Updates

I'm such an inconsistent blogger these days. In fact, it's been MONTHS since I've blogged, weeks since I've read the blogs I love and used to read every day. Things are just so busy and time gets away from me.

So updates:

Elliot: Is 2.5 years old. ALREADY?? Got his first REAL haircut and looks so much older. Can hold a conversation now, loves his little brother to death (and calls him Chubba Chubbas if you ask what his little brother's name is), has not lost his love for big trucks, airplanes, his puppy or mac and cheese, has lost his love for Yo Gabba Gabba (YAY!) and just about all food. He has found new love in Team Umi Zoomi, Dora and Diego and Mickey Mouse, oatmeal, Nutella sandwiches (chocolate sandwiches he calls them), and swinging on the big kid swing. He's a little clown, always running, jumping and laughing.

He is mostly well behaved, but when he isn't it's downright UGLY. He gives the best hugs and kisses. And no matter how old he gets he's still my baby!

Cole: Is 9 months old. ALREADY, again??? He thinks his big brother is just the coolest kid on earth and his dogs are the funniest things. He is my Jack of All Trades - Master of None kid. He can speed army crawl across the floor but hasn't quite grasped the hands and knees crawl. He can stand a few seconds on his own, but then tries to lunge himself forward thinking he can walk...he can't. He can take steps when holding onto fingers and gets mad he falls after letting go. He can shovel food into his mouth with his hands, hold his bottle, but not a cup and mimic peoples sounds so well. He's Mr. Serious, takes everything in and gets mad when things do go his way exactly.

His reflux is under control and we are starting the weaning process of his meds...I hope it works!! He's a little Chub Nubbers and I love him!!

Elvis: Seems to be having more frequent seizures :( But he's fat, lazy and happy...at least when P is bugging him.

Priscilla: Has a luxating patella, is starting dog school next month ($100 she's the only one that doesn't graduate) and is still crazy and annoying.

In other news...I have started a little business selling my crocheted creations. I have found a love in making things, especially hats. So head on over to Facebook and like my page. Then order something...I ship!!

I leave you with a precious photo of my little guys...taken by Yes M'AM Photography

Time Goes by so Quickly

I don't know where it goes, but it's only here for a fleeting second. It seems that by the time I get home from work, have dinner, play with the boys is bedtime. First for them and then before I can blink for me. And the day is gone. So quickly. I hate it.

So, it leaves little time for blogging.

Elliot is now 2 years old, Cole is 4 months. How the hell did THAT happen??

Christmas was good but hectic. I think we need a new strategy for Christmas because we need time for ourselves. It was rush, rush, rush in the morning, drive to my sister's an hour away, back home after only 2 hours there, an hour for us and back out the door to my brother in laws and home to bed. It's no fun for us or the kids. So, starting next year I plan to alternate years with each side. This way we can spend quality time with a few than just a little time with all. AND we get some time for our little family, just us, to enjoy unwrapping presents and playing.

Elliot's birthday went well and his party was good. My monkey cupcakes were a hit. What cupcakes you say?? Well, I had a brilliant idea that instead of spending $50 on a cake I would spend a few dollars and make cupcakes. I was in the baking aisle of my local grocery store when I spotted the CUTEST monkey cupcake liners and thought "I should make monkey cupcakes."

Well, I did. I spent the majority of MY birthday making those cupcakes for Elliot's party.

I think they were pretty good. I'm super proud of myself and just might have to do it for Cole's first birthday, although maybe not monkeys, but something fun!!

So now I leave you so I can head to bed. I hope that for 2011 I can do better on the blogging front.

Pics of my monkeys...

Cute liners

Step 2 (baking was step 1) ~ Body

Step 3 ~ Faces and ears

Step 4 ~ Eyes and mouths

Close Up

This and That

It seems I'm right on target timewise with this post. I don't seem to post much anymore. Life with work and the boys has gotten busy.

I went back to work on Nov. 1st. It hasn't been fun. I have had mess after mess to clean up. Lots of reservations to handle and I miss my boys so much. I have been testing out working at home 2 days a week, but unless I can figure out a "office" in this house, I don't think it's going to work long term. Plus, some days it's so hard to work and not give in to the desire to play with Elliot and Cole.

Cole had his 2 month well check on Nov. 12th. He was 10 weeks, 12 pounds and 24.5 inches. A few ounces and 2 full inches bigger than his brother at this age. He's already moved into 3-6 month clothes.

Elliot is still an awesome big brother. He is becoming such a big boy. I can't believe that in 5 short weeks he will be 2....better start planning that party.

We had a very untraditional Thanksgiving. We decided to get away for a couple of days and took Elliot to an indoor waterpark on Thanksgiving morning. He LOVED it.

And since I am done Christmas shopping, except a couple of things for the hubby, I have decided to use my extra time and teach myself to crochet. I made a hat for Cole last night. Didn't turn out half bad. I'll post pics soon!

They Grow Up Too Fast

So, because wondering minds want to know, that being MY wondering mind...I measured and weighed the boys this morning.

If my measurements are correct:

Elliot: 30 lbs 34.5 ins

Cole: 9 lbs 21.5 ins

Updates

Cole had his weight check on 9.15. After a weekend of him barely eating I was worried. The nurse wanted us to make him eat every 2 hours. All that happened was he ate less than before. So instead of stressing us all out, I let him go back to his own schedule. I guess that was the trick because he gained 8 ounces!! He passed his birth weight and weighed in at 7 lb. 4 oz...one ounce over! NO MORE WEIGHT CHECKS!!

He hasn't stopped eating since. He has become Mommy's little piggy.

Elliot is still a wonderful big brother. He tries to help burp Cole, feed him, console him when he cries. Still no jealousy either!

Now, if I could only get them to nap at the same time.

Brotherly Love

How sweet is this?? Elliot is already an AWESOME big brother. He likes to help feed and burp baby Cole and is obsessed with his toes.

Cole is very laid back, much like his big brother was as a little baby (now he has more energy than 10 toddlers and we can't keep up!). He does, however, seem to have a bit of an issue gaining weight. On the plus side, as of Friday he hadn't lost anymore, but he just doesn't gain. So we get to have weight checks every week until he hits his birth weight. Wednesday is our next one and I am hoping to hear that he has gained something. This little guy needs to grow so he isn't swimming in his clothes anymore!

Where Does Time Go?

I am having a hard time believing that tomorrow Elliot will be 18 months old. It feels like I just got home from the hospital with him. Every day is a new word, new skill.

He have even had his first real injury. Poor Elliot lost a fingernail. It still looks pretty yucky, but at least it's scabbed over and healing. We are just hoping the nail grows back, and it's pretty likely it will.

I also can't believe that in 11 short weeks, baby #2 will make his arrival. I'm excited and sad all at the same time. I'm excited to have another bundle of joy. I'm excited for Elliot to be a big brother. But I am sad because my baby won't be the baby anymore. I am sad because all my attention won't be able to be on Elliot and he will have to share his mommy.

The Best Things in Life

Bubbles...

Balls...

Walks...

Naps...

It's a...

GIRL!!

Meet our newest addition, Priscilla. (Yeah, I know...but everyone thinks it's a perfect name!)

Christmas Came and Went

Without much of a fuss even. Each year I am amazed at how fast Christmas is over. You would think that at almost 34 I would be used to it, well I am not. It's always sad when it's time to take down the decorations (I usually do it around New Year's). We didn't do much this year. It seemed like there was always someone sick. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day was my turn. YUCK!

So I watched Christmas movies with scenes of fabulous holiday parties and now my plan is to someday own a big house where I can host a big Christmas party. Wouldn't that be so much fun!!??

Elliot wasn't real interested in opening gifts, but he sure did love some of them! His big Tonka dump truck and Fisher Price basketball hoop were among the most popular to him. I love his Scout and I think, in time he will too!! I got a new camera (well, it was an early present, Tony gave it to me in the beginning of December) and I love it. I got some sweaters, books and pj's. Tony got new dishes, a remote car starter, satellite radio in his truck (an early present from me and I pay for yearly) and lots of Yankee stuff. And Elvis got a Loofa Dog that's about twice the size of him...he loves his Loofas!

Some pics of the day...

Christmas Eve

With 1 of 3 riding toys
In Daddy's Yankee Wastebasket

Among his "a few" new things (that caterpillar in the background is awesome too!)

Elvis with his giant dog.

With his Tonka truck

Showing his cousin how to use the basketball hoop

They were waiting for the food to come out.

Push Toy?

Perhaps I should get Elliot one, so he won't have to push this all around the floor.

Summertime

Finally, some real summer weather up here!!! We've had nice walks, outside playtime, pool time, it's been fantastic. Today at the pool, Tony dunked Elliot for the first time. He didn't seem to hate it, but he didn't seem to like it either...he didn't seem fazed at all. I hope that's a good thing. I really hate being under water and I don't want Elliot to be afraid or hate it too.

Elliot is pulling up like a champ. He is also trying to stand. It's so cute. He'll pull up on the activity table, really slowly let go and then grab ahold real fast. He is also trying to cruise along the couch. He just about has that down. It's all happening way too fast for me. I didn't think any of this would have happened for few more months. I wonder if he'll be an early walker or just stay at this point for awhile?

I think tooth #3 is coming soon. This time I mean it. It looks like one is coming down and getting ready to break through. One side of his top gums looks like a bump. He won't keep his fingers or anything else out of his mouth and his sleep is all screwy. These top ones seem worse than his bottom 2. They just appeared out of nowhere.

Elvis has been having a good time too...he loves swim times. And we're thinking of going to a Pug meet up this fall. There's a parade, gala and other events. Looks like fun!

I'm So Sad

I had a fantastic day with both my boys. The weather was terrific, sunny and hot, so after Elliot's morning nap I packed everyone up and we went swimming. Elvis just loves to swim. Then we went to visit Grandma B (my mom) at her office and made the rounds. After some loving (for both) and biscuits for Elvis, we took a walk down Main St. and went to Elvis's favorite store. It's a pet boutique and they sell the cutest stuff. After some more loving and biscuits (it was all about Elvis here) we headed back to the car.

Then it was lunch time, play time and nap time (for Elliot and Elvis). I used that time to install a convertible car seat in Tony's truck. (No more infant seat, it's bittersweet.) Then Elliot got up, we had some more playtime, dinner and took Elvis out for his evening exercise.

Back home, more playtime, bottle, book and off to bed. Then I made some asparagus for Elliot, cleaned the kitchen, straightened up the living room and dining room and now it's time for bed for me.

How I wish I could do it all over again tomorrow, but I must go to work. I am so sad thinking about it. At least there's only 3 more days until the weekend!

And just because.....

Elliot's toys...

What he would rather play with...

Padded Room, Anyone??

I want a padded room in my house. One where I can put Elliot and not have to worry about him falling down. People are going to think I do bad things to my baby with all the bruises he's getting. In 24 hours I think he has fallen about as many times, if not more. The only time he wasn't falling was while he was sleeping.

Since the other night when he pulled up for the first time he hasn't stopped. Anything he can crawl to, he tries to pull up on. Then lets go and tries to stand. This kid is making me crazy. He wants to do everything NOW. There is no adjusting to the "new" thing he's doing, because he moves right on to something else. I really don't need a baby that walks this early. Or else I will need that padded room!

Playdates

Our microwave died last night, just quit. Unfortunately, I live in an area where the closest place to get a new one is an hour away. Fortunately, I took today off so Tony could go to a golf tournament. Then I found out the my sister, who lives in this city an hour away, was off today too. So I packed up Elliot and Elvis and made a day out of the trip.

I went to visit my sister so the "kids" all had a playdate...Elliot with his 4 year old cousin Wyatt and Elvis with my sister's dogs Molly, a yellow lab and Stella, a beagle mix. We were there for about 3 hours and everyone had a good time. Then it was off to Target to get a microwave and a couple other things and KFC to pick up dinner.

Not what was originally planned for my extra day with Elliot, but somethings just happen. The weather wasn't cooperating for my orginal plan anyway, and while I have a list of things that need to be done around the house, this was more fun!

I will leave the list until next Tuesday, when I will be off again while Tony goes to NYC to a Yankees game. It's supposed to be a rainy, thunderstorm day then anyway.

Oh, I can't believe I almost forgot, Elliot had Cheerios for the first time this morning and LOVED them. He is getting so good at getting food into his mouth and chewing that we are starting to transition to table food. I loved making his baby food, but will enjoy having the space back in our freezer. I have to make a batch, so this time I am mashing and dicing food then freezing.

Ch-ch-ch-changes

I did it. I waited as long as I could. It was a milestone I didn't want to hit.

I had to move the mattress in Elliot's crib down.

When I went to get him from his morning nap he was sitting up trying to stand and I knew it was time. I kept saying, "I'll do it next weekend." Well, it's next weekend :( I makes me kind of sad, like my little baby is growing up. So, now he is in what we are affectionately refering to as "Baby Jail". Well, because he looks like he's in jail. I have to put the bumper back on.

So after dropping the mattress I have decided I want to rearrange Elliot's room. It's not a very big room so there isn't much in it, but I don't like the set up anymore.

Elliot is standing these days, only while holding something, but still. He just started crawling less than a week ago and now is trying his hardest to stand and walk.

See these yummy looking cupcakes? They taste even better than they look, if that's possible. A girl I went to school with makes them and sells them at various Farmer's Markets in the area. There are all kinds of flavors, Peanut Butter Cup, Creamsicle, S'mores, The "Hostess" (that would be the missing one -my treat after a day of cleaning!-and the one above it!) and more. I can't even pick a favorite, I love them all. If I keep heading to the Farmer's Market, I'm going to weight more than I did when I gave birth to Elliot!

Bumps and Bruises

Now that crawling is in full swing, so are the bumps and bruises. Elliot decided to crawl over the bottom "shelf" part of our coffee table last night, but couldn't quite make it onto it and smashed his face on the edge. I have never heard him cry so hard, I felt horrible.

To top it off, I had twisted my ankle pretty bad while out on our daily walk and it really hurt. My brain said "Run to Elliot" and I did, twisting it again and falling to the floor almost on top of the poor kid.

So he was crying, I was trying not to, and Tony was trying to figure out who to check on first. Elvis just sat there looking at us like we were all fools.

In the end, Tony consoled Elliot, I iced my ankle (which still hurts and is swollen...a trip to the doctor may be in order) and Elvis went to bed.

Aaaaahhh, and it's just the beginning!

Tiring Times Ahead

Elliot is crawling all over the place. It's all he wants to do. Right up until bedtime. He was so tired, but had to keep going so he took breaks. It was pretty cute. See for yourself.

Oh, and his 2 top teeth are coming in so he's been up early for the past few days. I think they will break through tomorrow. They are so close. I hope so anyway. I would really love to sleep past 5 am!

So, my tired baby is in bed early and I am going to relax a little and head to bed early myself.

Milestones Galore

Yesterday, while home for lunch, I discovered Elliot's second tooth had emerged. His first was just last Monday, a week and a half ago, and isn't even fully in yet.

Last night, he figured out how to get from crawling stance to sitting and finally moved forward a little while crawling.

I can't believe how fast my baby is growing.

We have...

a tooth. Elliot's first tooth cut the surface, I believe, some time last night. This morning as I was getting ready to leave for work he decided to say goodbye by chomping on my finger. It hurt a little more than usual (who knew gums were so hard?) because I was stabbed by a sharp little tooth poking through his gums. One more milestone almost checked off. It's a little bittersweet.