Happy Halloween! (and Pumpkin Sweeties II)

Okay, the pumpkin thing didn't work out so well- combined heat and procrastination... the pumpkins all started to crumble before today ever arrived... but that's okay- the guts are the best part anyway! I gave up halfway through carving, so that's all we got... it started to rot so we never did get to light it up- bummer! But the pumpkin- Gizmo/Gremlins- was dedicated to Chase with his crazy monster noises :)

The rest? Well... the chaos of costumes and scrambling to get everyone ready- I don't know how my mom ever did it with so many children- it's exhausting! But once we got to the face paint part of the evening- it was all worth it... lots of laughs and ooohs and ahhhhs... thanks Julz!

 (yes he looks reminiscent of a vampire baby)

Chase never did want to wear his hat I made for his costume, and we got as far as to make the one for Nathan, but he wasn't thrilled about it either. Good thing they're cute! Kaely was the "Queen of Halloween" (Or so she says)- for the first year she got to run around with old classmates and her Kindergarten/1st Grade teacher... so she wasn't bogged down with boring mom - so sad :/

 (or vampire monkey )

 (Kaely's friends Paige, Kae, Janice, and Anthony)

(mom with a platypus face- guess that's my costume)

All-in-all a great day! Happy Halloween!

Kaely's Class Halloween Craft Day

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Happy 10 Months!

Wow, 1 year is just around the corner- hard to believe! He is into EVERYTHING! And eating EVERYTHING! I'm starting to really lean more and more towards "big people" food- and less towards "baby" food. He loves chicken, salmon, beef, whatever you can give him... all veggies, fruit, snacks, etc. I love this age when they aren't picky about food, and genuinely enjoy it!

He has 4 teeth through- 2 top, 2 bottom, and looks like the 2 on the bottom on either side of the center ones are starting to come through now too- not a break in sight!

With our first taste of cold weather, I'm scrambling over here. I was soooooo looking forward to fall weather, but we seemed to have gone straight from upper 80's to highs in the mid 60's today- and we're FREEZING! I haven't quite figured out what to do with Chase at night since we aren't quite prepared to turn on the heat (low's in the 40's)- since the house will maintain in the 70's with the windows shut (but we're used to the house being between 78-82), so trying to keep him warm overnight without letting him sleep with a blanket is a challenge... not sure how to do this yet.

Oh, also had a chance to be reminded just how much perspective I've lost on how big he is now... met Baby Braelynn yesterday- and holy cow! She's a good 7 lbs- so about twice the weight Chase once was- but I was dumbfounded at just how tiny she was... Then holding her, and getting to feed her, I was in awe. Makes me snuggle our little boy and beam with pride at how far he's come.

(baby Braelynn)

Frankie Blue Eyes

Alrighty then... this is what being awake since 4am gets ya... I've been going through photos to put onto a digital keychain for my mom (someone gave it to her- my gift is the labor to upload all the pics- haha)... anyhow- since all of a sudden our PC took a crap (after I JUST transferred all my photos off my laptop onto the PC- seriously???), I have to go through all my online storage places (i.e., Photobucket, Shutterfly, etc).

Anyhow- came across a folder of pics I completely forgot about- some of my old baby/kid pics- and wouldn't ya know?? Yep- that's right- I had blue eyes FOREVER! At least through a year... Hmmmph... and- we were observing the other day that Kaely's eyes are changing- don't get me wrong, I doubt they'd be green, but she's getting gold/green around the iris. This is sadly where nature's vanity takes over. I don't want my kids to look anything like me, with perhaps the exception of my eyes- because that's the one thing I kinda like, and it'd be nice to see a little bit of me in there :)

(circa 1981-1982)

But this picture made me laugh, because aside from the blue eyes- the serious/solemn look screams of Chase. Chase looks sooooo much like Dave- but now I'm seeing more of me too- and it's downright scary! Just for laughs...

Happy Sunday everyone!

Pumpkin Sweeties :) Part I

Alright- Dave and I picked up our pumpkin almost a month ago now, but I'm determined to wait so we can carve it together as a family... well... maybe this weekend?

In the meantime, Raeshel got pumpkins for herself, Nathan & Kaely to do... so I thought I'd hang out and watch them play- these boys wanted to eat the darn thing- seeds, guts, and all... looks like there will be a "Part II" to this since no one really finished their pumpkin before dinner time- but the pics were funny, so I thought I'd share :)

It's Official!

This describes a few things this week...

Dave is officially back here at "home" now! Most definitely not gloating, just humbled and excited and grateful... I feel like a million pounds has been lifted off my shoulders... and so far? not negative adjusting pains- all quite enjoyable to have him here again... didn't realize how much I missed him here until I have him again :)

Also "official"- Chase is outta here! I have officially kicked him out of my room- and into his own room. I cringe at how the evening is going to go, sharing the room with his cousin, and the middle of the night awakenings... but... I need sleep! and to feel like a grown-up again... and he needs to be on his own a bit more- I will admit to spoiling the heck out of him.

(Kaely's self-portrait yesterday with Chase... goob)

Another official- Baby Girl Braelynn was born yesterday afternoon- a healthy, beautiful 7 lbs 1 oz (I think), 20"...and gorgeous! Congrats Aunt Heather & Uncle Wade!!!

The other "official" news- is that many years later from my original goals/dreams- I am going to be a "Gator!" I start in January, got my official acceptance yesterday/today... and man, I have to get used to juggling the schoolwork again with the baby stuff- but I'm stoked! No, none of this was my original plan- but I don't think I've ever had an "original plan" come to fruition. It's all good though- most of the unexpected or alternate plans tend to be far better than the original anyway :)

So... on that note, I will get back to trying to get the house cleaned, bake my pumpkin bread, and get ready to get Kaely from school (it's early day!)... I love October! I'll part with the inevitable bathtub pics... you know they had to share one sometime- just for fun, and to fight over the duck :)

Satisfaction

As we were driving back from dinner last night, I couldn't help but have a smug feeling of satisfaction... We had a business dinner to go to, and for the first time dropped off Chase with someone- my sister, but still... I was much better at not feeling too apprehensive and worrisome while we were out, but that feeling never fully disappears. When we got back to get him, he was asleep, and when he saw me he squirmed and stretched until I grabbed him- and he was so sweet and happy! Sorry, but it's still the best feeling to know that no one can replace "Mom"...

He does continue his game- if you will- of asking him to say "mama"- and he grins and says "dada"- UGH. But... he does say it when he wants to- little butt.

Kaely had some fall photos done- I can't believe how big she is now! I mean, I see her everyday so seeing photos like these make me see her in a different light. Time is just escaping me!

Fortunately today we woke up to absolutely gorgeous weather! The first "cold snap" since spring... a whopping low in the mid-60's! haha. But makes me so happy to open up the windows and try to clean up some... that and swing by the awesome French bakery and wait around for my choquettes... yummmmm... Happy Sunday!

As Promised... Meet Jack :)

Jack O' Lantern that is... Eighty photos later... we finally got some pics of the fang-like teeth :)

and... the trouble maker continues... don't mind the sound of me yapping, one of the videos I try to send to Dave while he's at work- but THIS KID! AHHH! He got his toy stuck on his leg- this went on for a good minute before the video...

Then this past weekend, Dave let him play with his phone- and moments later apparently downloaded a navigation app that costs a bundle every month. 30 minutes later being transferred to 3-4 different customer service representatives before getting it cancelled/removed/credited...

This kid is nuttin' but trouble :)

Wreaking Havoc

The sleep-typing continues... ;) With teeth and/or growth spurts, our boy is still getting up 2-3 times a night, and has definitely not been feeling great. By the time we get somewhat near completion of our chore list, combined with the fact that it's dark by 7 pm now, we're all passing out by 9 pm :) Where on earth do the days go??? I think how I was just writing and posting pictures last week apologizing for taking so long, yet here I am again! I have to laugh thinking it was a year ago sitting in class, trying to plan on the move to Miami, Chase's birth for February, etc., talking about how bored I would be staying at home, not in school... ha! But as my sister clarifies- I create the chaos and projects on my own... perhaps...

But, having extra people around definitely makes things more interesting- and things like reading or taking a bubble bath seem a distant memory. Not complaining- just noting :) So last Monday my sister wanted to tackle the giant that is Ikea. She was looking for a computer desk and a couple other things- and man- it takes so much energy to gear myself up for that. However, Chase had fun- the carts move in such funky ways that we played "race car" throughout most the store... before you knew it, by the time we got home, Monday was nearly over. Saturday she conned me into garage sale-ing... but totally worth it for all the "big boy" toys for pennies! We had visits with and to family all week, and plenty more to plan on for next week.... 

I also wanted to try to spend some quality time with Kaely since I haven't had the time/energy/patience lately... so we went out the other day, let her have $2 to spend at Bath & Body Works (she loves the hand sanitizer stuff), used a coupon I had for a free travel item, and she was peachy. She had to show off her new boots too- all prepared for fall/winter- give her another year or so and I'll be able to steal her shoes- sweet!

To finish her "to-do list" we had her social studies project, plus some more decorations to do. She also braved a trip to Publix with me on the bike the other day while Chase hung out with his aunt... it was kind of interesting traveling with groceries... next time I'll try to remember not to pick up bags of potatoes and canned goods. Whoops.

Also had to finish up the pair of shoes for Chase's "Aunt" Jen for her Halloween costume- these things took forever!!! I think the time I may normally try to read or even (gasp!) nap would be spent then, but that's okay- it was a lot of fun in the long run... crazy!

Thanks to the ongoing Presidential Debate stuff, I missed out on the one or two shows I wanted to watch Thursday night- instead ended up watching some new show that premiered, and in the process, fell in love with this dress the character wore... remembered I had a similar dress project I started 2 years ago, but was tucked away, so pulled it all out, and am starting on that again. Ahhhh, and changed the "middle room" around once again- was so excited about getting a small desk at Ikea to put my sewing machine on, organized all my sewing/craft/paint/etc stuff... Poor Dave- but at least the room is being utilized! 

The boy continues to get into everything- the need for additional baby-proofing is apparent- so he gets trapped while I'm trying to cook or clean in the kitchen. Yesterday we split the chores- I wanted to tear up the yard (eventually we'll be putting new sod down), but I also wanted to make this recipe that was emailed last week - Emeril's Pumpkin & Sage lasagna... Due to the random ingredients, the cost, etc- I procrastinated- but my sister insisted. I love to cook- really- but this recipe took me from around 9am until around 3pm before it was done. Seriously. I am sure there had to be quicker ways, but real pumpkin takes forever to prep, plus all the other things I didn't think about... but... it was pretty darn good. 

As always, it amazes me that it's Monday morning, and I was so swamped last week, but am not entirely sure what all we did. LOL. I have tried getting a good picture of Chase's jack-o-lantern look - with his top tooth almost all the way down, and his other top tooth still trying to cut through (it's been pressing against his gums, nearly transparent for almost a week)- causing all sorts of havoc. The look, though, is priceless. I'll get it sometime soon, I swear! Hopefully this week will be a little calmer, but with Kaely's field trip and fall festival at school, I doubt it :) It's okay though- never a dull moment!

Nature of Relationships

Ahhhh... reminds me of premarital counseling (Hi Jay!)... first and foremost survival tool? Communication! I've been realizing lately  how our methods of communicating have to evolve as we get older. Not just marriage/romantic relationships, but between our children, adult siblings, parents, and heck, even our pets :) As I realized this weekend, sometimes it's hard when interacting with siblings, to remember that we are grown adults with children of our own, and you'd think that the same old arguments over who has to unload the dishwasher wouldn't exist. Or to be able to talk about things without the same sarcasm, joking, or competitive manner that we did as kids. Huh. Definitely a work-in-progress in order to evolve!

My sister was brave (crazy) enough to volunteer to walk the dogs with two babies the other morning- and as much as I love our dogs, I am NOT the Dog Whisperer, and they are not always on their best behavior, so I have to say communication was key in this situation as well. Surprisingly, they all behaved and no one came back crying :)

We decided to spike the hair for fun yesterday- and the different looks I got from Chase had me cracking up... the way he interacts with everybody- each individually and uniquely- always makes me take a step back and appreciate how early relationships develop. You can even see in the pics how Nathan is open and curious, trying to touch and discover... where as Chase looks (glares) and is territorial (get off my toys!)... ha!

The rest of my observations were with family at brunch... my baby brother & his girlfriend, my sister and her guy, my other sister & Nathan, Dave and Chase, me and Chase, the three of us, all of us with Mom, etc... like a flip of a switch we each interact differently- even in subtle ways- and I can't help but be entertained :)

Family!