Thanksgiving and Deja Vu (not really)

Well, I am way behind on blogging, but I'll get to that in a minute. Here are pictures from the Thanksgiving Feast at Hunter's school...one week ago :) The kids do all the work to put the food together for us and we had a good time spending it with Hunter. He told me he washed potatoes and decorated the tables. I love how they teach the kids all about the practical stuff! He was being rather silly and not cooperating for pictures as you will see. I still think he looks handsome when I dress him nice for school. I know I'm biased.

Being silly with mommy :)

Not wanting to smile with daddy...I wonder what Hunter will have to say for himself 25 years from now or when he has his own kids and they are doing the same thing to him. I wonder if Nick did this to his parents...???

So, on to the deja vu part and lack of blogging. Yes, I'm taking a moment to vent. My back is KILLING ME. I have no idea what I did, but I woke up Saturday morning in so much pain. Nerve pain that I had last December when I was about to have surgery and then cancelled at the last minute. I honestly can say I haven't felt this bad since last December and it is flat out unbearable. I have debated for two days about going to the ER at U of M, just to get seen quickly. A client (surgeon at UM) pulled a favor and got me in to see someone on December 19th (they told me spring when I called), so I appreciate that, but don't even know if I can wait that long. Several people have said if you go to the ER if you are desperate (which I am), you will get seen. My legs feel SO heavy. I can barely walk up steps. I can't sit for long periods....it's bad. I just can't believe this is happening. After feeling this way for the holiday last year, I just am so upset that it's happened again. I'm freaking out about having surgery...ahhh...hope it doesn't come to that, but I feel like it might if I can't get something figured out soon to give me some relief. I wake up feeling decent (still bad, but somewhat tolerable), but it gets progressively worse throughout the day and by 8pm, I'm so miserable. Please say a prayer for me!!!!

New shirt

Is it bad when someone else buys this shirt for your child? haha. I think it's hilarious and would have bought it myself if I'd seen it. I am serious that someone bought it b/c they thought it was appropriate for Hunter...that someone is our nanny. She texted this picture to me last night. She loves him and knows were going through a rough time with him, so she thought it would be funny. I'm glad she knows we have a sense of humor. I was out with a friend last night and we were just talking about Hunter when I got this text--we were cracking up.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! I'm not sure if I'm looking forward to it, but that's another story (Hunter has been a stinker lately). I was reflecting on what I am thankful for and my list is below. Well, first a few quick pictures...just a few things I'm thankful for.

I took this with my cell phone, so not great quality (school pictures 2011)--gotta love the forced smile--just like last year. Although God is just giving me a lot to deal with these days when it comes to Hunter, I love him so much. He can push my buttons so easily, but then he can be so cute. If I just pout my lip he is the first to say, "Mommy, are you sad?" It's too cute. Now he catches on and says, "Mommy are you just goofin'??" Another cell phone picture...they boys were playing with my bras the other day...both up at 6am and I have to get ready for work, so whatever we can do to stay entertained. Don't worry, it will be all over with in a few years, but it was so funny...and I think Nick felt like I was emasculating them, which was even funnier to me.

My birthday was last week. Nick got me two dozen roses and my mom (and grandma) sent the others in the middle. So sweet. I think my mom felt guilty for being in FL for my birthday--haha. Hunter loves to tell people how old I am...and how I'm going to be a grandma soon. I said, "no way...hopefully in another 25 years though!!" Then we argue about how he wants to marry Jack and I tell him he can't....and I have to answer 20 questions as to why.

I would say I'm thankful for my health, but I'm not b/c my back sucks (that's putting it nicely). I am thankful for my family (immediate and extended). My mom is helpful and does a lot for me, so I appreciate that more than I tell her. I'm thankful to have my parents living close to us--having free babysitters every once in a while is always a plus. I'm thankful my mom is taking Hunter to soccer and out to lunch on Saturday. I'm thankful that my kids have 10 grandparents (real grandparents, step-grandparents, great-grandmas, and even a great-great grandma!!). I'm not sure many other kids can say that! I'm thankful I have a good career, job security, and that it's flexible when it comes to kids and back problems. I'm thankful for friends--I love going to lunch when I can, playdates, my mom's group, and more. I'm thankful for our nanny, Julie. I know she has her hands full when we're not there and she just always comes in with a smile on her face. I can tell when things have been hard, but she still tries to stay positive. I know they are well taken care of. Well, that's about it for now! I hope next year Hunter is more under control and my back is better and life would be GOOD.

I found about about two people dying too young this week--One was a mom who died at 47 (lived across the street from us) and one I didn't know (related to my sister-in-law), but it's been weighing on my mind and making me feel like I should be blessed to have the life I do.

Have a wonderful day :)

Pump It Up

I took Hunter to a birthday party last Saturday at Pump it Up in Canton. I took Hunter to soccer and then to the party right afterwards. Nick was at the U of M game with a friend. Connie came to watch Jack for me. Just with soccer, the birthday party, and my back pain, I could not handle doing that much with both boys alone. I think Connie had a party b/c her, Jack, and a bunch of other people (I think 5 kids in total) met at Jungle Java. I'm sure Jack had fun! He slept until 4:45pm--yay! I really liked this place...and it's not far from our house, so I'd love to go again with the kids. I like it better than Jump City for sure.

This child has no fear. What is funny is that he gets so sweaty and his face gets so red when he's playing like a crazy person! There were lots of kids from his class and it's been fun getting to know some of the moms just from these birthday parties!

He doses a great job climbing and trying new things :)
Hunter next to Sid, the birthday boy. Sid is so sweet. He's pretty shy it seems to me and wasn't feeling that well...poor guy! We had a lot of fun. Hunter must have worked hard b/c he ate two pieces of pizza, fruit, vegetables, cake and ice cream--that's a lot for him :)
They had this car that they were pushing each other around in. One of the staff members was pushing Hunter SUPER fast and he loved it! I took a video of it and you can see Hunter is having so much fun.

I hope Nick appreciates getting to go to the game...and he's going again this weekend! I'm thankful that my mom is taking Hunter to soccer and out for a while. I'm having a playdate with a friend down the street (our husbands are going to the game together).

Have a Happy Thanksgiving (tomorrow).

Cool little man

Yesterday morning on the way to church--see below--he wore these the whole way and was smiling every time I looked back at him. I'm glad we didn't have a fight taking them off to head into church! He's my little sweetheart.

I'm embarrassed to admit this and sound SO cheesy, but last night I took him up to bed. We sat in the rocking chair and read some stories like I alwasy do. When done, I just rocked him and sang and we both dozed off (with his head on my shoulder). It was so nice...I just love smelling him (he'd just had a bath), holding his hand, and cuddling. He was just breathing (obviously--haha) and sucking his binkie and it was so relaxing and nice to hold him in peace for a few minutes. Can you tell I love this little guy so much! I digress.

It's the best feeling in the world.

Hey Mom, do I look cool?


Below is Jack's Saturday game day outfit (Thanks Mike, Jacque, and Michael)...I just LOVE it!!


Happy Monday!!

Random fun with kids

More catching up...we've been doing lots of fun stuff lately---see below :)

Here are pictures from Olivia's Birthday Party at Jump City...she is in Hunter's class. Jump City is a huge hit with the pre-schoolers. We actually had a similar type place in Canton, and then another birthday party on Sunday at Jump City again! I'm not sure how I will handle two crazy birthday parties in one weekend, but I fully expect a good nap out of Hunter after attending.

Yes, that is my wild child going down face first!!

When he runs around and exerts so much energy he starts sweating and his face turns bright red--it's pretty funny on a 4 year old.
They have a separate room where they had pizza, dessert, etc for all the kids. I think at least half of Olivia's class was there. It was so sweet--they gave out these little cupcakes decorated with the child's name on them as a favor (along with a toy)...they were so cute!

Connie (my cousin), picked up this for the kids. It's this cardboard house and I guess she got it for about $2 on Halloween clearance at World Market. I put it together in five minutes and it has provided A LOT of entertainment! Thanks Connie!!

Jack did not get the concept of going in the door, so he kept going through the window...what a "cute little tooshie" as we call it in our house!

It's meant to be painted, so we've not only colored on it for several days, but we pulled out finger paint the other night and let the kids go to town. I was freaking out when Jack would take off away from me with blue hands...I was so nervous he was going to touch a wall! He did give Chopper a blue head, but oh well.

Finger paint is fun!

Somehow it turned into the kids painting themselves. Hunter's belly button still might have some blue paint in it. It was straight to the tub when we were done!
As I mentioned in another post, my parents got these foam blocks and bin for Jack. The kids have been having fun climbing in and asking me to bury them.

Jack gets stuck in there, which is rather amusing.

Have a great weekend. Nick is at the U of M game today and Connie is babysitting Jack while I take Hunter to soccer and then a birthday party. My back just can't handle doing those two things with both kids. Sunday we have another birthday party, so it will be a fun weekend for Hunter at least! haha.

Jack's actual birthday and what he's been up to!

Jack turned two on November 9th. I can't believe it. Time really does fly.

Here is what has been going on with our little guy...

• Jack is in the 50th percentile for head and weight and 75th percentile for length. Close to perfect if you ask me! I'm happy to have tall boys. Hunter has always been in the 95th or higher for his height. I guess we will have to teach them how to play basketball.


• He sleeps from 8pm till about 7pm. Right now he is cutting two teeth, so he's been waking up earlier than usual. I'm hoping he'll get back on schedule soon.


• Jack loves to copy us, especially Hunter. He does get frustrated with Hunter being mean to him, so he bites in order to retaliate. We are not happy about it, but are trying to teach Hunter that he does it b/c he doesn't know what else to do to express his anger when Hunter is unkind. Hey, in all honesty, Hunter deserves it, but I would never tell the kids that! Normally Hunter sees it coming and moves or doesn't let it happen. Jack is certainly forming more opinions and letting us know when he's not happy about something. He used to be more laid back, but gets more upset lately when things don't go his way. Overall, he's still a sweetie pie.


• He is a good eater. He loves fruit and will eat just about anything you put in front of him. He LOVES ketchup. If I don't watch him carefully he will just eat ketchup and not dip his food in it.


• Jack is running and he's getting fast. He can also do somersaults. He is a little monkey too--constantly climbing up on things.


• He is not really talking yet. I am not too worried b/c both kids have been on the late end of the spectrum when it comes to talking. I know he can hear and he can also multi-task when we ask him to do things. We could say, "Go get your cup and put it in the sink" and he would do it. Our doctor is not concerned either. I know people who have their kids in speech therapy at age two if they are not talking, and I'm just not going for that. I have no intention on neglecting him, but I guarantee in 6 months he will be totally caught up.


• Jack is the BEST helper. It is so sweet. He insists on putting his own dirty diapers in the diaper genie. He will bring his dishes to the sink. Jack loves to help with laundry, pick up toys, empty the dishwasher, and more. I just love that he loves to help. I bought him a "Just like me" cleaning thing...it's like this little cart with a broom, mop, brush and dust pan, etc. He LOVES it. Nick was not happy about it (b/c it's a "girl toy") but I don't care b/c I don't think it hurts to have a boy/man learn how to help around the house!!


• I just LOVE it when he squeals with happiness and laughter. He cracks me up. There is nothing is better than hearing a 2 year old laugh hysterically.


• Jack has just started to like doing puzzles. I have to admit, he's not as good as Hunter, but he's learning. I can't compare the kids and they have such different personalities. I'm just glad he's starting to take an interest in them...hey, since we have about 40 puzzles, I need a second child to play with them so we can get our money out of them!!


• Jack is a mommy's boy. He loves me so much and wants me to hold him and know where I am at all times. He also really likes our nanny, Julie. There are times he wants to go to her instead of me, and I'm totally cool with that. It makes me happy to know he loves her that much.


• Jack really looks up to Hunter. I am not pleased that he picks up bad habits, but it's cute to see that he wants to be like his big brother.


• Overall, he is a joy to have around. He does such cute and funny things. I think I just enjoy it so much more this time around b/c I'm not as paranoid. I'm still a big worry wart, but I can't help it! I know there is a lot more going on, but I can't think of anything else right now. On his actual birthday, we had leftover cake and he blew out the candle himself.
  

  So exciting to have all the attention.

  

I got Jack these letter/number floor puzzle mat thingy (along with other stuff). Hunter liked putting it together while Jack loved running back and forth on it (and making Hunter mad).

I love this pictures of Gigi and Jack. She looks so happy. Gigi loves her great-grandsons and they are beyond blessed to see her as much as they do!
Hunter and Aunt Emily eating birthday cake and ice cream.
I also got Jack and sit-and-spin. Hunter is just figuring out how to make himself spin fast on it. It's one of those "old school" toys that every kid needs to have--kind of the like the vacuum popper thing--or whatever you call it!

Jack's birthday party

I know these are super late, but here are some pictures from Jack's birthday party. We had a few family members over on Sunday the 6th. We tried to keep it small, but with all the family and grandparents, it still ends up being like 25 people! Since my back has been horrible lately (and I had a small procedure done two days before the party), I tried to make my life easy. Nick made some yummy chili, 7-layer chip dip, breadsticks from Costco, salad, etc. It's just nice to see family and get to spend time with people. We are so blessed to have so many family members close to us!!

Jack was looking at his cake and wondering why everyone was staring at him!

Trying to get him to blow out the candle. My Aunt Rhonda also made him a giant cupcake that was really yummy and cute :)

So sweet!!

Playing with Nana---Pure joy!!

Kisses from Aunt Emily

My cousin, Connie, with her nephew Tyler. He's about 15 months old.
My cousin, Joe, and his wife Heather. She is having another baby boy...they are going to have their hands full. Thankfully they have a very supportive and helpful family.

Aunt Emily got this hat for Jack. I usually have to buy ones that velcro to keep it on him, but we'll give it a try. He doesn't seem to like wearing hats, but we'll keep at it and hopefully he'll get used to it. It's a super cute hat from Baby Gap.

All three cousins playing with the car. Tyler really likes this and Jack was trying to push him around on it. I'm so excited that they get to play a decent amount and will grow up having fun together...especially in the summers when we see them more at the lake. I'm worried about four crazy boys so close in age, but it will be fun!!

My cousin-in-law and friend from high school/college with her baby, Alana. Seriously, this baby has the most amazing blue eyes. She is SO cute. I think the loudness was a little much for her, but we so appreciate the effort they made to come celebrate with us. I am the only one who wants a girl more than anything, yet all three of my college roommates have had baby girls in the last 12 months. God must have some plan for me, but I'm still trying to figure it out. I just love buying stuff for Alana any chance I get.

I still have more pictures from Jack's actual birthday (November 9th). My parents, Emily, and Gigi came over to hang out. Nick is a ding dong and scheduled a meeting that night, so I was going to be on my own otherwise with the kids. We had a good time though!