tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75815010542005768402023-11-16T05:10:40.606-08:00Morgan's PageJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.comBlogger207125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581501054200576840.post-91716929032092714042009-09-01T09:28:00.000-07:002009-09-01T09:29:44.583-07:00A New Blog AddressThe time has come to switch to wordpress. Please stop by at <a href="http://www.mostlymorgan.wordpress.com/">www.mostlymorgan.wordpress.com</a> and say hello! I would love to know who is still reading--leave a comment!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581501054200576840.post-13690116913205744322009-08-24T10:52:00.001-07:002009-08-24T10:55:41.055-07:00Preschool<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TXUVP_B8J2HvNzRPFR5ew1Hz1c2o6PBbYuX_z6gmYtU7AkLMjHf7VCYhyyiarT4z03MMYBlU4C0VeqHUhZluxAMO_td7dwdzcpsOhHz3RnQ4n7dwz1eqPy0H25cpLo97y2w5Xnen8Tk/s1600-h/August+2009+003.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373589961950195858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TXUVP_B8J2HvNzRPFR5ew1Hz1c2o6PBbYuX_z6gmYtU7AkLMjHf7VCYhyyiarT4z03MMYBlU4C0VeqHUhZluxAMO_td7dwdzcpsOhHz3RnQ4n7dwz1eqPy0H25cpLo97y2w5Xnen8Tk/s320/August+2009+003.jpg" /></a> My handsome little one finally stands still for a photo from the mamarazzi!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOaBxaGHk50z8HYrO9FeuSqOrtpX-7HnmJDT5RQlgBEuwJrvJBUrI907jz7K3kl-f5D7L11-0lCNrFDUyxFp1vp0oh2ygCvoUi8rKQowP6vlV-cZFTzj2FQb73Levz4Tg1LgIcYZ3qkx4/s1600-h/August+2009+005.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373589767095186306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOaBxaGHk50z8HYrO9FeuSqOrtpX-7HnmJDT5RQlgBEuwJrvJBUrI907jz7K3kl-f5D7L11-0lCNrFDUyxFp1vp0oh2ygCvoUi8rKQowP6vlV-cZFTzj2FQb73Levz4Tg1LgIcYZ3qkx4/s320/August+2009+005.jpg" /></a> Digging in his pocket to make sure that his matchbox car is still there...he's such a BOY. His pockets are full of tiny cars, pebbles, you name it! He told me that his backpack was too heavy but he wanted to bring his little blue tote full of cars...priorities!!</div><div> </div><div>Have a GREAT DAY little man! I love you!<br /><br /><div></div></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581501054200576840.post-67661726370783712932009-08-19T11:23:00.001-07:002009-08-19T11:27:00.373-07:00New Friends<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE43cjnDonuYwPNp4IHpzd_9gGwJh-ayWbez6b_GKnKKAaORXlev9_NL8-_ZtqYotXh0KGFnLFOjPiD3uxurFiby4C_cEsgTXTa-S-gMIgTA70IOSQAySKrQ4kfdiRP3Hd-KnkPt_bFao/s1600-h/NC11.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371742506450605746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE43cjnDonuYwPNp4IHpzd_9gGwJh-ayWbez6b_GKnKKAaORXlev9_NL8-_ZtqYotXh0KGFnLFOjPiD3uxurFiby4C_cEsgTXTa-S-gMIgTA70IOSQAySKrQ4kfdiRP3Hd-KnkPt_bFao/s320/NC11.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYlj-V3_EEcr1WaHAEsN9H9KZckWLBXTaflrSxMyIhLrMAVO37xt9moupn4Fq_2Q_kD6FZep-K_usXFL-fEVtGeWihdEPc4rrIwlPJ79WVHwgXLC4n9Dgb3xk8FhPf9SQNzjAwlZiSYo/s1600-h/NC7.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371742421545803346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYlj-V3_EEcr1WaHAEsN9H9KZckWLBXTaflrSxMyIhLrMAVO37xt9moupn4Fq_2Q_kD6FZep-K_usXFL-fEVtGeWihdEPc4rrIwlPJ79WVHwgXLC4n9Dgb3xk8FhPf9SQNzjAwlZiSYo/s320/NC7.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibu2trQRlIFTO6QqJc9h7XkUT8HpedkpITC4ZlkYu5ZMxlWYZeeH28cBEICp8DAbf2i5WIjhiUGQMmzuMduIa2DVyihP6Rnzu7PiwS_Wu1m2aT0lQ5edw11C1zxmZzPvgGgbFf8XvBnYw/s1600-h/NC19.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371742334627146658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibu2trQRlIFTO6QqJc9h7XkUT8HpedkpITC4ZlkYu5ZMxlWYZeeH28cBEICp8DAbf2i5WIjhiUGQMmzuMduIa2DVyihP6Rnzu7PiwS_Wu1m2aT0lQ5edw11C1zxmZzPvgGgbFf8XvBnYw/s320/NC19.jpg" /></a><br />We had a fantastic visit with Lee and Zoe! Morgan and I were thrilled to spend some time with so many of the families that we speak to online. Zoe, Lulu, and Amos are all such wonderful little kids. Morgan could not stop talking about his new friends...</div><div> </div><div>We also met up with Sharon and Aven and Kelly and Ada--we had a blast playing at the park and at the children's museum. It was so much fun to connect!</div><div> </div><div>Lee spoiled us rotten while we were there--and took so many gorgeous photos. Morgan and I are going to start pestering Jeremy to let us move closer...<br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581501054200576840.post-734087836497952792009-08-13T11:38:00.000-07:002009-08-13T11:44:52.253-07:00Fun!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZk7KAgcyrOI86Aj7ptltNHHjx0kKMgeBxUE4shpHn8MJ9SsS3pHnWb83ftQENaUsH0Q1_ZSMyrMQWfvQ3abiUA96CZVmnmtLRAoyZXPiq6DY0dxzw9sJStSIlD7ahLC_BPOc88jW3hLg/s1600-h/August+2009+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369520564259121954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZk7KAgcyrOI86Aj7ptltNHHjx0kKMgeBxUE4shpHn8MJ9SsS3pHnWb83ftQENaUsH0Q1_ZSMyrMQWfvQ3abiUA96CZVmnmtLRAoyZXPiq6DY0dxzw9sJStSIlD7ahLC_BPOc88jW3hLg/s320/August+2009+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicT8v7jLmIJznXmASAIbO8Ea2xiiyoDCihnTwA2HBEgBKSxRiu0KldfINBjNqPWNzHRyxnFqAI7L7Kf8aI7JGzcYb5HryOk8oqoNvWxKBFTXvDwuRRTM-5BJSKmEzwusLvIeqF1B0l1iU/s1600-h/August+2009+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369520376573001858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicT8v7jLmIJznXmASAIbO8Ea2xiiyoDCihnTwA2HBEgBKSxRiu0KldfINBjNqPWNzHRyxnFqAI7L7Kf8aI7JGzcYb5HryOk8oqoNvWxKBFTXvDwuRRTM-5BJSKmEzwusLvIeqF1B0l1iU/s320/August+2009+004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_grQdXsfJYv0FcSxtPg54mPNjRyp4_1tIs5yH3ZXkbLmABH3n07Q3xI5SKWsoE_ibcXm4DBTwemMmHoKeNubyNMLlRI74PUlt93p1TcyWjwvJVuKtkGqrH0dteIklR44XuyUstKcZte8/s1600-h/August+2009+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369520198241386866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_grQdXsfJYv0FcSxtPg54mPNjRyp4_1tIs5yH3ZXkbLmABH3n07Q3xI5SKWsoE_ibcXm4DBTwemMmHoKeNubyNMLlRI74PUlt93p1TcyWjwvJVuKtkGqrH0dteIklR44XuyUstKcZte8/s320/August+2009+006.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-KvRkMLlMiM9Kj9bwUeotVxHyIyJoZrYonKvlmblvD-yKMUihykh0qu3uAh2V4Y4zSfjSStCq2r1u6CmdCNxmGF0G4ej5iz9dZe5B53XhgbJFE152U_z2yIpJp8g8uXCSPiF1Ap5fI4/s1600-h/August+2009+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369519984380925906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-KvRkMLlMiM9Kj9bwUeotVxHyIyJoZrYonKvlmblvD-yKMUihykh0qu3uAh2V4Y4zSfjSStCq2r1u6CmdCNxmGF0G4ej5iz9dZe5B53XhgbJFE152U_z2yIpJp8g8uXCSPiF1Ap5fI4/s320/August+2009+005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMBICMEzOadLijWfWc1Hfloj2Y2TjvG00po5Uf_CUE59Ux0iAjR1Ak33x7KChfxFkWxwxPXSixRv1Mvk8ZLBV8-zDqinhND4kTsBli7FNFvl86n9N4D0S8lYDNNk1oFbXAfhm5VDgkNWU/s1600-h/August+2009+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369519794536472290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMBICMEzOadLijWfWc1Hfloj2Y2TjvG00po5Uf_CUE59Ux0iAjR1Ak33x7KChfxFkWxwxPXSixRv1Mvk8ZLBV8-zDqinhND4kTsBli7FNFvl86n9N4D0S8lYDNNk1oFbXAfhm5VDgkNWU/s320/August+2009+002.jpg" border="0" /></a> Thanks to my mom for giving us one of our best nights as a family :)</div><div> </div><div>Last night, a tent, tunnel, and tepee arrived for Morgan in the mail. We set it up before dinner and had a blast. Morgan was running around in his mismatched pj's--Daddy always neglects to choose a matching set--shrieking "My Tunnel! My Tepee"</div><div> </div><div>Even Mommy and Daddy had to get in on the fun...resulting in near surgical removal of said tunnel from our backsides. Toddlers only!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581501054200576840.post-7028375138575973212009-08-10T09:17:00.000-07:002009-08-10T09:22:56.831-07:00A Recipe<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFi3XdtPHQS0KF7AUm-P9fNXS_kaFrHtiR8LgAutPCqbY-fROJGKegRX60evnSoCqJ8_8YKufB1Z-Xl5dP8EaULJAiy4iMoLyrlew9Uxct1_2JxLfMBzTxt40Shf8BeAIwMgjoIPDslZw/s1600-h/0507p236-almond_salad-l.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368370223650371490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFi3XdtPHQS0KF7AUm-P9fNXS_kaFrHtiR8LgAutPCqbY-fROJGKegRX60evnSoCqJ8_8YKufB1Z-Xl5dP8EaULJAiy4iMoLyrlew9Uxct1_2JxLfMBzTxt40Shf8BeAIwMgjoIPDslZw/s320/0507p236-almond_salad-l.jpg" border="0" /></a> It's been a while since I've posted a great recipe--and this one from <a href="http://www.cookinglight.com/food/in-season/great-summer-salads-00400000049577/page10.html"><span style="color:#993300;"><strong>Cooking Light</strong></span> </a>is our new summer favorite. For speed, I modified the recipe at home--using a bottled light Champagne Viniagrette that I found at the grocery store. Believe it or not...I don't always have an open bottle of white wine to mix in to salads :)<br /><br /><br /><br />The salad is cool, fruity, and delicious with all of the summer ripe fruits and tart cheese with crunchy almonds on top. Serve with some grilled chicken and artisan bread it makes an easy meal.<br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#cc0000;">Lovin it!!<br /></span></strong>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581501054200576840.post-74159592371675820002009-08-03T11:21:00.000-07:002009-08-03T11:56:45.999-07:00The last month of Summer....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwlcgdmJeYthI8zs7yQVUCZqCslhoW-wSX_6RdyU_gR__xRD_ZwTBHUIAEXO00Mf7FGa9ADpvz1eN8VOjoDC8Um5XTU7hvUbWbJegJOTbsghQJ1OI8V_G00Ai-BwN73MyCFStjnS86P4/s1600-h/DSC01791.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365810207712431234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwlcgdmJeYthI8zs7yQVUCZqCslhoW-wSX_6RdyU_gR__xRD_ZwTBHUIAEXO00Mf7FGa9ADpvz1eN8VOjoDC8Um5XTU7hvUbWbJegJOTbsghQJ1OI8V_G00Ai-BwN73MyCFStjnS86P4/s320/DSC01791.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqK983-LTjR6608bymgmbHx2wHXzBu2_VyPxujOPebJy0YiunBP6Ojj8n_tnIjvQTssonaQsBSQrUgmP-8VByOf-NXoe4qW-5CqjDCdGvjYyjaI_uiz908Bx0f4EJ4-0iJZSDK5iG1i8/s1600-h/DSC01758.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365808718079258850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqK983-LTjR6608bymgmbHx2wHXzBu2_VyPxujOPebJy0YiunBP6Ojj8n_tnIjvQTssonaQsBSQrUgmP-8VByOf-NXoe4qW-5CqjDCdGvjYyjaI_uiz908Bx0f4EJ4-0iJZSDK5iG1i8/s320/DSC01758.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzcC5q8Mav7SsGbgtBxE6kD9JUBxhpXd41HZ_HSA7FLvc6lpPw3kbRzFeE67op5GGIWbMqr_rVO6zPsCiIa6Hff43AtxPsaHunmsiMQRegIIVArcUjZALKjOXo_hytfsDQQMq65LuG0o/s1600-h/DSC01781.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365808459792075474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzcC5q8Mav7SsGbgtBxE6kD9JUBxhpXd41HZ_HSA7FLvc6lpPw3kbRzFeE67op5GGIWbMqr_rVO6zPsCiIa6Hff43AtxPsaHunmsiMQRegIIVArcUjZALKjOXo_hytfsDQQMq65LuG0o/s320/DSC01781.JPG" border="0" /></a> Don't you love how absorbed Claire is by Daddy's story??<br /><br /><br /><br /><div>After my last post, no doubt everyone is imagining me with a champagne glass in hand...wittily bantering with a new group of fabulous friends. Truth is, things have been quiet here. I have finally finished putting together Morgan's life book this past week--struggling mightily with software and digging up old photos that were nearly lost in the great computer crash of 09.</div><br /><div></div><div>We are also getting ready for Morgan to start at a new preschool this fall. I've picked out the cutest backpack by <a href="http://www.dantebeatrix.com/">Dante Beatrix </a>and I am dying to purchase the matching suitcase. As much as we travel I know we would get our money's worth...however, my luck with luggage is nothing but BAD. I've been through two expensive suitcases in the past 4 years and am now sporting a Tar*get special that (unfortunately) hasn't let me down. It seems that the better the suitcase the worse the airlines luggage crew treats it. Alas...my dream Dante Beatrix suitcase would have to be carry on only and we all know when you fly with kids that you would check your child to avoid carrying on one more blasted thing!</div><div></div><div>I finished shopping for Morgan's "back to school wardrobe" online today. Far better than braving the mall traffic--now that Gap and Old Navy ship their goods together! Hurrah! We also scored 2 pairs of sneakers on <a href="http://www.zappos.com/">Zappos</a>--having been told that Morgan's Crocs were not acceptable playground shoes at the new school. I always have trouble finding little guy shoes in our area and love Zappos because they ship in 24 hours and it is FREE.</div><div></div><div>On the social side--Morgan and I enjoyed a play date last week with a beautiful little girl from our international adoption play group. Her mom is a Registered Dietitian like me! It was so much fun to hang out with someone that I have a lot in common with.</div><div></div><div>I was also pleasantly surprised that a new staff member in Jeremy's department has a 5 year old girl adopted from China. Now, there are four families in his department with internationally adopted children. Watch out! We're taking over :)</div><div></div><div>I am excited to meet some blogging friends in 2 weeks when Morgan and I travel to see Lee and Zoe, Jenn and Amos, and Emily and Lulu! I have enjoyed following their blogs so much over the past 2 years and can't wait to meet these ladies and their adorable kiddos :) </div><div></div><div>Like many people lately, I wonder why I am continuing with the blog now that we are home and nothing much is happening...but I keep going because of the fantastic people that I have met along the way. Thank you my friends!</div></div></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581501054200576840.post-27605967898354875452009-07-21T08:44:00.000-07:002009-07-21T08:52:58.314-07:00Just Say Yes!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ihucSMIBfkUd2LeRE-WODmbcir8zZjFt-kcWzKJuC2PTozw2SoXXycZcNHJj9QPfv7LoDrlekmd-yCAmRw6NvXRs1_6uryj4uahddNoL53ow1t10KWItrfjOYSa6fIA6jRHAp-c48GI/s1600-h/DSC01673.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360940436883728226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ihucSMIBfkUd2LeRE-WODmbcir8zZjFt-kcWzKJuC2PTozw2SoXXycZcNHJj9QPfv7LoDrlekmd-yCAmRw6NvXRs1_6uryj4uahddNoL53ow1t10KWItrfjOYSa6fIA6jRHAp-c48GI/s320/DSC01673.JPG" border="0" /></a> So um...since we've been parents something has definitely changed in our social lives. The truth is, we've gone from the couple who goes out every weekend and some week nights to those people that actually know what day shows come on TV and rarely leave the house.<br /><br />We've talked about it--why don't our child free friends want to hang out?? Who wouldn't love a toddler friendly dinner complete with Morgan spitting his food back on the plate as a grand finale? It's a far cry from trendy restaurant life and cocktails! Heck...even the time I volunteered to do a hash run with one of Jeremy's friends didn't pan out. For three hours I ran around the desert thinking...I should be home...I should be home...<br /><br />It's not that parents don't want to have fun. We do! It's just that our social networks need to change and it is rather hard to meet parents because we are all...well...at HOME.<br /><br />So this month I am saying "Yes". Ask me out and I will go!<br /><br />It's actually working--Morgan and I have gone to see Dora the Explorer with my dear friend Sue Ann and her son Andrew. I've had dinner and a movie out with the girls--Kate and Leslie. Last night we accepted an invitation for cocktails with another friend who is growing her own business...and even brought the little guy. I even hosted a playdate for our international adoption play group :)<br /><br />It is possible to have a life after children. You have to work at it....so just say YES!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581501054200576840.post-35188495466728004242009-07-06T13:07:00.000-07:002009-07-15T09:32:57.666-07:00Two!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZpmwQm_9hCl5XHMa9bPMCXRkZGi-ELezAHBVYNAP0NzuYA5aFKFOLX30QZTv2l-JjRaHT6BTwdbQYx9u8VwI2i6s4ssy7_DJTcqT_G_IB2DDgIb4oeaxxLCs4WYU4M3RHcwFSm5vS6Q/s1600-h/June+2009+036.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358725068321368274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZpmwQm_9hCl5XHMa9bPMCXRkZGi-ELezAHBVYNAP0NzuYA5aFKFOLX30QZTv2l-JjRaHT6BTwdbQYx9u8VwI2i6s4ssy7_DJTcqT_G_IB2DDgIb4oeaxxLCs4WYU4M3RHcwFSm5vS6Q/s320/June+2009+036.jpg" border="0" /></a> Nana Ellen brought a cake to the shore to celebrate!<br /><br /><div align="center"><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCuk0sT04EKL_jK6M6LNYjr0X5PLUN7meooN8uEDSL_SrSGGy7iOYuWIIqz6pzkUxyC3zJZSnYBG7VhS_nhkwKxGsgqXJYXuhjXpnDOQFiT95U8Jy152qLeiVuVDi26WvUgntKlczWRs/s1600-h/Morganbirthday.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356120559634284418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCuk0sT04EKL_jK6M6LNYjr0X5PLUN7meooN8uEDSL_SrSGGy7iOYuWIIqz6pzkUxyC3zJZSnYBG7VhS_nhkwKxGsgqXJYXuhjXpnDOQFiT95U8Jy152qLeiVuVDi26WvUgntKlczWRs/s320/Morganbirthday.BMP" border="0" /></a> Just a year ago...<br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXMxVcoVzLdW48fUCdwXuD30g0MKzZYoM4xGeF5lmFVUrc4y_dYC9RvSv7b19gv9dKLogkm3zFAeKigwGYzevZq1vUVEfVMXT5sADzcm2C0f5ZMPthN_lHr1XCUNMXx7LPu8dtV_k55w/s1600-h/moand+the+teddy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356120292147368738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXMxVcoVzLdW48fUCdwXuD30g0MKzZYoM4xGeF5lmFVUrc4y_dYC9RvSv7b19gv9dKLogkm3zFAeKigwGYzevZq1vUVEfVMXT5sADzcm2C0f5ZMPthN_lHr1XCUNMXx7LPu8dtV_k55w/s320/moand+the+teddy.jpg" border="0" /></a> My baby boy<br /><div align="left">What to say about the little bug at two??<br /></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>He's wonderful, amazing, delightful and funny!</strong></span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>(Note--the bullets below kept going all Wonky and I am tired of trying to fix them!)</strong></span></div><br /><br /><ul><li><p align="left"><br /></p><div align="left">Loves to read books--favorites are Dr. Seuss, Goodnight Moon, and Snuggle Puppy</div></li><p align="left"><br />Says the funniest things, like "excuse me" when barreling past someone or wagging his finger at poor Claire saying "No no no Claire--my ______(insert cookie, cracker)</p><p align="left">Still loves avocados and will eat nearly a whole one.</p><p align="left"><br /> </p><li><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="left">Weighs 21 lbs...sigh. still wearing some 6-12 month pants but seems a bit taller. I will let you know after the pediatrician visit!</div></li><p align="left"><br /> </p><li><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="left">Loves the water--jumps happily into the pool, played in the ocean waves, splish splashes in the tub until forced to leave. Our boy is a water bug!</div></li><p align="left"><br /> </p><li><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="left">Snuggles, gives kisses, and still prefers to be carried when at all possible. What can I say? He's still light enough to tote and I love it!</div></li><p align="left"><br /> </p><li><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="left">Learning to use a spoon, but needs help here and there if something is messy and he doesn't want to use his fingers.</div></li><p align="left"><br /> </p><li><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="left">Might be ready for potty training. Has expressed interest in sitting on the potty and taking diaper off...but still a bit unclear on what to do once he's there.</div></li><p align="left"><br /> </p><li><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="left">Goes back and forth between very easy to put to bed and very tough. Travel usually throws him for a loop for a few days.</div></li><p align="left"><br /> </p><li><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="left">Flies like a champ. I think we are nearing 30 flights now and he does a great job napping or playing with crayons and sticker books. We rarely have to haul out the DVD!</div></li><p align="left"><br /> </p><li><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="left">Has a love affair with "Dora" and sings "Dooo dee doo doo Dora" and dances to request a show.</div></li><p align="left"><br /> </p><li><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="left">Still has wild and crazy hair when he wakes... I love it and cannot bear to cut it!</div></li><p align="left"><br /> </p><li><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="left">Is very nurturing. Feeds bottles to stuffed animals, places them in stroller, shopping car, car seat and covers with a blanket for naps.</div></li><p align="left"><br /> </p><li><div align="left"><br /> </div><p align="left">Says "sorry" and "thank you" and "please" most of the time. </p></li><p align="left"><br /> </p><li><div align="left"><br /> </div><p align="left">Has a beautiful smile with the prettiest white teeth. </p></li><p align="left"><br /> </p><li><div align="left"><br /> </div><p align="left">Is a social butterfly. He cheerily waves hello to the front desk lady at daycare and when he enters his class, the kids swarm him with hugs and say "Hi Morgan". He still thrives in the company of other children. I love to watch him interact.<br /></p><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="left"></div></li></ul><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581501054200576840.post-76423799885494883472009-07-06T08:42:00.000-07:002009-07-06T08:44:20.057-07:00Summer at the Shore<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAxvkDSBioDvz8SFREe54RfCQOsQ_3DUcgEd2KvIuw1O-AA3ZMn1rK2yK04Y0TgtbaBQAJ_Ef03yeCSqkSUCSK3NkVaWQj46vFtV5pEemNgTYv3nxTyTaVbVCQPc4QnxjHiG13o4BjUI/s1600-h/shore.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355373022449335138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAxvkDSBioDvz8SFREe54RfCQOsQ_3DUcgEd2KvIuw1O-AA3ZMn1rK2yK04Y0TgtbaBQAJ_Ef03yeCSqkSUCSK3NkVaWQj46vFtV5pEemNgTYv3nxTyTaVbVCQPc4QnxjHiG13o4BjUI/s320/shore.jpg" border="0" /></a> We had a fantastic week at the shore. Jeremy's relatives meet up once a year and there were four two year olds for Morgan to play with! He had a blast riding in his cousin Brady's wagon and splish splashing in the waves.<br /><br />We had an early 2nd birthday celebration while we were there--although the little guy won't officially turn two until Sunday.<br /><br />I'll be working on my 2 year update...but must get back to work for now! I'm in the office all week. Busy Busy.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581501054200576840.post-65347117754596959472009-06-26T12:50:00.001-07:002009-06-26T12:56:45.296-07:00Silly Boy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLebmtJRzFEdDjl0QGxJH3HCx55OYbruDTgjynwrhO7UBmI-iGLFXCZucBxS9_Sn3rlgKTq7RLF9xkkY5Y4Ssd2DObsMWFB0OUUeyhPFlYyQCnyZHSAaEO_mIXDO7nF-N3CM5mmBudris/s1600-h/June+2009+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351726455854603058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLebmtJRzFEdDjl0QGxJH3HCx55OYbruDTgjynwrhO7UBmI-iGLFXCZucBxS9_Sn3rlgKTq7RLF9xkkY5Y4Ssd2DObsMWFB0OUUeyhPFlYyQCnyZHSAaEO_mIXDO7nF-N3CM5mmBudris/s320/June+2009+015.jpg" border="0" /></a> We're enjoying summer right now. Yesterday we spent the afternoon in the pool and something became readily apparent. Our guy needs swim lessons. He is a holy terror around the water--jumping in without waiting to see if Mom and Dad are paying attention and giving me a heart attack even while wearing a life jacket. I made some calls today and found a Mommy and Me swim class that we can start when we get back from the shore.<br /><br />Fortunately, the ocean will be much colder than the water at home...so I don't think any of us will be doing much more than dipping our toes.<br /><br />Today has been spent packing and doing laundry, getting ready for some time away. J has been working hard for the past month and it will be great to spend some time together relaxing.<br /><br />Morgan changes every day and is turning into quite the comedian. I will do a two year update when we get home as his birthday is 2 weeks away!<br /><br />Our friend Doug will be here that week and I am so excited to see him! Jeremy's college roommate is very dear to us and it is his first visit to the desert :) My hubbie is very excited to try out the new pool basketball hoop that he got for Father's Day!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581501054200576840.post-48628599211383520952009-06-22T13:50:00.000-07:002009-06-22T13:56:00.135-07:00Funny StuffI would have a picture of this--but our @#$#$# stupid camera batteries went dead at the moment that I tried to capture a shot of Morgan putting two of his stuffed animals out on the lawn to go "Potty".<br /><br />He left his tiger and his bear on the grass and told me "poo poo".<br />He then wiped the animals' hineys and congratulated them on a job well done!<br /><br />Morgan has become quite the nurturing parent to his stuffed animals. He feeds them snacks and tucks each one in under their very own blankie while he pats their backs and whispers "shhhh...." if mommy is disturbing their nap time.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581501054200576840.post-46869503413327215342009-06-17T12:13:00.000-07:002009-06-17T12:39:34.851-07:00Toddler Travel Tips<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUxOejo0hjwBJMKvZWkWLooVGHai-1XKxLrdHeTotLY3odH85WNDcQTur-8MR8ypAOnNWESrpgox0BO4z47cgtNCq3_fa-j_JMRjtRuflbzSsL5GHhFQRAFZwwdgvJeXZ-uoJseL5lMQ/s1600-h/June+2009+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348377246060409042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUxOejo0hjwBJMKvZWkWLooVGHai-1XKxLrdHeTotLY3odH85WNDcQTur-8MR8ypAOnNWESrpgox0BO4z47cgtNCq3_fa-j_JMRjtRuflbzSsL5GHhFQRAFZwwdgvJeXZ-uoJseL5lMQ/s320/June+2009+001.jpg" border="0" /></a> Keeping Busy</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-J-KLC67j33gf9QI1Fdr827EhiYXHnQxh3N7Hzcc3eTc4nYWQLNRW1nwlmpsDpubXDbjzOVJgLtPxW9Vb3tqnlBMetqOcISe5CIFrPatDPdne3Cva-oXmmfNlg57qgzIIO-7vY5D344/s1600-h/travel+stroller"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348376994507517826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-J-KLC67j33gf9QI1Fdr827EhiYXHnQxh3N7Hzcc3eTc4nYWQLNRW1nwlmpsDpubXDbjzOVJgLtPxW9Vb3tqnlBMetqOcISe5CIFrPatDPdne3Cva-oXmmfNlg57qgzIIO-7vY5D344/s320/travel+stroller" border="0" /></a> The Travel Stroller (June 2008)<br /><br /><div align="left">We're home after a wonderful weekend in Dallas! I am so glad that my friends Aubla, Jocie, and Liana could meet up and hang out with us! It was great to have a girls weekend and I am very grateful that my mom made the trip to baby sit for me Saturday night. I enjoyed visiting a few Dallas hot spots with my ever so chic friends--Highland Park is a far cry from El Paso! Thank you Thank you Ladies!!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I made the trip solo with my nearly 2 year old and wanted to post on some of the items that made my trip so much easier!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">The Travel Stroller--still indispensible after a year--this handy item which is available on Sky Mall and Stroller Depot converts from an airline approved car seat into a stroller with wheels that deploy from the bottom. It also comes with a sun-shade that is easily packed into your carry-on luggage. It makes lugging said toddler, luggage, a stroller, and a car seat doable even while traveling with one parent! Whoo Hoo!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">A "busy kit" to occupy the little man in the air and while visiting friends and relatives. For our trip I picked up a few items from the Targ*et dollar aisles that kept Morgan happy and entertained during the hour long flight. I bought a pencil case and filled it with cut pieces of construction paper to fit the case--5 crayons, a package of stickers, and a small squishy toy that kept him busy smooshing and squeezing for quite a while. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Morgan loves stickers--and they peel easily off of any airline tray tables! A package of balloons works great for rewards and impromptu play. They are so cheap and you can always stuff a few in your diaper bag! I also love Crayola's Color Wonder line of markers and coloring books for a no muss no fuss activity. That way you won't have to apologize for your child marking up a friend's sofa or coffee table :)</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">A portable DVD player is great for longer trips, as well as some small books that fit into your carry on. I brought some little Dr. Seuss books that I picked up at Hobby lobby and Morgan loved the rhymes and animal sounds. To make a book last longer--we read it straight through the first time, and then go page by page talking about the animals, people, and colors. I ask him to hunt for a specific thing on the page and then to tell me how it sounds or what color it is. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I bring my own sippy cups, plastic utensils, and small snacks in zip lock bags. Never underestimate the joy that a prepackaged snack brings! Morgan loves the container just as much if not more than the food. He enjoyed his airline pretzels and even tried to steal a few from the passenger seated next to us.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I download kids music on my Ipod and let him listen--there are great tunes available on I*tunes for 99 cents each. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Always bring your own milk on the flight--most airlines do not stock it in their beverage carts. Powdered milk could work in a pinch with cold water to mix in. Most varieties are fat free so I would recommend powdered formula if your child is under 2 years old.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Finally--make sure you have any "security items" like your child's blankie or a favorite stuffed animal. Forgetting them is very stressful!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">We will be on a longer flight in a few weeks when we head to the Jersey Shore. I am planning to bring a little Play**school garage that folds down to reduce space and an inflatable beach ball. J's mom is bringing the sand toys.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">PS--you can prepare all you want...but you still need a sense of humor. On the trip home I ducked into an airport restroom to change the little guy and realized after I had gotten the diaper off that I was in a <strong><em>men's room! Ahem....</em></strong></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">I would love to hear your thoughts on keeping the kiddos entertained!</div><div align="left">Happy Summer Travels!</div></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581501054200576840.post-46414035091445177282009-06-11T14:34:00.000-07:002009-06-11T14:44:00.503-07:00Looking forward to getting awayIt's been a few weeks of ups and downs and I am looking forward to getting away for 2 days with my girl friends.<br /><br />Morgan and I are hanging with the girls on Friday night and My mom will have the little guy Saturday... and I will be able to laugh, relax, and feel more like Jen and less like Mommy.<br /><br />Morgan's tantrums have been tough to take--this alternating between the sweetest baby ever and a little monster wears me out. With J working so much I find myself (and sometimes poor Claire) bearing the brunt of the little guy's drama! If something isn't exactly the way he wants it there is a BIG meltdown. This happens to all two years olds! Sometimes Jeremy and I laugh when his fits are just too funny and sometimes he pushes all of our buttons and we have to count to ten. <br /><br />Of course when J is home--he is awesome enough to handle bath time and bed time...the things he misses most when he works at night. Oh yes indeed, I am blessed by my husband. His sweet nature makes a huge difference, calming everyone around.<br /><br />Today my little guy woke up happy go lucky, asking for "Jack" (Jack's big music show) and singing along through bites of cheerios and milk. He loves eating a bowl of cereal just like Mommy, but still needs help with the spoon because of the slippery cereal so I enjoy feeding him...something he rarely needs me to do but seems to enjoy.<br /><br />I took him to pre-school around ten to see him smiling and happy to see his friends. He gave me a cheery little kiss and wave. Now I am waiting patiently for playground time to be over so that I can pick him up. He get's pretty grumpy when I try to haul him off the playground these days. Typical boy!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581501054200576840.post-84204829325202937292009-06-06T15:48:00.000-07:002009-06-06T15:50:44.489-07:00Sand Art<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7C7xgmlasKlkRPt1augFDfsdOY2K3yunNZxcLM41qdK8IPCKPnMWCApqdnZbSjMYT0gZNpt48HSnkznLX_N-4VVM4f7Ml5IkukR72XaMpmB2fXTQS0Azv96K2QazZdzVL2SFlgH09_mk/s1600-h/DSC01653.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344350308288440226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7C7xgmlasKlkRPt1augFDfsdOY2K3yunNZxcLM41qdK8IPCKPnMWCApqdnZbSjMYT0gZNpt48HSnkznLX_N-4VVM4f7Ml5IkukR72XaMpmB2fXTQS0Azv96K2QazZdzVL2SFlgH09_mk/s320/DSC01653.JPG" border="0" /></a> Thanks to B and to Kelli for their wonderful art project suggestions. Morgan and i did sand art for an entire hour outside today. It was great--I've never seen him pay attention to anything for that long! We used colored sand from hobby lobby, elmer's school glue, and some good old macaroni. We also bought a packet of Dora the Explorer stickers and morgan stuck them ALL on a piece of paper while naming the characters.<br /><br />This was such a great opportunity for Morgan and I to chat and to learn together. Thanks you guys!<br /><div></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581501054200576840.post-16513300886385786472009-06-05T09:26:00.000-07:002009-06-05T09:35:35.091-07:00Smooth Criminal<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrWkd7HOJYtr4y3K3TFaiwqMQLU4SEiMJt7pTSxzZul96qhY4kJuT3wU-KBfykSkQeGl2rY_IFcaT1pa9rtXVFU8qWp8iiQvJVtW3CNGoCOkjEii-ap-Nb7q9lRegr1z-VdGeK118jP8/s1600-h/DSC01640.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343881173283251218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrWkd7HOJYtr4y3K3TFaiwqMQLU4SEiMJt7pTSxzZul96qhY4kJuT3wU-KBfykSkQeGl2rY_IFcaT1pa9rtXVFU8qWp8iiQvJVtW3CNGoCOkjEii-ap-Nb7q9lRegr1z-VdGeK118jP8/s320/DSC01640.JPG" border="0" /></a> We're practicing wearing our sun hat! Morgan is also perfecting his blue steel look in case there are any modeling scouts at the Jersey shore.<br /><br />My little man said a sentence this morning!!<br />"Mama, eat toast peeze!"<br />Then, when I gave him his toast he said "tank chew, Mama!"<br />AWWWWW.<br /><br />Morgan has been such a cuddle bug--he alternates sweetness with crazy 2 year old tantrums. Keeps us on our toes! Yesterday I had the audacity to hand him graham crackers without asking and he screamed NO NO NO and ran out of the room. When he finally came back he insisted on "Cacas" (Crackers).<br /><br />He enjoys coloring with crayons, loves playing with Stickers--his Nana Carol just sent a batch that I am having to ration out. He has also discovered where I keep the secret stash of balloons in the hall closet. Now, Morgan is opening the closet door every day insisting that we blow one up.<br /><br />I am so happy with all of the interaction at this stage of his development! I've never been anything but clueless when it comes to little ones that don't talk....this is so much fun!<br /><br />Does anyone have any ideas for simple craft projects that we can do together?Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581501054200576840.post-73064701759334440652009-06-04T10:30:00.000-07:002009-06-04T10:38:02.507-07:00Summer Traveling BugSince my last post was pretty much a downer, I thought that I would take a moment to talk about some things that I am excited about this month.<br /><br />Morgan and I are flying to Dallas next weekend to visit one of my best Army buds! My friend Zee is one of my favorite people in the world and I cannot wait to see her! Plus, my mom is driving up to baby sit on Saturday so I get a real "girls night out". Havent' had one of those in a very long while! I keep picturing myself with a frosty cocktail and an outfit without greasy little handprints on it.<br /><br />At the end of the month, we are headed to the Jersey shore for a week with J's family. I've never been--and the weather looks like it will be a bit frosty for me to get out in a suit. I bit the bullet and got a one piece "mommy suit". SIGH SIGH SIGH. I have super toned arms from hefting the little one...but the rest is a bit squishy as mommy doesn't spend weekends hiking and jogging anymore. Although...Jeremy is promising me a hiking trip to compensate for a week in a beach house with 9 people and one bathroom. (I have issues with sharing small spaces...especially bathrooms. Part of my weirdness!)<br /><br />I think it would be great fun to do a bit of hiking and camping. We will need to head north away from the rattle snakes for sure!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581501054200576840.post-32203903940962425312009-06-02T14:57:00.000-07:002009-06-02T15:06:07.903-07:00BittersweetMy friend LeAnne is leaving tomorrow. Her husband has completed his army committment and they are moving home to Phoenix. I am so very happy and excited for her....but at the same time so sad to lose one of my dearest "in town" friends. Military life is like that...every year or so you say goodbye to those you come to love like family. LeAnne was there for me through the adoption and through Jeremy's deployment and it will be so hard to know that she isn't just a few blocks away anymore.<br /><br />They also have a new baby. He is beautiful--tiny and sweet and it makes me sad that Jeremy and I still have not gotten to experience having a newborn in our lives. Every time I hold this little one, I get a huge lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. It amazes me how I can feel such joy for my friend and such sorrow in my own heart at the same time!<br /><br />We've been trying to get pregnant for 6 months, now. I am determined not to turn this into a fertility blog--but I am becoming anxious as another month rolls by without a positive result. What a stressful process!<br /><br />Morgan is growing more and more each day--leaving babyhood behind and becoming such the little man. I love it that he still gets into bed with us each morning for a few hours and thrill to the smell of his sweet baby hair on the pillow next to me and his smiles when we wake. I cannot believe that I was perfectly content for 31 years without being a mom. Everything feels different now and I would love another baby. I would love for him to have a little brother or sister to grow with and to love.<br />boo.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581501054200576840.post-48595478217886970142009-06-01T15:14:00.001-07:002009-06-01T15:22:07.682-07:00No Photos...Sorry Mom!I am a loser. No one will ever accuse me of being that girl with a camera at the ready on any given occasion. <br /><br />Last weekend we attended my baby brother's high school graduation in the Texas Hill Country...and I did not shoot a single photo.<br /><br />Morgan had such a great time on the trip. He was a trooper throughout the flight and hour long drive from Austin. He cheerfully stayed up past his bed time every single night and actually slept until 9:45am on Saturday. He played with his 4 little cousins--Alex (short for Alexandra), Maddie, Taylor, and Kloe (my sister and her creative spelling) every day.<br /><br />The funniest part of the weekend came when Alex and Taylor were playing a video game and Morgan had a little steering wheel from the Wii. He thought he was driving and cracked us all up shouting "go Go!" at the little cars on the screen.<br /><br />We caught up with some great friends from the Army and Morgan did a bit of "bar hopping" ie had a beer at the bar at Applebee's one night. He was a hit with the bar tender and waitresses. We taught him to slap the bar and he tried to say "Bartender" (just kidding!)<br /><br />Morgan also met two of his great Grandparents--which was so cool! My parents are young and I have known almost all of my grandparents/great grandparents and love it that there are still some surviving family members for Morgan to meet.<br /><br />The only sad part is that we missed Kristin from Adoption Patience :( We've visited almost every time that I 've been in Austin over the past two years and I had truly been looking forward to hanging out. Now that Morgan is almost two I couldn't wait to see our kids play!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581501054200576840.post-34176504585460170282009-05-27T21:46:00.000-07:002009-05-27T21:52:27.717-07:00Rockin the Chili Bowl<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68gxwFnaP0uFSoPTrfIPdnOw9NaO161WKfLM4wZScgWLreQn7MCwjk969Hhg8n0P0EEEOlDDb4ThHxyxdd-bdPfaochLSBH-3rE1VY6qjR-KWkIGjog_w4Yi2flFZiW2DUOeDTxrgpgE/s1600-h/5-2-2009+210.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340731991809794514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68gxwFnaP0uFSoPTrfIPdnOw9NaO161WKfLM4wZScgWLreQn7MCwjk969Hhg8n0P0EEEOlDDb4ThHxyxdd-bdPfaochLSBH-3rE1VY6qjR-KWkIGjog_w4Yi2flFZiW2DUOeDTxrgpgE/s320/5-2-2009+210.jpg" border="0" /></a> what can I say...I'm still not loving the hair on this kid! Can't wait for it to grow so that we can do something besides the bowl cut.<br /><br />This weekend we are headed to the Texas hill country for my baby brother's high school graduation! Yep...he and I are 17 years apart and I am feeling quite old as I contemplate the fact that I was a freshman in college when he was 2....<br /><br />I am excited because Morgan will get to meet a set of his great grandparents! I cannot believe that we've missed each other over the past year. It's going to be great :)<br /><br />I posted a picture of the scary hair on face book...but it doesn't seem to reflect the seriousness of the "red" situation..so i will have to post more photos when we get home. I am sure I can come up with something that will make you nice ladies recognize a bad dye job when you see one!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581501054200576840.post-65702060894132988842009-05-26T12:55:00.000-07:002009-05-26T13:09:31.484-07:00The bad salon visitMy stylist has left my salon. After three years of great cuts and natural looking color, she has walked away from an environment that she found too "competitive" to strike out with other like minded women in a new location.<br /><br />Translation: My adorable but slackerish stylist with grateful dead tattooes and rasta sensibilities has left the aromatherapy heaven that is Aveda to go work in a VERY BAD NEIGHBORHOOD at a salon that advertises "Weaves" as one of it's pride and joy services.<br /><br />I found out last week when I got "the call". Worse than your boyfriend breaking up with you is the stylist who is leaving call. They expect you to follow them to wherever their new location is--in my case it is 30 minutes away in a VERY BAD NEIGHBORHOOD. I went from one of the top three salons in our town to something that looked like a bad joke. Crime bars on every window...sandwiched between a Mexican Cucina and a Night Club that only disturbed bikers and mentally off Vietnam Vets might frequent (behind the VA across from the 7eleven.)<br /><br />Even the name...Flaw'liss...gave me pause. Are we being cute? Can we spell? I passed the building twice because my mind didn't register the sign as FLAWLESS. So there I am...double checking the lock on the Volvo and glad that I was wearing hole filled jeans and a tank top after a sleepless night with a sick baby....feeling trapped. I needed my roots done something fierce! I had to ask if the salon was scarier than showing up at my little brother's graduation this weekend with two inch roots?<br /><br />My stylist rolled in late with a big gulp as I sat in a tiny chair in a concrete room filled with women who were eyeing me like I had miscalculated on my way to the junior league auxillary luncheon. The rest of the clientele sported pink crewcuts, dreads, and plenty of do-rags. Obviously they were wondering what had brought me there.<br /><br />I put on my best game face and concentrated on catching up with my stylist...getting the dish on her decision to leave a high paying but high pressure job and strike out with this crew in a low income generating salon. Typically I have a glass of wine and enjoy some aromatherapy while I am getting styled. Today, there was a TV showing reruns of Las Vegas and plenty of watchful eyes.<br /><br />I decided that I loved my girl too much to give up based on lack of Aveda products and amenities, so I stuck it out through cut and color. BAD CHOICE.<br /><br />Call me snobby...but in the world of hair color you get what you pay for. Brown with auburn highlights in a high end salon looks natural on your head. Brown with auburn highlights in a cheap salon buys you burgundy hair that makes me look like I might ditch the stay at home mom gig and get the band back together....<br /><br />I had a sad look on my face when I over tipped my friend and hugged her goodbye. Now I have to find a new stylist or possibly even a new salon. In the meantime, I am headed to my little brother's graduation this weekend with burgundy hair. A shade not seen on this head since I was young and broke and thought looking like a newly minted penny was attractive.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581501054200576840.post-28357931057015141762009-05-25T20:21:00.000-07:002009-05-25T20:28:03.387-07:00Happy Birthday, Jeremy!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1KPWayPukagq2lkCkMxhOnvphFmmxbga2R2NwpYvGhhm8w781RqrpFlgHC2vMxzEWAhcEArBF_uCVdJOd0Mp2t8FIvT5HZnIg5vQbCQ8YhL7DYx4yO8elVz0C-HlZdIOWeBe98lgpH4/s1600-h/IMG_0080.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339967893746715378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1KPWayPukagq2lkCkMxhOnvphFmmxbga2R2NwpYvGhhm8w781RqrpFlgHC2vMxzEWAhcEArBF_uCVdJOd0Mp2t8FIvT5HZnIg5vQbCQ8YhL7DYx4yO8elVz0C-HlZdIOWeBe98lgpH4/s320/IMG_0080.JPG" border="0" /></a> Today, my handsome husband turns 33. Finally! The man is 3 years younger than I am for five whole months out of the year and never lets me forget it :)<br /><br />We celebrated by playing in the pool today with Morgan. Our little guy is gaining so much confidence--he is finally wearing his life jacket without a full meltdown and has learned to jump from the top step of the hot tub into Daddy's waiting arms. <br /><br />Jeremy prepared the most amazing burgers tonight--stuffed with bacon and cheese, covered in some spicy chipotle glaze...they were miraculous. I think we have found the perfect burger!<br /><br />For his birthday, I made old fashioned short cakes with mixed berries and Grand Marnier. So yummy with whipped cream! Jeremy is no fan of cake so we always make some fruit filled dessert on his birthday. <br /><br />Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!<br /><br />* * *<br />Today is also Memorial Day, and I couldn't go without remembering my dear friend Michael McInnis who died in Iraq in 2008. I miss you, my friend.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581501054200576840.post-20011384126662362642009-05-22T11:03:00.000-07:002009-05-22T11:07:32.892-07:00Long Week<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1sDmsi0gfBwWxQP6mtaI0KSMhXXHisMtOHEXrC0cRaZjGj0rUM25kYvYTNmoZMy760Jbx8_nxmjH71qg3NSvoUFemQuIxSRZyRb27MKcXkbKiM1LZ9awyzywrLZfPoD6On5MOYjwe1Y/s1600-h/5-2-2009+189.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338710680168627266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1sDmsi0gfBwWxQP6mtaI0KSMhXXHisMtOHEXrC0cRaZjGj0rUM25kYvYTNmoZMy760Jbx8_nxmjH71qg3NSvoUFemQuIxSRZyRb27MKcXkbKiM1LZ9awyzywrLZfPoD6On5MOYjwe1Y/s320/5-2-2009+189.jpg" border="0" /></a> Claire had dental surgery this week--she's recovering nicely after they removed 2 of her stubborn baby teeth that refused to fall out and gave her a cleaning.<br /><br />Morgan was busy with his Nana Ellen's visit this week--they spent hours playing outside enjoying sunshine and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Popsicles</span>. We're going to miss her :) Luckily in a few weeks we will be headed to the Jersey shore for some fun in the sun with J's family. Morgan has 2 cousins that are his age that will be there, I cannot wait to see the boys together.<br /><br />J has been working like a madman--the photo above is a good representation of what happens when daddy is home. Everyone scrambles onto his lap for attention and he just has this hypnotic effect....nap inducing you might say :)Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581501054200576840.post-90095839559363690802009-05-21T08:10:00.000-07:002009-05-21T08:18:07.270-07:00TantrumsThe little guy had quite a day yesterday.<br /><br />We were taking J's mom to brunch before her flight left and Morgan decided that he didn't want to leave the house. He started yelling "No No No" and running back into our bedroom slamming doors behind him. I cracked up laughing as J's mom (with a smile on her face) politely knocked on the back door and asked if she could come in. Morgan opened the door a crack and yelled "No" and slammed it shut again. This went on a few times until we managed to get him out to the car (with his consent) and into the car seat.<br /><br />At the restaurant, he had definitive ideas about how things should go--snatching food off of my plate and J's even though he had the same items on his own. When I tried to hand him a spoon he swatted at me and continued with the "No No No"<br /><br />This went on all day. Ugh. Mr Cranky pants finally took a nap at 4:30pm....perhaps the meanness finally exhausted him? I was threatening to use his bottom lip as a drink coaster it stuck out so far!<br /><br />We put him to bed for the night at 8:00 and he has been Mr. Sunshine this morning...???<br />I took him to school today so that I could clean the house...but I almost want to nap all day.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581501054200576840.post-29584341287261708622009-05-12T20:14:00.000-07:002009-05-12T20:16:29.219-07:00Hurray!Morgan graduated from Speech Therapy today! He has been performing at his current age level for a while, but we finally had the test today from our local Early Childhood Intervention to make it official.<br /><br />His speech has really progressed. Mr. Bossy says My blanket, My pillow, my cookie...you get the idea! Still, he is combining 2-3 words at a time and you can understand most of it.<br /><br />Jeremy's mom is here for a visit right now--Morgan has been showing off to his Nana Ellen all day!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581501054200576840.post-34538787322497181722009-05-10T11:57:00.000-07:002009-05-10T12:06:39.470-07:00Happy Mother's Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG93PIfxfB7wqk8-nI6DsvaF-AvVIQRDsck_9q7S-5hakIe7u3DDiMMSCLtDlNJSsVjUT6tQrH_JemYmGuJIYwVdKnPR_Q_ztJqpF3kFKrdGs4Dd9b6pgQH5A0fo17aBLWd4X_EA6ziXk/s1600-h/5-2-2009+217.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334271791480989090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG93PIfxfB7wqk8-nI6DsvaF-AvVIQRDsck_9q7S-5hakIe7u3DDiMMSCLtDlNJSsVjUT6tQrH_JemYmGuJIYwVdKnPR_Q_ztJqpF3kFKrdGs4Dd9b6pgQH5A0fo17aBLWd4X_EA6ziXk/s320/5-2-2009+217.jpg" border="0" /></a> Thanks to my sweet friend Cheryl for taking a family photo to celebrate my second mother's day. Jeremy had made reservations for brunch at a local <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">restaurant</span> and I almost broke into tears when I forgot my camera! Fortunately, I was able to bring the whole family over to my friend's house to get a picture.<br /><br />Last year, we were still in Hanoi and celebrated with the amazing Chocolate High Tea at the Hanoi Sofitel Hotel. <a href="http://travel2morgan.blogspot.com/2008/05/first-mothers-day.html">(Click Here --for my first mother's day post)<br /></a><br />I hope all of my wonderful blogging buddies enjoy Mother's Day! Love you!<br /><div></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15996771706470641933noreply@blogger.com8