Pop's {Been} Gone




(Clockwise from Center Front: Pop, Uncle Gary, Uncle Maurice, My Dad {yes, they're identical}

  My sweet Pop passed away this morning, after a whole day of struggle, but he's not gone. Pop's been gone. You can tell from the pic above, taken at his birthday party, that he's not really there. My grandma, his wife of over 60 years, his "Sweet Jeanie", passed away in June, when our little was just 2 weeks old, and Pop left with her. The first and only picture of Pop holding Caden, and he's not there. But now he is at peace, and he's with her in more than just spirit. I Can Only Imagine, but I'm pretty sure he's smiling now. Love ya, Pop!

Little Changes

I have never been big on making "resolutions," since no one ever keeps them past January. Instead, every year I make a list of smaller, more attainable goals than "be less fat," or "fix up the yard." I was inspired by Annalea's commitment to make one small change each month, so I'm basically ripping off her idea.

My small change this month is no. more. soda. The mister and I decided before the little was born, that he would not be allowed to drink soda. And what kinda parents would we be if we didn't set the example? So, in an effort to also save a little moola, we will be drinking only water, juice, and tea. I might also sneak in a cup of cappuccino here or there, since the mister let be splurge on a can this weekend at the store. I'm such a spoiled momma ;)

One Year Later

One year ago today, I was in an accident on my way to work, totalling my precious car, Gertrude. The following is what happened, as I remember it:

On my way to work at approximately 5:45 AM, I had just merged onto the highway to begin my trip, and I was driving along in the far right lane. I noticed the car next to me turn on his right turn signal, indicating he wanted to merge into my lane. Herein lay the problem, since I was in the way, and apparently he didn't see me. I was hit on the driver's side, in the back quarter panel, slinging me sideways and across 4 lanes to the far left lane.

I remember, sliding across the highway, but I do not remember hitting the median wall, which I must have done since my side mirror was broken off, and my window was shattered. I sat in the lane, praying that I wouldn't be hit again before I could get out of the car.

The police arrived, and tried to help me pull out of the lane. This is when I discovered that my back axle was broken, so my car would not be moving on its own. I had just realized that my hand was bleeding and I couldn't find my glasses (and sadly, never would. My favorite pair, too.), so I was freaking out at this point, and I really wanted to get out of the car, but the traffic was really preventing that. All the lanes had to be closed until my car could be towed back across the highway, and I had to climb out the window, since my door was smushed shut.

Thankfully, my fabulous husband had not left for work yet, so he was able to come pick me up, get my stuff out of the car, and take me to the urgent care to get my hand fixed. Oh yeah, and he was there to remind me that I was pregnant when the doctor wanted to take an x-ray, since I kinda forgot. Did I mention that my head felt a little fuzzy?

Long story short, that was that last I saw of Gertrude. The insurance company came and got her, I got a check to replace her, and the guy who hit me got a ticket for not having insurance. My parents had an extra car that they let me use to get to work until we got a new one, and I have a wicked scar on my hand. There goes my dream of being a world famous hand model. ;)

Busted!

So, in theory, babies are supposed to lay back and enjoy the swing, right? Chew on his rings, maybe, and listen to the music and animal sounds? Well...

Leaning forward, stopping the swing and clutching the mobile for dear life. If he hadn't been strapped in, he wouldn't have been in the swing anymore. Crazy kid.

6 Months

Dear Sweet Boy,

Six. Months. Old. Happy Half-Birthday Stinky Face!! You have changed SOOO much in just the last month!

You have had a MAJOR growth spurt, pretty much skipping the entire 3-6 month size in your clothes. You have been eating your baby food and cereal like it's your job, and have gained 5 pounds! We packed up all the clothes you've outgrown this past week, and that box is way bigger than the box of clothes that are still too big. Yay for shopping!
You've been sleeping in your room for a whole month now, and are sleeping like a champ! You've been sleeping for 12 hours a night, giving Momma plenty of rest. THANKS!!

You're rolling over all the time now, too. You've figured out how to roll over all the way, so you just keep rolling until you hit the wall. You are thisclose to crawling, but for now you have mastered scooting backwards. Momma and Daddy will have to put up the baby gates before next month! You are loving your toys now, especially Tigger, and all of your books. You are sitting up all by yourself now, you just need a little help balancing sometimes, and you love to stand in the Exersaucer that Grandma gave you. You love to stand in it and watch hockey with Daddy. You're even taking a few steps, as long as you have help. You scooted around Grandma's house in your walker for a whole week!

Our first Christmas is in a few weeks, and Momma is more excited that I know you will be. I know you'll be more interested in the bows and boxes than the presents, and that's ok. Momma asked for a new camera for Christmas so we can get better pictures of you. You love to lay under the Christmas tree and stare up at the lights, and chew on Momma's stuffed reindeer, Rhonda and Rodney. I know it will be so much fun!

We can't wait to see what you do this month, sweet boy. You are amazing.

Love,
Mommy

1/2 Birthday Party

Little man's half-birthday is this Saturday, so I'm getting ready to celebrate. Here are a few peeks:
 

Gotta have cake!



Half birthday = half cake

5 Months

Dear Baby,

You are five months old today! You have changed so much in such a short time! You are learning to like Tummy Time a little more now, especially if there's a mirror for you to stare into. Don't worry, I will continue to encourage your baby vanity. You are starting to show interest in your toys, but would still much rather play with Mommy. Mommy likes that.

You have fallen in LUV with Daddy this past month. When Daddy comes home from work, and you see him for the first time, your face just lights up. It makes me SOOO happy that you are so excited to see Daddy. I know it won't be long before you and Daddy will be out in the backyard playing together. Your very favorite time to play with Daddy is on Saturday mornings, before he gets out of bed.

You are learning to tolerate your Bumbo, but you are much more of a "stand-up" kind of guy. Daddy and I think you'll probably take your first step before you start to crawl, but I'm sure you'll prove us wrong, as usual. You have almost conquered the front-to-back rollover, and can roll from your back to your side. You are now officially an exclusively cloth-diapered baby!

Your biggest accomplishments this month are eating and sleeping. We started trying baby food, and you LOVE fruit, and you're learning to like carrots (as long as they're warm) and sweet potatoes, but so far you do not like green beans or peas. We'll keep trying, though, because I think you'll be a green bean fan. You've also been sleeping like a champ this month. We have been slowly transitioning out of the swaddle, and so far, it's helping. You've also been sleeping in your own room for a week now, and have been sleeping all night long for the whole week!

Did you know that you have superpowers? Because it's true. You have the ability to defeat the gloomy monster with your smile. You can make the worst, crankiest day all better just by smiling. Daddy and Mommy can't wait to see all the things you do this month. We love you, Stinky Face.

Love, Mommy

I Can Totally Make That! - Christmas Edition

The hubs and I decided to get creative this year, and make as many of our Christmas presents as possible. While on the hunt for inspiration, I turned to my favorite blogs and my FAVE site ever, Etsy. Here are a few of the projects I'm working on making, rather than buying:

Are these yarn wreaths not perfect? I can't wait to finish about a million of these. They are SO easy to make!

I have recently been on a sock monkey-making kick, but I also suffer from an unfortunate lack of extra socks. There will be a trip to Goodwill soon, so help me! And yes, that is a sock pig. Too cute!

These pillowcases are a cute way to use up the leftover odds-and-ends from other projects, no?

I have been itching to take down the door to Caden's nursery, since it gets in the way more often than not. Maybe if I show Michael this pic, he'll finally let me do it, since it will give him a project.

5 collanders+old chandelier from thrift store+lighting kit for extra parts= super cute chandelier!

I can't wait to finish this super-easy shelf for a certain sister-in-law's new apartment!

Ok, so there's no way that I could ever have the talent (or the patience) to make this gorgeous rug. But, since these are muy expensivo, which means that making one is the only way I will ever own one.