There's nothing funnier than a groggy kid...

Well we're in Charlotte, not HOME yet, but inside 60 days! The house is coming along very nicely and we're eagerly anticipating it's completion.

This year Emily Grace's school starts at 7:15- WHAT's THAT YOU SAY? Yes, we agree. E-A-R-L-Y.

And little miss sleeply-grumpy-bear is not a morning gal (like her mama...).

Anyway, the other morning as I was brushing her hair in the bathroom, she started counting in spanish. This is the girl who could count to 30 in Spanish before she was potty trained.
Here's what I heard:
"uno, dos, tres, taco, cinco, seis, seiete..."

Hold up. I speak zero espanol. Except that right there. I can say that. But other than that, I'm no Spanish expert, but I'm pretty sure 'taco' comes in soft or crunchy, beef or chicken. I believe it does not come after 'tres.' So I asked her to repeat it again because "I didn't hear what she said."
She obliged and said the same thing again... hee hee hee... groggy kids are so funny!

So I said "Emily Grace, I think it's 'quatro,' not 'taco'..." and she said with little/no emotion "Oh. I thought it sounded funny. heh.heh."

Poor baby needs more sleep!!!!

Now if we could just get the "huffalumps" (as Luke calls them) upstairs to STOP. STOMPING. AROUND. AT 10 PM, maybe my children could get the 11 hours we're trying to give them!!

Different story for a different day.

Urbans on the Move and EG has PIERCED EARS (wha what?)

Well we're moving. 7 days from today we will officially live in CHARLOTTE, NC. I can't believe it's here! 

Lots has happened since I last posted. Emily Grace's LAST day of Kindergarten is tomorrow, June 11. They added 2 days onto the end of the year for snow days. But that's ok, she LOVES every minute of Kindergarten, her teachers, her school, her friends... and I'm crying over moving... again. We all know I'm a crier.

BUT- BIG BIG BIG BUT- We're so excited to be moving! This is a BIG opportunity for us!!! The biggest positive is it gets us MUCH closer to our families (and friends) in SC. It's been 9 years and we're finally going home (sorta). Plus the economy and career opportunities in Charlotte are just booming right now. 

So just so I don't forget, Emily Grace is turning 6 in a few weeks and this BIG BRAVE GIRL got her ears pierced (it was actually on May 25, 3013)!!!! She was so good. Honestly, bad mommy. I didn't tell her what was coming. She knew that she was going in without earrings and coming out with them. She's seen me put mine in every day for the last 5 years, but it never occurred to her that someone was going to actually make holes in her sweet little earlobes. (she calls them ear bobes) But ladies, that is the WAY. TO. DO. IT. I know it's terrible not to be "honest" with your kids. But I wasn't dishonest! I just didn't mention that two total strangers were going to come at her with sharp ended guns and viciously pierce (literally) her innocence with "pink ice" studs. What?  Trust me- the saying that the anticipation is much worse than the event is SO TRUE. And she had zero anticipation. I rest my case and mentally pat my own back. 

Onto the event:
One of the ladies pierced just a second before the other and as I was standing across from EG simply trying not to let my face show the horror inside of my heart for allowing this to happen, she started to squeeze my hands. Then her eyes popped open like they do when they're getting shots and had no idea what was coming. She was so startled and it took a good 10 seconds for the tears, but they finally game. She yelled (and sort of stomped her foot) that two ladies pinched her on her ears. OMG. Are you crying with me? Every time I think of it, I start to tear up. I scooped her up and hugged her until the tears went away. She's still so little! I think the ladies felt so bad too because really, who would pinch such a sweet little angel? Thank heavens we did two at once! I don't think she would have let them do that a second time.

After all of the tears were gone, and there was a lollipop in hand, and we got her to get a good like in the mirror she looks up at me, BEAMING, with those big watery eyes and proudly states "Mommy.... I have bling!" 

Kindergarten!

Yep. It's time. I'm not going to get into the sappy, teary mess that I've been over the last few weeks. Instead, I'm going to excite you with the details of HOW EXCITED Emily Grace (and the rest of us really) is about Kindergarten!!!!
We met her teacher last week and she's a doll! Actually- she goes to church with us and is a dear friend. SO that's a HUGE plus. But, Emily Grace still put her hands on her hips and said "what's your name again?" at open house. 

We'll work on the graceful part of "GRACE" as she gets older.

So Sunday we went grocery shopping for all of the foods for her lunches. I made sure that she could open every container, bag, bottle, etc on her own so that she can spend more time nibbling.
I also didn't want a bag of chips to explode across the cafeteria as she opened it aggressively.
We packed a pretend lunch in her lunch box on Sunday because her half of the class doesn't go until Tuesday. And duh- we had to make sure everything fit perfectly.

I made an additional call to Pottery Barn for a Bento Box , in case we needed it. It will be here Aug 31. Sigh. At least it had free shipping.

We picked out her first day outfit.OH and we had first day pics taken with my sweet friend, Emily Elrod.
Then we got excited and picked out the outfits for the rest of the week.
(I still have to monogram 2 of them!)

We got out the closed-toe shoes that still fit and dusted them off. We arranged those with the new shoes so that there's never any closet digging in the mornings.  We moved EG's car seat in Chris' car so that she's getting in and out of the car (on the days that he drops of and picks up) on the sidewalk side.

And I've already spoken to the office about her dentist appointment this week. Bad, timining on my part. I know. But I know exactly how to get it excused. I'm going to be a pro at this Kindergarten thing.

Oh and I annoyed the daycare one last time by triple checking that they would pick her up ON THEIR BUS after school.

My nails on the other hand, are suffering from the nerves that are hiding behind the excitement. I hope she has an amazing first day!!!!!!

We are so proud of our sweet Emily Grace!

Effort

It takes effort to get through life right now. Just this weekend, I ditched housework (like that was hard to do) to go to the park with the kids, along with Emily and baby Jack (who isn't such a baby any more!). It was a fun morning! And after that we went to Chic-fil-a for a very brief lunch and back to the house where the house work sat.. waiting for my arrival. And you know what? I'm NOT SORRY. Yes, Luke got an ear infection. But that's not from being outside. That's just him. I don't care- it was a fun day and I had to MAKE time to make it happen.

So I promised myself last week for the 9,458th time that I WAS going MAKE THE EFFORT to start jogging again. (My metabolism and the seams on my jeans are having a war right now with each other. One is trying to bust through the barriers while the other is trying to hold it all in!)

Plus, it's VERY important to me that both of our kids see their parents as active people. Chris has that nailed. He's an amazing role model. But for me, we are busy that I do not make exercise a priority. Side note- on the way to school this morning I saw some kids waiting for the bus on their very first day. ***And I was embarassed at my thoughts.*** How are this many kids so overweight? I don't mean that to be hurtful in any way. I know they're all extrodinary, WONDERFUL, amazing and beautiful children, but our society is not going to keep heart disease from creeping up on us at the age of 50 with the way we're going!

So, I'm pledging to start my 20 minute jogs again. I'm not going to commit to a number per week. I'm just going to try when I can. I'm going to make the effort. Life is not going to take over. I am.

Funny though; my friend Ashley and I were just talking because my last attempt went something like this:
Wake up an hour early because a 20 minute jog takes me that long!
Hit the snooze for 15 minutes.

Fix my mangled hair so that the neighbors don't think someone escaped from the asylum.

Brush my teeth because-well- I don't want to increase my carbon footprint by breathing through my mouth.

Find my shoes. 

Manage to get all the running gear on. (right, all three things)

Go back in the house for my wedding ring because it's part of me. And I'm that weird that way. I run in my ring and pearl earrings. What? Don't judge.

Go back again to drink some water because I don't want to get parched when I'm a mile from the house. And because I'm stalling.

Go back one more time because I need my iphone/headphones.

Then curse quietly to myself over the threshhold because opening the door that many times woke up the kids.

Argue with myself and say 'screw it' because I need to do this. Chris can deal with the kids for "20 minutes."

Feel guilty because they're in there crying and he's going to have a rotten morning by having to deal with that first thing.  (love and guilt are interchangable, apparently)

Then I give up and go back inside and hope for the best tomorrow.

 

Sigh. I'm tired.

Thankful

Today, as I've "struggled" over piddly things: what to buy, what not to buy so that I don't spend spend spend, where to eat lunch, what Emily Grace is going to wear for her first day of school, little things that bother me at daycare, big things that bother me at work, I've realized that my world is so so so perfect. None of that matters. None. Today, I stopped by my friend Ashley's desk, in the midst of the Friday afternoon do-nothings. I have lots to do at work AND at home, but I'm procrastinating and eagerly looking forward to one of the last do-nothing weekends we'll have in a while.

Ashley was reading her friend's blog. I don't know this family. And there are lots of them out there- families struggling to hold on to a loved one, families dealing with financial problems, families dealing with illness and death. I've sort of become numb to those families. Once upon a time, I got so caught up in their pain and suffering that I let it affect me too. So I went cold turkey. The result: I started worrying over the piddly things again. Why can't I just be thankful for what I have? And I am- I just let the harsh reminder of how amazingly blessed I am, slip sometimes.
This blog, this poor, innocent, sweet, STRONG, faithful family brings it all back to reality. I truly pray for, and hope for this family. And I'm so incredibly thankful for the people and things that I have AND the things that I do not have to struggle with. Thank you, Dear Father, for bringing me back to Earth.
The Matthews Monologues

Kindergarten Jitters

Here is my conversation with Emily Grace from this morning:

EG: mommy. I can’t go to school. (I'm thinking she means preschool, TODAY.) The man doesn’t know where I live. He needs to know where I live.

Me: WHAT MAN!?!?

EG: The man. He needs my address.

Me: DID YOU GIVE IT TO HIM? WHO IS HE? EG (we don't call her EG, I just type EG to make it shorter), this is very important. What man asked where you live? Why can’t you go to school? Has someone talked to you?

EG: um. (looking confused) he doesn’t know where to take me.

 

ME: EG. Please focus. Nobody except mommy and daddy should be taking you anywhere. Start at the beginning and tell me why you can’t go to school and then tell me about the man.

EG: The man on the bus. He doesn’t know where I live. So I can’t go to school because he can’t bring me home.

She was talking about riding a school bus (which won't be an issue anyway). I can’t explain the relieved sigh that came out of my lungs… Add another gray hair to my head.

Disney World, Here we Come!

Well- that's a bit misleading. We're not traveling until Fall. But you can (really, you have to!) book your dining 180 days prior to the day you travel. So... to avoid letting any potential creeps onto our actual travel dates, Ill just say we're booking in the general vicinity of now but the booking process has me so excited!!!!!!!

Plus:
5 days of outfits
+2 cute kids
-------------------
1 mommy who has to get started NOW.
It'll take me that long to decide and conquer! I've found some really cute ideas to get me started:

Wouldn't this be cute with little khaki shorts and a red polo under the tee? (mental note, check weather.com)

And the little extras:
I HAVE to make these mouse ear clips! Click on the ears for the how-to. I thought I'd have to buy these! As crafty as I am, bow-savvy, I am not... But I think I can muster up the courage to attempt two little Minnie Mouse pig-tail clips!

And well duh, mommy needs a bag!

I'm sure I'll have more random posts over the summer about our Disney preparations and revelation...

PS- This is going to be my first project!
Disney Signature Books

He speaks!

Luke has been working on his verbal skills for quite a while. For the last few months we've had:
Ca (say it like you live in New Jersey)- Car
Tuk- TRUCK
DooDoo- Choo choo
Tray- Train
Dawwwwg- Dog
Momeeee- Mommy
Dadeeeee- Daddy
Poppy- Both Papa and Grandpa
Meeeee- Both Mimi and Grandma

I'm know there are others but these are the most common.
This morning, as I was putting him in his car seat and battling the giggling and flailing arms (he thinks it's funny to struggle with me when we're buckling up), he looked square at me and said "where's daddy?" My reply: "oh hunny- he went to work." (the time change has us in a bit of a scramble this week with our morning routine)
Luke: "oh. bye."

I stood for a minute, letting it seep into my caffeine-defficient brain cells that I just had a conversation with him. Granted, it wasn't a Shakesperian Sonnet, but still- we just communicated in a much deeper level than we had before today! I knew it was going to be a good week. I just knew it.

The Important Things

Ok- It has been almost a year since I blogged. LOTS has happened. But, the biggest is that I'm giving up some of my major committments, (I won't name them and make them feel bad) so that I can spend more time on the important things.

The biggest thing that needs my attention is my family. And documenting important family

moments. I've been a bad mom. Well, I've given up documenting in lieu of actually doing things with the kids. So not really a bad mom, just a bad record-keeper.

So, I'm going to promise myself to post once a week, whether it's something tiny, something funny, or something huge. I rely on this as my documentation. (Mommy brain=bad memory)

Don't worry- I'm still working full time for Ralph and monogramming at night. Those weren't the things I'm giving up!

Today's post: Big hiney.

Yep, Emily Grace (in her desire to be big (big girl)) thought she was giving me a compliment by telling me that I had a big hiney.

Her exact words were (as I was bent over tying Luke's shoes while he was rocking in the glider and trying to hit me with a plastic golf club)

"Wow mommy, your hiney is really really big and bigger!" (Bigger? Rub it in, kid.)

And I said "that's not a nice thing to say to an adult"

and she said "That's ok, I like you. I'll be big when I'm 5."

I'm having flash backs to the Kellogg's post-Christmas commercial where the little girl comes down stairs and says "SANTA!" to her mom's rear end while she's bent over digging through the fridge... I'm even wearing the red shirt today.

Does it get cuter than this?

I can't stop watching Luke babble. It puts the BIGGEST smile on my face. I hope you enjoy as much as Chris and I do!!

New Love- Chevron DIY

Most of you know my love for crafty things. I don't blog about crafty stuff NEARLY enough to equal my passion for a good project.

My newest love is for all things chevron!

Check out these plates! And the best part is, this whole project was done for under $5. I see these in my future... especially at a certain little man's first birthday party!!!

***Notice, those spacers in the middle are dollar store candle sticks!***

Instructions at Tatertots And Jello
And I wonder if you could use Stevie's Carbon paper idea from the personalized boxes to make this a little simpler. I love a short cut!

If I only had a spare wall- and maybe not a plaster deer head:

Contact Paper Chevron Wall Art

Can't find chevron fabric? Try this! Nobody will ever know...

How to make Striped Fabric into a chevron patterned pillow

And... best for last! I might try this painting technique on some of those berber floor rugs! I'll start small to see how it works. If my plans go well, I'm picturing a giant white/gray and light blue chevron rug in the dining room... stay tuned.

How to make your own chevron-inspired rug

Save the drive-ins!

I always wanted to live in the days of Jacquie O, A&W drive thru restaurants, pedal pushers and Drive-in movie theaters.

A few years ago, some friends suggested a double date to a not-so-local Drive-in so Chris and I jumped at the opportunity. For $5 a person ($2 for kids) you got two movies for the evening. Where else can you get 6 hours of entertainment for $5 (well, plus gas)??

Being there was like driving into a piece of history (sort of).

You tuned into the movie via your car radio, although I think we watched a total of less than 10 minutes because there was so much going on around us! The experience was complete with a greasy snack stand and high-school crushes in the making, a warm summer evening breeze and lighting bugs all around. It was perfect.

The drive-in we visted was in Eden, NC, a solid hour from our house.

http://www.edendrivein.com/

We found out after that long drive that there was a drive-in 15 minutes from our house! So this summer, I thought we'd put a date on the calendar to go visit the Walkertown, NC drive-in. But, I'm sad to report that it's status is "dark." I can't believe we missed it. It's gone- done forever, or until it lands a new investor- and we never even knew it was there.

I am determined that this summer we will go back to Eden and we will help this little piece of history that has survived since 1955 continue to thrive. Even if it's just once, I want Emily Grace and Luke to experience this little piece of American heritage, before it really is gone...

Check out his website to find drive-ins in your state and help keep the drive-ins alive!

http://www.driveinmovie.com/mainmenu.htm

Chew Toys for Two

Luke AND Zoe are teething at the same time. I cannot explain how much fun we're having...

This morning Zoe lost another one of her baby fangs (as I've come to call them- tooth is an understatement with this animal) and simultaneously Luke was SCREAMING for either a bottle or baby oragel- whichever we could reach first.

Luke is on his third tooth- another bottom guy! The top still looks swollen but I can see the white tip of a bottom tooth that has broken through. That makes 3!


He is actively chewing on anything he can get his hands on which includes but is not limited to:
Paci
Fingers (not just his)
Burp Cloths
My shoulder
My hair
Emily Grace
Emily Grace's hair bows
Chris' phone
Chris' sunglasses
Car seat toys
Car seat
blankets
sheets
spoons
I try not to let a lot of foreign objects into his reach but as you can see, I often miss something.

His favorite made-for-teething toys:
Get this Silver teething ring at Bed, Bath & Beyond and use your 20% coupon. The silver stays naturally cool so you never have to put it in the freezer. It's easy to hold and doubles as a rattle! This silver teething ring is by far is his favorite!

RazBaby silicone teether- Babies R Us.
It is considerably less expensive but also less effective. It's a little large for his mouth and a bit heavy for him to hold at this age, but it's great for him to chew on!



And Zoe's chew toylist includes:
Our new area rug
My favorite blue chair
Coffee table legs
The metal side table legs
The metal bars on her kennel
Kiwi's collar
Kiwi's tail
Emily Grace's hands
Emily Grace's hair
Luke's hands (it's funny, she's not biting them- she likes to get their hands in her mouth and she delicately gnaws on them. Of course I don't LET this happen, when I see it I yell at her to stop. )
Luke's feet
Luke's shoes
Luke's socks (I've now thrown away over 20 socks!)
Luke's car seat (common chew toy)
Luke's car seat toys
Any dirty laundry- jeans, socks, bibs. You name it, she'll chew on it.

Yet the chew/teething toys we've purchased for BOTH of them sit mildly used. I'd never trade these memories in for anything!

This is the song that never ends...

Remember that one? I won't get the lyrics stuck in your head for you. I'm betting the title did that on it's own.

Anyway, the new never-ending song at our house is from daycare. It's actually a diversion tactic at school that also drives people (me) crazy with it's inexplicably simple lyrics.

Emily Grace, Emily Grace, jump up and down
jump up and down
jump up and down

Emily Grace, Emily Grace, jump up and down
and sit...back...down

We have been singing that song ALL weekend. From Friday when we got home to 10 minutes ago when EG went to bed. And we've all had to jump. I hope I burned extra calories from all of the jumping.

She makes us each take a turn:
Emily Grace
Mommy
Daddy
Luke (who LOVES this song, by the way. I don't think it will be leaving our home in the near future...)
Kiwi
Zoe
Bailey (EG still includes her name in EVERYTHING we do as a family)

And then my favorite:

EVERYBODY, EVERYBODY, JUMP UP AND DOWN...

I think this song will be in my head for days.

I was run-nin!

Thank you Dana for the title...
Ladies, lace up your running shoes!


I'm determined to go to the beach looking some-what fit this year. We have a pool membership for the summer and have already paid for a whole week at the beach so I'm not going to waste it on baggy cover-ups and skirted bottoms and sucking in. Sorry- I refuse.


So I've started running and I'm really proud of how far I've come since Little Luke's welcome to the world cracked that pesky rib a few months back...
Now, I know you must be thinking "Meredith is the clutziest person on the world..." and yes, I am.




I am afraid my form on the treadmill isn't the best.


Picture: pant legs flapping, tripping me up, shoe laces constantly coming untied (even from a DOUBLE KNOT!), hair falling out of pony tail and me constantly hitting the ear phone cord that connects my iphone resting on the treadmill to my ears and having to catch my friendly electronic device in mid-air about 3 times during my routine.


So I need some tips from my fellow runners...
Here is my workout for this past week:

Warm up for 5 min.
Walk to .4 miles at a faster than brisk pace
Run .6 miles
Walk .4
Run .6
Walk .4
Run .6

Total: 3 miles, walked 1.2, Ran, 1.8


By the time I get to the end of my .6 segments, I'm so out of breath that I can't get a deep breath. Do you know that feeling? My body can keep going but my lungs can't keep up and that's what's stopping me. The next few days, my body isn't that sore, which tells me I'm strong enough to move forward, but my poor lungs can't keep up. And no, I've never smoked. Any suggestions?


In addition, my Iphone is loaded with a mix of songs that keep me wanting to dance rather than run, but they keep my spirits up and keep me pushing forward (standing still really due to the treadmill):



Taio Cruz "Rock Star" and "Dynamite"

Nelly "EI" and "Ride wit' me"

TI

Chris Brown (I know... sorry)

Katy Perry

Beyonce "Single Ladies" (I'm not single (duh), but I love to wave my hand in the air when she says "if you like it then you shoulda' put a ring on it..." The people in the gym must think I'm crazy)


***Side note- YouTube "Shane Mercado dancing to all the single ladies"- HE IS GOOD! He's been on morning shows b/c he "outdanced" Beyonce' LOOK OUT! It'll make you laugh! I wish I could dance like that- but that's a dream that will NEVER come true... ahhh, memories of Anne's blog about the 41 week pregnant girl who "walked it out..." PLEASE WATCH BOTH VIDEOS! Anyway, here is Shane:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0Rjc7HSt0E&sns=em

And I can't pass up Alicia Keys "Empire State of Mind" for my warm up.


But, the mix is getting a little repetitive. Any other suggestions?


For any of you health nuts out there, I read that if you work out a mere 8 minutes in the morning, you will double your metabolism for the day!


I guess if all else fails, I can always get one of those t-shirt cover-ups that make you look skinny...

Happy Running!

Milestones

The last few weeks have been full of milestones for Little Luke!

December 22, 2010-

He rolled over for the first time but he didn't enjoy it much until the last two weeks. Since he started at daycare, he's been rolling EVERYWHERE!

Feb 6, 2011

Luke started solids. He's doing really well with them- but he likes to eat ALL the time, so this is not surprising news.

Feb 7, 2011

Luke and EG started their new school. It's obvious that they both miss Mrs. Debbie so much- but I know this will be great for them!

Feb 10, 2011

Luke started rolling EVERYWHERE and SITTING UP!!!!

Feb 14, 2011

BOTH bottom front teeth came in! He has a silver teething ring that is all scratched up from those sharp little things. :) I'd post a picture but they're not big enough to see on camera. He barely lets me get my hand in there...

Congrats to my little man!

Queen of Hearts

Happy Valentine's Day!

(I know it's tomorrow but we celebrated today as a family)

I went a little crazy with hearts this year. First, I decided to cut out Emily Grace's personalized Valentine's from scrap book paper and doilies to hand out at school. That didn't come out as cute as I hoped. They have a strict "no candy" policy at school, so we're limited to cards only. I hope Dana posts her sweet treats for Caroline because I'm VERY envious of where her creative talent took her on this confectioner's holiday...

So after one failed attempt, I took EG to Michaels and we got this awesome foam heart kit to make Valentines for her friends. But, she lost control with the glitter glue and foam stickers and that didn't turn out as cute as I hoped either.

Then, I went online, found cute photo mini Valentine's for her to hand out and voila. Done. I did some for Luke too. I thought that even though they aren't home-made, they're still awesome!

But then I was stuck with all of these hearts... so..... I DECORATED!

EG's room took the biggest hit but only because it matched her colors so well.

And after all of that, I felt inclined to have a heart-inspired "brinner" for the fam. YUMMO!

And lastly, (this one touches my heart) Luke's first Valentine for his mommy. :) I love this day!

Stylish Blogger Award

Oh my dream has come true! I've always wanted to be a stylish blogger. And while I know that I'm more "mom & pop" style than "sweet & sassy," I'm tickled to pieces that my dear sweet Ashlee sent me an award! I need my hairbrush- I feel like singing!

So this is how it works:
1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Award 8 recently discovered great bloggers.
4. Contact the bloggers and let them know about the award.

7 things about me:

1- I use too many words. I type 10 when 2 would do. I bet you knew that though...

2- I've had an on-going internal struggle with working vs. staying at home. Long story short, I'm at peace with working. I never thought I would be, but I am. I feel, deep down, that this is right. For now. Plus, the discount at Polo is awesome and it always cheers me up to buy something AMAZING with my sweet little discount.

3- I have been brain-washed with orange. Whenever I look at something online, the first thing that pops in my head is "does it come in orange?" I have enough orange to wear to Clemson games to last until I'm 50. But the search continues. You can never have enough orange.

4-I really like Michelle Obama. And not just because she wears J.Crew or rocks a $35 H&M dress on Regis & Kelly. She makes being an American look amazing.

5-I like to find look-alike clothes that are a fraction of the cost. Target is a great place for knock-offs! (I'm talking to you crew cuts!)

6- I have sprouted 3 gray hairs at 30. All I can do is stare at them in the morning. I refuse to be that old.

7- I WILL WEAR A 2-PIECE AT THE BEACH THIS SUMMER!!! (and I won't be the lady with the pooch. I mean I'll be in shape- in case you didn't get that. 5 K- HERE I COME!)

8 Deserving Bloggers:

Dana at The Doyle Family

Anne at Anne Says So

Emily at And then there were Three AND Emily Elrod Photography

Alle at The Boys and Me

Casey at Keeping Up with the Wilsons

Jamie at The Lindsay Family

Kristen at The McKay Family

Mandy at Taylor-Made Tales

Thanks Friends!

Baby Blues

I can't stop looking at Luke's big blue eyes. I try to get them on camera and rarely succeed. But this past weekend, in the midst of our exhaustion from skiing and a busy Sunday afternoon, I grabbed the camera and got lucky!

A day of updates- 6 Months

Luke is 6 months old! I have a 6 month picture with him wearing the month stickers from Aunt Kate, I promise.

We had his 6 month check up yesterday that included a flu shot, 3 others and an oral vaccine. So he had a total of 5 doses yesterday. He was a bit cranky last night but nothing tylenol and some cuddles couldn't cure.

Weight 18lbs, 5 oz= 66%

Length 27 1/4"= 89%

Head 17 1/4"= 85%

He is also cutting his first tooth! It's not in yet but the doctor could feel it making it's way through. So here we go...

His weight hasn't gone up quite like we thought, but I think that's due to his lack of appetite from the AWFUL double ear infection he's been fighting off this week. The poor little man also has a ruptured ear drum from that infection.

Then we went to check out his helmet at WFBMC and see how it's working. Good news- we only have 2 more months of wearing it instead of 4 more like we originally planned! The picture below baffles me. Look at his cheeks and nose. You couldn't even see his face or his ears from the picture in December!

(12/6/10 and 2/3/11 below)