Weekend Fun

Friday, Josh went out of town for a one night work trip, so my brother came over to spend the night with me, Charlie, and Bessie. He's a big help. He's at the age where money really motivates him, so I usually find a job or two for him to do to earn a little cash.

Like cleaning up all the dog poo in the yard...for $3. I think I win that deal.

Then the money burns a hole in his pocket and I take him to Wal-Mart to buy some sort of Lego apparatus. 

On another note: Look at who is about to pull up on things. And who likes to help with laundry. This kid is THIS CLOSE to taking off crawling. He wants to so bad. I think one of these days he's going to take off after the dog.

Bessie doesn't seem too worried about it. 

This also happened this weekend:

Terrible pic, but you get the idea. Did you know this burns 50 calories every 10 minutes? For someone who's currently counting calories, this was big news. Add that to my 30 Day Shred every morning, and things better be shaping up soon!

Happy Monday!

Dog Dilemma

Oh, sweet Bessie. How you frustrate me so. And yet I still adore you.

This dog. The first week we got her, back in 2011, we got a wire crate. She broke it the first time we left her home alone. She broke it, AND broke out. But didn't destroy the house.

So we let her roam the house every time we left.

And she did great.

Until I went back to work, and she spent long days home.

Then she started destroying the house. I mean, DE-STROY-ING. I'd come home from lunch to lamps knocked over, speakers and wires torn up, a sleeping bag torn out of the hall closet, in shreds.

So we got another crate. A plastic one this time.

And somehow we put the door on backwards and she broke it.

So we bought a third crate. (These things run around $100 minimum.)

And she settled in. She even started going willingly into the crate for me every morning, and every lunch hour. She seemed to appreciate the boundary of the crate. She couldn't handle the wide open house by herself, but she could handle the crate.

And then we moved back to Nashville.

And she forgot that the crate is a safe place.

After a few times of leaving her, she broke the door of the third crate.

We started zip tying her in, rather than spending another $100 while I'm not working.

She broke the zip ties.

We found a 4th crate on clearance.

The third time in it, she snapped the wire of the door in half.

This dog only weighs 35 lbs. She has the strength of a cougar. (Are cougars really strong? They seem like they would be.)

Somehow, she couldn't get the zip ties off, but she snapped the wire. Explain that one.

So yeah.

Somehow, a fifth crate seems pointless.

Anyone?

Anyone else's house look like this after a full day of taking care of baby, AND cleaning. (At least it feels like I clean all day.)

And he doesn't even crawl yet...

Surprise Trip to Denver

Last week, Josh had to go on a work trip to Denver to help with a video shoot at a Hillsong United concert, really last minute. Like, found out Monday that he had to leave Wednesday. So Charlie and I ended up going along, since Josh has been gone for work so much lately! It's nice when you're not working and can pick up and go at the drop of a hat!

This was Charlie's 3rd time flying in his short 8 month life! I never flew until I turned 18! Lucky kid. He loves flying. Actually, he loves people watching, and new environments, so flying is perfect.

Ready to fly!

Exhausted from the flying excitement. He fell asleep sitting up in his stroller, before I laid him back. Poor kid. 

Josh's brother is working on the tour, so we didn't tell him Charlie and I were coming along and surprised him Wednesday night. We found a really cool mountain to drive up (one of the highest in the state I think) to see the scenery. If we had made it to the top, I think the elevation was 14,000 ft. Unfortuantely, at about 10,000 feet, I noticed Charlie's lips and hands were turning purple! Super scary. He seemed perfectly happy, but didn't look so good. We booked it back down and he was fine. 

Josh and Paul on the mouton (before we noticed Charlie's lips)

The next day, Josh had to be at the venue early in the morning, so Char and I killed some time around downtown Denver. We really just did a driving tour, then ate at Chipotle before going to the venue to hang out for the afternoon. 

My lunch buddy

The concert was at Red Rocks. Oh. My. Gosh. This place was unreal. Seriously. If you live the in mountains, it is probably no big deal, but it almost looked fake, it was so gorgeous. It looked like a painting! The pictures don't do it a bit of justice. I can't even describe it. 

We hung out all afternoon in the production office, just killing time. Charlie got his own special pass for the concert (even though he didn't attend). 

He also got his first real owie. He has been leaning forward from sitting, attempting to crawl, and he face planted onto the carpet. I'm pretty sure there's cement under that carpet. He bonked his head pretty good! You could see the red bump for the rest of the day. 

That night, we found a babysitter through a friend that used to live there, and had her come stay at the hotel with Charlie so I could go to the show. It was the first time we've hired a babysitter (other than daycare). She made some really easy money. I put him to bed, and she had to sit there and watch cable. Nice gig. :)

It was so great to go to the show without a baby in tow! Josh and I had a date night (sort of!)

The next day, we had just a few hours in the morning before we had to head back to the airport, so I talked Josh into going over to Columbine High School. I just wanted to see the place where such a huge event from my childhood took place. I remember it was one of the first huge news events that really impacted me. I was in eighth grade when the terrible shooting took place. We talked about it in class for weeks. I read so much about it. 

I'm glad we went. There's a gorgeous, serene memorial in a public park right next to the school. It was surreal to try and picture the events of that day on that site. I can't even imagine. It was interesting to have my own child there, and think about the parents who lost children that horrible day. So, so sad. But glad we were able to go pay tribute before we left. 

Charlie - 8 Months

BABY STATS:
Weight: Around 18 pounds. He went to the doctor 2 weeks ago and weighed 17 lbs, 15 oz. I know that's still not huge for his age, but suddenly people keep telling me he looks huge for an 8 month old, which I find strange. I'm so used to him being small for his age. 

Sleep: Bedtime is between 7:30 and 8, waking up around 4 am to eat, then going back down until 6:30. He'll take 2-3 naps during the day at daycare, but does not nap nearly as well for us. I plan on working on that when I'm home with him soon.

Feeding: Still takes about 6 bottles a day, but I think I'm going to try to cut it back. The kid is packing on pounds, and I dont think he really needs to eat every 3 hours anymore. I need to do some research. He does baby food solids twice a day now, and then usually a little bit of real solids. He will eat scrambled eggs, banana, cheese, black beans, and little pieces of baby puffs. 

Diaper Size: Size 3. I think we only bought 1 or 2 boxes of Size 2.

Clothes Size: A few 3-6 month sleepers. I think they ran really big.  He's mostly in 6 month and some 9 month clothes. I bought a few cheap 9 month sleepers at Meijer and when I washed them they were too small. You get what you pay for!

Hair: Brown, and he grew a whole lot more of it this month. It's wispy. It's nice to have something to wash in the bath.

Milestones: I feel like he does something new every single day lately. First tooth! (Popped through on May 23...Praise the Lord.) First epic diaper rash (boo). Eating more real solids, including puffs. Clapping hands (so stinkin' cute). Sort of over the paci. Sleeping in his own room for naps AND nighttime (this is major). Sitting up in shopping cart. Moved the car seat straps up a notch. 

New Nicknames: Char (I've started calling him this all the time. Original, I know.)

Crap. I've only got one more month to lose this baby weight... 

Confessions of a 6th Grader

My little brother is in sixth grade, and just entering the 'dating' world.

A conversation: 

Me: David, are you going to see your girlfriend over the summer? 

David: Well, she was supposed to come over Friday. But we didn't specify which Friday, and there are a lot of them. I forgot to get her phone number. I have her address though. 

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Me: You didn't kiss her, did you? You're too young for that. 

David: No. We talked about it, but then she almost puked. 

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David: My friend is dating my girlfriend's twin sister, so we're brothers. 

Me: Well, you'll only be brothers if you both marry them. 

David: I'm working on it. 

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David: I want to save my money so me and my girlfriend can go on vacation. 

Me: Where do you want to go? 

David: We can't decide between Hawaii and Paris. Hawaii is really pretty, but Paris is really romantic. 

Michigan Adventures

Last week we flew up to Michigan to attend my little sister's high school graduation, and my 10 year reunion. Charlie is a champion flier. He eats it up!

We got into town around 4 pm Thursday, and her graduation was at 7. We went strong until 11 pm that night, and Charlie was fantastic. We were all shocked he sat quietly through the ceremony, and slept at Apple Bee's during our celebratory dinner. He could not have been better! So glad we got to be there for that special time!

Hand over your heart for the Pledge, everyone. 

I saw my step sister, Ashlie, for the first time in nearly 5 years, and I don't think we took one picture together. I don't know how that happened!

Friday was pretty chill all day.

First, a stop at Meijer to visit the graduate while she worked. I do miss Meijer! Picked up some baby clothes.

 Then we visited with my cousins, Paul and Mallory, and their little boy, Hugo, who was born just 6 days after Charlie! I had never spent a lot of time with them before they had a baby, but since then, we've kept up a ton, and spent a decent bit of time swapping baby war stories. So fun to finally meet Hugo!

Hugo and Charlie swapped toys and baby spit. It's really hard to get a good picture of two moving babies.

Charlie has a new fascination with seeing himself in the camera of my phone. Sometimes I take pictures.

Saturday morning started off with taking this little guy to breakfast, so everyone could sleep in a quiet house. Just me, Charlie, and a side of Sophie for breakfast. 

Sometimes, trunk diaper changes are necessary when you're on the go. 

Lots of balloons and parties on Saturday. 

Graduation party: 

Class reunion: 

Charlie was seriously a trooper while we hauled him ALL over the place. Everyone kept commenting on what a great baby he is. He is much happier when we're on the go, than when we sit at home. No one believes me. Haha.

Sunday, we decided to take a little day trip up to Grand Rapids to go to the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum. Josh and I are nerds and love museums. My dad loves history, so he was totally up for it. It was a great museum, though kind of small. I did not know much about President Ford, and it was quite interesting!

Brittney found an awesome hot dog place on the way, called Yesterdog. We had some phone booth fun while we waited on our hot dogs!

We had such a fun time in Michigan! It was sort of stressful to travel so quickly after moving, and not feeling settled in the new house, but it was also nice to get away from all the craziness! Love our time with family!

Congrats Brittney!

Birthday Bessie!

I'll post updates about our trip to Michigan later, but now, I have to wish my sweet puppy a HAPPY 2nd Birthday!!

Birthday surprises! (Yes, I've become THAT person.)

Enjoying a birthday cupcake. Doggy friendly, of course.

Love my pup!

Life Lately

I can't believe it's been a week since my last post. It's been an absolute blur. Last Thursday was my last day at work. Friday was spent running up to Nashville to drop off a car, and all our fragile items, and driving back to Birmingham in time to pick Char up from his last day at daycare.

Charlie, not quite ready to get up for his last day:

Saturday was spent packing up the Birmingham house with a great group of folks, whom we will miss dearly. We got off on the wrong foot when the truck we rented broke the day before. They gave us two smaller trucks instead. Then we got to Budget to pick them up, and they told us they ran out of dolly's. Then one of the truck's didn't start. We had to drive 20 minutes away to pick up a different one. Luckily, after that, things settled down. If things can slow down when you're moving.

We were loaded up, the house was clean, and we were on the road to Nashville by 2 pm. I consider that a win. I took Char in the car, Josh took Bessie in one of the trucks, and my bro in law drove the 2nd truck. Somehow, it always takes me an extra hour when I have Char. He does not like that drive. We went out to dinner when we arrived, and we were a collective hot mess. Strictly functional; not social.

Charlie got up a lot that first night, which I guess is to be expected in a new place. His world just got wrecked. Mine did too, each time he got up!

Sunday, we were again completely blown away by all of the sweet people that came to help us load everything in to our new place. It's so great to know that after being gone, we still have a great, strong community that welcomes us back.

We basically locked my mom in one of the bedrooms with the dog and baby while we unloaded.
We had a steady stream of people coming and going from about 12 pm - 5 pm. They got us nearly unpacked, which we did NOT expect. Amazing. Somehow, the house is still a wreck, but I figure that's acceptable for at least a week after moving.

Bessie, trying to survive all the change. It's been rough on her. Poor thing.

Charlie got up 8 times Sunday night. Eight. Times. I gave up on life a little bit Monday. I slept in the Target parking lot for 15 minutes while he slept. Power nap.

All that to say, things have been crazy. Thursday we head up to Michigan to see my little sis graduate high school, and attend my 10 year high school reunion. After all that jazz, I'll be back to a 'normal' schedule and post more!!

I Can't Believe

I Can't Believe...my cupboards look like this:

I Can't Believe...my last day at work is tomorrow! Moving to Nashville, but not sure what's next for me jobwise at the moment. Hoping to get back into working in music. For the time being: Stay At Home Mom!

I Can't Believe...I played peek a boo with Charlie while sitting on the toilet...in a public bathroom. Gotta do, what ya gotta do to keep the kiddo happy.

I Can't Believe...Charlie just took a 2 hour nap. That never happens. Hallelujah, Praise the Lord.

I Can't Believe...how much crap I ate yesterday. I'm embarrassed. I'm using the fact that I packed all of our dishes as an excuse to eat out. And I have to eat at all my favorite Birmingham places before we leave!

Disgusting AND Hilarious

I have mixed feelings about our dog licking Charlie. To think about where her mouth has been really, really disgusts me.

On the other hand, I think it's impossible to always prevent it, living in a household with a dog. I wash his face and hands a lot.

Charlie has a new interest in Bessie licking his face. I try to stop it, but we had to get this on video once.

Weekend Shenannies

We were busy, busy bees this weekend...our last weekend in Birmingham.

Between the packing and cleaning, we met our cousins for dinner Saturday night. Charlie sat in a high chair for the first time. I tried to feed him store bought baby food, so we could use when we're moving and traveling. He was less than impressed. Glad to know he appreciates my hard work making baby food.

This is a pile of junk we've drug down to the street for garbage pick up. It also included a grill with a ton of rust, and a patio table and chairs that were in pieces. Then we sat inside and watched people pick through our junk. I knew someone would take the table and grill. Classic!

It's amazing how much junk you accumulate in just a year and half! Nice to not have to haul this stuff back with us.

(Sidenote: I've had this terrible pain on my side, near my rib. Feels like a bruised rib, but I have no recollection of injurying it. My working theory is that the hubs punched me in my sleep. His wrist hurts. That's all the evidence I need. There's no way it could be from all the hauling and moving we're doing. No. Way.)

Sunday, my first official Mother's Day, was lots of fun. Charlie and Josh made me a scrapbook of pics of Charlie and I. This is my favorite picture from the gift giving. The greatest gift!

We did our weekly grocery shopping, then Josh surprised me with tickets to a Baron's game. They got a new stadium this year, and I've really wanted to go before we move. I thought that ship had sailed, so it was a nice surprise!

Beer in the stroller.

 Such a great break from the moving madness. Unfortunately, this kid seems to have some intense allergies. He looks like he's crying when we are outside for any extended amount of time. He loved the game though. After the game, he fell asleep before we were even out of the parking lot.

We also tried out the mesh feeder this weekend. That thing is a hot mess!

So fun to celebrate my first mother's day. Love this card from daycare! Can't wait for all of these things I'm going to receive over the years!

Happy Mother's Day!