Poor little guy

Hey Chuck Norris!

Chuck Norris likes to relax in the bathtub and play with his submarine
after a full body workout on his total gym.

Doesn't Noah look spiffy with his Chuck Nortis beard made out of
icing from Allen's birthday cake? I thought so. See post below.

Two posts in a row may just be a record for me here lately. I realized how much I missed my blog as well as recounting my days, good, bad, or just plain nasty; though I try to leave most of the nasty out (I have yet to mention Noah's pants at a recent outing to Carrabas after we picked him up from his highchair nor the faces of everyone in that restaurant as we walked out and stripped him down to his skibbies in the car... Did I spell skibbies correctly? Is that even a word?).

Juliana is nearly 8 months old (Wow did I just say that? Is my teeny girl almost 8 months old?)  In fact, she has 4 more days before she hits the 8 month mark. Its amazing the difference between Noah and Juliana- they are definitely the "Odd Couple"... as much alike as night and day and it goes beyond looks. Noah loves his sleep and his food, Juliana cares for neither (Once upon a time she loved her sleep, all those many months ago). Noah didn't care too much about being held, Juliana wants to be held constantly. Noah loved his car seat, Juliana hates hers. And the list goes on. We're having a hard time with Juliana eating baby food. She just does not like it. Actually, I'm pretty sure that she hates it. I work so hard with her everyday to get her to eat a bite or two during mealtime. Its so very frustrating, especially when Noah at this point was eating 3 meals a day and loving every bite of it. Juliana cries, flails her arms and legs, spits food back at you. Tell me, is this just a girl thing? I am so in love with this little girl but I sometimes question how I make it through the day (or night) without pulling a few clumps of hair out. She doesn't like to sleep, her naps are sporadic at best. And as soon as we have a schedule worked out for her, she surprises you by waking up a few times in the middle of the night, or sleeping the entire night, or not napping the next day, or taking a 4 hour nap. But back to the food- shes so very small for her age and so I'm really trying not to stress the food so much because I know milk is most important right now so I will probably give it another couple of weeks. But for those that read my post yesterday- Juliana is somewhat better today. She has kept her bottles down and has had no fever but I do believe my child has seasonal allergies. We had a fresh coat of pollen covering everything outside and she had green coming out of both of her eyes and her nose today. I'll have to keep an eye on that. 

But on average, today was a very nice day. We enjoyed the last bit of this warm weather stretch by grabbing a ton of toys and playing outside. I cannot wait until summer. We played trucks and ate lunch and snacks outside. Even Juliana helped herself to a sandwich off of Noah's plate when he took a play break from eating. She has been a bit fussy and was fussing on and off while we were outside. She quit suddenly and I was thinking "Yes, she finally resigned herself to the fact that fussing just isn't going to help her"... but then found her munching on a chicken salad sandwich. Okay, this kid wont eat baby food... or anything age appropriate... but will snag your hamburger, sandwich, oreo, or french fries in a second (and subsequently choke and I mean really choke). I forgot to mention that earlier when talking about her aversion to baby food. We had a wonderful time outside though and Im definitely not looking forward to the rain or cooler weather that is in the forecast. 

Noah also "read" his first words today. We have the "Your Baby Can Read" kit. It was actually a gift, and it was one that I wasn't overly thrilled about getting in the first place. I followed through with watching the DVDs and showing the flash cards to Noah, not because I really cared about him reading at this age (I though it was a bunch of bull to be honest) but because it was a great resource to incorporate new words into his vocabulary and its very educational (And boring... yawwwn!). To my surprise, both kids actually watch the DVD and Noah can pick out a couple of words (By memorizing what the words look like, I still prefer the good old fashioned, CHEAP, way of sounding them out). I do think that its been really beneficial for Noah though. If you've seen the ads on TV or are interested in the program, I have a review ready for you. 

I actually think that was pretty much the extent of my day. Both kids were in bed by 8:30 (gasp!). I call it a success!!

Im alive!

Its been quite some time since my last post. When was my last post actually?! Oh I remember... When Noah was throwing the ABC magnets out the shopping cart at everyone in walmart day before Valentines. Got it now. Wow, nearly a month. My laptop is actually on hiatus right now. Well, my laptop has been out of commission and so I was borrowing my mom's laptop (which she didn't really use until recently... when she discovered facebook) and the charger died on that one. Which has left me using my husband's computer... which too happens to be broken, though usable but not very blog-writing friendly. Before, I would set a mood... I use to get in bed after the kids were asleep when it was nice and quiet, warm and toasty and write. Now I have to sit at the kitchen table (husbands screen wont stay up and has to be "propped" and has so many things attached that it has to remain stationary) and all I can think about is getting the dishes done, or vacuuming the rug, etc etc. It probably doesn't make sense to you, but it does to me! Ive attempted several blogs, I have a list where the saved drafts are... but the ADD that I swear I don't have gets the best of me every time. I end up washing the bottles that I earlier decided could wait until morning or doing laundry or something of that sort. 

Today is my WONDERFUL husbands birthday. Well, actually as of right now- yesterday was his birthday. Twenty-nine years ago (and one day), my husband was born weighing only 3 lbs 4 oz... a bitty preemie, but 100% healthy. I cant tell you how happy I am to have him by my side today. I know I don't give this guy enough credit but he is absolutely wonderful. I couldn't ask for a better husband or a better father for our kids. He is so very patient, not only with the kids but with me and he has the most amazing heart. Happy Birthday my love!! 

For his birthday present, his grandparents offered to take the children overnight on Monday so that we could actually spend some time together without changing diapers, wiping noses, and dragging a tantruming child to time out (This would be Noah of course. Juliana is too young for that wonderful toddler art). They get Noah every now and then but this is the first time in quite a few months that Juliana has been away from me for a night (bittersweet). We ended up grabbing some Mexican food and then just coming back home to enjoy some peace and quiet. Its amazing how much we have changed since having children. Its funny how our idea of having a good time has changed as well. Although I thoroughly enjoyed my evening, I had a hard time with wanting to check on children in their cribs that were tucked in somewhere else. 

Allen's grandparents brought the kids back this afternoon and they looked pretty worn out. Apparently Juliana was quite the problem child and partied like a rock star a few times in the middle of the night and was quite an unhappy little thing and showed her cute diaper padded, frilled behind. Of course, we found out later after she emptied the entire contents of her stomach three times and her temperature began creeping up, that she had a perfectly good reason for showing out.  She has already woken up once tonight and Im doubting that will be the only time. So far Noah seems perfectly fine and happy so I'm crossing my fingers that whatever Juliana has, she doesn't share with him. 

As far as pictures go... I have so many to share! But that will be later. Goodnight!! 

New babies and horrific shopping trips

Wow. It feels like it has been ages since I last posted anything about anything! Really. Ive been so very busy and at night when I sit down to write a blog, I'm just too tired. Or I forget. Or I start typing up something and then feel like its not interesting enough or feel that I'm not doing a good enough job writing it... (list of excuses continues).

But none of that! I am so very proud to announce...

My niece! Megan Olivia Bozard was born on Wednesday, February 11th at 6:55am weighing in at a hearty 8 lbs 4 oz, 20 inches long, with blonde hair and blue eyes. She was a tad bit stubborn and came a few days after her due date but alas, she came when she was good and ready! Her mommy is doing well and both mommy and daddy are so, so, so proud of their beautiful little girl. We got the call late Tuesday night that Krystal had headed to the hospital with frequent contractions so my mom and I packed up, left the kids with Allen (who had to work the next day and ended up taking both kids to work with him... now THAT is a different story!), and headed to Charleston. We ended up spending the night in the hallway of the hospital and Miss Megan was born early the next morning via c-section (She just didn't want to come the normal way! And she was turned around backwards). We didn't get any sleep that night, but it was well worth it. Just call me Auntie Elizabeth.

It always takes a minute of getting use to when holding a brand new baby after holding much larger, sturdier ones. I think the biggest shock was holding my brand new Juliana after toting around a 25 pound 1 year old. I almost over compensated when picking her up that first time and flung her in the ceiling tiles. Okay, it wasn't that bad. But it is a bit of a shock.

I have realized that it is so much easier to write if I do it nightly, rather than waiting a week or two. I'm kind of left sitting here saying "Well... what else is there so say..." Lets start with Friday night. On Friday night I decided to take both of the kids to walmart to do a little shopping... by myself. This turned out to be quite a disaster. I have taken the kids places by myself, but I try to avoid stores. It started off great. Noah was happily sitting in the large part of the cart and Juliana was sitting in the seat. I'm pushing them around, they're laughing and smiling. Im thinking "wow, this is easy!" I go to check out Valentines Day card (yes, I procrastinate), Noah is smiling at other people, trying to talk to them, behaving. It was quite crowded in that one little aisle. I look over, and Noah is digging in a woman's pocket book who happened to push her cart up next to ours while she looked. I stopped him, we're still okay... I realize that I need to quickly grab a card... look at one to get and hear *riiiiiipppp* I look back, and Noah has ripped a jumbo gift bag in half. We grab the bag, a card, and quickly exit the aisle. Grab the necessary items on my list and stop to pick up a pack of the ABC refrigerator magnets and put everything in the cart. Juliana decides at this point that she has had enough of sitting in the cart and starts screaming... loudly... ear piercing. I pick her up and try to steer the cart with one hand with her in the other. Then I hear Noah shouting "B, B, B, B!!" As I'm looking for the "bee" I see a refrigerator magnet go flying out the cart at someone. Oh no... Noah hasn't really torn open the pack of magnets and started throwing them at people... has he? *gulp* He sure did. He had thrown half of them out the cart already. I try to gather them up while he threw the remaining ones out... Juliana is still carrying on... I have nice people following around behind me picking up the magnets as he starts pushing them through the bottom of the cart. It sounds like I have no control here, doesn't it? I have a 1 year old and a 6 month old... I have a limited amount. I thought about taking all the ABCs and shoving them on a shelf but decided that I needed to purchase it if Noah had wrecked it. Oh me, oh my. I see why some moms take xanax.

After leaving walmart (alive), we decided to stop by so the kids could visit their great grandmother. She has Alzheimer's and doesn't know who we are, but has the best time with the kids when they come. It is the cutest thing. She kept asking and saying (over, and over... and over) "How old are they?"... "Are they both boys?"... "You've got your hands full don't you?"... "They are cute little boys. Are they boys? " Its actually really fun and I never have to think of anything to say when I go over there. You just answer the same 5-10 questions several times.

Noah, trying to figure out her wheelchair.
Juliana, checking out her great grandma
Noah taking my grandmother for a stroll.

Oh! I have a video for you guys of Juliana playing in the sink (I'm starting to feel like I have ADD when it comes to blogging). Please press mute or turn the volume way down on your computers. I always cringe a little and feel like such a doofus when I hear myself on video.

Allen had to work on Valentines day this year. I feel like its a highly overrated holiday anyway. Since Allen was at work and Noah was invited to spend the weekend with his great grandparents, My mom and I packed Juliana up and headed down to see my brother and sister in law, and of course Megan. Juliana was absolutely fascinated with this real life baby doll and wanted to grab her toes and pull hair. Its kind of cute when you think about it. Noah gives Juliana such a hard time... hugging her, squeezing her, pushing her over... and Juliana is such a helpless little thing (or so we thought). But she was hard at work doing the same things to her litle cousin.

And lastly, tonight I decided that it was perfectly acceptable to wake your sleeping (or almost sleeping) child up by turning on the light and blowing bubbles. Allen and I had bought this super bubble wand at the store and I could not wait to try it out to see if Noah liked it. The picture speaks for itself. Goodnight everyone!!

Happy 19 months to my first born! How fast they grow up. Seriously, these kids grow up FAST! I know most anyone starts talking about their kids growing up by saying "Seems like just yesterday, yada yada yada." Well, it doesn't exactly seem like yesterday that Noah was born and doing a whole slew of firsts, but it doesn't seem like we are just a few months away from his second birthday either. My itty bitty boy, born weeks early- with a preemie body and a not so preemie- sized head. We had to buy two outfits for him to come home in when he was finally discharged- one for the outfit itself (preemie) and another for the hat (0-3 months). They can, and they do grow overnight though (seemingly). I was completely in denial yesterday. Allen got Noah out of the bathtub in the morning and handed him to me to dress (he just does not attempt anymore after I started redressing him every time). I pulled a pair of jeans out of the closet, a pair that he wore last week, that fit him just fine then... they were about an inch too short. What?! Same thing happened with a jacket that fit him perfectly a month prior... too short. This kid eats his wheaties. But, here are a few pictures of my little bit, when he was a little bit bitty-er, still too young to eat his wheaties:

My red head, a few weeks old:

.

Oh, my Noah. Hated tummy time, loved to be held, hated his swing, never liked toys, always liked wires, cables, and string. Who stayed in the hospital after mommy had been discharged due to severe jaundice and came home with a bili-blanket looking like a pumpkin. Who could have won a record if there was a spit up distance contest, or longest sideburns on a baby, with an affinity for musical instruments, and even more of an affinity for his daddy. Loves to carry on long, drawn out conversations with his mommy in his toddler jibberish, expressions and all while sporting a piece of toast on his forehead. Funny guy. Oh, my Noah.

Have I mentioned how frustrating it is to not know where your stuff is? We have all of our wordly possessions, spread out in about 3 or 4 locations and we cannot find anything. This evening, Allen and I went out to our storage space and opened up a few boxes and were thrilled to pieces over our findings. Who needs presents when you can box your own stuff up, put it in a storage space for a few months and then reopen it sometime down the road? I am looking forward to some consistency. But seriously, I hate having to buy duplicates of things that I know that I have somewhere but just cannot find. Like a duplicate nursing license that I'm about to drop a chunk of change on. Hmmph. Ive got to get more organized. Organization is certainly not my forte and I will spend hours deliberating what I want to go in a drawer or how I want things arranged in the closet. I spend far too much time thinking and not enough doing. That's a whole other story.

Leaving you with a few pictures from yesterday. Noah has started hamming it up in front of the camera.

Noah wearing his Daddy's work gloves.

Bath time. He looks like one of those baby seals you see on an animals in arctic documentary. You know what I mean. The little baby seals that come up, put their faces up to and sniffs the camera.  

Taking the Graham zoo to the Riverbanks zoo

Allen had the day off today- yes, a day off... on a weekend. Can you believe it?! No, neither can I. Really. So we decided to wake up uncharacteristically early and seize the day by meeting some friends of ours and their kids at the zoo and making a day of it. Its actually rather neat since these friends of ours also have an 18 month old and a 6 month old (that makes 4 birthdays in July, we're booked!). This was Noah's (and Juliana's for that matter but she wasnt really all that impressed) first trip to the zoo. Noah was absolutely fascinated by all the animals, knew many of their names and knew what sounds they made (Well, mostly... things went "tweet tweet tweet" if he wasnt sure). His favorite being the reptiles and snakes (Sssssss) and fish (tweet tweet tweet... No wait, hmm).

Double strollers. A complete nuisance in stores. Great for field trips.

We figured Noah would be terrified of this guy feeding the fish during the presentation and that definitely was not the case. This little 20 something pound one year old pushed his way to the front and stood there for the whole thing.


Noah just happened to love the reptiles. Eww? Yuck Noah. The Koala bear that you had no interest in was much cuter. And no, we will never get anything that looks remotely like that.

Bad table manners... Chillin out having lunch after wrecking havoc upon mine. This little girl cant keep her hands to herself for one minute without slapping the cup of ketchup across the table, grabbing a handful of your food, flinging the tray, etc.

Noah and his little buddy Caroline checking out the wallabies

Noah and Allen feeding the "Birs! Birs! Tweet tweet tweet" *flaps arms/wings*

A mighty rough picture of me for sure...

Zonked out during the car ride home

Daddy and his two little monkeys at home