Happy Thanksgiving!

Oh boy, I cannot even begin to list everything that I am thankful for -  but ya'll know me, so I'm going to try anyhow (to begin, not to list EVERYTHING).    My family is the most fantastic family anyone can ask for.  My parents are amazing, and always there for us when we need them, even with a hysterical crying baby.  My inlaws are awesome, and even though they're far away, they're a HUGE help when in town.  Our siblings, aunts/uncles/cousins/grandparents, fun and amazing.   My aunt even made me some of my own mashed potatoes because she knew I couldn't have dairy.  SO. FREAKING. AWESOME.    Our health, our jobs (even though Adam hates his job with a passion, we both know we are so lucky to work for good companies, have benefits, and decent wages to pay our (at this moment VERY large) bills).  I'm not sure that last sentence is proper or not, it might be missing a subject, ah well.   Our friends are awesome, some we see more than others, but we love them all dearly.

For the fun stuff.   Atlas wore the same outfit Ares wore on Thanksgiving when he was a baby.  Except Atlas just turned 4 months and is wearing 6/9 month clothes, and Ares was 8 months in 6/9 month clothes, haha.   My mom took a picture, i'll try and put them both up here soon.

4 Months Old!

Atlas had his 4 month appointment on Wednesday December 11th.  Exactly 3 weeks after he turned 4 months, he's actually closer to 5 months.   He weighed in at 15lbs 13.5 oz and is 26" long.  I thought that was huge, but looking back at Ares' 4 month appointment (which was 4 days BEFORE he turned 4 months)  he's right in line.   Ares was 15 lbs 9 oz, and 25".   The doctor says that the spit up is normal, and it frustrates the hell out of me and Atlas' teachers (and Adam, and my mom, and anyone who holds him).  This. Is. NOT. Normal!  We'll see a specialist next month if it continues.  Right now, we've started feeding him Rice cereal with a spoon (he's not too fond of it).  We might start some other baby food soon.  Hopefully this fixes it a little bit.  He behaved so well at the appointment, he was all smiles, and even laughed too!  During his two shots he cried, but was silent the instant I picked him up.   

Ares went with us and also behaved very well.  He went to get his flu shot, and was excited about it (I bribed him with a promise of a milk shake).  When he got there, the doctor told him he didn't have to get a shot, he could do the one up the nose.  He said he wanted the shot, because he wanted a milk shake.  I told him he could still get the milk shake, so he was happy in the end, and me too, because we're all (except Adam) vaccinated now! 

Incapacitated - It's Viral!

After getting back from Seattle, I wanted to spend time with the family, but Adam wanted to go out Friday night.  Since he had the boys all week, we went out to Ben & Sabine's house.  We had a really great time, and I'm really glad we went out.  Saturday was pretty low key.  Swim lessons, then house stuff, then we took dinner over to my parents' house so I could watch the Sound of Music (live) edition.  We had fun - until I got home. And I was sick.  I mean, sick, sick sick.  I didn't leave the bathroom for a full 12 hours (over night) and I was so dehydrated that I was so sick, but completely drained.  I couldn't even nurse or pump for 2 days, there was nothing left.  Adam got a bit of it too, and Ares puked once, but was back to his normal self within hours.  My mom took Atlas to the Kraczer party so we didn't have to deal with him.   Well, apparently, we got my mom sick on Saturday, she didn't get the symptoms until Monday, but she passed it to all of her sisters and mom and Kassi.  Adam and I even had to take Monday off of work we were so sick.  Both boys went to school, but neither of us were moving.    Thankfully, we were able to eat a small dinner on Monday, and everything (ish) was back to normal  come Tuesday.   Oh, and apparently we got Ben, Sabine, and Eve sick too, but Ares got it from some of his classmates, so eventually, the entire class (and everyone's family) was sick.    Glad that's over with! 

SEATTLE

I had to go to Seattle for business the first week of December.  The trip out there was pretty bad, due to a very long delay at O'Hare that got me into the city very late.   But once I was there - I had a grand ol' time.  While I was driving by the stadium, the Seahawks were playing a Monday Night football game.  They beat their (previously held) record for loudest stadium, and even created a mini earthquake (between a 1 and 2 on the richter scale).  I didn't feel it, but I sure did hear the crowd.  The atmosphere must have been awesome.  They won, by the way, to clinch a spot in the playoffs. 

Terri lives in Seattle, so after I did my thing with the agents and Marketing rep, she picked me up and we drove to a restaurant, and then hiked around town (both my free nights there).   The first night we had some awesome sushi, and then coffee at the Panama Hotel where the book "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" was written.  Then we walked around an awesome Asian market, saw the first Starbucks, saw the Pier, where the "Fish Philosophy" was started (it was closed though) and went sight seeing.  We went by Kurt Kobain's old house and into some really beautiful neighborhoods. 

The second night we had Thai food, and some Starbucks (hey, have to get some while I'm in the town where it was started!) and did another market, plus walked all around downtown to see where the museums are, the place where all the concerts are held, the Space Needle.  Then we drove around the city to see some nice lookouts and up to Capitol Hill to see the diverse neighborhood (would love to go back to eat there sometime).   My travel back was much more uneventful, and I made it back exactly when I expected to. 

All in all, I feel like I got a little vacation, rather than a business trip.   I had an awesome time, and Terri was a fabulous host.  Poor Poor POOR Adam had to deal with Atlas who has not slept in 5 days.  (I was only privy to one of those non--sleeping days) 

I left the city with the want to go back (but with Adam next time, as I think he'd LOVE this place) , a couple pair of children's chop sticks (because Ares refuses to eat sushi without them) and a shot glass for Adam.   

It's Christmas Time!

OMG it's almost Christmas.  I have NOTHING ready.  I mean, half the gifts haven't even been purchased yet.  For once, I tried to get Adam to learn what his family wants (well, except I asked his sister for her and Amanda), and lo and behold, I only have a gift for Leah and Amanda (and something I picked up a couple of months ago for Adam's mom - from the boys)  The price of photo books has tripled, I've got it made, but am waiting for a coupon code so I am not spending  $360 + shipping on photo books.  Last year I found a buy one get two free, so it only cost me $120+ship.   So if you're reading this, and you got a photo book last year - it's going to be late this year!  I'll be happy with a B1G1 discount, or 50% off. 

Another thing is that I decided to be thrifty and make some of my own gifts this year.  With an infant. Yes, I realize I'm dumb. Thanks, you don't need to remind me.  What in the Hell was I thinking?!?!?!!!   Well, they're about 1/4 of the way done, and, oh yeah, by the way, where can I find some spray adhesive snow?  *sigh*   

Santa came by on a fire truck and brought Ares and Atlas presents. 

A Happy (2nd) Thanksgiving!

It has been a crazy long time since I've typed anything for the blog.   Right after the last post, was supposed to be a post about my in-laws coming to town.   Mom, Dad, Leah and Amanda came up for the weekend.  They got here around 5 on Friday, and left Sunday afternoon.  It was an awesome visit!  We went to Mike's place to eat because Kent was out on Thanksgiving break, so there was NO wait at all, even for 8 people.  Saturday Ares still had swim lessons, so it was a good time for Adam to take his mom, Leah and Amanda to the West Side Market to buy stuff for our 'Thanksgiving' dinner that night.   We took some pictures around Hudson and then a small walk around the square (and to get popcorn!) before we came home and cooked dinner.  We had a bunch of different types of pasta.  Pretty good stuff (although, I'm still swearing at my youngest for making me go dairy free).   Lots of these photos ended up on Facebook, but I thought I'd share them here as well.    We had a great weekend.  Atlas was very needy, but my father in law held him nearly the whole time, which gave me and Adam some time off from holding him. 

Color Makes it ALL Better!

Our foyer is finished - and it looks great! There might be one little spot we need to fix up, but other than that, he did a nice paint job.  The mud job left a lot to be desired, but overall we are very happy.   I decided to paint the toy room as well.  We went orange. I love it   I put up about 3 coats, and Adam did a 4th, because I. was. just. DONE.  He hit the ceiling a couple times, and spilled paint on the carpet (did I mention he hates painting?) but we got it out, and it looks great.  We added the super-hero artwork and WOW!  Fabulous room! 

FULL TIME

We have put the boys into the Montessori full time.  My aunt is too busy, and it's too difficult for her to watch both boys at once (which is extremely frustrating, but completely understandable), and since I won't split them up and drop them off and pick them up from different places, we put them both in full time.  While this is draining our savings account, it's nice having Ares in more often, while he's learning to read.  Montessori = $$$$, in fact, every penny Adam brings home goes to day care each month (which isn't fair, as he has health insurance and the child care subsidy coming out of his paycheck as well - so it's definitely worth having him work still).  I take solace in the fact that the account won't be completely drained by the time Ares is in Kindergarten because tax season is coming, right?  (Can we say REFUND?)  I'm hoping by  having Ares in school one extra day will get him caught up with some of the writing and reading that some of the other kids are doing.   

Castle Noel

My aunt's Christmas Museum/Experience opened up last weekend.  Castle Noel  opened last Friday.  Ares, Atlas, Mom and I all went up to check it out - along with about 3,000 other people.  Maybe.  It was crazy busy.  At least we got there at 5:45 and it didn't open until 8.  So we got to walk around when all of the carpenters, electricians, fire chief, and helpers were still putting stuff together.   It didn't all get done in time for the opening, but it was still amazing, and perfect.  Now, each week it's getting better, with more and more things to see.  The Santa was funny, and had Ares and Atlas with him for about 10 minutes while they were setting up the cameras.  Ares wants Transformers, clothes, cars and super hero stuff (anyone surprised?)  lol

How NOT to Paint a Room

Talk to husband on phone as he leaves Cincinnati and tell him plans of painting the toy room  (We've already OK'd this, paint color was agreed on and purchased.) 
move toys and couch to the middle of the room 
Realize it's after noon and it's a good idea to eat lunch before starting a big project. 
Lunch is completed, time for a nap 
An hour later (oops!) wake up 
Go downstairs to get painting supply box 
Get the paint out, 
Go to the basement to get a screw driver to open said paint 
Go to kitchen to get cheap plastic container to put the paint in (for edging) 
Open the paint 
Go upstairs to change clothes 
pour paint into container, 
Grab drop cloth and lay it out 
get paint poured into smaller container 
go upstairs to grab a step stool 
start edging with brush 
decide you don't like said brush and find another one 
edge the ceiling of all 4 walls 
start edging the base boards, get 3 feet in and realize that the ORANGE color bleeds down a bit, so i'll need to tape 
hunt around house for tape 
No tape found, call Adam to find out he's 10 minutes away. 
Welcome kids home, talk about weekend, give kids showers.   

Surprise Visit!

This past weekend was our annual girl's weekend away.  (Walter's and Kratczer girls).  I think it's the 5th annual, as the first time I went I had just announced that I was pregnant with Ares.
I had a great time, the dinner/theater show was the Roaring 20's.  It was entertaining, not great, but what else do you expect from a small town the size of New Concord putting on a show?   We had wine, and we had 3 different tables, which means we threw food, so awesome times.  
I learned one thing - I can drink two bottles of wine and a few washington apple drinks, and I will not wake up with any sort of hangover - however, my cousins (in their 20's - and who were not pregnant 10 of the last 13 months) cannot.  Awesome socks, I rock!

Adam surprised his parents and drove the boys to Cincinnati.  He's never watched them on his own yet, this was going to be his first weekend.  My first thought was, geeze, you're still not ready to do it on your own (I know he is, he just hasn't), but then, the thought of driving Atlas 4 hours each way, by myself took over.  Adam had it MUCH harder than just keeping them at home.  Unfortunately, it was a rough visit as Atlas decided not to sleep AT ALL Saturday night.

They were down there for less than 24 hours, but Ares had an awesome time, especially playing in the leaves.  He talked about this all evening long.  Of course, look at how he was flying, it looks like awesome fun!

PAINT and Stuff!

The "and Stuff" first.  While Doug and Shawna were over, I made this for our front door.  I love it, except that you can still see the big bump in the door from the street.  Oh well, I think this is cute!

We also have a painter over to paint our foyer.  He's doing an OK job.  I'm not extremely happy with the workmanship, but I LOVE the color we chose.

AND, a silly picture, just because I love my boys.

The Hotts

Doug and Shawna brought their kids up for a nice visit his past weekend.  Ares and Evelyn got to play together all weekend, and camp together in the tent in the dining room.  The kids all behaved very well and the visit was nice and relaxing.  I still went to book club and Ares still went to swim lessons, but beyond that, we didn't do a whole lot. 

Before they came into town (they didn't get in until 1 AM), we went to the new Giant Eagle in Solon.  It was pretty cool, I won't lie.  I actually caught Adam doing this in the confectionery section:

very overwhelming

And then I caught Ares doing this, of course, right next to the baking area, where all of the candy was.

We also went to Michaels to buy some frames for the new super-hero posters I bought for the toy room.  Pretty cool, eh?

Halloween!

We went to a Halloween party at Ben &  Sabine's house and had a GREAT time.  All of the daycare people were there, plus the families we've met while camping with them, plus some book club people, and some neighbors.  The kids were all amazingly good, the drinks and food were fun, and we just had a fantastic night.
Ares dressed as "The Hulk dressed as Superman", Adam was Ash from Army of Darkness, and I was Miss Frizzle from the Magic School Bus.  I actually made Atlas' costume, he was a baby candy corn.  So cute!

Apparently Adam liked the dirt I made.  

 Halloween was actually post poned due to a LOT of rain and wind - in Streetsboro.  But since Halloween was still a go in twinsburg, and the boys were already there with my mom, Adam and I took Ares around her development.  He had a great time, and said "Trick or Treat" and "Thank You" every.single.time.  He's awesome, that kid.  We made it about 45 minutes before he got cold and tired.  We were soaked to the bone (even with umbrellas) and while the temperature wasn't cold, being wet made it a bit chilly.   In the picture to the right, Ares was a bit confused with his costume.  He was originally the Hulk dressed as Superman, but then he had the option of wearing the Captain America mask.   He did for a few minutes, until mommy brought out the brand new Hulk light up mask she bought on clearance 5 months ago.  She's a rock star.  Ahem, I'm a rock star.

Since our Halloween was rescheduled for Sunday, Ares had Matthew come over to trick or treat with us.  Matthew lives in Hudson, but goes to school with Ares.  they had their trick or treat on Halloween too, so they didn't go very far in their development.  We were very happy to have therm come with us.  Casey also brought Andrew, Matthew's little brother.  It was nice to have someone tag along with us.  We had a great time.

It took about 1/2  hour for the boys to do our entire development.  They RAN and RAN and RAN, haha.  So much fun!

Matthew is Bumblebee, from Transformers, Ares is the Hulk dressed as Superman. 

Atlas stayed home with Grandma, who was SOOO nice to stay back and hand out candy at our house again, for the second year in a row.  We are so grateful for her to do this for us, so we can take Ares around.  

Grandma Jean, Papa Jim and Terri Visit!

We had Adam's Grandma Jean, (Papa) Jim and Terri come up to visit on their way to Khirstin's house this weekend.  What a great visit we had with them!   We did a lot of eating, took them on a fine dining tour and the rest of the weekend was pretty relaxing.

The first place we took them to eat was at Melt Bar and Grilled.  OMG, this is the dairy free person's HEAVEN.  I've always liked their Vegan Mozzarella cheese, but never realized they had other Vegan cheeses, everyone got a different sandwich, and I tried something new for once, and it was good (Backyard BBQ - it had BBQ Pork, fried onion rings and cheddar cheese (vegan), apparently, the 'butter' they use to grill the sandwiches with is vegan as well, SCORE! 

Ares playing games with Grandma

Atlas just chillin' 

After we over indulged ingrilled cheeses larger than our heads, we headed to Jeni's ice cream.  They had two dairy free sorbet's, so I even got to eat here! Awesome!  I had a cherry lambic sorbet (VERY tart) and a reisling poached pear sorbet (very mild), combine them, and  YUM!  Ares had a dark chocolate, Adam got a pumpkin kind, Terri and Jim both got sweet potato with scorched marshmallow and a scoop of salted caramel, grandma got the same cherry as me, plus a salted caramel.  We later walked the park with Ann Marie and her kids.  (Terri, Adam, grandma and I also we to Starbucks afterwards, OMG!!!)  

Hmm Terri, I wonder if you're taking a picture of ME taking a picture here...?   lol

After we came back home to our food coma's, Ares and Grandma sat very quietly on the couch coloring.  IT. WAS. AWESOME.  Ares never colors, let alone for a good half hour.  They nearly finished the project they were working on.  Papa came back from Terri's hotel and finished up with them.  I'll have to take a picture of the final project if I can! Atlas slept terribly last night.  I mean, up every 15 minutes, not even every hour - bad.  So, I just nursed him, got a shower, and  now it's time to finish up here and get my day started.  Yay.  I Soooo want my weekend to continue.   =(  

3 Months Old!

Atlas turned 3 months on October 20th.  He's about 28#'s (not really, just feels like it) and wears mostly 6 month clothes.  His favorite food is milk, but not if you've had anything with milk, chocolate, cheese, hummus, or any other type of milk protein. I think his favorite color is red, although, he loves to watch the TV when football or baseball is on.  He talks - A LOT.  Like, a lot- a lot.  He ADORES his older brother.  

He loves to sit up, he can't yet do it on his own, but he wants to sit on your lap, or sit up while holding him.  He doles out the smiles, quite often, and is not afraid to laugh  - although, you better have a boob or a bottle ready at 2 hours, because 2 hours - on the DOT and he's ready to eat.  There's no messing with this kid's appetite.   We love you little buddy!

Apple Butter Fest

Last weekend after soccer I got my hair cut - a lot .  About 13" taken off.  I donated it, as I usually do. This time I went to Simply Swank to get it done.  It was a really nice spa place, in Hudson, that I could probably never afford again - but they cut hair for free if you donate it.   Then I paid $23 to get my brows done, lol!

After I got my hair done, we all packed it up and went to Darah and Devin's house to lift weights.  Well, Adam, Devin and I lifted, at least.  I made the mistake of doing weighted lunges first.  Wow, did my legs hurt immediately, they didn't wait for the next day to be sore!  I did a handful of arm exercises too, but my chest/arms/back did not hurt at all.  Next time I must have to add weight.

After lifting we went out to buy a new lawnmower.  It took about 2 hours to buy a lawnmower.  Thanks SEARS.  I was not impressed at all with the company, but we walked out with what we wanted, albeit, the floor model due to their inventory being destroyed by some sort of Hulk like monster. (Or forklifts played soccer with them, as the boxes and units were all bent to Hell.)

On Sunday we met Megan, Scott, Hannah and Zach at the Burton Apple Butter festival.  It was pretty expensive to view absolutely nothing.  The only good thing about the place is they had an open hay bale for the kids to play in.  It was about 10x15' of loose hay.   Afterwards we went out to the Rusty Bucket for dinner.  It was pretty nice.   We'll never go back to Burton though, it was terrible.

Ares had the traveling bear for this weekend (Something his classroom does)

See my short hair?!?!

Wedding / Brew Bus

The first weekend I'll post about in October was pretty laid back to start with, and then crazy busy!   Betsy and Derrick got married on the 5th, but the ceremony and reception were so spread out, that we decided to not have someone watch the kids ALL day long and only attend the reception.   During the day, Ares had a soccer game and we made some Flash T-shirts for him and his Papa.

The wedding reception was a great time.  She loved the place cards I made for the food/name tags and the alcohol was awesome.  It was supposed to be the night that I drank, and Adam didn't since he was going on the brew bus the next day, but Adam had quite a bit to drink as well.

We had a ton of fun on the Cleveland Brew Bus.  a large group of us from Ares' pre-school went.  Devin/Darah, Ben/Sabine, Colin/Abby, Mike/Jen, and then Mike/Jamie and Gary also came with us.  We had a great time.  Jenn and I didn't drink, but we still got to partake in the pretzel necklaces.   If anyone has a group of friends they think might be interested in this, I HIGHLY recommend this.  I don't drink beer, but with the right people, it can be a blast.  

MIA

Sorry I've been MIA, my excuse is a combination of being extremely busy, and my child nursing now, so I'm not at a computer much.  My work computer doesn't let me post any longer, which is a HUGE bummer, as most of my posts usually come from that place.

Posts to look forward to:

Betsy's Wedding/Beer Bus Weekend
Soccer
Ares' Sayings
Hair Cut
Halloween Costumes
and more.....!

Atlas is 2 months old!

Atlas went to his 2 month doctor's appointment 10 days after he turned 2 months.  He is 12 lbs 12.5 oz and 24" long.  That's 50% weight and 80% height.  My big boy!! Love him!  

Goooaaaalll!!!!!

Ares is #4

Right after I took this, Ares scored a goal.  

The fans could see who scored, but the coach had a bad angle.  We all congratulated Ares, and the coach asked him if he was the one who scored.  Ares just shrugged his shoulders and quietly said "yeah" before getting back to his (midfield) position.  lol.

He's got pretty decent skills, but he just doesn't stay on his feet.  He likes to kick and fall, which prevents him from following the ball.  He is DEFINITELY one of the youngest on the field, and the youngest on his team.  Next year he'll be even greater!