March Showers bring, well, April Showers

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

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

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"

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

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!!!

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.....

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!