Mommy's Vacation

This week was AWESOME! I could totally get into being a SAHM . . . if I could still send the kiddos to dayschool. I actually really enjoyed our time together last week when we were home as a family. But I forget about myself during those times and I really needed the break this week.

There was a comfortable pattern to my days - I would get the kids off to daycare with Disco, clean for an hour, exercise for 15 minutes (don't want to over do it just yet!), take a hot bath, pump, and then the afternoon was an assortment of more cleaning, errands, and pumping. I enjoyed zipping around town in my little 5 speed hatchback with the sunroof open. There was a reason we got a sporty version - momma likes speed! I also got sucked into the Twilight series recently and enjoyed taking some time to read for fun. But the dayschool will be closed the rest of the week and so MY vacation is over. It was a nice 3 days. Can't wait for another mommy vacation in July!

Sassy Hair!

Big sis received her FIRST HAIRCUT today. I know her hair was getting a bit shabby. . . but the thought of this particular milestone was hardest for me. I was afraid to chop off her cute little curls - fearful they wouldn't grow back. They were so delicate and not exactly prolific. Also, have you seen my hair? I choose easy, lengthy haircuts on purpose! Mommy doesn't have time for frill these days - and I can't imagine managing additional locks as well. No bangs was another must!

It was a pretty exciting event! She was so willing and eager at the salon. Ms. A was awesome at explaining what she would do and when. Big sis sat in a special tall, yet miniature salon chair. And she was EXCELLENT the whole time!!!!! No whining or crying - completely patient. Even when she had to wait for me to get my locks trimmed as well. Such a big girl!!!! (And there were still curls left)

Before . . .

Princess Leia . . .

First Cut . . .

Sassy New Hairdo!!!!!!

New Year's Resolution

So a friend posted her New Year's Resolutions recently. Thought it was a great idea so here is what I am attempting this year.

Baby steps: I fail at exercise goals so often. And these last 15 lbs of baby weight aren't disappearing. I'm tired of finding gentle ways of telling people that "no, I am not pregnant - just haven't unloaded the residual baby weight". So instead of breaking down and buying new clothes just yet I am taking baby steps. 5 minutes of rowing as many days a week I can make it, walking with co-workers at lunch, and doing baby/toddler yoga when the kiddos and I need some sanity.

12 Month Goals: My work has a program where you do one healthy thing each month. Get a yearly physical, eye exam, or dental exam. Buckle your seat belt, begin an exercise program, bring your lunch to work, less fast food, drink more water, etc. At the end of 2009 there is a drawing for prizes. So I hope I make it all 12 months because it will be a good way to create healthy habits and who can pass up prizes?!? Maybe this accountability will be a good thing too.

Something just for me: I haven't figured out what this will be yet. Disco and I both have classes we have to take this spring (eternal students) and I barely keep my head above water juggling work, kids, Disco, and home as it is. So I want this to be something I look forward to and enjoy, something that does not become a chore or a disappointment when I can't get to it, and preferably free. It will require some more thought but I will figure it out soon.

So there it is - and with the new year around the corner I better find some motivation soon!

Christmas Day

This Christmas was magical! Big sis was really into the presents and little man was all smiles all day (even though he has been teething for a week and the second top middle tooth STILL has not pushed through - he didn't have as many smiles the next day).

Staying home and hosting this year was a special bonus. After everyone left I realized a couple of things about hosting:
1) Must make list in future years of who gave what - big sis was tearing through the packages so fast and I don't know what all she got (or who gave it!)
2) Frozen pizza may be faster to "prepare" when Disco and I have two kids to chase all day!

The kiddos were blessed with many toys, etc - and so were Disco and I. The best gift by far: Bondo gave me a trip to the dump. If you have seen our yard recently you would know how wonderful this present is!

We hope all of your families enjoyed the love and peace this holiday season brings. As usual - Disco's pictures say it all. Enjoy!

Fruit in the stocking - more interesting than the camera Santa brought.

Almost got it little man . . .

Cute pic with Daddy

Couldn't resist the hat! And doesn't little man's outfit remind you of grandad?

Bondo and his girls - all grown up with tree branches (and a future trip to the dump!)

Christmas Eve

Both kiddos fell asleep on the way to Christmas Eve service. We turned back once and debated the pros and cons of going to church vs going back home. But in the end it was too important to miss and I didn't want to wake up at 5 am with big sis b/c she fell asleep too early. So we made it to the service.

Not that I could leave kiddos the whole service, but there was no nursery tonight. Big sis and little man did as well as they could but neither was able to sit through 1.5 hours of "big church". To tell you the truth that was too long for me too!!!!

I am glad we went - I love the music and the message on Christmas Eve. Big sis was ecstatic that she knew the words to "Joy to the World". Little man was active but fairly quiet - we did have get up and bounce quite a bit. My favorite part is when we sing Silent Night as we leave the sanctuary - lights dim with candles glowing. We all meet for one last verse on the church steps. It is very moving and beautiful. Of course as soon as we hit the steps big sis was yelling "lets go do something".

So we packed everyone back up to go home, attempted the ill-fated Christmas PJ photo below, left milk and cookies for Santa (carrots for the reindeer), read several Christmas books, and then both kiddos hit the sack. Disco and I cooked and cleaned for a while. It was a nice evening - and we even finished everything BEFORE midnight!

You better not pout . . . (hope Santa isn't watching!)

Grandma's Fudge

We had a great pic tonight of the kiddos NOT wanting a cute picture in their Christmas PJs. But Disco and I are busy preparing for Santa and such so the picture and description of our Christmas Eve will have to wait.

As usual during 2008, we are running behind again. So tonight, FINALLY, we had time to make fudge. My grandmother found the recipe for "Fantastic Fudge" in the newspaper sometime in the 1950's. It is super easy, requires all sorts of decadent unhealthy ingredients, and takes very little time to prepare. But I really like making it because it reminds me of my grandma.

The last few years my grandmother was alive we added to our holiday tradition "lessons in fudge". She was so proud of this recipe (she even had the original newspaper clipping of it!). I used to have a copy written in her own handwriting but we can't find it. It was covered in sugary splatters and our dog looked pretty suspicious shortly after I discovered it missing . . .

Making this fudge recipe was something my grandparents made together during the holidays. Something I didn't appreciate fully until after she was gone. Disco was a part of my life the last couple of years my grandmother was with us and he learned her methods as well. Now, they really go against his definition of "cooking" b/c the directions aren't set in stone and there are no precise measurements. But he is a good sport and we work together on this one project in the kitchen. Otherwise he cooks and I clean.

I am sure grandma would be proud that we continue this tradition with only a few minor adjustments. And I know all of our family is glad the fudge making continues because it is often requested and gobbled up during our holiday gatherings!

Fantastic Fudge:
1 tsp vanilla
18 oz chocolate chips (or 2X 12 oz bags - this recipe is fairly flexible, we use semi-sweet)
1 jar marshmallow creme (the BIG one, 13oz)
Mix above ingredients in large bowl

1 large can of evaporated milk (12 oz)
5 cups of sugar
1 quarter lb of butter (1 stick)
Bring these 3 ingredients to a boil
Cook for 5 minutes

Pour "molten lava" over marshmallow/chips/vanilla
Mix QUICKLY
Add 1 cup of chopped pecans (if desired)

Pour into 1 - 9X13 greased pan

Best to let sit covered overnight before cutting

HINT: Prep everything before turning on the heat - you move quickly once the boiling begins!

FINAL NOTE: We realize this is VERY similar to the recipe on the Marshmallow Creme jar. Ssshhh - we never pointed that out to grandma!

Merry Little Vampire

Little man is teething and those top middle teeth are on their way in. If you open the picture up to take a closer look you can see that one of them has broken the skin already. So we had to document our little "vampire fangs" b/c they were too cute. I love his little vampie grin! All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth . . .

Foxy Little Man!

We wised up - it was time for new fabric for a backdrop. The brown sheet had to go! So when our local fabric store was having a pre-holiday sale this week we jumped at it. Thanks catlady for sharing your foxy set with us - we think little man was super cute in it!

Wow!

I am amazed - we have been fighting with little man to go to sleep for several nights. As you know, I can only last 5 minutes of crying before going back to him. All of a sudden tonight it worked! After two attempts at 5 minutes of crying little man gave up and went to sleep!!!!! SO much different than big sis. I thought babies putting themselves to sleep was just a myth . . .

Our Real Santa Babies

During our "ice day", Disco and I attempted a second homemade studio Santa Baby session. It was no easier than our first attempt. This is what really happens during these photo sessions - giggles and grumps. I thought you all should see the truth behind our pictures . . .

Sweet pout!

Where is little man?

(notice they have totally pulled down our brown "backdrop" aka sheet by this point).

Bottoms Up!

Uh-buhpll

Oh little man has a new trick! He makes this weird sound, like the mix between a raspberry and "buh". Obviously repeating his new sound, "uh-buhpll", makes him a big kid now. Our little creature of habit, who normally goes to bed about 6ish, decides he doesn't have to go to bed. So as I try to follow his nightly routine - solid veggie/fruit goodness, playing with his feet (his requirement, not mine), bath, breastfeeding - he repeats "uh-buhpll" over and over again. It is really cute! Until he refuses to settle and go to bed because he needs to sit up and repeat this sound OVER AND OVER again.

So I am forced to let him do a little crying out. Everyone should know I am AWFUL at letting my kids cry it out. I never make it more than 5 minutes. Disco is the only one who can really wait it out properly. I envy some of our friends because they are very consistent with the Ferber method and it works well for them. But I have to keep myself distracted and during the day that is easy - I place little man in his crib with his blankie and mobile, sleepy but not asleep, and run away to the laundry room for 5 minutes. Usually he is out by the time I get back. But not at night - he is still very much a cuddler before bed.

So I put little man down after another breastfeeding attempt and immediately log into the computer to start blog hopping. I am all caught up on my friend's blogs so I check up on the baby girl who swallowed a battery recently - she is doing much better by the way. Of course all of the ups and downs her parents continue to face sends me to tears. About the same time little man's usual grunts/whines turn into his "oh my goodness you REALLY hurt my feelings now!" cry. You know the cry - if you could see his face he would be crying for several long seconds before any sound erupted. Big sis was great at this cry but little man saves it for important messages of sadness only.

So I run to his crib, pick him up, and we cuddle all teary eyed for a little bit before he drifts off to sleep. I guess even with a new trick he isn't quite ready to be a big kid tonight. And obviously neither am I!

Backseat conversations

We love the stream of consciousness conversations big sis has in the backseat of the car. Here is one from this past weekend. Big sis never really paused between any of the following statements/questions:

Wow look at those cars! (we had just passed a semi pulling 6-7 large pick-up trucks) Remember Hershey? (our dog) I want Madagascar. (a movie that we haven't watched in weeks) Drop me at my house I pick Madagascar up. (Disco did not oblige)

I also love how much laughing and giggling the kiddos do while riding in the car! And I get a regular update on little man from big sis "he's not awake", "he spit up", "he not happy". Of course her attempts to comfort him if he cries are also sweet! My favorite is "oh, is ok buddy, I here."

Santa, Pirates, and Kobe

So we started our Saturday off with a typical holiday tradition - pictures with Santa. Unfortunately, we have no photos as of yet to commemorate the event. We went to Gaga and Bondo's church for the event. The invite stated "children will receive a goodie bag and photo with Santa". What we got was a goodie bag and professional photographer who charged for the pictures. Gaga splurged for the photos - and little man's should be CUTE! Big sis was a bit more hesitant but at least she finally got in Santa's lap. Both kiddos had a great time visiting with Gaga and her church family!

Then we went to one of our little buddy's b-day party - a grand pirate extravaganza! We decided to dress the part and Disco and I enjoyed creating a gnarly pirate vest for big sis. Little man borrowed a vest from another costume and both kiddos wore their bones shirts one more time. It was pretty fun getting everything together and the party was fabulous!

Our final destination that day was a b-day celebration for Aunt K at Kobes - she turned 30 this year. It was a bit much to expect little man to sit through so he spent a fun-filled hour with Grandmother and Grandad. Gaga, Bondo, Aunt K, Disco, big sis, and I enjoyed the pyrotechnics of our chef. Big sis thought the whole experience was pretty cool! And she actually ate some of the food - broccoli "trees" included.

It was a busy day but we had a lot of fun!

Today We Play!

Friday afternoon and evening all we did was play. Big sis rode her bike, Disco took some pictures, little man laughed and giggled with everyone, and I got a little crafty. After being stressed out all week that I just can't seem to keep up with work, home, and family - I gave up. It will never happen. We will just be a fun family that does things together and you are all welcome to join us. But don't expect a clean house, food in the fridge, folded laundry, or finished projects when you visit. Thanks catlady for listening all week - I needed it!! Here are some of my favorite moments from that evening - enjoy!

Santa Babies

So here is this year's homemade studio Christmas shots. There are many ways to experience what ends up being extra stress over the holidays. Some people fight the holiday crowds shopping, others trip over themselves in the kitchen baking, while some families enjoy a good fight during tree trimming (remember that fun Aunt K?!?). We like to create our own holiday stress taking Christmas pics of the kiddos.

I do have to say that it went smoother than in year's past. Disco had more/better equipment, I did not dress anyone in their festive Santa suits until Disco was absolutely ready, and in general we expected the chaos and frustration of the experience. Big sis cried several times and went in time out twice (notice there are no pics of her on her own - very grumpy girl!), everyone was hot, little man had no interest in staying in whatever position we placed him in, and I am sure we raised our voices more in that 15 minutes than any other time of the day. Good times! And cute pics - enjoy!

There went Christmas!

It has amazed me how much adding one little baby to the family and 800 square feet to our house has cost us this year! We aren't eating beans yet (well not for every meal), but the budget is a little tighter than usual. Last week, on top of everything else, our 10 year old pal mags had to get surgery to repair her ACL. She is an agile dog and all those twists, turns, and jumps throughout the years has taken a toll on her legs. She had been limping off and on since we moved back home in August. By the end of October it became a constant condition. Fortunately, the surgery was less than we anticipated - but it still wasn't cheap.
So please enjoy these pics of our faithful friend the magster. Because maggie mags more than finished off what little Christmas budget we had. Hand made gifts, pictures of the kiddos, yummy sweets, and the Dollar Tree may be the route we take this time around. Thankfully, Santa stockpiled sale items throughout the year so big sis and little man will enjoy Christmas morning. The B-M household has a 3 gift limit anyway, if it was good enough for baby Jesus then it is good enough for us!

Missing genes

Today I had to give my first lecture since graduate school. Last year I made the leap from immunotherapy (of ovarian cancer) to molecular epidemiology (of breast cancer). More or less I moved from immunology to genetics. I love immunology. I loath genetics. It was a career move that made me think twice for sure. But I actually really like what I do - I spend more of my time managing details than talking about genetics.


I gave a speed lecture, a term I use to describe the result of my nerves mixed with my already fast speech pattern and the strong need for this lecture to be OVER - surprisingly no one had time to ask me questions. Score! I know it will get better - I am still getting used to the language of my new field and my new role.


On my drive home I thought of one of my favorite professors - an awesome mentor, teacher, fellow beer drinker, and friend. He passed away just after little man was born. I met him in college when I needed help starting my independent research project - and yes, it involved genetics! Little did I know that he would be a part of my future graduate school experience - a collaborator of my advisor and a large contributor to my project. We always laughed about the fact that his sheer enthusiasm for an experiment was what made it work! He had so much energy and was incredibly bright and creative. His sense of humor was priceless - he took the photo below at a meeting in Montreal we all attended. It took me a minute the first time I saw this to see the humor in it!
His perspective made him a good photographer and researcher. And his life was much too short. He was there when I began my research "career" (if you can call a college independent project such). And now I am moving forward. I am sure I could get all sappy and talk about how he is "watching me from above". But if that was the case, he would have a cigar in one hand and a beer in another cracking some joke with God. I miss his genes.

6 Months Old!

Oh how the time is flying little man! I can't believe we are at 6 months already.

Just this past week or so he has become obsessed with his feet. Which as you can see from the photos makes for a difficult time at diaper changes. We literally let him play with his feet for 15 minutes while I played with the different settings on my point and click digital camera.


He cut "fangs" this week (not really his canines but since it wasn't his top two middle teeth there will be a fang effect - kind of hope those two front teeth hold off for a bit so we can get some cute pics!). There is some major attempts at sitting on his own - and he does pretty well for a little bit - he usually falls when he gets distracted by toys or big sis. He hates the face plant so I am still keeping pillows close by! What he really wants to do is move from his belly to sitting on his own but that will take more time to develop. You can see the process of his attempts but he just isn't quite there yet. Our busy little man loves his veggies and fruits now. There is a lot more interest in mealtimes and it is nice to eat as a family again. The dogs recently showed up on his radar and if they are in the room he is watching and laughing. And, as always, big sis is his favorite family member. No one makes him laugh like she does although Disco and I can get our fair share of giggles. Still one happy little man!

Disco's Whole Hog Birthday

Disco turned 35 this year. So what did we do to celebrate? Tailgate! It was cold and we were all pretty grumpy by the time we left the cold/rainy stadium. Thankfully we had no plans to actually attend the Hog's game this year - just to eat and visit with friends. Little man finally cut his "fangs" and was in a much better mood. And we stopped to see a few "purple" fans (big sis was so jealous of the opposing team's color choice!). Happy 35 Disco!

Day 2 of Thanksgiving

So here are a few family photos of our second day of the Thanksgiving extravaganza (day 3 of my birthday, and day 1 of Disco's birthday - we like to celebrate a lot!). Again, it was nice to enjoy the day without rushing along - little man was a bit grumpy b/c he was teething but otherwise we all had a fun time. The weather was beautiful!

Day 1 of Thanksgiving

We had a good time celebrating the first day of Thanksgiving (and the second day of my birthday) with Gaga, Bondo, and Aunt K on Wed, Nov 26th. It was very nice to take our time and enjoy the day without rushing. As always, we are thankful for another year with family and friends! We didn't get any pics of the kiddos with the family - Gaga was busy cooking and Bondo was at work until dinner. Which left Aunt K, Disco and I time to corral kiddos and help cook when possible. But after dinner Disco and I drug big sis out for a bit of a photo session. Little man is sick and quite a grump so his photo session will have to wait for a better day. But these pics of big sis were pretty cute!

get NEW PANTS!!!

12 noon Wednesday November 26th

Setting: Gaga's house, Thanksgiving celebration (woo hoo, one day early!!), everyone is scattered in different rooms

Big sis: (very softly) I need to potty

Me: (feeding little man AGAIN) Can someone please help her in the potty?

Disco: I've got it

Big sis: (now in the bathroom) get NEW PANTS!

Disco: What?

Gaga: Does she need something?

Big sis: get NEW PANTS!

Aunt K: (laughing hysterically)

Little man: (smiling)

Big sis: get NEW PANTS!

Me: Sigh (and also smiling, so much for the cute outfit today!)

Gobble Gobble

We hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving! I know it is an "invisible holiday" between Halloween and Christmas. But we generally have one long week of celebrations for our household. Disco and I both have b-days this week. Of course there are two family dinners to attend (but thankfully not on the same day this year - thanks aunt K, we seriously LOVE your crazy work schedule!!). Some tailgating on Friday with those transplanted LSU fans (Go Hogs!). And this year we are trying to gather all of the camo we can find to attend the duck calling contest and check out all that noise in Stuttgart. Since big sis' favorite uncle is visiting as well it should be a fun week (sidenote: big sis told us tonight God does not live at our house, he lives with her uncle in Colorado. So we decided that between running against Obama this year and being God's roommate he must keep a hectic schedule).

Here is little man's ode to "Happy Thanksgiving Charlie Brown", another one of our holiday favorites!

Don't let the bugs out!

When we tell big sis goodnight, we say "Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite". She replies "Sleep tight, don't let the bugs out!" I had to write it down or we would forget this cute little twist!

Dorfey

Big sis watched the Wizard of Oz for the first time this past week - and she is already addicted. It is one of my favorite movies - Gaga taught me well when it comes to the classics. I've even been known to sing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" in my dreams. Of course I am in perfect tune during slumber - cover your ears when I belt it out otherwise! We know big sis is way too young for certain parts - when I turned it on Disco's first comment was "flying monkeys". But so far neither the wicked witch nor her minions have started making guest appearances in big sis' dreams. Which is lucky because she is quite offended if you try to fast forward or skip any of the movie - believe me, we have tried.

The cutest thing, which melts my heart, is watching her reaction to the songs and dancing. She giggles at the munchkins, sings with "Dorfey", and dances right along with the scarecrow. Several days this week she put on her ruby slippers and announced she was "Dorfey" before she went about her adventures. Today she picked up some random fairy wand from a costume and decided that she was leaving "in the bubble". It took me only a split second to realize that she had transformed to Glenda the Good Witch with that one accessory.

Oh this is the fun part - watching her fall in love with a movie we know so well. Good night little Dorfey - sweet dreams over the rainbow!

Let's go camping . . .

We all know Disco really enjoys the outdoors - he went hiking and took some nature pics on Saturday. Unfortunately it was a bit of a trip for little man and way too cold. But he wore his "Let's go Camping" onesie just the same. Some day soon I hope we can all get out to the woods again!

Silly Daddy

Here is one of our random pics of Disco with the kiddos - just thought it was cute! Disco is usually the one behind the camera so we don't document as many of these fun moments as we should. This was taken when Disco had "two babies" wrestling and giggling on the couch. Just like many dads, he can be pretty silly!!

Save the Date!

Big sis debuts once more in her dayschool Christmas program. On Dec 11th she will perform some soon to be named Christmas tune with her class. So be on the watch thereafter for this year's clip. Here is part of last year's performance so you know what to expect (mainly from the crappy videographer aka me!). She was so proud of this little performance - she made us watch the tape over and over again!

Here's what I think about your pears . . .

Little man started fruit last week. I think Nov 10th was the official start for applesauce. We quickly moved on to pears. So far he thinks very little of fruit - he isn't so keen on the taste or texture. All he does is play with the spoon and spit everything back out at you (with sound effects!).

The Adventures of Action Man

Yes, our little man has gone the way of most 5 1/2 month olds - he needs to be moving ALL the time. Gone are the quiet days when he just sat and watched big sis run through the house. He thinks he needs to be flying after her! If you hold him up on your hip or shoulder he immediately starts to wiggle in order to drop down to what we call the "superman" position. It is like carrying a giggling football around the house! Last night he was laughing out loud when he "walked" to big sis. I know walkers aren't the safest baby invention but I am very tempted to look into one so I don't have to hold him up all the time for his "walking" adventures. Oh, and did I mention that EVERYTHING goes in his mouth!

I spy . . . a snake!

This is what our bathroom countertop looks like on a normal day. Big sis has taken over! And our favorite part is the addition of the snake. I love how it is just a random part of her hairbow and bracelet collection. I wish I had taken a picture of the time she carefully put all of her rubber caterpillars down for a nap on her princess pillow.