Ugh. We’re still bogged down by germs in this little corner of the world. Baby Girl has always been super healthy. I am so not used to being down for 2+ weeks. I know it’s in part to having two now. The doctor tells me that Buddy will be sick less as he gets older. I guess that’s good, but right now I’d like him to be healthy!
We leave for FL next week and to say I’m nervous about the trip would be an understatement. My kids are great fliers, but throw in a head cold (for all three of us) and you might just hear me shouting, “uncle!”
I’ve been using the netti pot to try to clear this thing up (which might be one of the most awful things in the world, but if it helps, it helps). I got two boxes of tissues last Friday and we are down to half a box. So much for saving the environment, huh?
Anyway, things are still quiet on the ol’ blog front because most days I’m struggling to breathe and help my children sleep without coughing spells. It’s been great fun, I tell ya.
Hopefully I’ll be back to my normal blogging self soon, but then I’ll be in Florida. And I can’t promise I won’t just soak up the sun for three weeks instead of posting. I’ll try, but it will be tough.

Happy weekend, everyone!

Buddy Boy,

7 months ago at this time I was minutes away from meeting you. I still can’t believe that was 7 months ago! Sometimes it seems eons ago, but other days I feel like I was just in the hospital.
You are growing and developing so quickly. Almost every day I find myself amazed by some new thing you’ve accomplished. This week you really started crawling, not army crawl, but taking off on all fours at incredible speeds. Then you climbed up onto the fireplace hearth onto your knees. That wasn’t enough, though, so you began to climb to your feet. You are constantly climbing up things–chairs, the ottoman, the couch, people, etc. Yesterday I saw you climb up onto the hearth and then walk down to the other end. I’m not sure I’m quite ready for all of this growing up you’re doing!

“Now, I know there has to be something good to eat in here somewhere.”

“Mama told Baby Girl to put her toys where I couldn’t reach them. So I decided to learn to climb. Cupcake, anyone?”

You are still the sweetest little baby in the world. You’ve been clingy lately, needing mama more than anyone else. I know I’m loved, but sometimes I’d like to walk into the other room without you worrying about me. You’re still giving my chin slobbery kisses. I love those!
You’re doing great with your schedule and sleeping. It’s taken us awhile, but I’m fairly certain that someday you will let Mama and Dada get enough sleep. Lately you’re too busy to cuddle, but after your 9:00 feeding I know you’ll let me cuddle with you. I cherish those special moments.

You fell asleep holding your sister’s Belle. I’m not sure how you got it in the first place, but I thought it was sweet. Let me just state here, you will not get your nails painted, nor will you wear your sister’s pink hand-me-downs. Just so we’re clear on that. But learning to take care of baby dolls? Sure. You’ll make a great daddy someday!

Happy 7 month birthday, Buddy! I love you more than words can express.

Does hearing “wahoo” make anyone else think of the movie IQ? Or is that just me?

Anyway! Lots of celebrating at our house tonight. The Patriots are going to the Super Bowl! Yay! This means a few things for me.

- I have to pack two pint-sized Patriots jersies for our trip to Florida.

- I will watch the Patriots in the Super Bowl with my big brother, which I’m thinking is a first for us. (He’s 12 years older, so we didn’t really grow up together.)

- I won’t get to watch it with my man. So, anyone local wanna invite him over for a party? Poor guy.

- The day after the Super Bowl, win or lose, I can go swim in the ocean, then the pool, then sit in the hot tub. So I’m thinking it’s a win-win for me!

- My man should’ve let me name Buddy Brady. Would’ve been a good year for that name, huh? I think he’s afraid I have a crush on Brady, but really, I just like the name a lot!

Yay, Pats! Thanks for making my day!

I’m sitting here in a quiet house. The only sounds are the ticking grandfather clock, Baby Girl’s humidifier, and the tapping of the laptop keys. I’m struggling to keep my eyes open; I’ve been fighting the cold that has already attacked my kids. I just finished another book on my Kindle. I love that thing! I don’t have to keep track of where I am in the book. I don’t have to run to the library when I have a few minutes to read. My Kindle makes me very happy!
I know I should go to bed, but my man is at a church meeting. I’m sitting here waiting for him to come home. It’s been a hard week. The kids have been sick. I’ve been hit hard with cabin fever and exhaustion. So, I decided it’s time to focus on the positives. Here we go!

- Buddy slept through the night for the first time in his 7 months! I woke up at 4 am with a very sore throat. I got up and read with some hot cider. When I went back to bed at 5 I thought, “Please, Buddy, sleep another hour.” Well, he slept until 5:40, but wow! I was excited! We’ll see how tonight goes, but progress has been made!

- In a little over a week I head to Florida to see my brother, his family, and my parents. I can’t wait! I called my mom the other day, feeling overwhelmed and tired. She told me that I wouldn’t have to cook for three weeks! I cried.
I am a winter-loving girl. I have always wanted to live up north. But this winter has been different. It’s harder to go outside with Buddy. Last winter Baby Girl and I would go out for short play times, even in the really cold weather, but it’s so much work to get Baby Girl and Buddy ready to go outside. I’ve done it several times, but it’s exhausting! So, I’m looking forward to Florida! I’m looking forward to being outside and only putting on one layer of clothing. I also can’t wait to be with family! I miss my family!

- We joined our new home group at our church this week. It seems like a great group of people. I can’t wait to get to know them better! And I love the girl that babysits for us. She’s a sweetheart!

- I did some Jillian 30-Day Shred this week. Wowza! My arms were sore. But I love being sore. It’s a happy feeling!

- We took Baby Girl mini golfing today for her birthday. Her friend and her friend’s parents met us there. We had great family time and enjoyed watching the girls play golf and eat pizza.

- I finally got a haircut. I’ve been growing my hair for over a year now. It was longer than I’ve had it since before Baby Girl was born. It’s not short, but it feels good. It’s something different.

So there ya have it, some happy thoughts. Now I just might go fall asleep on the couch until my man comes home.
How did you spend your Saturday?

I am still alive and kicking. I have so many things I want to say. So much going on in my life and in my head. But it’s not been my week for extra time on my hands. Buddy is sick. There’s a tiny part of me that fears it’s pertussis (whooping cough) and part of me that hopes it’s a cold. Needless to say, he’s not sleeping, at all. He is coughing so badly. His nose is non-stop running.
Then I went out to get a hot chocolate with a turbo shot of espresso this morning. What did I find? A flooded downstairs. Not terrible, but that took up an hour or so of our time. I was planning to have my man organize the basement storage room while we were in FL. Ha! Guess we’ll do it now.
So, I don’t have time to write. I will someday. I hope.

Dear Baby Girl,

Today you turn three years old! Three! Already! I can’t remember my life without you. And truthfully, I don’t really want to remember. You brighten every day of my life. Sometimes you drive me crazy, sometimes you talk my ear off when I just want silence, but I wouldn’t trade you for anything.

You are a great kid. I’ve never met anyone so funny, so sweet, so stubborn. Your sense of humor amuses and amazes me. I didn’t know three year olds could have such a good sense of humor. I can tell when you’re joking; you get a little glimmer in your eye, just like your Papa does. If I don’t catch that you tell me, “I just joking you, mama.” You enjoy being funny; you like to check, “Am I being funny, Mama?”
You have a sensitive, sweet spirit. You don’t like to see people or animals hurting. Again, I can’t believe that a three year old could be so sensitive. You run and get ice for boo-boos, you give hugs to the crying, you give gifts to those who need them. Never lose that sweetness. I pray that you always look for ways to help others.
And boy, are you stubborn! We’ve had several sit-ins at the dinner table, where you refuse to eat that one bite that we want you to try. Of course, 99% of the time you love whatever the food is. Goober. I’ve heard many times in the last few weeks, “I can do it myself!” or when going to the bathroom, “Don’t bother me.”

Your independence grows daily. I’m so proud of the girl you’re becoming. It is hard to watch you grow up, but it’s also so exciting. I look forward to watching you grow more in the next year.

Last week I watched videos from your second birthday. You’ve changed so much in the last twelve months. It’s hard to imagine what you’ll be doing and saying next year at this time. I want to enjoy every minute of watching you grow. I know there are frustrating times. I know that I will lose my patience. I know that you will make mistakes. But I hope to cherish the wonderful times because those are the memories I will keep close to my heart.

I love you, my Baby Girl. Thank you for making me a better person. Thank you for teaching me more about love and life. Happy birthday, sweet girl!

My girl at one week.

My girl at 3 years, with mismatched socks.

My friend Tasha at My Homemade Happiness nominated my blog for the Liebster Award!

“A Liebster Blog Award is a fun way to recognize your fellow bloggers and get the word out about how much you love them! It’s specifically for smaller blogs and those of us who are just getting started! Liebster is a German word that means favorite or dearest.” I was thrilled to be included in Tasha’s list of five bloggers!

Here is my list of great small blogs!

My Homemade Happiness

I have to admit, even if she didn’t nominate me I would’ve put Tasha on my list. She often makes me laugh as she talks about raising three boys (and being overrun by Legos). And her recipes look amazing! I’ve had her cooking and can attest to how talented she is in the kitchen!

Just Another Day in Paradise

I was drawn to Kathy’s blog when I found out she was from Connecticut, but now I just love reading whatever she writes. She shares crafts, stories about her girls and homeschooling, and encouragement for me as a mom. I loved her series on Becoming a Joyful Wife and Mother. She gave such practical ideas and again encouraged me to enjoy my job as mom and wife.

Navigating the Mothership

I don’t remember how I found Laura’s blog, but I’ve been laughing and commiserating with her ever since. She had her baby boy about two weeks after I had Buddy. I’ve enjoyed seeing another baby grow up with Buddy. And sorry, Laura, but I was sort of happy to hear that my son wasn’t the only clingy, non-sleeping baby on the planet. I loved reading her love story and am seriously contemplating trying to write my love story out as well.

The Illiterate Author

My friend Alissa just started this blog a few months ago. She reviews the books she reads and usually has me laughing about something. She will probably be mad at me for mentioning her blog, but hey, I like reading it.  I’m sure she’d love ideas from all of you for some great books to read!

Blue Jeans and Cotton Tees

I think I started reading Melinda’s blog at a blog party a year or two ago. I admit, I’m totally drawn in by her description of country life with Amish neighbors. She has a great sense of humor in every situation.  I’m sorry for any of you animal lovers out there, but her story about Little Bunny Fufu made me laugh out loud!

There you have it, my five nominations for great small blogs! Check ‘em out!

One of my first pins on Pinterest was a birthday question/answer notebook. I already have a notebook for Baby Girl’s birthdays. It’s a guest book for each of her parties and I write down the theme. I decided to add the 20 questions to her birthday notebook. Hopefully I can remember to do it each year.

I had to share her answers, because some were so sweet and some made me laugh.
What is your favorite….
color?   Blue and purple
toy? piano
fruit? orange, apple, banana, and…grapes (we’re still working on the concept of “favorite”)
tv show? Clifford, George, “A Hat” (The Cat in the Hat)
thing to eat for lunch? macaroni cheese
outfit? shoes (black ones)
game? “hip, hap, ho” (tic-tac-toe, which by the way, she has no idea how to play)
snack? crackers (first she told me “Moe’s”, and I had to explain that wasn’t a snack, but a restaurant. She does love her Moe’s, though!)
animal? kitty (“hitty”)
song? ABCs
book? “Don’t be afraid.” (When I questioned her she went and got out her Bible and said, “Don’t be afraid. You will have good news.” I asked if her favorite book was the Bible. She said yes. Melt my heart.)
cereal? Cheerios
thing to do outside? rake & jump in leaves
drink? water & milk & hot cocoa
holiday? Christmas
thing to eat for breakfast? pancakes and water and milk
What do you take to bed with you at night? “amimuls” “I am scared of the dark sometimes. It is dark in my room and outside. I hug my amimuls so I am not scared of the dark.”
Who is your best friend? Gigi and Caleb
What do you want to be when you grow up?   (Ready for this one?)   “a Daddy”  (Oh jeepers, have I got some explaining to do!)

And in a nutshell, that is my daughter.

Happy Monday! The weekends always fly by, but this weekend went even faster. My man attended a men’s retreat at our church so I was with the kids Friday evening and most of Saturday. We had a nice day, but at 1:00 I realized that I hadn’t had a second to myself yet that day. Nap/quiet time came shortly after that realization!

I have no specific point this post, so bear with me as I ramble.

Baby Girl is definitely getting her own sense of style. A few weeks ago she wore her belt around her head. It was actually pretty stylish. My man liked it so much he let her wear it shopping with him. Her newest style? Mismatched socks. They aren’t identical, but they always match in color scheme. I’m very proud.

For Christmas Baby Girl got a shape activity set. We made the cookies the other day and she had so much fun making things and decorating. I had to help with the icing because it’s hard to get out. But the ideas are all hers. We also made a tree and a house.

I had mom’s group today. I always leave feeling energized! My small group includes such a great bunch of women, who I enjoy laughing with and swapping ideas. Today was no different.

Baby Girl’s birthday is this week. She has a very specific birthday party idea, to which she added a new idea last night. So now I’m praying that our grocery store can decorate the cake to her specifications. If not, I might have to decorate, and it definitely won’t look like she’s dreamed! She did this two days before Christmas, too. “Mama, I really want a watch for Christmas.” “Mama, this is the watch I’ve always wanted.” Thank goodness Big Lots had a $3 Winnie the Pooh watch!

I was asleep before 8:30 last night. I didn’t want to see the Steelers beat the Broncos, so I went to bed. Then the Broncos won in overtime. Ah well, I obviously needed the sleep. Hopefully the Broncos’ luck is done because this weekend they meet my Patriots!

I put together a pretty killer outfit today, and yes, I’m proud of myself. It didn’t involve a t-shirt, which is great (and sort of unusual). It did include my awesome belt that Baby Girl picked out for me for Christmas. I have plans tonight, as an adult without kids, so I’ll probably wear it again tonight! Maybe I’ll even take a picture.

I’m trying to think of other things to write because I don’t want to call the grocery store, do the dishes, fold the laundry, or even get out of my chair!

Hope you’re having a fabulous Monday!

Last night I was thinking about 2011. I know I’m a week late in this, but we’ve been busy. I figured of any year to document a year to remember, this would be it. We had a few minor changes in our lives. This will be quick, I think, but I had to write these down.

January:
Baby Girl and I headed to good ol’ Clemson to visit with friends. We got stuck there because they had a legit snowstorm. Figures we go south and get stuck in snow!

February:
House went back on the market with a new realtor. Showings and all of that joy started again.

March:
We got an offer on our house and the fun really began! Offers, haggles, inspections, repairs, etc. This also began the feverish hunt for a new place to live. We all went to CT to celebrate the life of a dear family friend.

April:
We closed on our first home. Kind of bittersweet. It was my man’s birthday. Then Baby Girl and I headed to CT to relax. We drove home the Saturday before Easter (which was the end of April), and it was snowing! Crazy winter weather-wise! Oh, and Baby Girl woke me up at 4am to watch the royal wedding.

May:
What? A quiet month. We were living on paper plates in a 2-month rental. It wasn’t the most fun, but looking back, it was such a short time.

June:
We moved again! I was 38 weeks pregnant and hoping the moving would make Buddy come earlier. Instead I sat around until 41 weeks and 6 days. Goober. Buddy joined us June 23rd and changed our lives forever.

July:
My parents left after 2+ weeks of help. My best friend from college came to visit from Guam. My inlaws came to meet Buddy. And my man and I celebrated six years of marriage. With that milestone came the purchase of a new car.

August:
We got in our new car and drove to Ohio, then to Connecticut, spending over 2 weeks away with a newborn. It was a crazy time, but we enjoyed seeing family and friends.This was also the month Buddy started seeing the chiropractor.

September:
This month we went to CT several times to help my parents pack up everything and sell my childhood home. Hard stuff. Lots of memories.

October:
Enjoyed fall…apple picking, walks, pumpkins, Halloween. Our trip to CT was postponed due to their crazy snowstorm.

November:
The month started with me on a plane with two kids. We enjoyed a long weekend with my inlaws in Ohio. And I decided I might actually try to fly with the kids again.
Thanksgiving-my parents came up for almost a week. We had our first snow and Baby Girl’s first snowmen.

December: Lots of get-togethers, which is always fun! We loved doing all of the Christmas stuff, including hosting my inlaws for Christmas Day.
Busy year. Sometimes we didn’t understand what was going on, and looking back, we still don’t understand some of it. Going back over the year was a good reminder for me, though. When we were living in a temporary house with paper plates, I thought it would never end, but it did. We made it.

Now on to 2012!