whew it's been a while

Welcome back :) ohhh that's kind of to me, and you...welcome here!
So the last month has absolutely flown by! I'm going to do the most obvious thing here and blame it on the baby, because it's all his fault really.  Gabe has been a handful, mostly good and any bad wasn't up to him. I'm going to do some bullets because it would take me too long to write it all down in my usual Kendall style.

• We celebrated Gabriel's 1st Birthday at a local pizza place. Family and friends came from as far away as Pennsylvania and Florida to see how much he was growing up. Gabe had an awesome time!!! He got loads of presents and money for his college fund.
• The night of the party Gabe got a fever :( we thought maybe too many breadsticks and to many people passing him around just didn't set well with him, we were wrong, bringing me to bullet #3.
• The fever didn't want to go down, even with Tylenol, Gabe started coughing, wheezing and not acting like himself. We took him to the doctor to find out he has pneumonia, possibly caused by RSV (but we'll never know for sure), he also has bronchilitis and a double ear infection.  No wonder he was crabby!!!
• The doctor gave him a breathing machine to keep at home along with 4 prescriptions to get him better. It's been over a week now and I'm happy to report he's feeling like a new man, I mean boy.
• In the week it took to get him nursed back my dad had to have surgery to clear a blocked artery, I got tonsillitis, then got the flu, then Jeff got the flu, then I got a cold, it seemed never ending! 
• Thank God my Mom was still up in Michigan when all this happened or we might not have made it. She came over with Clorox and disinfected the sick house, took care of Gabe, took care of my Dad....really could not have done it with out her! Thanks Mommy Salami!  :)
• I'm taking a writing class online which has proved to be more challenging that I thought, but it's fun and I hope I can learn something out of it.

Other than that, Gabe had his one year well baby visit, the doc says he's in the 20th percentile for weight and 80th for height. We're guessing he took Jeffs tallness and my used to be skinnyness to get that combo. He is walking all the time now and only drinking one bottle of formula a day. As soon as this can is gone though, he's going to be done all together.

I'm pretty sleepy but will post some pictures soon. Not of the flu stuff just the party :)

my kid will never act like that

Gabriel is a very mellow kid. I know he's my first so I don't have a constant comparison, but I know, he's mellow. I can usually take him to a restaurant, shopping, to work and out to see friends with out incident. Today was another story.
Since his birthday is less than a week away I thought it was time to get him some new clothes. We went out like usual to the outlet mall. I wasn't allowed to finish my phone conversation with my Grandma because Gabe no longer wanted to be in his car seat, he voiced this to both her and I. Then his little legs stiffened up making it impossible to get him in his stroller. Three minutes fighting in the snow, I was sweating, Gabe was laughing and we were off. I barely made it in Osh Kosh B'Gosh and Gabe has houdinied his was out and was standing up backwards smiling, a terrible mischievous smile at me. I tried to sit him down but he winged out, cry, cry, cry, bang bang, bang on the stroller :( I grabbed the first pair of overalls I saw checked out and left. I still didn't have what I wanted but was too embarrassed to go back there so we tried Carters. Different store, same scenario. This time I tried to strap him in with the buckles and he did one quick dirty look at me then a quick loud "SCREEEAAAM". I don't like being the center of attention, especially bad attention, so we had to leave there also.
We got home and I realized, I spent 1 1/2 hours in the car and less than 5 minutes shopping. Maybe tomorrow Jeff can have baby duty and I'll try again. Maybe Gabe will wear an outfit he usually wears, I'll let you know next week.

itsnicetohavemyspacebarback

Gabe has a fascination with my computer. I tend to think it's because he sees Jeff and I on it a lot. So occasionally Gabe is allowed to use the computer, but only to look at it when his Grandparents are on Skype. He was given strict orders not to touch or drool on it....he disobeyed.
For 2 months I went without a "F10" key, no big deal as I don't even know what it's for. Then I was missing the "A" key, this was a problem. The BIGGEST problem of all was when he reached up to touch his Grandmas face but missed and stuck his puny fingers under the space key, rip, gone. I had it working for a minute or so after, but then it punked out for good. I didn't want to look at my ghetto keyboard any longer and was forced to buy a new one. You know that saying "you never miss it until it's gone"? ...yea now I have a new respect for my space key :)

Unwrapping

My Mom, Jeff and I took Gabe to our local Conservation Club for a Christmas party. Santa was there passing out presents to 50 sugar buzzed kids. This marks yet another notable milestone. Gabes first wrapped present. Santa knew just what he needed, new diaper bag toys! A squishy yellow ball, a carousel with sliding rings, and noisy puzzle ball.  Gabe wasn't thrilled about opening it but once he found out the paper crinkled he was all over it.

Making the dough

My Grandma makes cranberry bread for Christmas. It's my favorite, really my FAVORITE food. Actually there are a lot of things my Grandma has introduced me to that are my favorites. Pizza rolls from the bakery near her house, sugar cookies (from the same bakery), cranberry bread, peanut brittle..... thanks Grandma. So as I was saying before my stomach started rumbling for delicious junk food. My Grandma always makes this cranberry bread for Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year she's making all kinds of stuff, which leaves her with very little time for bread making. This is going to sound so stupid but I'm very excited that this year I get to make it. Not that I'm taking over for her, but if I'm trusted to make a food that is so important to Christmas dinner, I'm honored. I hope I do her proud. I did a lot of test bakes, tried a few different recipes, experimented with butter (on accident but still). I may weigh 10 extra pounds when it's all done, but it was totally worth it.

I'll just ride my broom

I hate being with out my car. It's like having a disability for me. Jeff took mine this morning because his truck is getting a new windshield on it, and maybe if he's lucky a Christmas present will be installed as well. Anyway, he had more important things to do, like go to work, I'm staying home with Gabe. We don't NEED the car, but my morning seems so incomplete without it. Every half hour or so I look over to see if my phone is still on the counter, it is. I think, what will I eat today? Then, Kendall....there is still food in the house! OK, well maybe I could go get my oil changed today? SEE I told you I needed my car!

Schedules collide

Last week Gabe wasn't feeling to hot, so I kept him home from school. At the end of the week 7 hours of daycare cost me $200 combined with 16 lost hours of work....I feel like I'm throwing money out the window.  On a positive note, Gabe is feeling MUCHO better.  He got lots of sleep, did some exploring, started really walking on his own, mastered the sippy cup and tried milk for the first time. I suppose even though my wallet is a little on the light side this week we have a happy camper on our hands now and that's more important.

This week we got a few inches of snow, possibly more to come, and below freezing temperatures. This means....no school again. Why couldn't this have happened last week? Hopefully it will be just one more paid for, but not used daycare, and one more missed day of work. My Mom offered to watch Gabriel while I went in for a couple hours to get some necessities done, which is a huge help.

Now I'm rolling the dice of life, cummmmooonnnn lucky TUESDAY!

Meet Santa

He was happy at this point

who ARE you?



Brendan, Gabriel, Santa Clause (duh) and Joshua





Grandma was holding back on the eggs.



Nothing says "Merry Christmas" like a picture of your kid with Santa and a bunch of dead animals on the wall!  This was our Sunday breakfast at the local conservation club that our family are members at. Gabe and two of his cousins got to see Santa Clause and even got 3 tiny dinosaurs each for being good little boys. My Mom had fun sharing her breakfast with Gabe. I had fun eating my own breakfast for a change :)

Christmas Cookies galore!

The first year Jeff and I spent Christmas together I was in a cookie exchange. My first pick was peanut butter kiss cookies, but those were taken. Then I thought maybe I can make some sugar cookies? Nope those were taken too. The only thing left was gingerbread cookies. I had never made them before but volunteered anyway. After buying ALL the ingredients, flouring my entire kitchen, baking 12 dozen cookies, I called for reinforcements. My parents, Jeff and I spent about 5 hours frosting cookies. When the last cookie was finished up I vowed never to make them again.

The following year to get in the Christmas spirit I mentioned making cookies. Jeff said he loved the gingerbread ones, so...... anyway it's been a tradition around here even since. This year I made over 100 cookies, some gingerbread and some sugar. All need to be frosted and I'm pretty good at taking my time putting the finishing touches on them.  Needless to say it's taken forever, but the cookies look and taste amazing. Merry Christmas Jeff, and for this there will be nothing for you under the tree ha ha ha

sleepless in the living room

Maybe I'm going about this the wrong way. I'm exhausted tonight, mentally and physically. I've tried taking a hot bath, watching TV, checking for Facebook status changes, eating, wrapping presents, preparing Christmas cards....the list really goes on and on.

Maybe the thing to do is just lay down, in bed, with my electric blanket on, with my snoring hubby and try to fall asleep. Can I do it? Close my eyes and think of nothing? I tried a couple hours ago. I got really sleepy, couldn't even keep my eyes open. Got on my comfy pj's, lay down and POOF thoughts start coming from every which way! Slow down thoughts, it's late and I'm sleepy. I tried pleading with them but they wouldn't stop. Now it's almost 2 hours later, my eyes are even heavier now.

Maybe, just (yawn) maybe. I       can      (ahhhh)     fall    asssllllleeeeeeeeeep.

Potato vs. Potatoe

I'm not the best speller or the best grammerer out there. I get pretty embarrassed if I find out I made a mistake when writing. It's like getting caught passing a note in high school, there is no way out of it. You WROTE it, it's on paper, there's no point in saying you didn't. Go straight to the principals office, do not pass go, do not collect $200  :(  Then hope the teacher doesn't hand it back to you with a bunch of red marks and a grade on it.

Although I am imperfect I still have a couple spelling pet peeves. I use Facebook.com and tend to see them mostly used on there.  I've been tempted to ask other writers of posts if I am perhaps wrong, but instead I rely on my built in spell check.

I spell "tomorrow" others "tomarrow"
I spell "congratulations" others "congradulations"

Pet peeve I do myself, this is to prove I am imperfect and know it. I start a lot of sentences with "I". I try to retype them and am sometimes successful, but most of the time end up leaving it alone. This is quite possibly driving someone else crazy right.....this.....minute.

up up and go

Just wanted to say that this week has been a blur of milestones for Gabriel. He is crawling faster than ever, got his 5th tooth, is clapping his hands,shimmying along furniture like nobodys business, standing up unsupported and he's even taken a few steps. Now, I don't believe any of the steps he's taken with out support stemmed from a conscious decision to walk, but more a overhaul of excitement. He knew he did something awesome when he stood up alone, so he moved the fastest way possible to Jeff or I for a congratulations hug.

Good job Gabriel!

Now I'm going to make sure the safety lock is on the stairs.

Not the coldest popsicle in the freezer

Thank you MoJo in the Morning for your senseless surveys, and thank you random body shop guy who made my day with his answers.

DJ: Are you happy with the direction of the US economy?
Victim: Ohhh, NO! But, but, but, but, but if if if if if they hadn't have bailed out General Motors and the banks we would be in deep trouble, so I got to say yes on it.
DJ: OK so let me put down on a scale of 1-10 how would you rate it?
Victim: 5
DJ: 10 being the best?
Victim: yes
DJ: OK what if 10 was the worst?
Victim: Uhhh, If 10 was the worst...(thinking)...Then I would say...(still thinking)... Uhhh 3
DJ: OK perfect

Christmas 2010 Pictures

Not much to say here just that our family got some Christmas photos taken. I think they came out great!!!

Brother (Andy), future sister in law (Tara), me (Kendall), Dad (Steve), Mom (Beth), Husband (Jeff) and son (Gabriel)

Mini Santa

Another one of my Mini Santa

Sometimes it's acceptable to sleep in Costco

Gabe spent the night at his Grandparents house last night. He played, ate, bathed, played some more, ate some more and finally slept through the night. When morning came around it was non stop go, go, go just as it was the day before. There was breakfast followed by bath and play time with Grandma. Then Family pictures at the studio. After that all 7 of us went out to eat.

Rather than go out in the cold again we decided to get a few groceries. Jeff put a 2 lb bag of carrots on the seat next to Gabe. It wasn't 30 seconds before he found the carrots made a decent pillow and fell sound asleep.  I didn't want people staring or judging, so the boys went to the car to nap and I stayed to pay.

We're home now and Gabe has his regular pillow, blanket and stuffed animal. He looks much more comfortable.

The Comedian

Last night Jeff and I were able to go out with friends, because my Mom watched Gabe overnight. We saw our favorite comedian Heywood Banks. He sings funny songs and one of them has been stuck in my head alllll night.

"Blluueewww Moon, (guitar plays)....."  speaking "I shouldn't have sat on the pool chalk"

Thankful Thoughts

Three minutes in to Thanksgiving 2010 and I'm ready to post my thanks.

• I'm thankful that Gabe is the happy, healthy baby I never dreamed I'd get to have.
• I'm thankful to have a husband who lets me sleep in on Sundays.
• I'm actually thankful for a lot of husband related things :)
• I'm thankful both Jeff and I have jobs.
• I'm thankful that I have a family I can always count on. Not just in bad times, these people are there in good too!
• I'm thankful my Dads parents were able to stay in our town for Thanksgiving, and that Grandma brought home made cranberry nut bread.
• Not last nor least, but last for tonight. I am thankful that although my cousin Jeffrey was in a car accident tonight, he is now home safe in his own bed. I'm thankful that tomorrow I will get to hug him, and thank him for wearing his seat belt.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Craigslist

I have found both ups and downs to selling on Craigslist. Although I haven't made any purchases I have sold an item or ten.

My typical sale goes something like this

1. I find an item around my house that I no longer have a need for.
2. I place my ad.
3. In the days following I sift through email after email from people who would like to pay me more than what my item is listed for. All I have to do is accept their check and send them a small amount and the item back.
4. Occasionally I find a person who actually cares about what they are about to purchase. They make an appointment to come over, half of them show up.
5. On even a rarer occasion someone actually shows up and pays for the item. They even take said item home.

This week has been the typical scenario over and over. This morning however, takes the cake. Not literally, I do not sell cake online.

I posted an ad for a jewelry armoire. The man who called seemed a bit off to me, but also genuinely interested. I gave him my address. He showed up at my door step, vente coffee in one hand and about 30 wadded up receipts in the other. I show him the furniture at the same time I try very hard not to notice his outfit. Pistons tee shirt, tan trench coat, khakis with multiple holes in them, shiny blue and orange shoes, and to really top his get up he kind of looks like Gallagher (you know the watermelon smashing dude?)

Jeff came home about 5 minutes in to this mans ramblings about crazy things. When he came down stairs the man gave him a very suspicious look and "hid" his receipts in the top drawer of the armoire.

Gallagher was driving a Chevy Malibu. When asked how he would like to get it home he said "By my calculations it will fit perfectly in the back seat" Jeffs quick retort was "Not with the doors on it won't".  He paid cash, we smushed it in the back of his car while pulling back the door the whole time. Gallagher was much more concerned with his coffee than heavy lifting.

We said the usual "have a safe holiday, nice weekend, whatevers" Then we watched him take a whisk broom and sweep off the front seat of his car before he sat down and eventually, after finishing the conversation with his steering wheel, drove away.

The Money Pig

This little piggy produced $181.10 for me today.
Thanks Piggy :)

Not your average third word

We're having bananas for lunch. Gabe stands up in his highchair and smiles, because he knows he's not supposed to be standing.

Me: Gabe, sit on your butt.
Gabriel: (nothing)
Me: Gabe, sit on your butt.
Gabriel: (nothing)
Me: Gabe...
Gabriel: Butt
Me: (nothing)