Booger Boy

I used to see babies with snotty noses and wonder why any parent would just leave their baby with a bunch of boogers.  Then I became a mom and realized that they leave the boogers there because they have a baby that absolutely refuses to let you wipe his or her nose.  So next time you see my booger boy covered in gold, know that he is stronger than me and I have no control over his nostrils. 

M

Moving Out

Just about the same time that I usually start dreading going back to work, I finally realized that I wasn't going back... The first couple weeks of August were really hard.  The reality hit that I'm not a teacher anymore, no classroom to set up, kids to meet, or lessons to plan.  While I know that it would be so much harder to go back, my not returning has been more difficult than I ever would have imagined.  
Last week I finally moved all of my stuff out of my classroom.  Six years worth of files were transferred to a flash drive, reams of paper files were recycled, novels were shared, and picture books brought home for my new students.  
Needless to say, it was a bittersweet day. 

M

9 Months

Dear Ezra, 
You are the coolest looking 9 month old on the block.  Your fancy blue helmet has everyone checking you out!  You look like part football player, wrestler, and astronaut.  Now that you are attempting to crawl and insisting on standing at all times (including the bath), the helmet is not only helping you with your head shape, but it is the perfect protector on all of your adventures.  We had to lower your crib this month because if you had it your way, you would hop right out of it!  Gone are the days of helplessly lying on your back, now the moment you wake up you are sitting at attention or chomping on the side rail.  Now that your top teeth are in, you have become quite the biter!  Unfortunately, I am the recipient of most bites and you think it is absolutely hilarious.  You laugh so hard afterwords that it is hard for me to stay mad about it.  You also love to crunch on puffs.  If you had it your way, you'd feed yourself puffs for every meal of the day! I think you are going to be a chip lover, just like me. You are a true chatter box. You love to tell us stories and your favorite words are mama and dada. Whenever Dad comes home from work you get really excited, you crack up laughing, pump your legs, scream, and shot.  You are a sassy pants, Ezra.  You know what you want and you are learning how to get it.  You continue to love to observe your surroundings.  You have a mean stare, so serious that when we were waiting for food at the pool a man told me that if looks could kill, he would be dead!  Now when we go to the grocery store, you sit in the cart and absolutely love soaking in the sights.  We both enjoy shopping together.  You are my favorite partner no matter what I am doing! 
I love you, 
Mom

Hello, Helmet

Our road to helmet wearing hasn't been a smooth one...
- I forgot my wallet at home on our initial appointment...
- The scan was postponed 2 weeks while waiting to hear from insurance..
- Insurance approved the helmet for ME...
- Insurance denied coverage for Ez, and we had to pay out of pocket...
- Ezra woke up with a horrible runny nose and cold the day we picked up the helmet...
- between teeth, vacation, and a cold he is totally out of whack with sleeping...
The specialist at Children's said that the helmet is harder on the parents than the baby.  So far, I'd say that she is right. Ezra seems pretty much unphased by his new accessory. I know that I will get used to it soon enough, but for right now it is kind of hard. My baby doesn't look like himself... His right eye is pushed down a little and his cheeks are squished. The helmet takes over his head and makes his face look different. Having that said, no amount of plastic can take away his happy smile, bright eyes, kissable cheeks, and perfect little nose!
My tears have been shed and now it is time to be strong.

 ......
Within days the helmet became a part of Ez.  Now when he doesn't have it on he looks weird.  We love the way it frames his face and accentuates his sweet cheeks. We love the extra protection it gives him when he crashes.  It does make him hot, sweaty, and stinky... but we know it is worth it. 

M

60 Spirea

For the last two summers we have spent a week in August at one of the rental homes at Suncadia.  I hope we continue going until our family no longer fits and we have to upgrade to one with more beds!
We missed Emily (Paris) and Chris (DC) this year, but were happy to have Ezzy, Troy, and Morgan join the party!

We usually had slow mornings hanging around the house, waiting for the babes to take their naps.  Our littles slept horribly, actually they slept okay, it was the parents that slept horribly because Ezra insisted on sleeping ON T and I, and Kelly and Ben shared twin beds with their boys...  Once the boys were up we lubed them up with sunscreen and headed to the pool!

Our days were relaxing and unplanned. The guys golfed, we went on walks, bike rides, and Abby treated herself to a massage at the spa.  Levi was an absolute fish!  He probably drank 10 gallons of salt water each day and even started braving the waters with out his wings.  He doesn't have the best form, but he certainly can swim (float)!  I treasured quiet minutes to read and had fun splashing around with Ezra in the pool.  

We would usually head home around 5 to eat dinner.  It was so nice to have a big kitchen to cook meals in and all work on the food together.  As soon as we ate and cleaned up we'd try to make it to a park. 

The boys also enjoyed taking baths in Grandpa and Grandma's fancy tub!

We played charades one of the nights.  Of course, Levi stole the show!  He was having so much fun- he enjoyed taking turns and relished in having all eyes on him.  I love watching my little man grow.

I love the sun, pool, gorgeous views, delicious food, and scenic walking trails, but the best part of the vacation is being with my family. 

We all agreed that we need to stay a few more days next year! 

M

Hercules

After almost two months of sleeping like a dream... Ezra's top teeth, weekends away, and new tricks have put him back to sleeping like a newborn.  Unfortunately, this time leaving him to cry wasn't as easy.  My little Hercules no longer soothes himself to sleep by wrestling his monkey or rolling back and forth.  He now pops right up and threatens to jump overboard! 

We've lowered the crib to the bottom and are hoping that he stops sitting up the minute he wakes up so that we can all get back to sleeping again! 

M

Family

I started to do a daily photo challenge this month, but have decided to try for September instead.  My mom did it with me for those few days, and her pictures were always the best ones... 

For her family photo she sent a picture of our her dinner table.  
With it she said, 

Family gathered around our table when you were just babies on our laps to all grown up with babies on your laps. Always around the table doing crafts, homework, eating, talking. Sharing best part of your day. Love u all thanks for the memories and future.
Think of all the funny and sweet things that have happened around our table(not this exact table) Abby telling stories about her day, meg reading babysitter club books while eating thinking no one knew she was reading   Em wetting her pants from giggling so hard. Kel being the leader of the pack. Missionary tipping over picnic table. I could go on...

This table (and our old one that is now mine) reminds me of Emily sitting on Dad's lap eating his dinner (after she has already had her own), Kelly coming down after a nap (taking 45 minutes to actually wake up), Sadie and Gus creeping under the table, Mom's pretty table cloths, Grandma Bevi setting the table fancy and Melissa biting through a goblet, Grandpa Stu telling the Oprah/leather couch joke, Grandpa Kermit jumping to make room for more food, countless holidays, Sundays, and everydays. 

Nothing says family better than this table.  Good work, Mom!

M 

Photo Dump // July

A Gap

After a couple weeks of super swollen gums, a bloody mouth, interrupted sleep, and discomfort, Ezra's top two teeth have finally made their debut! 

From what I can see he has quite a gap.  That smile just keeps getting cuter!

M

Suncadia

For the last several years Abby has worked at the reservations office for Suncadia Resort.  The rates she has shared with us have been amazing!  We have stayed in places we would never be able to afford otherwise, and enjoyed many fun vacations.  Today is her last day on the job before she starts her next adventure with Vulcan.  While I am very excited for her to move forward in her career and pursue new dreams, we are all sad to see her go...

Rather than mourn this loss, we have instead traveled to our home away from home the last two weekends and enjoyed every minute of it! 

The first time we went, it was just Abby, T, Ez, and I (plus Emily and her friend for the afternoon).  We left in the morning, right before Ezra's nap.  The hope was that he would sleep for the ride over and then be ready to play once we got there.  Of course, that didn't happen.  He snoozed for about 15 minutes and was tired and cranky by the time we arrived.  As our luck would have it, we had a few hours before we could check in, and so in the heat of the day I took him on a walk to fall asleep in the stroller.  After walking for 30 minutes or so, I decided to bring him back to the pool and park him in the shade while I had lunch.  As I should have known would happen, he woke up the minute I went through the fitness center doors and was far from interested in sleeping.  From there I made my way to the car only to forget his swim diapers. Went back to the car and then realized I forgot my swimsuit (in the car).  Needless to say, at this point I was beyond sweaty and ready to head back home!

Thankfully, T took over and I was able to truly lounge!  It felt so amazing to soak in the sun, read, swim, and relax! 

This weekend finally felt like summer.  It was easy to leave knowing that we'd be back again the following Friday!

For our second weekend in the sun, it was Abby and her friend Paige, Emily, the Buehlers and us.  We came up Friday night so that we could maximize our time in the pool.  Once again we got off to a rocky start: horrible traffic, and Levi eating a peanut..., but ended up having another wonderful weekend! 

Ezra loves to float around, splash, and kick his legs in the water. He is happy to hang in the shade. And sleeps peacefully in his stroller in between dips in the pool.  Just when I thought my days of roasting in the sun reading were over... I guess I have a happy baby and thoughtful husband to thank for that! 

Suncadia, we will see you again in a couple of days! 

M

...

Note to self: There is no point in buying groceries when Village Pizza is within miles of us.  Tieba will insist that we go there anyway and will think it is a good idea to make taco meat to bring to the pool.