Jack is a big fan of "photography". Today I will be posting some of his recent work...as you can see, it took him a couple to realize that he needed to turn the camera around, so we got a few self-portraits. These magnificent photos were taken with a Nikon Coolpix digital camera after hubby's b-day party at the in-law's house.

I didn't post them all, I think you get the general idea. And yes, that's a lot of wallpaper.

I also have some new pictures of Jack. General shenanigans, nakedness, and randomness.
Pretty much a photo post today. I'm either sporting a cold or developing allergies, so the creative juices are not flowing unless you count the water, gatorade, and three empty travel/coffee mugs at my desk. Ok, the coffee mugs are old. I probably should take them home.

Jack

I was just looking at some pictures of Jack on my desk. In one, he is smiling toothlessly as he waits for Santa by the tree. In another, he is gazing at the camera, in one of his first balancing acts at the edge of the sofa. Then there's my personal favorite, a shot of him by the pool, wearing a bucket cap, probably 4 or 5 months old, looking exactly like a Teletubby. He's so stinking cute. Who would have thought he would grow up to call me "umpire" as often as he calls me mommy? The boy, who at the end of the day says he has too many tanquito bites and would like some moat (milk) ... just a 'lil bit, he bargains. Some of my favorite things about my little babe today:

1. He wants to sit on the counter (and get into everything) while I get ready for work.
2. He discovered a major love of capers the other night after picking them all out of my pasta and said they were like "sunflower seeds"
3. He enjoys brushing his teeth, but mostly just sucks on the toothbrush.
4. He tries to whistle, but it comes out as a high-pitched squeal.
5. He is an absolute daredevil but is terrified of spiders, which has forced me to face my fear because I have to dispose of them all in his presence.
6. He says "poop" a lot. I get after him, but it's really funny to hear him say it. Lots. Poop, poo poo, poopy.
7. Last night when trying to go to the bathroom on the "big boy potty", he said "Come out, pee!".
8. He loves to "dip" when we dance. Another trick we picked up last night.
9. He told the babysitter I like "bad boys". ????
10. He loves cooking with me, which I think is darling. I'm going to let him try his own recipes when he gets a little older.

Ah, Jack. I can't believe in four months he is going to be a big brother. Doesn't seem possible because he is still my baby and knows it. I think he will make an excellent brother - as long as he doesn't use the baby's head as a batting tee or a football.

I can't decide if I'm feeling extraordinarily full of ideas or just so caught up at work that I feel I should be blogging about my ridiculously interesting life. Yesterday we put the crib up (hubby did it, last time I helped, a divorce nearly ensued) and moved dressers around. And then I was not happy with the result, so they're getting moved again. Although, this time I don't think I can help quite as much because I could barely get out of bed today. Which is not unlike most days, but today was worse. I also went through some of Jack's newborn things, finding all of the neutrals so baby has a head start on his/her wardrobe. They are so tiny! Hard to believe just two short years ago, Jack was wearing the very same thing.

I don't remember feeling ridiculously bloaty/gassy last time around. You know the feeling - when you're with a new guy or on a first date, or in a presentation/meeting, and you hold the first one in and then it just snowballs until your belly feels like a rock and the minute you leave, the gas just blows out of you like a deflating tire. Only the air isn't coming out this time. I was actually in a meeting once where a guy just let them fly. First his belly was making high pitched noises (or maybe it was his ass), then he finally just let it fly and said, "excuse me" and kept going. I almost had to leave the room. I almost died. I wanted to die. It was a professional meeting! Or as professional as you can get in an office where the dress code is that there is no dress code. I could wear sweats to work. But I digress. Ugh. I began thinking of other frightening pregnancy scenarios, one of which included me swelling up like a giant Stay-Puft marshmallow man from the heat of the summer. I won't be able to wear my shoes. I'll be confined to flip flops and my toes will hang over the edges like giant sausages. I'll get rashes in between from the friction. My rings will have to be cut from my bulging, purple fingers. I will most definitely avoid all sunflower seed consumption at baseball games. Another included a giant, overnight growth spurt by baby in which I wake to find my entire stomach covered in gnarly, red stretch marks. As if my cat has suddenly sprouted claws and used my belly as a scratching post. There are any number of things that can make my imagination run wild - and I wonder where Jack gets it.

I will say, I have been disappointed that I haven't had any baby dreams yet. Last night I dreamt I was part of the Friends cast and we were saying our goodbyes before the final show aired. Not too long ago, I dreamt Nick Stokes and I were CSI partners who secretly loved each other. But no baby dreams. This could be a good thing considering my current mental state. Maybe they start later on in pregnancy. I can't remember.

I have Jack stories but I will save them for next time. I have a slew of pictures Jack took with the camera that I need to post also. Until then...

Conversations from last night (in bed):
Jack: Mommy, I'm sick.
Me: What's wrong?
Jack: My leg hurts. Right here.
Me: Want me to kiss it or rub it?
Jack: Yes. Rub it. Now this leg (pointing to other leg).
Me: Is that better? Are you ok now?
Jack: No. My arm hurts too. Rub this one. And this one.
Me: Feeling better now? What do you need?
Jack: I'm better. I'm not sick anymore.

Minutes later...

Jack: Mommy, I'm sick.
Me: Sweetie, are you ok? What's wrong?
Jack: My head hurts right here (pointing to forehead).
Me: Should I kiss it?
Jack: Yeah. (I kiss) I'm not sick anymore.

I love it.

Conversations from this morning:
Jack: Mommy, I saw two turtles. And two bucks.
Me: You did? Where?
Jack: I did! I saw 'em. Two bucks. I shot 'em in their beds. (Gasp)
Me: No, we don't do that, their mommies will be sad.
Jack: No, I did it.

With that, he crawled under the covers and went back to sleep on my belly.

Ack! My child is a cold blooded animal killer. This is why I hate hunting - I've got a two-year old kid talking about shooting things. It's waaaaaay too early in life for this. I know he hasn't exactly grasped the concept of death and shooting things is fun for a little boy, but this is too much. I am banning all hunting talk until he is much older. On the other hand, he's actually the sweetest. I know he doesn't realize what he's saying, he's simply talking about animals because he loves them (except spiders and the thought of possible dinosaurs at night). His imagination runs wild with stories to regale us with. He's a baseball player, he had coffee with an umpire, he went to baseball and football practice, there are deer everywhere, he refereed a game, and on and on. It's truly awesome to listen to him. And you have to listen, because he never stops to let you get a word in.

And the littlest G.....is growing! And moving like crazy. Just yesterday my belly completely changed shape in the blink of an eye. Last night while hubby snored and I was still on a high from Gilles on DWTS, I sat and felt baby moving for a good hour. Time is flying...can it really be week 21 already? I feel huge. Like a pot-bellied pig. I'm still wearing heels and I'm still running and teaching class, but I feel repulsive. In a few weeks when it's 100 degrees out and my belly is really gargantuan, I will be cursing the sun and praying for my own personal deep freeze to nap in. I can't wait.

Clothes...and a Few Other Things

My biggest battle today, besides dealing with the most annoying person in the world (who I will not name and I only wish you knew who you were because I truly detest you) has been keeping my zipper up. It's difficult when a rubber band is holding up your jeans. Thank goodness for a long shirt & scarf, I suppose. A scarf is my go-to these days. Seems I still find myself, at week 20, in the "fat stage" - between a baby bump and a Goodyear Radial. It makes a nice cover up until I am ready to unveil the bump at its finest. I purchased the "Bella Band" - some miracle device that is supposed to magically hold up your pants for all of the in-between phases - pre-maternity wear, too huge for maternity (scary), and the "fourth trimester" when your belly is a giant jelly roll and trying to find the right place on your body again. Let me say that the BB doesn't work well under fitted items. You can see a freaking line and it's ridiculous. When you sit, it rolls up (or down) and you're constantly adjusting. I have found it's only use is for running - great support. So, eventually, it will have the tinge of my sweaty labors. Yum.

The second thing that makes me not know if I want to giggle or retch is the fashion advice I have seen in some of my pregnancy books/websites. They all say, "When your clothes get uncomfortable or too small, borrow something from your husband's closet!" Oh. My. Effing. Crap. Who would do that in public? I mean wearing his sweats while you're lounging around the house with the latest copy of US Magazine in one hand and a bowl of ice cream in the other is one thing. Leaving the house in his oxford and dress pants is something else entirely. Hideous. Some items accidentally got purchased online today, so I hope hubby doesn't mind. I really need them. I swear. They just threw themselves into my shopping cart before I could stop them.

Baby is moving around a lot more these days, fluttering around in my flotation device. I am really excited for Jack to be able to feel and see it move. Laying on baby is getting increasingly harder for us, although I am willing to deal just to have him cuddle with me. I think it's the next best thing to having his baby blankie & a sippy cup of milk for him. It soothes him. He is finally sleeping through the night! Which is awesome because now that he's sleeping, I can't, and in a few months it simply won't be possible. Isn't it amazing how little sleep we can go on? What's even more amazing is that we don't seem to mind. Getting to bed is harder for Jack these days. He is ready to go, but insists that I stay, saying, "lay with me" until he is ready to say goodnight. Of course I oblige. We usually talk about animals, sing our songs - "Row Row Row Your Boat" is a new favorite - or talk about the baseball practice he says he goes to. These are conversations I wish I could record every single night because they are awesome. He also discusses whether or not the Cookie Monster/a spider is going to come and get him and last night he said, "Mommy, you don't have pants on! You're naked!". I wasn't and where the hell did he learn the word naked? These talks are better than the one in the grocery store recently. "Mommy, I no like you. I like Daddy." Ouch. Tears welling. Is that supposed to start this early? He was kissing me a few moments later so I can only assume that it was some other child being so hateful and pregnancy was causing me to hallucinate.

Well, it's 10:00 and I should be sleeping (yes, it's my bedtime). I'm stuck on the edge of the bed between a body pillow and a Yellow Lab. Hubby is snoring and no doubt Jack is too. The Royals are on (and winning!). Life is good.

Things to Do

Well, today marks day two of week 19. Can it really be almost halfway over? I feel like it just started, then on the other hand I feel like time couldn't possibly go any slower. After realizing over the weekend that I was extraordinarily behind on actually getting "baby stuff" done, I hustled on over to Lowe's for some QTA with myself and the paint swatches. So, the painting is done - during Jack's nap, of course. With help from Rex Walters the cat as he lounged in the baby chair. Next, bedding, moving furniture, cleaning closets, adding window treatments....it seemed so easy the the first round when I had loads of this thing called time. I admit, I do feel guilty for not getting things done sooner. In my defense, I have been predictably indecisive on bedding, so that's my excuse.

So, speaking of being half done - my belly. It's half beer belly, half too many rounds with chile con queso. Where is the cute, round bump? It's not even round. I'm not sure it's even a belly. I think I'm in the beginning stages of "Dunlap's Disease". I do not have a cute belly bump. Not at this stage in the game. It's sort of horrifying. The only good thing is that it still makes a nice spot for Jack to lay his head. And speaking of Jack...

I have to say, the kid is impressive. I mean, he just is! "Let's race!" he says, while we're driving. "Who?", I'll say. His reply - "That car right there!" He has realized that going to weddings is not fun (for a two year old) and a couple of weekends ago, right in the middle, he said, "Let's go home," in his best whiny bear voice. Off we went to enjoy the rest of the ceremony playing on the steps with the other belligerent children. The good news is that the reception gave him ample floor space for dancing, running, and taking inventory of the toddler gals. Until we left at the ripe old hour of 9:00. I'm not sure the party had even started. So, I was talking about how he's impressive and I haven't really gotten to that yet. Picture a boy, being pushed in his stroller past a cemetery and asking to see his Papa Everett - whom he's never met, just kissed a headstone and seen his mother talk to the ground when we go visit. Just picture a child, noticing a large bruise on his mother's leg as she uses the toilet. A very concerned child kisses said bruise and says, "There! All better!". Picture said child using toilet on his very own! And doing it every day more than once! Not always unattended, but at times. Potty training might be easier than I possibly imagined. Then again, I could be putting the cart before the horse because I have a strange fear that once baby comes, regression will come right along with it. He has already said, "Mommy, feed me," and makes me hold his sippy cup as he lays in my arms like a baby. But I also think he's going to be an amazing big brother. He is excellent with babies and will kiss and love on them. I do believe he knows his limits (unlike with poor B at the sitter's). We'll see how it goes when new baby is taking him away from "my mommy".

Meanwhile, I will make a list of the bazillion things that need to be done in our household before the big arrival. A list of chores, fix-its, meals I can stockpile (ok, I probably won't really do that. I did it with Jack and I think it all wound up freezing to death), and general things to hopefully make my life easier. I just realized I should probably start getting extra diapers at the store. I just realized we probably won't have time for any of this, but I will keep hoping that it can all miraculously be finished during nap time.

I don't really know what I'm doing. It's Friday (yay!) and I have no brain cells (thanks Tiny Gordon!). So yesterday was the big hoo-ha and sonogram! I was much more nervous this time - my brain was telling me cyclops and possible extra extremities and my heart was begging my brain to shut the hell up. Turns out, the little lasagna is baking along solidly and has everything in the right place. Apparently, I scan beautifully, which is a new one, but I'll take any compliment I can get, right? Lots of wiggling and worming, a wave (story on that later) and a thumbs up! Baby knows what momma likes to see. I have to say, I did feel teary, but mostly I think I just felt relief. I mean, could we possibly be lucky twice? So, story:

Jack and I discussed the heartbeat hearing & sonogram earlier in the morning. He was so excited to see pictures of "baby" (and cuddling partner), his face lit up. We wanted to bring him along, then weren't able to, unfortunately. "Hold me," he says as I crouch down beside him for a hug and I tell him I have pictures of baby. We go through the stack and as we come to the one where baby is waving, I tell him baby is saying, "Hi, big brother!". He laughs and says "Hiiiiiiii!", then kisses the picture. I cried and hugged him for about a year. It might have been the sweetest thing he has ever done in his short life.

This week (as I have been bored with my food choices), I have discovered a few of my favorites that had taken a backseat:

1. Hummus. I could eat it with a spoon.
2. Feta cheese (I think there's a Greek theme here).
3. Lemon Larabars - possibly the most excellent thing I have eaten in ages.

Some other things I am loving right now:
1. Forever 21...quite possibly the trashiest, most excellent. store. ever. I may be nuts, but they are tops for sundresses that are extremely reasonable and cute and wearable through the preggo months. I actually was accosted by a woman admiring my dress yesterday.
2. My nails. Wow. I gaze lovingly at them at least 20 times a day. Talons.
3. My friend Woof - she keeps me sane during the workday.
4. Dr. Pepper. I have to keep it to a minimum because I know the sugar isn't good (yes, they have caffeine free!), but that first swig is ridiculously good. Don't tell me to drink diet, it's just as bad and tastes nothing like the real thing. Seriously.

Ok, pics of the new little one and then I'm out to the Rock Chalk Ball with hubby & two of my most excellent friends, Sarah & Robert. Don't even get me started on the dress debacle.

Jack is now obsessed with hunting (another fun thing he gets to do with Daddy but never mommy, the tree-hugging vegetarian, right?). He goes around saying, "It's not deer season, it's turkey season." Nearly every day we go through the ranks of the turkeys; Tom, Jake, Hen. Then the deer; Buck, Doe, Fawn. Then he says, "Daddy's the buck," which usually comes out, "Daddy butt", so I'm looking classier all the time. To make matters worse, Daddy strolled in the garage this morning with four (!) limp turkeys and Jack was ecstatic. I secretly hope that one day he is appalled at the sight of his dead friends (ok, not so secretly) and realizes that he detests hunting. I don't need him to be a vegetarian, I just don't want him to shoot things. And I really, really hope people don't think I have stuffed carcasses on the walls. Totally embarrassing.

In the meantime, my belly grew overnight. I'm still feeling like the spare tire/muffin top gal and not really the pregnant-looking, radiant, gorgeous mama-to-be (right), but it's getting better. I have actually really looked forward to "popping" this time and despite the fact that I still have issues with the body changes (hello cantaloupes with dinner plate nipples), it's been a little easier to accept this time. Part of that could be the fact that I have some super sun dresses for this fair-weather pregnancy instead of the atrocities I was wearing with Jack. Business attire is not for pregnancy. No matter what you see or hear, it all looks like shit. I considered some of the old maternity wear and decided the only thing acceptable was the yoga pants, which as I mentioned in my earlier pregnancy, I have pretty much blown out the crotch from extensive wear, so I'm thinking it's all staying in the storage bin.

Tomorrow's the sonogram and dreaded weigh-in. I think I should just stop looking. I think my pants still fit - although there are a few pairs I've been avoiding so I can also avoid the shame that comes along with the possibility of not being able to button/having the jelly roll drooping over the top. I'm still religiously using my cocoa butter like with Jack and here's hoping my psychological belief that it works will come into play this time as well. I can't believe I'm actually excited about wearing a bathing suit, but the realization that I don't have to suck in for the first time in 17 years might actually bring tears to my eyes.

I'll keep you all posted on the sonogram and hopefully will be able to put up pictures. Happy Hump Day!

It seems there is a never-ending supply of mischief going on at the baby sitter's house...just yesterday she told me how Jack found her son's "secret" stash of candy in the closet (after climbing out of bed during his nap) and proceeded to slather himself with some sort of red lollipop (through the wrapper). Then he told her not to tell him "no, you can't have that". Ah. Just last week, after his nap, he unloaded all of her poor son's clothing out of his dresser. I'm thinking she is going to have to invest in a padlock for the child's bedroom. I wonder if she just throws her hands up in exasperation each day...or if she simply laughs and chalks it up to toddler-hood. She is amazingly patient and the stories never cease to amaze me.

I think I may have found my way back onto Jack's good side. I also could have been overreacting, which is totally weird. Although yesterday he did tell me he wanted to stay at the baby sitter's house and not go with me. I almost cried, but I realized he was probably still thinking about the candy. I overheard him asking for me when he got in trouble (score one for mom!) with dad and he loves to "lay on baby" with me and sing silly songs or watch cartoons. At night, he wants me to lay endlessly in bed with him, singing "Old MacDonald" - the new favorite - and cuddle on top of my belly. I will be so sad when it's too big to lay on. Yesterday as I dropped him off, he kissed me and said "BYE!" and then "BYE, BABY!". I wonder how I could possibly love another baby like I love him? I know I will, but I do believe it's different with a firstborn. Not better, just different.

This time around, hubby and I have decided to keep our baby names a secret. No one is going to know. People might think they know and that's fine...let them guess! I think I got cranky a little last time when people were showing obvious disdain for the names we had chosen. You know, as if I were asking them to change their own or name all of their pets and children the same. I have sworn hubby to secrecy and he has promised a zillion times not to tell. Not that there's anything to tell right now, we have not settled on a thing. It's only week 15, so I guess we have a little time.

A few new pictures...Jack in his dad's baseball cap, and touching my 14 week belly!

I'm trying to decide today if I simply have a case of pregnancy sensitiveness or actual brokenheartedness. For the first time today, my son made me cry, and not in a good way. First, he was being a turd when trying to get dressed, and I got after him and it was the immediate, "I want daddy!" and requisite crying. This is what I deal with now. He no longer wants me, just daddy. Ok, I get the occasional love, but it's almost always daddy. It seems like Daddy gets to do all of the fun things. Jack and I just wind up going to the grocery store together while Daddy takes him out to search for animals (that Daddy is only going to shoot later...boo) while I am teaching class and to baseball games that take place before I get home from work. I wind up having to do the things that we have to do with him...not what we want. Granted, I play football and baseball and tickle him silly, but it's not the same. Today, I'd had it. I finished dressing him and stomped down the stairs and slammed the door without a goodbye. Then I silently cried while I finished blow drying. And I want to cry again. I wasn't prepared for it to happen this soon. It's horrendous and I can't believe my two year old son is already breaking my heart...I thought at the very least it would happen when he brought home a girl in a too short miniskirt, way too much makeup, entirely too much cleavage, and I sent her packing with orders to come back when she looked less like a hooker and more like a 16-year old. But two. Two. Two!

Hubby, Jack & I spent last weekend caring for my grandma who has had numerous TIAs (mini-strokes, you could say), and a couple of actual strokes. Physically, she is fine, but her short term memory is gone and again, I was almost brought to tears by her inability to remember what to put on first when getting dressed. She is terrified of being left alone because she knows that she won't remember things like getting to the bathroom or even whose home she is in. Of course, there are moments of the old Grandma as she laughs at Jack's play-by-play during his imaginary baseball game and throwing a plastic egg so that it ricochets off of the table and nails me in the forehead. But minutes later she will lapse back into a state of almost catatonic-ness and old grandma is long gone. G'ma M loves to play cards (and cheat!) and conquer the crosswords each day. She adores costume jewelry has all of the dangly earrings, cocktail rings, and bracelets that make dress-up complete. She makes ham & beans that no one could resist and taught us all how to make potato salad. My sassy little grandma...now frustrated and struggling at her forgetfulness and inability to do any of those treasured tasks any longer. It was not an easy weekend...not because it was hard to take care of her, any one of us would do it again, but because she is simply no longer herself and those moments where her spunky personality and scratchy voice shine are few and far between. I think most of all it's just sad.

Well, happy Hump Day has turned into crappy hump day, apparently...I promise to blog on happier thoughts soon.

If I were to give you readers (all 2 of you) a card today, it would say "Happy Hump Day! I'm pregnant!". Since I have finally told everyone I think I am supposed to tell, I suppose it's time to start telling blogger nation about it. It's true! I am 12.5 weeks pregnant...officially out of the Kenny Loggins danger zone and pedaling full speed ahead to absolute chaos. I'm due October 4. Everyone is already asking me what I want...what, like what kind of puppy? Orange kitten vs. gray? I just want a baby. Boy/girl, makes no difference. Jack has been spectacularly easy, and despite his orneriness, he is about the best you could ask for - so I'd be fine with another boy. I'd also be fine with a girl. So, let's get to specifics.

Again, hubby and I were extraordinarily lucky in the "trying" department. I attribute that solely to the laisez-faire attitude we share in that, if we do, awesome, if we don't, no worries. It's probably not that simple, but it's my theory. I'm not out there charting my temperature, sticking myself with needles and sobbing every month when my period comes. I hope none of you did that. I think we're just lucky ducks. Third time was a charm this time around, and I think it was more shocking than finding out I was pregnant with Jack. I mean, seriously? We're going to have another one? Trust me, four tests and a doctor's visit do not lie. Turns out I was knocked up on the cruise...whoopsies on the mass alcohol consumption on days 1-6. Not that I would have known...but it's weird, because I knew. As soon as we got back, I knew. Two days later, confirmed. I don't think I have ever been so calm - I wasn't nervous about getting a negatory because I just knew. The way you know about a good melon.

I've been feeling relatively normal. Except that my brain cells are being sucked out faster than a Dyson. I left my car running. For an hour. Under the awning at work. My purse inside. Nice work! It doesn't get much worse than that. It was 6,000 degrees inside when I finally realized it and who knows how much gas gone. I forget everything these days. I forget I'm pregnant sometimes - I'm much busier this time around, not just with work, but with Jack and a new puppy that is peeing all over the house. Each morning I wake and put my hand to my belly, expecting the "pop"...everyone tells me it happens so much sooner. Right now I feel like I'm just developing a nice case of muffin top. Hence the reason I did something I swore to the fashion gods I'd never do. I wore leggings. Not for working out, but to actual work. Everyone tells me this is ok, but it's not! I'm so ashamed...I've done it three times in the last week. Again, no brain cells.

Otherwise, my boobs are huge, I'm terrified of hemorrhoids (I don't know why, I've never had them) and we heard the heartbeat last week! A steady 160-170...good times! Little stinker scared me when we didn't hear it right away, but finally came around. I jog at the speed of a 90 year old with a walker and am so out of breath when I teach Pilates that I know my class thinks I am insane. It's all worth it...Come October, I'll have the proof.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! In my early-mid twenties, I would have used this day as an excuse to skip class (or get someone to cover a shift) in order to down green beers at the local watering hole...sitting out in the beer garden, enjoying the (almost) spring sunshine as I enjoyed some laughs. This year, the laughs are of a different sort - the kind only a two-year old can bring you in his tiny green polo and frog socks. "Good boy, mommy," he says, patting my leg as I use the toilet. "Mary Gordon, no!" he yells at me as I peel him from his perch on the counter while I'm cooking dinner. It seems mommy and daddy are now called by their first names around our house. "Jason, what doin'?" he says to hubby. "Mary, Maaarrryyyyy, come get me," he hollers from the bottom of the stairs (apparently these days he is also unable to walk up the stairs on certain occasions). I have to hide my smile and politely remind him that I am mommy and daddy is daddy.

Last week, and actually until just yesterday the poor guy was struck with the stomach flu and just could not shake it. The good news is that he was very adamant about having his diapers changed and did not appreciate Rhea Perlman sliding down his leg. We did ok, except for one day when each diaper warranted a bath. I thought the stench would never leave my nostrils and only realized this morning that it had finally vacated. Thank goodness the throw up part only lasted a day and I have gotten the warning signs for that beast down to a science (Ok, well, except for the first one, which hubby cleaned up as I comforted our crying child. I am gagging just thinking of it), so the key is just to see how fast I can race him to the toilet - or in a couple of cases, the sink, where I promptly bonked his head on the cabinet. Mom of the year.

I wish you all a delightful St. Paddy's Day. I hope everyone is enjoying some delicious corned beef (I came thisclose to ditching the vegetarian diet today and purchasing a Reuben down the street) and a delicious Guiness on this beautiful almost spring day.

Like most kids, Jack loves music. He has recently taken up serious dancing, saying, "Mommy, yet's dance," when the opportunity arises. He associates songs with people he loves, and therefore loves songs and sings along. When one of his favorites comes on he can hardly contain his excitement and a little smile starts to creep onto his lips. He knows a lot of the words, which means he must take after his mother, who knows the words to every song ever created, and not his father, who is the worst lyric figure-outer known to man. Besides maybe my brother-in-law.

Some of Jack's faves:

"Low" by Flo-Rida
"Chicken Fried" by the Zach Brown Band and he's partial to a "stars & stripes" portion of the song
"I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz (this is "Daddy's song")
"Love Story" by Taylor Swift (this is "Mommy's song")
"ABCD" - which is on a Little People cd in my car - he calls it "ABCBs"
"You Are My Sunshine" - sung by me and Jack - he calls it "Sunshine". I love that he loves it because my grandpa used to sing it to me as we walked from his shop to his house. It's my favorite song ever.
And finally...the KU Alma Mater, sung in a duet by mommy & Jack also. He calls this one "Golden Balley" after a few of the lyrics. He knows the whole thing...I'm a proud Jayhawk Mama!

Lately he has taken to reciting the Rock Chalk chant at any given moment. Another sign that I am teaching my firstborn some extremely important lessons about who is tops in not only education, but the world of athletics.

In other important news, Dancing With the Stars has returned and I'm tempted to spray myself a lovely shade of terra cotta, put on my sparkliest eye shadow and pick up a spangly little outfit to prance around the house in. I wasn't thrilled at first, but after seeing the premiere last night, I'm totally excited. Let's hear it for Shawn & Gilles (who we all know will get votes on the simple fact that the entire female population has seen his peen, but is actually very good. I'm sure Cheryl is thrilled).

Much love to you all...I am trying to be a better blogger and post more often.

I re-read my entire blog the other day - while I was at work. It's another semi-lazy Friday here at the office. The boss is away, most of my duties have been nicely tucked away in the "done" pile. Plus, I fear I have reached the end of the Internet, so I need a change of venue.

Jack Jack has turned two. This year's birthday was significantly more low-key than last year. A couple of family parties - no kid parties yet. Mentally, I am not ready for it, and I think Jack is indifferent as long as he gets to eat frosting. The day before his birthday, I took it upon myself to buy a new puppy. More than once, I have wondered, "What in the hell was I thinking?" as she chewed my Steve Madden pump or peed on our down comforter...but, she's truly a doll, Jack loves her to pieces, and she is learning not to pee on things. I still have to hide everything in the house from her. Yesterday I found a toy motorcycle tire with little puppy teethmarks in it.

Somehow I manage to love him more every day. He always surprises me - yesterday he touched my face and said "mommy soft" and gave me a big kiss. I can't believe how fast he is turning into a little boy - doing ornery things like putting a handful of Spaghetti-O's into babysitter's hair or climbing up onto the kitchen table to draw a "football player" right on the wood. Mornings are the best...I think I have said before. He is a big cuddlebug and wants me to play and hold him constantly. How I dread work on those days and wish we could giggle and goof off all day. Each evening I look forward to walking into the door and seeing him jump out of his hiding place to say, "Mommy! I missed you!". I love his concern for others and his need to kiss their ouchies and hug away their pain. His constant need to see the picture of Dottie on the fridge - as if to keep her always in his memory, and how he loves to pretend he's daddy by wearing his referee hat. A few days ago at the sitter's, he took off his pants and diaper and pooped in the toilet without telling a soul until he was done. You have never seen a prouder boy than Jack that day. Of course, I am still changing poopy diapers and he still says, "I'm going poopy. I need to finish!" through his watery eyes and red face. I adore that he's such a little helper and insists on dragging the milk out of the fridge when he wants some - even though the gallon nearly rips his arm out of the socket. He constantly wants to be read to and loves the "Three Little Jayhawks" and "Curious George". I am trying to wean him off anything Elmo and have even hidden a few of those (I know, I'm horrendous, but I can't stand Elmo and his stupid third person talk!) to make him forget they are there.

We are truly lucky to have this little guy running around the house. He can wrap everyone around his chubby little finger in the blink of an eye and we all love it that way.

There has to be some way that I could slip, hit my head on the toilet, and as the flux capacitor forms on my head, I will discover time travel, buy a Delorean, and hit up Doc Brown for some plutonium. Maybe I just need to freeze time for moments like this morning at 6:30 when I brought Jack into our bed and he said, "lay on mommy's tummy", and conked right back out. These are not picture moments, but things that I want engraved in my memory forever. How can he be almost two? When we go places now, he wants to walk as we go inside and it breaks my heart. I thought surely I could carry him forever?

I am proud to report, though, that he has pottied four times on the pot. Before, he would sit for awhile, read a book, and then want to wipe. Now he has actually told me he has to go, and he goes! He loves the book about learning to potty and is enthralled by "big boy pants". My only fear is that he will be the boy peeing in a flower pot at the babysitter's or in the fish tank at my parent's - so for now, we are just sitting. Just imagining my child's "no butt" butt in a pair of Handy Manny underwear makes me laugh.

Our cruise was so fun for us. Hubby and I both loved watching Jack run through the water and build his sand castles. He runs with his arms back like he is prepared to take flight. He was so proud to sleep in his big boy bed that came down from the ceiling (I am embarassed to say it's my fault he fell off one night and landed on top of me). He slept like a charm. Why can't he do that at home? He ran and ran and ran...I don't believe we got one minute of r&r. No matter how much I love my son, there's something to be said for a vacation without kids.





He still remains obsessed with football (and most sports) and loves to yell "touchdown!" - mostly so I will tickle his armpits - but he gets so excited. "Fumble!" he will yell if he drops something and sometimes it's just a random, "interception!" My little baby Jayhawk...who loves for me to sing the Alma Mater and Rock Chalk chant each night before bed. I think Mangino needs to know he has a future superstar on his hands...

Christmas has come and gone and another year has begun. I feel like I should reflect on the past year and share my wisdom and wit. Not really, but 2008 was amazing and I do have a list of things that stand out:

1. My favorite little treasure, Jack Everett...he is an amazing, hilarious, loving, ornery, wonderful child and I want 5 more just like him. Wow, that's ambitious!
2. Husband, family, friends...even though I am a total heifer sometimes and everyone knows that families aren't perfect, never will be, but that's what makes them family, they are still our family and we love them.
3. April 7, 2008...my mighty and beloved Jayhawks win the NCAA National Championship! I watched in agony at the DFW airport. The Orange Bowl Championship and everything else about the Jayhawks was amazing in 2008. I love my school and don't know if anyone but an alumni can truly understand what it means to me. And don't think for one second that I don't have them both on tape and haven't watched them extensively. What can I say, it helps me.
4. For purses and shoes...without you my wardrobe will be nothing. You know who you are.
5. For Boulevard Wheat beer...because without you, watching KU games would not be as fun.
6. Now that I've written all of these things I've lost interest in my list.

So, hubby and I are headed on a vacation and taking our little peanut with us. Let's just say I will have to come home to the chaos to get any relaxation because I know it's not happening on this trip! I am really looking forward to it, but lounging by the pool will consist of catching Jack 4,820 times as he jumps in or riding with him down the slide the other 4,820. The good thing is...maybe he will sleep through the night??? Wishful thinking... Actually, I think it's going to be great fun. I plan on enjoying every second of it.

In conclusion on this fine Friday, I leave you with pictures of my son, who not only refuses to wear pants, but also refuses to take off his green boots. And wear clothes.

"Kitty bite my weener," Jack says as I change his diaper...this is the latest and greatest. "My weener needs food!" My weener, mommy weener go bye bye, daddy weener, everyone's weener. I can only imagine he gets it from his father - after all, this is the man I saw grabbing his crotch on local television while refereeing a championship football game. That's my honey! If it's not the crotch, it's "tooting". Everyone toots. He plugs his nose and laughs. I knew he'd be a really "boy" boy...after all, I wanted to be a boy for the first 10 years of my life.

Christmas is fantastic for us right now. I am like a child again, waiting for Christmas morning and all that it will bring Jack this year. Last year he was about 10 months and although he was running around, wasn't too interested in presents or Santa. As my friend Sarah says, Christmas is reason enough to have kids...he is so delighted at everything! The lights, the tree, the gifts, and Santa. He loves to say "ho, ho, ho" and "merry Christmas!" He thinks snowmen are Santa and he marches around the house laughing as he sings "Jingle Bells". Kids truly bring out the best of the holiday season. I can't wait to watch him tear into presents and marvel at all of the goodies Santa has brought down the chimney. I might cry just thinking about it. I tried very hard to get him to work with me on a Christmas card picture. Last year was so easy! I'll admit, they are cute, but I felt like nothing really captured his personality. Here are some of my efforts:

He is such a nutball and finally was only interested in opening the tin cans that had presents in them and I gave up completely. Those have now made their way to the top of the cabinet...for some reason I felt I needed a variety of packaging...needless to say, he hasn't bothered the tree much. I can't say the same for Rex Walters.

Speaking of the pets... some pics...they are becoming friends now that Dottie is gone. Just the other day we got her shot reminder and it left us a little sad for a day or two. I am sure Dottie won't miss those. I think I am still having a hard time with her being in the ground and wonder about our decision. I don't think we could have had her cremated under the circumstances and timing of her death and I love that she is close, but I constantly worry about her being cold...or struggling to get out. Holy shit, am I really talking about this? Stop. Enough digressing...it's Millie & Rex Walters wishing you all a happy holiday.

Christmas is Coming!

One Christmas when I was about 10, we'll say, I received a red Huffy dirt bike. I was not about to ride around town looking like a bad ass on some banana seat bike with a basket on the front. Besides, it wouldn't go with my hand-me-down football jerseys and baseball glove. I'm sure my parents thought I was confused about my gender and maybe even my sexuality, but in any case, Santa indulged me and I wish, wish, wish that I could find the picture of me sitting on it Christmas morning, wearing a football jersey nightgown. OMG, I know. Anywho, that Christmas was amazing! I got the bike, I ruled the neighborhood and kicked a lot of guys where it counts. So, the point of my story is that this may be the best one since. Thank you, Jack.

He runs around the house singing "Jingle Bells" and trying to open Christmas presents. He has his own tiny tree. He kisses each ornament on the tree and loves Santa. He says, "Merrrrrry Mismas!" and loves looking at lights. At this very moment, he is singing a song of his own creation in his Christmas pj's. Crazy how your kids make you appreciate Christmas and Santa all over again, and no matter what, he will always be a part of Christmas for us. I am a huge Christmas fan, but this has brought things to a whole new level. I can't wait - I have been transformed from a 31 year-old-mother (eek) to a 10-year-old waiting for her red Huffy bike to arrive.

On television: "Watch football!" On Barbie: "I yike Barbie!" On the Nuvaring commercial where they jump in the pool (I know. Don't ask): "I yike that kid!" Broccoli: "I don't yike dat". He gives Eskimo kisses, butterfly kisses, and "kitty" kisses, which is something he and I came up with together. He loves getting in "mommy bed" and going "with me" whether we are going to the kitchen or going to the store. He now says, "No mess with Texas!" on behalf of my great friend Sarah. Further proof that he is truly my child: his need for me to tell him he is funny. He loves it. Every day he asks about his entire family and wants to know where they are and if he can see them. He has such a huge personality and an even bigger heart.

Despite Jack's Christmas spirit, the house has still been significantly quieter without Dottie. We are still missing her like crazy and we always will. Jack constantly mentions her and explaining her whereabouts hasn't gotten any easier. He still asks to "see Dottie", to which we look out the window and look to where she is buried to tell her hello. Funny, even Jack has become increasingly protective of Millie, constantly wanting to make sure she's fed and has a belly full of biscuits. We are taking things one day at a time and we keep her close to our hearts, always. At least this year we know she will not be tearing open any presents - we'll leave that to Jack.

Goodbye, My Dottie Girl

I am writing today with a heavy heart...my beloved, wonderful, silly, lovey Dalmatian was killed about five days ago after she jumped out of our backyard and was struck by a car. I have woken up each morning and searched for her warmth under the covers and listened for the jingling of her collar or the sound of her bounding up the stairs to get breakfast. I keep waiting for her to show up. I occasionally glance in the yard and expect to see her chasing the cat. A member of our family has gone and it's heartbreaking. Poor hubby...I ran outside to find him carrying her across the neighbor's yard with tears streaming down his face. I laid on her and wailed. It's so sad. I didn't want to let her go...she was still warm. She always let me lay on her like she was a pillow and I felt like I was playing that game with her one last time. We wrapped her in her favorite blanket and buried her in the backyard in a place that only we can rationalize. I cry ten times a day. I drive by the place where she was stuck and want to scrub the ground clean. I think I will. I know it should be some consolation to us that she was gone instantly, but it isn't. It was too sudden, too violent, too soon. Jack has asked a time or two if he can give her a biscuit as he gives our other dog one, and I explain to him again that she is in doggie heaven. I am strangely protective of our other dog now. I worry she will get lonely, I worry that she is sad. She is taking care of me, too.

Dottie was such a lovely dog...full of personality, full of orneriness, and love. As most dogs are. She loved crawling under the covers and keeping my feet warm. She loved to give kisses, and she loved us. She let Jack pull on her ears and roll all over her. She loved for me to carry her...I did it from the time I got her and even at 45lbs, she always welcomed it. The house seems empty without her, even with all the commotion still going on. It's hard filling up one bowl of food and calling Millie's name without hers along with it. It's hard to walk in the door and not see her tail wagging. I know it's just a dog, folks...but it doesn't make it any easier to admit she's gone.

"Mommy, mommy, mommy. Daddy? Mommy, football? Mommy, shoes on. Mommy sleepy nite nite? Mommy, don't want to. Me drive? Mommy, mommy, mommy..." A typical conversation with Jack. He never stops talking...sometimes hilarious, sometimes maddening. I love that I can have an actual conversation with him. He is my favorite person to talk to. But on the other hand, I think I hear my name 1,000 times a day. I seem to remember my dad telling me to stop talking several times in the car, so I assume this is my payback. He talks and talks and talks. He knows a million words, he is brilliant and hilarious and sweet. He wants to kiss everything, including the Jayhawk on my back window. "Dayhawk, kiss," he says as we get into the car. "Dayhawk, nice. Me drive?" I officially need to get him a set of wheels. With a Jayhawk sticker, of course.

His latest is to jump off of the couches and ottomans. "Mommy, hand," he will say, and reach for my hand. He counts 1...2...3...and leaps in the air. And he can also count to 10, although he usually skips four and eight. Sometimes he will say "...nine, ten, nine!"



My new favorite is at night...he will lay in my lap as he drinks a glass of milk and when he's finished he will say, "nite nite" and either zonk out on my lap, or take my face in his hands and ask to be taken to his bed. The sweetest. I am amazed at his guestures and feel like hubby and I are doing a good job. He does have his moments, but I can only imagine that every parent has their share of worries or frustrations about whether or not they are doing it "right". I wonder about the hitting stage he is going through and the fact that he actually seems to enjoy time-out.


I am now reaching a crossroads...is it time to change the bed into a toddler bed? If I do, I am certain I will wake to find him sleeping in his closet (where he likes to hide) with the cat, or pulling all of the clothes out of his dresser amidst a sea of baby powder. My next dilemma is potty training. He understands it, and talks about it, but he is nervous about sitting on the actual toilet. I imagine I will find him peeing in a house plant or in the dog dish.

On another note, I have been placed on the IR with a ridiculous ankle sprain I received playing volleyball. I'm so annoyed because I have so many things to do and hubby (of course!) is out of town all week for work meetings. Jack can make it down the stairs faster than I can and he will also be disappointed when he finds out I can't run around the house in circles and chase him when he says, "mommy, run!" There could be a bonus to that...considering the last time we did it, the dogs played along and one of them took me out and I nearly broke my toe. I am a walking, talking injury. Good thing we have a bye next week in the ever-competitive women's league.

I keep this blog up, although I know that posts are sometimes few and far between. I have a lot of pictures I need to add...I think mostly this is something therapeutic for me, and I also know that I will forget half of the things if I don't put them down. I will do my best to get pictures up soon.