Fourth Fun

Uncle Jimmy invited us to celebrate the fourth on his boat... which was docked in the Baltimore Inner Harbor this year.

Celebrating on a boat with an active 20 month old... a life jacket was a must. Grandma, Adam and I made an event out of picking one out at Target. We read through the tags, we compared pros and cons, we hemmed and hawed over the right one. We tried several on Chase... which if anyone out there has tried to convince a 20 month old to try clothes on... yeah, it ain't easy.

Finally we settled on this one. It was brightly colored... it was USCG rated... it was the perfect size... and best of all, Chase seemed very comfortable in it. He wore it all around the store.


Lovely isn't it? Hold onto that thought.

We make the drive in record time... we are actually a half hour early (before Uncle Jimmy planned on pulling off and taking us for a spin). We get Chase out of the car and start to unload the things to bring on the boat. Let's go ahead and put the vest on Chase so we don't have to do it when our hands are full.

Shuffle, search, move, shuffle... is the life vest on the backseat? Adam and I look at each other with disbelief. Our wonderful thought out life vest is sitting on our floor at home. 'No need to pack it in the bag, Chase will be wearing it' I said...

We cannot go on the boat without the vest... no way no how. We put Chase back in the car seat... much to his consternation... and head to the closest store... Walmart. On our way we call the MIL to let her know we will be a little late. She calls back minutes later.... Jimmy has a kids vest on the boat. We pull a u-turn and head back to the marina. Jimmy calls... 'yeah, no problem, bought it for a friends' kid... 50 - 90 lbs'. We pull another u-turn. Chase is not even 30 yet... if he hit the water in a vest too big, it would fly right off.

I am actually glad we have turned around so much at this point because it is IMPOSSIBLE to be mad anymore... the situation is so damn funny I can't help but laugh (and maybe swear a little).

We fly into Walmart... which why is that when you are in the biggest hurry, the slowest people are in front of you? Hello Murphy.

Quick glance in the pool sections reveals no life vests.... onto sporting goods.

Now, I must take the opportunity to tell you that I NEVER ask store workers where things are... especially at Walmart. I can almost bet that I know where everything in the store is better than the gum smacking person pretending to stock shelves.

I broke my rule and asked. She looked at me with a blank stare. 'you know, life vests for boating?'. 'kiddie pools' and a quick point to where we just came from. 'yeah, I didn't see any there, I just thought you might have them in sporting goods... (continued blank stare from said gum smacker)... yeah, never mind, I will look myself'.

Not one aisle over is there a plethora of life vests... all different sizes and styles. I throw a yell over to miss helpful 'they are right here'. I doubt she heard but I stand firm in my conviction that I know Walmart better than the employees.

We quickly shift through some life vests... try a couple on and settle on the one you will see in the absurd amount of pictures yet to come.

As we are leaving the store we realize Chase has already leaked through his diaper and onto his shorts... seriously laughing at this point.

After paying and changing we jump back in the car, fly (I am driving now ;~) over to the marina... hightail it to the dock and gladly jump on board to relax.


I can't even believe this is just a year. He looks just the same but completely different. (Nice life vest, right?)

Being back in Baltimore was pretty exciting for me. I kept pointing out my old memories... everywhere I turned there was something else to remember.

The best memory was this...

Just over 5 years ago Adam and I were married on the patch of grass on Pier 5 and celebrated our nuptials with a party at Pier 5 Hotel. It was a great day...


Just call him Captain Pacifier.


Epic Baltimore Baby.


We motored over to the Bay Cafe to have lunch... which I learned from my mom, if you don't have anything nice to say post it on your blog don't say anything at all. So armed with that advice, I will say this. We spent too much on crap food. If you are in town... save your money and go elsewhere. This concludes my public service announcement.

It was evident to Adam and I at lunch that Chase needed some sleep. He had napped for about 30 minutes on the way down but he was definitely getting crabby.

After some cuddling and convincing, this finally happened.

My beautiful little boy's eyelids finally got too heavy for him and he fell asleep on my chest... where he stayed for 45 minutes. That was actually way more than I thought he would get considering all the excitement of the day so I was pleased. It seemed like just enough to last him the rest of the night!

After his nap we basically ended up with a giant playpen for Chase... people were sitting at all the various points where Chase could potentially escape so he was forced to play on the aft of the boat.


Playing with his new Elmo ipod... and yes Chase says ipod... although it sounds more like 'ipahd'. This thing is awesome... you can click the wheel to scroll through songs or just hit shuffle to get a random selection. Chase would hold it and dance around on the deck.


Love these boys!


I made sure to have 'pwrt-sewels' for Chase as those have no become an obsession for him.

Since we still had 2.5 hours left before the fireworks, we decided to take Chase for a walk. Interesting idea since he hates to hold just one parents hand... he either wants both of our hands so he can then 1. drag his feet behind him or 2. pull his knees to his chest OR he wants neither of our hands so he can go tearing off in any direction he pleases.

So it's either hurt arm muscles for mom and dad or chase the toddler... fun.

We remedied the situation with this

It worked for a while.

Paula and Johnny got some glow sticks for Chase when they were out walking... which Chase thoroughly enjoyed when the sunset...

Just some streaks of fun!

We were all interested to see how Chase would react to the fireworks. He didn't seem to care last year but he is so much more aware now...

Interestingly enough, he didn't like the fireworks when we stepped off the boat. He would get a very scared look in his eyes and start pointing back at the boat saying 'boat, boat'. Once I took him back on... he calmed right down and stared wide eyed at the display. I think a combination of tiredness and awe made him speechless and motionless.


Once the disappointing fireworks were over, Chase was all cuddles. It was about 10 at this point and he was definitely tired.

Seriously, could not love them more.

We snuggled into our pj's (not before I was peed on... through the diaper... the kid drank gallons of water!), reclined our car seat, cuddled Elmo and made sure to have a pacifier or 2.

Chase fell asleep on the way home... slept for about 45 minutes... woke up when we got home. He let me change his diaper, we sang a few songs and then into bed he went. We didn't hear from him until 8:30 the next morning when we woke him up!

I was so proud of how he handled the day and the weird sleeping. He was really fantastic the whole day... even when he was crabby at lunch, he was still extremely manageable. Seriously so proud!

We woke him up this morning (as not to throw the rest of the day off) and headed to Cracker Barrel for breakfast.

Adam took this shot which I just think is hysterical...

I am Chase and I have come to destroy you...

Anyway, it was a great lazy day. We came home and took Riley for a walk and played with some toys. Chase took an over 3 hour nap... in which time daddy slept and I rested! After dinner Chase went right down for bed... I think he is still making up for yesterday!

Good good family times! I hope everyone had a great and relaxing fourth!

Road Trip to Crofton

aka our old stomping grounds!

Danielle just happened to have a few days off work this week so Chase and I took advantage and drove down to hang with her and Anna today!

The ride down was so smooth... we hit no traffic and made it there in an hour and 25 minutes. I actually remember thinking to myself, this isn't so bad... we might have to do this more often. I don't think that anymore but we will get to that later.

After a quick morning snack we decided to spend some time at the pool... oh how I miss our old pool. Sigh.


My how things have changed since THIS post. I can't even believe this is the same kid. Although Chase does really well walking in the kiddie pool a couple times he did trip and his head went underwater. Watching that happen is surreal. I know that I am right there to grab him and put him upright but at the same time I am watching my child struggle to breathe (and failing at it)... and I can actually see how easy and horrendous this could be if my eyes were off of him for a minute.

Which may be why God invented these things...

Doesn't she look just like a movie star! This was Anna's first go round with a floaty and both she and her mom were fans! I am fairly certain Anna will own one of these in the next few days ;~)


I can't not take a picture of the ever playful camera loving Scout!

After nap what was supposed to be nap time, we made a run to Costco where they have double seats in their carts which give way to adorable pictures like this...

Love these babies!


One last parting shot before Chase and I start the trek home. Quite a change from THIS!

It was so awesome to spend the day with Danielle and Anna. Thanks for having us over and we miss you guys so much!

We rolled out of the parking lot at 6... on the dot. I remember because I thought Adam would probably be pulling up at home any minute.

So I called to see where he was and let him know we still had the length of the journey to go. To my surprise he was still in his car... on 70... before Frederick. For many of you this means very little... for us that is instant headache. Adam had been sitting for over an hour in the same 2 mile stretch of 70. And I was headed right for it.

Ehhh, by the time I get there it will be cleared up... I will probably sail right through.

Anyone taking bets about how wrong I was? Epic fail. Not only did hit that patch of traffic... I hit at least 4 more 'back ups' along the way home. And when I say back up, I mean 5 mph tops and stop and go... more stop than go. It was unreal how congested it was.


For the most part I was able to keep a positive attitude and entertain a VERY sleepy and cramped 20 month old. There was one point where I really started to get frustrated and angry but with a lot of effort and some Silly Songs, I was able to refocus and try to enjoy the rest of the trip.

At the very end... around 8:30... I started to lose him. The eyes were getting heavy... the head was listing... he was falling dangerously close to a complete pass out. I made it home within 15 minutes, threw him into pj's, put a paci in the mouth, sang one song and out he went. I am fairly certain he hasn't even moved since I laid him down.

To recap... Chase was up at 6:30. No nap on the hour and 25 minute ride down. No nap at Danielle's house. No nap in the car on the way to Costco or Target. No nap on the 2 hour and 45 minute car ride home. And he was still pleasant... I love, and I mean LOVE this kid. So much so that I want to go hug him....

Yeah, I am not that stupid.

I'm going to bed.

My Little Hippie

I love this kid.



If this were 1969, I know where we would have been ;~)

Not sure

who is taking lessons from who here?

Quota

I have to start by saying that I had a great time out tonight. Dinner was awesome because I was able to carry on a full conversation. I didn't have to remind Chase to finish what he was eating or ask "do you need to sit in time-out... well then please stop screaming, thank you". I didn't have to cut anything into small pieces or pretend his food was actually my food just so he would take a bite. I was able to just sit there and enjoy great friends, good food and fun conversation.

I am pretty sure we were the rowdy bunch too... a bit too loud I am sure but that's what you get when you give a mom freedom for the night!

The movie was great too... although I may be biased because Ryan was in it...

It was a definite chick flick but it wasn't near as wonky as other ones out there (*cough* Ghost of Girlfriends Past *cough*). It had a sharp wit, good timing and awesome acting. The storyline was sweet and cute, not at all promiscuously creepy like GofGP. Can you tell I wasn't a fan of GofGP? I digress...

The problems came somewhere between the movie and the drive home... this feeling came over me. This profound sense of loss and loneliness. I hate even typing this because I know I am surrounded by so many good friends... and for that I am truly grateful.

On the flip side though... I am very alone when it comes to my family. I know, you have probably heard this before. If you are sick of my complaining please feel free to stop reading... I won't be offended. I will however, continue to write because if I don't, I fear I will never stop crying.

I have no mom.

My birth father didn't make the effort to see me... and he was within an hour and a half from me.

My aunt is stuck in her own misery.

My cousins can't see past the bitterness in their own lives.

Everyone in my family just exists... they exist around each other but not with each other.

I feel like I am running out of family.

I am waiting for the ball to drop.

I am always waiting for the phone call.

I am waiting for Chase to be taken from me.

I am not sure I will ever be ok.

I feel like a broken record. Every few months I cry. Cry for my loss. Cry for my fear. Just cry.

Will this ever go away? Will this ever be ok? Will I ever really accept this?

People don't understand why I need to hear from Adam... why if I don't, I start to panic.

I feel like we should have reached our quota... there is no way we will experience more loss... we have had too much already. But I know better... there is no magic number. We haven't hit a quota... there is no quota. We are still just as susceptible as the next person and that scares me.

I don't know if I could handle it again... I can barely handle it now.

I am really sorry to be such a downer but it isn't all sunshine and roses in my head.

Oh No She Didn't...

Jess did it... she went and had baby #2. Chloe Faith was born on Thursday June 11th and she is just the sweetest little bundle of joy.

Does someone hear a clock ticking?

Anywho... we (the moms) descended on Jess's house yesterday to 1. say hi to Jess, 2. bring lunch, and 3. take turns holding/smelling/cuddling Chloe.

Since Dannette arrived first she automatically got the first turn with Chloe... which is only fair since she had her butt in gear and got there early!

But as soon as Dannette started to waiver... I jumped on the chance to scoop Chloe up!


Chase pretty much noticed right away that I was holding another baby. He wasn't too pushy but his bottom lip was a little quivery and he had some red rimmed eyes... like he was going to start crying.

I quickly pulled him into the fun of holding a baby and asked him to kiss her... to which he obliged ;~)

So sweet...


Isn't she just precious? It's only been 20 months since I had one this size but I still couldn't believe they start off this small!

And of course, because it's us and we are insane....

The ever present group shot... with our newest addition!

Congrats Jess, Josh and Adrianna... thanks for letting us come over and cuddle with Chloe!

In other news... tonight is Mom's Night Out! We are meeting for dinner then heading out to see The Proposal. Should be a blast and I am looking forward to drooling over Ryan Reynolds spending quality time with my friends.

The great irony

in yesterday's post about how the week is just flying by... I forgot to mention my new job!

You heard me right... I am officially employed again!

I am working for my in-laws... answering phones, selling our service, taking estimates and scheduling appointments. The calls can be extremely infrequent (as they are today) or seemingly never ending (as they were Monday and Tuesday ;~) I just keep the business cell with me and take calls as I can... and return the ones that I can't get to.

It's working out great so far! The best part is when I have to go to the office... it means a trip to 'Bam-ma' and 'Joe-Joe's'... not to shabby!

Hopefully soon I will be doing some data entry work for them as well... good for me and good for my MIL. She is seemingly over her eyeballs with things to do! My dad said it best when they started their own business... 'you get to pick the 14 hours a day you work'. So true.

I'm sorry,

where did the week go?

I have grand dreams of posting on a regular basis but life just seems to get in the way.

Tuesday 'the moms' and I decided to head back out to Greenbrier for some more fun in the sun. I figured that I would take my camera but probably not use it...

who's laughing? Cut it out!

Anyway, I thought I probably wouldn't use it because we were just there and really, how many pictures your kid in the water does one parent need.

As it turns out, more than I had.


Chase trying to catch one of the many fish. To any of you that know I am more a city girl than country girl... yes it does creep me out that I am in the same water as fish but I choose to ignore that fact because I love the rest of the experience!

BTW - how cute does Chase look in his water shirt? My little surfer!


And this definitely didn't happen on the last trip but needed to be documented! The best part... whoever was doing the pulling was getting a fabulous resistance workout! (Again, for any of you that know me, yes that is the most training for the 3day walk I have done in weeks. Stop judging me.)


And look at this lovey just playing in the water... I definitely had to capture that moment!


The feet floating in the water... so sweet!


While I was getting packed up to leave (quite the process!) Chase chilled out in his beach chair with 'mamah's' water.

I think I will be purchasing a summer pass. I see us here at least once a week... if not more!

Then today was an extra special day... Jaime, Craig and Jackson came to visit Chase and I! Well technically they were headed to Frostburg for Camp Hope... which meant that they would pass right by our exit... which if they hadn't stopped, would have made me cry for 2 weeks.

So they did the right thing and stopped by!

It actually worked out quite perfectly as I was able to feed them lunch and Jackson got a nice break from the car!

I think THIS is the last time I saw this bundle of joy.

And this is what walked in my door! Oh and I did say walked... at 9 months old. And he is quite good at it! Impressive little dude!

Lucky for me, Jaime is good at posting Jackson updates and videos so I have gotten to see him grow... virtually at least! But boy did it feel good to hold him! So sweet and lovey... and the kid can smile... he lights up the darkest room!

However, in addition to his smiles... he can give you a whole host of other faces...

Like this "I'm a little unsure about what is happening so I will eat my bottom lip" face. (My son on the other hand knows that I want to take a picture and refuses to stay sitting on the chair... and thinks it's hysterically funny ;~)


Or this face... "You put me in these Chase shoes and I am not at all happy about it... you want to rethink that decision" face...


which quickly gives way to the "I'm just joshin ya, these shoes are fine... they're actually quite comfy" smiley face!


I predict this will be his "I'm watching sports, please don't disturb me" face. A couple kids started shooting hoops and Jackson immediately noticed and was transfixed... I see couch time/sports watching with daddy in his future!


3 of my most favorite people in the whole world! It was so great to see you guys and please stop in whenever you are driving by!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day Adam!


I can't imagine a better father for this little boy.


And as much as you love him... I think he is pretty fond of you too...

I had a hard time topping Mother's Day... yeah yeah, it's not a competition... I know! I just want to make you feel as loved and cherished as you make me feel on a daily basis.

Port Discovery and the Beach

Well the beach at the lake... we don't have a whole lotta ocean out here in Hagerstown! But we will get to that later.

Thursday I met up with Christine and Andrew to check out Port Discovery... all I have to say is 'I am a believer!' That place is awesome... and Chase liked it too. We got there as it opened... literally we were #2 and #3 in line and went strong for 2 hours... and we only started to scratch the surface. My plan next time is to figure out a way to get Chase to nap for 30 - 45 minutes while we are there and then we can get up and spend more time exploring!

We went to the water room first.

One Chase caught onto this... there was no stopping him. The jet of water and the snare drum... it was on!

Chase and Andrew working together.

Next we headed to The Diner...

where Chase got right to cooking!


We took some time to ride off into the sunset.

This is in the Mysterious House...

he is his father's son!


Enjoying some time in the ball pit!


We were listening to story time until Chase spotted the goldfish. Which Chase can say... well he says 'gofshhh' but I know what he means... although when he says it, he is referring to the cheddar cracker variety. I think their secret ingredient might be crack... Chase cannot get enough. 'oameel', 'ot dawg' and 'gofshhh' are the 3 things Chase wants to eat at any given point in a day.

Today 'the moms' and I went to Greenbrier State Park to enjoy the beach and lake... and man did we enjoy it. I think we have collectively agreed that this will become a regular occurrence this summer.

Chase LOVED it. As soon as we arrived on the beach, he made a beeline for the water. I scooped him up, lathered him with sunscreen (although I missed a spot on his shoulder... poor little burn ;~( Note to self - get a shirt/short bathing suit before next week!), stuck him in his suit and followed him to the water. To my complete surprise he waded in with little to no hesitation.

We borrowed Jenna's sitting floaty...

Note to self... get one of those before next week!

I would be remiss, and horribly made fun of, if I didn't post this picture...

I swear he wanted in this floaty in the worst way. I think it was the steering wheel ;~) My boy does look pretty in pink though!

Just an FYI - the black box in the picture was one of the moms legs. We made a pact that no pictures of moms in swimsuits are to be put up for public consumption. This pact was made when we went to Shelby's pool on Wednesday but it is a standing agreement ALL summer long... right moms?


Yep... we did another line up shot... it's an addiction with us! That's Jack, Adrianna, L, Chase, Adam, Jenna and Aiden. We actually had one more mom there but she left a little earlier.


The pact doesn't include posting a picture of ourselves... and this one I will allow ;~) That's me and my boy at the lake.

I really couldn't get over how much fun it was. I remember looking around and thinking that this may be what Chase remembers about his childhood... coming to the lake to swim. I don't have those kinds of memories because we moved around a lot when I was growing up. Adam on the other hand can't drive down a street without reminiscing about a baseball game played at a certain field or pointing out a house where a friend used to live. I love to the idea of laying down roots here and I wish for Chase the same roots his daddy feels. I say that knowing full well that we will go wherever God takes us but for now... I can enjoy the idea.

Oh and BTW... hoping you don't get burned is NOT effective sunscreen. Consider yourself warned.

I love a good deal

Twice a year there is a huge kids yard sale in Hagerstown and a few of us moms decided to get up extra early and get some good deals. We met at Dunkin Donuts at 6 am... had coffee and donuts (like you do) and then headed to the site... at 6:30... because it 'opened' at 7. Well after we sat in the line to park for 15 minutes, finally parked in the back row and started walking toward the sale... we got hip to the fact that people were let in early... as in before 6.

We vow to camp at the site next time.

Still, we trudged ahead hoping to score some good deals.

Personally I was looking for bigger items. Chase has enough small toys... you know the ones that always always seem to be right where you are going to step? Adam and I have put the kibosh on quantity and are focusing more on quality.

So I had my allotted dollar amount in hand and I was ready to wheel and deal.

Except I hate haggling. I questioned the girls about their abilities and got some good tips... keep reading to see if I learned anything.


I believe these were my first purchase(s) of the day. She wanted $2 a piece and I paid $2 a piece... not a great start to haggling. However, I looked them up when I got home and the median price I found was $11 a piece... so, not too shabby.

From left to right: Skarloey, Percy, Lady, Thomas, Duncan


My second purchase of the day was this gem. Let me start by saying that Chase has become enamored with Elmo. He asks for him a lot lately, whether in TV or book form. I also had in my mind that it would be fun to have a tool bench for him. She was asking $10 and I offered $8... sold! I did it... I haggled... well I technically just asked... but I still got it for less money! My mom would be proud.

Oh and we looked this up later and found prices ranging anywhere from $50 - $260... I think the higher prices are because this may not be available anymore. That's the only plausible explanation we can come up with. Whatever the case, still a great find.

Oh and it has all the pieces it comes with... a rarity!


Next I saw this bead maze and just loved it. Chase plays with the one in the doctors office every time we are there... and this one has cars and trains... score! She was asked $7... I offered $4... she countered with $5... sold! I did it!!!! I haggled!


I fell in love with this... although we will probably keep this tucked away for a little while. I think it is still a little 'old' for Chase... plus tomorrow morning will already look like Christmas! This was marked "Never Opened $30.00"... I offered $20 and she took it! Just for asking... LOVE IT!


$5 for 5 puzzles + a bag... I paid it. I was tired. Once I opened it at home I saw a tag on the bag that said 4 puzzles and the price was $24... so I still consider this a win!

Probably one of my favorite buys of the day...

Little Tikes Play Smarter Cook n' Learn kitchen! Let me back up to say that Chase loves playing with these little kitchen sets. 3 of our friends have one and Chase has been showing more and more interest when we are at their houses. The last time, I started thinking about actually investing in one for him... but I was loathe to because of how girly they are. Now I am all for breaking down gender stereotypes... especially if my little man wants to be a chef but him playing at a pink and white kitchen with a lovely scalloped purple awning... I couldn't wrap my mind around it.

Enter this kitchen (which Dannette pointed out to me... thanks girl!). It's perfectly masculine yet has all the necessary kitchen items! I was sold. She was asking $35... I offered $25 and she said yes!

It came with all the parts you see here... which truth be told, there are a few (probably a quarter) missing but if and when I want to add to or replace... it will be a heck of a lot cheaper. Plus, Chase doesn't know they are missing! <> <>


Close up of the food and utensils!

This was SO much fun and I am just pleased as punch at all the great deals I got. I cannot wait for Chase to wake up and discover all the new toys to play with!

Scratch that... yes I can. I am tired and I was up at 5! Goodnight all!