Silly stuff

Here are two pictures for today...

I was patting myself on the back for this one. Caught him mid-air jumping from one haystack to another. I think it looks so cool!

What is it with boys when they are naked, it makes them crazy? After getting soaking wet on the deck the other day they were both naked and it's like a switch is flipped and they are NUTS. They were running, making silly noises, etc. This was the only appropriate one I could put on here. Giving "naked hugs" as Hunter calls it.

Toledo Zoo (Labor Day 2011)--way late too

Labor Day 2011 was not very nice weather :-( We had plans with Hillary, Frank and Jackson and it would have been fun to go to the pool one last time, but it was too cold, so we went to the Toledo Zoo instead. It was a lot of fun...we got there when it opened so we could be home for naps, and it looked like it was just getting really crowded when we were leaving.

The four of us... Hunter and Jack act like monkeys climbing and jumping off our couches, so this was a good place to take a family picture. Hunter can actually jump, but Jack just tries to copy Hunter and face plants. It is a site to see. Over the last two weeks I have noticed Jack acting more like Hunter and it is probably going to drive me insane. Throwing, hitting, screaming, etc. He threw a metal train at my face (by accident, but still) the other night. I was trying not to cry and was certain I would wake up with a black eye. Fortunately, I didn't, but I am on guard now. Hillary, Frank and their son Jackson. Jackson turned two on St Patty's Day. She is due with a baby girl this winter. I am so excited...several of my other friend's are prego with their second are having second boys. I'm happy that she is having a little girl :) Jackson is going to be such a good big brother!

We went on the train ride before leaving the zoo

Hunter and daddy. People say Hunter looks like Nick and Jack looks more like me. I don't see that Jack looks like me, but Hunter is pretty handsome like his daddy.

Jackson liked the train, but really liked just looking over the edge. He's so calm compared to my boys. I'm curious to see if her baby girl will be just as calm or a drama queen. Hillary has it pretty good as far as I can see!

I just like the expression on Jack's face..."what is that?!?!"

Jackson is the sweetest little guy...and has amazing blue eyes!! (after his momma)

Some of the animals were acting kind of weird. The leopards were practically fighting. The penguins were crazy too. They were ganging up on this one and chasing him around...and making these weird noises. It was kind of freaking me out.

I love the elephant. The baby one was there too (born in June), but our lovely photographer, Nick, didn't get a good picture of him.
The gorilla meadow is another of my favorites b/c they usually are so close to the glass and just stare at you.
Like this!
Have a great day. Hunter has been whining all day, isn't napping, and is being naughty...one of those days I guess. I hope we can handle three kids for a few hours while baby Alana is here. I have to admit I'm a little worried (might be good birth control for me), but I'm banking on the fact Matt & Jacquelyn won't see this until afterwards or they might not want to bring her over...just kidding. I'm worried about my kid's behavior, but I am planning to feed them dinner before she comes over and have "movie night"...even though that does not entail them necessarily sitting and watching a movie. Maybe 15 minutes of calmness, but then it's craziness with a movie on in the background. Lets just hope Jack doesn't throw a train at her face. I will be guarding her with my life so I'm not banned from babysitting her!

Jennifer

Labor Day weekend...way late!

I am so behind on posting. I am so busy, but want to get caught up. I love having these memories documented, so I really try hard to keep it up. I can't recall being this busy in a LONG time and it's not letting up. I sure hope it does soon though--Oh wait, kids birthdays, holidays, etc...ahhhh. Nick and I are going to a bed and breakfast in one month for a weekend. I can't wait. I might just sleep the weekend away and only leave the room when I need food--haha.

Last night Jack was basically up from 1:30am on. I think he is getting his molars. He's been fussy for a few days now, so I will be medicating him to ensure I get some sleep tonight (and to help him with his teething). Don't call CPS on me. He wanted out of his room, so he was in bed with us (which we never do, but we were desperate). I think he sort of fell asleep from 4:30-5:30 and then Hunter was up just after 6am. We attempted to put Jack in his crib, even if it gave us a chance to shower and get ready for work. Of course he fell asleep and didn't wake back up till 9:30am. Please pray I get some sleep tonight b/c I need it. And my back hurts even more from trying to lay still on my back with him on my arm for a few hours.

We have a fun weekend in store. I can't wait to watch Baby Alana tomorrow night--she's about two months old and we get to watch her while her parents go out for their anniversary. Sunday we are going to the cider mill with friends--can't wait for that!! Hunter starts his new soccer semester tomorrow, so I hope it goes well. He was pretty much the best in his class that just ended, so they recommended he "move up". I'm not just saying that b/c I'm his mom, but he really was the best in his class...haha.

Jack and I...

Michael and his mommy. He is such a cutie and going to be a big brother in just a couple of months. Michael is a mini-Hunter and they are having another boy--I feel for them.

Trying to get a good picture of two boys at this age is nearly impossible!

Being silly! Getting a good picture with the boys and us is TOTALLY impossible!

Mike, Jacque, and Michael...so cute! This was right before Hunter threw a ball and it hit Jacque in the face. I was so mad at him. Nick made him sit on the front porch for "time out". I don't know what that child is thinking when he does stuff like that!

Have a good weekend!

Notre Dame Game 2011--Go Blue!!!

Well, I promise one of these days I will put up the rest of the pictures from Labor Day weekend. I wanted to get these up though so I could share. Saturday U of M played Notre Dame--it was so cool. We had SO much fun!! My college roommates Erica and Lindsay were both there and a few of the guy friends we hung out with in college too. It rained for a few minutes after we got to the tailgate, but after that, it turned out to be a perfect evening for a football game. Erica and Dave stayed the night at our house--it was so nice to have them over. I felt badly b/c the kids were up early and making a lot of noise, so they didn't get to sleep in much (sorry guys). We paid a small fortune for the tickets, babysitter, parking, food, beer, etc. with the outcome, excitement of the game, and hanging out with friends, it was well worth it!

Lindsay, Erica, and I. Hard to believe we are all mommy's now!! Getting old!!

At golf course tailgate with the guys...
Julie and I went to high school together and were good friends. We both went to U of M, but never ran into each other. I think since I was one year older, we sort of lost touch when I graduated. I'm so glad we got to meet up and hope we can hang out again soon.

Us girls with JJ.

Erica and Dave...I'm SO glad Erica and I have kept in touch and still usually manage to see each other about once per year! I wish it were more though :)

And who could forget Steve?!?!?

Not sure I've seen him more than once since my wedding, but we had

so much fun seeing him again!! I love this guy and miss seeing him all the time. He needs to get married so we can all hang out again. hint hint??

Lindsay and her husband Louie.

Lindsay, Lindsay, Lindsay....I don't even know what to say.
This guy in the gold body suit was hanging around the golf course area. He must have been just a little drunk. Something else looked really little too...I mean, seriously, you can't help but notice, only b/c it looks so small. Gross. I bet his mother is proud.
From our seats...they weren't that bad actually and we had so much fun sitting with Dave and Erica! Nick and I...smiling b/c it was near the end and so exciting! I thought we were going to lose for most of the game but the last quarter was so awesome!

Right after we won...I was thinking "Paying for these tickets was worth it for this moment right now!!!" It was amazing that no one was leaving the stadium after the game...people were so thrilled and were just staying in their seats taking it all in. We got home about 1:00 am and Hunter was up at 6:30...not cool. My plan to have the sitter keep him up and have him sleep in backfired. He was up early and cranky. He said, "Mommy, I'm going to cry all day long just to make you upset". Thanks kid.

My back is killing me from the game too. I knew it would be 15 minutes into the game sitting on those benches with no support. I was feeling so bad on Sunday. Yesterday I went to get a massage to try to help and now it's even worse. Nothing like paying to feel worse. I have been using ice all day and biofreeze in between. I was supposed to go to a baby shower Sunday and I could not go...there is no way I could have sat for that long. Thankfully Nick was a good sport and let me rest and not over-do it with the kids.

The worst part is Nick has stuff going on Monday/Thursday this week and I have stuff Tuesday/Wednesday so we are not home together all week.

Labor Day Weekend and some misc pictures--it's a long one!

Our Labor Day weekend was fun and not fun at the same time. Friday (now a week ago) after we got home from work, we went to Barton to swim with the kids. It was SUPER hot, so it was great to be able to have one last trip to the pool before it closed for the season. So sad...I wish the pools would stay open on nice days at least for a little while longer! Saturday morning we went to Rolling Hills water park. That was super fun and the kids had a great time! We went on big water slides, the lazy river, and just played. Jack was a little crabby, but I didn't know exactly why. To back track, Jack had a blister on his tongue that I'd noticed the day before. I thought he had just burned it or bit it. Well, Saturday morning it had gotten bigger and there was another one, so in the back of my mind I was a little concerned.

Taking a break at the water park to have a snack

Silly boy--showing me his cheez its.

Not a great picture, but you can see the larger of the two blisters.

After Rolling Hills we came home for naps. Jack woke up screaming after 45 minutes. I was worried about him b/c with the blisters and fussiness, it's just not him. That and we had plans with two families on Sunday and Monday, so I didn't want them to get something if Jack was contagious. During the U of M game on Saturday I ventured out to the walk-in clinic with Jack. Turns out he has that hand, foot, and mouth issue, but only in his mouth. Well, when it's only in your mouth it's called herpengina. Sounds like and std, huh? Nick LOVES to tell everyone what it's called...so immature! Anyway, he wasn't contagious anymore, but said to give him ibuprofen every 8 hours b/c the blisters are painful. Went back home to watch the end of the game...we ate dinner in the family room for the first time (and last for a while) ever. It was a treat b/c the game was on. The friends we hung out with Sunday said their boy got it at day care and it's very common. The dad actually got it too which is very rare--he said the blisters hurt so badly, so that explains Jack lack of sleeping and fussiness...poor guy! Sunday morning I took Jack to church and then we went to Costco as usual. I have been going alone to church with Jack, but now that Hunter starts church school we'll be going together as a family. It's just been a brief thing due to Hunter's loudness and our lack of energy to deal with him--it's not worth it when you can't hear a word b/c of him and then make people mad around you. Bad attitude I know, but sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do. And for now, me taking Jack alone is what works for us. (please don't tell me your opinion about this) I love the time alone with Jack and enjoy him in church, but I am looking forward to us going together starting this weekend. As a side note, both kids were up by 6:15am Thursday through Sunday...not cool. It makes for a LONG day. After naps on Sunday we went to the lake with Mike, Jacque, and Michael (pictures in another post). We had a good time even with Jack being fussy. I love to hang out with them b/c Michael is a mini-Hunter so I don't feel so bad about his behavior. He did throw a ball and it hit Jacque in the face--I felt horrible and he sat in time out for a while. She is due to have another boy soon--poor them, just kidding. Monday (Labor Day) we went to the Toledo Zoo with Frank, Hillary, and Jackson (pictures to come). She also prego again and due with a baby girl in December. I can't wait to buy her some cute baby girl clothes!! We had a lot of fun at the zoo with them :) On the way home from the zoo, I started feeling sick. I came home and napped until the kids woke up and we went to my parents for dinner and to see Gigi. I just felt overall yucky. I threw up later that night--no fun. I felt yucky all week and finally feel better today. Wednesday Nick was home in bed all day saying the same thing. He never threw up, but just felt yucky. Jack threw up on Wednesday and seems a lot better now. I think we're all fine now, but it was a rough week!!

Other miscellaneous pics...

Hanging out eating strawberries at my parents on Labor Day. The weather sure ruined our plans for going to the lake!

This was Wednesday night...Nick and I both felt bad and we just tried to get the kids to sit still and watch a movie till bedtime. That sounds bad, but having both parents under the weather with two wild boys is NOT fun.
Trying to get them to watch Finding Nemo. This might have lasted all of ten minutes.

Totally unrelated pictures...

On a better note, Julie (our nanny) and Monica (our prior nanny) are good friends. We still love and miss Monica, but it's ok that she had to leave us to see if she wanted a job in corporate America before realizing she loved watching kids (she's still in school) and is now back to nannying--haha...Monica watches four kids now, so they meet up for playdates quite a bit. I think this little girl's name is Allison. Anyway, they belong to the same club as us, so it's a small world, and worked out well this summer that they could go to the pool together a lot. Here they are at Extreme Bounce.

Julie said this was hilarious that Jack was trying to kiss her--and I love how she is trying to get away from him-her daddy would be proud. We have seen them at the pool with their parents and I've run into Monica there...the kids are SO cute. They have three girls and a baby boy.

Julie said she was walking around lifting her shirt so Jack started copying her...I love that Julie and Monica can take the kids out together and do fun things!
Ok, this is totally unrelated too, but so funny to me. Bailey, my mom's dog, has her back legs paralyzed. My parents love this dog to death and will do anything for her. Now she has what looks to me like a pack and play on wheels. They pull her around in it in Grand Haven and get a lot of attention. I think it's so funny! Nick used to joke when we were dating how the dog has a better life than he ever had.
Julie drew this on the driveway and I just thought it was cute so I took a picture of it. I have no creative skills when it comes to this stuff, so I'm glad they are around her and hopefully she can teach them a few things!

My almost 4 year old

I am going to do a big 4-year old post to talk about everything Hunter is doing and saying these days when he actually does turn 4. I can't believe he's almost 4 and back in school. So far so good. I think I do have the most inquisitive child on Earth. I love answering his questions though b/c they are so funny. I just wish they didn't have to do with poop so much. Last night we got into this long dinner conversation about milk and why we drink cow's milk and how animal and human mommy's make milk for their babies...and you can figure out where that went (him and Jack drinking my milk when they were babies and do I still have milk in there...haha). I don't want to make stuff up b/c he remembers everything so I gave him as little information, but he really was fascinated by it. I'm sure when he's 18 he will be totally grossed out.

We made this to hang on the door wall in the kitchen so we can countdown to his bday...We'll start crossing off days starting tomorrow! I can't figure out why these are imported sideways. They are the right way on my computer, but I am too lazy to try and figure it out. "Genius at work" is referring to Hunter...and...

..."Creative genius" refers to me and this lovely chart. Yeah right. I am so NOT creative. Our poor kids are screwed when it comes to this stuff with parents like Nick and I. We are not creative at all. I hope we can get some help from Nana and Grandpa when it comes to school projects in the future b/c Nick and I are not good at that stuff. We can help with math, reading, and all that "practical" stuff, but when it comes to creativity--not so much. We try to draw and paint with them to inspire some creativity, so maybe they will be better than us.

Hope you are having a great day! We have all had a little bug, but I think we're on the mend. Nick was home in bed yesterday not feeling well. I went to work and Julie came to watch Jack while Hunter was in school. Jack threw up in her car (sorry Julie), but seems better today. It's not that bad, but I have just felt "blah" since Monday afternoon and was throwing up Monday night. I hope to put up pictures from the lake, Toledo Zoo, Rolling Hills waterpark, etc over Labor Day Weekend, but have been so busy!

Can't wait for this weekend...going to U of M game with lots of friends who I haven't seen in years. It is going to cost us an arm and a leg--you don't want even know what we paid for our tickets...then throw in babysitting, parking, beer, food, etc...yikes. It hurts to think about. BUT, hanging out with friends, going to a historical game (night game vs. Notre Dame) better be priceless! Waking up Sunday morning with 4 hours of sleep or less will not be cool.