Low Key Wednesday

My goal this week has been to get to Wednesday. Funny, usually my goal is to get to Friday but I had too many things going on and needing my attention on Monday and Tuesday to shoot quite that long-term. Today was (mostly) just relaxing.

I actually got to grab a quick nap this afternoon while Noah was down (I know it'll be the only one all week so it made me very happy) and then packed up the kiddo and the doggie and went out for a long walk. The much hyped "cold front" made its way in today and we only had a high of 85! So I decided we'd get out for a bit and enjoy the sunshine and less humidity. It was still hot, don't get me wrong, but it was bearable hot. The three of us enjoyed the walk but Mikayla didn't seem to be too happy about the exercise and I know I'm going to be paying for our little adventure all night. Silly back...

Noah did MUCH better with dinner tonight. Actually, he chowed down like no other. I made sausage cornbread stuffing and he was ecstatic. He ate any entire bowl full of it, even all the veggies. I was very impressed. With food we know he likes, it's not unusual for him to eat and eat and eat, but when I make something new or something he is not as familiar with, we sometimes can have a bit of a battle on our hands (see last night). He did so well with dinner I even cut him a piece of cheesecake for dessert. (It is in my fridge tempting me, might as well feed it to the kiddo and the skinny husband and stay away from it myself!) Right now he and Daddy are doing bath time. Grant taught him how to "scrub" himself, and they are working on scrubbing all his different body parts. My very smart kiddo can show you where his head, eyes, ears, mouth, nose, shoulders, belly, knees, hands and toes are! (We can almost do the whole song!) You should see Noah scrubbing his hair, it is too funny. I feel like he almost doesn't need me anymore... (Just kidding!)

Alright, heading off to relax a little bit and maybe talk my husband into make a slurpee run. Well if I don't eat the cheesecake, a slurpee is OK, right? hehehehe Off to the nephro tomorrow, hopefully we'll figure out the potassium issue then. Until tomorrow...

Noah, aka Joe Cool

He loves to sit in his chair and say "rocky rocky"

Noah and his cheesecake

30 Minutes Later...

Tonight has been the classic example of how fast things change around here. About an hour ago Noah and I were having a huge battle of wills over dinner. He was trying to convince me he didn't have to eat dinner by throwing it on the floor and I wasn't buying it... It ended with a "if you throw one more thing on the floor you're going to your room" followed by a piece of ground beef flying across my dining room. A temper tantrum throwing little boy was then put in his bed while this Mama massaged her temples wishing Calgon would come and take her away...

While Grant and I finished dinner (which was accompanied by the lovely screams of my sixteen month old) I stewed over the rest of the things I needed to get accomplished this evening before I could call it an evening. I knew I had yet to blog for the evening and it was looking like it was not going to be the most pleasant blog to share with you all. So as Grant cleared the table I decided that maybe I would make it an early bath time for Noah tonight to see if we could change the mood in the house.

Fifteen minutes later both Noah and I were laughing hysterically in the bathroom while he made quite the mess and splashed to his heart's content. Once he calmed down a bit when I let him escape from his bedroom, he decided that maybe he didn't have the meanest mommy in the whole world and we sure do have a lot of fun. And I reminded myself that while throwing food and refusing to eat is not acceptable he is only sixteen months old and most of the time he is a very good boy. Some days it can be so difficult to see past all the garbage (see last week for example :-p) and remember how truly blessed we are. Sure, he can be a pain in the butt, but he's my pain in the butt and I love him tantrums and all.

My day has been exceedingly busy with work, cleaning the house (multiple times, I think), visiting with the girls for awhile and getting dinner around before Grant got home while picking up the house and toys yet again :) There is currently nothing on the calendar for tomorrow (other than work in the morning) and I am really looking forward to having a quiet afternoon without anything that HAS to get done. Thursday it's off to the nephro who called me today to tell me my potassium levels are low again. Uggghh, hopefully we can get that under control....

Alright, Grant finished up bath time so I could come and blog, but I'm thinking now it's time for some snuggling with my favorite boys for awhile. Until tomorrow...

The great train disaster of 2009 at Gatchel Junction

Turning the Monday blahs into productivity!

I know I've said before that I'm not really a fan of Monday's. I don't look forward to starting my work week again, delving back into the 'same old same old' Not that there really ever is any 'same old same old' around here if I am being perfectly honest with myself. There is honestly never a dull day around here. But you know what I mean.

So today, to beat the Monday blahs I decided it was going to be a productive day instead. I worked this morning, fed the kiddo lunch and then we were off to the lab for some blood work. They managed not to turn my arm purple this time, so that's always an added bonus ;-) I see the nephro on Thursday so we have to make sure that my potassium and magnesium levels are good. My blood pressure is currently looking fantastic (knocks all the wood in the room she can find) so hopefully this'll be just another routine appointment.

After the lab we went to Aldi's. Which made me remember how much I like going to Aldi's. No, not for everything on my grocery list, but to stock my pantry with all those odds and ends that it doesn't matter what they are or where they came from anyway. And my freezer. And Noah snacks. And all kinds of other things, too. Plus those treats that sometimes I know I really don't need, but want anyway. I've had a strawberry pop tart craving lately. I got 12 of them for $1.25 and no guilt at all. It was great ;-) I need to go to Aldi more often....

Then Noah and I stopped at Wal-Mart quickly to pick up a few other things I couldn't get before (we avoided eye contact) and headed home. I know none of this sounds super exciting, but considering I did my grocery shopping for about the next 2 weeks, it was great! And I got home totally over my Monday blahs :-p

Alright, I have a feeling I'm just rambling (imagine that) and I need to finish supervising bath time right now anyway. Last I heard Noah was scrubbing himself... Until tomorrow then :)

Noah after he tried to lift Daddy's 16 lb bowling ball...

The partners in crime

Inquisitive Noah

Grant took this video the other day and wanted to make sure it got posted :) He thought cute Noah 'exploring' the camera was just too much! (And yes, that's me in the background being very noisy chatting with my Mom :-p)

Making the best of it

Today continued the week from you know where, but I'm trying really hard to embrace the positives of my day and try to let go of the negatives. So I'm not going to tell you about the crummy things that happened, we'll just gloss over that ;-)

I had an OB appointment today. Mikayla is still looking good. She's actually measuring about a week ahead at this point. And my blood pressure was relatively good (actually, for me and during this pregnancy, it was excellent). No complaints all around. (Well, at least not that I'm sharing here and bringing up again...)

Tonight is the Grey's Anatomy premiere (yay!!!) so when I got home from the OB's I started picking up the house since the Kunkle's are joining us and possible Miesje and Melissa, too. Anyway, when he got up from his nap Noah decided that he wanted to help me clean the house. You'll have to check out the pictures below to see exactly how he helped out. Classic...

Not too much else to share tonight. Grant's giving the kiddo a bath and I've got a few more things to finish up before we have company. I'll try to get some more posted tomorrow, but for tonight, enjoy the pictures.

Noah cleaning the toilets for Mommy!

He got really mad when I finally told him it was "all done"

Waiting for Daddy to come home

This just doesn't seem to be my day...

Have you ever just had one of those days that it doesn't seem like you can catch a break? I feel like this whole week has been like that so far!

Remember a couple of weeks ago when I blew a tire on my car? Since the spare was a full tire, we didn't have to rush out to get it replaced right away. But the car was in need of an oil change, so Grant took my car this morning (with the car seat in it) to Toyota for its check-up. I forgot he was going to have my car for the day, and hoped I could scrounge up something to make for dinner without running to the store... That and come to find out that they won't patch my spare tire because it's somewhat bald. So now my car apparently needs new tires....

For a couple of days now, the water pump to the well has been running at a near continuous pace. Grant said he was going to call the water system people to come take a look at it. I let him handle these things because the whole water system really just annoys the beejesus out of me. So he texts me about noon and says they are supposed to be calling him soon about when they can come out and take a look. Apparently, they decided just to call me instead. So I explain what I know of the problem to the water guy who has a fit and tells me if I don't shut off the water pump right now it could explode and we'll have to re-plumb the entire house. No pressure. This is all well and good but I have no idea how to turn off the water pump. I call my husband, who says don't turn off the water pump if you do they'll have to re-prime the well. Now I'm annoyed. I know little to nothing about the whole thing and I've got the supposed expert telling me one thing and Grant telling me another. So he says he'll call the water guy and get it straightened out. He calls me five minutes later and says he's coming home.

Grant shows up shortly before 1:30 with the water guy close on his heels. The water guy is the one who put in the really stupid water system a year and a half ago. (Really long story) and says the problem is with the well (he thinks) and we need to get someone else out here. But while he's here and just to make sure it isn't the problem, the annual maintenance needs to be run on the water system. We have been putting this off because when we originally put the system in they told us (or both of us remember it this way) that this was included. Suddenly, it's a $150 annual fee. Arrrrggggg... So on top of new tires, add this....

Then (see you thought I was exaggerating about it being a bad day) this still doesn't fix the problem with the well. So we call another well and pump guy who comes over and says it's a valve on the well, he has to dig it up and replace it. Fortunately this wasn't as bad as it sounds. But still, the whole well system is only 2 years old, what the heck??? He strongly suggested calling the builder to see who put the well in and see if these parts are still under some kind of warranty because this shouldn't have happened. Definitely thinking someone else needs to be paying for this whole fiasco...

Grant goes back to work, Noah decides he's not napping all afternoon and I did manage to throw dinner together. Right now the boys are off at Home Depot getting a filter for the air conditioner and food for the doggie. It's quiet, and I've got to admit, that's the best sound I've heard all day. Tomorrow has got to be better, right? We go see the OB tomorrow so I'm praying that this is the last rotten day of this week.

Only one picture today, but better than nothing, right? I'm eternally hopeful that tomorrow will be much better and things will start looking up. Until then...

Isn't he so cute?

'Smore Cookies

I'm not going to have much to say because I can't hear myself think over the screaming of the kiddo. He has been a royal pain all day and because of this I have a splitting headache and am completely out of patience.

Miesje and Coen came over and we made some cookies (yum yum yum) and then hung out here for awhile. Melissa and her baby-sitting charge Zack joined us for a bit, too. After they left I tackled some more of the weeds (ugh). Since then, Noah has been throwing tantrum after tantrum with no real cause as far as I can see. To put it nicely, I'm over it ;-)

I need to go and supervise bathtime and bedtime, so I'm heading out. Sorry for the short post, but wanted to make sure to get up something. Hopefully tomorrow will go better....

'Smore cookies

Noah enjoying his cookie

Coen got a cookie too!

Coen and Zack playing together

Miesje, Coen and Zack

Zack driving the car and giving directions to Coen

Noah and Mommy weed the flowers

I've admittedly been in kind of a funk all day. I'm not really sure why, woke up that way and haven't been able to shake my blahs. I'm missing the fam, I'm annoyed with how some people are being treated and my back is continuing to give me problems. Sounds like the set-up for a funk to me. Anyway, I'm trying really hard to blow off my funk, and hopefully it won't carry into my post tonight.

After I got off work, I decided that I'd throw dinner in the crock pot tonight. Somehow, come 6 o'clock when it was supposed to be done, the rice was still more than a little crunchy. We ended up having pizza.... Guess we'll have chicken and rice tomorrow night instead. Didn't help the funk, let me tell you...

When Noah got up from his nap I decided that we'd go out front and weed some of the flower beds. They were in more than desperate need. I have to say that sometimes when people have come over I've been embarrassed by how badly in need of weeding they were... But it hasn't been one of my priorities and even during those times other when my guests are walking up to the front door and I cringe a little bit thinking about it, it's not something that's been on my mind. Plus the heat has been more than a bit of a deterrent. But the high was only 88 today, so I decided to risk it. Plus the front of the house is mostly in the shade by mid-afternoon so it was actually kind of pleasant. Noah hung out in his exer-saucer eating cookies and milk for awhile and then was oh so helpful with the weeding. I was able to translate his new found joy of throwing things in the trash can into helping me throw away the pulled weeds. Over an hour later, we still hadn't finished, but he was getting restless. Pulling weeds is one thing, but pulling weeds and chasing Noah all over the front yard is completely another.... Hopefully I'll be able to get it finished tomorrow or Wednesday.

I did manage to dig the camera out today (man are you Grandma's pushy!) and found I had a couple of pictures from last week as well as a few from today. Hopefully it will calm the masses ;-) Until tomorrow....

Giving bedhead a whole new meaning...

Daddy's funny face

Mommy entertaining Noah at dinner

Wow Mom!

My little cheese

Definitely his Mama's kid...

Look Aunt Shellie, I'm practicing!

Happy Blog-o-versary!

Today is the one year anniversary of our happy little blog :) Just sending a special shout out to my Dad for giving me the idea to start this in the first place. I know I'm not always good about posting every day but I hope that if you're reading this you enjoying it :)

All that being said, I'm sorry I've been MIA for a few days. Thursday I took Noah to the zoo and met up with Miesje and Coen. We had a great time despite the heat. And the boys got to play in the water area for quite awhile because there wasn't a bazillion other kids to fend off. They really really enjoyed that. All that being said, I think that I over did it a little bit, and my back has really been bothering me since that. On Thursday night I wasn't really even able to move off the couch. If I haven't said it enough lately, thank goodness for Grant!

Friday night we went up the Hals' for the evening. The girls all went to dinner together and had some time for some good girl chat. Then back for some poker with the boys. Unfortunately Noah kept getting woken up while he was trying to sleep, so I ended up taking him home around 10:00 while Grant stayed and played poker. It was a fun night none the less.

Saturday was the Florida Family's Oktoberfest. I didn't get to partake in the drinking festivities, but had a good time anyway. We watched the Clemson game and fortunately Sarah was able to keep me up to date on the Michigan score via text messages. Then my boys and I came back and hung out here for the evening. Grant and I watched some football on and off, but mostly it was a quiet evening.

Today Grant went and helped one of his co-workers move to his new house this morning while Noah and I stayed home and cleaned the house and got the laundry finished. Noah really enjoys "helping" with the laundry. This is all well and good except his newest way to help is to throw the clean clothes in the garbage can. Grant and I then made the executive decision to go and get a garbage can with a lid :-p Not sure how long it will take him to figure out this one too (it's just like the one at Justin's house, people that live in Florida :-p) but I'm sure less than 24 hours... We were supposed to go have pizza with the co-worker that Grant helped move this morning, but it was a little too late for the kiddo, so I'm home with Noah, settling in to watch some of the Emmy's here shortly while Grant goes and eat pizza :) I suppose since he moved the boxes he should get to eat the pizza ;-)

Alright, I'm warning you now that I have not taken any pictures lately, so you'll just have to settle for the recap today. I will try to find and dig out my camera tomorrow. Until then...

Baby Ethan is Here!

I don't have lots to say tonight because the day has focused a lot around one thing - BABY ETHAN IS FINALLY HERE!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't have any pictures to share right now (there's one on my cell phone but I'm not sure how to get it on here, then) but we may go visit tomorrow and I'll try to take some pictures then. Here are the stats:

Name: Ethan Gregory Phillps
Born: September 15, 2009
11:30am
Weight: Just under 8 lbs
Length: 19 3/4

Beth, Kristina and I were able to go and see him for just a few minutes, so you'll have to take my word that he is absolutely adorable. He and Mama Giselle are doing well, though both are being treated for a fever that developed due to her water breaking and her being in labor for so long. We are so excited he is here :)

Congratulations, Giselle! Welcome to the world, Baby Ethan!!!

Impossible is spelled N-O-A-H

Is there something in the air today that is making my usually sweet little boy and absolute hellion?? He has pitched fit and fit, thrown numerous tantrums and just been all around a handful. Of course, now Daddy's home and life is good again. Arggg.... I hate being the bad guy all the time.

I'm not sure what his issue has been. Just general crankiness for the most part. I'm willing to ship him to the highest bidding grandparent at this point....

And it's not just N-O-A-H that's impossible. Mikayla is so much more active than Noah was at this point! She is a little mover and shaker. The other night I laid down and watched her kick the same spot repeatedly for a good five minutes. It makes me smile because it lets me know that all is OK in there, but at the same time, dang kiddo 3:00am is for sleeping!

So maybe the more appropriate saying would be impossible is spelled G-A-T-C-H-E-L K-I-D-S. They are both definitely earning the title today...

Otherwise nothing too exciting to report here today. Noah and I made a quick run to Wal-Mart (I've learned that the key is to avoid eye contact. With everyone.) this afternoon but basically just hung out around here for the rest of the day. I don't think I could have taken his cranky butt anywhere else if I had wanted to.

I need to go lay down or put my feet up or something before I really decide I've had it with the kiddo. Thank goodness that Daddy comes home each night eventually... Until tomorrow :)

A rare moment of cuteness today

This one's for Grandma. If you make it bigger you can see all the hair wispies. We're waiting for you to visit to do the official trim ;-) Oh, and also Grandma, he told me today he wants to be a hot dog for Halloween.....

Football-riffic!

What a weekend! I think it's going to take a whole week for my blood pressure to stabilize again! What a game! What multiple games, actually! Oy vey, I'm getting all worked up just thinking about it again :-p

If you have no idea what I'm talking about, you obviously didn't see the Michigan vs. Notre Dame game on Saturday. Grant, Noah (appropriately decked out in his maize and blue) and I watched, yelled through, squirmed during the entire game on Saturday afternoon. There was not a second until it was over (and not even right after it was over as there was some controversy with the clock) that I actually felt like I was breathing normally. What a game...

And then, because life is so good, Ohio State lost to USC! Grant and I watched most of that game, too. I gave up with about 12 minutes into the fourth quarter as I was sure Ohio State was going to pull it off. And what a wonderful surprise when I got up this morning to hear that they had been shut down. Evil cackles.... Still smiling about that one...

We've had a lazy Sunday around here, just hanging out, watching some football, playing with the kiddo and not doing anything overly exciting. It was a quite weekend, but actually it was really good. I like when there's nothing that HAS to get done or any place we HAVE to be.

Alright, I need to head out for the night. Noah is being really cranky and I think it might be an early bedtime for the whiny child. Until tomorrow then...

Noah ready to cheer for the Wolverines!

Content to just hang out in his chair

Noah the Rock Star

Last night some of the gang came over and the Carlsen's were gracious enough to bring their new copy of Beatles Rock Band for us all to try out. I have to say, as one who can 9/10 leave Rock Band over playing; it ROCKS! Maybe it's because I actually know all the songs. You know I must when I'm getting 98% on the hard vocals the first time through :-p Anyway, I had a blast and would really recommend the game for any true Beatles fans. The game creators did an awesome job expanding the scope of the game (you can sing 3 part harmonies on some songs) and also pairing the music with the Beatles look and feel at that specific point in their history. The characters look great and some of the videos are fairly trippy. Some of the guys were joking that they might have to re-apply for their clearance at Harris after playing....

So I made pizzas, we all hung out and played some Rock Band. Even the little boys got in on the action! Coen was playing the drums and Noah thinks he's a lead vocalist. You'll have to check out the pics if you don't believe me...

Not feeling so hot this morning, my back is still really acting up, so I'm going to cut this short for now. I'll try to get another post up later. In the meantime - GO BLUE! Noah and I will definitely be watching the game this afternoon. 'Til later...

Noah pre wound up Rock Star stage

The Carlsen's jamming

Miesje's a natural :-p

Noah getting ready to sing

"I am the Walrus"

Rockin' out

He was even dancing!

Noah the Giggle Monkey

Noah has totally been cracking me up for some reason today. He has just been in rare form, I guess. Most of what he was doing was probably not all that funny, it was just that he thought it was super funny.

I was on the phone with the office this morning, trying to have a productive meeting when in the background I hear Noah making that "farting" noise by blowing on his arm and then giggling hysterically at himself. I don't know if it was the noise or the feeling on his arm, but he thought this was a great new discovery! And him laughing made me start laughing, which probably isn't the best thing to do in the middle of a phone conference, but I guess this is just what happens when you work from home.

He then proceeded to run all over the house and literally run into the walls, fall over and laugh like that was the funniest thing ever. I have no idea....

We went to the mall and met up with Miesje, Coen, Melissa and Giselle (still no baby Ethan for those of you keeping track....) for lunch and for the kiddos to play for awhile. There was this little boy (probably four or so) that was enamored with Noah. They were "flying" the plane together. And this kid was so patient with Noah, and every time they "took off" off they would wave good-bye. It was too cute. Best part - this little kid in true pilot form went and got a pair of swim goggles from his Mom and insisted on wearing them because he was flying the plane. Again, too funny.

We then let the boys try out some of the mechanical rides they have at the mall. Coen thought they were a blast, Noah, not so much. He was good for about 15 seconds (see picture below) and then absolutely lost it. Not sure if he was scared or if it was the fatigue catching up to him. It was already pushing 3:00pm by the time we left the mall, which is waaaaayyy past naptime.

Before bed, Noah came to give me hugs and kisses and I nuzzled his neck a little bit, which sent him into another fit of giggles. That sound makes me just so happy that you know I had to do it again ;-) At least I know he went to bed in a great mood.

Speaking of bed... Well, maybe not bed, but my book is calling my name. I didn't get a chance to really lay down or attempt a nap this afternoon since we were gone, so I'm thinking it might be a good night to turn in early, anyway. No big plans for the weekend so to speak of, so I will try to keep up with the blog. Until tomorrow....

Noah and Coen in the hot dog truck

Baby what?

My big kid using a spoon!

Maybe a leftie like Uncle Scott?

I had every intention of blogging last night. I even sat down, turned on my computer, stuck in my photo card in the reader and was ready to go. But I opened Facebook just before I opened my blog program and everything went downhill from there.

I'm going to start this all by saying even modern science has its fair share of screw-ups. Giselle went for an ultrasound yesterday afternoon (yep, that kiddo is still staying put) only to find out that what they had told her was a girl back in April is actually a little boy! So I 'rallied the troops' so to speak last night and went to cheer her up for a bit. I know she's going to be an awesome Mama to a little boy! And now that we know it's Baby Ethan instead of Baby Brianna, maybe he'll get his act in gear and show up already! Anyway, that's the short story as to why I didn't get a blog up last night.

Otherwise I don't have too much exciting to report from here. We enjoyed the rest of our 3 day weekend and were bummed to head "back to reality" yesterday. Lucky Grant only has to work tomorrow and is off on Friday for the normal Harris Friday. I wish I got to work a 9/80 schedule ;-)

Noah's been good the past couple of days. I think he got a little too used to having Daddy around and has been missing him a little bit. Those two are so funny together...

Alright, I know I'm not super interesting tonight, but I've been fighting a migraine all day and now that Grant is home I think I might be turning in kind of early. Too much excitement yesterday even for me ;-) Until tomorrow then....

Mystery Solved!

So this morning I shared with everyone the great dilemma of the missing Noah shoe. Have no fear; the problem has been solved!

This afternoon, when Grant took Noah in to change him, he showed Noah the shoe we still had and asked him if he knew where the matching shoe was. Noah walked over to his dresser drawer and pointed at the PJ drawer. Grant tried to tell him no, it wasn't in there, but Noah insisted until Grant opened the drawer. Lo and behold - the missing shoe! If anyone has harbored any doubts about how smart this kid actually is, I think you're probably feeling really silly right about now. Probably about as ridiculous as Grant and I....

We had a good day of shopping and spending time together. The shopping wasn't really very successful (apparently it doesn't matter that we live in Florida, they have removed all the summer clothing and replaced it with long sleeves and pants. Not exactly what we need...) But we did find Noah a few shirts and got one cute little dress for Mikayla. We also made a quick stop at Target and absolutely made Noah's day by getting him two new cups. I'm not kidding, the kid was so excited about the cups that he held them the entire way home.

No pictures, mostly just had to share the funny haha about the missing shoe situation. I'll try for some pictures and a decent post tomorrow. Until then...

Missing: One Noah shoe...

Yesterday afternoon Grant and I were rushing around the house trying to get things together to go down and hang out at Justin's for the evening and watch some football. I was putting the finishing touch on some snacks from the kitchen and Grant was in charge of getting Noah's stuff together. He grabbed Noah's shoes, put them on the couch to put them on him in a minute, and continued on with throwing things in the car. When he got back to put the shoes on, two shoes had gone to one. We searched the entire house, tore things apart, etc. but still no shoe. Apparently Noah hid it. This isn't the first time he's done something like this (I found the baby monitor in my sock drawer the other day) but it just goes to prove that we really have our hands full around here... We have yet to find the shoe. Any suggestions?

Yesterday also officially kicked off the college football season. Though it is quiet evident that I don't have the sports competing bones in my body, I do enjoy watching sports (for a limited period of time ;-) ). So Noah and I sat down in the afternoon to root on our favorite team; the Michigan Wolverines. Noah even learned how to say "Go Blue!" He told me he was doing it for Papa. (I'm not kidding, Dad. He kept saying Papa while we watched the game) We were thrilled when they held it together (not that the game was ever in question like that crummy Ohio State game. Oh Navy, if you could have only pulled out a victory, there...). I meant to take some video of how excited Noah was whenever they scored a touchdown. He also is proving to be 100% male and really enjoyed the cheerleaders....

We did go up to Justin's to watch the Clemson game with the gang last night as well. What an opening kick-off return. Don't think there was ever any question Clemson was winning that one. They're in a different division, so we'll cheer for Clemson. As long as you all remember who beat whom in the NCAA tournament last year.... ;-)

This morning my boys have already been off to partake in their favorite weekend activity together; going and getting donuts and coffee. (Donuts for Noah, coffee for Grant) Grant is so patient with him and really enjoys their time together. Plus Mommy enjoys even 10 minutes of a ridiculously quiet house. I know that's not going to last come Mikayla, so I'll suck it up while I can :)

We're off to go to the Outlets for today. Noah is needing some 24 month shirts and I'm going to start to pick up some things for Mikayla. I'm so glad that we already have some stuff and I also have a better grip this time on what I need to purchase. I started on a blanket for her the other day (which I am sure will be the first of a couple by the time I get finished). Fortunately we won't need many "big" things this time. Well, except for another crib. Since Noah's is a convertible bed, he'll just be keeping his and she'll be getting her own. That and a double stroller. Oh am I loathe to buy a double stroller. I'm not exactly sure why, I just have this feeling that a double stroller is the end of existence as I know it. Silly, I know...

Alright, need to go check on my boys. I am sure Noah is going to be literally bouncing off of the walls here soon as he's now had 4 munchkin donuts this morning.... I'll try to check back in tonight.

Boom!

Last night was interesting... I had just finished writing the blog and Grant had Noah in the bath. I was sitting on the couch, playing Dr. Mario and all of a sudden the sky outside the window lit up and then the house went dark. The noise was incredible! We lost power...

Grant and I both ran outside almost immediately to see if we could detect where the lightning had hit. We were both really worried that it had been so close that we were going to find something outside on fire. Our entire street had lost power, but the street behind us (on the opposite side of the street, not our "block") seemed to have power. Grant called FPL and they said it was going to be at least three hours 'til the power came back up. Lovely...

Losing power during the day is one thing, but losing power at night is completely different. We got some candles lit and regrouped a little bit. Since we weren't sure how long we were going to be powerless, we called Kristina and offered to bring her ice cream in exchange for a place to hang out with power for a little bit :) So we headed over there for a early birthday ice cream treat with Kristina (Happy Birthday, Kristina!) and hung out for awhile. Thank goodness that we have such good friends :) By the time we came home the power was back on and the rest of the night was uneventful.

Today has been more of the same uneventfulness. Since we were out a little late last night, Noah's been a bit of a handful today. That is one kiddo that really needs his sleep and it makes a huge difference in his demeanor for the day if he doesn't get it.

Still storming here so I'm going to wrap this up before we lose power again ;-) Until tomorrow then!

My favorite little boy in the whole world

Backwards Day

I had to get up way earlier than I usually do today to go for the other half of the kidney test they didn't do a couple of weeks ago. Mind you, I know most people function at quarter 'til 7, I am just not one of them. And I never realized how bad traffic is in the morning on Babcock. Dang, it took me an extra 10 minutes for what should have been a 20 minute drive!

So not only was I up early, but this test required that I not eat or drink for 12 hours before. Things you should not ask of a pregnant woman:

1) Give up food and drink for 12 hours
2) Give up precious minutes of sleep
3) Be patient while the appointments of the morning run nearly an hour behind, given that she's sleep deprived and hungry and thirsty
4) Lay on your side and hold your breath on command

The last one was what the test consisted of. I'm aware the kid isn't that big, but it can be difficult to lay on your side, and hold your breath without inhaling. Right, don't say OK, hold your breath, and you take a good breath of air. No, say hold your breath and you literally stop breathing until it's OK again. Somewhere between 5 and 15 seconds on average. Ughhhh... Fortunately that should wrap up the tests and doctors here for awhile. No more doctors for three weeks, woo hoo!

Because I was gone this morning, I had to switch around my work day so I could still get all my hours in. My whole internal clock is now seriously messed up. I usually lay down with a book or put my feet up for a bit in the afternoon while Noah's down for his nap, and I can tell you I was really dragging this afternoon. Work kept me occupied, though. I sure was glad when 5 o'clock rolled around, though...

I was excited to see all the responses and well wishes on Facebook yesterday after we officially made the announcement about Mikayla. Only 18 weeks from today and she'll be here! (And not a second before, do you hear me kiddo?)

Happy first day of High School, Scott! Hope that it was a good one. Did anyone drive their tractor today? (hehehehe)

Alright, I'm off for the evening. Wanted to make sure to get a post up before I forgot about it. Can you believe it's September already? Do you think it'll ever cool down here??? More from Florida tomorrow :) Until then, enjoy the one picture of my cute little boy.

What a cheese ball!