Interesting article

Today I came across an article on the MSN homepage titled "I Hate My Newborn Baby". Sounds horrible but read it. It's brutally honest about what we think / go through in the very beginning. I had my screaming, crying and kicking moments (and I am not proud to admit it). I know I've learned a lot this past year and I know many of my friends have too. This article will make you appreciate if you had a relatively easy and especially healthy baby. I know how lucky (now) that Tim & I have been. Eli has been a great baby. Now it's full speed ahead into toddler-hood!

Picture time

I know it's all about the pictures. Got some cute ones for you today.

School picture - such a cute boy!

Big boy ready for school this morning

Pushing the trashcan around the kitchen - what fun!!

BTW: Fun stuff tonight....we went to Lowe's and picked up Eli's swingset. Big project for this weekend. Stay tuned for progress photos.

B&N and BNL

Two of my favorite things.....Barnes and Noble and Bare Naked Ladies (the band, not actual naked ladies!). Let me explain.

Barnes and Noble - Tim & I love Barnes and Noble; we love books and reading. Tonight I picked up the copy of 'sTORI Telling' that Tim had ordered for me. I hope to start reading it here shortly after Eli goes to sleep as I luckily don't have to do work tonight. Not one of the more intelligent books that I've read but I'm looking forward to it nonetheless - can't be a brainaic all the time. =)

Bare Naked Ladies - I have been wanting their new kids cd 'Snacktime' and fortunately enough, found it this afternoon at B&N. I opened it right when I got in the car and started listening to it without Eli. I was jammin' when I picked him up from school. I think he'll like it too!

Probably not exciting by many people's standards but these are the little fun things in life that I enjoy. Have a great night!

Survival Mode

Have you ever been so busy (self induced or other) that you feel like you just go into survival mode? That's how I have been for as long as I can remember. Juggling work, trying to be a good Mother, trying to be a good Wife and still maintain my friendships......it keeps you busy!

Last week work was busy as usual (I swear I spend most of my time in meetings!) and then on Friday I had a physical and went to the KidsExchange consignment sale before heading to my parents' house for the weekend. The consignment sale was insane. There were soooo many people there that it was overwhelming. I do not remember the past two times being like that. I was able to find Eli a nice selection of short and long sleeved shirts and three toys. I was hoping to find shirts for him to wear to school and I was successful in that. Can you believe I was shopping in the 2Ts? Yep, that's what some of his shirts are now and definitely where we'll be this fall.

After the sale, I boogied home, loaded up the truck, picked Eli up from school and hit the interstate. Eli did pretty well the first hour, the second hour he slept and then for over an hour and a half, he was a little terror. I stopped 6 times between my house and my parents. Talk about survival mode!!! Looking back on the weekend, I figured out that for every "con" of the weekend, Eli also gave me a "pro". The ride down was definitely a con! My parents were happy to have us and definitely happy to see their grandson. They played and played with him until time for bath and bed. Here comes a "pro" - Eli slept from about 8pm to 7am with only one little waking at 2am. That's almost a record for him. I was worried but he slept well that night. Saturday, my brother & I had planned to go to Carowinds to ride roller coasters but the weather wasn't really cooperating so after lunch I ran around with my Mom visiting my Grandparents. They all seem to be doing well and were very happy to see Eli. He was walking around, showing off and trying to get into everything. We went back to my parents' for a late afternoon nap and then went out to dinner. Eli did ok but he was more interested in the people at the restaurant than his food. More play time, another bath and bed. He didn't sleep as well last night. He went down around 8:45pm and was up several time. At 5am when he wanted to be up ("con"), I pulled him in bed with me and we slept for another hour (thankfully!!). Eli got up and played with Grandma & Grandpa some more before getting fussy. We hit the road around 8am because he was just a fuss-pot. I decided last night to turn his car seat around hoping for a nicer drive home. That was the "pro". It was a much nicer drive home and Eli likes his car seat facing front.

During all of this, I forgot to mention that we left Tim at home. He had a VERY quiet weekend at home. He says he missed us but I think he missed our noise! =) He was waiting for us when we got home and I got a well deserved break from focusing just on Eli. I did chores around the house while Tim followed Eli around. That boy can travel!!

The post was long....sorry. Let me bore you with some pictures from our weekend.

Knocking down Grandma & Grandpa's tower

With Great Grandma

With Great Grandpa

With Great Grandma

Checking out the chickens and gathering eggs

Grandma & Grandpa on the farm

Uncle Billy

I was interested in the funny balls

So cute with Eeyore

Facing forward (shhh, don't tell)

Somewhere on the interstate

Helmet and Sick Boy update

Today was Eli's 15 week helmet check. The boy did some growing over the past 3 weeks. His head grew 1/8th of an inch and all of that growth, based upon the measurements, was in the area that needed it. Woo hoo! Just when I thought we weren't getting any more correction. They shaved quite a bit of foam out of his helmet as it was getting tight in a few areas. I must confess that he didn't sleep in it last night as he seemed a little warm and he isn't sleeping in it tonight - more on that in a sec. I asked them about how much longer he would wear the helmet. He still has his soft spot so it will probably be a while longer because they can still get good correction. I had been in a hurry to get it off but shoot, we've come this far, why short change Eli when there's no real reason to. Plus this way, he'll be a good stable walker by the time it comes off! Next appointment is in three weeks.

Eli made it to school about 10am. It wasn't quite noon when I got "the call". The daycare call that his fever was 102 and he needed to go home. 7 of the 8 kids in his class were either out today or were sent home with fevers. Something ugly is going around. First stop after picking him up was Target to buy a new toy. I've been trying to wait until the consignment sale Friday as he is just not interested in his toys any more. Too many of them are baby-ish and he's ready for big boy toys. With another afternoon at home (we were also home Friday) and almost 100 degrees outside, I felt this sick day warranted a toy. The clearance rack at Target helped us out with a cool Tonka truck that you can push / walk behind / ride - complete with noise making steering wheel! Once we got home, I stripped Eli down to his diaper and that is how he has pretty much been since. He seems to have cooled down quite a bit and even ate some dinner - he ate no lunch or snacks today, not like him at all. He was in better spirits by late afternoon despite having only one 20 minute nap today - CRAZY! Tim is going to stay home with him tomorrow. We'll see how he's feeling and if we need to head back to the doctor. Hopefully he just has a little bug and not another bout of ear infections. Pics of our sick little boy....

Check out my new truck

I pull off the cute sick boy look pretty well =)

11 month birthday...countdown to the big one!

A quick post to wish Eli a Happy 11 Month Birthday. He hasn't been his best today but we did fit in two wagon rides and he was happy during those. I'm really glad we stayed home this weekend. Eli was a handful and full of screaming and tears Friday night. He had a major tummy ache. Not so bad yesterday, only up a few times last night but a total handful today. He was fussy quite a bit and although we can tell he feels better, he's not 100%. Our answer to all the fussines, let's go outside....thus the two wagon rides. Being outside seems to calm him down and gives him lots to look at. Forgot to report stats from Friday's doc visit - 25 pounds, 3 ounces and 30-1/2" long. Told ya he's a big boy!

Helmet appointment tomorrow, we'll see how his progress has been the past three weeks. We're inching every closer to permanent "helmet-free" time. He's much much better on his walking so by the time it comes off, we'll be past the clumsiest phase....thankfully!

Changing plans

I am not a person good at changing plans. If I plan something or tell someone I'll do something, I do it. With Eli here now, my plans aren't always what really happens. This weekend I had planned to take Eli to my parents' house (I think I wrote that earlier in the week) and go ride roller coasters with my brother. Well, Eli has been hoarse and raspy this week and some red spots have popped up on his lips. This combined with not eating as much (or like yesterday not eating lunch at all) had me worried. Took him to the dr today and it just looks like something viral. The thing that sucks about "viral" is that we can't do anything about it. Just wait it out.....ugh. Eli, being the happy boy that he is, still smiles and seems happy....he's just not 100%. So, about a half hour ago (a half hour after I had planned to leave), I changed plans. Now we're staying home this weekend and going to try to take it easy and take care of Eli. I hate disappointing my family and not being there but we'll try again next weekend!

More birthday shout-outs

Tis the season for birthday fun....July and August are very busy months. Eli has lots of friends and everyone is turning "1". Here are today's shout-outs....

ONE: Happy Birthday Elizabeth! I've included a picture of her from this past weekend. We haven't yet convinced Jacque (her mom) to do a blog but she does read all of ours so I know she'll see this. Elizabeth we hope you have had a super fun day.

I'm so cute

TWO: The second birthday shout-out is a little closer to home. ME! Elizabeth & I share a special day. I won't go into my age or anything, let's just say it's over 30. =) Today has been a great day. I've had lots of phone calls, emails and in person happy wishes. As you get older you don't think of your birthday as a big deal but I've sure felt special today. Tim started the day with some very thoughtful gifts and we ended it with some mini-cupcakes and a family walk. I couldn't be happier.

Here are some pictures from our cupcake episode tonight. There were so many cute ones that I just couldn't choose!

Yummmm, cupcakes

Aren't they good Eli?

I'm practicing for my own birthday

Finger lickin' good

Umstead bike ride and party fun

Whew, things have been busy. Can you believe it's Tuesday and I haven't told you about our weekend yet?! So unlike me, just haven't had much time to blog.

This was a fun weekend at home. Can't really remember Friday night - probably some eating, playing, bath time and bed (for all of us!). Saturday morning Tim & I both got up with Eli and, after breakfast, we headed to the Museum of Art to ride the pavement into Umstead. Tim pulled Eli in the bike trailer and I tried to pull my not-so-in-shape self around Umstead. =) I figure with the weight of the trailer and Eli, I was ALMOST equal to Tim in fitness level. We ended up doing about 12 miles and it was great. Eli really seemed to like it. Hopefully we'll have many more weekend morning rides. We went home and played - Eli didn't want anything to do with napping on Saturday - and had lunch together. After lunch, more playing and then later in the afternoon we went to Eli's friend Noah's 1st birthday party. It was so fun to see the birthday boy (and the birthday Daddy, it was Waylon's birthday party too). There were lots of cool things to do. There was an area of water toys, an area under canopy of regular toys and then lots of food and drink. Eli got kinda fussy so we didn't get to see Noah have his cake but we know it was yummy.

Sunday was a much better napping day. Eli let us sleep in until 7am - first time EVER! Then we had breakfast and watched the Tour. Everything we ate that day was off of yellow plates to celebrate the yellow jersey and the Tour. Usually Tim & I have a big Tour party but this year was just a small one with Eli, introducing him to the race. He took a morning nap, we then ran errands and then an afternoon nap. I think he was making up for no naps on Saturday. Sunday after dinner, we went to Rex Hospital to see a friend of ours, Richard, who had open heart surgery last Thursday. He looked great and Eli had so much fun roaming around the room and walking into the hallway to see if he could find other people. He even walked down and peeked into someone's room - it gave them a good laugh and a smile.

To sum it up, it was a good family weekend. Nothing too exciting but definitely busy. This upcoming weekend, Eli & I are headed to my parents' house. Grandma is going to keep Eli on Saturday so I can go ride roller coasters with my brother. I'm so excited - it has been almost 2 years. Let's hope I can still handle them!! Tim will have a quiet weekend but we'll be sure to leave him a nice honey-do list. =)

Faster Daddy Faster!!

Tim and the equalizer trailer

Eli, Elizabeth and Birthday Boy Noah playing in the water

Fun water time

911 can I help you.....hello?

THAT is what I heard today when Eli was playing with the telephone. I was sooo freaked out! He usually plays with the phone but has never actually called anyone. Well, today, he pushed the worst possible buttons. I grabbed the phone when I heard a lady talking and it was a 911 operator. I had to explain to her that my baby was playing with the phone and I was sorry. I hope I don't get in big trouble. No more phone for Eli!

We have a walking little boy....

Who needs crawling? Eli is getting really good at walking. Tonight he did about 50 feet through the house, changing direction and balancing along the way. Amazing how much his walking progressed in just a few days. He still can't stand from sitting, he has to pull up on something first but there's no denying the boy can walk now!!

Here's a little clip of him in action.

4th of July ...... busy busy

Oh my goodness, for not actually going anywhere for the 4th holiday, we sure were busy here around our house. Tim's parents came to visit us for the weekend and help us with some projects. They got here Thursday afternoon and the planning began. First order of business, Tim & his dad were to work on fencing in our back yard. Friday morning, off they went to Lowe's for supplies and they hit it with a bang. At the same time, Tim's mom did some magnificent weeding in our plant beds. I'm not good with plants and have never really cared....until now. Something like that happens when you grow up (don't worry, I'm not fully there yet!). It was a busy day. In the afternoon, Tim's mom played with Eli and I was able to move some rocks and do some raking. After a full day's work, we enjoyed hamburgers and a good ole fashioned cookout.

Saturday Tim's mom and I ran some errands. We looked at some furniture and then I decided that Eli HAD to have a wagon...THAT day. I was so determined that he needed a wagon. We went to one store, had them call another and then ended up at a completely different store. Wagon mission was accomplished and I was very happy. Tim & his dad continued working outside while I took Eli on a wagon walk. He absolutely loved it. He smiled the entire time he was in it. (He still does two days later!) Saturday night we did take-out from Boston Market because it was storming quite a bit. We also had some monster thunderstorms Friday night - we can't possibly be in a drought right now.

Oh yeah, Tim & I are quite excited that it's Tour de France time. July is our favorite month of the year because we love the Tour. Now we have something to watch on tv every day for the next 21 days!!

Sunday, Tim's parents left fairly early and we just watched the Tour while Eli took his morning nap. Then it was a few errands and lots of play time before going to our friends Carol & Kevin's house (Ryan's parents) for a cookout. The boys had so much fun playing together and it was pretty chaotic. Tina & Tim also came with Lexi so with three kids all over the place...well, you can imagine! Eli was into most everything and I joked with Carol that Eli is their two week warning. Whatever he was into, Ryan is not too far behind. We ate yummy food and enjoyed the company of friends. A great way to end the holiday weekend.

So let's sum up our weekend.......yard work, eating, playing, eating, nap time for Eli, more playing and eating...it was a play-apooloza weekend! We enjoyed our time with family and friends and hope you had a fun holiday as well!

Tim & Grandpa working on the fence

Progress on our flower bed project

Eli pushing the cozy coupe in the yard - it's all about walking these days!

Grilling with Daddy

Fun wagon time

Mommy & Eli on his first wagon ride

Playtime with Grandma

Hanging with Grandpa

Happy Birthday Noah!

Eli wanted to wish his pal Noah a very Happy 1st Birthday. Hope you had a great day!!

Poison Ivy, Oak or something splotchy

About a week ago, bumps developed on my (Evia's) lower left leg. It didn't hurt or itch, just red bumps. I thought maybe I got bit by ants or something. Then the red bumps spread on that leg and now they're on my right leg. Hmmmm....what is this? Well, my mom (self-proclaimed expert on all things poison ivy related) is telling me that it's poison ivy or oak. She said that it surfaces about 3 days after exposure - well, I WAS cleaing out Belle's pen on that Saturday - that would make 3 days. The weird thing is that it still doesn't itch. It's ugly and I don't like wearing anything that shows my lower leg right now but it doesn't really bother me. I've started Caladryl treatments to hopefully dry it up. Mom also told me that I could use bleach on a cottonball to help dry it up. I'm going to give the Caladryl a few days and see what happens. How bizarre is this? Poison ivy with no itching.....I must just be lucky.