Drew's visit with Katelyn

Drew and I just returned home from a weekend visit with his future wife, Katelyn...isn't she a cutie! Where does the time go, she is 2 1/2 months old! It was so fun spending time with her and of course my BFF Leslie and her husband Phil.

It was so funny because when we were out and about with the kids they would egg each other on in the backseat, by Drew growling then Katelyn crying. One of my favorite things about the weekend was seeing Katelyn's big smiles and having deep conversations with her.

Here are just a few shots with the two of them... My report on Drew's first parade next!

Drew's new thing...."Cheese!" Sweet!!

"Gimme that pacifier, that's mine, right?!"

EXCITED!! NEW BLOG HERE!!

It is very rare that I post something non-family related, but I thought this would be appropriate. Since moving to the Midwest my business rebuilding has been slow, so I thought... in this rebuilding time what a perfect opportunity I have to work on growing the technical side of my stamp business. So, this past week I launched a blog open to everyone that will share samples, ideas, creativity, and more. The reason I am sharing this with all of you is because I thought some of you would enjoy it and hopefully by the end of the month it will also have a store attached, which will have my hand-made products for sale ranging from cards, home decor, photo cards, and much more...

I can't tell you how excited about this!! It is a work in progress, but hopefully over the next several weeks you will see it really evolve. I have added a feature that allows you to enter your email address (then confirm through their email), which automatically sends your email my latest blog entry...how cool is that?!

If you are in the mood for a little fun, feel free to check out my new creative blog at: doodledaze.blogspot.com. ENJOY!!

Mmmmmmm, Sour Face, Lemon!!

I always say each month was better than the last, and I stand behind that statement. Just when you think it can't get any better it does. Drew is at the stage where he is trying a lot of stuff. So, as you all have done I let him try a lemon. He has sampled one before, but this time we gave it to him to play with. I had to capture the moment, enjoy!

Thanks Mommy for the Lemon!

Big Bite, What did you give me Mommy?

Hmmm.. that Lemon has some after taste.

Here, you try it Mommy and and let me see your funny faces!

Our Trip To Iowa- Delayed Post

I totally forgot to post about our trip to Iowa..man where is my brain. Anyhow we took a short trip to Iowa to visit my family as we had not been back since May. We left on Thursday August 21 and returned home on Sunday August 24th. See I was so distracted because of Drew's new found mobility. Anyhow, enjoy a couple cute pics from the trip...We had a good time, but always exhausting after running around in an attempt to visit everyone, but it's worth it because it's important to me Drew knows the fam.

Me & Daddy

COOL Uncle Jim (this is my big brother, Andrew has loved him since day 1 because he is so fun)

This is how Drew points, he does this every time he wants you to tell him what something is. He most often does this to lights. Uncle Tom & Aunt Sharon My Fun Aunt Connie
My Sweet Auntie Betsy

Auntie Betsy's Kitty, Lily

(this kitty was fearless, which is great because Drew does not know what gently means)

Grammy Linda (My Mom) & Drew

Grammy Linda & Grandpa Bob

LOOK AT ME, I'M 9 MONTHS OLD!!

Where does the time go. Drew had his 9 month appointment this past week. We think he has grown so much, but we couldn't wait for the actual numbers, so here is the breakdown:

Weight: 22lbs 12oz (75%), Height: 29" (75%), Head: 18" (95%)

So this means our boy has lots of BRAINS... he he he!! They had to measure his head twice because the first time it was above the charts, so the doctor measured the second time.

As he entered into this month, which is the same amount of time I was pregnant with him...crazy thought, he became "MOBILE." Yes, you heard me right. We returned home from Iowa a week ago and he was not crawling. Last Monday (a day after we returned) we went to pick up Bella at our friends Rick & Shaina's and he took his first few"crawling" steps... With each passing day he is exploring more and more. We are really looking forward to the chasing him around the house!!

Food, what can I say about that, he LOVES it. I am still making his food, but instead pureeing it I am just steaming and cutting it into chunks so he can eat it himself... he may wear it in his hair, face, & clothes, but he has so much fun. Besides crawling his other new thing is saying "RAWR" he just started doing it after I read him a book. One page has a picture of a bear, so I said "a bear says RAWR" and now he does it all the time... what a sponge. Enjoy the videos!!

Crawling (for a Graham Cracker, its how we get him to do tricks)

"RAWR"... his new sound, hmmm don't know where this came from but it is funny. Sorry for the Seafood show on top of it, no worries it is just a cracker, he he he!!

RUB-A-DUB-DUB- Wild Man in the Tub!!

With Andrew pulling himself up on his knees life in the tub is getting dangerous. Bath time is Daddy & Drew's play time, so I try not to interfere with their bonding time. So, I look forward to the stories David has to share and I have to admit sometimes I do sneak in and peak around the corner especially when I hear laughter coming from the bathroom. One thing David shared with me is Drew loves to pick out his bath toys each night, he pulls down the container and lets him go shopping...okay so I think he just likes to pull things out... He also loves to grab anything in sight, needless to say the shampoo bottles have been moved to a higher elevation.

I really think the word "NO" is funny to him...is that normal??? Ha ha ha ha... We are learning really quick that we can't turn our heads for a second because he is usually up to no good. More proof of that statement to come!!

Couldn't Resist this Pic!!

HERE, THERE, and EVERYWHERE!!

After a weekend trip to my hometown in Iowa, I am back on the blogging scene. Drew is surprising me every day. Last night he took his first few crawls, just a couple "knee" steps. I am not sure he knows what he did, but he will before long.

Last week I brought out a new toy that came from Auntie Erin and I was surprised he figured out how it worked almost instantly...so not only will he be crawling any minute, he is discovering he loves to stand at the same time. Oh boy, couldn't he just do one thing at a time????? He seems to be multi-tasking with his discoveries! Enjoy the pics & video!!

THE BOY WHO SAID, NO!

Our little sponge has learned a new thing that I can't say we're proud of, but we just can't contain our laughter for some reason. Right now it is cute, but I am sure it won't be soon. What's funny about this video, is a few months ago he just started copying David when he shook his head from side to side, but somehow from then to now he has associated it with "NO." He thinks the word NO is funny and really means do it again...man it is so hard to keep a straight face when he looks at you and laughs. Definitely on my agenda to work on.

Houston, I think we are in trouble.

SURPRISE AGAIN, MOMMY!!

One moment Andrew was just sitting, scooting a little, and rolling where he needed to go, then in the short time between last Friday and yesterday he went getting into the sitting position on his own to scooting to the side of the crib and getting up on his knees. We quickly lowered the crib last night and now the official baby proofing has to begin. He has just waited to do everything all at once and is keeping me on my toes. I just love it, there is no better job than this!!

MY DATE WITH DINOSAURS!!

I had to set up a quick photo shoot with Drew and these adorable dinosaur's Auntie Erin gave him at convention, he got one each morning from her. I love the fun bright colors...I know what you are thinking, "half of the pictures are black and white, how can I see the colors" you should know me by now I just LOVE black and white photos, so look at the one to the left to get an idea.

When I saw the Dino's, I knew I had just the outfit to put Drew in and it matched perfectly. This photo shoot was funny because I tried to do it myself and every time I set up the Dino's oh so nicely, they ended like the picture to the left (atleast they are all in this picture). Oh, well...it is still cute! enjoy these fun pictures I took in record time as his good mood was short lived, which might have something to do with me wanting him to sit still, I just don't understand it... he he he!!!

Priceless Face

I love his eyes in this pic...

This pictures is for those of you who think Drew is happy 24/7. See he has his moments, again it couldn't possibly have anything to do with forcing him to do another photo shoot!!!

My Morning Surprise!!

Drew likes to just surprise us with something new when we least expect it. So, this morning when I went to get him out of the crib he decided to surprise me by......

Yes, sitting up! He has been sitting up for quite awhile, however this is the first time he put himself in a sitting position! Scarrrrrrrrrrryyyyyy! We knew he would be mobile soon and this is just a reminder that it is sooner than we think, so tonight our assignment is to lower the crib and think of how to baby proof this small apartment....eeek!

ATTACK OF THE KILLER BOX!!

Drew is in love with my Stampin Up! box, he just plays and plays with it. I would like to think it's because it says Stampin Up!, but I have a feeling it is just because it's a box. He likes to sit in the box with toys as you have seen in previous posts, but now he sits under it kicking or pushing it around. It keeps him entertained for a long time! Look at the top picture on this post, doesn't Drew's hair swoop look like David's??? He is such a mix of the both of us, but there are those times when his features resemble one of us more than the other...

ZOO-TASTIC!!

We were invited by our friend Shaina & her little cutie Shiloh to the zoo yesterday and it was such a fun day. For those of you who don't know the St. Louis Zoo is free, that's right, FREE. All you have to pay for is parking, which in the scheme of things is nothing. So, who wouldn't want a FREE day at the zoo?! Although, I have to say I am disappointed the Hippos were not out, AGAIN! I am starting to take it personal!! We did however get to see lots of other animals and I have to say my highlight of the day were these little dwarf Mongooses, trust me they were sooooooo cute!! David said I couldn't have one, maybe a hippo is still in my future, hmmmm.

Enough of my gabbing, here are some cute pics!!

Drew Grabbing for the Camera, I think he wanted to eat it?!

Big Ole Turtles, Ewwwwe look at that nasty mud!
Shiloh & Drew, this is the best I could get... still cute!!

Cutie Drew, Flirting as Usual!

I just love this picture of Shiloh
Elephant performing for us! What a show-off!!

That is all you get for now... my Facebook page will have even more!!

Mmmmmmmm, Yummmy!

I am afraid to admit that Drew is a sugar junkie, like his father. Recently we thought it would be funny to let him try ice cream, well he got just a little excited so "poof" the camera appeared. I hope you enjoy!!

His other new food is Macaroni & Cheese. He had his first sample at convention compliments of Auntie Sandy & Tina. So, when we arrived home on Sunday we went to lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory and ordered our first kids menu item...you guess it... macaroni & cheese. Drew had left overs 3 more day. HE LOVES IT!! I am having so much fun introducing him to new foods!

MY LIFE IN A BOX AT 8 MONTHS!

Drew just loves to sit in this box. I put him in then throw a few toys in and he is good to go for awhile. I do have to watch him reaching for things outside the box, which causes it to tip. Kids love the simplest things and it is sooooo fun to watch them. I find myself egging him on... he he he!

Andrew recently hit the big 8 month old mark on July 26th and I just can't believe it. I find myself wondering and questioning where the time has gone. It is funny because every month I say that month was better than the last, so here I am again saying 8 months is so much fun and better than 7 months! I hope this is a great indication how the next several months and years will go! Here are some things he has added to his knowledge and abilities:

Sounds: DaDaDa, Mamamamamama (I think he is relating those words with us, especially Mamma, he now says this when he wants me)

Food: Green Beans, Cheese, Graham Crackers, Saltine Crackers, Macaroni (favorite), Blueberry/Apple (Gerber), Apple/Strawberry (Gerber), cantaloupe (jury is still out on this one), potatoes (he loved my baked potato last night). I have to admit his has tried ice cream, but that is dangerous because he goes wild, even for the smallest bite, so that will be a rare taste. The boy likes just about anything you give him and if he does not like it right away he will eventually.

Movement: He is rolling everywhere and still rocking on his hands and knees. He would just prefer to roll. He also spins on his tummy. I am amazed at how he get from point A to point B! Determination is everything!! He is also waving & splashing away in the water. I dunked him for the first time last week, it was easier than I thought. I think we have a little fish in our presence.

Teeth: NONE

MY SIZE HEALTHY WEEKS 2 and 3

Hello All, I was reminded recently that I have not posted an updated on my "size healthy" journey! Thanks for the reminder and interest in my journey. You know sometimes when blogging you think no one is reading and then someone checks in to remind they are reading! Anyhow here is where I am at...

The good news is I have not gained any weight, so I am still down 6lbs. I should be farther along, but we threw in a quick trip to Washington, then less than a week later I left for convention. It is just so hard to be good when traveling, why is that??? Before I left for convention I did do my measurements and found that I lost 2" on my waist and 1/2"-1" in other areas, so at least I made some progress. I just have 3 more lbs to go to reach my first goal, which is pre-pregnancy weight, then I will set another goal at that time. I thought this would be the best way for me, so I could feel more successful along the way.

Anyhow, that is where I am at for now, I hope to report more success over the next couple weeks!! Right now my distraction is the new Stampin Up! catalog and goodies....