Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Memorial Day Weekend and other stuff My

First of all, a quick update.  We're doing well.  I sprained/twisted my ankle pretty bad last Monday.  Which I wasn't happy about considering I am finally getting faster when it comes to running my 3.5 miles or so.  I actually think I am more of a long distance runner because that first 5-10 minutes kills me, and by the end of my 3.5 miles, I feel like I can keep going.  That also might have to do with the fact that I am a really slow runner.  Thankfully, resting my ankle is really helping.  Every day it feels better than the last, and I am going to start walking with Evan in the mornings to try to maintain some of my fitness, if it all isn't shot already.  Plus, I think that I am more cranky and grumpy if I don't get a workout in and that isn't good for any of us.

Second, I've been doing a couple of sewing projects that I'll definitely post pictures of once they're completely done.  And it's all baby stuff.  I am getting in the swing of sewing again after a 6 month reprieve from it.  And I know I'll only get better the more that I work on projects.

Third, Evan is so cute.  I think I say this every post, but seriously, the kid is getting so big.  He's taking off all of his clothes.  Then he tries to put them all back on.  He climbs all over everything.  He reads books.  He always pulls up his shirt and points to his Bee-bo (belly button).  And he is starting to fold his arms when he prays.  I started crying the first time that I saw him do it (when we were "helping" him say his bedtime prayer).  He had his arms folded and he was swinging his body from side to side, like he was dancing.  Seriously so cute.  And he is so much aware of what is going on now.  He evenly follows directions (when he wants to).

OKAY, now some pictures from our Memorial Day.  On Friday we went to Chincoteague Island.  The trip there was killer because it was so slow.  The mileage wasn't too bad, but the way down was a highway that had all these stop lights.  I'm so used to the So Cal beach trip.  Where you stay on the freeway until you hope on PCH and then you're there.  It was worth the trip though.  We had so much fun.


 The first thing we did was stop by the visitor's center.  This was the first time that I went to an Atlantic Ocean beach.  Seriously, it was kind of weird.  Chincoteague Island is basically a wildlife reserve, almost a forest and then all of a sudden, there's an ocean!  So strange.
In front of the eagle exhibit.  I was so bored.

Bird watching.

At the second visitor's center with the touch tank.

Rick was the only one brave enough to touch the animals. 

Splashing the water.

Love this picture.



My two handsome men.


 Trying on silly hats.




After the visitor's center, we went to the beach, got in our suits, and had a lot of fun.  We played in the ocean, played in the sand, hunted for crabs and sea shells and overall just enjoying our time as a family. 



Evan and Daddy in the ocean.  So much warmer than the Pacific. 

My happy boy.



In the sand, after having fun in the ocean.

Just looking out at the water. 

Rick digging for crabs and shells.


Evan and his silly mommy.  He didn't want to look at the camera because the water was more entertaining. 
Saturday and Sunday were spent in relative peace, just a ward picnic on Saturday and church on Sunday.  On Monday we went to Walmart to get a few things we wanted, and then came home and relaxed.  We got Evan a water table to play with, and then Rick made these delicious ribs.  Overall, a nice Memorial Day.  The most work I had to do was bake already made cookie dough (for a fruit pizza) and cutting up a watermelon. 










I hope everybody else had a great Memorial Day weekend. 

Friday, May 20, 2011

18 Months

Evan's 18 month check up was yesterday.  Here are his stats:
        Weight:  25 lbs- 50%
         Length:  31.5 in.-15%

Apparently he's average or above average in all the categories except speaking.  According to the doctor, he's a little delayed and she recommended a hearing test for my little boy and then speech therapy.

I was kind of sad when I heard this, I mean, Evan is super smart and communicates with us really well non-verbally.  He's always gesturing with his hands, or coming up to us and dragging us to whatever he wants.  He even gives me his sippy cup when he's thirsty and points to his diaper when he's dirty (potty training soon?)

Anyways, I think we're going to take the advice of the pediatrician in case there really is an issue.  It's still early, but it won't hurt for him to be in speech therapy.  And hopefully he'll get caught up quickly with no more issues.

Evan started nursery a couple of weeks ago and he's a total champ about it.  He just plays and plays and eats his snack and other kid's snacks.  The nursery leader told me he was a "free spirit" and that he was one they didn't worry about very much because he's so easy going.  She also told me he can get grouchy, but it doesn't last for very long.


Some of the things Evan loves to do:
-He loves to dance.
-He loves to talk on the phone.
-He loves to play with measuring cups, bowls, spatulas, basically anything he can get his hands on.
-He loves to play with his stuffed animals and cuddle with them.
-He loves cuddling, with anything and everything he can get his hands on, including:  towels, shoes, blankets, books, DVDs and cloth diapers.
-He loves building things with his blocks.
-He loves putting together his puzzles.
-He loves scribbling, drawing, coloring and eating crayons.
-He loves reading, but only on his own.  He doesn't sit still long enough for me to read to him.  I usually keep reading while he wanders around, but I don't think he's listening.
-He loves turning the X Box 360 on and off, on and off, on and off.  It's the best game to him.
-He loves opening doors.
-He loves sneaking up the stairs.
-He loves throwing things.
-He loves getting his shoes on to go outside.  Outside time is the best (even if it's just walking to the car or going on a stroll with me)
-He loves coming up to me and Rick, and puts out his arms to put around our necks and gives us big kisses.
-He loves talking or babbling, he can say:  ya ya, ma ma, da da and makes a bunch of other sounds and noises as well.
-He loves to explore our home, by going into the closets, behind the couch, under the tables, etc.
-He loves to climb up the chairs onto the table.  He usually celebrates his victory over the chairs by dancing on the table.
-He loves milk, diluted juice, blueberries, apples, oranges, carrots, peas, green beans, corn, watermelon, cantaloupe, peanut butter and jelly, cheese, bean and cheese burritos, chicken, beef, spaghetti, broccoli, eggs, waffles, oatmeal, cereal, and so many other things... He will basically eat anything I give him except soups... He doesn't like soups!
-He loves nursery and he loves the romp'n'stomp play group on base.

He's such a great little guy.  He's very ornery and opinionated most of the time, but he balances that with sweet cuddliness, curiosity and love.  He loves Rick and I very much, and we, in turn, love him very much.

I am very thankful that he was sent to me.  He brings so much love, laughter and unity into our home.  What a wonderful blessing it is to be a mother and to be raising a child.  Honestly, I worry about so much things, including how to keep my house clean, how to be a good cook, how to exercise better, how to sew, etc.  But this week I've decided that the most important thing that I can do is be a mom.  The most important thing that I can do is love, teach, nurture, and care for Evan. In my daily prayers I plan on asking for the direction and ability to be able to nurture and care for Evan the way that I need to, that I can have more patience with his fiery, stubborn, personality.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Playing...Falling... Emergency Room


Today was an exhausting day for myself, mentally, emotionally, physically. 

We took Rick into work this morning.  I had to give Evan a bath because of an absolutely disgusting diaper, and then, at 9:45 we headed to the youth center on post for Romp'n'Stomp.  Romp'n'Stomp is a playgroup every Tuesday.  They basically open up the entire gymnasium and have tons of toys to play with, including cars.  I like going because Evan wears himself out playing so hard that he usually takes a 3-4 hour nap for me in the afternoon.  I also like going because there are a lot of moms from our ward that go as well.  

Well, today was like all the other days.  I shadow Evan, he runs off, I talk to some of the other moms while keeping a cautious eye on Evan.  After about an hour, I saw Evan in a car, and he was trying to get out.  There was a lady next to him, and I started walking toward him.  I then saw him trip over the car, and I heard a loud 'smack' as he fell.  I walked over cautiously, because usually he just gets up and brushes it off and is on his merry way.  I knew something was wrong though, because he hesitated, and then started crying.  I practically ran up to him, and turned him over and saw blood POURING out of his nose.  I lifted him up, and walked as quickly as I could toward the exit, where hopefully one of the Youth Center workers was with a First Aid Kit.  It's amazing how I could react so calmly.  I didn't know exactly where I was going, but I took off.  A couple of moms from the ward helped me with getting the doors open, and the Youth Center worker took one look at Evan, and took me outside into the lobby.

Of course, being the former teacher I am, I told them on the way out, "There's blood on the floor that needs to be cleaned up."  They got me tissues and ice and we eventually stopped the free flow of blood so that then it was just trickling.  Evan, of course, was a complete wreck and wouldn't let me put any pressure on his nose, so we just sat there, with him leaning his head back against me.  I thought I got him cleaned up and we started walking to the car when I noticed that there was more blood streaming from his nose... Not a lot like from the initial fall.  I called Rick, and he told me to come and see him at his office and then we would decide what to do.  Once I got to Rick's work, one of his superiors that has a few kids told me to call our doctor and that they would get back to us quickly about what to do.  So, I called.  And she told me to take him to the Emergency Room. 

We went to Howard County Hospital, which is incredible.  They had Evan back in a room and us registered within 3 minutes.  The doctor came and checked out Evan.  He checked his heart, lungs, shoulders, rib cage, nose, mouth, ears, eyes and head.  Thankfully, there was no concussion or any other issues.  But, in fancy words, he has a head contusion, a nose contusion, and two mouth abrasions, which I think accounts for a lot of the blood that I didn't notice at first.

I never, ever want to see that much blood ever again coming from my Evan.  He is just too sweet and happy to be hurt like that!  Thinking back at the moment, I wanted to cry.  But at the time, this cool, logical, not me person just takes over.  One of the ladies in my ward even said, "I can't believe how you can be so calm!".  I don't know either.  But would it help to be freaking out in the situation?  I wasn't thinking at all, just acting.  And I am thankful that I have that side to my personality! 

I am also thankful that my Evan is happy again.  He was so cuddly and sad after his accident.  We're taking him to the doctor on Thursday for his 18 months appointment anyways, so hopefully the pediatrician will confirm that he's okay! 

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Mother's Day


  

I always wanted to have kids and be a mom.  So, when Rick and I found out that I was pregnant over two years ago, we were very happy and excited.  Things got a little scary toward the end of the pregnancy when I went into preterm labor, but we managed well, and Evan came along.   

Those first three weeks with Evan were probably the hardest three weeks of my life.  Between trying to get him to nurse well, and his personality, it was pretty much Hades.  He was constantly screaming, I was constantly crying---my mom went back after a week with us, and Rick had to go back to work after us only being home for one day, so it was basically me and Evan.  
Eventually, he mellowed out.  And it was a great learning experience.  I am seriously grateful to be a mother.  I am thankful for my own mom also, who has done so much for me.  And I am grateful for my mother-in-law, because she raised my husband, who is an amazing man.

This past Sunday Mother's Day was celebrated.  Last year, Rick was gone with Basic Training, so we didn't do much.  This year, Rick made me breakfast and dinner.  And Evan allowed me to buy myself a bunch of clothes that I wanted as his gift to me.  Rick bought me a new reading lamp, an exercise watch (for timing runs), and he made a jewelry box for me.


Even though those first three weeks were so difficult, I am so grateful for Evan and how much I love him.  He teaches me new things everyday.  I love how curious and quick he is, even if it can be slightly annoying sometimes.  I love his sweet side that rarely comes out now, the side that snuggles and gives kisses and hugs.  I love the way he says 'ma-ma' and 'da-da'.  I love how much he loves to eat, and how he is starting to mimic everything that we do!  I can't believe how big my little one is getting!  He went to nursery all by himself on Sunday, and even though we were in a celebratory mood from it, I am still sad at how fast he is growing up!  He's my favorite little guy, and I am so excited to watch him grow, learn and explore more! 

Friday, May 6, 2011

Case Lot Sale Day 1

They have annual case lot sales at the commissaries in the military.  Our commissary's case lot sale started on Wednesday and is going on through Saturday.  We were pretty excited about going because I've been really wanting to get started on our Family Storage.  So, as soon as I was back from my jog yesterday, we loaded up Evan in the car and went over to the commissary parking lot.  At first, I was a bit disappointed.  It was just like shopping at Costco.  Then I realized instead of the standard 8 in a package that Costco has, the case lot sale had 10-12 in a package.  So, I was much happier after that, considering that they were the same prices.  The other nice thing about the case lot sale is that they let you open up the boxes and mix and match flavors, as long as you have the same amount in there.  And they gave us a lot of coupons.  It was nice to have a jump start on our family storage!

First, we have the non-food items.  In total, these items cost $65.96... now I am not a couponer.  But here's the picture: 

And we have:
-6 bottles of shampoo
-6 bottles of conditioner
-6 bottles of body wash
-4 packages of diapers (we do cloth diapers most of the time, those are just to supplement)
-12 bottles dish soap
-10 boxes dishwasher detergent
-4 86 oz. boxes of laundry detergent

We definitely scored some deals on the laundry detergent ($2.25 a box), the dish soap ($.66 a bottle) and the dishwasher detergent ($1.60 a box)... so I am pretty sure if I was a couponer I could have done much better, but I'm not, so I am happy with what we got at the prices we got them for. 

Now onto the food items.  The total cost of our food items was: $113.71.  Here's the picture:


And for our food we got:
-12 boxes of Pastaroni
-20 lbs of spaghetti
-20 lbs of rice
-8 bottles of V8 Fusion
-10 boxes of Wheat Chex cereal
-80 boxes of individual cold cereal variety packs
-6 jars of pasta sauce (we might go back to get a couple more cases of these!)
-15 bottles of Powerade
-12 cans Glen Muir diced tomatoes
-12 cans Rosarita's refried beans
-48 packages of Ramen (hey, we're poor and it's good to have for food supply cause it lasts forever!)
-12 packages Cup of Noodles
-8 Pouches mashed potato flakes
-6 packages Planters honey roasted peanuts
-6 packages Planters chocolate covered cashews
-3 12 packs of San Austin crackers (nasty, right?  they were a good deal and Rick and Evan will eat them!)

Again,  I think I would have done better if I would have been more vigilant about finding coupons, but at the time I really didn't care.  It's so nice to have a jump start on our family storage though.  Now, we just have to add on a little at a time! 

One thing I didn't like about the case lot sale was there variety.  The only canned vegetables/ beans they had were baked beans and canned mushrooms, asparagus or tomatoes.  I use canned tomatoes a lot, but I don't like mushrooms and Rick isn't a fan of asparagus.  Another thing is that they didn't have a lot of baking staples, unfortunately.  I really want to start buying my flour and sugar in bulk so I was a bit disappointed with them not having that.  Oh well.  We did miss out on the freezer section though.  I think that we  might try to go later to see what they have in that section!  If you have a case lot sale coming your way, I would definitely check it out.  The savings were worth the hassle and the amount that we spent! 

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Happy 26th Birthday Rick!

Rick turned 26 yesterday.  And I was determined to make it his best birthday ever.  I know. I'll probably try to do that next year also, but the difference is that last year we didn't celebrate at all.  Nope.  Rick was in Basic Training.  So, I wasn't even able to send him anything!  I bought him something after for his birthday, but it's not the same as going out to eat and having a cake and opening wrapped up presents.  So, this was going to be his best birthday ever.  Period.

Well too bad that one of the gifts that I ordered from him online was BACKORDERED.  So, I have no idea when he'll actually get that, but I think he enjoyed all his other gifts.  I definitely spoiled him.  He got beef jerky, a 12 pack of his favorite soda (A&W Root Beer), Gummies, a bag of chips and two chocolate oranges (they were on sale from Easter still).  And that was only the food.

Anyways, yesterday he had to go to work.  But he came home at lunch and I made him one of his favorite meals, which was Beef Kalbi or Korean Barbecue.  He had to go back to work after lunch, but as soon as he got home, he changed, we got shoes on Evan and we left to go out to eat to a nearby sushi place that we heard was pretty good.  And it was good.

This was a picture that the waitress took of us at the restaurant.  We did the sushi bar instead of the hibachi because we wanted sushi.  Evan got chicken katsu (basically breaded chicken), Rick got a salmon and shrimp specialty roll, and I got a mango, shrimp and fish specialty roll.  We even shared some steamed dumplings for our appetizer (I don't remember the name, not gyoza...)  The food was really good and I think Rick enjoyed his sushi.  I also think that he likes that I like sushi now, because I am willing to go to Japanese restaurants now.

After going out to eat, we went home and got the cake and the rest of the presents to open (all of the food was opened by lunch time).  I asked Rick what kind of cake he wanted.  He told me anything, and then I remembered that he likes cheesecake.  So, I made a no bake cheesecake.  The recipe is found at the cooking blog called:  just get off your butt and bake.  She has so many delicious looking food and desserts, I am going to be making some more of her recipes!



I love how excited Evan is about the cake.


"Hurry up Daddy!"


Evan and Daddy sharing a little laugh.
The scrumptious cake.  Best part?  It was no bake and way easy to put together! 

 While we were munching on cake, Rick started opening his cards and presents. His gag gift from me was bacon flavored toothpaste.  Nasty, right?  But here's the deal:  Rick hates mint and cinnamon flavored stuff so he practically gags whenever he brushes his teeth.  So, whenever I see an alternatively flavored toothpaste, I buy it for him.  I couldn't resist the bacon flavor.  He loves bacon.  ;)
Mmm.. bacon.
The next gift that he got was a geeky t-shirt that references "Monty Python and the Holy Grail".  I liked it because I don't think it's too obvious what it is unless you've seen it.
It's a "Knights that Say Ni" T-shirt

Okay, I know these presents seem random, but he doesn't tell me what he wants!  So, I have to guess most of the time.  The next gift is from Evan and it's a book.  We always, always gift books to each other, no matter the holiday.  So for Valentines Day one year, I got the book "Common Sense and Other Writings" by Thomas Paine.  Real romantic, right?  But since I love history, it was great.  Well the book that Evan got for Rick is called "The Toddler Owner's Manual:  Operating Instructions, Troubleshooting Tips, and Advice on System Maintenance".  It basically gives parenting advice in a techie way (like if you're working on a computer instead of a kid).  I knew I had to get it for him when I saw it!

Rick reading the section on waste disposal aka potty training while Evan listens on.

And last of all he got the game Fall Out New Vegas.  He likes his xbox 360 games, and since he's not as addicted as other people I know, I usually buy him games for holidays.  He picked this one out himself and used the money my parents sent him to buy it.
With his video game.

And of course, Evan was there too!
I call this his sugar rush face

So good at multi-tasking!  Eating and playing with the balloon!

He really liked the cake.

He even ended up licking the whole plate! 
Rick had a great birthday!  Evan and I love him so much.  We appreciate what he does for our family and the sacrifice he's made by joining the Air Force.  I can't imagine my life without him.  He is such an amazing support to me and I am so grateful to Heavenly Father for leading me to Rick and for giving me the promptings to marry him.  Best decision ever!  Happy Birthday Rick and I love you!