Banana Joe

Our Banana Joe is such a silly boy! He likes to eat bananas with a fork, and he likes to hang his cup on the side of his high chair.

I mean, who ever heard of eating bananas with a fork? And that cup...that's not where that goes!

But I can't talk him out of much, especially when he has his mind set to something. And these are two things that he insists on. And pooping in his diapers...I just can't convince him to use the toilet. I tell him how wonderful it is, but he just laughs at me.

But boy are those bananas good! And really he keeps his cup shoved there because he doesn't know what he is supposed to do with that thing. Actually he doesn't "keep" it there, it just bounced into that spot on accident.

But boy are those bananas good!

Baby Korey

Welcome Korey David! He said hello to the world Tuesday September 16 at 5:23 and weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, one day before Kelly was to be induced!

Baby Joseph and I went downtown to big Baylor to see the new baby. We got to see a poop, a feeding, and lots of sweet scrunched up new born baby faces. He looked at me for awhile with big beautiful dark eyes, but I think he was looking for dinner so I handed him off to his mom.

What a light, sweet little bundle of joy. It's hard to believe that they were that small once upon a time. Joseph was even a few ounces less. I felt like I could have held him all day.

The gap in age seems big right now, but soon enough Joseph and Korey will be running around playing hide and seek, soccer, and chasing the girls. What a sweet baby boy...

Joseph Says Good Morning

This little video is from early August but I just came across it tonight. I had to share! I filmed it going to get Joseph one morning after he woke up. I love seeing that smiling face in the morning!

Praise the Sleep Fairies

The sandman came to visit us and was very generous with his sand! And much thanks to my supreme mommying skills. I got mad skillz for sho. I've been reading a lot about baby sleep cycles and about all kinds of baby sleep methods - and getting tips from other mom's who have had this trouble, and came up with what worked best for me. Seems like it works for Joseph too.

My first clue was that now a days he wasn't able to relax. It seemed like his brain was going and going and he was constantly looking around. So we hung up blankets over his window and turned off the night light and like a little charm he started snoozing like the good ol days. A tip from Kristen that worked for baby Ethan (a month younger than Joseph) was to let him nap about an hour 1/2 after he woke up in the morning. I had been putting him down for his first nap much later. This seems to really have knocked it out of the park. He started taking longer naps and without waking up in the middle at all!! Like I said, PRAISE THE SLEEP FAIRIES!

Mommies need this special alone time to recharge and get adult things done. You know?! Like have a cigarette and a shot of whiskey. Or a mimosa - or at least read a book or blog. ;)

At night he started sleeping better as well. It's crazy how much info is out there, and the range from one extreme to the other. It's intriguing see how many different types of parenting styles there are, and how it forms us each differently. I've tried to keep an open mind but have discovered what feels right and what doesn't, and each month that goes by my mommy intuition speaks to me louder and louder. I am starting to feel really comfortable with that little voice in my head!

So speaking of sleep...Joseph fell asleep in the car the other day and looked so darn precious. Then in an attempt to wake him up for dinner I laid him on the floor - thinking the light and TV would bring him around. Before he stirred I got the opportunity to clip his talons, I mean nails. If he were a bird of prey those things could rip a hunk of meat to shreds. Good thing he isn't then and is just my sweet little baby.

Guess What We Tried...

Joseph got a little cheerio snack the other day. He liked them!

And thank goodness I finally got my damn camera back from Best Buy so I could capture all the cheerioness. By the way, this whole broken camera experience has been horrible and I plan to write a nasty letter to them. I am good at that consumer complaint/complement stuff.

But back to Joseph...look at that sweet little cheerio hand! Those cheerios were sticking to everything.

And...THERE is the Joseph face I was waiting for!

P.S. Those cheerios may not have gotten stuck on his face by themselves. His mommy may have done it because it was funny. But look, he thought it was funny too!

We're All Ladies Here

I've gone and become a part of an association. I got a wild hair! This would be my first association so I guess I am officially part of the community now. Jen joined last year and spread the word and Kelly and I joined with her this year. It's the Stonebridge Ranch Ladies Association (SRLA) working to benefit Collin County but focused mostly in McKinney. I am super excited! It looks like a great mix of fun and community service - like last night. We met at Landon Wineries on the square in downtown McKinney for wine tasting. Before the bottles were uncorked, though, we had two organizations speak to thank the SLRA for what they do and to educate us on their cause. The first one was a camp for autistic children which SRLA provided "scholarships" for four children to attend. The other speakers were with a school called Serenity High, which most of us hadn't even heard about.

Serenity High is one of a few (if not just two) of this type of school in Texas - another being in Houston - but Serenity High is Texas' only public recovery high school and kids come from all over in hopes of getting in. It was modeled after Minnesota's Sobriety High. Apparently Minnesota leaves all the other states in their dust when it comes to drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation. And one of the presentors was none other than Neil Sperry! I didn't realize that he was involved in this part of the community! He has a personal tie with drug addiction and is one of the founding memebers of the high school. If you are not familiar with Neil Sperry, he is one of Texas' top gardeners - check out the Neil Sperry link above to find out more. I really get a kick out of his dry, to-the-point demeanor and his WEALTH of knowledge!

He took off too fast at the end for me to bombard him with gardening questions...but that may not have been SLRA ettiquette anyway since he was there to talk about his wonderful school - you know, I'd hate to get kicked out at my first meeting. ;) Last night also benefitted the food pantry. They asked for powered milk and peanut butter. And also gently used towels for...I can't remember which place! Some member I am. So I got to raid our linen closet for the rejects. At first I didn't think I was old enough to have any extra towels but after I got to digging I found some that I guess were from college.

Anyway, SRLA helps fund many community outreach projects and I can't wait to see what this year brings. We meet the second Monday of each month so Josh is going to work with me to leave work earlier than normal so I can go do my thang. I am very excited! Of course I'll keep you posted!

Sleep Begets Sleep

Challenges in Mommyhood: Things that make me not want to have another baby.
Essay One, Challenge One
By Heather

Just kidding about that "essay stuff". I just felt like pretending I was a professional writer or something. I don't think that even sounded all that professional. Hmph.

Is there a far away land where all the babies sleep like perfect little angels? Take naps on a perfect little schedule? Sleep through the night without wanting to get up and play...at 4am? Go to sleep without wanting to be rocked for 2 hours? If you know of this land, or even live there; then I don't think I want to talk to you right now. But congratu-stinkin-lations on your wonderful little life in Perfectville. Send me a postcard so I can see what it's like!

If sleeping was like eating around here, we would ALL be wonderful sleepers...HA! Joseph will eat anything and seems to like anything, so I win that one. He is the happiest most non-crying baby ever, so I win that one. He is funny and silly and pretty much always has a great time, so I win that one. And he has the stinkiest, yucko diapers ever, so I win that one too. But naps - I guess I can't win them all. But I really want to! I'm so close!

So what I have to say to YOU, Mr. Sleep-Nap Fairy (or rather Miss Fairy) is you have not won this one! I will prevail, whether it takes days, weeks or months (please oh please don't be months) my child will take a good nap, in his own bed, for at least an hour, at least twice a day. I see you laughing at me, with my love for your sweet fairy sleep poem...oh the betrayal!

Well, my rocking chair is greased, lambie blankie in hand, full bottle ready, the blanket hanging on the window blocking out light is secure, night light turned off...our afternoon nap is fast approaching. Hear my battle cry "This house will sleep again!"

A Dental Poem

I had my appointment today for my fillings. As we left it from a couple of weeks ago (when I was in for my cleaning) I was going to have two cavities filled and one was on a wisdom tooth. I was also going to have a tiny chip on the surface of one of my front teeth fixed up. After my cleaning when I went to the front desk to make my apppointment for the fillings, the guy told me to allow for TWO hours! I just knew that wasn't right. I have horrible teeth...I've been getting fillings my whole life! I am an old pro at this! I assumed he was just estimating long. But I started to get really nervous none the less.

Like I told my girlfriends; I've been through childbirth and almost a whole year of babyhood, but a few fillings leaves me shaking in my socks. Even though I am an "old pro" doesn't mean I don't hate it and get shaky and anxious feeling. So, I am practicing my cleansing breathes when I went to the desk to check in and she said "two composites and a wisdom tooth removal, right?"

Hahaha! Uh, no! I told her there was a miscommunication and I was NOT there for surgery that day! She went to talk to Dr. Li and came back to tell me that I was just going to get fillings today. So the coo-coo from before read the chart wrong and scheduled me for a removal! He also called me three times yesterday to remind me of my appointment. Once he left a message, once I missed the call and he didn't leave a message, and the last time I answered and told him to leave me alone! Not really. But you better believe I got my eye on that kid!

I am back now (as I wouldn't be blogging from the dentist chair, now would I?) and pleased as punch that it didn't hurt, I only gagged once, I am barely numb, and it didn't even take an hour from the time I walked in to the office to the time walked back in my house. We fooled that old wisdom tooth!

Also asked about Joey Pizza Rolly's little chipped tooth and she said it'll be fine. I knew it would but still wanted that professional a-ok. It has a little sharp part on it (doesn't bother him) and she said he'd either wear it down or hit it again and that would take care of it! Indeed it would!

I went to the dentist.
I had to get drilled.
The worst noise in the world,
as my tooth was filled.

I wore protective shades.
The dentist worked fast.
As my anxiety fades,
the fillings are now past.

The yahoo at the front desk
wasn't there today.
Thank lord baby jesus
that he was away!

Still have all my teeth!
Didn't get them this round!
I need those wisdom teeth
for all the wisdom they've found!

Joey Pizza Rolly

Where have I been? Why haven't I been blogging? I feel so lost and alone! Ah, yes...my fingers are starting to feel right at home here on my keyboard. I almost feel like singing! I feel like this is what was missing from my days! Seriously though, where have I been that I can't make the time for a little blog post? I'll place blame on the little monkey I have running around my house!

We had a good nine month wellness visit last week. We were telling Joseph all morning that he was going to see his friend with the bow tie and when we got to the Dr's office, he wasn't wearing one! Joseph seemed to manage okay, although I know he was really expecting his Dr. friend to be wearing his most famous article of clothing. I was anyway.

The official stats are:
Weight: 19 lbs - 30th percentile
Height: 27 7/8 - 50th percentile

We've got ourselves a good ol' average kiddo!

So here is a rundown on the monkey business from the past couple of weeks:

• first busted lip
• first tongue bite
• first bread, cheese, chicken, and french fries
• enjoys playing with sippy cup but hasn't mastered the suck - This is really cute! Tonight he would give the cup a little jiggle and watch the water move inside. He was very intrested in that!
  
• first chipped tooth - I don't even know how he did it. But sure enough he will go on through childhood with a cute little snaggle tooth.
• moved the crib mattress down another notch

The best part of the past couple of weeks has been the great weather! We've been getting out everyday several times a day. Joseph really enjoys hangnig out in the yard and going on walks in the evenings. I think fall is right around the corner! We welcome it with open arms! I sat with Joseph in the backyard yesterday morning and fished my first piece of grass out of his mouth. Fun times...

Talk to you soon!!

Self Portrait of the Bagel Master

Joshie-Poo quote of the week:
"I have never been wrong when it comes to the ways of the bagel."

Fried Fish Water

When we were in New York several years ago I started taking pictures of interesting and funny signs. One said "We are probably the lowest priced in town"...probably? Another advertised fried fish water and chicken fajita juice at a food stand. Of course they were each separate items but the sign read all as one and we still laugh about it to this day. One of my favorites was a picture of a sign on the side of the highway that read "Do Not Pick Up Hitchhikers", with a view of a prison in the background. Michael is also in this picture posing as a shady looking guy with his thumb hitched out. So, when we unpacked Joseph's highchair we found this one...

"Remove and discard before using." And in three languages no less! Hmmm, why even put that sticker there, then??? Anyone up for some fried fish water?

Hello From Seattle, Washington!

It sure seems like Seattle around here! What's the deal with the weather? This is rainy day number three! We love a good rainy day and spent a little time snuggling up at the window looking outside.

Ironically enough, we are waiting on the rain to stop to have our new sprinkler system installed. We're very excited!! As good as Josh is at setting up our ratchet sprinklers, it's just a big ol pain in the rear. After this monsoon of a rain, it's going to be the next best thing for our yard. The lawn will thank us! Your welcome, lawn. :)

Raindrops on Morning Glories

These beauties are coming out of the woodwork. Or brickwork as the case may be. I had a few blooms early this summer and then nothing until these last few days of cooler weather and rain. They always seem to bloom like crazy when we get a break from the 100's and high 90 degree days.
And I LOVE them! I couldn't resist going out and gazing adoringly at them early this morning. The colors were so vibrant!

I tried to leave out the leaves because they are ridiculously tiny and holey at the moment. You'd laugh and say "what the heck are those crazy little green things there?" and laugh some more. The thing is, they have the potential to be huge and beautiful and mine just haven't made it there quite yet.

We've had these guys for three years now and they spread like wildfire. And you better believe it when I say...they'll be back.

I've posted all my favorite shots here but the piece de resistance is next. Beware, it might take your breath away. It just does something for me. I hope I go to sleep tonight and dream of this...

Baby Teeth

I went to the dentist the other day. I set my purse down on the floor when I came home and soon heard some rustling coming from that direction. When I peeked over there I found Joseph with my baggie of dental goodies...

He seemed pretty proud of himself for finding a new toy. I guess it's never too early for dental education, eh?

He didn't care if the toothbrush was in or out of the package. But he had the right idea! Brusha brusha brusha!

According to the little card under his arm, he also has two cavities and has an appointment for fillings in a few weeks. I'll break the news to him gently.

Joseph toothy update: he has two on bottom, two on top and one peeking through!

Yes, there is about to be a new baby among us! Kelly is due September 25, and says her legs are so tired. As well they should be since they've pulled their fair share over the past 8 months!

And by the way...it's a BOY! Joseph gets a new friend!

Poor Kylie...she has no idea she is about to turn into a "middle child."

We had a mini shower for Kel this week. We wanted something with just us and it was great fun! We had lunch and cake and opened presents! New babies are the coolest!

We are waiting for you, baby Korey David! I can't wait to meet you and hug you up!!

Your Friendly Neighborhood Mascot

Well, not MY friendly neighborhood mascot...I should think that I wouldn't like that type of mascot at all. But over on the Pankratz properties, this guy is making himself at home. Uncle Ray set up his game camera after some of the cats and small children came up missing around the neighborhood. Oh not really; no small children were harmed in the making of this post!

Here's the proof. They've got themselves a coyote.

Here he is again the next night...I suppose they've got a problem on their hands. I just don't want to know the resolution. You know I'm a very sensitive gal.

Wait a second..they're gonna need a bigger trap. Well, it looks like the food lure worked. Hee hee, sorry Aunt Sheri - nothing but love!!

I want to take you on a tour of my beautiful house plants. I love these guys and visit them daily to see what they are up to. There is a sad story behind my plants, though. As you may have experienced with your own plants, gnats are attracted to damp, rich, organic matter. Gnats are therefore drawn to my lovely and cherished plants. My plants are therefore banished to the outdoors because we don't want gnats in the house. One solution to this problem is to not water the plants as much, and to keep the soil loose. But I only water as they need it, and I mix around the soil to prevent it from becoming too compact. There is nothing else that I have found that I can do. I'm sad, but the thing is - when I put my house plants in a shady corner of the porch they flourished. They loved the new found bright light so their leaves doubled in number and they became so vibrant. So now I am really sad because if I ever bring them back in I am sure they will hate me forever. *Sigh* Come with me - let me show you my favorite house-porch plants.

This green and purple fuzzy one is called 'Sow's Ear'. By the way, I don't know anything technical about my plants like the 'real' scientific names - which are no fun anyway!

I got it as just two leaves from a mama plant at my old job. I just took her home and stuck it in some soil and rooted it right up.

Look at the soft fuzzies. It's like when boys cut their hair real short and it has that funny feel when you rub it. It's nice, right?!

This 'Sliver Queen' we've had for many years. It came from Chicago when Josh's grandparents moved from there to Georgia. I can only imagine how long they had it before we got it. Same pot and everything. I've re-placed the stalks a couple of times because it was looking lanky - but like I said, I take it outside and it practically doubles in size in no time flat. It doesn't look lanky anymore.

We got this booger at Ikea for some ridiculously cheap price when it was like an inch tall. It's a big ol' beautiful and incredibly hardy 'Tropical Plant'. When I've looked for it online it seems it is one in a huge group of plants called Tropical Plants...that works for me!

I can't remember what this one is called. I got it from my last job with the Sow's Ear. And what have we here? This particular leaf has a funny little er, growth or something on it. I've seen these tiny white dots on the ends of these even smaller white strings on our wind chimes before. Are they eggs? Is it fungus?

My vote is for fungus. They are so delicate and kinda cute! They add character to my little plant!

Oh gosh, I wish I could have my house plants back but at least they are happy. Besides, I'd probably have my hands full keeping Joseph out of them.

Speaking of keeping Joseph out of plants...I don't think he'd like these chives very much. Sometimes I cut them all the way down just to watch how fast they grow back! And to get a whiff of their light onion fragrance. OMG, Josh just sat down on the couch next to me with a big bowl of granola cereal mixed in with cocoa puffs. I can't top that right now, I guess I'm done....