Mother's Day Continued

On Tuesday I received these from my dad. I love when my holiday's extend past the actual day! Thanks Dad!!!

First Mother's Day

So my first Mother's Day is coming to a close and I couldn't be happier. It was such a wonderful day... I really couldn't have asked for anything better.

It started when I went to get coffee... next to my mug was a card from Adam and Chase and in the card was a gift certificate for a photography session with Kim Flores. Some of you that bounce between the Townley's and our website may recognize the name... she just did some photography for them and the pictures turned out amazing! The moment I saw the work she did for the Townley's I was interested in having her do some photography for us. Apparently Adam felt the same way, he called her that day! I am absolutely elated and cannot wait for the appointment!

After coffee we got ready to head to church for the baby dedication. Chase was running on absolutely no sleep when we got to church and I really thought we would have a screaming hellion on our hands. Not in the least. He made it through the worship and being up on stage (with 13 our couples and their babies!) while we dedicated him to the Lord. When we sat back down, my little angel fell asleep in my arms and slept through the whole service. Don't let him fool you though.... the service was awesome. I love hearing Greg speak and this morning he spoke of a virtuous Abigail from I Samuel 25. I was utterly spellbound by his sermon.

We had a reception after service where they took a family portrait... which I can't wait to see... I think it turned out really well!

After the reception we went home to relax... well mom and dad relaxed and Chase napped! After he woke up we headed to the Mallare's for a Mother's Day picnic with the other small group parents. It was really great to spend time with other parents... we compared notes and talked about what each baby was currently doing, or on the verge of doing (Lily is going to be crawling soon, she pivots like a champ!) We spent a good long time there before melt downs started to occur and then everyone split.

We came home and promptly put a tired Chase to sleep... which he proceeded to do for the next 2 hours and 45 minutes! Which allowed mommy and daddy to crash out on the couch and get some needed rest! A family nap session if you will ;~) Even Riley was behaved, he just curled up on his bed!

Chase woke up and Adam and I had dinner... yummy Brazilian Black Bean soup (which Ali, if you are reading this... I LOVE YOU... that soup is a staple in our meal plans!). We played with Chase for awhile and marveled at how awesome he is. Then bath, stories and bed time and the house is silent again (knock on wood ;~).

It has been damp all day and at least for the last half of the day it's been raining... but it's a soft rain that doesn't require you shut the door. So for the last 6 hours or so we have had the rain as background noise... it's just beautiful.

The only way this day could have been more perfect was if my mom were here to share it with me. I wish with all my heart she could have been but I know we live in a fallen world and sometimes you are just dealt a raw deal. As I learned from Abigail this morning... my attitude doesn't have to depend on my surroundings... what I do and don't have. My attitude should only depend on God's love for me and serving him to the best of my ability. I tried to take that approach today. I allowed myself to be a little sad and I did tear up at church just before we went up on stage but then I made the conscious decision to be ok. And it worked. I looked at what I have... a wonderful amazing husband who went out of his way to make this day special for me, a beautiful healthy baby boy and friends and family that care a great deal for me. It's really ok, life is really good.

Here are a few pictures from this weekend...

If that isn't an Adam face I don't know what is... I swear you could take 40 pictures in a row and get a different expression on each picture!

Is this thing on?

Babies everywhere! L-R... Ava, Lily and Chase

Kristen and Ava (10.5 months), Chase and I (6.5 months), Diane and Lily (6.5 months) and Jen and Ethan (2 months).

I love this picture but what I love more was the taking of the picture which I wish we had on video. Picture 4 parents on the other side of the camera making the goofiest faces, saying the silliest things and creating the biggest ruckus to elicit these smiles. It was absolutely hysterical!

A shout out to my other first time mommy friends out there:
Danielle and Anna (2 months)
C and Scooter (1.5 months)
Diana and Lola (1 year today!)
Diana and Sam (1 year)
Carrie and Tyler (5 months)
April and Dante (8.5 months)

And to all the veteran mommies out there... thank you for all that you do! Where would the world be without moms!

FIRST TOOTH!

Actually make that first teeth! The 2 bottom ones popped up overnight! He seems to be doing ok with them... no real mood changes or sleeping changes... thank goodness! We took pictures (of course) but I will spare you... just a gummy slobbering mouth with translucent colored almost invisible teeth ;~)

Today also marks the end of our week with Anna... here are a few pictures...

Tuesday - Chase would just look at her and squeal over and over again.

Wednesday - Mommy/Aunt Jessi entertaining babies.

Thursday - Again, Chase just LOVES looking at Anna.

Friday - Did you keen observers notice another baby?? No I didn't take leave of my senses and add another baby to my growing daycare... Ethan's mommy came with him for a visit (and she brought me lunch, YAY! Thanks again Jen!).

Ethan and his mommy Jenn... doesn't he look so peaceful?

Mother's Day is coming up and I really want to be looking forward to it... first one and all but I am having a really hard time with missing my mom. If you think about it... please pray for me. I really want to enjoy my first Mother's Day and I am trying hard but I really, really miss her lately.

On Sunday we have a baby dedication at our church where Adam and I are 1. dedicating Chase to the Lord and 2. dedicating ourselves to raising him in Christ's image. I am super excited about that. Also, the new parents in our bible study (and the 2 soon to be new parents) are getting together for a BYOP at Jason and Diane's house. This is all our first Mother's Day... from Kristen on down the line so we are celebrating together... Pat and Kristen, Adam and I, Jason and Diane, Rob and Danielle, Brian and Jenn, Tiny and Zach and Jason and Sylvia. It should be a lot of fun!

Husband Shared

this with me... and I am sharing it with you all...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeremybrooks/2473047860/

Totally worth the jump!

Life with 2 babies

So life is pretty busy most of the time with 2 babies... it's really about the juggling when they are both awake. One needs to breastfeed while the other needs to bottle feed... and it always seems to be at the same time. I don't know how they do that other than conspiring against me when I am not looking ;~)

Currently they are both sleeping... Chase in his crib and Anna in the swing next to me... the quiet is nice!

The daycare actually has a space available for Anna starting next week which I think is perfect. I originally thought watching Anna would be no problem (we even discussed this as a FT option before either baby was born... GACK!) but more and more I am glad we went in another direction. I still think it would be perfect... IF neither of the babies were mine. At the end of the day, Anna goes home but I am still on call for all of Chase's needs (I know, I know, welcome to motherhood)... my point being 2 babies aren't a big deal if you can say goodbye to both at the end of the day and then relax. Apparently with motherhood there is no relaxing ;~)

I think God really knew what he was doing when He orchestrated this week. We got to test it out and know for certainty that this was not a good idea for a FT solution. On the flip side Danielle got to leave Anna with me for the first week... kind of a buffer to the real transition to daycare. Oh and God knew to make this only 1 week instead of the original 3... I think I might need to be institutionalized at the end of 3 weeks. Not only am I on call for 2 needs machines but I don't get out of the house at all during the day... yeah, that's just too much ;~)

Ok, I am off to get something done while they are both quiet... love the sound!

Multiple babies!

For the next 2-3 weeks I am in home daycare to one Miss Anna Stuart. They have a licensed daycare facility all lined up but the room Anna will be in isn't ready just yet... they are looking at the end of May. So in the meantime I am watching Anna while mom returns to the workforce.

If everyone who reads would stop and say a quick prayer for Danielle, I would really appreciate it. The first few days of this have to be very difficult.

Currently Adam, Riley, Chase and Anna are all sleeping... what a lovely sound! That should change momentarily... Adam's alarm will go off at 7... which he will inevitably snooze for 7 minutes... hopefully the sound doesn't wake Chase early... once movement in the house starts, Riley will be up again... hopefully all the commotion won't wake a sleeping Anna! It will definitely be a busy next couple weeks for me... there is a reason that babies can't come closer together... a 6 month old and a 2 month old promise to be lots of work!

As it turns out... Adam did wake at 7 but reset the alarm for 15 (which I asked that he turn off and I will just wake him)... Chase did stir but I popped a paci in his mouth which seems to have held him off (he has gas and he is squirming all around)... Riley picked up and went to bed with Adam... and Anna is still in her swing but sleeping a little fitfully.

Oh well... I am off to guzzle my coffee and get prepared for the day!

P.S. Danielle - Anna told me to tell you not to worry... she was going to have a lot of fun playing with Chase today. She also told me to take lots of pictures so she can show you all the fun she had. I will oblige!

Happenings from Htown

We are in Hagerstown visiting the family this weekend. We are celebrating Mother's Day a week early since the baby dedication is next week and we will be home in Crofton. For such a short weekend, a lot has gone on.

Another convert! It finally happened... after years of high pressure sales and teasing, Sandy and Joe have gone Mac... and I guarantee they won't go back! Congrats and welcome to the club!

Chase enjoys being tossed in the air and daddy is happy to oblige.

Daddy and mini-me sitting in the same pose.

Mother and son... wow, I am a mom. Still feels weird to say that!

Daddy taking some artistic shots... if lawyering doesn't work out he always has a career in the arts!

Chilling with Grandma and Grandpa.

Chase's first time in a high chair! He ate his dinner right along with us... although all he got was sweet potatoes and apples!

Well he did get a bit of ice cream for dessert! This will become a tradition when visiting Grandma and Grandpa... Maugansville Creamery for ice cream! Heck, I will probably ask for ice cream before Chase gets a chance... mama likes her sweets!

First Word

I am pretty sure Chase is a genius.



Yep... total genius.

Disapproving looks

So I bought 2 packages of gdiapers from a local natural market store and as we all know... I will not be using the gdiapers until they fix some issues I have with them. So, I of course wanted to return them and get my money back. I was dreading this... thinking that I would get the raised eyebrow 'couldn't hack it, huh' look from the cashier. I was wrong... the cashier was utterly clueless when it came to returns so the manager came over... he gave me the raised eyebrow 'couldn't hack it' look.

- "What was wrong with these?"
- "They don't work".
- "Hmmm, I will have to call the manufacturer."... "You are the first one to return these
because they didn't work"
- what I was thinking "Fantastic holier than thou, do I get a prize?"
- what I said "Really? Because they didn't hold any poo and they backed up my
toilet."
- "Did you use the swish stick?"
- what I thought "Duuhhh, no, I wish I would have thought to read the
die-reck-shions before I went flushing random pieces of diaper down my toilet."
- what I said "Yes"

Uncomfortable silence.

- "Ok, you are all done"
- "Thank you, have a great day."

At some point I said something like I will keep looking for an alternative.

- So he says "Cloth diapers..."
- Politely I respond "No"
- He says "My mom did..." (please say this with an air of condescension in your voice)
- what I thought "Really, did she... she must be a saint to put up with all the poop
you produced as a child. Will she be canonized soon? She is definitely a better
human than I am. I should take notes... do you think she will let me study at
her feet on how to be a good mother and good to mother earth?"
- I didn't respond.. just smiled and left.

When hippie goes wrong

gdiapers... let me take a sit back and take a deep breath. I will start by saying, I am trying. I am really trying to leave Chase with a better world then the direction it's headed now. However, what is a better world worth if his mom goes insane in the process? Yeah, that's about how things went today.

First let me say, carrots do not like my son and he is NOT so fond of them. He has been gassy and uncomfortable for the past 2 days... "waking in the middle of the night with painful gas" uncomfortable... I really feel for the little guy. I say all that to say... today, he is much happier... if you get my drift. Without being too graphic, all that was making him sad is (hopefully) now out of him. Which leads us back to hippie gone wrong.

The gdiaper. It did very little to contain Chase's 'relief'. And when I say very little I mean grown men were weeping, women were howling and young children were running in fear. Now, I actually expected this because yesterdays 'relief' (albeit smaller) wasn't contained either... although the clean up was much easier. Today's... well I already said... men, women and children... the whole nine yards. So I clean up the baby and set out to dispose of the diaper. First step, tear and put a certain part in the toilet to flush, then while it's flushing add the last part. Great in theory... sucks in practice. We have done this a few times so far but this time... yeah, not so much. And no amount of plunging worked so that was left for daddy when he got home. I still had to deal with a crappy liner and crabby baby.

I like the idea of the gdiaper but there are 2 problems I have with the execution of it.
1. the 'relief' is not contained. You might say 2 dirty diapers is not enough to really gage the effectiveness but you do it twice and tell me if you want to try again.
2. flushable... I am not convinced. Maybe our toilet is weak but I gotta think our toilet is probably the mainstream commode... I am sure there are higher and lower models but if we are the average, shouldn't it be able to handle the diaper? Could be too much to ask, I realize this.

Here's the thing... if it were just the commode problem, I could deal. I would buy biodegradable trash bags and they would degrade in the landfill. But it isn't just the commode... it's the 'relief' too and that, that I can't handle. As much as I hate to admit, I don't think I will continue using the gdiapers. It's really a shame because look how cute his little butt is in the gdiaper.

How much have I changed?

***8 years ago (2000)***

1) How old were you?
I was 21

2) Where did you go to school?
UMBC

3) Where did you work?
On campus at any number of jobs, Operations, CIRC, Student Development

4) Where did you live?
My parents house in Baltimore

5) Where did you hang out?
School (on the plaza and in the darkroom!), clubs, with friends... the usual

6) Did you wear contacts?
nope

7) Who was your best friend?
Jaime, Christine, Rose, Simon

8) How many tattoos did you have?
none yet

9) How many piercings did you have?
6

10) Did you drive a car?
yep, my first car... a blue honda civic.

11) Had you been to a real party?
I have to ask... what constitutes a real party? kegger... yes. bridal shower... yes. chill relaxing social event... yes.

12) Had you had your heart broken?
I thought so but I had no idea how a heart could break

13) Were you Single/Taken/Married/Divorce?
I am sure I was dating... I think Mike S was that year... I was still 2 years out from getting together with the present day squeeze

14) Any Kids?
thank goodness no

***4 years ago (2004)***

1) How old were you?
25

2) Where did you go to school??
I was done out and in the working world ;~)

3) Where did you work?
Advertising.com

4) Where did you live?
with my parents in Baltimore

5)Where did you hang out?
church, home, wherever Adam was

6) Did you wear glasses?
nope

7) Who were your best friend(s)?
Adam, Christine, Jaime, Rose

8) How many tattoos did you have?
2 at this point

9) How many piercings did you have?
same old 6

10) What car did you drive?
2000 Jeep at the beginning of the year... then the 2003 Honda... then the 1998 Jeep.... it was a weird year for cars.

11) Had your heart broken?
yeah... my future bro in law died in March and my mom died in Nov... that is heartbreak

12) Were you Single/Taken/Married/Divorce?
I was on my way to being taken for good. Adam and I were engaged and married this year!

13) Any Kids?
thank goodness no

***Today/2008***

1) How old are you?
29 (gak, almost 30!)

2) Where do you work?
in the home.... I am a SAHM

3) Where do you live?
Crofton

4) Do you wear glasses?
nope

5) Who is/are your closest friend(s)?
Adam, Christine, Jaime, Rose, Danielle

6) Do you talk to your old friends?
Some I do... some not so much. I have reconnected with a few and that is pretty cool

7) How many piercings do you have?
same 6 but I am thinking that the one on the top of my ear has closed... so maybe just the 5. I did manage to save my belly ring through the pregnancy!

8) How many tattoos?
same 2

9) What kind of car do you have?
2003 Jeep and 2003 Honda... and they will be our cars for a long time!!!

10) Has your heart been broken?
Won't ever truly heal from the 2004 break

11) Single/taken/married/divorced?
Married and loving it

12) Any Children?
thank goodness yes.

If you feels so inspired, please repost... just let me know if you do! I would love to check it out!

I Finally Understand

what they mean when they say 'sleep like a baby'! Chase has been doing really well with the napping (knock on wood). He has currently been asleep since 9:30 am... no 45 minute waking, just straight sleeping! I LOVE it. I have time to shower, do my makeup, eat, put jewelry on, think about what I need to get at Target... all before he wakes up! Which in turn means when he gets up, he eats and we leave! And life works that much better!

So, in an effort to 'go green' we have made a few more changes...

• I forgot to say that we use our own cloth bags instead of grocery store bags. I am learning to remember to bring them in each time. It's a little bulkier but well worth it!
  
• I bought the starter kit for gdiapers. I am not sure how this will pan out... they will probably require some extra work (especially in the beginning) and they are definitely more expensive (not a great thing for the struggling family) but I think the good will outweigh the bad. They are extremely environmentally friendly which is my main concern. I didn't think I would care so much but every time I change Chase I think about that diaper cluttering a landfill and it makes me sick. I definitely cannot stomach cloth diapers... this seems like the best of both worlds. Fingers crossed. I have faith that if this is what we are supposed to be doing, God will provide the means for us to buy them. It may seem like a silly thing to have faith in... sue me. I think God is smiling.
• I am shopping at Whole Foods more often now. The location isn't exactly convenient but when it comes to meat, fish, chicken, veggies and fruit... you really can't beat the quality. I am working on knowing what to buy where... for instance, all the above I buy from Whole Foods... baby food I buy from Target.... gdiaper refills, well I am still shopping around.
  
• I am learning how to make my own household supplies. Weed killer, cleaning supplies, deoderizer. It's pretty amazing how cheaply this stuff can be made... I will let you know how well it works (I still have my skeptical hat on ;~)

Well... little man is still sleeping so I am going to take this opportunity to relax a bit! Adios!

St Johns vs. Midshipmen

The story of Sunday. It was supposed to rain buckets... I mean downpour, thunder and lightening... the whole shebang. However, this man and this woman had a dream. They dreamed of dressing up, relaxing match side, sipping champagne and generally just being posh. Rain or shine they would watch the St. John students take on the Midshipmen in the epic battle of croquet.

Little did they know they would have an epic battle of their own. The tent was a wise idea... dry shelter to enjoy the game. They were told it would take 2 to set it up, they had 4... then they enlisted the help of 6 complete strangers. Fair trade good sirs... help up set up the tent and we will share our dry shelter with you and your fellow good sirs.

The tent was pitched and the food was laid out. Croquet was not the only sport that day... people watching was the sport to be played. Men in seersuckers, women in sun dresses and hats... oh the hats. These 2 are just a mere inkling of the hat revelry that ensued. I thought they were the cutest though.

The young couple that envisioned this great event had a child. Miss Anna Stuart... how would she do at such an event? Would she cry and fuss? Would she hate all this poshness and hoopla? Not when she met the baby whisper... Sarah. Sarah sat and loved on Miss Anna and Miss Anna loved the attention.

Families were brought together for good times and happy memories. Fathers and mothers relaxed on picnic blankets and babies enjoyed the attention.

And from his camping chair, the Godfather sat back and watched approvingly. If anyone dare step out of line, they dropped to one knee to kiss the Godfather's binky ring.

The day began and ended with a downpour but the middle was nothing but pure fun! Until next year mes amis!

Going Green

Well it's official. Our family is going green. Ever since Chase came along I have felt the need to 'clean up' after myself environmentally speaking. Now that I have a handle on life again, I am putting my thoughts into action.

Some things we are doing around the house...

• recycling... complete with the free bin they give out. And we recycle as much as we possibly can. They allow you to put paper and plastic in the same bin... 'One day, One bin' is the initiative. Worked on us.
• turning off the water when brushing my teeth. It's so easy but for some reason I never did it. Do now.
• use hand/dish towels instead of paper towels. Don't get me wrong, we still have the paper towels (they are dinner napkins for us!) but for drying of hands, wiping up water spills and underneath hand washed dishes, the towels do the job. Bonus *This will save us money!
  
• using rechargeable batteries. Not only is this good for the environment but it saves us $$$ the baby items that require batteries suck the juice out of them so quickly!
  

Some things we are doing for the body...

• As of right now little man will only be eating USDA Organic marked foods. Specifically we are starting with Earth's Best rice cereal and fruits (haven't started the fruits yet but they are on the next shopping list!) Before everyone starts preaching about not being able to keep this up and the fact that he's a kid and will want to eat stuff other than organic... yeah, I know. However, right now I am the one in charge and right now, it's all organic.
  
• We already buy Laura's beef but I am going to look into other places that sell organic grain fed meats. I miss being right next to a Whole Foods. Yes the prices were a little higher but I worried way less about what I ate.
  
• On the same note... I want to find somewhere to buy organic fruits and vegetables.
  
• I switched Chase from Avent bottles to Born Free bottles which aren't made with BPA. I won't go into all the details here because 1. there is a lot to know about it and 2. I am still learning. Just google it sometime and you will get more information than you can imagine. And yes I know that there is always a study and something is always bad for us but if I look back in 30 years and could have prevented an illness, I want to know that I did everything I could.
  

This is only a little but you gotta start somewhere!

On another note... I found this interesting and wanted to share. The fam was out taking a walk (I will pause for a collective "awwww".... .... thank you) and we started talking to a neighbor. She asked if I was still staying at home with Chase... as opposed to talking to adults. I said yes and still really liking it. I mentioned that I manage to get out and spend time with friends but that went by without really sinking in. Instead she went on about getting bored and getting to a point where you know what comes on when... Oprah at 4. First and foremost... if I start watching Oprah, please slap me... hard. I pretty much hate Oprah and wish that she would disappear into oblivion. Secondly, I won't lie, I do tend to know what shows are on that I would watch at any given time but that doesn't mean I watch them. I am careful not to get sucked into the bon bon eating Peg lifestyle. If the TV is on during the day it is generally because I need some background noise... for me and for Chase (nice background noise really offsets the closing of a dryer door or the doing of dishes... the rooms are in VERY close proximity to one another). However, I am learning to rely more on the ipod and bose for that. Thirdly.... BORED, are you freaking kidding me? I have a to do list that goes everywhere with me and I'll be darned if I don't add 3 'to do's' for every 1 I get to take off. I will never ever be done with all that I want to do... housework, errand and crafts. My husband laughs anytime anyone asks me if I get bored... he knows better.

Here is a look at my current to do list.

Tshirt quilt
clean carpet
swim class for Chase
recipe book
dental insurance
pick up picture and negative from Severn Graphics
rebate
engagement ring fixed and cleaned
research Costco and BJ's
vacuum Jeep
check out high interest savings account
get shorts and pants tailored
make a gift for Rob
find out about baby dedication class
button holes in dishcloths
drop off old cell phones for donation

That list doesn't include
update the G's scrapbook
start and update Chase's scrapbook
Chase's first year quilt
sew unused receiving blankets to make picnic blanket

There are also a million other things that I think of on a minute by minute basis... all while raising a happy healthy God fearing little boy and being a loving supportive wife.

So 'bored'... nope, not me.

For the love of a spoon

Ok, I try not to post too many videos... I don't want to be 'that' parent. However, I couldn't help this one...



Enjoy!

Dose of Chase

For those suffering from lack of Chase... a few random pictures!


Riley loves to be near his little bro


Just a little dirty laundry!


This rice cereal eating kid loves his Grandma!


Some tummy time on the floor with mommy.

Admittedly this kid has been driving me batty the past 2 days... not sleeping longer than 45 minutes, not going to sleep before 11 and being a general crankpot. Despite all that, I look into this face and just melt. Being a stay at home mom is hard but even on my worst day... it's still better than my best day at work!

I LOVE this face.

For all you mamas and papas out there

New child safety seat regulations! Check it out ~

Scooter update

I am happy to report that Scooter is home with C and G! Sunday night his bilirubin number was 18 (which is very high) and C asked what it would have to be in order for them to be discharged. The nurse answered 13 but don't count on that... going from 18 to 13 is more than not likely... it doesn't happen. The very next foot prick... you guessed it, Scooter came in with a 13! They were discharged at 1 am and back at 10 am to get another foot prick. He is now trending downward and couldn't be happier. C was also able to hold her ground about breastfeeding and now that they are home in the calm environment, it is going beautifully. There's nothing like the noise and disruption of a hospital to stress a family out!

Thank you for all your prayers. I know without a shadow of a doubt they are what made the difference!

The incredible sitting man

Prayer Request

If you find it in your heart, please keep C, G and baby Scooter in your prayers. Early early this morning Scooter was admitted to the pediatric unit because of his jaundice. His numbers are extremely high and has to spend time under the Bilirubin lights until he starts showing smaller numbers. C is also feeling pressure from the nurses to give Scooter formula... something she really does not want to do. Please pray for her ability to stand up for her decisions.

Thanks!

Classics Revisited

Classic Version:

Hush little baby, Don't say a word
Daddy's gonna buy you a mocking bird
If that mocking bird don't sing
Daddy's gonna buy you a diamond ring
If that diamond ring turns brass
Daddy's gonna buy you a looking glass
If that looking glass gets broke
Daddy's gonna buy you a billy goat
If that billy goat don't pull
Daddy's gonna buy you a cart and bull
If that cart and bull turn over
Daddy's gonna buy you a dog named Rover
If that dog named Rover don't bark
Daddy's gonna buy you a horse and cart
If that horse and cart fall down
You'll still be the sweetest baby in town

Updated version:

Hush little baby, Don't cry much
Daddy's gonna buy you an ipod touch
If that ipod touch gets hot
Daddy's gonna buy you a powershot
If that powershot don't snap
Daddy's gonna buy you a baseball bat
If that baseball bat gets a crack
Daddy's gonna buy you a brand new mac
If that brand new mac don't boot
Daddy's gonna buy you a lawyer suit
If that lawyer suit don't fit
Daddy's gonna buy you a catcher's mitt
If that catcher's mitt is wrong
Daddy's gonna buy you digg.com
If digg.com gets lost in the fog
Daddy's gonna buy you a Riley dog
If that Riley dog gets flees
Daddy's gonna buy you a PS3
If that PS3 breaks down
You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town.

You watch, it will sweep the world!

Scooter is here!

UPDATE
C, G and baby Scooter! Everyone is doing well... sleep deprived but well. Daddy even went home today to work on finishing the bathroom construction so it's all done when they all go home! (FYI - G is an amazing carpenter and runs his own business so if anyone in the area needs anything done around their house, just let me know!)


C had her baby yesterday! He was 7 lbs and 11 ozs and 19 inches long ;~) I am going to see her today at some point so there will be pictures soon. I have to say, C by far wins the prize for most difficult labor... hands down and bar none. After 20 hours of labor and 3 and a half hours of pushing, they took her for an emergency C-section. In just the short time I spoke with her last night it sounded like an absolute whirlwind of insanity! Thank the Lord that everyone was healthy and happy!

Admittedly

I don't dust very often... and my house probably shows it. Then why do I have 4 cans of Pledge?

"Sleep like a baby"

What a stupid expression.

Bullet Points

Somethings going on around here...

• I hate ants... itty bitty creepy crawly demons from hell. Sorry if I seem a little bitter but I have literally been vacuuming the kitchen for weeks now. We spray outside the windows, we spray where it's safe indoors, we crush kill and destroy to no avail. I can't believe one hasn't made it back to base camp and told the others "We're getting slaughtered out there! Let's find a new house." I am keeping my fingers crossed.
• I am currently helping Adam with exhibits for his trial tomorrow! It's so much fun... he gets to tell me what to do and how to do it which is pretty funny to us. We don't generally operate under that kind of a regime. I am helping him label, copy, collate, hole punch and bind everything for tomorrow. I want to go watch him but between Sir No Sleeps and probably not going to sleep until 2... I don't think I will make it ;~)
• My friend Rose got engaged! Rose and I have been friends since our first year at UMBC and I can't tell you how great her and Nick are together. Peanut butter and jelly has nothing on these two... they just fit together! Congrats guys!
  
• Brian and Jen had their baby boy Ethan... actually they had him March 14th... I am just a little behind in the announcing! Congrats guys!
  
• I am contemplating reaching out to my aunt and 3 cousins. I haven't spoken to any of them since at least 2 years before my mom died (the aunt is her sister). They weren't contacted when my mom was dying per her request and I did not tell them when she passed although I suspect they know through other family. There was a big falling out between my mom and her sister and a lot of feelings were hurt. I am still not sure that I am ready to make the step but I have been thinking about it. The internet sleuth in me knows that one of my cousins had a baby girl probably about a year ago, 2 of my cousins moved to Maine at some point and where my aunt works. Yeah, me and Google are friends ;~)

Ok... I am off to finish my assignment! Night all!

My little maniac

So my sweet darling baby has turned into the non-sleeping baby from the underworld. I love him dearly but holy crap can he wail. I am this stage of is he minipulating me or does he genuinely need me... it's a crap shoot ;~) He has finally fallen asleep but I am not holding my breath ;~)

It may have something to do with the fact that we tried rice cereal for the first time last night but who knows... it could be because we were away for the weekend... or because he is going through a growth spurt... again, crap shoot. Anyway, the introduction of rice cereal was absolutely hysterical!

He couldn't get enough... kept grabbing at the spoon and shoving it in his mouth. I have video but it's currently 4 minutes long so I need to cut it down ;~) Maybe in the future.

See you soon

Adam recorded this video and emailed to his mom this morning... I thought everyone would enjoy!

Mom and Dad go out!

We did it... Adam and I went to dinner with his boss and wife and we left Chase with a babysitter! Granted the babysitter(s) were a husband and wife team with a 9 month old... friends of ours... oh and he's a pastor at our church... yeah, can't pick a more trustworthy couple ;~)

In all seriousness... it was really sad to leave him but Pat and Kristen are 2 of the nicest, warmest and most loving people I have ever had the pleasure to know. Leaving Chase with them was really not as hard as I thought... I was actually more worried for them then I was Chase. After all, they just had Ava 9 months ago... they know all this stuff ;~) Unfortunately Chase was crying when we left and it is hard if that is the last image you have... so I called when I got to the restaurant just to make sure he stopped crying... of course he did and he even cat napped on Kristen (Pat tried to send picture mail but Sprint sucks and it costs too much money for us to retrieve ;~) From then on I didn't worry one bit about them... I just sat back, enjoyed good food and reveled in hysterical conversation. Adam's boss Leo and his wife Jan are so much fun, my face actually hurt from laughing and smiling so much.


Getting ready to hand Chase off to Pat, Kristen and Ava


Can you see how tightly I am holding Chase's arm... poor little wrist ;~)


Dad's having fun with their babies!

Chase was of course in one piece, happy and healthy when we got back and according to Pat and Kristen, very easy and happy the whole time. Whew and YAY! I think we might do this again one day ;~)

Oh and get this... my little Mr. Spit Up King... Sir Pukes A Lot... Admiral Rug Cleaner... didn't spit up once while he was there... not a SINGLE time. That is until we got there... a whopping 4 times from the time we got back until we left... little booger.

Hope you had a...

Happy St. Patrick's Day

He's not really Irish but I kissed him anyway!


Possibly the cutest 4 leaf clover ever!

Thanks to Aunt Danielle and a Teeny Tiny Anna for the St. Patty's Day outfit! Needless to say, this would have never fit Anna so they gifted it to us! It goes in the quilt for sure!

Gigantic Baby!

Chase and Anna's first picture together! Aren't they adorable!

I know Chase was gaining weight and getting bigger but holy cow! Look at him compared to Anna... she is so adorably tiny!

AST + CHG = BFF

She is here at last!!!

Anna Stuart Townley has arrived! She was born tonight at 10:52 pm. She weighed in at 7 lbs and 14 ozs and measured 19 and 3/4 inches long. Mom and Dad are doing well and I heard a healthy set of lungs in the background!

Praise God for another happy healthy loved baby!

Pictures to come (as if I needed to say that!)

Ohhh, I am going to have such a hard time sleeping!!!

4 month appointment

Chase had his 4 month appointment yesterday! This meant measurements, weighing and gasp... shots! He was fine with the first 2 but none to pleased with the last one. Which in actuality is 4... yep, four shots on little mans very sweet and unblemished thighs ;~( Very very sad stuff!

I am happy to report that Chase is a healthy 17 lbs and 15 ozs which is in the 95th percentile for weight. He is 27 inches long which is off the charts for a 4 month old... Dr. Kim said he is about the length of a 6-9 month'er... which I could have told you because the clothes we put him in are all 6-9 months or 6-12months. He's got the genes for height, that's for sure!

Dr. Kim was tickled with Chase's 'tripoding'... so of course I took a picture to show off to everyone!

The shirt says "Growth Opportunity" and it has a chart with a growth line on it... very cute stuff and very apropo for him.

We have been going through some sleeping troubles lately... the 45 minute monster has been rearing its ugly head for the past few (tiring) weeks. This is where he gets up 45 minutes into any nap he is taking. Like clockwork this happens. I thought at first that must just be the amount of sleep he needs... nope, not at all. He was SO crabby in between his naps that it was evident he needed more sleep. So after lots of failed attempts and creative measures, I managed to get him back to sleep... sometimes... with fingers crossed. I soon discovered that morning naps are where the real sleep is necessary... that nap tends to set the tone for the rest of the day. I also had to throw out precious accomplishments that we had already achieved, such as falling asleep on his own in the crib and not picking him up to sooth him. I learned that sometimes a minor setback is worth the gain of a major victory (actually, credit where credit is due, Adam taught me that!). Come to find out... the 45 minute monster (as well as the monster that has woken up at 3am to nurse a couple times) is likely due to teething! Gack... my little boy is growing up! Don't run out and get the toothbrush just yet... it's only started and Dr. Kim says it could be months before we actually see it surface... but she can definitely see the bud! She suggested using baby tylenol as needed (and as directed of course) to help sooth him. That definitely seems to work because the sleeping has worked itself out a bit... I can generally get him back down without picking him up and he is back to falling asleep on his own!

Dr. Kim also says it's time to start solids... again, put away the prime rib... we are starting off with some yummy rice cereal! No doubt it will be interesting the first time around so I foresee a video ;~)

Second Chances

As it turns out Christine had another shower this weekend (another surprise shower!) to which I was invited since the last one didn't work out so well ;~)

I can't tell you how excited that made me. I was supposed to scrapbook with friends all day Saturday but given the opportunity to celebrate Christine's baby, I couldn't pass it up. I ended scrapping in the morning and heading to the shower mid-day. If you haven't figured it out, Chase stayed home with daddy!

It was so much fun. It was low key, there were less people and I didn't spoil the surprise! It was so fantastic to be able to celebrate at least one of Christine's showers correctly!

Here is my beautiful mama to be!


And a random Chase picture because he is so cute!

Bottle Feeding

Adam and I have been working on getting Chase to take a bottle easier... when he is with daddy or if we ever go out on a date, he needs to be able to bottle feed without making the person want to tear their hair out. So we decided to try tonight while we were having game night with Laura, Rob and Danielle. Yeah, not so much. He was Senior Angrypants. No way no how, not having the bottle.

After everyone left (they claimed tiredness but a cranky baby probably helped ;~) we decided to scratch the milk we had warmed and start over with a fresher batch. What ended up happening is Adam and I standing in the middle of our living room bouncing back and forth in sync. Adam had Chase in one arm and the ipod touch in the other... why you ask. He was singing Phish songs (lyrics are on the ipod) to our child. Don't judge me, Chase likes it and it works! I was holding the bottle with one hand and holding his arms down with the other. We stood there bouncing back and forth to Adam's renditions of Phish for about 15 minutes while Chase sucked down 4 ozs. of milk. Comic parent hilarity.

Tomorrow is another mommy day out so all Adam has to do is grow 2 more arms and all is well ;~)

How quickly time passes

It's been a year since Grammy (Adam's grandmother) passed away and 4 years since Ryan (Adam's brother) passed away. Sometimes it feels like just yesterday and other days it feels like it has been decades.

Losing Grammy was hard but we also knew that she lived a good long life. She died seeing her children happy and healthy and she got to enjoy many many years with her grandchildren. One regret is that she passed just before we were able to tell her that we were expecting Chase. It would have been wonderful to see the look on her face when we told her she would be a great grandma again... even nicer would have been seeing her and Chase together. Sadly we all know that you don't always get what you want. All that to say that Grammy indeed lived a good long life.

I struggle more with Ryan's death. He hadn't lived a long full life yet... he was really just starting out. I think about the idea of having brothers and sisters and how you are supposed to grow up with them. You go through life events around the same time. You have kids somewhere around the same time and they grow up together. You grow old with this person that you have known literally forever. To have that taken away is really jarring. Personally I was looking forward to having an older brother. That is something I have always wanted growing up but obviously never had. I was very excited to marry into a family where I got an older brother and a younger brother. I remember the day Adam called me. He was in Indiana and I was in Baltimore living with my parents. It was just after 7 am. No good phone calls come at that time. Adam managed to choke out "It's Ryan. He's dead." I sat bolt right up in bed. I was pretty calm... still processing everything I guess. I got off the phone with Adam so he could get ready to leave Indiana (by the time they called Adam to tell him, Adam's uncles had a plane ticket ready for him). I went downstairs so I could get ready to go to Hagerstown. My dad came down and was incredulous why I was up that early. That's when I lost it. I started crying then and didn't stop until I got to Sandy's front door. I remember just before I went in, my mom asked me "Are you ready for this?"...I answered honestly and said no. Then I hung up and walked in. It was a horrific week filled with utter sadness and hurt to reminiscing and slight laughter. Ryan's death truly left a hole in everyones heart. I miss him a lot because he should be here with us. He should be doing all the things that Adam and I are doing... getting married, having babies, growing up and growing old.

I have learned over the past few years that there is a silver lining (for lack of a better term) in everything. Ryan's death made me a support for Adam's family during that time. It also made them ready to be a support to me when my mom died. All 3 deaths have unified our family and given us a unique (albeit crappy) bond. It showed my mom how committed to sobriety Adam was (and is), he made it from Indiana to Maryland and then through the whole ordeal without picking up a drink. I believe it prompted Adam's dad to get the help he needs (for which we are thrilled and could not be happier). It has given Adam and I a chance to weather storms together and come out on the other side.

To Grammy and Ryan... we all miss you very much.

Grammy: February 6, 1922 - March 6, 2007


Ryan: October 2, 1976 - March 6, 2004

Blessings

Our upstairs neighbor has a 3 year old who has outgrown much of the modern conveniences that baby's 'require'. Since they don't plan on having anymore she has been more than happy to give us stuff! Last night she gave us a Bumbo and a Jumperoo!

I think it is pretty apparent how much Chase likes them!




And this picture just cracks me up! He loves sucking on his hands, fingers or thumb... which ever is readily available ;~)

One of those days...

Today was supposed to be a great day. Chase and I would spend the day together while daddy went to an all day meeting. We could get back on our schedule since we got out of whack Friday. Then at 4 Chase and I would go to Christine's baby shower. It would have been a good day if that had happened at all... in the least little bit... even just a smidgen of it would have been nice.

But nope... my day did not go as such. At 9:30, I attempted to put Chase down for a nap that he does regularly... it started with talking to himself and then went into a full out cry. I picked him up and attempted to console him... which worked so I jumped in the shower. When I got out he was in a full on cry. You win again Mr. Chase. I pull him out and we start the 2 hour cycle over again. We play, we eat, we play some more, we take a bath and then we settle in for another nap at 12:30. Nope, nada, not having it. He is all out screaming in a matter of 15 minutes. I pick him up and try to console him and put him back down. I know he is tired, he is fighting it so hard. Nope, full out cry again... turning beet red. I had to leave him in the crib for a while for my own sanity (ironic because it did nothing to keep me sane but you parents out there know what I am talking about). I eventually pulled him out again and he just would not settle down. Finally at 2 I was feeding him and he fell asleep... usually a faux paux for the day hours but he was finally sleeping so I took advantage of it... for his health and my sanity. He slept for all of 50 minutes. Fantastic (drenched with sarcasm). I get him ready to go to Christine's shower. Now at this point I have the option to leave him with daddy who is on his way home or take him with. I thought taking him would be better since Adam is very sick and plus I wanted to show off Chase. I chose wrong, very wrong.

I get to the shower and almost immediately I am informed that I ruined the surprise for Christine. Let me stop and say here that no where on my invite does it say that this is a surprise... so honestly, it's a good thing I didn't outright say something about the shower to her face. You may be asking yourselves how I ruined it... I left a message saying I was coming to the shower and that I couldn't wait and Christine just happened to be there when the message was played (sorry Christine!). I know, I know, there is no way I could have known... that didn't stop the death stares from the party thrower. Which made me feel about 2 inches tall. In case it isn't clear, I love Christine with all my heart and the thought of ruining the surprise for her makes me sick to my stomach.

About a half hour into the shower Chase starts to get fussy. I feed him some and that helps... then I leave him with a friend so I can get some food and when I get back he is crying. Awesome... I take him back and he keeps crying... I walk him around and he keeps crying... I am pulling out all my tricks and nothing is working. And nothing continued to work for the next hour. He is so overtired and over stimulated that he is just angry and upset which results in many fierce tears. Finally when I figured this out (I am new at this so it took a few to sink in) I took him upstairs... and for a while he did fine up there. That ended and he went back to being Mr. crankypants so I knew what I had to do... the one thing that I really did NOT want to do... leave Christine's shower early. She was only partially through opening the presents and she hadn't even gotten to mine yet. If you thought the feeling of ruining her shower made me sick to my stomach, you should have seen when I had to leave early. I made it to my car and then broke down sobbing. I called Adam (my source of comfort) and cried to him the whole 30 minute ride home. It seemed to take forever to get home... ironically Chase slept the whole way home. I love irony.

Adam met me at the Jeep the moment I pulled up and took Chase. He has been singing to him and entertaining him ever since. I came to the computer so I could get today off my chest (hence my therapy theme for this blog). I honestly cannot fathom how I could do this without Adam. As sick as he is, he is heating up milk for a bottle and entertaining him at the same time... I am literally listening to Adam imitate one of Chase's many musical players. If anything good can come from today, it's the reminder that I am so incredibly lucky to have Adam.