Well Baby Visit - 15 months at 16 months

Wednesday the 24th, Jake and I took Gus for his 15 month well baby visit (although he made 16 months on the 14th of June!). He was a little out of sorts and had not taken his usual morning nap, but did manage to fall asleep on our way to the doctor. He stayed asleep until they put him in the seat to weigh him, then it was time to lay him down for his height measurement....not good, not good at all. We managed to keep him happy with Cheerios, Fruit Loops, Water and 5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, but it was no easy task. The doctor came in and said he weighs 27.8 pounds which puts him in the 80th percentile; he is 34 inches tall which puts him in the 97th percentile and he is in the 94th percentile for his head circumference! All good news to us! He said everything looks good and that he is doing just fine for me to stop worrying that he only has 8 teeth, and that as long as he is not eating chicken nuggets and chocolate milk his eating habits should be fine. (I asked him what is considered "normal" eating habits at this age b/c some days he eats way better than others and his response was no chicken nuggets and chocolate milk everyday!) Gus has had nuggets, but no chocolate milk. He asked if I was still nursing and I told him YES! He seemed to be pleased with that and said to keep it up, so that put a few more worries to rest. Then it was time for his shots. Thank goodness Jake was with us the last time and again this time, because this is sooooooo hard for me. The more Gus cries the more I have to hold back my tears. He was so upset this time that he was having to catch his breath and would have those long inhales and then a shaky exhale, pitiful, that is all I can say.

This was also a big day for Jake and I as we finally got a Tennessee Tag for the Element! We have been here almost 2 years and have not changed our plate, but we are official TN residents now. Jake did not want me to post about this, but it was too cute Gus helping his change out the plates, how could I not??

Later in the day we had supper then headed down to Franklin for an evening play date with Endi. It is just too hot during the day to take them out to the park so we went for a stroll to the park and saw TONS and TONS of lightening bugs and/or fireflies (whichever you choose to call them!) Endi and Gus had a great time playing and the mommies and daddies had a great time catching up and visiting. This was the first time that Gus actually liked the swing and lasted for more than 2 minutes! We took him out and he pointed and motioned to get back in!! Being that he is so tall so young, we may be riding some rides before long!!!!! I can't wait for that day!!!!

Well that about sums up our Wednesday, oh yeah, one last note, my little cousin Aimee turned 16 on the 24th so we hope she had a great sweet 16. I can't believe she is already 16, makes me feel old, since I remember the day she was born like it was yesterday.

Here are some pictures of our day.....

Daddy and Gusley waiting for Dr. Scott.

Taking the LA license plate off Daddy's hands!

Helping Daddy get the TN one just right!

Weeeeeeeee......

RC Cola and Moon Pie Festival

Last year I heard about the RC Cola and Moon Pie Festival http://www.bellbucklechamber.com/rcmoon.html and wanted to go, but with Gus being so young we decided to wait. So this year I was not going to let it pass me by. We saw where they would be cutting the World's Largest Moon Pie at 3:45pm so we got ourselves together, slathered on sunscreen and began our journey to see this Moon Pie!! The drive out to Bell Buckle, TN was just beautiful. I had been there before and had been dying to go back. We got into the quaint little city and everyone was charging for parking except this nice little church so we turned off and parked and made our way to the festival..it was HOT, hot as Haiti, but we found some shade and bought an ice cold RC in a bottle and waited for the Moon Pie to pass us bye. The Moon Pie was coming and all the people began to gather...it was not at all what I was expecting....I was thinking it would be really think and creamy, but it was rather flat and limp, the heat could have been a contributing factor to its state, but we saw it! We then walked around a little while and Jake got a corn dog (which we all ended up nibbling on!) Then it was back to the car for some a/c. On our way to the car they had reduced the RC's and Moon Pies so we each grabbed one for the road. We were glad we did this once we got settled back into the car! Poor Gus, his cheeks were so red and he drank plenty of water, but it was just too much. I felt so guilty having subjected him to the heat, but from the looks of the pictures he and I took I think he had a good time! I have posted some of the highlights from the festival below! If we go next year I think we will go early in the morning and skip the largest Moon Pie, because we did not even get to get a piece of it!

Ahhhhhh.......

Me and my RC!

There it is...the World's Largest Moon Pie!!

The city of Bell Buckle, TN

Red cheeks enjoying his corn dog!!

WHAT A DAY!

A Legend is Lost - Michael Jackson 1958-2009

June 25th, 2009 - Happy Birthday to Jake's brother and my brother-in-law Danny! We hope you have a great day and wish we were at the beach with y'all!! Not only is it Danny's birthday, but Michael Jackson died today, as did Farrah Fawcett. I put Gus down for a nap at 3:33pm and then checked my email. All over MSN was Farrah Fawcett dies at 62. At 5pm when I got off I could not go anymore so I went lay down with Gus for a little while. When I got up I called Jake because it was after 6 and he was not home yet (which was a little odd). When he answered he asked if I had heard the news, I said "yeah, Farrah Fawcett died." He was said, "NO, Michael Jackson died too." I was shocked, devastated, sad and began to cry. The poor guy had such an incredible life story and Jake and I have always loved listening to his music and dreaming of buying Neverland to help him out, seriously, if we had the money I think we would have bought it! We are rollercoaster/theme park junkies!!

Lately Gus and I have been listening to the Jackson 5 during the day and he just loves the music. He goes up to the stereo and points as if telling me to put it on then we dance and I sing "Hey Mr. Bluebird on you shoulder" to him and we laugh and have a good time. I think with the passing of Michael it is time to introduce Gus to "Thriller" (not the video, the music...we will hold off on the video for a few years...I remember being scared of it!).

As a joke Jake will often times sign "Michael Jackson" if he uses the debit card (he has done this since I met him) and everytime he does it we crack up as if it was the first time! For our 10 year anniversary Jake made reservations and the restaurant sent me an email inviting me to dinner with Michael Jackson.....my husband the comedian!!

We will very much miss Michael Jackson, but his legacy will live on. Rest in peace Michael, rest in peace.

Mr. Big Stuff

We have decided to "ween" if you will, Gus from his highchair and use a booster seat at the table so that he can eat with us. So far, so good. We still use the highchair every now and then, but for the most part he eats at the table with us. It is so cute, he goes to where I keep his bibs and tugs on a bib, then goes to the chair with his seat on it and tries to pull the chair out from under the table. This is his way of saying I am hungry and I want to eat now!! He has been feeding himself for quite sometime and is doing really well with a fork. I decided to let him have at it with his applesauce yesterday. I am so proud of him!! Yes, a mess was made, but for the most part he ate almost all of the applesauce!! He would scoop some on his spoon then take it to his mouth, then he started dipping his finger and bringing it to his mouth!! What a big boy he is becoming. As I type this I am smiling ear to ear! Sometimes I just have to pinch myself. I can't believe I am a mother and I love every minute of it, more and more each day! I longed for this day (to be a mother) and now that it is here, I just can't believe it. I can remember playing with my baby dolls, naming them, changing their diapers, rocking them, etc. and now to have a real baby doll, is a dream come true to me. I love you, Gusley! Keep on rockin'!!

Hair TODAY, gone TOMORROW

I have been going back and forth whether or not to cut my hair off.

Pros: a pony for the summer time
Cons: frizz, takes 30 minutes to blow-dry, sweating while blow-drying, shedding like a dog, and the list could go on.

I was trying to grow it out to have 10 inches to donate to locks of love, but I will have to save that for another day...it is unbearably HOT with these thick, curly locks on my neck.

I will share a picture of the new me tomorrow. I am so excited (and I think Jake is too!)

Cool Dude

Summer is here and it is HOT!!!
It feels like we are melting when we take Buttercup for her walks, but we just keep the freezer stocked with cool pops and other frozen treats! Last week Gus had his first taste of a cool pop with Jake. The pictures do all the talking! I think it is safe to say that he really likes them. He is not picky like me....doesn't matter the color, just as long as it is cold on the gums all is good!!

Who's counting....

I have always wanted to travel to all 50 states and now that I have a child I REALLY want him to travel to all 50 as well, which is what brings me to putting the map of the USA on the bottom of the blog with all the states we have been to thus far. Jake's will be coming soon...I need him to do it so that I do not forget any!! Gusly is only 16 months old TODAY and he has already been to 7 states.....born in TN, then off to LA, MS and AL at 5 weeks, FL at 8 weeks, KY at 7 months and GA at 15 months!! We have a little traveller on our hands and this summer is sure to add to his list..........at least we hope so!!!

16th months

Gusley, today you are 16th months old and what a growing boy you are. Seems like you are learning more and more by the minute, hour, day.....you are just blossoming!!! Since we have been having nice weather we have been eating outside or playing outside until it is almost dark. June is the month to see fireflies and last night was the first time you pointed them out to me and daddy!! We were in so surprised because we have been showing them to you and now you are showing them to us ;-)! You are now sitting at the table in your booster chair and you love eating with us (although it is more of a mess after) it is so very special to have that one meal a day where we all eat together as a family. Daddy really enjoys this and it is a special time for you and him (monkey faces across the table to each other!!) You are beginning to be a little more vocal and are very active. You LOVE to be outside in the dirt, in your pool, climbing on your new toys, just OUTSIDE!! When we go out to play I always bring a drinkable yogurt at animal crackers for a snack. Once you have had enough you climb into one of the chairs and drink your yogurt and we chat over animal crackers and watch all the birds in the yard. I love these little moments with you.

In the last week or so we have been riding bikes everyday and you thoroughly enjoy this. Mommy puts you in the chariot and gives you some water and a toy and away we go. I have been telling you every time we walk "Up, Up, Up the hill" each time we go up hills and today we were riding and from behind me I hear you tell me "up, up, up". I was beaming with pride!! Mommy is really getting a workout pulling you behind the bike, but I really enjoy it and so do you. Lately, your toy of choice has been Elmo or your Sesame Street video camera! You have also been taking big AHHHH breaths as soon as you finish a sip of water, milk, juice....it is hilarious!! Daddy has had a great time sharing his cool pops with you, though you do not get much, you do get a taste!! Very cute to see you get that first cold bite! Yesterday we got ice cream to cool off and before I could get the lid off of mine you were trying to snatch it from me....I think you take after both grandpa's with your love for ice cream.

TOOTH COUNT....8 and holding!!

Gusley, daddy and I are so proud of you and just recently you have been exhibiting traits and qualities to make us say that one day you will make a great big brother, but for now we will enjoy you as our baby....how about for at least the next 5 years?? AT LEAST! I love you and happy 16th months to you my little peanut!!

Apple Crack!

I had to make Apple Crack for Bunco the other night and we had some left so I decided to give Gus a taste......what is there not to like about cream cheese, powdered sugar, caramel and heath toffee bits?! He ate it with apples and with graham crackers and it was a hit!! I would spread it on for him and he would lick it off and hand me the cracker or apple and grunt and motion for more.

A Decade....

Seems like so long ago, then it seems like just yesterday.......June 12th, 1999, Jake and I started dating. We actually met 6 months before that and double dated to our Junior prom just not with each other! We were at a mutual friends party on this hot, humid Houma night. He asked for my number and the rest is history. From that moment on we were practically inseparable. We would spend hours just talking and getting to know each other while eating hot fudge cake sundaes and mozzarella sticks from Sonic. Jake went to Maine that summer and before he left he told me "I Love You". It was so special and I knew at that moment that he meant it. After graduation we so desperately wanted to be together, to get married, but knew that our college education was far more important. We survived two, yes two years of a long distance relationship. I was at NSU and Jake was in Florida. Needless to say that during that time we kept Hallmark, Bellsouth and Sprint in business for those two years. It was very hard and since we were so young all odds were against us, but we made it and are here to tell about it!! Once Jake finished college I still had a few semesters left so he came back South and worked, but then he moved to Slidell so we were back to a long distance relationship, just not so far away! Long story short.....I finished college, we got engaged, got married, got pregnant, moved to Tennessee, had our first child and are living happily ever after!

To celebrate, we had dinner with Amanda and Tyler, our great friends at Buca di Beppo http://www.bucadibeppo.com/ and saw the movie, The Hangover, http://hangovermovie.warnerbros.com/ which was hilarious!!!! I highly recommend it, however, please be for warned, it is a little obscene, but my cheeks and tummy hurt from laughing so hard....so if you need a good laugh, get your booty to the movies!!

Looking back on the past decade we have had some awesome times, lots of times that I would love to go back and re-live because they were so fun. I cherish the memories we have made and look forward to the many more memories to come!! Jake, I love you, you are the most important person in my entire life. Thank you!

A flash from the past........Sadie Hawkins 1999-2000?

V is for Vacuum

For this post, I will let the pictures to the talking, but I will say that this is the best $1.00 I have spent in a loooong time!! Yep, the vacuum was $1.00 at a yard sale!! We LOVE yard sales!! One man's junk is another man's treasure is very true in the case of this vacuum!

As soon as he laid his eyes on the vacuum, I knew we had to get it.....it goes in the pool, down the slide, in the grass, upstairs, downstairs, EVERYWHERE!!!! But he lights up when he sees it and he turns it on and it lights up and makes vacuum sounds and eventually it winds down and shuts off, all to be started all over again!!!

If only it really worked, then my house would be spotless, well, at least the floors would be!!!

Memorial Day ~ 05.25.09

A little back blogging....but I thought the pictures from our laid back Memorial Day would be fun to share! We had a nice day...grilled outside, swam, playing in the sprinkler, wet Buttercup, etc. took a nap and did it all over again!!!

Gusley enjoys turning the facet on/off! He is a really big helper and conservative when it comes to the water level on the sprinkler!! Here he is just finishing a round of ON/OFF with the facet!

Heading back to the facet to adjust the water level!!

Happy Baby!!!

Something about a little cheek hanging out is just too cute!!

Jake and I were cracking up at this scene!!

"Drinking" the water from the spickets on the beach ball! Silly Goose!

Whoa.....

Drinking some yummy pool water!

Seeing just how durable Mommy's shades really are!

Happy Memorial Day, but I am in serious need of a nap!!

Giggly Stunt Man!

Here is Gusley going down his slide head first....it is a little shaky as I was trying to video him, keep him safe, catch him and laugh all at once!! Mind you he is quick these days so once I had him on the landing down he came!!

Enjoy!!

Craigslist...Pinki's first purchase

Jake explained to mom what Craigslist was about 2 years ago and she was very impressed with the way it worked and has been looking on there for different little odds and ends (more toddler toys than anything), but she found a daycare that was closing and emailed about the outdoor toys!! The lady had a few items left so mom raced over to her house when she got off of work and secured a climbing cube and a two-seater merry-go-round for Gusley!! Pops delivered the good around 4pm on Thursday and they have been a hit ever since!! The very first time I put Gus at the top of the slide to come down he opted to go down head first!! I think we have little dare devil on our hands!! Thanks Pinki and Pops for the new yard toys!!! We love you two!!

Sweet smile of Success....he made it to the landing via the slide!!

Down he goes.....

Pure delight

Weeeee.....

This is his "O" face I was telling you about a few post ago!!!

Cheese!!

D is for determination! Something this child is not lacking AT ALL!!!

What Mommy? This is my new high chair so I can sit at the table like a big boy?!!!