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!?

_______

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!

Misc Monday photos

Well, our little home project is coming along nicely. Chuck had a friend come over this weekend and they got alot done on the room. Here, you can see the pocket door but they also installed recessed lighting and all the drywall yesterday! YAY!!! Just one step closer to Gracie and Corbett having their own, SEPERATE rooms! That will make Mommy happy!

Here is a picture of Gracie and Corbett in her new 'anywhere' chair. I couldn't believe she is sharing it w/ him! You can't see it, but her hand is behind his back, holding him....aweee. And the other one is, of course, just her. She loves her chair but she likes it ON the couch. *sigh*

Little Gracie (aka Shashie) likes her Ponies. And she's gotten into a ritual of 'needing' a sucker before leaving daycare.

I wonder what in the WORLD these two are talking about? As I posted this on my Facebook page, a friend of mine comments that they are plotting against me. She's probably right!

Now, I just HAD to include this one..

We were actually fooling around when I took it, but somehow I think it's a cool pic. And to explain---Chuck was showing Little Chuck his grandfathers' antique guns, which will be his one day (FAR FAR AWAY!)

If these two had been dressed in old timey clothes(hats and all) and changed to sepia it would look cool.

Actually, I asked if he was going to print it and hang it on the wall for when Gracie starts dating....ahhhhhh lol

Random Wednesday things......

Not much going on here, but thought I would update a bit.

We've started getting Corbett up on his feet to try to build some strength and muscles. He can hold himself up for a while-but is totally white knuckled. LOL But, he loves it and will just squeal!

And...he's getting upon all fours and rocking! I think he's about to take off soon! I never imagined wishing my baby hurry up and grow up, but in his case I am! I am ready to see some milestones! (of course once he's a toddler, he can stop--lol)

He sleeps like this alot. And even when he's trying to crawl, he'll kick his leg up like this. Cute huh?

"Shashie" (Gracie) still doesn't like hats much but this is Corbett's so, of course, she LOVES it. Everything right now is 'mine!'. *sigh*
Now HERE'S something you don't see every day! A toilet on the front sidewalk....

I've said our yard looks like Sandford and Son, jokingly, but this confirms it!

Ok-to explain....our toilet in the guest bathroom has been broken for two weeks. Chuck finally fixed it this past weekend and this is the remants. Of course he did move it......it's now right outside my garage! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh-gotta love him!

(Gracie is cute trying to come see the 'action' )

I recently got out for dinner and drinks with my best friend! We met at Yamato's and it was so nice! Oh, and the food was good too! The people at our table weren't 'talky' but we made up for it. Too funny. AND, we even made it home for Gray's.....

Can't wait til next time, D!

Going to be a nice weekend this coming weekend so hopefully I'll have some pretty Spring outdoor pics to post. And, we started a monthly Super Club with another couple and the first one is Saturday night. He (the husband of the couple) is going 'first' and no telling what he will do....I'm third so at least I have until May to figure out what in the world I want to cook! Ya'll KNOW I don't do the cooking in our house, so any suggestions are welcome!

Helmet, no more!

So.....as of today we are DONE with the helmet! DONE, I tell you!!!

Chuck took him to his LAST 'cranial' appt, which we LOVINGLY call his 'head shrinking' appts.

They said his head is as good as it is going to get-which IS good, almost perfect!

And he even took pictures to use as advertisement! YAY Corbo!

Another doc bites the dust!

And incase you've forgotten what it looks like:

We'll save it of course, but just glad he doesn't have to go through the Summer with it!!!

Oh, and if these teeth don't come in, Mommy will be insane!! IN-SANE.

What a wonderful weekend we had!

The weather was perfect- in the 80's all weekend! We both have Spring Fever REALLY bad now! We were lucky enough to have a little Grandma competition and had both sets lined up for the weekend so we could get out, enjoy the weather and celebrate Chuck's bday (REAL late). Saturday, we rode with some friends and Saturday night we met some other friends for dinner. Friday, Chuck was so excited, he started getting the bike cleaned up after work Friday. He washed it and wiped it down good....and dried it with a leaf blower! I thought that was SO funny, and so like something he would do. I called it 'how to dry a bike, redneck style'.....ahhhh

(And ignore our messy garage!)

Of course Gracie had to 'ride' too so he let her ride from this spot to the spot in the garage (yes, I was nervous still) and she screamed when they got off! She LOVES riding.....she rides the dirt bike and 4 wheeler with him and she loves it, and loves to go fast. I think I'm in trouble......(but am glad she's not afraid of riding....)

Apparently, all the kids at school have 'gasses' (glasses) for when they go outside. Her teacher went to buy her some so she could have her own. Now mind you, she's got two pair at home she HATED until now.........she's a trip.

Ok, so this is my wild side. I'm sure anyone reading this isn't surprised, but it HAS been a while so just had to get a picture and brag. We had SO much fun riding today. It truly has been a while but we hope to do it a little more often. We started out around 11am and got back home around 4:30. Weather was B-E-A-U-tiful!

Here's me and Kristie....we were at Boondocks, which really IS in the Boondocks. It's close to Dano's (that closed, sadly) but NOWHERE near CLOSE to how the place was at Dano's. Hard to explain, but I'll just say I don't think we'll be headed way back out there for a while. We also stopped at Dam Bar and Grill and Anthony's.

This is later this same night (Sat). We met a friend of mine (her hubby was too sick to come, poor thing). We had a blast. Chuck and I were kinda tired, but we made it-I mean, who wouldn't take advantage of a babysitting day AND night.

Well................we almost made it! Hahaha. Ignore his eyes...he can NEVER take a picture right-which is why we hardly have any of us together. That, and the fact that I'm always the one taking the pics!

We did have fun, but were also ready to see our babies the next morning. I had forgotten to Spring Forward so by the time we picked them up it was 11am! oops---

Gracie was SO loving all day-I ate it up! Well, let me say she was sweet until bedtime....the time change has REALLY messed with her this year! Ugh. Today was rough too--taking her in daycare. She doesn't understand going to bed while it's light out. Tonight and this week should prove interesting-wish me luck!