It was a Merry one!

D enjoyed his 2nd Christmas...much more so than his first. Although let's not forget the cuteness that was my two month old last Christmas:

D was just much more of a boy this Christmas - he's growing up so fast it's ridiculous, and looking so grown up these days.

Santa brought a few new things to D. Not too many as we knew "grandma santas" would be buying for him as well. Plus this is the last year that he really won't understand what day it is...nor will be able to shop WITH him and let him play with is toys in the cart :)

I mentioned a few of the books we got him in a previous blog - we ended up with one more (a 10 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed book that has "poppies" (like on bubble wrap except they work again and again). We also got him the Little People school bus - as he was completely infatuated with the thing at Target. Plus it's a trip down memory lane...even if I don't like it as much as the original version that many of us had as kids.

The "big" gift was something Dain and I were planning for him for a long time. And even though it wasn't pricey...it's large in stature and in awesomeness. He loves the thing. It was set up for him for when I brought him downstairs on Christmas morning...and he immediately dunked his T in it. Dain was so proud. Here's a little snippet of him enjoying it today

He made out like no other this year - with awesome gifts from aunts, uncles and grandparents. He got a bubble lawn mower from Uncle Evan and Aunt Marcy, his first Lego Duplos from Uncle Danimal and Aunt Stephanie, a recycling truck made of recycled materials from Aunt Theresa (soooo proud of that one!), a trike with a push bar from Grandma Denise and Grandpa Dain, too many books to mention from everyone (books are the best toy for him always) and a handmade rocking DINOSAUR from Grandpa Dan! It's unbelievable that he crafted this thing himself! We don't have a full-size shot and it was sadly too big to bring home right now (D's not quite big enough for it yet), but here's a glimpse. (His legs come no where close to touching yet, you can't tell from the photo but it's really tall). The rockers are bones! And we were informed by my 4 month old dinosaur-loving genius nephew Joey that this was a Brachiosaurus, not a Brontosaurus because of the bump on the top of his head.

It was 2 full days of festivities for the little man - and he was exhausted in the middle of it all. Here's him on Christmas morning waiting to leave for Grandpa Dain and Grandma Denise's house. (This exhausted face has only been through one of the days at this point!) He was so wiped and ready to fall asleep that he was just laying on the middle of the living room floor staring at the TV.

Here he is at the end of the two-day stretch, finishing up festivities at Great Aunt Patty's house. The face says it all...and it's my favorite picture from the holidays, and maybe ever.

Hope all your holidays were merry and bright - and you ended with more energy than poor D did. He loved every tired minute.

Steps

The man is taking steps! He's a walker now - for about 5 steps at a time. If you hold one of his hands and walk with him, he pretty much runs. This is bad. He's going to be a runner and tough to keep up with!

Also - on a SAD FOR MOMMY note - D no longer wants to be rocked to sleep. This makes me cry.

Nostalgia Again

Ha - Dain had no recollection of this commercial. He thought I was nuts when I heard the song playing on TV and started singing "and I would eat, my fries myself, and not give any, to my dumb brother..."



Dig the 80's dos and glasses too. This is a trip down memory freaking lane.

Ho Ho Ho

I'm still not done holiday shopping - and yes that date on the top of the post is correct - December 21st.

I am, however, done shopping for D. He's not getting a ton from us - as this is the last real year he'll know any different. However we got him a few things...including a few of his favorite things EVER...books!

Yep - on the list that's coming down the chimney this year were the following two books:
Spoon is a spoon who is feeling down because his life is not as exciting as those of his friends Knife, Fork, and Chopsticks. He covets their thrilling jobs and unique styles (“And Chopsticks! They are so lucky! Everyone thinks they’re really cool and exotic.”). As it turns out, the other culinary implements think Spoon is the one who has it made—who else gets to bang on pots, dive into a bowl of ice cream, or relax in hot cup of tea? Invigorated by these reassurances, Spoon can’t sleep and so hops into bed with his parents and, you guessed it, spoons. The details included in Magoon’s artwork are laugh-out-loud funny: in the Spoon family photo, black-sheep Spork can be seen looking woeful off to the side; there is a cute gag about a dish who ran away with a spoon; and the depiction of the Chopsticks as a couple of deadly serious ballroom dancers prancing around a plate of sushi is indelible. Rosenthal’s creation is adorable and funny and will be embraced by both children and parents. Preschool-Grade 1. --Daniel Kraus

Follow an eco-conscious super hero as he teaches kids how to recycle and reuse common household items! The six large flaps throughout show that oridinary trash is really a treasure. From turning old clothes into fun costumes or an old box into a brand new car, kids will learn that saving the environment is super cool!

Guess Who Loves Balloons?

Our regular trips to Trader Joe's have D looking constantly at the balloons they have all over the place - including the register. A few weeks ago the cashier offered one to D on our way out as she could see how enthralled he was with them. D's entire body lit up - and needless to say last weekend we came home with another free balloon, compliments of TJ's! Here's the happy camper now...


Oh, and scroll back down to the post about the tummy from last week...photo added per MULTIPLE requests from someone...MOM!

What your mom said...

My sister sent me this as an e-mail forward today - and it's hilarious. Someday D will claim that I said all these things I'm sure.

I Owe My Mother
**************************************

1.. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE .
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."

2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL..
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

4. My mother taught me LOGIC.
"Because I said so, that's why." ;

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC .
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident.."

7. My mother taught me IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS .
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISTS.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA .
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION .
"Stop acting like your father!"

15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."

16.. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home.."

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING .
"You are going to get it when you get home!"

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE...
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way."

19. My mother taught me ESP.
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"

20. My mother taught me HUMOR.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me.."

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT .
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
"You're just like your father.."

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand.."

25. My mother taught me about JUSTICE ...
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!!

And of course, I can't help but think of one of my favorite stand-up comedy routines of all time - Bill Cosby's "Himself" (which my family will attest to the fact that I can recite the entire thing). He talks about his mother - and if, God forbid, he was ever in a car accident she'd come to the hospital afterward saying "did he have on clean underwear?!?" He also talks about his wife, and how she 'talked to the ceiling' after the kids were sent to their room. "Don't you roll your eyes at me...I'll roll that little head of yours along the floor." HA!

New Trick

Next time you see D - ask him where his tummy is...

Best. Thing. Ever.

Rule to Live By

Hilarity on an old episode of the Simpsons...


Needless to say we sing this to D at bathtime now.

Holidays are for Giving

Today I signed up to sponsor an "angel" through the Salvation Army Angel Giving Tree.

The Salvation Army Angel Giving Tree online program (presented by JC Penney) is an online program that allows people from across the country to provide children and seniors in need with holiday gifts. These people would not receive holiday gifts if it weren't for the generous support of people around the country sponsoring one by one. The purpose of the program is to increase the number of people helped this holiday season by providing a convenient online program through which Angels can be adopted as the program itself has gone on for years...

I went to the site, entered my ZIP code, and found there were many angels in my area in need. I selected a 3 year old little girl who's only listed items are a shirt, pants and Dora :) (however, many kids have LOTS of items, and you are by no means required to buy them all the items or even follow the lists). I figured, even though we're by no means a wealthy couple, we can reach out and make a difference in that one little girl's life. For a very small amount of money on my end, she can have holiday gifts this year because of our efforts. When you select - they e-mail you the shipping address/drop-off address of the Salvation Army in your selected angel's area. That's the great thing - if there's no one in your direct area - you can pick an angel anywhere in the country! And, if you buy your angel's gifts on jcpenney.com - they'll ship them to your angel's Salvation Army branch for FREE. However - if you want to shop elsewhere - you can mail them yourself. I will most likely do that.

If you're interested in a fairly inexpensive way to really help someone in need this holiday season - look no further...
CLICK HERE

Yo Gabba Gabba

If you ever want to feel like you're on an acid trip...watch Yo Gabba Gabba on NickJr.
(Disclaimer to my mother - I have never been on an acid trip - just estimating that this is what the world would feel/look like).

We watched an episode of this OnDemand after being reminded for the 5000th by the media/society that this show is out there. This show is completely messed up, mind-boggling, annoying, simple, complex, fascinating, stupid, genius and captivating all in one. Seriously, someone was on some good stuff when they came up with this. Even their books are seriously crazy!

The episode we watched featured 90's music "icon" Biz Markie - however I've learned that this show has featured a TON of celebrity guests, including Elijah Wood, Tony Hawk and one of my favorite comedians - Jack Black. I love the pic below I found when searching for this:

So check it out - if you have kids, or if you don't. You'll never be the same.
And for the record, D loved it.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

This year, no surprise, I'm thankful for my happy, healthy, amazing boy. What a difference a year makes...

Last year - D was one month old and still on a monitor.

This year - I've got a big, strong 13 month old crazy man!!

Library

Does anyone else have a love/hate relationship with their library?

I seriously love the library - we've already gone over my odd love of books themselves, and my love of being surrounded by them. This seems to have passed on to my son - who LOVES books and would rather sit and flip through pages of books than play with any toy or stuffed animal. You also may or may not know that because I've become me-time-deprived and spend sooo much time in the car, that I have been listening to books on CD basically since I went back to work from maternity leave almost a year ago. I feel out of the loop sometimes, as I never listen to the radio anymore...but I love my books!

I've gone through the full gamut of genres and topics since that time, and discovered authors that I love, and some that I thought I might enjoy that I don't. I have discovered that I really (oddly enough) PREFER British accents by the narrators, am interested in a lot of non-fiction, am still obsessed with anything Jodi Picoult puts out in the universe, and sadly was interested through every disc of Tori Spelling's Mommywood. Right now I'm reading/listening to The Jane Austen Book Club, and I really like it. I heard through a co-worker that this was made into a movie - which she showed me at the grocery store - and I must reiterate how LOOSELY some books are interpreted for movies, just by glancing at the cover. However, that's not what this is supposed to be about.

About SIX MONTHS ago I put in a hold request for multiple books on CD that I want to "read", and...NADA from my library. Seriously, they have not said boo about any of the books - and I was never contacted.
Now, don't get me wrong, I love the library and my ability to read so many books that I would not be able to afford to purchase for myself (nor would I ever want to in a few of the cases). However - let's be serious. Don't give me the option to request a book from another location or give me the ability to put a book on hold if it's not freaking going to happen. That audio copy of The Red Tent can't be THAT busy, can it?

Good thing for the board book section of my library that D cannot get enough of...or we'd have a bone to pick :)

Prematurity Awareness Month

As you know - D was a preemie - born at 34 weeks.
November is Prematurity Awareness Month. You can learn more and help the fight to end prematurity at the March of Dimes website. (You can click the image below to go to their prematurity awareness site).


This video will tell you more...

I cry when I see the babies in the video...that mom at the isolette's side holding the baby's hand was me for a week in the hospital. D wore those cords and monitors, he had tubes in his nose & face, he had IV's in his arms, and he had the phototherapy lights on him as well. We were lucky as D had relatively small complications and did well...he was big and strong. Not all parents are as lucky.
We will never know why D came so early (I say he wanted to be here for Halloween), but hopefully we won't go through that again. And with the efforts of the March of Dimes, maybe someday we'll all know how to prevent premature births altogether.

Follow Up T

After I posted my blog last night - I looked on the Munchkin website - which is the company that makes the foam letters & numbers set that includes the beloved T. I had been on the site to get the photo of the product, but I wanted to look for a contact e-mail address just to get something a shot.

I sent an e-mail through their customer service, explaining my son's attachment and asking if there was any way to purchase a few of the T's. I knew it was a long shot...but offered to pay the full price of the set and really just wanted to see if I'd get a response.

I got this in my e-mail this morning:

Hi there Marie,
Thank you for contacting us, we recognize that customers like you have made Munchkin the company it is today, and we truly appreciate hearing from you.
Unfortunately, we do not sell individual letters or numbers from our Bath Letters and Numbers sets.
However, I have a few extra sets here and would be happy to send you any of the “T” letters that I can find.
If you could please provide me with your mailing information I will have the extra letters sent out to you.
Sincerely,
Amanda Maria
Consumer Relations

SUPER IMPRESSED WITH THEM! I encourage you all to all to try out anything from the Munchkin product line - I've been thrilled with their products - they're all "safe" - and clearly their customer service ROCKS!

Should Have Been T

Apparently "D" wishes his name was "T".

Kids attach themselves to stuff, I know this. However, for most kids it's a stuffed animal or blanket. But for my little bookworm...it's a letter.

Yep - we bought D some of the bathtub foam letters & numbers. (This is not a photo of D, it's the kid from the company's website). He loves them, and has a great time peeling them off the sides of the tub and seeing them float around him in the tub. He loves the T so much - he won't let go.

Yeah for some reason one night he took the T out of the tub with him to do pj's and bed. He let go for the night - but the next morning saw it and needed it. He puts the little red T in his left hand and just holds it there - doing everything else one-handed or with a fist. He'll sometimes switch it back and forth to the other hand, sometimes give it a chew or sometimes even hammer something with it. We take it with us in the car, he naps with it, and it sometimes even joins him for meals. I guess at the babysitter's house he doesn't really keep it with him because he's distracted by the kids - and he DOES forget about it when distracted or out and about.

Case in point: we went to Best Buy on Friday night - and D was carrying his T when we walked in. After about the 10th section of the store - we realize it's not in his hand anymore - and after I comb the store, we realize it's gone. We went next door to Target and bought another $5 set of letters to pull out the T (so I'll donate to someone's kid - let me know if you want a brand new set with no T).

My mom asked if he'd take another letter, like the I or the L. The answer = no. They are not red - and apparently don't fit in his hand like the good ole T. There was no way I couldn't replace it - as that night in the tub he would be searching through the 25 other letters and 10 numbers for that one, and we would have a problem. So unless I wanted to make all the letters disappear...we had no choice.

This wasn't a big deal - but today he dropped it in a store again (luckily we found it) and I fear I may need back-up. So, I'll probably have letter sets donated to both grandparents, all cousins and all friend's houses before we're done...I just hope none of their kids mind the missing red T. :)

Happy 6 Years

Happy 6 Year Anniversary to my hubster. I can't believe it's been 6 years since this:

We don't ever really celebrate - - however tonight we ordered Papa John's pizza. Mostly we didn't want to cook - but it was a nice nod to our college days. Papa John's was a staple in our diets.
We actually went to the Bulls game last weekend...which we're counting as celebration since it was our first real date night since D!

We also don't ever exchange gifts - but on Friday at my office - I got this from Dain:
It's even more beautiful in person. And it made a great addition to the ambiance in our house for the showing we had today (and there's one scheduled for tomorrow too!!) Cross your fingers all - the ultimate anniversary gift would be a sold house!

Photos for Grandma

Someone's grandma wanted some new pictures uploaded...I won't name any names.

Here's the results of the haircut...

Pre-cut profile:

And after...HE HAS A NECK!

When are you going to...

It always happens - you have a boyfriend and everyone asks when you're going to get married. You get married and everyone asks when you're going to have kids. You have a kid - and the kid turns one - and EVERYONE ASKS when you're going to have another one.

The answer is...not for awhile in my case. D is finally sleeping through the night, and is so much fun now we're not thinking about that yet. But it's not stopping people from asking. My boss even asked and I said if I could have a raise and a few days off a week I would :)

Anywho - I'm enjoying having a new nephew - a preggo best friend/sister-in-law - preggo friend from my last job - preggo friend in breastfeeding group - and seeing the new babies of my sister's in-law's and my old college friends through the glories of the internet. Someday we'll have more - but a few things in our lives will have to be different first. Until then - D RULES ALL!!

This blog is mostly just to say HOORAY that my child sleeps through the night now...it's got a nice ring to it, don't you think? :)

Cut Cut

I gave D his first haircut last night! :(

Okay - we DO want to let his hair grow out - but the back was growing much faster than the top - and he looked like he had a SERIOUS mullet - so I cut the back only and now it's almost the same length as the sides.

Photos later.

So weird though - giving my baby a haircut...

Flavia

Many of you may be familiar with "Flavia" art. This collection of inspriational art and writings is created by Flavia Weedn. Her work is very recognizable.

On D and I's last trip to the library - one of the board books we checked out was a Flavia book called "When I Grow Up" - and we LOVE it.

As we do with every library book we have for the week (or two week) stretch between visits - we read at least one of them in the bedtime book rotation each night. This book has made it in every night. It's a great book - only a few words on a page with Flavia's great illustrations.

When I grow up, I might be...a rainbow or a wise old tree. Maybe a fireman, or a nurse, or a doctor with an alligator purse. I could be a clown with a funny hat...or a red balloon, imagine that. I might be a drummer in a marching band, or the ruler of a magical land. When I grow up, my dreams will come true...because I'm special just like you.

I love that this book promotes imagination. If you want to be a rainbow someday - be a rainbow. If you want to be a red balloon - it floats with me. If you want to be the ruler of a magical land - rule on. Dreams are limitless...I want D to believe that his opportunities are too. In fact, I hope he becomes a wise old tree :)

This is Halloween

D survived his first "real" Halloween. He did great and didn't even hate us too much for the lobster costume.

We had a play date in the early afternoon with our old pals from breastfeeding group. It had been so long - it was great to see everyone. All the babies are so big - and there's only 2 of us left that are breastfeeding. One of the girls even announced that she's pregnant again!

Here's some photos from the play date:
D and his buddy LJ - who has been on the blog before...
D and his little girlfriend Ruby - these two play together so well!
Our attempt to get the 5 kids that were there to have a Halloween costume picture. Madness ensued...my child is on the move:

Then we moved on to "trick or treating" (3 houses) including a stop at Great Aunt Patty's - where we met up with the cousins Meyer...

D seemed so off in all the pictures yesterday - and we thought he would have a breakdown when we put him in the outfit again today for his 1 year pictures. On the contrary though! He took moderate pictures (okay still adorable) in his sweater and pants, but lit up when he was back as the crustacean! Get ready to see those pics. Seriously...unfair amounts of cuteness. Stay tuned...

1st B-day Par-tay!

We had D's first birthday party the day before his actual birthday - on a Saturday because, you know, the Bears play on Sunday. (Can you visualize the eye-roll that I'm doing right now?)

Our house was too too small for the event (we thought it would have sold already!) so we hosted at a room through the Geneva Park District. We chose Peck Farm Park on the far West end of Geneva. We rented the "Orientation Barn" (it's 3rd in the picture below) which actually is a corn crib for you farm kids out there.
The inside is completely redone and it was the perfect size and location for D's party.

We went with a pumpkin theme...everything was pumpkin. We had a pumpkin shaped cake (made by me!), orange plates/cups/napkins, a pumpkin Happy Birthday D banner (made by me!) and photos of the little man from each month of life mounted on pumpkin-print mats around the room. We had candy corn, green/orange streamers/balloons, pumpkin bars (made by my mom), hot apple cider and the AMAZING view of the forest preserve.

D had a good time. Spent the majority of the time playing on the floor with his cousins Amelia, Adam and Kellan. He was a bit overwhelmed by the gathering of people to sing Happy Birthday to him in his high chair - he stuck his bottom lip out and looked a bit like a deer in the headlights. However, he left the candle burning on his miniature pumpkin cake through the entire song. He ate some of his cake - but not until I cut a piece out of it for him.

He got some great gifts and we had a great time. I still can't believe he's one!

I'm hoping to post the video of the birthday song on here soon - and some more photos that my sister will send me because I didn't have much time to snap many photos...boo...so if you're reading Theresa - let's get on that eh?

Biggest Inspiration

Unbelievable. Do you watch The Biggest Loser on NBC? (I won't tell you what Dain's nickname is for the show...)

This show always inspires me - to see these individuals change their physique and their attitudes and their LIVES season after season is just amazing. It's must-see TV for me (or more like must-DVR TV since I no longer watch anything live). There are always such amazing people with extraordinary stories or situations, and they completely make over their bodies and souls.

This season on NBC is no exception. However, it has one person that took inspiring and unbelievable to a whole new level - Abby.

Abby is a teacher in her mid-30's who 2 1/2 years ago lost her husband, 5 year old daughter and 1 month old son to a car accident. In one fell swoop, everything was gone. Watching her featured parts of the show was an exercise for me...an exercise of emotions. They did an extended story on it a few times this season, and bawling was an understatement.

I'm including two videos below. The first is her "introduction" video that aired on the web before the show began. It briefly tells her story, just gives a glimpse - if you're at all emotional, don't watch or grab a tissue.


This next video is the "where are they now" video - as she was voted off the show on this past Monday's episode. Just watch a few minutes. It shows how she looks now and what she's doing...


WHAT? This woman is not only getting out of bed everyday - but she is getting out of bed and being a positive person and putting positivity out into the world. She's touring the US from what I've heard, and speaking to schools about second chances at life. Her story is literally my worst nightmare - MOST people's worst nightmare. When she got voted off, she thanked them so much for bringing the light back into her eyes. She said she felt like herself again, or at least was starting to. A huge group met her when she arrived back to her hometown and her parents & family thanked the show for bringing her back. She was so positive - and as you can see in the "where is she now" video - she's an inspirational speaker now. That's just plain amazing.

She makes me realize how lucky I am. Working full time, having a one year old that wakes up in the night, tight finances, not being able to sell our house and all my other "problems" are really put into perspective. This woman would probably give all her limbs to get up in the night with her little ones. She'd probably live in a cardboard box on the street to have her husband back. She would most likely take a 100 hour a week job just to have her family back. I can endure my problems - I'm lucky to have only my problems. I will forever be motivated and inspired by this woman from reality TV. I'm guessing you will be too.

One Year Ago

One year ago, I had a baby. I went in to the hospital to get checked at 34 1/2 weeks pregnant and came home 7 days later with a baby.
I went through the hardest experiences of my life that day...18+ hours of labor with Pitocin, a forced C section, getting my baby taken away as soon as I delivered with barely a glimpse, not seeing him for multiple hours then meeting him in an isolette with wires everywhere, etc.
I spent the 7 days that my baby was required to stay in the hospital there with him, in my own room Howard Hughes style, only shuffling back and forth to NICU for feedings every 4 hours with barely a nap or shower in between.
I came home with a baby on an apnea monitor which was attached to him and the wall at all times. After two months we bid adieu to the monitor - and I finally felt like I had a baby like everyone else did from day one - and then I was whisked off to full time work one week later.
After all we went through in the beginning, and all the hours of breastfeeding, milestones, viruses, tubbies, songs, cuddles and cries since - we made it a year. I can't believe it.
My life is changed forever. I worry like I never thought I could, smile like I never thought I could, cry like I never thought I could, and love like I never knew was possible. I have the best baby in the world (even if he still is up multiple times a night). D is the sweetest kid in the world. He amazes me daily - with his love of books that allow him to sit and flip pages for hours, his quiet side among a crowd yet his loud songs and words with just a select few, his eyes that have defined a new color of blue, and his peaceful smile that reminds me what is truly important in my life.
Happy Birthday to my little man. I can't believe one year has gone by.

D on day one:

D on year one:

Does it Count?

Does it count as "making" my son's birthday cake if it's a Duncan Hines mix?

Milk it

D's a year old on Sunday...WHAT?!? Yeah, 12 months old. Yipes! Who can believe it?

And, I have made it through 12 months of breastfeeding. WHAT?!? Who can believe THAT? Especially coming from the girl that spent a day on my first week home with D in the lactation consultant's office bawling my eyes out...and the girl that had to pump and give an ounce after every feeding for my preemie for his first few months at home...and the girl that pounded Fenugreek...and the girl that lived and breathed by how things went with the breastfeeding group.
More significantly, it's the same girl who went back to work when her baby was 9 weeks old and had to pump at least twice a day at work during her full time job over an hour from home everyday in order to keep up with her baby's needs. That girl, ME, made it to 12 months.

I can't believe I made it to my ultimate goal. I figured I would have had to abandon it a long while ago. And now it turns out I'm not even done yet! I am slowing down though. I'm beginning the slow process of abandoning my pump. I will continue to breastfeed as I can from home at night, and in the night (because my child never sleeps). I will see how long it lasts.

D can now try cow's milk products, and he did just that yesterday. We introduced YoBaby organic baby yogurt...and he loved it.
YoBaby yogurt is made by Stonyfield Farm, the leading organic yogurt manufacturer, committed to healthy food, healthy people, and a healthy planet.

The next thing coming up is milk - Organic whole milk. I'm adding a LITTLE to each of D's bottles (need it anyways, as I can't keep up anymore). We'll see how it goes. I'm hoping that his eczema doesn't get worse and it turns out to have been a dairy intolerance. Maybe he'll love it.
He probably will.

Walked for Hope

The Walk for Hope that I was doing fundraising and posted earlier about was this past Saturday. It was amazing. The turn-out was truly inspiring, not just for our 'team' but in general.

According to the website - the total raised was more than $57,000! About $2,000 of that total was Team Andrea! Go team!
Thanks to my generous family, friends and co-workers - I raised $315.00, and we contributed for registration - so all in all I feel great about the efforts. Dain, D and I completed the 5K walk on a beautiful, yet chilly, day - and loved being a part of it.

Here are a few great photos from the event:

D, of course, asleep at registration and the opening ceremony:

Some members of our team walking the walk:

Team Andrea - post-walk:

My family:

D and his cousins Kellan & Dylan:

Thanks again to all who supported our efforts!

Make Lemonade

Not too long ago I posted about a charity that used bake sales to raise money for childhood cancers. Turns out you can have a bake sale OR a lemonade stand to raise money for childhood cancer.

After buying a box of Mike & Ike's (one of my FAV candies) the other day, I discovered another unique charity that is most definitely blog-worthy.

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation first began in 2000, when a then 4-year-old cancer patient named Alex voiced a simple wish - she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help "her doctors" find a cure for all kids with cancer. The idea was put into action when Alex held her very first lemonade stand on her family’s front lawn in July of that same year. For the next four years, despite her deteriorating health, Alex held an annual lemonade stand to raise money for childhood cancer research. Alex raised a great deal of money through her annual stands, but in the early months of 2004, she set what to some seemed like an unreachable goal – Alex wanted to raised $1 million. Though her health was failing, Alex was determined to reach her goal, and when her parents asked how she would do it, she just said – “if people all around the country hold lemonade stands and send in their money, I think I can do it.” Alex was right, and during the weekend of her last lemonade stand in her neighborhood, thousands of volunteers of all ages from all corners of the country held lemonade stands, propelling Alex and her cause to reach $1 million. Shortly following, on August 1, 2004 Alex ultimately lost her life to childhood cancer, but her legacy of hope continues to live on through volunteers young and old.

This foundation is another inspiring organization - and it's easy to get involved by hosting a lemonade stand of your own - visiting one of their events - joining one of the walk/run benefits - visiting their online gift shop (guess where I'm getting my holiday cards this year?) - or even just donating online.

And the winner is....

Get ready for the cutest freakin crustacean in the US!

Pumpkin

We took D to the pumpkin patch - Sunny Acres - yesterday with Uncle Evan & Aunt Marcy. I love love love everything to do with Autumn and Halloween and pumpkins - so it was a great time!
Here's some highlights:

D on a massive hayrack full of pumpkins:

Uncle Evan loving the llama:

D's first fun slide & pony ride (against my better animal-rights judgement):

Growth chart "How Tall This Fall?" at Sunny Acres - yes I'm holding him steady:

The coveted pumpkin:

Dain's highlight? D discovered how to pick his nose - now it's happening daily:

Hunk

Who needs this?

When I have this?