Still Blue's Family

Isobel's 1 year stats!

2011-09-22T08:38:00.002-04:00

Most of my friends are on facebook - and I find I neglect my blog, despite feeling it is a more personal way to share information. For that - I hope to get better this fall....(I keep saying that - right?)

Anyways....

August 26, 2011
Weight: 19lbs (25%)
Height: 29-1/4" (50%)
Head: 17" (25%)

She is walking, "talking" and loving life. She is still nursing and although she CAN drink from a sippy, I think she is specifically trying to be sketchy about it because she knows once she does - the gig is up. I am pleased that I was able to nurse her this long (at 13.5 months now!), since Isaac quit before a year - but...well, Mommy is ready to have her body back! Isobel is a determined little one....in a different way than Isaac is. She loves doggies, waving at people and cuddling. She has definitely her own little personality.

Dear Blue....

2011-09-06T00:01:00.003-04:00

Dear Blue,

Tomorrow we bring home your new brother. I know you won't be here to meet him, but I am pretty sure if you were, you would teach him many things.

You would teach him only to potty on the perimeter of the yard....that the softest spot in the bed in BETWEEN us (thanks, Isobel seems to have gotten the memo while still in-utero)...That the ottoman is THE designated boxer spot for tv watching. You would teach him how to patiently stay in the yard until called, how to walk next to us without a leash, how to gulp a banana down in nanoseconds. You would give him all the notes on how to recognize when we are packing for a vacation, or if Daddy is just leaving for a work trip. You would remind him that you have to stay still when babies are crawling on you, and that laying on your back will command instant belly-rubs.

You'd teach him how to recognize when your people need a little boxer love...and how to give that gentle head nudge that said everything.

We still miss you so much....but it is exactly because of you, that we are ready to have another boxer in our life. You taught us that life without boxer love...well, just somehow not complete. Even Isobel knows it, having never lived with you - she squeals with delight when she see doggies...and has been practicing her "Ruff-ruffs'.

So tomorrow, when we finally take this little guy home...we will be thinking of you. For, you will always be our first boxer luv. I only hope we can raise this little guy to be as wonderful of a companion as you were. And we will always be, Blue's Family.

Been SOOO bad at posting.

2011-09-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

I know. I know. It's just this summer has been sooo packed with things. I am hoping a return to school will allow me to catch up again. Seriously.

I can hope, right?

Isobel - 9 month stats!

2011-05-31T21:47:00.003-04:00

I know I have been pretty bad about blogging lately - life has been pretty busy. We have end of the year preschool stuff...swim class, t-ball, boot camp (for me)...and I picked up a 2 month, part time contract job until the end of June. Phew. I am tired just thinking of it.

Today was Isobel's 9 month appt. Of course, she is a week shy of 10 months (holy cow!) - but here it is anyways!

18lbs (35th percentile)

27.5 inches (50th percentile)

17" head circumference (25th percentile)

We just looked back at what I blogged about Isaac: "On Friday, July 13, Isaac had his 9 month appointment (yes, a month late!) - he is now 28-1/4" long, 19lbs 0oz. " How interesting that the little guy who was over a pound smaller at birth was about a pound heaver at this point!!!

Dalai Lama Quote

2011-05-12T09:09:00.000-04:00

I don't normally post things about religion/politics in on the internet - but I saw this post today on facebook and felt moved to share:

"Some people automatically associate morality and altruism with a religious vision of the world. But I believe it is a mistake to think that morality is an attribute only of religion. We can imagine two types of spirituality: one tied to religion, while the other arises spontaneously in the human heart as an expression of love for our neighbors and a desire to do them good.""

So true!

Preschool Book Club

2011-04-20T16:15:00.002-04:00

I am listening to Isaac and his friend "KD" discuss the book "Mars Needs Moms".

"but there were BAD guys in there"
"I didn't like that music"
"but the mom gave him her mask, that was good, right?"
"that wasn't real, right? it's just a story"

It was a pretty lengthy discussion, I wish I had started paying attention sooner!

Weekend in Flint and belated Shamrocks Post!

2011-03-27T09:27:00.009-04:00

Only in my life does one go to a beach party in a basement (complete with sand for Isaac to play in covering the floor), listen to at least 4 different languages being spoken at once, while people dance with my baby and my son eats about a pound of strawberries. All on a March night. Yes, that's a party at my Uncle John's house. ;)

We are in Flint this weekend. Friday night, I went to see Les Miserables at Flushing High School with some old high school classmates. Some of them, which I have not seen in 17 years!!! It was fun to see the "new" auditorium and get a back stage tour. What a difference from the cafetorium that we used to put our productions on in. Although, there was something fun of a challenge that the cafetorium presented which these kids would know nothing about!! (for the record - spell check on cafetorium comes up with cafeteria and crematorium - creepy).

On Saturday, we went to my Uncle John's birthday party. Uncle John's wife is from the Ukraine, so they have a diverse community of friends here in Flint. There was fabulous food, foreign music all in a tiki-bar setting (complete with sand floor) that is his basement. We had a great time and wow, how entertaining the sand floor was for Isaac!!!

A few weekends ago we headed to our annual visit to Ann Arbor for the Shamrocks and Shenanigans! Who can resist a day full of St. Patty's fun, little irish dancers and irish music - and great friends!? Isaac had a ton of fun doing the kids run and dancing up a storm with Raquel. Visiting M&R&E&R is always a good time! Fun was had by all!

Give me that camera!

2011-03-09T13:47:00.001-05:00

We went to the new "Java Play" a few days ago and while Isaac ran amok - Izzy and I spent some time in the baby area. She decided she wanted to play with the camera....

Day out with Uncle Michael

2011-02-24T09:46:00.002-05:00

Isaac got to spend an afternoon with Uncle Michael in January while Isobel and I helped throw a baby shower for cousin Kayla. They had some lunch and then went to see Tangled. Isaac hasn't stopped talking about it since!

Isobel - 6 month stats!

2011-02-18T10:30:00.002-05:00

Just a quick message as I have to clean up because Brian comes home today and we have friends coming to visit tomorrow....

As of Feb. 15, 2011, Isobel's stats:

Weight: 16lbs 8 oz (55%)
Height: 25.75" (60%)
Head: 16" (40%)

She still is refusing to take a bottle AND cereal, but obviously that isn't effecting her weight! She mastered sitting up and is starting to scooch backwards...and of course, EVERYTHING goes right in the mouth right now. And, aside from photo shoots **shakes head** - she is normally a pretty laid back gal!

Pretty nice day so far...

2011-02-12T16:03:00.004-05:00

I have been feeling bad for not blogging more often. It just seems with all of Brian's travel for work, 2 kids, winter, etc...it just goes on the back burner.

So, I am sitting at Mom's house - and thought, I should drop a few lines...at least it's something.

So - today, we (Isaac, Isobel and I) went to Witherbee's for lunch with Michael and Dad - then Michael and I took the kids to the Children's Museum. It was NUTS in there today - three birthday parties, a boy scout troup....and we ran into a friend of mine from high school! (Shout out to Matt & Emily!!) It was nice to see them...but wow, kinda hard to "catch up" in the midst of such chaos! (Maybe next time, right?)

Michael got some shots of Isaac and Isobel as "Rosa Parks" and "Martin Luther King". It was pretty darn funny.

Then, to cap off some fun time, we swung by the Deco Deli for a smoothie (Michael), a coffee (moi) and a cupcake (Isaac). Isobel napped.

And tonight...leaving the tykes with the parent units and heading to check out the new Cork On Saginaw for a few hours with Michael, "the pen pal", and whoever else ends up poppin' up. Hopefully Iz does well with Mom!

Mother's Mantra

2011-01-28T12:21:00.002-05:00

I scammed this from another blog I read today. I thought it would make a few moms (and dads!) smle.

Babies Don't Keep
by Hulburt Hamilton

Mother, oh Mother, come shake out your cloth,
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing and butter the bread.
Sew on a button and make up a bed.
Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I've grown shiftless as Little Boy Blue
(Lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
(Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo)
The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew
And out in the yard there's a hullabaloo
But I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo.
Look! Aren't her eyes the most wonderful hue?
(Lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).

The cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,
For children grow up, as I've learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

The stairs are clear....

2011-01-06T21:04:00.002-05:00

Tonight I had to shovel the driveway. We didn't get the 8-12" that they were predicting (perhaps it will come tomorrow?) - so it was actually sort of peaceful and relaxing. I wore my headphones and just roamed back and forth, up and down the drive.

After finishing, I stood back and looked at the house. I realized I wasn't done yet.

I creeped though house and out the sliding door to the deck. There I repeated the pattern, back and forth, up and down. Sending the bulk of the snow down the staircase.

Then, slowly, step by step - I cleared them. We always cleared them for Blue, especially in the later years when he walked a little more slowly and with caution.

It's been 8 months....but somehow - shoveling isn't complete until the stairs are clear.

Big milestones!!!

2010-12-19T21:05:00.003-05:00

Don't have much time to write, I just returned home from a trip to Flint and I need to prep my slider and front window for replacement in the morning!

Isobel is about 4.5 months. At her appt last week, she was:

24.5" long (50%)
14lbs 7oz (75%)

Today she did two huge things!!! She sat on her own for a few minutes AND she ALMOST rolled over from back to front!!! Seems an ear infection doesn't stop her from charging forward, does it!!!

Other things she is up to:
- She is experiencing some "stranger anxiety" to some degree with just about everyone except myself and Isaac...tho, we are working on that, and she played and smiled more with Mom this weekend than the last time we were home.
- She is moving into 6-9 month clothes already (she's really a chunky lil monkey!).
- Isaac makes her laugh louder than ANYONE. She adores him.
- Most nights she sleeps almost 12 hours straight. What a difference from Isaac (even now!)
- Aside from the stranger thing - she really is very easy going!

Just a little bit of cutsie.

2010-12-08T23:11:00.002-05:00

Isobel adores her brother. Any time he pays attention to her, you will hear her loudest laughs, sweetest coos and see her biggest smiles.

This isn't the biggest or best smiles/giggles - but it's cute all the same.

Privacy or Wha?

2010-12-03T06:36:00.004-05:00

In October, I had my wallet stolen while at Walmart. Yes...I said Walmart. I never go there - Brian and I have had a "unless without other option" standpoint of the place (sometimes in Tawas, it's our only option, but that is rare). Anyways, I went there for one thing I knew they had - because I didn't want to drive all over town...and wouldn't you know - someone enjoyed using our credit cards/debit cards for the next few hours while I was blissfully unaware. I didn't even hear the credit card companies calling the house because I was enjoying the sunshine outside with a friend. So, the rest of the day was filled with calling all the companies, reissuing cards, changing accounts, etc. I even went and got a new driver's license...only to discover a few days later that my license was actually at the bottom of my diaper bag. (figures!)

OK - that wasn't great. I felt a bit of comfort knowing the "perp" (that's for Dawn) didn't have my license. So, aside from my name and my fuzzy photo on my Costco card, he/she/it didn't know anything about me. [Darn, I just realized there were a few photos of Isaac in there]

The police officer said, chances are, the "perp" was watching out for someone, just like me. A distracted mom with 2 kids. It made me feel so naive....but he was right. I was a TOTALLY distracted mom with 2 kids. Anyone who has been shopping with Isaac can understand how that would happen!!!

Fast forward to Nov 15th. I get a call from the bank asking me to verify a check coming through one of our accounts. Instantly, my heart sank. This particular account isn't one we use much - so I am pretty much the only one who ever writes checks from it...and most certainly not checks that clear all except 9.17 from the account. And it wasn't 100 bucks, I'll tell you that.

Now I am creeped out.

See....ok - I can accept that account numbers get taken. It doesn't take more than a real routing number and some lucky guessing to hit on a real account - I am sure. But..what bothered me was - this forged check was written out to someone in GR...AND the fact that it literally cleared our account. I am surprised the teller even cashed the check - since it didn't take a rocket scientist to know the issuing bank has changed names (at least 5 years ago!) - but cash it, they did. Did they somehow gain access to our account to know? Was that just a lucky guess too? I am going to say probably not. Now, do they know where I live? My husband's name? And, just out of curiosity - I type the name of the person that was on the check into google? Where does he show up? Same address as on the forged check. Has facebook account. Right there. All sorts of information. It dawned on me, finding info about me probably isn't that hard either. Granted, this person may not be the person who actually did it - but well....if they aren't smart enough...possibly it is.

Thankfully, through the whole process, all the banks/companies have been really great - we now have credit alerts our credit reports, all the money is back where it should be....but the fact still remains...that person knew too much about us. That person gained access to our account - somehow.

So - I went and tightened up my facebook account. If it's the same person, I didn't want him knowing details of my distracted daily life. I've debated making this more private too - but I am not sure I put much on here that is going to tell anyone something about me - especially since I post so far past events, it's not like they are going to know when I am home or not...but...egh.... just bothersome. The whole ordeal.

So....not that it's Walmart's fault...but I think I will pass on going there next time.

Update on life...

2010-11-18T07:19:00.002-05:00

Well, we have just been busy, what can I say?

I feel bad, not updating, or sharing, mostly for Isobel's sake. She has been doing so much lately. In the last few weeks, she has started "talking", she grabs at things and "laughs". She has also started to try to pull herself up when sitting in the bouncy or swing, so she really likes when we help her sit upright. She is also on the verge of rolling over - I anticipate it to happy any day now.

She is such a laid back baby most of the time, so much, that I feel like a bad parent! Isaac required so much rocking, cuddles, etc - and she is happy to be laid down without a fuss. We wake up to coos and "chatting" instead of shrieks! She has been sleeping all night, as in 8pm-almost 8am until I wake her the next morning because I am so full of milk!

On Isaac's front: He is very much enjoying school. He can write his name now and loves to tell me stories about what they did in school. We've been saving all his projects, which I know I can't keep forever, but I am just so tickled by all of them. He is taking a sports sampler, which he is really getting into - and he has gone a great job of listening and picking up all the concepts. You know Isaac, 'have feet, will run'.

At the end of October, I had their photos taken, and although we didn't get many great shots of Isobel, some of the photos of Isaac show such a grown up side of him.

I never thought I would be in awe of these little creatures of ours. Even in the most challenging moments, I look at how they seem to grow and change each day - and I am so amazed. I try to soak it all up, knowing that holding on to those little moments, when our heads are full of schedules, lists and tasks is hard....but at night, when Isaac is crashed out in bed with "Bear" or when Isobel is smiling up at me from the changing table, it's the most amazing feeling in the world.

Click here to view these pictures larger

A serious observation

2010-10-29T23:42:00.001-04:00

As we drove past downtown Chicago:

"Isaac, look - there is the Sears Tower!"

"Mom, that's not just one serious tower, there are two serious towers"

"Sears Tower, Isaac"

"No Mom, Serious Tower. It's Serious."

Well then...I guess it is!

New dining room table!

2010-10-20T17:14:00.003-04:00

We bought a new dining room table last May - and we finally have the new chairs to go with it!

We found the table in an antique shop (Back Room Antiques) in Tawas and loved it instantly. It wasn't until we heard that it was going to be shipped to a store in Kzoo that we became serious about buying it.

The nifty thing about it is that it is handmade by a retired gentleman out of reclaimed barn wood. It just so happens the wood for this table is from an 1890's milking barn located in Frankenmuth (we even have a picture of the barn!). We had to order the chairs for the guy to finish, and we just got them last week.

We LOVE this table!! Not only is is unique and beautiful, but it's nice to be able to seat more than 4 people comfortably!

Implant Day

2010-10-19T17:09:00.002-04:00

So - today I went to have the first step of my dental implant done. I was terrified, more than I was to go into labor. Seriously!!! However, it was not so horrific (certainly was not pleasant tho)...and, now I sit here thinking..."huh, shouldn't I have a little pain?". I mean, I can feel that something has happened to my mouth - but pain isn't a word I would use to define it.

[crunches on cheez-its]

For those of you who do not know, last spring, while pregnant, my front tooth fell out. I had already had a crown and a root canal done on this tooth - so when I wrestled with Isaac one day, and he hit me in the jaw, I should have known trouble was brewing. However, I did not - and a few weeks later, while eating cereal at my Mom's house....just like that - it fell out. Obviously, because I was pregnant, they didn't want to do the implant until after Isobel was born. Therefore, I have been walking around for months with a "flipper" (which is a polite way of saying denture).

[pauses for more cheez-its]

So, back to the pain thing - I pretty much think I am some bizarro who doesn't experience pain like other people. Back when I had my first foot surgery, I took the Vicodin like they said to, to keep the "pain manageable". All that did was make me sick to my stomach for 3 days. For the second foot surgery, I didn't take anything. I waited for the pain. Um....yeah...didn't happen. Not saying I was ready to dance a jig, but I certainly didn't need to take anything. Fast forward past 2 drug free labor & deliveries....(I'll admit, I popped a motrin the night after having Isobel because the cramping was a distracting feeling)...and now this. It's not that I am opposed to taking anything....I just don't feel enough discomfort to justify it. I don't get it...am I just some pain-tolerant freak, or is it just not there?

So...back to the implant, I go back in a few weeks, then after 3 months to assure all is going as planned...then I get to go to my dentist for the "tooth" portion....and I can be done with this ridiculous and embarrassing saga in my life.

Isaac - Quote of the Day

2010-10-08T17:09:00.001-04:00

"Here Dad, I will put my helium on you."

(said in reference to putting his hand on Brian's injured calf muscle, apparently he meant "healing")

Isobel - 2 month stats

2010-10-08T17:08:00.002-04:00

October 8, 2010

Weight: 11lbs 12 oz (75%)
Height: 22" (50%)
Head: 15" (50%)

Happy 4th Birthday Isaac!

2010-09-25T19:40:00.002-04:00

Since our family birthday party was scheduled for the 19th, we decided to invite a couple local friends over to celebrate Isaac's 4th birthday. As it turns out - lots of friends were free that day - so it turned into a big party!!! Thankfully, the rain passed and we were able to have a spidey-riffic time!

A big thanks to our friend Katie for doing the face paints, they were the hit of the party!!!

Click here to view these pictures larger

Long overdue posts

2010-09-25T12:08:00.007-04:00

Do we see a theme here? So far, having 2 kids has been pretty good...however, my screen time has definitely been impacted. I can barely get a chance to reply to emails (and when I do, it's one handed typing because I am nursing!) much less updating our blog!

Anyways, here are some posts I updated recently...

Visit to Dutch Village
http://spratke.blogspot.com/2010/08/dutch-village.html

End of the Summer at the Cabin
http://spratke.blogspot.com/2010/09/end-of-summer-at-cabin.html

Dawn and Sam meet Isobel
http://spratke.blogspot.com/2010/08/dawn-and-sam-meet-isobel.html

Crim Weekend and Thomas the Train
http://spratke.blogspot.com/2010/09/crim-weekend-and-thomas-train.html

Isaac starts preschool
http://spratke.blogspot.com/2010/09/isaacs-first-day-of-preschool.html

Isaac's first day of preschool

2010-09-10T12:53:00.002-04:00

Isaac started preschool at Meadowbrook Elementary. He was very excited to go to school! He gets excited to put things in his locker every morning and comes running to me at the end of the day with a huge smile on his face. It exhausts him!!! Now..if only it could be 5 mornings a week, instead of 3....

Isaac tells Bear after his first day "it was pretty good, I will go again and again".

Videos from Crim and Thomas

2010-08-30T20:40:00.000-04:00

The Crim Festival started a kids area a few years ago - we checked it out for the first time, and to Isaac's delight, all the inflatables were free!!!

Then, at Crossroads, he had fun on the ferris wheel with Gillian.

Note the difference from the last time we went on it: Ferris Wheel At Crossroads 2008

On another vintage ride

Crim Weekend and Thomas the Train

2010-08-29T20:44:00.000-04:00

A weekend that we always enjoy is the Crim Festival of Races. This year, because Michael and Perry were busy with Witherbee's - there was no party, but we were able to mill about near the store, then walk downtown. We even tried out the kid's area, which we had not seen since they started it. Brian didn't run this year, but we cheered on a friend from Grand Rapids, even though we couldn't find her in the crowd! (yay Christine!)

Then, of course, Thomas the Train at Crossroads Village. We went with "Aunt" Candy, her granddaughter Gillian and Mom. Despite the heat, Isaac and Gillian loved it!!!

Click here to view these pictures larger

Isobel - 2 week stats

2010-08-26T17:07:00.000-04:00

August 26, 2010

Weight: 7lbs 11 oz (35%)
Height: 20.5 inches (50%)
Head: 14" (50%)

Dawn and Sam meet Isobel

2010-08-25T12:44:00.000-04:00

Dawn and Sam came to visit Isobel. While they were here, we tried to make a treat that I saw online. Unfortunately, it didn't look like it did in the picture....but it was still fun to make and mighty yummy!!!

Click here to view these pictures larger

End of the summer at the cabin

2010-08-21T12:12:00.002-04:00

We were able to get a quick weekend in at the cabin shortly after Isobel was born. The weather wasn't fabulous, but it was nice enough to reconnect with some neighbors and get some R&R in!Who doesn't love cabin breakfasts?

While we were there, a the light fixture in the cathedral broke. We discovered that you CAN rent ladders THAT tall in Tawas!! Thank goodness!

More pictures:

Click here to view these pictures larger

Dutch Village

2010-08-18T21:05:00.000-04:00

We went to the Dutch Village in Holland with Mindi (Kayla and Leah) and Heather (Ethan and Emily) when Isobel was 11 days old. Isaac had a ton of fun on the rides. He was particularly fond of the little cars that you had to "pump" to move...at one point, he was pushing several of the other kids!!!

Click here to view these pictures larger

Isobel's Newborn Pictures...

2010-08-10T19:19:00.000-04:00

I finally uploaded Isobel's newborn pictures. They were done by Clever Creations Photography in Grand Rapids.

Click here to view these pictures larger

5 hours before...

2010-08-10T15:24:00.000-04:00

The day Isobel was born was jam-packed. Brian took Isaac to his company picnic, while I cleaned and grocery shopped. Then, we met up at Parker Diemer's 1st birthday party. We left there shortly after this photo was taken...andd Isobel was born about 5 hours later!!!

Introducing Isobel Joan

2010-08-08T11:11:00.000-04:00

Isobel Joan
August 7, 2010 7:49pm
6lbs 2oz, 19"

This is a little behind, but I discovered that I can upload photos directly from our shutterfly page. Hopefully I can post things a little faster now!!!

Click here to view these pictures larger

37 weeks, 2 days.

2010-07-22T21:00:00.002-04:00

At this point in my pregnancy with Isaac...well, I was packing a bag to head to the hospital. My water had broken and we were heading in - still skeptical that it was really time to have a baby. I didn't FEEL like I was on the verge of giving birth...but, doc said head in - so packin' up and going in we did.

Little did we know, less than 3.5 hours later, we'd be parents.

So...that bring us today. I had my last (hopefully) ultrasound with Dr. B, our specialist....he said that she is just a smidge under 6lbs. Her growth has slowed slightly in the last few weeks, but she is still in the 32% percentile (apparently to date, she has been trending in the 33%). We are dilated 1-2 cm (Dr. K couldn't be more specific as she was racing to head out to deliver another baby)...so....we wait.

In the meantime, the baby room is ready....we are getting a lot of "to do's" done around the house...Mom came to help me out for a few days (like tonight, when I spent 3 hours sitting at the doctor's office!!!)....and trying to keep busy so time passes faster and we don't analyze every twinge and ache I have! After all, in the last few weeks, I have felt things which are totally normal and average for a pregnancy - however, I never had with Isaac!!! I now understand what people mean when they say they can't shave their legs or grab something off the floor!!!

But, I am not complaining! Lil "I" is growing, healthy and will be here sooner than we expect!

Catching Up Posts

2010-06-27T09:22:00.002-04:00

I went back and added some posts which were long overdue (they are all pretty short!):

Blue Sky Girl's Weekend
http://spratke.blogspot.com/2010/05/blue-sky-girls-weekend.html

New Dining Room Table
http://spratke.blogspot.com/2010/05/catching-up-new-dining-room-table.html

Mom's Retirement
http://spratke.blogspot.com/2010/05/moms-retirement-party.html

Joe and Leslie's Wedding
http://spratke.blogspot.com/2010/05/congrats-joe-and-leslie.html

Memorial Day Weekend
http://spratke.blogspot.com/2010/05/memorial-day-2010.html

Bathroom Redo
http://spratke.blogspot.com/2010/06/bathroom-redo.html

Attempt at Potted Veggies
http://spratke.blogspot.com/2010/06/attempt-at-potted-veggies.html

Nursery Flashback
http://spratke.blogspot.com/2010/06/nursery-flashback.html

Father's Day Weekend

2010-06-20T10:00:00.000-04:00

Isaac and I took advantage of our last few weeks of "freedom" to spend a week up at the cabin. Grandpa Motorcycle (Dad) visited for the first few days (we bought bug nets, read a lot of books and played in the sandbox when it was too cold to do otherwise)....then Grandma Carol (Mom) came up to visit for a day - allowing Brian and I to go out on "date night" with the neighbors!!!The weather was, as it has been trending, just beautiful for the weekend, and all of Isaac's buddies were up - it was a total boyfest-oh-rama!!!

Complete with cowboys, indians and a few army guys mixed in.....

Brian and Don even got to go on a "rescue mission" for a kite boarder who was farther out than any of us were comfortable with. Come to find out - he was just plain nuts and wanted to be way out there.....but oh, what excitement it was for us on the beach!

Happy Father's Day Brian!!!

Weekend Engineering

2010-06-13T19:03:00.002-04:00

Here is a photo of what Brian and our friends Andrew & Alex engineered over the weekend.

We had a small water balloon fight with our neighbors who seemed ill prepared for the water balloon factory that had been prepared and stocked.

9 Things about 9 Years Ago Today.

2010-06-09T08:07:00.005-04:00

I started this post thinking I would just post 9 things about our wedding day that make me smile when I remember them. The thing is...there seem to be so many more than 9!

9. 300 people - Brian looked at me in shock when I told him how many people were on the invite list. He seemed shocked that we would have so many...however, on that day - I think he fully grasped why we had so many....when we look back at our photo album, we see so many faces of people that mean so much to us.

8. The dress I just got preserved last month - There is something about wearing a dress that makes both your mother and your friend (Sarah!) go..."that's it!". Crossing the street in NYC, to the bank to withdrawal cash for it and heading onto the subway with this large, white bag over my shoulder - the weekend of Sept. 9th, 2000. The little lady, Helen, who so artfully created the bustle and wanted to only charge me $25. It is the only part of my wedding that I got to share with my Grandmother - and I can still remember her hands touching the stitching on the bodice.

7. St. Matthew Church, Flint MI - Not only is this where Brian and I were married, but the site of several members of my families weddings, communions and funerals. Father Taggart was wonderful with us, during our pre-marriage prep...and the church - in my opinion, the most beautiful in Flint. Every time I drive past, I think of that day, and the photo in our album showing all our friends and family spilling out of the front doors.

6. The Heddy House - We were so grateful to the Heddy's for welcoming us and allowing our wedding party to roam about their beautiful house - when all we had hoped for was some nice outdoor photos somewhere close to downtown Flint! The "down time" that we had with our wedding party was priceless...and our favorite wedding photo is from their staircase.

5. Uncle Jim playing the bagpipes - One of my grandmother's last wishes. Brought some of my family to tears...and surprised Brian, because I kinda forgot to mention it to him in the last minute preparations!! (oops)

4. Yummy cake - I let my mom pick out the cake of "my dreams"...and what a great decision that was! The cake was beautiful AND yummy!!! Can you say raspberry and mousse in the same sentence without getting in trouble?! Seriously. Even better: the anniversary cake they made for us a year later!

3. Italian honeymoon - What a great choice that was! We even still have a friend from there (hi Anne!). I will never forget getting bumped up to business class, spending days on the beach in Sicily and watching Mt.Etna erupt from our hotel room. Can't wait to go back someday!

2. Post-Reception fun - Hanging out in someone's hotel room after the wedding reception. Brian and I were staying in a hotel across the way from the one most of our friends were staying in...we looked out the window and saw all the fun they were having....ditched our wedding clothes and ran over to join in the fun!!!

1. Smartest day of my life - Marrying someone I trust, love and respect. And still do.

I love you, Brian.

Week 30 Update

2010-06-06T11:08:00.002-04:00

Here we are, at week 30. Hard to believe.

We have put the crib and rocker back up in the baby's room - and it looks just like it did when we had Isaac - so SURREAL! I visited both of my OB's last week - and everything is looking good.

I am measuring at 31 weeks. I have gained 21lbs. Lil one is absolutely average at approx 3lbs 8oz. Dr. B could see hair in my ultrasounds, so it's safe to say - she is not bald! So far, everything is very average! No complaints here.

I feel fine these days, although I am beginning to notice my lack of mobility. Bending, stretching, etc are getting to be more of a challenge - but really, for the most part, I feel pretty good.

Hard to believe we only have between 7-9 weeks left....

Now, back to my 1 gillion things on my to do list!

Nursery Flashback

2010-06-05T09:45:00.002-04:00

We are still getting our nursery back in order - but it's somewhat of a flashback!!!

Attempt at Potted Veggies

2010-06-02T09:45:00.002-04:00

This year we decided to attempted potted veggies. I am only hopeful that half of them make it....but half will do!

We planted:
Bush cucumber, (2) basil, (2) types of lettuce, summer squash, rosemary, patio tomatoes, cabbage, peppers, cherry tomato and some mystery plant my neighbor gave us.

They are all doing amazing so far!!!

In the meantime, my indoor plants are all dying. Apparently I should stick to the fakies inside!!!

Bathroom Redo

2010-06-01T09:44:00.002-04:00

Instead of redoing the nursery, I decided to redo our bathroom!!! It was about time..and although I am not done hanging shelves and painting the doors (all of the trim and doors in our house are slated to be painted, post-baby!)....here's the result!

Memorial Day 2010

2010-05-31T09:43:00.002-04:00

We really didn't take any pictures at Memorial Day this year!!!

Isaac and I went up a week early - joined for a few days by Kathy & Ava....and what a great plan that was! The weather was AMAZING, the water trending in the high 60's - and we spent every day on the beach. (We had the burns to prove it!)

By the weekend, when Brian and the neighbors arrived, we had restocked the sunscreen and gave out ample warnings....

Mom and Candy came up, and although Mom was under the weather and spent most of her time napping and resting - Candy braved the beach with us!

We had a great time catching up with the neighbors again, and at our annual neighborhood cookout at the Woollatt cottage.

Isaac-isms.

2010-05-29T19:20:00.002-04:00

Isaac-ism 1:

I just told Isaac to eat a little faster, and he said "Mom, I am ENJOYING it"

Isaac-ism 2:

Last night, we were eating pizza with the neighbors.

I said "whoa, Isaac, that's a big slice"

He said "that's why I am eating it - to make it smaller".

Of course, how did I not know that?

Isaac-ism 3:

He likes to notice things that "are in this world". The other day, we passed a blue bus. He said "Mom! There is a blue bus in this world!" - Yes...yes apparently there is!

or - "Mom, why are there so many skitos in this world?"

Congrats Joe and Leslie!

2010-05-22T09:43:00.003-04:00

A special congrats to "Officer Joe" and Leslie on their wedding (and birthdays)!

Mom's Retirement Party

2010-05-20T11:59:00.005-04:00

My mom retired in early May, so a few of her co-workers threw her a retirement party in a conference room at City Hall. Isaac apparently feels that City Hall's halls are perfect for bouncy ball applications.

We even got a quick stop in to the Deco Deli and then we went out to Blackstone's with the Mutzelburgs!
Happy Retirement Mom!!

Catching up on life...belated prego pic

2010-05-18T16:23:00.004-04:00

We are starting to catch up on life...and one thing I have promised people was a picture of the "belly". This shot is from April 15th (23 or 24 weeks?). Brian and I were on our "babymoon" in Washington DC.

Catching Up - New Dining Room Table

2010-05-15T10:00:00.003-04:00

This is long overdue, but while cleaning the camera card off - I thought I'd try to catch up on some posting...
We splurged on a new dining room table. We fell in love with it a few months ago in an antique shop in East Tawas. Come to find out - the gentleman who makes them builds them by hand from reclaimed barn wood.
This particular table comes from a "1890's milking barn" from Frankenmuth. We purchased 4 chairs and a bench to go with it, however, we are still waiting on the chairs (he has those ordered and is waiting for them to be delivered so he can finish them and deliver them). For the time being, we are using our old chairs still - which looks a little silly, but what the hey!
It is so nice to have a "grown up" table that can seat more than 4 people!!!

Blue Sky Girl's Weekend

2010-05-12T09:42:00.002-04:00

Laura, Wendy, Renee, Jennifer, Dawn and Becky

For the second time, the "Blue Sky" gals took a trip to the Marina Grand in New Buffalo for a weekend of rest and relaxation.

There was cooking together, swimming in the pool, massages at the Harbor Country Day Spa, a fancy dinner at an Italian restaurant and of course...lots of wine (tho, not for me - sniffle!). Not to be forgotten - the infamous "survey".

It was a wonderful weekend to rest and catch up with great friends!

Memories of Blue

2010-05-12T08:03:00.004-04:00

One week has past, and although we've gotten used to the quiet of the house - we both still hear phantom "taps" at the door (taught by neighbor dog Molly), the deep sighs just after he settled onto his favorite soft spots on the couch or the 'woo woos' that said came, like clockwork, at breakfast and dinnertime. We haven't adjusted to sleeping in bed without him hogging at least 1/3 of it. We still expect to see his face in the window when we pull in, him roaming the back yard, or snoring lightly on the couch next to the window.

We picked up his ashes yesterday, prepared to be brave - only to melt when we saw they gave us a print of his paw. Not unlike the prints of Kiaser's paw in the floor at our cabin - that I protect with a vengeance ever time we discuss refinishing the floor. I thought by cremating him, it would make sending his remains off to some happy place - probably up north, his favorite place - easier...but I am not sure it is going to be. So where do you put the "Tin o' boxer"? As much as I'd like to put him somewhere that I imagine he'd be pleased with, he (his remains at least) is safely tucked in the entertainment center, far from toddler hands.

So many people sent cards and condolences. We had over 100 comments between our two facebook pages. Some people mentioned special memories of Blue - ones I don't want to forget...like how he used to play "hacky sack" with balloons, stalk bananas, his "peanut head", floppy jowls, how he used to walk himself to and from the beach as he liked, how he used to love to stick his head out the sunroof when he knew we were getting close to his buddy Max's house, the way he'd dive under water like the "Loch Ness Boxer"...and, that he "set the standard for boxers". I know someday, we will get another dog (a boxer, if I have say!)...but it's so hard to even imagine any dog having so much personality and being as good and loyal as he was.

He was Brian's first gift to me, his first expression of a promise that we were going to be a family someday. He took such care and patience training him...I'd come home from work and he'd be in the yard at my house with Blue, doing commands like "sit"and "stay". In a way, Blue showed me what kind of father Brian would be some day. When Brian traveled, Blue kept me feeling safe and make me laugh....but the truth was told the minute Brian walked in the door, and he'd "kidney bean" his way to him, nub wagging as fast as it could.

I could go on and on. Suffice it to say, "this guy" was deeply loved by his family...and we will miss him forever.

I've been collecting photos of Blue in hopes of making a small memory book. I've barely made it through year 2005 yet - but feel free to check here to see them:

Memories of Blue Photos

"Indeed, our lives have been enriched beyond measure because of the love of a dog. We have been adopted by the most irrepressible of clowns, that most intuitive of comforters, that most selfless of companions- the Boxer."

Lord Labatt of Blue Sky, 02/14/99 - 05/05/10

2010-05-06T07:51:00.002-04:00

Our dear companion lost his battle to cancer yesterday. I can't really write more right now except the sadness we feel is overwhelming.

Whitecaps Home Opener 2010

2010-04-11T21:20:00.003-04:00

We went to 5/3 Ballpark today for the White Caps Home Opener. The weather was beautiful!!! We were joined by my cousin Rob and his wife Kayla, and our friends, Brian & Mary with Luke and James. Isaac and Luke had a great time playing "baseball" together, and then finished off the day by running the bases!

I know...I know.

2010-04-08T08:09:00.002-04:00

I owe pictures. I know. I just haven't been sitting still enough lately to download the photos! As far as the belly goes, I just don't feel like I am that much bigger to merit a photo...of course, now that I am 22 weeks, I probably am - but bear with me - right?

Went to the OB yesterday, she said all looked great. Blood pressure barely over dead, as usual....only gained 11lbs...heartbeat sounds like swooshing pants. My next appt is with the specialist on the 29th - more glamour shots. Trying to not be creeped out by the potential IUGR situation, but for now, I was instructed not to. Easy for them to say! It makes it hard to want to buy little girlie clothes, since with Isaac, it was months before he even hit "newborn" clothes. How do you know what size to get? You know? (just wait, I will off and have an 8lb baby...)

Brian and I are heading off on a "babymoon" soon to Washington DC. We are excited for a few days away - but whoa, does it take time to line up "the village" that will care for our guy!!! We better enjoy it, I don't see another childless vacation in our future for a LONG while.

Anyways, I will try to get on uploading some photos soon!

Mini Baby and the Lost Tooth Saga

2010-03-28T08:54:00.004-04:00

Well, gosh - where to start?

A lot has gone on in the last few week. As you know, from the last post - we found out we are having a girl. One week later, the concept is still so abstract!!!! I wonder if that is normal? When you have a boy, are used to boys...then to have this frilly, pink concept thrown at you. Wow. Like I said...still processing the whole idea!!! Don't get me wrong - I am thankful, immensely thankful that she is healthy, the right SIZE and all the parts and pieces are in place....just...wow, a girl?!?!

So - that leads to the mini-baby thing. As some of you know - Isaac was small. Ok - not just small, he was crazy-tiny. He was born at 37 weeks, only 4lbs 13oz. Therefore, with this pregnancy, they sent us to a fetal specialist for our 19 week ultrasound. At first, I was intimidated - every time I called they were so somber, saying things like "Bring one adult with you, do not bring any children....". This isn't exactly the office you bring your energetic 3 year old to, people who come here aren't usually in the "normal pregnancy" category, from what I can tell - and so, aside from the distraction, I presume flaunting your toddler around isn't welcome.

We go in, the ultrasound portion goes nicely - all the parts and pieces in their right place, a nice juicy weight (10 oz), placenta the right size and operating appropriately, yadda yadda. Dr. B walked in and confirmed all that the tech said - including the "girl" part. We then head into a conference room. At this point I am thinking "whew, this is going to be a breeze!!!"

In the conference room he explains that based on the information provided about Isaac - he has said "he would be labeled an IUGR birth". (IUGR = Intrauterine growth restriction) He then goes on to explain the different reasons why IUGR happens. He also explained how serious IUGR can be - and how lucky we were that my water broke when it did with Isaac.

After going through our family history, asking a ton of questions about our pregnancy with Isaac - he then explains that possibly I have an inherited blood disorder which may have caused the IUGR - but other than that, I didn't fall into any of the other known explanations (drug abuse, smoking, genetic disorders, etc). He explained the complexities of this possibility - which scared the ba-jeezus out of me. The other possibility is the IUGR cases that do not have known explanations, which means just a whole lot of monitoring in the third trimester. So, 10 viles of blood later, instructions to up my protein by drinking 1-2 protein drinks a day and take baby aspirin...we walk out the door in a state of "uh, what does this mean?"

Either way, I will be seeing Dr. B the remainder of the pregnancy. I will say, despite the initial impression of the office, I REALLY liked them when we were there. Dr. B was very easy going and easy to talk to.

The next day, Mom calls me and tells me that this inherited blood disorder called Thalassemia Minor (sp?) runs in my grandfather's family - and that pretty much everyone who has been tested for it has it (Grandpa, Great Uncle, Great Aunt, 4 cousins....) - and of course, she found links on the web to IUGR. So - I call Dr. B and they add that to my list of "tests". Good news is, people with Thalassemia don't get malaria - thank goodness I won't have to worry about that (heh).

In the meantime....I headed for Flint for the weekend while Brian was gone for work. On Monday, we had a fun playdate planned with cousin Gillian!!! However, while eating breakfast, all the sudden...my front tooth broke off! This is a tooth that I had a crown and a root canal on - so it didn't hurt at least. Suffice it to say, this was just the icing on the cake. I lost it. We headed home and it wasn't until late Tuesday that I got a "flipper" from the dentist. Now, I need to get a dental implant - however, the oral surgeon won't touch me until after the baby is born...so, to add to everything else right now - I am dealing with getting used to this fake tooth, eating with it, talking with it and facing the fact that it's going to be with me for the rest of the year (oh, and it is NOT cheap). This threw me in a state of emotional highs and lows all week. My poor husband and son....

The call came at almost 5pm on Friday. The nurse said I came back negative for everything. So - I don't need to worry about some freaky blood thing raising the possibility of us having another IUGR baby. (Yay, but now I have to worry about that darn malaria!) However, does this mean we won't have another baby with IUGR? No...it doesn't - it could still happen at any time during the third trimester, from what he said. So - I go back at the end of April for another ultrasound and I suppose we will discuss how that will go for the rest of the pregnancy. In the meantime, so much for only gaining 7lbs so far - those protein drinks (at almost 250-500 calories a day) will take care of that.

So...the weight is lifting, but still - it was a rough week over here. It's still not past - but, we are adjusting...

Good news this week? We have started to feel actual movements from "the lil gal". Brian even felt one last night while we were watching a movie. This is the part I love, the reminders that there is a little being in there, chillin' out. ;)

Sugar and Spice....

2010-03-19T07:05:00.006-04:00

What are little boys made of?

Frogs and snails, and puppy-dogs tails,

And such are little boys made of.

What are little girls made of?

Sugar and spice and all things nice,

And such are little girls made of.

For the first time in 34 years, our family will get to experience "sugar and spice" instead of frogs, snails and puppy dog tails. Of course, our family really loves little boys - so this should be an interesting adventure - Brian and I are having a girl!

This goes against my gut! I totally thought it was going to be a boy - probably because that's just what I figured I would have! But, we will very much welcome a little girl - and Isaac will have a "his hers" of his very own.

Couple's Trivia Night

2010-03-11T13:58:00.003-05:00

Our chapter of Mothers & More hosted a couple's trivia night in Feb. We were paired up with Bob and Holly - and, if you can assume from the photo - we didn't do really well!! But we got a few decent pics out of it, and a childless night out anyways!!!

Spratke V2.1, Week 15

2010-02-18T20:29:00.000-05:00

Definitely showing a little sooner with this one. Dr.K says I am definitely carrying "high", for whatever that's worth!

Random Feb. Photos

2010-02-17T20:32:00.002-05:00

Isaac likes self portraits.

Blue thinks he's a pocket pooch.

Isaac was being a "monster".

Cleaning time!

These may only be "Grandma Worthy"

2010-02-17T19:43:00.002-05:00

Isaac loves sitting in his room listening to music these days. One day this week, he decided to let us in on what he does while listening to the music....

Music Mania!

2010-02-09T11:14:00.003-05:00

Isaac has taken to enjoying listening to music in his room. This is one of his favorites right now...(please excuse the cough at the end).

A few more frozen photos....

2010-02-08T17:05:00.005-05:00

I couldn't help but post this video too. I just love the part where Isaac hops just a little!!!

The Frozen Tundra

2010-02-08T16:49:00.005-05:00

Before we left on Sunday, the weather had warmed enough for a trip to the "beach"...or, this time of year, the Frozen Tundra.

Isaac loved slipping and sliding all over the ice!

Peace, Love & Perch: Perchville 2010

2010-02-08T16:39:00.003-05:00

Ellis, Isaac and Auggie

We had a delightful weekend up in East Tawas at the annual Perchville Festival. Our neighbors, the Woollatt's joined us for what was a cold, yet very memorable weekend!

After hearing the sirens on Friday night, we had dinner at G's pizza. During this time, Isaac managed to flirt with every teen girl he could make eye contact with.

Saturday, we went to see the parade, Old Tyme Movee (movies of East Tawas in the middle of the century), shanty race, polar bear swim, family tent, air boat rides...I never knew how much they had going on down there - and we didn't even see it all!!!

Misc. January Photos

2010-02-04T14:28:00.004-05:00

Isaac likes to help Brian with his "Farmville"....here he is, giving advice on what should be planted...

Brian started running again this month, after taking break for a while. Isaac, naturally, wants to get involved - so Daddy taught him some stretches.

O Positive vs. O Negative!

2010-02-04T14:15:00.003-05:00

Well....so - my doctor calls today about the whole blood type "mix up".

Turns out - it is not. She said, this is the first time that she has ever encountered this...but get this (summarized, of course) :

Back when I had Isaac, there were certain methods of testing blood. At the time, I was considered a "weak positive", but the way things were classified - positive I was.

Apparently now, with the way they do tests and classify blood - I am not considered positive! I am now considered O Negative!

So - when she said blood types don't change...well, it's not that my blood changed, just the way it is classified did.

So - how nuts is that?

Week 13 Update...

2010-02-03T15:50:00.002-05:00

Our day started with a trip to the hair salon. I had Sara cut me a few little bangs, just to change things up a little, and I am really liking them. They somewhat remind me of my hair when I first started dating Brian (note: 11 years ago!)

I had an OB appt today - and all is well. Isaac was all excited to hear "his baby" - only to fall asleep in the car. I lugged him like a sack of potatoes all the way into the office - and of course, everyone kept saying "how cute" and being quiet. I was like "No, please, it's ok if he wakes up!" (he has been staying up LATE on the days he naps!

It took a little while to get the heartbeat, she said that it's "up higher" than most are at this phase. She said everything looks good. I have only gained 1 lb in the last 4 weeks, which doesn't surprise me - based on the only things I have wanted to eat (yogurt, english muffins, fruit, granola and salads) AND, lugging around a 30lb., 3 year old boy!

Then she mentioned "did you know you are O negative?" and I was like "Um, really? I always thought I was O positive"....and then she started talking about shots you would have before and after birth - which I am positive I did not have with Isaac. They were able to look up my bloodwork from my pregnancy with Isaac - and sure enough, O Pos. So....she said she'd get that worked out. The only other thing is, my "due date" is in dispute. Normally you go off of date of the last period - however, in our case, we know the exact date of ovulation - so, we could go off that. I am going to stick with the earlier, optimistic due date - for the time being! ha!

So - on the way down the elevator, Isaac woke up. So, we stopped in the cafe and got a little treat and some apple juice....which he enjoyed. Then he wanted to go to the "candy cane store".....which is the breastfeeding supply store! That made me laugh! Luckily, he thought it was closed, so I managed to bypass that "treat". I told him we'd have plenty of time to go to the "candy cane" store in the future.

Now, he is in his room listening to music, his new favorite pastime. They say how much is too much TV, but the people who know don't seem to have any recommendations on if "too much music is too much"!!! I thought secluding yourself in your bedroom, listening to music was only something 16 year old boys did!!! For the time being, I am enjoying the "peace" and the music is actually pretty catchy (thanks to Brian's pics at the library!).

Off to do other productive things while he is pre-occupied!!!

Noticing the little things....

2010-01-13T21:47:00.002-05:00

Our life goes by in such a flash, sometimes I think to myself - you need to write this down, before you forget. Like, when Isaac started referring to robots as "be-bop robop"...which morphed into "be bop robot", complete with robotic voice action.

One of my favorite things right now - I have NO idea the origin of. The "line leader". I suspect it may be from his brief stint in day care this fall, when I was doing a contract - but I am not sure. Essentially, in his eyes, a line leader is anything that starts something. Whether you are the first in a a line, the first to do something, etc. Sometimes he will say "Mom, you are the line leader becausee you woke up before me". It cracks me up...and, I have been able to turn it around on him to get him to do things. "Can you be the line leader to the bathroom".

He also "insulted" a friend at playgroup the other day by referring to her as "the caboose". A line leader can be interchanged with an "engine". So - if you are the first person, you can be the engine, and if Isaac wants you to follow him - don't be insulted if you are the "caboose". Oh - and, those of you in the middle...you are the shark cars. (Named after the shark train cars we have for his train set....don't all sharks travel by train??? really?). The other day at dinner, Isaac was explaining how he was the engine, Daddy was the shark car and I was the caboose.

Anyways...Brian probably considers this just the beginnings of a whole other fake language he is going to have to live with, along with the already well known "Becky-isms"....but I think it's just an interesting observation of how a toddler relates to the world.

Upcoming conversations will probably revolve around....

"Mommy, do you have a baby in your belly?"
"Yes, I do"
"Why?"
"So you can have a brother or sister".
"I want a brother and a sister, at the same time"
"sorry bud, only one or the other"
"that's my choice?"
"Well...not really your choice, but we will get into that later"

What does this look like, Mommy?

2010-01-10T10:44:00.005-05:00

What DOES this look like? It looks like what mommy is going to look like this spring/summer.

Brian and I are pleased, thankful and humbled to announce - Isaac is going to be a big brother. We are due August 6, 2010. Obviously, given our history - this date is really nothing more than an end date - but a date it is. As Brian said, we appreciate it so much more this time around, knowing what is in store for us.

We have been lucky enough to hear heartbeats, get glamor shots (ultrasounds), yadda yadda.... so it's becoming more real every day.

Nothing like stacking the decks by planning a family reunion (Aug 7-8th, 2010) and buying tickets to see U2 (June 30th, 2010) to make that stick turn pink. So, I will be relying on my "up north" friends, to reserve a spot on the beach for me in August....and my Caravelle neighbors - you will actually get to SEE US during the month of July.

Behind, behind,behind....

2010-01-08T07:43:00.002-05:00

It seems lately, posting on here is an after thought...something I get to now and then, when I get to sit down. There certainly isn't much sitting down when you are chasing a 3 year old around. I hope to get around to improving that soon...really! The biggest problem is - all our photos are on another computer, and when I think to blog, that computer isn't on, so I don't....and the cycle goes on.

I will post more pictures - soon! I promise!!!

That being said, we had a really nice New Years! We had 3 other couples come to visit - totaling 8 adults, 7 kids in our house. That doesn't even include the 2 dogs and Helen the cat. Thank goodness Blue and Maggie are geriatric and sleep a lot!!!

Isaac's new room was a huge success - the kids spent a lot of time in there, hanging out on the top bunk and playing. Brian took the kids out to play in the snow, and we made a mass trip to Bounce Party on New Years Day. Of course, we chatted by fires, played Wii, ate too much and enjoyed much catching up.

It was wonderful to be with our friends, and their children - this is the 12th year of our friendship with them. Although we generally referred to them as the Blue Sky gang - I have recently taken to calling them "pajama friends". That category of friends that you put people in when you can hang out with them in your jammies. (nothing like waking up and hashing out how awful Dick Clark looked over coffee). Friends like that can be hard to find, and take time to cultivate - but with these guys - it was always instant. I cherish their friendships so much.

So - to all of you, I hope you had a wonderful New Years - perhaps with some "pajama buddies" of your own.... or at least, a restful and refreshing start to the new year.

Gilligan's Island Party

2009-12-28T15:53:00.002-05:00

In honor of their 10 year anniversaries, our friend's Mike & Renee, along with their close friend's Lou & Kate decided to throw a party...and not just any party - but a Gilligan's Island party!

So - celebrate we did with a DJ and a multitude of Skippers and MaryAnn's!!!

Brian dressed as Mr.Howell, I dressed as "MaryAnn from the Goddess Episiode". It was a really fun party theme and we had a great time!

Since I can't possibly post all the pictures from this - you'll have to check our photo site:

Gilligan's Island Photos

Enjoy!

What was I thinkin?

2009-12-28T15:43:00.003-05:00

Ok! That wasn't our WHOLE November! Geesh!

Isaac went to his buddy Tyler's birthday party - and enjoyed some bowling. He did pretty well! Check out his "moves".

Then, the infamous Birchville WingDing 2009!!! Our annual end of the year get together with our cabin neighbors. We expanded our menu this year to not only deep frying wings, but also mushrooms and potatoes! Add some red pepper relish and mac n' cheese...and holy cow, what a feast!

November Recap

2009-12-28T15:27:00.007-05:00

Oh, so - the holidays struck us in full force, with parties, fun, etc - and of course, I posted none of it! So - to start a recap on November - here's a little video from early November...

Due to the unseasonable warm weather, we did a lot of playing outside:
And then there was Thanksgiving, with the normal kitchen chaos, cosmos and...of course, Auntie Bear. Isaac seemed to think she'd enjoy a toddler on her lap.
We rounded out the month with a trip to Isaac's first ballet "Twas the Night Before Christmas"...and he got to see Santa when it was done.

Halloween - Petoskey style

2009-11-08T13:15:00.007-05:00

After the infamous barn party, we had a full day of being lazy at Tim and Missy's until it was time to go trick or treating. Since they live in a rural area, they head into Petoskey for Halloween fun. The street they took us to was jam- with kids, and you could tell the residents really enjoyed decorating for the holiday!

Isaac was a "happy bat" and Will was a "black cat"! It was so funny to watch them...and Isaac was very serious about the candy gathering! He wouldn't even eat any until he was done. We called it "No Candy Left Behind".

Then, after all of the fun, Isaac and Will decided to try on some of the masks from the "Barn Bash"!

Cuddling with Uncle Tim and cousin Will during Sunday morning cartoons....

Happy Halloween Everyone!

The Freeman Barn Bash

2009-11-08T11:18:00.009-05:00

Have barn, will party.

My brother and sister-in-law hosted the first annual "Barn Bash" at their place in Wolverine this year. The mandatory costume requirement was taken seriously - especially by Brian, who grew a goatee, then trimmed it to a mustache in order to become "Magnum PI". I was a witch, although I never got around to making myself look very witchy!

The witch and Magnum PI

Michael and I, changin' up our costumes.

They had all the makings for a great fall party...bobbing for apples, kegs o' beer, spooky decorations and of course, little goblins (kids) dancing to bluegrass music! After the kids were settled into the house (or camper, in Isaac's case) - the band Rootstand took over the stage. They were great and it was awesome to have a band just for family and friends!

It's not often I get to have quality time with ALL of my brothers - much less actually capture a picture of it happening...AND in birth order(or youngest to oldest at least)!"the Freeman's"
Jon, Becky, Michael and Tim

Enjoying Fall...

2009-11-08T11:05:00.006-05:00

Sometimes I forget to post the simple pictures. The ones that show us doing something "everydayish". So here are a few of these from about a week ago. My friend MVG went on a 'craigslist' run with me (which is a great way to get time to have a coffee n' chat without kids!), meanwhile, Isaac and Brian did some raking...and leaf jumpin.
Isaac was also excited to show off a worm he found (and later, accidentally squished) to MVG...and she was nice enough to act interested!!!

Halloween - and it's not even the 31st yet!

2009-10-26T16:05:00.007-04:00

We started our our Halloween with carving pumpkins with Leslie and Joe! This year, we really pulled out the stops of our creativity!!! Isaac missed out because he was power-napping, but we sure had fun! Pumpkin seeds were consumed by all in the following week. Can you guess who is who's?Next, we had our Mothers & More - Trick or Trunk. Problem was - well, it rained, so we were trunkless - and held it indoors. It was more like "Trick or Room full of spastic toddlers". Isaac ran into the room, bouncing and annoucing "I'm a bat! I'm a bat! Look, I am flapping my wings!". Despite our child running himself ragged - we had a really good time!

"We like trees"
Brendan and Isaac

"Cat and Bat"
Natalie and Isaac

"Batty about Princess"
Isaac and Charlotte

"Argh, A bat matey!"
Luke and Isaac

This week has been quiet on the Halloween activities, but this weekend will be sure to make up for it! I am amazed at how much more fun it is, this year, vs. last....and how much Isaac "gets" it. Last year, he never asked for ANY of his candy-loot....this year, it's a daily request! Ugh....

Happy Halloween everyone!

Cooking breakfast with Daddy

2009-10-26T16:02:00.002-04:00

Brian is, hands down, the egg-cooker of the house. Every weekend that we stay home - he whips up some sort of egg creation. This weekend's delight was chock full of veggies and cheese. Yum.

Here he is - passing on his talent to Isaac.

Random Fall Activities...

2009-10-19T08:28:00.005-04:00

We've been trying to take full advantage of fall this year, since Isaac can fully appreciate things like hay rides, pumpkin patches, Children's Museum, etc. We've been to Post Family Farm, Koetisers, etc.

Here's some pics!

Adventures at Post (sitting with his buddy Natalie)

Bounce Fun and a Hay Ride at Koetsiers!

Children's Museum

Central-Western -- Battle for the Cannon!

2009-10-18T10:00:00.009-04:00

Yesterday, (thanks to my favorite ticket hook-up) we went down to Kalamazoo for the Central / Western Game. We invited local friends, Brian and Mary, to represent for the Broncos - and ol' college friends, Jon and Christine to root for the Chippewas.

This was my first trip ever to Western, and I thought the campus was beautiful. We had fun observing the college kids - and reflecting how different fashion is now vs. then (flannel, anyone?).

Western put up a good fight, but ultimately Central won!

We had such a great time - we all agreed, we should meet up again for it next year!

GO CHIPs!

Visit with Sam!

2009-10-10T09:00:00.004-04:00

Brian had to travel to Georgia for the weekend, so Isaac and I decided to become wondering travelers!

We stopped to see Dawn and Sam for a night, then over to Flint, then up to Tawas to do "end of the year cabiny things"...and then back home again.

While visiting Sam, we went to a pumpkin patch and picked out pumpkins to paint! It was a quick, but fun visit!

Bed head, anyone?

Ride a lil horsey...

A lil movie time so the mom's can visit...

Applewood and 15 Year Class Reunion Mixer....

2009-10-04T11:00:00.009-04:00

I am going to post-date this because I am SOOO behind on my blogging!!!

The first weekend of October, we were in Flint for my 15 Year Class Reunion Mixer. That afternoon - while Brian watched the UM/MSU game with my Dad - Courtney, Isaac and I went to the Applewood Estate.

(The frog statue from Genessee Valley Mall)

I had never been there before. It became open to the public after I moved, and it is only open a select number of times a year. I was SO impressed with Applewood and will definitely be going back again! Not to be cheesy but - WHAT A GEM.

They had home-made refreshments made from many of the items they have grown there, including a wide selection of apples. Organic coffee, fresh apple cider, apples, fresh salsas, cakes....it was sooo tasty!!! The grounds and the house were beautiful - and for those of you who know me well - it's right up there in my "fantasy house" league. They had horses, cows and chickens in the barns, a wide array of gardens (including veggies), and an fall educational tent from the MSU extension.

After the game, we cleaned ourselves up and headed downtown for a rare "adults only meal" at the Blackstone with Courtney, Scott and Jonquil. We had a really nice time!

After dinner - Brian and I roamed down to Churchhill's for the reunion mixer. We had a really good time - and I was pleased to see some old friends I haven't seen in a long time. We had a great turnout...hard to believe it's been 15 years. Unfortunately, I was too busy gabbing to take any pictures!

Bedroom Transition 2009 = Check.

2009-08-30T21:16:00.002-04:00

Isaac is officially in his "big boy" room - and loving it! We were able to put the shelves up, move in the toys and even throw the mattress on the top now that our month-long visitors are gone.

Isaac is thrilled with his new room (although, he has slept in his "little bed" a few times this week).

Enjoy!

32 Reasons.

2009-08-26T08:24:00.003-04:00

Today is Brian's birthday. Since I am horrible at getting cards - and find them rather wasteful - I thought I'd try to come up with something more interesting to say..."Happy Birthday Mr. B".

1. He is funny...really funny.
2. He always knows how to act in a given situation.
3. He's a better driver than I am.
4. He goes to work and likes it.
5. He likes to lay around and read with me.
6. He doesn't show jealousy, even if he feels it.
7. He's always confident.
8. He's a "family guy".
9. He always picks out the right beer for my mood.
10. He enjoys concerts and music.
11. He is a subconscious cuddler, even when he's mad.
12. He is a hands-on-Dad.
13. He enjoys being with my family ALMOST as much as I do (at least I think?).
14. He is passionate about his interest (hockey season, GPS POI's, Harry Potter).
15. He's a Farkle champ.
16. He does dishes.
17. He makes a good cup of coffee, even though he doesn't drink it.
18. He picked up the house last night, even though I told him not to worry about it.
19. He always doubts my projects - but helps anyways.
20. He knew all my "rules" when we started dating, but didn't give up.
21. My grandma loved him instantly...and not just because he's Polish and Catholic.
22. He reads to our son.
23. He supported my decision to quit my job to do contracting - and still does, even though the contracting has been few and far between.
24. He is respected by his peers - and deserves to be.
25. He is wicked smart.
26. He is the most faithful, trustworthy guy I know.
27. He is only marginally addicted to Mafia Wars.
28. He is really cute when he's being "sporty spice" (playing sports or running).
29. He is careful with money.
30. He helped me create this wicked smart, beautiful child.
31. He is my BFF.
32. Life with him has been so fulfilling, it makes it hard to believe it's already been 10 years together.

Happy Birthday Brian.

Ya got the fever, boy!!!

2009-08-12T15:37:00.008-04:00

For the 11th year, we got "the fever".

What is "the fever"? Well, back in the late 90's, there was one of the worst horror films ever, shot at our friend's summer home. It was called Fever Lake. Thus, our annual visit is now called the same. Tradition is to watch Fever Lake at least once, discuss who has the room with the "blood" on the walls, yadda yadda.

It's awful. Corey Haim is in it. Need I say more? Here's the wiki-page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fever_Lake

We love going to Fever Lake. The house has such wonderful character, having been built at the turn of the century, remodeled in the middle of the century - and aside from the Wii we play with at night - frankly, hasn't changed much.

Isaac and Blue were pooped out when we left...

but did wake in time to see the double rainbow on the drive home. What excited us the most was, not only was it a double rainbow - but we could see BOTH ends of it!

Anyways - here are the photos from our adventure. Enjoy!
Fever Lake Photos

More bedroom pictures...

2009-07-29T08:06:00.005-04:00

Well, the big push is done - we had the room ready for Brian's sister & husband (and new niece)'s arrival on Monday. We still have not finished the misc wall stuff, lamp, etc - but it's a usable room at least!

Special thanks to my Dad, for coming over to help me paint the bed. I couldn't have done it without him.

Here are some pictures!

Making a big boy room for Isaac....

2009-07-20T09:18:00.004-04:00

We have started making a big boy room for Isaac. He has come to an age where he needs a bigger room, and a bigger bed. So - the remodel has begun...

I stole the idea from a Pottery Barn catalog. We purchased unfinished furniture and have been painting it navy blue. I am very excited about it.

These are the most recent pictures I took. There has been more work done - and hopefully the rest of the furniture will be done by this weekend - so I will post more then!

Click for pictures

Hammock Bloggin'

2009-07-12T16:22:00.001-04:00

Ah. Nothing like swinging in a hammock with your laptop to inspire you to blog. But, about what? The last almost 2 weeks up at the cabin? Beach, beach, Mackinaw Island, Wolverine, beach, wedding, beach....

I will post pictures soon - but alas, since my laptop battery is now saying "warning, warning"...I guess I will just have to nap instead of blog.

;)

Near Disaster Averted....Sharpie Carnage 101

2009-06-29T20:12:00.002-04:00

It's not blood. Thank goodness.

When I heard Brian walk into Isaac's room tonight, to see if he was asleep and heard "oh (insert poopy explicative here)"...and didn't hear Isaac crying - I was terrified.

Rightly so.

The scene which I happened upon, only seconds later was one that brings oneself to a standstill. Wordless. Stricken. Overwhelmed.

Red streaked down his legs. It covered the sheets. It dripped from the sides of his bedrails.

Was it blood?

No. Worse. Much worse. Sharpie. RED sharpie.

How he got it, we can only speculate, but he had it. He had it on his legs, his arms, his toes, his sheet, and worst - HIS BED. The beautiful white bed, purchased with such consideration....striped. Like a zebra. Only red and white.

"Get mom on the phone - STAT!".

Mom came to the rescue with the bizarre knowledge that only mom's of many years (and many sons) would have. Perfume.

So now, our son is blissfully sleeping, in a room, reeking of "Clinque Happy"...to the extent that I don't think I will ever be able to consider it a "fresh delightful smell" anymore. It is now on par with bleach, resolve and ammonia.

Happy. Right. Relieved is more like it.

(I think Brian is high off perfume - he claims to see the image of the Grinch in Isaac's scribbles)

Frog or Poo?

2009-06-26T16:13:00.002-04:00

When your son goes quiet, while playing in the pool - and then you hear "Mom! I found a frog when I pooped on the ground"....well, really, what else can you do but chuckle? What came first? the frog or the poo?

Go Fire Up Chips.

2009-06-25T21:52:00.002-04:00

To counter-act all the "Go Redwings" I had to endure during the playoffs, I decided it was time Isaac started learning about his parents Alma Mater.

Celebration in the City

2009-06-25T21:46:00.005-04:00

Last weekend, Brian and I got a sitter (Grandpa Freeman), dressed ourselves up and headed out for a night of fun in Flint. We went to the Fundraiser for Downtown Beautification and Dedication of the Rutherford Parking Garage. We had a wonderful dinner, drinks while enjoying a performance by my aunt and uncle (Lynne and Rick Church)....some dancing - and all capped off with fireworks (and lightning!).

In classic fashion, we didn't get photos of ourselves, but we managed to get some nice ones of friends and family who attended...

Lynne and Rick Church performing

Perry and Michael

Brian and Michael

Mom, Candy, Aunt Cathy, Grandpa and Laurie

Gerard, Heather, Jim and Mike

Grandpa Time

2009-06-15T08:45:00.003-04:00

Isaac, Dad and I spent some quality time together this week. We made a trip to the cabin to fix the water heater and a window...and spent some time in Flint on the way to and fro. Uncle Michael provided some iShots of the iSprat.

Does this look like the sort of man who just gave his grandson a Popsicle? Oh yes, yes it is. After 3 days of hanging out with a mischievous toddler, a Popsicle is all he could come up with to get him to sit still...for a minute or two.

More pics....

Downward slope of 2009

2009-06-02T08:03:00.003-04:00

This photo is from the Relay to Life in Cascade. Please note the "Sinking Titanic" bouncy toy. I found this excessively disturbing. A boucey that mocks plummeting to one's death - at an event for people stricken with cancer!!!

Anyways, I digress. I have been slacking in the blogging department.

Right now, we are in the midst of preparation for Brian's "Canada Man-Trip Oh-Nine" and the Mothers & More garage sale - which I volunteered to host. Garage sales are a lot of work, geesh! Isaac keeps asking "are we having a party in the garage?"

Later this month, we will attend the Celebration in the City gala in Flint, a dedication of the new parking garage as well as a fundraiser for downtown beautification. Aunt Lynne and Uncle Rick will be performing - which MAY be Brian's first time seeing them perform, aside from our wedding. It should be a lot of fun.

Isaac Update:
Isaac is quite the grown up little man nowadays. He loves playing with friends and riding his bike. It's hard to keep him entertained if there isn't something physical involved, yet, he still loves his books. He now understands the concept of the library, and we have been checking out new books every other week. Sometime this spring, he just started spouting out letters, and now he knows almost every one. The other day at Sears he said..."S, E, A, R, S...Two S's, one E, one A, one R!". It cracked me up. One of my favorite phrases from right now is "just a couple little whiles, mom". In addition, we have casually re-started potty training....he actually can go almost all day in his "big boy undies" - with the exception of errands and sleep times. I am just not brave enough to attack the errand part yet. We have Boo-Boo Car ("Cars") undies and some REALLY cute boxer-briefs (he doesn't think they are half as fun as the cars ones).

Also, in the meantime, I am working on the back bedroom. Progress is slow because of everything else we have going on, but slowly but surely, we are making progress.

Hope everyone else is having a wonderful start to the summer!

Photos...Long overdue.

2009-05-14T21:49:00.004-04:00

I know I have been bad at uploading photos. There has just been a lot going on lately!

Here is my catching up:

Misc April 2008 Photos

Easter Weekend 2009

Cabin Cleanup

Rod and Sharron McDonald's 50th

Enjoy!

April, Part Deux

2009-05-05T23:05:00.004-04:00

Isaac sometimes likes to have towels or his jammies hanging off him so he can have his "batman"....I am sure you can get the point. However, I am pretty sure batman wouldn't be so impressed with the addition of the hat.

We did our annual "cabin cleanup" weekend at the cabin - and the first day we were there, the weather was BEAUTIFUL! Isaac took full advantage of his sandbox - and Dad and Brian did a great job of cleaning the yard up!

We got to visit with several of our favorite up north friends over the weekend, before the rain set in. On the drive home, we stopped through Alma to see Grandma and Grandpa Spratke...and Isaac got a special ride in "the little car" with Grandpa!

April in pictures...

2009-05-05T21:21:00.009-04:00

April went by in a whirl. I spent a good portion of it working on a contract, meanwhile, Brian got to spend some special time with Isaac doing things like...oh, mailing Isaac's bedroom blinds back to the company after a rabid monkey attack (we won't name names, but I think you get the gist).

We went to our first "bounce party" b-day party for the neighbor....which was a big hit. Monkey did what monkey does best. Climb and jump.

Then, we had a Easter of Puke. Isaac got sick, and therefore we stayed home for the weekend - however, he managed to recover in time for some Easter basket huntin' and a trip to see the butterflies at Meijer Gardens with Courtney and Chris.

150 grit....220 grit....400 BAM!

2009-04-27T15:40:00.001-04:00

So, we have started to redo our back bedroom, which will eventually become Isaac's "big boy" room. He has started to grow out of his current room in terms of books, toys...oh, and size of bed.

We have bought a great bunch of unfinished furniture, which I am going to paint navy blue. A bunk bed, dresser and shelf. Today, I finally started the process....3 different grits of sandpaper, and the shelf unit is about 75% of the way to being ready to prime...and all during Isaac's naptime!

I am not naive, I know how long this is going to take...but that's why we are starting now! We hope to have the room ready by the time Brian's sister comes to visit in July.

I will try to post some pictures soon!

A long drive and XM radio

2009-04-17T08:21:00.003-04:00

I drove 6 hours home last night, from the far reaches of Ohio. I was anxious to get home - and very thankful for the rental car with XM radio. Nothing like long stretches of road and a multitudes of stations to send you floating down memory lane.

It started when I was 13, my collection of songs related to significant events in my life. Sitting in a window, in a pension in Vienna, listening to my mother and her friends laugh and chat about random topics - a pair of now outdated headphones on, listening to Madonna's Like a Prayer. Somehow, during a trip of visiting beautiful old churches and monasteries, the music became a musical reminder of that trip for me.

And so it continues, I can't hear mid-90's hip hop without thinking about Senior year spring break...some 90's songs that remind me of Perry's 25th Birthday party or dancing at the Copa, 311 at Rothbury Festival...Cake at Blue Sky camping...Blues in New Orleans...Myrtle Beach this year, how many times did we hear that "Hot and Cold" song? The Smiths at Scott's house, Simon and Garfunkel during high school - Alice's Restaurant - anyone? Counting Crows and Fifth Third Triple Play...The Police = Brian and I's first date, Blue October = when Brian and I were dating in college, Lifehouse - our wedding...Fergie = Isaac dancing at the cabin...

So the whole drive, I just enjoyed my memories. I am certain I thought of a few things that a good night's sleep has tucked back away...but suffice it made the drive go much faster for me.

Do you have any songs that bring up an interesting memory for you?

Bad Blogger, No Donut.

2009-03-27T05:01:00.002-04:00

Ok. So - I stalk everyone under the moon's blog - but I have been neglectful to my own. It is just amazing how BUSY I have been lately!!!

First, since becoming co-leader of my Mothers & More chapter, I find myself doing so much more. We just finished elections, are starting a new webpage and preparing for a garage sale...and of course, I seem to have my fingers in all of that. I should know better. I should learn to say no. Well, I do...to some things, but apparently not to these.

In the meantime, Isaac is growing like a weed - and keeping me on my toes. He officially is a little boy now. We have conversations, he tells me how and where to drive AND...he knows letters. Lots of them. It just happened one day, he started pointing out "Two S's!"...then R's...then E's....next thing you know, he can identify every letter in his name! Wild. I can't take credit, I don't try that hard.

Here is a picture from a friend of Isaac's 3rd birthday party. This is part of his "gang" that we hang with. Love the rock star glasses.

In the meantime, I am sitting in an airport - having gotten up at 3am this morning - to go home. I have been doing some consulting this week - and although it was been refreshing and fun to get back in the "work saddle"...I am ready to go home to my boys - the big, the little and the furry - and have a quiet weekend...

...oh yeah, until the Progressive dinner in our neighborhood that I helped plan with Portia (she gets most of the credit)...and then the board meeting for my Mother's group....

...Will I ever slow down?