Cooking 101

Tonight I am throwing a Pampered Chef party and as I was making the desserts, Ethan spotted me eating the leftover whip cream cheese mixture. Once he saw that he immediately requested that I give him some too. So there we were taking turns on the kitchen floor at 9:00 in the morning enjoying the leftover mixture. Our cooking lesson for the day is you must always enjoy the leftovers especially when it is with a cute 1 year old that just happens to love sweets.

By the red stain on Ethan’s shirt you can see what happened to some of the strawberries that were supposed to be used as garnish.

Enjoying the warm weather

Wonder where I could put this?

Dirt doesn't taste like choclate!
hugging his buddy

All tuckered out

Since it was such a beautiful day today, we spent the afternoon playing outside. Obviously Ethan had so much fun running around and playing with the neighborhood kids that as soon as he was finished with dinner there was just no time to wait for his crib.

Under the Sea

Today we went to Kentucky with some friends of ours to check out the Newport Aquarium. Ethan enjoyed looking through the glass at all the different sharks and fish. He also got a chance to touch a baby shark but was more interested in the pool of water than the shark. I think Eric and I were more excited than he was. But once we got to the rainforest section he wasn’t too happy about the birds flying and landing right next to us. We tried to get him to pet one and he just wasn’t for it. Other than that, we had a great time!

One nasty stomach flu!

For two days Ethan was not feeling well and just couldn’t keep anything down. Because of that he got so dehydrated that he needed an IV with fluids put in. He was so upset and just really whimpered the whole time. But by the time we left he was looking a lot better and we just had to ride it out. There were a couple more incidences where whatever he ate or drink came back up but by the fourth day he seemed to actually want to play with his toys and was acting a little more like himself. I just hope after the stay at the hospital and doing 20 loads of laundry that we are out of the woods!

How can I not climb it?

Silly mommy, leaving a box in plain site knowing that I am a HUGE fan of boxes!!

Visit from grandparents

Ethan got a visit from his grandparents this past week. He enjoyed having them here and really was able to get his way a lot more because he has figured out that when it comes to him, they can be big pushovers. Since we had babysitters, my parents also treated Eric and I on a night out by ourselves. We went out to dinner and to the movies. It has been the first time since Ethan has been born that we have been able to actually go out on a date. It was really nice and I think that we might do it more often. However, the best part of the night is when we made it home right before Ethan’s bedtime. He was so excited to see us coming through the front door which made the time away from him all worth it!

Before Grandparents Visit~ Crazy Hair

After Grandparents visit~Nice and clean cut

Way of life for a military spouse

I was recently sent an email that contained a website about a young woman that marries into the military and writes cartoons on how her life has changed and shows the comedic part of having an unusual lifestyle. She publishes one every Sunday and has many under archives. It is quite hilarious and I can relate in many ways. Of course seeing how it is related to the military it does contain many of the wonderful acronyms that may not be known by the average person. Therefore, if your not military and don't understand some cartoons, sorry. You can access the website under my links, Military Spouses.

Videos

It has been a while since I have put up any videos of Ethan. Therefore I have three of them: Bounce, Truck, and Ring pyramid.

Many faces of Ethan

Healing

I could’ve acted like nothing has happened and continued to post things related to Ethan especially because he is so cute and brings such joy to our lives but that is just not who I am. As many of you know I am a very open, loud and have a ‘what you see is what you get’ personality. I have never been one to sweep things under the rug and find it difficult to start now. Eric and I know that life is a rollercoaster and is filled with ups and downs. We have many ups in our lives and feel very fortunate that they out-weigh the downs. However I have always felt that you have to acknowledge the downs in order to truly appreciate the ups. I am very fortunate to have such a wonderful husband and son which help me get out of the bed each morning.

At a routine doctors appointment the doctor was unable to locate the baby’s heartbeat. After 3 ultrasounds and 2 doctors later it was labeled as a miscarriage. Being that I was already in my 2^nd trimester it was recommended that I have surgery. My surgery was on Friday and I was home by noon. I am doing well and actually feel better than expected. Eric and I are just glad that it is over and happy that we can start to look toward the future instead of dwelling in the past. Of course, we had tons of support from our family and our friends that we truly appreciate. We are enjoying the precious moments we have with Ethan and know that there will be more memories to come with other siblings. We believe that everything happens for a reason and that only God knows what is best for us.

Bone Chilling

Outside right now it is a -4 and if you factor the wind chill it is -21. Basically, we are freezing our butts off and really don't want to leave the house. I feel bad because Ethan has been cooped up in the house for so long and we can't wait for spring to come so we can actually play outside and use up all that energy.

Comfortable as can be!

Bye Bye Bottle...I'll miss you.

The bottles have been cleared away and replaced with sippy cups!!! I am glad to say the transition wasn't too painful and hopefully it didn't scar Ethan too bad. Plus, I think he enjoys the sippy cup because it is more mobile than a bottle. He is constantly moving about and has found a hiding place behind the TV. When I start telling him to get out of there he will crouch down and close his eyes thinking that if he can't see me, I can't see him. It is so cute the way his mind thinks.



Helping Daddy build the office chair. He wouldn't let go of the screwdriver.

Almost there!

Without a notice Ethan has said goodbye to his bed time bottle. It seemed like he didn't even notice that we switched it. I think the last time we tried to switch he wasn't feeling well and just wasn't ready to lose something of comfort. Therefore, we held off until a couple of days ago and he has done a lot better than expected. I think he has also realized that the sippy can hold the same stuff as the bottle. We are in the final stretch and hopefully we will soon be saying bye-bye.

This past weekend Ethan went to his first bowling alley. We went with some friends of ours and their son who is 1 month younger than Ethan. We didn't know how the boys would act and I just kept thinking that Ethan was going to be running down the lanes towards the pins. Thankfully, Ethan enjoyed watching us and then would clap afterwards. He would try to follow us to the line but with my fear of a ball to the head; he was kept off of the platform. On the lane next to us there was a family that had an 18 month old little boy who was bowling. I couldn't believe it because he didn't look under the age of 3 and he even picked up my ball by accident to bowl with. I can't wait until Ethan can join us in all the fun, but I will be amazed if he starts to play at 18 months!

Digging Out

We got about 4 inches of snow this morning. We desert people are freezing and are surprised by the amount of snow. Here are some pics of Ethan playing.

Addicted to Nilla Wafers

Last night I hosted a Creative Memories party and the dessert I was making had Nilla Wafers in it. Of course, Ethan got to have one and instantly become addicted. He will show me which cabinet the wafers are at and once I play dumb about the cabinet being locked he shows where the lock is and gives me a look that says “You open this cabinet any other time, you can open it now". Once I do fold and get the box out he is happily moving his head up and down, giggling and already reaching for a wafer. It is so cute when he moves his head in the "yes" motion and it has really helped on figuring out what he wants. Ethan has also understood that when I say "pa pa" it means we are going to eat some food and follows me to the fridge. Then once I tell him to go to his highchair, he will walk over to it and impatiently wait for me to put him in it. He has also realized that the things you wear on your feet are called shoes. If we are leaving I will tell him that it is time to go bye-bye and he needs to go and get his shoes. He looks down to see if they are on his feet and once he notices they aren't he will see where I am pointing and then goes and brings them back to me. He has also mastered that the proper way to get off of the couch without falling is to turn around and slide down feet first. Yet, he hasn't learned how to get on the couch, but that doesn't mean he isn't trying.
I am amazed at what he knows and really do underestimate him sometimes. It is when the mischievous boy kicks in and starts to feed Jager his toys after being told for the 100th time not too. He will wait till I am not looking and then when I go to get whatever toy out of Jager's mouth; Ethan is already running away with this guilty smirk on his face, looking for a new toy to tease the dog with, ugggh!

Daddy goofing around with Ethan.

Staying strong

With the New Year there were three things that I wanted to get accomplished with Ethan.

1. Change from formula to milk--Done! That wasn't hard. He is a milk baby all the way and doesn't even notice the difference.

2. Change from baby food to table foods--Ethan did that for me by protesting baby food so no fuss there.

3. This is the KILLER, weaning from the bottle. --I have him doing good during the day but I have no clue how I am going to get him to stop on his morning and night time bottles. I have tried giving him his sippy cup at those times and he will push it away and won't calm down till I get a bottle. We are going to need to work a little harder!

Happy Birthday Ethan!!

Yesterday Ethan had his very own 1st Birthday party. We invited a couple of friends over who have children right around Ethan's age. We had a so much fun watching him eat his cake and open his presents. He wasn't really into getting dirty with the cake but really liked the icing. I wanted it to be a special cake since this was a very speical birthday so I made him a homemade rocket ship and although it may not look like Martha made it, it is the thought that counts. (Don't laugh) Our living room is bombarded with gifts from Christmas and his Birthday that he is set for a whole year. Thanks Everyone!





This is one of the presents that Eric and I got him, a radio flyer wagon. Now if only the weather could get nicer, we could use it.

Ethan turns the BIG 1!

Today is Ethan’s Birthday. I can’t believe that he is 1. Where does the time go? He has gone from rolling, sitting up, crawling, and walking all in one year! A year ago we were in the hospital impatiently waiting for him to arrive. Once he did arrive, we were so amazed of the little person that we had made. He has tremendously changed our lives in this one year but it has only been for the good and Eric and I would do it over again in a heartbeat. It’s not to say that there weren’t obstacles or times of uncertainty but that is what makes parenting unique. We will always be blessed that God gave us such a wonderful son!

Today we went to Ethan’s 1 year well baby checkup. Ethan enjoyed the fish tank in the waiting room and I enjoyed seeing all the cute newborns and remembering when he was that tiny. We learned that in one year Ethan has put on 14 lbs, and has grown 10.5 inches since birth. Unfortunately Ethan had to get 5 shots and they even had to draw blood. I understand about the 5 shots because of the chicken pox and the flu shot along with his normal ones but I couldn’t believe that they needed him to give blood. The doctor assured me that it is always done at 1 year to see if he is anemic and it would be pinprick. Once we got to the lab, the technician said that the doctor told a small fib and that they needed to go into his arm vein to fill a tube. When Ethan gets his shots I don’t get that nervous but when he started the needle on his tiny arm, I started to cringe. I have had blood work and it never bothered me but seeing him go through it was a little nerve wrecking. Of course, Ethan barely flinched and the tech made me realize that I was more freaked out than Ethan was. Oh well, he is my baby! Below are some pics of Ethan today and some when he was a newborn, to show how much he has changed in this one year.

Also, today is mine and Eric's Wedding Anniversary- 3 Years

Such a big boy!

4 days old, such a cutie!

2 days old, coming home.

Back to School

With enough delays and excuses Eric finally accepted the fact that he had to go back to school. The 10 week courses seem to be taking a toll on him. I have never seen Eric study so much. During college Eric was one of those lucky kids that always got A's without ever picking up a book. However, all of the reading that is assigned keeps him busy. With all of the pressure to get good grades it is a struggle to divide time between family and school, but we do the best we can. However I think Eric will do fine on the future semesters because he got a 4.0 on his last semester. I just keep reminding him that Graduation (March 08) will be here before you know it and we will be shipped some where else.

Thankfully Ethan is doing alright and is no longer having any sickly symptoms. It seems that we couldn’t catch a break; he was either throwing up or running a fever during December. However, now he is doing fine and acting like his normal self. I think the fever is due to new teeth coming in because he now has 6 teeth and is cutting the fangs. I just keep the orajel on hand at all times. With the new teeth, Ethan decided to put up a strike on baby food. Therefore we have started to give him regular foods and he has been doing great with it. It has been a lot easier than I expected and he seems to enjoy it a lot more. He really likes Spaghetti!

I am just busy trying to keep up with our home, scrapbooking, hosting some parties and planning Ethan's 1st Birthday party.

We hope that everyone’s New Year started out great and that the year continues to be good to you.

1st Christmas

We had a wonderful and a unique Christmas. We were able to visit our families and friends. We had such a great time and Ethan did really well on the flights to and from Alamo. I am just glad that everyone got a chance to be apart of our special Christmas and for Ethan to get re-aquainted with his family. We finally got to eat some homemade mexican food which we have been craving since there isn't much of a selection in Ohio. Our families were so great with our busy schedule and Ethan's early rising ( 2 hour time difference) It was truly wondertful to be home, Thanks Everybody!


Picture with Santa--Ethan's Grandpa Dan who has been dressing up for 8 years to hand out candy canes in front of his decorated house which won "best lights" in our home town!! Ethan in his Christmas Suit.
Ethan loves him some sugar cookies!!
More interested in the ribbon than his gifts

Ethan's 1st Haircut

While we were down in Alamo, Ethan got his 1st Haircut. Since he missed his morning nap I thought he was going to be fussy but I guess the haircut made him relaxed because he started to fall asleep. Eric had to hold his head up for him. What was even more special is that he got his 1st haircut from his Grandpa Jerry who is a Barber. I think it looks great!!

Alamo, here we come!

We are so excited to be going home and can't wait to see our families. Before we go we want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!!!!!

Our Family Christmas

We had our own little Christmas last night because we won’t be here for the holiday, since we will be leaving for Alamo on Monday. Ethan still wasn't in the greatest mood but he did fine opening his presents. Once he would open a gift he would want to continue playing with whatever the toy was. We had to show him that you keep opening the gifts to see what you have gotten and then play in the end. He wasn't too happy with that idea so Mommy helped him open his presents. By the end of the night after wrestling with the toy packages and scavenging for batteries, Ethan was more interested in the box that was shipped in from his grandparents then the actual toys that came in it. Oh well, all that a matter is that we were together and that if he is happy, we are happy!

Help!

Now, I can truly sympathize with other parents about doctor visits. Ethan was doing so well since my last post but then it just went downhill again. I was so sick of talking to a nurse on the phone and there not being any available openings with this pediatrician that we finally went to the ER. I thought surely they may be able to help, I knew that they couldn’t totally stop Ethan from throwing up but maybe they could tell me what I could & couldn’t feed him, or what I could do to make it easier on him. Of course my expectations were smashed when the physician’s assistant told me that since Ethan was not looking sick he must not be sick, not to give him any formula, handed me a sheet of information and then we were scooted out the door! How can you not give a baby any formula? I threw out his advice with the piece of paper and made an appointment with the pediatrician for this morning. I made it clear that I did not want a nurse or the assistant, I want the actual doctor! We did meet with the real doctor and after explaining that just because Ethan is walking around with a smirk on his face does not disguise the fact that he was throwing up gallons, has a decreased appetite and it is turning our house upside down. I wanted answers and not the turnaround! Thankfully, the doctor must have dealt with others like me because he was great, answered all of my questions and even contradicted the doctors in the ER. We left the hospital with so much more information and actually felt better on how to treat this flu. I just want Ethan to get better and back to his normal self.

On a lighter note, Ethan is doing so well at walking! He looks so cute waddling everywhere.

Sick baby

Yesterday Ethan kicked off his 11^th month with a bang, the morning bottle of milk that he enjoyed ended back up and all over Eric. For some odd reason he couldn’t keep any fluids or solids down. I called the doctor and they told me that it was the stomach flu and that they couldn’t really do anything and since he wasn’t running a fever it just had to run its course. They said just to keep fluids in him and it should only last 24 hours. Therefore we just kept giving him fruit and diluted Gatorade and I kept busy washing his clothes and bathing him. But just like they had said within 24 hours he was doing much better and was drinking and eating normally. On the other hand, Eric got sick and we had to experience the whole ordeal over again. Thankfully baby and Daddy are doing well and hopefully this flu has left our house for good!!!

Walking Fool

Ethan is getting much better at walking and seems to be doing it more than crawling. I am sorry if the video seems dark.

First Snow!!!

He enjoyed crawling in it and even ate some snow!

Faker

You could never tell that a second before this picture was taken; Ethan was throwing the biggest temper tantrum. Red scrunched face, tears, arms and legs wailing, and screaming so loud that it probably convinced the neighbors to think of moving. However once I pulled the camera out, a whole new Ethan takes over and becomes the happy sweet innocent child that you see. He will even sit still for me and watches the ready light. Afterwards he will grab the camera to see the picture on the back. How does he know this?!! I think we may take way too many pictures.

He also got his flu shot today. He is getting much better at shots, after a 2 second cry he was done and back to normal.

Frigid

We have been so spoiled living in the southern part of the United States. Now that we are in the Midwest, we are freezing. I guess with the greenery you have to take the weather as well. In the morning there was a little bit of snow on the ground but melted during the day. I can’t wait till it really dumps. That will be a fun day for Ethan and I. Eric as well because he will need to shovel it!

Eric wants to retire in Florida and I was always against it but now I think it may be a good idea. Gorgeous weather all year long and being so close to the ocean is very tempting. All I know is that I am not a cold weather person, desert or tropical for me!

Brrrrr...... Its Cold!

I am rolling!!

Eric's sister Danielle had this posted and it is so funny I had to share it. This is not the whole list, I had to cut it down. You Know You Grew Up In the 80's if:

You can sing the rap to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and can do the Carlton Eric and I can

Girls wore biker shorts under their skirts and felt stylishly sexy. What was I thinking?

Two words: Hammer Pants Eric has a pair from his younger days and someone else who is his best buddy. I will let you confess in due time.

If you ever watched "Fraggle Rock" We have fragile rock on DVD, true art!

You had plastic streamers on your handle bars... and spokey-dokes or playing cards on your spokes for that incredible sound effect It wasn’t a bike without them

You wore a ponytail on the side of your head. I actually have embarrassing photos showing this, my mom could whip up a sideways ponytail faster than you can say sideways ponytail.

You saw the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the big screen and still know the turtles names. , Raphael, Leonardo, Michelangelo, & Donatello

You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school. I am such a dork, I loved that game. I wonder if you can buy that now, hmmm.

You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side. Once again, there are photos that can be used for blackmail

You played the game "MASH"(Mansion, Apartment, Shelter, House) If I remember correctly it told you the place you would live at, husband, kids, car and it is killing me not knowing the last one…….UUGGGH

You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets and were proud of it. I always felt good in my jacket!!!

L.A. Gear....need I say more? Hello! They had the best sneakers!! Mine were purple and white

You wanted to be a Goonie. Who doesn’t?

You even wore fluorescent clothing. (Some of us...head-to-toe) My mother was afraid of me getting run over in the middle of the day. Well that is what she told me…..

You took lunch boxes to school...and traded Garbage Pailkids in the schoolyard. Eric still has his Garbage kids and will not part with them.

You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slap bracelets. Those are still cool

You have owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes. Really!!! What was I thinking?

You have got seriously injured on a Slip and Slide. Those suckers can burn your skin off.

You wore like, EIGHT pairs of socks over tights with high top Reeboks. They had to be a multicolored sock, now I think about it and it was the only way to make a fashion disaster worse

You know what it meant to say "Care Bear Stare!!" yes and you point your belly out to do it

You remember watching Rainbow Bright and & My Little Pony Tales. I still have not forgiven my mother for giving away my rainbow bright collection. I had the bed set, and all the dolls. It still hurts :(

You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool...and don't even flinch when people refer to them as "NKOTB" Enough said there

You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved By The Bell," The ORIGINAL class. Of course, who didn’t?

You know all the words to Bon Jovi - SHOT THROUGH THE HEART.

You just sang those words to yourself. Yes, I too was singing. It is timeless, how can you not sing it.

You remember when mullets were cool! As Eric puts it, “Business in the front, party in the rear!”

You tight rolled your jeans. Eric actually showed me how he did you do it. One more thing about my husband I did not know about

You owned a banana clip. I had more than one and they were different colors.

You're still singing shot through the heart in your head, aren't you! YUP!

Christmas Spirit

Even though we will not be home for Christmas, I still wanted to put up the tree and all of the decorations. It will be Ethan’s 1^st Christmas and ours as a family. Therefore, since it is a special holiday we are planning on having our own tiny Christmas right before we leave. Ethan has done real well on not touching the tree and hasn’t shown that much interest in it. The only time it catches his eye is when the lights are on.

On the other hand, Eric decided that since we weren’t going to be home he wasn’t going to put any lights up. That was until about every person on our block had their lights up. He gave in and embraced the Christmas tradition of decorating. As he says it, “I don’t want to be the only scrooge on the block”.

** 18 more days till when we will be in Alamo** I am so excited because I have missed our families and our friends, they are going to freak when they see how much Ethan has grown.

Movin' Along

Here is another video of Ethan taking some steps. Click here.

What do you mean he is not a baby?

Eric, Ethan and I were in line standing behind this mother and her 2 or 3 year old daughter. The little girl kept pointing at Ethan yelling “Baby, Baby”!!! Trying to get her mothers attention she kept yelling it louder. Finally her mother turns around and says, “Sweetie that is not a baby, he is a little boy”. I was surprised by that response because he is still a baby, well to us he is. He can’t walk, still eats baby food, and is not even 1 yet! However, the more I thought of it, the more I realized that he is growing and will be leaving his baby year behind to step into his toddler years. He has become so much more independent and enjoys doing things on his own without needing me like a newborn would. It hits me even more when I see newborn babies and hear that newborn cry. The funny part is when we left the line and were walking away. Eric turns to me and says in all seriousness, “Did you hear that woman say that Ethan is not a baby. When did he go from being a baby to a little boy?”