Let it snow

These were taken at 10:15am. By 12:30 the snow was higher. We're expected to get a total of 24 inches or maybe more by the time this is all over. Unfortunately, Gramma is stuck in California trying to get here. Looks like we'll have a white Christmas here in Virginia.





*Update: We even took a measurement in our front yard on top of a little table and we received around 18 inches of snow.*

I haven't disappeared...yet

It's hard to believe that 2 months ago today BBZ entered our family. Sometimes it seems as though it has gone by in slow motion while other times it seems he just arrived.

He has definitely been giving us a run for our money. More Pop-pop than Mommy sometimes. And LMA is a great big brother but has a nasty case of the "No's" right now (the threes are definitely worse than the twos). Nothing that I can elaborate on right now since I should really be heading to bed, but I just wanted to let the blogging world (although there are not very many people who follow me) that I'm still here.

Although there are days that go by that I do not take a picture of my newborn, I've been able to capture these great shots.

Brothers watching tv together. I can see this being something that will be happening every morning.

How cute are these boys?

Pop-pop reading while BBZ listening intently.

Beautiful angel sleeping

Stay tuned for my roller coaster of a ride that I've had over the past 2 months with BBZ.

Quick posting

Ok, so I only have a few minutes before BBZ wakes up, so I thought I would post a quick entry. Things around here have obviously been very hectic. Between LMA throwing fits because he doesn't want to do something, more like everything Mommy is asking (or Pop-pop) and BBZ not sleeping for 3-5 hours at a time, it's left me little time to do much of anything.

I do have to report that BBZ is already sleeping 5 hours at a time at night which of course is great for me if I go right to bed. Unfortunately, he is the laziest baby when it comes to chow time. Sometimes taking 45 minutes to nurse and not getting everything which leaves him hungry only 30 minutes later. This of course is not good for the "twins" who are very sore by the end of the day.

However, I wanted to share some great photos that were taken last weekend by a very good friend of mine. She was able to capture some beautiful shots of BBZ (would have done them sooner if it weren't for the yellow tint in his skin from the jaundice). Unfortunately, LMA only cooperated for a few minutes so we were only able to capture a few shots of just him rather than the brothers together. Don't worry. With Christmas fast approaching, we'll be getting shots of the two of them whether he likes it or not.

Halloween...Oh so sweet

Guest Post by Aunt Wenderina.

Halloween is not usually a big holiday for me. After several years of stocking up on the "good" candy and then having no trick-or-treaters at the door, I've learned that I am only purchasing that caloriefest for myself. This year, however, we had special reason to celebrate it with our TWO (yes TWO!) great nephews. And since pictures are worth a thousand words, let me just shut up now and give you some treats.

This could be deemed cruel and unusual punishment for this 3 week old

if it wasn't so damn cute.

Big Brother Little Man A is certainly entertained.

Kindly he tips his hat to Baby Brother Z.

The happy family (minus Lt. Dad who had to leave for training earlier today).

Night and Day

One of my friends wanted me to post pictures to show the differences between Little Man and Baby Brother at birth.

~Little Man A~

~Baby Brother Z~

Granted BBZ was bigger than LMA was at birth, but these two are like night and day. LMA was/has very fair complexion while, granted BBZ has been fighting jaundice for the past 2 weeks, he appears to have his father's spanish heritage with slightly darker complexion. LMA was smaller by 4 ounces, but BBZ pulls his legs up to his chest like a little frog and appears to be smaller. LMA was a big time crier, where as BBZ seems to be calmer and quieter.

I'm sure over the next couple weeks, months, and years more and more differences will pop up. But there's no doubt that I love my boys just the same (even if LMA is acting out now).

He's here

I would like to introduce the newest member to our family.

Baby Brother Z (BBZ) was born Friday, October 9th at 5:09pm (beat LMA's time by 6 minutes). Amazingly enough, I only had to push for 9 minutes!

At 9 pounds 8 ounces (again beating his big brother by 4 ounces at 39 weeks rather than LMA's 41 weeks), he was 20.5 inches long with a full head of hair.


Unfortunately, our first week has been very eventful. He began showing signs of jaundice on Monday afternoon. Thankfully, he did not need to be admitted to the hospital because his bilirubin level maxed out just below the critical mark.

As of today, he has been pooping and peeing, farting and burping like a champ. Hopefully his levels will begin to decrease and the yellow in the whites of his eyes will go away soon.

Big Brother LMA has been very good so far with the new addition. Because we have been needing to pump BBZ full of liquids, LMA was able to bottle feed BBZ. He looked like such a proud big brother. On the other hand, he has been screaming out of apparent frustration at Gramma and Mommy. Time outs have been put into order several times to put him back on track.

As a last note, I am so thankful that Gramma and Pop-pop were able to be here. Between taking care of LMA while Mommy and Daddy were staying at the hospital, to helping out with feedings to give me a chance to catch a few Zz's, I am so grateful to them.

I just can't wait to see my new baby grow.

Pain in my...

Tomorrow is the day.

I'm not sure how I'm feeling right now about the upcoming events. I'm nervous. I'm scared. I'm anxious. I think Little Man is also starting to feel that the change is coming. Not only did he talk and scream and play and walk around in his bed instead of taking a nap today, he's acting like he just ate a double fudge chocolate cake with M&M's on top and ice cream.

And then on top of everything, I'm sitting here with a sore foot from a wart removal procedure yesterday and a bruised, swollen ring finger from slamming it in the truck door. Fortunately, I caught more of the tip of the finger but it still hurts like a mother f$%^er.

Put that together with a big baby moving around inside trying to get comfortable (don't get too comfortable kid), I'm just not in the mood for anything right now.

So, I'm going to go scrapbook and hopefully get my mind off of everything. Then somehow try and relax before tomorrow.

Wish me luck.

This one will have to do

So, this week has actually gotten away from me faster than I expected. Maybe because hubby has been home and we've been busy with Little Man all week. However, I did promise a pregnancy pic, so I wanted to share. This was taken today at a local pumpkin farm field trip with Little Man's class. It doesn't quite show off the belly. I'll try to get some of those a little later. But for now, this will have to do.


Please keep your fingers crossed over the weekend that the new kid doesn't decide to make his appearance early. It being a full moon and all on Sunday.

It's a date

Hubby officially started leave on Monday. Since he has so much time off built up, he has to take some now before he gets promoted. Or else he'll lose it. So, he has this week and next week off before he has to go back in to out process from his current unit.

Yesterday we both took Little Man to school, which off course he was super excited about showing Dad the gym and the "Po-Po" (police) car. Like always, I had to make sure to take his jacket off first before he runs away. Then he gives us both a kiss good-bye so he can get back to playing.

Afterwards? Hubby and I had a date.

It felt like we stepped back in time three years. Just him and I out strolling where ever we wanted and taking our time. We headed to IKEA (I know - of all places) for a cinnamon roll and free coffee and tea (since it was before 10am). Of course it felt weird (only slightly) to be out alone. It's not like we haven't gone out before by ourselves while Gramma and Pop-pop were watching LMA, but this was obviously different. Not to mention the cheapest date we have ever been on!

What was really funny was when we saw an ambulance and a fire truck and turned around to look in the back seat.

We're thinking of hitting up Starbucks and Panera Bread tomorrow morning for our "date". Hopefully, if the new kid doesn't come out sooner than expected (only 9 more days), we'll be able to get three more dates in before our family of three becomes four.

Preparing Little Man A

At my 36 week check-up last week, my doctor recommended getting Little Man A a baby doll. She recommended this more as a distraction for when I have to take care of the new kid. She found with her own children, that the added "responsibility" of having a baby doll to care for helped when she needed to tend to her new baby. Just by Little Man having his own baby doll to change the diaper or feed, will help with him adjusting to getting less attention (although I'm sure that's not going to be the case with the houseful that we will have once the new kid arrives).

Let me tell you, hubby is not all too thrilled with the idea of Little Man playing with a doll. So instead of buying one ourselves, which would make it a more permanent fixture in the house, I enlisted the help of a friend with a daughter. Both of which were more than happy to help.

So yesterday, when we came home from playing at the park, we found a baby doll at our doorstep. Because it was coming from a friend, I think Little Man was even more excited about it. As soon as I took the baby doll out of the bag, he was hooked like glue.




He sat down with the baby doll, patted his head, and began to speak softly to it. He was fascinated with the fact that his toes and fingers were stuck together. He absolutely loves giving the baby doll the bottle of milk (probably more because it disappears when you tip it up and then come back magically). The only thing that bothers him about the baby doll is that its eyes close when you lay it down. Next thing I know, LMA is prying open it's eyes. I just hope he doesn't do that to his baby brother when he's asleep.

But all in all, I think it was a good suggestion and move to get a baby doll (or at least borrow one). I'm sure it'll just be a novelty item over the next few days and will quickly fade away. But let's hope this is good preparation for when baby brother comes along.

Don't worry. They're coming.

Okay, I know some of you were upset that I didn't post any pictures of my big belly with my Waddle post. Sorry about that. I had every intention of taking pics myself (which would have been a big task with the size of this belly), but of course I got distracted with something else.

So next week, with hubby being home for two weeks, I've enlisted his help with taking pics... of me.... and my belly. Although I wish I could afford a professional photographer to come out, I'm a little apprehensive about showing my belly to even my husband, much less a stranger taking pictures it.

I have a few ideas in mind already, so I'm going to show hubby pics I've found online, set up the tripod, and hope for the best. Worst case scenario, they don't turn out very well, but at least I'll have documentation of the "big belly".

So stay tuned. I promise pregnancy pics are coming (with or without the stretch marks I haven't decide yet).

Almost there

It's hard to believe that in 16 days, our family will be completely changed. Our little family of three will become four. It seems like only last week that I was sending out Valentine Day cards that stated Little Man was going to be a big brother. I'm sure the last 9 months have flown by due partly, or maybe mostly, to Little Man A.

I think the nesting phase has definitely hit me. It started last weekend when I went through all our baby clothes, reorganized them by size in their own bin, washed the 0-3 month clothes, and moved the the play yard upstairs. Good thing I received an email from Parents.com about equipment recalls because our play yard was actually part of that recall. Turns out the Simplicity play yards have collapsed on their own, killing and injuring children over the past five months. If you want to know more about this recall and others, check out Product recalls on their website. Thankfully, Burlington Coat Factory gave me no hassles returning and exchanging a recalled product from three years ago.

I do have to admit that I still have doubts/fears/anxieties about having a second child. At least I've taken care of the fact that I won't have to wait until after his due date, but Little Man and I have gotten into such a routine, I hope it's not difficult fitting in another one. I'm sure all or most mothers have the same concerns about having a second child. Why else would they say that when you have three, it's no big deal (although I'm sure some parents would beg to differ).

I think my biggest concern is how Little Man will adjust to our new addition. Will he still be able to sleep through the night and until 8am when there is a screaming baby in the house? Will he lash out at me, his dad, or even the new kid from jealousy/anger? Will his personality change with a little brother around?

The good thing is that I will not have to endure the task of caring for two children alone - at least not right away. I will have plenty of support from my husband (at least for 3 weeks before he has to go to school) and my parents (who will be moving in for the month of October). Thankfully, like I may have stated before, my father is willing to stay until Christmas time. Hopefully, this will turn out to be a very good thing, for both myself (my sanity) and Little Man A. I'm sure - I know - he'll love having Pop-pop around.

Once I get past the first 3 months, then I get to worry about doing it all on my own.

Waddle, waddle, waddle

What do you think of when you read those words? Ducks? Geese? Penguins? Not me. I think of an 8-1/2 month pregnant woman who feels like she's about to bust.

That? Would be me.

It's hard to believe that I am only 29 days away from having a second child. These last couple weeks I've been going back and forth between relief that it's almost over and pure terror for what's to come. I'm sure I would be a little more relaxed about the situation if hubby wasn't abandoning me going to school in November for 7 weeks right after the new one arrives. My parents will be here for three weeks after he arrives and hubby will be on leave, so the first couple weeks should be okay. After everyone leaves in November, I'm lucky enough to have my father stay here and help with part of the load. Hopefully, I won't drive him crazy before he leaves after Christmas time.

And just for your viewing pleasure, he's my buddha belly at 35 weeks.

You should see the stretch marks this kid is making. Actually, he's just making the ones that Little Man created even worse. And let me tell you. The creams that say they "diminish the effects of stretch marks" - don't work one bit.

And He's Off!

Yesterday was Little Man's first day of school.


Seriously? Is he really that old already? How the heck did my baby grow up so fast?

We enrolled him in a Toddler Adventure class, rather than actual "Preschool", because of his age (32 months - needed to be 3 years old by September 30) and because he's not potty trained yet.

He handled it pretty well at first.


He was the first one in the room and made a beeline for the fire truck. I was trying to capture pictures of his first day, but he was really more excited about playing. I had to ask him for a kiss before I left.

I? Was a mess. Okay, it really wasn't that bad, but I've never left him before... wait, yes I have. But that was with Gramma and Pop-pop. And I had someone to talk to when I returned to tell me exactly what he did, how he reacted, and so on and so forth. I so wanted to peek through the window for the two and a half hours just to sit and watch him. If only they had a video camera in the room so we could watch them from afar.

I kept myself busy though by getting a hair cut and visiting Starbucks for a nice, warm Chai tea since the weather was a little blah.

Turns out, he wasn't all that brave though. According to his teacher, he had an on-off day once he realized I was gone. He would go back and forth between playing, then crying, then distracted by something else, and then cry again. I had expected that much, so it didn't really bother me.

When I went back to pick him up, they had the parents wait outside and call the children out one at a time. I was the first in line and when he saw me around the door, he walked back into the room! Must not want to go home, we thought. So when the teacher called him back, he turned around, plopped himself down on the floor and began to cry. I'm not sure if it was because he was sad to leave after having so much fun or if he was upset at me for leaving him. It was probably the latter because he started asking for Daddy right away. Must have been, "You're the one that left me here, so I want to talk to Daddy!" reaction.

Once he settled down, I started asking him about what type of snack he had, what toys did he play with, did he get to ride a bike... he wouldn't stop talking.

It'll be interesting to see how he reacts to going back on Thursday - he was asking about going back before we even left the parking lot. I think the best thing we did to prepare him was to visit the classroom before school started, meet the teacher last week, and then talk about all the different things he'll be able to do in school. Hopefully, this will be a good outlet for him once the new kid arrives.

A long time coming

In November, hubby will be leaving to go to school in Georgia for 7 weeks. He can fly down if he wants to, but he'll be without transportation while there (besides public transportation, that is). They do recommend taking a vehicle if you can just because you never know if you are going to be on or off post. I'm sure there will be a handful of people who don't have vehicles and will be hitching a ride, but hubby's not one to impose on people if he can help it.

So with only one vehicle right now, we needed to start shopping around for another vehicle for me. With the deals on the 2009 vehicles since the new 2010 are coming out on the lots, dealers are desperate to get rid of their overstock. Throw Labor Day weekend sales and events, and now made it the perfect time to purchase a car.

After two and a half years of only having one vehicle (and let me tell you, there have definitely been some hard times), I finally got me a new ride!




A new, with only 13 miles on it, 2009 Hyundai Tucson. This vehicle really reminds me of my Toyota Rav4 - drives just like it and is about the same size. We made sure to take BOTH car seats (still can't believe I had to take into consideration two car seats). Little Man even seems to like it as well. When we ventured out for our Sunday ritual to IKEA this weekend, he really wanted to take Mommy's new car (we took Daddy's truck in case we bought anything big, like a new big boy bed). And the perfect part, is that it fits right within our budget, it's not too small or too short where I need to bend over to fit everyone in their car seats, and a 5-year Bumper to Bumper Warranty included to boot! Oh and don't forget an XM satellite radio built into the radio!

It'll still take some getting used to from driving Daddy's big Ford F-150, but I'm pretty sure I'll catch on fast.

Final Jeopardy

Answer: October 9th, 2009

Question: What is my new due date??

Yes, after visiting my new doctor on Wednesday, she has agreed and sees no problem with inducing me early. YEAH!! Can I just tell you how relieved I am? I was so nervous to be visiting with this doctor for the first time since changing from my Nurse Practitioner. The Nurse Practitioner that was handling my visits decided, due to family reason and concerns, to go on a medical sabbatical. It was really nice to have someone actually looking out for me during this pregnancy and not just blowing my concerns off as a side effect of pregnancy. It has really made me wonder whether I was having medical problems with LMA's pregnancy or if I really was going crazy (well, we all know I was going crazy, but that's beside the point).

And the top it off, this doctor delivered Little Man A. Hubby and I also know a few other people who have had a great experience with this doctor as well.

So, yes. October 9th is the day. Unless of course he decides on his own to come out early. Watch. He'll come out on his own on October 8th. Damn kids.

Sweet deals

Since late last year, we have had a Sunday morning tradition. We venture out to IKEA for their steal of a deal breakfast for only 99 cents! We also pick up a cinnamon roll and some of their yummy Swedish pancakes (they kind of remind me of crepes). Be there before 10am and coffee and tea are FREE. We spend $6.25 for three small breakfasts, a cinnamon roll, pancakes, coffee and tea (we bring juice for LMA). You can barely spend that for one person at IHOP!

And every Sunday we spend time over at the kids section which is conveniently located right across from the cafe area. Little Man spends a good deal of time playing with the train set - if there are any trains left to play with that is - while we relax on the sidelines letting our food digest. He's also really excited when they come out with new toys. IKEA's new catalog just recently came out and not only did they DECREASE some of their prices (Imagine that! A place that is actually decreasing prices, not increasing them), they also came out with some new things. Included in the new items is a mini-kitchen set up for kids. It's a little on the pricey side, although I have to admit I haven't looked into prices of kitchen set-ups for kids, it is nicely put together. It even has red lights under the burners, a little microwave above the sink, and storage down below for all their kitchen needs.

When we've had enough of watching him play or just want to get moving, we make our way through the marketplace downstairs to the "AS IS" section. Here you can find scratch and dent items, or even items that have been discontinued, for marked down prices. If you get really lucky, you'll find a scratch and dent item still in the box with barely any damage for close to 50% off the original price (which has happened with two pieces we have purchased).

I have been wanting to get a new table/desk area for my scrapbooking room. The set-up I have now is definitely adequate, a nice corner unit that hubby built, but it would be nice to have things spread out a little more. Hubby thinks I should have a desk that angles slightly, like an architect's desk, so I can really see the layouts that I'm working on. I think I just need a taller chair or a lower table. We were planning on waiting until we moved next year to help cut down on weight. Alas, he wanted to spend money on me so I wasn't going to argue.

A few weeks ago we noticed a desk set-up that had the legs and table top sold separately. The legs were triangular shaped and had the capability of slanting the table top if you wanted. Originally priced at $30 per leg, we picked up one leg for only $9.99 with no apparent damage. Since the legs were actually a discontinued item in white, we knew we could pick up another one for only $20 if we didn't come across another "AS IS" one later. We also found a nice white table top with minor damage along the edge which could go against the wall for only $2.99, originally priced at $30.

The only thing about "AS IS" items is that they are final sale. They can't be returned... and for obvious reasons. When we got home, I remembered that the amount of space that the chair could fit under the table top would be limited because of the triangular shaped legs. The tabletop would work, and for only $3, if I changed my mind later it wouldn't be a big set back.

Last week, we hit jackpot! I had been looking at this set up in the catalog:


A nice tabletop with a lip so your items wouldn't slide off the table. This one also has a nice glass piece so if I wanted to add a light box later I could. For only $9.99 I picked up the table top. The only damage? A minor scratch along the edge. What sold for originally $99.99 we picked for less than $10!

And on top of that, we found another white triangular leg for only $9.99 as well. So for less that $30, I was able to purchase the table set I wanted that was originally priced at $159.99!!

I love IKEA! Now if we could only find the extendable toddler bed at a discount for LMA before next year's move.

Photo Ops in Williamsburg

With my new camera in tow, you had to have known that I was going to be on the look out for some great photo opportunities. Although ALL the pics were great when taken with my new camera, these were the ones that I really enjoyed taking the most. I was able to capture all of these while at Busch Gardens.







I'm definitely going to have to find some great places in the nearby area to take my photography skills to the new level. Then again, it does help to have a great camera as well.

Williamsburg, VA Part 2

After a fun-filled day at Busch Gardens, how could we possibly beat it? Why a visit to Water Country USA, of course. Besides our small local Spray Ground park, we have never been to a water park.

I was a little nervous about LMA going into the water, mainly because he just had surgery to have tubes placed in his ears. He handled everything like a pro. There were only a few kiddie areas that he could explore (before the big kids started to arrive before lunch time), but he had a blast!


Even though he submerged himself a couple times going down the kiddie slides into the water, he kept going back for more. He even braved a couple tube rides with Daddy.


Although it was an overcast day (it definitely would have been better if we had visited the day before with the humid heat), we had a great time. We'll definitely have to make sure we check out the water parks in the future.

Visit to Williamsburg, VA

While we are still in the area, we decided to take advantage of our proximity to Busch Gardens... and the free admission for military families. Besides Walt Disney World in Florida, this is LMA's second amusement park visit. This one was especially fun for him since Busch Gardens Williamsburg now has a new Sesame Street themed area for kids.


We checked out the "Forest of Fun", but shortly after arriving LMA heard the familiar sound of a train whistle. We took the train ride around the park for a cool, relaxing break from the humid heat.

We joined Elmo and friends for lunch, which was of course really fun for LMA. This was a nice way to get out of the heat and make sure LMA had a good lunch.... and have fun.


Afterwards, we headed back to the local Naval Post to rest before finishing our day. We decided to go out to dinner first so we wouldn't have to stop in the middle of fun to get dinner, or pay for dinner at Busch Gardens. Then we made our way back to the park until closing time.


It made for a really long day, more for Daddy and me especially since LMA didn't fall asleep until almost 10:30pm, but it was definitely worth it.

Next day, Water Country USA.

A Visit to NY

This past weekend we were lucky enough to take a trip to NY to visit family, Wenderina and Uncle Carl. Wenderina's mom was celebrating her birthday and we, actually LMA, surprised her with a homemade birthday card.

On Saturday, the weather was perfect and Carl thankfully didn't have to work. So we ventured out first thing in the morning to one of his favorite photography spots, Indian Point, NY. He gave me tips and pointers on how to capture "the perfect shot". Here's what I came up with:


Before LMA's naptime, we were able to go to the New Jersey Botanical Gardens. Unfortunately, it wasn't the most ideal time of day to capture the most dynamic photos, but we came back with a few good ones.


I'm starting to think I might like this photography business. Don't worry, Uncle Carl... I'll be giving you lots of credit!

Next stop for this week - Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA. Can't wait to show off those photos.

Kitchen Remodel Complete!

Our kitchen remodeling is finally complete. Although there are a few minor touch-ups that need to be done and we would still like to replace the countertops with new laminate (or whatever is on sale at the time) and tile back splash, at least the cabinets are done.

I have to admit, I was a little hesitant about going to an off white color for the cabinets, but our main objective wasn't to please me. It was to appeal to possible new buyers in the future. We were told by a neighbor real estate agent that lighter is better. And boy was she right.

Before, I remember thinking that the kitchen was so dark at night with only the track lighting on the ceiling. Now, you walk into the kitchen and it just explodes with light! I'm so happy we chose the linen white and the brushed nickel hardware. I just hope this gets us our asking price in the spring or at least a really good tenant.

Before:

After:

A neighborly visit

As LMA and I were enjoying our morning cartoons of Max & Ruby, something outside had caught the attention of both cats and the dog. Since the dog was really excited about it, I only assumed that it was another stray cat outside. So after I let her outside to scare away the vermin, I noticed this little guy...


Of course being he nature lover that I am and wanting that love to grow in LMA, we ventured outside to take a closer look at our new visitor. We usually get visitors like this from time to time, which is another reason why I love the location of our house (what I don't like is the number of bugs including horrendous spiders and lots of mosquitos).

While LMA was enjoying the morning air, I was taking pictures...



Did I mention I love my new camera?

Finally, some relief

This week, Little Man will undergo surgery. Minor surgery, but surgery no less.

A week after his last check-up with the Ears, Nose, and Throat doctor in June, he suffered another ear infection. This one was pretty bad. And of course, it came out of no where. We thought he was just sad from my visiting Texas friend needing to leave, but by noon he was spiking a 102 degree fever. By eleven that evening, after several doses of Motrin, which is suppose to last longer than Tylenol, he was still suffering from a major fever.

After ten days worth of medicine (and a canker sore for the first few days which made giving the medicine even worse), the ENT doctor deemed it necessary to have tubes in both ears as well as his adenoids removed. Granted this experience has not been as worse as AmyBow's with poor little AK having double ear infections over and over again all within her first year, it's still something.

I have absolutely no qualms about having him get this procedure done. Whatever needs to be done. I think working in the vet field has prepared me, only slightly, for taking care of children (of course when your child bleeds that's a different story). I'm glad that this will bring him relief and an end to the ear infections. Hopefully, the new kid won't suffer as much with ear infections.

Friendly or Just Freaky

After a little rainfall this evening, LMA and hubby headed outside to "just get out". I thought maybe there was enough water in the driveway to render the "shark boots" and go for a splashfest. Unfortunately, I was wrong but the cloud cover made for some great photos.

The last one though... hubby and I have our different opinions. I absolutely love the photo because of how LMA's eye just pop out at you. Hubby? Thinks he looks like satan trying to give you a poisoned pecan.

I'll let you be the judge.

Picture perfect

Every time I look at this boy of mine, I am totally amazed at what my husband and I have created. His personality is just incredible. He grows and learns something new every day. Yet, he's growing up way too fast. All this makes me wonder what our next little boy will be like.

These pictures were taken by a dear friend of mine who is part of Cooksey Keepsakes and Baby Face Picture Parties. Check them out on the web and see if there is a consultant in your neighborhood. I absolutely love how these turned out. It helps to have a great poser as well.

Butterfly, butterfly

Last week, when LMA and I were leaving to run some errands, I noticed a butterfly in our driveway. When we came back home, I noticed it was still there. After coaxing it towards some ivy in our front yard, I was able to capture these beautiful shots with my new camera.

Have I mentioned how much I love this camera?? As I was looking through the viewfinder, the colors didn't even look this brilliant. Yet, this camera was able to vividly portray the beauty of this butterfly. And yes, this is the same butterfly. Gorgeous blue on the inside of the wings and a stunning orange on the outside.

Hope this brightens up your Monday.

A nice day with a great camera

My birthday was extended by another week. My father and hubby did the shopping for my new camera and picked up an extra large camera bag to boot. I already have enough bags to carry and the battery that came with the bag didn't work with my camera. When we went back to return the camera bag, the deal became even sweeter when my camera went on sale as a bundle offer. I was able to snatch a Macro lens (75mm-300mm) and an extra battery with the camera. So not only can I take excellent close up photos, I can take a picture of the lion's ear when visiting the National Zoo.

Not that I really want to join the realm of photojournalists out there, but I had to show off more photos with my new camera. These photos were taken at our local park over the weekend. I love how the colors just pop!


As a side note, wish me luck. Today I have my second glucose test to check for gestational diabetes. This fun blood test takes over three hours since they are drawing blood every hour after I drink a nasty, flat orange drink. I really don't want to be on a special diet for the remainder of this pregnancy.