Baby Dedication

Sunday was Tanner's Baby Dedication ceremony at church. Jon and I were so happy to be able to dedicate our precious boy back to the LORD with both sets of grandparents there to support us! Tanner was a little cranky before the ceremony. Thankfully, our pastor had a hidden stash of Cheerios to share, and from then on, our baby was happy as a clam. Talking and laughing throughout most of it.

God has brought SO much joy and love to our lives through this little guy! I'm thoroughly convinced that His purpose in giving us children is to teach us about the extent of His love for us. To think that God loves each one of us even more than we love Tanner ... it never ceases to amaze me. Thank you, LORD, for this sweet and perfect gift that you have entrusted to us!

"The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

Caught Red-Handed

Okay, that's not exactly the "red-handed" that I meant.

Take a look at our little delinquent:

Hmm ... another $3.93 spent at Starbucks. There goes my college fund.

A dollar? This will get me nowhere!

Gosh this purse is a mess!

Should I be doing this??

What in the world??

As you can see, now that Tanner is getting around he is into EVERYTHING!! We have an entire playroom full of toys, but of course he wants nothing to do with them -- BORING! Instead, he loves to play with lamp cords, magazines, our entertainment stand, the toilet paper roll in the bathroom, I could go on and on. I am not writing this to complain -- he's just delighting so much in his newfound discoveries. But I do have a question for you seasoned mammas -- when should I start disciplining him and how? When does "NO" start to carry some weight? Right now, we find ourselves saying that word a lot, and the sterner our voices are, the more giggles and laughter we receive from our boy. This is especially prevalent at lunchtime, when Tanner starts dropping pieces of food on the floor. He will pick up a morsel, hold it over the side of his highchair, and look at me.

"Tanner, No!"

Giggles. More Giggles.

Drop.

I would love some good advice!

Curtains and a Shower

No posts for more than a week! I've been busy making valances for my family room. I'm a little sick of cutting, pinning, sewing, and ironing right now, though, so I'm taking the night off.

Tanner and I went to Michigan yesterday and stayed overnight with my parents so that we could go to my cousin's bridal shower this afternoon. It was a quick trip, but well worth all the preparations and the long drive! The weather was wonderful yesterday (mid-70's), so we took advantage of it and went on a walk/jog (waggle?) down by the beach. Later, we went to dinner at our favorite local Italian restaurant with both sets of grandparents. Tanner was in heaven -- eating pasta and getting lots of kisses from his grandmas!

Today was the shower and it was such a treat to sit and talk with my aunts and cousins. Too bad Tanner was a big grump -- he wanted nothing to do with anyone, which really isn't like him. I think he might be getting another tooth -- hence the crankiness. We spent a little more time visiting with my mom afterwards, and then made the trip back home. Thanks, Mom and Dad, for spoiling us so good while we were home!

Making Life a Little Sweeter

I've been thinking about a few things that help to make my life as a new mom a little bit sweeter. Just FYI -- they are all about making MY day a little better, not necessarily Tanner's. I know -- so selfish! But you know what they say -- "If Mamma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"

1) Always keep a pair of warm slippers and a sweatshirt next to your bed. It makes getting out of bed in the middle of the night so much more comfortable!

2) Make a batch of chocolate chip cookies and roll the batter into balls. (try not to eat too many of these!) Freeze in a tupperware container. I always look forward to a few minutes to myself after I put Tanner down for his afternoon nap, where I can just check my email or read a magazine, etc. I pop a cookie in the oven (okay, sometimes two) and have a fresh baked treat!

3) Make yourself some coffee in the morning. Put on Good Morning America in the background.

4) If possible, TiVo Oprah everyday. Watch it while you're feeding the baby. :) (If you TiVo it, you can watch it in bits and pieces.)

5) Take advantage of the child-care centers at the gym and at church.

6) Don't feel guilty about rocking your baby to sleep for naps or at bedtime. Enjoy every second of it and make sure to memorize the smell of their skin. Before long, they'll be too big to cuddle up in your lap like that!

7) Instead of watching/listening to the TV while you clean, go to http://www.family.org/ and listen to one of their daily broadcasts.

8) Join a book club. It's a great feeling to have an intelligent conversation about something you've read.

9) Go to http://www.kraftfoods.com/ and sign up to receive their magazine. It's free and full of quick and yummy recipes.

What are some things you would add??

Physical

Yesterday was the first time in several years that I actually went to the doctor for a full physical. I was nervous to meet my new doctor. I don't know why. I guess I was afraid she'd ask me how many servings of veggies I was getting a day and I'd have to admit it is 0-1. :( Luckily, my fears were totally squelched as soon as she walked in the room. She was just awesome and took such great care checking me out, asking questions about my family history, really taking the time to understand my concerns, etc. I left feeling extremely well taken care of.

I was especially thankful that she took the time to give me a quick skin check. I have been wanting to get checked by a dermatologist for a while now, but our insurance doesn't cover it, so I was waiting to see if we have money left in our flex account at the end of the year. It turns out she found 2 or 3 moles that looked suspicious and called in the dermatologist on staff. The dermatologist came in and checked them and said that I need to come in next week for a biopsy on them. I'm trying not to worry, but would appreciate your prayers! All those years in the sun could finally be catching up with me. I wish it wasn't so harmful -- it feels so good to bask in it's warmth during the summer months -- especially after such a long and dreary winter!

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

As the weather gets a little nicer, we are able to spend a lot more time outdoors -- going for walks or jogs, heading to the park, etc. Everytime I stroll through my new neighborhood, I feel incredibly blessed to be in this new home. I just LOVE where we live now. I love having a yard. I love the beautiful park that is just a short walk from our house. Mostly, though, I love that our neighborhood is CRAWLING with kids. Sometimes I can just hear them outside playing and screaming and it is music to my ears. The other day when Tanner and I returned from our jog, I could hear someone down the street practicing their saxaphone -- too cute.

And did I mention that I have a pen pal? We received a letter in our mailbox last weekend written on paper for beginning writers.

Dear Jon, Rachel, Tanner,

Hi. I am happy that you are the new neighbors. I love your
kitchen.

M...

p.s. write back!!

M is the seven-year old girl living next door. She's a total hoot. Of course I left a letter in her mailbox the next day. I still haven't gotten one back, though! WHATEVER!!

T-Baby

It seems that in just a few weeks time, my infant has made the transition into toddler-hood. Just a few of his newest things:

• There are definitely two little pearly-whites just behind his lower lip.
• He's cruising all over the place with his new crawling skills.
• His new favorite game is "Where is Mommy/Tanner?" I hold a blanket over my face and he takes it away. Lately he has started holding the blanket up over his own face -- totally adorable, I must say.
• He pulls himself up to standing, but only in the bathtub when I'm not looking. Such a stinker -- he thinks it's just hilarious when I tell him "No -- sit down!"
• His new favorite food is grilled cheese. He's eating almost all finger foods now. I'm constantly surprised by how little actually ends up in his mouth. (Very embarassing when you leave the table at a restaurant.)
• Every once in a while, when I pick him up and pat his back, he will pat mine, too.

On one hand, I think time has just flown by. On the other hand, it seems like he's been with us forever and I can hardly remember life before him.

Announcement, Announcement, Annowwwncement!

We have a tooth, folks! (bottom-left)

I just noticed it poking through this afternoon during lunch. Upon closer inspection this evening, it looks like we might actually have 2. I'll keep you posted! I'm trying not to cry as I know it's time to say goodbye to the toothless grin I love so much! If you ever saw what my teeth looked like pre-braces, you would understand. :)

More later -- I'm off to bed!

Words from the Wise?

I love having a 9-month old. I think it is the most fun age yet. I must admit, though, I also loved having a newborn, and then a 3-month old, and then a 6-month old, and so on. It seems like being a mom just keeps getting better and better. It's not always easy, but it's still wonderful.

My mom and I talk about this a lot. She told me when I was pregnant to enjoy EVERY age and EVERY stage, no matter what anyone else says. I can't even count how many times I've been approached by someone this week alone who tells me that Tanner is so cute, and to enjoy it now because it's only going to get harder. Or that this is the best age, and it's all downhill from here. In fact, I was in the elevator with a man the other day, when he basically commented that he wished his son was this age again instead of a rotten teanager. You know what I mean ... you've probably heard comments like this yourself. "Just wait until ..." I usually just want to respond by saying, "Great! Thanks for telling me that I've just started on a journey that's only going to stink in the end."

Yesterday, we had a wonderful speaker at MOPS, who talked to us about how to leave a spiritual heritage for our children. She began by encouraging us, telling us that we still have so much to look forward to. In fact, she said her favorite season of motherhood was when her kids were teens. Such great words to hear!

Another, older woman approached me a few months ago as I was working in the kitchen at church. She asked about Tanner and we talked about how great it is being a mom. She warned me that people were going to tell me that things go downhill once your little one starts to grow up, but she also said that it didn't have to be that way -- that she enjoyed her kids every step of the way! I don't think I'll ever forget this conversation, I'll be sure to hold her words close to my heart.

I guess that after all this babbling, what I'm really trying to say is that, as mothers and parents, we need to ENCOURAGE one another and be careful in the things we say to each other. No new parent wants to hear that they've already reached the pinnacle of parenthood, and there's nowhere to go but down. Wouldn't it be great if seasoned parents actually told you about things you could look forward to as your children grow?! For instance, instead of people rolling their eyes and telling me how HARD it was going to be once Tanner was mobile, it would have been SO MUCH more encouraging for them to tell me how much FUN we would have crawling around together, or how much HAPPIER my baby would be once he was able to get where he wanted to go.

Next time you see a new mom, say something encouraging! Think of something she has to look forward to and be sure to share! I promise, it will make her day!

p.s. I got a new 'do the other day. I love having short hair again!

Swings and Things

Boy, are we ready for some nice weather here in the midwest! Will spring ever arrive? Let's hope so! Tanner has a new love -- swings -- and we are anxious to indulge on a more regular basis at the wonderful park in our neighborhood. We braved the cold and walked down on Sunday. Between rides down the slide, Jon got some great pics of our boy.

Today was Tanner's 9-month appointment with the pediatrician. It's hard to believe the next time we see the doctor he will be a year old! It's scary how fast time is going. He did great and was so playful and flirty -- much better than last time, when he cried the whole visit! He was very talkative and pretended to "read" his book aloud to the ladies working behind the front counter at the office. Before his appointment, we had a lunch date together at Panera, just the two of us. He was just talking and squealing as I shared bits of bread, cheese, and turkey with him -- my heart melted several times over. It's just too bad that hardly any of his food actually made it into his tummy. I was a little embarrassed as I returned his high chair after lunch and saw the bits and pieces of food that had accumulated on the floor beneath it. Oops! Oh well ... that's what brooms are for, right? We won't sweat the small stuff.

Hope your week is off to a great start! We can't wait until the weekend when Grammy and Grandpa come to visit! Pics of the house are coming -- I just haven't gotten that far yet!

Looking more and more like a little boy. Sniff, sniff.

A Good Day

Today Tanner is officially 9 months old.

Has it really been that long? It seems like just yesterday Jon and I were giving him his first bath, listening to him scream and cry the whole time. Tonight, as he sat like a big boy in the bath tub and played, I couldn't get over how fast he is growing and learning. He was actually taking all of his bath toys and placing them inside the little nets that are suctioned to the side of the tub and used to store them. How smart of him! He also started crawling on Tuesday. He's not very fast yet, but definitely gets where he needs to go. I think he's enjoying the freedom that comes with moving around -- and tonight he thought it was hilarious when I tried to chase him. We just had the best time together. Is there anything better than making your baby laugh?

This morning I tried to get lots of work done (cleaning, laundry, painting), because I was hoping to get out of the house for a little while this afternoon. The boys spent the day bonding while I had some time to myself. Boy, did it feel good! I was in desperate need of a break! While my guys did "manly" things like go to Home Depot and check out the TV's at Sam's Club, I spent my day getting a mani/pedicure and trying to pick out fabric so that I can make new curtains. I didn't find the perfect fabric yet, but Jon and Tanner (he's such a bad influence!) found a new flat-screen they liked better than the one we already had. Believe it or not, Jon returned the TV we've had for the past 9 months and exchanged it for a brand-new one this evening. It wouldn't be that funny, but this is the second time he's done it!

Well, I'm off to bed. Nine'o'clock and I'm wiped! Kind of sad to say on a Saturday night, but I think I'll end this perfect day all snuggled up in bed with a book! Sweet dreams!

Happy Easter!

HAPPY EASTER!!

I know we're a little late, but our Internet just got hooked up yesterday, and so I'm just getting around to posting. We had a busy busy weekend, but I'm happy to report that we are all moved into our new home, despite a few minor setbacks:

• Uncle Pat almost didn't make it into town as many flights were cancelled that day, but he finagled his way onto a plane that was actually making the trip from the south up to the blustery Midwest. YAY!! We COULDN'T have done it without him!


• We thought something was terribly wrong with my car on the way home from the airport. We stopped to have a mechanic take a look at it and luckily found that it was only a plastic bag flapping around my engine. THANK GOD!!


• I had a minor breakdown (okay, maybe it was major ...) when I saw that Tanner's crib was pretty scratched up after the journey. "It's just an item" was my mantra for the day.


• I had a definite MAJOR breakdown as I unloaded the food that the boys brought over from our old refrigerator and saw that most of it had been loaded up into our old, DIRTY trashcan in lieu of a box.


• Tanner is going through a little phase right now (please confirm that this is, indeed, a phase!). He really is not happy unless I am within arm's distance of him and he can reach out and touch me. The only other time he is happy is when he is eating Cheerios. Let's just say he was not a very helpful mover.

Despite it all, we made it. Everything is unpacked and we are so so happy in our new place. Jon and I keep running into each other and saying, "I just love this house, don't you love it?" We are incredibly blessed.

The boys worked very hard on Saturday so that we could all relax and enjoy Easter on Sunday. After church, we came home and they boys hunted for their Easter baskets and all of the eggs that I had hidden for them. It was a great day and we were sad to say goodbye to Uncle Pat at the end of it. Come back and visit us, soon ... and bring Aunt Kat with you, too!

Already digging into his treats -- Goldfish!!

Helping Daddy find Easter Eggs

Uncle Pat really enjoyed Tanner's no-throw sippy cup strap.

Happy Easter from our house to yours!

Of Mice and Moving

I started off the day feeling very inspired. I was going to get lots of things done. I woke up about an hour before Tanner and showered (even shaving my legs), blow-dryed my hair, put on makeup and got dressed. Just as I was finishing, I heard Tanner start to stir and hurried down the stairs. I had volunteered to bring a recipe to MOPS this morning -- dump cake was the plan -- and I wanted to quickly put it together and pop it in the oven before I went in to get Tanner. As I skipped down the steps, I was unprepared for what I saw waiting for me in the kitchen -- a furry mouse scurrying along my countertop and out of sight. EEEK!! I let out a scream and rushed back upstairs. Forget the cake. I got Tanner out of his crib and hid out with him in his room until Jon got home from the gym.

Here's the thing about mice. We live right next to a very large field. I know it's so so cold outside and they just want to come in and get warm and find something to eat. I feel a little bit sorry for them, actually. Earlier this winter, I had left one of Tanner's mittens on the counter and the next morning I found it lying near the toaster -- I'm sure a little mouse just wanted something warm to snuggle up in. But then they leave their little droppings everywhere -- gross. And when I actually SEE them, it's just too much for me to handle. Jon is our resident mouse-catcher. He has probably caught 6 or 7 of them since the beginning of winter. If a mouse is smart enough to dodge the trap set out for him one night, he is affectionately dubbed "ninja mouse" for a day, and usually caught the next night. By now you are probably thinking our house is gross and dirty. I promise it's not. It is a brand new home and I do my best to keep it very tidy -- rarely even leaving dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Still, after seeing that mouse this morning, I think our house is gross and dirty and I can't wait to move. Oh my gosh -- I can hear the mouse in our trash can right now -- I literally want to crawl out of my skin -- YUCK!! There isn't even anything in there except for coffee grounds!

Our official moving day is this Friday. I'm super excited, but feeling a little bit overwhelmed. We have a bit of painting that we want to finish up before we move in -- the rest we'll finish after the move. And I really need to get over there and CLEAN before we move all of our things in. I'm really not looking forward to going through everything (for the third time this year) and organizing it all, putting it away, etc. That's the hardest part. And this time, I'll have a baby to watch through it all! I keep telling myself not to stress out about it. I'll do a little bit at a time during Tanner's naps -- if it takes me three weeks to get everything put where I want it then so be it. I guess I'm not in a hurry for anything.

We didn't end up making it to MOPS this morning -- not because of the mouse, though. Tanner had a fever yesterday and after he was up for a while today it seemed like he still wasn't feeling very well. I don't think it's the flu -- he's not vomiting or anything. He just has a runny nose and he's drooling like CRAZY, which makes me wonder if he's getting his first tooth. Poor little guy. At first I was frustrated -- remember all of my plans to get things done? But maybe this is God telling me that we need to just take a moment and STOP today, enjoying lots of books and cuddles instead of flying by the seat of our pants to make it to all of our planned activities. As I made phone calls to let people know we wouldn't make it to MOPS or playgroup, I was so thankful that I actually had people to CALL -- people that would miss me if I wasn't there. It made me feel good, especially remembering how lonely I felt when I first moved here almost a year ago.

Trying to find joy in the little things today. Hope you can find something to be joyful about in the midst of your busy day!

Just in case ...

Just in case carrying Tanner in my womb for 9 months didn't truly make me a mother.

In case giving birth didn't either.

Or getting up every 2-3 hours at night during his first 6 months of life.

Just in case making measuring cups and tupperware look like fun things to play with doesn't count as a qualification for motherhood.

Or spending an entire day speaking baby talk. (actually, we think Tanner might be advanced -- speaking to us in Arabic or Chinese, which we just can't understand)

Just in case singing lullabies until my wee one falls asleep doesn't make me a mom.

Or worrying every second about whether or not I'm doing the right thing for my child.

In case none of that counts ...

I think I sealed the deal tonight. I actually fished poop out of the bathtub. It's official ... I'm a mom.

What Not To Wear

I know that one of these days, I'll probably find myself on the Oprah Show or something like it -- having been turned in by a friend, one of my sisters, or even my husband for the way I dress. I used to get dressed up everyday when I worked -- not a suit or anything, but business casual. These days, I have a new uniform -- black leggings, a long-sleeve tee, and a hoody (I have several of each). My new motto has become "Why waste an outfit?" My husband even told me that he looks forward to Sundays all week because I get dressed up for church. :) I know -- it's so sad!

I do dress a little bit better -- jeans and a sweater -- if I'm going to Bible Study or something important, but most days I look like I'm on my way to the gym. The stylists on Oprah today would be mortified!

Time Flies ...

I can't believe it's been over a week already since my last post. Time is just flying by and we are busy bees in the Hall household, as usual. We closed on our new home last Friday -- YAY!! I can't wait until we are completely moved in a few weeks from now. Right now we are just painting and slowly taking things over. We are very lucky that the previous owners took such great care of this home. However -- they painted EVERY wall in a semi-gloss paint, which is quite shiny, and so we must prime before we paint, and it's becoming quite a process. Tanner's room alone took us all day on Saturday! I'm ashamed to report that I have become so obsessed with decorating, picking out paint colors, a new bedspread, etc, that I can't even sleep at night. I've decided that I have a love/hate relationship with decorating. I get really excited to do it, but I can't commit to anything, and therefore stress about every decision I make. And the worst thing is that these details are truly so unimportant in making our house a HOME!! There are so many more important things in life.

My mom called us on Friday around 4:00 in the afternoon. She announced that she was sitting in her driveway, ready to pull out and make the drive to spend the weekend with us. How do moms know just when you need them most?! She watched Tanner all weekend so that we could get things done on the house. I was so so thankful that she came!

Tanner has been a finicky sleeper lately. He's a champ at napping and used to be great at sleeping through the night. Lately, though, he's been waking up and can't get back to sleep. Jon and I have become a little more relaxed about going in to soothe him, and I'm afraid we've retrained our boy to cry for us when he wakes up. Needless to say, we were all a little cranky and quite tired this morning after another sleepless night and a 6am wake-up. I think we're just going to have to tough it out and let him cry himself to sleep for a few nights -- I'm not looking forward to that! Usually that means I have TWO boys complaining -- Tanner and Jon, who hates to think that his little boy is upset. Pray for me!!

Two families who are very dear to us just welcomed new little ones (the first for both families!) into their folds in the last few days. Congratulations to the Fayes and the Jankowskis! I couldn't be more excited for them -- oh what a blessing! I've been thinking about them constantly and how lucky they are to have brand new, healthy, beautiful babies in their arms! It seems like just yesterday that I held Tanner for the first time in the hospital. He's grown so fast. Hope you enjoy the most recent pics...

Don't worry, Mom. I'll fix your hair for you!

Mommy shares her cinnamon toast with me in the morning! YUMMY!

Peek-a-Boo!

I already love Thomas and Percy!

Busybodies

What a busy few days we've had!

Last week a new friend of mine asked if I'd like to make a trip into the city with a few girls and their little ones to enjoy the free admission day at Shedd Aquarium. I have to admit, my first inclination was to say "no, thank you." It actually sounded terrible trying to either (a) fight the traffic into the city, find a place to park, etc. etc. or (b) figure out how to get to the aquarium via public transportation with a baby in tow. However, I decided it would probably be good to step outside of my comfort zone here. Besides, I would get to spend the day with friends and also feel like I accomplished something by taking Tanner somewhere different.

We decided to take the train downtown. What a motley crew we were -- barely arriving at the station in time -- with strollers, diaper bags, backpacks, blankets, sippy cups and sack lunches. We made at least a few people chuckle as we tried to get all of our belongings onto the train before it pulled away. Once we arrived at Union Station, we re-bundled everyone up (did I mention it was like zero degrees outside?) and walked the few blocks to Millenium Park to see their ice exhibit. Afterwards, we caught two different buses and finally made it to the aquarium! What a trip! I was already exhausted by the time we got there, but so proud of myself for making it! The hardest part was getting on and off of the buses -- especially when my stroller decided that it would no longer fold or unfold easily. (By the end of the trip, it wouldn't fold back up at all!) Sadly, the aquarium was pretty disappointing, but we didn't let that dampen our spirits. I think we all really enjoyed each other's company and just getting outside in the fresh (but cold) air for a little while. We all said that we would definitely do it again.






Jon caught up with us on the train on the way back since it was the same train he takes home from work. I was SO glad. For one thing, I couldn't get my stroller to fold up anymore and was dreading having to get all of my stuff off of the train. Secondly, there was an accident at one of the stations ahead of us, so we had to stop and get off a few stops early. Jon got a cab to take the two of us and Tanner back and Evelyn's husband came to pick up everyone else. It was so nice to have him there to take care of everything -- I'm so lucky to have such a great husband! It ended up being a really long (but fun!) day. We were both asleep on the couch by 8:30!

On Saturday, I drove home for Lisa's baby shower. I am just so happy for her and glad that I was able to make it -- I got to see a lot of old friends. The best part of my day, though, was coming back home to my boys. This was Jon's first experience taking care of Tanner ALL day. I was actually gone from about the exact time he leaves for work in the morning to when he gets home at night. The first thing he said when I walked in was ... "It's been a REALLY long day. I don't know how you do it." It made me feel really good to know he spent a day in my shoes and realized that it is truly a difficult (but rewarding!!) job. A few minutes after I got home, Tanner woke up, so I ran upstairs to rock him back to sleep. I had MISSED him! And I think he missed me, too -- he was so happy to see me! I just relished the sweet time I got to spend with him as he fell back asleep. Ahhhhh ... motherhood.

We had to snap some pics of our little man dressed to impress for church this morning. Enjoy!!

One more thing...

Jon found out yesterday that he was accepted to the University of Chicago's Graduate School of Business.

Congratulations!

We're so proud of you!!!

He's BAAAACK!

Tanner has been having a much better week this week. I feel so lucky to have my little blogging community full of moms with encouraging words! Thank you for your comments and emails after my last post! He was just delighted with the new sippy cup I offered him last Friday afternoon and has been happy to play with it and sip from it since. Now I feel guilty for not offering him one sooner. All those meals of clumpy oatmeal cereal with nothing to wash it down with -- poor guy! Ahhh ... the mom guilt -- it's always there. :)

We had a great weekend and ended up going home to Michigan at the last minute to visit with our siblings -- Pat, Kat, and Eric. Tanner was just tickled to see them, as were we! We stopped to pick up Eric from the airport on the way home and I got to hear all about West Point during the whole trip -- every nosy sister's dream! On Saturday night, my mother-in-law made a fantastic Valentine's dinner for all of us -- it was so nice to have that time together!

Those are pretty big muscles, Uncle Eric. You must go to the gym like I do.

Tomorrow night, Jon's cousin, Shannon, is coming over for dinner. She works on the Jesus Christ Superstar tour and her show is in town. I can't wait to see her and hear all about her travels and, even better, her visit to the OPRAH show this week! I'm so so jealous!!

I have been reflecting a lot today on how much I love staying at home with Tanner. I'm so thankful for this season in my life. I've just really been enjoying both of my boys so much lately. Hope you are getting a chance to enjoy the ones you love, too!

Valentine's Day

I asked him to be my Valentine, but I was denied.





"Grrrrrrr," he said. "No kisses for you!!"

I'm trying not to take it personally, but it does hurt a bit. I mean, I do spend all day trying to make him feel loved. I feed him, clothe him, play with him, act like an idiot just to try and get a laugh, wipe his stinky bottom, bathe him .... I could go on and on. Yet still, my little bubby is not satisfied. He is bored with me, bored with his toys, and has been grumbling, wining, and groaning CONSTANTLY for the last three days. CONSTANTLY!!! From 7am to 7pm. I don't feel any teeth buds. He doesn't look or act sick. Let's just say it's been a long week.

Despite all that, we did get a glimpse of the Tanner we all know and love for about 90 seconds last night when we exchanged Valentines. He got a new little piano that I totally guilted myself into buying for him yesterday afternoon at about 4:00 -- I couldn't let his first Valentine's day go by without something special. It's a good thing Santa isn't the one distributing Valentines -- because if that was the case, Tanner would definitely have been on the bratty list and wouldn't have gotten a thing. I put a bow on it and didn't give it to him until yesterday evening after Jon got home. He just LOVED plunking those little keys and making music.

He's already playing chords ... so advanced!

Oh, Daddy! This is such a good gift! What would you like to hear next?

Tanner's smiles and laughs were matched only by my squeals of delight as I opened my Valentine from my boys. Jon made me several coupons to use for diaper changes, dinner clean-ups, sweeper cleanings, back massages, and all-day-out Saturdays. (I got three of each one.) I was so excited!

We finished the evening with deep-dish Chicago-style pizza from our favorite pizza place, a yummy dessert I had whipped up earlier in the day, and a movie rental. We watched Amazing Grace and I thought it was pretty good. A little slow at times, but I didn't fall asleep, which is usually my measuring stick for how good a movie is.


Hope You Had A Happy Valentine's Day!!