tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66863156560075795362024-03-05T20:37:32.492-06:00Peanut ChewningKc & Laura's Journey to ParenthoodLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6686315656007579536.post-331042974549303322010-08-17T15:20:00.006-05:002010-08-17T15:39:28.667-05:00I back...or I'm trying to be.<div>So it's just shy of a year and a half since I last wrote on the blog. SO much has changed I am somtimes amazed at all we managed to squeeze into 18 months.<br /></div><div><div>Here are the highlights:<br /></div><br /><div>1.) I'm currently a SAHM but probably reentering the workforce in the next month or so. I've been home for a year and a half.<br /></div><br /><div>2.) We are back in Yardley. We lived at my mom's for a year and then bought our own house. We are right back where we started (in a good way). So much so that Sam will go to the same gradeschool that her Dad did. And he is very, very excited about it. In a cute way.</div><div></div><div> </div><div>3.) we spent 9 weeks taking on some serious renovations. Our house is 60 years old and the same family lived in it for the last 53 years. And last updated it in 1974 so needless to say some updates/repairs were and are still necessary.<br /></div><div>4.) I ended up with a 32 month old amazing little girl. I know, you're thinking, "duh, what did you think you were going to end up with." But it surprises me all the time. More on that later.<br /></div><div>5.) Best of all we have a new little one! Ian Whittaker was born June 14th. He weighed in at 8 lbs 13 oz and 22 inches long. I was just happy we came in under the 9 lb mark that everyone insisted we had passed (even my doctor was "sure" of it). </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506480542333136658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN25EawBrvZw15kRjPfrZlfM2c3l-hjBw_MjDnGdvFIl7z45GWnPDKKjN3qYM0oGAB7BzoOTafel8cCPsd4boRagEC6pJLCGlS0i7GK9iGg108G5HieZR6Ee2htUMsnlQsh1PmyNZpQ7g/s320/KC+and+Sam.jpg" /></div></div><div align="center">Welcome to the world Baby Ian!<br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6686315656007579536.post-24131240822299578422009-02-23T11:45:00.027-06:002009-02-27T22:05:42.007-06:00The rest of our trip northWe were home for almost two weeks and we did a lot. The snow and the Please Touch Museum were just two things we fit into our schedule that seemed to get really busy, really fast.<br /><br />Our trip got off to a pretty rocky start. It took us a total of 17 hours to get from Dallas to Philly - via air! And that includes spending a few hours at a hotel just outside the Dulles airport. That's right we couldn't make it all of the way to Philly as planned due to weather so Sam got to pick up another state while we spent 3 hours asleep in a hotel in Northern Virginia.<br /><br /><br />After a hellish flight the next day (including delays in Dulles before boarding, circling in the air, and over an hour on the ground in Philly AFTER we landed but before we got to a gate) we finally arrived!<br /><br />We got spoiled by Mom-Mom and Skipper, got to hang out with Christina, Chase (after he recovered from the croup), and Andrew, have lunch with my aunt and uncle, go to music class with Chase (which Sam loved), see Auntie Ande's and Uncle Jay's brand new apartment in Hoboken, go to the zoo, get our picture taken with our future hubby. I even got to catch up with some friends, including a really fun dinner out with the girls! Overall, it was a fabulous trip home. I didn't want it to end. And apparently neither did American Airlines. <br /><br />I was originally supposed to fly home in Wednesday but pushed my flight back a day with no charge since I was delayed a day coming in. Thursday at 3am I got a call from AA that my flight was cancelled and I rescheduled for the same flight on Friday. No problem, we missed KC a lot but we got the chance to hang out with the Palsky's some more and spend some more time with Mom-Mom and Skipper. Friday we were on the way to the airport and I get another call from AA - our flight is cancelled and we can't get out until the next day again! We finally got home on Saturday. Other than the crazy travels we had there and back we couldn't have asked for a better trip. I am already planning another one for April! We can't wait to go back. And this time we're hoping for warmer weather. (What can I say? I'm a Texan now. My blood's thinner.)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BZV4SAyuhObPTketKa9idNyMVmihhZ30U4Z0b_en_YoqOIRiBrDRe5g1wEFefVPcylGSLfG4VPrfUyfbH1ov8XFrrpv5h4G30DyMKaK6L2rkwymOXIg2PM5aDGizqfk2xXQjmiF6lp0/s1600-h/Sammie+Snuggles.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307162317678099570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BZV4SAyuhObPTketKa9idNyMVmihhZ30U4Z0b_en_YoqOIRiBrDRe5g1wEFefVPcylGSLfG4VPrfUyfbH1ov8XFrrpv5h4G30DyMKaK6L2rkwymOXIg2PM5aDGizqfk2xXQjmiF6lp0/s320/Sammie+Snuggles.jpg" border="0" /></a> The toy she is riding on was mine when I was little. It's a Little Tikes toy and still in really good shape. She loves it!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8oEsjJuuMhgCWkyuQcZYC5vOMOgIQkCILnNPL68Ul2Oe_grx7tLvk-x6tqjX6AafQi2ecxc60J8VDVBfECcBOlKc04HniewYS2o9OfYiUVzWexwfjVOd2bAFzSaUnzQiSuITN606XrU/s1600-h/Sam+and+Pop.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307162310230661090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8oEsjJuuMhgCWkyuQcZYC5vOMOgIQkCILnNPL68Ul2Oe_grx7tLvk-x6tqjX6AafQi2ecxc60J8VDVBfECcBOlKc04HniewYS2o9OfYiUVzWexwfjVOd2bAFzSaUnzQiSuITN606XrU/s320/Sam+and+Pop.jpg" border="0" /></a>We had dinner with Pop before he had to jet off to Phoenix to visit DiDi.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307161577407165618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YjhQOWwPR0gJd4fJYJIrQjzSkJUYIujHuNnWd7qXpg_636PsB7kbIowr7YsisVGCmjykFrbdTi84zzGzXwsYKRe7mLVNGp8RlyiYrpXkdhrStwVsRFh6DdcbGC8CkFIk7E-ReWTxnlg/s320/Sam+and+Auntie+ande.jpg" border="0" />Giving Auntie Ande some love.<br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307161573690835650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganiWgRjshwtwyX2dpXE8PmIfi1_yaK89QkElIpAvEGEChGLzLWBKKzD_8_7hrfDt6lS4JMxz9b_RHAuye6_UeylxJpg9Lmi0Uy_adJRNvahaRKTKewasrE27i6JKBk-JmXcwHdT1OmVw/s320/Peanut+Pictures+2-8-09+060+Cowboy+Boots.jpg" border="0" />She is a shoe fanatic. These were Auntie Anj's cowboy boots. When she saw them in the front hall she HAD to have them. She wasn't to happy with we pried her away from them.<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJewBiDOyo56IZXR7LPEtglHHLh1WAmg7CszYFDDsB-3wo2_IAZSnMRLaRrDXWzzlHTc08tHwKnMNPhV8rXrVGKh3Rt4-RglqwaPnxkqeLlJoNd8Y_VJBvW78DGx2XBB1JwqVmUzgoSA/s1600-h/Pizza+Monster.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307161580540707202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJewBiDOyo56IZXR7LPEtglHHLh1WAmg7CszYFDDsB-3wo2_IAZSnMRLaRrDXWzzlHTc08tHwKnMNPhV8rXrVGKh3Rt4-RglqwaPnxkqeLlJoNd8Y_VJBvW78DGx2XBB1JwqVmUzgoSA/s320/Pizza+Monster.jpg" border="0" /></a>We took a trip to Auntie Ande's new apartment in Hoboken and tried pizza for the first time ever! We have had some food issues off and on since she was born so I am always hesitant to try new things. I working on it though. Back to the pizza....SHE LOVED IT!! It turned her into a monster! Once she tried it she walked around begging everyone for a bite of theirs. I haven't broken the news to her yet that pizza in Dallas is nothing like pizza in Hoboken.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKmMi7wPTIpKTzAozyYhZ7WHhUCZXeOtcxILH0kUhOVFIG1vrSqyXtEIQjtNYOg4cz8NPGIPNkvsehKFrJlJA1kkZqh04o2Lxew4rHnioXX1d9QxyITlPhL5UsTWbrP8ewy8sVZxyQ4Y/s1600-h/Peanut+Pictures+2-8-09+099+Mad+Dog+Face.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307161575908489874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKmMi7wPTIpKTzAozyYhZ7WHhUCZXeOtcxILH0kUhOVFIG1vrSqyXtEIQjtNYOg4cz8NPGIPNkvsehKFrJlJA1kkZqh04o2Lxew4rHnioXX1d9QxyITlPhL5UsTWbrP8ewy8sVZxyQ4Y/s320/Peanut+Pictures+2-8-09+099+Mad+Dog+Face.jpg" border="0" /></a> This was the Mad Dog face when she ran out of pizza (before she realized what we had replaced in front of her).<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVx5hoymbd23T0QiasX2WpOKuB523AbBgcpYdu-RPNuExtVGzSdWrj0JxHhapG5u5BvTYYaUvFjC_kQ9e_Fy87-DhVRTHEb4QsN8AE_UaYaWuSM61iXBovAwEcUicPkgAGcbMjLZ7uzw/s1600-h/NYC+Skyline.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307161032408840050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVx5hoymbd23T0QiasX2WpOKuB523AbBgcpYdu-RPNuExtVGzSdWrj0JxHhapG5u5BvTYYaUvFjC_kQ9e_Fy87-DhVRTHEb4QsN8AE_UaYaWuSM61iXBovAwEcUicPkgAGcbMjLZ7uzw/s320/NYC+Skyline.jpg" border="0" /></a> We took a walk down to the water. Here's Sam's first view of the NYC skyline.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XwX4-NMBqmj5Klgd4Mommb3lVT4lwaj584pLV-SxTYBa-YD5RWlFA0tC0tj8whnHyG67vk4inRkDU8PCeCzIOPPPGjXldM1eKlxAubie1nhi5sryCtu-e7zL7c3b8PmEKN3WTFugeZ4/s1600-h/Meeting+Rags+%232.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307161035470722402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XwX4-NMBqmj5Klgd4Mommb3lVT4lwaj584pLV-SxTYBa-YD5RWlFA0tC0tj8whnHyG67vk4inRkDU8PCeCzIOPPPGjXldM1eKlxAubie1nhi5sryCtu-e7zL7c3b8PmEKN3WTFugeZ4/s320/Meeting+Rags+%232.jpg" border="0" /></a> We took a drive to Maryland to have lunch with my aunt and uncle so Sam picked up 2 new states (Delaware and Maryland) and got to meet their dog Rags.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-0jMm0PPG-qZV8CoMU4pDWUaA0BrfXt05tb1X95OtEDvbD8BwA0SLnt7trGrFQTzXhiD26RZn1Oqy7aUC_BuNJurDObjhB6_UdTQmzC_lIFAahKnE5wtEIFA9wRURG8e7jVnmZ8YT44/s1600-h/Meeting+Rags.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307161022723719810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-0jMm0PPG-qZV8CoMU4pDWUaA0BrfXt05tb1X95OtEDvbD8BwA0SLnt7trGrFQTzXhiD26RZn1Oqy7aUC_BuNJurDObjhB6_UdTQmzC_lIFAahKnE5wtEIFA9wRURG8e7jVnmZ8YT44/s320/Meeting+Rags.JPG" border="0" /></a> Rags is a Portuguese Water Dog and so good. He was so sweet to Sam and as with all dogs she couldn't get enough of him. </div><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYM-1eEHN-dYNFVl1VNiR38KGltteyLSfWG9oUDbCVz8kWeYOtCA_P5CLqekngyFxcCrSoyaoOkDBQlIshRJeEMqlV0MbgTvWM6ISrZ1cK-1v99UPl9UFMMNoxvtnrxOubL5V9SbGzdY/s1600-h/Driving+the+bus.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307161013088646674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYM-1eEHN-dYNFVl1VNiR38KGltteyLSfWG9oUDbCVz8kWeYOtCA_P5CLqekngyFxcCrSoyaoOkDBQlIshRJeEMqlV0MbgTvWM6ISrZ1cK-1v99UPl9UFMMNoxvtnrxOubL5V9SbGzdY/s320/Driving+the+bus.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here's a picture from the Please Touch Museum. I thought it was too cute not to include but I forgot it when I did the post.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307161589750004354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVi2eGpeksP3TG4cX59qs8wj3OxsH3aKtaOU6qm_QxkoVDVvQUtgz4EomAe9YwwXi3iBEp-qeKDL0zJjmfCpS7oWhe-_HpGYYGNIewOlyOst-pMXyo0ZPUhG4k1S7zpcZy8t_alJWiGr8/s320/Sam+and+Chase.jpg" border="0" />Sam and Chase had there picture taken and then spent some time with Chase showing her the ropes. We could tell he'd spent some time behind the wheel before.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6cbXGaeIMGwBibc7fUhApviVxJbqSOFW9Rcz8xA0RSXdxPwkpAera_HfGzsC3K21q5NIjR4cEUOnsS_ImAKGXy_6rLO2eTk3pnRSQWVx28xZWdf0eP-BqfhbiavbolnH35tjn1pganM/s1600-h/Chocolate+Smiles.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307160110703698834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6cbXGaeIMGwBibc7fUhApviVxJbqSOFW9Rcz8xA0RSXdxPwkpAera_HfGzsC3K21q5NIjR4cEUOnsS_ImAKGXy_6rLO2eTk3pnRSQWVx28xZWdf0eP-BqfhbiavbolnH35tjn1pganM/s320/Chocolate+Smiles.jpg" border="0" /></a>And of course, since we were at Grandma's Sam got a little spoiled. She had a fudgesicle. Can you tell by the look on her face how much she hated it? </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6686315656007579536.post-65091748504000650882009-02-22T22:00:00.013-06:002009-02-23T08:29:56.571-06:00Please Touch MuseumBest Place Ever. Seriously. Sam LOVED it. Absolutely loved it.<br /><br />When Sam and I went home a 2 weeks ago we took an afternoon trip to the new Philadelphia Please Touch Museum. If you haven't already been I would highly recommend it. It's awesome, even for a one year old. When I found out that I would have to pay $15 for me and $15 for Sam to get in I thought that was a little ridiculous but figured we would give it a try. It was well worth the money. They actually had to kick us out of the place. We'll definitely be back next time we go north!<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFB4ZoAetmoy6Tdz-OZo_DtTHjuQiVDoYNTq7lxux7xGmc-uVojTawmBUE8NvoIjERFUh6eAh0htVZ1T1Z1TeVFsV9zhKg_Xa6HWuSAnkI1OAzbHAePL06oFUsKvchkuBaPWsfvmfRjuw/s1600-h/Waterplay.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305840086743506610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFB4ZoAetmoy6Tdz-OZo_DtTHjuQiVDoYNTq7lxux7xGmc-uVojTawmBUE8NvoIjERFUh6eAh0htVZ1T1Z1TeVFsV9zhKg_Xa6HWuSAnkI1OAzbHAePL06oFUsKvchkuBaPWsfvmfRjuw/s320/Waterplay.jpg" border="0" /></a> I'm pretty sure Sam's wondering exactly how much Mom-Mom will get away with at the water table.<br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305838563485855154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbbmQEs8wTi-44D5I7qMNFNxv3WHLHTqqT7uKQTpR7aHzcM2lr6ewlrFDFNS3VNulgXrTnWo5EZWkb7IZ8UzNj_I7lhxMR5Nkk4cfNjytHGZi52_QWbX8tXUmxTScQ28eLwJ36HSAsHI/s320/Hand+Dryer.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">She may have been a little too short to really enjoy the water tables but she loved the air dryers. We spent a good 5 minutes turning these back on after they would shut off.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tJmKrVkiLrFMGd7gIwwk-ZxxV5fxv4N5Jl2D5j9EpEf3ny7YVkBSwM6sAK2JWHF-D65_AYfFdE0b3bN4PVcS7xyFC-hLZESV3Yr0V4hXm8CFz4MQ3hb61dyvb5_gExI24G4p_vukwH4/s1600-h/Slidetime+%232.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305840083137298306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tJmKrVkiLrFMGd7gIwwk-ZxxV5fxv4N5Jl2D5j9EpEf3ny7YVkBSwM6sAK2JWHF-D65_AYfFdE0b3bN4PVcS7xyFC-hLZESV3Yr0V4hXm8CFz4MQ3hb61dyvb5_gExI24G4p_vukwH4/s320/Slidetime+%232.jpg" border="0" /></a>All time favorite thing - the slide. She goes down on her butt, face first, upside down, backwards, however she can wiggle out of my fast enough once she gets to the top.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozDsxRPzhNDA75f2ZerDlsziTbVOpEuIYBsVMs9igx-W7DiHk6IHT5EaiucJ1R-9rYRS9EaTLfcxB_oRCsvWnkwOfKKqvO_-UCMfMCl_FCAs3LTZ0-RxBS5-XmIr-qCC2-9AtUfMhFMY/s1600-h/Slidetime.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305839852364898642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozDsxRPzhNDA75f2ZerDlsziTbVOpEuIYBsVMs9igx-W7DiHk6IHT5EaiucJ1R-9rYRS9EaTLfcxB_oRCsvWnkwOfKKqvO_-UCMfMCl_FCAs3LTZ0-RxBS5-XmIr-qCC2-9AtUfMhFMY/s320/Slidetime.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DOpX2_wB_U-YmFq9FLd_tKyYTEHOgwC6QGboST_6_O82aUTt_CEER2fd8tZdU25y0hzJFGHkE8hQz5UBTMX6WrfO-4TEmPiewdk43jJj9vSsHFIaYI_y3ksYvTNloMIgBHB7sfeDtZ8/s1600-h/Slide+Time+%232.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305839842648504994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DOpX2_wB_U-YmFq9FLd_tKyYTEHOgwC6QGboST_6_O82aUTt_CEER2fd8tZdU25y0hzJFGHkE8hQz5UBTMX6WrfO-4TEmPiewdk43jJj9vSsHFIaYI_y3ksYvTNloMIgBHB7sfeDtZ8/s320/Slide+Time+%232.jpg" border="0" /></a> She really liked this one but there was quite a traffic jam at the top after only one trip down.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kDs4IJse7R2o1uoQM6uEJE5_RFI8DdD82euPA-DECbTSvyr4EiL-_Jj5-HYoAEQ0Vgs6mW6syWE4q-PfHGEG-i3S4wwtn4WImqXWdm0xl7R-znG4jCtpZYXp0rvrfGjHQu1U1jjerJ8/s1600-h/Sam+and+the+Goose.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305839835309664466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kDs4IJse7R2o1uoQM6uEJE5_RFI8DdD82euPA-DECbTSvyr4EiL-_Jj5-HYoAEQ0Vgs6mW6syWE4q-PfHGEG-i3S4wwtn4WImqXWdm0xl7R-znG4jCtpZYXp0rvrfGjHQu1U1jjerJ8/s320/Sam+and+the+Goose.jpg" border="0" /></a>Big fan of ducks and let's be honest - a goose looks like a big, white duck. if you didn't know any better this is a duck, just a prettier one.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Vb587o-bpvhf2qrqjVdrkm5C_xddI_g1mBAEs9XXW8TZs6Dpny4g486n4ZxGIHguOkTQggnB2TvRCPNA1SI4dNoruvSEg5QwaqvoBuax5jCaQvXRtiEaR2mdBfYhi2dXXcyb2lbAD2k/s1600-h/Sam+and+the+Big+Piano.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305839824338775650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Vb587o-bpvhf2qrqjVdrkm5C_xddI_g1mBAEs9XXW8TZs6Dpny4g486n4ZxGIHguOkTQggnB2TvRCPNA1SI4dNoruvSEg5QwaqvoBuax5jCaQvXRtiEaR2mdBfYhi2dXXcyb2lbAD2k/s320/Sam+and+the+Big+Piano.jpg" border="0" /></a> Walking in Tom Hanks foot steps - How cool! (She actually doesn't weigh enough to make any music. That's why nothing is lighting up. It really did work.)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLBTMUk12leHTNlOW4lYl2yqKSjX8VByb9iORk9PZVIfQ4c0pXzJ6ph9YUmc6o-Gc__e3SfV86fEI4k7giYTvnJP7n6vS7kU5fsILtRxxr4BQ9XV6MmTVG7f6nSdQHRD1qSBu4BKTpGo/s1600-h/Queenie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305838566342695298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLBTMUk12leHTNlOW4lYl2yqKSjX8VByb9iORk9PZVIfQ4c0pXzJ6ph9YUmc6o-Gc__e3SfV86fEI4k7giYTvnJP7n6vS7kU5fsILtRxxr4BQ9XV6MmTVG7f6nSdQHRD1qSBu4BKTpGo/s320/Queenie.jpg" border="0" /></a> Her Highness<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsRP5KpMJHH4e7LfQgPrMn_WlIIMFQisi_tvNbEYL7CTuKT1AUuNgmK7IyYscsrjJcvksBBRuigPdtniruBQcY4UG0ickWoSKZo2UuS16qnt00CBzlzvKnPE-jYOBY-XoJ_yUn8H7Ftg/s1600-h/Laughing.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305838563302147090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 228px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsRP5KpMJHH4e7LfQgPrMn_WlIIMFQisi_tvNbEYL7CTuKT1AUuNgmK7IyYscsrjJcvksBBRuigPdtniruBQcY4UG0ickWoSKZo2UuS16qnt00CBzlzvKnPE-jYOBY-XoJ_yUn8H7Ftg/s320/Laughing.jpg" border="0" /></a> Her face went back and forth between this and complete amazement.<br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcu2NoirGiO9MmQR384dmCf3HIj0isEJnQbTopWGxijobzcYKfYL3JenaM-Ceckb4zyRUTQ6D-xsw-m1Ru30lfTbEjE-K0LJP6XLsDrypfJ6-KsAvfCVFETK6mZrESiIVpUBXd1tW4wM/s1600-h/Climbing.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305838552869508178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcu2NoirGiO9MmQR384dmCf3HIj0isEJnQbTopWGxijobzcYKfYL3JenaM-Ceckb4zyRUTQ6D-xsw-m1Ru30lfTbEjE-K0LJP6XLsDrypfJ6-KsAvfCVFETK6mZrESiIVpUBXd1tW4wM/s320/Climbing.jpg" border="0" /></a> She could climb on almost anything she wanted - which she LOVED!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNI_0jRTwZm_F0v7LB4H14uta-keh1kj4iHRDpTR-89VpF77VQMUjnsu_30sLrEC_WEN2ywVBnPlDLThkqPj3RbJA0kDo-mySY1uhANYH5hdB6DT6O5Ye0t0YxpnYq2tOMcA3cQcBjP4/s1600-h/Carousel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305838550855669154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNI_0jRTwZm_F0v7LB4H14uta-keh1kj4iHRDpTR-89VpF77VQMUjnsu_30sLrEC_WEN2ywVBnPlDLThkqPj3RbJA0kDo-mySY1uhANYH5hdB6DT6O5Ye0t0YxpnYq2tOMcA3cQcBjP4/s320/Carousel.jpg" border="0" /></a> Of course we couldn't pass up the standard favorite, the carousel. </div><div> </div><div align="left">We are heading to Cincinnati for a wedding at the end of March and I'm hoping we get to check out the children's museum there too. It was the first place we have been there was so much stuff really geared just for her. I'm sure I'll try to squeeeze in a visit everytime we head back east. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6686315656007579536.post-70063544951911617102009-02-05T08:41:00.009-06:002009-02-05T18:04:32.184-06:00Sam's First Day In The SnowWe are here in PA for a week visiting my mom and we were lucky enough to arrive in the middle of a snowstorm. By lucky enough I also mean that we were graced with a 17 hour trip here but that's another blog entry. <br /><br />Sam just had no idea what to do with the snow other than eat it. She kept putting some in her mouth and smacking her lips. Althought it looks like we bundled her up like Ralphie from a Christmas Story I was worried that she was going to freeze so we only stayed outside for about 10 minutes. Maybe next time we'll brave sledding.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299324660166063986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3TUT-V1-o6m2U5dH7sM_wyD37mVwT1xhkqwuh_btbCNOrlPRCSD8B1aT8u92qNgjSP2Tn_Gvtvv4SGhQSA8Lc3Egpkb9pDi6m3ulgem6UXioKGy1aglUc5Qz-gD9uQKb0YYtWFb8ccU/s320/Sam's+First+Snow+Day.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">She could walk. Barely. </div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2W90nXDJ1_P7oOVVZVYZpBrkruv5D8c8MAS2aPOE9pX1sxioiThBJFsHEnXesCF13mu0mHW5YE4P-9WsgT7_VS36p_C1924JHoGQVln0k-RP-V87Zxclw7J7w6Sl9jjV_uV7Hnkh-fw/s1600-h/Sam's+First+Snow+Day+%234.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299325031447010802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2W90nXDJ1_P7oOVVZVYZpBrkruv5D8c8MAS2aPOE9pX1sxioiThBJFsHEnXesCF13mu0mHW5YE4P-9WsgT7_VS36p_C1924JHoGQVln0k-RP-V87Zxclw7J7w6Sl9jjV_uV7Hnkh-fw/s320/Sam's+First+Snow+Day+%234.jpg" border="0" /></a> Tasting the snow. Again. And again. And again.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpE0dicz6-3VqQ53kR1QBjkdVOyWtBOZcJL0kDqFeoS2pH0iPPONmk92d4J5PerJ2twFvbT77sUH-VBggWpw5BhN3nEZjTbGJm1SUuOyqcK6XrsMdphusVoaPp9eXzhbvbmGTQniQwII/s1600-h/Sam's+First+Snow+Day+%233.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299325025651125090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpE0dicz6-3VqQ53kR1QBjkdVOyWtBOZcJL0kDqFeoS2pH0iPPONmk92d4J5PerJ2twFvbT77sUH-VBggWpw5BhN3nEZjTbGJm1SUuOyqcK6XrsMdphusVoaPp9eXzhbvbmGTQniQwII/s320/Sam's+First+Snow+Day+%233.jpg" border="0" /></a>Great Uncle Mike teaching us how to make snow balls.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBXY9Vpd-wTanQiPhp4LmXkGUIAn_M5d2wsie-OEFEjiNWRDjvCnKX-LvaojDp1tOmcPtPAMtVzfjFkC0pu9tjFHoYYKPF-0fAXNxvwHxYh6WAnndPh3RardZflRRaNQDOVXSVg5lV8I/s1600-h/Sam's+First+Snow+Day+%232.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299325025801841746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBXY9Vpd-wTanQiPhp4LmXkGUIAn_M5d2wsie-OEFEjiNWRDjvCnKX-LvaojDp1tOmcPtPAMtVzfjFkC0pu9tjFHoYYKPF-0fAXNxvwHxYh6WAnndPh3RardZflRRaNQDOVXSVg5lV8I/s320/Sam's+First+Snow+Day+%232.jpg" border="0" /></a> Sammie and Mom freezing our butts off. (I'm a Texas girl now. It's too cold up here!)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div><br /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6686315656007579536.post-84103208516501192462009-01-07T15:19:00.015-06:002009-01-07T21:00:47.027-06:00Pickles, Car Washes, and Giggles<div align="left">Since I seem to be having no luck at all in getting time to write about the absolutely insane December that we had (including a first birthday party, house guests, a second Christmas, new years, our first swing set - which we LOVE, and lots of other really, really exciting things) I thought I could at least quiet the naggers (you know you who are) and post some pictures. Yes, they are a bit random and some a bit fuzzy. I took them with my phone this past weekend on our adventures around town. </div><div align="left"><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288745565662377826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUe1G6zoxfulu-fOt6NYSxBn9BFFtDEt6D2nyWdA0JzRPHJRrPVbgUmr8hwghL6usD0yjw4pU4GqLXeOF5yOf2VuVEuCYJWvLDIY2tPLYsGQI0b4yaicSTx_skwfEowSEvPldSbZL410/s320/aunties.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">We were in Sam's and her new favorite place to sit is the big part of the cart. It's also the only place where she will sit for any length of time. I swear if I had a dollar for every time I have said "Sam, please sit down" in the last week I would be typing this from our own private island in the South Pacific.</p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288745577134130834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GEwCIDz5K5OapN64jKEc25fRakP4PZZb5VRRg_QIW2zlxbLp-aTWnDYC7S-a0lUeFmmT9czUqj1qMSayLo2CFhTRKH8NoB34fSozf_y4S8z80vIfMl0GXZJ0Arwq6TnfR9LaiFBDHv0/s320/car+wash.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">We were in the car wash and Sam really wasn't sure what to make of everything that was going on. I am positive that she has been in the car with us before when we got the car washed but she looked she freaked out I had to take a picture. The crab in her lap counts in English and Spanish so any day now she'll be bilingual (we're holding our breath). <br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288745581388998338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrnh3RU2czXhhhfSIBWIlwlxjx6oYN_I7SP_UyJf_ZZJIK47HRqJ6NsJ6QZCWAprV3qOZoLuy5ZGugKX_2e3mU9bqqgLkN7sSSz_wUuZiv1e-VUExvo0Y_Psx1JmFFXNyjIZdDRYenzw/s320/giggles.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">Does any other baby just get the giggles sometimes? Everything we said made her laugh and then it made us laugh and so on. Vicisous cycle. Notice the feet. Her feet are ALWAYS crossed at the ankles. Even when she sleeps.<br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288745586764466898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjO4TdluRzr6xLeGzzlW_kRD3q7pBcDNZrMgbl1TCG5HtSmoxnf0_9FNHv7D6QOF98A-rCLNEELhWrMtuOvZOKkf7VSB-cESn8URC3eY7rCgUqzcQ0X6QsyulZjlftG1uYpkK27ek3iEo/s320/Pickle.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">Chowing down on a pickle at Corner Bakery. She sucks the juice out of them. It makes me cringe just thinking about it. She loves them!</p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6686315656007579536.post-39586259806108457502009-01-07T07:30:00.001-06:002009-01-07T10:15:53.953-06:00Honest Scrap AwardSince I have now been tagged twice to do this I am going to skip what this blog is supposed to be about (a baby blog) and just blog about me! I figure it's been almost a month at this point - what's a few more days???<br /><br />What's the Honest Scrap award? Well, I am supposed to write 10 true things about myself and I was tagged by <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.littlemanchsae.blogspot.com">Christina </a>and <a href="http://mlphjmd.blogspot.com/">Rhyme and Reason,</a> so here goes...<br /><br />1.) I spent my first 2 and a half years after college as a traveling sales rep driving all over Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. And had some really, really crazy experiences. I got stuck in the mud in Louisiana, followed a truck filled with dead pigs down a two lane road in West Texas, met lots of really sweet people, crossed the Mississippi River at sunset (which is beautiful), and did it all by myself. At the beginning I never thought I would be able to do it but by the end I actually enjoyed it. And then spent the next three years traveling all over the country as a national sales manager which had it's own set of challenges...<br /><br />2.) I love office supplies. I could spend hours and hours (and thousands of dollars in Staples). Specifically, I love pens. If I find a pen that I like I will buy at least five of them and put one in my purse, one in my desk, one at home, etc.<br /><br />3.) I hate winter. There is a small part of me that misses the Northeast but I miss the people more than the actual place. I just can't imagine living in a place with real winter again. In Dallas we flirt with winter. As in, today we have a high of 45 but tomorrow it will be 70! I can deal with that. Always the possibility of spring around the corner. But no warm weather for months - no thank you. <br /><br />4.) I have always wanted to be a runner. But I HATE running. Some people honestly look like they love it. Who are those people? How do they like it? What is the secret???<br /><br />5.) I am one of the most uncoordinated people you will ever meet. I always have at least one bruise, bump, cut, or scratch fro running into something. <br /><br />6.) I am a really big fan of the Eagles although I really don't get the fuss over college football since there is no even playing field to evaluate all of the teams on. I don't get how you can have a national champion when everyone doesn't play on the same level. <br /><br />7.) Excluding alcoholic beverages, if I could only drink diet coke or iced tea for the rest of my life that would be completely fine with me. That's how addicted I am to both of those. Isn't that sad?<br /><br />8.) Between KC and I we have kind of a crazy family tree. I have two regular (for lack of a better term) sisters who share the same mom and dad. They are both younger than me. I also have a younger half brother from my dad's second marriage. Then I have a younger step sister from my dad's third marriage. I also have two older step sisters from my mom's second marriage. One of which we talk to and one of which we do not. Are you keeping up?? KC has one younger regular brother (the one who got married in the Dominican last year) and two younger step brothers from his dad's second marriage. Did you get all that?<br /><br />9.) I can't watch people embarrass themselves, even on television. I have to turn away. I can't explain it. It's the weirdest thing and I have no idea why it makes me feel so uncomfortable but I just can't do it. If there's a shrink out there reading this - any ideas? <br /><br />10.) Growing up we didn't play school; we played office in our house. We would drag out chairs and tables to use as desks, phones, notepads, the whole thing. Our living room has french doors that I would sit behind as the president of our "company". My middle sister Ande was the secretary and the baby sister Kara got to be the messenger. Apparently we could not think of any other roles in a company other than president, secretary, and messenger. <br /><br />I'm not really sure who I would tag since everyone I would tag seems to have already done this except for Kara - so here's an assignment for you Bear - add it to your list!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6686315656007579536.post-86327451774145133282008-12-10T14:00:00.014-06:002008-12-14T11:36:45.542-06:00Sammie the Shrimp<div align="left">We had our one year check up last Friday (the 5th) and while healthy, we weighed in on the shrimpy side. She had a stomach bug recently so the doctor wasn't too worried but as she has said in the past "let her eat whatever she was and as much as she wants". If only my doctor would say that to me...</div><div align="left"><br />Our official stats:</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Length: 29"</div><div align="left">Weight: 19 lbs. 14 oz. (25% boo!)</div><div align="left">Head: 17 and 3/4" circumference</div><div align="left"></div><div><br /></div><div align="left">And here is how fast things change in a year... (2 month checkup picture is missing or non existent. I was still too far in the "new mommy" cave to notice.)</div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278255807295517506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpmagzvs-YsnirHE9BhyphenhyphenxDK7J5LXC83eetfL1fqihkyUl4f5Yf_qsGJjknfbCGtM1Ig16TIuvIxV_3Yspe6-TSH9ysRuuzTQf-_VvCddcNQZ3oCsqC7bbfCmjyi-F0RvoIVBo612yFXU/s320/Sam+at+her+4+month+check+up+4-4-08.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">At our 4 month Checkup</div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278255800863478274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61L_PruIMUc2slCNWyyj1QUbHJtImlPWYwWYnlaoIkz-pnF6nkssZ3gt3fpDbuVC6RWYq7WkPzb-FQddr8sT47iG_yuZ7rky6BuGq3Z4N8mY9pjUVVak5cha5E5SXepDFEuWLPuVZ7IQ/s320/Sam+6+mth+appt.jpg" border="0" />At our 6 month Checkup</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278257042777913778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY27f3Jh06LPfmlp-7DwQBO15Oha_wLptJurdZ7s0A7r82uCLZvWYpgHAYq7IpaeogLiNN9NXCIwPB1Ljj_Pn9np4IvY03xIumieTyy-BUtwjmROn2yqp7aD7UUbFgQgw8R3IsvKQXVb8/s320/Peanut++Pictures+9-14-08+667.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">At our 9 month Checkup</div><div align="center">We have obviously graduated from just laying on the table posing for pictures and causing destruction to anything we can get our hands on - including mom's camera bag. You will also notice that I actually remembered to bring a camera to this appointment. No grainy phone pictures this time.</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279699508370911890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplT_-K0ZXtivOZxlkXYSgGECoV5b0iFTFf3k76Li7g-iIDwVjRHB19nTwFIIG4ejAt91Af3fGOfFsKS-HoUQ2Ggk3jOFeORS5ZbUyeiJBz-QCEzBmx48ku0ygdOPokeryiqUX0R2ei4Y/s320/Sam's+12+month+Check+up+Smiley.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279699520225437474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOTPPaIppSP9rS6AvSA9QrYiwI3ZzNKwkwSwOoacWYB-oixhBK9G2Ojrb56DOgJheUIA_xKqv-JokuY_Bw-BywXvwCA1Ne8eCSrFcMOstL1qZXHJnU8nBk5nz3IyTwHADL3aYCmKf35A/s320/Sam's+12+month+Check+up+wipes.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">And then last Friday. Already a year. WOW. </p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6686315656007579536.post-33220321223629419302008-12-10T07:30:00.001-06:002008-12-10T10:35:06.254-06:00Christmas PartySo, just when you think I have abandoned this blog completely I return. It's not that I don't love the blog it's just that life has been a little crazy lately. So here we go...<br /><br />My step mom (Sam's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MeMe</span>) works for the Dallas Cowboys. While we are still very big Eagles fans the Cowboys are absolutely wonderful to work for and treat their employees really, really well. So well that each year they throw a Christmas party just for employees kids and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">grandkids</span>. A party complete with all kinds of kid friendly food (corny dogs, mini cheeseburgers, mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, etc..., so many cookies from this really good bakery here in Dallas), pictures with Santa, face painting, karaoke, caricatures, people dressed as gingerbread men, elves, and reindeer. The look on Sam's face as she took everything in was priceless. <br /><br />She made friends with the gingerbread men and elves. She stole a cookie off of my plate. She really did. Snatched it right off of the plate. And as I was putting her coat on as we were walking out the door I was eating the last bit of a cookie that she wanted and she completely melted down. Threw herself on the ground and everything. I thought this only happened when they turned 2? <br /><br />We were there for 2 hours and she was completely entertained the entire time. Every time she turned around there was something new to look at (or eat). And of course the child doesn't know a stranger. She was walking all over the place by herself (with me a step or two behind her) and on two different occasions she walked right up to people we do not know and held out her arms to be picked up. Um, we need to work on stranger danger immediately. <br /><br />We got to sit on Santa's lap. The first attempt to sit on Santa's lap didn't go over so well resulting in tears and no picture. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">The</span> second time we had <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">success</span>. Of course I am also in the picture and making the most ridiculous face <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">because</span> I am trying to get her to smile. Just keep that in mind when you see the picture. I will try to scan and add it to the post tonight. Here are the rest that I took.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2jGRZIKv0Z1OPi9eXV5xmqqPQ-Q6BoMO4QZvKC5qsX2OAvn6lObYKjOwQJRVHEw8pCIFx9h8vgfSn4OHhjbXzPGMYWFH2S_L5v8tjrgDsWGauZgquqXz5DJ629k3YJ3u2ZC__dU_qiM/s1600-h/Dallas+Cowboys+Kids+Christmas+Party+Sam+and+the+elf.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278179380413749426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2jGRZIKv0Z1OPi9eXV5xmqqPQ-Q6BoMO4QZvKC5qsX2OAvn6lObYKjOwQJRVHEw8pCIFx9h8vgfSn4OHhjbXzPGMYWFH2S_L5v8tjrgDsWGauZgquqXz5DJ629k3YJ3u2ZC__dU_qiM/s320/Dallas+Cowboys+Kids+Christmas+Party+Sam+and+the+elf.jpg" border="0" /></a> Making friends with an elf. Wearing our beautiful party dress from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">MeMe</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZWqe6dLQ0swzLKNh_6GVRDas0ySZcySoBIP4ZicjXi-UWkBg9UvwT6LtHqvZYzqAjk8weItYWRGUN9wfklY1LklvX38ZZWteUMJGb23bXwM6wdsVNXhRHdJz2STgvuTR82ZV4pAVEYI/s1600-h/Dallas+Cowboys+Kids+Christmas+Party+party+girls.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278179376262813730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZWqe6dLQ0swzLKNh_6GVRDas0ySZcySoBIP4ZicjXi-UWkBg9UvwT6LtHqvZYzqAjk8weItYWRGUN9wfklY1LklvX38ZZWteUMJGb23bXwM6wdsVNXhRHdJz2STgvuTR82ZV4pAVEYI/s320/Dallas+Cowboys+Kids+Christmas+Party+party+girls.jpg" border="0" /></a> Sitting still while getting our caricature done. The caricature was of Sam as a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader. We took it home and I told KC one of his worst fears had come true :)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBqQIFDR6kxQ28un6TDRLZBpEQIuHY6JZIG6wZLMievV66-9t0USi7UfjOq4qMGB4VDZBkVRxlvZTDErhOqPbEQgR6JkyywotW2njhetEeEsqb8X6baCKhoFdocFcDo2BuEQ2XG3EdEQ/s1600-h/Dallas+Cowboys+Kids+Christmas+Party+my+cookie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278179368095420658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBqQIFDR6kxQ28un6TDRLZBpEQIuHY6JZIG6wZLMievV66-9t0USi7UfjOq4qMGB4VDZBkVRxlvZTDErhOqPbEQgR6JkyywotW2njhetEeEsqb8X6baCKhoFdocFcDo2BuEQ2XG3EdEQ/s320/Dallas+Cowboys+Kids+Christmas+Party+my+cookie.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is the stolen cookie. I can't even tell you the look of shock on my face when I turned around and she was holding my cookie. Thankfully she took one of the cookies without an inch of icing. Talk about sugar overload.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXx2hfAo9wbaKmyHcDhbj50-2DAEhI5Jf0IEazJPqCZTMJzexKV72You4a2Kr8gTCB2o6s7vy3TogdyOF4repugbUwLMAImookUk_H758J6bZwpXIZ2JDKTp-O0ZYDY4GeU3Pv9ltMqWc/s1600-h/Dallas+Cowboys+Kids+Christmas+Party+mac+and+cheese+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278179361337370210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXx2hfAo9wbaKmyHcDhbj50-2DAEhI5Jf0IEazJPqCZTMJzexKV72You4a2Kr8gTCB2o6s7vy3TogdyOF4repugbUwLMAImookUk_H758J6bZwpXIZ2JDKTp-O0ZYDY4GeU3Pv9ltMqWc/s320/Dallas+Cowboys+Kids+Christmas+Party+mac+and+cheese+2.jpg" border="0" /></a> We had a bite of mac and cheese...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2_wC0MEB9a2TEUaPYBf_MDGkbJ-UV0ECBWpGHSuebFqyMrh85ULK7mm1Cc4toNvQuBuTvqxp1oL3ADx3ab_3H8UQaTxodQtl0tJqzULqheNZEE4xleD4BbLvYgfhchxmDC-TwI-qBC4/s1600-h/Dallas+Cowboys+Kids+Christmas+Party+mac+and+cheese.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278178624018430530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2_wC0MEB9a2TEUaPYBf_MDGkbJ-UV0ECBWpGHSuebFqyMrh85ULK7mm1Cc4toNvQuBuTvqxp1oL3ADx3ab_3H8UQaTxodQtl0tJqzULqheNZEE4xleD4BbLvYgfhchxmDC-TwI-qBC4/s320/Dallas+Cowboys+Kids+Christmas+Party+mac+and+cheese.jpg" border="0" /></a> And couldn't get enough!</div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278178570497273618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wOv4Qqjq7TrvSLtUgzruVyke09sLmsFOWdUAvRj1SnKPKFSPWxT6h_xF3KxPQA8lDuKTpokVB1oSakUlZMtHLrYujhDMldciNJ_BgBusznDokfkHf3Yp05bpqA9OpRyYWeVBjAD0-3k/s320/Dallas+Cowboys+Kids+Christmas+Party+cookies.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Sam and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">MeMe</span> trying to decide which cookies we need</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYXW4nGeE3sN8ZShyrencVRon0Z2DkSvm5Zs2Mdb7N3DPx4UNmWDUC9PDahn9w6dBHZnn9K_B-Y9ti-P77S8Nt-AgIqvKucYpgBA5G33dRtRaa4OF9g1xw6nVUynthgzHPhQ6GmH0kCI/s1600-h/Dallas+Cowboys+Kids+Christmas+Party+i+love+cookies.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278178619493370722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYXW4nGeE3sN8ZShyrencVRon0Z2DkSvm5Zs2Mdb7N3DPx4UNmWDUC9PDahn9w6dBHZnn9K_B-Y9ti-P77S8Nt-AgIqvKucYpgBA5G33dRtRaa4OF9g1xw6nVUynthgzHPhQ6GmH0kCI/s320/Dallas+Cowboys+Kids+Christmas+Party+i+love+cookies.jpg" border="0" /></a> Sam and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">MeMe</span>.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvmDRdjFEunkCoCAOOcIws6XgBYqwJVB5-HZ21C3B0BWHyu6H-jrcoS1id1XUq7ePrdAAdMZiNqPsRUWdJk_vc78OcnVBfytRbAUwjzd5L99tzolNuAIWkqy4O8KFZEGz_InyMafCPlo/s1600-h/Dallas+Cowboys+Kids+Christmas+Party+Dad+D+and+Sam+%232.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278178604781162226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvmDRdjFEunkCoCAOOcIws6XgBYqwJVB5-HZ21C3B0BWHyu6H-jrcoS1id1XUq7ePrdAAdMZiNqPsRUWdJk_vc78OcnVBfytRbAUwjzd5L99tzolNuAIWkqy4O8KFZEGz_InyMafCPlo/s320/Dallas+Cowboys+Kids+Christmas+Party+Dad+D+and+Sam+%232.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">PaPa</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">MeMe</span>, and Sam. Yes, she is holding a blue Tupperware container. It holds her Honey Bunnies. They are these little bunny shaped, honey graham crackers that she loves more than anything. She knows what is inside and likes just carrying the container around. I have about 10 pictures from the party with her carrying this adorable turquoise Tupperware around. Think I can photo shop it out?</div></div></div></div><br /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6686315656007579536.post-44148319446214033602008-12-03T07:30:00.002-06:002008-12-03T12:44:26.323-06:00Whew! We made it!<div><div><div><div><div>Today my amazing daughter turns one. I can hardly believe that it was just a year ago that we were all camped out in a hospital room getting to know her. I have this whole sappy letter for her that I plan on posting but for today I'll just put up the pictures from this mornings' celebration and say that being a mom is so much better than I ever imagined. And I can't wait to see what adventures are in store for us next.<br /></div><div>We decided to steal the doughnut for breakfast idea from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.littlemanchase.blogspot.com">Christina</a> and <a href="http://www.thedumasfam.blogspot.com/">Michelle </a>and it was a BIG hit. Actually as I wrestled the mangled doughnut from her hands (because no one year old needs an entire doughnut before 7am) she melted down. Red face, tears, screaming, the whole bit. But then I brought out the balloons and she perked right up. Thank goodness one year olds have short memories. </div><div> </div><div><strong>One year ago today....</strong></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275634048134034130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhM44DeTkN6D3OwndGaf53QwERIOqMMmtHrRtoSEhoSmoYCjL6O9YpDgdFW0aLQsGweCm6G06eWwAhBKwQnLnZYyUHEGR9LTHEJq7RPDe_fcANfNhKzlOZhxLW3yBWkDg5gZfiDgkMZMc/s320/First+Family+Pic+12-3-07.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p align="center">Yes, I know the whole orange tinted skin really brings out my eyes... </p><p align="left"><strong>This morning...</strong></p><p align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275633614522786914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjAYbm6xtDj_waFGfGsy4UbY8iDSSZ9njtjKtYZRhXQL_NpcCoVI-K_jQLwU9K_DkdLhP2ygS27JyhLYtEgPIA6PF2SdAFdTQwkQPdKtPxBSDaUM1R4xSNFITL6gLzSfugoklr-Qh_rA/s320/I'm+ONE.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">She kept trying to reach out and grab the flame. Notice the one finger? We have been working on that for about a month now. And yes, the candle is blue and green. As I have said before I am over my aversion to pink. Target just didn't have much of a selection when it came to the number one - blue and green stripes or blue and green polka dots. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275633604780592210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHFp22zslKa4o0BF_Ck9ogoGRqg1rEOHDAJl4tJbPV8t2ZeSxau9glz5O4sw06U03BnK5fcd7iArcxdLIQidA9nvtIeIXkldbulFd0q1DbTNFrXWFlB7js4lRRawCaG0E4UBfAHJTNVE/s320/First+Bite.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Not too sure about the texture but the sugar - Yummy!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275633625111958210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJhHcuuk7rxg_A3sGSDl0jdOjSC9QsJEIlAnd30-YxZshckOe5pHEPBhgNCOoqT08KSrO1pKdeM-EiZxiFeAN8Oridm4m8_U52L8tDiu0IqZhYy2oCQQc-J3aiV2-8kN1M4n6UgBhV7E/s320/Sam+Mom+and+Donut.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">That first bite was pretty tame compared to what came next. Before we could stop her she was shoveling it in like a squirrel (and ended up with the cheeks to prove it).</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275633610371072338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJm610FP8-HreO7ZJIwnMLUfx_VosOTD3IsyNCS7SH5gz9SZ0LaG0DB-vqG0nxCrgGV77YsA3rusgGV303MGQjE2JWlPQlnvBXIw9J-SXRJhjx2IETyoDNGeKWftinnkHnfeO0ZcyJ5pc/s320/First+Doughnut.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">So very, very proud of herself and her mangled doughnut.</p><p> </p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6686315656007579536.post-30651862791357985512008-11-12T10:03:00.005-06:002008-11-12T10:11:32.923-06:00The New Kid On The Block<span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(if you were a teenager during NKOTB madness chances are you are now humming "You've got the right stuff, baby...")</em></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em><br /><br /></em></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><em></em></span><div>Ryan McCord Hudspeth arrived Monday, November 10th at 7:26pm. He weighed in a 7 lbs. 14 oz. and measured 21 and a quarter inches long. </div><div> </div><div>We are so excited and can't wait to meet him! Congratulations Hudspeth Family!<br /></div><div></div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267803306796094626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdvCuCivYghaeH2NE5x8kKvDL_jxWFXFLYFRMGlqxK8xzzbVqklAORCuslyrM7JyR3-w_W_InFNu-3D8AhSNjEz1PSrtTQjulyyU2PYq-DFuG8mzU85VtG8Z0ZMJXJnO2YzMcqFPOWcg/s320/Baby+Ryan+Smiling.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267803312258355938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPzvC5P86zWfU7hJ3rk8RpoANpQH1d0Wi_PS6XWIwBUUEUEz6KVtmdMYck4ZmK1d-rgYDc86L9anHlweuR8E9sQPSdYaIIv1w1w86BgRzbE2Xu6iw-qhNG1D9dG1rr4zHj499ZCN0Yb0/s320/DSC_0114.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">This kid already smiles and keeps his eyes open for pictures. Way ahead of the curve.</p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6686315656007579536.post-76980481275703505292008-11-05T07:30:00.010-06:002008-11-05T07:30:00.732-06:00Up, Up, Up and Away!I promised that I would right a post about our trip to <a href="http://www.balloonfiesta.com/">Balloon Fiesta</a>. Here it is!<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><br /><div>I have been trying to make it to this balloon festival for the last few years. But something always came up, out of town guests, being hugely pregnant, etc, etc. When we found out the first day of the 2008 festival was the weekend we would be driving back from Arizona we were so excited that we could see what all of the fuss was about. Let me just tell you - it was worth it. I have never been that much of a hot air balloon fan but this is something else. There are so many balloons and people. It was a blast. It takes place in these fields that are completely surrounded by the mountains around Albuquerque; so not only are the balloons pretty and the sheer volume of them unbelievable but the views are stunning. I am pretty sure Sam had more fun watching people than the balloons but it was worth it all the same. </div><br /><div>We rolled into Albuquerque about 5 pm the day before and checked into our Hilton. Little did we know the hotel room would be the sight of one of our top five worst nights of sleep ever! After walking around a bit I started to freak out that Sam would be too cold the next morning so we headed into a Gymboree to get some gloves and an extra pair of socks. (Now Gymboree is not my first choice for these items since it cost us $21 - yes $21! but we didn't have a lot of options in the small outdoor shopping area we were in.) </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>The night of not-so-much sleep</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>We had planned on Sam sleeping in the bed with us. Port-s-cribs tend to freak me out (see the Dominican Republic story) and the pack and play she slept in while we were in Arizona was under about 2 tons of stuff we had stuffed in the trunk of our car. We had planned to leave for the dawn send off at about 5:30am. After spending most of the night tossing and turning and the hour from 3:30 to 4:30 trying to convince Sam that this was sleep time and not playtime we caved and got ready to head out the door. I am sure the people in the adjoining room appreciated our departure more than we will ever know. In the end it turned out to be a blessing that we left earlier than planned. We got a great parking spot and missed most of the traffic heading into the event. (always looking for a silver lining...)</div><div></div><div></div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262596550190536482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouhxGsSCEucrNOzCeEsy-WZCL9_aijNBQvwCeLq6cx7-xvEFshR9v3fjPLvimrlPPqZluXqshOoqvXU6tWvNhc-VGlLiEbMdWxB_16RpPrYH2BVdW6kUWilZr7HHiWU-1PMnQ-pPjZ30/s320/Mad+Dog+Sam.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><br /></div><div align="center">This is what Sam thought of getting out of the nice, warm car and into the chilly morning air. Especially since she had to sit in her stroller. Oh the horror! I have to admit the thought running through my head at this point was - Quiet kid! You have been up for hours. There's no complaining now! If anyone should be crying it should be your me. Or maybe your dad since he has a 10 hour drive home ahead of him. It's the sweet maternal instinct in me. What can I say.</div><div align="center"></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262597830131316962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyy61y3SCjDPve_ZwDl0m0H3xmWET1fVuy-TJHKV8X9rPJs4mJbPV9S2d3Aw9lNRsUYM_wTFNaj-mhxATzVEKCMDMi9h4WzbAudcPII2emS-QG_iRNOKsjE9wODKN01PKK9PTssc_8Gz8/s320/sad+face+mittens.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div align="center">Can't you tell how much she loved the $14 mittens we got her?</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262596537329638274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEint5U6n4VeowBuvVVkYrQrDzkMAi14q_fOjGO0l0xS_DF5v1j4Q-fFysb11CX9B9POa7yr7TUNs3jqq5XnS1w7WGbmOr51hTJ0JZPGSOpOzKFe2Xh3grCxtzmm4mmhFCVT-CAse1gkRRM/s320/balloons+at+night.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">I was so glad that we were there for the dawn patrol. It was my favorite part.</div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262596543470210530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk584R9jf1uG_v-FkWushx8PR9XQD1RHdocbU2m3WfrLzY5YS2X70ta83G_5ZDUUIZHx-EjsTLhFxbwT4Ls2uNq6SMVtl2yUotyt8ZIjxn96vP9Y-LMhcPBxCdrBFEJLsE7T9U-ZDg2bc/s320/balloons+at+night+%232..jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">They send off 12 balloons first thing to check the wind conditions before the other gazillion balloons take off.</div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262597819671317650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmS-NyFC74-keJcGBJxa1it1uR-X50WwJlUdKVh4tH_cDYaKJdm5p3kwIMLE1bWz5qr4My8Odg0pwbaAGKMZdsGeDuliq-a9gZ5sm9zqFHBoCoBhdcmu1RnmuRLQ5Xir3kI70FwBbGt8/s320/Mom+and+Sam.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">We rested for a bit between the dawn patrol and mass ascention. Since we haven't had any cold weather I had the poor kid so bundled up. Hat - check. Hoodie - check. Mittens - check. Long sleeve shirt - check. Undershirt - check. Jeans - check. Socks - check. Two blankets on top of all that - check. </div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262597826971556418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9nunRHe0xzGgQdVOqjrxU-QpHZ5I2Rh7dYwECS2h6blvL05pa6B61lELg91DPPEdNhmwKuRmUr9s3SH-Wm-SYWl96GSI_T76lQgKmYK9wI9Bq7VTslwl8U4q_KquVCp3sId9CTDyeeI/s320/proposal.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262597841410213474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcQvn7fe3J19jSmB_zHFunSoTSZimb0JAeOIgsTLN-DF5l09GREQSdyD_qYXGsEVbPJIxMvd0axUWBMNuapLZYJRnqj0Iw_ZXHZeisH6cCCFQ16EWaCMSKpd3xOiXol3ch1O7Xwhk9vk/s320/Sam+and+Dad.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262596549256525746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxq5JH_TjBeb6ylLUoaZMz4b2lj2-VdZDjW6GJcLr0WJJTjBY0FZE3KGTW5A_UZUlmMifsbTyYbp6EmSpGWaHj7LMWS1_3YWJHi19zVlp1xaSNnJQsMRhBICpF5RODG91LP-KGCdOm94c/s320/Family+Pic.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">If Sam was looking at the camera, there were no people milling around in the background, and there were more balloons in the picture this would be one of my favorites of the three of us. If, If, If...</div><div align="center"></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262598169126792866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrlh_W5Bb1cobtgL7ArflkYlwA89DUq0mFGFbhgwv7s3jfnq4MtetDlHle-vR1yaps21xLLXjv5-GNdY8VM0R5MKOwvmbgRwdCBVMFg0sIDsMHUTh1Pf335Yd-6EoEJCEr9MJtjp5134/s320/wide+angle+%233.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262598159777324594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2dTcxToKrdFRUpU1TWvgE2zVeiw-JXPASqLjA1nduy5ZDRLck2wjUa3snYk4_TrlN4VF2turGT_m01R-eyck3ilErVXktOzCbec6xI7vTIWtwpNSxXFnbnHFKwaNZPai7-Ernlr-W08/s320/wide+angle.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262598181641782434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxjgsR9W3J1h2Kefz2LOnGU8qr_7BL27J4GsHhw2tF6R_l3hMjvjn-gdb6NGdo3nA7OKgWjPG7E5S8qC5O8Uq3no-9wJP1-Cj0uy9_Fukyc2FLCotsN5rYI9Ieh-UWnhREN9JthDh1Qw/s320/wide+angle+%234.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262598168133595218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyX-s8IPatnwf_PfuiMJv3QUtpSrp1sAV0WKH-vAklvjip2KfsToEIOKH2GwK82dYkJw1T5ZdGI8OBm_EkQzEwm2SKY7dPiaAc8ujrYFR5jWVSEXSlTte3Yby-cuXhPNYHgurb4GLc5U/s320/wide+angle+%232.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Some of the balloons were really cool. There was one balloon of Darth Vader's head, supported by grown-ups in full costume (I have no idea what character they were dressed up as since I haven't sent he movie in about 20 years. White plastic looking costumes?) and Nemo which you can see here. </div><div align="center"></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262598154360642434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU338gcSEAOT5nuF3AQjTmDMhIEz7u_KL-P49YGbRaYLX-ZoAoZwAYK9eCozfGjlxujHkF4Ry04qiUIKdV-Rbx6yWnTVLnF3RfZHLBLfr4s4tadEWxarfIybEmcEhn0EqJbFCAAFYiqQs/s320/Sam+asleep.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">After all the excitement she was so tired she fell asleep chewing on her blanket. And the big, huge, silver lining of getting up at 3:30 in the morning? She took a four hour nap and slept from Albuquerque all the way to Amarillo - it was awesome!</div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262596556762465762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPkHKrIU8JiNKWCUYA_u6D1lvijOQzLx4TBYpB7932dm-D1d34e8bKCVJt_7n1ThxGkciEheEfp0cUs9JsHmHIbuam-ogcIs4dgDHS0WFdJxrEB-f6AINyRWDdsEmfopqDU1V4TWNoXo/s320/McCain+Bus.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p align="center">I am an ardent Obama supporter but I had to take a picture in front of the McCain bus. It was parked in our hotel parking lot when we went back to check out. Apparently he made a campaign stop at the balloon festival the day after we were there. The picture of me sticking my tongue out does not need to be posted on the Internet for all to see and judge. Just know that there is one and I can show it to Sam when she is old enough to understand. This bus did prompt a long discussion between KC and I about letting our kids make up there own minds on politics and still liking them if they decided to be Republicans (ha. ha.)</p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6686315656007579536.post-13324072466925556232008-11-04T07:30:00.007-06:002008-11-04T07:30:01.176-06:00An Obama mama and a baby for Barack<div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://littlemanchase.blogspot.com/">Christina</a> gave me this onesie when I was about 13 weeks pregnant with Sam. I took these pictures on the first night of the Democratic convention. Christina also gave me my Obama Mama pin - which I am wearing proudly today! Thanks Tina!</span></em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRykMp8sT40p-cJxHTtSItzmc8bSu6LVyV1BWOSE7S9bycYnqwbix4je-Qkotk8h1Oy1Y3wQSnWhaMLV0WTFJNwaxglL7PXrWRYY3TFabx5urMeAx-xYHB06PwmtCx12VSnIPMSeHxS-I/s1600-h/Pictures+8-29-08+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262994657426026882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRykMp8sT40p-cJxHTtSItzmc8bSu6LVyV1BWOSE7S9bycYnqwbix4je-Qkotk8h1Oy1Y3wQSnWhaMLV0WTFJNwaxglL7PXrWRYY3TFabx5urMeAx-xYHB06PwmtCx12VSnIPMSeHxS-I/s320/Pictures+8-29-08+004.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3jIZ86HHhN1TYkmNcfcAbFAmHDzk-HBI4vdSV98W7CLy8UvurEZ4WGJMRBaslrLWoLKTnjkX7SpQsd7l09tb3OJ9sPJLhBXtaamRTD0srFdjXL-buEfytVOIYSeJT1L82VEDk4bZVsY/s1600-h/Pictures+8-29-08+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262994645131769490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3jIZ86HHhN1TYkmNcfcAbFAmHDzk-HBI4vdSV98W7CLy8UvurEZ4WGJMRBaslrLWoLKTnjkX7SpQsd7l09tb3OJ9sPJLhBXtaamRTD0srFdjXL-buEfytVOIYSeJT1L82VEDk4bZVsY/s320/Pictures+8-29-08+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoBS2BtRRD6Lk3_OErAMBzWtZ79kf4yfDySzeOOlqdart2E4wrIViJW9ob9ftXijvC_uJQ1Akja58meNsiyc6u7NTJs0dCZnZCAXqTfEnIUDVoOzZ3FXop8uE_2jEpbktPDd03KvZkek/s1600-h/Pictures+8-29-08+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262994628186721954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoBS2BtRRD6Lk3_OErAMBzWtZ79kf4yfDySzeOOlqdart2E4wrIViJW9ob9ftXijvC_uJQ1Akja58meNsiyc6u7NTJs0dCZnZCAXqTfEnIUDVoOzZ3FXop8uE_2jEpbktPDd03KvZkek/s320/Pictures+8-29-08+001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Today is the day. Have you done your civic duty yet? Texas offers early voting which makes it about as easy as pie to make sure you vote. Seriously, you have 2 weeks to fit it into your schedule (plus election day). Everyone in Texas should vote. I didn't bring Sam this year. But I plan to every year going forward. Election Day was a big deal in my house growing up. First of all, because my school was a polling place so we had off (which was reason enough to love the first Tuesday in November) but my mom made it a big deal. She always voted and she always took us with her.<br /><br /><br />I remember "voting" in 4th grade for the presidential election. Even then I was so proud. I promptly marched home and told my mother I voted for Bush (the first one). "Why?" she asked. I think my answer went something along the lines of everyone else is and the fact that he had to know what he was doing since he had been a VP. (Ha!) My mom as very liberal Democrat didn't mention that she supported Dukakis or even tell us how she voted. She believed that we needed to make up our own mind how we felt about government, politics, etc.<br /><br /><br />I think Sam needs to make up her own mind. And I am sure our beliefs will influence it (as my mother's did). She has a grandfather (PaPa - my dad) and an auntie Shannon who are both Republicans so they should help balance out her mother and aunties who are fierce democrats. I am sure she will hear sides to every story growing up. We talk politics A LOT and send lots of emails, links to YouTube videos and articles, etc (especially when we think the recipient will not necessarily agree with the commentary). Shannon - did you ever order that Obama sticker? :) And do we fight about it - yes. Loudly and passionately. But that's what great about our family. Somehow we all still like each other afterwards.<br /><br />One of my favorite quotes from this election season was made by Hillary Clinton at the Democratic Convention. She said that "her grandmother didn't have the right to vote but that her daughter cast a vote for her mother." Wow. Look how much our country has changed in the last 100 years. Pretty cool. I can't wait to tell Sam all about it.<br /><br />P.S. As I stated my father is a republican who loves to push the buttons of his 3 liberal daughters, and is usually the one to start stirring the pot. But....this year for the first time in over 30 years he is voting for a Democrat. Yea - go dad! I plan on reminding him of this for years to come.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6686315656007579536.post-35666323373200447992008-11-03T14:17:00.003-06:002008-11-03T14:19:06.999-06:00Mean, Mean LadyOK, I know that at times I sound insane. But seriously, I have nothing on <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/11/01/national/a132957D66.DTL">this lady</a>.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6686315656007579536.post-1249704825357251122008-11-01T07:30:00.003-05:002008-11-03T09:37:23.770-06:00Trick or Treat!<div align="left">This was Sam's first Halloween. It actually made me a little sad. We only have one more holiday (Thanksgiving) that will be her first. I just can not get over how fast this year has gone by. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">As I mentioned before Sam was dressed as a Love Bug (Basically a ladybug costume with hearts instead of dots and heart shaped wings). Costume was courtesy of Mom-Mom and Grandma. My mom always made our costumes growing up. (best costume ever - fifth grade I was Glenda the good witch. Complete with tulle skirt, large crown with sparkles, and wand. If I can find a picture I will post it because it really was awesome.) I thought it would be nice to continue the tradition with Sam. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">We trick or treated with Jill and Claire while Junior and KC stayed home to hand out candy. Sam just adores Claire (who is 2 and a half) and tries to imitate her when they play together. Claire returns the love and told Jill that "Sam was her best friend." Awwww. She also calls Sam "Samilicious" which is adorable! </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">After we made the rounds and the boys ran out of candy we headed over to Mexi-Go for a late dinner. Where Sam had her first soda! Completely by accident of course. Our waitress was not the best (being nice here, really, really nice) and I asked for a kids cup with water no ice. I stopped bringing sippy cups with me since Sam does better with a straw and it's one less thing to drag around. When we got the cup it had ice in it, but I figured no big deal. Sam had a sip and while she spit quite a bit out I thought it was because it was too cold so I asked for the waitress to please bring a cup with no ice. No big deal. Then Claire got upset saying she thought she was getting sprite and that wasn't what was in her cup. Uh oh. Yep, Sam had the sprite. Apparently from now on I will checking to make sure Sam is drinking water and not soda. So, we had a few first on Halloween, trick or treating, wagon rides, and soda. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263705801940621506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynQv1rchNenyPqvVUvGTY5oC-hnnD4LzwtP4HSZu79IgvwCmf-ot5OcDNqCepxcND4ymQy9NzSLjN4gkGP1ww2G2UImlOLmZGhYDIK0Jqzil5DoaC6iZHepL4isZz259L5nhUokuji80/s320/Love+Bug.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Our Little Love Bug</div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263705762512109378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4hdHOSJ2hQowxjcpA_-aDLww0aRwGowmUXOcWR8IA4TBLaIf95nNrfwUo6aTXPqOqAkQsF1c1V4WdN9XePEONmUJaRGSS0RYAE-V2Er2gEZJNr34IppfXmJxN3vRojv6icQWKGWHeNs/s320/Family+Portrait.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">A Halloween Family Portrait (yes, I am wearing my Obama Mama pin. Thanks Christina!)<br /></p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263705756636405650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGPFYBpjEfysHwgzCLqss4dhPCuHZqE1Juz_0ZIVoEhms6EwEsUnXZE6pXjRMJw0TcdpYc7MMVya5p44sau4d1w8lBe4AeSSyC21Zm_5rKmZzX9Giv4bG9HHdrTZ9rj0kVepAUrM-O1s/s320/Adoration.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">Sam is thinking "Can I be a fairy princess when I grow up?"<br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwa-P4Ujz1kkfVp3I3xpfsVAZOFweeaNR9DhwIhavRr0dKQ1ngIOAtVrEMq47RnajNvpLja13Zziqe_StMUqxBwuB0lFmzcuo2yaq3eaUct0DtHKpc5VonffFerXofvDG1NQGZnzmPVw/s1600-h/The+Fairy+and+the+love+bug.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263706442874080882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwa-P4Ujz1kkfVp3I3xpfsVAZOFweeaNR9DhwIhavRr0dKQ1ngIOAtVrEMq47RnajNvpLja13Zziqe_StMUqxBwuB0lFmzcuo2yaq3eaUct0DtHKpc5VonffFerXofvDG1NQGZnzmPVw/s320/The+Fairy+and+the+love+bug.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCbkauBLrD8ODFddqUKGd6eK7Qe_JorshFBObXhhKWMzX24A_2sLOc6VjwGfbsQqdvLuNK-m-a3fO4gb98nCMUwnXwbSoj7gWLEOTAmG2jSGjPMkuEzX5j-mbm2whzAYn1wpxb1Fz1xI/s1600-h/Love+Bug+Sitting+%232.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263706438677838514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCbkauBLrD8ODFddqUKGd6eK7Qe_JorshFBObXhhKWMzX24A_2sLOc6VjwGfbsQqdvLuNK-m-a3fO4gb98nCMUwnXwbSoj7gWLEOTAmG2jSGjPMkuEzX5j-mbm2whzAYn1wpxb1Fz1xI/s320/Love+Bug+Sitting+%232.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9hn6RX6DMFn2q7m1CLjeZKPcwVwxTzNVAu8zq9PwT3683QZDnptRlTB94zDPd0i2ASF_mP7UJVmDpok8xzDGQvSLHJOPN6nfneNCmiq1ZAOkV5QXtJRR5-jbUpyl1AasRIZ-YIN00F0/s1600-h/Love+Bug+Sitting.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263706428155976770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9hn6RX6DMFn2q7m1CLjeZKPcwVwxTzNVAu8zq9PwT3683QZDnptRlTB94zDPd0i2ASF_mP7UJVmDpok8xzDGQvSLHJOPN6nfneNCmiq1ZAOkV5QXtJRR5-jbUpyl1AasRIZ-YIN00F0/s320/Love+Bug+Sitting.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263706454694926370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvpoU_MEbWXy9TUKMdKzSeju925RMsNtZrpAHKbnJEU_EcxoLbDCvrpYuxbGde81lHDfthAB32S0flsgGHOy-uuwHkAWvoePfmGYjR7Jle1VAyXiWvU52MMjSoV1ddejlNcw1EVei8kA/s320/Wagon+%232.jpg" border="0" />Our first wagon ride</div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263705778317155538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRp2R8obUgeVogJGkl_WaFTnJ_-IPUQwH8h9L24f-02f7wNlPSKDRA2k153qzbCbt2RT5V9MFQPvDmSp5cHiPDiZQ5wnV_VbdmazzbcbouiHHzbcKHwIJLpr7WB35S3dqskfN6pnveE8s/s320/Fish+Face+%232.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div align="center">When Sam got a little fussy and hungry (because we had a very abbreviate dinner so we could get out and trick or treat) I pulled out the gold fish. She has both hands completely full and was shoveling them into her mouth as fast as she could. Maybe she thought with all of the kids around there was going to be some competition. Little did she know the other kids were all eating candy and thinking "Goldfish - ha! I've got chocolate. Jokes on you baby."</div><div> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263705768833177362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTc2ofSGWFNZTLnwK-bD-hMIDfzzBNGtgzeRndBoClw82zn_qPqILFtHzlmZ9_OsNS5fa_uZ0hXDmY4NwK1JfzdevfrTJlUQ7JoXsb_vjCYGz2ib9v5kJ_Vmqwj9esTf0Kgpvi1Vmfzs/s320/Fish+Face.jpg" border="0" />Yes, that is bits of goldfish falling out of our mouth. I'm serious as cute as she is the goldfish bit got a little disgusting. In our house Goldfish are the magic, happy pill. They cure anything and everything. I should probably stop bribing my kid with food any day now. I want her to have a healthy relationship with food and all that jazz.</div><div><br /><em>With the election so close even Halloween was political. KC and Junior had two little girls came by and had the following conversation: </em></div><div><em></em> </div><div><em>Girl #1: Trick or Treat. Vote for Obama!</em></div><div><em>Girl #2: No way, McCain all the way!</em></div><div><em></em> </div><div><em>The girls were about 10 and needless to say KC and Junior were a bit surprised!</em></div></div></div></div></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6686315656007579536.post-65046639416260834512008-10-31T07:30:00.001-05:002008-10-31T07:30:00.950-05:00Boo at the Zoo<div>When we were in Philly last week we went to Boo at the Zoo at the Philadelphia Zoo. We had a blast even though it rained off and on while we were there. Sam got to wear her costume for the first time. Mom-mom and Grandma made her a Love bug costume. KC has called her his love bug since we found out we were having a girl. Since it was pretty chilly out we were a love bug in a furry coat with dog ears. Hey, whatever works. It's actually the only coat we own. Something I have to rectify at some point in the next few weeks. </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262616635302491314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOi60AUmXroyspAW7uzXKbUtsVmHUmB-orFzruLYir5WWSCriWGX6edqzbkxf4JF0oEtmFakt110CcupGVIuTZUv6IIniG33P30-I6Mr0G1y_mBPCdqiEvLwBCWbCCfm0nE_TxcIS4NPk/s320/Love+Bug.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">All dressed up right after we got out of the car. The head piece didn't last long though. </p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4Fky9OEWpJ5NIl5upM0cF_wdxlVOWO54ZxS1qtNSfM9gkdKjQZpW-tNVgRBEK8hENkqn1Ex4M3ozbcwEWIUxg2-agIh4Xhw0Tfhi9-pYeLGQqzc7LHE5hZijunhDR6iHOWvZGHKlMSg/s1600-h/The+Girls.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262617552077612610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4Fky9OEWpJ5NIl5upM0cF_wdxlVOWO54ZxS1qtNSfM9gkdKjQZpW-tNVgRBEK8hENkqn1Ex4M3ozbcwEWIUxg2-agIh4Xhw0Tfhi9-pYeLGQqzc7LHE5hZijunhDR6iHOWvZGHKlMSg/s320/The+Girls.jpg" border="0" /></a> The girls</p><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262616950432101730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NtvgygHaMaAZBeFh_O2WeAwOgTcdThNmbyaxHPB_o_IdphNoOV7ILyXrBbwgLYDgek503PoVBfUALOuAxhUvgiJrqVvVmW0cTrBHWKH0DN65id_Q81UU8OhxJaQjO4XYNj48SawnduU/s320/Reptile+House.jpg" border="0" /> Sam got sick of the stroller so we transitioned to the carrier after a while. I love this carrier so much! And so does Sam! What you can't see in this picture are the triplets behind us - dressed up as a lion, a tiger, and a bear. So cute! And creative. We all walked by and said "Lions, Tigers, and Bears. Oh My!" You just couldn't help it!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimt3CG5-IRE0T6UN_hboQL8iUY5-e3h0QaTLAGOM9x6PthTGzeD2FKm5_k-VrcxCklqzU6anZi50upRBxU2kZ32MhSOV45pTEaQKhmHDc5wN6UuW4W9C0hZyLo7_u11N3pjn35AKx7qA/s1600-h/Sea+Turtle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262617397801698770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimt3CG5-IRE0T6UN_hboQL8iUY5-e3h0QaTLAGOM9x6PthTGzeD2FKm5_k-VrcxCklqzU6anZi50upRBxU2kZ32MhSOV45pTEaQKhmHDc5wN6UuW4W9C0hZyLo7_u11N3pjn35AKx7qA/s320/Sea+Turtle.jpg" border="0" /></a>This was our first trip to the zoo. She loved seeing all of the animals. I just had to make sure that we were looking at animals that moved. She didn't care too much for anything stationary.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9jv7rn6d4QBHto3Y_orXpF-_Q6Og2AbwCoo7fzKKfUsvoZOZuW2Yw3F6xcnm9OzqqQzkjhf7BqsbuC-ywF0M6AEgKsBFXVIoZT8L5x7ivrvEtSK7m9LzmdH8Y9qoru4lr6Dqs1WbuNE/s1600-h/Lion+Eyes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262616622184783730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9jv7rn6d4QBHto3Y_orXpF-_Q6Og2AbwCoo7fzKKfUsvoZOZuW2Yw3F6xcnm9OzqqQzkjhf7BqsbuC-ywF0M6AEgKsBFXVIoZT8L5x7ivrvEtSK7m9LzmdH8Y9qoru4lr6Dqs1WbuNE/s320/Lion+Eyes.jpg" border="0" /></a> Look at the bug eyes! We were at the lion "cage" and the lion came right up to the window and roared. It was the coolest thing I have ever seen at the zoo. He was touching the window. So close his breath was fogging up the window. She was mesmerized. (And no I didn't let her eat the snickers in her hand. I'm not that bad of a mother. She just really liked carrying it around since it was shiny.)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNehyphenhyphenIi7V-jn4smVa90mTB9fhZ4GPk3q_w3eQpR7AoPajYM0kRl2oSFM9QiiXgt8QzhzSBwXPlnWy71gxTmYVbbIxabn7ZzFEsc0cOVYkJxXvhAQ2hGNtGDYGa9jrvt63S23FOYAGmP7U/s1600-h/Lion.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262615779591641906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNehyphenhyphenIi7V-jn4smVa90mTB9fhZ4GPk3q_w3eQpR7AoPajYM0kRl2oSFM9QiiXgt8QzhzSBwXPlnWy71gxTmYVbbIxabn7ZzFEsc0cOVYkJxXvhAQ2hGNtGDYGa9jrvt63S23FOYAGmP7U/s320/Lion.jpg" border="0" /></a>This was the lion roaring at the glass. You can see why she had the bug eyes. Some of the kids loved it and some of them ran screaming to their parents.<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262616645112057154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKhoKIOFWgsnVFhNSbmtL0ndaaMWLw0r2HNTIBQkJEkhPUlHwHYJ6AXyXqD_BOoIvHxJCsR0COFXERE0P7sw1_QTZ7qVcUY34rV06pAdm4xwBO4sCv59drEK1JnV_trlCQN5LUsqdX3g/s320/My+little+Monkey.jpg" border="0" /> My little monkey<br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262617402216766162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9VCP22PoLF_bR63a0OoJR6ittJvu4POe_URZWD5gK5jSoGGncmdC3RqnItCHmmwGDrfMCZ3fbVdR2VNzyvj3vnQDdSBwW_3Az8O-D3RJtPj2URuYLPwrDbfBBF0u93yGGPB_rcIcyDc/s320/Silly+Aunties.jpg" border="0" />Silly, Silly Aunties </div><div><br /><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262957635437941426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHhuUz1pzEvN42atyo1sdknDH_Bg6yeGVIMv-JzEwnD4kkc9xBN44hf4PiAg3dSMNRuxwbOHzQQ13TVv-gpzT0DG88VGcF5yJK42JErLJ-E568Ki1ZhsKutkK2ZXfb0nUmAr7TyRlrBM/s320/Carousel.jpg" border="0" />I have discovered one of her favorite things - riding a merry go round. She loves it. When we were in Arizona and she got on one for the first time. She was pretty hesitant at first and not really sure about it. This time we had no initial hesitation at all! She wrapped her hands around the pole and off we went. About half way through she started shrieking with delight. We had a blast. Our local mall has a merry go round inside so I am sure I will have to avoid that area unless I am willing to ride. <br /><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocPJ9i04bnbA49RV4PxPivm6oOmub0oji_s3_PHqMmYlRya9p1FDX1eujooiFaKv4UYyInvs6w55DsCLlU1nAlQGWa2U3qa58wd-EJxQLiFCFeaNu7kmYv8OXlGRrUT2n821AbCPzX7w/s1600-h/Boo+at+the+Zoo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262615354763719458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocPJ9i04bnbA49RV4PxPivm6oOmub0oji_s3_PHqMmYlRya9p1FDX1eujooiFaKv4UYyInvs6w55DsCLlU1nAlQGWa2U3qa58wd-EJxQLiFCFeaNu7kmYv8OXlGRrUT2n821AbCPzX7w/s320/Boo+at+the+Zoo.jpg" border="0" /></a> Happy Halloween!</div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262615762879559938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECLMsct5JbN6xyQFAIgB7O7aPAwCTcFFjhHV2MFg3RxsDAtUx3pvn1J9seozbGmbeuvTnDZJbs2Y7ZWmznwoBhj1n-MJgqfW4QaQSi_B1YjiUKWbbNPW9Fy_W-F1Qwfebb6sVySYroNw/s320/Goofing+with+Auntie+Ande.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div>Sam and Auntie Ande goofing off</div><div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262617556558185538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5vgRACiZKMMJQwF_zEIYLcDYyNC2rLTFAz-257N0-10g5BSu8pnVQdIJS-EXCOUpBO-a52ikM8UpDn2OxeUnKMZWFJtuOxh9cl-C0fxOQABfnRNBLduETITQ9x6DgPMFLOtts-K4EFQ/s320/Umbrella.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p align="center">For whatever reason Sam was fascinated by the umbrella. Possibly because she has never seen one before???</p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6686315656007579536.post-84946269207298532682008-10-30T07:30:00.001-05:002008-10-30T08:51:27.910-05:00This is huge<div align="left">You can really only understand how huge this is if you are a sports fan and your team has NEVER in your lifetime won a championship. I think it still hasn't hit me that there aren't any more games to lose and that this isn't another team's 'year'. Holy cannoli - the Phillie's won the world series. The freakin' world series. Wow.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262943260756895634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHIMLe3ZAktX8w1t_tAcV0z-ArV7MQRlc9O3dBfuM2Ppr_VvZTJ1K2V6RoIabcLD9qN9qM-D1d2Q9pMvUWJYYf9E7gOZEJCn_Yxr3YXbeIg4h6ib0VFanJ2r9TNnlWefXc9qjcJ9GE5c/s320/Little+Phillies+Phan.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">Our Little Phillie's Phan</p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6686315656007579536.post-50546441922737070692008-10-29T07:30:00.007-05:002008-10-29T07:30:00.435-05:00I really, really, really never ever thought I would say thisI want to move back to Pennsylvania. More specifically, Yardley. Actually, If I could move right back into the house I grew up in I would. (Don't be offended Mom but I'd probably make some changes.) Anyone who knows me is probably picking their jaw up off the floor right about now. We have spent 7 years in Texas. Almost all of which I have spent insisting that we will never move back home. We will never move anywhere the has actual winter. But we just spent 5 fabulous days back at home. And now I'm all over the place. <br /><br />I'm not sure if it was the fall weather, my favorite season at home (no summer humidity, no spring rain, and no frigid winter temperatures). Fall in PA is brisk and bright colors and the best smells (burning leaves is at the top of my list). It might be the wonderful friends and family we have there. I can't help but envision play dates and dinners out, days at the local farms. All of it made me nostalgic. I passed by my elementary school and saw where our 5th grade picnic was, the community pool where we spent so many summer days, the favorite local restaurants that might encourage me to never cook again. I think becoming a mother did me in. Growing up where we did was so much fun. I don't know what Sam's experiences here in Texas will be. But at home I know what pumpkin patch we would hit every year (<a href="http://www.shadybrookfarm.com/">Shady Brook Farms</a>) and where we would go to cut our Christmas tree down every year (Indian Walk) where we would play miniature golf on warm summer nights (<a href="http://www.snipesfarm.com/golf/">Snipes</a>). It's hard not to think about what our life would be like if we lived back in PA. <br /><em></em><br />Now, before you get all "WHAT?!? You're moving?!?" we're not. In less than 2 years we will officially have no family left in the area. As much as I love, love, love all our friends but we want our kids to grow up with family. And not family that 1,000 miles away. Family around the corner and over for dinner on Sunday afternoon. <br /><br /><em>The fact that it has snowed in Philadelphia in the last few days has tempered my wistfulness for living in PA. That is just what I needed. Thanks Mother Nature!</em>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6686315656007579536.post-5877887248939223252008-10-28T07:30:00.003-05:002008-10-28T10:44:56.962-05:00To the jerk in 8BKarma is a bitch - especially yours after the pouty, 'woe is me' display you put on last night. When I boarded the plane with Sam BY MYSELF I was hoping she would be an angel. Maybe even sleep. <br /><br />Sam is the child that you looked at with complete disgust numerous times last night. I know the seat next to the baby wasn't your first choice. I apologize for the fact that she was overtired, and wired from 5 days of fun and just couldn't wind down to sleep even thought she was completely exhausted. I didn't want to sit with a crying, fidgety baby on my lap for over three hours anymore than you wanted to sit next to one. <br /><br />I'm sorry she sneezed in your direction. I try to at least put my hand over her mouth when she appears to be in the verge of sneezing or coughing but I'm not a mind reader and at times get caught off guard. The rolling of your eyes and glare were unnecessary. I felt bad enough. <br /><br />The constant sighing and sifting of your weight was something else that I felt bad about at first but after an hour I wanted to tell you to GET OVER YOURSELF. I know you want to read your <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Undercover-Economist-Exposing-Poor-Decent/dp/0345494016/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1225208139&sr=1-1">The Undercover Economist</a> in peace and type your emails without a soundtrack of "yeah, yeah, yeah, blah, blah, blah" Face it you're stuck on a plane with a baby and her mother. We'll get there when we get there. You making an issue out of it isn't making the plane fly any faster. <br /><br />By no means did I expect you or anyone else to entertain my child. But somehow the sweet gentleman behind us found the strength to at least smile at her when she looked at him. She attempted on numerous occasions to smile and babble to you which, like everything else, you found offensive. Don't worry you are the last person I would want to engage with my child. She might come away with a permanent frown. <br /><br />Feel free to upgrade next time. The chances of sitting next to a baby in first class are significantly lower. And I really hope that whatever poor girl you marry knows what an arse you are when it comes to kids. <br /><br /><em>PS - if anyone still reads this blog I apologize for the fact that my first post in 2 weeks is a rant. I'll be back to my normal cheery self by tomorrow. I promise.</em><br /><em></em>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6686315656007579536.post-91130497668754961322008-10-15T07:30:00.000-05:002008-10-15T07:30:00.618-05:00I Heart NYI love NYC because that's where Auntie Ande is but I certainly wished she lived a whole lot closer... (like Dallas, maybe? Don't you love guilt by Internet?)<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255565683836510530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmkCiMdDZ15sSTcfj-ZRmEK7JmCUUPjtnEiTsYWstz-Hr89QmaRj-dxpyM7W0HDm0mEDXcYsaBLXbGtG-Pk08Dp4OMnAXx9ubxkt5rf_u_1QpKttFAlmsx2_nZDbSauLT764kj5Sh0fs/s320/I+Heart+NY..jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="center">Thanks for the onesie Auntie Ande!</p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6686315656007579536.post-46618946917177501382008-10-14T07:30:00.000-05:002008-10-14T07:30:01.058-05:00Eagles Weekend 2008<div align="left">What the heck is Eagles weekend? When KC and I first moved to Dallas 7 years ago we promised among other things to stay in touch with our friends but more importantly to NEVER, EVER become Cowboy fans. Since the Eagles will play a game in Dallas every year (being in the same division) we decided that would be a perfect weekend to schedule a yearly get together. Last year was the first year that we did nothing. Why? Because the Eagles game was scheduled for December 16th and my due date was the 17th.<br /></div><br /><div align="left">Here is the email that KC sent out to our friends announcing that for the first time we would not be celebrating Eagles weekend in Dallas (we celebrated the year before it was just a very small celebration since the game was on Christmas Day): </div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><em>Good afternoon sports fans,<br /><br />It’s that time again! The schedule for the upcoming NFL season has been released and the planning needs to begin for the migration south to attend this years festivities. As most of you veterans already know, there are only a few things that could cause us to cancel the big weekend. For you rookies that don’t, last year was one of them. The game fell on Christmas and only a few of us could attend. This year’s game will be held on December 16th. What else could cause the 6 time hosts of the biggest pilgrimage south in the history of pilgrimages to cancel the festivities you ask? Well, as luck would have it, Laura and I will be expecting our first child, who has already adopted the nickname “Peanut”, on December 17th, the day after the Eagles/Cowboys game. If all goes as planned the 6 time hosts will be watching the game from the hospital and for the first time since 1984 neither of us will care about the result.<br /><br />With this news, the landscape of the migration south for the Eagles game has changed forever. With the recent additions to the Marseglia and Gonzales families and the soon to be addition to the Palsky and Chewning families the next generation of Philadelphia Fans will need to be groomed by the “old timers” who came before them. We may be trading in this year’s Eagles weekend and the festivities that go along with it for the little munchkins but next year we will come armed with babysitters and big wheels to keep them under control.<br /><br />See you guys this summer.<br /><br />Until next year,<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />The Official Chairman of the Annual Migration,<br /><br />GO BIRDS!!!</em></div><br /><div align="left"><br /></div><br /><p align="left">I still tear up a little when I read this. I can't help it. We didn't exactly have babysitters and big wheels this year. Maybe in a year or two when the kids are old enough to occupy themselves for at least 15 minutes (wishful thinking?). We did have a few friends come from the north including my sister and her boyfriend. My other sister lives in Houston so she avoided Hurricane Ike and headed to Dallas a day early. And then stayed a few days after for which I was SO very thankful for (right in the middle of KC's business trip and Sam's sickness). But Sam enjoyed her first Eagles weekend. I think our days of sleeping 23 people in our little house might be over. After a night at <a href="http://www.petesduelingpianobar.com/">Pete's Piano Bar </a>you aren't too particular about where you sleep. But with the addition of the kiddos comes a new generation to drill on the importance being a good fan and new traditions. From the pictures below we are off to a good start.<br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255555699058529266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8rDgV0Gguq_-1E3rz3XBFjXG3SMcxZ0ds_bkN9cZdXkvcgvTP_JFapG1C5R0_cD2xcqlJrBqZeqfJorl9NJkF5eWnyo24EG3Iilv1Og4mjx4G469uCtlPtv0G3KZzVfv8j3aQQyRk34/s320/Sam+walking.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">We're thinking about walking at this point (but do so much better with MeMe holding our hands). Ignore the evidence a Target/Old Navy shopping spree in the backgorund. The day after this picture is when she took 3 steps! And last night we had 4! Maybe we'll decide we want to walk after all. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255555697741884498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrfwmULPCGyAyu7ZweREtWhpuHKa1FVRZ0kS1Utzy44n7TfMmoFfAg8KMz-bf9VJB8HhlYV7EIDUT5kyCZmXtFZmw4PFyYjoN37ALw0hvfPwVI7dVoZMWDbtYamKtAdtsuuuseXJl-Ec/s320/Sam+and+Jill.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Sam cavorting with the enemy camp made up of <a href="http://www.doublestuff-gonzales.blogspot.com/">Jill, Brooke, and Allison</a>. Darn Cowboys Fans! </div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255555692078691826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1lrwj59tLNz5zvUvRj4D1Cf5FHq9-AtOe2Ti_Gw3-TiQIeQQfiA2IeMa65TH5LYiHMSrCUT3lkAMcVPzS3d0GQGnwOTTkZTsxwraYviZ-8kJ7iDSnLUhgq1VBKqHS9j9pZonS0jW1z4/s320/Cheerleading+Moves.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center">Future Cheerleader? The closet thing in our family is Auntie Shannon's drill team experience</div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255556078326408338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Kljkth90jcGHnuTzdJmn5SdXXzQ2rLJ8INlWeJ175bDtTYYdeqPEvvPBSNCv9xTTn0fsbuEfTMf95CozLqogcxdD2m0Un-Xrm6T_x0TX7gBlLgJpGWIIFcmDjZZnGPStA2HctvCRRMg/s320/The+girls..jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center">Auntie Dev, Auntie Kara, Auntie Ande, and Me (One of my favorite things about Eagles weekend is having a lot of my favorite people in the whole world all together in one place. Such a nice thing to look forward to every year.)</div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255556229154887170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMQ2_2e2zQH7zgxosQTlukquUzBbdQ3vD8IHnbIPMdZkKqF_ygb5yThG9yMqCsRRaFEPHZO1V6HdjHpGoOSemSF9SrCJn6dHeyrm-uFCXHlSgB2zcbG3aK4r0BQ_ZSALCGJHzGFJaw40/s320/PaPa+and+his+girls.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center">My Dad and some of his girls (where are you Auntie Shannon and MeMe???) With 4 daughters he is used to being surrounded by women.</div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255556060134944082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LF-KSRN-ysGffAZw_n3QgIwH2USzoxKKZhGN5s1mR6zg2j5RARcvqZr5O9Lrb_OckrcUC3Bg0ntFB4hz-CloXxH0QhAUObZtMBCfZEtv0vrxYTTa6MEBGT_haBTrB_tGLqCCh5FYd-I/s320/The+Girls+%232.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center">This was during the game when we still thought we were going to win.</div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255556053957371330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWB9LqjI1oOa36G_92tZ86HhvJTETc0XTIVinp_Q68a41WXBEBBaZAOQGgxGUpQnbhPA7J70W7bl0j8S6GDZ3zF60QGMzxEdOOsYIzSahaZomY0bLND1cEzgeB0UhVxAo7_N95I1xUY0/s320/Steve+Young.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="center">We got to meet Steve Young. It was really cool.</p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255555679281685122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLa1pXv6u2hJAAZ6zXRd8QEF8QsXarZeQyDcchriiAKRjZtu4UsG-w9gTEWNHJbruzVoS35kSQMakUuv7CRW2mUno_8CkJ-Nc2LJe3-w1NdQp2Eo6ItXZIQK7jzt0CcfTnihLBFYuMg0/s320/Aunties.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Auntie Ande and Auntie Kara</p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255556087430681730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjz_knUy5CpLIBL2A4bO77rtMB5nF6JwkRsmy-e754hcVQTVW-IP9f32ck-IAVCBJB9VPhDbRmNNWmRRf3w0zt4ir622nNlv3SYKqjPx5cb3Nc0UljCndNdTOGncO-BSXTzhdkls0MaY/s320/The+House.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Sam's new House (we bought it that weekend). It was the best money I have ever spent. She plays with it every single day. Our new fascination is the mailbox. We keep putting things in there for her to find and she loves it. When they made this toy they thought of everything!</p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255555701125702642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5tAGWecaua_62pjfhjNRya7QgSxu9oSF6WhBwe7He0l06qq070Zbfu7q9k4rtAYG3dApqfAtpevQI8UnJW4ih57__XwNAf1BPNyGaew2_HnRYY1j3YwcziLbBtLkV4FhzTwgdeD2unU/s320/Sam+Ande+and+Jay.jpg" border="0" />At the airport begging Auntie Ande and Uncle Jay to stay (ok, that might have been me not Sam)</p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255556068879592402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oqMmGxVK1hAG8Skc197vOushFJtY9HzTsiYuheJRWvSJcAXH-HPCoNy7LOV9-Iu9VP_CDP_j46SS_iI2lkQQ6vMW19N5kia_xJng-6JwgZ8GkBScKeQ4epPBuS6S0FvyBt_dr_y4yH4/s320/The+Girls+%233.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">The end of Sam's first Eagles weekend - Another awesome year in the books!</p><p align="center"><em>To everyone who missed this year - we hope you can join us next year! It wasn't the same without you.</em> </p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6686315656007579536.post-21578292700647651342008-10-11T07:30:00.025-05:002008-10-11T07:30:00.350-05:00How 'bout those fightin' Phils?<div>I know I have mentioned what big Eagles Fans we are in a few random posts. We faithfully watch every Sunday, even when our quarterback just can't figure out how to close the deal we keep coming back for more. But KC is actually an even bigger Phillies fan. Something most people don't know about him since due to contracts with cable provider we can not get any Phillies games on TV in Dallas, even with the MLB package from Direct TV. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>This is a somewhat small example of memories and something special he got from having family that lived nearby and was an integral part of his life. His Great Grandmother (Mable Whittaker - also where KC got his first name - Whittaker not Mabel) lived until she was in her 90's, right down the road from where we grew up. And until she died she was the biggest Phillies fan ever. She kept the box scores in marble notebooks and watched every game with a package of cookies in front of her. KC has all of these amazing memories of watching games with her and having cookies for dinner. I don't have a lot of memories of my grandparents. Partially because we didn't grow up close to them but also because by the time I was 10 there was only one still living. Great Gram memories aren't the only legacy from KC's grandparents. His Pop and Gram taught him to golf. Something he would rank a close third on a list of things he loves (right after Sam and I of course. No wait, Andrew might be third. Maybe golf is fourth? Care to offer a guess <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.littlemanchase.blogspot.com">Christina</a>?).<br /></div><div>That's what I want for Sam. All of those small special things that when shared with a grandparent make them more special. I anticipate hearing Sam stamp her feet in frustration with something I am doing and threaten to live at Grandma's around the corner. I even plan to let her think she's gotten away with it for a few hours (maybe squeeze a movie in?). Maybe it will be hitting the garage sales first thing on Saturday morning with Grandma, or sailing with Mom-Mom and Skipper, and golfing with PaPa and Pop. Or maybe if it's cooking with MeMe and riding carousels with Grammie Di. I want her to have those things. Those are the kind of things I think you carry with you forever. They shape the person you become. Sam is so very lucky already. She has 7 grandparents who adore her and want to be part of her life. As big a part as they can be. I think maybe if we just went away and set up a rotation we might not be needed for about 2 months.<br /></div><div>This all came about because of the Phillies recent post season success. If you aren't a baseball fan (and really it takes a special person to be a fan of a game when nothing happens 90% of the time) then let me tell you the Phillies are on fire. Winning playoff games for the first time in 15 years. </div><br /><div></div><div>In honor of Great Gram - GO PHILS!!</div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255601828653879010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOlEL6qFwiBwNkJej10IYTewVB6g66sWNNxZg4DV3ZtyLSU4KAMTuBra7ohDy07c2xa6d9WPgHua5nhLxNU3uNuPk4UpByEXdaL0p14vtDzlMxUSA6o2-6gDoSulI-0r9NVSWLQk6Emg/s320/sam.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div align="center"><em>I had Sam's picture taken as a surprise for KC's first Fathers Day. I intended for her to look much more like a girl but the bow I had attached to her head with syrup kept falling out. After a while I just gave up. We know she's a girl. </em></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6686315656007579536.post-77431027628269849202008-10-09T06:30:00.010-05:002008-10-09T06:30:00.153-05:00How the west was won<div>By two crazy parents and a very patient 10 month old.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="left"><em>*warning - this is a pretty long post. We did a lot and had quite a few 'firsts' on our trip. Pictures are at the bottom if you don't want a blow by blow account of our trip.</em><br /></div><div><br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div><br /></div><div align="left">At some point this summer we decided that it would be a good idea to drive from Dallas to Phoenix for vacation. At first it was on the table because plane tickets were ridiculously expensive. But as the cost of tickets went down we decided that we really, really did want to drive. KC and I have always been a big fan of road trips. We took almost three weeks to drive from Philly to Dallas when we moved here (yes, mom I know it has been 7 long years!). I have to admit in the weeks leading up to our drive I started to have second thoughts. She is so mobile at this point what if she loses her mind? What is she is still sick (a distinct possibility after weeks of illness)? There was no turning back though. We were so excited to spend a week in Arizona with Pop and Grammie Di that we decided to forge ahead with our ambitious plan. Even though 4 days before departure I came down with a stomach bug.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div><br /></div><div align="left">It is a 16 hour and 1066 mile drive according to the Internet. We left on a Friday evening about 6pm and hoped to arrive Saturday night (best case scenario) but were ok with arriving by Sunday night (worse case scenario, especially since the Eagles played on Sunday night) we had a deadline! Off we go at 6pm on Friday the 26th. Our goal for the first day was to reach Amarillo, a 6 hour drive. If anyone has ever driven in Texas you know how fun driving through small towns can be. There is no straight highway to Amarillo. You get on 287 which winds it's way through numerous towns with population signs spouting - population 396 - or 1855 - or even 5933 and of course the speed limit going from 75 to 35 in every 25 miles. Cruise control is not possible and if you haven't made the drive before (as KC had not) the complete lack of lights of any kind can make it hard. The fact that we were both sick with no appetites and clearly dehydrated did keep our stops to a minimum. At about 3am we called it quits and checked into a Hampton Inn in Tucumcari, NM. Since Kc and I had not been to New Mexico before we got to add one state to our total and Sam picked up state number 3! After a later start on day 2 (about 9:30) we headed west again. Sam really did well since she took a 3 hour nap (!!!) that morning and only woke up when she was starving. Between me in the backseat playing and feeding her, the car didn't really seem to phase her too much. After a quick break at a rest stop between Flagstaff and Phoenix we rolled into Phoenix at 7pm local time. 27 hours door to door.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div><br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div align="left">We did so much that week and had so much fun I could write a novel but since this is just a blog I will touch on the high points (all 54 of them)!</div><div><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div><br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div align="left">First of all our resort was wonderful. 2 great playgrounds, a splash area in the pool, and some nice walking trails right across the street. Sam loved the playgrounds and the fact that we hit them with our footed jammies still on really helped the ability to slide.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div><br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div align="left">If you have never been to Phoenix I would absolutely recommend it. There was tons of kid stuff. The railroad park that we went to that had a little train you can ride for $2 (kids are free) so we went one Sam's first train ride. The funniest part was when we went through the tunnel and it got dark. There was also a carousel there so we knocked that off of Sam's list of things to do. She didn't really get into the carousel until almost the end. I think the movement going up and down and around was a bit much for her in the beginning. But once she got used to it - watch out! At one point she didn't even want to hold on!<br /></div><div><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div><br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div align="left">We shopped until we dropped. Everywhere from Nordstrom Rack, to Gap, to the best store ever, <a href="http://www.babystyle.com/">babystyle</a>. Grammie Di spoiled her rotten with all kinds of cute clothes and shoes. We also found a book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Leslie-Patricelli-board-books/dp/0763619523/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1223481661&sr=1-1">"Quiet Loud"</a> that she loves. And it gives me the opportunity to makes lots of funny noises! I think that is one of the (many) benefits of being a parent - getting to do all of the dorky things you couldn't pull off before kids. KC thinks my troll voice from "The Three Billygoats Gruff" should be dialed down a bit or it will end up giving her nightmares.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div><br /></div><div align="left">We went walking with Pop and Grammie Di. Scottsdale (where we were) has this great thing called a greenway that runs for 25 miles right down the middle of the town. It has walking trails the entire length of it so it is perfect for the stroller. It runs by lakes and playgrounds. Both of which we took advantage of. Sam got her first experience with feeding the ducks. And her first time riding a dragon. </div><div><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div><br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div align="left">We also ate at this wonderful restaurant in Cave Creek (a town about 20 minutes north of Scottsdale), <a href="http://www.elencantorestaurant.com/restaurant.htm">El Encanto</a>. It is Mexican restaurant but it had a lake right in the middle of it with turtles, fish, ducks, birds, and butterfly's. I swear it was created with babies in mind. We sat along the glass wall and watched the turtles sun themselves right next to us. Sam loved the fact that there were so many things to look at.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div><br /></div><div align="left">We created a monster. She goes by Horsey Girl. Pop and Grammie Di bought her a rocking horse with a seat on it and she loves it. Grammie Di even bought her a cowboy hat to go with it. Sometimes when she is on your lap she will start rocking back and forth. We have to keep a close eye on her though. Our little daredevil likes to stand up in the 'saddle' and ride that way. </div><div><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div><br /></div><div align="left">I could do without the heart attack when I look over and she is balancing like a circus act.</div><div><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div><br /></div><div align="left">We left on Friday morning amidst lots of hugs and kisses and took off on our journey home. The first day we were only trying to make it to Albuquerque since we were stopping off to take in the balloon festival and she did great. But one of my worst fears did come true. We had a diaper explosion about an hour before we hit Albuquerque. I should have known we wouldn't get through the trip unscathed. And we cut tooth number 7! I was so surprised to arrive at dinner in Albuquerque and see another tooth. We are currently working hard on #8, 9, and 10.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div><br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div align="left">I am pretty sure I covered almost everything (and really sure you are ready to see some pictures and stop reading). I am going to do a separate post on the balloon festival because we have so many amazing pictures from it. I took over 600 pictures on our trip!</div><div><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div><br /></div><div align="left">We had an amazing time and I am sure we will be doing it again since Pop and Grammie Di will most likely be living there in the next few years. (Thank you Pop and Grammie Di for everything!)</div><div><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div><br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div align="left">Oh, before we get to the pictures I wanted to mention that Sam made some progress in her <a href="http://peanutchewning.blogspot.com/2008/07/25-things-in-52-weeks.html">25 things in 52 weeks</a> list. Sidenote, I am pretty sure the pigtails just aren't going to happen. </div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254821255622859554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhibxF5UQJ9o1HV6eSolgsYQIQklbaMJ7p0XRVJ0uP_AWRsrioF0ZT0AmSWOpC_7TZqXhM568NdtEQpUnzlTnbgONbuK_TOcnPbxK61j01n8Wu7cQcupW1FCn0lKfXn_-8ESYQ6cANrQCE/s320/Sams+favorite+things.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">Our new favorite toys: the hotel room card and a water bottle. These occupied us for almost 30 minutes. And the best part? The room card continued to occupy Sam for the rest of the week. I carried this Hampton Inn card around with me - well, it's actually still in my bag.<br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254823021893851554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Tg9URxxAngsABI2LX5CiP_zygJfkZmiRPLOTqAGqDElM7qMX3IB-g9I-i4MPELvH5gxtyzmBEv22iHzaqBNqJwysexdmnrN_wDgjmBQhDONhmt13jo7awHU1Rq1EaVGc7YZ1PKucC7Y/s320/Sam+at+AZ+rest+stop.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">Stretching our legs at a rest stop about an hour north of Phoenix<br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254825829282649426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjT27gxTmNejrS7PlR4umdLPEfACdq9-s9OgMRRqFdXInXFr18q5USdZHhvpso5bZ7s_o7UqieohjRe-wgCRKLSy4aUeKaLjK4H7XSjLJ5xC2ERu8cpJV9BuYuMvZT2Fw6RMORxZzyzE/s320/Sam+and+Mom+at+AZ+rest+stop.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center">Taking in the beautiful mountains (KC and I decided this is what Dallas is missing. Go ahead and say it - DUH!) </div><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254830531660320338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oj8VREDfhyphenhyphenWTve-bftYmtZdbMVYOoa8kli9LOfTAoHtSBomVMRfMnoARW336SDJrVAbGzlmpYrTTTF8565xZ-G5dBQ8-tjLa7owmhZjIgEQFkL1Hrso-vylKYtENmQH_bNoAdN0eWII/s320/Dad+and+Sam+at+the+RR+Park+%232.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center">Dad and Sam at the <a href="http://www.therailroadpark.com/index1.html">McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park </a>in Scottsdale<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254825833623542018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_M2o0F34RuQqktAyBd6Jkfm4uGX0sKJB4oypVRgGMNpfls1hTsXUNA6SfZpEDMiLMvtf2OT7f8-3x5RfIcev9iyabEu0MAZBJmirGYOeOk_6ufMrnV73Wj_dwn38CCHv9pqIhkQTxYjg/s320/Pop+Di+and+Sam_train+park.JPG" border="0" />Sam on her first train ride. Sitting with Pop and Grammie Di<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254830527491897218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOP062nkbIg4LnSqXX8gW1NbrosOiRqXy84QV7fh0D3uk5Q40WPHeMA4ycoFTorC25pyM15FMcz8mHf_hgoElf3L_-Ommqee3LfoEzoicrN2D548eT3GM4QVBftKkB7wvItJGFjyhOP0Y/s320/RRpark+Tunnel.jpg" border="0" /><br />Not so sure what to think about the tunnel (especially with the other kids yelling.) You can't tell in this picture but without the flash it was pitch black in there. </div><br /><div align="center"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254830532319452130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrBUCOTTyo_6KBNWImZEUFcG_FMbe26KVz6XW-f8fcx_KbmPqld3qS2-T-DIKGhaSk_NrQafQqATU7YzSqxlZcw5LPT2sTbsLRxmdwsiGvD8mj3z0uwsXbB_hV2VzmFE0q3GwB1O-zm0/s320/Sam+and+Pop+at+the+RR+Park.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Pop and Sam at the Railroad Park </div><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254823023775738674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAC6aA8-Q1-AvSrgxYkvTz5lR-2c_u68h6D6MJhxSB6LZwcbvvmPUp6ERDcyb6HvdWz0voYrHsqg8A9H_h6yfZ6Q8AJRwFoXupxPBp7H0SvRTR3F4DuuQBpH3Z_Id3ESw7AjXFpINmMAQ/s320/Sam+in+a+tree.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">One of my all-time favorite pictures of Sam</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254821252804564594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrW_v2Ow9gtfR01o5SmPCsDQqvrqlxq4Rw8Xw3pyQftyO3v6aGrvNb2dz4j6n9CsqAJ-4VO55eI-im77DvT7dBZa9f1gjMIYUVkqbH2LEo-l2OU53ttn-Y1RvdKUdOP7TtYT7qH4d0FY0/s320/Daredevil+Sam+%232_carousel.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">"Look ma, no hands!" (Our first carousel ride, hanging with Grammie Di)<br /></p><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254821250806402514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLUYQRahsc-GKqTi7fYRQvTh4GbkCK2nmKgUtuM1A2oPl6IrtxW8_HzEvPgqnQ1LRdUlKekqpo2IPHzI_tdjOOw5w8HxOWN9z1eKFp90auIc8zVZ75dg5xT-bUaiJPwQcQDhPS0atCg0/s320/Daredevil+Sam_carousel.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Seriously, this kid had no fear once she got the hang of it.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254830736432557858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorhhmulYAomaY3yyXuxgboVYWHybGaZdPfhHUjF3Sw8bqDEeSlJbp7JDDfhPRUjof18fsy-gx7PUB7enbmjRr7u3WWXp6uOzh-WdeFfeTzhLA7t5zYjPs-Hvn7d1POI4V706SJuikSRo/s320/Sticky+Situtation.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><p align="center">Can you feel the stickiness? We tried our first frozen fruit pop. It was all over - hands, face, legs, everywhere. We were in the tub within minutes.</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254830537691006210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkoZnT5XeftZt8306ep253-RsUmtSZ-ZsAGQv08JFMXGTm5o0hNQJ8jAFPf4UNhvfTSrkm1Mapcr8WlM90kIH1_q9O_33nfo0eBL7k9h4KZ-FhQDasbjqmtDSgKrbHJDp_ZZPAwRWTdBE/s320/Snoozing+on+Pop.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center">She couldn't make it through dinner so she snoozed on Pop.</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254830105034405874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02T7Zfg6ka43uaDsAC89Q6ksN71he2OBcurvYJrPw_1UKUjSmeykeloUZFMC_0u4y81Fq0ehGIHd4yk6gd_VFgMGdKRMUPFRgtnbhtqviMzKYHN_vMXz1l00Xy_62SBEQpof9AySP8sM/s320/Butterfields.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center">"I'm not really bald. It just looks that way. There's hair up here. I promise."</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254823710092112290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6o6fd78lbRfHKcZ0UUlsxjaMNX_nBj8-LBYYsnrvz4BH-rdfGn3XCdzkgMjsbTDr6aRHx2wIKuev8HzxLxsTjgkjBFmv_EKmGLa7n3tXQ5wPHu_JxGVKhpX5rl_SqAGBj5AIVZVCG9Ow/s320/Sam+and+the+horse+%233.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center">Our little horsey girl</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254823713110017442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsGK_wfz8TpmtHz6tFeHMA6LVKwl7ZOiH-caImIOFKGVMPHuAfAxGebVqbORyeKz1_ogxfVjKy4r3Kt2_bzUv1kPPNixCtxQSSKNFEvinC_-oCirih6ER7Onl3_zgmXCy7cvK4I_Fcx8/s320/Sam+and+the+horse+%232.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center">She got such a kick out of it. It was so much fun to watch.</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254823718590690674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgO7pEyUUFcOQWyM8RqtrbUGd4IKVtAUXwoLzIn9Jtr-VUGjbXTa9Wczhr4h2BeehAPJ9gS8XLVQeQulxIu9Evl5l-GnnhChmVQxOpTM-gVtTaN_yu_Wx-IiZ0F0zh27Yb-Nr201Cf_4/s320/Sam+and+the+horse.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center">Again with the no hands thing. Shortly after this she figured out how to use the mane to pull herself to a standing position. </p><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254821250167648402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpu4NwKd7V8dBEPymu_fQg9kXYzpEBxZalpNFVpkPZIGGa3cRTh0uAdV51gMi79AUmBnBeE2Eg_81mXZ7jIQxNeYZ4FzxzzhMqowIRmD5nFpbNvtN5Qs7j3H4simKKlId0cOJNHkxfskc/s320/Horsey+Girl.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center">We even played horsey on Mom's back. Wearing our very cool, new cowboy hat.</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254830536143329266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGD3tT4rNuFZPqUeyH0TX_WreR8BYtdmVBaNjP2vQvDJ-Le7t_Gozm84YmJe0NGRulNDuPsFZd8XhZjU-QT5xCZAAKuGjBap80b48sxYFlniFMguIeq7axqcGW0aZpAYNPicwHXGY4d34/s320/Sam+and+Pop+on+the+swings.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center">Showing Pop why the swings are her FAVORITE thing. Just look at those little legs hanging out the bottom.</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254830103409124306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvSX3hqxI2i761YyRrNxWVa91Y-8Z6bjrDN09brGM2VXu_y7fnxR7A3nC1xHocnExAmd-xT2C7qSL8n56_0rRbqpDzKL71Du8KBZTA29zckRZn6QBBNQCBQtTPIN6qcLuuzKywQx8Ans/s320/Chewning+on+the+swing.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center">And who doesn't want to follow up breakfast with a little rubber swing?</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254823721283947778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAa6r_2R5K1kLV7L9ea_cNjYNmtbVO7E48RPqyjMaPkxV98naAH1l6DObSrpSWKWOqUaGejECLxW2toIEfa_7M1JVRPZaIEAi-wM5JVMfo8SepmznRnqa5YaNktludccvCCCWpZS5k-MM/s320/Sam+and+Pop+in+the+tube.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center">Again, she loves to be 'in' something. As soon as Pop set her down she was off - which of course entailed him following. Yep, right through the tube.</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254823723198458434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyN4jNaEjxNk_hS6BPcFYmUwofL0Yaf7JIEdymru5a3rLB4P_w7jUjorkIXYLJbe2C7qcLun_JmpLjbInxJk5zlt3YIavQrZaeet1iPQ4O48rls5WivuvtKhVsmUIqsxyl_I77kJNyJQ/s320/Sam+and+Pop+in+the+tube+%232.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254823026913297890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNaddLOaoW6Bcb9O3kDIJjWEW8E04L_DCrOkwoS_4NGlNTAAWB3gPuLx6Nz4xlaREydEvKWwfQNblrkOtwnFTLJWEsIbFotLnsrk_ha8O9dP2Z1RUyQwRBzwiow90ZQIPe4J_QqFWzxY/s320/Sam+and+the+slide.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center">Loving the slide. She doesn't really have the full hang of this yet. Her feet and legs get stuck pretty easily.</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254821259118536994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4eaK2AUbJyDSF3pzYTig4r3jDXnlDkZhyOgjCFhqZZY6Ke_gS_z3ZwbR59spvXfOSWnEYvNPf3KLFy1xD2IU3OE159A7GmFMvdVvPdee-Jv4AYoZR66Ex9sBJl3Ds2OhnSfuCShTURM/s320/Sam+rides+T+Rex.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center">Riding the dragon. I swear, if we're not careful this child will end up asking for a dragon for her birthday - or, even a real horse! Yikes!</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254830740899961378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPK4J-Rv1Vuu9XDql5_IYLaa-RxXOON-pe1wpNqgusPDmoJC9G5RBzkzQZ77f0-gJvINcME8l_8jV_IWH3llZkxufvmYElbUf-PZfkg1JPzJdWLL_YLsygkxiIqaOhJUf_tYnSdaF9MU/s320/Tuckered+out+after+the+walk.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center">The excitement of the dragon put her right over the top. I had to wake her up so we could feed the ducks.</p><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254989215384942946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmh2t3ari2nKDlYYnEXobbkI5mCR7_mLSETNbB9K2sN8YkvhgkOZYiDBINSooKDtw46ei1rjDSl0JoY7MUP22re7QUnvnDHhJa0vR5RhiteMhMTCuGY4QNHGfznCvKR6YbzPJMxxvIuY/s320/Pop+Grammie+Di+and+Sam.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Sam, Pop, and Grammie Di on the morning that we all left. So sad I cried!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254989217075503906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5gKXg5CCPOBckfUo0Vnt9nvmD4yiWkBBmh8tpAsf4xeGI0jxYU090GeeQKVyjF1FJ8MVzWKP7_u4c6bNpk3xLFChk8zUaWv27i9MuCQB7KBO8xOfsvwlFXMFlPFPbmGiO_23EdplonI/s320/Goodbye+Family+Picture.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center">Family Portrait. My glasses lasted only about 15 seconds ion my head before Sam decided se has "had to have them". Darn Kids!</div><div align="center"> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254830096630024162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmn1-afaLeCC90OC4pnE0J5nHTn7KCVFKnYza6pYgP7hQ2xEflHE7ZeQpDKzLy9ubstVeYtGafG5tUJ9fVg-b4CcnZr6FbAiVxo0uE8j6Y-1Jvs50FMXh5wygeqDeyapAJUXFdGkZ-eQ/s320/After+the+explosion.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">This was on our way home, somewhere in New Mexico, west of Albuquerque. She ended up in her jammies since we had a little, um, explosion. </p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6686315656007579536.post-43725053408269950102008-10-08T07:30:00.007-05:002008-10-08T10:21:32.116-05:00Over, Around, and Under<span style="font-size:130%;">We haven't taken anymore steps that are worth mentioning. But that does not mean we aren't moving, and moving fast. But our favorite thing? Going under things, anything. We have crawled through the chairs at the car dealership when we got a new car, through Grandma's coffee table, our coffee table, the ottoman our den, and spent most of our vacation in Arizona under the chairs in the kitchen. A direct result of this - I have little to no qualms about her crawling on the floor at most places. I'm sure quite a few people at the car dealership thought I was insane for letting my 9 month old crawl around on the floor. But I am also betting those people did not have a mobile active baby who DOES NOT WANT TO BE HELD all the time. So, I guess the question really is, am I a bad mother for having very low cleanliness standards when it comes to where she crawls? </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254802288939665538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXS-dLPkX5MLMx4demLzxoAFJGIvBGipWi-tiUH-Jawki2V_Lb2HpFn8zQsKVbQfQLUodzfpo2y6sWQwdaoskgdbqB4vxW5W-RfNTXrtmoqY6E7JPE_h9O3ApxnTDx2oQvaF6WcIQT_Q/s320/Sam+and+Pop+in+the+tube+%232.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">In Arizona with our Pop</p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254802296133821922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOM81LBQpanVUTN4tA30XOyYZ1i7y-t8so-FyclNyHVFW7Ni34wZOtlXbd_Kkym2FnsGuT6nCeBOJ82rzHo42xc8IiOj1b2eKqenq9A1HsrMHZ39YU0NBQ8Bzcz-6x5zhr2oCjJEc5mc/s320/Pictures+10-6-08+143.jpg" border="0" />At the car dealership</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254802289319848994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyX1uw6Fr095EhiuBvBJ3wfq54m1Ck1v2LebvJEF-qXi8pTG4UpnJX6bzniMinNyYm9UpMAASN8LW901RYiFNgWFFXSWQvYX2cCaoXv79W9YGl7fScWELhAWkHK99MiwUQJeQx070DSE/s320/house.jpg" border="0" /></p><div align="center">Our new toy that we love to crawl through</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><em>If I am reading this from an outside perspective I have to say I would be thinking "Um, bad mother? maybe not. Idiot, yes. No wonder you guys are always sick."</em>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6686315656007579536.post-82599714851842575492008-10-07T07:30:00.000-05:002008-10-07T09:27:51.050-05:00I never thought I would be so happy to see October<div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">I have never in my whole life been so thankful for the month of September to be over. Usually I love September, the weather gets cooler, football starts, and pumpkins take up residence on our front porch. But not this September. This September we spent the month sick, starting with day 2.</span></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Tuesday, September 2nd - Sam had the sniffles during Labor Day weekend but woke up on Tuesday sounding wheezy which completely freaked us out. KC stayed home with her and took her to the doctor where they diagnosed...a cold, shocking, I know. And the beginning of an ear infection. So for the next 10 days we diligently gave her amoxicillan. Which she loved! And we did pretty good for the next week or so. We never really went back to being ourselves 100% but close. </span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Sunday, September 14th - We throw up all over Dad and herself. Sam threw up everywhere for the first 6 months of her life. This was no spit-up. It was full out vomit. The poor child had no idea what was happening and it absolutely terrified me. She spent Sunday sleeping on my chest. She didn't have a fever or anything else wrong with her, just a little clingy and very tired. </span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Monday, September 15th - in the wee hours of the morning she threw up again in bed. We called the doctor in the morning and they told us if she doesn't have a fever (she didn't) or anything else going on then just keep her hydrated and she should be fine. (This is also the fateful day that I got poison ivy on my lower legs that still won't go away.)</span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Wednesday, September 17th - she throws up all over me. I can not stress enough - ALL OVER ME. </span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Saturday, September 20th - We go back to the doctor. She still doesn't seem like her self. No fever, but just out of sorts still (very clingy, low appetite, whiny - which sounds mean but it was so unlike her). They diagnose an ear infection and since the first antibiotic didn't work they prescribe augnetim, name brand. Of course, this can only be found at a specialty pharmacy that opens on Monday. Figures.</span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Saturday afternoon - Sunday, September 21st - Sam develops a rash starting on her neck and covering most of her torso. We call the doctor again who thinks it may be a viral rash and if it doesn't go away by Monday or gets worse bring her back. At this point I am convinced that there is something terribly wrong. Something no doctor can figure out and we will spend the next few months trying to cure her. (Can you feel the overreaction coming on?)</span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Monday, September 22nd - Sam starts the new augmentin and seems to be doing a lot better. The rash is pretty much gone.</span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Tuesday, September 23rd - in the wee morning hours we throw up again. But it doesn't seem to faze her a bit so I am wondering if it is a reaction to the augmentin? And then as Sam and I are standing in the kitchen, completely dressed and ready to leave the house she pukes ALL OVER ME. Poor KC had broken 2 toes the day before, and I start bellowing for him to come quick and help me clean the puke that has now covered the kitchen. Sam and I head back to the doctor that afternoon. Since she still has no fever they do blood work to confirm that it is viral. And then it gets really interesting... While we are waiting for the blood work to come back (they ran it right there in the office) I start to feel nauseous. And hot and sweaty. So after shoving Sam in the arms of a nurse in the hallway I proceed to the bathroom to get sick. Yes, she has a virus and now so do I. (We also may need to find a new doctor since I will forever be the mom who threw up in their office.)</span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Wednesday, September 24th - Friday, September 26th - I think I am dying. I can't eat. KC and Loni (my MIL) get a touch of it. Thankfully Sam seems like her old self again. I told KC "I feel like we have our baby back."</span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Friday, September 26th we depart for our big road trip from Dallas to Phoenix (16 hours in the car. Yeah, we're a little nuts.) Both KC and I are not at 100% but we are managing. We arrive in Arizona Saturday night where I promptly come down with a cold. And to make matters worse - pink eye - in both eyes. Seriously. </span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">So between, 2 ear infections, a stomach bug, 2 broken toes, poison ivy, and pink eye we were so very happy to see the end of September. And since you at least scrolled through the novel I just wrote about how September sucked in our house, here's a cute picture of Sam. </span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254418108791100626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7u7icraGwSVt2SkRsWwf7LlOIaBDihPCzobUipEhpdIMecnhyqnDSPk06XB7TI2ReACZfm9xQIUdzXBbd09-jbMPFBTuVL0zwgQ_t5xTJLaTLlnbZRvSkYnVXiMj4jB_BXirgXNbOgGs/s320/Pictures+10-6-08+023.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="left"><br /></p><span style="font-size:130%;">Now, I really might be back for good.</span>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6686315656007579536.post-8778367708075198412008-09-19T21:04:00.012-05:002008-09-19T22:04:03.823-05:00I'm baaaaack...<span style="font-size:130%;">Kinda of. Sorta.<br /><br />The last 2 and a half weeks have been really, really busy. I wanted to make sure I didn't forget everything that happened so here's a quick list. I am sure you will see most of these in another posting (with pictures). Plus my mom has only told me about 500 times that as cute as the picture in the cooler is she would appreciate a new one.<br /><br />All of the crazy things we have been up to recently;<br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">We stand on our own, for a good amount of time. The funniest part? You can almost see her mind working. "These are some pretty fun toys. And I've got one in each hand. How cool is that? Whoa, one in each hand?! I'm not holding onto anything?!? What's wrong with me? Sit down! SIT DOWN NOW!" and plop, onto our butt we go.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">She will wave sporadically. It's a trick with only a 10% success rate at this point. We're working on it.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Opening and closing doors fascinates her. I even found this </span><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2265260"><span style="font-size:130%;">Fisher Price house </span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">and she can open and close the door all day long and I don't have to freak out that she's going to smash her fingers.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">She loves to crawl under and through things. Our ottoman is her current favorite. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">I have been waiting for this milestone since she arrived - when you ask her "How big is Sam?" she raises both hands in the air! The first time she did it we looked at each other in amazement. We make her 'perform' on a regular basis.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">I jinxed this one - I was planning to write about how great of a sleeper she is but since she has had a touch of the stomach bug this week it's been like having a newborn all over again.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:130%;">KC and I have had our own share of excitement. Our car died last week. We just had our 8th - annual Eagles-Cowboys weekend (5 house guests - a record low for this weekend), our laptop is pretty much toast (I'm using KC's work one), and we are getting ready for our big road trip. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">But the biggest news of all...drum roll please....</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">We took 3 steps on Monday! And another 3 today! I'm sure it's not considered walking yet but we are moving in the right direction - literally!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">(I know some of you thought I was going to say pregnant. Ha!)</span></p><p><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Due to technical difficulties the adorable picture I was going to post won't be making an appearance. </span></em></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06401609159255721441noreply@blogger.com4