Archive for March 2008

Monday, March 31, 2008

Blah

Vance and I are having a lazy day. It's raining and thundering out and I have some kind of a stomach bug. Perfect day to stay inside. 


Vance and Daisy go crazy when it rains. Rain is one of the many things that scares Daisy. She pants and paces and shakes until it stops. Vance remembers all the rain that we got last summer, so anytime it rains he has Old War Flashbacks and thinks it's never going to stop again. 

Speaking of War, my insides have been feuding since last night. It's one of those situations best not spoken about. I'm hurting and thankful that Vance has been a good boy today.

That's all I can put together right now. 

  

Friday, March 28, 2008

Breakfast, Big Boy Style

This morning while getting ready, Justin and I commented on how Vance was sleeping in this morning. He usually busts though the door screaming, "Good Morning!" while Justin is still in the shower. Justin was fully dressed and ready to head downstairs at this point and still no Vance. Silly us. 


Vance took it upon himself to go straight downstairs and make breakfast. He turned on the TV (and even paused it so he didn't miss anything), got out the toaster, lifted it on the counter, plugged it in, got out a frozen waffle and successfully toasted it. 

We had a talk about what Big Boys do and what they don't do after that.

...............

Part of Relocation deal is to meet with two different Realtor companies, get their appraisal, hear how they will market the house, then we get to decide which company we would like to go with. The first one should be here in about 15 minutes. 

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Cup-a-Cake

I didn't know these even existed. This is the answer to so many of my problems.  

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

This Lady Hearts Foul

"If I ever become a Realtor, I'm totally going to get my promotional picture taken with my favorite chicken." 

Monday, March 24, 2008

Lately, I've been feeling nauseous at certain times of the day. My nose is also super sensitive. The Rug Smell is back and it's driving me nuts. I feel like I'm going through the stages of morning sickness again. This pregnancy is seeming to come full circle. Blah.    

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Easter, Big Boy Style




We celebrated Easter Big Boy Style this year.
 
Easter Eve was spent wearing Big Boy underwear. On Easter, we took Vance to see his first movie, Horton Hears a Who. Afterwards we took a walk and Vance rode his tricycle, which we have decided is too small for him and that he's ready for a bike. At dinner we discussed plans for his upcoming birthday. Vance would like to have lunch at his party which will start at precisely 6:09. Cupcakes and cake will be served after chicken nuggets, french fries, guacamole, and chips. Balloons are a must. He is also convinced that he'll be turning 6 years old. 

He's rushing to grow up and we're trying to slow him down. 

Happy Easter

Thursday, March 20, 2008

The past 2 days have been sunny and in the low 40's. Although it's been too windy to really feel the warmth from the sun, Vance and I have still gone out to play each day. I broke two nails fielding plastic softballs that he hit from his tee, but they were well worth it. Between hits he would take a second to chat on his cell phone, so I had time to sulk.  


Right now he's fascinated with what animals eat. He asked two days ago what birds eat and since then all he keeps talking about is it getting warm out and us digging up some worms. (It took awhile for him to grasp that the worms live under the ground. "I can't see dem! Where are dey?", he kept asking.)  

This morning on the news they commented that the official snow count for the season is 92 inches. We're supposed to get another 2-5 tomorrow. People are starting to sell t-shirts that say, "I Survived Winter of '08!"

How is everyone enjoying Top Chef? I'm finding that half of the contestants annoy the hell out of me for no good reason at all. Is it because I can't touch my toes anymore and everything seems to annoy me, or are others experiencing the same thing? 

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Chicks Rule!


Over the weekend we made a trip to Babies R' Us. On his very own, Vance picked these three items out for Baby Girl. (That's what he calls the baby.) The bib was the first item he chose. Clearly not my taste, but the moment was too cute and he was way too proud of himself for me to put it back on the rack when he wasn't looking. 

Ducks in a Row

Every now and again I comment on the craziness of the members that make up my side of the family. The leaders of said craziness, my parents - well, really just my dad, have once again proved this fact. They are allowing us to move in with them until we sell our house and find a new one. That's me, a husband, an almost 3 year old, a soon to be newborn, and a dog. And they seem to be excited about it. We are very thankful that they are always there to help us out! 


For those who haven't done the math, I will be 36 weeks pregnant when we move. Perfect time to pack up and relocate! I feel extremely lucky because my old doctor, the doctor who delivered Vance, is covered on our new insurance, as is Vance's old Pediatrician. So, there's two unknowns answered!

One thing is a little unsettling: I cannot go into labor between the dates of April 9 - 14. We'll be moving on the 9th and our new insurance doesn't kick in until Justin's first day (14th). We'll still be covered by our old insurance, but they are very strict when it comes to pregnancies this late in the game. They will not cover anything out-of-state within the last month. Everyone keep their fingers crossed and I'll keep my legs crossed too!  

I've decided to keep the crib bedding and I think we have a first name for Rosie Barcelona. I think... I'm also thrilled that Vance got into the preschool program that we wanted. He doesn't know it yet, but he'll be going to "school" for a few hours, two days a week! Three more unknowns down! 

Off to Little Gym!
  

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Early last week I was talking to my sister on the phone, telling her how lucky I was that Vance hasn't had much interest putting things into the toilet. Things that don't belong in the toilet, I should add. I spoke too soon because as of late last week our FOP (Foreign Object in Potty) totals were up to one book, one ball, and one partially flushed hand towel.


Updated 11:06
Add one more hand towel to the total. 

Monday, March 17, 2008

No Place Like Home

We've lived in Madison for almost 2 and a half years. 


The first year and a half was tough. 

Towards the end of last summer we met some great friends and living here has been enjoyable since.

Vance took his first steps here. In our kitchen to be exact. And has made his first non-family friends here too. 

We've survived two blizzards, know much too well what "thundersnow" is, and have survived two awful winters. 

We've fallen in love with our neighborhood. Vance and I have spent countless hours walking on the paths, looking for ducks on the ponds, finding grasshoppers, and playing under the shade of the big trees.

Justin has been offered a position with a company in St. Louis and has accepted. We'll be moving back in 3 short weeks. 

Although bittersweet, we're happy and excited to be close to family and friends once again.  

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Blueberry Muffins

Thought these muffins would be perfect for our visitors on Sunday morning. I found the recipe in The Gourmet Cookbook last year and have been enjoying them ever since. At first I was intimidated by the idea of making homemade muffins, but they are super easy and worth it. The crumb topping is wonderful and could be eaten alone, if you should have the urge.

Batter
3/4 stick unsalted butter
1/3 cup whole milk
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)

Topping
3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut in small cubes
1/2 cup flour
3 1/2 tablespoons sugar

Preheat oven to 375. Place rack in upper third of oven. 
Melt butter in small saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in milk, egg, yolk, and vanilla until well combined.
Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in bowl. Add milk mixture and stir until combined. Gently fold in blueberries. Divide into muffin pan.
Make the topping. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and rub together with your fingertips until crumbly. Sprinkle over each muffin before baking. 
Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the middle.

*I have used whole milk and 2% milk and cannot taste a difference. I say use what you have on hand. Sometimes I have to add a tiny bit more milk to the mixture, just to loosen it up. 

Try it, you'll like it!

Saturday, March 15, 2008

32 Weeks of Baby Fun


This picture was taken on Monday, right around 31.5 weeks. 

I now have a 32 week old baby in my belly and we still:
  • Don't have a name
  • Are unsure about the bedding I ordered
  • Don't have girl clothes
  • Have to make a trip to Babies R' Us for necessities
  • Have a swimming pool sized hole full of unknowns (More later on that one)

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Valerie

Vance and I have been enjoying this song this morning. 

Good Luck Charity! We'll be sending you good thoughts this morning!

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Just a reminder that a new season of Top Chef starts tonight. 

Vance Hearts Foghat

Vance's favorite song to sing right now is Slow Ride. Evidence that he's been playing way too much Guitar Hero. I tried to secretly catch him doing his thing, but he has already developed super powers when it comes to detecting parental figures. Not the best clip, but just a hint of what I get to enjoy all day long.     



Monday, March 10, 2008

Grocery Store Budgeting

I'm a little in shock. I just read one of my "daily" blogs and she mentioned that she budgets $50 per week on groceries. The hell? How is this possible? Her household includes her husband and two boys, I think ages 4 and 2. Anyone care to offer what they budget or spend weekly on groceries? This is one area that I know I can cut back on, but being a Foodie, it's tough. And trying to eat organically doesn't help either. I need help! What are your secrets?  

 It's 6:47 am and Vance is still asleep. He hasn't slept this late in weeks. I know the fact that I'm even mentioning it means that he'll be propelled down the stairs at any moment. 


We ran a lot of errands and got a lot of things done this weekend. Spring cleaning type of stuff. It felt really good to get rid of a lot of stuff that we don't need. Our trash and recycling bins are overflowing today. (For once Justin and I remembered that it was trash day before he pulled out for work and saw the neighbor's bins. Our usual day was changed in January and we just can't quite get it.)

Came upon a new blog over the weekend. Not always my style, but she does a lot of decorating and crafty things on a budget. Always fun to see what others are up to, so Check it out! 

Updated: 7:14 am. Vance has been up for 13 minutes. So far have cleaned up spilled coffee and mopped up pee that didn't make it into the potty. Just sat back down to enjoy half a cup of cold coffee. That's more like the Monday I know and love.  

Sunday, March 09, 2008

Imaginary Budget

On Friday Justin and I spoke about our budget, as in we're spending too much lately. 


On Saturday we bought a chair and ottoman for the office. 

On Sunday we bought a bike rack for the car. 

Wonder how Monday will go. 

Saturday, March 08, 2008

You can tell how much people are wanting it to be Spring already around here. Everyone has Spring Fever. We need Spring. We deserve Spring. 


Todays high was only in the low 20's but it was a sunny, blue skied day. Tons of people were out, parking lots were full, and stores were crowded. I saw one lady walking into a store wearing flip-flops. 

Although it's supposed to snow tomorrow, the weather people have promised us a warm up starting on Monday. Possibly a high of 44 on Wednesday. We're looking forward to it. And even though the warm weather won't stick around just yet, it's just enough to let us know what's around the corner. 

Don't forget to change your clocks tonight. 

Thursday, March 06, 2008

Vance and I picked up a groggy Daisy Doggy this afternoon. She had a total of 8 teeth removed. The nurse mentioned that her tongue might hang out a little bit because she basically doesn't have any front teeth left. (I wonder if it will make her bark sound different.)


Daisy also had 2 x-rays that determined that she does have "significant bone damage at the lumbo-sacral space where the spine joins the pelvis." 

The Doctor must have felt sorry for us because she only charged us for 4 tooth extractions, gave us a free nail trim, and even though Dental Health Month ended last month, we still got the 10% discount. 

I figured that I would wait until tomorrow before I try to open Daisy's mouth and take a peek. When I do, I'll see if I can find the $427.69 that she swallowed today.  

 

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Getting ready to take Daisy to her Doctor for a full day of expensive fun. Teeth cleaning, with a possibility of 2 extractions, nails clipped and sanded down, and x-rays. The x-rays are to get a better idea of how severe the arthritis is in her back. She's been feeling okay lately, but if it flares up again, we'll have a better idea how to treat her. 

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Big Boy Room

Here's Senor trying out his new bed. The wall color looks a little weird on my monitor, so who knows what it looks like on yours. It's just a dark tan. His wall shelves need another coat of paint and we're still looking for drapes and other odds and ends, so I'll post more pictures when the room is more complete. 
We did manage to clear out enough space for his drum set. Need to turn it around so he can face the audience.

Here's the picture I've been working on for his room. Don't know what color to do the background. Thought about blue. Any thoughts? 

Monday, March 03, 2008

About Time...

Clover Crib Bedding In Blossom - Four Piece Set

Finally, here's the crib bedding. The huge picture is the detail of the two patterns. I know it says you can click to enlarge, but you can't.  

LILLBERG Rocking chair
And the new rocking chair. 

Our bedrooms have names. There's Our Room, Vance's Room, Ko's/Daisy's Room, and Big Gar's Room. To have a room named on your behalf, you must be the first guest to sleep there. Mr. Ko was the first and pretty much only guest in our old house and when we moved the name followed. Since he's only visited once and Daisy sleeps in that room, we use the name interchangeably. Naming of the rooms is for mere clarity alone.


All bedrooms were torn apart this weekend. Vance's baby furniture was moved into Big Gar's room, which is going to be the baby's room. The furniture in Big Gar's room was moved into Ko's room. Ko's furniture was moved into the basement. Vance's room was painted this weekend, the color, Deer Path. (I still dream about being a Namer of the Paint.) 

On paper it really doesn't seem that chaotic and messy of a job. In hindsight we should have tackled it another way so that it wasn't, but oh well, it's done. It also didn't help to have a no napping 2 year old wanting to help and a dog always at your feet. It was a long weekend filled with work and meltdowns and that's not really how a weekend should go down. We were stuck in the house way too long and Vance was almost sold to the highest bidder on Sunday. I'm a little jealous that Justin gets to go back to work today. Vance has been up since 5:30 this morning and is already cranky. He HAS to take a nap today. 

In other news, we grilled out yesterday. It was 40 degrees here and we needed a celebration. Justin used two different shovels to dig out the grill and she fired right up.   

While typing this, Vance has been over my shoulder and trying to help me type. He's also been sitting really, really, close to me and putting his head right in front of the computer screen. Please excuse this whole post. 

Saturday, March 01, 2008




Here's a couple pictures of the snow. The first one is obviously from the car, right by our house. In the second one, Vance and I were on our way to the blue house at the end of the street for a birthday partay today.

After much ado, Vance is sleeping right now for the first time in his Big Boy Bed. It's been a long and tense day around here. 

Nighty, night.  

 

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