Katie-Katie, Mama-Lady

4 years

2011-02-12T16:22:00.002-05:00

That's how old my biggest baby is. He's 4. F-O-U-R. So weird to say that. And to type that.

Drew is such a special kid. He's so smart, it freaks us out a bit every so often. The kid can do 100 piece puzzles, all by himself. He beats me at Memory, which is hard to do because I've always been very good at it. He knows words to all these songs, and loves to sing. He knows all his letters, upper and lower case, can spell a few words and recognizes some, too, so he's very close to reading. He is one of the 'clowns' in his class, and loves to make his friends laugh. He's very independent, dresses himself every morning, plays well by himself, and goes right up to anybody on the playground to make friends. Clearly his mother's child. :) He LOVES his baby brother, except he calls him 'Baby' a lot, instead of Alex. The day before he turned 4 (about 6 hours before, actually), he fell running in the house (big no-no) and split his chin open. Got 3 stitches. It was our first trip to the emergency room, which I think is pretty good for a 4 year old boy who likes to do things on his own.

He's a precious boy, so tender and sweet, loves to snuggle with his Mama, but to rough-house with his Daddy, too. I love him so much, and thank him every day for making me a Mama!

Man, time flies

2010-02-11T15:20:00.003-05:00

Actually, my main reason for not posting much is that my blog account is totally messed up and not in sync with everything, so I have to log onto this crazy account. Anyway.

I had to blog today because there's lots to catch up on.

One, Drew turned 3 last Friday. No longer a Terrible Two! Although he never was that terrible, actually. He's a precious little boy. Talking up a storm, very clearly. He knows his letters AND the sounds they make! He's a puzzle-working FIEND. Seriously, he's working puzzles right now for 5-7 year old kids. ~jawdrop~ Oh, and his favorite color is orange. A fact I like to remind Joel of as much as possible. He sings little songs to himself as he's playing. He's obsessed with cars still, but has recently been into Thomas the Train and loves to build train tracks with his daddy. He's a joy to be around, actually. I couldn't be happier or more blessed.

Two, I've started my own business, which is keeping me busy in start-up mode. Exciting stuff!

Three, I'm having another baby! In June! A boy! More excitement!

Four, and the main reason for posting TODAY and not, you know, yesterday or tomorrow:

SNOW!!!

For the 3rd time this year! Crazy El Nino!

Our back porch. This is about 2pm this afternoon, 3 inches on the top of that table.

'Artistic' shot of the crepe myrtle seen on the left in the above picture. Look at it just stacked up!

It's been snowing since before I got up at 6:30, there was already an inch by then. It is TOTALLY not Texas snow, either. Big, fat flakes, kind of wet, but otherwise I'd swear I was in the Colorado mountains or something. Straight-down snow, no blowing or drifting. It's not sticking to the roadways and paved surfaces (yet), otherwise this would be a giant mess. But for now, as I'm sitting in my house watching it all day, it is GORGEOUS. And I love it!

On the way to school yesterday

2009-06-04T12:36:00.000-04:00

Isn't he getting so big? My goodness, where does the time go?

A Little Bit of Spring For Ya

2009-04-14T21:19:00.008-04:00

Bubbles fun!

Family Easter

It's finally finished!

2009-04-02T10:18:00.008-04:00

My sweet Mama drove all the way from Wellington to bring us our newly-hemmed curtains this week. Why were they in Wellington getting hemmed? Because it was all of $20, that's why. And why didn't she just mail them, you ask? Because the postage would have been WAY more than $20 for those heavy, bulky curtains, completely defeating the purpose of sending them home with her in the first place. That, and she brought some plant cuttings from her yard to start in mine of honeysuckle and lilacs that have been in the family for a few generations now (how cool is that?). Oh, and she just HAD to see Drew Bear, too. But the REAL reason was the curtains.

So now the dining room is officially finished! Well, at least until we get the trim painted and the piano from Bubba's Mom. But that's not happening for a while, and are just bonus, so I'm sticking a fork in it anyway.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I like it way better, don't you? Don't you want to come over for dinner now?

Skiing Is Not For Drew

2009-03-09T16:01:00.002-04:00

This snow stuff is fun and all, but....

can I go back inside where it's warm?

I have a problem

2009-02-12T12:04:00.002-05:00

Have I mentioned that I'm a snacker?

I'm a SERIOUS snacker. Frankly, it's just that I like to eat good food. But, I also inherited my father's love of snacking. Diets? PAH! I can never do it, because I can't keep from snacking. So, I eat small meals to make up for it. Most of the time. And, I try to snack on healthy things.

My problem is that I CAN NOT give up carbs. I've tried, and then I just crave them more. My OBGYN actually told me I should maybe steer clear of them when I was pregnant with Drew, because of the copious amount of weight I'd gained in just 3 short months. I laughed in her face. She might as well have told me to stop eating altogether.

Right now I'm inhaling a bag of Sun Chips. They are SOOO addicting, my friends. Try them, you'll see. I dare you to eat just one.....handful. Oh sweet mother of all that is good and pure, I'm about to gain 2 pounds. At least they are multigrain.

D

2009-02-05T22:06:00.002-05:00

Bubba's Sis is playing this fun game and I decided to play along! Here's how you do it: Tell me by leaving a comment on this post, and I will assign you a letter. Then post ten things you love that begin with your assigned letter on your blog. Explain the rules with your ten things and when others comment requesting a letter, assign one to them; thus, the chain continues.

BS assigned me the letter D, so here goes!

Drew Bear, of course! Happy Birthday to my first born!
Dancing
Diamonds
Daisies
Daddy Don
Dallas
My new Deck
Dreams
Dogs
Drama (in the movie department, not in my life!)

The End of an Era

2009-02-04T22:34:00.001-05:00

Today is the last day my baby is an actual baby. He turns 2 tomorrow, and will officially be a 'toddler.' Not that he hasn't been acting like a toddler for the last few months or so. Heaven help us.

Lately, though, he's been all sorts of fun. The language has just EXPLODED onto the scene, and he has started saying things in sentences. Sort of. There is DEFINITE noun/verb/adjective usage going on here. Mainly these little blurbs have to do with him 'wanting' something, but hey, it's a form of communication we hadn't had previously, so I'll take it. His little personality is coming out now, too. Big time. He is such a card, and loves to laugh. And sing. Seriously, I'll start singing him little songs, and he already KNOWS most of them and will at least get most of the tune right, despite not getting all the words. I have hope for his singing career. Guess day-care's done a better job with songs than Mama has. :( Bad Mama!

I'm honestly sitting here thinking how is it possible that he grew so fast? Where did the time go?

What A Day!!

2009-01-20T10:47:00.004-05:00

The inauguration hasn't even happened yet, and I already have tears in my eyes just thinking about it! What a historic day. What an incredible thing that in our lifetime we would elect a black man to be President of the United States. He just came out of the White House with GWB, and I am just so thrilled that I'm able to watch this!

Chills just go up my spine when I think about it. Despite how you voted or your particular politics, I hope we are all able to recognize how cool this is and revel in the pomp and pageantry of today.

The Ultimate Life-List

2009-01-14T13:31:00.004-05:00

I feel the need for a new blog post, as the new year has come and gone and it's damn near mid-January already.

But, as I'm feeling less-than-inspired, I stole this one from Bubba's Sis. I'm shameless, I know.

--------------

Here's what you do: Copy and paste to your blog then boldface the things you've done.

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity (to clarify, I have given to charity many times, just not more than I could afford)

7. Been to Disneyland/World

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning (not that I recall)

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (only because it wasn't open when we lived there!

18. Grown your own vegetables (Do herbs count?!)

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice (nope, too expensive, but I HAVE been to Venice)

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (nope, but I've seen it live and in person!)

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business - (I'm counting starting my own branch of a business!)

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Gotten flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets, or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the paper

85. Read the entire Bible (most of it, so I'm counting it!)

86. Visited the White House (the outside of it, we couldn't get a tour!)

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a lawsuit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee--it's not pretty, I'm allergic!

100. Became a child of God

Happy New Year and All That Jazz

2008-12-31T22:59:00.002-05:00

We had a fabby Christmas, Santa found us in Houston after all, despite the warm, humid, rather nasty weather. I think he flies through south Texas in his skivvies. It was great, we really enjoyed spending time with our family. It was a relaxing week.

Now we're sitting on the couch with Mimi and Papa and watching the New Year's Eve festivities on TV and drinking champagne and thoroughly enjoying ourselves. Drew Bear is in the bed, and all is right with the world.

I'm looking forward to 2009. 2008 was good to us and I can't wait to see what happens in this new year.

I wish you and yours a very safe and happy New Year!!!

TOUCHDOWN!!!

2008-12-12T12:49:00.001-05:00

'Drew, they just scored a touchdown!'

(His response):

Isn't he just the cutest thing? Don't you want to root for 'his' team?

Yeah, I thought so.

Coughing

2008-11-22T13:34:00.002-05:00

There is nothing worse than the sound of a persistent cough. Especially if it's your child's cough. And especially when it sounds like a barking seal.

That was Tuesday. We promptly visited the dr. and got some drugs to fend-off the nasty Croup Cough. Which seemed to work, as the Bark went away by Thursday.

But the Bark has been replaced by the Chest Cough. It's raspy and violent and you can just tell it hurts him to cough. My poor baby. He's been coughing a lot the last 24 hours.

So here it is Saturday, and we have a touch of bronchitis in our house. Not good. Especially since we have social plans both tonight and tomorrow that we have now had to cancel. Oh well, those are the breaks. We're on antibiotic now, so hopefully he is better by Monday. Or at least Wednesday, because I don't want a sick baby on a major holiday.

Pure Joy

2008-11-08T15:28:00.000-05:00

My Little Traffic Cone

2008-11-03T16:04:00.000-05:00

As this was the last year that we could impose whatever we wanted our child to be for Halloween, Bubba and I chose a Traffic Cone! It was all Bubba's idea, I just made it a reality using my skills in cutting fabric and foam core, and wielding a hot-glue gun. I'm a stud, what can I say.

The straps were much shorter earlier in the day, before he wore it at school to trick-or-treat. So we had to pin them up before he walked down the street. But, he CAN walk in there, his little feet are poking out of the bottom, I promise.

He was the hit of the street, we were so proud! And he did great, didn't try to take it off once!

Random Thoughts

2008-10-29T12:14:00.002-04:00

I've been under the weather the past few days, but I think I'm finally over the hump. However, yesterday I was having one of those Scarlett O'Hara days. You know, 'I can't think about that right now. I'll think about that tomorrow.' Yep, that was me yesterday. Mainly because I was so fuzzy-headed and foggy that concentrating on anything was just not happening.
I love that it's officially 'Fall' here in North Texas. The trees are actually trying to turn colors! GASP! And it's cool! In fact, I'm wearing a sweater today! But that could be because not only does my office need additional cooling in the summer from a window a/c, turns out it needs additional heating. Guess a Target run for a space heater is in my future.
I watch these two squirrels in my back-yard chase each other and bury damn nuts in my flowerbeds and yard all. day. long. Seriously, where do squirrels get their energy? Must be from the damn nuts...
I finally finished Munchkin's Halloween costume for this year. Pictures to be posted after the fact, but I'm quite proud of myself for making it all from scratch. Yes, BS. I have Scratch in full supply at my house. ;)
Why do things seem to happen all at once?
I almost never feel 'busy' anymore. Not like I used to. Motherhood has definitely made me slow down a bit. But when the above happens, it seems to overwhelm me more.
However, I seem to be better at time management when I have lots to do. If I only have one thing to do, I seem to procrastinate more. Why is that?
When was the last time you had a really passionate, earthy shattering kiss? Yeah, I can't remember either. Need to speak with Bubba about that.
Have you thought about Christmas yet? Yeah, me too. It's inevitable.
I haven't baked in forever. I miss it. I really miss my famous Snickerdoodles. Must resolve this before the holidays.

That is all. I know I had a few more of them up there in the recesses of my gray matter, but I fear the fogginess has taken over yet again.

Deck Project, Day 7

2008-10-17T12:03:00.002-04:00

Friday, October 17th

We're done! Well, Jimmy's done. That's him playing guitar enjoying the new deck. Did I mention he's a fantastic musician? I love just sitting listening to him play and sing. Bonus if it's with my Mama and Papa. They used to all play/sing together when we lived back in Austin when I was a wee babe. That's how long Jimmy's known me.

Anyway, we are likely going to stain it, but that won't happen until next week, so I'm considering us done! I'm so pleased, it's exactly what we wanted, and better than we pictured. That second bench that Jimmy's sitting on is actually moveable, so we can put it where we want as we need to. Cool, huh?

Now we just need a few more chairs to welcome friends when they come visit! And maybe a table so we can dine al fresco on occasion. Or all the time. The weather's perfect for it now.

Thanks again, Jimmy!

Deck Project, Day 6

2008-10-16T10:34:00.000-04:00

Thursday, October 16th

It rained off and on all day yesterday, so there was a bit of a delay, but Jimmy still managed to finish the decking and build the bench! Now all that's left is the build the steps and put up the lattice on the bottom so that critters can't get under there.

Deck Project, Day 5

2008-10-15T16:08:00.003-04:00

Wednesday, October 15th

We sat out last night while Jimmy played guitar, drinking wine and enjoying the lovely view of the full moon. Ah, bliss.

Deck Project, Day 4

2008-10-14T16:19:00.005-04:00

Tuesday, October 14th

Jimmy's got the decking all done, and it's only the middle of the day on Day 2 of construction! I told you he rocks.

Deck Project, Day 2

2008-10-12T21:50:00.008-04:00

Sunday, October 12th

I pulled up the shrubs that were ugly and I didn't like anyway. Bubba and Papa (who happened to be in town this weekend) re-routed a pipe and spigot that were smack in the middle of the proposed deck plan, so we can still get to it once the deck is built. It was desperately needed, because it was the only water we had in the backyard. Once the hole was dug, we discovered that the pipe had been cut that leads to the only other spigot in the yard, way at the back of the yard, so we connected it, too! Two water options! Yay! Oh, and while digging up those dang shrubs, I dug up what my mom and I think are daffodil bulbs! Score! Now I need to plant them somewhere else.

I also dug up the 2 sprinkler heads we will be covering over, and capped them. There are 2 other heads that needed different tops on them, to change the spray angle so it won't hit the deck. So I did that, too.

We have the muddiest mud, EVER. Very dark, dense clay. Fun stuff.

PROJECT!!!

2008-10-12T21:35:00.005-04:00

So the Bubba's are moving up in the world....we're RENOVATING!!!

We are having a deck built in our back yard. So all this week, I'll be posting pictures of the progress! Our family friend, Jimmy, who's known me since I was knee-high to a grasshopper, is coming up from Austin to build it for us. He helped my dad build the house I grew up in, as well as the awesome deck they built after I left home (of course). We're really excited, as it will be nice to finally get to use this space now. (We think it's rather ugly and boring right now.)

Friday, October 10th

Existing condition

The Needless Experiment

2008-10-10T09:46:00.001-04:00

I have a new friend at church (her and her husband are the matching pair, names and everything, to our beloved and much-missed NYC friends....yes, that's you A&MV) who's blog is inspiring me.

Go check her out. She's a kick-ass photographer, too.

http://beneedless.blogspot.com/

Politics As Usual

2008-10-02T21:26:00.007-04:00

For some reason, I can't get enough of this election this year! And I have never been interested in politics. I guess that's what Barack Obama does to you....gets you EXCITED about things!

That, and Sarah Palin gives me a pain I can't locate.

********************VOTE OBAMA!!!********************

Hunkered Down

2008-09-13T14:47:00.002-04:00

Mayor Bill White told Houstonians to 'Hunker Down' and wait out Ike, but Bubba's Mom and Sis, who live in Houston city limits, were in a mandatory evacuation zip code, so they finally decided to come up here to Richardson to wait it out with us. Hooray! They had no problems getting here yesterday afternoon, thank God, and we are all doing fine. Even the doggies, who are not quite sure what is going on, but have only pooped in my house once, right after they go here. We have yet to determine the culprit, however. Drew is enjoying all the extra people to play with!

We're having a Hurricane Party, y'all come on over!

First Hair Cut

2008-09-06T15:55:00.002-04:00

Drew visited his daddy's barber today for his first ever haircut! He did great, didn't cry once and was very still. My little man. The barber was awesome, he gave Drew a sucker and even took his picture with a polaroid camera when he was done for his 'wall of fame!' And he gave me a certificate with the date and Drew's name on it, and taped a lock of his hair to the top corner. It's going directly into his baby book!

Last week at my parents house (this was the best view of his hair from the back I could find).

In the barber's booster chair, getting ready.

Getting the top and sides done.

All coiffed and ready for the ladies!

Look at how short it is! It was WAY long in the back, he had a mullet!

Thanks, Mama!

God Winks

2008-09-05T12:50:00.002-04:00

I realize I'm a bit behind with updates on how Drew is doing in school and how my new job is going. Both are fine, so I'll gloss over those and get to some really eerie things. Well, they are either eerie, or God Winks. Or just things that happen to me all the time. Just ask Bubba's Mom. I could play Six Degrees of Separation on myself!

God Wink No. 1:
I take Drew to his first official day at his new school, and as we are pulling into the parking lot, I notice a woman on the sidewalk who looks very familiar to me. I see her again inside, and sure enough, it's a girl I sang with in Longhorn Singers in college. She knew exactly who I was and we both just laughed, as we hadn't seen each other in over 10 years. Turns out this is the church she grew up in, and her kids both go to the school here, and I met her son Austin the week before, as he just got moved up to the class above Drew. AND, AND, AND!!! They live very close to us, in the other neighborhood we were considering when we moved here. She even gave me the numbers of all her doctor's and we hope to have a regular breakfast date after dropping the kids off at school.

Eerie, I tell ya.

God Wink No. 2:
I met the gal down the street who has twin babies last week, and she invited me to the neighborhood mom's club. I am glancing down the roster and spot the wife of one of my ex-coworkers, whom I knew lived 2 blocks up and would be involved, as she's a SAHM. Not a surprise at all. Then I notice another name on the list, a long-lost friend who Bubba and I lost touch with when we moved to NYC. She has a very unusual last name, so I knew that it had to be her. Her husband actually married Bubba and I! The last we'd heard from them they lived in another part of Dallas and had just had a baby. Now, come to find out, they live 2 blocks up from us, and I pass their house EVERY DAY on the way to Drew's school. Let alone all the times we pass their house with Drew in the stroller on our evening walks. Gives you chills, huh? WHAT a small world, and what a way for God to bring us back together! I promptly email her to confirm that it is, actually, the person I'm thinking of, and we walked over there that night!

God Wink No. 3:
The house next door to us went on the market about the time we moved in, and we didn't know it had sold until we met the new neighbors 2 days ago. We've been hoping that another young couple would buy it, mainly so we could make friends with them and make use of their pool. We're shallow like that. :) Well, it IS a young couple, and they have one little boy who is a year older than Drew! We are so excited!

--

All of these occurances just prove to me that we are in the right place for us, that God has indeed been watching out for us and is in control.

And thank God for THAT!

First Day of School

2008-08-26T14:37:00.002-04:00

Update on that job....

2008-08-14T20:48:00.002-04:00

It didn't work out. As I expected, it was more of a courtesy meeting than an actual interview. Oh well. He was nice about it, they just don't have work.

BUT!

I have ANOTHER opportunity that just popped up out of the blue. I'm going to work for my dad's firm! It's something I've always wanted to do, but it the timing has never been quite right and the circumstances favorable for all. But now they are! I'm going to work from home on projects out of the Amarillo and Lubbock offices, so I won't be working directly for my dad (which is probably good). I'm a bit nervous, as I haven't been working in so long and I won't have an office environment to encourage my productivity. But hopefully they'll be enough for me to do that I don't have to worry about that!

So wish me luck! I start after Labor Day, and Drew starts day care the week before that, so I'll have some time to set up my office, etc. I'm excited!

Man, That Was EXCITING!!!

2008-08-11T13:25:00.002-04:00

Did you see the race last night? The men's 4x100 relay? OMG, it was TOO exciting! I have never jumped up and screamed at the TV like that over a swim race, but I just couldn't help it! MAN! What a photo finish! I couldn't believe Lezak managed to over-take that cocky Frenchman. If you missed it, you really missed a fantastic performance. And, Phelps quest for 8 Golds is still intact. Whew! It's all about the medal count, ya know.

I am really enjoying the Olympics this year. I'm even watching the weightlifting right now on MSNBC. Hmm, maybe I need something to do?

My Son The Economist

2008-08-05T14:08:00.004-04:00

Clearly he is bothered by this news.

Back In The Saddle Again

2008-08-01T14:33:00.004-04:00

I have a job interview this afternoon. It's right up the road from the New House, so super-convenient, and I used to work in their Austin office before I became Mrs. Bubba.

For some reason, my biggest worry leading up to this is what I'm going to wear! I don't know yet whether or not the man I'm meeting with is just meeting me because I used to work for the company, or if they truly have a desire to have me. My old job at The Firm doesn't seem to want me anymore, so I'm not sure about this one. At least I have an interview. Well, that's what I'm calling it. It could be a 'nice-to-meet-you-but-you-are-over/under-qualified-for-what-we-
have-available' meeting. Which will just suck.

So, that brings me back to the wardrobe issue. I have not worn work clothes in 18 months. Heck, I really haven't worn any of my old clothes since right at 2 years ago, thanks to my early-bulging belly and need to wear maternity pants early-on. I haven't even tried on some of these clothes to make sure they fit. Yikes! And, it's way too damn hot outside to even attempt nice dress pants, all of which are lined and that shit just sticks to your legs WAY too easily. So, skirt it is. Thankfully, the first few I pulled out are a bit tight, but will work. Whew! Pair it with a new shirt my Mama got me way back in January, when I was SUPPOSED to be going back to work, and I will hopefully look pretty snappy. If not completely over-dressed for casual Friday. Oh well, better to be over-dressed than under.

I was able to swing it for late-afternoon so Bubba can come home from work early to watch the Munchkin.

Hopefully it all goes well! Although I still can't figure out why I'm not nervous. That is SOOO not like me....

We're Home!

2008-07-28T22:47:00.002-04:00

It's taken a few days to get settled, but we're slowly getting there. My Mama and I had to spend the first 2 days cleaning our new house because it was DISGUSTING when they delivered our furniture. Seriously, there was hair in the bottom of the fridge. How does that happen?

Anyway, after a few long days unpacking (half of which I SWEAR was the kitchen!), we're getting there! Bubba had his first day of work today, and Mama and Papa are leaving tomorrow, so we're about to get into the swing of things.

So, time for me to find a job. Wish me luck!

(Pics of the new place to come soon, I promise, as soon as I get some off of the camera.)

Just a Few More Hours

2008-07-21T13:47:00.002-04:00

'That's all the time we've got!' (That's a quote from a song in My Fair Lady, FYI.)

We are closing on both houses today! It's a bit later than we had expected because the buyer's bank sat on the paper work for 4 weeks and then an issue came up that they had to deal with. Of course. So it's going to be today at 2pm, or close to it. Whatever, it will be done.

Tomorrow the packers come and work their magic on our house.

Wednesday the movers come and load it all up!

And Thursday they deliver us to Richardson! Woot!

It's going to be a crazy week! But I'll try to post some pics of the new house at the end of the week.

Load off my mind

2008-07-10T14:54:00.003-04:00

We got approved for our loan and are now OFFICIALLY official! Hooray!

Whew! We were starting to worry as it's getting VERY close to Move-Time and we hadn't heard yet! God forbid they hurry when lending you money.

Benefits

2008-06-20T10:41:00.001-04:00

Ya know the best thing about all the stuff from the last few weeks?

No longer having to keep my house spotless and picked up every time I leave the house. It is very freeing. I look at the dishes in the sink and just thumb my nose at them on the way out the door.

New Digs

2008-06-17T11:23:00.001-04:00

We are officially under contract on our new house in Richardson!

Under Contract

2008-06-11T10:15:00.002-04:00

WE SOLD OUR HOUSE!!!! (Just imagine me doing a little happy dance over here.)

Got an offer yesterday, and we accepted last night! WOOOOOOOOOOT!!!!!

We close on July 22nd, which is SOOO fast when you think about it. We've got to get up to Big D and find ourselves a house! So we're going this weekend. I got Bubba tickets to the Astros/Yankees Friday night for Father's Day, so we can't go until Saturday. Wish us luck, that this all goes smoothly!!! We hope to find something this weekend and put down an offer so we can get this ball rolling!

I'm so excited!!!

He's a Tough Guy

2008-06-02T20:59:00.005-04:00

I have one tough little boy!

Drew was out tonight with his Daddy in the backyard swinging. I came out to water my extremely thirsty plants (time to start the twice-a-day watering already), and Drew came down the side of the house with me to fill up the watering can. On the way back to the backyard, he stepped in the big hole he always manages to step in right on the edge of the driveway. He cried out because he fell, and I was really afraid he'd twisted his ankle or something. I pick him up to check it out and comfort a bit, and he starts struggling to get back down so he can climb up the stairs to the deck again (we're into up-and-down the stairs, over and over again). That's when I notice the blood on my arm. Where did THAT come from? Turns out, Drew busted his nose! I have no idea how, as I know he didn't hit the driveway, or any other solid/concrete object because I was watching him. He must have just busted it on the ground. What is amazing, though, is that he DIDN'T CRY. Just the initial crying/yelling/protest sound. And, blood was gushing out of his nose, so he got himself pretty good. Bubba and I couldn't believe it. Just went on about his business like nothing had happened.

I guess this is a good thing.....there will be no 'crying wolf' if he's truly hurt! Hopefully, this behavior lasts....

Ta-Da!!!

2008-05-28T12:18:00.009-04:00

We spent most of last week fixing up Drew's new room, which used to be just an office. We are very pleased with it, and he seems to love it. Hopefully a prospective buyer will, too!

We installed refurbished antique doors where there were no doors before. They match the door to the other spare room, which is very convenient. We had to paint them, as well, as they were very well loved by previous owners and had many previous coats of paint and scratches that needed to be covered up. And we painted the room blue, as it's a little boy's room. Here's some before and after shots.

Before:

After:

10 on Tuesday

2008-05-13T10:36:00.002-04:00

10 Things You're Really Good At
It's self-promotion day!!!

Singing really high, first thing in the morning. It's hereditary, my Mama is the best singer EVER! I'm not as good as her (she has perfect pitch, like Julie Andrews....however, I don't), but I can hold my own with people who do it for a living.
Being a mom. It is my true joy, and I love it. Too bad I don't get paid to do it!
Baking snickerdoodles. They are my signature cookie!
Cross-stitch. Bubba's Mom is always commenting on how neat the back looks!
Typing. I can type really fast.
Designing a road. I can design the CRAP out of a road! Too bad I'm unemployed at the moment. But, I've got Mad Skills!
Cooking. I love to cook, and I have yet to find a recipe I couldn't do. There are some that I choose NOT to do, but that doesn't mean I couldn't if I wanted to.
Finding my way around. I have an EXCELLENT sense of direction, and I love maps, so I am never lost. Plus, I think I'm a good driver, although that is a matter of opinion for some people.
Making lists. Now, accomplishing everything on those lists is another story, er, blog.

What about number 10? What do YOU think I'm good at?

100 Years of Celebration

2008-05-11T13:39:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day, Y'all!!!

10 on Tuesday

2008-05-06T12:47:00.003-04:00

Ten Places I'd Love To Travel To
(But Haven't Been To Yet)

I am jonesin' for a vacation about now. We haven't been anywhere that wasn't visiting family or for a wedding since we moved to Houston, and I have the travel bug.

Germany
Zihuatenejo, Mexico
Southern France/Northern Spain
Copenhagen, Denmark
Destin, Florida
Pacific Northwest (Seattle, Portland, etc.)
Bahamas
Montreal, Canada
Scotland
Alaska

Hopefully we'll get to visit No. 5 pretty soon, as the others are a bit outside of travel by car with a munchkin.

End of One Chapter, On To The Next

2008-04-28T12:04:00.003-04:00

I am officially done nursing Drew. It's been 1 year, 2 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days. I know it's time, he is loving cow's milk and getting to be just too busy to snuggle and nurse with me anymore. And, we were down to once a day anyway, in the morning when we were both half-awake. But now it's over, and I'm wistful. Wishing I could have one more day. I know this is mostly because it means my baby is no longer a baby anymore, but a full-blown toddler. But I will miss that special bond I had with him. Breast-feeding is the best feeling in the world, and I absolutely LOVED it. I'm so blessed that I was able to do it for so long.

And, I think I'm ready to be done, too. It's time. No more worrying about not taking any type of drug for fear of what it will do to my milk supply. No more nursing bras (although I think they are rather comfortable! Just not that sexy....). No more having to get up with Drew on the weekends, Bubba can do that now! I'm happy to have my body back. Except now there is nothing to take my extra calories, so I'm going to have to start watching what/how much I eat again. Boo.

This is going to take some getting used to....

I did it! I did it!

2008-04-20T22:29:00.002-04:00

Stolen from cjh, who stole it from Bubba's Sis. I'm a clepto, that's for sure.

Have you ever…

( ) Gone on a blind date
( ) Skipped School
( ) Watched someone die
(x) Been to Canada
(x) Been to Mexico
( ) Been to Florida
(x) Been on a plane
(x) Been lost
(x) Been on the opposite side of the country
(x) Gone to Washington , DC
(x) Swam in the ocean
(x) Cried yourself to sleep
( ) Played cops and robbers
(x) Recently colored with crayons
(x) Sang Karaoke
(x) Paid for a meal with coins only?
(x) Done something you told yourself you wouldn’t?
( ) Made prank phone calls
(x) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose - or other places!
(x) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(x) Danced in the rain
(x) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(x) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(x) Watched the sunrise with someone you care about
(x) Blown bubbles
(x) Gone ice-skating
(x) Been skinny dipping outdoors

Well, have you?

Open, Open, Open

2008-04-19T11:22:00.002-04:00

Now you're all thinking of that old Mervyn's commercial, aren't you? Heh, heh.

This post does have a purpose, besides taking a trip down TV-land memory lane.

We are having an open house tomorrow, because our house is still on the market. I realize that an open house is not likely to get us a buyer. But, as our realtor pointed out, it couldn't hurt. He also suggested burying a statue of St. Joseph, the Patron Saint of real estate, in our yard. Also couldn't hurt. Now if I could just figure out where to buy something of that nature locally (instead of the Long Island Catholic supply store....LI is a bit far). If only I was in Italy, I'm sure I could buy a cheapo statue of Joe from a street venture selling that kitschy crap to tourists. But in Houston? Where?

In light of all this, today is cleaning day, and Bubba is edging the yard now that we finally got a new edge blade for the edger we borrowed from our neighbor. Gotta dust and vacuum and clean bathrooms and the kitchen and just make sure everything is just perfect. Anyone have any good tips for staging? Should I bake some cookies? Have fresh flowers all over the house? Bribe people with fruit? Bubba thinks we should do nothing, as no one is likely to show up anyway, but I'm trying to be optimistic about it.

Send us some positive vibes, people!

WALKING!!!

2008-04-13T13:46:00.001-04:00

It was bound to happen sooner or later. We would have been embarrassed by our son crawling off to college.

This One Is For Pigs

2008-04-12T11:23:00.001-04:00

I wanted to have an * next to my name on Pigs blogroll, so here ya go!

That is all.

I Don't Know How I Did It

2008-04-12T11:04:00.007-04:00

The orchid my mom gave me last year as a housewarming gift came back and bloomed again this year! It's just been sitting on the window sill in my kitchen, and I water it when I remember it's been a while since I watered it last. Here's some pics in sequence:

March 13, I notice that there is a long, slender stem with buds on it coming off of the once-empty stalk. I don't have a picture of the stalk prior to this, so just picture it without one. Needless to say, I was shocked!

April 1, buds getting ready to bloom!

April 6th, 1 blossom with another on the way

April 9th, with 3 blooms!

Yay! I'm so proud of myself, I've always wondered if it was a once-and-done kind of plant, or would come back year after year. Hooray!

FYI, cjh's orchid came back, too! Go check it out!

10 on Tuesday

2008-04-08T15:49:00.003-04:00

Ten Favorite Actors/Actresses
In no particular order....

Tom Hanks
Meg Ryan
Julia Roberts
Harrison Ford
Collin Firth
Sarah Jessica Parker
Kevin Costner
Hugh Grant
Reese Witherspoon
George Clooney

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise

2008-04-03T15:19:00.003-04:00

Look what I found outside my kitchen window when I got home from a long weekend in Wellington!

It's an amaryllis plant, and I have no idea how it got there. See all the crappy wires and pipes coming out of the house around it? I clearly did not plant a beautiful flower in this particular spot, but who did? It's the side of the house that we pay the least amount of attention to, so it's even a wonder that I discovered it. And, I think Bubba's taken the weed-whacker to the leaves a few times, as we both thought it was just a weird plant of some sort. I never would have expected THIS!

I think it's God's little gift to me for the day. Here, you did nothing to deserve this plant, but here it is anyway. Isn't that what Grace is all about?

All Hail Apollo

2008-03-15T14:28:00.004-04:00

I am a self-prescribed Sun-Worshiper. Yes, I said it. I LOVE to bask in the sun and feel it's full glory soaking into my skin. There is nothing I like more than a nice, deep, Perfect Tan, with no tan lines visible, and nothing I enjoy more than the pursuit of this perfection. I have been blessed with an olive complexion that doesn't burn readily, and thus makes the tanning more enjoyable than most, as I can sit out there all day, and as long as I have a minimal amount of protection, I'm guaranteed a nice glow.

I have been a junkie since my Tween days, laying out on the trampoline in our front yard bathed in SPF 4 (yep, at least I was trying) and baby oil. I spent my afternoons at the pool when it was open, which was every day but Monday in the summer. In high school, it was torture to be a distance runner and not be able to just lay around on warm spring afternoons after my race, because they run the 1600m next-to-last. Thus I was the loser sitting in the shade under the bleachers or on the bus. By my college years, the pursuit of the perfect tan was easily attainable by skipping classes on beautiful spring afternoons to sit in my tube top on the grass pretending to study. Or, in said tube top enjoying a frozen margarita. I have always been a naturalist....no tanning salons for me! Nope, tans were earned the hard way, sweating it out next to a pool, and timing your flips so you'd be even on both sides.

Now before you call your favorite dermatologist on my sun-soaked butt, let me just say that I am no longer in pursuit of the Perfect Tan. I wear my SPF 30 like a good girl when I'm out enjoying the sun's rays. ~sigh~ These days my Perfect Tan comes out of a bottle, thank-you-very-much. A few years ago I realized that my lovely complexion would last MUCH longer as I get older if I started wearing sun-screen and staying out of the sun at peak times. That, and wrinkly skin and skin cancer are not nearly as sexy. It's not nearly as fun, but much better for my health. That way I'll be around for Drew much longer (hopefully!).

But there is something about a sunny March day to make me long for my days of grabbing my swimsuit and beach towel and bask in the afternoon sun, paying my respects to Apollo.

The Sickies

2008-03-12T10:14:00.002-04:00

We have had quite a week-and-a-half here in the Bubba Household. I managed to get another breast infection last Sunday, and was down for the count for a few days....fever, aches, the whole bit. Then on Thursday, I woke up at 2am and started puking. Had a 24-hour bug, I'm pretty sure, and it sucked. I basically didn't eat anything for 2 days, and Bubba's Mom came to stay Thursday night to help me with Drew Bear on Friday so I could try to recuperate. I was much better by Sunday, although still very weak.

Monday Night the Drew Bear lost his dinner, as well as his snack by the looks of it, right before bed, so I was very worried HE'S picked up a bit of this. He's also had a touch of diarrhea, which is just super-fun. He didn't throw up again Monday night, but Tuesday morning, about 1am, Bubba woke up and started puking. All night. In the midst of all THAT, Drew had a blow-out, I-smelled-it-before-he-woke-up diaper that prompted a laundry session in the middle of the night. So, yesterday wasn't so fun. To cap it all off, I had choir rehearsal last night (instead of tonight like normal) because of some speaker tonight that everyone wanted to go to. And, as we're on the verge of Holy Week and have a ton of services to sing next week, I really couldn't just skip it. So Bubba's Mom and Dad came, yet again, to stay with Drew Bear and help take care of Bubba. Katie-Katie-Mama-Lady was one tired puppy last night.

Drew is doing better, much better, although still has the squirts and is cutting a molar, poor thing. His mouth is really bothering him. And, Bubba has announced he's hungry this morning, so hopefully we are on the mend!

Needless to say, however, I have gone through and tried to sanitize EVERYTHING in this house. It would be just my luck to get this AGAIN a week from now....

10 on Tuesday

2008-03-11T13:09:00.002-04:00

Ten Things I'm Looking Forward To In The Spring

SELLING MY HOUSE!!!
March in Texas (it's the best month to be here, like May in NYC)
Everything in bloom
More daylight in the evenings to talk walks after Bubba gets home from work
Baseball!!!
Short sleeves and sandals
Drew learning to walk
The return of real TV and The Office!
Budding trees (it always makes me think of New Beginnings)
Moving to Dallas (as moving is such a pain, it's last on the list, but I'm still looking forward to it!)

Change Is Inevitable

2008-02-28T14:47:00.002-05:00

We are listing our house tomorrow.

There are several of you readers out there that already know about this. But for those that don't, Bubba and I have decided to move back to Dallas. Bubba is taking his old job back, and I am hopefully going to get mine as well (although it's not for certain yet....keep your fingers crossed for me). Big Oil isn't as great as we thought it would be, and so we are headed back to our old hometown. Drew will just have to grow up in an American League town (GASP!!!).

I am excited about this, even though moving is a pain in the drain, and we only JUST got settled here. Change is a good thing, most of the time.

So, now we are first-time home-sellers. Hopefully there are some people out there who are looking for a house like ours, in a cute neighborhood, and think it will be PERFECT for them. If you happen to know someone that fits that description perfectly, (or if it fits YOU perfectly--Mike and Ang, hint, hint) send them our way!

In the meantime, just send us your prayers and happy-selling vibes.

10 on Tuesday

2008-02-26T10:16:00.004-05:00

Ten Movies That I've Intended To Watch But Haven't

This should be easy, as I've seen only 1 movie since Drew was born, and that was National Treasure Book of Secrets (which was good, btw).

Becoming Jane
Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Atonement
27 Dresses
The Bourne Ultimatum
Charlie Wilson's War
Juno
P.S. I Love You
The Bucket List
The Savages

Maybe one day I'll see these one DVD. Or maybe, just maybe, I'll see one here soon! I'm sure I can find a babysitter....

Opulence Out of Control

2008-02-22T21:59:00.003-05:00

I watched the GMA 'Behind the Scenes' at the Kodak theater this morning, in preparation for the Oscars on Sunday. And I have to say, I am completely disgusted with all of it. Not the Oscars in general, just the spectacle of what they have to do to impress these super-stars with GOBS of money anyway. All the gold, and the roses, and the yada yada yada. I mean, come on!!! And that's not even the goodie bags of free crap they give the people who could afford to buy it anyway. It just chaps my hide (yes, I'm in TX, and we can say those kinds of things here) that the amount of money they spend on this crap could feed a small country for a year.

Grrr......

Birthday Party Extravaganza

2008-02-11T22:45:00.000-05:00

The party was a big hit. Good times were had by all. But especially my sweet Drew Bear! Here's a few pics from the event.

Birthday cake

He loved ripping the paper!

Reading in his new chair

Pre-Cake!

LOVED the icing!

Happy Birthday Boy!

How Do You Measure A Year?

2008-02-04T21:37:00.000-05:00

Five-hundred twenty-five thousand, six-hundred minutes
Five-hundred twenty-five thousand moments so dear
525,600 minutes - how do you measure, measure a year?

In daylights,
in sunsets,
in midnights,
in cups of coffee.
In inches,
in miles,
in laughter,
in strife.
In 525,600 minutes - how do you measure a year in the life?

How about Love?

My baby is 1 year old today. My goodness, where did the time go? Oh yeah, see the lyrics above.* That's where they are....in the long days, sunsets (and sunrises), and cups of coffee to keep awake. In the inches measured, miles traveled and moved, first laughs, and midnight feedings.

I am a little sad, I'll admit, that my baby isn't a baby anymore. He is officially a toddler, and is well on his way to becoming a little boy. I see it every day as he grows and learns and figures things out and tries new things and fails and tries again and gets it. And I know this is just the beginning of all that, and I'm so thrilled that I'm getting to watch it all unfold.

But this first year has been so special, and I try so hard to remember the little moments that I know are fleeting. But I also try to realize this is just the beginning, and it only gets better from here!

*Lyrics to 'Seasons of Love' from Rent

Signals

2008-01-30T10:37:00.000-05:00

It drives me absolutely BONKERS that people don't use their turn signal. It routinely happens as I'm driving around my little part of the world that I will have to slam on the brakes at the last minute because the jack-ass in front of me can't be bothered to flick his left hand on that little spigot sticking out of the side of the steering column. Apparently, it's just there to get in the way. God forbid you let me know WHY you are stepping on your brakes! And, I try hard not to follow too close (although Bubba might disagree), so most of the time these people have been braking for a while.

It also happens when changing lanes on the freeway! Which is almost worse, as the speeds are about 3 times what they are in my neighborhood! Makes me so nervous.

So what do I do? I honk at these people! Rightly so! Especially if they cut me off (which has happened a lot lately) and don't use their signal at the same time. Thank God I'm a defensive driver! But. Ya know what? The people I honk at honk right back at me. Like I have no reason to be honking at them, and am just being rude. Hello?!? What do you think that loud thing on the front of your steering wheel is actually FOR? Gaah.

People make me insane sometimes. I hate people. Except for all of you lovely people who read this, of course. Just don't cut me off or not use your blinker in front of me. You WILL feel my wrath.

Twilight Zone

2008-01-16T09:25:00.001-05:00

Only in Houston can the rain storm be moving off to the East, but the winds are ALSO out of the East. Wha??? Shouldn't the rains be moving WITH the wind, not AGAINST them? Isn't that counter-productive?

WAY TO GO, TIMMIE!!!

2008-01-14T12:33:00.000-05:00

Bubba's BFF, Tim Smith, ran the Houston Half-Marathon yesterday morning!

We of course had to go watch, and snapped this shot when he ran through our neighborhood, about mile 6. He was lookin' good!

We also drove downtown to see him run by before the finish, and were so excited to see him going strong at Mile 13 that we completely forgot to get a picture! Oh well, he was doing great, passing people, and he even beat the lead runner for the full marathon! Yeah, he ran half the distance, but still! That's better than I could do, I'll tell ya!

Stop by and tell Timmie congratulations!

10 on Tuesday

2008-01-08T21:14:00.000-05:00

Ten Best Moments of 2007
Yes, there's lots of Drew-related things in here, but he is kind of the center of my world these days.

Obviously, the birth of my Drew Bear Munchkin!
Baby's 1st Christmas
Moving back to Texas
Flying 1st Class when we moved
Sleeping through the night again
30th Birthday!
Buying our first house
Going to the lake with Emma and getting to meet Nate-dog
1st Halloween
Swimming with Drew

Christmas Wrap-Up

2008-01-04T16:02:00.001-05:00

Drew Bear loved his first Christmas. He is rolling in loot, thanks to all the family who just figured he could use 'one more little thing.' But, it wasn't disgusting, just enough. He loved unwrapping so much that he tried to unwrap mine and Bubba's gifts, too.

We even got snow for Christmas! Well, it snowed Christmas night, so we had a White Boxing Day. Somehow that doesn't have the same ring to it. He wasn't too sure about the wet, cold, white stuff, or his little snow suit, but he liked being outside, so he was cool.

Santa brought a Radio Flyer Walker-wagon to the Munchkin, and he is figuring it out. He will walk with it better if Mama is not around. Haven't figured out quite why, but so it goes....

Drew also got a taste of 'country livin' and picked some cotton! There is a record cotton crop in Collingsworth County this year, and there is cotton still in the field because there is no place for it at the overcrowded gin (does this remind anyone else of the Christmas Story, or is it just me?). So we went to the field out behind Mimi and Papa's house and picked some to take back to the Big City with us.

I also just HAD to post this one, because he is super cute and clearly has a high opinion of our family. (No, this is not a present from Mama and Daddy!)

HAPPY NEW YEAR, Y'ALL!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2007-12-19T10:40:00.001-05:00

The view from the top floor of Sak's 5th Avenue.

CVS Commercial

2007-12-13T09:24:00.000-05:00

Has anyone seen the new CVS pharmacy commercials? They're animated, and have this song that goes:

'It's not that unusual
when everything is beautiful.
It's just another ordinary
miracle today.'

I love the beautiful tune, and for some reason it always makes me stop and listen and appreciate the little things in life that truly ARE miracles.

I hope the next time you see that commercial, you will stop and take a moment to appreciate how blessed you are.

What do I want?

2007-12-12T13:38:00.000-05:00

I just want to live a NORMAL life.

'There is no 'normal' life, there's just life. So get on with it!'

-Doc Holiday

Random

2007-12-11T10:50:00.000-05:00

I don't know what to blog about these days. I just can't seem to find the energy or desire to tell y'all (because there are so many of you!) what's going on in my life. Nor can I seem to think of anything interesting to write about.

We are all decorated for Christmas, after a search for the trimmings we left here when we moved to NYC. Couldn't remember where they were for a while, until Bubba's Mom found them at her place. So now we have a tree FULL of ornaments, we couldn't even put them all on! We'll have to either get a 2nd small tree next year, or a bigger one.

Not that the decorations matter, as I'm not feeling very Christmassy due to this sub-tropical weather. It's really making me irritated. And not helping my feelings of loss for NYC at Christmas-time.

Drew is one the move now something fierce! I almost can't keep up with him, he's into everything these days. So my computer time is limited now, along with pretty much everything else!

We had our church Christmas concert on Sunday night, and it was spectacular. I really enjoyed it, the music was beautiful, and the church was FULL of people, which was a pleasant surprise. But, I'm also glad it's over.

I'm looking forward to going to my folks up in the Panhandle for a week for Christmas. We're also stopping off in Dallas on the way for a few days to visit some family and friends and break up the 9+hour trip with an infant. My sister and brother and brother's girlfriend will also be coming to Wellington, so we'll have a nice, relaxing time with them! Christmas in a small town can't be beat. No traffic, just a few people to see, nothing to do but hang out at my parents fabulous house, and eat and chat and relax. I love it.

Guess that's all.

My Baby's Growing Up

2007-11-29T10:57:00.000-05:00

In 2 days, he learned to sit up in his crib by himself (and thus everywhere else), pulled up on the coffee table unassisted, and CRAWLED across the floor! Not too fast just yet, but it was still crawling! And here I thought he'd never do it....

So now I have to get busy baby-proofing this place! I'm happy and excited for him, but sad he's growing up so fast at the same time.

Tamales With A Side of Puke

2007-11-24T22:32:00.000-05:00

Drew threw up on me tonight.

We were out to dinner with an old friend of mine from my UT days, who lives in Boston and was in town visiting her folks. Mexican food, since she lives in Boston and can't get real Mexican food.

Drew had his dinner before we left, and was happily chowing down on his ~~baby crack~~ Cheerios. He starting coughing like he was choking on one, and was having a tough time, gagging and the whole bit, and he started crying after he got the little piece up. So I pick him up out of the high chair to comfort him, and he up-chucks. All. Over. Me. You could tell he'd had carrots for dinner. It was disgusting, and smelled disgusting.

Luckily, however, it was mainly on me and not on him. So it didn't bother me to leave him in the shirt with puke on the sleeve. And, I had my puffy vest to wear over my shirt, so you couldn't see my white shirt with orange puke all over it. He was fine afterwards, and went back to his Cheerios.

Poor little man. Hopefully the stains come out.

Wordless Wednesday

2007-11-21T17:29:00.001-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

10 on Tuesday

2007-11-07T10:39:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know it's Wednesday. Deal.

10 Words That Describe Me

Mama
Hungry
Tired
Emotional
Hormonal
Stressed
Busy
Singer
Chef
Care-giver

I'm Hungry

2007-11-01T17:28:00.000-04:00

All. The. Time.

I have lost a few pounds the last few weeks or so, even my parents commented on how thin I look. I'm not bragging, trust me. I eat A LOT, too. I'm a bit worried because I can't seem to get enough calories! It's got to be the breast-feeding. I am supposed to get 500 extra calories a day, because Drew will take what he needs, and if I didn't get more, I'd waste away! I'm still pretty flabby in the mid-section (that's what happens when you get such a big belly), but all my pre-preggo clothes are a bit loose!

I was going just fine, but for some reason I just can't seem to eat enough these days. I'm trying to be healthy about it, too. However, sometimes eating a whole box of Nilla Wafers is all that will satisfy me. Hmmm, you'd think I was pregnant! Don't worry, I'm not.

Lately I've been craving protein. At least I think that's what it is. I can't quite decide, actually. All I know is that my cravings aren't being satisfied, and protein seems to be the main thing that is missing during the day. Because who just randomly has meat laying around to snack on? Besides bologna, which isn't exactly the best for you, but it may come to that here in a minute....

For now, I'm eating a bag of chips and some salsa. At least the salsa is good for me. It's veggies, right?

Happy Halloween!!!

2007-11-01T11:51:00.001-04:00

Way. Too. Early.

2007-10-26T19:04:00.000-04:00

I drove down Westheimer yesterday, and almost hit the car in front of me when I drove by the shopping center called Highland Village. They are ALREADY all decked out for Christmas! Lights on all the palm trees, big red bows on several of the stores, wreaths. The whole nine yards. I can't believe it. It's not even HALLOWEEN for God's sakes! I'm appalled.

Do You Smell That?

2007-10-24T17:30:00.001-04:00

I ran in the store this afternoon to pick up a few things, mainly some produce, but I went looking for a card for my Dad's birthday, too. I'm standing in the card aisle, with Drew in the shopping cart, and all of a sudden I smell It. The unmistakable smell of Poopy Diaper. As I was just running in a for a few things, I didn't bring the diaper bag in with me, just a burp rag. Of course. So I just told Drew he'd have to sit in it until we get home. I bend down to make sure, but I don't smell anything. Huh. I stand back up, move a few feet away, and catch a big whiff again. So I smell the backside this time. Nada. Drew's pooh's typically give themselves away, but I was gettin' nothin' when I actually smelled his diaper region.

I could only concur that someone came down the card aisle, paused by my baby to drop some produce, and walked away, leaving the unsuspecting baby as the culprit! How dare they!?!

Sure enough, I get home, and there's no pooh. I hope that person feels better for blaming a baby for their stinky farts. Shame on them!

FALL!!!!

2007-10-22T21:12:00.000-04:00

It's arrived!!! I'm so excited!!! Doing a little dance over here.

Starts With K

2007-10-18T15:52:00.000-04:00

Bubba's Mom did this yesterday, and it looks like fun, so I'm going to copy!

What is your name? Katie
4 Letter word: Kiss
Vehicle: K-car
TV Show: King of Queens
City: Killeen
Boy Name: Keith
Girl Name: Kelly
Alcoholic drink: Komikaze
Occupation: Kindergarten teacher
Something you wear: Kimono
Celebrity: Kira Knightly
Food: Kiwi
Something found in a bathroom: Knick-knack
Reason for being late: Knocked down
Cartoon Character: King of the Hill
Something you shout: Kick Ass!

Wordless Wednesday

2007-10-17T14:50:00.001-04:00

About how I feel today....

Fit Pitching

2007-10-15T23:12:00.001-04:00

Behind

2007-10-11T22:58:00.000-04:00

I'm a bit behind this week. We went to Wes and Roxi's wedding in NOLA last weekend and had a great time! My folks came to be Drew Bear's baby-sitters, so we could stay and feel like adults, with beverages and everything. We even got to parade through the streets after the reception with a band and cops stopping traffic and everything! It was way cool. Except that it was hot and muggy that day. Would have been nice for a bit of cooler weather. Oh well.

And this week I've just been trying to get caught up. Not much going on other than that. Not much time for the internet these days, what can I say? Taking care of an infant is a full-time job. I have to remind myself sometimes that even though I got nothing accomplished today, including bathing myself, I still am doing a good job, in that my son is fed (well-fed, did I mention he's 22 pounds?), dressed, and happy. It's hard, considering what I did for a living in my previous life was very project/results-oriented. But I figure this project is a work-in-progress, with an extended contract. Too bad it doesn't pay more.... :)

Wordless Wednesday

2007-10-03T10:45:00.000-04:00

I miss Fall....

10 on Tuesday

2007-10-02T12:30:00.000-04:00

10 TV Shows I'd Like To Have On DVD
Actually, I never watched much tv as a kid, as we only had 3 channels and never really watched much. TV was a treat at my Mu's house. Gee, I'm from the sticks, huh?

Sex and the City--I already do, actually, but I'm still including it, it's my list!
Friends--because I want to watch all in a row, and syndication doesn't cut it
Seinfeld
Midsomer Murders
Northern Exposure--We only have Season 1
Gilmore Girls--V. sad it's over
Magnum--who wouldn't want more of Tom Selleck?
Rick Steves--because it always inspires me to travel
Pride and Prejudice--I know it's a mini-series, but it was made-for-TV!
Law and Order

Monday Craziness

2007-10-01T16:32:00.000-04:00

Bubba is sick. He stayed home today and has mainly slept, thank God. He's being an ok patient this time, he's usually a big baby about it, but he's actually listening to Nurse Katie and taking his medicine.

I, also, have a sniffle, which I am putting down to allergies, as I have no fever or aches like Bubba does. Only the sneezes that occasionally throw me into fits. It's no fun. I bought 10 boxes of Kleenex at the store, just in case this lasts a while.

Speaking of the store, it is CRAZY in that place on Monday! I usually wait and go on Tuesday, as that's usually when the freshest goods are in, but I think Monday is the day of the best sales. I don't have a lot of space for storing extra food, so I usually don't go in for the 10/$10 steals (except on the Kleenex this time), I will only buy a few of the sale items, mainly what I need. What can I say, no storage in NYC has scarred me. Anyway, I'm glad I left the Munchkin at home with Daddy (with strict instructions NOT to touch him unless absolutely necessary!), because it would have taken me much longer.

Speaking of the Munchkin, he is thankfully NOT affected by our sniffles. He had a fever on Friday, way before Bubba ever showed any symptoms, but since then, nada. Not yet, anyway. The only thing I forgot at the store was the jumbo-size hand-sanitizer with pump feature. Might be nice to stave off the germies over the next few days. Oh well, I think of it as just strengthening his immune system.

10 on Tuesday

2007-09-25T15:20:00.000-04:00

10 Things I've Been Putting Off

Painting the trim on 2 of the 3 new doors we had installed (already did the one in the dining room).
Going to the dentist. Just need to get a new dentist, that's the problem.
Working out on a regular basis.
Getting my haircut (although I'm doing this tomorrow)
Getting rid of all the vines on the back chain-link fence
Replacing said metal fence with a wooden one and putting new plants there
Putting new flowers in the front beds
Hanging pictures in the remainder of the house
Making Drew's 'real' room (not the nursery) less of a junk room and more of a guest room!
Getting my resume together, in case I want/need to go back to work sooner rather than later.

Wordless Wednesday

2007-09-19T16:45:00.000-04:00

Enough Is Enough

2007-09-19T14:05:00.000-04:00

I am tired of hot weather. Bubba and I both are.

Yes, I realize that I am from Texas, and should be used to 90 degrees in September. But I lived for 3 years in a place that claims to have actual seasons that correspond roughly with Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. I don't mind summer at all, in fact it's great! And hot weather in July and August is to be expected, heck, enjoyed!

BUT!!!

90 degrees in September, especially in late September, is just ridiculous. I am REALLY tired of not being able to take Drew outside from 10am to 7pm. I'm sick of putting off things I'd like to do in the yard 'until it gets cooler,' because as we all know, yard work is not really something you can do in short, separate periods of time; you have to commit to it for a few hours. Not really conducive to having an infant that shouldn't be out in the hot weather for that long.

Not only that, but I'd love to be able to sit outside in the evening while we grill or something and not sweat through my t-shirt. Gross, I know.

And, and, and!!!

Our electric bill is atrocious! I know we live in an old, inefficient house with lots of old, single-pane, original windows, but it wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't so bloody hot outside!

I'm going to go take a cold shower now.

10 on Tuesday

2007-09-18T21:42:00.000-04:00

10 Things I Do When I Have Nothing Else To Do

Um, I'm a new mom, so there really isn't a time when I have nothing else to do. But here goes.

Play with Drew Bear
Cross stitch
Read
Play on the computer
Watch TV
Take Drew for a walk (wait, it's too damn hot to do that right now)
Shop
Make a list of things to do with this house/yard
Call Bubba at work and bother him
Play with Drew Bear

Wordless Wednesday

2007-09-12T14:57:00.000-04:00

Under the Tuscan Sun:

Not Vieing for Mother-of-the-Year

2007-09-11T17:08:00.000-04:00

How bad is it that I just made a quick trip down the street to our neighborhood liquor store because I'm almost out of vodka? That's all I needed....vodka.

Did I mention that I carried my son in with me?

I tried not to look like a wine-o Mama that HAD to have her vodka tonic this afternoon.

The only thing missing was that my son was actually dressed, and not just in a diaper. THAT would have been very bad.

10 on Tuesday

2007-09-11T13:59:00.000-04:00

I'm really starting to enjoy this list!

10 Cities I'd Live In
I could list a whole lot more than 10, but this is a start!

NYC (I know I've already done that, but I'd like to do it again)
Paris
Seattle
London
Siena, Italy
Baltimore
Savannah
Denver
Brenham, Texas
Charlottesville, Virginia

7 Months Old!

2007-09-05T18:14:00.000-04:00

He got 2 teeth on Friday, too!

It's Always Something

2007-09-05T16:58:00.000-04:00

So, Bubba and I ordered a new table WAY back in May to go into our brand new dining room. We figured we are home owners now, it's time to get a grown-up table and chairs. We went to this neighborhood furniture store just down the street from our house that is a place where they have samples of furniture there, but you order from the manufacturer's catalog to get exactly the piece you want. Delivery time was 6-8 weeks, which put us into July getting the table, but that was fine, as we had to paint anyway. We finally called about it around the Fourth, and the guy apologized, saying the chairs were here, but the table had to be sent back because it was not up to standard, and he would take care of the shipping and knock 10% off for our trouble. Fine, we still hadn't painted.

Well, the long-awaited table and chairs are here, were delivered this afternoon. BUT! One of the legs is not like the others, and can not be bolted onto the table. The holes that the bolts fit into are smaller on one leg, and the bolts that were sent do not fit the holes. Of course.

So right now, sitting in my dining room upside down, is a table with only 2 legs on it. The delivery men left Leg No. 3 off so that whoever comes by to fix this will see what the problem is. I called the furniture place, and he said someone would be out tomorrow to take a look. TOMORROW!!?!! What about today? What if I was having a dinner party tonight and needed this table? (I'm not, I'm just sayin'.) I would be screwed!

The table is beautiful, as are the chairs, but this place has lost ALL future business we were going to throw their way. We even had our eye on the side-board piece that matches the table, for a future purchase, but that's not going to happen now!!!

GRRRRR....

10 on Tuesday

2007-09-04T21:48:00.000-04:00

10 Things I'd Save In A Fire

Drew Bear
Drew's baby book
As many photo albums as I could find
Laptop
Family photos
Wedding picture (geez, there's a theme here)
Our fireproof box (after we buy one....soon)
As many clothes as I could grab
Car seat (those are expensive!)
Our stems from Murano, Italy

Uh Oh....

2007-08-30T15:04:00.001-04:00

My Little Narcissist

2007-08-21T10:15:00.001-04:00

Where's Our Cut?

2007-08-15T22:58:00.001-04:00

We're sitting here watching the Astros vs. the Dodgers, and Bubba just said the EXACT SAME THING that the analyzer/color guy said! And a mere SECONDS before he did! I mean, almost verbatim.

This happens all the time, and I just have to look at him, tell him he's in the wrong business, and wonder how much sports analysts make. Because Bubba would be a very good baseball analyst.

Not that we need any more talk about sports. But I'd like to get a piece of that action, cash-wise.

Never Again

2007-08-10T21:15:00.000-04:00

Drew Bear and I spent this week in my hometown in the sticks visiting my folks and my grandmother. Got a bonus day of my brother, too, who was in from DC for Ex-Students' Weekend. We had a good time, once we finally got there.

We flew into Amarillo via American Airlines, using the last of my AA miles because it was going to be rather expensive if I didn't. Because it's American, I had to fly through DFW. I even made sure that the days of flying (round trip, dontcha know) lined up well with his naps and feeding, so I wouldn't have to flash the plane to feed the munchkin.

Ah, the best-laid plans.

The flight to Dallas Monday morning was no problem, and I even found this cool lounge next to the Starbucks in Terminal C with comfortable chairs that I could feed Drew in. I grab some lunch, change terminals, and get to my gate, only to discover that the plane taking off BEFORE us hasn't even left yet, and it's now time for us to board! The plane bound for Amarillo was sitting out there on the tarmac waiting for the mechanical problem to be fixed for the plane bound for Springfield. I thought, 'those poor people,' and waited for the soon-to-come announcement for a gate change for the Amarillo flight. That did, indeed, happen, but now we were for sure going to be late. It was one of those 'Boarding all rows, come-on-down, people!' Everyone's on board, but we are just sitting there. The captain comes on and says there's a problem with the floor in the cargo hold, and Mechanical has to come over to take a look. (Ironic that this is another mechanical problem, just like the Springfield plane above.) They are going to sit tight and will get right back to us. When they do, we are informed that we are going to have to de-plane because it's going to take a few hours, and they aren't sure what they're going to do with us yet, if we'll get another plane or not, but PLEASE stay in the Gate area until further notified. Oh, and we aren't allowed to get our gate-checked bags, so I'm not going to have my stroller for the duration and have to hold my 20-pound son the entire time. 'How am I going to pee?' I wonder to myself, because you just can't set your infant on the floor of the bathroom, or let a stranger hold him. So you get the picture. I had to leave the Gate area to go to the bathroom, and was hurrying the entire time, just in case the lady came back to tell us we were leaving. I'd hate to miss it! Didn't happen.

TWO HOURS LATER, we get on the exact same plane. In that time, there was only ONE update as to our status, and that was that we were going to have to wait a half-hour before they decided what to do with us. ??? Get us another friggin' plane! This is your main Hub airport, SURELY you have another little small jet to fly us to Amarillo! But no.

So, the Schedule is all shot to hell, I fed my son in the airport YET again, and we made it to Amarillo 2.5 hours later than planned.

Oh, and I made the news that night! One of the local stations just happened to be in the airport to report on the National story about American flights being delayed all the time. She ran into my family, waiting for me to arrive, and hit the jack-pot. I had an on-camera interview, so did my mom, and we were on the 6 o'clock and 10 o'clock news! It was very exciting. I'm a celebrity now in my home-town.

On the way back, my flight to Dallas was delayed waiting on the arriving plane. No biggie, as I had a long lay-over and would rather hang with my parents than alone in DFW. THEN, THEN, THEN! The flight to Houston was delayed BECAUSE THE PLANE HAD A MECHANICAL PROBLEM! I just had to laugh at that.

I will never fly American again from Houston to Amarillo. Continental has a direct flight, and I will be doing that from now on. They've lost my business. Customer service was bad on all flights, too. But that's another story, this one's long enough.

So, that's 3 of 4 flights that were delayed, 2 for mechanical problems. Pigs, I need me a letter.

Look Ma! No Hands!

2007-08-05T16:47:00.001-04:00