Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Father's Day

Jack, Fenway, and I have a superhero that lives right at home with us. Dad. He's our hero, knight in shining armor, and our partner in crime.

Here's a little insight into SUPERDAD!

Almost 3 years ago CDitty and I said "for better, for worse" & "I do". Although very happy in his marriage (I hope) CDitty was struggling. He was trying to find a job he enjoyed. He had been bartending until we got married, left bartending for a brief stint in insurance (gag), and was taking a few college courses here and there. After years of dreaming, followed by months of discussion and planning CDitty quit his job to follow his dreams of owning a clothing store. In 2008 his baby, PROVISIONS, was born. Here we are almost 2 years later, PROVISIONS has endured one of the worst recessions and CDitty is still in business. To make it work he is the only employee and is open 7 days a week, calling Sundays his "day off" (working 4 hours instead of 8). 7 day a week slave to the store? Definitely not something I could do. But he loves it, wants to see PROVISIONS succeed, and in turn heads up to the store every. single. day.

On top of being a 7 day slave to the store, we decided it was time to grow. So...

Just over 5 months ago we expanded from a family of 3 to a family of 4. CDitty held my hand (or my leg) throughout the entire 6 hours of labor. He excitedly talked with our families, nurses, doctors, and friends. And at 6:24pm, we shared the most special moment of our lives together when we looked into the eyes of our baby boy. Since then CDitty has been nothing short of amazing. He helps, cook, clean, diaper changes, bottle feedings, and even more. He has slipped into his role of dad flawlessly, never missing a beat. Jack is one lucky dude. I'm one lucky lady.

On June 20th we celebrated his very first Father's Day! Jack was baptized, we left for vacation, and mom ALMOST got CDitty the perfect gift. This was definitely a day to remember.

Happy Father's Day to our very own SUPERHERO! We are lucky to have you at home and in PROVISIONS!

Love,
Mom, Jack, and Fenway

Seriously....

I have so much to blog about. I don't know where to start...Outer Banks, my trip to NYC, Jack found his feet...WOW. I'm on blog overload.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Vacation

OBX
We leave tomorrow for a week in the Outer Banks. We've been going down to Avon for years and years now. However, this year it won't be as much relax on the sand in the sun as it as been in years past. No, Jack isn't walking or running around yet, but he does require A LOT of sleep.
Anyway, CDitty and I were making a list of things we needed to pack. AND SERIOUSLY Jack's "stuff" is a page long. Swing, Pack n Play, jogger, Bumbo, you get the picture. I think we might need a UHAUL.
SIDE NOTE: I officially bought a one piece swimsuit. TOTAL MOM.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Life Lessons



"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. " Anonymous


This picture truly takes my breath away. Baby Jack is really looking at Granny, listening to what she has to say.

This is probably Life Lesson #1 of many. If Baby Jack is smart he'll listen. Granny has years of life lessons under her belt and honestly they are each as fabulous as she is.

Baby Jack, you don't know Granny (GG) very well yet, but let me fill you in. She is incredibly inspiring. 55 years ago she married Grandpa Doc, the love of her life, and they started a family. While he was working she raised 3 kids, each 18 months apart. Never once did they reuse a bath towel or sleep on unpressed sheets. She managed to have dinner on the table and a martini in Grandpa Doc's hand every single night. She cleaned house, hauled horses, arranged scavenger hunts, and tucked each child in every single night. But despite all of her super human feats she is most inspiring because she instilled generosity, love, kindness, and humility in each of her 3 kids (your Nana included).

Listen closely to what she says. She has countless stories and adventures to share. If Granny invites you over for lunch, dinner, or even a snack NEVER turn it down. I promise it will taste better than anything I will ever cook.

She likes to have fun, play games, and be around family. It's perfect because you are one of the bunch! In fact, you make her sparkle. You light up her eyes! Your stories rival hers and she is more than happy to listen.

Life lesson from mom, try to remember every life lesson from Granny. If you only remember 1/2 of them you will have learned a lot.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Pictures galore!










THE Jogger



PLUS





EQUALS



Someone told me that 2 miles the jogger feels like 4 without. I'll take it. In fact, I'm just going to assume it's true. TRANSLATION: I can run 4 miles. Only 9 more to go...

4 Months Old



6.9.10

Dear Jack,

4 months old. 4 whole months! I cannot believe it. So much has happened this past month! I want to freeze time, but in the same moment I can't wait to see what the future has in store.

You are a growing machine. Every single day you look bigger than the day before. We cleaned out your "baby clothes" because you officially wear 3-6 months. And no surprise here, you have a closet full of this size too! If I had 1/2 the wardrobe you do I would never be stressed about what to wear.

You are officially a size 2 Swaddlers! Size 2: 12-18lbs. We haven't weighed you in a month, but I'm guessing 15 lbs. You feel like 100. My arm muscles are awesome. Thank you.

In the past month you have made us smile more times than should be legal. It's awesome. Your smile melts our hearts. Your laugh makes me laugh, and when you "talk" we know exactly how you feel.

I have a feeling you are going to be a ham. Center stage. (Just like your dad). You want all eyes on you. ALL. OF. THE. TIME. And since we are wrapped around your pudgy little finger, we happily oblige. You most often take center stage to present a monologue only you can understand, but that we completely get.

Sleeping still isn't your favorite event. In fact for 2 nights straight you let us sleep for 7+ hours. Thank you. I think you new we really needed it.

Since you are a little bigger we have been able to take you on quite a few adventures! Although you won't remember them, we will...fondly.

You took your first dip in the pool. GMA let us go to her condo and swim with you! I think you thought it was a big bathtub. You kicked, kicked, kicked and seemed to really enjoy yourself until you got tired and had a meltdown. Don't worry we took pictures.

You went on your very first road trip. We made a quick trip up to DC for a baseball game. This meant a 3.5 hour car ride, the Metro, the game, and spending the night in your pack-n-play. You were such a trooper. I think you really liked the game (especially the lights). The Nats won & we totally messed up your sleep schedule.

There was 1 scary time this month. Our trip to the CHKD ER. Hands down the scariest night of our lives. But have numerous tests you were fine, just a nasty viral infection. It was heartbreaking.

Just recently we got a jogger. And we use it. I know you love seeing the neighborhood. (2 miles of it anyway). We need the exercise, you like the sight seeing, it's a win-win.

You have been the light of our lives, the wind in our sails, and the most wonderful blessing for 4 months. We cannot imagine a single day without you. 4 months = 120 days and we've loved each and every one of them. We are 2 very lucky people.

Love always and forever,

Mom and Dad

PS It is ok to sleep for long stretches at night. I swear you aren't missing a single thing. Pretty please?


Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Baseball Tonight

There is no denying it...I'm a bonafide sports fan. You name it I like it. Almost. Just don't go signing me up for NASCAR...I don't get it.

Each and every morning I watch an episode of Saved by the Bell and then turn the TV to ESPN. Baby Jack and I listen to Mike & Mike on the way to his Grandma's (Yes, mom I know he should be listening to music, lots of music, not just country...but I think a little sports talk radio never killed anyone did it?? I think I'm just broadening his debate skills). Then I tune in to Dan Patrick or Colin for the rest of my trip into work. Yup, it's official I like sports.

More specifically, I like baseball. Cardinals Baseball. You got the point right? So what's this post all about? It's about my huge dilemma...tonight.

The Cards play the Reds. Normally this is a no brainer...root for the Cards. BUT tonight a friend from High School is pitching for the Reds! Yes, you read that right, I know a Major League Baseball Player! I'm so excited! In fact, I don't just KNOW a MLB player...I went to homecoming with him! Now, I'll be the first to admit we haven't stayed close, I don't know his phone number, and to be perfectly honest with you I didn't remember that he just had a birthday until I wikipedia'd him...but I STILL KNOW A MLB Player! Now, on to the dilemna...who do I root for? The Cards? Or Sam and the Reds?

I think I've decided. I want Sam to pitch a wonderfully perfect game. I want Pujols to strike out every time he faces Mr. Lecure. Then, I want the Reds closer to royally mess up, the Cards go on a big run late in the game, Pujols to hit a grandslam (or 2!?), and the Reds to ultimately lose the game. No fault of Mr. Sam Lecure. I think that would make just about everyone happy. Too much to ask? I don't think so either.

Here's a picture I snagged of Sam Lecure off the internet. (Cue squealing, obnoxious, excited voice) Did I mention that I know a professional baseball player?

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

The Aspirator


A mother's best friend. A baby's worst nightmare.

Baby Jack has been snotty for the past few days. He seems to be feeling fine, just can't quite breathe with his paci in (See Post below about Jack's love for the paci). When he can't have his paci, he can't sleep, when he can't sleep we can't sleep, you get the picture.

The answer to snotty nose, no paci, sleepless nights? That's right folks, the good ole aspirator.
It's like straight out of a horror movie for Baby Jack.
Let me set the scene: Baby Jack is snorting, paci falls out, crying ensues. Then, "The Villain" (dad) comes in with the blue bulb in one hand, burp cloth in the other.(insert scary music) He then sneak attacks the snorting baby trapped in his crib. The Villain proceeds to hold said baby's head still while sucking every last ounce of snot out of his nose. Baby then WAILS like you've never heard wailing before. Finally villain leaves and Goddess/Hero/Beauty of the night (mom) comes in to save poor baby from THE ASPIRATOR. (insert beautiful sounds of the harp) Goddess/Hero/Beauty of the night, rocks WAILING baby back to sleep.

A few pictures of our main man...





Thanks Lindsay for the poolside photo shoot!

Jogging update

We've been running. Ouch.

We are into day 4: Ran 1.5 miles today. It's getting a little better.

Getting a little better = not crawling up the stairs, no limping around to avoid all use of my calves, and I can breathe without whimpering. All in all I'M. OUT. OF. SHAPE.

Oh a positive note: WE GOT A JOGGER!!! It should be here in a week or so and I couldn't be happier. Running by yourself is no fun....I want to share the torture with the 2 guys I love the most.