Home Improvements

Over the long weekend in between relaxing, Uncas did a few things around the house.  First up - child-proofing some cabinets.  As you can see - he had a little supervisor:

Next up was putting in new screen doors.  This was a hard sell for me as to what type of doors to get.  Uncas wanted ones with glass down to the bottom.  It took a lot of convincing and you know what literally was the one thing that got me?

That's right - a door that Sammy could actually see out!  For all those who worry that Sammy doesn't get enough attention with the baby around - fear not!  It still often can be all about the dog!!!!

Thankful

As I have mentioned before, I am one of those people who likes to go around the table on Thanksgiving and have everyone say what they are thankful for.  I know my kids will hate this, but I don't care.  In no particular order - here is what I am thankful for this year:

• For not having to travel this holiday, especially when the weather is suppose to be not so great.
• For my husband who makes all of my dreams come true!
• For a happy, healthy little boy who continues to amaze me everyday and make me smile always
• For my puppy who is still my cuddling buddy even if he steals my side of the bed and pillow!
• For all the friends and family who have supported us when Eddie was born.  It's true - it takes a village.
• For our new siding and roof before winter.  I no longer feel like our house looks ugly on the outside.
• For making new friends via the internet because of my baking hobby/project
• For my DVR because it's impossible to ever watch shows at their scheduled time
• For Ellen - she manages to make me laugh and cry just about every show!
• For my parents who will celebrate 30-some years of being married tomorrow!
• And finally I am thankful that they refused to move our dumpster (from when our house was re-sided last week), even after multiple requests, because we were able to clean out our garage and tomorrow we might start cleaning out the basement!!!

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!!!

Lazy Bones

That's the name we give Sammy when he doesn't want to get out of bed in the morning.  Or when he lays on the couch for hours at a time.  But really this name is more appropriate for me right now.  I don't feel like blogging.  I don't really have a good reason (or do I?) other than I am being lazy.  It seems like so much work to get on the computer and think of something profound or funny to say and then, the absolute hardest thing - posting pictures!  Really - none of it is that difficult, but I just don't want to do it.  Maybe it's because I am spending my days chasing a little 8 month old boy.  This little boy is so physical and active - it's crazy!  Fortunately he's also a very good little boy and he is soooo happy.  That makes running after him a lot easier.

Anyhow - here are some pictures from this weekend.  Friday was Uncas's birthday.  It was very low-key.  We had Thai food and I made his favorite Milk Chocolate Chiffon Cake.  Saturday we hung around the house and Eddie's little friend Ashley came over in the afternoon.  They played very nicely together.  She isn't quite crawling yet, although she really wants to.  She does clap her hands and shakes rattles with great rhythm.  It was fun to watch them take toys from each.  It was cute because neither one would get upset, they would just take it back.  Ashley was also in love with Sammy and he couldn't get enough of licking her!

Eddie reading his Thanksgiving card from Grandma and Grandpa B

Uncas's presents

Uncas and his cake

Me, Eddie, Ashley and Sammy playing

Me and my baby!

8 Months!

It's already 8 months - I swear I just did the 7 month post.  Here's what's up for this month:

• Eddie is a master crawler.  But it's not enough to crawl - he also pulls himself up on anything that he can find.  Some things are not very stable, but that doesn't stop him.  And sometimes he forgets to hold on once he is standing.
• Along with the standing, he is learning to fall.  At first every time he fell, he would start to cry.  Now he is getting good at just getting back up or rolling over and getting back up.  He is also getting better balance, so he doesn't fall over quite as often.
• Eddie and Sammy have become quite the playmates.  Eddie loves Sammy so much.  He knows Sammy's name and will look for him if we ask "Where's Sammy".  He knows all of Sammy's regular locations.  They play tug together and often Sammy will egg him on by plopping the toy right in front of Eddie.  Eddie's still not super gentle with Sammy all the time, but Sammy is very tolerant.  I am so glad that they get along so well.
• Eddie is getting stronger and stronger.  I have the bruises to prove it.  It's difficult to change his diaper anywhere but the changing table, although he is learning to flip himself over in that now too!  And putting on his pajamas at night after a bath is exercise routine for Uncas and I.  I swear Eddie's limbs do not stop moving!
• Eating-wise Eddie is up to 3 meals of solids a day.  He still takes the bottle about 5 times a day, plus a night time feeding.  We have yet to feed him something that he doesn't like.  He is working on his pincher grasp and does very well picking up Cheerios and puffs.
• Sleep - it's hit or miss.  As I type this, he is taking a wonderful afternoon nap.  I was hoping they would be more consistent by this age, but they are not.  He still takes about 3 naps day and his bedtime is between 6:00-6:30.  The daylight savings ending was tough, but hopefully we are all getting more adjusted.
• He still remains a very happy and curious baby.  This afternoon he was laughing and laughing - just because he was standing on the couch.  It was the cutest thing.
• When it comes to playing with toys, Eddie would rather being exploring.  I've started giving him random things like a tape measure (not a metal one, but one you would measure your waist with), a straw (he loves it!), a make-up bag, and a spatula.  We are looking forward to Christmas, because hopefully he'll get some new, more age appropriate toys.  
•  Some of his favorite "toys" are his books.  He loves playing with them and looking at them.  We read to him many times a day and he is very fascinated by them.
• Yesterday I just noticed that two more teeth are popping through.  They are his two top front teeth!  

That's about all I can think of and I want to get this posted before he wakes up!  Here are some 8 month pictures:

 Below were the first attempts, but clearly it's getting harder and harder for him to sit still.  I had to give up and do the floor later.

We're Still Here

I can't say that we have been super busy around here, but I just haven't been on my computer that much lately.  During the days when I have time, I am usually trying to catch up on my emails.  About the only big news is that we are finally getting our house resided.  We are literally in the middle of it right now, but I will be sure to post pictures once it's completed.  We are really pleased with how it looks so far. 

I haven't taken too many pictures lately, but I can't disappoint the grandmas, so here are a few:

Playing in the cupboards while Mama cooks

Who needs pants?

He loves playing with this straw!

He will sit anywhere - it doesn't matter if books or toys are in the way!

Here's a better picture of Sammy's new bed.  I think he likes it.

This is a common pose at night.  Look at Sammy's leg hanging out below!  It cracks me up!!!

Helping Mama find the cookie sheets

Eliza showing off her belly button to Eddie.

Weekend Recap - photo edition

We stayed at home and caught up around things around the house.  Nothing too exciting, but here are a few pictures.

Eddie LOVES playing with Sammy

Storytime with Daddy

Puffs on his butt!

Sammy got a new dog bed!

Crawling around outside this afternoon

Mmmm . . . tasty leaves!

Sammy - I'm going to get you!

Photo Friday

Eddie and Sammy playing with Sammy's new toy

Playing with the laundry basket

Looking at the pretty flowers that Daddy bought for Mama last week

Can this really be comfortable?

Eddie found Sammy!

Reading a book in the morning

Wearing his new hat made by Grandma N.