I'm Baaaack

Intimidation and anticipation... two words to describe what I have been thinking in regards to this long overdue post. It's intimidating because it has been a busy two months filled with changes; where does one begin? At the same time, I've been anticipating this first post because I need this outlet... it helps the functionality of my life. After days of dry runs in my head, I decided to begin in the now. Some of the life modifications of the past couple of months, that have been ignored by blogdom, will surely surface along the way. But for now, I'll begin as though it never ended.

The weather this Labor Day weekend was one for the books; top of the scale in my opinion. Unfortunately I spent too much of it indoors. On the upside, I am feeling a bit more caught up with life.

Bubba (who is now 2!!) was picked up by Grandma and Papa (my rents) on Thursday and whisked to the lake. He loves every moment spent up there. How could you not?!? He's spoiled rotten with love and has all sorts of fun. I joined the fam on Friday night, took advantage of their willingness to Bubba-tend and got caught up on some long lost sleep, enjoyed some good grub and a couple perfect rounds of the lake tooner-style. Where was BigCat you ask? He was up north doing what he loves to do... fish. It was the relatively relaxing weekend we needed.

Although I would like to pretend time has stood still while I was away, there is no doubt Bubba has changed tremendously in these last couple of months - and that is not to be ignored. The below pictures are sure to give you an idea of just how much...

Birthdays, Bucks & Bubba

We are in the midst of birthday season for our families... SIL, Jimbo, FIL, yours truly and MIL - in that order. Most recently was my dad's when we went to one of my fave restaurants. It was as entertaining and scrumptious as ever; I must note their delicious shrimp sauce and gratuitous group photo.

Last night we discovered - well, BigCat discovered - the 'big buck' out back grazing our feeder, with a smaller one (6 pointer) standing guard. In an attempt to obtain evidence we snapped a few photos of the larger one tonight. If you look real hard, you can see the antlers... 10 pointer!!

Bubba is 17 months on Friday... where does the time go? After a cute lil' sneeze tonight I uttered "God bless you baby", then thought 'where did my baby go??'. Now he's a running toddler investigating everything.all.of.the.time. Moments like this one are short-lived... Grammy, MIL, was quick enough to get this precious shot.

And here, after only a few minutes - along with my notice of the sudden quiet - I turned to find Bubba sitting in the coveted couch spot with table access, remotes, recliner. The funniest part is that he never watches tv, just observes us sitting in that spot. He flipped on Seinfeld and kicked back for a few minutes. What more could a guy want?

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.

Thanksgiving:

A day to give thanks or a day to be reminded of what to be thankful for?

For me, today, both. Not that I've ever forgotten the latter, but there are times it is shoved to the rear of my thoughts in lieu of self pity.

Last week we went from empathizing with the nation to sympathizing with it. Really, those two words confuse me, so suffice to say we are unexpectedly feeling the wrath of today's economy (so if you need a great carpenter...). On top of that, BigCat has a "raving ear infection" - yes, he even went to the clinic. Sans the delicious take-home meal from his loving auntie this Thanksgiving, BigCat would have completely missed out on all of the greatness of the day.


However, the Bird and I were fortunate enough to enjoy the best part of today... in the company of family. Going into the day, I sadly felt unsure of my thanks. I know deep down how absolutely blessed I am, but I sometimes still allow myself a funk. This year, Thanksgiving came at an impeccable time in my life... when a reminder of the safety, love, support and realness of family goes a long way. It clears the fog in my head, helps me to see life a little more clearly.

Thank you... to all of my family and friends. In all honesty, without you, I would be nothing!

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.

Family Pic

It seems rare these days that we get a family picture, let alone a decent one. Last Thursday, the family enjoyed a delicious dinner out at Benihana. To some's dismay, I announced to our waitress that we were celebrating a birthday or two, and lo and behold they were presented with ice cream and a Polaroid picture. This was our end result.



We had a busy weekend which included some more birthday celebrations with my momma. So many good meals, card playing, and fun. BigCat had been set all week prior on "dominating" in a 500 tourney, and he did just that. He left with a large bag of trail mix but an even larger head... oops, I mean smile.

Mom, I hope you continue to live up and enjoy what's left of your birthday month! I am so happy we were able to make it up this weekend.

A Day Late and A Comma Short

I would guess most of you are not aware that yesterday was National Punctuation Day Dont believe me check it out www dot nationalpunctuationday dot com I had no idea until a friend at work sent me the link because she thought of me I wasnt sure exactly why it triggered thoughts of me however I know I really like to use commas ellipsis and the like to get my point across as close to the way I would speak it So for a gift on National Punctuation Day a day late I have decided to give all punctuations a day off or at least a blog off It is one of those things we may take for granted and maybe a day without will remind us that sometimes too much is better than too little

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.

Circle Me, Bert

Finally, a glimpse of my sign

Pack it up, pack it in

Oh my gosh!!! 5 days?!?! I am nowhere near ready. The good news is that I found the lawn chair I've been looking for the past 5+ years (yep, I'm that easy to please... a lawn chair) and some good books to read while I kick back in it. I ended up with: The Time Traveler's Wife, A New Earth and Water for Elephants. The remaining suggestions have found their way to the future read list. I sure did appreciate the suggestions! I know Peanut will keep me more than busy, but I hope to get one of them read. I can't believe my countdown is almost up. My favorite holiday is almost upon us. That brings me to a good point... I'm most likely going to be at home for the 4th this year, for the first time, oh I don't know... ever!! I'm really hoping the town puts on some sparklies, I heart fireworks. This time I'll even have my sought after lawn chair.

Between now and then... packing, shopping, working, packing, stressing, mommying, packing, packing...

Not so much

It doesn't appear as though my sign made it on tv. It definitely didn't win me the hundred lotto tickets that I was after. Why wouldn't they shine the light on us you might ask? Well, for one thing I believe my lettering was too small. Secondly, I opted to get myself plenty of liquid courage in order to carry the stupid sign around which in the end helped me to not care about my sign, period.

Peanut had his 9 month appointment yesterday, no shots, yay! He no longer is short and wide, he has stretched out and is average in every area. He weighs 21 lbs 6 oz, less than I would've guessed. The doc used the word 'wonderful' so many times, we must be doing something right. Good job Pea!

HELP!!!!!

Tomorrow is already BigCat and my 3rd anniversary and to celebrate we are going to dinner and to the Twin's game. I thought this may be a great opportunity for our 15 seconds of fame with a circle us, Bert sign (although we have actually had our 15 seconds unknowingly at a Twin's game a few years back). Anyway, I'm going to run my sign by you and ask for any comments, suggestions, etc. Whatever would help us in making it to the tele and more importantly a hundred lotto tickets.

Buy me some peanuts and Cracker JACK,

I don't care if I ever get back

...

For its 1, 2, 3 years, we're hitched

At the old ball game.

Circle us, Bert! We're celebrating our anniversary

with you and the MN Twins!!

Keep in mind, I've totally waited until the last minute, which means if I'm doing this, I have to get it done tonight! Yikes! It sounds like fun, but I seriously need some help. This is not my line of work!

Waiting... Listening...

For Peanut to make a peep, or more so hoped for, for him to sleep. Poor lil' guy is sick again. He and I have been a vicious cycle of colds this winter, and being winter seems to have lasted forever, so have the colds. When he's under the weather, it's usually about a 3-night run of wakings. Last night is was midnight-thirty, tonight already the last hour has been spent consoling, rocking, talking, singing... For now, it's quiet.

I understand now, more than ever, why mother's have one day devoted to them a year (although maybe it should be more). I already know what one of the all-time greatest gifts of motherhood is... being able to quiet your sick baby to sleep, in the sweetest, most natural way... being a mom.

Peanut's 1st Easter

Hoppy Easter!!

I hope everyone out there in Blogdom is having a wonderful Easter! I cannot believe how hard it was snowing here this morning, but thanks to the sun this afternoon a lot of it is already gone. I'm very ready for this season to be over with. Year after year it seems like our winters and summers are coming closer together with less of the mild spring and fall. Spring is my favorite season, so I'm really looking forward to its arrival. Hurry up!

However, I do get to go to Mexico in 6 days. Yay!! I normally may not afford myself such a luxury at this point in time, but it's for a good friend's wedding... so here I come! Planning for the trip has been a great stress reliever for me. Something to focus on after Peanut goes to sleep or for those dazing moments at work. Speaking of which, Peanut's sleeping...

Chit Chat

Everday there is more than one moment that I think to myself "now here's what I should blog about", if only I could telepathically get it to my computer. I've stayed clear of my computer after the last week of fighting with it... long story short, no pictures will be posted anytime soon. Now I have too many things floating around in my head, so here it goes.

Peanut, work, dumpling day, Peanut, BigCat, Pup, Mexico and last but not least Peanut! He is doing great! Just had his 3rd tooth break through, now he's in much better spirits than the past couple months. Whew... fine with that being over! His personality is coming through more and more all the time, so much fun **cute picture of Peanut's new teeth here**.

Dumpling Day was a great time for Peanut to take in the family. I kinda think of it as a family holiday. We don't get together for the typical ones (Easter, Turkey Day, President's Day), only Christmas, so this is one day to get all those who can make it together. We eat lots of good ol' food and enjoy the company.

On to the rest... BigCat is in a lull with fishing (I think) which means we have more time together **insert picture of BigCat**, but I'm sure he'll be itchin for the next season very soon **BigCat w/ fish**. The pup needs her teeth cleaned, really hoped we wouldn't have to do it yearly, but her breath keeps sneaking up on us **cute puppy pic**. Work - tough day, the awesome PT hours and benefits are keeping me there. And last but not least... T minus 12 days til Mexico!!!