A-new

Three days in, and I'm feeling optimistic about 2009. We started the new year out at our friend's, Trason's, playing games, laughing, eating and drinking into the new year. The 1st day of '09 was a relaxing one at home when I was surprised by an estranged friend contacting me... after about 8 years, talk about unexpected! The 2nd day was an ultra-productive day in the cube with it being so quiet in the office. After all my hard work I decided to unwind by inviting a girlfriend over to chat while we wet our palate with a bottle of wine. This morning, we loaded up the Bird and headed to her place, where he and Hunter (his senior 2 week and 2 day BFF) played for hours.

I can't imagine BigCat has much for complaints these first few days either. He's mostly been fishing, and even catching a few here and there. A little break from being Mr. Mom which is very different than his usual day job.

This past year has flown right on by. So many big changes in our lives - some welcomed, some not - with the Bird being the most exceptional. With all of his growth as we enter into the new year he earned himself a new blog name (he's hardly a lil' bird anymore):

Meet Bubba

Twilight Calls

Finally, some time to blog before I turn in to my book for the evening. The past week has been a complete whirlwind filled with Christmas festivities, health scares (thank goodness MIL is okay), cubicle fun (note sarcasm), and as much Twilight as I could fit in (I'm totally addicted).

Mostly we enjoyed watching the Bird learn - in all seriousness (see pics)- to love Christmas; such a special time with many of the most meaningful people in his life. We truly are blessed. Thank you to everyone who helped to make our holiday's, and our lives, brighter.

Trailing Tantrums

It wasn't long ago that I would look at the mom's in stores, restaurants, anywhere in public who had the temper tantrum trailing along and think 'why even bring them out', right? Obviously it's probably the parenting that did, or didn't, happen that's making this child act up in this way... duh.

I had my first tantrum fun earlier this week. BigCat ran in to get a hair cut and the Bird and I were waiting in the car (keeping him out of trouble in a salon would be impossible). Since the Bird was growing restless, I decided to take him into Panera to grab some lunch. So many comments about how cute and well-behaved he is. Awww, thanks. But, then it happened. As I was trying to bundle him up for the great outdoors, he starts falling all over the place, crying, running, throwing his sippy cup, etc. Ahhhh!!! I finally gather him only to realize that my childhood next door neighbor (she was older than me, quite intimidating, needless to say we were no where near friendship) was watching the whole debacle as her daughter sat well-behaved.

Apparently, this is something that just happens. I'm hoping it's something that is just grown out of as well. I will have only sympathy for those poor mom's from here on out, because sometimes the tantrums just have to tag along.

Indisposed

There's decent reason I've been absent from blogland... all in our abode are sick. Who wants to read about a bunch of sickly?? Well, quit reading now if you don't because it's all I have.

The Bird ran a temp, of 102, as his nose became an ever-running fountain. Although he's a bit chirpier now, he's far from full flight. BigCat rarely admits he's ailing but this time around he's engulfed in meds... and a blanket. And me, well, same ol' story. Again, no diagnosis but some confidence from a specialist that we'd find the answer (soon, please!!!). Onward with tests. Fun, fun tests.

So, that's kind of where I've been... just hanging with docs and taking care of sick ones. Lots of QT for our little family, both last and this coming weekend. That should be good for us all.

A Slice of Bread

I feel like I've been a bit of a blog slacker lately, for that I apologize. Life has been feeling a bit hectic lately, which actually affords me many blog thoughts each day. Neglected blog... yes, but not forgotten. Birthday and Halloween parties, a wedding, planting, visiting, and lots of time spent with a busy little Bird have all taken part in this fall zipping right on by. As the snow flew today, I realized this was exactly what has happened.

Tonight I'm especially excited about something that most people may find dull... Quicken. I try to remain on top of finances and have many systems in place, but that's just it, there are many systems. I've started the process and am so pumped about what this software is going to help me do. Is it just me?? A program to help with the checking account, bills, taxes... is a delight?? Ahhh... love is in the crisp air.

Some banana bread and photos to get us all caught up. What's that, you didn't get any bread?? Well, enjoy the photos.

Fair Day

I feel like I've really been slacking on my blog duty. Not sure where the time is going, just disappearing along with summer.

And along with the end of summer always comes the state fair. We're heading out today, I can hardly wait! I didn't go last year since the Bird had just graced us with his presence, so I'm hard up for some greasy, fatty, wonderful fair food. A few things we plan to have: Fried pickles with cream cheese, pork chop on a stick, Pickle Dog (pickle wrapped in cream cheese and pastrami or something), Sweet Martha's cookies. I actually did a bit of planning outside of the food arena as well - I'd like to check out a couple real exhibits. Crazy, I know.

The Bird will be with us so I'm sure to bring the camera to get a few '1st State Fair' pics. Hopefully the weather cooperates... I'm okay - to quite okay - with clouds, but rain, not so much.

Happy BIRDday!

I can not believe that my baby is one already. Everyday he is more and more a little boy. No one told me it was going to go this fast!!!

All of his wonderful grandparents came over on Saturday to celebrate. He was in all his glory. I never knew you could really tell when a one-year-old is having the time of his life, but it was so apparent he was. It was such a fun and special day for all of us.

This is just the beginning...

New computer, new pictures, new hobby. Gotta love it.



A few recent pics of the bird...

Sun~n~Sand

The Bird and I went to the beach today with our friends Heather and Hunter. We had such a great time! We went for a little stroll, ate lunch, played and swam. As soon as we got in the water, The Bird had company... little Allie was 4, or 3, but she thought 4, and took a liking to him right away. She tooled around with The Bird in tow and they both had a great time. Turns out she really likes babies, and thought he was so cute, and The Bird really likes little girls, so it worked out well for everyone involved. So cute. Already the older women are after him!

It was a perfect day: beautiful weather, good company and lots of smiles. He fell fast asleep on the way home and is peacefully napping now. I love it all.

I so wish I could upload the pictures...

Bloggin' and The Bird

For a variety of reasons, I've decided to change the name of my blog. However, I was looking for some help. I'm not always the best with descriptive words, especially when it comes to myself, but have a few ideas:

1) Mama's Boys and Me - A recent development in our household is that Peanut has become a mama's boy. I love it! I know at times BigCat feels a little bad because even he doesn't cut it, however, BigCat himself is a MB and he knows it. So, they're my mama's boys!

2) The Bird's Nest - Update: From here forward, 'Peanut' is 'The Bird'. BigCat is quite the nicknamer, and one of the most used is 'J-Bird'. Where that comes from, I haven't a clue. In conversation, we often refer to him as The Bird. It's stuck. And, well, this his world now, and BigCat and I are livin' in it! Note: BigCat came up with this blog name.

3) Spoken Soft and Strong: Spoken Soft but Strong?? I'm not sure where I'm going with this one. I like all the S's (ahem, my first and maiden name got me hooked), maybe it describes me, it has a ring to it???

I don't know. I want it to be a good one, something that will work for a while, not a whole lot of identifying info, etc. Any thoughts out there?