The Rardins

Lounging, The Farmer In the Dell & Something to say about that!

2011-07-08T10:05:00.013-04:00

The last few weeks we have been lounging around a bit - up to the pool, reading books from the library and enjoying each other's time and John's mom came to meet Elizabeth -

Laura and I got creative with a box and decorated it as a policeman and fireman (one on each side).

Drew got a sandbox from his Baba while she was visiting. This has been great fun for Drew and nice when I am getting dinner ready - he can go out by himself and play on the playset and in his sandbox. Here Drew had a play date with Connor from down the street and they played with Drew's new Cozy Coup (compliments of Nana for Drew's Bday) and it's pull behind trailer (compliments of Baba). They had a great time and then went to the pool to play - I'm sure Drew will want his Nana and Baba to come in often - he seems to do alright ;).

Laura let us drop off Elizabeth at her apt the other night so John and I could take Drew to the 'Farmer in the Dell' petting zoo at a local park -they had tractors and animals everywhere. Drew ran up to the ducks yelling quack quack quack - good times, he was very interested in picking up grass and feeding it to the animals.

Lots of pictures - this is only a few. A quick video of him trying to feed the sheep - the goats were way more into the eating than the sheep and this little goat jumped up on top of the chicken cage while roaming free around the area. Drew had games to play there - he helped do the chicken dance (Chick-fil-a was sponsoring) with the Cow's and got to eat his first sno-cone.

Elizabeth has started making noises - tried to capture here on video for a bit - she is continuing to grow like a weed - I have already had to adjust the straps on her carrier to help her very tall

body fit in it. She is a very happy baby and sleeping from about 9:30-6am already - some earlier and some later mornings - she is taking almost 4 oz each feeding with 2 feedings topping 5.5 oz - goodness - I am pumping to bottles but winding down on that - with two kids it is very hard to keep breastfeeding and chasing a toddler.

I have started back at work a day or two a week - it is earlier than expected but I got a new role in our Fabric Care business on Tide and there is a huge meeting on 8/3 I want to be prepared for so I don't get something I am not sure about :). We are continuing to find a balance with 2 kiddos in the house but starting to get our groove on and figure it out. Trips coming up soon at the end of July and the first of September. More to come.

Elizabeth 1 month and Drew turns 2!!

2011-06-27T11:37:00.008-04:00

Well we have had a busy month - Elizabeth has made progress on sleeping is only waking once during the night - around 3-5am after her last feeding at 8:30pm so not too bad!! We head in for her 1 month check-up on Tuesday and think she will be off the charts like her big brother - she had to measure in at 2 wks to check her weight since we are breastfeeding - 11 lbs. - seriously - the doctor said no need to return for weight :). We have had some rough 'gassy' nights but all in all she just rolls with the punches. She loves her baths and sleeping in your arms or should I say her grandmother(s)' arms.

Nana had to leave and head back to Dallas but I managed to get a quick picture where Elizabeth is holding her neck up at 9 days old - nice.

Daddy and Drew are the bestest of friends these days, Daddy takes Drew everywhere with him while Mommy manages baby days. Hopefully we can do some switching soon to help Daddy with Elizabeth and Mommy with Drew playtime.

Drew has spent alot of time outside playing to 'wear' him down for naps - we are still lucky to have the 2-2.5 hr naps in the afternoon for a sanity timeout :). Here is a video of him playing in his pools outside.

Drew went in for his 2 yr check-up and measured in at 37.5in and 31 lbs - still off the charts and VERY advanced motor skills, we are still working on verbal skills but if you had 3 adults that knew everything you wanted when you pointed, you wouldn't talk alot either :). Nana got him a couzy coup for his birthday - it only took Laura and John 2 hours to put together - Drew had to sit in it while he was waiting for it (not so patiently).

Drew also loves to head up to the country club pool and take over the toy organization at the baby pool - he gets everyone's toys and lines them up along the edge of the pool in a row - just a bit OCD :).

Drew got a present from his great aunt (or should I say, GREAT Aunt) Sarah for the birth of his sister, she still hasn't gotten over mom coming along :) so sent both Drew and Madeline gifts to make up for the new arrivals to mine and Jeff's house. It is a giant pirate's castle - here is Daddy playing in it with Drew, his legs hanging out the door.

I am still at home till first part of August - we try and go for walks in our double stroller that allows Drew to climb and off and on and stand or sit while we move along. He also loves to push Elizabeth and really only wants to go on walks with her.

Baba (John's mom) is in town this week and John has shoulder surgery this Thursday for a torn rotator cuff - more to come in our circus of a household :).

Fashion Photo Shoot and Big Brother Time

2011-06-03T15:23:00.008-04:00

So Mom, Laura and I were a bit bored the other day - E is so good - sleeping almost 6-7 hours a night now with naps during the day - we decided to do a Fashion Photo Shoot - granted it took all three of us to pull this off - I was in charge of photo set-up and accessories (watch out JCPenney photo studio), Laura with outfits and camera shots and Mom with assistance. Thought you would love these pics.

Drew was napping while we took pics but Mom was able to capture a few great photos of Drew this am while he was 'holding' E. His face lights up when he holds her - checking out her fingers, toes and facial expressions - she was just staring up at him - enjoy! And of course he looks awesome with his Texas hat Tiffany gave him and he wears it ALL the time - his favorite way - backwards!!

Welcome Miss Elizabeth!

2011-06-01T09:27:00.005-04:00

Miss Elizabeth Anne decided she couldn't join us by her due date and my back was wrenched - so we induced on 5/26/11 and she came into the world on her own time. We checked in at 8 and started pitocin around 9:30 once vitals were done and IV administered. By lunch time we were ready for epidural and the breaking of my water (contractions were about every 60 sec and I was in some pain :)). A bit of some issues with the epidural but we finally got where we needed to be and I was in the 'zone' - we thought we would have a baby by around 5:30. After complete boredom on John's part, he ran home to help out with a leak Laura found from all of the rain. I just told him to come back within a few hours.

At 3:30pm - the nurse checked and we were around 7-8cm maybe close to 9cm so I called John at 3:40pm and told him to head back because it would be sooner than 5:30 - he said he was leaving at 3:50 and would head back - WELLLLLLLL - at 3:43 I felt EXTREME pressure after I had been turned to the other side. Mom - go get the nurse - something's not right. Nurse checked - we were ready to push - BUT John's not here.....hmmmmmm -

Mom is calling John every few minutes - where are you? how much longer - he got stuck behind a school bus dropping kids - good times - I am holding my legs together - she is not coming out, John is not here - everything is set in the room, nurse, doctor, baby catcher - we are all just waiting until John enters the room - OMG - this is crazy pressure. Mom is on the phone, he is in the elevator - assume the position - he walked in the room - we pushed for 9 minutes and Elizabeth entered the world at 4:09 pm - the same time as her brother.

I thought she was smaller than Drew - everyone in the room said, hmm - she is a big baby but she was measured at 8lbs, 5oz and 21.5 inches even a few days late - Drew was 9lbs. 1oz and 21.5 inches and a week early. Brother Drew and Auntie Laura (Lala) visited her at less than 30 minutes old - Drew was so great with Elizabeth - happy and smiling to try and hold her and give her a kiss. With technology today we were skyping with Papa and Mimi (Dad and Suzette) at an hour old followed by Ed visiting the hospital, skyping with Baba, Aunt Jenny, cousins Hunter & Gunnar and the last skype with Auntie Erin. It was quite busy but glad we could share with everyone.

Mom stayed at the hospital with me that evening so John could get home and put Drew to sleep and Mom could nap the next day. We were up most of the night between feedings, VERY uncomfortable beds (especially with my back) and nurse visits for vitals and such - with Elizabeth's weight measured at 10 pm - we had a discrepancy. She had either gained 1.5 lbs or was measured incorrectly at birth :) - so after lots of measuring and re-measuring - her birth weight was 're-recorded' to 9lbs., 11.5oz - so she was bigger - good lord - that explains the stitches - that little rascal.

Needless to say - after a busy night and not alot of sleep - my doctor said we had the choice to leave after E was 24 hours old - so we scheduled all of our shots, vitals and tests to get up and out of there by 5 pm Friday. We got home and had a good night sleep in our own house and beds. She is very healthy - the pediatrician is impressed with how strong she is and she is already lifting her head.

Milk has come in and she is sleeping VERY well - we are getting on a bit of a schedule and she is already taking close to 3 oz a feeding right now. We are headed to the pediatrician today for her check-up and will report back with more pictures soon.

A Finished Yard and Playset!!! Hallelujah!

2011-05-13T15:50:00.007-04:00

So we finally got the backyard done and the playset finished- 5 days of no rain and it's done - needs a bit more stain but the mulch, canopy and swings are all installed. The guys came to finish leveling, topsoiling, seeding and placing straw everywhere - Now we just pray for more rain - a bit ironic since I haven't stopped complaining about the rain -but the water bill is NOT an option :). Now we watch mother nature get us some green green grass.

Baby should be here anyday - we are 39 wks and 3 cm - mom gets here on Tuesday the 17th so more to come. Here is a pic of Elizabeth's finished room and my big ole belly!

Cutie patootie!!

2011-05-04T14:54:00.000-04:00

Drew is all decked out in his Texas gear - the weather is crazy here and he finally got big enough to wear this 'fall' outfit. He is active, active, active and won't sit still.

He has recently started to FOCUS more (thank the lord he is slowing down a bit) - he is all about reading EVERY book on his shelf - or more importantly have us read every book on his shelf - if he is playing with tractors, trucks and baby strollers. He really has no idea that his world is about to get rocked with the entry of baby Elizabeth - LOL!! We are working on teaching him to be 'gentle' - hmmmm - not so much - he would rather wrestle and run :).

He can climb up to the island in the kitchen and get into alot but he likes to go through the mail and find new pictures - here he is studying the toys r us catalog - let's hope he doesn't follow his father's footsteps for shopping - either way, I will take the stationary 15 minutes where a 22 month old little boy sits still -

He loves watching animals - Lala took him to feed the ducks at Anderson Town Hall - finally a day with no rain!

John also got a 'deal' on a 'free playset' - so he took it apart, moved it down from the neighbors and has been working on it little by little, day by day - you can also see the muddy backyard we have had for the past 1.5mos - pls - enough with the rain!! This has been consuming almost every free minute John has!

Trip to the Zoo

2011-04-29T14:35:00.000-04:00

Drew's first trip to the zoo this season - finally warming up here a bit and the rain stopped for a few 'seconds' - I had business out there so we had a rendezvous over lunch -

He and Lala rode the train but their favorite part (or should I say Lala's favorite part) was the feeding of the polar bears!

Easter follwed up by John's Birthday

2011-04-28T14:49:00.000-04:00

We headed next door to dye easter eggs - so he is a bit too much into touching and getting into new things - the easter egg dying last about 7 minutes - we just aren't at the patience mode of life.

John, Drew, Lala and I went to church and then headed to the country club for brunch with the Herringtons. They had an bunny there but Drew wasn't so sure on sitting on his lap but was willing to touch him with Mommy holding on strong (hardly any lap at this point, sooo pregnant).

It was very exciting to hunt for Easter Eggs - with the continued rain it was only right that the Easter Bunny hide eggs in the basement - he came and wrote a poem for Olivia and Sophia next door to hunt eggs with Drew since he didn't have his sister yet so hand in hand, they moved from their basement to our basement for over 30+ eggs each. It was quite a day and when Drew found candy in the eggs - good lord - what a happy sugar high little guy!

Daddy turned 38 this year and Lala made him a from scratch chocolate cake which I came home and decorated - we had an early dinner and John decided to play basketball at the gym with Drew since Mommy is a bit exhausted these days. The Herringtons came over and we sung Happy Birthday while he blew out all the candles at once - here's to wishing your dreams come true, honey!!

April 2011- 22 months

2011-04-15T14:19:00.001-04:00

Drew is growing like a weed. Here he is shopping at his favorite mass retailer outlet, Target - posing for the camera. This is one of my favorite pictures because it is very hard to get him to sit still with his legs moving faster than I catch.

When we moved Drew to his new room we opened up our bonus area for playtime and filled it with an easel, bookshelves and his kitchen set from downstairs (in hopes of returning our living room to a bit more adult time - yeah, right). He looks so grown up coloring on his easel with markers.

He is headed to the gym every Monday, Thursday and Saturday while his Daddy plays bball - he runs and hollers with the kids in the play area there and comes home a trainwreck tired mess :) but loves it! And mommy gets a bit of time by herself as well. He has become quite the 'rider' in the car wearing his glasses to look 'cool' - he and Lala run all over from parks to grocery stores, etc.
John got a 'deal' on 'free dirt' for our backyard to help level it out. As a result, we had over 140 dumptrucks of dirt dropped in the backyard while a bobcat moved it around to level it out. A very positive aspect of this messy situation, Drew was entertained for hours in front of the windows, eating lunch, having snacks and just watching the trucks dump and move dirt. Good times.

Unfortunately we then have had almost everyday with rain since then so needless to say, muddy laborador retrievers, 30+ wks pregnant and a toddler - it has been crazy!!

I traveled to Minneapolis in April and got to hang out for a night with some good friends. Keva gave me some very adorable clothes for Elizabeth and one was a bathing suit that Drew then decided to put on his head and run around the house like a wig. Could not stop laughing!

Here is Drew at the Children's Museum on a play date with his friends - it was his first trip and he had a great time! Here on the 'big truck' driving the big wheel.

March - Family Updates!!

2011-03-31T14:47:00.000-04:00

We headed to Dallas for a week in March and caught up with some friends and family. We don't have a ton of pictures but we do have this one of Matt and his new wife, Lori. They got married in a small close ceremony and are having a party in May to celebrate but we managed to grab lunch and visit for a little while.

Another brother story, Jeff and Angela welcomed their second little one at the beginning of the month. Braden Jeffery Fowler joined his sister, Madeline, in Seattle. Angela is doing great and we are very much looking forward to meeting him soon - once both families are a bit more mobile. Here is a wonderful picture of him and Jeff in hospital.

I have thrown a picture of my belly at 29 wks on here so you can see how big Elizabeth is getting - not much longer now.

Room Decorating - 1 and 2 - and oh yeah, a name!!

2011-02-16T18:18:00.007-05:00

So the last few weeks we have been very busy decorating the room(s) - The move started with Lala into the downstairs bedroom - whew, then the furniture from her old room moved to the bonus area.....arrrggghhhh......House is looking quite attractive - NOT. Then we moved Drew into a bigger room - we moved from his Curious George decor to a pottery barn sports theme - I still have to get his name hung above his crib but he has much more room now for his play area. The border is a bit higher with colors of red, navy, nautical blue and green. You can see the quilt for his soon to be toddler bed on the chair in the corner. He is connected to a bathroom so needless to say my tub is no longer toy central but I have noticed the water spreads much faster and further in this smaller tub :(. Drew took to his room great after the first night where he preferred to be in the room with mommy and daddy but he finally gets that it is his room - I think when Curious George disappeared he moved on...

Now for room #2 (or #3 if you count Laura's move)......Baby Elizabeth Anne Rardin's room - yes, we have finally picked the name and are very excited - we will not have a nickname for Elizabeth except maybe "E" and any cutsie items we come up with but really want to call her by her full name Elizabeth. Elizabeth is my middle name, Beth is my mom's middle name and Anne is John's mom's middle name so we have opted to stay more traditional with her name as well. We have decorated in chocolate and pink with some bright pink/blue/green accents as a border. We are still waiting on her furniture - an off white crib that grows with her to a full/double as she gets older and a full dresser similar to Drew's but more girly :). As you can see by her closet picture - she needs nothing - between Laura and I's shopping spree when we found out it was a girl (hey, Carter's was having a sale), the neutral stuff of Drew's she can wear and the hand me downs - we are all set - we have everything washed and ready to go. We are waiting on a few more letters to come in at Hobby Lobby so we can get her name painted chocolate and next to the flower on the wall above where her crib will go. Glad to have this all ready and next month Laura is moving to her own apartment - she is excited to 'get away' occasionally and have her own oasis so we will get her settled soon and then get the last guest room back to guest status.

Valentines Day 2011!

2011-02-15T13:33:00.006-05:00

For Valentine's Day, Lala made pink waffles although Drew was running fever and not feeling well (he caught the crude that I had a week ago, gave to Lala and caught from her - good news, John never got it :)). So needless to say, Lala and I had pink waffles and Drew had juice and our lap to sit on.

By the afternoon Drew was feeling better so he decided to take his women out for V-day since John was in Pittsburgh on business. He got all dressed up :).

26 weeks!

2011-02-15T13:30:00.001-05:00

So here we are at 26 wks pregnant - showing quite a bit compared to baby Drew but I guess when you have no stomach muscles left......that's the way it goes :). Feeling okay - have my moments (like crawling around on the floor to wrestle Drew) but other than that, not too bad.

January 2011

2011-02-15T13:08:00.008-05:00

Drew got a Texas onesie pajama for Christmas from his Aunt Erin (eenie weenie) which he loves and wears as often as possible. Note he is wearing the pj's here while he is working on escaping the house :).

This month started off with a few playdates. Drew went to the aquarium with Jorja - she is of course dressed to the top with a bow that matches (as always). The weather is still a bit off so Drew also takes trips to the mall play area as well to blow off some steam in addition to mall walking with is Auntie Lala.

Drew & LaLa also headed to Totter Otterville with Jorja for another playdate. They aren't too sure of each other at this point but were happy to play with all the toys and specifically the train table.

Not alot of words right now but alot of imitations of animal noises (cows, owls, ducks, etc). Of course he just points and screams until we, adults, figure out what he wants - drinks, food, etc. He uses the 'more' sign language gesture for just about everything, even 'please'. Cute but a bit frustrating. :)

It's a GIRL!!

2011-01-02T16:04:00.004-05:00

We returned from Iowa with a visit to the doctor - we went for our 20 wk check-up and this bit of a baby inside me looks very healthy - all measurements and organs look good -here is her first photo debut (the left of her face straight on and the right her profile with her hand at her mouth) - she wouldn't stop moving and putting her hands in front of her face - I don't really feel her move that much but it looks like that's because the placenta is between her and I right now. Drew still has no idea this is headed his way......should be interesting. John's mom is ECSTATIC - her first grand daughter - she said she was going for a "PINK" shopping trip this weekend.

John has determined we will not have a pink room in his house - little does he know he will and it's not just his house :). So now we work on names and room decors - Looks like Lala is moving to an apartment soon so we will move Drew to a bigger room with some of his many toys and take over his room for the new arrival (since it is smaller). Now we just wait for her arrival and keep our fingers crossed with prayers of everything to go well.

Christmas in Iowa!!

2010-12-25T17:52:00.010-05:00

We headed to Boone, IA for the Christmas holiday. We had a great time playing in Aunt Jenny's and Uncle Chris' (Bones) giant shed/garage - sledding in the snow and opening presents.

Here is Drew posing for one of several dozen photos for his Aunt Jenny - he was modeling with different poses - hysterical.

Drew also got to 'sled' behind the four wheeler - the snow was so thick we were safe that the sled couldn't slide into the 4 wheeler - :) - mother of the year - he had a blast playing but once up and able to run and play - not so much, a little too deep of snow and he was packaged up like a snausage.

We headed to church and tried to grab a photo quickly :) - Drew had all of a 15 minute nap that day - nice -

While opening of presents, Drew was much more into paper than presents or puzzles - he and

the boys ripped up all the paper (along with Baba's help) and then kept throwing it up in the air like it was snow - nice - very messy but fun. Baba got all three of her grandsons to sit still in the same pj's for pictures.

Ho Ho Ho - The end of a year......

2010-12-20T15:49:00.014-05:00

So here we are, caught up for the calendar year - I think the New Year's Resolution will support regular updates of the blog - they will be short but often (I hope). We got the house decorated the last weekend of the month, lights all over the outside like the Griswold's Christmas Movie. We finally moved to a 'fake' tree to allow for dogs and small children's hands. After the next several years will move back to a real tree.

This month has come and gone - with traveling to a lull - we had some company the first weekend of the month from New Orleans. Scott McCoy, Michael (Scott's partner), Scott Jr. and Jen all came for a visit and to watch the Saints vs. Bengals game. This was also the weekend we got lots of snow. The football game was so FRICKIN cold - I am bundled up and only my eyes can be seen.

We spent the next few weekends shopping for Christmas gifts, attending Holiday parties and spending time with friends. The Herrington's went in on adopting a family for Christmas with us. We had a family of 6 to shop for and were able to budget to buy three of the children bikes (the 4th was a newborn - not needed :)). We are headed to Iowa for part of Christmas while Laura heads to Dallas - we have a friend staying at the house and watching over the dogs.

The snow came in thick last week - John bought a sled for Drew and ran around in the COLD with him - we are now nursing a runny nose but he had SUCH a good time. He looks like the kid off of A Christmas Story that is so bundled up he can't walk - LOL.

Laura and Drew have been helping run errands and we finally got the garage so emptied out we could fit all three SUV's inside away from the snow. Drew is still bundled up though for errands while the car warms up.

We got the Christmas shopping and wrapping done quickly so we could celebrate Christmas before we all leave on vacation. Lots of gifts for such a small family. When Drew got up from his nap yesterday we opened presents - he got lots of music items and a big yellow tonka truck. I think he got the hang of unwrapping presents which made it so much fun to watch.

I will post more pic from Iowa where I am sure I have no idea how snowy it can get.

Genetic Testing & Florida!

2010-11-30T08:52:00.003-05:00

Pls try and read all the recent posts - I am making up for lost time - so this month we had quite a few things going on - we had the genetic testing for Baby #2, when you get as old as me, you are entitled to this testing :). Everything came out great and we have some pictures from the ultrasound. We got to see a 3D view this time as well - a bit weird to see but we could see him or her dancing around in there non-stop.

While waiting for our results on the testing - we headed off to Florida (Laura and I got 3 seats to share with Drew while J sat in another row - Laura took this photo) - Mom rented a condo for the month and all of us, children, headed down - a bit nutso but very good times. Drew got extremely acclimated to the water and the weather for that matter. John and I stayed down for a week and after coming home enjoyed about 5 days with just the two of us as Laura and Drew stayed down with Mom for another couple of days. Jeff, Angela and cousin, Madeline, were all in town and Erin was even able to join for a weekend - Madeline helped take care of Drew and Drew was very fond of her rented 'toddler bed' and her Barney movies. We got to see Aunt Sarah and Aunt Gail while we were there - they tolerated the craziness for longer than expected, they are real troopers - once kids went down, we played dominos and cards most nights. Mom, Laura, Drew, Angela and Madeline went to the zoo after the rest of the adults left and got a great pic of Mom, Lala and Drewster.

Drew wore floaties for the first time and took to the water like a fish. He was quick to go right past the area where he could stand and use his strong shoulder muscles to keep himself a float with no issues. Here he is in almost 6' of water by himself. It certainly made the trips to the pool more enjoyable (and a bit less dangerous).

We went to the beach and let the kids play in the park - this is a great picture of Drew in his IA jersey swinging on the swing.

Upon returning home, the ragrat needed his haircut bad - Lala and I just couldn't keep up with trying to do at home anymore. So when John's mom, Barb (aka Baba) came in the wknd before Turkey Day, they headed up to the Cookie Cutters for an eventful haircut.

After Barb left (only a quick visit), Dad and Suzette came in town to visit with Mr. Drew - it had been since March since they saw him but he took to them with no problems (they brought books and a small tractor - they know a way to a kid's heart). We went to the aquarium while they were here - lots of fish to see, reindeer and jellyfish. I was unfortunately exhausted from all the excitement from the month - oh, and being pregnant so they allowed me to rest for a bit and after Turkey Day - they headed back to Texas.

We finished up the month decorating for Christmas - pictures coming in December.

October - Happy Halloween - times 2?

2010-10-31T08:36:00.005-04:00

Again - if just joining - lots of posts today that I back dated - hope you have time to catch up! So this month started off with John and I attending a wedding in Nashville for some friends here in OH. The wedding was beautiful and we had a great time out on 2nd street. John had never been there so it was great to get away for a weekend and enjoy time together while Laura and a few others split time with Drew. While it was great, I was unable to have some drinks because we found out we are expecting again :). The doctors told me my body would take a bit of time to get pregnant again.....not so much.... :) Needless to say, we are expecting around the middle of May. Drew and the little one will be 23 months apart - we are really excited and pictures coming over the next few months - the 6 wk picture is not even really readable so I will spare you.

Mom came in town for a weekend so we could go to the IA vs. Michigan game up in Ann Arbor. What a good time - we drove up to Finley OH to stay with the Haiglers and then got up at 6 am Saturday to drive up and tailgate all day long - game was at 3:30pm and IA did a wonderful job coming from behind to beat Michigan. It was Laura's first tailgating experience - I don't think she will ever forget it (or is it remember it? :) ).

I had to go to NY on business for the launch of one of the initiatives I was leading and decided to take Drew and Laura. Needless to say, interesting with a child.....Drew came down with his first ear infection prior to the trip and was placed on amoxicillin - well, only after 7 days on this, we found that he had a reaction - a very strange reaction. Drew was like a holy terror - I had never had this experience with him and hoped I never would again but word of advice to other mom's - if something isn't right, most likely something isn't right. Upon returning home, I called the doc - explained that I know it was weird and to please not laugh but I really did have an angel son and the devil had taken him over....was there anyway it was connected to the medicine? - she quickly told me I hadn't lost my mind and there had been other incidents with other children where this has happened - they would switch the medicine and we should be good. If only we had known that before we 'rained down on Abby's family' :(.

We got to visit with a college friend of mine, Abby, and her two girls - Drew is definitely all boy and very used a much larger living spaces with walls that don't reverberate the sound quite like those of NYC.

Abby lives in NJ a few blocks from the Cake Boss (for those that watch the show). There is a park kitty corner from her place and Drew found good times playing there.

After working, Laura and I took a stroll with Drew around NYC - of course to get there we rode the train, the subway and walked a ton. We were in Times Square where we saw Cookie Monster and Elmo, Drew was so excited but then what was very weird, every place we turned we say more of them...almost spooky :). We visited the Toys R Us Store on Times Square and rode the ferris wheel inside and Drew is pictured here with the King from Candyland.

Upon returning from our wild trip to NYC, Drew had another play date with his friend, Sophia. They went to a place called TotterOtterville - played dress up, played with trains and ran off some steam.

Drew is still very content with inexpensive toys and likes to try and destroy everything he can get his hands on - he is very strong for his age, lifting up large toys to move them in the house. Here he is playing with a large cardboard box - ahhhh, good times. Best part, when he climbs in and thinks it is just fun to sit there - ahhh, contained child.

We finished up this month with Drew's 1st big Halloween. Mom and Drew picked out a 'bear' costume and Drew looked adorable. He really didn't get the jist of trick or treating but John took him around to a few houses anyways. The ladies in the neighborhood and I (with Laura's leadership) - took on planning the neighborhood Halloween Party and we had a fire engine and ambulance come for all the kids to see - Drew climbed up in the Fire Truck (after about 4 determined tries) and once in, did NOT want to get out. He also had his first piece of pizza - again, with the mother of the year award - but he ate it right up.
My favorite video in a while - Drew dancing during a playdate at our house - he definitely got the Julie Jollay and Ronald Fowler musicality gene. Try and not laugh too hard. Headed to FL in November.

The beginning of a new time - 15 months!

2010-09-30T08:32:00.000-04:00

Pls see all of the posts from today - I am playing catch up for the last 6 months - Mother of the Year Award - I know... So, Drew is 15 months this month and full of energy - he is laughing, entertaining, dare I say running? He knows what he wants and when he wants it but has NO idea how to communicate it - he can follow commands like, 'pick that up and bring it over here' - he is sitting better for book time but still loves to be outside each and every minute.

This month my Uncle Doug came to visit and took us to a red's game - he spent some time with his great - nephew? Is that correct? :) - Laura got her picture with the red's mascot guy thing - whatever his name is - we happen to sit next to the $1 dog stand so we had about 15 hotdogs between the 4 of us and lots of those not so $1 beers :).

Drew also loves his baths - Laura and I decided to try a bubble bath with the jacuzzi jets on - needless to say -we made more than enough bubbles :). Laura put on her bathing suite and dove in to help Drew with the deeper water....

We had some friends come down from Finley, OH - The Haiglers - we went to Kings Island for P&G day and then retired in the mancave for some good ole football watching. The kids played together and their girls helped with Drew. The Freed's joined us and next thing I knew, we had all bought tickets to the Michigan/IA football game in October - more to come on that game.

We took a few more visits to the zoo - on a nice cool morning - Wendy, Sophia, Sharon (Wendy's mom), Drew and I piled in the car with the wagon in the back and headed to the zoo - we got time to pet the animals and Drew decided he would rather ride the goats then feed them :).

We also rode the train around the zoo grounds - Drew had a magnificent time looking at everything from a spot on the train.

We took our picture on the brass gorilla and Drew as having a blast - they were so tired they both fell asleep before we even turned out of the parking lot.

I threw in this picture as well - he is wearing his Texas orange shirt - well, actually it was his onesie from last year but I just cut off the bottom and made a shirt out of it (classy). Drew rode the 'fire engine' at the check out of the Toys R Us - he is quite the community helper.

Drew has started play dates with a little girl we met in Gymboree. We actually ran into her parents on the way to Vegas - they were sitting across the aisle - small world - they actually said, 'do you have a son, named Drew?' - a bit odd from strangers on the plane - but hysterical because John and I always thought Drew would be rememebered by people when he is famous :) but at 15 months old? So here he is in his first play date clothes - all dressed up and ready to play. So big!!

Drew went for his 15 month check-up and he had made up for his decline in the % height charts - he is now 34" tall and almost 17 lbs - he is tall and skinny - he grew 2 inches in 3 months - now almost wearing full 2T clothing but still fitting in some 18 month old clothes. His height is back up to 110% of the charts :) He is growing up so fast!

The End of the Summer!! Good and Bad news!

2010-08-31T09:06:00.000-04:00

If you are just joining - lots of updates today - trying to catch up for the year - pls read thru all of our exciting events - This was a month of ups and downs - we started off the month wanting to share big news of a new baby on the way but sadly this little one wasn't healthy enough to make the full pregnancy - with a few very supportive friends and co-workers - we looked at this situation with a chance to get focused on each other and our family for the upcoming fall season. We took a some time to go visit Brent & Heather at their 'vacation' home on Lake Michigan. This was Drew's first road trip for 5 hours and he did wonderful. Now, it certainly helped having Laura in the car with us, my driving and John working up front. We moved Drew's seat to the very back of the surburban and then folded the front seats down to give everyone a little bit more room. He snuggled up with his naptime blanket and binky for the trip.

We also got the opportunity to go to the zoo a few more times and up to the giant outdoor waterpark at King's Island since John had a work event there. Drew rode the merry-go-round and had a great time playing in the water. Drew has discovered he can 'touch' and pet the animals at the zoo in the 'farm' area and he was all about getting close.

We just spend lazy time as a family this month - a video below showing Drew hanging in his parent's bed on Saturday morning.

Drew also discovered he can hang on our luggage and we will run him around - the video isn't the best quality but it is quite hysterical running around upstairs on the landing with him holding on. Might not have been such a good thing as he gets bigger and thinks 'what fun!'

By far, the highlight of our month was our trip to Vegas for Brent's 40th Birthday - I met them back when I lived in New Orleans - in fact I had just moved into my house and they were in town with a mutual friend - we hit it off and they continued to visit NOLA regularly and over time they met John, we went to Octoberfest (AKA Drew's inception :)) with them in Munich, regular visits to Chicago and they visited last Fall. Well 15 of us headed to Vegas for quite a ride. Lived like I have never lived and just had such a great time. Here are a few pics from the private cabana, the exclusively private dinner and the private cabana at the night club. Good times - nice way to end a not so great month!!

July 2010

2010-07-31T15:44:00.000-04:00

July didn't bring a ton of new experiences - but we did get to go to the zoo and try fingerpainting - Drew and Lala are regularly running errands and trying new things. He is a smily guy in the car - well for the time being :)....

We bought some finger paints to try out - thank goodness they are non-toxic and we have a bathtub near by....

There are lots of Church events in July and August to raise money so we ventured out to ride som rides, bid on some items and eat some crazy food. We tried Drew and Laura on the Dumbo ride, thought is was good idea, but he screamed and cried most of the time, while he has the size for these rides, he doesn't have the maturity yet :).

We still take Drew over to the neighbors alot to play with their little girls, Olivia and Sophia - they let him 'borrow' their pink wig to

wear - needless to say, John was not too thrilled with this idea.

Drew has been to the zoo a few times - he is really starting to catch on to the animals - you know, finally a live animal with a name and sounds versus his picture books and my oink and moo sounds :). It was soo hot at the zoo though, we need to wait till closer to Sept for it to cool down a bit. After a long day, Drew was plum tuckered out -

John and I traveled up to Pittsburgh - well, a resort outside of Pittsburgh for his work - I took my work with me and while laying by the pool, got quite a bit of work done - maybe I should ask my boss for this ability on-going?? Not so sure it will go over well. So besides some heat and some animals - On to August!!

ONE and DONE!! Woohoo - we made it a year!!

2010-06-30T15:32:00.000-04:00

So we are bit late on the updates of the blog - think of this like scrapbooking - we (Laura & I) are going to take a stab at getting this updated to current and then Laura can take over regular updates with me :).

This month was Drew's One Year Old Birthday! Not sure how it happened so fast but we made a full year with lots of milestones and fun. He is our Prince and so the hat made it all seem appropriate. We also managed to get his professional pictures done for his birthday - I was a bit late but hey, they got done :).

We had a monkey cupcake cake and lots of friends over to play - of course they were all a bit bigger than drew but we managed to clear out the garage and turn on the sprinklers for them in the yard for good fun. Drew tore into his cupcake so needless to say, we too advantage of the weather and hosed him down right in his chair. Drew plays in the water alot right now as hot as it is, with his blow up pool that has a 'roof' over it to shield him from the sun. It only takes as long to get him ready for the pool as it does to play in it....swim pants....sunscreen....sunscreen....did I mention sunscreen?

Drew got his first 'riding' toy from our neighbors The Herringtons - I think by the time his motor skills catch up with his sheer size he might be too big for it :). Drew has taken quite a liking to books but his attention span isn't quite where it needs to be at this point.

We went to Drew's 1 yr doctor appt - he is still growing like a weed - his height came in around 32" coming down to around 97% on the charts with his weight around 25 pounds.

Still lots of trips to the park and Drew continues to maneuver around well. I am still traveling to Fayetteville but it is coming to close soon, wrapping up our project with Walmart. After my trip to Arkansas this month, I hopped a plane to Minneapolis to rendezvous with John for a friend's wedding - Laura and Tim were married in the Basilica and it was amazing - we had a great time and were so glad to see good friends even if for a very quick trip. I then hopped a plane to Dallas for one overnight visit - so quick, didn't even see the family - stayed at hotel, worked and headed back home.

The visit at home lasted for a day and then we headed out to Iowa for John's 20th High School Reunion. We got to enjoy a long visit with his family. Drew played like he has never played before with his cousins - they have a great set up for the kids - lots of toys, playset, water, bikes, trucks, horses, 4 wheelers - we went to nephew Hunter's baseball game as well. Lot of family and friends during the visit.

It was a busy month. But one for the record books! Here are a few videos of Drew making new noises regularly and his cousin driving him around in Iowa with the toy tractor. Enjoy!

May - Fun in the Sun!

2010-06-27T22:19:00.015-04:00

So I will split this update into two months - I have really gotten behind but hope this finds you all enjoying your summer. This month was full of events - Drew got his first 'summertime' water toy - we got a water table at a garage sale for splashing around - $5 - yep, much cheaper than the $35 Toys R Us Value - we are all about kids toys from garage sales or Once Upon a Child - what a steal!

Lots of trips to the park - Auntie Lala takes Drew-bie-doo to the park quite often - he has learned how to get into everything, climbing up one side, thru the tunnels and down the other. Swinging is still a good time but coming to an end as he gets more and more mobile.

Trips to Gymboree are still quite exciting - as evidenced by his facial expression here. When not hitting the park or gymboree, the pool is the place to hang - he has no fear and as a result dives face first into the kiddie pool causing us to have to follow him every inch.

He has really mastered walking this month - clapping and walking - making raspberry sounds and walking (thanks Auntie Lala for teaching that moment) -

We gel'd up his hair a bit for his first mohawk -
Drew attended his first "White Trash Yard Party" - after a small nap in his pack-n-play up in the 2nd floor bathroom (hey, it was quiet in there) - we headed down for some fun with a pot of water and empty beer cans. His picture was selected as 'best dressed'! Already quite the life of the party....I can't find the picture - boo!!

Drew also attended his first sand volleyball game (only because they finally had one early enough at 6:15) - it was amazing how a bucket of beer can keep him busy for hours.

Drew is still eating lots of fruit, turkey hot dogs, sliced turkey, eggs, oatmeal, carrots, beans, mixed vegetables and an occasional lick of ice cream :). It's been a really uneventful month unless you count chasing Drew every second. He is happy, healthy and living life!

Nana and GG came in at the end of the month to help clear out Uncle Eddie's place in Dayton since it was sold - it was nice to visit and we got to attend the Taste of Cincinnati in a VIP area - Drew as quite the 'show' for everyone while we all got to try new and different beers. June holds a bday party, travels to IA and much more - until then.

March Showers bring, well, April Showers

2010-05-01T22:21:00.015-04:00

Feels like it has been forever since I have provided an update....hard to do when you are chasing Drew around the house. We came back from Dallas at the end of March and have been quite busy watching the little man grow up fast while we juggle jobs, travel and lots and lots of yard work.

John's management job is going okay - he is finding out all about 'those' folks in management :) - because he is one of them now!! He starting to get his groove with his team and they are all rowing in the same direction now. We are still adjusting to a kid and the 'pulls' from work late in the evenings but John does a great job getting home on time for the nanny to help with Drew and dinner.

We decided to pull up our entire front yard - add dirt, dig up 4 areas for new mulching, install a lamp post, etc.....after cutting the cable wire to our house and the neighbors, damaging three sprinkler heads, cutting a sprinkler line and living with our yard looking like Arizona for two weeks - we finally laid SOD and the little man can play in the grass out front. It was a neighbor effort, everyone pitched in and we are so grateful to getting the work done. We now have lots of cute pics with Drew outside.

We spent Easter with The Herringtons - they came over to the house and we dined in the formal dining room for the first time - super nice to hang out as one big family and we hunted Easter

eggs for almost 3 hours outside while Drew slept in slumber land.

We actually have changed Nannies once again but this time.....LAURA moved up here to be our nanny!!!! We are so excited to have her up here taking care of her nephew. She and mom drove up here together to get her car and stuff moved to the great state of OHIO. We are adjusting to her living in the house but it is going good and over time we will try and help her find an apartment - she is making lots of friends and getting very engaged in social activities.

Drew is still sleeping almost 4 hrs with a two hour nap in the am and two in the pm. He is attending gymboree regularly and loving every minute of it - music class is a bit too slow for him but I'm not giving up - he sure loves the music he just doesn't want to sit still. Food is continuing to expand - with Laura here I have her test all sorts of foods at lunch so I don't 'feel the pain' at night :).....latest item - pad thai #5 spicy - that's my boy!! She sends me pictures while I am at work - here - he decided to climb in the drawer below the oven....nice

The big news about Drew involves......WALKING!!! He is fully walking - dare say, running if he wants to get someplace fast enough. He just decided about 1.5 wks ago to let go of the ottoman and start toward the chair...then the ottoman to the stairs, then the ottoman to the kitchen....and the rest is history.

Laura is taking him to the park a few days a week and he is a big fan of the 'swings' and looking cool - you have to love these pictures!

He also got a hold of the neighbors 'fireman' hat and work it all around the house - here he is smiling for the camera - look at those teeth!!

So we will sign off for now - more to come in the month of may as we get close to Drew's 1st Birthday!!

February into March....and we march and we march

2010-03-20T18:16:00.010-04:00

Sorry for the delay in updates - I have been working my tail off at work and it is all J and I can do to keep up with the house, our jobs, workouts and DrewBear. February was a month of a few great times and LOTS of SNOW...record months - even Dallas saw 12". Drew only sees outside from the view of the kitchen windows :)....it got progressively warmer in March but we took his picture in his 'borrowed' nephews outfit..kind of reminds you of 'red rider bb gun movie' with this thick oversized snow outfit, he couldn't even sit up....lol.

John and I got to 'get away' for a night with our neighbors, Chuck and Wendy. We cashed in some points and were able to get a rooms at the Westin and hit McCormick & Schmidts for dinner, followed by several several several beverages of choice at the Mynt Martini Bar in Downtown Cincinnati and Zazoo's Bar in Covington, KY for Mardi Gras Mainstrausse. We got to see lots of folks and pretend like we were kidless again. I woke up at 9:30 thinking, Drew is just going down for his nap.....good times. We had some brunch and returned to find a very happy child with some very happy parents.

John and I met some new NON P&G folks in Cincinnati and attended the Boys & Girls Club Charity Casino night - we had a great time and I walked away winning it 'all' - about $500 in booze (no, we didn't need it so I gave a great deal away) - John and I got 'dolled' up to show off our new figures :).

John's mom came in town for a long weekend in February. She went to gymboree with Drew and couldn't stop talking about how much fun they both had (and how she told all the parents to read to their children - libraries are free :)). She played with him on her lap, played airplane up in the air - telling us how he slid face first down the slides.

The time flew by but we are going to see Baba again in June when we visit Iowa for John's 20th high school reunion in Boone. Although we are trying to talk her in to coming for a visit again in towards the end of April or May.

We borrowed a few toys from the neighbors but specifically the 'wooden push toy' that has moved the neighborhood regularly - he really likes the fact that it opens and closes as you can see in this video.....makes me giggle everytime I see it.

Drew also has been napping somewhat irregularly but on those days where he doesn't get a good afternoon nap...he falls asleep while eating dinner.....this is good times - if this video doesn't put a smile on your face - nothing will.

Drew's favorite thing to do lately is scale the stairs - John thought it would be funny to teach and encourage this behavior which as resulted in lovely attractive gates all over our house :). He is in drawers, cabinets, falling, standing..

Drew reached the 9 month milestone March 12. My how time flies - he is slowing on growth a bit at around 31" in height but has lost weight with all of his roaming and is around 21 lbs. We got a new pediatrician since ours is having a baby and won't be available at our office anymore - Dr. Donahue is great - she is blown away with how strong he is and how much he mimics us with shaking his head and clicking his tongue. He even dances like Stevie Wonder's head when music comes on.

We took off to Dallas in March on St. Patty's Day - here is Drew with is outfit on the plane - he was once again a rockstar traveler - sleeping - entertaining everyone behind us - dropping cheerios everywhere - poor plane folks.

Drew got to see his Uncle Mattie and take a few pics - he has been a bit timid with all the folks that he is meeting and the time changes, teething - he has done a pretty good job.

Mom got Drew some Bunny Ears in anticipation for Easter - they look great - I couldn't wait till Easter to show you them. Tiff gave us lots of hand me downs so Drew is already wearing them because I certainly wasn't expecting 37 in Dallas mid March :) while it is 65 and sunny in Cinci.

I will try and keep you updated much more often but notice I am not promising :)

Jan 2010 - New Year, New You, New Drew

2010-02-02T06:13:00.004-05:00

So lots of milestones this month....and with that, not alot of rest time for the parents :). Drew returned home from his trip to Hawaii with severe jet lag - like 5 days of not sleeping thru the night to the point I thought something was wrong and took him to the doctor....yes, it just wasn't normal to which the Doctor said....plain and simple, jetlag. I guess one benefit to heading to the doctor - weights and measures - yep, rounding 23 lbs and almost 32".....we are in 18month clothing :).

Big boy baths are the 'new' thing - he is still figuring out how to not slide all over the tub (notice the large bump on his eye from a spill....yes I was watching him)....we just got a non-slip mat to put in the tub....should help significantly.

Upon our return our new nanny started on Monday, "Ti" (short for Tiara) jumped right in and Wed J and I both left to go out of town for business at the same time...it was bound to happen sooner or later. Of course while we were gone, Drew decided to sleep thru the night for Ti - I could count on my hands how many times he decided to do that this month - at least he was an angel for her.

We returned home to Drew's first tooth....ahhhh, the rough sleeping pattern.....he slept for 2 more nights and then returned to his new norm....waking when God has clearly turned out the lights. So now I think, is it the food he is eating, is it how long his naps are during the day....I'm reading, reading......out pops another tooth....so now we are up to 2.

Another first for Drew, he rides in the carts at the store now...big boy times....a little overstimulation but he loves it - he wants to hold everything I put in the cart so we go to the pasta aisle first for macaroni to shake :). He especially likes the 'tasters' - breads, fruits....he is all about trying those (and unfortunately so is his mother...a moment on the lips, forever on the hips - so I carry Drew on my hips to hide them ;)).

Drew's sleeping pattern is still not completely returned.....we had gotten into all sorts of foods so we have pulled back and are easing into more foods little by little.

He is eating noodles and still some jar food, fruits, vegetables....he loves all kinds - in fact, at dinner, we can't get it to him fast enough so he has moved to an afternoon snack as well.....jello.....kind of messy :).

We are still going strong on the weight loss - mine, of course, is much slower than a man's - John has lost almost 30 lbs now - I am back to pre-pregnancy Europe Trip weight....still have 20 more to go :). John and I have a few overnights planned in February to 'get away' and John's mom will be here mid month to 'play' we can't wait for her to see how he has grown. Drew is a regular 'skyper' now, he keeps up with family on the webcam regularly - just call and we can skype with you too....it's free :).

Happy New Year - "Mele Kalikimaka"

2010-01-18T09:02:00.015-05:00

So Mom took us all to Hawaii for New Years!! Drew hadn't started crawling so the ride over wasn't too bad - we left for the airport at 3:30 am and flew thru Dallas to join on the same flight as Mom, Greg, Laura and Erin. 6 adults....1 child....we can handle this!! A few tired meltdowns getting to the house but once there Drew adjusted well - no real problems......this was the view from our back porch overlooking the 13th hole and you could watch the whales in the distance.

We adjusted to the time quite easily - well if getting up at 6 am everyday of your own free will and going to bed around 8:30 or 9 at night :). The first few days were spent at the beach or in the pool - there was a 'hot tub' that had lava rocks all around it on our back porch so Drew and his cousin Madeline spent some time 'swimming' there as well. Jeff and Angela with Madeline and Drew at the pool (yes, they should have another kid :)).

And of course, if the pool, beach or hot tub didn't do it....there was always a pot of water, an umbrella and a towel for entertainment. Madeline and Drew had a such a fun time together. I had to add in a few random pics of Drew enjoying the water in his cool hat and sunglasses :).

Laura and Erin played with Madeline and Drew everyday (dare I say spoiled....?). We took Drew's jumper and Madeline and Drew had a great time "swinging". Drew mastered crawling while we were there - a bit more of an army crawl or maybe even more like doing 'the worm' dance - kicks with his feet and then the rest of his body does a 'wave' up to his arms to move. Pretty funny to watch but he can get across the room in no time. The kids did great and the adults got to spend some time out and about as well.

Angela got a photographer to come out and take family photos - I have added in the website for them in case you want to see... http://www.pictage.com/780879 - they turned out great and we just can't decide which ones we want....there are also some NOT so great photos but the cutest is the Forest Gump picture of John and Drew :).

We went to a luau - Laura and Erin met some locals and had a 'good ole time' - we went deep sea fishing.....didn't catch a thing...but lots of good beers were had. We went snorkeling and got to swim around a old ship wreck - the winds were backwards for those few days on the water which made for rough waters but we were able to see great types of fish - we also snorkeled just off the beach near our place and saw a huge sea turtle come up for air and head back down. We took underwater pictures but I have yet to have them developed :), I've gotten so used to digital! It is mating season for the whales right now in Hawaii and we saw SOOOO many - we had one that just came right near our boat and jumped out to do tricks for us - we got video but not so much on the picture side of life.

After a day of rest we went zip lining - we had a blast - it was a great time and Laura and Erin had me in tears I was laughing so hard. It was the ziplining place that the bachelorette, Jillian, filmed her show last season.....just a bit of odd trivia for you.

As a family we got to head out to lunch and dinner a few times and just had a really great time going in and out of little shops. It was finally time to head home and the Texas game was on - we only got to see the first half before we boarded but I got updates before we lost touch over the ocean and I am sad to say...I got the news when we landed (I am sort of glad I didn't see the game it sounded like a heart stopper). We were definitely spoiled on the flight with the extra leg room and space we had but it made Drew's sleep time so much easier - we woke him 20 minutes before we landed. It only took Drew 5 days to transition back to sleeping thru the night - I can definitely say I am spoiled when it comes to his sleeping thru the night since 8.5 wks old.

The End of 2009

2009-12-25T10:21:00.007-05:00

So we wrap up December with a few great photos - I got to take Drew to a gymboree music class to try out and see if we want to sign up - he is mesmerized by the bubbles and we got to sing, dance and make all sorts of music....Drew really likes clapping. We got lots more pictures with his girlfriend, Jorga, but the pics are on Autumn's phone - one of these days I am going to get them. I think we might start classes after the month of February - we will try a few more types in January and then lock in on his favorite.

Unfortunately, during this month, we lost my uncle Neal (Dad's brother) to pneumonia. He had been quite ill and when he got sick it took over his body. We pray for him to watch over us - I was so sorry that I couldn't get a chance to say goodbye or spend time with his family at the funeral but Dad and Suzette were there and shared our love with them. It is amazing how you can't just jump on a plane these days with a little on in tow.

Just a few days before Christmas we were able to get a picture of Drew with Santa - he visited our Country Club at Kid's Craft Night and Santa brought his wife - I think Drew is quite the ladies man as he definitely preferred Mrs. Claus to Santa...

We have spent the holiday just hanging - we have found a new Nanny - Tiaira - she is great with Drew and we are looking forward to the new year starting off with new fun things to learn with her. Drew came to Christmas Eve service with us at church - he was great and silent eating his cheerios. When it was time for communion, John carried him and he hammed it up all the way to the altar smiling and laughing for everyone to point and smile at him....or it could have been his bib reading: "If you think I am cute, you should see my dad.".....we're not sure - either is fine for us.

Drew also got some gifts from a few folks - here are a couple of pics of Drew opening gifts. Thanks to those that sent 'noise' toys - you won't be forgotten....we will have to find out how to 'repay' you :)...We took a quick video of his excitement to open the gifts (see below)....or should I say....eat the paper :)

We are looking forward to Monday morning when we leave for Maui - we have a great dog sitter that stays with the Dogs so they don't take over the house. We will leave here before God turns on the lights :) and travel to Maui via Dallas where Auntie Lala (Laura), Auntie Eenie Weenie (Erin), GG (Grandpa Greg) and Nana join us for the 9 hour flight over - More pics to come of the great family time we will have when we meet up with Cousin Maddie, Uncle Jeffy and Auntie Angie - it will be Drew's first time to meet them - we can't wait! Merry Christmas to everyone and we will talk to you in the New Year when Iowa and Texas both win their bowls!!!!

6 months old!!! WOOHOO!!!

2009-12-14T21:13:00.011-05:00

In preparation for Drew's big 6 month milestone - we had our first "REAL" playdate :). Jorja and Autumn came over - Autumn had Jorja about 3 wks after Drew was born. We had lunch and played, comparing toys and milestones.....Yes, Drew is about a billion more pounds than most kids his age....

Drew started sitting on his own around 5.5 months of age - he is trying hard to read his books and 'over achieve' the milestones expected for his age - He just started getting on all fours looking at us like, 'now what?' - we don't want him to crawl to early as we have a 9 hr trip to Hawaii in a few wks - I think just sitting will do just fine :). He is well into all of his vegetables now - even eating several yummy fruits and such at every meal. Pls note, no more mullet - the rest of his little reddish blonde hair is coming in full steam ahead....We are now in 12 month clothing and into wearing little pants and tops now - even some shoes - always fun to come home from work and see what little outfit he has on....John says boys don't wear outfits so instead, which clothes he has on....

So - Drew turned 6 months old this past Saturday - he is growing up so fast. We went to a friend's holiday open house and took some pics - he was all dressed up in his new Christmas clothes (you know, to pick up the girls).....after being quite the ladies man - he wanted to return to naked times and pj's - yes, he is very warm blooded - he prefers to be naked - or is that him just taking after his father???? Rob and Tracy's daughter, Lyla, played with Drew most of the night, helping feed him, play with him, change him - he even went to sleep in her bed (of course she thought this was the most special). Yes, Lyla is 3 in this picture and Drew is almost the size of her....We got some not so great news....Maggie is leaving us.....she found a job downtown that helps her move towards a career utilizing her business degree vs. a job - we knew she was just too good to be true - we will miss he dearly and will ask her to come visit often. So we are on the hunt for a new nanny......looking and looking and looking - this certainly not a great time to look versus the end of summer but we have faith that we will find another Angel to care for Drew!

So for our 6 month check up - as guessed....large and in charge. Drew topped out at 30 inches in length and now that he is more active - he is down a few pounds to 20.5 lbs. I know, that is still very tall and big but a little lighter than we had thought. His motor skills are still very advanced according to Dr. Thind and everything else looks good - he got some more vaccinations and his flu shot....

I never uploaded the pics we got taken at Target in Dallas in Sept - they are FANTASTIC!! Here are a few we got - I have the larger ones all digital to give to folks - hard to send since they are so big - will have to put on CD's or zip drives and mail for X-mas!! Notice his Texas football pic!!

Nov 2009 - New foods, new moods.....

2009-11-30T10:32:00.016-05:00

So, we didn't update at the end of Oct - we skipped costumes all together....I think Drew will make it :). As we headed into November, Drew's teeth pain started up! No teeth yet but a WHOLE lot of slobber and gnawing. Drew's everyday attire starts with some sort of onesie (with out without a pair of pants to match) and a BIB - we go thru about 5-6 bibs a day.

The most exciting thing this month: exercise and healthy eating - not dieting - healthy eating. John and I invested in the 'biggest loser' armbands to keep track of our calories burned, sleep efficiency and levels of vigorous and moderate activity. Daddy and Mommy want to be around to see Drew in his old age so we are up in the mornings at 6 am for some exercise and John is cooking dinner in the evenings. John is down over 15 pounds and mommy has lost over 5" on my waist.....let's not talk about pounds yet :). Even Drew is exercising as seen here.....

Drew has started with some very good foods - he has moved from rice cereal into green beans and green peas (his favorite) as well as several other mixed vegetable medleys. We then tried squash (digestive system can't handle that yet :)) and carrots - just last night we tried pears...more fruits to come. Here is a picture and a great video below...

Daddy left the first week to go pheasant hunting in North Dakota - he loaded up with a few friends and 5 dogs - that's right - I didn't mis-type, 4 men and 5 dogs in an 18 passenger van for 17 hours to go hunting for 3 days........now I remember why I don't hunt :). They had a great time and brought home lots of birds.

Mom flew in the next week, Greg followed on Thursday the 12th and Bryan on Friday to join us in Columbus for the Iowa-Ohio State football game - we had some great tailgating as you can see in the pics - a couple rounds of flip cup and some good times. Although Iowa lost, it was a great time and good to be with friends and family in our on-going desire for football mayhem.

Soon after my side of the family left - soon came John's family for Thanksgiving - we had a great time with everyone. Gunnar (2) and Hunter (4) played with Drew while he was in his jumper in video below. Jen also read all the boys books together in the picture here.

John and Chris (brother in law) took charge of planning Thanksgiving dinner - lobster, walleye, crabcakes, smoked salmon spread, boiled shrimp, grilled bacon wrapped shrimp, steamers and raw oysters........needless to say, we ate a variety of this over 3 days - NOT 1 - I know I said healthy eating....well so we ate little bits across 3 days......so we cheated for a few days :) and worked out extra.

The girls on the other hand were in charge of activities. We headed to the Children's museum on Wednesday (Drew stayed home with Maggie), Coco-keys Indoor Waterpark on Thursday and The Aquarium on Saturday.

Drew loved the water at the park swimming with mommy, daddy and Baba. The boys ran wild and exuded some energy allowing for long naps that afternoon :).

We forgot the stroller at the aquarium so Drew got to get in his first umbrella stroller - ahhh, the germs on this borrowed thing......good times....

Everyone left Saturday and John and I returned to the basics - Drew and I got sick - his nose is running and some coughing - a slight fever....now, my turn......I am beginning to think this is just how I spend my Thanksgiving time of year.

December brings several Christmas parties, Drew's christmas pics, a 6 mos old celebration and preparations for the trip to Maui on the 28th. Take care and have a safe holiday season!

Oct 2009 - Four Months and more travels

2009-10-24T11:33:00.012-04:00

We started off the first of the month with our 4 month check-up -at 16 wks old he is 18 lbs and 27.5 in. I know - you are probably thinking if you don't have kids, is this large? And if you do have kids, you might be thinking isn't that what my 1 yr old weighed? THIS SIZE IS OVER THE TOP.....this is 115% of the charts in height and 104% on weight.....Texas Offensive Lineman here we come. Nana says he could still be a dancer or an artist - well, he might be an artist but at this size I don't think he is getting off the ground to dance :). He still has his little mullet that gets ruffled when he sleeps :)...the hair on his head is getting longer but the back still takes over (pic to right).

The doctor was extremely impressed with his 'advanced' motor skills - rolling over, propping himself up, pulling forward like he wants to sit up.....he is becoming quite the little man. We had a few issues with his formula and gassiness so we switched......and then we switched back - I thought the devil had taken over my sweet angel with that last formula. I had to put him to sleep on his back with his legs in the air to help with his belly (see pic). Since we were getting ready to head to Dallas for the week, we switched back and things seemed to have gotten better.

I had a conference in Dallas to attend so I loaded up the Drewster and he and I headed on a plane to Texas - a bit easier this time although I will not pick the 4pm flight from now on - it's just not a great time for him to fly during the day. Nana and GG picked us up and helped take care of Drew for the week while I attended the conference downtown and worked from the house. We got to see Mimi, Papa and Uncle Mattie as well. We all went to lunch and hung out watching the Cowboys on Sunday. Wednesday was Jack's birthday (my godson), the entire family went out for burgers Wednesday night and we took pics of Tiffany's twins and Drew - they are all on the football progression charts - her son's just had their 9 mos. celebration.

With Drew's successful check-up we got to start rice cereal - so we let Nana take a stab at this first......hysterical with rice all over his face (takes after his father :0) Drew has also found his feet this month - he loves to try and put them in his mouth when his fat rolls aren't too big to prevent the stretch :). Mom and Laura took Drew to get pictures done at Target Studio - the CD should be here soon - they took his Texas jersey and naked pics - they are fabulous - look for updates in next blog.

John flew in to Dallas on Friday to go to the Texas-OU game and we had a night away from Drew at Krista's house. John and I went to the game and had a great day just the two of us. We rode rides, played games, drank beer and drank beer....it was a quick weekend but we were back to Cinci Sunday at noon to prepare for another long week of work.

Drew started off his time back in OH with lots of gas - he wasn't able to sleep during the night this week which made for a very long week. With a call to the pediatrician on Thursday, we found that making all the bottles early in the day and then heating them up before the feeding should take care of getting all the little gas bubbles out so they don't make their way into his belly.......well, I think I should send Dr. Thind flowers...it worked...we are back to normal sleeping...woohoo!!!

No Halloween costume yet but we are still undecided if he will even know he doesn't have one :)....a few more update for Oct coming your way in the next blog.

Flying, Football and Fun!! - Sept 2009

2009-09-29T19:57:00.017-04:00

So it has been quite a while since we have written. We have had a busy month with travels, tricks, and sports! We started off September with a trip to Iowa for the Iowa vs. Iowa State football game. John and I flew with Mr. Drew to the great city of Boone, IA to see family and friends. It was a bit touch and go there getting ready for the travels as my week was very hectic at work and between work, weaning, and preparing to leave - it was a wonder I made it to the airport. It was quite the celebration in IA for not only the game but a great annual tradition Boone holds on it's fairgrounds, PufferBilly Days.

John treated mommy to a massage to help with the recent stresses of getting back to work - one thing is for sure - just don't get a lot of sleep, don't eat a lot, don't drink enough water, be highly stressed and weaning from nursing is easy :0.....anyways, needless to say, we successfully moved Drew to 100% formula right around 14 wks old. We got a few photos of us out with the family - Barb took us all to dinner when Chris got back in town from work. It was a great treat to all be together! We can't wait till they visit at Thanksgiving.

Drew got to meet his Aunt Jenny, Uncle "Bones" (aka Chris), and cousins, Hunter and Gunnar. Gunnar was so enamored with Drew he kept saying 'my baby, my baby' - I think we finally convinced him it was 'mimi's' baby - sooooo cute!! Gunnar on the left, Hunter on the right!!

We stayed with Baba (John's mom) and she was great to babysit Drew while we went to the game - with a 5am start of tailgating it was quite an entertaining day. We rode over with Jen and Chris for a Jen's first tailgating experience....let's just say she held her own :). John's good friends from high school and college were out and about and we had great seats on the 40 yd line 20 rows up.

So when it was time to leave IA, I headed to Panama City, Panama for a global P&G meeting with Latin America. John flew back with Drew by himself - he was a real pro - no problems for him. I got to Panama and had no service on my phone - thank goodness for skype - I got to see Drew every morning when Maggie and I skyped and got to say goodnight to both Drew and Daddy each night via computer. Thank goodness for technology! We didn't get to see much of Panama but we did get to eat some wonderful food and we visited the Panama Canal - I forgot my camera but had a friend take a pic - just haven't gotten it. Maggie and John held down the fort - Maggie by day, John by night.......John and Drew really bonded that week - he turns and quiets down when he hears John's voice now - so cute!

After returning from Panama, we prepared for our Octoberfest visitors. Brent and Heather came in town from Chicago to celebrate Octoberfest Ohioian style - so it's not Munich but it works...we went to the Hoffbrau house and had a fabulous time. In fact, probably too good of a time :). Heather is holding Drew after a great weekend of friends and beers. The Haiglers also made in town for Friday night to see Mr. Drew and stay over before their trip to Kings Island on Saturday. It was a full house but we loved every minute of it. Lexi (Gary and Amy's youngest) was insistent on holding Drew.....I think he weighs as much as her :).

As the weekend came to a close and the craziness started to wind down, Drew really came on strong with showing off his moves.....from rolling over one way.....propping himself up when on his tummy........talking up a storm........laughing (almost a full belly laugh).......using his legs for big strength in his exersaucer and johnny jumper.......and STILL SLEEPING THRU THE NIGHT - WOOHOO!!! He is on 4 feedings a day - 8, 12, 4, and 8 - with two naps, a short morning nap and a long afternoon nap.

We wrapped up the last weekend in Sept with a visit from Drew's Uncle Brian and Aunt Charity. John got us tickets to the Bengals-Steelers game and with a brother that not only has a license plate that says 'Steelers' but a tattoo on his arm - we had to call them up for a visit. They were able to get the time and babysitters to drop everything and head up to Ohio for the day - we loved having them here and they were even able to get a quick picture with Drew. Next time they will have to make the drive with the kids and spend the weekend.

We look forward to a great bunch of events in October - a long week in Dallas, Daddy's new employees starting work, Mommy's conferences and training for work, the Texas-OU football game in Dallas, dressing up for Drew's first Halloween and maybe even a trip to Vegas (that of course is what I want, but we will see :)). I added on some video here of his 'tricks' - enjoy!!

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL??? Drew is...

2009-09-06T18:11:00.007-04:00

So we had Drew's first football watching party yesterday - he had a blast (I guess he did, not like he can tell us:))....we had quite a few folks at our house - I think at one point there was about 25 adults and 11 children under the age of 6 in our basement. Thank the lord, Maggie came over for the afternoon and took the kids outside to play on the neighbors playset (made it easier for J to watch Iowa pull one out against Northern Iowa). After the 'family' crew left, we had the Texas Alumni to the house for the PPV Texas Game against Louisiana-Monroe - what a stomping and a great time by everyone. We floated a keg and grazed on food all day. Drew wore his Texas jersey, Iowa clothes will come as it gets colder, they are a little warm for now.

After a long day yesterday, we decided to hang close to home for my birthday. Drew and Daddy got me cards - and Mommy got to take a nap with Drew while Daddy drafted for Fantasy Football. I think we will head to dinner and call it a day - no Cincinnati fireworks for us tonight. We have a full week ahead of us - Tuesday is our anniversary (2 years already) and we leave Thursday for Iowa to watch some football :) and then I head to Panama for work for 3 days.

Drew is getting bigger by the day - last time we measured he was around 17 lbs and about 26 3/4 inches - he can finally sit in his Johnny Jumper - he loves it and so do the dogs with "Drive by Lickings" :). Here is a quick video of him - sideways but still cute :)....Promise not to make sideways next time....

Wk 10-12....The beginning of a beautiful relationship!

2009-09-06T16:30:00.008-04:00

So this will be the last of the week updates I believe, I think we might move to 'moment' updates or perhaps month updates! Life is just passing too quickly and I can barely keep up :).

When we started Wk 10, Baba came to visit (J's mom) - she was here to help out while I got back started at work 3 days that week. They played, read books (lots and lots of books), went on walks and ate and ate and ate. His favorite board book is 'Freight Train' - he seems to really enjoy the colors although I think he just enjoys Baba reading to him the most. I don't have alot of pictures because Baba captured most of them on her camera and I have yet to get copies. Drew played so hard one day we couldn't keep him up for dinner :). He is still sleeping thru the night though about 11-12 hours - 8:30pm to about 8am....good times. What an angel! We are so spoiled!

We ran errands on the weekend and at Sam's club they had a 'mini shower' set up so John pretended he was showering in it.....he is so big he fits in his own shower :). Barb went antiquing while we hit a few other stores. It was back to work on Wk 11 and another exciting moment for Drew - OUR NANNY STARTED WORK - Maggie. She just loves Drew so much, they sing, dance and play at our house. She came over for the week during different parts of the day to learn about Drew's schedule.

While Maggie was here, Barb and I got a chance to run to the mall and do some shopping which was a nice change of pace since all Barb had seen in Cincinnati was the inside of our house :(. We went to the book store, with the expert Librarian I was sure to get the right books.

When Barb had finished making all of John's favorite dishes it was time for her to leave. Baba said goodbye but we will see her in a month when we go to Iowa for the Iowa/Iowa St. football game.

We are up and running on Skype now so we get on regularly to see family members (Nana, Auntie Lala, GG, Uncle Jeffy, Auntie Angie (I need to come up with names for them yet) and Cousin Madeline).

We started Drew on 1/3 formula in Wk 11 - I am starting to move him to the bottle and fazing out my pumps at work first. It really hasn't been bad trying to feed him and work but I would like some time to have my body back before we try for another kiddo and I am starting to travel more for work and family and we want a little bit of freedom. With the freezer stash we will keep him on some sort of formula mix for about another month we think and the pediatrician told us he will start solids by then as well.

We have now moved to 50/50 formula for Wk 12 - he hit his growth spurt this week and is eating us out of house and home - a couple of HUGE blowouts :) and staying awake more and more during the day. He has days were he sleeps all night and day and then days where he sleeps maybe 15 minutes :). I am back at work fulltime now - I decided to go for it with Maggie at home and this way I can save some vacation for the holidays. John traveled all week for work so it was just Maggie, Drew and I and my first full week at work.....a bit stressful......I made it, but barely :).

I had a friend over for wine by Thursday night and we sat out on the back porch with Drew - he enjoyed playing on his playmat - he is about to start rolling over - he goes but his arm gets stuck under him so a few more weeks and he will be there. Here is a cute video of him......he loves 'zurberts' on his belly.

This fall gets busy and we are on the move alot - stay tuned for the craziness!!!

Wk 9.....15 and counting...pounds not kids!!

2009-08-16T11:35:00.005-04:00

So we started off his 9th week at our neighbors 30th wedding anniversary party across the street. We asked Maggie (potential nanny at the time) to babysit Drew and by the time she showed up Sat night, we were ready to offer her a full time job. We are so excited to have her be part of our family now, she will come over M-F in the morning and stay till we get home from work. We are still working out all the details but she and Drew will grow to be great friends. She might have thought we were a bit crazy with mommy and daddy's first night out, not driving, full night sleeping child.....we definitely had more than our fair share of fun.

Monday began with our 2 month doctor appt ----Drew is a whopping 15 lbs and 25 in long - yes, he is off the charts - I think it looks something like around 102% - carrying him around is getting harder and harder with my back.....this is just the beginning. He is still gaining almost a lb a week (vs. 1 lb per 2 wks on average) and gaining about 1/2 inch a week in length. He is wearing 6-9 month clothes due to his length but has plenty of room for growth horizontally (unlike his parents :)). Doc says we are doing great and making great progress.

This is the first week that John and I have had at home without company - it was a nice change of pace although I came close to climbing the walls by mid week. We had lunch with Drew's playdate, Jorja and her mom, Autumn (a couple we met in child birth class - Jorja was born 2 wks after Drew) - they started at the same weight but Drew is fastly passing Jorja in her dainty ways. We went to my office on Tuesday to check in before my 1st day back on Thursday. Shelly watched Drew for a bit while I sat in on a state of the business meeting and then we headed for our rounds....the Market Logistics Manager meeting, the office girls (Andrea, Sally and Tracy) and various others....we stopped by to see Sara as well - here is a pic - Drew was an angel all day - we wore him out because he slept from 8:30 to 8:30 - 12 hours!!!! WOO HOO!!!!

We managed to duplicate his sleeping pattern for the rest of the week - I think we have a winner......as I headed back to work, this was a much needed schedule enhancer. John took vacation on Thursday and Friday to watch Drew while I headed to work. He called me the first day to let me know that the 'boys' were out running errands and that Drew let John know that he was having a great time with his Dad and Mommy didn't need to worry. It was hard going back but I enjoyed being back in the swing of things - kind of nice to see all the systems I put in place working when I came back.

Between Thursday and Friday, John and Drew hit every man shop there was, Hhgregg (electronics), Bestbuy, Lowes, Home Depot, Microcenter and Walmart......good grief - just don't teach him how to spend money like you, Daddy!!! J did great and Drew is still breathing :). We finished up the week at a bbq for a Give Back Cincinnati peep. Whew!!! Here is a quick video of Drew talking....sorry for all the extra air time - for some reason he doesn't understand his cues yet :).

Wk 7 & 8 - The end of visits......for a while.....

2009-08-08T14:43:00.014-04:00

Wow - we have had quite a busy time....let's see, since we last updated finished up our TX trip, flew back to OH and spent a week with our Pawpaw and Mimi (Dad and Suzette) at home.

We visited with GW and BB (Lamar (L) and Bobbie (R), Jeff's godparents) in Dallas, Tiffany and baby Chance (on left) came over to visit as well. We then went home to Mom's house and saw mom's good friends, Becky and Patti. Monday, Drew and I went to my mom's work to see 'the girls' and we visited with some of my highschool girlfriends and their kids in McKinney, Jennifer and Jenny.

Tuesday we started with dressing Drew for lunch at Texadelphia (my FAVORITE spot to eat in Dallas) - Tiff gave me back one of the onesies we had given the twins - it barely fit him but we made it work. After lunch, we took a quick swim in the pool and headed up to see a P&G retiree and friend from Jackson, TN (Merrel Miller) and his wife and got to visit about past memories and get caught up on P&G gibberish. We landed back at the house for my last round of nanny interviews via phone......whew, that is a whole other story within it's self........Uncle Dustin (Uncle Doody) came over for a bit to meet Mr. Drew and we got a cute pic of the two of them - he didn't want to put him down and was ready to take Drew home with him.

While we enjoyed our time in Dallas and all the help from Nana, GG, Auntie Eenie Weenie and auntie Lala (she finally figured out how to swaddle), I was anxious to get home and get settled again. We traveled back without many problems (I sat on the aisle this time, worked much better on the small planes). We were excited to see Daddy and show him all of our progress. We only had a few days to get settled before our Pawpaw and Mimi came to visit. I played Euchre with my monthly group of friends while Daddy babysat (bathed, walked, fed, no prob he said). Friday, our realtor (and friend), Maryann, offered to watch Drew while hit a Red's game - we were going to take him but opted out to take time just for us - her family loved it and took him to Hyde Park Country Club to show him off - he is such the socialite :).

Dad and Suzette arrived Saturday and we went with the Herringtons to Fuji Steakhouse for sushi and habachi. They watched Drew Sunday night late to allow us to get some time to ourselves on Sunday for a movie, Hangover - and yes, I told John if he EVER performed those tricks with our son as a baby........TROUBLE!!! LOL!

We spent the rest of the week learning how to smile and talk - he is quite a jibberjabber now and is not just smiling to let out some gas :). We went to the market on Wednesday and down to Newport for lunch on Thursday. Dad and John played golf on Friday and we topped off the week with Night Golf at the Country Club. A fellow Texas Alumni offered to watch Drew so the 4 of us could play glow in the dark golf. I never knew I could laugh so hard - Suzette had on the neon necklace and headband - I swear Olivia Newton John was there on the golf course.....we had a great time and got home in time for folks to get a good night's sleep before heading to the airport to say goodbye.

Drew really grew up this last week (he is already driving :)), his personality is starting to shine through and his smile is contagious....he is scooching on his back (you have to watch him or he will scooch right off the ottoman) and talking up a storm.

Wk 5 & 6 - Busy, busy, busy

2009-07-26T10:34:00.014-04:00

Sorry for the extreme delay in our posts - we have been busy, busy, busy. Baba spent the rest of the weekend with us and we had a great time - we took Drew to Newport on the Levee and the Findlay Market - we walked around and had a late lunch at Jax.

The big ONE MONTH check-up was Monday and Drew measured 23in. and a whopping 11lbs, 13 oz - basically 12 lbs. GOODNESS GRACIOUS!!! I knew he was bigger but for goodness sakes. He is now wearing 6-9 mos. outfits (yes, he was able to wear almost every outfit he got at least once....once I say before having to move on to the larger items like these red sweatpants at Wk 5- hysterical). I asked a billion questions about his little body but all looked good - a bit of reflux with this 'choking' thing he does but he manages to keep it down so I will take that and run....the picture on the right in yellow is at Wk 6 - he's growing and growing and growing.....

Baba left us on Monday afternoon (she'll be back in August) and shortly followed, Auntie Lala (Laura) - she arrived on Tuesday and helped me around the house, cooking, holding Drew, walks, etc....it was great, she even did the first middle of the night feeding for me. I think John is getting spoiled with all these helpers :). We visited my office on that Wednesday to show off the Drewster - he slept and was passed around to his buddies, Tracy and Andrea. This wore him out so much he slept from 9:30pm to 4:45 am - GIDDY UP!! Thursday, Drew's Auntie Eenie Weenie came in town (aka Erin pic on left - I gave her that nickname since Erin will be hard to say :)....I'm not sure she is keen on it but it is growing on her :))...LOL....Drew once again made it another night from 9:15 to 5am....could this be a trend?

Friday am we got up and moving early - we headed to John's office to show off the Drewster there as well - they gobbled him up - he awoke to flatter them with his long eyelashes and smiles. He is holding his head up on his own already and very alert and focused on things around him. We proceeded to run errands for the next 4 hours - needless to say, Drew had a very busy day (as well as his mother - but after a full nights sleep I felt like a rockstar). Laura and Erin offered to watch Drew for a bit so John and I could run to Happy Hour for a friends promotion (I think we were gone a whole 2.5 hrs :)). Good to be out with folks from the office again - feeling 'normal'. Could Drew really go down for a third night in a row for almost 8 hrs?????? YES - he did it ladies and gentlemen - I think we have a repeatable trend.......keep your fingers crossed.

We spent the rest of the weekend watching movies, running errands, going to the mall, Newport on the Levee and various other locations. Lots of moving and grooving......now, I am getting tired...A bit too much too fast for me - Drew on the other hand is a rockstar. We wrapped up Autie Lala's and Auntie Eenie Weenie's visit with getting our nails done and running last minute errands for Drew's FIRST AIRPLANE FLIGHT!!!!

That's right, Nana flew Drew and myself to Texas to visit for a week. From J's point of view....."Show him off to everyone so when we go in October for a weekend of football we don't have to try and visit 25 people in 48 hours :)." Well, that was a great idea because we haven't stopped since we set foot in the great state of TEXAS.

The flight was ok - I had it all planned out, upgrade to first class - check, window seat - check, feeding times to peg right when loaded on plane - check, extra time for check in - check, no extra carry-ons - check.......Ahhh, the best laid plans......flight delayed, aircraft downsized to no first class, new seating assignment at back of plane - loud, cramped small plane and another 45 minutes waiting on plane fully loaded before leaving......legs already falling asleep - check.....GOOD TIMES...of course, Drew never even flinched, slept, stretched out, he was good to go.

We met Uncle Matt (right) and my friend Krista and her son Klyde (left) - they came over for dinner on Wed. Followed that Thursday night for Mexican food with one of mom's good friends Becky and her daughter, Sarah, and their family friends.

Friday, we have visited our Aunt Tiffany and Uncle Frank and the three boys, Jack, Patrick, and Chance. Their twins (Patrick and Chance) were 12 lbs at 8wks and now weigh 24 lbs at 6 months (pic on left of BB and Tiff with them) - if this is a sign of what's to come with Drew - holy mary mother of goodness......Their children are sooooo big. Uncle Frank grabbed a quick pic with Drew in between the feedings, bathings, and bedtimes :).....

We had Gretchen (from college), her husband, Derek, daughter, Natalie, and friend Mitch over for swimming and dinner on Saturday. Drew and I both got in the pool for the first time since Drew was born. The first time we put him in, he fell asleep - hmmmm - maybe too much of a full belly.....he had to wear lots of clothes and a hat to protect him from the sun - good thing we put them on him - he won't fit in them again :(.....after a bit of a snooze he got back in the water in the shade and was digging it without his shirt - he was soothed and loving it - some cooing and kicking......

Stay tuned for the Wk 7 Update - flight home and the rest of our Texas adventures.....

Wk 4 - It's always darkest before the dawn!!

2009-07-11T09:39:00.005-04:00

So here we are - we have made it 4 wks - Drew is officially one month old - yahoo!! Last Saturday Aunt Jen and Uncle Ed came over for a visit and we played some cards and hung out - Drew wasn't much for entertaining as he still sleeps all the time. Sunday we ran errands and just hung out - John cooked me steak for dinner - it was wonderful (I guess the usual cereal isn't a good dinner if you are trying to breastfeed:)).

Daddy headed out to PA for his manager retreat and left on Tuesday morning after my maternity meltdown (burp already and could you pls sleep without gas issues??? I was not drinking enough water not eating the right dinners.....needed some repairs....) - I was looking forward to Lisa coming over to help with Drew, she is great with babies. I made it till 3 when she got there and I handed Drew over and went for a well desired nap - I could have slept all night - yeah, right....Lisa cooked homemade mac n' cheese (comfort food), porkchops and bake potatoes - yes - a homecooked meal!!

I finally got around to reading my books on after the delivery and they were very helpful - first words of advice after sleep, sleep, sleep; get out of the house, call 'friends with child' to blow off steam, and go walking.....so Lisa came over earlier on Wed and we went out for lunchGOT MILK??

and shopping to find a few pairs of shorts and tops that fit me. I skipped my afternoon nap and well, I was exhausted - Drew was having some gas pains and was scarfing down food only to throw it all up and then go for some explosive diarrhea on his dear old mother - check out the photo of my 'mustard seed shirt' and the GOT MILK face :) - I couldn't stop laughing.

After Tuesday am I wasn't sure I could make it thru two nights and mornings by myself but it worked - we made it - AND I figured out Drew can't do orange juice - I think that was one of the things I have been missing - OJ, oranges, and cantalope (must not like the color orange :)). Now that this is figured out - we are doing much better with the gas - we have better days and nights - he is burping better, I have figured out how in the middle of the night to 'process' him thru the feeding (feed, burp, diaper, burp, feed, burp, burp, burp.....well you get the message).

So Thursday, our friends from Thailand came into the states and (the dad, Phillip) came over for dinner, John came home from PA and Baba (John's Mom Barbara) came in town. Baba is so excited to see Drew and would hold him morning, noon, and night god willing - fine by me, you can't spoil a baby this young and I get a break :). We enjoyed just relaxing on Friday while John went to a few work appts and then while Baba watched Drew, J and I went to the dog park with the four dogs - there was a Cincinnati Sports League happy hour there - it took us a while to get all their shot information, sign up, and get the temperment test but we made it in an hour later :). The dogs had a blast - we came home to Mr. Drew having once again eaten us out of house and home with downing over 5 oz of milk and then more when I got home - we took a quick bath and then to bed - for over 6.5 hrs ---- YEEHAW!!!

This next week Aunt Laura and Aunt Erin come in town to play with Drew and we have our 4 wk check-up at the doctor's office - more to come....Drew is already over 11 lbs :).........seriously.....

Wk 3 - Nana left :(!!!!

2009-06-30T16:57:00.006-04:00

So this week started out quite eventful and there are lots of 'firsts' (first night alone with out Nana, first bottle, first sitter, first diaper change by Gg (grandpa greg))- Mom and Greg headed up to Dayton for their Sat night to visit with some highschool friends and John and I had Drew to ourselves. I didn't get a nap that day which didn't help things as well.......so, they left and I fed Drew - he was so hungry even though not really on schedule, so we fed, and fed, and fed......he had a bit of a gassy stomach so we gave him some of the 'ROCKSTAR' mylicon drops and he started to settle. I handed him off to John so I could straighten up the kitchen and not 2 minutes later - BLAH - throw up all over Daddy John (right after his shower to try and 'wake him up' - guess he is awake now). Then we need to go for a bath since he is covered in blah -

Into the bath - Daddy runs downstairs to get something, I am with Drew - I watch him aim for the faucet and pee - next, like a feather pillow hit and feathers go everywhere? he farts and poo goes all over everywhere in the bathtub - now, that is good times.......so I am trying to get him out, keep him warm, dump the tub, clean off the tub, and fill it back up - for those wondering, you can't hear me yell if I am upstairs and J is downstairs (note to self)........So he is clean, exhausted, worn out and ready for his last feeding and off to bed - and thank goodness because so are we :).

Monday we found out Drew's daddy is going to be a Manager - he got the promotion - everyone was so happy and we are so proud of Daddy and his accomplishments - he had a great business plan focused on all of the things very important to him at work. With this great new job comes some traveling starting next week while we have no visitors. So with the recruitment of some great friends here we should be okay during the evening hours when I need to most help.

Mom & Greg left on Wed - needless to say, I was quite sad to see them go - Greg did some small things around the house we have had on the list FOREVER and mom was sent from the angels to handle the times I couldn't or when I just needed a break. Before Mom left, John worked with mom to give Drew his first bottle of breastmilk. Things went well so we know we have that in our back pocket if we need it. So we made it Wed night fairly well, walks, baths, etc.....however, Thursday and Friday proved to be challenging. Drew is very gassy (with J as his father, go figure) so we are challenged sometimes on getting him down at night.

Friday we took Drew to meet mine and John's hairstylist while J got his hairs cut and then I walked over to the Chiro with Drew to get my ever so OUT OF WHACK body adjusted back to reality :).....felt good......we came back and had planned to take Drew to a bbq we were invited to at a fellow co-worker/friend's house but at last minute, we decided to leave Drew with Wendy (the fab neighbor from next door). She and her family took Drew under their care so The Herringtons are the official first babysitter :). We came home to find Drew had eaten us out of house and home and then proceeded to down another 5 oz with Daddy while mommy pumped and dumped from her 2 glasses of wine :). We are into the Wk 3 growth spurt so he is a hungry hungry hippo - starvin marvin -

This weekend Drew will meet mommy's BF, Jen, and 'Uncle' Eddy is coming over for a visit as well. Note the budlight sign John got me for the (wo)man cave as a 'delivery' present. It should be super cool when we get it hung. Stay tuned for pics and more updates.

Wk 2.....a bit late!!

2009-06-30T12:55:00.004-04:00

So - I am a bit late on Wk 2 - we had some learnings this week - Drew doesn't like when his mother eats Garlic - by way of Ceaser Salads that is.......I don't succomb to the practice of don't eat this or that but I can see why folks do - learning the hard way what their bodies don't do well with is for the birds. There were two nights in there that I thought we might not make it through.......and this baby doesn't cry - I can't imagine one that does :). Once we made it thru the Friday and Sunday night garlic nights, we were moving in the right direction.

Drew proceeded to make it several nights (and now somewhat his norm) at an 8.5-10 hr sleep with only one waking for a feed. So as long as I get a nap of some kind during the day we move along quite well. John and mom got Drew on a routine in the evening - I feed around 6:30 or 7 then he goes for walk, a bath, then for his last feeding and to bed. A bit overboard on the baths but it is a good routine for now.

Mom and I tried to dress up Drew in outfits and stuff for pictures but didn't have much luck at getting him to keep his arms still so we waited for him to go to bed. We made this pic while he was sleeping to give to J to put on his desk at work for Father's Day - pretty hysterical - we couldn't stop laughing.

Greg got in Friday night at the tail end of Wk 2 so he could visit and go home with mom on July 1st. The stories get good for Wk 3 - you will have to wait to see what is in store :).

Each day Drew continues to get bigger and bigger and we are looking forward to his 'reactions' stage where he does more than sleep, eat, and well, you know the rest.....and let's just say, he is quite good at the 'rest' - like every single diaper :) - we can't wait for that to change a bit as well.

Week 1 - Mr. Andrew Austin Rardin - The Drewster!!

2009-06-20T10:21:00.007-04:00

So we have made it through wk1 - it was a little touch and go with my sanity and drew's feeding. Because he was so large, it took us about 3 days and some pediatric attention to realize he wasn't getting enough fluids waiting for my milk to come in - so he wasn't sleeping, pooing, urinating like he should have been after the first 24 hrs (might have helped had we had some nurses that were a bit more knowledgeable in the hospital). Day 2, I was breastfeeding for 4 hrs straight, not so good, for my physical recovery or my sanity. Day 3, finally the pediatrician and nurse (on dayshift I add) share that we should probably take syringes of formula and supplement right after feeding - it wasn't until Day 4, when we headed to the pediatrician's office to find out he had lost more weight than they wanted so he needed 'WAY MORE FORMULA' - well, with that correction and my milk coming in around Day 5 - we all made a trip to sanity lane - sleeping more, pooing, peeing - Mr. Never Cries even though he was starving for food is now Mr. Even Happier.

I go to bed at 9pm, Mom stays up with him till 12 or 1am and then I take from then until breakfast. This is working and both of us are managing....J has been working this week, mostly from home but leaving occasionally for appts. We had the pediatricians visit on Friday, Day 7 and Drew had managed to gain almost all of his weight back in the last 3 days - go milk, it's your birthday, we're gonna party like it's your birthday!! I told you he was like his father when it comes to appetite. In addition to his food needs being met, he sleeps at night other than his feedings - his fussy time of night is resolving itself.....keep your fingers crossed.

Drew had his first bath this week and his first walk to the end of the block. Now we are working on 'Baby Wise' - transitioning to the Feedtime, Waketime, Naptime process - up this am, fed, play time on the floor with Baby Einstein's Aquarium set-up, then falling asleep in Daddy's arms.

In addition to all of this going on this week, John had his second interview for the mgmt position. They had wanted him to go to Pittsburgh for the interview but with Drew's arrival, he opted for a phone interview - a bit of a risk but he feels it went as well as could be expected. We should know more next week - everyone is on pins and needles right now waiting to find out. Look for updates next week when we know more.

Drew's Arrival!! June 12, 2009

2009-06-20T09:48:00.007-04:00

So leading up to today, we had seen the doctor to confirm in wk 38 we were still strong at 2 cm dilation....I scheduled a maternity massage, went to prenatal water aerobics and the chiropractor. Anything to help Drew come see the world. On the 11th, mom and I headed to the doctor to find out I was at 4 cm without any real contractions (that I knew of). So we all sat down to eat that night early (in hindsight, big mistake - should have eaten late :)). The neighbors dropped off a heath bar blizzard for me around 7:30pm and then I didn't head to bed till about midnight.

At 2:12 am, I got up for a usual bathroom break, laid back down and "POW!" my water broke. So after crawling up the stairs to tell mom and John, I got in the shower (because lord knows when I would have that chance again) and John called the doctor to report we were having a baby. We got to the hospital around 3ish and had an epidural by 4:30 am - GOOD TIMES - not sure why women wouldn't want this wonderful pain blocker, it is enough work, pressure, and grief without all the pain on top. So now we wait, well, mom and I wait, John makes himself a bed and sleeps :). Around 9:30ish we are still a bit away from pushing so J heads home to take care of the dogs, get mom a Starbucks, and pick me up some beautiful roses.

At around 12:30pm we were ready to push at a full 10 cm - however, the negative here, I am only at -2 stage and need to be at +4 to have the head crown...lots of distance to make up. Doctor comes in, realizes Drew is headed up instead of down in the canal so with a few pushes on my part, and some head turning on his part, we got Drew ready for the delivery face down. So we start to push (of course at this point the doctor leaves to go have lunch), Mom on one leg, John on the other (of course he is staring at the wall, he won't look at all......for at least the first few hours......(if you go long enough, he can't bear not to finally look :)). And we push, and we push, and we push...well, you see where this is going......I am SOOOOO hungry at this point and thirsty (I couldn't even have ice chips because I was so nauseated - yuck). And then there were the nurses, leaning against the counter saying 'good job, your making progress, keep going' - shut it - that is all I could think, couldn't say it, frankly because it was all I could do to breathe - they say this to everyone, just shut it.

So around 3:30pm - I have had enough - I am tired, hungry, out of energy, wasted, felt like I had run 4 half marathons (I know that is 2 marathons but I can only relate energy levels to a half since that is all I have run)...I start crying - John is tired of seeing me in pain....they call the doctor thinking it is almost time but I might need help with tools........he walks in, does two things, and the Drew's head is crowned - where the hell was he an hour ago :).......so a couple more pushes, with John, mom, and myself looking on, Drew graces us with his perfect little (well very large) body, 9lbs. 1oz, and 22.5 in long. With only a 2 sec peep of a cry, he enters the world very content, happy and calm - taking it all in stride (whose child is this?).

He jumped on the breast an hour into life and was a hungry little booger - like his father - that is the food, not just the breast :) - he slept quite a bit in the first 24 hours but definitely continued to feed when he wanted - feeding for a long time....this should have been our first clue.....more to come in upcoming posts. So I look a bit rough here but this is at 1 minute from delivery - a bit emotional :). Ya'll get it!

Wk 39 - 8 days to go

2009-06-08T08:35:00.004-04:00

Hiddy ho there neighbors! We are in the home stretch, we have been at 2cm dilation for about 2 wks now, quite possibly walking the streets of downtown for the Taste of Cincinnati drove that progress - waiting and waiting and waiting.....I am done with work - woohoo! I didn't really get why they are so gracious at giving us these 2 wks at P&G but I am getting it now - I am exhausted quickly - this baby is sucking the life out of me - every fluid I drink, every food I eat......I get winded walking at Target :). Good news, my feet have stopped swelling (funny if you stay away from Mexican food and stop standing on them all the time).

Here are some updated photos - I tried to move my upper body (read: boobs) so you can see exactly how big this belly is.....quite large - yes, you can see my lovely stretch marks as well, good times......

I got a maternity massage the other day - it was wonderful. Why didn't I do this sooner, I have slept better the last 3 nights then the last 2 months. He worked on my hips so I don't have as much pain when I sleep although it is starting to come back a bit - but hey, I will take it. Drew is as large as a house now and his rumpus continues to push into my ribs and lungs - little Turkey!

I am running errands here and there. From picking up a pair of slippers to wear at the hospital to packing my bag when it is time. John has the cameras ready and charged, he is packing a bit of a bag this week. Mom gets in on Wed, doctor on Thursday and then more waiting. Maybe I will hit the Chiro this week to see if he can adjust this baby out :).

The room is ready, sheets and blankets washed, carpets get cleaned tomorrow and dogs for baths (like that will do any good). I think the dogs know what is going on, they sleep downstairs with me every night (protecting) while J sleeps upstairs.

A little on the forefront of John's job, he has applied for a management job over new Sales folks. While this is a totally new structure for his office and would include bringing in folks from off the street and up to full commitment within 3-4 months - he is one of the few folks in the running. He has a second interview next week and we think he is in the front-running if they decide to lean forward and pick someone who hasn't managed experience with Verizon prior - either way, John is ready for this baby and Mom has offered to help with some 'extra trips' if he gets the job.

I guess that's about it - John says Drew will be here by Father's Day because John wants a gift but only Drew knows. In fact, John said I should go and buy him a gift...I reminded him he couldn't even find the card aisle for Mother's Day :). Good times. Take care and look for more updates.

A little less than 4 wks to go!!!

2009-05-21T08:37:00.005-04:00

Well - here we are - only 4 weeks to go - we have gone to every baby class (CPR/baby safety, baby basics, childbirth, and breastfeeding - J's favorite :)). The baby basics was about dressing, changing, bathing, and such with the munchkin - of course, John dressed his little doll like a gangster with one leg rolled up and the birth cap pulled to just above the eyes. I think he might have missed the point on that one.

With the childbirth class we got to tour the hospital and see how the bed and room convert for everything to stay in the same room. John got to practice massaging my lower back - I couldn't believe how well he did, he said 'beginner's luck, won't be repeatable'........he has to cover his tracks.

You can see in our pictures how I am progressing along - more importantly notice the ankle pictures....they are quite a site - that is just after getting home from work. Taking after mom with these fluid filled feet.

We headed to the doctor this am and got our first of the next four weeks of check-ups - Drew's head is down and now we just wait - I have 6 more days of work - my last day is June 2nd since P&G gives us 2 wks off before the due date (use or lose - I say USE). I plan to wash the sheets and baby clothes - read books, lay by the pool, update our will, and run various errands. Mom gets here on the 10th in case good ole Drew comes a bit early or I am losing my mind.

We are just laying low for Memorial Day weekend - with my swollen feet we are a bit limited on options for entertainment. Look for more updates soon!!

Wk 34!! 42 Days Left till Margaritas!!

2009-05-05T21:12:00.006-04:00

Hiddy ho there neighbors - J and I just got back from a long weekend in Naples, Fl visiting my aunt Sarah and Gail. Mom, Greg and Mom's BF, Cheryl, came over as well for the weekend. It was a full house but while there was lots of golfing going on - I laid like brocoli next to the pool and read books - it was absolutely wonderful. We can't have Drew coming out and seeing his mom all pastey white :). The highlight of the trip was my trying to get my large backend into a middle seat of an aircraft that had solid sides on the armrests....yes, I feel for those folks that can't make this happen...AND I was already trying to 'pretend' I wasn't prego so I could stay seated in the emergency row for extra leg room......good times - really good times. On the way back when I knew we wouldn't get emergency row - I gave up and asked for a seatbelt extender - yes, I was one of those folks as well.

Here are some uploaded pics of my largeness - don't find too much humor - Drew is about 5 lbs and almost 20 inches this week according to the books. We start going to the doctor once a week now for updates on everything under the sun. Still measuring about on average - the doc says they look forward to folks with my type of frame - we are tall with 'legs and hips that allow them to just push back the legs and the baby comes right on out' - from her lips to my ears LORD!!

The girls at the office threw me an 'office shower' - Tracy and Sally outdid themselves with the food and cake - everyone chipped in for Target gift cards so I can finish up with the big items off of my registry (monitors for example). The cake they got was a cupcake cake shaped like a stroller - absolutely adorable.

Drew is busy kicking me every chance he gets - trips to the Chiro are still in full swing - J could feel Drew's head and butt on two different parts of my stomach the other day......20 more workdays and about the workload of 40 but I am excited to get some of the major items I have been working on in place and taken care of before I leave. My last work day should be around the 2nd of June as P&G gives us 2 wks of use or lose time off before baby.

I still need to lock in on a pediatrician, wash sheets, wash bottles, blah, blah, blah - so that should take a day :).....not sure if I will go stir crazy with 2 wks of nothingness......we'll see. Stay tuned for updates on due dates and size of belly photos. Drew kicks right now whispering goodbye and take care.

Drew's Room - Curious George!!

2009-04-20T21:27:00.006-04:00

So - the furniture is here - we are still missing the glider and ottoman but the crib and dresser are set up and ready to go!!!! The pics are all hung up and the baskets are organized. See the pic on the right - this is his gift from his uncle Jeff and aunt Angela - the monkey pic - note it is hung next to the closet (organized in Amy fashion - no shocker here, I, of course, bought the closet organization system, while John, bought the high chair for food time......I know, extremely funny and appropriate!!)

I spent most of last Sunday putting together the crib (pregnant brain, only had to read and redo the first step 3 times :) )......John was out burying the electric dog fence finally so we don't end up with dogs running the neighborhood because it gets cut by the lawnmower. The crib is one of those 3 in 1 types that transitions to a toddler bed and then to a double bed later when he is older. I am not making the bed yet, will use Mom's help when she comes right before baby to wash and get the stuff ready - I just can't see spending time on that now...the sheets and bedding are red as well.....should look great when it is all done.

The glider will go in the corner where you see that box - it is on backorder so it won't be in until end of May (hopefully before baby). There is a stuffed monkey and the cutest Curious George in the box his mom found for his room.

I painted a few canvas' to spell his name (don't look closely because they could use lots of touch-ups). The corner shelves worked out perfect with the colored baskets full of shower goodies. Notice he already has lots of books folks have given us - we LOVE books!!! The dresser is a good size so he can use it as he grows (like till College :)). John's mom also gave us the Curious George on the top of the shelves in the little Curious George pail - super cute!

We still have plenty of room and the dogs come in every chance they get to sniff around and check things out.

We are headed up to 32 weeks this week - so look for pics coming soon to a blog near you.

Wk 30 - 69 days and counting!!

2009-04-09T18:52:00.006-04:00

So here we are - WK 30!!! We are so excited - we had a shower thrown for us 2 wknds ago in Cinci and had a really great time. So many people showed up to support us! John's mom and sister came in from Iowa (10 hour drive) and Heidi came down from Michigan (5 hr drive). This is John's mom trying to play the string game to measure my belly.

Here are some pics of my huge belly. We are measuring 'normal' right now - doctor is saying other than an extra long child we are measuring to the average 8 pounds.....John says we should just feed me more, to which I responded, "honey, not sure that will make Andrew bigger but it definitely will make my butt bigger :)."

We are here for the Easter holiday - we couldn't seem to find a way to get to some place warm without breaking the bank - good ole Uncle Sam and P&G's inability to get our taxes done right this year are keeping us at home for the time being. Feel free to send donations :).

I am past wearing the belly sling - I think Drew finally got so big that he can't fit down far enough to push pressure on me. Still seeing Dr. Eric (the chiro) about every 6-7 days for adjustments but other than that - rocking and rolling - feeling the best I have felt - I think the 'fat' depression is gone and the 'yes, see, I am pregnant' feeling is here....more to come - we pick up the baby furniture this week.

Wk 28 - One Meltdown down, many more to go....

2009-03-25T21:05:00.009-04:00

So I have put this off forever - I would have been on last week (every 2 wks) but I had a pregnancy meltdown during the picture taking when John started laughing at me.....so, we waited a week and have new news to share. My hormones are out of control and he can't walk a straight line without me freaking out :).

We are in Wk 28 - here is a pic of my belly. Andrew is growing quickly - we aren't to the point where they tell my baby will be larger than life but the books say we are around 2.5 lbs and over 15 in. long. (my bet, all legs). It is getting warmer here and I am trying to find clothes to wear that still keep me cool during the day.....thank goodness for Target Maternity.

We have also finished the Drew's room and are just waiting for the furniture to get here - they say within the next few weeks. I finished the touch-ups on the paint for Curious George on the wall and painted that 'billiard green' but the best part was hanging the border - it took all of 15 minutes - the peel and stick is definitely the way to go. You can see the different pics close up and then the overall on one side with the wall across showing George being wisked away with Balloons.

I have added in all of the pics - A bit overboard but you guys are asking for the close-ups - although, don't look too close, you will see my pencil and pen marks :).

I was in Dallas the wknd of the 14th of March, Mom, Laura, and Erin all threw me a baby shower (with Cheryl's help). It was so great to see old friends and some of mom's friends that have known me since I was little. They were all so gracious with the gifts and thanks to an additional suitcase I was able to get it all back. Laura kept putting her mouth on my belly and talking to Drew - pretty entertaining but I am not sure what Drew thought.

I had to take a picture of the Texas Gift I got - it is a diaper cake with a Texas Longhorn blanket wrapped around the bottom layer and then pacifier/pacifier holder up the side and then on top is the Texas Longhorn sippy cup. That Jennifer Jones is so talented and creative.

The girls here are throwing me a shower this weekend and John's mom and sister are making the long drive in from Iowa as well as my good friend from highschool, Heidi, who is coming in from Michigan.

I am looking forward to sitting out on the back porch in the sunny weather visiting and enjoying the company.

John has worked very hard on the outside of the house this past week - over 75 bags of mulch and close to 130 bags of top soil as well as about 14 plants to landscape the side of the house.....it is starting to look like there isn't four dogs living in this house out back.

Well - that should do it for now, I will try and take pics this weekend at the shower.

2009-03-11T22:47:00.005-04:00

Hiddy Ho there neighbor! So I thought wouldn't it be fun to paint curious george on the walls of the baby's room...well, so....once I started I couldn't stop and so needless to say....it is taking FOREVER. The bottom half of the room is billard green - we have a border I need to hang but I thought I would get all of the upper painting done first.

So pencil in hand, then pen (thank goodness for magic eraser) b/c pencil ran out.....I free handed this from the book John and I bought...then took to the paintbrushes....I hope to be done next week but here are pics of the start.

I am headed to Dallas this weekend for a very QUICK time - in and out but with trying to focus on work right now I am left with no play time for vacation. I am very excited folks are taking time out of their busy schedules to come to the shower mom is throwing.

Dad and Suzette are headed up from San Antonio and I hope to stop and see the new Lawson Twins on Friday when I get in as well. Would write more but exhausted after throwing with the dogs, prenatal swim class, and painting for 3 hours. See some of you this weekend -

Wk 25 - March 2009

2009-03-03T18:06:00.006-05:00

So time for more pics - I am the size of a house now (or at least a small condo) you can see in the full belly pose - the white thing near my pants is the infamous belly sling - well part of it, I had taken the other half off after 10 hours at work today. I got the paint for the bottom half of Andrew's walls the other day - Billard Green - As soon as we give away the full bed in that room I can get to painting.

Prenatal swimming classes at the healthplex are going well, good to hang with other 'larger than life' women in a large pool of water - priceless! I have a large prego black bathing suit - looks like orca the killer whale when she has us bunny hop to the end of the pool.

Just realized I have only 3 more months of work so I am a bustling person at work puttin in long hours but I am not sure my body can keep up like it used to, lord knows my mind can't, I seem to have to write every little thing down I can to make sure.

John's mom is coming in for the shower on the 28th and I sure do hope his sister can make the haul out here as well. She will stay for a bit and then come back after the baby is born. J and I hope to make it to Dallas for Easter but with rates on tickets right now, it isn't looking favorable - I just want to go somewhere warm - it was 12 degrees this am - supposed to be 60 on Friday - the bouncing around on temperatures plays with your emotions and we are getting closer to heading to steady warmer temperatures. Ta ta for now!

The Belly Sling

2009-02-28T21:44:00.003-05:00

So I am wearing a belly sling now - seems our little man is a bit of a "low rider" and putting some pressure and the such on my lower body and back!! Look for pictures tomorrow or the next day - I am too exhasuted to get up and take one now :).

Change on the shower date in OH. Looks like a girly shower the weekend of the 28th of March....then if we want to have a bbq in May for folks before Andrew joins us we just might do it!! Jen (BF) and Wendy (neighbor) have offered to pull this off - I am so excited and blessed to have friends that are willing to help out and do this for me. Of course, John just wants to get all the guys together to drink some beers and watch BBall that weekend.

John has started playing bball on Sundays - am and pm - I just think he hopes he will get out of going to church every now and then :). There is a 'new mom' event tomorrow I am going to run to so I can get the freebies they hand out and J is going to call and find out how much longer till our baby furniture is here. I will pick out the colors now that we have the border here for "Curious George"......looks like painting is in the near future.

2009-02-18T21:38:00.000-05:00

So we are finally getting this together....here are the pics from Wk 23 - I am HUGE now - the baby is kicking every morning at 6am, so definitely taking after me vs. John who can't get out of bed before noon on the weekends :). We got registered at Target and Babies R Us with still some updates and work to do......anyways, I will try and be more diligent on this...I promise...

And...we have a name picked out....Andrew (Drew) Rardin - we are still swinging back and forth on the middle name.....more to come but leaning towards family names.

Oh, and John has picked out the theme for the room, "Curious George". Best Friend Jen is coming over to help paint the walls with some characters from the book sometime soon. So if you see some Curious George precious things - send them our way or send us a link to create.

Mom wants me to head to Dallas in March for a shower so I think that is the plan for March 14th weekend. Jen and our neighbor Wendy want to throw a shower for us here in April - maybe the weekend of the 18th (the weekend after Easter).

We ordered our baby furniture as well, it should be here in March/April. For valentines day, John and I installed overhead lighting/fans in our upstairs bedrooms - first step to preparation.

Here are also some pictures of Andrew at Wk 20. His profile in the first and he is looking at you in the second (see black eye sockets on head at right side)....

I think that should do it on info for a while - stay tuned for more.

Wk of February 1st 2009

2009-02-02T23:05:00.000-05:00

Welcome to our first blog! We are new with this process but stay with us as we get better! We are expecting our first child on June 17, 2009 and very much looking forward to sharing the family happenings with you. We are almost 21 wks into the pregnancy and I am getting larger by the minute. We will try and get some pics on-line as soon as we get them taken -