Technorati Claim Code

FK6H8SVBRHP8

Read more...

The Park and the New & Improved Office

We went to the park with A & her son N today. Gorgeous weather, good company, and swings. What more could you ask for?

While waiting, we took a stroll by the fish pond.



And then it was time for .... SWINGS!!!! WHEEEEE!!!!! This was Aiden's first time on the swings, and he. Loved. It.



Hey, N! How's it going over there?





And then it was time to camp out, play with toys and eat mulch.





And then there were the roosters. Go figure. Roosters at the playground. They came out of the woods next to the playground and were just hanging out. A thought it was pretty cool. I was not so amused. She promised to kick their funky rooster butts if they tried any funny business.



And finally, the office. Our neighbor finished putting in the french doors in the office and they look phenomenal. I can't wait to see it finished with the shelving in a few weeks. It looks like the doors were totally part of the original construction, too. Three thumbs up for this guy.



And while DH is at the Eagles concert, I took it upon myself to reorganize his office. I think this will be better rather than have him facing off into a corner. I want to take apart the current shelves and make a credenza for him on the wall with the french doors. He's going to be surprised! (He knew I was planning to do it, but not tonight.)



And then some random things.

Last night, I went to see Revolutionary Road with K. It was great. Very dark and awkward, but so thought-provoking and disturbing. After I finish some of the books I have on hand, I'll be picking up that one.

My Oscar pug is doing a million times better. The adequan treatments are working wonders - he is responding magnificently. It's almost like the arthritis and displaysia aren't bothering him at all. He has to have 7 more shots over the next 3.5 weeks, and then we drop to once a month. Dr. R was right on with this. I'm so glad he's not in any more pain.

Turtle's 9 month check up is tomorrow morning. I really love our pedi. I spent about 20 minutes on the phone wtih the nurse this morning, reviewing Turtle's vaccine schedule and making a plan to discuss tomorrow (he doesn't get any shots tomorrow, but I want to make some decisions before he gets the 12 month ones). I'm a little concerned about the MMR vaccine, simply because it's so many live viruses being injected into such a little guy (ok, not really little, but you know what I mean). Our pedi is fine splitting up the shots and delaying them til we're more comfortable, so I just want to confirm the best course of action for us. I'll be sure to check in tomorrow with stats.

And just 4 more days til Mom and Dad get here! Yay! I am so excited to see them. It's just so great that they are able to spend a few weeks with us and even get in a little honeymoon in Sanibel. I'm glad they can take that time. So the countdown is on!

Read more...

Videos!

We have two fantastic clips from this weekend.

Up first, Turtle learns to clap. However, he doesn't like performing when the camcorder comes out, and his puppy, Bentley, doesn't like that the baby is getting all the attention. Hijinks ensue.



Next up - Turtle loves to stand and is working on getting his balance so he can do it on his own. He's getting there...

Read more...

Ladies & Gentlemen, Children of All Ages!

That's right. We went to the circus today.

DH won free tickets through facebook, amazingly enough and we decided to give it a shot. After all, if Turtle couldn't handle it, it wouldn't be any money out of pocket. But we'll get to that.

Check out this cute military cap! Yes, I am aware that it does not match Turtle's outfit, but we were just trying it on. I got a fantastic deal on it from The Children's Place ($5.10!!!), along with a bunch of other things all on clearance. He's growing out of things sooo fast. It's just crazy.



Next up, check this out! Our neighbor is a contractor and he is enclosing our office so that DH has a little more privacy for work. On Friday, he came over and hung the French doors. He did such an amazing job. It's awesome how meticulous and careful he is with everything. He'll be back on Monday to finish painting it and putting on the hardware.

When he's done with that, I'm going to rearrange DH's office and make it a little more comfortable and welcoming. After that, our neighbor will come do the built in bookshelves and the crown molding on the kitchen cabinets. It's so great getting everything done. I also want to pick up paint and start working on the loft this week. It will be a big job, but I would love to get the stairwell painted.





And last but not least, the circus. Turtle made it about an hour, which is far longer than I expected. He loved the lights and the music, bt then, after he had his bottle, I think he got a little overwhelmed. We took him out to the concourse to see if we could calm him down and he was ok with that, but had no interest in going back inside.




Dad, the elephants smell funny.

(I also wanted to include this link http://www.elephantcenter.com/. This is for the Ringling Bros. Elephant Conservation Center. I guess with all the protesters regarding the inhumane treatment of circus animals, Ringling Bros. has made a move to do something positive. I hope that the elephants aren't mistreated in any way, and that Ringling Bros. really is doing its part to help with the continuation of the elephant population in the world. )

Read more...

Gymboree with Mommy & Daddy!

DH got an email from Gymboree for "open gym" times. This is included in our package, but I normally don't take Turtle because I just didn't think he would really get into it. Apparently, I was wrong.

Dh and his boy had a phenomenal time. It was really great to see them having so much fun together.

Read more...

Around the house

First up, our master bedroom is painted. I knocked it out between Turtle's naps yesterday. My arms and knees are paying for it today though.

The color is Behr's Cup of Cocoa. I love it. I am now in the process of scoping out rods and drapes and for the windows. In addition, we have a huge mirror that matches our furniture that needs to be hung. And we will be hanging more b/w 11x16 prints in gallery frames around the room.



We definitely need to fill up that side of the room - I want to get a chaise lounge and some silk trees.



And let's revisit the master bath, where I've finally got some artwork on the walls. It's a piece I bought at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival about 8 years ago. I finally framed it (40% off the 16x20 frame at Michael's), and it's the perfect finishing touch.



Someone is getting better about standing. He loves it.



And thanks to A's careful eye, Bentley is now sporting a "not listening" t-shirt. He is humiliated at having to wear clothes, but we think he'll get over it. Also, despite what it says, it seems to make him listen better. Hmmm. Ironic. I think he's precious. (And well worth my almost walking away from the stroller with my diaper bag and wallet. Don't worry - Turtle was not in the stroller at the time of my near-abandonment. Apparently, I left my brain at home today.)

Read more...

Inauguration Day

Today, January 20, 2009, the first bi-racial President of the United States was sworn into office. Barack Obama became this nation's 44th President, and it was really a momentous day.

Of course, Turtle had no idea what was going on, but he woke up from his nap just in time for the big speech.



Cool - I like this floor, mom.


Hey! Who's that guy? What's he doing in the big box?


Yay! This is fun!



And my personal favorite: even President Obama gets raspberries.

On a personal note, it was an exciting day. I don't really stick to traditional party lines, but I am excited to see what kind of changes Obama can create in this country. Times have been tough for everyone and I hope that things can be turned around and soon.

Of course, I don't envy any President: it's a thankless job and everyone's a critic. However, I love my country, and I hope that this is the start of a brighter future.

Read more...

Uh oh

We're having such a great time. Uncle J came to visit us on business and we've had such a wonderful time.

Uncle J brought a fun guitar for Turtle from him, Aunt J and Cousin M. It's awesome!



Tuning up for his solo.



I'm ready for my stage dive!



And check this out, people. Someone is pushing up on his knees! He hasn't figured out quite where to go, yet, but he's ready and willing to be on the move. Gah!!!!



Of course, when all else fails, we can always just roll over!

Read more...

Somebody's standing.

Which means that Mommy and Daddy are in T-R-O-U-B-L-E.

But first, we have Mr. Roly-Poly. He was hanging out in Daddy's big chair and just happened to tip sideways...



So he decided to save face and lounge, just like Daddy does.



He also tried out the laundry basket. Oscar was a little jealous, but remained on the outside of said basket.



And here it is -standing with just a wee bit of support! As you can see, it's super exciting! Whee, etc.!



And last, but certainly not least, Bentley gives his older brother some lovin'.



I have a ton going on, but I'm exhausted, so I'll update later in the week.

Read more...

Master Bathroom

Is just about finished!!!!

On Friday night, I started painting and this morning, I did the final touches and added the drapes.

The color we selected was Behr's Baked Scone, and while it's a little lighter than I normally like, it will go great with the bedroom when that's painted.

I picked up two sheer, white window scarves and draped them over two wood spindle holders. I can't wait for the next time I use that tub - it looks so much more finished. The last thing is to get a piece of artwork for the wall to the right of the small window, and then, we can move on.









Even more exciting: I'm going to start on the bedroom this week. I love getting this kind of stuff done! I'll be posting pictures as we finish projects.

Read more...

Bubble BBQ

Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like.

DH got this little grill that has a fan inside. There are different bubble makers that sit on the grill and those blow different size bubbles.



Although you don't see it here, Bentley chased this one down.



Whee! I'm flying, I'm flying!



Thoughtful Turtle...



Mirthful Turtle...



Outside time was great. Turtle really enjoys it, and it makes for a good night's sleep.

After he went down for the night, we watched Vantage Point (I got it for DH for Christmas) - it was phenomenal. I think tomorrow we'll watch Wall-E, if I can get the bathroom painted and the drapes hung. It will be my special treat to myself!

Read more...

Birthdays!

Today, we attended a joint first birthday party for H, K and C. C was stricken with pinkeye and wasn't able to make his big day. He was missed. Happy birthday, C! Feel better!

Turtle was able to spend some time with his lady love, H. Now that's he's grown up a bit, she seems a bit more interested.


She really can't resist the power of his smile.



N and his pal, Sophie the giraffe - just taking it all in.



Funny hats, everyone staring at us, cameras flashing. What the heck is going on here?



Turtle was undecided on his birthday hat. Get used to it, buddy. You'll be wearing one specially for you in a few months.



Clearly, one-year-olds need a moment to figure out frosting.



Get it off! Get it off!



Turtle says "Who needs cupcakes when I can eat B's face???"



Q is such a big boy!



Happy first, K!

Read more...