1st Trip to the Zoo & Milestones

We were invited to go to the Zoo with a couple of my M3 Sistas and so we couldn't resist the chance to take Quint for his 1st trip.

Pros: 1st trip to the Zoo for Quint, 1st trip to the zoo for Quint with Mom and Dad going goo-goo gaga on the sidelines over every little smile and coo of delight while we trekked through the park, and a really cold and yummy cherry icee halfway through.

Cons: Freaking Texas in July in the freaking 100 degree weather. A packed Zoo with all the other crazy Texans who don't care about the heat. All of us being too hot to care about the animals. Sweating so bad you start to smell worse than the animals. True dat.

*Captions on the top of each picture

Daddy and Quinty in matching shirts - Old Navy - you too can have this look for $10. Sooooo cute!

My sista-friends Erin and Robyn - we were minus K and V - missed you girls!

Bob, Erin, & Mollianne!


Robyn & Little Miss Avery (how did I miss Paul? I have no pics of him from the whole day?!?)


Quint decided to use the map to guide us through the park. He consulted his handy dandy paper to instruct us all where we needed to go first. Seriously, how cute is this?
Look son, it's a gazelle!!
Daddy made us laugh...what a great picture!


Zebras (way over there in the background) - but truly - such a beautiful zoo!


Ok - Quint REFUSED to cooperate for this little photo-op with the girls. He was devastated that his Uncle Paul sat him down in this little scene. So...he's not quite ready to be the ladies man. That's ok - he can be mama's little man.

Aaahhhhhh - cool refreshing cherry icee. It was so freaking hot - poor baby was loving this!


Love it...

Riding on the train - Daddy was snapping away because I made him promise that he would not let me hide behind the camera all day.

After the Zoo we went to the famous Kincaid's for burgers and fries. Loved it! It's so unique and the food was excellent. I was able to order deviled eggs. Booo-yaa! That's what I'm talking about!

Last but NOT LEAST! Good grief...we've spent the last four days dealing with LOTS of three things:

• Crying
• Drooling
• Runny Nose

All you moms out there already know where this is going don't you? HE'S GOT A TOOTH!!!! It came in sometime over the last few days - but I didn't know until I went to put something in his mouth and felt a little snag. WOW! There's a little tiny tooth poking through on the bottom left. Whahoo! That's explains the excessive drool and crankiness. Whew - I was wonderin'.

So anyway - after the zoo he took a nap and when I went to get him up, this is what I found. See anything unusual?
He's STANDING UP. He's only 8 months old and standing up! You go baby boy! He hasn't done it again since, but I swear, he's changing so much every day. It's like a whirlwind of change - and watching him grow up is amazing. He's such a wonderful little boy and Anton and I daily count our blessings. We are so insanely in love with him. Even on his worst day (had a few very recently) he's still the love of our life. I cannot, cannot, cannot think of life without him.

Is this parenting gig hard? Yes, insanely hard. Hardest thing I've EVER done. Hands down. But worth it? My Lord - yes! Worth every minute from the top of his little head to his tiny toes. The most amazing boy in the world!!!

The New Look

New comers - see the post below explaining the new title and look for the blog. Those who have already read it - just had to give credit where it's due:

I procured the talents of Danielle over at "Blogs by Danielle" to get this wonderful new look for my blog and I can highly recommend her - but doesn't the blog design she made for me say it all? If you need a re-fresh, a new blog, or just something really snazzy - you can now consider yourself appropriately referred in the right direction!

Come on - admit you're curious - go visit her site to see the plethora of fantastic blogs she's made over.

Bushel and a Peck

Well, it was time. Time for a change, time for something new. Time for integrating the little man into the blog. Time for extending my beloved blog to include the general and larger changes in our family this past year.

Certainly not time to let go of our little Keira (see sidebar) but time to refresh and create something lovely for my ramblings. I really hope you like it! It's still got a couple small tweaks but you can definitely see the big changes!! Bloglines, and all you subscribers of the quick fix - give a sista some props and come see the blog in all it's newly adorned glory. At least once. I know your way is faster, but hook a sister up with a visit.

As for the title change, allow me to explain:

My grandfather whom I love dearly and with whom I have a most precious relationship, handed me - his oldest granddaughter - a very special gift when I was perhaps 4 years old. Maybe younger. He would gather me onto his lap, hold me close, and sing the song "A Bushel and a Peck". As time went on, I started to learn the words, and we would sing it together. Each time we saw one another, we would at some point find time to take a couple minutes and sing "our song". Sometimes quietly and no one would even notice, and sometimes loudly and sweetly for all to hear. Might sound silly to some and I admit that through the teenage years, I chagrined and rolled my eyes when my grandpa would close in on me to sing "our song". But as I've gotten older, I have begun to understand the words to that song and understand that even in their silliness ~ they speak to the volumes of love that you can have for another person. And even on my last visit back home, Grandpa and I took a moment to sing it to each other. Actually, we've gotten quite good...he'll sing a line, I'll sing a line...it's perfected in its age of 30+ years. Never gets old, remarkably.

Doris Day sang it - actually, several people sang it. But I sing it too. I find it's a part of me and always brings a smile to my face...and more importantly, I caught myself singing it to Quint about a month ago. That's musical legacy, folks. From one to another and down the line...I'm sure you could tell me about your own family song or saying that gets passed down and is precious to you. Maybe Quint or Keira will be singing it to their kids someday...and wouldn't that be something?

Thanks Grandpa....I love you.....a bushel and a peck...

I love you a bushel and a peck

A bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck

A hug around the neck and a barrel and a heap

A barrel and a heap and I'm talkin' in my sleep

About you, about you

'Cause I love you a bushel and a peck

You bet your purdy neck I do

I love you a bushel and a peck

A bushel and a peck though you make my heart a wreck

Make my heart a wreck and you make my life a mess

Make my life a mess, yes a mess of happiness

About you, about you

'Cause I love you a bushel and a peck

You bet your purdy neck I do

I love you a bushel and a peck

A bushel and a peck and it beats me all to heck

It beats me all to heck, how I'll ever tend the farm

Ever tend the farm when I wanna keep my arm

About you, about you

'Cause I love you a bushel and a peck

You bet your purdy neck I do

Time is of the Essence...of...I don't know...Time, I guess

I'm gonna make a confession. Another one of my "expert" mother (cough) admissions of sin. Before I had a child, I didn't think time would be much different. I really didn't. Time was...I don't know...my own. I could not imagine it any other way. Things come up - you deal with them...and then you continue on with what you were doing. In all ways, I assumed (ass...you...me) that having children would certainly impact my time in some ways - you have to feed them after all...but my friends...I have been foolish. My confession is that in this ever dwindling economy, the biggest pinch I am feeling is on my wrist...watch that is. Let me set the record straight on the mom club for babies. You moms in the toddler club or kiddie club can attest, and I'm sure there is a whole new set of rules when they're old enough to tell you why their crying - but for now, humor me and bless my little heart with your good nature and kind will - I am a poor man's amateur in the worst kind of way. Where was I...(rambling is a side affect of lack of time...you panic feeling you have only so much time with which to say things and you find you have diarrhea of the mouth - everything comes out...see, happening right now...) Record..straight...ah yes.

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Wake up: 6ish - for the first time - see the monitor and check on the baby from said monitor. All is well. Back to sleep.

For ten minutes...baby is awake and vocalizing. Loudly.

Upsie daisy madam...feed the little eating machine...up you go - that's right. Into the closet..err, I mean kitchen. That's the way! No, stop gazing longingly at the coffee machine - maybe later after lunch. What? That's about the next time you'll be up for air. Now hurry - run along - baby waits for no man. Change that diaper (ewww, that's a doosie!) and land that bottle on that runway of a pouty lip before all the neighbors are awake to watch you do the mama shuffle. It ain't pretty...look away less you turn to salt!

Ok, bottle - check! Diaper - check! Play time? Nope. Not having it today? Cry....sniffle sniffle...cry....whine whine...cry.....sub sub. Ok. How about we sit together? Read a book? Play with blocks? Count to 10? ABC's? Yawn. Get thrown up in the air? Throw up on Mom? Oh. That wasn't fun. Clean that up. Still upset? Especially now? Sorry buddy...truly. Still learning. Ok, all clean. Good grief...already 9am? Ok - well, how about a nap? No, don't cry. It's ok - sleep is good...sleep is wonderful...sleep is...ZzzzZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

What? Huh? Yawn. Huh? Oh sorry! Right! Sleep is what Mommy just did - isn't it fun? No? Awww, sweet thing! Playing with Mommy's hair? OUCH! That's attached to my head you know? OUCH! Ok - let's pry those cute little chubby fingers loose. Whew. Ok, nightie night.

TWO HOURS! RUN...put this there, put that there...clean this up....wash that...dry this...fold this one....put that one away...mail this, send that, call her, check on that....whew. Ding! Time's up. What? Two hours already? I hear baby. Deep breathe and here we go again...Yawn. So tired for some reason....

Hi baby! How was your nap? Good? Wow - you're happy! Time for a bottle huh? Ok, let's go...wait let's change your diaper. Uh-oh, little accident. No problem, we'll just change that sheet while I set you here. Oh. This bumper is tied in 72 places on this crib. I can't seem to get the mattress out...if I could just slip it out, I could...GRUNT.....AHHH...nope. Not budging. Hmmm. Meanwhile, baby... Baby? Oh boy. There you are! You can't go in the kitty box. I forget how quick you are. No, you stay here with Mommy while I change this sheet. I can't believe it's 12 already. You know I...baby? Baby? Seriously...kitty will not appreciate or see the humor in it...

Sheet changed - check! Ok, so sit right here and play with these FUN FUN toys and I'll sit here and fold clothes. Oh, no - you can't get in the basket - son....SON....no. And that is not a toy. Uh-oh. Daddy's Batman Comics. That was not funny. I know you think it's funny, but Daddy likes his comics dry and in one piece. And Mommy's just opened that soda. Oh dear. Son. No. You can't....ok - well there went that whole stack of towels. Ok - just play in them - who cares.

Ok - let's watch...what is this? Seriously...Yo..gabba who? Wait, how do they get those guys so little when he's so big? (Head tilts sideways) What? Oh my - we just watched an hour of Nick Jr. How did that happen. You ok? Yeah? Happy even, I see. Well...what's that? Hungry again? Ok - let's eat. By "let's" I mean, you. You'll eat. I'll...smell your baby food because it smells good - but tastes terrible. That's fun. Oh, please stop swatting at the spoon and trying to gra.........b it. Nevermind. I'll just wipe that up when we're done. Nevermind. The dog got it. Good dog. Nasty though, ain't it? Poor dog. All done? Well, I'm taking from the rubbing of the eyes and ears that you're tired again. Nap time? Feeding - check! Clean up from feeding - semi-check! Diaper - check! Naptime - check!

Hour - maybe hour and a half! RUN...put this there, put that there...clean this up....wash that...dry this...fold this one....put that one away...mail this, send that, call her, check on that....whew. Ding! Time's up. What? Two hours already? I hear baby. Deep breathe and here we go again...

Hi baby! How was this nap? Good? Wow - you're excited! Time for another bottle huh? Ok, let's go...let's change your diaper. Uh-oh, little accident - AGAIN? Good grief. Diaper and clothes changed - check! Bottle - check!

Ok - let's play with this leap froggy thingy. Wow, that's loud. Does it have volume control? No? Jeesh - you could go deaf. Phone. Probably Daddy...let's not break it to him over the phone about those comics. Oh, dinner...well, we'll deal with that at 5 o'clock. Oh, it IS 5 o'clock. Crud. Ummm, we better feed baby dinner. Ok, enough of the trying to grab and swatting at the spoon and trying to toss your bowl of food.......... Nevermind. I'll just wipe that up when we're done.

Here, let Mommy just get a couple bites down. I'm starving over here. Oh, what's the matter buddy? Are you bored? Tired of sitting in the highchair? How about a banana puffie? Water? Or, a cracker? No? How about your sippy cup? Or you could toss it on the floor. Guess that's a definite no. NO Anabelle - leave that alone, puppy. It's a cup. You can't eat a cup. Son, how about cheese? Maybe it'll back up some of those "accidents" we keep finding. Hmmm.

Ok, forget it - I wasn't that hungry anyway. Let's get you a bath. Yaaay! Clothes off - check! Diaper off - Check! Oh! No - son! Don't do that...I just took it off...don't pee........nevermind. Just get it out of your system. Why not. Good grief. Well, at least you're taking a bath. I'll wash that rug later. Alright - splashy, splashy, splashy, fun, fun, fun. No - you can't eat soap. No. No. No. Seriously? Are you really that hungry? Ok, let's wash you. I know you hate this part. I know. Awww. Don't be mad. Ok - here we go - up and out. All better. All done. All wet...Mommy is - not baby. That's ok. I forgot to shower this morning anyway on my way to bottle number 1.

Bedtime for baby but first...let's just towel you off. And...SON! No! You just peed before the bath! What the.... omg. Seriously? Buddy! You're killing me with the random peeing. Ok, all done? I didn't even have a diaper out yet. Timing, buddy. Timing! Whatever. I'll wash that cover and towel later with the rug. (and Daddy's comics) Diaper on. Whew! OHHHHHH MY GOSH!!!! ARE YOU OK? What the....."DADDY!!!" He just threw up his entire dinner. omg. I don't know why? Oh lord. Well, let's take this diaper off - the tub still has his bath water....oh my gosh, he's even smiling. Bless his heart - poor guy. Ok, let's get back in the bath. It's all over you! Poor baby! Diaper off - Check!

Alright - splashy, splashy, splashy, fun, fun, fun. No - you can't eat soap. No. No. No. Seriously? Again with the soap bottle? Are you teething? Ok, let's wash you again. I know you hate this part. I know. Awww. Don't cry. It's just soap. Your favorite! Ok - here we go - up and out. All better. All done. All wet...again. Mommy is - not baby.

Deep breathe. Diaper on at lightening speed and now relax. Wait! Lotion...we need lotion. There...that's better. Like a nice little baby massage. Better? No? Awww...buddy so tired? Here, Mommy rock you and sing to you. You like that? Sweet baby. Down you go...I love you...see you in the morning...same time same place? Ok. Love you. We'll do it all again, eh?

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Time! Time! Where for art thou time? Anyone got a suggestion for how to forgo sleep altogether? I could really use the six hours of sleep I'm using up for let's say...showering, eating, working (yes, I do that from home still), household chores, did I say showering? Anyone?