Show us where you live Friday....or Sunday

Yes, I am late...why you ask?
Well, I was out of town on Friday and although Ihad already done my kids' room post, I understood there was a change. No biggie but here is my sorry excuse for a spare bedroom. I will say, though, that it won't be a 'spare' for long as you will see progress pictures at the end of how we are transforming it into a bedroom for my step son. By which, we had to add a bathroom. More on that later.

Off we go......

Our spare room is our FROG. Know what that is or is it a Southern thing?

It is a Funished Room Over Garage. We call it a FROG. Odd huh?

This is what the room used to look like. It was taken about 5 years ago right after we moved in and got settled. Behind that screen is out cat box. Cleaver huh?

This is the other side of the room. The couch came from His House (like Salvation Army) and is a pull out and is very heavy going to be a PAIN to get out of there when it's time .

The chairs (I have two just alike) also came from His House and they are (slip) covered in white denim. Seems unpractical huh? Not really since it is slip covers. They actually snap off and wash really well. Clorox is my friend!

This is the view of the computer table, which by the way was my grandparents. It's over 60 years old as it was the first piece of furniture they bought. I love that thing! And ignore the oboxious neon light in the corner. Not sure how DH swung that one by me.....No clue where it is now. Hmmmm.

I am including a few shots of this room decorated for Christmas. It's kind of cheesy though. This was a $10 tree and I mainly just packed it w/ lights so you could see it out of the window. This is our FROG, remember, so this window is really high.

And this is another view of our sad tree.

And this is what the room looked like as we starte rennovations earlier this year. This is the beginning of the new bathroom and this was where the table and PC were set up. See any neon light? Nope. Hmmm....??!

And here is a view of the whole thing. That light isn't staying-it just so they can see in there. I am VERY impressed with DH's handywork and although it's saving us a tone of $ in labor, the project is coming along very SLOWLY!

I'm particularly impressed that he installed this pocket door, and recessed lighting!

And here, the drywall goes up.

And the draywall is finished! This was taken about a month ago and that is they last time they have worked on it. A friend is helping DH and well, he's been preoccupied lately. *sigh*

I should add that when this room is done, it will allow me to split up the two babies so they will ahve their own rooms. I can't wait! It looks like a toy and clothes explosion b/c I don't have enough room for all their stuff. Stay tuned for that episode....

Hope you enjoyed the tour!

A quick blog about Gracie

I've been thinking of registering her for a gymnastics class this summer. as if I don't have anything else to do
I was nervous how she would 'do' in that environment and if she would really 'play'. Well, the daycare has the 'Fun Bus' come to the school once a week. You can read about the Fun Bus here. I thought it was a neat concept and have seen the kids enjoying it for several weeks now. I decided to try Gracie on that first. The price was reasonable so I went for it.
The 8 week session started yesterday.
I couldn't wait to get to daycare to ask them how she liked it. I guess they weren't too excited about seeing my baby girl play on the bus for the first time like me. *sigh*
BUT, I did find at least one teacher who said she watched her playing. She said Gracie was nervous at first but got on the bus. She said she enjoyed it and was playing and laughing. Maybe one Monday I can get there early enough to see her myself.
She got off the bus and said 'I had fun!'
Apparently, they come and get the kids who have paid to get on the bus, out of class. They stamp their hands and put a 'Fun Bus' sticker on their shirt.
When I picked up Gracie yesterday, she came running up to me and said 'I had fun on da-bus! I got sticker! MY sticker!'
And when Daddy came home, she proudly showed her the sticker. I enjoyed this moment b/c Daddy wasn't liking the idea of me registering paying for her for the Fun Bus.
And, I'll have you know that when I changed her into 'jammies' she wanted that sticker on her jammie shirt too. I suppose it's still there. Mental note to check that before washing.

Lastly....and not that I post every day.....I will be out of town after today. We're headed to the Beach until Saturday. No kiddos, adults only please! I can't believe it...we're so excited but I know I will miss my kids. Corbett pulled up all by himself yesterday so I'm quite sure he'll be walking by the time I get back. Not really, but that's how it made me feel.
I do, however, plan to get a 'Let's see your house Friday' post ready before I go and post it Friday whenever I roll out of bed and link it to Kellys Korner.
This weeks' room is the nursery or kids room. Should be interesting as mine looks like Once Upon a Child exploded in there!

A new entry into the book that I need to write.....

You may or may not know but I am a leader at a local electrical company, in Customer Service. I have to admit, I DO love my job. I love many aspect of it and one of them is the neverending 'surprise factor' of it........

So......... Here is the latest.
I may just decide to post random weeklyblogs about such of things from my week. We'll see.
Until then, please enjoy the recent activities in La Petite Academy:

This is a VERY real and very crazy conversation between me and an employee:
Let's call said employee 'N'.
Preface: 'N' comes to my office first thing this morning (thankfully it's first thing). She has, in hand, a piece of paper (she's flashing it in my face as she sits down, it says 'XX Medical center....') and one bit container (that looked like > a Tide bottle) in a big plastic zipper bag.
Ok, now for the real convo....
N: (in a REAL fast tone) "I need to come in after 11am tomorrow b/c I have to drop off my collection then I'll come in and stay late (she's part time) to make up my time."
Me: "Repeat that please."
N: "I need to go to XX Medical Center at 11 tomorrow to drop off my collection that I have to do for the next 24 hours." (and she moves like she's going to stand up and leave!)
Me: "Wait!, N-what does this mean for you at work?"
N: "It means I need to collect my 'pee-pee' for the next > 24 hours and go turn it in tomorrow at 11 and I'll be in after > that to make up my time. Is that okay?" (SO many things wrong w/ this statement)
Me: "Um. Where do you plan to store this container? (WHY do I entertain this question? I think for entertainment purposes)
N: "In this container, in this zipper bag, under my desk."
Me: "ummmmm-N- I am thinking it is best to send you home. Take care of whatever you need to, and I'll see you after 11 tomorrow."
N: " Reaaaeeeellllyyyy?" (whiney voice)
Me: "Yes. What do you think I should do?"
N: "Well....I don't know...I hate to miss work. I did think twice about it this morning but thought it would e ok."
Me: "Well, think about it, N. This is a professional environment and you need to think about your Co-Workers and the sanitary reasons why this should not happen."
N: "But you don't think if it's kept under my desk, away from everyone, it would be okay for today? By-the-way, there is no 'pee pee' in here yet."
Me: "No, you need to go home. And thanks."
N: "ok! See you tomorrow! Bye!"


I later found out that these 'collections' need to be stored in the refrigerator!!!!!!!!!!!
OMG, gag.
gag.
gag.
These things only happen to me!!!!!!! Seriously!
Now tell me....do you want a weekly post about the funny things that happen to me at work?

Welcome to another episode of Cribs, Anderson style!

Once again, Kelly from Kellys Korner is doing Show us where you live Friday and this weeks' theme is dens! I am excited as I love my den. I showcased my kitchen last week and I really hate my kitchen so I am glad that week is over!

You can see my kitchen here, though.

So, off we go.........

This view is from my foyer, going into the den. The front door is behind me. Ugly light fixture I know...we're in the process of finding new ones for the whole house. You see, we've only been here a short time 5 years, sigh.

Here is a close up of the left side you see in the picture above. I just hung that mirror above the table last December. I couldn't find the 'right one'. Of course, when hubby hung it securely half a$$ it fell right off the wall! Luckily it didn't break but did scratch the table...oh well.

And a reverse view, looking back towards the front door. The opposite side (which I forgot to take pics of) has two palm tree paintings that I love.

I'm standing right on the edge of the foyer now, look up and out into the den. It's hard to see the picture above the door, but it is actually framed iron work design and it's FAB-O, in my opinion!

This view is from one corner of the room and the kitche is behind me. It shows the lights and high ceilings well, I think. And you can see the patio 'party' lights I have on on our porch through the windows and door. Kelly-are we going to be doing any porch or exterior episodes? :)

The foyer is behind me and to the left is the door to the Master Bedroom, you know....where we sleep the magic happens...LOL

The fireplace is behind me in this picture, foyer to the right, and kitchen straight ahead on the left. I desperately want to take most of that wall out so I can see into the den from the kitchen b/c that is where we spend most of our time. Any thoughts? Also, the walls need more artwork (especially if I don't rip that wall out) and something to go on top of that armoire (that we call the 'birdcage'-and you'll see why later.)

Not a great shot, but this is taken from the kitchen/eating area that you saw last week. Door in the upper left leads to our bedroom.

Another view, but closer up, from the kitchen into our den, looking up. I love the high ceilings! And you can't see it because I forgot to take a pitcure of it but to left and up is the railing between bedrooms--allowing you to look over into the den.

Close up of the mantel and fireplace, and of course there is Max and Ruby on the TV. Anyone recognize the epidsode?

And I know I need to frame the print above the mantel but I've been indecisive about how or what to go with. Any suggestions?

Here is a view from our bedroom (door is behind me). There are shelves to the right that I adore and there is a close up coming next. Like the animal print? I LOVE it....

Here is a close up of that wall/shelves I was mentioning above. I stole the idea several years ago from Pottery Barn, and added a few of my own touches. The mirror was my great grandmothers and I just love it. And not sure you can see it but I have some words (or letters) on some of the mats and all the pictures I took myself. :) Also, I am totally addicted to having things w/ the letter 'A' ....in all different places in my house (did you noticed in the kitchen addition).

Here is the birdcage...see why we call it that? The foyer is to the right. When we look at this house, there was a baby grand piano in this corner....

Oh, and you'll notice the ceiling in the upper right. That's a repair that hubby has yet to complete from 4, YES 4!, months ago! At least the leak is fixed, I guess! (that's just plaster up there..he has to sand it down more *sigh*)

Upclose and personal w/ the birdcage. We house alot of family photos in there and photo albums. Like the lamp that is a little Italian man? He's holding a tray with wine glasses on it....Oh, and my monkey sitting on the nesting tables to the right...love him too!

And there are two more 'a's in here two. A silver one by the Italian man and a smaller black one on the bottom. Yes, obsessed.

Now...this is the view from the upstairs balcony. The babies' room is right behind me and the opposite bedroom is currently my step son's but we're in the process of remodeling our FROG to add a bathroom so he can move up there and we'll finally be able to split the babies up! YAY!

WHOOPS!, I should have cropped out the small ridiculously huge toy pile in the corner there. It resides between the den and kitchen (since we're there most of the time) and can get out of control. I did, however, take the other pictures strategically.

Hope you have enjoyed your tour and if anyone has any decorating ideas please feel free to share. can't wait to see which room is next....any idea if we can find out so I can start working on that cleaning that area--I'm going out of town next week and want to be ready for Friday's post! :)

I remember..........

Today is again a day of reflection.

Why? You ask?....

Well, it's because it's official--WE HAVE A CRAWLER!!!
I can't believe it.
Really.
I remember, in the months after he was born, thinking he would never crawl.
Heck, in the beginning, I remember thinking he wouldn't even drink a whole bottle on his own.
I remember so much of the 'bad' memories, I'm trying to focus on all the new things he's doingand learning and hope I remember these as well. So, I'm trying to blog about them so I'll have them since I've been terrible about keeping up w/ his baby book (and his sisters). *sigh*

Anyhoo---I walked in daycare (namely the baby room) today and the owners, several teachers, and even several parents were standing all around in a circle. Of course I was nervous b/c I wasn't quite sure what one of my kids had done, although wouldn't be surprised (they keep said daughter in the baby room w/ Bubbie alot of the time, or used to).

Much to my surprise.....My son, my miracle, was CRAWLING!!! Yes, crawling! And yes, he's 15 months but he's been so behind it's not even funny but expected being a preemie.
He crawled all around the room, even not wanting to come to me! He was so proud! It was so cute!
AND, he's really doing 'Peep-Eye'!!! Seriously, I am totally shocked and happy. It's surreal and it's great to see him crossing some milestones that we've been waiting for. I had his sister beside me and looked down and told her to 'watch out!' now! He's a grabby little fellow so he's going to be into everything. EVERYTHING. (as if he isn't already)

And as I recap, reflect and rejoice, I just want to say to never give up hope! NO.MATTER.WHAT!
I remember my son as the preemie, but I also remember him NOW as the crawler!

Anyway---just had to blog about it and today that was the hot topic.
And stay tuned to Friday's post which will be the viewing of my den the next episode of Cribs, Anderson style.

I love free giveaways and contests....

I never win, but I like them.....
The latest I entered is where they are giving away adorable lunch totes.
Have I mentioned I am a bag/tote fanatic!!?!? FA-NA-TIC!
Anyhoo.....
I follow $5 Dollar Dinners mainly b/c, well, I love saving a buck and am into cheap and freezer cooking (you can do this w/ most of the recipes). You can also follow here.
As I mentioned, the latest give-away is for these adorable lunch totes--feel free to enter yourself!
Adorable! And just what I need want....another tote!
Reid and crew.....

Not me! Monday....MckMama style!

I decided I needed some therapy so there goes nothing!

Welcome to Not Me! Monday!

This blog carnival brought to you by MckMama.

If you 'know' me and some of you do, you know that by Sunday evenings I am almost mental. No offense there but seriously.....having Irish twins at home surely does make me crazy some weekends.

I most certianly did NOT allow Gracie to color with markers so much and so long that she got bored and started coloring the counters. Nope NOT ME!

I absolutely did NOT allow Corbett to go most of the day Sunday in the same diaper because he screams at diaper changes and it breaks my heart. Nope, NOT ME! That would be ludicrous-who would do such a thing!?

I most certainly did NOT drop the babies off at my moms house so *DH and I could enjoy a day on the lake, adult style, even though her daughter kept saying 'go on boat Mama'. After all, that would make me a mean Mama, right? Did I mention we would NOT, under no circumstances, drop them off BY BOAT at my moms. That would make me an even meaner Mama, right?

(she looks all excited to be on the boat....Nope, NOT ME!)

And I most defintely did NOT bite DH's head off because he was a little extremely late getting back from helping a friend move. Nope, NOT ME! That would make a mean Mama also a mean Wife and that would be absurd!

*Dear Husband

Now....don't we all feel better!!??

We Lake'd it again today.....

We LOVE the lake.

It's Lake Murray (S.C.) and it's called the Jewel of South Carolina and you can read about it here.

Usually we take the WLKs (Well Loved Kids) but today we needed an adult day on the lake. So, we loaded them on the boat, and then dropped them off at Dey Dey's (my mom, who lives on the lake-how nice).

Gracie was all excited to get on the boat and didn't want to go to Dey Dey's......

"I want to stay here!"

Humph.'Bubbie' LOVES the boat...he was nearly asleep before we got out of the 'No Wake' zone.

Ended up meeting some friends of ours on the lake -- Chris and Tasha. They just got their boat! whoohooo Tasha!

Picked up WLKs from Dey Dey's after being caught in the rain on the water. Nice. Not.

Here's Gracie on Dey Dey's bed, watching Dora. Not wanting to come home now. "I stay here!" Humph.

Another great day at Sea Sir!............

Welcome to my Crib.......

So, a blog I follow is doing a 'show us where you live' segment every Friday...which I think is great! I love seeing other ideas for decoration and such. A disclaimer, though, I have two babies messy children who are really Irish Twins. As you can imagine, my life is nuts, but in a good way. So, welcome to my home and enjoy the tour mess .

This is a view of the entire kitchen that I love hate , however we are in need of an upgrade. I actually hate to showcase this room first b/c it's the worse one in my house....well, sort of.

This view is from the dining room looking into the kitchen. To the left is the den. We love our view though..we live in a 'remote' area of S.C. and have woods all behind our house (you can see all the trees through the window). And my DC (Dear Child) is sitting there with her nightly snack, watching Dora....you'll see more)

Again, DC. Sitting. Watching Dora. Snacking. *sigh*

BUT, this is the view from the porch door (behind me) into the den or living room, depending on your geographical location. Notice my other child on the floor with all his toys mess all around him

PS-I love hate my cabinets but and wish I could get a kitchen makeover.

This is the view from the den, looking into the kitchen. I think I've had a high chair in there for 2 years straight. STRAIGHT. Thankfully, it matches my decor AND a great friend gave it to me (I WOULD link here, but she doesn't blog)

Here come some close ups....(very technical term, are you keeping up?)

This is one of my favorite spots and pictures.

#1-the bottle is lighted and has a picture sticker of our state tree which is the Palmetto Tree. The picture is of my son. It's one of my favorites. You'll notice the matte has 'writting' on it. It's actually notes from people who came to the hospital when he was born. I did this when my daughter was born, loved the idea so much, and did it when he was born. It's a great reflection. I'll post picture of DD's (Dear Daughters) if you want. Just post a comment. Hers has more siggy's on it but that is mainly b/c my son's birth was 6 weeks early unexpected and he most people hadn't had time to come. BUT...I hve to give Kudos to my favorite photographer, Lorien. She's amazing! You can see her work here. She tends to come out of retirement for me and my kids....(I got off task....sorry)

I had to do a close up of this area....why?! Because I LOVE my pattern on my chairs! I LOVE LOVE LOVE animal print! Stay tuned until the dining room showcase....more animal print! But, you will also notice here .....my (double) diaper bag hanging on the chair. I LOVE this bag. Another great friend of mine gave it to me (again, not blogging, so no link and I can't find a link to them...sorry!)

Ok , go back to the first couple of pics.....this is a closer view of my favorite part of my kitchen/eating area. We rarely use this area thought. But this cabinet houses my favorite part of my 'eat in'. In those cabinets are a TON of original Fiesta Ware, given to me by my Grandmother.

This is the detail of the Fiesta Ware......LOVE it!!! And the opposite side houses just the same amount of this....just didn't take a pic of it all....

This is the opposite side with a touch of the toys mess in the bottom left-hand corner.....I Love My Kids!

Here is a close up of the area under the above...I love mis-matched glasses (and anything really..wait until you see the rest of my house--all mismatached! ).

Ok, so here is my Fridge............. Enjoy it. It's not pretty, filled with alot of beverages---Shhhh....

The freezer side......... notice all the homemade baby food!

I took a pic of this because I NEVER, EVER thought I would be 'one of those' that had 'all that stuff' on the fridge ......... But, here I am.

A simple mother of three and a half (I have a step son). A mother of a special needs child (my son has VACATERALS and you can read about that syndrome that here). A mother of wonderful Children. And a wonderful wife........I hope......enjoy !

Like many other days.....

Like many other days, I was in the gym this morning doing my usual--
treadmill walk while reading my book (picture it, and yes I can do it J),
A big burly cocky man comes in to work out-like many other days,
He begins on the treadmill-like many other days,
His buddy comes in to work out with him-like many other days,
But unlike many other days, big burly cocky man--
falls off the treadmill
Yes, I wet my pants!!!
And yes, I'll see you in he$$!!

A day in the life of a Lake, I mean Mama.....

So, we went to the lake today and for the most part, it went well. But, the babies did get hot and fussy around mid-day and we had to stop the fishing attempt (Hubby, LC, and Mark wanted to try) The following is a picture of Gracie, totally miserable. I finally realized that sun screen was in her eyes and she was 'done'! MOTY (Mother Of The Year) award here. Poor baby. At one point, both babies were crying, totally miserable, and I was on the verge. I finally told hubby we had to go (from being dead still-they were hot-it was 90 here today). She was fighting a nap, Daddy was trying to get her to calm down, I was holding Corbett and in the midst, she kept saying 'I want my Mommy'. I totally ate it up b/c she's a Daddy's girl!

Is he not chillaxin!?!?! I looked over and saw this and laughed. Notice the bottle tucked under his leg. Oh, and here's another MOTY moment b/c I didn't put sun screen on him (b/c he usually stays under the cover). Ugh.

Ok, this was finally an hour or two's peaceful moment for me. She finally gave in to a nap (he napped off and on most of the day), and we were headed back in from a long day at sea, I mean lake.

Pretty shot of the sail boats. We were right out from Lake Murray Sailing Club. I love sail boats, but would hate to sail....too much work, not enough adult beverage time. :)

This is the second time I've photographed (not sure I'm qualified to say it like that) this tower at Lake Murray. But, I think it's great. Can you read it It is a red heart w/ "Annie Prom?". Love it. Wonder what she said......???

Curious.

And on a side note, since I added my 'visitor counter' I've been shocked. So many hits (of course never as much as Stellan at My Charming Kids or Harper at Kelly's Korner) so I'm curious as to who reads this..... Anyone???

If I had more avid readers, I would be more encouraged to post. I should post just regular day-to-day stuff w/ my kids but forget half the time to get it in writing, although I should.

A day and time of remembering and being thankful

Today marks 10 years since Columbine.

Today, Stellan took a turn for the worse.

And today, I am very thankful for my health and family (and their health).

Today Corbett cried non-stop before falling asleep, and I'm thankful. Thankful he's here, can cry and is healthy.

Today Gracie tells me 'NO!' when I ask for a 'hugga' and 'kiss' and I'm thankful. Thankful she can at least say those words and is healthy.

My husband is whining of being sore from working on our remodel yesterday and I am thankful. Thankful he can work, he loves me so much, and is healthy.

Yes, today is a day of remembering those who have suffered and are suffering because we all should be thankful if we aren't. Life's 'little' pleasures.....God bless everyone!

Birthday Follow up.....

Yesterday couldn't have been a better day!

You know how it started so here is how it ended.
I picked up Corbett (my mom had Gracie for the aftenroon) and he was in the BEST mood! I was very thankful! Alot of days he's so tired (from being held at daycare and everyone playing w/ him-yes, he's the daycare 'brat' much like Gracie used to be but WORSE) by the time I pick him up that he whines (not complaining here, mind you) until bedtime. But, he was GREAT! He was trying to sit up in his car seat and he was scooting all around the floor, playing w/ his toys. Chuck came home and brought me fresh flowers (which I LOVE), the sweetest card (from him AND the kids), a gift (gasp), and dinner. I was pleasantly shocked. I expected flowers and dinner, but not the card (and what it said) and a GIFT!? And, it was already in a bag, card filled out! Impressed.

We do our 'normal routine' (which is get kids unpacked and repacked for daycare-get your mind outta the gutter!), Gracie comes home and is a doll!

We put the kids to bed at normal time (7:30-8pm), then had a nice relaxing dinner. He fixed filets, scallops, and grilled potatoes (thought he was going to mash them but didn't, YUM). It was very nice!

I will post pictures tomorrow but for now, here are some from Easter (which was also amazing and I realize I haven't posted about that!):

My child ready to get all sugared up! ALL DAY

Can we eat yet? Corbett is like eat what!?

She loved finding eggs.

Our family..............

A day of reflection and celebration

Celebration first:

Well, today is my 30-somethingth birthday. :)

It has been a pretty okay day and other than on Facebook (which I LOVED), noone around here has said Happy Birthday to me or acknowledged it. BUT, that's ok. I actually love my bday and never get depressed (*one exception, explanation to come)

My boss (and one other friend) did though and behind it said, 'I hate you have to work'. I thought that was funny coming from my boss. I could have taken off, but I never do--the day AFTER maybe (not this year) but not the actual day.

But, my response to that statement was this:

'I welcome work on my bday, after all I could be in the hopsital (with Corbett) like I was last year.'

Now reflection:

Last year I was 'stuck' in the hospital with Corbett battling RSV. I don't think I have to relive how that WEEK started but just add that he was transported by ambulance b/c he was 'turning blue'......AHHHHH.

So, that weekend and week I almost lost my mind. For those that follow Stellans story, I went through some of those same feelings MckMama goes through however our experience was NO WHERE what they are going through. I think I cussed out every nurse, doctor, janitor, and even a Respiratory Therapist or two b/c noone could tell me WHEN we would go home.

My visitors on my bday consisted of one close friend and my Mother In Law (MIL). That's it. No phone calls either. I was bitter.

But, that's past me and I celebrate this year having two healthy kids and a wonderful husband. My morning started like this:

Chuck brought Gracie in to me (getting ready for work at 6am) and said tell Mama Happy Birthday. She didn't of course, but kissed me. The fact he remembered was a good sign too. :)

Next, he offered to take the babies to daycare for me (mainly b/c it's raining and he does this for me when it rains...aweee). I agreed. But, at the same time was sad b/c I love spending as much time w/ them as I can before work and love getting them 'all settled' in school before leaving for my hectic day.

Then, my mom offers to pick up Gracie today (she hasn't picked them both up yet..lol) to 'help me'. I agreed. But, at the same time I was sad b/c I love hearing her yell "mama!" and run to me when she sees me. It's the highlight of my day and I can't wait until BOTH of them are doing this! Double whammy!

So, I think I will go home, open a bottle of wine and hope hubby at least brings me flowers home! :)
Oh, and a dear friend of mine took me to one of my favorite places for lunch, Grouchos, and made me some cute scrapbook pics/pages of Gracie from the park the other day.

I've had a blessed year and day!

*Sigh* Puke *sigh* Cry *sigh* Sleep

So, it's been 24 hours since my little one has done just the above. Well, Mommy is the '*sigh*'s.
For almost 24 hrs, Corbett has done nothing but puke, whine, cry, sleep, repeat. In fact, he just cried out for another Pedialyte bottle (this makes 4 in a row at 2 oz's each) and all stayed down, no fever. Good sign(s).

That said, I thought I would nearly go insane today....although it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be (I don't do Barf well!), it was a good day, all-in-all. I cleaned while he slept. I ran Roomba and mopped (something I NEVER do !) and cleaned out drawers and cabinets! I love Spring!

I spent today/tonight catching up on some Ebaying, some blogging, and IMing w/ a close friend. All felt good. Retail therapy and just plain therapy.

And, catching up on blogging, I have to mention that I am continuing to think about Stellan. If you blog, you probably know the name. If not, check out this amazing Mom's blog, following her journey. If only I had blogged alot when Corbett was born.....
However, I had amazing friends who helped me through everthing and I can never repay them- in any way, shape, or form.

I will add pics tomorrow or the next day, updating about our weekend--which was GREAT!

It's almost the weekend.....

And not alot is planned for this weekend. It's raining 'cats and dogs' here right now and supposed to through Friday but Saturday and Sunday are supposed to be georgous. The only thing planned is a trip to Pine Island (a nice place on the lake that my company owns) for a Kid's Carnival. They have food, rides, games, etc. I hope to have some pics. I wish, this close to Easter, they would have an egg hunt but don't think that's in the works. We'll save that for grandma's next weekend.

Then, I hope to see some more progress on the new addition upstairs. I'm SO ready to split Gracie and Corbett up as far as rooms go. HAVE I MENTIONED THAT A TIME OR TWO!?

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Trigger-warnings coming-may be sensitive.
A while back, I found out about the site Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep that provides a photography 'service' to those who's children are still born, or spend their first days/weeks in the NICU hooked up to tubes and machines. Of course the still born situations break my heart, but I have found myself wishing I had found this site/service when Corbett was born. I remember Gracie's first pictures (when the hospital photographer came around) and how excited we were to dress her up for her first official picture. They turned out SO cute (I really need to scan them!) and we were so proud. Then, flash forward to when Corbett was born. I remember the day the photographer came around to take a picture of him, what was to be his first official one. I remember how I had to tell her he was still in the NICU but to 'check back with us in a day or two'. WHAT was I thinking!?!?! (he stayed in NICU for FOUR weeks! Clearly denial!) Anyhoo---I wish I had found this service because I would have had them go in the NICU and take some official photos. I suppose I could have gottent he hospital photographer to do that same thing, but looking back, I wasn't sure if he would live or die, therefore would have wanted more professional ones-plus I was selective and selfish with who and when we visited him b/c the time was just so precious.
I'm rambling and this may not make any sense and I had no intentions of going 'this route' w/ this post but here we are.
All that said, I think this cause is such a great one and I think all the photographers that volunteer their time and services deserve a HUGE pat on the back. I can't imagine how difficult some of those sessions are but yet so rewarding.

After we finally brought Corbett home and adjusted to life w/ two babies, one on a heart monitor and colostomy bag, we scheduled a seesion with my favorite photographer. Corbett was around 4-5 months when we finally had pictures taken but they turned out SO good. I know Lorien would want to do 'naked baby pics' like she does and did w/ Gracie, but I wasn't sure that would work well w/ the lovely colostomy bag and all. Turns out, we didn't do totally naked and she strategically placed a blanket around his diaper (and bag) so none of that showed and he looked naked. Her awesome photography skills also allowed some shots to not show the diaper/bag. I was VERY thankful and glad she came out of 'retirement' (she's a stay at home mom of THREE) to do this for us. Ohhhh wait! I remember she put some on her site-see her sweet notes and the pics here (it's the second entry so scroll down--the first set of pics are her kids--beautiful!). I'm so proud! My favorite of Gracie is the one in the Watermelon hat. It was one of the last ones she snapped and believe it or not Gracie was being a PILL that day! Oh, and notice how much alike they look (the first pic is Gracie and the second one is Corbett)!


Ok I rambled enough....
Thanks for reading and have a great day!