Our Journey Through This Thing Called LIFE

2010-09-14T12:47:00.009-05:00

Who said "Oh Boy, its the Terrible Twos!"? There is nothing terrible about being 2! Mommy and Daddy are enjoying you being "2" so much! We choose the battles we want to fight with you, but looking back, there really aren't many. Usually we can ask you "do you need to go sit in timeout?" and you will either stop what you are doing wrong or go sit yourself in timeout.

You tell us on a daily basis that you are 2. I just laugh and say "how old is Daddy?" You answer "old". I then ask "How old is Mommy?" Your answer is "new". I LOVE IT!

Your 2 yr check up went great at the doctor. You weigh 28.5 lbs and your head is still in the 93 percentile :-) Lots of brains in there! I think they measured you at 33 inches tall, but I think that might have been a little short as you wouldn't cooperate with standing and getting measured. (a battle not worth fighting)

Your language skills have flourished in the last couple of weeks. You come up with new words every day. Some we are still not sure what you say, but most we understand and you talk non-stop. You also love singing new songs that you learn in school.

You try very hard to talk with your paci in your mouth and we get a little frustrated and tell you "we can't understand you with that in your mouth" in which you either take it out and talk, or just give us a look and go about your business. You do so well at school without your paci but as soon as we get home, you beg for it. It rips mommy's heart to pieces, you even say "my paci, please" and I give it to you. One day, soon, we will say bye bye to the paci, just not yet.

You still love airplanes and get so excited when you hear one flying overhead. You yell "Mommy, daddy, airplane, fly, bye-bye airplane". You and Daddy have spent many afternoons at the airport's observation park watching the planes take off and land.

You love to jump! In fact you will find anything to jump from....a little scary for mommy!

You still like playing in your kitchen, playing with your trains, trucks and banging on things. You still love to read and mommy likes taking you to the library to check out new books. Toddler story time starts at the end of the month and we can't wait!

You enjoy watching Sesame Street and Little Bill. In fact, you ask for Little Bill every night at bedtime. You have mastered the iphone and play games and watch movies on there. Your favorite game is a car racing game...You are your daddy's child!

You have done great in your new 2-year old classroom. I was a little worried because the kids in there are so much bigger and were talking complete sentences. However, you can hang with the best of them! Your teachers say you follow directions well and are quite the observer. I have a feeling that will all change before you are out of that room...you will be the doer, not the watcher. You are starting to use the potty at school too! It won't be long before I know you will be ready for big boy underwear and goodbye diapers!

Your eating patterns are about the same....Everyday is something different. One day you may like chicken nuggets, the next day, not so much. It keeps mommy & daddy guessing what we are going to fix for dinner. Your favorite meal right now is peanut butter and jelly! Its not too bad for you, wheat bread, organic jelly. You did surprise us and now will eat salad with cucumbers. I think it is the dressing you like!

We celebrated Grandpa Currie and Daddy's birthday this month. You get so excited and love to sing "happy birthday"! You really like the cake part too! We went to eat Mexican for daddy's birthday. You got super excited when they came with the sombrero and sang...your daddy...not so much...so you got to wear the cool red hat!

The weather is getting cooler and you couldn't be happier than to play outside! mommy & daddy can't wait to take you on more bike rides, trips to the park and another trip to the zoo is in our future too!

We love you sweet boy! Keep making mommy & daddy smile!!

Swim Lessons

2010-08-02T20:37:00.004-05:00

You had your 1^st swim lessons this week! Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Currie for such an awesome birthday gift! We placed you in the 6 month-2 year class as you had never had lessons before! Daddy was the special one that was able to get in the pool with you. I figured this was best as Mommy may miss some lessons due to work. Daddy was shocked by the way this brought back memories of his lessons at the Y as a child.

After tonight, we know we have a little swimmer on our hands. You have enjoyed being at the pool this summer, so needless to say you are the most advanced in your class!

Tonight you worked on getting in the pool, getting used to the water, blowing bubbles with your mouth, floating on your back and tummy, kicking and then at the end was your favorite part....climbing out of the pool and jumping back in! You weren't really into paying attention to what the teacher had to say. As I am sure you were saying “I know this stuff, lady” You showed daddy your skills of splashing and playing while the other kids got used to the water.

We go twice a week and I am sure you will enjoy it!

Play Dates!!

2010-08-02T20:26:00.005-05:00

We have gone on a couple playdates and can't wait for more! I have noticed as you get older, it is easier for us to meet up with friends to play before lunch and naptime. Mommy loves keeping you home from school to go play!

We went to The Ridge Road Pool in Raleigh to celebrate Fiona's 2^nd birthday. She was born only 2 days before you! You may not realize it now, but it will be really special having a friend so close in age! You loved the pool! We hung out in the kiddie pool area, which was much different than Papa's pool. They also had a splash park that you enjoyed running in. (Sorry no pics! We barely got out of the house in time to party!)

We ventured to Smithfield last week to meet Leslie and her little boy Parker. You guys enjoyed their indoor water park at their aquatic center! We had a picnic lunch and then played on the very hot playground. It was fun watching you boys play, nevermind the extreme heat! (no pics from that either, sorry!)

This past weekend we met Michelle, Gage, Isaac and Eden at the train yard in New Hill to ride the train. Trains have become a new love for you! We rode the train for about an hour, from Bonsal to New Hill. You loved it! I think at times you forgot you wore on a train, then the engineer would blow the horn and you would yell “Choo Choo”. Hey, look...PICS!!

Watching you play with your friends has reminded mommy of all her many child development classes she took. Toddlers use parallel play. You all are aware that each other are there and will play side by side but could care less to interact! It is so funny to watch! Can't wait till the day you get as involved in play dates as mommy does!

Happy 2nd Birthday!

2010-07-24T19:56:00.006-05:00

Wow! The Big "2"! You are no longer our baby anymore, instead you are our ever growing "Big Boy"!

We had an Elmo Pool Party over at Nana & Papa's today with many family and friends. You loved playing with the beach balls, splashing all your friends and getting thrown high up in the air by daddy in the pool. Papa and Nana gave you mommy's old musical recorder from when she was younger and I think that was your favorite gift.

You loved showing off to everyone your beautiful music. You got so many great gifts....a tricycle, helmet, lots of Thomas the train stuff, trucks, books, and lots of elmo toys! Too much for you to even realize yet!

You are talking so much more each and every day. You repeat a lot of what we say. My favorite is when I lay you down at night and I say "I love you" and you say "wuv you". It just melts my heart. Keep that up and you can have anything you ever want :-)

Grandma Currie bought you a great potty seat and stool so you can reach the potty. That's our next challenge...Potty training! You already have big boy pants, their Thomas the train!

You opened so many fun gifts! Everything from Thomas the Train trainset, elmo toys, toys for the bath, trucks, and so much more! You will be finding new toys to play with for a long time to come!

As you turn 2, we can say that you are more adventurous with the foods you eat. We can at least talk you in to trying new things. You only eat red hotdogs...you know, Nana's kind. You will eat chicken as long as it is off the leg. You aren't crazy about veggies right now, but I am hoping this is a stage. Right now, your favorites are peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a side of yogurt!

You still love to dance and will dance to just about any music!

You love going to the park, especially on the weekends that mommy works! You are getting so brave, wanting to do things "all by yourself"!

You have mastered the iphone. Daddy gave you his old one and you have your own games and videos that you watch. I am shocked you have it all figured out, but you will be like your daddy. Loving technology!

Well, Little man, the last 2 years have flown by faster than I can even describe! My goal for the next year is to slow down. I know you won't slow down, but I will try to capture the fun times with family, play dates with friends and spend every free moment I have with you!

Mommy & Daddy love you and love every minute watching your grow into a big boy right in front of our eyes! xoxox

Ariana's 1st Birthday

2010-07-24T19:52:00.003-05:00

Your little cousin turned '1' on July 10th and you were right there beside her to help her celebrate! You had a blast in the pool and playing with all of her toys!

We love that you are getting more and more used to the water. You were really brave today and started jumping in from the top step. You scared mommy at first because you went under despite your life jacket but you came up laughing and wanting more!

And to think we get to do this all again in 2 weeks for your birthday! Wow....you are turning 2! Time has really flown by!

(pics of Ariana's party have to come from Nana's camera....later!)

23 Months

2010-06-22T19:43:00.006-05:00

So much has gone on since we last posted! Of course, time flies by way too fast and I don't even realize it was the beginning of April since I last posted! I'll first write all the details, then we'll post pictures at the end!

One thing I forgot in our last post, in March, we went to your friend Isaac's birthday party at Marbles! You had such a good time! Lots of firsts for you that day as we had never been there before. You were not crazy about wearing the party hat but you really enjoyed the snacks and cake! You ate goldfish and fruit snacks for the 1st time and those have stayed a staple in your snack menu! You love fruit snacks, we just have to make sure we get the one that are the healthiest for you! (if there is such a thing!) There was so much for you to do at marbles! Lots of things that were too small for but you were able to run around and use your imagination at all the stations! You loved the slide, the fire truck, blocks, garden and more! We are looking forward to spending more time at Marbles as you grow bigger and we'll make it a weekday AM instead of a saturday!

Auntie Toni graduated nursing school in May and mommy was able to pin her as she walked across the stage. Such a wonderful achievement...now we have 2 nurses in the family! I was a little hesitant taking you, knowing you would have to be quiet for quite a long period of time. You didn't let mommy down! You were a perfect gentleman, sitting nice and quietly in your seat or in daddy's lap. It helped that we let you watch Mickey Mouse and Yo Gabba Gabba on the iphone. You were a champ that night, staying out till 11pm with the rest of the family!

In May we also celebrated Mothers Day! You helped Daddy make it extra special with delicious breakfast in bed and a beautiful pair of earrings. I always enjoy sharing pancakes with you!

In June, Uncle Billy came to visit! Those are always extra special visits! He doesn't stay long but you enjoy every minute you get to spend with him. We have all learned lately how special family is and how important the time you spend with them really is, so we have been doing a lot of that lately as well! You are still quite the little dancer and will dance to just about any beat....Making your Uncle Billy proud!!

On that note, in the end May, Grandpa Currie started his fight against lung cancer. Right now, you are much too young to know what all is going on, but you certainly enjoy the extra time we have all spend together! Know now that this was a huge shock to everyone as Grandpa is never sick and also know that he is strong and fighting this nasty bug called cancer! Anyone reading this...we can all use your prayers!

We also celebrated Fathers Day in June. You are definitely a daddy's little boy and he loves spending every minute of every day with you! We let Daddy sleep in on Sunday AM and that was probably his favorite gift! Then we all went over and spent time with Grandpa Currie. Your grandparents could just watch you 24 hours a day....you make them laugh watching you run around, dance and be silly!

You have had a stretch of many visits with Ms. Catchings at the doctor. Ever since you were sick in March, we have been on multiple antibiotics trying to keep your ears clear. We are praying tubes are not in our future, but all we want now is for our little man to be healthy! Hopefully this last 10 days on antibiotics will be our last for a while! On a side note, all these visits to the doctor have kept us up to date on your growth. You are 28.5lbs fully clothed! What a big boy! We will have all your stats for real next month at your 2 year check up.

You still love playing with balls. With the world cup going on, you have watched several games with daddy. You are perfecting your "Goooaaaaalllllll" chant and we may have the next soccer player on our hands! You love kicking the ball around! You have quite the arm on you as well. Which you show us with things other than throwing balls. You also throw your paci and anything else you can get your hands on! (**when are we going to be able to get rid of that thing?!)

You are trying more foods as we venture through what you will and will not eat. I have recently learned you may be tricking us with your "no meat" ordeal. Daycare has always said you eat meat there but we didn't always believe them! But, I caught you eating a chicken leg for daddy when I wasn't looking! You also love ribs as long as you can eat them off the bone! You still love fruit and watermelon has become an all new favorite. Watching you eat corn on the cob makes us laugh because you really dive right in it!

I guess eating has gotten easier as are getting more and more teeth! I think as of last count you have 15. Your eye teeth have come in and you let us know it! I feel so bad for you when you are teething as I know it must hurt! I am just glad you are so passionate about brushing your teeth as you are!

As you are quickly approaching turning 2, we have become well adjusted with the "terrible 2" fits. We catch your attitude every once and a while and boy we just can't figure out who you get it from! :-) You are learning and using more words every day. With that I think the fits will be less as usually your frustration comes from us not knowing what you want or need.

You have many favorite things right now. You have started with a new fascination for Elmo. You have never even watched Sesame Street but that furry red monster has become a best friend of yours. It's "my elmo" as you put it. You also love trucks! Big trucks, little trucks, all trucks! Firetrucks are #1 right now, in fact any red truck is a firetruck. You also love trains and I love listening to you say "choo choo" anytime you see one! You still love having reading books read to you and we love that little bit of quiet time with you!

Well I know that was a long update. The next month will be busy as your cousin, Ariana turns 1, you turn 2 and the normal "crazy" of all summer activities! As always, and especially as you approach the big "2" we can't believe how big you have gotten, what a big boy you have become. Can you please FREEZE and stay mommy's little boy!? xoxoxo

This digital scrapbook created with Smilebox

Been A Few Months!!

2010-04-12T13:14:00.004-05:00

Wow! Lots to update. Want to keep this short and sweet as possible.

Lets' see...
January...Big Snow Storm of 2010! You were able to get out and play with Daddy! He took you sledding on top of an old trash can lid. Mommy had to work, but loved getting picture updates of the 2 of you playing! You loved being pulled around, but weren't crazy about walking in it, as it was deep enough that you "fell through". We had several "Snow days" in late January and early February. We were definitely looking forward to spring!!

February....Still cold outside and you were able to play during a couple more snow days. Mommy and Daddy celebrated valentine's day with a dinner date "out" and Grandma & Grandpa Currie kept you for us! You weren't sad that Mommy & Daddy left, you were more sad thinking they were leaving! I love seeing the profound affection you have for all your grandparents! You are such a sweet, sweet boy!

March...Weather is warming up and we are loving it!! We made your 2nd trip to the zoo! this time mommy was able to come along! We had a blast! You are really into animals and all their noises and loved seeing the monkeys, elephants, ostriches, and lions! Your little pointer finger was wore out by the end of the trip from pointing at everything!

We have been able to enjoy the warm afternoons at the park as well. It is great to see how much you have grown and are so more independent. You can climb on all the structures and go down the slides all by yourself! You also love just playing outside! You can kick and throw balls for hours! You are finally enjoying your little 4-wheeler Santa brought you for Christmas. You love watching the birds fly overhead and seeing airplanes, way up in the air!

You had a rough week at the end of march as you battled pneumonia and an ear infection. You were a cuddly little boy that just wanted to be held, many days. However, this didn't hold you back from celebrating celebrated Easter with the family. We colored Easter eggs this year. You weren't too impressed. After coloring one egg, you were off to go play, leaving Mommy & Daddy to finish coloring them for you. Oh well, maybe next year! Of course, you were spoiled rotten for another holiday. Grandma & Grandpa Currie showered you with a bucket full of goodies--balls, watering pail, sand toys, clothes. Nana and Papa gave you 2 sets of fun PJs and lots of candy (The candy...your mommy & daddy are working on! :-)

You still only have the same 10 teeth, but as much as you love chewing on your fingers, we are sure you are getting more in any day now!

What a picky little eater you have become! You have a huge passion for any kind of fruit, you will eat your veggies with the coaxing of your parents but you still will not eat MEAT! It has become a little frustrating as I want to be sure you are getting all the nutrients you need. We try hard to cut it up really small and hide it in whatever you are eating, but you are too smart for that! We'll keep trying and one day I know you will LOVE MEAT!

You and your cousin Ariana have spend several Sunday afternoons playing hard. Her little eyes light up when she sees you! It is hard for you to see her playing with many of your old toys that you are too big to play with anymore. We are trying to teach you that it is OK to share your toys with her, you'll get it soon!

You are growing up so fast right in front of our eyes! It is hard to believe you are 20 1/2 months and will be 2 years old before we know it! I vow to be better at this ole' blog to keep a better monthly look at your ever changing life!
Love you lots, big boy!

I miss my baby...

2010-02-04T22:08:00.004-05:00

I read a blog from a friend of a friend just a few days ago and she was talking of all the things she would miss once her 4 children were grown...it got me thinking. I don't have 4 children but I do have you... my 1 and only. You have grown so fast and I think back to the last year and half and it is already hard to remember some of the most memorable moments I thought I would never forget. Glad I wrote those things down or blogged about them!! We were so fast to wish you were sitting up, wish you were crawling, wish you were eating "real people food", wish you were walking...it is hard to think of you not doing what you do now. You are truely a little man now. You are walking, talking, eating whatever we give you.... Just waiting for you to ask to extend curfew, for the keys to the car and so much more.

Truely, I already miss so much of you being my "baby"....

I miss....

....the constant spit up...no I don't miss the stains, but I miss knowing you are going to shoot us with your meal any minute now. I really miss the smile you would let out before you did so. I miss handing people the burp cloth as they held you and saying "watch out..he'll get you!"

....being immobile....yep, there was a point in time we could sit you on the floor, walk away for 30 seconds and you would be in the same spot. That didn't last long. There really was a time that you were satisfied sitting in one spot, maybe the excersaucer, for 10 minutes, satisfied...

....you squalling during bath time. Even though I knew one day you would enjoy bath time, I miss that you need hugs and to be held close to feel safe after bath time.

....swaddling you in daddy's handmade blankets. you needed swaddling so long and it was nice knowing as long as you were tight in daddy's blankets, you were safe at night. Now you just roll on your tummy and get covered up with any old blanket.

....feeding your bedtime bottles. That was truely mommy and me time. anyone else could give you your bottles anytime of the day but I knew nighttime was me time. and now, bottles are gone and you sit with a sippy cup of milk, too much of a big boy to be held....I sometimes sneak you up in my lap to enjoy your cup of milk, thinking of the times I would cuddle you before bedtime

....rocking you to sleep. We spent many of months trying to get you to go to sleep on your own....why??? I miss that. I miss rocking you to sleep, even if it was for 20 minutes or more. Now, your not interested. You want to lie down with your paci and drift off on your own.

....your gummy, teething moments. You went so long without teeth, now you put my finger in your mouth and...OUCH! There are teeth there and that can be quite painful.

....uneventful diaper changes.....you used to just lay there, waiting for a dry diaper. Now you point out your "man power" and are a constant rolly polly trying to get your dry diaper on!

....dressing you in anything I want....However, now that you are a little man, your daddy prefers you to dress like one. No more cutsie little outfits, we now dress in "little man" outfits. I knew the day would come where I could no longer put in you whatever I wanted, but boy, I didn't think it was so soon.

As much as I miss those things, I look forward to a daily "surprise"! What will Alexander do next? You are in a stage of new things daily. Whether it is a desire for a new food, a new skill, a new word.... I am so happy watching you grow...just have to sit back once and a while to remember how fast you have grown up!!!

***As soon as the camera charges, I will post snow pics!! ***

Christmas '09

2009-12-31T21:32:00.005-05:00

Your 2nd Christmas was so much fun! You were able to enjoy all the lights and decorations this year! You were so well minded when it came to tugging and pulling on the Christmas tree. You were fascinated with all the decorations and told the Christmas tree and Frosty outside goodnight every night before heading to bed!
In fact, it has been a sad time for you to see "Frosty" go as you really looked forward to watching him outside!

This holiday season was full of fun with lots of family to see! Nana & Papa had family over on Christmas Eve. There, you were able to see the entire Squier family-Great grandma Sally, Granpa Bill, Uncle Erin and Garrett, Great-Grandma Joyce, Thomas and Diane, Aunt Shirley, Auntie Toni and Ariana. You loved showing off, dancing for everyone! You received your first gifts from Santa there. You opened balls to play with, books, dishes and your favorite...A Diner-you can cook just like Daddy does now! You enjoyed pretending to serve food to Ariana as she stared at you in amazement of all that was going on! It was a busy night and as usual, you were a champ, but it was time to get to bed....Santa was coming soon!! *Daddy made sugar cookies and hand cut the shapes for you to leave for Santa!

Christmas morning you awoke to a yummy breakfast of fruit and then were off to open presents from Mommy & Daddy and see what Santa left! I can't go through all that you got, but you enjoyed playing on the 4 wheeler, magna doodle, trying on your shoes, you even enjoyed opening your potty and clothes!!

You got a short break, helping daddy fix his yummy Christmas breakfast before everyone arrived to our house for brunch. We all sat down, and ate a fabulous brunch prepared by Daddy! I hope this becomes a tradition for sure! Then came the truck load of toys that Santa left at Grandma & Grandpa Curries! There were so many presents, you didn't know which way to turn! You opened a basketball goal, a tee ball set, keyboard, remote control cars, blocks, books, stuffed animals, Elmo, tricycle and so much more!

We had to quickly put away Christmas decorations in order to find room for all your new, fun toys! You are so special to all of us and we have all spoiled you rotten!

Mommy can't wait for you to start using your potty, but in the meantime, keep bringing us books as we love reading to you! It is so nice to watch the sparkle in your eye as you play with all your toys and enjoy each of them all the same!

On a side note, you have started saying new words....I think Daddy has been secretly teaching you while you have stayed with him the past week. You will now say "Sponge Bob", "Nana", "Papa", "banana" and are using "No" meaningfully. :-)

Here are some pictures of the last week!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Tonight we celebrate the close of 2009. We have all had a wonderful year with you. Can't believe the year went by sooo fast! As we put many things of 2009 behind us...here is to 2010!! Happy New Year!!

Favorite Time of The Year

2009-12-20T21:29:00.006-05:00

Hey Little Man! It has been FOREVER since Mommy has had a chance to blog. So, with that, there is a lot of catching up to do without making this too extrememly long.

Let's see where we left off...
Halloween! You were the cutest monkey I have ever seen! The month of October had been freezing and I was so happy your costume would keep you warm. Who would have thought it would be 80 on Halloween! But, like usual, you were a trooper and stayed in your costume, sweat and all! we went by Grandma and Grandpa's house to show you off. Then your Nana, Papa and cousin, Ariana came by to see you. After a few quick pictures, we were off trick or treating! You loved watching the big kids running from house to house in their cool costumes. We went to the few houses on our street and you got plenty of candy. You are not much of a candy person, but will suck on a lollipop every now and again.

Lets see...
Your favorites--you still have a love for reading. You will sit and be read to for hours! Your favorite book is the "Big Word Book". You still love any books with animals, you like following the pages and making all the animal noises.
You are still quite the dancer! Anytime you hear music, you show us your skills. Everyone gets a great laugh out of this.
You have gotten better and better about going to bed at night. Daddy has a skill of just lying you down and you go right to sleep. Mommy still likes to cuddle with you when you will let her.
You are still quite a cuddle bear, giving great hugs and kisses! You even blow kisses to strangers when you leave them. I hope you never lose that sweetness about you!
Food wise, you are trying more meats, still not liking any of them. We have gotten you to eat tofu chicken nuggets and fish sticks. We will keep trying! Otherwise you love your fruits and veggies and anything pasta!
You still love being in the kitchen and are facinated watching daddy cook. You even sit in the middle of the floor, playing with real pots and pans, cooking your paci, while Daddy cooks dinner!
Teeth--you now have 10!! You went forever without any and now I feel like every time I open your mouth you have a new on! You have a total of 6 on top, 4 on the bottom. 4 of those are molars that popped out of nowhere one day, all at the same time! Motrin has been your best friend, but overall you have been a trooper while teething!

We celebrated Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa Curries. Mommy had to work most of the day, but I heard you ate a belly full! Uncle Billy was able to come visit for a couple of days and you enjoyed spending time with him. He will be back for Christmas too!

Daddy and Grandpa Currie took you to your very 1st Christmas parade here in Holly Springs. You loved watching the minature cars zoom by. Your favorite was dancing to the marching band!

We got your pictures made the 1st of December where you met Santa for the first time. You were a little weary of the jolly ole' fellow but once he started reading you a book, you 2 were best friends!

We went to your 16 month check-up, where the pediatician said you are right on track! She was very impressed with your motor skills and how coordinated you are. You are now 25lbs, 34 inches tall and your head is somewhere in the 94th percentile still! Lots of brains in there! You are wearing 12-18 month clothing and wearing 5 1/2 shoes. During your check up, you got 4 separate shots, and mommy almost cried for you! 2 of them were flu shots and that is only because mommy wants to protect you from what has turned out to be a vicious flu season already.

You have grown into such a big boy and mommy & Daddy are so proud of you everyday! You amaze us everyday with something new! It is certainly priceless how the little things you do everyday put such a big smile on our face!

This week is going to be a big one for you! Christmas is just around the corner! You will get to visit with lots of family and friends! You have been such a good little boy, I am sure Santa will bring you lots of fun toys to play with. You have been amazed with all the Christmas lights and have been very good about not pulling on the tree. You are facinated with the inflatable snowman out front and tell the tree goodnight every night before you go to bed. Mommy and Daddy can't wait to open presents with you on Friday! It can't come fast enough!

15 Months Old!!

2009-10-28T20:32:00.004-05:00

Little Man,

You turned 15 months this week and like I say every month, I can't believe 15 months have already gone by! The last couple of weeks have been pretty exciting for you!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Last week the NC State Fair was in town and despite all the warnings to not go as it was the "infamous H1N1" breeding ground, we went anyway! You enjoyed watching all the people (and yes, you have learned early on that there are some strange people out there!), seeing all the lights, listening to the sounds of all the games. You even rode a couple rides with Daddy. We were able to visit with our friends, Michelle, Gage & Isaac for a little while. You enjoyed watching Mommy & Daddy eat all kinds of food as you snacked on your piece of pizza. We even played games to win you a few prizes!

You are still quite the picky eater. As you still eat your veggies, fruits and pastas, you are still staying far from meats. I think it is because you still don't have your molars to chew. You now have 6 teeth and have been chewing on your fingers so I fear your molars aren't far behind!

Mommy & Daddy had to do the dreadful deed of cleaning out your closet this week. Daddy wasn't happy and mommy was in tears. We had so many clothes, 6mon-12mon, that we had to pack away. Some of the gender neutral stuff we have given to your cousin, Ariana, some we gave to some families in need and MOST, we packed away for later....We couldn't part with most as the memories were too fresh to just get rid of them right now. People say this will get easier and lord I hope so! So, we had to go shopping for more stuff--boy how we love shopping for you!!
We went shoe shopping with Grandma Currie this week and you got 2 new pairs of shoes for the Winter! You love your new shoes!

You and Daddy have enjoyed watching football on Sundays and most of all baseball as the Yankees finally got to the world series this year! We are still waiting for you to grow into your "Jeter" jersey!

You still love playing ball and running around the house. You have a game where you beat on the wall while we count 1-2-3 and then you yell GO and run across the room to another wall. This can keep you busy for hours! You have found a new love in books and you will sit while we read them to you over and over again. We took you to Barnes & Noble where you were super excited to see so many books! Can't wait to take you to the library! You are learning new songs at school and love to sing "If you're happy and you know it..." and "Row, Row, Row your boat".

Halloween is this weekend and mommy was able to get off work so we can all go Trick or Treating as a family! Cannot wait!! You are even saying "Boo!" when you see the Halloween monsters! Love it!!

Until next time....

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-11T20:22:00.003-05:00

Hey big guy! Fall is finally here! We couldn't resist taking you out to a pumpkin patch this weekend to enjoy the crisp air. You had lots of fun climbing the bales of hay and watching the older kids jump from one to the other. You got a brave streak in you a few times and acted like you were going to jump as well, but thankfully didn't. You really weren't too sure what to do with a the hay around you. Daddy assured you it was ok to get dirty...this once. :-)

You and Daddy played on a real tractor. You loved pretending you were driving it!

We also did a corn maze. You relaxed in your stroller while mommy & Daddy went crazy trying to find the 10 check points. We did it! And in the words of your Daddy, "if in doubt, go right!"

After the corn maze, we went on a hay ride, pulled by a tractor. You were able to sit right up front and loved it the whole time!

I think your favorite part was the pumpkins at the end! You liked the tiny ones that you could throw around like balls. Anything round is a ball to you right now and boy, you have an arm!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

A quick update on you....Mommy & Daddy are really enjoying all the time they get to spend with you! You are growing up so fast and are really becoming a big helper around the house! You are a week away from being 15 months! Mommy really enjoys looking at pictures of you from just a year ago and seeing how much you have changed already! You still only have 4 teeth, but there are 2 others cutting through as we speak. Your favorite things right now are macaroni and cheese, dancing, playing ball and still vacuuming! You are repeating more and more words after we say them! Just the other day, you did something and Mommy said "Wow!" you turned right around and repeated her and just laughed as if you knew what you had said! You have started saying No, however it isn't just "No", its "Nnnnooooo....".

Halloween is coming up and we have your costume...Its a Monkey. You hate it because of the hat that goes on your head. Hopefully you won't hate it too bad, when the big night comes!!

Can't wait to see what the next few weeks bring....

2009-09-15T19:11:00.009-05:00

Just a year ago...
Look how much he has grown...

Our little tarheel!

When we started this blog, we first thought the world would be excited to read about "our lives". (That is funny!) However, when we first learned we were pregnant with out 1st child, it became the window to our world as a "pregnant couple" and then the window for family and friends to see us as "new parents". For the past year, you all, family and friends have watched Alexander grow from "our little chocolate chip" in mommy's belly to our "big boy"! I have decided to change the direction of our blog and it be more a "To Alexander" as I will write to our son, our thoughts and feelings as we go through the wonderful years of raising our child. So, here it goes....

To my little man, Alexander:

July was a special month for us as you turned 1! HUGE milestone for you and us as parents. We have managed to raise another human with no large "oops" moments for an entire year. :-) You have grown from such a teeny tiny baby (not really that tiny weighing in at 8lbs 1oz) to such a big boy!

You started walking right after your first birthday. Something both mommy & daddy had encouraged and spent hours in the family room trying to get you to do! When you took those 1st steps there with Mommy and Daddy present, you would have thought you won the Nobel Peace Prize! Hey, good enough for us! We were sooo happy you were walking. We forgot what this really meant for us! :-) You are cruising the town now. You are not only walking, but running! We see the back side of you quite often! You no longer want to be held, you want down, you want to explore the world. While that is so bitter sweet, I miss cuddling with my little man. You are definately into everything. We can't turn our backs for more than 10 seconds or you are into something!

You have been able to spend a lot of time with Daddy the past few weeks, which you have loved! You have become such a "Daddy's boy!" You love watching and even helping him cook, you love playing ball. You have learned to throw and kick. Daddy even lets you play in the cul-de-sac with the big kids and you enjoy every minute of it! His love of vaccuming has rubbed off as well!

We celebrated Daddy turning a year older! You loved helping open the presents and eating the cake!

You are such a great eater, devouring most of everything we put in front of you. We let you feed yourself, so meal times are definately messy times. We are introducing the fork and spoon. You love it, just not sure how to use it. You still enjoy your fruits and veggies. Meat is another story. Still kinda picky with that. We still love introducing new dishes to you and can't wait till you get more teeth to enjoy them with! You still only have 4!

You still hate sleeping! However, once we get you to sleep you sleep through the night and are a great napper. We finally gave up on swaddling you. It only took a year! :0)

You will be 14 months in just a week...not sure how much you weigh at this point but for sure you are growing! You have quickly grown out of your 12 month clothes and onto 18 months! You are surely showing your "2 year old" side with the small fits you pitch, but they give us a laugh every once and a while! It is funny to watch you run across the room and throw yourself on the floor when you don't get your way. I know, this too is a phase.

Little man, you are the joy of our life, for sure! Can't wait to see what you bring to us in the next few weeks as you surprise us daily in different words you say, different acts you perform! You have sure proved being parents is the BEST thing in the world! We love you!!

Alexander is 1!!

2009-07-25T20:06:00.007-05:00

Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday Alexander! Happy Birthday to you!

Since we last blogged, lots of fun and exciting things have happened! Alexander is enjoying trying all kinds of foods now! He will eat just about anything! It is very nice to go out and not have to worry about bottles and formula, but more so what can we order for him. Daddy took him out the day before his birthday and they ordered his first happy meal! Alexander ate 1/2 the hamburger while Daddy ate all his fries! We have started giving him his bottles of formula in sippy cup to hopefully get rid of the bottle for good. That has been tough...only for mommy! We will stick with the formula for morning and night time bottles for now, but he is getting whole milk during the day.

We have started transitioning into the "Big Boy" Toddler classroom at school. Thankfully we have a full week of transitioning next week as well. I know he will do great, just a big change for ALL of us!

Daddy took Alexander to the zoo last weekend while Mommy had a girls weekend away! He loved seeing all the animals and I can't wait to go back with them!!

We have a new addition to our family. On July 10th, we welcomed Ariana Ryan Baker, Alexander's new cousin! Auntie Toni had her baby girl and she is beautiful. The only picture I have is from Alexander's birthday party....

She is sleeping and has NO clue!

Alexander is not too sure what to think. He likes her, wants her paci but surely doesn't like Mommy or Daddy holding her and not him! We are definitely not ready for siblings! :-) I know they will grow up to be just as close as Mommy & Auntie Toni are and they will have a blast together!

Speaking of birthdays....Alexander turned 1 on Friday!! I know...they grow up sooo fast, but celebrating his birthday has put that in perspective. A WHOLE year has past. He is no longer my baby. He is now my little boy! He has not yet took his first step, but I know it is just around the corner! Before I know it, I will be chasing him out the door to wish him luck before prom night! :-)

Alexander, Mommy & Daddy had a wonderful day spending time together on his birthday! We went shopping, got his very first haircut, had 1 year pictures taken and had Mexican for dinner to end the night! Here are some pictures from our day....

Pre-Haircut, playing in the lobby before our wonderful neighbor who owns her own Salon, Sharper Edge in Holly Springs, cut just a few of his curls off!

Surprisingly, Alexander did very well! He only fussed one time and held very still. Neither of us had the heart to cut off his curls off, as that is what makes "Alexander, Alexander". So, we just had a trim!

After we had pictures made, we went and rode the rides in the mall! Alexander loved the car, airplane, Clifford and Bob the Builder!

Saturday was THE BIG DAY! Party time!! We had a cook out pool party at Nanas and he had a blast! He is such a trooper...or should I say Energizer Bunny! With a very little nap in the AM, he just kept going, keeping people laughing and himself smiling all the way! Daddy was a wonderful "Master of The Grill" while Nana, Great Grandma Sally and Aunt Shirley did all the sides. Food was yummy and spending time with friends and family was awesome! Alexander loved all the attention! He completely devoured his cupcake and Boy! Talk about a mess! Good thing we had the pool to wash him off in! I really thought Alexander would enjoy tearing opening our gifts and he did until he opened the gift with the "Happy Birthday" Balloon and blue monkey ball! Then it was all over! That was all he wanted! So, Mommy & Daddy opened up the rest of the gifts. THANK YOU to all our friends a family that shared this special day! We all thoroughly enjoyed it!

Cupcake "Cake"--Look closely it says "Happy 1st Birthday Alexander!"

Taking time out to swim with Papa

The Girls hanging out by the pool

Fun in the pool!
Loving my Rody! Thanks Grandma & Grandpa!
Everyone is singing and Alexander is making his wish! Hope all your wishes come true!!

Just getting a taste of the icing!

Really starting to like this!

"Here Daddy, you can have some!"

YUM!

"So ready to have my hands cleaned!"

The ball and balloon...that's all she wrote!

The one & only time he would wear a birthday hat!

Playing with Jae & Isaac while Mommy & Daddy open his gifts!

Tearing down the streamers...Time to go, folks!

"Is my party really over??"

The BIG 1-year birthday is done! A very HAPPY and sad day for Mommy and Daddy! Our VERY tired little boy is having very sweet sweet dreams as I update the blog! Only to wake up and spend the day playing in his new sandbox that Nana & Papa bought him! I know he can't wait!!

Now, here we are.... onto BIG things as a BIG 1-year old!!~

11 months old

2009-06-18T11:53:00.005-05:00

Busy, Busy, as a bee---that is what we have been! I just realized that it has been nearly 2 months since I blogged and there is so much to blog about! I was able to celebrate my very 1st Mothers Day with my little man and that was so nice. Now we are getting ready to do Fathers Day. I know Eric has a whole day planned, just him and his little guy!

Alexander is just about 11 months old and so much has changed in his little world in just 2 months! I cannot believe I am preparing to plan his 1 year old birthday party! Time flies!!

He is babbling up a storm! He says "ba-bah" for bye-bye and will wave. He stopped doing the cute little baby wave backwards and now just throws his hand up at you like his daddy does. I listen closely as he babbles to see if I can make out any other real words. I still cannot get him to say mama or dada. Each time I try, he laughs and ignores me! His new word today is "pu-peee" for puppy. That is what I call both of our dogs and he has been trying the pu pu pu sound for a little while. This AM, I had him on the changing table and one of the dogs walked in his room, he pulled out his paci and said "pu-pee" just as loud and clear as day! I know one day he will be talking up a storm!!

Alexander is much more mobile now! Probably why mommy and daddy stay so busy! He is crawling all over the place. Pulling up on everything, walking around holding on the furniture and your fingers! He loves walking! He is even testing my nerves by trying the stairs!!

We definitely have a performer on our hands! Anytime he hears music, whether it is a commercial on TV, music on the ipod or one of his toys singing "ABCs" he is dancing and singing right along!

He went swimming for the first time 2 weeks ago! The pool was quite cold, but mommy braved the cold waters with him. He loves the bath so much now, I knew he would look at the pool as a big ole' bathtub, and he did! He loves to float in his cool floats, splash and play with papa!

He finally has 3 teeth!! Once one came in, they all 3 came in back to back! So, now he can chew a little bit better! He eats everything! I mean everything he can get his hands on! His favorites right now are macaroni and cheese and cheerios. We have tried meats now, he is surely not crazy about them but will eat them. Trust me, if he doesn't like it, out it comes! He is getting very independent with wanting to feed himself. Some things we just let him go at it and he thinks he is so grown picking up his food, cramming it in his mouth. Some things, mommy and daddy still have spoon control! :-)

Health wise, we have been better. After being sick with a tummy bug and battling 2 ear infections back to back, we went to see a ENT doctor to have Alexander evaluated for tubes. Daddy is not a fan, so we are holding off through the summer. Next ear infection he gets, the ENT will take a look and see how bad his ears get once infected. So far, so good. He plays with his ears constantly, but we're holding out!

The next month comes with very big things...

We are all looking forward to Alexander's cousin's arrival. Auntie Toni is due in 3 weeks and we can't wait! We had her baby shower 2 weeks ago, so Alexander was able to see his Great Grandma Joyce and other wonderful family! Here are some pictures of that.

Also in the next month, preparing for Alexander's move up to the toddler room at daycare, we have lots of changes to be made. We are all very sad to leave the infant room as we love his teachers, but it is obvious he is a big boy now, no longer a baby when we see the other small babies that just started at the center. When he moves up right after his birthday, he will be in the toddler room. There, they no longer drink formula from bottles. So, we are weaning him off his formula onto whole milk and trying to get him to take it from a sippy cup instead of his bottle. That also means, adjusting his feeding schedule to not needing those 2 bottles in the middle of the day! So, we are obviously offering more "big boy food" and snacks to keep him full. In the toddler room, they also sleep on cots, no longer in a crib! Can't wait to see how they keep him on a cot! No more swaddling--he does great at daycare with this, not so much at home. He is doing well adjusting to less time with his pacifier. They put it away after he settles from arrival and then he doesn't have it again until naptime. Once nap is over, it is put away until we pick him up. When we pull it out of the bag, he acts as if he just found his long lost friend, but they say he does really well without it most days.

We have yet to travel down to the beach this summer but can't wait to do so. Dying to see his reaction to all the sand and water! Until next time--

9 Months Old!

2009-04-22T20:25:00.011-05:00

Wow, this month has flown by and Alexander has been busy as a bee! He is so mobile now, it is scary! He loves to hold on to your fingers and walk around! He can crawl and definitely gets moving when there is something he wants! He loves pulling up on stuff and walking while holding onto furniture. I know, I know, It is not too long before he will be walking around the house on his own. When he wakes up at night, instead of laying there waiting for us to come get him, he is sitting up, tapping his knees begging us to come get him! He has started a habit of waking back up at 3am...hopefully this is just a phase!!!

Alexander enjoyed a surprise visit from his Uncle Billy, from NY! It was quick, but always a joy!!

We are finally healthy...just fighting allergies! Alexander battled pneumonia at the beginning of the month. Yes, even that was scary for a mom that is a nurse! It is so different when it is your child! After 5 days on steroids, breathing treatments and 10 days of antibiotic, he was back to his normal self!

(Enjoying the sun in papa's lawn tractor!)

It is so nice listening to him babble. And of course, we know exactly what he is saying. He will say "bye-bye" and wave as we go. He hasn't said "mama or dada" and as soon as we start "practicing" it, he sticks his pacifier in his mouth! For now, we will just enjoy the excitement he shows when one of us walks in the room.

He is starting to like his walker that Nana bought him. Loves standing at the back door and watching the outdoors. Not sure what is so fascinating...isn't it nice to just enjoy the little things! Still enjoys his music table & motor cycle. He is becoming less and less fond of his exersaucer as that is stationary and he doesn't like sitting still very long!

Alexander still loves to eat! We are enjoying trying different fruits. He loves peaches, pears, blueberries, bananas, mangoes, yogurt and so much more! We even enjoy things that are sweet, and probably shouldn't have -- nilla wafers, ice cream....and the list goes on! We are still waiting on teeth so we can explore more!

With the nice weather, we have visited the park a few times. We let Alexander experience sand for the 1st time, against Daddy's wishes! He liked it at first, but then realized it was "yucky".

For Easter, the Easter bunny brought Alexander a gigantic stuffed animal duck, a couple toys and books. He enjoyed them all, but wasn't very fond of the Easter grass! I think he will be like his Daddy, and not want to get dirty!

We have our 9 month check up coming up in a couple weeks. Will love to see how much he has really grown!

Alexander gets to meet our God-son this weekend--Nathan. Should be a blast and can't wait to post more pictures!!

More later--

Am I Cute or What?

2009-04-02T08:58:00.004-05:00

Here are just a few pictures of our little man hanging out, playing.

He loves to stand and bounce!

Isn't much a fan of his sunglasses....he likes to chew on them though!

Still trying to crawl, if he is determined enough, he will get to it, one way or another!

We tried playing with bubbles! This was fun for a few minutes until he got really frustrated when the bubbles kept popping and he couldn't "hold" them!

I knew the day would come that he would be "on the go" all the time. My sweet boy is very much a busy body....He wants "up", then down. He wants to crawl, then be held. He wants to hold your hand and walk. He wants you to play with him, by his side. Don't dare think you are going to go do something else, while he plays in the floor. :-) Even as much of a busy body that he is, he still likes to have the occasional cuddle. Here he is with Auntie Toni...boy does he love her!

Everyone always says "the time goes by so fast!" And boy, does it ever!! I can't believe how "grown up" Alexander already is. He has such a personality. He lets you know what he wants, when he wants it. He holds his arms out for you to pick him up. Gives the best kisses (drool and all!). He can even say bye-bye and wave. I don't think Eric and I ever realized the joy we were missing out on until we had Alexander. We are SO in love with our little man!

8 Months Old!!

2009-03-25T20:04:00.004-05:00

Wow!! Alexander is 8 months old! That slipped up on us fast! We'll be planning a 1 yr old bday party before we know it!

We don't go to the doctor again until our 9 month check up so I don't have a weight or height on him, but I am sure you can tell....we are growing! What a big boy!

Alexander loves to play with his toys....blocks, rocking motorcycle, pretend handyman toys...you name it, he will find a way to bang them together and enjoy the time for a few minutes! We bought him a "push toy" that you walk behind. He likes it, but doesn't like walking away from you. He likes to hold your hand and walk much better! He still isn't crawling unless there is a remote or cell phone to get....we're working on it! He is still in scooting mode!

With the nice weather, we are all enjoying being outside. Whether it is time out on the deck or time spent in the park, we are soaking up the rays and can't wait till Summer when we can be out at the pool!

We have tried applesauce, bananas, Gerber teething biscuits and continue to love our veggies! With NO teeth, it is kinda yucky to have to puree everything, but we are trying to chunck things a bit for him to gum! Eric fixed pancakes a few weekends ago and made baby pancakes...Alexander loved them!! I am excited the weather is changing and we will have the opportunity to introduce such yummy fruits! We won't try meat for another month or so, but we will do breads, pasta, you know....the yummy things!!

We were invited to our first birthday party, coming up this weekend and are super excited! Our friend Isaac will be 2....will Alexander get a small sample of birthday cake?? We shall see!

Well friends, all has been well for us. Eric has been busy with work. I am finally off orientation and on my own (phew! that is worth a prayer in itself!) Hope the same for you! I don't usually ask this, but please place a friend of mine in your prayers. Pray for Tiffany & Matt....a full length, healthy pregnancy--here is to 9 good ole' months (at least!) and a healthy bouncing baby!!

More later!

The Park

2009-03-09T19:52:00.005-05:00

The weather was spectacular this weekend and we used it to our advantage! We introduced Alexander to the park and he had a ball!! We initially were going to just play on the swings but the park we chose to visit didn't have swings, so we tried out the slide. He loved it!

After we slid down the slide about 100 times, we bounced on the "bouncy critter". He loved that too but Daddy was afraid he was going to bust his mouth on it since he kept rocking back and forth so hard!

We are looking forward to many more fun times at the park!

Here is a new toy Daddy bought Alexander tonight. It rocks back and forth and eventually is a riding toy (once his legs get long enough to push himself around!)

More later~

2009-03-02T21:00:00.005-05:00

"Happy 4 year Anniversary Mommy & Daddy!"

Alexander loves horsing around with Daddy!!

Alexander is 7 months old now and such a big boy! We have added squash, sweet potatoes and carrots to the list of veggies that he loves! I have pinched off pieces of banana for him and he seems to like that too. We tried the Gerber finger food things...they melt in your mouth, but crunchy. He loved them one day and hated them the next so we will see about that! I can't wait, as the weather warms, the more yummy fruit will be in season!

Alexander enjoys playing on the floor more and more. He gets up in a crawling position and will scoot a little but, but the gets very frustrated with not getting far fast and just throws himself over and looks at you like "aren't you going to help me?"

We noticed tonight after we got back from Costco that he enjoys standing and pushing large objects. This was a first. He got further pushing the large bulk package of toilet paper than he does scooting on the floor! Classic--and I promise we will invest in a new toy and stop letting the child play with toilet paper wrapped in plastic!

Alexander has his 3rd ear infection. We put him on Omnicef just this last week and by the weekend he had a really bad stomach virus. I don't know if it was the medicine or another bug, either way, I don't want that again! Poor thing was pitiful. I have never seen this child not want to play, but Saturday he just wanted to be a cuddle bug and that we did. Quite frankly, I am tired of him catching everything that blows by the window of daycare!
Here is what we say....GO AWAY BUGS!!

Until next time.....

Happy Valentines Day!

2009-02-14T08:40:00.005-05:00

Its been a while...We've been so busy, I have forgotten to blog!

We had our 6 month check up on the 4th of this month. More shots, including a Flu booster! Alexander weighs 18 lbs, 2 ounces! He is short...only 24 inches long. I think he is shrinking! :-) He doesn't like to straighten his leg when the measure him so that makes it hard! His head has shrank to the 91st percentile as well!

We are continuing to introduce foods and he is loving every minute of it! We did butterbeans. Daddy fussed more about it than Alexander did. They certainly were not a favorite but he did great with them. He absolutely LOVES his sweet potatoes! He has also tried bananas. Depending on the day, he either loves them or hates them! We will continue trying new things. The list is so long! Alexander is still toothless so we are still pureeing everything pretty well, he is learning to gum a few things though. I can't wait till he has some teeth so he can have noodles and cheerios!

He still loves playing in his exersaucer and beginning to enjoy more and more floor time, especially if you get down there with him!

He has rolled over since the last time we blogged. Just all of the sudden one day....flop! Like he had been doing it forever! He can get on all 4s, but gets stuck since he doesn't crawl yet. He just kinda sits there and bounces back and forth. He has started scooting backwards. It is so cute to watch because he is going after a toy so hard, but going further and further away! He enjoys sleeping on his side now at night. We put him down, on his back, all swaddled up. An hour later, I check on him and he is unswaddled and rolled on his side!

We are working on getting him to use the sippy cup to drink water. He loves the cup but won't drink the water. I think he just spits is out because it is so much thinner than his formula. The doctor says if we continue to offer it, he will eventually love it! We'll see about that!

Here he is in the shopping cart! He is a big boy now and does not like staying in his carrier and he does a great job sitting up and getting into the groceries!! The child doesn't even know what cookies are but you would think....

Horsing around with Daddy! He thinks he can hide in those pillows!

6 Months Old

2009-01-21T11:53:00.005-05:00

Wow! Alexander will be 6 months old on Saturday! His favorite thing to do right now is sit up. If you lay him down, he thinks he has to go to sleep (his absolutely least favorite thing to do!). He stil won't roll over when he lays down, but he is all about getting on his knees and twisting around. He will figure it all out one day!

He loves eating his peas, greenbeans and cereal. I think we are going to try butterbeans next! He is all about trying to take whatever you are eating right out of your hand!

We don't have an official weight or height on him just yet as our doctor's appt isn't until the first of February. But, I do know that I continue to put on more and more 3-6 month clothes that no longer fit! So, there they go into the box to pack away! He is a big, growing baby boy!

Here are some pictures of us from today, lounging and playing around! Doing what we do best!

My First REAL Snow!

2009-01-20T20:04:00.004-05:00

Yep, that is right! We got SNOW! An amazing 6 inches measured from our patio! This will probably be the 1st and last measurable snow for Alexander for the next 5 years! Eric and I spent last night reminiscing over the big snow in 2004 while baking a cake. We like munchies when we know we are going to be snowed in. And if you know my husband--a bag of chips just will not do!

We spent most of our day snowed in watching the beautiful white flakes fall, watching all the inauguration news of Obama! After a much needed nap we bundled Alexander up and took him outside. He didn't know what to think. I didn't realize how bright it was outside until I saw him squinch his little face. He just sat there and looked around. Couldn't get him to smile for nothing!! All bundled up and ready to go out and play! (notice we don't go far without our paci...not even to go play in the snow!!)

Hopefully tomorrow, Alexander and Mommy can build a snowman while Daddy is at work!

Peas!

2009-01-15T20:33:00.006-05:00

As I recovered from my nasty stomach bug, Eric was the wonderful Father that he is and took care of Alexander so our chances of him catching it would be slim. Here are the pictures that were sent to me to my phone as I laid in the bed recovering!

We tried Peas!! The 1st night, he gagged and gagged. I have learned that hating food initially is not a learned trait. No one taught him that but it gave us a good laugh! Night 2 went better. Here he is with his peas and oatmeal, of course.

Our little boy is getting so big! He will be 6 months old next week and he is doing more and more every day. He loves sitting up, playing with his toys. He loves standing and jumping. He has started climbing on us as we hold him. He twists and turns and climbs right up to our face where then he just laughs and laughs! These are wonderful times and Eric and I are enjoying every minute of it!

We had struggled last month trying to get Alexander to go to sleep on his own. We wanted him to learn to "self soothe" instead of us rocking him to sleep at night. So, we tried the whole "crying it out" but revised. We couldn't stand to hear him cry for long periods of time and I really think he would cry for hours! We would hold and pat him like usual and if he "fought" sleep more than 5 minutes, we let him lay in his crib. Thus, he would get upset and cry. We would let him cry 5-19 minutes and then go back up to check on him. Usually he would tire himself out and we could swaddle him back up and rock him to sleep within a few minutes. We finally came to grasp this is the way it would be---we would keep our sanity and he would keep his mommy or daddy holding him for a while for him to get to sleep. I have you know, we are now on night 2 of Alexander putting himself to bed. Last night, I thought he was asleep and laid him down. He popped his eyes open and I just let him lay there. He got his arm out of his swaddle and went to sleep on his own. Tonight, Eric went up with him and he was wide awake after being patted for a while, so Eric laid him down and I went to check on him about 10 mins. later and he was fast asleep. This is a good thing, but now all of the sudden I realize, my little baby is growing up...fast! :-)

2009-01-09T19:23:00.007-05:00

We hope everyone had a wonderful New Year! We quietly rang in the New Year at home. Here is a picture of Alexander,

2009 Here I Come...

So far this year Eric and I have worked...what is new? My resolution this year is to be healthier and happier. This does not mean "how much weight am I going to lose, etc" More like, "Let's watch what we eat" Since we are making Alexander's baby food it will be easier to make healthy choices because we will grind up what we are eating to feed him and we surely aren't going to grind up cheeseburgers and french fries for our little man!

I am also going to concentrate on "not sweating the small stuff" If Alexander has shown us anything, he has shown us that time flies by too fast to fuss about stupid stuff and not enjoy every minute to it's fullest!! I have a few "get aways" planned in my head, with and without Alexander, so hopefully if all pans out--we should all get some much needed family time!

As for being healthier....we are not starting off on a very good foot. Alexander just went to the doctor today to find out he has a double ear infection. We just finished antibiotics not too long ago and here is round 2! I believes tubes in his ears are in his future, as much as his Daddy doesn't like the idea! And I myself, am getting over a horrible stomach bug.

Alexander loves playing more and more now. He is such a busy body! Not wanting to sit still for long periods of time at all. The days of just sitting and cuddling with my little man are going to the wayside, quickly! Here he is sitting in his playpen playing with many of the toys he got for Christmas!

More later~

Greenbeans!

2008-12-31T21:17:00.003-05:00

Someone once told me that the faces your child will make while they try new foods will be priceless....that is an understatement. While most of Alexander's faces could not be caught on camera, just know that greenbeans were definitely a new experience for him.

We have decided to make his babyfood. While it is cheaper, it is also easier. Later down the road, we will just puree what we eat (before spicing it up of course!). He liked the greenbeans much more mixed in the cereal than plain. We, obviously, will keep trying and I am sure in just a few meals he will be in love with them! Can't wait until the next veggie--peas!!

Christmas Pictures

2008-12-29T22:24:00.004-05:00

We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and enjoyed the special time with their families! Alexander turned 5 months old on Christmas Eve and we still can't believe it has already been 5 months. I know...we will say that every month and then years to come!

The last few weeks have been a tough ride. Little guy ended up with RSV and and ear infection. We were on amoxicillin, breathing treatments and steroids. My sister and I were always sick during the holidays, so my mom says "payback!".

We, as a family, went to visit my Granddaddy's side of the family in Goldsboro on Christmas Eve. Alexander was able to meet a lot of family for the 1st time. He was surprisingly very shy and weiry of strangers. A side of him we are beginning to see more often! I don't think it helped that he wasn't feeling good!

Christmas AM was an absolute blast and Eric and I cherished every minute of it. For starters, he slept until 7am--something he does not do often! The we opened presents! He was cute trying to open his gifts, more interested in eating the wrapping paper! Santa brought a "Lay on my tummy and spin" playmat, books, a ball, sippy cups, a mirror for his crib among a few other things.

On to Nana's house we went where Santa made another stop for our little man! Between Nana, Papa, Auntie Toni and Santa--Alexander is set with his wardrobe from now until Summer and has lots of fun toys! Including a nice loud musical table that I am sure will be his favorite toy and just music to our ears pretty soon! (Thanks Toni!) We also were able to see Grandaddy Tony for a quick minute and of course he got more UNC gear--an outfit and a piggy bank.

Then we traveled to see Great Grandma Squier where he met more "new family" for the first time and received more toys. Baby leap frog, balls and other fun toys!

On to our last stop where we could open more presents, have dinner and then rest a while...Grandma & Grandpa Curries. Again, Alexander got more really nice outfits, lots of books and more toys. He will know his alphabet by the time he is 9 months promise! :-)
Toys they make for kids these days sure have changed since Mommy & Daddy were growing up. They are so cool, we like to play with them too! This is great because he is growing more and more interested in playing with his toys. He still loves his "Johnny Jump up" and exersaucer! However, he loves sitting up, standing and jumping. He absolutely hates tummy time and lying flat on the floor (thus why Santa thought it would be fun to have a "Lay on my tummy and spin mat"! He hates it by the way!! I think Alexander thinks he is going to skip the rolling over stage....we are working on it!

Alexander is still enjoying his cereal meals twice a day and we will introduce green beans in a few days since he is over his virus and feeling more up to eating. Can't wait to see the expression on his face!

Alexander and family wish all of you a Very Happy New Year!!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T23:28:00.003-05:00

Hi Friends!

Just wanted to say

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Hope everyone has a WONDERFUL day!

We'll post Alexander's 1st Christmas pics later tomorrow night!

Enjoy this time with you families and if your traveling, be safe!

Family Pics Posted

2008-12-11T21:11:00.006-05:00

Here are our Family Photos....

And We Continue To Grow...

2008-12-11T09:34:00.002-05:00

I forgot to post after our 4 month check up last week! Alexander is a little less than 16 lbs...like 15lbs 13 ounces!! :-) His head is still rather large, but the rest of his body is catching up so he is only in the 92nd percentile, bumped from the 98th percentile for his head!! :-) He is 24.5 inches (I think, I remember that right) so we are not betting on a 6 footer here! He will be short like him mommy and daddy! Everything is doing well. The doctor would like to see him on his tummy more, so we are trying that when we can. He is very inpatient and wants to sit up all the time, so tummy time is very frustrating for him (boy, wonder where he gets that!!) but we are determined to get him to "like" it!

We learned a hard lesson this week. Daycare lost his one and only pacifier. I know everyone is saying WHY in the world do you only have 1!? When I bought these, I bought 2 different kinds not knowing which one he would take, he is picky. He took on to this particular one and I just haven't made it back to Target to get more. Um...guess where I am headed today!? They found it yesterday, so he is a happy camper now but Boy, do we always have to learn the hard way!?

Alexander is loving his cereal. We are now feeding him oatmeal cereal twice a day. It is absolutely my favorite time of day! Even after working 12 hours I know I can rush home and feed him. Even if Daddy has had the joy of feeding his cereal, I get the bottle and cuddle time before bed! Absolutely love it! We will introduce green beans around Christmas time. Daddy is excited about being able to home make his baby food!

Our next goal is bedtime. He is in such a routine--Bath, cereal, bottle, being swaddled up and rocking/patting time. He is old enough now not to be rocked to bed every night and learn how to put himself to sleep but it is so hard! I enjoy the time, cuddling with him and rocking him to sleep. Yes, my child will be the only 3 year old, still swaddled and still rocked and pat on the behind to go to sleep. :-) No, really, that is our goal to work on next!

I know you all are saying "Where are the pics?" Well, we did have our family pictures taken on Friday and they turned out wonderful. I absolutely love The Picture People in the mall. They did a wonderful job. HOWEVER, they still do not have them posted correctly online, so I can't share them online yet. Promise I will post when they are uploaded.

More later~

Turkey Day

2008-12-02T10:16:00.004-05:00

Here are some photos from Turkey Day~~

We love this time of year! All the fun and exciting holidays that we get to spend with family and friends! This Thanksgiving we spent the day at Grandma and Grandpa Curries with Uncle Billy! It was nice to relax and just enjoy family time! Alexander didn't get to enjoy any of the delicious food but next year will be his year! He is still enjoying his cereal and we will soon introduce a veggie to his daily meal.

This week we finally have our 4 month check up. I can't wait to see how much he has grown! I am not looking forward to the wonderful immunizations! I love giving them but can't stand seeing my bubby bear get them! We also are going to get family pictures taken~Fun!!

We will also be digging out the Christmas decorations to get the house decorated! Alexander loves looking at the sparkling lights at Nanas so I know he will love all of the decorations, inside and out!

4 Months old!

2008-11-22T09:32:00.008-05:00

Here are some pictures of our little man hanging out, bouncing and enjoying his time at home.

Eric took Alexander to the doctor this past week because he has had a stuffy nose and had been playing with his ears. We were a little concerned that he might have his first ear infection, but we escaped that and he just has a cold. He absolutely hates to have his nose sucked out but can breathe so much better afterwards. He weighed 16 lbs at the doctor, so you can say, our little man is not missing any meals! :-)

In fact, Alexander will be 4 months old on Monday, so we have started to introduce solids! He is infatuated with watching you eat, grabbing for whatever you put in your mouth, so I wanted to see how he would do with cereal. The 1st time, he was very unsure what he was supposed to do, but last night, he proved he had the hang of it and it is so much fun watching devour a small bowl of cereal and think he could do it all by himself! I think Daddy was going to have a heart attack with the mess we were making. When he wasn't feeding Alexander, he stood over us with a washcloth wiping away the mess!

We have a fun filled week ahead of us with Thanksgiving, spending time with the family and getting to see Uncle Billy again!

Alexander's 1st Roadtrip

2008-11-14T13:06:00.006-05:00

Hello all~ Hope everyone is doing well. We have all been doing great! Enjoying the nice fall weather--LOVE this time of year! Alexander is growing up so fast, I know I say that every time but I still can't believe it! He has such a little personality. I looked back in the carseat the other day and told Eric how when I look at him now, it is a little sad, he is not my baby anymore, he looks so much like a "little boy". He is so expressive in his coos now....he grunts, squeals, yells and makes his own little words.

Don't you wish you could hear the noise coming out of his mouth!?

He is starting to teeth now. I know it seems early to us as well, but they say they can start getting teeth anywhere from 4-6 months and they feel them coming in earlier than we see them of course. He is putting everything he can in that little mouth of his! He will do anything to get your finger in there and chomp on it! We have had a time finding teethers that will fit in his mouth. Luckily the giraffe that Uncle Billy got him works well! So does a frozen washcloth. Other rings and stuff are just too big and he gets more frustrated than anything.

Thank you Uncle Billy for the AWESOME teether!

Alexander still loves his exersaucer. He has gotten the hang of how to make himself go round and round on it, playing with all the toys on it. His new found friend--Johnny Jump Up. The contraption that you hang in the door way and let them jump up and down in. He loves it! He loves to bounce and will spend a good deal of time in it---good way to get rid of all that energy! Nana & Papa Eric bought a bouncing exersaucer and he had a ball in that on Sunday and can't wait to go back for more playtime! He gets confused though, when he gets back home and his exersaucer doesn't bounce!

Last weekend Eric and I took Alexander for his first trip across the state line! We went to see Mr. & Mrs. Fisher in Longs, SC. Mr. & Mrs. Fisher are long time friends of Grandma & Grandpa Currie and had been waiting very patiently to see the little guy. We had the day off, so decided to see how Alexander would fair riding so long. He did wonderfully on the way there! He slept the entire way, only waking up a few minutes before we arrived. We had a very nice visit. Of course, Alexander got plenty of hugs and kisses. The trip back was a little more rough. I think he was just truly tired of being in his car seat because once we got home and took him out, he was a happy camper. Here are some pictures of our trip.

Alexander & Mrs. Fisher

With Grandma & Grandpa Currie

Alexander with Mr & Mrs Fisher

Our Little Blue M&M

2008-11-01T08:13:00.006-05:00

Hello everyone! Here are some pictures from last night. Alexander was a blue M&M for Halloween and was the cutest M&M I have ever seen, but you can judge for yourself!

Picking out his favorite candy bar!

It's a BabyRuth! I thought for sure he would pick the pack of M&Ms!

Sitting in the candy bowl

It still amazes me how big our little man has gotten! When I weighed him myself on the scale, he was nearly 16 lbs!! Of course, that is not on the same scale as the doctor's office, but still! He is more and more interested in his toys these days. He loves swinging and playing with the hanging toys, he holds and plays with soft stuffed animals and his new found love--the exersaucer. They put him in it at daycare first and they told us that he really enjoyed it. We put ours together at home and he loves it! He is still a little too short to touch the ground so we have a pyrex dish for him to stand on!

Health wise, we are doing good. Obviously still gaining weight, despite the enormous amounts of spit up! :-) We have now changed his reflux medicine to Prevacid and are praying for a change--hopefully less spit up and less gassy, achy bellies!

Oh and here is something else...We, as a family went and voted yesterday as well. Here is what Alexander did while we voted...slept! :-)

More later....

Here are update pics!

2008-10-16T18:37:00.006-05:00

Naptime!

Daddy and me

"I love falling asleep in PaPa's arms"

Bathtime with Daddy...LOVE it!
My new hats that were made for me!

Hanging out at Nana's!
Mommy & Me
Mommy & Daddy at Myrtle Beach (1st weekend away from little one!)
Total relaxation in Myrtle Beach. Birthday weekends are the best!!

2008-10-10T16:46:00.002-05:00

Again, it has been forever since I blogged last. Lots going on lately--

Let's see--
Eric and I went to Myrtle Beach for my birthday weekend. Nana Ann kept Alexander for 2 whole nights for us to go away. We left intending to stay only 1 night but once we got down there, we decided to make the best of it. It was nice to be "grown up" again, going out to "real" restaurants, relaxing, SLEEPING, and just enjoying the time we spent together. Little things meant so much--taking short walks on the beach, sitting on the patio of Starbucks drinking a coffee while watching the Harleys drive by, intimate dinners, having a few drinks on the deck outside the condo listening to the waves crash....ahhh....Then, we of course had to hit the outlet malls. Eric bought me a beautiful Coach purse for my birthday since my other pocketbook was about to start falling apart. Then we spent the time shopping for our little man. Shopping for kids clothes is soooo much fun!
I started back to work this past Monday and let me tell you...that has been a huge adjustment for me! Monday, I worked 7a-7p. Can't tell you the last time I worked a 12 hour shift! :-) It was wonderful to hit the floor as a RN. I can't wait for all the things I am going to learn and the experience that I am going to get! However, getting up at 4am to try to get yourself ready and then take care of the baby to get him to daycare is a chore and that is with Daddy getting up and helping too. I think if I had to do it myself, we would be up at 3am! :-) Alexander is doing great at daycare. He takes 3 hour naps for them midday. Lord, how I miss napping with him during the day!
Let's see--Alexander is doing great! He is becoming more and more vocal. It is quite funny how we can make words out of what he is saying. (not that it is what he is actually saying!) He even negotiates watching the Anderson Cooper show with Daddy at night. We let him stay up late so that he will sleep until we need him up in the AM. Then if Eric or I have off during the week, we stay home and have Mommy / Daddy days. He is 11 weeks old this week and neither Eric nor I can believe it. He is getting so big and it is kinda sad to think that he is not our "little" baby anymore! I know everyone told me, "time flies and before you know it, he will be off to college" but seriously, where has 11 weeks gone!?!?!
We are trying to give him more tummy time. He gets so frustrated that he can't go anywhere in that position, so those sessions are short, but I know how important they are. He loves looking around and playing with his hanging toys. He enjoys grasping at soft toys, like his "lovey" and small plush balls. He has even learned how to pop his own pacifier back into his mouth if it falls out and is close by!
I have some recent pictures of us at the beach and Alexander but the camera is in daddy's car so I will have to post them later.
We are planning on doing our own "3 month/Fall" photos. Anyone know of any cool pumpkin farms or any great backdrops, let me know!!

2 Months Old

2008-09-30T11:14:00.005-05:00

I have neglected to update the blog lately but no fear...we are all doing very well. Alexander is feeling better after his "2 day bug". We are all enjoying the time we have together before I head back to work...which is just around the corner!

Alexander turned 2 months old last week and Eric and I were talking about how much he had changed in such a short amount of time! He has gotten such a personality! We definitely see both of us in him. (the good and the bad! :-) His mannerisms, attitude, and sense of humor! He is laughing and cooing more and more everyday. It is so nice to walk by him while he is in the swing or bouncer and he greets you with the biggest smile! It is even more fun to play with him and get him laughing! He is sleeping more during the night, sometimes going a full 8 hours. He is enjoying playing on the floor gym more and beginning to hold and grab more at toys. He is still going to daycare 2-3 days a week and is doing really well with that. Next week he will begin full-time since I am due back at work! We go for his 2 month check up and shots on Thursday--Mommy is really not looking forward to that! But, we will have an updated weight and height then.

His reflux is getting better and I think we are just getting used to all the spit up. We know now that when you leave the house, you take 4 outfits, 8 bibs and just as many burp clothes. And, there is no wearing nice clothes unless you want to find a way to get spit up out of them. :-) His "colic" is getting better as he gets older too. He will start in on a crying fit but it is usually because he is over tired and needs to be swaddled and put to sleep. He really fights his sleep bad...I think he thinks he is going to miss something!

This weekend, Eric is treating me to a night away for my birthday. We are heading to the beach for just one night and Nana Annie is going to keep Alexander. I am not liking the idea of leaving my little man behind but it will be fun to spend the evening alone with my husband. I am sure I will cry all the way to the beach and again at bedtime, but I know he will be loving his "Nana Time". He always does!

Here are some updated pictures. I did not have his pictures professionally done at 2 months, so we took some of our own.

Look how chubby my cheeks have gotten!
Posing at Nana's house

My #1 reason why I DON'T want to return to work!

Update later--

A Sick Child

2008-09-20T21:17:00.002-05:00

No one could really prepare you for your own child to be sick for the 1st time. Yes, I work with sick children all the time and yes, some are pitiful....BUT, no one could have prepared me for this. Really.

Alexander woke up Friday AM crying. Unusual for him unless you let him lay in there "ehh eehhhing" it too long. Then he will let you know "hey, I am ready to get up!" This particular AM he woke up just plain crying. I ran in there to see what in the world...it was kinda a different cry. As soon as I picked him up, he was burning up. I thought maybe it was just the blanket. I unwrapped him and rocked him a minute and then decided I was going to do what I promised not to do for for the 1st 3 months. I was going to check his temperature.
(You have to understand, working in the Childrens Emergency Dept., children under 3 months with a fever over 100.4 is automatic blood work, urine labs, and lumbar puncture to test for meningitis.) I had joked while I was pregnant that Yes, I had a thermometer but wasn't using it until he was over 3 months of age! BUT, he was so warm, I was scared.
Yes, indeed, he had a temp of 101.1. I took him to Eric and told him to hold him but don't wrap him up and I would recheck him in about an hour. I rechecked and it was 100.9. I gave Tylenol. I still didn't want to go to the MD. He had NO other symptoms. We hung out all day together and he seemed fine...a little crankier and sleeping a little more, but ok. I went by Nana Annies and she instantly said he felt warm.......Great....I thought he had broke the fever and we were over that. Nope. Fever 100.9. I know it doesn't sound like a lot, but the MOM in me was like..."Ok, nurse Tonya, go away, what if there is something wrong..." So, I call work and spoke to trusty ole' Dr. Sutherland. Of couse urine and blood work was in the picture, no lumbar puncture needed if he was acting fine because he was 8 weeks old...whew....got that by a day! So, I picked up my sister and we headed in to the Children's ED for a workup.
Long story short....we had a wonderful nurse who drew labs, got his urine and let us know the great news of NO infection present right now. His ears, eyes, chest, nose, etc were all clear. We truely don't know why he spiked a fever but all his labs came back completely normal and that made me feel so much better. Yes, we will deal with the ER bill later! :-) We followed up with his pediatrician today and again, everything was clear. I have no idea why he spiked and yet is still running a low grade fever but we are treating with Tylenol and will keep a close eye on him.
Again, no one can prepare you for this...when it is your child, it all seems totally different.

8 weeks old

2008-09-19T11:40:00.007-05:00

Wow! Can you believe 8 weeks have already come and gone since our little man was born! The last 2 weeks have flown by for me for some reason.

This week Alexander has become more social. He has gone to daycare 2-3 days each week and they say he is doing really well. He stays awake a lot more there, probably hard to nap with all the other babies, but he takes a long nap when he gets home. He has been babbling, blowing bubbles with his saliva, watching you as you walk across the room. He enjoys playing with his hanging toys more and more each day. He has also taken on a stronger love for the swing. He is not a fan of tummy time. He thinks it means it is time to rest, so we have been working on that!

We had to say good-bye to our ole' faithful blue flying saucer pacifer. This paci was special. It was a rounded nipple that he had sucked so much, he had flattened it and that is what he preferred. When I noticed this one getting old (there was a piece of plastic on the tip that was wearing thin!) I tried to give him others just like it but he didn't take too well to those! I finally found some at target by Avent that are round, but flat and he seems to do just fine with that. Thank goodness!

We have started taking walks in the n'hood in the afternoons since the weather has been so nice. Alexander loves being pushed by Mommy or Daddy in the stroller.

We introduced the Bumbo chair. He tolerates it but is not much a fan just yet!

He does however love being carried around places in the Baby Bjorn! Makes grocery shopping so much easier!

I see exactly what I have to look forward to as my big boy grows! He is now taking 6 ounces, about every 5-6 hours. He was taking only 4 but was really fussy afterwards and I read many places to "feed on demand" so I gave him more and he was completely satisfied. His spitting up has gotten better and he is overall a happier baby!

Happy 30th Birthday!

2008-09-12T14:35:00.007-05:00

Happy 30th Birthday Eric!!

Despite getting over bronchitis and a hurt back, Eric was all smiles today as he celebrates his 30th birthday. He says "boy I am getting old" and I say "hey, life just started!"

Here are some pictures of Daddy and Alexander blowing out his birthday cooking candle.

He Made It There Today

2008-09-10T10:55:00.002-05:00

Yep, Alexander finally made it to daycare today. I dropped him off this AM around 9:30am and have been wanting to go back and get him ever since. :-) It is kinda funny, I was looking forward to having some "me" time, getting some errands run, getting the house cleaned up, etc but now that my errands are run...I want "Mommy & Alexander" time and well the house...it can just stay the way it is.
I know he will be fine. I left him playing in the bouncy seat, left the teachers with explicit instructions on his feedings and how to get him to nap...gave him a big kiss goodbye and walked out of the bulding with tears strolling down my cheeks. Today is picture day for them so can't wait to see how those turn out!
In the meantime, I am going to go straigten this quiet, quiet house and maybe even get a nap in.

2008-09-09T14:30:00.008-05:00

The end of a laugh...mom needs to get better with the camera!

Alexander and his best friend ColeB

Bathtime is becoming a lttle less of a scream fest!

Alexander on the cutting board, with the paper towels as a pillow...oh, yeah and it wasn't 2 minutes later he had spit up all over the paper towels--there goes that roll!

Playing on the activity mat

"I love the ladybug that flashes different lights"

Alexander is just about 7 weeks old! He is a growing baby boy. He enjoys sitting up (not on his own!) and seeing the world. His favorite things to do right now are sit in Daddy's arms while getting walked around, watching the numerous hanging toys (trying very hard to coordinate those little hands to start grabbing on to them!) and taking an afternoon nap in Mom's arms after his lunchtime bottle.

We are still trying to work out the kinks with Alexander's digestive system. His spitting up has seemed to get worse, more frequently and larger amounts, no matter how much we feed him. We took him back to the doctor this AM and have decided to change his formula, yet again. We are going for the Enfamil AR that has rice starch to thicken, hopefully this will help. We did get a pyloric ultrasound to be sure he does not have pyloric stenosis and things are negative for now. The radiologist did say pyloric stenosis is not something that develops overnight and if things continue to worsen, we should follow back up and get re-checked. Um, yeah...duh!

Other exciting news--Thank you to Grandma and Grandpa Currie for making this possible...I will be staying out an additional 2, maybe 3 more weeks with our little man. He is still enrolled in daycare but will be staying at home with mommy for a little while longer. We may use the next couple weeks as a transition period for him. We will see what each week brings us!

For now, Mommy and Alexander have to concentrate on working on a surprise for Daddy's 30th Birthday! Can't wait!!

Happy Labor Day!

2008-09-01T19:09:00.010-05:00

Boy have we had a busy week!? But, it's been a blast!

Alexander had his monthly check-up and things are going good. We are still trying to figure out exactly how to keep him from having his screaming fits each evening. It is so hard to tell exactly what is bothering him and I really can't wait until the day he can tell me what is bothering him. In the meantime we play the guessing game. Is he hungry--usually this time of day he is eating every 2 hours instead of 3. Is his belly hurting him? We rock and pat and burp. Is he bored? We dance, sing, take short walks. Is he just over tired? We eventually will fall asleep. I have read many places that his formula doesn't seem to satisfy other babies---we are beginning to think the same thing, at least in the evenings because he wants to eat more often and eat more, but his little stomach won't hold anymore. As for what the doctor says, we are still relying on the "reflux" diagnosis and still taking the meds.

He has gained exactly 2 lbs since birth--10 lbs, 2 oz and grown an inch. I think the 2 lbs went right to those oh so kissable cheeks! We are definitely seeing real smiles now and even laughs. When he gets up for his 7am feeding, he is full of smiles and little giggles. It really makes getting up every 3 hours worthwhile.

Alexander had an exciting end to his week. He met his Uncle Billy for the 1st time (Eric's brother from NY). He came down to visit for a few days and we enjoyed spending every last minute that we could with him. Uncle Billy brought some fun presents with him as well--his first "rocker" onsie--Lynard Skynard and many other cool ones along with his first pair of shoes that I can't wait for Alexander's little foot to grow into and a new pair of shades to keep the sun out of his little eyes!

We ended the holiday weekend spending the day at Nana Ann's with Papa Eric, Grandaddy Tony, Auntie Toni and Uncle Rodger. We hung out by the pool and watched Auntie Toni's crazy puppies play until they were all tuckered out!

This next week brings big things--Alexander will have his orientation at daycare. Tomorrow we get to go and spend an hour or so in the classroom to get him adjusted to his new teacher and new surroundings. Then later in the week, we are supposed to leave him for an hour or so...that will be the tough day. We won't even talk about the following week, when he starts daycare full time! :-)

We'll post again later this week!

Our Growing Baby Boy

2008-08-24T20:35:00.018-05:00

Alexander turned a whopping 1 month old yesterday! To celebrate the great day, we took him to get his first pictures taken. Both set of Grandparents joined us and we had a ball! I was boggled just trying to plan it, of course at the last minute and settled on Sears. Can I first just say, this is the most stressful thing I have encountered while on maternity leave! First, I was stunned by the prices of the packages...I had no idea that pictures could be sooo expensive. Knowing that we wanted to do this each month, we tried not to go overboard. Of course, while looking at them, Daddy liked them all. :-)

Alexander had slept on the car ride over to the mall and he takes after his mommy, he doesn't like to be woken up. He was a little crabby at first, only wanting his pacifier and to be left alone to finish his nap. He then worked on a present in his diaper for us and was nice and awake after that. The first photos the photographer attempted were the "tummy time" photos and since he was sleepy, all he could do was try to go back to sleep. In these pictures, he has "pacifier lips" as we had to pull the paci out to get the photos.

Of course, we ordered tons of photos. Way more than we ever really need for 1 month old photos...but we live and learn! They really get you with all the enhancements and collages they make up for you! Here are the rest of the photos.

So ready for the photo session to be over!

Why did we choose to live here?

2008-08-19T21:07:00.002-05:00

What a day--
Alexander was up last pm from 9pm until about 1:30 this AM screaming. We could only get him calm for short periods of time. Eric was wonderful--I got a nap from about midnight until 1:30am. I found him asleep on the floor of Alexander's bedroom with the baby on his chest, both baby and daddy fast asleep. After he screamed and screamed even after eating, changing, rocking, etc we both were convinced it was his stomach. I still called the after hours line for the doctor to be sure. She suggested we be seen in the Children's ER since he cried for so long, not being able to be consoled. I lauged. I thought--yeah, maybe if we do this ALL night, but not just yet. So, we made a doctor's appt first thing this AM.
However, before we called in to the doctor this AM, I went to wash the overnight bottles before he would be ready for another one when I discovered we had NO water! I instantly called the town of Holly Springs just for this kind little lady on the other end to tell me we had a water main break just in OUR n'hood and would be without water. I freaked. How was I going to wash these bottles, much less fix more! So, up Eric went to Walmart and bought boat loads of bottled and jugs of water. He is our hero. :-) We got water back about mid afternoon, but were nicely told my engineers of Holly Springs that we were not to use the water except for flushing toilets. no showers, washing dishes, clothes, drinking, etc until they got back bacteria tests on the water. Great--why did we choose to live here again!?
Anyway--update on Alexander. He now weighs 9 lbs, 8 oz. He is being treated for acid reflux. We have medicine that we give him twice a day and will do this for a few days to see if we see any difference. We also went out and purchased a wedge to elevate the head of his crib matress 30 degrees, so he is never flat when he sleeps. We really hope this helps. If not, we will be changing his formula again....but in the meantime, you will find mommy & daddy with Alexander on his tummy, on our chests.....the only place he is happy when he is hurting. Keep us in your prayers.

Will update again soon.

3 1/2 weeks old

2008-08-17T12:54:00.012-05:00

It is hard to believe our little son is already 3 1/2 weeks old, however, to look at him, it is hard to believe he is ONLY 3 weeks old! So, what have we been up to in the last week or so?? Mommy went back to the doctor--healing great! (finally!) and I don't have to go back to the doctor until my 6 week check up! Mommy also started driving again. That has been fun! We can actually get out of the house now!

Alexander is holding his head up more and cooing more, instead of just crying. We attempted to take a few outdoor photos but once we were outside we came to the realization that he didn't like the sun in his eyes, so that was a big negative! :-) Hopefully in the next week or so, we will have his 1 month photos as well as a family picture taken.

Alexander enjoys listening to daddy sing to him and likes being carried like a football. He loves tummy time--I think it has more to do with soothing his aching tummy. We still have our nights where he goes through an hour time span where nothing makes him happy. Some days are definitely better than others. Eric has discovered by getting up with him at night, that Alexander enjoys listening to jazz on the XM while he gets his bottle. We have also discovered that Alexander is more of a morning person--hard to get him back to bed after his 4am/5am feeding.

This last week he has enjoyed going over to Nana Ann's. He gets spoiled there--always being held and being shown off to whomever might drop by. We even made a trip out to Auntie Toni's house and met her 2 "boys". Alexander can't wait until he is big enough to play with them as they are gigantic balls of energy!

We are still working on getting him on a schedule--more like a routine. It is as tough for him as it is us--how about this..we made a trip to Walmart at 11pm just the other night! Alexander slept right through it, but we got some much needed shopping done!! He has absolutely hated baths until last pm. We had been bathing him in the kitchen sink where all he did was scream at the top of his lungs. So, last pm, I got out the baby bathtub and set it up. He still cried because he really doesn't like having his clothes off, but was much easier consoled, as he fell asleep as soon as I wrapped him in his towel. I can't wait for the day where he will love a bath and I have to pry him from there to go to bed!

Here are a few pictures that we have taken over the past week or so.

Enjoy--

A Night Out

2008-08-12T15:01:00.002-05:00

Yep, that is right. Eric and I had our first night out last pm. Grandma and Grandpa Currie watched little Alexander while we went to dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant. Everyone kept saying it would be great for us to do, and indeed it was. It was nice to have a little bit of time with my hubby, just me and him. I was a little skeptical at first, remember this is only the 2nd time I have been without my little buddy. The 1st time, Eric just took him for a little while, so he was still with his daddy, but this time, he was without both of us....BUT still in wonderful hands. He did wonderfully as did the grandparents. Maybe next time we will venture out for more than 2 hours. :-)
Alexander is growing, growing, growing everyday. I swear each AM we wake up and there is something different about him. Which makes me wish I really didn't have to go back to work, knowing I will miss so much. But, we have to do what we have to do, right? His feedings are going better, with much less spit up and a little less crying over an achy belly. We are wondering if maybe he has a touch of the "C" word. "Colic"--his really fussy spells happen in the late afternoon/evening and then after a couple of hours he is fine again. SO, not sure--only time will tell. He is getting better about sleeping through the night, slowly but surely. Last pm was a little different. Instead of sleeping, he layed in his crib and played by himself for 3 hours. I kept checking on him because he would get fussy when he lost his pacifier but he wasn't down for sleeping and I wasn't down for staying up. So, I turned his monitor on and tried to get a little sleep. Now, today, he is sleepy--go figure. :-)
Mommy is getting better, a little more each day. Eric says next week, I will be turning kartwheels and boy do I hope he is right! This has been such a long recovery process. I went to the doctor AGAIN yesterday for them to check out my incision. Things do not seem to be getting worse and she things maybe, just maybe, things are starting to get better. She has extended my antibiotics for another 4 days and I am back there for another recheck on Friday. Boy, I will be glad when I can stop going there every few days!
Now that I have spent enough time on here while Alexander is sleeping, I think I am going to push for getting in a shower before he wakes up! More later--

We're Getting The Hang of it!

2008-08-06T16:40:00.009-05:00

Wow--another week has flown by. At this rate, I will certainly not be ready to go back to work in September! Sorry for the delay in posting new pictures but really to find time in the day to do this is tough--I am sure it will get easier, but when I have a few extra minutes there is 100 other things I think I could be doing (napping, washing bottles, washing clothes, etc) :-)

Alexander will be 2 weeks old tomorrow and it is hard to believe it has been that long! He has settled nicely into a routine so far. He eats every 3-4 hours and sleeps in between. Daddy has the "magic hand" of getting him to sleep in the middle of the night when Mommy has rocked until she can't rock anymore. We have moved him to his "big boy" crib, instead of the bassinet just a couple of nights ago. He seems to like it just fine. He loves the mobile above, but the thing just doesn't play music long enough!! He has had a really tough time in the last week with feeding. He loves to eat, hates to burp and then has a really rough time for the hour or so after feedings with stomach pains and tons of spitting up. Very trying for me as well as him, as you can imagine. We talked with the doctor today and have switched his formula to Enfamil Gentlecare. We have done one feeding with this so far and things seem to be much better. Cross your fingers. It is strange though--he was spitting up horrible and crying in pain with the formula as well as my breast milk (regardless of what I was eating). We will try this new formula for 3-4 days and if it works, great! If not, we will be switching to soy.

Mommy is getting better. Finally able to move around more and not having to rely on everyone else's help 24/7. Those of you that know me well, know that has been rough anyway :-). I still can't believe how hard recovery after a c-section really is. I guess it really didn't help I ended up with an infection and on antibiotics, so the pain was that much worse and fighting a fever in the meantime. Now, my battle will be drying up my breastmilk, which is already painful. Both emotionally and physically. I am only able to get about 5 ounces in a 24 hour period, he is not tolerating it at all, and with the time put into pumping is time I could be spending with him, since he is not tolerating it well anyway. This has been a tough decision for me and I have gone back and forth on it, but I think I have finally made up my mind.

Eric and I went today and registered our little one for daycare. He will officially start school on Sept. 8th. The week before, we have 1 day that we go in and stay a little while, staying with him the whole time, then we have 1 other day that they want us to drop him off for an hour or so to get him used to his new teacher and the surroundings. Hopefully this will be harder on us, than him! :-)

I think that is all for the update so far. Many many thanks for those of you family members that have been by to visit, dedicated so much time in helping us around the house, bringing over food, etc. We appreciate it very much. To all of our friends that are still waiting to come by--I have not forgotten about you!! I am just waiting until I know I feel better and more of what Eric's schedule is--hopefully he will have more time off soon. Poor guy has worked, worked, worked since the baby was born, due to staffing issues at his job. I guess that is what happens when you are the "big boss"! Even with the amount of hours he has put in at work, he has been phenomenal at home as well! I always knew he would be a wonderful daddy but he has surpassed everything I could have ever imagined!

Here are a few more recent pictures of the little one!

Trying out the Baby Bjorn for the 1st time!

Our little frankenstein

Found my finger!

After being at home with Mommy all day, I really love Daddy time!

Time Flies When You Are Having FUN!

2008-07-30T14:18:00.012-05:00

Wow, where has a week gone?? Just a week ago, I was sitting in the hospital laboring all day. And to think that tomorrow our little one will be a week old!! Where does all the time go!? Our hours go by as if they were minutes and it takes absolutely forever to get anything done. :-) Just wanted to drop by and leave a quick note to let everyone know that Alexander, Mommy & Daddy are adjusting well to being home. Eric had to go back to work on Tuesday so that was tough but my mom has stayed with me during the day to help out with things. It is so nice to see the glowing in Eric's face when he gets home and gets to hold his son.

Our 1st doctors appt went well on Monday. He is back up to 8lbs--with all the food he has eaten the past few days he is probably up to 9! At the hosptial, he had slight facial jaundice but that has resolved and his bilirubin levels were fine on Monday when they checked. Working in the CED, you see children poked all the time and it is one of those things you just get used to, but let me tell you, when it is your own child getting poked--it is a whole new feeling.

We are slowly but surely trying to get our routine down. Alexander is starting to stay awake more during the day and each night is different. We have had a good night where we wake every 3 hours to feed and then go right back to sleep, we have had a night where it took a few hours to get back to sleep after feeding and then there was last pm where no matter what I did, he didn't go to sleep until after 4:30am. He is such a hungry, growing boy. I am still attempting breast feeding with a lot of pumping as well. We are supplementing Enfamil for some feedings when he "just isn't satisfied" and until I can get enough milk going to supply the entire day. Trust me, that's a lot of milk! :-)
Here are some pictures that I promised. Enjoy!

Daddy & alexander w/mohawk

Alexander posing by Dad's Cell phone

Just a few hours old

Already sucking the pacifier at 2 days old!!

I love my carseat
Packed up and ready to go home!

1st Doctor's appt

Alexander Paul Currie is here!

2008-07-27T16:55:00.004-05:00

Alexander is here and we could not be more excited! We are very proud parents of the sweetest, most loving baby boy! Where are the pics??? I am going to start sounding like kate from John & Kate plus 8---"I hate this camera!" Actually it is not the camera this time, it is my scanner. And Eric is taking a much deserved nap and I can't find the cord to download our pics from the hospital!! I will send them tomorrow....promise!! (What a bad mommy already! :-(

Here is the quick version of our birth story--

My water broke on it's own, Wednesday am about 4am. We were at Wake Med by 5am. My water was meconium stained so they started Pitocin at 8am. I had an epidural by 12:30pm and we labored all day. We were accompanied by many members of our family and that helped pass the time. Unfortunately we spent the entire day only progressing to 4 cm so at 10pm Dr. Smith said we must go to option 2...a C-section. Alexander Paul entered this world on Thursday, July 24th at 1:02am. Weighing 8 lb, 2 oz. 20.5 inches long.

We are finally home, after a very long hospital stay. I have to say, staying at WakeMed did not necessarily make me the proudest employee--MOST of the nurses were phenomenal but of course I was stuck in the "sardine" room after recovery to spend 4 days recouperating and I have never seen such a small room!! It was hard enough trying to get around, but when you are in a room that is all of 100 SF....I am wondering if my experience was more on the "bad" side since they knew I worked there! hahaha

Baby is healthy and mommy is recovering...slowly. Pain meds are miracle workers! I really can get around as long as they are working--once they wear off, I feel like I can't take another step! Daddy has been the most wonderful, helpful person I could ever imagine or ask for. He has been there every minute doing things for me left and right whether he has had 2 hours or 2 minutes of sleep! We want to say Thank you to everyone that stopped by and for all the calls and emails.

Alexander is adjusting to being home just fine! He is a hungry, growing boy keeping us on our toes feeding him very often! I wanted to exclusively breastfeed, but my milk is not in quite yet and he needed more volume so we are supplementing but I am still putting him to the breast as well as pumping so he will get the best of both worlds.

I will check back in tomorrow after our 1st appt at the pediatrician's office!! With pics....

Just some pictures to post...

2008-07-22T12:44:00.007-05:00

I know I have said many times I would post some pictures and I am just now figuring out how to get these pictures off the new camera onto the computer. I am NOT camera/computer illiterate but there must be an easier way! :-)

Here I am...overdue...but still smiling!

Here are a few pictures of the baby nusery. We LOVE the bold/bright colors and just hope he does as well!

We have a date...

2008-07-18T14:51:00.004-05:00

Today's 40 week check up came with much disappointment for me. I was for sure with all the contracting and cramping that I had been having that I would have dilated more, but "not much has changed" was the answer I got from the doctor. So, we have a scheduled induction for Thursday, the 24th. What they are planning on doing is going in on that pm and inserting a foley catheter right in the cervix to help dilate the cervix (since mine seems to be stubborn!) and leave it there overnight with the hopes it does its job and gets things going. The next AM they will do more if needed and finish the induction. So, looks like our baby boy may just have a birthday of July 25th! Some ask why we didn't schedule it sooner but there was actually no other real options, they don't induce over weekends and the other nights were booked already with other ladies coming in for PM inductions.

The doctor also said to go ahead and mentally prepare myself that a c-section is not far out of arms reach either. He says Alexander seems to be a pretty big baby at this point (who isn't at 40 weeks!!) and with everything not progressing as it should thus far--for that to always be something to think about in the back of my head. I have never been one for or against a section and I am totally a logical thinker when it comes to something "needing" to be done, so this is not too big of a deal to me. I just want him here and healthy!

On top of all this, the doctor I really wanted is on vacation, and the other is booked to the 9s next week. As many of you know I have said along the way, "the doctor that is on the day I deliver will be one I either don't really care for or don't really know" and sure enough--it is one that I have only seen once and just didn't care for his personality. But as many have told me...when it comes down to it...they all know how to do their job and at that point I am not going to care as long as he catches the baby!

So, until then--prayers please that Alexander cooperates and we have him arrive on his own before Thursday pm. Going to try hard to keep busy this week to protect my sanity as well!

He will take after his Daddy!

2008-07-16T17:04:00.002-05:00

At no point during this pregnancy did I think Baby Alexander would NOT take after his Daddy but as we wait for his arrival, I surely wish he didn't. As most of you know, Eric is late to just about everything. Alexander is due on Friday, so technically he is not late, yet, but I just have this strange suspicion that he is going to wait as long as possible to come out of there! I know we will talk on Friday about inducing but I really didn't want to go that route--hopefully he will come by then!

Without being able to pick up hours at work (for once we are staffed!!) this week, I am starting to go stir crazy! I don't want to go drive around pointlessly--gas is too expensive, everything is ready for the baby to arrive so sitting at home is hard with nothing really to do. Shopping is out of the question--why...to buy more stuff that we really don't need right now.

I have realized in the past 2 weeks or so why I enjoyed going to school. As hard as it was to work and go to school, it kept me occupied with something to do constantly. It has been such a long time that I have had NOTHING to do, it is hard to make that adjustment. I am sure as soon as I get used to this "nothing to do" Alexander will arrive and I won't know what hit me. Bring it on, son!

It is so funny, we can't call anyone...friends or parents--We'll say "hey" and their next words are "are you in labor?' My Golly, no, just wanted to chit chat. Trust me, you will know when I am in labor. :-)

Until next time--

Madame Zaritska's Baby Birth Prediction

2008-07-14T12:23:00.003-05:00

"Madame Zaritska, our resident clairvoyant, wants to help you prepare for the arrival of your child. Here she does her best to predict certain aspects of your labor and birth experience.
What she senses for you:
--The day you deliver, outside will be rainy. Your baby will arrive in the early evening.
After a labor lasting approximately 4 hours, your child, a boy, will be born. Your baby will weigh about 8 pounds, 3 ounces, and will be 18-1/2 inches long. This child will have green eyes and a little patch of brown hair."

I love reading these labor horoscopes! The day he arrives will be Rainy out?? Well could today be the day?? It is miserably dreary and rainy out today. :-( However, EC has big plans tonight to hang out with the "men" and coming early evening would not be good timing! hahaha

Yep, Alexander and I are still hanging out in our close quarters. Both of us are doing well. One of us growing a little more inpatient than the other, but I will get over it. He will come when he is ready. Our last appt on Wednesday went very well. Docs seem to think we will deliver this week, since his due date is Friday, however, if Alexander decides this week is not good for him, they will induce by the 25th as they don't like holding babies past 41 weeks. We have another appt on our due date, Friday.

Our furniture arrived!!! The nursery looks fabulous and I will even get to send pics once our new camera is all charged!! Many of you probably know the frustrations we have had with our old digital camera--to the point where EC's phone can take better pics than our old camera. Well, last night Mr. & Mrs. Currie gave Alexander a present--a brand new digital camera that Mommy and Daddy get to enjoy until he is big enough to operate on his own. :-)

More later--

37 wks and 3 days....who's counting!?

2008-06-30T10:59:00.003-05:00

Boy are we?!! :-) Our doctor's appt on Friday went well. My blood pressure was good, no more protein in my urine. Baby Alexanders nonstress test went well. He is really not active that early in the AM so I have to drink bubbly sprite to get him moving! When they checked me, I am a good, whopping 1 cm dilated, about 75% effaced and he is at -2 station. Still lots of things to happen before he will here! Dr. Bass says anytime would be good for him...hey, anytime would be good for me too! :-) I have has some issues with headaches and swelling since Friday but today seems to be a good day.

In the meantime, I have my bag packed and ready to go to L&D. We finally got the remaining last bit of clothes, blankets, bibs, towels and sheets washed up so when our furniture decides to make it's appearance, everything is ready! Eric has made Alexander 2 blankets that I know he will love and learn to adore as he grows older. It is so cute watching Eric get excited during these last few weeks! He put together the stroller/carseat combo and the highchair last pm! (It has been sitting in boxes until now with the excuse "he isn't here to use them yet!") We also went to Babies R Us and exchanged our broken nursery chair for a brand new much m0re liked glider. I am so excited and can't wait to rock Alexander in it!!

More later--

Reality Check

2008-06-25T11:29:00.002-05:00

What a beautiful day! Heading to the pool in a few to spend some good ole' quality time with my sister and can't wait. While waiting for my clothes to dewrinkle in the dryer (I try not to iron anything!) I decide that I am going to catch up on some old friend's blogs and go on with my day.

Blog 1--2008 DTCC nurses blog--Its been updated and it is nice to see that about 8 of us have passed our boards thus far. Many of the tests cutting off at 75 questions, so most of us have been taken back by surprise that DTCC did indeed prepare us more than what we all thought!

Blog 2--a friend that no longer lives here in NC but I was following her pregnancy through her blog. She lost her 1st son around 19 weeks (if I remember correctly) due to complications and today I read that her and her husband have lost their 2nd at around 18 weeks. Call it hormones or what but this hit me hard. I just sat here, frozen and cried for a while. Thinking how horrible it must be for them. I am not a strong enough person to endure that and still sound as upbeat as she does. My heart goes out to her and her husband. But it did put me in a "reality check".

The last couple weeks have been tough for me as I am just about 37 weeks and have found every reason to complain. "I am so uncomfortable" "I can't sleep" "I am sooo nauseated" "I am lightheaded and dizzy, feel like I am going to fall out any minute" When I look back though, I have had a pleasant pregnancy compared to what it could have been. So, for the next 3 (hopefully no longer!) weeks--a more positive outlook on things--yes, his feet are jabbing my ribs and yes he is punching thruogh the pelvic floor but hey--he just wants out of there! Who cares that I can't bend over and my clothes don't fit and yes, I can deal with the swelling and the nausea...One more big step--Gotta get prepared for delivery!!

Going to the pool---going to get some much needed vitamin D to lift my spirits!!

Baby Shower

2008-06-10T20:30:00.002-05:00

This past Saturday was our baby shower and it went wonderful! I was so happy to see old friends that I hadn't seen in ages and family that I don't get to see often enough either. So many people helped out in more ways that I would have ever imagined. We were definitely "showered" with tons of gifts. This is a very lucky baby boy we have on the way!

Now comes the fun part of washing up the rest of the outfits, blankets, bedding etc. and putting everything away. we are still waiting on the furniture which should be here no later than next week. Once it is here, we will have drawers to put things in and hopefully become a little more organized. I must go through and figure out what we still NEED vs WANT. Just realized today, we have a crib coming and no crib mattress. hahahah hysterical!

It is still "weird" to us to make room for this baby. I know that sounds funny, but just little things like moving furniture around to make room for a playpen, or moving dishes around to make room for baby bottles. I guess it is the little things that take the most getting used to.

It was pointed out to me at the shower, no matter how often (or not!) I blog, I had not mentioned the baby's name. I always referred to him as Baby Currie....So, for those of you that do not know....his name is Alexander Paul Currie. Don't ask how we came up with that but we did and mutually agreed upon and it stuck. Paul is after Eric's uncle who meant a lot to him, that also passed away when Eric was young. We will call him Alexander, I am sure people will shorten it and it will just be our job to correct them :-) Yes, the child will hate us in pre-K and kindergarten when he must write his 9 lettered name!

Neway, we took lots of cute pics at the shower and hopefully Toni will download them off her camera so I can post them! Note to self--get our camera working before the baby comes--I am tired of relying on others for pictures that are taken!

More later--

Been a While...

2008-06-04T11:13:00.003-05:00

Wow! Just realized it had been a month since I posted! I really should be getting ready for work but will take a minute quickly to update ya--

Lots of fun things have been going on!

Lets see...I graduated! Yay!! I just got my authorization to test so I am scheduled to take the NC boards on June 18th in Winston Salem. Sliding me in your prayers during this time would be much appreciated!!

Baby news--Baby Currie is doing well! Growing like a little weed. We are seeing the doctor weekly at this point in order to keep an eye on mommy's blood pressure and swelling. Meanwhile, she is putting her feet up as much as possible to prevent complications.

I had a wonderful baby shower thrown for me by the girls at work last Friday. It is so nice to get together outside of the hospital. And even better when food and presents are at hand! I, ok, the baby got lots of cute, neat things. It is nice to get such great advice from so many wonderful mommies!! I will post pics when I get them from Ruth. Thank you ladies for such a wonderful time!!

I am prepping for baby shower #2 thrown my Toni and Mom this weekend. Can't wait to see old friends and family that I havent' seen in such a long time!

Going to run or I am going to be late! More later--

10 weeks to go!

2008-05-08T11:02:00.003-05:00

We had our 30 week check up today and all is going very well. My health is good--doc says the swelling is quite normal and will only get worse with the hot weather just around the corner.

Our ultrasound showed Baby Currie measuring a little larger than 30 weeks, but they are keeping my due date the same. By measurements it shows he should be due around July 8th, by dates it is July 18th, so we are keeping the 18th.

Everything looks good and yes, he still has a big head! :-) Just to be on the safe side, we checked and YEP, he is still a boy! THe nursery can continue being completed as planned! He is in good position right now--his head on mommy's bladder, feet up in her rib cage--facing out, so the head shot we got is of his face w/his chubby little cheeks (I have to wait until next week to post the pics! Sorry!) Lets just hope he doesn't try flipping back around breech!

I have one shift left precepting and that is tomorrow--then I can say so long to nursing school! It has been a very long road and I am so happy to be able to walk across the stage next week!!

All for now--

Poole's Downtown Diner

2008-05-05T19:14:00.002-05:00

Tired of all the same ole' boring dinner choices?? The Curries took EC and I out to eat on Friday pm to this place called Poole's Downtown Diner. Definitely different and somewhere I would recommend you to try!

It is located at 426 S McDowell St in Downtown Raleigh. If you aren't looking for it, you probably won't find it. It is actually an eclectic upscale diner / martini bar that serves a limited menu but boy do they have some interesting things on the menu! It changes all the time, so I am sure what we had won't be there when you go! Definitely something for everyone! They have things like fresh pimento cheese, prawns, fried green tomatoes, fried frog legs to your "norm" chicken, steak, salmon, etc. Sides are big enough to split between two people and I highly recommend the noodles au gratin (their take on mac n cheese). Since the menu always changes and what they call it on the menu doesn't necessarily let you know what it is, their awesome servers explain everything to you! I would also recommend trying one of their pies for dessert. We had the strawberry rhubarb pie and it was delicious! I hear they also serve an awesome Sunday brunch!

Happy Cinco de Mayo

2008-05-05T19:06:00.002-05:00

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Hope someone out there is enjoying a few margaritas for me!

Nothing really new here. I went for my 3 hour glucose tolerance test on Friday. Had to be poked several times!! OUCH! Ladies couldn't find a vein several times which meant even more pokes! (I tell children all day everyday that it is just a quick pinch and the ouchie will be done....not going to tell that lie anymore! That really does hurt!) Anyhow, after everything is said and done the lovely nurse from my OB called me at work today to tell me that my tests were negative and there is no gestational diabetes here! Which is extremely good news, I was scared there for a minute! I can enjoy my drumstick ice cream treat again without too much of a worry!

House is quiet--Eric is traveling to Virginia for training with his new job this week. He hasn't been gone but 12 hours and it already feels like days. I don't do this time apart thing very well. He did however stock the house with tons of food and fluids and has left written instructions on the fridge to put my feet up and take care of "us". Gotta love him!! So....going to go enjoy some of mom's leftover spaghetti!

Hopefully EC will make it back home for a quick overnight stay on Wednesday since we get to see Baby Currie on ultra sound on Thursday. More updates then!

Update from the Currie Household

2008-04-25T20:08:00.002-05:00

First and foremost, COLE B IS HOME!! Eric went and picked him up this AM. He looks so happy to be home! He is pitiful looking though. He has 2 shaved legs, one from where his IV was and the other was shaved where they had a pain med patch applied. His belly is all sutured up and you can tell he is still uncomfortable. We will be watching him 24/7 for the next few days! It is so hard to keep him calm--even with the load of meds the vet gave us! We are happy to have him home and Luie is happy to have his brother home!

We went for our 28 week check up yesterday. What a big boy we have on our hands! He is still measuring (from the outside) 1-2 weeks larger...so about 29-30 weeks. We have an ultrasound in 2 weeks to check the size of baby from the inside. We shall see! I failed the quickie glucola test for gestational diabetes. The nurse called me this AM to advise me that my sugars were slightly elevated. This does not mean that I am gestationally diabetic, but it does mean that I have to go for the famous 3 hour glucola tolerance test! Means drinking that lovely sugar drink and getting my blood drawn 4 times! OUCH! That will be a better indicator of whether it is diabetes or not. I will call on Monday to schedule that and keep you updated. Other than that, things are looking good, no protein in the urine, BP is good, just need to keep it easy on my days off to reduce the swelling and prevent stress on the body!

BIG NEWS FROM ERIC--he has taken a huge leap in his career. He is no longer at TJ Maxx (I know, no more cheap clothes and pocket books!!) but he is now the store manager of JoAnns on Falls of Neuse!! (so now, I just have to get crafty and maybe even pick up scrapbooking!!) It is such a wonderful milestone for him and I am so happy for him. He will be going through 4 weeks of training and then onto his new store! I am sure there will be further updates on this as well! So proud of you EC!!

Until next time--

Missing My Cole B!

2008-04-23T19:50:00.003-05:00

As many of you know, Eric and I already have 2 babies--Cole B and Luie. I always joked they are our "kids" before we were expecting Baby Currie but boy do we not feel it more this week more than ever.

We had to take Cole B to the vet Monday evening because he had basically stopped peeing--he was doing nothing but dribbling little drops and was limping around like he hurt. After the MD did his exam he was for sure something was the matter and did x-rays to find that Cole B had 2 large stones blocking his urethra (thus why he was not urinating properly) and his prostate was huge!

Surgery was basically our only option at this point because the stones weren't budging and the prostate was pushing harder on his urethra, blocking it even more. So, after a shot of valium (for the dog, lord knows mommy and daddy needed one too!) we came home Monday pm to prepare for surgery first thing Tuesday AM. Eric got the luxury of dropping him off on Tuesday since I had finals. Around 11:30am, the vet called with an update that they had removed 3 stones, biopsied his prostate gland and neutered him (something we failed to do when he was a puppy, long story and we won't go there!) He was in a lot of pain, they had inserted a catheter to drain his urine and they would be keeping him overnight.

First of all, I didn't think they would keep him overnight, so I was heartbroken that we had to spend the night without him, much less he had to spend the night by himself locked up in some cage at the vet!

Today, we get an update that he is recovering, still in a lot of pain but he wouldn't eat or drink for them, catheter still in place (they say to prevent swelling from the trauma done in removing the stones from his urethra). So, Eric being the wonderful Daddy that he is, went and spent some time with him, brought him food and treats. Of course, he ate the treats, none of the food and did drink some water for daddy. Vet was pleased to see he was drinking and that he perked up for Eric.

However, he is still there, they will be taking the catheter out tomorrow AM to see if he will pee a normal stream for them and then they will go from there. So, the way it looks now, we MIGHT get him back late tomorrow evening or first thing Friday AM.

I never realized how different the house would feel with just 1 dog in it. Luie is such a "loner" dog anyway, not requiring a lot of attention, we almost forget that he is here. The house feels so empty, I just want my Cole B home!

So, keep us in your prayers....for a speedy recovery for Cole B and that we recover from the vet bill in the end!

What is that? Light I see....

2008-04-22T17:44:00.003-05:00

Yep, the end of the tunnel...it's here! I passed my final today!! Woo Hoo! So excited that part is over! I wish I could say it is all over but I still have 4 more shifts to precept on pediatrics and then I will be done. Pinning is May 15th and then I can schedule the boards!! Wonder what kind of yummy supper I can get out of Eric as a celebratory dinner!?

26 weeks

2008-04-14T15:15:00.002-05:00

This past week has been....well....full~good, bad, happy & sad.

We had our 26 week appt this past Thursday and things are moving right along fine. We heard the heart beat of our little boy and that is just the best feeling. He is kicking and moving around like a little bubble bee. It is funny, everytime he kicks and I get Eric to come feel, he stops. I want Eric to feel him so bad, but it is as if Little Currie knows Daddy is coming and starts behaving!! :-) Eric is ok with this and tells me today that he will "feel" him when he is up crying at 3am soon enough.
We are starting every 2 week appts now so our next appt is on the 25th and I will have another glucose test to check for gestational diabetes, then the next appt, we have an ultrasound to check growth so we get to see our little one again before he actually arrives!

There is a light at the end of every tunnel--I completed my 3rd exam today (I should have gotten a 100 with all the studying I put forth, but of course it is nursing school...does that ever happen!?) and all is left is the final which is on the 22nd. Keep me in your prayers until then! After the final, I have precepting to finish up and graduation on the 15th of May! Whoo Hoo!

On Friday pm, I got the very sad news that my Papa (my mom's step-dad) in KY passed away after battling with cancer for less than a year. As sad as it may be, we know he is in a better place in a lot less pain. I will never forget the sweet, kind man that always let me win in every checkers and "Go Fish" game we ever played! :-)

On a happier note--Happy Birthday Dad!! Today is Daddy's bday--I won't tell how old he is! :-) Toni and I were lucky enough to spend yesterday evening with the entire family, cooking out and celebrating Dad's birthday. I just love birthdays!

Even more exciting note--the god children are coming into town in less than 2 weeks! I of course have to work that weekend but with exams being over with by then, I will be able to spend time not at work with "My Nate". Eric has a day planned for the zoo (love it!) and a stop at Friendly's for icecream (love it even more!) on the way home!

Until next time--

Let's Go Hurricanes

2008-03-28T15:44:00.002-05:00

On Tuesday pm, something unusual happened. We had a night off together!! We had a date night! Thanks to Mrs. Currie, we had tickets to the Carolina Hurricanes game and had a blast!! It had been years since I had been to a hockey game and I forgot how much fun they were! Yes, the Canes lost in a shoot out (by the way, I think is the lamest way to call a game after overtime!) But, best of all, Baby Currie would jump around after all the loud noises! Taking the evening to do something a little out of the ordinary, reminded me that is what we have to do even after the baby to keep the "fun" aspect in our relationship! Good thing we have so many interested prospects for babysitters!! hahaha!

Other than goofing off, we are up to the usual--work and school. Baby is doing great! Still tossing and turning, kicking and having a little party in mommy's belly. I precepted night shift last pm and I think he was a little confused. He usually sleeps most of the pm (for now!) but he was up with me all night last pm. Then the 2 of us have had a time trying to get some sleep today with it being sunny and 80 degress outside!!

Eric and I purchased the paint for the nursery and he should be starting on that soon. I will post pics as the progress occurs.

23 weeks

2008-03-20T19:44:00.002-05:00

We went for a 2 week check last week and everything is looking good. We won't go back again for another 4 weeks but after that, we will become best friends with the OB, going every 2 weeks. Yeah! We are scheduled for a "growth check" ultrasound at 30 weeks and I think that is when we will go ahead and pay for our 4-D ultrasound. However, those things kinda scare me--they look so real!

Eric and I had off together last Friday and boy were we busy! We cleaned out our 3rd bedroom closet (things in there hadn't seen sunlight since we moved in here, almost 4 years ago!) and transferred things from the baby's room and cleared that out completely. Huge leaps for us! So, now we are organized and Baby Currie has a room! Eric even has tape on the floor outlining where he wants the crib, dresser and so on. It is funny when he goes "rearranging the furniture" up there every pm!! This was an eye opener for me for some reason--"like wow, there is going to be baby in here soon!" It is so nice to see how happy of a father Eric is already! He nor I can wait for Baby Currie to arrive, but he is so cute--I have really seen a "different" side of him--he will be in the baby's room throwing the ball around with the dogs, daydreaming of doing so with his son. So sweet.

This little bundle of joy has brought me "pregnancy induced" carpal tunnel. Right hand is worse than the left so I have a brace that I wear to keep the numbness and tingling away. Eric makes fun of me!

Other than that, not much going on. Both of us have been busy with work and me with finishing up school. May 15th-graduation is just around the corner and I cannot wait! With that being said, I did take a position as a RN with the Childrens Emergency Department of Wake Med and will start orientation stuff after I return from maternity leave.

20 Weeks and Counting...

2008-02-29T13:24:00.007-05:00

We went for our 20 week appt yesterday and everything is still looking good. My iron is reading a little low so I will start on supplements and eat lots more spinach, broccoli, etc. YUM! This is the 1st appt that I have actually gained some weight (can't believe I would be happy about that! :-) I think I owe it all to the new Bojangles here in Holly Springs!! Eric was able to record the baby's heartbeat on his cell phone so he happily walks around letting everyone listen to his son--what an awesome experience!

I am finally over the flu/pneumonia that had me bedridden for a full week. I must say that I have the most wonderful husband in the world! The caring and compassion that he shows everyday shows me and everyone else what a wonderful father he is going to be. He was at my bedside checking on me every 2 hours while I was sick. Making sure I had my meds on time, fixing my breathing treatments, taking my temperature, keeping juice boxes at the bedside and so much more!

I finally got our ultrasound pictures scanned from Feb 14th.

Here is the baby--the martian looking thing that he is right now!

:-)

Here is another shot of his body. In person, you can actually see some facial features--he likes this position--hands up by his face, legs crossed-just relaxing!

Here is baby boy Currie showing his legs crossed--this is how he stayed for a very long time!

Then, pow---it's a boy!

By the way, Happy Leap Day!!

Valentine's was filled with BLUE, not Red This year!

2008-02-21T16:35:00.003-05:00

Sorry this has taken so long to get posted, and as many of you already know.......WE ARE HAVING A LITTLE BOY!!! He is a very stubborn one at that (already!)! During out appt, we actually have a picture of him laying, nice and relaxed, arms up by his head and legs crossed. He stayed like this much of the exam. Luckily we had a very determined ultrasound tech and she was persistant in getting him to uncross those legs. Once he did she took a quick shot and IT'S A BOY! She did an extensive ultrasould looking at all differnt parts of his anatomy. Everything looks good. Measurements look nice as well. Still on track for July 18th! However, this little boy's head measures a week older than he is! (I soon learned this weekend that runs on Eric's side of the family! :-) I will post the u/s pics later. This mommy is "under the weather" and has not scanned any of them.

16 Week Check-Up

2008-02-01T14:52:00.001-05:00

So, yesterday was our 16 wk check-up. Baby Currie is doing well! While we were listening to the heartbeat, the MD said, "it is a little less than 150, it must be a boy!" As soon as he said BOY, the heartbeat sped right up! It was comical!

Eric and I have decided to find out the sex of our baby. Mostly by persuasion of close family and friends. :-) We really thought we were going to find out yesterday but after talking with the Dr. he thought we would have a better chance to see everything in about 2 weeks. So...we have the FUN and EXCITING appt on February 14th! Cannot wait!!

I Passed the HESI!!

2008-01-16T21:37:00.000-05:00

Ok, so school is back in full swing! I was chosen to do my precpetor rotation on 5300 at Duke--a pediatrics floor and I can't wait!!

Another big milestone over and behind me--the HESI test!! DTCC requires all students to pass this "board like" exam called the HESI before they will let you take the NCLEX. We were all given a chance to take the exam today. If we didn't pass, we would be given another opportunity the 1st apart of May and again in June (yes, after graduation!) We needed a 900 to pass and I got a 990. I almost passed out when my score appeared on the screen. So glad that is behind me, however it did give me a greater idea of what to study for NCLEX.

Baby news--we go for our next appt on Jan. 31st. This is supposed to be the big appt where we can find out the sex of our child but I believe Eric and I have decided (after much persuasion from Eric!) not to know. Part of me really wants to know and other part is siding with my darling husband. Not many times in life do we get to enjoy GOOD surprises! I am thinking of telling the doctor to find out, not let us know but seal it in an envelop in case I want to know later. :-) Do I really trust myself....hmmm.....
Other than that...Feeling pretty good. Just a few boughts of "the yucks". Beginning to feel more pregnant with everything stretching and growing. Still just can't wait to feel the little one kick!

Where is All The Energy From??

2008-01-13T21:28:00.000-05:00

We went to our 1st trimester screening appt on the 8th and were able to get more pictures! That is Eric's favorite part! For someone that is not a picture person himself, he is loving seeing pictures of his little one! All the tests for chromosomal defects have come back negative, not that I thought we were high risk but...just one less thing to worry about.

Here is our "jumping bean"!! If you look hard enough you can distinguish head (toward the right side of pic) with a little button nose. Dont' worry if you can't make it out--I know how hard these u/s pics are to decipher!

Seriously, the radiology tech doing the ultrasound was amazed by how much our little pumpkin was moving all around. Kicking it's legs, waving its arms, flipping over completely. It was difficult just getting a picture that was not totally blury! It was so much neater just sitting there watching it! In fact, right before we were finished, the baby flipped over and threw it's little arm up as if it were waving!! Eric even apologized now for all the kicking and punching of my ribs I have in store for me later down the road. :-)

Sweetest Sound in the World

2008-01-03T21:22:00.000-05:00

That was the "Sweetest sound in the world". Today we went to our 12 week appt and was able to hear the baby's heart beat. What a wonderful feeling!! Baby has a strong heartbeat of about 150 right now. Does that mean boy or girl?!

It is so nerve racking going from appt to appt right now with the feeling of "not knowing". I guess I will feel better once I can actually feel "Baby Currie" move.

Not much to tell right now except I am out of school, on winter break and loving the time off. Spring semester starts back soon and I am really dreading the next few months. Work, school, precepting, trying to find a job.......but the best thing of all--preparing for our new arrival!

Pregnancy is going well. Not what I would call AM sickness. More pm sickness/nausea. If I don't eat early enough I get so sick feeling that I can't eat at all. I am starting to get headaches, but MD says blood pressure is good so it is just hormonal right now. Eric is the perfect dad to be. Paying attention to every little thing and coming up with some really nutty names in his spare time. More on that later...

Happy Holidays

2007-12-26T21:11:00.000-05:00

Christmas time has always been my favorite time of year! I love spending time with family and best of all LOVE watching loved ones open gifts!

I was able to have off both Christmas Eve & Christmas Day--not sure how I lucked that one out!

We went to Goldsboro to see Grandaddy's side of the family for Christmas Eve. This turned out to be a lot harder than expected without him there. It was nice seeing everyone else and getting to see the happiness in my Grandma Joyce's eyes when she saw our first picture of "Baby Currie". She swears it is a boy....we will see! Eric and I got our 2nd baby gift--a pair of booties with hat to match from my Aunt Joanne. So weird to think our baby will soon be wearing those!

We were able to spend time with both sides of our families as my family joined the Currie's for dinner Christmas pm. My favorite part--my brother-in-law! We don't see each other nearly enough but the time is surely charished!

I can go on and on about the great things that happened in the short 2 days but I won't. Just wishing you and yours a Very Merry Christmas!!

Ireland Knows Best

2007-12-23T21:17:00.000-05:00

I have to say, I never thought I would get a baby gift this soon....BUT it is by far the coolest thing in the world! My wonderful friend, "I", aka Tanya, from work gave us our 1st baby gift. A UNC bib! It makes everything seem so real! Since I was raised a UNC fan from birth--GO HEELS!

Thanks girl!

Expanding the Currie Family

2007-12-20T20:52:00.000-05:00

You read it right! Eric and I are expecting our 1st "little one". We have done a wonderful job with keeping this our little secret! Even though it killed us not to tell those that meant the most! We had our 1st Ob/Gyn appt on Dec. 5th. *Thank you to the girls at work for the referral to such a wonderful office!

As expected, I did not get very much sleep the pm before-with such a huge appt ahead of us. However, everything went well! No one can ever prepare you for the overwhelming feeling of seeing your baby's heartbeat for the 1st time. With history behind us, we hope to welcome this little one to the world, right in the middle of the blazing hot NC summer!

We got our first ultrasound picture--what a cute little chocolate chip! :-) It is "peanut" to Grandma & Grandpa Squier.

Our next appt is in January and can't wait to share more good news with you all!

Keep our family in your prayers!

Our 1st Kitchen Remodel

2007-04-16T22:24:00.000-05:00

So, Eric's parents are completely redoing their kitchen, among other things to update their home. I must say they are replacing some really nice things that we thought we could use to "update" ours. For starters, Eric thought it would be a great idea to take their enameled cast iron sink. Don't get me wrong, the sink is NICE, but Eric seemed to think it would be a walk in the park....I had other ideas, but we won't go there just yet. After spending a little over an hour to get our stainless steel sink out, fighting with the "oh so gross" garbage disposal, we were ready to install our new sink.

Here is our new sink, upside down on the hole it should fit in. Can I just tell you, there is nothing light about cast iron. Mrs. Currie tried to warn me not to lift it, but I thought, "what the heck...I am young...I can do it..." Yes I can, but not too many times!!

After realizing we had to cut the copper pipes from the new sink, and we had the wrong size pipe cutter, we made a trip to Home Depot. Not to mention, a very yummy pit stop at Smithfields Chicken and Barbeque for dinner!

We get back home, get the adhesive layed out and flip the sink over....gosh that sounds so easy now! Let me tell you, that is the last time I will lift anything cast iron, for a while any way. Here comes the fun part! What is supposed to be the easy part....getting it all hooked up underneath. After 3 hours of struggling with compression fittings..........we're calling a plumber.....tomorrow!!

So, here is our new sink, stuck to the countertop, just not functioning so much right now! Know of any good plumbers??? I have a new respect for plumbers and now know why they charge $70/hr! However, KUDOS to my husband who did a wonderful job and kept a killer attitude the whole way through!

And we are going to install our own hardwood floors one day soon?!?!?

BODIES!!

2007-04-15T10:47:00.000-05:00

Gross, huh? NO! You must go see BODIES, the exhibition at Streets of Southpoint! It was the coolest thing I think I have seen.....EVER! Ok, many of you might think, it is because I am so in love with medical stuff, but even Eric loved it! It shows you everything about your body--bones, muscles, nerves, different organs....It is expensive, $25/person, so get the coupon in the paper or show your student ID! I won't spoil it for anyone...you just HAVE to go see it!

Friends

2007-04-14T23:55:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!

Eric & I have just spent the past evening enjoying a BIRTHDAY dinner with my dad, mom & stepdad at O'Charlies. Dad had a rough week and really didn't want to go out tonight but my hard-headed mother insisted! We went to O'Charlies near his home and as soon as we sat down, he recognized some guy at the bar. That guy ended up being cousins with one of my dad's best friends that he had not seen in years! It was such a happy ending for what had been a yucky week for all! He got to catch-up and enjoy the company of old friends...

Something that made me think back to all the friends I have lost touch with and made me cherish the ones that I have kept contact with that much more. Just a reminder to

HOLD ON TO THE FRIENDS YOU HAVE!

YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU MIGHT NEED THEM!

FRIENDSHIP HAS TO BE THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO HAVE IN LIFE!

Welcome Isaac Landon

2007-04-01T16:53:00.000-05:00

Our best friends, Michelle & Gage had their first little boy on March 30th. We have been anxiously waiting little Isaac Landon's arrival since Michelle announced they were pregnant back in August! So, here he is, 2 weeks early, weighing only 5lbs, 15oz and only 18 inches long. When Eric and I went to visit them in the hospital, Eric thought he was going to get away without holding him, fearing, "he might break". But after I assured him there wouldn't be any breaking, he enjoyed holding the cutie. So, Isaac, WELCOME to this CRAZY, CRAZY world!

To Transfer or Not To Transfer...

2007-03-22T17:53:00.000-05:00

that is the question....

As many of you know, I am in nursing school and can't wait to finish! I am meeting with the dean of Durham Tech on April 5th to see about tranferring back. Cross your fingers for me.

I have liked Wake Tech but they seem to be dragging their feet on a few things and I am ready to get this nursing degree under my belt so we can go on with other things in out life. :-)

Sad Goodbyes

2007-03-20T17:31:00.000-05:00

A man of much pride, a hero to many, Grandaddy was his name, others later called him Papa Joe. He was huge on manners, you always said, "please & thank you, Yes ma'am, no ma'am." and making sure you drank your milk with each meal. It was always a joy to go Wilmington to visit on the weekends-something to look forward to. We could spend hours talking about school, work and how much gas costs have gone up. He always made me laugh. No matter the circumstances, or how high the bills stacked up, he would always slip you a $5 bill each time he saw you.

It was sad to think that one day, this would all come to an end. Grandaddy suffered through many illnesses the past few years, scaring us but then pulling through. On March 17th, we weren't so lucky. The family sat along his bedside all night the 16th as he slipped into heaven in the wee early hours of St. Patty's Day. We may not be Irish, but as luck has it, Grandaddy is in a much better place, free from pain, watching over us.
Hey G-daddy, home Grandma Weezy hasn't drove you too nutz yet!

SPRING fever

2007-03-10T16:57:00.000-05:00

Everyone talks about this blogging thing and we are just going to see how much fun it really is!

So, here is the start of "our blog". Spring is nearing and we are turning over a new leaf! We might not have the most interesting life, but we are going to try this blogging thing!

Eric and I just celebrated our 2-year wedding anniversary on March 2nd. I took the full week off of work, only to be sick and have to leave Myrtle Beach early! Even though I was sick, spending time with each other was the best! You have to love this weather! 80's during the day, 50's at night....SPRING can stay forever, Summer must wait!