Morgan's Page

A New Blog Address

2009-09-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

The time has come to switch to wordpress. Please stop by at www.mostlymorgan.wordpress.com and say hello! I would love to know who is still reading--leave a comment!

Preschool

2009-08-24T10:52:00.001-07:00

My handsome little one finally stands still for a photo from the mamarazzi!

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!!

Have a GREAT DAY little man! I love you!

New Friends

2009-08-19T11:23:00.001-07:00

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...

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!

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...

Fun!

2009-08-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my mom for giving us one of our best nights as a family :)

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"

Even Mommy and Daddy had to get in on the fun...resulting in near surgical removal of said tunnel from our backsides. Toddlers only!

A Recipe

2009-08-10T09:17:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've posted a great recipe--and this one from Cooking Light 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 :)

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.
Lovin it!!

The last month of Summer....

2009-08-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

Don't you love how absorbed Claire is by Daddy's story??

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.

We are also getting ready for Morgan to start at a new preschool this fall. I've picked out the cutest backpack by Dante Beatrix 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!

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 Zappos--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.

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.

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 :)

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 :)

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!

Just Say Yes!

2009-07-21T08:44:00.000-07:00

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.

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...

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.

So this month I am saying "Yes". Ask me out and I will go!

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 :)

It is possible to have a life after children. You have to work at it....so just say YES!

Two!

2009-07-06T13:07:00.000-07:00

Nana Ellen brought a cake to the shore to celebrate!

Just a year ago...

My baby boy

What to say about the little bug at two??

He's wonderful, amazing, delightful and funny!

(Note--the bullets below kept going all Wonky and I am tired of trying to fix them!)

Loves to read books--favorites are Dr. Seuss, Goodnight Moon, and Snuggle Puppy

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)

Still loves avocados and will eat nearly a whole one.

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!

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!

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!

Learning to use a spoon, but needs help here and there if something is messy and he doesn't want to use his fingers.

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.

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.

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!

Has a love affair with "Dora" and sings "Dooo dee doo doo Dora" and dances to request a show.

Still has wild and crazy hair when he wakes... I love it and cannot bear to cut it!

Is very nurturing. Feeds bottles to stuffed animals, places them in stroller, shopping car, car seat and covers with a blanket for naps.

Says "sorry" and "thank you" and "please" most of the time.

Has a beautiful smile with the prettiest white teeth.

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.

Summer at the Shore

2009-07-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

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.

We had an early 2nd birthday celebration while we were there--although the little guy won't officially turn two until Sunday.

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.

Silly Boy

2009-06-26T12:50:00.001-07:00

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Funny Stuff

2009-06-22T13:50:00.000-07:00

I 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".

He left his tiger and his bear on the grass and told me "poo poo".
He then wiped the animals' hineys and congratulated them on a job well done!

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.

Toddler Travel Tips

2009-06-17T12:13:00.000-07:00

Keeping Busy

The Travel Stroller (June 2008)

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!!

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!

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!

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.

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 :)

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.

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.

I download kids music on my Ipod and let him listen--there are great tunes available on I*tunes for 99 cents each.

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.

Finally--make sure you have any "security items" like your child's blankie or a favorite stuffed animal. Forgetting them is very stressful!

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.

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 men's room! Ahem....

I would love to hear your thoughts on keeping the kiddos entertained!

Happy Summer Travels!

Looking forward to getting away

2009-06-11T14:34:00.000-07:00

It's been a few weeks of ups and downs and I am looking forward to getting away for 2 days with my girl friends.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Sand Art

2009-06-06T15:48:00.000-07:00

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.

This was such a great opportunity for Morgan and I to chat and to learn together. Thanks you guys!

Smooth Criminal

2009-06-05T09:26:00.000-07:00

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.

My little man said a sentence this morning!!
"Mama, eat toast peeze!"
Then, when I gave him his toast he said "tank chew, Mama!"
AWWWWW.

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).

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.

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!

Does anyone have any ideas for simple craft projects that we can do together?

Summer Traveling Bug

2009-06-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

Since 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.

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.

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!)

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!

Bittersweet

2009-06-02T14:57:00.000-07:00

My 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.

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!

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!

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.
boo.

No Photos...Sorry Mom!

2009-06-01T15:14:00.001-07:00

I am a loser. No one will ever accuse me of being that girl with a camera at the ready on any given occasion.

Last weekend we attended my baby brother's high school graduation in the Texas Hill Country...and I did not shoot a single photo.

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.

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.

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!)

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.

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!

Rockin the Chili Bowl

2009-05-27T21:46:00.000-07:00

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.

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....

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 :)

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!

The bad salon visit

2009-05-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

My 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.

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.

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.)

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?

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.

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.

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.

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....

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.

Happy Birthday, Jeremy!

2009-05-25T20:21:00.000-07:00

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 :)

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.

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!

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.

Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!

* * *
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.

Long Week

2009-05-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

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.

Morgan was busy with his Nana Ellen's visit this week--they spent hours playing outside enjoying sunshine and Popsicles. 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.

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 :)

Tantrums

2009-05-21T08:10:00.000-07:00

The little guy had quite a day yesterday.

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.

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"

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!

We put him to bed for the night at 8:00 and he has been Mr. Sunshine this morning...???
I took him to school today so that I could clean the house...but I almost want to nap all day.

Hurray!

2009-05-12T20:14:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

Jeremy's mom is here for a visit right now--Morgan has been showing off to his Nana Ellen all day!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T11:57:00.000-07:00

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 restaurant 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.

Last year, we were still in Hanoi and celebrated with the amazing Chocolate High Tea at the Hanoi Sofitel Hotel. (Click Here --for my first mother's day post)

I hope all of my wonderful blogging buddies enjoy Mother's Day! Love you!

Sweet boy!

2009-05-08T19:21:00.000-07:00

We had been having some crazy sleep issues lately--cannot remember if I have mentioned that Morgan had a week of night terrors where he would kick, punch, and fight me every morning as we made the transition from his bed to ours. Morgan has always joined us in our bed at about 5am and spent another hour or two sleeping before getting up for the day. Not sure when or if we will ever change this habit. I am just going to wait for him to start sleeping through the morning on his own. Typically, it's a time that I really enoy...but I cannot tell you how much it hurt my feelings to be kicked full on in the chest by a raving toddler. Jeremy and I have had to turn on the lights, remind him that he is safe, and rub his tummy to get him back to sleep. It's sort of scary when you cannot reach them during the terrors--we just keep speaking to him and waiting for him to snap out of it. I starting crying a few times because a lot of his anger seemed to be directed at me and he was happier when Jeremy would hold him. He never hit or kicked his daddy. He would scream "No" at me when I tried to hold him and kick with all of his might.

Morgan knew that his behavior was hurting. He would sit next to me when it was over and make kissy noises until I would tell him that I loved him and that it would be ok.

But, it finally seems to be over! He is now more cuddly than ever--preferring to sleep on my pillow with me rather than in the huge space in the middle of the new king size bed. I should have known!

He also wants to sing the words from his favorite book--Snuggle Puppy--at 5am. It's hilarious that he taps me and says "Ooooooohhhh" waiting for me to pick up the lyrics. We sing it a few times with him whispering "More" after each verse. We end with "ooooohhhh, I love you!"

I hate it when we go through a rough patch, but it seems like Morgan is even more loving than before. He is choosing a lot of bedtime stories with the theme of "I love you" such as "I love you Through and Through, Daddy Hugs, and his beloved Snuggle Puppy" and he is showing delight when we say that we will love him no matter what.

His vocabulary seems to be growing again. He says "bye bye Claire" on the way to the mail box, is starting to say "please" when asking for snacks, and is showing his independence by going to the cupboard and picking out his own snacks. His favorites are string cheese, blackberries, bananas, and gold fish crackers.

We chose to continue the night time bottle a bit longer because of Morgan's low body weight. He is 31" tall and only 20 lbs. He briefly lost down to 19 again when we stopped the bottle so we added the night time feed back. He takes 9-10 oz of whole milk at that time but refuses to drink milk from a cup at any other time. We've had to supplement with cheese and yogurt for calcium and fat. Also, since he refuses most meat we thought the milk was valuable right now for protein as well.

In more happy news, Morgan's Nana Ellen is coming on Monday! I am so excited for her visit! She is going to be amazed by how much her little guy has grown and changed :)

A Year

2009-05-03T20:17:00.001-07:00

I swear I haven't taken a decent picture in 2 years...but I love the last photo of my little guy with hair. He is clutching two of his new prized possessions--his "Car Cars" from his Nana.

It has been a year since our little man changed our lives. Now, I wake up at 7am on Sunday whether I want to or not...and a hot date with Jeremy is usually over by 10pm at the latest when we are lucky enough to have a baby sitter.

Still, the biggest difference has been the happiness that Morgan has brought into my life. I guess that I don't have to tell many of you that I still struggle today with losing our first baby. Having Morgan took much of that pain away and gives me something to look forward to each day. Hearing his little voice calling "Mama" in the wee hours of the morning over the baby monitor still makes me smile.

He makes me a better person--more patient, more loving. He makes me look at my husband through new eyes. Jeremy is a wonderful father! I love to see the two of them laughing and playing together and I tear up over how much Morgan looks up to his daddy.

I cannot put into words this child's quirky and adorable sense of humor. I crack up when he dances to music that is inside of his head alone--we humor him when he wants to listen to techno at the dinner table and Bee Bop from his high chair. The wonder in his eyes brings something new to my own--just experiencing the world vicariously through a two year old's perception is worth the entire experience.

What can I say? He loves me. He loves it when I sing to him--even though I have a terrible voice. He gets excited when I cut his peanut butter sandwiches into funny shapes--who wouldn't? And he lets me be mommy....something I have waited so long for.

It's been a wonderful year :)

GRASS!

2009-05-02T18:21:00.000-07:00

Here it is--our own little desert oasis! And, I must show off our Katch-A-Kid pool netting system to protect precious Morgan and Claire Bear from drowning. Pools are no joke when you are the parent of small children.
Morgan loves watering time and enjoys playing in the sprinklers and helping mom keep the herbs growing. You can see our rosemary plant on the right.

Here is nearly a full view of our beautiful little postage stamp sized lawn. Hopefully in 2-3 weeks it won't need as much water and I will be complaining about mowing :)

ps--for those of you who are observant...my son has been scalped. I humored his Nana during his vacation and gave my baby a haircut. As most of you know, I like it long. As most Nanas do...she likes it short. I think he looks like Jim Carrey in Dumb and Dumber right now...but fortunately it will grow.

I hovered over the stylist and explained Punk ROCK as detailed as I could. I even told her that the hair should slope to the right....longer on one side and still got the "Chili Bowl"

Good thing my little guy is handsome no matter what!

Silly Boy

2009-05-02T17:46:00.000-07:00

Rolling around in the Speech Therapy Workbook Sheets
Fun Fun

Getting Silly

I finally got to post some pictures! I took these a few weeks ago when Jeremy was on call and Morgan totally cracked me up by getting into the collection of Speech Therapy workbook pages that our therapist, Alline leaves for us to work with. I keep them in a drawer at little guy level and he was quick to make a mess out of them while I wasn't paying attention. As usual...rather than getting in trouble, it made the perfect photo opportunity.

As you know, our baby has been home for a year this week. I get totally misty eyed every time I think about that sad and shy little boy that they handed to us at the orphanage. He had cuts on his freshly shaved head and didn't smile for over an hour that first day. He screamed at us when we got back to the hotel ....wanting to know just who the heck we were and where his nanny had gone! My heart ached for him. Thank goodness over the next day he started to open up a bit and show us hints of the hilarious little free spirit that he would become.

My Morgan. You are the perfect fit for our family. You keep us laughing with your crazy antics and you are loved more than you will ever know! You are such a sweet and affectionate little guy....my favorite thing to do in the whole world is to snuggle and laugh with you. We are so lucky to have you as our son!

MY PC is possessed

2009-05-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

I hate my PC.

I just tried to reinstall Vista from my "digital locker" which is a diseased and worthless piece of crap. It made me change my password twice...would not let me in on either password...and when I hit the "contact us" icon....well all hell broke loose and my computer screen started flashing random error messages and I had to shut the entire thing down.
PC BAD.
PC BAD!

At some point I might actually blog.....perhaps from a new MAC?? Only if my very fiscally responsible hubby can be persuaded to give up the quest to resuscitate this miserable PC.
GAH! PC BAD!

Raising the computer from the dead

2009-04-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

Sorry things have been quiet--we've wiped out our hard drive and are slowly putting the computer back together. I will post photos as soon as I am able.

My mom is coming tomorrow! I am looking forward to seeing her reaction to how much the little guy has grown and changed. Also, tomorrow will be the 1 year anniversary of our Giving and Receiving. Can you believe that Morgan has been home for a year?? Simply amazing.

WHEEE

2009-04-22T12:23:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week!

Jeremy and I celebrated our fourth anniversary yesterday--very low key as we did not have a baby sitter! We made spaghetti at home and picked out a KING SIZE bed for our room which will be delivered at the end of the week. HOOORAY! No more getting shoved off of the bed when Morgan joins us at dawn each day to kick and wiggle all of the space away from this two exhausted parents.

We are also working on the yard. You cannot tell from the photo here--but we have desert landscaping to preserve water and NO grass. I finally wore Jeremy down and we have replaced one section of rock with grass in the backyard. Like a small child pleading for a puppy I have agreed to water said grass twice per day for 3 weeks and twice a week after that. With all the rock and concrete we have poured into the yard -- I will actually have to go out and turn the sprinklers on rather than let the irrigation system do its job. It will be worth it to have my child be familiar with grass!

Also our computer crashed and I have a tech coming out tomorrow so hopefully I will be restored to full power. I am working today, so I was able to get a post in.

My mom is coming next week--I am so excited to see her! And so excited that she's going to baby sit so that Jeremy and I can go out for dinner. His work schedule has been unreal and we haven't had a day to ourselves in weeks.

Big Welcome home to Laura and her baby Molley! It's a beautiful thing to see her photo with Mattix on one arm and Molley on the other. It makes me sad that some people have been less than kind to her about the family's decision to build a diverse family. Laura--you are loving and brave! Don't listen to the haters :)

Mr. Opinionated

2009-04-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

Little Mr. Opinionated insisted on using the spreader from his peanut butter to eat with last night. He kept saying "poon" meaning "spoon" while holding his own spoon so it took some asking to figure out that he wanted the spreader that I had used to prepare his english muffin with peanut butter.
He also refused to eat the English muffin--telling me to put the peanut butter on his plate where he proceeded to eat it with the spreader and dipping into it with his broccoli. Last night was a very random meal as Jeremy was working late and I had a pork loin in the oven that Morgan would have refused anyway!

We are still pushing high calories--smart balance on the broccoli and peanut butter provide heart healthy monounsatured fats and some Omega 3's.

Belated Easter Pic--He calls his bunny a baby since he's so tiny.

We are definitely approaching two! Mr. Opinionated will not hold hands on the way to the mailbox nor will he hold my hand on the way into daycare. He wags his finger at me and says "No No" to just about everything.

His new food obsession is baby bel cheese. He refuses to eat the sliced kind without pitching a royal fit. Once he has the baby bel, he cannot open it...but refuses to let you help until he tries for several minutes and makes these little frustrated squeaks. Once you take the wrapper off he follows up with a fresh rant that he does not want you to remove or disturb the wax coating in any way. After tasting the wax that he cannot peel off...he will hand it back and agree to some "hep" (help).

:) Two is gonna be fun!

More Children's Museum Pics

2009-04-12T20:49:00.000-07:00

My two handsome guys!
Dr. Morgan will see you now....

Catching a fish

A little sweetness

Colorado

2009-04-11T08:44:00.000-07:00

We had such a wonderful time--I cannot say enough about how "kid friendly" the city of Denver was! The zoo was enormous--we spent an entire day there, compared to an hour at the one in El Paso. Morgan loved all of the animals and imitating the sounds that they make. His favorites are still the tigers and lions. We had lunch at the zoo cafe and took a train ride. The train ride was the only rip off because for $5 per adult ticket we rode for about 3-5 minutes around a little circle. The train did not go around the entire zoo and you didn't see anything but a few geese on the trip. Boo. Morgan was too small for the carousel, but that didn't bother me because he was terrified when we tried to ride one in New Mexico. It could have been the carnie in coveralls manning the ride who kept wagging his eyebrows at him and saying "fun fun!"

The Children's Museum of Denver was another treat. They have toddler days on Wednesdays with story time and craft projects. We missed the opportunity to decorate a pet rock because we got there late after spending the morning with Laurie and the kiddos from Pho for Five. It was worth it!

We met Laurie and her little ones at a coffee shop that was filled with designated play areas for our kids. It was so much fun! I am sad that I didn't get a photo of them all together, but with 4 babies going in 4 different directions it would have been a feat. Laurie is amazing--she handles all three of the little ones with ease. Jackson is so clever! He chatted alot and was so friendly! Shane and Finley are the cutest :) I think Jeremy had a bit of a thing for little Finley and her adorable grin. He held her for most of the time we were there.

Jeremy's little sister, Maggie, has lived in Denver for about 5 years now. We had a fantastic dinner our first night out at her restaurant, Bistro Vendome. The staff was amazing! If you are ever in the area and love classic French Bistro food, check it out! Maggie bought a delicious bottle of French Champagne to celebrate our visit and Morgan chowed down on the best Mac and Cheese ever.

We also met James and Melissa from Journey for Two for dinner one night. They are such a cute couple and we laughed all through dinner. It's so neat to meet after talking for months online. You feel like you know one another...but it always feels a bit like a blind date meeting for the first time. Jeremy laughed so hard at me fussing with my outfit and hair.

Our evenings were a lot of fun--Jeremy had bought tickets to a Denver Nuggets game and it was such fast action and our seats were great! Of course, I missed most of the first half of the game people watching with all of the players wives and athletes who had courtside tickets. SIGH. The shoes/handbags/and hair were to die for! We also checked out the Blue Sky Lounge at half time to see and be seen (ha ha!)

Maggie took us to a Vodka bar called Red Square that served infused Vodka's one night--the most interesting was a garlic infused creation with a pickle chaser. I have never done a shot in my life without wanting to vomit...but these were very tasty.

I was sad that we only had 4 days to visit. Maybe next time we go we can see more of the downtown shops and hit the aquarium and butterfly garden. So much to see!

We're home!

2009-04-10T10:13:00.000-07:00

Denver Zoo

Morgan is currently having a meltdown so this won't be a very long post, but we are back home and had the best trip ever as a family! Denver is such a great city....I want to find real estate and move there immediately when J is done with the Army.

More soon! We met some blogging buddies and had such a fantastic time!

Vacation

2009-04-04T20:23:00.000-07:00

We're headed to Denver to catch a Nuggets game and visit Aunt Maggie! See ya!

Call me Crazy

2009-04-02T16:25:00.001-07:00

Sneaky little Monkey!
Art on Pillow Case Exhibit A

Full Canvas with still life toddler foot

The getaway

My little turkey customized his pillow while I was on Crack book this afternoon chatting with a friend. SIGH. I saw the pen and did nothing. At least the pillow case was in dire need of a wash before the incident ever happened.

You can call me crazy, though. J and I have decided to attempt to get pregnant again. It's been a little over 3 years since our loss and we decided it's time for me to be brave. Nothing has happened yet--who knows what will happen now that I am 35? But I wanted to put it out there so that no one will be shocked or hurt if I announce a pregnancy in the next year or so.

I know how hard it can be to be blindsided with "happy news" when you have experienced infertility or loss. I hope to be as sensitive as possible for my readers who may be dealing with these issues.

We have an appointment in May with a perinatologist to discuss risks since our first baby had anencephaly--a terminal neural tube defect that occurs when the top of the spinal cord does not close and the top of the brain does not form. I am also taking 4-5mg of folic acid each day to help prevent this from happening again.

Wish us luck!

Some Changes!

2009-04-01T10:22:00.000-07:00

Sorry we've been quiet--we've started to take away the bottle this week :(

I felt like it was time--Morgan has about 15 teeth now and I'd like to keep them as healthy as possible. We've had great success with his new electric Pokeman toothbrush...and our little guy is growing up.

Which is not to say that this week has been easy! He asks for his beloved "Bah Bah" constantly. Even though I know that no child has ever starved while kicking the bottle...as a mom it's heartbreaking to see my little one go without the milk that he really wants. He's had fewer wet diapers...some constipation...and it's been tense for Jeremy and I as we wait it out.

As parents, we just have to stay patient and keep consoling him. We spend more time cuddling at night and wake up earlier to console and comfort him and encourage him to use his sippy when he wakes up. He's hungrier for solids--which means that we are fixing little meals and snacks every 1-2 hours this week. Yesterday he came home from school at 3pm and ate 2 cuties, a cup of black berries (all sources of fluid) then 1 cup of cheeze its, another cutie, and then dinner. all by 6 pm. Not sure where he puts it!

We also decided to change pre-schools for the fall. We had initially signed him up for a local montessori program that I was in love with until I met his teacher about a month ago. I knew going in that the program would be bilingual and I found it to be a plus for the area that we live in. But, when I went to the teacher/parent interview I was greeted by a very snooty woman who spoke Spanish through a translator that informed me that she only spoke Spanish and that her Assistant (who she underlined was not the teacher or in charge of the class) was only allowed to speak English if nothing else worked for the child. I understood that to mean that it was a Spanish Immersion program (which I believed did not happen until the 3 year old class and was an option).

I had been mulling over some different options and yesterday I went to a neighborhood coffee at a friend's house and met 5 ladies who had knowledge of the program who told me that children who were not Mexican were treated like second class citizens in the program--receiving little encouragement and even less verbal direction from the teachers. That stunned me. It also brought back some of the incidents that I had pushed aside during the process--the coldness of the receptionist who took my calls...and the seeming reluctance to allow my child to attend the school. Now I wonder if they were really so busy or if they just didn't want us to attend?

I recalled the classroom that I had observed and remember now that there was only one white child and one Asian child in a room full of hispanic children. I cannot imagine how I didn't put this together before!

So, I went to another preschool yesterday to observe and meet the faculty. The children were from all ethnicities and the diversity made me feel more comfortable. The teachers were patient and kind and the director and staff were friendly and open. The director even gave me a CDC website on choosing daycares and a website that logged the complaints from facilities in our area to help me in our search. I had spent a lot of time over the past month speaking to various parents with children in different schools and felt like I had a lot more to go on at this point.

Our criteria--in no particular order

Diversity
Resources: books, materials, play area equipment
Cleanliness
Education/credentials of staff
Quality of meals--nutrition
PreK/Kinder program (we are leaving the area after Morgan finishes Kinder and would like the option of letting him stay at one school if we feel he needs it)

* I should also say that I deliberately rejected the private pre-school that is very status conscious in our area. I want Morgan to grow and develop around regular kids rather than very privileged ones so that he maintains some sense of reality as a child. He will be fortunate to have many advantages that Jeremy and I did not have growing up and it is important to us that he does not become overly materialistic and entitled. The pre-school had an excellent reputation in a country club atmosphere but I wanted something different for Morgan.

The little guy is growing up

2009-03-27T19:29:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm.... What have we here?

"I only look at VS for the articles"

The little guy is almost 21 months old now. He's growing up so fast! He's still a tiny little peanut--about 30 inches tall and 20 lbs on a good day. He spilled juice on his clothes at daycare today and came home wearing a 9mos onesie that still fit perfectly....

New Stuff

Has tried blackberries this week at a friend's house and cannot get enough! He ate about half of a container tonight after ignoring a dinner of chicken and stuffing and mixed veggies.
Now says "Bahboohs" for mommy's boobs (Thanks, J!) I love having the front of my shirt pulled open while he points at them. Hope this doesn't continue for very long...my friend C totally cracked up the other night while we were having wine on the patio and the little guy climbed into my lap to show her my chest. verrrry funny.
Trying to kick the bottle. Yes, I am aware that we are almost a year late for this one but get over it. Almost all the kiddos in our international adoption playgroup still indulge at his age. It's a comfort thing.
Has tantrums that you would NOT believe. The bottom lip juts out to Nebraska. It's sort of funny...but they are becoming so frequent that I think my hair might be turning even more grey.
Says: Lemon, turtle, duck, frog, flower, water, out, more, no-no (poor Claire), Mo-Mo (our nickname for him) Mama, Dada, car, train, and lots more. I think he's at around 50 words right now...but still rarely stringing two together. We do get "Mama! Out!" and "No-no Care!" you guessed....poor Claire!
Needs a THIRD Hair cut.
Must take of the RIGHT shoe and the RIGHT sock each time he is in his car seat. Why??
Blows kisses and burbles something that may eventually turn into "Love you". Cannot wait for that one!

Mine! (Updated)

2009-03-19T21:22:00.000-07:00

Mine! Is the word of the day today. Morgan has become posessive of his food and toys :)

Tonight, my friend tried to help him bring his rocking horse out on the patio and he swatted at her--shrieking "Mine" like any self respecting adult would take his little brown pony and run with it!

Also, we are hearing the word when we help Morgan with meals. If you try to touch his fork or his food he swats again--Mine!

A week ago, I took him to the office with me and had brought 2 grilled cheese sandwiches from Sonic (I know...I know) for breakfast and I only unwrapped one to begin with. I put half of it on his plate and tore it into little toddler chunks to make it easy for him.

While chatting with a coworker, I reached over to take a piece of his sandwich and he started to stuff as many pieces as he could into his mouth. I looked at my little chipmunk and told him that there was another sandwich in addition to the half that I hadn't yet torn up. I told him it was his to eat and apologized for taking a piece. He promptly spit all of the little unchewed shreds of grilled cheese back onto his plate and took his time eating. It was so funny!

We also have a "Little Cutie" situation. We keep them in the bottom drawer of the fridge and Morgan knows it. Everytime anyone is near the fridge we hear "CUTEEEE" and if we open the door he races in and yanks the drawer open to secure his prize. He often spits half chewed little Cutie goodness all over the floor and rug and then Claire eats it. Needless to say there has been lots of yucky little Cutie diapers and little Cutie Claire poops. BLECK!

Sorry! A little cutie is a brand name for Mandarin Organges, or Clementines as they are known in the south. Perfect size for toddlers and easy to peel.

Toddler Food

2009-03-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

Updated:

Carrissa--The sweet potato crinkles are a McCain's Foods USA product purchased from our local Albertson's grocery store. I had not seen them before. I know that Walmart carries a sweet potato fry that we enjoy as well. I'm sure your adorable little ones would love them.

As for the teeny portions, Morgan did ask for seconds of the sweet potato fries but the 1/4 burger and 1/4c fruit were enough. I always start small and offer seconds. That way he cannot fill up on one food too early to sample them all!

Off topic, but isn't he just cute??

Monday night's dinner: Veggie burger (tomato basil pizza flavor), sweet potato crinkles, mixed fruit. Morgan and I eat a lot of vegetarian dishes while Daddy is working and this is one of our easy meals.

But, now that I'm home--I actually have a bit more time for cooking. This week, I am so excited about trying the "best Brussels sprouts" recipe from the Vegan Lunchbox cookbook and website.

Jennifer McCann, who wrote the cookbook--raises her son on a delicious Vegan diet and shares her recipes for animal free school lunches. Now that she has finished the book, she is sharing different menus on her website. I love to check in regularly to see what creative culinary delights she has whipped up!

You can get the recipe for her "best Brussels sprouts" on this page as well as many others that are posted publicly for those who do not own the cookbook.

I had intended to post a photo of the sprouts, but I ate them so fast that I had nothing to show but an empty bowl. The recipe calls for sauteeing and then steaming the sprouts and then finishing with an apple cider glaze made directly in the pan that is out of this world.

For those of you who think you've hated Brussels sprouts since you were about six...FORGET EVERYTHING that you know! These are sweet, slightly sour, and delish!

I'm planning to test them on the little guy very soon...I just need to buy more sprouts!

Sunday Fun

2009-03-16T11:08:00.000-07:00

Morgan enjoys the entire loaf of french bread

Demonstrating skills (don't worry, no wine was wasted!)

Enjoying the day with Daddy

Yesterday we packed up the kiddo and a picnic basket and visited a local winery (La Vina) in New Mexico for a day of wine tasting and basking in the sunshine.

Morgan got VIP treatment in the tasting room--the beautiful young lady there gave him kisses and fed him crackers while Mom and Dad sampled some fine New Mexico wine.

We then headed out to the gorgeous outdoor picnic area and spread a blanket out to enjoy a picnic of triple cream Dubliner Cheese, proscuitto, homemade basil pine nut pesto, and some fresh fruit. Morgan had a juice box and some bread and cheese. Yum!

I love that we had such a great weekend doing very simple and inexpensive activities together as a family. Morgan really loved the picnic so we will have to do that again very soon! Claire was awfully jealous that she wasn't allowed at the winery...so maybe next weekend we will have the picnic at home in the back yard.....

Overcoming "the crud"

2009-03-14T19:22:00.000-07:00

That's what we call the nasty respiratory illness that I've been battling this week. Non-stop sinus drainage and headaches....bleh...accompanied by a terrible cough and sore throat.

Today, I made it back to the gym for a body pump class--it's one of my favorite group classes of all time. I used to do it all the time when I was stationed in Virginia. Now, I'm slowly getting back into shape. The class is an hour long workout with a weighted bar and it kicks butt!

Jeremy and I had a wonderful brunch with Morgan this morning and then took him to the park for some play time. He is much more coordinated these days and learning to climb up to the slide by himself. We played on the swings and made him laugh non-stop by throwing his blankee in the air when he came near and playing peek a boo with it. It was so cute!

This afternoon, I tried watching a cartoon with him for the first time. We put in "Finding Nemo" and he was riveted for about 30 minutes. I worried about the movie making him sad--Nemo loses his mom in the beginning and Morgan was SO serious during that part. He loved watching the ocean scenes and laughed at the sea turtles with their Valley Dude voices. Not bad for some cuddle time on the couch.

We had a simple dinner tonight--fajitas for mom and dad and rice and peas for the little guy who still doesn't care much for meat. Then, a sunset walk around the neighborhood.
All in all...a GREAT Saturday.

Morganisms

2009-03-11T20:17:00.000-07:00

"Peen GAH" (Pringles)
I hand one to him and he swiftly makes a sign for "four" with his free hand.
"TWO" He tells me.

With a Pringle in each hand, my little one chews and nods appreciatively. Each time he has a free hand he repeats "TWO".

Smart guy--the hand signals will catch up!

I'm feeling slightly better this evening....and I'm going to attribute that to the green smoothie I had yesterday filled with antioxidants. Begone Ye Awful Cold!

Looking Back

2009-03-09T09:09:00.000-07:00

I am home today, nearly incapacitated by the common cold, and crying my eyes out over an episode of "An Adoption Story". It quickly takes me back to our trip to Vietnam and our first meeting with the little guy.

When I think about it now--my son was so brave! He allowed his clumsy new parents to hold him and love him from the start. He laughed with us and showed his sweet little personality in small glimpses that first 24 hours even though he must have been so confused by what was happening.

I am constantly amazed by my little one. Everything in his life was turned upside down and he managed to adjust. It thrills me to watch him today--confident and posessing this quirky little sense of humor....and so full of affection and love.

Words will never describe the reward of being loved by a child that you did not give birth to. It feels like a miracle to earn their trust and respect. It fills me with joy to meet his needs and to know that I am "mom".

That totally outweighs the fact that said little one sat on my head at 8am with a poopy diaper. What a way to deliver a message! I said my kid was quirky, right?

2009-03-08T12:18:00.000-07:00

Here we are on our last day of skiing--note that Jeremy is keeping me from sliding backwards down the mountain! I am still getting the hang of skiing. Fortunately, I had a great lesson the day we were at Sierra and I can now make cool little turns to slow myself down....way better than plunging headfirst towards the bottom of the mountain unable to stop myself! YAY Ski instructor Mike!

As I mentioned before, Morgan was not so keen on our trip. I think we single handedly slowed our friends reproductive plans by 5-10 years per couple. He cried all night, screamed bloody murder whenever Jeremy and I walked away from his sight...and generally made Manny Patrick miserable. That said, Jeremy's little brother could not wait to hop a plane FAR FAR away from us when the week was over. Poor guy!

I will blame it all on a molar that made an appearance that week...and thank my lucky stars that I was at a beautiful spa on that day. Bad Bad Mommy!

Not that many ski pics to share. I look like the stay puffed marshmallow woman in my ski clothes! Not attractive at all.

Brushing our teeth

2009-03-06T08:02:00.000-08:00

We're home from vacation!

Jeremy and I had a great time catching up with our old friends....Morgan not so much. He was experiencing the worst separation anxiety that I have ever seen. Screaming and crying almost all day and night.

At one point, I was holding him and he was screaming "Mama! I need Mama!"

I told him that I was Mama.

His response? "Mama and DADA!"

Tahoe Tahoe

2009-02-28T16:19:00.000-08:00

It's off to ski we go!

See you guys in a week. I have a feeling that exciting things are brewing in adoption land

and I am so unbelievably excited for Melissa and James!

It's been a week since we went to the playdate for internationally adopted children in our area and I cannot believe that I completely forgot to post on our experience. We had an AWESOME time meeting almost 20 kids from all over the world. Morgan fell in love with 4 little Russian beauties and even scored a kiss good bye. I cannot wait to meet up with them again next month!

I love that the kiddos are literally from everywhere: Vietnam, China, Columbia, Russia, Guatamala, and El Salvedor. I could not ask for a better experience for Morgan. I know he will benefit from knowing these little ones and I will as well. It was great to talk about sleep, attachment, and bonding with moms who were at all stages of the process.

Early Spring

2009-02-27T12:13:00.000-08:00

My cool guy (in last summer's 6-12 month shirt) showing off his new shades

Playing ball in the back yard with Claire standing guard

He shoots! He scores!

Helping Mom water the new herb garden

We've truly enjoyed this week's warm weather. The highs have been near 80 most days and Morgan and Claire are soaking up the sunshine. As I speak, J is out on the patio shouting into his cell phone about sports...ahhh....summer is close.

Grandpa Jeff sent Morgan the entirely cool retro basketball hoop and it has been a SENSATION. We take it outside in the evening and the little guy loves dunking balls in to hear a little bell go "Ding".

Morgan and I have also planted basil, lavender, thyme, cilantro, and parsley. We enjoy going out to water the plants and to smell the delicious aromas. I've taught him to gently crush the plant to release the fragrance and he is hooked!

Today, the little one went to daycare and J and I enjoyed a beautiful lunch at a local restaurant with an amazing patio area. We sipped Sauvignon Blanc and enjoyed a little grown up time. SWEET.

Today's Word

2009-02-25T20:46:00.000-08:00

Pah-Poo: means "hey mom, I just pooped in my pants"
:)

Our Beloved Manny

2009-02-25T07:30:00.000-08:00

Jeremy's twin younger bros with Morgan Labor Day Weekend 08
Morgan and Patrick at the Lake last summer

We're going skiing in Tahoe next week. At first we planned to take Morgan with us and had set up a nanny through a local agency. Then, Jeremy's little brother, who is a ski instructor at Jackson Hole asked if he could come and watch Morgan for us. SWEET!

We had set it up so that Pat would watch Morgan and Miss Claire at the house...but with all of the crying and DRAMA on the little guy's part, I totally caved and we decided to move the entire operation, sans Claire to Tahoe next week. Probably more fun for Pat, since he gets a bit of a break and gets to hang out in a much cooler place than our house. Claire will be spoiled rotten at her aunt Cheryl's house, where she stayed while we were in VN.

About the bar--Ladies, any time you want to plan a trip this way I promise to fire up the hot tub and stock the bar with actual alcohol!

About Denver--we are going to be there April 6-9th. Anyone that wants to catch up with us, let me know. It's a mid-week kinda thing, but we'd love to hang out! Jeremy's little sister lives there and knows all of the hot spots :)

Mommy's Ipod

2009-02-24T06:57:00.000-08:00

Mommy shows Morgan how to listen to the Ipod (Please ignore scary post workout look!)

Going Solo

Adding some dance moves

Shake it like a Polaroid Picture!

We're still having sleep issues here--Morgan is waking up at 10pm, 11pm, 12am...etc. He is standing in his crib shouting MAMA! And when I go in, he looks like he's jumping off of the Titanic. He starts throwing blankets and his pillows at me and reaching his little arms up for me to take him out.

We've tried everything that we can think of to make this situation better, but it seems to be getting worse. Right now, we are trying the old "pat the back and reassure" thing, but he keeps getting back up. We've tried just standing at the bedroom door and speaking softly to him, adding a night light, and leaving his door and our door open.

Anyone dealt with this?

We're going on vacation in a week and had planned to leave Morgan with Jeremy's little brother for the first time...but now we've switched our plans to take the little guy and his uncle with us as our Manny. I just cannot see being away from him when he's displaying so much insecurity.

Reinstating Cocktail Hour!

2009-02-22T09:54:00.000-08:00

Morgan enjoys "Wah Wah" and a snack at Daddy's Bar

Isn't Daddy a GREAT Bartender??

Since becoming parents...Jeremy's beautiful bar has seen very little use. So, we decided to reinstate cocktail hour in the Eager household. Nowdays our drink of choice is Water...(except for Daddy!) but it's still fun to grab a barstool and unwind after a long day!

Exciting Stuff!

2009-02-20T08:50:00.000-08:00

An old picture, but one of my favorites and definitely worth posting again!

I found out this week that there is a local group for parents of internationally adopted children. Huzzah! I was beginning to think that there were very few of us around these parts... I am very excited to meet everyone this weekend for a play date at a local park. There is also a rumor that another little guy from Vietnam belongs to the group.

Also, I went out to dinner with a girlfriend last night while Jeremy stayed at home with Morgan. This morning I asked him if he had a good time with his daddy and he nodded solemnly and said "Yes". Not exactly earth shattering news for most...but I was so excited that we had a little conversation!

Shhh...

2009-02-18T19:20:00.000-08:00

The baby is sleeping (finally).

We are having a weird week for sleep. The little guy has been waking several times per night and calling out "Mama!". He settles down after I go in and pat his back for a while...but I cannot help but wonder if he's testing me. I keep telling him that I will always be there when he needs me and it seems to help...

Funny thing: The kid has been a bottomless pit when it comes to food lately. I hope this means we are having a growth spurt in the near future. In addition to his beloved "Cacas" he chowed down on a plate of roast turkey, sweet potatoes, beets (BEETS!) and some tortilla crusted tilapia from Mom's plate tonight. I have no idea how this guy still weighs 20 lbs.

J called earlier and asked if I would like to go to Denver for four days in April.
HECK YEAH!
Melissa--if you are reading this and want to get together--let me know!

"Caca" means "Cracker"

2009-02-16T15:43:00.000-08:00

Totally greasy with lotion to combat dry winter weather

Although we have not had a language "explosion" Morgan's new word is "Caca" which he uses to demand crackers. Our guy is never satisfied with just one--there must be a cracker for each hand and one should NEVER EVER attempt to halve a cracker for this purpose. It only leads to tantrums.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-13T18:52:00.000-08:00

First Valentine from Mommy

Valentines for Preschool Class

I am by no means a crafty mama...but I enjoyed making Morgan's first Valentine's Day Cards this year. I went in without a plan and each card looked different. If I ever do it again I will come up with a design that I can repeat...not as exciting but certainly more consistent.

And yes, there is a girl in his class named "Precious". She is adorable!

Blonder!

2009-02-12T14:27:00.000-08:00

Recipe

2009-02-11T19:19:00.001-08:00

It's been a while since I've posted on some toddler friendly food, but last night we stumbled across a big hit with Annie Chun's Noodles . I had picked up a box of the Chow Mein Noodles with Sesame Peanut Sauce at the store to try and was so pleasantly surprised at how much he enjoyed it.

I decided to go with a vegetarian version of the dish, using the noodle and sauce kit, 1 cup shredded carrots and two cups steamed broccoli. Morgan snacked on the shredded carrots while we waited for the noodles to boil. The size was perfect for a little guy with fewer teeth and he ate them raw--sort of like "carrot fries".

I added the carrots to the boiling water with the noodles and let it boil for four minutes, drained it, and tossed it with the included peanut sauce. I gently folded the steamed broccoli into the dish at the end so that it would not fall apart. We garnished this with some sesame oil (included in the kit) and toasted sesame seeds.

Morgan chowed down enthusiastically and asked for seconds. This is a very quick and easy dish that you could add meat to or any number of varied veggies and proteins.

Two Toddler Thumbs Up!

What a difference a week makes!

2009-02-10T07:06:00.000-08:00

Last week

How sad is this little face?

This week

Busy Busy Boy!

Enough Paparazzi!

2009-02-07T20:53:00.000-08:00

I often wonder what Morgan will look like when he grows up....

I just saw this guy in a movie that rocked my world....and I can't help but think they might look a little bit alike.

Sunshine on the Horizon

2009-02-06T09:15:00.000-08:00

The little guy started to eat yesterday.

Oddly, he was craving all kinds of salty foods that J and I thought would hurt his mouth! He ate almost a half of a container of Bacos :) This is definitely where he takes after his dad and his dad's family because they love those things... J pours them in his mouth for a snack. Yesterday, the chihuahua, the baby, and daddy all had Baco breath!

His fever is gone and he is starting to play again. Thank Goodness my baby is back!

I really appreciate all of you that sent suggestions for foods/snacks/hydration while we were freaking out. Your ideas really helped us to avoid an IV. LOVE YA!

Germ Warfare

2009-02-04T12:24:00.000-08:00

So Morgan is still sick--his mouth is now full of ulcers and we think he may have Hand Foot and Mouth Disease--whoo hoo! What else can happen to this poor little guy who is cutting molars, getting over bronchitis, and covered in eczema from the stress?

I'm losing my mind. J is working 24 hours shifts this week and when he's gone it's so hard to deal with the crying 24 hours EVERY DAY.

I feel so sorry for my little Mo!

June Cleaver does NOT live here

2009-02-02T19:07:00.000-08:00

DAY ONE: Stay at home mom

1:00am--wake to screaming child covered in boogies and snot with full diaper. Teething. Spend next hour suctioning nose, dosing meds, rocking and begging said child to sleep.

3:00am--wake to screaming child covered in boogies, snot, and drool.

5:00am--wake to screaming child...see above.

7:00am--drop doped up child off at daycare and head to work in insane traffic...yep, that's right, I'm headed to work on my first day as a SAHM because my contract got approved for a few reviews a year and my biggest school district is getting reviewed this week...which means next week might be better for staying at home and doing mom stuff.

10:30am: Daycare calls, tylenol has stopped working and the kiddo has a fever, runny nose, and is crying. Poor baby! Leave review before actually observing meal in question--toss me the Child Nutrition Award of the Year later--and head to daycare on sketchy border road as I am as close to Juarez as one can get and still be in the US for this review.

10:45am--admire fencing between EP and Juarez. Very HIGH.

11:00am--pick up feverish cranky little one and head home. Get drool and snot on merino wool sweater and dirty sneaker marks on freshly cleaned Anne Taylor pants.

11:10am--change into outfit so abominable that I cannot bring myself to photograph it. Kelly Green sweat pants, Race for the Cure T-shirt (circa DC 2001). Leave on black dress socks and add the burgundy tassled Calvin Klein Suede loafers that were last week's applesauce casualty. Now one tassel looks crusty and lighter than the other. SWEET. Add Baby Sling--turquoise and black to clash profusely with all items of clothing. Add baby covered in snot and drool crying pitifully while waiting for motrin to take effect. Head to garage to find Favorite Baby Einstein DVD....it's all about the love.

12:00pm--horrific sweats outfit now covered in mac and cheese...as well as my watch. How does he do it?

12:10pm: DAMN JUNE CLEAVER! If you notice, her children were not toddlers nor were they cutting teeth. That is how the woman kept a spotless home while waltzing around in coordinated sweater sets and natty little skirts. No boogers on her shoulders. All visions of cleaning the house, grocery shopping, going to the gym, and perhaps baking cookies with a healthy booger free little one have gone out the window.

12:11pm: Is that a noodle in my hair? It better not be a booger....

Green Mama Goodies

2009-01-30T10:14:00.000-08:00

It's not often that I get to post on something good for the environment but I saw these awesome reusable lunch bags called Lunch Skins on the vegan lunchbox website.

Perfect for packing those healthy lunches to go, these handy bags can be placed in the dishwasher and reused! No MORE ZIP LOCK BAGGIES!!

And yo, what's up with not following my blog? Don't I have more than 2 real friends??

High Fructose Help

2009-01-29T07:57:00.000-08:00

It is easy to be overwhelmed with how much HFCS there is in the foods we regularly consume.
Most of us have a hard time just making it to the grocery store, let alone finding the time to read every single label.

As I've written before, the most common foods with HFCS are salad dressings, ketchup, yogurt, and sweetened drinks.

There are two brands of salad dressings that I really like that don't contain HFCS: Newman's Own brand--which was created by Paul Newman and donates a lot of the proceeds to charity can be found in most grocery stores and tastes great. He also makes pasta sauces that do not contain HFCS--we enjoy the Sockarooni flavor--spicy and delicious!

The other is Annie's Naturals--which can often be found in major grocery stores or health food stores.

For yogurt, the Stonyfield Farms Organics are the only flavored ones I have found without HFCS. It is also very easy to make your own flavored yogurt. I buy the quart size plain yogurt (any brand) and sweeten it with my choice of sweetener and then add vanilla extract and/or fruit.

The only drinks we have in our house are water, milk, and diet drinks. If you are opposed to aspartame and saccharin sweetened drinks I recommend sticking to water, milk, and 100% juices to avoid HFCS.

I would love to hear about your favorite HFCS free products or any recipes for items that replace foods that are high in them. After I am done with work I am hoping to make my own ketchup that is HFCS free as well as most of my salad dressings. Look forward to hearing from you!

Food for Thought

2009-01-28T08:55:00.000-08:00

I saw this article on High Fructose Corn syrup in a link from another blog and found it interesting.

I typically don't sweat anything that "may" be bad for you as long as you indulge in very small amounts--but I do think that High Fructose Corn syrup has sneakily taken up residence in so many of the foods that we eat every day that it bears some thought when you make a trip to the grocery store.

Mercury poisoning is a cumulative process and the thought that it might be in corn syrup makes me want to avoid that stuff even more than I did before!

Say Anything

2009-01-27T08:23:00.000-08:00

Aunt Maggie gave us this SWEET shirt for Christmas. I heart John Cusak--but I think my son is even more handsome :)

Sleep.

2009-01-26T07:39:00.000-08:00

An old photo, but always one of my favorites--Morgan sports the morning hair better than anyone I know :)

A miracle has occured in our house! Morgan has never been an easy guy to put to sleep and over the past week he has surprised us 3 times by letting us know that he would like to go to bed. We keep his pillow in the living room during the day for snuggle time and nap time and lately he has brought us the pillow and told us "night night" around 7pm.

Last night, I didn't get the message promptly enough and he drug the pillow down the hall to the office where Jeremy was on the computer and let him know that it was time to go to bed. No books, no routine....just "let's go"

Mother's little helper :)

2009-01-23T13:25:00.001-08:00

I had to post this photo after seeing my friend Jenn's adorable post about Amos helping in the kitchen. As you can see, my guy takes a slightly different view of apron wearing!

Sweetness

2009-01-22T07:23:00.001-08:00

Morgan feeds Lilly a Cheerio at Starbucks

Morgan and his Papa--Marble Falls

You can see Morgan's hair a bit better in these...I was so terrified that we would get the little boy chili bowl hair cut, but I think my little sister did a great job!

Things are getting better around the house, Morgan has slept through the night twice in a row! I on the other hand, am getting the crud. My head fills like an overblown balloon and I'm popping tylenol like tic tacs. Jeremy and I are both off this weekend so I definitely do not want to be sick.

Next week should be my last "regular week" at work before I go to contract hours. I am so looking forward to more time with my kiddo! And more time to cook....more time to go to the gym...and of course time to color the scary greys in my hair.

I had a wonderful dinner out last night with my friend LeAnne--we went to one of the few Swank restaurants in our area and got some grown up time....we both needed it desperately. She's moving soon, her husband is also military and his commitment is up. I'm going to miss you girl!

New Look

2009-01-20T20:01:00.001-08:00

Bet you are wondering about my new look....

I was more interested in candy than style at the salon!

My Aunt Haley Rocks! She kept me stylin for the ladies...but I tried to brush my own hair and ruined the effect of her hard work just before this photo....

Barely hanging in

2009-01-19T12:19:00.001-08:00

We are home--and Morgan is very sick this week. I took him to the ER while I was at my dad's house and the doctor said he had a "bad chest cold" after 3 nights of keeping me up and crying non-stop.

Today, I took him to our doctor for a follow up and the poor little bug has bronchiolitis and an ear infection. DUMB ASS ER DOCTOR!!! We picked up 3 medications and now I have come to learn that a toddler on Albuterol is basically a toddler on CRACK. He is running around tearing up the house like an aging rock star.

Me? Haven't slept in days and my donut, pie, goldfish crackers, and caffeine diet has not been great for the bod. ugh. At least I have been gettting plenty of cardio toting this kid up and down the stairs to the garage apartment at my dad's house. Whew!

On a happier note, we did get the haircut--photos to follow when yours truly has the time to download them...and we also got to have coffee with Kristin and her beautiful Lilly! I think our kids believe that they were on their second date...there were lots of eyelashes batting, cheerios being fed to one another and a sweet little kiss good bye :) I'm not supposed to tell Lilly's daddy about that one! Don't want him meeting Morgan on the porch with a shotgun at our next visit.

SEE YA!

2009-01-12T19:27:00.000-08:00

Morgan and I are headed to Austin to visit friends and family and to let my baby sister cut his uber long locks....See you in a week!

LBR--I will be sure to have migas, queso, and a margarita just for you. Hugs!

Tagged!

2009-01-12T11:17:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by my sweet friend Jenn at Long Adventures :)

: Five names you go by:
1. Jen
2. Mama
3. Jink (by my uncle Rob)
4. Jennifer
5. Two Can (an affectionate nickname from my chicas regarding my low alcohol tolerance)

Q: Three things you are wearing right now:
1. brown Ann Taylor Pants (work day)
2. Emerald Turtleneck
3. Name Badge

Q: Two things you want very badly at the moment:
1. Chocolate....that one never goes away
2. Hot cup of tea...my hands are freezing

Q: Two things you did last night:
1. Had dinner with family
2. Snuggled up with Jeremy and watched Entourage on DVD

Q: Two things you ate today:
1. Lean Pocket
2. Subway (flying out tomorrow and haven't bought groceries!)

Q: Two people you last talked on the phone to:
1. Jeremy
2. my Mom

Q: Two things you are doing tomorrow

1. Flying to Austin!!
2. Catching up with my Dad and family

Q: Two longest car rides:
1. The drive moving from Newport, RI to San Antonio, TX (THREE MISERABLE FREAKIN DAYS!)
2. The drive moving from San Antonio to El Paso--not one interesting thing to see, unless you find sand interesting.

Q: Two favorite beverages:
1. Coke Zero
2. I am a big fan of champagne!

Q: The people I'd like to respond:
La Belette Rouge, Kristin

Eighteen Months Update

2009-01-08T13:39:00.000-08:00

Our little peanut will be 18 months old next week! He was 29" tall today and 19lbs at the Doctor's office. Unfortunately, we are still not on the growth chart...but trending nicely on our own curve. We are discussing whether or not we should have his growth hormone tested...but I honestly think it's just Morgan's genetics to be small.

He also got 5 shots today--as you can see by the sad little band aids. I am off to dose more Motrin and give kisses and hugs!

UPDATED

My little one is finally asleep and I have some time to talk about the milestones he has achieved:

Morgan loves to help around the house. He now wants to wipe down his high chair after meals, put his dishes into the dishwasher, and loves to throw things away and recycle. He has even overcome the baby proofing on the recycle bin cabinet to do so--but seems to respect the boundaries on other cabinets. It's so cute!

He's cutting three teeth right now, which will give him a total of 10.

Morgan is slowly starting to speak, saying "Uh Oh, baby, night night, this, shoes, and mine. It's still garbled, but I made a list of 18 words that he is trying to use.

He is a charmer--he gives kisses freely now, and loves to hear us read and sing. His favorite book right now is "The Wheels on the Bus" and he can listen to it a million times. It is a very large and colorful book suitable for the classroom and he likes to put his Fisher Price Little People toys on the bus to pretend that they are going to the birthday party at the end of the book. His favorite lullaby is still Frere Jaques and if you sing anything else he will shake his head "NO" and smile at you until you sing the song he wants to hear.

Morgan is so much fun right now! It is amazing to see his personality develop. I love that I have more time with him now that I am spending more time at home.

Time for another haircut??

2009-01-05T18:07:00.000-08:00

People keep telling us what a cute "daughter" we have....but I love the long hair. What do you think?

Planning Family Meals

2009-01-04T12:05:00.000-08:00

I haven’t been keeping up with my blog reading over the holidays, but seeing Carissa’s post on New Year’s Resolutions got me thinking about a new nutrition post.

Her resolution to plan weekly meals for family to ensure that everyone sits down for a meal together is a topic that is near and dear to my heart. Children who eat at the family table are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables, less likely to be overweight or obese, and are also more likely to develop language and interpersonal skills at an accelerated rate.

Planning meals for a week isn’t difficult—it just takes 20-30 minutes to sit down and make a list. I typically choose one recipe source—such as a favorite cookbook or website—as an inspiration. For my post, I am using the Kraft Foods website: http://www.kraftfoods.com/ it is an easy to use site that features lots of pictures and recipes organized by nutrient content, ease of preparation, or even ingredients in your pantry.

Next, think about the week ahead—what will you be doing? Which days do you have time to spend in the kitchen and which days are going to be hectic? For example, Morgan has speech therapy one afternoon a week and I try to plan something very easy on that day. I might use leftovers from the night before or a frozen item like tortellini with marinara to make a quick meal.

Also think about foods that your family enjoys—I try to balance foods that I enjoy with things that Jeremy likes and then add a few unknowns. That way I can be sure that I won’t end of with a week of unpopular and unfamiliar meals.

Last, think of variety. It’s easy to make an entire week’s menu out of chicken or an entire menu out of casseroles—but you can get bored with the same foods and textures very easily! I try to incorporate a weekly vegetarian meal as well as a balance of lean proteins and grains.

Monday: Cheesy Chicken and Salsa Skillet with fresh fruit salad
Tuesday: Pork Medallions with Cranberry Stuffing with green salad
Wednesday: Fiesta Chopped Salad with dinner roll
Thursday: Spinach stuffed portablello mushrooms with rustic bread salad
Friday: Tropical Salsa Burgers with baked sweet potato spears

The Kraft Foods website will give you nutrition information for your recipes as well as print a grocery list for you to bring to the store. I keep a binder at home full of my favorites so that I can grab a page and head to the store for a quick last minute meal.

You might even try making a cycle menu for your family—by planning out 3-5 weeks in advance and then repeat at the end of each cycle. This is a great way to use seasonal foods and you can plan ahead. It’s also easy to break the monotony by changing 1-2 meals each week for variety.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T18:55:00.000-08:00

OMG--a friend of mine posted this on facebook this week and I laughed so hard that I almost peed my pants. Here is a shot of our junior high heart throbs that were in a band called "TALIN"

That one in the center rocking the oh so sweet mullet and midriff muscle tee? My date for 8th grade homecoming....good times.

******

We spent a few days at Loew's Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson for NYE--sorry no pictures, we were enjoying ourselves...but not recording any of it.

Morgan did amazingly well on the 5 hour drive up and back. And, I have to say that hotel is MADE for people with kids and pets. We checked in to discover that our little guy had his crib ready to go, a small stuffed bear as a gift from the hotel, a complimentary toiletry set of baby goodies, and another small Fisher Price toy given to us at the front desk. Claire had run of the hotel and the room service menu served up delicious doggie delights! There was supposed to be an arrival gift for her as well...but we didn't get that one :(

The first night of our trip, we hit a local sushi place and Morgan chowed down on seaweed salad like I go after cheesecake. It was ridiculous! He kept making the "more" sign and going "OOH OOH!" He did not enjoy California rolls, but was quite happy munching on steamed cabbage and carrots. My child is an instinctive vegetarian. He also danced an rocked along to the hotel lounge singer while stealing the bar mix off of our table to Jeremy's chagrin. There was a lot of competition for spicy cheese straws and our waitress's attention.

The next day, it was off to the pool for a good time. Morgan was ever the ladies man, waving at women and almost tripping over a pool umbrella to get second looks. He smiles and makes his "I don't know" face where he shrugs and lifts his palms up and it cracks everyone up. He enjoyed filling an empty cup with water and spilling out half of the contents of the pool on the concrete.

That night, the concierge arranged for a lovely woman to baby sit so that Jeremy and I could have a grown up night on the town. We got all dressed up and enjoyed a candlelight dinner for two overlooking the water in front of our hotel. It had been too long! I loved laughing like we were still dating and sharing our food like we used to.

After our meal, we hit the hotel lounge for their big NYE party. I must be a FREAK magnet, because this very drunk woman in less than half of a dress and sporting WAAAAY too much silicone came up to me and starting talking about how lame the party was and that she was "singing tonight, baby". She kept rubbing her boobs on my back and talking very close to my face. She seemed so unstable that I wasn't sure if she would burst into tears, kick my ass, or try to make out with me! Like I had just seen a wasp...I just froze with a smile on my face hoping she would go away. Her friend finally pulled her back to the bar and Jeremy starting laughing telling me that I should have gotten her number....or at least the number of her plastic surgeon. EEEE.

The place was insanely crowded and there was nowhere to sit the entire evening. After several hours of standing around in 3.5 inch heels, I needed a place to rest while Jeremy was on his tenth trip to the men's room. I came across an empty seat in the lobby and plunked down only to be told by this mean old chair Nazi that the seat was reserved. RESERVED? In a lobby? We bickered back and forth about my aching feet and her absent friend and I huffed off to sit in front of the concierge desk....which was likely the least desirable seat at the party. Jeremy and I made fun of the chair Nazi and her rhinestone cowgirl looking friend all night....particularly enjoying when a group of teenagers tried to sit at the empty couch across from her and she told them that a couple had spent "Alot of money" on a half drunk bottle of wine on that coffee table and that they could not sit down. We then proceeded to watch her royal bitchiness take the couch and the half drunk wine for herself. HOW RUDE. Later that night, Jeremy had to stop me from spilling my champagne on the old witches while we were tearing up the dance floor. I swear that I could have pulled off the "accidental spill" but he was sure I would go to jail :)

Alas, maybe controlling my temper should be my first resolution?? And maybe Jeremy wasn't so far off when he bought me that bottle of wine....

Happy New Year my friends! And crab curses to the chair Nazi!

Christmas Recap

2008-12-29T08:24:00.000-08:00

Seeing my guy's sweet smile--priceless
Maybe we woke up too early?

Ha Ha Jeremy--Very Funny!

Enjoying his new table from Nana Carol

Horses Horses Horses!

Even Claire had a wonderful Christmas!

Keep your hands off my new chew toy!

Hope you all had a joyous holiday! We are off to Arizona for a few days--hopefully there will be fun in the sun and some sparkling champage for the new year.

Holidays are all about sharing!

2008-12-23T18:42:00.000-08:00

Claire--do you like peas and cheddar potatoes?
Let me get a handful for you!

Claire shows her best manners--NOT.

What? I didn't do anything!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-18T19:13:00.000-08:00

morgan with his horsie!

Playing with his truck--he's started saying VROOM VROOM

Not sure how frequently I will be posting over the holidays--so have a great one and I'll be back with lots of pictures!

Family Dinner: Two Ways

2008-12-18T09:04:00.000-08:00

Like most families, we are short on time right now. I wanted to share a family dinner idea that worked out very well for us last night. It involves one set of ingredients and makes a delicious meal for toddlers and adults.

Ingredients:
1 rotisserie chicken (available at your local deli)
1 pkg Ciabatta rolls (or any type of sandwich roll that you prefer)
carrots
pineapple (fresh from the salad area of grocery store)
feta cheese
olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper
Basil

Adult Meal: Chicken and Feta Sandwich on Toasted Ciabatta with steamed carrots and fresh pineapple.

Toast bread for sandwiches and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar to taste. Top with shredded chicken, fresh basil leaves, and crumbled feta. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with carrots and pineapple

Toddler Meal: Roast chicken with steamed carrots, fresh pineapple, and ciabatta toast with butter.

Gym Update

2008-12-17T08:03:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to keep up with the Wednesday posts--even though this is such a busy time of year. Since eating well can be hard with all of the parties, I am focusing on exercise and building up my fitness level again.

This week I've made it to the gym 4x and went for a run/walk in the neighborhood once. I'm averaging 45 minutes to an hour of cardio each time and can feel myself getting stronger....which is not to say that I don't feel every sore muscle and aching bone in my body. The older I get the harder it is to start again! Which is why I've decided that if it kills me, I am not breaking my routine EVER.

I am planning to reduce my hours at work drastically after the holidays to spend more time with my family and to allow some "me time". The hardest part of getting to the gym is knowing that I need to race home and make dinner and spend time with my guys. I'd rather be with them playing some music and dancing around the kitchen any day!

Can't give you a weight this week--my scale battery is dead. But I can tell you that I'm in a pair of slacks that are not normally comfy.

Santa

2008-12-16T10:52:00.001-08:00

Our guy with Santa. Not scared at all--just keeping his eyes on the prize :)

Jingle Bells

2008-12-13T15:23:00.000-08:00

Our little Elf
Pre Performance

So....after this is over, want to get some milk and cookies??

Morgan had his daycare Christmas Party today--they had the toddlers ring a bell to Jingle Bells. He was so cute! I am very proud of him for keeping his hat on and not crying :)

The true meaning of Christmas

2008-12-10T08:18:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of Laura's retrospective theme, I had to take a moment and remember where we were last year at this time.

We had received our referral in November, on Thanksgiving weekend. That is about the time that all hell was breaking loose in Vietnam and CIS had come to a screeching halt on travel approvals. We were caught smack in the middle of the new system and were told that instead of traveling in 2 weeks we could be waiting a VERY. LONG. TIME.

December came, and I was a wreck. I was getting up in the middle of the night to check my email for travel approval. I was crying all of the time. We had gone to visit Jeremy's family for the holidays and I remember being in absolute pain around my sweet 2 month old nephew. I wanted my own baby so badly!

On Christmas Eve, we went to the annual Christmas party at the Kelly's house. I held my baby nephew by the tree and just sobbed. I'm sure that half of the people there thought I was crazy.

We would not get our approval until April.

But this year is different. We have our amazing son and I am so excited about introducing him to the joy of Christmas. I don't want it to be about gifts and Santa. I want it to be about appreciating family and spending time together.

We've limited his gifts to three--heartless, I know. We've begged our families not to go crazy.

I feel like we have absolutely everything we could ever want. We are a family.

In addition, I worry about the emphasis that our society places on gifts and spending money as a way to express affection. I think going overboard on presents ups the bar so much that kids end up feeling disappointed no matter what. The holidays become all about acquisition rather than joy.

My friend Jenn wrote an amazing post about giving services and time rather than presents.
She is an eco-friendly gal who also brings up the point that unused and unwanted gifts contribute to a ton of waste. I love her gift giving ideas. I for one am thinking that visiting friends and family and spending time with them this year is a better gift than simply sending a present their way. I also love her idea of calling friends and family to wish them a happy holiday is more personal than a card.

Before Morgan came home, Jenn made beautiful bibs for him and included a recycled card. It was the most touching and thoughtful gift! These are the things that you remember for a lifetime!

Some holiday traditions for our family:

Pumpkin Pancakes with real maple syrup

Breaking out the Christmas music and dancing in the living room

Watching the Charlie Brown Christmas special as a family

Going for a neighborhood walk to look at Christmas lights

Autumn Cobbler

The Kelly's Christmas party in NY

The Winter Solstice party at the Branigans in NY

Sledding down the driveway at Jeremy's parent's house

We are just getting started, so I'm sure we will be able to add many more great memories as the years go by. What are some of your favorites?

PS: Some of you had asked about our adoption stork ornament: It was a gift from The Chiarello Family--they got it at Mandy's Moon

Whole lotta tree!

2008-12-08T19:00:00.000-08:00

At night with lights

Daytime

New Stockings!

Wonder

Our first Christmas as a Family

We may have gone all out...but I know I will remember this holiday forever.

Oh Christmas Tree...Oh Christmas Tree...

2008-12-08T07:13:00.000-08:00

Notice the lack of photos??

We put the Christmas tree up yesterday in our typical Griswold fashion and no camera involved...

Let me set the scene, I popped awake at 3am on Sunday morning and could not fall back asleep. Morgan woke up at6am...right as I was drifting off. Jeremy made it home from the hospital around 8:30am after a night in the operating room...and everyone was cranky.

We tried to whip up the mood, going out to brunch and squabbling like the Simpson's in the car while Morgan howled about the indignity of wearing a jacket in his car seat. Our little one then threw chunks of home fries at passing diners from his high chair because he only wanted avocado for breakfast. joy.

We finished brunch at 10:00 and drove with a screaming child to the nursery for our tree. Morgan went into full on little boy mode splashing in all of the puddles on the ground and dancing to the Christmas music that was piped in over a loud speaker. So cute! Meanwhile, Jeremy and I debated on the size of the tree we had purchased the year before. 6 foot? 7 foot? 8 foot? 9 foot??
For some reason our memory was blank and the trees were looking short....we ended up in the 8-9 foot section and chose a beautiful Noble Fir.

Now, the fun part...we had forgotten the tree stand and Jeremy had a total brain fart speaking to the lady at the nursery. He kept looking at me when she was asking HIM--do you want to put the tree stand on yourself? Do you want a fresh cut on the tree? Do you speak ENGLISH???

Like the supportive wife I can be, I snapped "Hello! She's speaking to YOU" and gave him a little twirl by his elbow so that he faced the voice...all the while keeping an eye on the little guy who had spotted a planter of roses...he does like to pick flowers...

Finally, Jeremy mumbled something about a Giants game and what time the nursery closed. Ah Ha! So that is why he can't speak coherently...he has a FOOTBALL GAME starting in 10 minutes.

So we left without a tree and made it home in time for kick-off. SIGH. Inside, I was screaming--you promised me mimosas, Christmas music, DECORATING...

Later that day, Jeremy came back to the house with our now apparently BEHEMOTH tree perched precariously on top of the Jeep. Had we really said 9 freaking feet?? A neighbor had to help him get it off the roof of the SUV and he danced and swayed with it while wrestling the beast into the courtyard in front of our house. This baby wasn't going in without a fight.

It took almost 2 hours to make way for the tree.

We had to rearrange the living room twice. We broke the leg off of my brand new wing back chair (remember the ones that I waited 6 months for custom upholstery??). Jeremy had to stop for snack breaks. We cracked open the champagne to try again to lighten the mood. Chihuahuas and children danced in our midst--barely escaping being obliterated by our MONSTER TREE.

But finally, it was there...in front of the window and looking beautiful. Enormous, but beautiful. The scent of fresh Christmas tree was in the air and we had the Bare Naked Ladies Christmas CD going. Little Morgan was twirling in circles and burbling to "Jingle Bells". Ah.... Christmas.

I gave Jeremy a kiss and we decorated. We used our indoor lights and our outdoor lights. This puppy is huge!

Pictures to follow.
PS--don't ask about the broken chair that is now sitting in our bedroom.

My week of F*acebook

2008-12-05T08:53:00.000-08:00

Everyone wanted to know whether or not they should make the leap after I joined...

I would say that it is definitely the condensed version of communication. A moving wall of one liners and photos...I mean, where else can you announce to everyone you know that "Jennifer is doing the dishes and praying that the little guy will go to bed soon?" I know, ALERT THE MEDIA.

So join up, come find me...you never know...I might mop the floor tomorrow and announce it to everyone :)

That's so Metro...

2008-12-04T07:28:00.000-08:00

So the little guy and I were getting ready this morning and he points to my Aveda hair glaze and says--Dat?

I showed him the bottle and told him that it would make his hair shiny and that it would smell good.

Morgan then proceeded to put the bottle against his hair to "rub it in".

Of course I had to show my little guy the correct way to apply the product and then he took a deep whiff of the aroma left on my hands and smiled.

I can tell we're going to be good friends for life. This kiddo has discriminating taste :)

Major Crush

2008-12-03T12:06:00.000-08:00

I can no longer deny it: I "heart" Edward from the "Twilight" book series.

At first, it was a mild flirtation. I read the book on a flight home from New York and didn't concentrate very well with Morgan yowling from his carseat. I thought it was cheesy and certainly not the "new Harry Potter" that everyone was raving about.

Then, I talked Jeremy into seeing the movie with me last week.

Sigh. Isn't Edward the cutest?

Mock me if you will for loving teen romance written by a sadistic author who lets over 2100 pages and three books go by with nothing more than some chaste kissing....I mean, really?!?

Now, it's more of an addiction. I've volunteered to accompany all of my friends who haven't seen the movie...just to see it another "few" times.

I am now reading book four "breaking dawn" and I hear that my boy is getting married...

First day back at the gym

2008-12-02T08:25:00.000-08:00

Hopefully I won't be hiding behind a purse and scarf much longer! I am back at the gym :)

First, let's set the scene...as I've told you my gym changed from "semi-chic" to Cheap without ammenities. For goodness sakes, they even took the scales and hair dryers out! All so that the 10.00 per month "Main gym" could pack people in like Sardines. I joined the 35.00 per month "Women only Side" to spare myself the Cholos ogling women on the stair master.

Things I have had to reconcile: I am no longer young, fit, or remotely attractive in horizontal striped T-shirts. My target heart rate is also much lower than it used to be...and it's humiliating to huff away on the elliptical at a snail's pace while the young and perky chicks bounce along at ludicrous speed.

The good news? My backside looks better already...I know I know...wishful thinking.

Holiday Highlights

2008-11-30T18:51:00.000-08:00

Two spoons are better than one

Exhaustion!

Our one and only photo of Morgan in his "Dinner clothes"

Man....does the Tryptophan in turkey work that fast?

Cozy Spot!

Playing with Nana--by far his favorite activity of the weekend.

So we survived Turkey day...and I have an appointment to rejoin my gym tomorrow. I feel a wee bit stuffed on pumpkin pie. Problem is, our 2 gyms in town are sub-par at best and mine recently went through one of those changes where they take away all of the cool amenities and leave you with a bunch of sweaty 19 year olds that are trolling for romance. UGH.

In other big news, I joined F*acebook. I guess it was time. I was the last of my friends to make the leap. Maybe I'm old...but isn't this why I blog? The whole concept of that website is to give you an even more condensed version of communicating! Like we don't talk--so we email--then we texted--and now we F*acebook. Are we all that busy???

Nana is HERE!

2008-11-26T12:03:00.000-08:00

giggling

Not willing to part with our spider monkey for photos

Claire gets some Nana love

Smile!

How many photos does one kid have to take??

Cracking me up!

2008-11-24T19:00:00.000-08:00

Hmmm...it's Daddy's hat!
How does this thing go?

He always wears it backwards....

Oh yeah, baby! Mo Mo in the house, yo!

I would like to make a HUGE apology to those of you that have emailed me at the account for this blog. I haven't checked mail on here in ages and I am so sorry that I haven't answered all of your letters. I sent off a bunch of "Very late" replies....I hope that you are all still reading! Hugs :)

My sweet helper

2008-11-24T09:51:00.001-08:00

My little guy on day one--look how far we have come!

On Friday, I agreed to baby sit a four month old baby girl for a friend. I thought, how hard can it be? Don't they usually just lay around and snuggle at that age?

Ha! How wrong I was. Said baby cried for 2 hours straight before I got desperate and called her grandmother for advice. I wasn't quite ready to admit that at 34 years old I was a terrible babysitter!

She seemed terrified of us. We held her, sang to her, offered binkies and bottles....nada.

Morgan was the cutest. He stroked her sweet little hair. He tried to soothe her by talking to her. He even brought the bottle over and placed it gently in her mouth. I watched in awe as the little guy even demonstrated the rocking capacity of her carrier as if to tell me--"Maybe she would like to rock a bit?"

Where did he learn this? The orphanage? Daycare? Instinct?

At one point, they were both sitting in my lap with their blankets and the little girl seemed to calm down. Morgan was babbling intently to her. He was so gentle and compassionate that it brought tears to my eyes.

My sweet boy. How did I ever get this lucky?

Tagged!

2008-11-21T07:14:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by Laura at our Valentine's Day Treat to go into my fourth photo folder and post the 4th photo...when I saw that this opened my vacation folder I was scared...REAL SCARED.

Yup, that's me on the left--pre baby--a size 4-- and tipsy with the girls as usual. We were spending a long weekend in Washington DC with the guys from Jeremy's internship year and their beautiful wives. See why I'm panicking about the ski trip? All of them 5 feet tall and a hundred pounds soaking wet....I'm starting to feel like SHREK.

Thank goodness no one asked for picture number 7--the metro ride home after dancing. Sloppy!

Ok--so who's next??
I tag Jess, Kristin, and Jenn

Chuck the Chunk!

2008-11-20T13:16:00.000-08:00

I'm stealing the title from Laurie's post today :)

We've been talking about our a@*'s quite a bit in blogland this week...how having a kiddo at home saps the energy that we mama's used to have for going to the gym and looking hot in our yoga pants....now, I am so lazy that walking to the mailbox gets me winded.

Motivation: I have a date and a babysitter for New Year's Eve with hubby that I want to look smoking hot for. We will be at a resort in AZ and I cannot be outshined by a bunch of trophy wives on the dance floor.

Motivation 2: It's either fit into the clothes that I have or buy more. Let's face it, buying more in another size would make me cry harder than giving up nachos...and that is saying something, yo.

Motivation 3: Hubby is flirting with the idea of a Tahoe vacation with our child free friends this spring and I cannot be hanging with those beautiful unfettered friends without feeling like a MOOSE in my down jacket. I can't be channeling some wacked out Bridget Jones karma in the hot pink ski pants.

Motivation 4: Did I mention that I will be 35 in 6 weeks???

So Wednesdays will be our official day to hash it out on Laurie's blog. I've loved the comments so far! It's going to be a great group effort!