summer Treats for Us and Puppies

Nothing Says Summer Like....

Life is Good

Bad Weather and Free Stuff

Time flies when we're having fun!

Mayan Adventure

Saute onions and celery in butter until tender.
Stir in flour until smooth.
Slowly add milk and broth.
Add remaining ingredients and simmer, stirring occasionally, until cheese has melted.
Serve with biscuits, breadsticks crescent rolls, or crushed tortilla chips.