A HUGE thank you to Gannie and Papaw for keeping Ashley Friday and Saturday so Justin and I could cram in 4 dates in 2 days!
What a great weekend - exactly what we needed. We missed Ashley but it was so nice for Justin and I to reconnect and enjoy each others company. On Friday we went out to dinner at Outback, went to see Contraband (love Marky Mark) and then went to the comedy club. We were out way late and got to sleep in on Saturday until 10:45 - it has been years since either one of us have slept that late!
We ended up heading to a Vietnamese restaurant called Cilantro in Clifton for lunch. Justin has been there before with people from work and wanted to take me there to try it. It was so yummy and I can't wait to go back :)
After running a few errands we headed out to Indiana to meet up with Ashley. We hung out at Gi-Gi's house for a little bit and then headed over to Justin's cousin Derrick's house to see their new house and hang out with the family and some of their friends. Ashley had a blast playing with her cousins. It took no time for her to crash on the car ride home!
We all got up and went to church this morning and have been hanging out and playing all day. Just a nice relaxing day and evening - watching the Pro Bowl with a fire in the fireplace. It is amazing how recharged Justin and I feel and we are ready to take on anything this week!!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Gannie and Papaw are in town!!
Hopefully I won't get in trouble for posting this picture - by Ashley in the future or the cops showing up at my door, but last night before bath time we had a streaker in the house!
I can't help it - such a cute little tushie :)
Ashley found out this morning that Gannie and Papaw (Justin's mom and step-dad) were coming to the house and would be here when she got up from her nap. She asked every 5 minutes today if they were here yet - thanks Justin for letting her in on the secret!
As promised, Gannie and Papaw were here when she got up from her nap and she has had a blast all day! They had a tea party with juice and crackers.
Then she got her usual - a mani/pedi from Gannie. I think Peanut wanted in on the action too.
After dinner we went for ice cream and when we got home she played with her new princess shoes from Gannie and Papaw.
It is currently 10:15 and she is running through the house in just a diaper chasing Gannie. There is no bedtime in sight. I'm okay with that because tomorrow she is going with Gannie and Papaw to Indiana to spend the night at Gi-Gi's (Justin's grandma) house. That's right folks...Justin and I will have the entire afternoon and evening to ourselves! We can go on a date - what shall we do????
I can't help it - such a cute little tushie :)
Ashley found out this morning that Gannie and Papaw (Justin's mom and step-dad) were coming to the house and would be here when she got up from her nap. She asked every 5 minutes today if they were here yet - thanks Justin for letting her in on the secret!
As promised, Gannie and Papaw were here when she got up from her nap and she has had a blast all day! They had a tea party with juice and crackers.
Then she got her usual - a mani/pedi from Gannie. I think Peanut wanted in on the action too.
After dinner we went for ice cream and when we got home she played with her new princess shoes from Gannie and Papaw.
It is currently 10:15 and she is running through the house in just a diaper chasing Gannie. There is no bedtime in sight. I'm okay with that because tomorrow she is going with Gannie and Papaw to Indiana to spend the night at Gi-Gi's (Justin's grandma) house. That's right folks...Justin and I will have the entire afternoon and evening to ourselves! We can go on a date - what shall we do????
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
New Friends
Last night I made it back to Zumba after having to take a few weeks off. Let me tell you - it felt great to get my butt kicked. I wish I had discovered Zumba sooner because I absolutely love it. You don't feel like you are exercising - it's just fun :)
Ashley had therapy with Miss Becky this morning and she did great. She is making huge improvements with OT just like she did with PT. I am so proud of my little girl and how much of a fighter she is.
After therapy we met up with Heather, Will and Caroline for a play date at Chik-fil-a. Heather and I met at church a few years back but our friendship didn't really get off the ground, we were both new mothers and getting ready to head back to work. Looking back on it I guess the timing for our friendship wasn't right. We would see each other in church and would stop and chat when we would see each other in the neighborhood on walks. Recently we have reconnected and it's amazing how things work and how God knows when the timing for things are right. Heather and I have something in common, infertility. Our stories aren't exactly the same, Heather has two beautiful adopted children, and Justin and I were lucky enough to have Ashley. It has been a difficult and lonely past couple of months while we try for baby #2 and having someone come in to my life that understands what it feels like is exactly what I needed. I am very grateful for this new friendship :)
Ashley did refuse to take a nap for the third day in a row. I am really hoping this is just a phase and not the end of nap times! At least she stayed up in her crib for about an hour so I could get my teleconference in.
Ashley did a couple cute things today - well everything she does is cute :) Tonight while we were eating dinner she asked for some milk. I got up and got her a cup and handed it to her. She said "thank you" and Justin said "you're welcome" and Ashley said "No daddy, thank you mommy". Justin and I just looked at each other and laughed. Tonight Ashley was "helping" Justin play Fruit Ninjas on the ipad. At one point a piece of fruit exploded on the screen and Ashley covered her ears and said "that scared my eyes!"
Shannon
Ashley had therapy with Miss Becky this morning and she did great. She is making huge improvements with OT just like she did with PT. I am so proud of my little girl and how much of a fighter she is.
After therapy we met up with Heather, Will and Caroline for a play date at Chik-fil-a. Heather and I met at church a few years back but our friendship didn't really get off the ground, we were both new mothers and getting ready to head back to work. Looking back on it I guess the timing for our friendship wasn't right. We would see each other in church and would stop and chat when we would see each other in the neighborhood on walks. Recently we have reconnected and it's amazing how things work and how God knows when the timing for things are right. Heather and I have something in common, infertility. Our stories aren't exactly the same, Heather has two beautiful adopted children, and Justin and I were lucky enough to have Ashley. It has been a difficult and lonely past couple of months while we try for baby #2 and having someone come in to my life that understands what it feels like is exactly what I needed. I am very grateful for this new friendship :)
Ashley did refuse to take a nap for the third day in a row. I am really hoping this is just a phase and not the end of nap times! At least she stayed up in her crib for about an hour so I could get my teleconference in.
Ashley did a couple cute things today - well everything she does is cute :) Tonight while we were eating dinner she asked for some milk. I got up and got her a cup and handed it to her. She said "thank you" and Justin said "you're welcome" and Ashley said "No daddy, thank you mommy". Justin and I just looked at each other and laughed. Tonight Ashley was "helping" Justin play Fruit Ninjas on the ipad. At one point a piece of fruit exploded on the screen and Ashley covered her ears and said "that scared my eyes!"
Shannon
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Fruit Ninjas!!
Saturday night we went over to Aunt Kelly, Uncle Brian and the boys house to eat dinner, kids play and adults hang out. My sister and brother-in-law introduced us to the Fruit Ninja's app and we sat around the kitchen table passing the game back and forth trying to beat each other. I know it sounds lame but it was a lot of fun...especially watching Kelly play - so animated!
Ashley was not in the mood to go to bed and woke up every 45 minutes crying until after 1. Justin had to go in to Bethesda North for quarterly from 1-4 in the morning too. Luckily everything went smooth and he was home by 4:30. I guess the good thing with all of us being up late was we all slept in late this morning!
Today we headed over to Indiana to Uncle Jason and Tanya's house to hang out and watch the first football game with them and Papaw. Ashley was excited to see her Uncle Jay, Aunt Tan-ah and Papaw but not too excited to see their dog Mitch.
Poor Mitch can't breath worth a darn and snorts a lot - think he is a little too loud and big for Ashley. She warms up to him eventually.
After we got home we started playing Fruit Ninjas on the iPad and Ashley was playing and is pretty darn good for a 2 year old. Aunt Kelly better watch out, she has some competition in the making!
Ashley fought going down again tonight...she has cried 2 or 3 times already and I am hoping we aren't going through a phase where she fights sleep. She has been up there for a little while now and we haven't heard her so crossing our fingers she is asleep for the night. Dang it - just jinxed myself, I hear her up there talking now!
We have the football game on but it is just not as much fun watching when your team is out of it :( Until next season.
Ashley was not in the mood to go to bed and woke up every 45 minutes crying until after 1. Justin had to go in to Bethesda North for quarterly from 1-4 in the morning too. Luckily everything went smooth and he was home by 4:30. I guess the good thing with all of us being up late was we all slept in late this morning!
Today we headed over to Indiana to Uncle Jason and Tanya's house to hang out and watch the first football game with them and Papaw. Ashley was excited to see her Uncle Jay, Aunt Tan-ah and Papaw but not too excited to see their dog Mitch.
Poor Mitch can't breath worth a darn and snorts a lot - think he is a little too loud and big for Ashley. She warms up to him eventually.
After we got home we started playing Fruit Ninjas on the iPad and Ashley was playing and is pretty darn good for a 2 year old. Aunt Kelly better watch out, she has some competition in the making!
Ashley fought going down again tonight...she has cried 2 or 3 times already and I am hoping we aren't going through a phase where she fights sleep. She has been up there for a little while now and we haven't heard her so crossing our fingers she is asleep for the night. Dang it - just jinxed myself, I hear her up there talking now!
We have the football game on but it is just not as much fun watching when your team is out of it :( Until next season.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Interesting Friday
I headed in to the office yesterday and we had a "Town Hall Meeting" with the corporate office. It was basically your typical business meeting where they do a lot of talking and blowing smoke but they brought in an awesome motivational speaker at the end. His name is Jeff Glasbrenner and he is a US Paralympic Medalist in wheelchair basketball. Talk about an amazing person and an inspirational story! He lost his leg at the age of 8 in a farming accident. For the 30th anniversary of his accident he competed and completed 8 ironman competitions in 8 months! I complain about running a mile - that is insane! Really makes you stop and think and re-evaluate your life and your perspective.
After the meeting when I got back to the office I was chatting with Justin and he informed me that he was in a fender bender on the way in to work that morning. First and foremost I am thankful that no one is hurt. Second, it's about freaking time someone else in this family wrecks our cars besides me!! I would post a picture of the car but I don't even think you can see the damage in the picture. I have definitely done my fair share of wrecking up our cars. They say most accidents happen within a few miles of your house...mine seem to all happen a few feet from the house in the driveway and garage area! I have smacked the mirrors on our stupid garage doors more times then I can count. I even managed to reverse the car out of the garage and back in into the Jetta which was parked right behind me...usually it is on the other side of the driveway and I blame Justin for not telling me he moved the car. I think the best was last year when I was pulling in to the garage and thought "uh oh, I'm gonna smack the mirror again" so before doing that I put it in reverse. Well I was at an angle and managed to rip the entire front bumper off of the car!!
What a beauty! My favorite part of the story is as I am getting out of the car to survey the damage - I originally thought I scraped the side of the car on the garage - Justin walks out of the house to get something out of the garage. At the exact time we both see the bumper lying on the ground and all I can do is burst out laughing. He just shook his head and walked back in the house. I love him - I am married to the most patient man who loves me unconditionally - even if I wreck our cars doing bone-headed things :)
Shannon
After the meeting when I got back to the office I was chatting with Justin and he informed me that he was in a fender bender on the way in to work that morning. First and foremost I am thankful that no one is hurt. Second, it's about freaking time someone else in this family wrecks our cars besides me!! I would post a picture of the car but I don't even think you can see the damage in the picture. I have definitely done my fair share of wrecking up our cars. They say most accidents happen within a few miles of your house...mine seem to all happen a few feet from the house in the driveway and garage area! I have smacked the mirrors on our stupid garage doors more times then I can count. I even managed to reverse the car out of the garage and back in into the Jetta which was parked right behind me...usually it is on the other side of the driveway and I blame Justin for not telling me he moved the car. I think the best was last year when I was pulling in to the garage and thought "uh oh, I'm gonna smack the mirror again" so before doing that I put it in reverse. Well I was at an angle and managed to rip the entire front bumper off of the car!!
What a beauty! My favorite part of the story is as I am getting out of the car to survey the damage - I originally thought I scraped the side of the car on the garage - Justin walks out of the house to get something out of the garage. At the exact time we both see the bumper lying on the ground and all I can do is burst out laughing. He just shook his head and walked back in the house. I love him - I am married to the most patient man who loves me unconditionally - even if I wreck our cars doing bone-headed things :)
Shannon
Thursday, January 19, 2012
"Good job big girl!
Gotta love it when Ashley asks to go down for a nap. She decided to go down about 2 hours early today - I was not complaining. You want to take a nap...OKAY!!!
We went to Barnes and Noble this afternoon and I have realized that she is not bookstore ready. Clearly we won't be going to a library anytime soon. She did have a pretty good time playing with the Thomas the Train track they had there and pulling lots of books off the shelf...I'm sure they absolutely loved having us there. Oh well!
So we decided to put the potty training on hold because I don't think we are ready for that yet. But Ashley felt the need to request the potty training DVD from Huggies not once, not twice but three times back to back today. I guess she is just checking to make sure they are doing it correctly. My guess is she is just waiting until she has everything down and then she is just going to get it over with in no time (might be wishful thinking but I can do that right?) I know she is paying attention because like any other mother out there knows you never get to go to the bathroom by yourself after the child becomes mobile. You could lock the door but then you have to hear them on the other side of the door having a melt down. So I figure you just go for it, if you hurry maybe you can get done before they get in there.
So tonight I wasn't fast enough and she barged in on me and starts cheering for me, "Yeah Mommy! Good job big girl!" Then she proceeds to put her hand on her hip, stick her hip out and say "I wanna hear it" like I said to her the other day when she tried saying she was all done. Seriously????
We went to Barnes and Noble this afternoon and I have realized that she is not bookstore ready. Clearly we won't be going to a library anytime soon. She did have a pretty good time playing with the Thomas the Train track they had there and pulling lots of books off the shelf...I'm sure they absolutely loved having us there. Oh well!
So we decided to put the potty training on hold because I don't think we are ready for that yet. But Ashley felt the need to request the potty training DVD from Huggies not once, not twice but three times back to back today. I guess she is just checking to make sure they are doing it correctly. My guess is she is just waiting until she has everything down and then she is just going to get it over with in no time (might be wishful thinking but I can do that right?) I know she is paying attention because like any other mother out there knows you never get to go to the bathroom by yourself after the child becomes mobile. You could lock the door but then you have to hear them on the other side of the door having a melt down. So I figure you just go for it, if you hurry maybe you can get done before they get in there.
So tonight I wasn't fast enough and she barged in on me and starts cheering for me, "Yeah Mommy! Good job big girl!" Then she proceeds to put her hand on her hip, stick her hip out and say "I wanna hear it" like I said to her the other day when she tried saying she was all done. Seriously????
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Save us all - we have a DIVA on our hands!!!
The day was pretty uneventful because Ashley went to school and I worked from home today. I have come to the conclusion that I am absolutely OBSESSED with anything related to organizing...looking at pictures of organized spaces, products to organize with, you name it, I could look at if for days. It makes me giddy, like the office supply store or the school supply aisle in the store makes me giddy. My husband is aware of this strange obsession I have with supplies and that I secretly want to be a school teacher so I can use supplies all the time. He usually has to keep a careful watch over me when we are in the store so I don't venture down the wrong aisle and be sucked in for hours. Pinterest has just recently fueled my obsession. But, I feel like it is in a positive way because I have made great changes to this house and I think the hubby appreciates it. Anyway I'm rambling.
Nana and Papaw came over for dinner tonight as a thank you for watching Ashley last night and giving us a few hours of kid free time. Ashley is not big on me brushing her hair or putting bows and headbands and stuff like that in her hair. I am determined to win the hairband/bow war with her. Tonight she let me put her hair in a ponytail, add a headband with a flower on it. She looked A-DOOR-A-BULL. She was posing for us and of course I had the camera ready. She is a little diva! I don't understand where she gets this diva girlie behavior from because I think I hated the color pink until I was i my 20's. There is just something about a little girl with big bows and flowers in her hair :)
The picture where she is sitting on the ground and looking like she is surprised - can we take a look at how large her feet look in that picture? She looks like she is wearing boats on her feet!
Shannon
Nana and Papaw came over for dinner tonight as a thank you for watching Ashley last night and giving us a few hours of kid free time. Ashley is not big on me brushing her hair or putting bows and headbands and stuff like that in her hair. I am determined to win the hairband/bow war with her. Tonight she let me put her hair in a ponytail, add a headband with a flower on it. She looked A-DOOR-A-BULL. She was posing for us and of course I had the camera ready. She is a little diva! I don't understand where she gets this diva girlie behavior from because I think I hated the color pink until I was i my 20's. There is just something about a little girl with big bows and flowers in her hair :)
The picture where she is sitting on the ground and looking like she is surprised - can we take a look at how large her feet look in that picture? She looks like she is wearing boats on her feet!
Shannon
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Date with the hubby
This morning Ashley and I were supposed to have a play date at Rec Outlet with our friends Heather, Will and Caroline. Unfortunately Heather and Will were under the weather and we had to cancel :( I wonder why anyone with small children attempts to make plans during this time of year. It seems like everyone's family is on a rotating schedule of sickness! I just pray that this winter is not as bad as last since Ashley got her tubes in this summer.
Ashley and I decided to be lazy and stay in bed most of the morning then and watch Mickey House (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse) and Cake-Cake (Strawberry Shortcake). We didn't have to be anywhere for a couple hours and it was absolutely pouring today!!! I was afraid our house was going to float away with the Platt River flowing through our back yard.
Luckily the rain stopped by the time we got to therapy so I didn't have to lug the umbrella out. Ashley got to play with Becky for an hour and eat some candy - which is a win - win for both of us. I learned my lesson after last weeks fiasco and I sat in my car until the last minute before heading in so I didn't have to deal with the hyper family. I also made sure my drink had a tight lid on it :)
After nap time we headed over to Nana and Papaw's house so Nana could watch Ashley for us for a few hours. We had our semi-annual meeting with our financial guy - always fun! I'm convinced millionaires come out of those meetings feeling bad about themselves! After our meeting Justin and I went out for dinner, just the two of us, which has been awhile! Ashley and Nana went over to Aunt Kelly, Uncle Brian, Nathan and Kyle's house for dinner and to play.
Ashley got a new nightlight yesterday which is a princess castle. She is absolutely obsessed with it and wants to carry it around the house with her. I woke up this morning to "Daddy, look at Ashy's castle". She gets used to daddy going in on the weekends to get her up out of bed. It takes her a few days after the weekend to start yelling for mommy again.
Shannon
Ashley and I decided to be lazy and stay in bed most of the morning then and watch Mickey House (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse) and Cake-Cake (Strawberry Shortcake). We didn't have to be anywhere for a couple hours and it was absolutely pouring today!!! I was afraid our house was going to float away with the Platt River flowing through our back yard.
Luckily the rain stopped by the time we got to therapy so I didn't have to lug the umbrella out. Ashley got to play with Becky for an hour and eat some candy - which is a win - win for both of us. I learned my lesson after last weeks fiasco and I sat in my car until the last minute before heading in so I didn't have to deal with the hyper family. I also made sure my drink had a tight lid on it :)
After nap time we headed over to Nana and Papaw's house so Nana could watch Ashley for us for a few hours. We had our semi-annual meeting with our financial guy - always fun! I'm convinced millionaires come out of those meetings feeling bad about themselves! After our meeting Justin and I went out for dinner, just the two of us, which has been awhile! Ashley and Nana went over to Aunt Kelly, Uncle Brian, Nathan and Kyle's house for dinner and to play.
Ashley got a new nightlight yesterday which is a princess castle. She is absolutely obsessed with it and wants to carry it around the house with her. I woke up this morning to "Daddy, look at Ashy's castle". She gets used to daddy going in on the weekends to get her up out of bed. It takes her a few days after the weekend to start yelling for mommy again.
Shannon
Monday, January 16, 2012
"I'm sizing"
I'm not exactly sure but I think Ashley got a hold of some sugar today! She has been bouncing off the walls all day! She has enjoyed having daddy home and they have gotten a lot of fun play time in today. I have enjoyed having daddy home today as well, lets me catch up on things I don't normally get to during the week!
Tonight when I was cooking dinner Ashley was in the playroom and I hear her yell "Look mommy look". I walk in to the playroom to find this:
She says "I'm sizing" aka exercising. These are push-ups! She must have learned this move from daddy :) It cracks me up that she takes her gym shoes off first, think she might be doing yoga instead.
Ashley got to skype with Gannie and Papaw during bath time - that's always fun! She likes to show them how she swims by getting on her belly and sliding around in the tub.
It is currently 9:05 and she is still running around the house with a ton of energy! It does not appear that she is going to bed any time soon!! I guess the good thing is that she will most likely sleep in tomorrow morning :)
Shannon
Tonight when I was cooking dinner Ashley was in the playroom and I hear her yell "Look mommy look". I walk in to the playroom to find this:
Ashley got to skype with Gannie and Papaw during bath time - that's always fun! She likes to show them how she swims by getting on her belly and sliding around in the tub.
It is currently 9:05 and she is still running around the house with a ton of energy! It does not appear that she is going to bed any time soon!! I guess the good thing is that she will most likely sleep in tomorrow morning :)
Shannon
Lazy Weekend
This weekend was exactly what we needed (well other than the Packers loss)! We finally had a weekend where we didn't have to be anywhere and it was fantastic after all of the holiday madness. We went grocery shopping, cooked yummy food, watched football had a fire in the fireplace and just hung out at the house.
We have decided to put potty training on hold for a little while - I don't think Ashley or myself are ready for it yet. She is interested for a day and then wants diapers on the next day. Everyone says not to push them and to wait until they are ready - so that is what we will do!
Justin is off work today but he is on call, hopefully he won't be too busy and we will get to do some fun stuff today before he heads back to work tomorrow. We already made yummy waffles for breakfast so we are off to a good start :)
Funny Ashley thing from this weekend...we usually buy her yogurt with Dora on the cup but when we went to the store they had a different flavor and it had Cinderella on it. Ashley was pretty excited when we handed her the cup - she said "Cinda-bella, I want to kiss her!" and she proceeded to kiss her yogurt cup :) She sure does love her "prin-esses".
We have decided to put potty training on hold for a little while - I don't think Ashley or myself are ready for it yet. She is interested for a day and then wants diapers on the next day. Everyone says not to push them and to wait until they are ready - so that is what we will do!
Justin is off work today but he is on call, hopefully he won't be too busy and we will get to do some fun stuff today before he heads back to work tomorrow. We already made yummy waffles for breakfast so we are off to a good start :)
Funny Ashley thing from this weekend...we usually buy her yogurt with Dora on the cup but when we went to the store they had a different flavor and it had Cinderella on it. Ashley was pretty excited when we handed her the cup - she said "Cinda-bella, I want to kiss her!" and she proceeded to kiss her yogurt cup :) She sure does love her "prin-esses".
Friday, January 13, 2012
Operation "Big Girl Undies" has begun!
Ashley has been wearing pull ups at school this week and I get the impression they want her to start potty training. I wasn't sure if she was ready for it or if I was either. I think her wearing pull ups is confusing her - I don't think she gets the fact that they are different then regular diapers. So after dinner tonight I decided we were just going to put big girl undies on her, princess of course, and just see what happens. We put he on at 6:30 and nothing happened. We put her on again at 7:15 and she tinkled in the potty!!! Of course mommy and daddy were hooting and hollering and making a big old deal of it! We gave her a cake ball to celebrate and we got chocolate all over our face!
Not sure what we are going to give her from here on out when she goes because I don't think 10 cake balls a day is going to be a good idea! That and I don't think daddy is going to want to share them either :)
***Update...not 2 seconds after I hit publish we had our first accident...let the fun begin!!
Not sure what we are going to give her from here on out when she goes because I don't think 10 cake balls a day is going to be a good idea! That and I don't think daddy is going to want to share them either :)
***Update...not 2 seconds after I hit publish we had our first accident...let the fun begin!!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Our Thursday
Ashley and I had a fun day today hanging out with Aunt Kelly, Nathan and Kyle. Our phone rang around 10 this morning and it was Aunt Kelly wanting to know if her and the boys could stop over to drop a few things off. The kids ended up playing for a little bit before we decided we were going to run some errands together. We all hopped in the car and headed out. After a few stops we went back to Kelly's house and had lunch and the kids played some more. After Nathan got on the bus we headed home.
I put Ashley down for a nap and I got my laptop out and began working. After about a half an hour I could hear her stirring in the monitor. Then out of no where she yells "Open the door!"..."I want to watch cartoons!" I realized after 5 minutes of her yelling that taking a nap was out of the question. We are starting to have more days like that where she decides she isn't going to nap. I am not ready to give up my 2 hours in the afternoon of peace and quiet!!
Luckily she watched some cartoons for a little while and I was able to get work done! We then decided to run to Target before "The White Death" arrived! When we came out of the store it was snowing huge snowflakes! The entire way home Ashley was saying "It's so pretty!". It is so cute to see things through a toddlers eyes.
I decided to make cake balls tonight for the first time - felt the need to have something bad to eat in the house. I have discovered that I can't melt chocolate to save my life! They don't look the prettiest but they sure are yummy!
While mommy is enjoying some "me" time Justin and Ashley are hanging out in the basement watching Cars. She isn't quite in to sitting down and watching a movie...she keeps going up and down the stairs. Luckily daddy is sitting on the staircase about half way down because she just tripped and took a header right in to daddy! And that is why we don't play on the stairs ladies and gentlemen! Nothing a little cake ball can't cure :)
Shannon
I put Ashley down for a nap and I got my laptop out and began working. After about a half an hour I could hear her stirring in the monitor. Then out of no where she yells "Open the door!"..."I want to watch cartoons!" I realized after 5 minutes of her yelling that taking a nap was out of the question. We are starting to have more days like that where she decides she isn't going to nap. I am not ready to give up my 2 hours in the afternoon of peace and quiet!!
Luckily she watched some cartoons for a little while and I was able to get work done! We then decided to run to Target before "The White Death" arrived! When we came out of the store it was snowing huge snowflakes! The entire way home Ashley was saying "It's so pretty!". It is so cute to see things through a toddlers eyes.
I decided to make cake balls tonight for the first time - felt the need to have something bad to eat in the house. I have discovered that I can't melt chocolate to save my life! They don't look the prettiest but they sure are yummy!
While mommy is enjoying some "me" time Justin and Ashley are hanging out in the basement watching Cars. She isn't quite in to sitting down and watching a movie...she keeps going up and down the stairs. Luckily daddy is sitting on the staircase about half way down because she just tripped and took a header right in to daddy! And that is why we don't play on the stairs ladies and gentlemen! Nothing a little cake ball can't cure :)
Shannon
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
It's the little things
Today Ashley and I had a great day! We met up with some new friends from church at Recreation Outlet and Ashley had a blast playing with the doll house there and jumping on the trampoline with the boys. I think I know what we should get Ashley for her birthday!
After our play date we headed to McDonald's drive thru and I got myself a naughty little piece of heaven called a Mocha Frappe and then we headed to therapy with Miss Becky. There is a man with four rowdy kids that we see there every week because his one son has therapy right before Ashley does. I feel so sorry for this guy - his kids are super sweet kids but they are just out of control. His one son is Autistic and you can just tell that the father is just warn down by these kids. My heart goes out to him and I can tell that other parents in the waiting room have very little patience for them. I try my hardest to be nice to the kids even when they are all up in my face and Ashleys as soon as we walk in the door. Today I made the mistake of setting my drink on the ground while I rearranged my bag and my papers...needless to say the little girl came running over and kicked over my drink and it went everywhere! I couldn't help but chuckle to myself when the brother looks at me and says "that's why you leave your drink in the car". I guess the moral of this story is that I want to thank God for giving me an increased level of patience with having Ashley. It's amazing how having a child can change you!
Ashley surprised me today with her therapy and she did an awesome job. She even went down the big slide on her belly, head first, for the first time in about a month. Miss Becky has been working her up to it and she finally did it! To most parents out there this might not seem like a big deal but to me it is a moment to celebrate! Ashley is a very timid child and it takes a lot of work for her to go and do something that scares her to death. When she conquers her fear it is a big deal :)
On the way home I could tell she was exhausted! I asked her what she wanted to eat for lunch and she said "nap time". I kid you not! You know you have done a job well done when the kid is asking for a nap! If only everyday were like that!
While Ashley took a long nap I got to catch up on some work and get dinner started without a little helper.
We had a nice evening just hanging out as a family and running a couple errands. I am absolutely exhausted myself and looking forward to my head hitting the pillow!
Shannon
After our play date we headed to McDonald's drive thru and I got myself a naughty little piece of heaven called a Mocha Frappe and then we headed to therapy with Miss Becky. There is a man with four rowdy kids that we see there every week because his one son has therapy right before Ashley does. I feel so sorry for this guy - his kids are super sweet kids but they are just out of control. His one son is Autistic and you can just tell that the father is just warn down by these kids. My heart goes out to him and I can tell that other parents in the waiting room have very little patience for them. I try my hardest to be nice to the kids even when they are all up in my face and Ashleys as soon as we walk in the door. Today I made the mistake of setting my drink on the ground while I rearranged my bag and my papers...needless to say the little girl came running over and kicked over my drink and it went everywhere! I couldn't help but chuckle to myself when the brother looks at me and says "that's why you leave your drink in the car". I guess the moral of this story is that I want to thank God for giving me an increased level of patience with having Ashley. It's amazing how having a child can change you!
Ashley surprised me today with her therapy and she did an awesome job. She even went down the big slide on her belly, head first, for the first time in about a month. Miss Becky has been working her up to it and she finally did it! To most parents out there this might not seem like a big deal but to me it is a moment to celebrate! Ashley is a very timid child and it takes a lot of work for her to go and do something that scares her to death. When she conquers her fear it is a big deal :)
On the way home I could tell she was exhausted! I asked her what she wanted to eat for lunch and she said "nap time". I kid you not! You know you have done a job well done when the kid is asking for a nap! If only everyday were like that!
While Ashley took a long nap I got to catch up on some work and get dinner started without a little helper.
We had a nice evening just hanging out as a family and running a couple errands. I am absolutely exhausted myself and looking forward to my head hitting the pillow!
Shannon
Monday, January 9, 2012
Our day with the boys
Ashley and I got up early today and headed over to Aunt Kelly's house to babysit Nathan and Kyle for the day. We had a lot of fun! I wasn't so sure how the day was going to turn out after we were there for about an hour and somehow Ashley's diaper came loose and she peed all over their couch!!! Thank God for Microfiber! I mean seriously - never has that happened in all 2 1/2 years of wearing diapers and it happens on their couch!!!
Ashley was also pretty pumped because we got to take Nathan up to the bus stop and watch him get on the bus. She has a thing for buses and everytime she sees one she yells "oool bus!". It was funny standing there at the bus stop because it is the same exact bus stop that I used to stand at when I was a little kid. Many years I stood there with my best friend Jen Amburgey waiting for the bus to arrive. Can't believe it has been that long ago.
Luckily both Ashley and Kyle went down for a good long nap and I got to relax on the couch and watch a little tv since I haven't been feeling 100%. After they got done napping we went back up and got Nathan off the bus.
Justin came over after work and we all had dinner together and got to hang out a little bit before we headed home to watch the football game.
Here are the kids coloring and eating some Cheez-its:
They are dancing in this picture:
Kyle and Ashley reading together:
Shannon
Ashley was also pretty pumped because we got to take Nathan up to the bus stop and watch him get on the bus. She has a thing for buses and everytime she sees one she yells "oool bus!". It was funny standing there at the bus stop because it is the same exact bus stop that I used to stand at when I was a little kid. Many years I stood there with my best friend Jen Amburgey waiting for the bus to arrive. Can't believe it has been that long ago.
Luckily both Ashley and Kyle went down for a good long nap and I got to relax on the couch and watch a little tv since I haven't been feeling 100%. After they got done napping we went back up and got Nathan off the bus.
Justin came over after work and we all had dinner together and got to hang out a little bit before we headed home to watch the football game.
Here are the kids coloring and eating some Cheez-its:
Shannon
Family filled weekend
This weekend was sort of low key...again. Just when Justin and Ashley seemed to be on the mend from their cold I decide to catch it :(
On Saturday I was able to go do a little shopping by myself during nap time - that was a nice treat. I think I could spend the entire day in Hobby Lobby! After Ashley's nap her Nana and Papaw came over to watch the football games with us and eat pizza! Ashley enjoyed spending time with them!
Yesterday I stayed in bed while Justin and Ashley went to church. The thought of getting in the shower and getting ready was just too much. I think I finally got out of bed around 10:30!! Justin's step brother Mark, his wife Idella, their daughter Olivia, her boyfriend Eric and their 3 1/2 week old baby Colton stopped by while on their way through town to visit Justin's mom and step dad in Kentucky. We got to meet the newest addition to the family and he is absolutely adorable and so tiny! I forgot how tiny they are. Ashley wasn't so sure about them all since it has been about a year since she has seen any of them but she eventually warmed up to them.
After they all left and headed on the road again we headed over to my cousin's house to finally celebrate Christmas with the Dilbert side of the family. We all had a nice dinner, ate way too many mint chocolate chip cookies and watched the football game.
We ended up getting home at about 8 last night and I was officially in bed at 8:30 - could not take it any longer! I am about to go upstairs and wake Ashley up because we are heading over to Aunt Kelly and Uncle Brian's house to watch "the boys" Nathan and Kyle today! Wish me luck that I survive the day :)
Shannon
On Saturday I was able to go do a little shopping by myself during nap time - that was a nice treat. I think I could spend the entire day in Hobby Lobby! After Ashley's nap her Nana and Papaw came over to watch the football games with us and eat pizza! Ashley enjoyed spending time with them!
Yesterday I stayed in bed while Justin and Ashley went to church. The thought of getting in the shower and getting ready was just too much. I think I finally got out of bed around 10:30!! Justin's step brother Mark, his wife Idella, their daughter Olivia, her boyfriend Eric and their 3 1/2 week old baby Colton stopped by while on their way through town to visit Justin's mom and step dad in Kentucky. We got to meet the newest addition to the family and he is absolutely adorable and so tiny! I forgot how tiny they are. Ashley wasn't so sure about them all since it has been about a year since she has seen any of them but she eventually warmed up to them.
After they all left and headed on the road again we headed over to my cousin's house to finally celebrate Christmas with the Dilbert side of the family. We all had a nice dinner, ate way too many mint chocolate chip cookies and watched the football game.
We ended up getting home at about 8 last night and I was officially in bed at 8:30 - could not take it any longer! I am about to go upstairs and wake Ashley up because we are heading over to Aunt Kelly and Uncle Brian's house to watch "the boys" Nathan and Kyle today! Wish me luck that I survive the day :)
Shannon
Friday, January 6, 2012
"See ya Fulton"
I headed back to the office today for the first time in 3 weeks - was afraid I might not remember how to get there but I made it! It was nice to see my co-workers Lisa and Laura and get a little coffee/meeting time in at Reality Tuesdays - yummy! The day flew by because we were so busy and I didn't even have time to grab lunch!
Ashley went to school again today and she was pretty pumped when I went to pick her up. They were watching Happy Feet which Ashley loves! I was afraid I was going to have to physically remove her from the building. Happy Feet 2 was the first movie she went to see in the theater with her Gannie. Supposedly when she sat down in the seat the seat swallowed her and it took her half of the movie to try the seat again - would have given anything to have seen that one! I told Ashley to say bye to her teachers and friends before we left. Her one teacher Ms. Fulton was sitting there and she looks at her and says "See ya Fulton!". Kids do say the funniest things!
Shannon
Ashley went to school again today and she was pretty pumped when I went to pick her up. They were watching Happy Feet which Ashley loves! I was afraid I was going to have to physically remove her from the building. Happy Feet 2 was the first movie she went to see in the theater with her Gannie. Supposedly when she sat down in the seat the seat swallowed her and it took her half of the movie to try the seat again - would have given anything to have seen that one! I told Ashley to say bye to her teachers and friends before we left. Her one teacher Ms. Fulton was sitting there and she looks at her and says "See ya Fulton!". Kids do say the funniest things!
Shannon
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Cabin Fever!!
I'm starting to get a little cabin fever here lately. I feel like we have been stuck in this house for too many days now! Ashley has been fighting off a cold and hasn't really been interested in leaving the house to go on many adventures lately. So I decided to leave her in her pj's for the good part of the morning and watch some Mickey House (that's what she calls Mickey Mouse Clubhouse).
We did get to have lunch with daddy today which always makes us happy. We like it when he is stuck covering Bethesda North for the week and therefore he comes home for lunch (and I love the fact that it takes him 15 minutes to get home from work and let's be honest, I'm usually dying for a second set of hands and someone to entertain our child).
I've asked myself/decided a few things over the course of the day...1) why do I bother picking up the playroom??? I spent at least 20 minutes on cleaning up the toys and putting them in their designated bins yesterday while Ashley was at school. In a matter of .2 seconds it looks like this:
Seriously, every single toy we own is on the floor!! Arrrggghhh. I think I should just clean the playroom once a week and just deal with the fact that you have to constantly step over and around things!
2) my favorite time of the day is when Ashley wakes up, either in the morning or from her nap. Not a day goes by that I don't crack up at this time of the day. My alarm clock in the morning is almost always "MOM...MOMMY...WAKE UP!" Yes, I could get up before my child does and get stuff done but for any of you that really know me know how much I love my sleep and getting up a minute before I absolutely have to is just absurd! This afternoon when Ashley got up from her nap I hear her rustling around through the monitor for a little bit and then "MOMMY, ALL DONE, OPEN THE DOOR!". So bossy and demanding but I can't help but chuckle. She definitely puts a smile on my face.
We had some girlie time before dinner and I gave Ashley a manicure - she loves having her nails painted. It amazes me how girlie she is because I was never a girlie girl growing up but I do love it now especially when you get to share it with a little cutie :)
We did get to have lunch with daddy today which always makes us happy. We like it when he is stuck covering Bethesda North for the week and therefore he comes home for lunch (and I love the fact that it takes him 15 minutes to get home from work and let's be honest, I'm usually dying for a second set of hands and someone to entertain our child).
I've asked myself/decided a few things over the course of the day...1) why do I bother picking up the playroom??? I spent at least 20 minutes on cleaning up the toys and putting them in their designated bins yesterday while Ashley was at school. In a matter of .2 seconds it looks like this:
Seriously, every single toy we own is on the floor!! Arrrggghhh. I think I should just clean the playroom once a week and just deal with the fact that you have to constantly step over and around things!
2) my favorite time of the day is when Ashley wakes up, either in the morning or from her nap. Not a day goes by that I don't crack up at this time of the day. My alarm clock in the morning is almost always "MOM...MOMMY...WAKE UP!" Yes, I could get up before my child does and get stuff done but for any of you that really know me know how much I love my sleep and getting up a minute before I absolutely have to is just absurd! This afternoon when Ashley got up from her nap I hear her rustling around through the monitor for a little bit and then "MOMMY, ALL DONE, OPEN THE DOOR!". So bossy and demanding but I can't help but chuckle. She definitely puts a smile on my face.
We had some girlie time before dinner and I gave Ashley a manicure - she loves having her nails painted. It amazes me how girlie she is because I was never a girlie girl growing up but I do love it now especially when you get to share it with a little cutie :)
Shannon
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Missing my little Pumpkin
Ashley went back to school today after being home with me the entire week last week. The house was so quiet and I missed her today! I really enjoyed spending the time with her. She is in a really cute stage right now and very loving and happy. Her favorite thing to do lately is grab my face with her tiny little hands and say "Mommy you happy?" I tell her yes and she then says "Ashy so happy". Melts my heart!
Not much fun went on during the day - just sat at the kitchen table and worked all day. Justin hurt his back this morning when he was working out at the gym and could barely walk! He ended up going to the doctor to get some drugs and came home from work early. After I picked up Ashley at school we hit the Walgreen's drive thru to pick up his medicine and Ashley was cracking me up while we waited. She is under the impression that any establishment with a drive thru automatically means she will get a dum-dum sucker. As we sat in the car and waited she proceeded to yell from her car seat "I want a sucker please!" to the guy working. At least she said please - so polite!
We are all done with dinner and now the fun of playing with all of Ashley's toys and watching football tonight begins! Hope everyone had a great day today :)
Shannon
Not much fun went on during the day - just sat at the kitchen table and worked all day. Justin hurt his back this morning when he was working out at the gym and could barely walk! He ended up going to the doctor to get some drugs and came home from work early. After I picked up Ashley at school we hit the Walgreen's drive thru to pick up his medicine and Ashley was cracking me up while we waited. She is under the impression that any establishment with a drive thru automatically means she will get a dum-dum sucker. As we sat in the car and waited she proceeded to yell from her car seat "I want a sucker please!" to the guy working. At least she said please - so polite!
We are all done with dinner and now the fun of playing with all of Ashley's toys and watching football tonight begins! Hope everyone had a great day today :)
Shannon
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
New Year, new things!
After being sucked in to the blog world I have decided to start my own and what better time to start then the beginning of a new year! My husband has a diary (he will probably kill me for calling it that) that he jots down things we did that day or places we went. He is always trying to con me in to catching the diary up that I figure I might as well start my own! That and the fact I am always giving him trouble for his diary having no feelings in it :)
I can't believe we are already starting a new year and I am very excited to make some positive changes and implement new things in to our lives. I have recently become obsessed with organizing! I have always had an organized work space but when it came to the house I would always get overwhelmed and never know where to start! I have recently found a blog that I absolutely love and it has inspired me in so many ways already! I have purged and organized so many things in the last few weeks my head is spinning. It is such a great feeling of accomplishment to get a project marked off the list.
The Platt family had a nice relaxing New Year's and I hated saying good-bye to Justin and seeing him head back to work today. We had a very low key New Year's and hung out as a family. I was proud of myself that I made it to midnight - I usually fall asleep on the couch! We got up and went to church on New Year's and then came home to watch our beloved Packers beat the Lions!! That night we headed over to my sister's house to celebrate my brother-in-law's birthday. Ashley had so much fun playing with her cousin Kyle. They are starting to get along really well and I am sure they will be the best of friends since they are only 4 months apart.
Justin was off on Monday and while I was on an organizing spree (checked 3 things off my list - woohoo!) he took Ashley out to play in the snow. We snapped a few shots of her getting bundled up.
Love the fact that she needed her pink sunglasses to complete the outfit. I'm afraid we have a diva in the making!
Today Ashley and I were lazy this morning and watched cartoons in bed for a little while. I think we could have easily stayed there all day in our pj's but we had to venture out in the cold for Ashley's therapy. We were surprised by daddy coming home for lunch when we got back. While she is down for her nap I am catching up on work, house, and starting my new blog. I hope you all enjoy catching up with the Platt family and I look forward to sharing more with you all :)
Shannon
I can't believe we are already starting a new year and I am very excited to make some positive changes and implement new things in to our lives. I have recently become obsessed with organizing! I have always had an organized work space but when it came to the house I would always get overwhelmed and never know where to start! I have recently found a blog that I absolutely love and it has inspired me in so many ways already! I have purged and organized so many things in the last few weeks my head is spinning. It is such a great feeling of accomplishment to get a project marked off the list.
The Platt family had a nice relaxing New Year's and I hated saying good-bye to Justin and seeing him head back to work today. We had a very low key New Year's and hung out as a family. I was proud of myself that I made it to midnight - I usually fall asleep on the couch! We got up and went to church on New Year's and then came home to watch our beloved Packers beat the Lions!! That night we headed over to my sister's house to celebrate my brother-in-law's birthday. Ashley had so much fun playing with her cousin Kyle. They are starting to get along really well and I am sure they will be the best of friends since they are only 4 months apart.
Justin was off on Monday and while I was on an organizing spree (checked 3 things off my list - woohoo!) he took Ashley out to play in the snow. We snapped a few shots of her getting bundled up.
Love the fact that she needed her pink sunglasses to complete the outfit. I'm afraid we have a diva in the making!
Today Ashley and I were lazy this morning and watched cartoons in bed for a little while. I think we could have easily stayed there all day in our pj's but we had to venture out in the cold for Ashley's therapy. We were surprised by daddy coming home for lunch when we got back. While she is down for her nap I am catching up on work, house, and starting my new blog. I hope you all enjoy catching up with the Platt family and I look forward to sharing more with you all :)
Shannon
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