If I Only Had A Brain ...

The weeks go by so fast here at the Hall house!! Is it really Wednesday already?!! We have been keeping very busy! Last weekend we went home again -- I know you are probably SO surprised to hear that -- for a baby shower. I picked Jon up from work and we drove home from there. The traffic was terrible!! Poor little Tanner whined and cried from the time we got on the interstate until we reached Indiana. By the time he finally fell asleep, I was crying, too. When we got home, my parents babysat so that Jon and I could go see a movie. It had been a while since we saw one, especially since we used to go every weekend! It was nice to be able to go out with my husband!! We saw Death Sentence with Kevin Bacon -- it was okay, but a little violent for me.

I spent most of the next day shopping with my mom and mother-in-law. It was my first big trip out to buy clothes since Tanner was born. I think I was feeling a little more confident after having some success with my first week on Weight Watchers. Yay!! Hopefully, I will continue to lose -- only about 13 more pounds to go until I'm back where I was -- and I'm fully aware that my pre-pregnancy clothes still might not fit then -- but I'm determined to reach my goal anyway.

I'm sure you've figured this out already, but I have a tendency to be a bit flighty at times. Those who know me well also know that this condition runs in my family. I'm proud to say I have yet to drive away from the gas station with the hose still attached to my car, but I have definitely had my moments. Today was one of them. I had cooking club this morning and made my dish on our gas-burner stove just before I left. When I left, all of the burners were off, but I must not have checked them carefully enough, because when I returned to the house 2 hours later I could smell gas. YIKES!! Tanner was still in the car, so I quickly went around and opened all of the windows in the house and took Tanner to the park across the street and then for a long walk so my house would have time to ventilate before we went inside. A few hours later, I returned home and called the fire department to see if there was anything else I should do to make sure the house was safe again for us. They said they would send someone over to check the gas levels. (The fire department is literally next door to us.) Lo and behold, they sent their biggest fire engine WITH sirens singin' and lights a-blazin'. I was so embarrassed! They checked inside and said everything was just fine for us to return back inside. I'm so lucky all I had to go through was a little embarrassment and not a major emergency. I swear I lost a major chunk of brain cells during pregnancy that have yet to grow back! It was totally worth it, though. Check out the latest pics of my Snickerdoodle (actually, we've taken to calling him Stinkerdoodle lately).

Hey!! I thought I ordered some nachos a while ago!!!

Daddy's Little Helper

I only smile at the pretty ones!

Oh Mom, what am I going to do with you??

Lucky

Let me preface this post by saying that I definitely do NOT judge another woman on whether or not she stays home with her children or goes to work each day. I know that what is right for me and my family is not what is right for every family. I also know that not every woman who wants to stay home is able to stay home.

That being said, I am one LUCKY woman. I have just been reflecting all weekend on how much I LOVE my job as a stay-at-home mom. This has truly been the best 2+ months of my life. I absolutely adore what I do each day -- playing with and caring for my sweeter-than-candy son and taking care of things around the house. I used to hate Sunday evenings because I knew I was starting the work-week the next day. I always felt like I was taking a deep breath on those nights, because I wouldn't be able to come up for air again until the following Friday night!

Sometimes I think it's easy for stay-at-home moms to feel guilty about not working and bringing home an income. I have definitely had those feelings at times. My husband would NEVER try to make me feel bad about staying at home -- he is always very supportive of it. However, I still feel sometimes that society looks down upon women who choose not to return to work after having a baby. I even find myself answering "not this year" when people ask whether I'm going back to work -- like I'm only taking a year off when, actually, I plan to stay home as long as possible. So I decided last Friday that I wouldn't feel guilty about it any more. Why should I? I am actually someone that can say they love what they're doing and not many other people can say the same. I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts -- because it won't be forever.

I love being a mom.

I love staying at home.

And I love my husband so very much for encouraging me to do both.

I am one lucky woman.

One More Thing

Oh yeah ... one more thing. My little boy has started laughing!!! Music to my ears ... I never knew anything could sound so sweet!

Pics of Last Weekend

We had a great Labor Day weekend! Jon really enjoyed his time in Ohio and was eager to tell Tanner and I about all of the wakeboarding stunts he attempted. His family has a cottage on a lake there, and they were able to spend a lot of time on the water. Sadly, Army lost, but I'm sure they all still had a great time tailgating and such.

I had a wonderful time with my family. It was chaos getting everyone home, with flights being delayed, cancelled, and rental car places closed. But the entire family was together by Saturday morning and we enjoyed watching football together and just catching up. Tanner was a huge hit and everyone enjoyed cuddling with him. He went on his first boat ride on Lake Michigan in my dad's boat -- quite an adventure as the water was a bit rough -- I was feeling queasy by the end! Tanner was a trooper, though, stuffed like a little sausage into his life jacket!

I'm the first mate!!

Hanging out with Aunt Lauren

I'm loved! Stealing kisses from Aunt Kat -- and she only just met me!

Sharing a laugh with my Grammy!

I think Uncle Daniel needs some kids of his own!! He's a natural!

Tanner and his look-alike, Uncle Eric

Tanner and Uncle Pat, whipped after a long day of watching football!

It was hard saying goodbye to everyone, knowing that we won't all be together again until Christmas. I just love the precious time I get with my sisters! We have settled back into our routine here at home. It's hard to believe that tomorrow is already Friday!!

Tonight I made my first attempt at running since before I was pregnant with Tanner. I've been saying that I'm going to give it a shot for a while now, but when it comes down to it, its scary actually going out there and doing it. I don't know if I was scared because I didn't think I would be successful or if I thought it would hurt or what. But I did it. Now I didn't go far -- just to the corner and back -- a little over a mile, but my husband didn't have to come pick me up off the side of the road, so I'm viewing it as a major accomplishment! You have to start somewhere, right?! Tomorrow I'm starting something else I've been putting off for a while now -- I'm going to Weight Watchers. I'm determined to get this pregnancy weight off because I only have one pair of normal jeans that fit and I refuse to wear maternity pants through the fall!! It's hard knowing how many lbs I still need to lose, but all I have to do is cuddle with my little boy and it makes every pound that I gained worth it! What a slice of heaven! I felt completely guilty today as I just cuddled and played with Tanner all day, getting nothing else productive done, but I just can't get enough of him and I know this time won't last for long! Before I know it, he'll be in school like B's son M!

A Rough Few Days

Tanner's 2 month checkup was yesterday. Those of you seasoned moms know what that means -- a boatload of shots -- ouch!! My heart just broke for my little guy as he screamed through two vaccines in each leg plus an oral vaccine. He was done crying about 30 seconds after it was all over, though. I think it probably hurt me more than him! He went in just smiling and flirting with all the nurses -- 2 of them were in the room doing the checkup and fussing all over him. When the end of the appointment came and it was time to give the vaccines, they both came back in and said they didn't want to be the ones to give him his shots. They sent ANOTHER nurse in to do it -- it was too funny. After we left Tanner was pretty crabby for the rest of the afternoon and evening and just wanted to sleep. Thankfully, he's back to his smiling self today. The rest of his appointment went really well. He weighs 13 lbs 2 oz (he gained 3 lbs this month!!) and is 23 1/2 inches long. What a big boy! I'm putting all of his 0-3 month clothes away and getting out the 3-6 month wardrobe!! So sad!

Speaking of sad ... I got in a minor car accident on Monday -- totally my fault. I rear-ended someone in traffic. Don't you just hate it when that happens? Everything is just going along fine and dandy and then something like that happens and you sit there thinking, "This is not happening -- I must be dreaming. Wake up. Wake up." The good thing is that nobody was hurt, but the front of my car was pretty banged up. It's getting fixed right now. Jon's been fabulous about it all -- thank goodness!

We are off tonight to celebrate Labor Day weekend with our families. Jon is headed to the Army vs. Akron game in Ohio with his parents and other relatives and I am spending the weekend at my parents' house. My sisters and my brother are all flying in. I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Looking especially sweet.

"If you're going to say no, then I'm calling Grammy!!"

"She said she's on her way here to get me."

Holding My Breath

Is this really happening? Tanner has been napping IN HIS CRIB for 49 minutes now. I have actually finished a yoga DVD and eaten lunch since I put him down. And it gets even better. Last night I put him to bed early -- around 8:30, and he slept until 3:30 this morning. What a good boy! Lets hope this becomes a pattern! If I could just get one good nap a day where he is sleeping somewhere other than my arms, I might actually get something done once in a while!! :) My sweet boy ...

Oh, Dad!! You're so silly! I'm too little to stand up!!

Hey, Ladies -- lookin' good!

Heck yeah!! Someone just told me college football starts this week!

Random Rambings

The weather here has been pretty nasty the past few days with lots of rain and thunderstorms, so we have been spending lots of time indoors. Jon had meetings in the city on Thursday night and it took him 3 1/2 hours to get home!! There was lots of flooding and even some tornado warnings in the area. He didn't walk in the door until almost 10:00! What a long day for us both!!

Last night we treated ourselves to dinner at On The Border. It was so yummy -- especially since I didn't have to cook it! Not that I don't like to cook, it's just hard to do with one hand since I'm usually holding Tanner as dinnertime is his fussy time. We are finally spending a weekend at home with no company -- our first since Tanner was born. It's nice having some time for just the three of us. We slept in this morning, enjoyed our little boy together, and had coffee before Jon left for his golf tournament today. He will be gone most of the day. :( At least we have all day tomorrow to hang out! We are planning on scoping out the neighborhoods in our area to get some ideas about where we would like to live.

I felt so sorry for my mom yesterday. I was on the phone with her around 3:30 and she hung up really quickly, saying "I gotta go, I think I'm out of gas." I was so worried about her! I didn't know if she was on the highway or somewhere close to home, or what. She finally called back around 6:00. It turns out she was on her way home from shopping with my aunts and Grandma and she was still around 30 min away from home. She did run out of gas, but was able to coast into the entrance of a Walmart parking lot. She made her way to a little gas station next door and bought a gas can and filled it up. When she got back to her car, she put her purse and everything back in the car and put the gas in the car. Of course , when she was finished, she went to get back in the car and it was locked. She locked her purse, her keys, and her cell phone all inside!! She went into Walmart and called my dad, leaving messages on both his work phone and cell phone to come and pick her up. In the meantime, she waited inside the store. Finally, she heard her name announced on the store's intercom. She went to customer service expecting to find my dad. Instead, she found a police officer who said she would have to tow her car!! She used her phone to call my dad once more, and he said he was on his way. Fortunately, the police officer was really nice and said she could wait for him in his car. I don't think she was expecting him to put her in the back seat!! She said she was so embarrassed! People probably thought she was getting arrested for shoplifting or something! When my dad finally arrived, it was with bad news. She had left her spare set of keys at my house this week (don't ask ... ), so he didn't have a spare to help her get into her car!! They ended up calling the tow company and they were able to come and unlock the car. The worst part is that this all happened after she spent an hour looking for her keys at Babies 'R' Us before she even set off for home!! Only my mom ... :)

Tanner is literally all smiles these days -- so fun! He laughs sometimes in his sleep, but I haven't heard one while awake yet. He is pretty much right on schedule for naps and feedings during the day, still not doing a great job of napping in his crib, but we're working on it -- he slept in there for about 20 minutes today -- his longest nap ever in his crib!! Tues, Wed, and Thurs night he went to bed around 9:30, woke up at 2:00, and then woke up every hour until 6:00!! He likes to be swaddled, but I think he's getting to big to be swaddled with his little receiving blankets! He kept getting out of them and then waking himself up. Yesterday I went and bought a SwaddleMe wrap and he only woke up once last night!! My little stinker -- he loves to be all sniggled up just like his dad!! He would be completely content if I just cuddled him all day long!!

Enough rambling for now. Enjoy the pics ...

You are so funny, Mom!

Lights, colors, and music, oh my!

This is just too much!!

AHHH!! I'm having so much fun!

It's all muscle, ladies!

How did you sneak in here?? Boys only!!

Weddings and Such

We've been a busy bunch here at the Hall house!

We left last Thursday for another weekend in Michigan. I know -- surprise surprise!! This time we really did have a good reason for our visit. Jon's older brother, Steve was getting married! The wedding was perfect and so thoughtfully planned. The reception was at a local winery and they had the best food and sangria. Yum Yum!! It was so great to visit with Jon's extended family. All of the cousins are around the same age and we always have a good time together. I told my father-in-law that we need to plan a family reunion every year instead of waiting for a good excuse like a wedding to see each other.

Christin and Steve -- The Happy New Couple!!

Tanner did a fantastic job at the wedding and got lots of compliments on his good behavior. It's hard not to be good when you are sleeping, though!! He wore a little yellow suspender outfit with a yellow bowtie and kneesocks -- it was so adorable!! Of course, we forgot to bring the charger for our camera battery, which was dead before the rehearsal dinner even came around. I'm hoping someone else got a good shot of our little guy that they might be willing to share. We stayed at my parents' house to avoid all of the wedding-related commotion, but we weren't able to spend time with my parents because they spent the weekend at West Point visiting my brother, Eric, for his Acceptance Day. After Jon left on Sunday, I stayed for a few extra days so that I would get to see them and hear all about the big event! I visited a lot with Eric's girlfriend -- Boy does that bring back memories!!! I know exactly what she was feeling seeing him for the first time!!

Eric and Chelsie -- He looks so grown up in his uniform!!

My mom drove me back home on Tuesday evening and stayed until Wednesday evening. She cleaned all of my bathrooms and did all of my ironing!! What a huge help!

Tanner had his first playgroup yesterday. He totally slept through it while I visited with the other mothers, but I'm thinking that's probably the point of a 0-6 month playgroup!! The other moms are really great and I'm looking forward to getting to know them better. I got together again today with one of the moms. She came over and we had lunch and visited. Yay!! I'm finally making friends! After she left, I layed down with Tanner and we took a long nap together. It was the perfect afternoon for napping -- dark skies and thunderstorms. Such special time with my boy!! He has been smiling so much lately, which completely melts my heart every time -- he's just so precious!! He is also starting to use his voice a little for sounds other than cries. Too cute. Everything is just happening way too fast -- I'm just loving every moment!

I've had such a hard day!!

I'm all ready for my walk downtown!! Like my new shades?

What a chunk!! He weighed in at 13.2 lbs yesterday when Jon weighed him on our scale at home. I'm eager to see how big he is at his 2-month appt next week!

Look Familiar?

Does this little boy look familiar to you??

It's me and my little brother Eric when he was a baby. Doesn't he look just like Tanner?!

World's Cutest Quarterback

Future Heisman Candidate?





Looking just like Grandpa Hall and Uncle Patrick

I feel like I'm finally starting to get to know my little boy -- what he likes and doesn't like, what makes him smile, what makes him cry, what makes him STOP crying, etc. I learn something new each day. I swear he visibly grows from the time he wakes up to the time he goes to bed!! Time is going by so fast!!

Our good friend, Dan, who was Jon's roommate in college and our neighbor in Colorado Springs, came to visit this past weekend. It was so good to see him and catch up. Jon grilled out and the boys sat outside talking Army talk while I feel asleep on the couch with Tanner! I'm afraid I wasn't much fun!

My mom came on Monday to stay for a few days since Jon is working late this week. She is always SUCH a big help with Tanner and things around the house. I tease her that she is my nanny! Today our goal is to get all of the ironing finished! I'm trying to talk her into staying another night, but she has company coming in this weekend and might have to leave this evening to get her house ready for them. I'm soooo glad we moved closer to home. It is wonderful being able to spend time with my parents and Jon's parents so often. We are going home again this weekend so that we can help Jon's parents get things ready for his brother's wedding the next weekend.

Well, I better get started on that ironing while my mom is snuggling my little guy. Here are some pics from the past few days. Isn't he changing so fast?!

Dan and Tanner

Tanner and his nanny -- she's going to get fired if she keeps sleeping on the job!! :)

So Blessed ...

Last night I was reminded about just how precious my little boy is as I sat and read about a young mother who lost her first baby when he was less than two months old. I just happened upon her blog as I was looking up the websites for people I graduated with. I sat at my computer reading her story and looking at her pictures and just balled my eyes out. Once again I thought about what a true miracle it is to be blessed with a strong and healthy baby. What did I ever do to deserve such a little slice of heaven in my life?!

I don't know what it is, but this past week I have just reveled in the company of my little Tanner. I feel incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to stay at home with him everyday and I'm doing my best to savor each smile, cuddle, and nap in my arms. I have decided not to worry so much about the housework and little things that never seem to get done. I know these sweet moments with my boy will be over before I know it and someday he'll be too embarrassed to let me love on him like I do.

I realize I never updated on my fun weekend at home. I was able to spend time with so many people I love -- my parents, Jon's parents, the Chuckas family, my new sister-in-law -- Christin, Mrs. Kenagy, Lisa, and best of all -- my husband! My parents babysat on Saturday night while Jon and I went to see the new Harry Potter movie and then to eat at our favorite restaurant. The movie was just okay -- I actually fell asleep. I think it was due to exhaustion from all those nighttime feedings, and the theater was so dark and cozy!! Dinner, however, was fantastic. We ate at a winery and were able to get there a little early to do some wine tasting -- so fun! We closed up the restaurant and Jon won my heart by ordering dessert for us (he NEVER does that)! We are already looking forward to our next date!

Well, I better get going. Tanner actually feel asleep in his swing for once, so I am going to take advantage of this time to get some stuff done! Oh no ... I hear fussing ...

Enjoy the pics ...

Holy Cheeks!! I told you he was getting big!

So Serious

Out to dinner with the Halls and Chuckas'

(l to r: Henri, Rachel, Tracy, Christin, and Ann)

Where am I??

Am I at Six Flags!!

This is awesome!!! 8 speeds, music, lights, and toys on both sides of me!

Can you say OVERSTIMULATION??!!

My own personal armchair