26 weeks

 

• What a couple of weeks!  Between Patrick waking up every night at 1 am, me peeing three times a night and Jeff snoring between every breath, this Mommy is what they call sleep deprived.  And when I'm sleep deprived, I become a major grouch.  Not to mention a family photo sesh from hell.  But I'll tell you about that later. 

 

• The main issue that was bothering me was feeling as if my life had no direction.  Patrick and I just kind of waddle (no pun intended) through the days playing and swimming, which certainly has purpose and has been amazing, but I am career-driven.  I am also project-driven.  I'm also clothes-shopping-driven.  When none of those things are going on, I feel a little flighty.  With that being said, I was able to get back into my classroom last week - mostly just staring at the computer screen attempting to type a syllabus, but I also bought yummy school supplies like grading pens and labels and glue sticks.  It really helped to get in there and do something.

 

• Each day seems to bring less comfort with this pregnancy.  As usual it's hard to breathe and I'm running into wall corners on a daily basis (I know, it's kind of funny if you think about it) - but it's harder to play with Patrick too.  Trying to climb the swingset and fit through tent openings and lay on the floor and play.  I'm just plain bigger. 

 

• One awesome thing about being 26 weeks pregnant is that I really feel pregnant.  People are starting to see a belly and that makes me feel super!  I'm in full blown maternity clothes - in fact, even some of my pre-preg sweat shorts don't even want to slide over my hips.  Every part of my body seems to be widening to accommodate for this little miracle growing inside of me.  There are a few maternity items that I have to share with you, though.  These are some of the best staples I have in my wardrobe for this summer.  Sorry for the graphic belly images - I know it freaks some people out.  Get over it.

hipsters

pencil leg jeans

ribbed tanks

yoga crops



 

+hipster panties - for realz.  these rock.  they're comfortable enough to wear to bed or out with the girls.  no lines across your enlargening bum.

 

+skinny jeans - i was actually able to wear these last night (and in my bump picture above!) due to the cooler weather we're experiencing.  here's why they're amazing:  there's no huge secret belly/tub top/belly scruncher.  it's just elastic on the sides - they're incredibly comfortable (and sexy, I like to think)

 

+ribbed tanks - i have the neon orange, the green and the grey.  just get them in all eleven colors.  i wear them every single day, and that mean i wash them a lot (right).

 

+yoga crops - comfortable.  they look good all the time, and it's hard for strangers to notice the smashed raspberries and week-old juicy juice stains on them.

• Oh yes, Patrick and I headed east tonight to do some shopping - gosh I missed shopping.  I got a great start on his early autumn wardrobe and also bought a few darling things for baby #2.  Gahhhhh I have been staring at them for like 45 minutes, and that's after I displayed each item individually to Jeff and made him say "awwwwww" after each one.  I love him.

• Time to head to bed and feel this baby roll around for a while - I soooo cherish that bonding time.  It's become one of the sweetest moments of my day.  Yep, pregnant sap right here.  I ALMOST FORGOT.  Speaking of pregnant saps, please take 15 minutes to watch the most beautiful film of all time.  It documents the before, during and after of the birth of a third child.  If this doesn't make you want to have kids, I don't know what will.  This is what our God-given lives are all about (to me at least).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the newest baby's nursery

Sorry I've been totally off the grid here in blog world.  The past couple of weeks have sucked been tough - I've been irritable, grouchy and just plain moody.  I figured if I hopped on here to give you insight on life (haha) that I'd just end up complaining and where does that get us?  Nowhere.

Anyways, Patrick is playing contentedly and I got some sudden inspiration to work on the new nursery.  I don't know why, but I'm feeling much different about this one.  I want it edgy and fun and colorful, as opposed to Patrick's which was neutral and soft and sweet.  I tell ya what, that calming factor in his nursery sure didn't aid in his sleep so why bother with it?  :)

I also want this room to be something Baby #2 can grow into, whereas Patrick's needed to be changed around a bit once he hit the toddler stage.  Spend money now to save some later.  So here you have it!

1//  marine deer crib sheet
2//  olive you art
3//  patterned rug
4//  table lamp
5//  citron ampersand pillow
6//  white & gray curtains


Really, my whole design/thought process revolved around a black and white color base, then I found the "Olive You" artwork and fell in love with the teal & bright green as accent colors.  Actually I love the red hearts in it too, so I'll be adding some touches of red in accessories eventually.

I'm quite fond of it!  Seems to fit this crazy kicker baby's personality, and it satisfies a need for some creativity on my end.

By the way, here was Patrick's nursery - all decked out and ready for him to arrive.  I looooooved it.

I'll be back soon for a 26-week update!

fresh veggies: eggplant

Eggplant is amazing when it's in season - I don't even bother with it when it's not.  I only have a couple ways I make it but the most popular in my house is eggplant parmesan.  It literally tastes gourmet.

You'll need:

 

1 medium eggplant, sliced 1/2 inch thick horizontally

1 package of sliced mozzarella cheese, or about 12 slices

Grated parmesan cheese (or pecorino romano)

1 jar of your fave marinara (three cheese from Trader Joes is awesome)

A couple eggs and bread crumbs (or whatever you use for breading)

Olive Oil

 

 

 

Before you do anything, you'll need to slice your eggplant, sprinkle it with salt and let it sit in a colander for about thirty minutes to release some of the bitterness.

 

Heat olive oil in a skillet for a few minutes to get ready to brown your eggplant.  Mix your eggs in a bowl, lay out your bread crumbs on a plate.  Dip the eggplant in the egg wash then press into the bread crumbs.  (You can add some Italian seasoning into the crumbs - I had fresh basil so I added that).  Immediately place in your skillet to brown - about 2 minutes each side.  Let them sit on a paper towel until all slices are browned.

 

Heat your sauce in the skillet for 5-10 minutes.  Stack the eggplant right into the sauce 3 pieces high with a slice of cheese in between each.  Top with a good dose of parm cheese and place your whole skillet under the broiler for 10 minutes.  (Before I had all-clad cookware I just placed the stacks on a cookie sheet).  I served mine with spinach fettucine but you can use any pasta you have on hand. 

 



fresh veggies: cabbage

My dad's got so much fresh produce at his stand right now, it's hard to keep up with him.  One thing I always take advantage of is his cabbage.  They're cheap (75 cents!) and huge.  I can usually get a couple meals out of one, so here are a few ideas for you that we love at our house.

 

1.  Cabbage Rolls

 

1 lb. hamburger

1 cabbage

Cooked white rice (1-2 cups)

A chopped onion

salt & pepper

2 t. garlic powder

1 egg

1 can beef broth

1 can tomato soup

 

 

Wilt your cabbage (put it in a large pot with a couple inches of water - let it steam for about 15 minutes).  While doing that, cook your rice.  Combine raw beef, rice, onion, s & p, garlic powder and egg in a bowl.  Mix well.  This is your filling.  Carefully pull off a leaf of the cabbage, scoop in filling and roll it up, tucking in the sides as you go.  Continue pulling off leaves until your filling is gone.  Place all cabbage rolls into a casserole dish (I use a Corningware with higher sides, or a dutch oven works well too).  Mix together beef broth and tomato soup in separate bowl, then pour over cabbage rolls.  Cover and bake for 2-3 hours at 350°.  Goes well with mashed potatoes and sweet corn!

 

 

 

 

2.  Cabbage & Noodles

 

This is awesome as a side dish with pork chops or as a main dish.

 

1 1/2 sticks butter

1 medium head of cabbage (cut into small pieces)

1 chopped onion

parsley to taste

spiral noodles

salt & pepper

 

 

Boil water and make your noodles according to package directions.  Melt butter in a skillet/dutch oven.  Add cabbage (will be overflowing), coat with butter and let simmer for a few minutes.  Add onion, s & p, and parsley.  When your cabbage is tender (about 20 minutes), combine with noodles.  Easy!

 

 

 

 

3.  Coleslaw

 

People are very picky about their coleslaw, but this is how Jeff and I love it.  Also, I usually just eyeball my measurements so make sure you taste the dressing before adding it to your cabbage.

 

1/2 a head of cabbage (cut whatever way you like - we like small strips)

 

For the dressing (in a bowl, mix):

About 2 T. sugar

About 2 T. red wine vinegar

A few sprinkles of celery seeds (found in the spice aisle)

A big spoonful of mayonnaise (1/2 cup?)

 

Make sure you taste it and adjust to your liking.  Add to cabbage and mix well.  I also let it sit in the fridge for at least a half hour to settle.  It's delicious!

 

 



july happenings

Wheat harvest 2013, folks!  They finally got it done!  After weeks of rain, the fields had been much too muddy to get through; it cleared up the last few days and it was "go time" as Jeff likes to say.  Him and his brother have been so busy, Jeff running the combine and Joe taking semi-loads of wheat to the elevator.  Now all that's left is some baling which is no big deal in you know, 95 degree heat.

Patrick was so excited to get to ride with his Daddy in the combine three whole times!  I packed them snacks and drinks and sent them on their way.  Then it was time for Mommy to catch up on some E! News - I'm just waiting for the announcement of Duchess Kate's baby.  I think it's a boy - just throwing that out there.  Probably a little baby Reginald.  (kidding)

So now that I will have a husband that's home for dinner, I suppose I can make something besides sweet corn.  My dad's got some fresh eggplant...I'm thinking an eggplant parmesan. 

So, what have Patrick and I been doing in this heat wave? 

Playing in the water, of course!  It's a little tough because we've been staying home or close to home (which isn't typical of us) - the heat freaks me out and I don't like him being out in it too long.  This way we can take breaks, come inside for popsicles grapes and drinks, then head back out.  I bought this Little Tikes slide for waaay too much money but we had to have one.  I mean, what would a baby pool be without a slide?  JUNK.

 

Things have changed a little since last year, huh?

 

Mmmmm baby rolls.  Cannot wait.

 

true stories from CP

Since we live so close to Cedar Point and Soak City, that's basically where Patrick and I have lived for the past month.  Now everytime we get in the car he's all "Cedar Point?  Cedar Point?  Yeah there it is!  Ride rides?  Ride airplanes Mommy?" 

Anyways, I like to think that I'm a Mom that's got it together.  I know how to pack a bag with all the essentials, I always have a matchbox car with me just in case, and I am make a mean pb & j for lunches so we can save money. 

However, sometimes things just happen.  Or there are times where my decision-making just plain sucked.


1.  That Time I Peed in the Sand.

See my bathing suit in the picture above?  It's a one-piece.  I haven't worn a one-piece my entire life so when it comes to going to the bathroom, it was easy to forget about the process involved with it.

So Patrick and I are busy playing in the water and a headache comes upon me.  Like, a nauseous yucky the-sun-seriously-needs-to-go-away headache.  I ran to my water and chugged like 20 ounces in five minutes.  Ten minutes later I felt great, but I also had the urge to pee.  This baby inside me is a mover and when he moves it is directed at my bladder.

If you've had a baby before, you know that those muscles just don't work like they used to.  It's not like I pee my pants on a regular basis - it's just not as easy to hold it in.  Well, this time it was sudden - like, I had to pee now.  But what do I do with Patrick?  I'd have to strap him in the stroller or carry him to the bathroom (and I really didn't think I could make it).  He would throw a fit because I'd be taking him away from the water, etc.  I didn't know what to do! 

It's time.  I was going to die if I didn't get to the bathroom.  I grab Patrick and as I'm squatting down to pick him up, I couldn't hold it anymore.  I peed right in the sand!  In front of hundreds of people! 

I kept thinking "Hopefully it just looks like water dripping off my suit!"

Whatever, I peed in the sand.  And I felt soooooooooooo much better.

2.  That Time We Got Poured On.

One of Patrick's favorite things to do at Cedar Point is ride the train.  It's a really nice, open-aired ride that takes you around the park with lake views and a crazy skeleton town that he loves to look at.

Last week we headed over for an afternoon - I knew there was a chance of thunderstorms but figured we could book it out quickly if we needed to.  After a couple hours riding rides and walking around...


Patrick:  Choo choo Mommy?

Me:  ::looks at sky::  I don't know buddy, the sky's looking pretty ominous.

Patrick:  Choo choo Mommy?

Me:  ::pulls out phone, looks at radar::  Okay I think we can make it.


So we're halfway through the train ride and it starts to rain.  No big deal, our heads were covered and the rain was coming down nice and straight.  As the train made the turn to head out by the lake, the rain was literally slashing sideways and pelting us.  It was blowing so hard and Patrick was SCREAMING.  Everyone on the train was getting soaked.  I'm like in full Momma Bear mode, huddling over him and yelling it's okay!  we'll be okay! 

But actually, I felt like my child was in danger and I wasn't in control - Mother Nature was - and that scared the crap out of me.  After what seemed like forever, the train finally pulled into the station and before it was even stopped I jumped out, Patrick in tow, beelining it to our stroller and to shelter.  The worker was all PLEASE REMAIN SEATED over the intercom but I didn't care.  I needed to get my kid to safety. 

After Patrick was in his stroller we had to wait until the rain subsided to head back to my vehicle, and Patrick was a trooper.  He ate his snacks and kept on jibber jabbing all while being soaken wet.  Poor thing.  Bad mom.

So I learned my lesson.  Don't even attempt an outdoor activity away from home when storms are in the forecast.  And trust your instincts!

On a happier note, Pat had his first taste of Dippin Dots.  Looooved 'em.

what would you do?

Have you ever seen that show What Would You Do?  The crew sets up hidden cameras in a random grocery store or some place, they put you in a situation and see how you react.  Some people are assholes, some people are compassionate.

Well, over the weekend, I was an asshole.

I had just spent 86 hours straight with my toddler.  We played together, ate together, napped together and showered together.  98% of those hours were super.  Seriously.  However the last eight of them were self-combustingly horrible.  Patrick hadn't gotten enough sleep the night before (and that is the answer to any foul behavior with my kid).  We had plans to go to the waterpark with some friends - I knew it could be tough but we decided to go for it. 

I'm talking full-blown tantrums, one after the other, drop-kicking the baby inside my belly.  Trying to put a swimmie and sunscreen on that morning was the worst moment of my life.  "NO DON'T WANT TO."  WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.  ::awful stares from other Moms:: 

Anyways, after calling Jeff that afternoon and calmly explaining to him that I had the potential to purchase an airline ticket to the south of France and would be leaving that evening, he made a wise decision to come home and take Patrick for a couple hours so I could hit up the mall. 

If you know my small city in Ohio you know that the people in our mall can be...different.  Within minutes I see a Mom - she's got a couple ten-year-olds, a screaming toddler, and a screaming infant.  She's pushing a stroller full of bags and one of her ten-year-olds is holding the infant trying to calm him down.  I'm ready to flip out.  Are you kidding?  STOP THE STROLLER.  TAKE YOUR BABY.  FEED HIM.  HELP HIM.  HUG YOUR TODDLER.  But this is what we all think isn't it, seeing this from the outside?  I had no idea her cicumstances nor the dynamics of her family.  I was still pissed though, so I threw my bags over my shoulder and shoved past them as fast as I could.  I can't stand seeing a baby not being taken care of.

That night I couldn't get her off my mind.  I prayed and prayed for her and her family.  I felt horrible that I didn't do anything but judge her parenting and scowl at her.  If I could go back to that situation, I think I would've at least asked if there was anything I could do to help.  Even though she would've probably said "no thanks" and looked at me like I was crazy, I SHOULD HAVE ANYWAY.

Have you ever been in this type of situation?  Or any situation where someone may have needed some help?  Or just wanted to be noticed or addressed with some compassion?  Just needed to know that someone cared??  That another human being felt their stress??

I know for a fact that I will behave differently if I ever encounter something like that again.  No more passing by, no more judging.  It's time to act as Jesus would - by dropping everything and helping.

back to school shopping

It's crazy, but as we hit the middle of July I start to plan when I'll be heading back into my classroom (yuck) and how Patrick and I will spend our last few weeks of freedom together.  I'm still planning a trip to the zoo, a trip the aquarium, a visit to Kelley's Island, a beach day and many more summertime snuggles.

Along with this "back to school" itch that I don't want to think about yet, I get in the mood to shop.  It doesn't take much, right?  Like, back-to-school shopping for my child that doesn't go back to school.  Remember going back-to-school shopping?  It was the best.  My mom kind of spoiled us.  Well, she really spoiled us.  First we would head out of town for all kinds of school clothes and then we'd go to Staples or some other overpriced office supply store to get all the supplies we would need for the upcoming year.  And yes, we had to have all new.  Brats.

So even though my child doesn't attend school, I still get the urge for new things (and these new things must be saved for).  I guess it's because I'm a teacher so I still like that "fresh" feeling in my home before the school year gets started.  Here's what's on the list.

New shoes.  What would a new school/babysitter year be without a new pair of kicks.  You guys know how I love Stride Rite (they're all I buy for Patrick) and he has already trashed the two pairs I bought him for the summer.

preschool declan

preschool payton

New diaper bag.  With Patrick going to the babysitter a few times a week along with the impending birth of our second, we'll need a new bag.  I threw away the Vera Bradley I used with Patrick months ago.  You just get sick of looking at those things. 

This is the Classic Mom diaper bag from PB Kids and I am completely obsessed with it.  I don't take my diaper bags lightly - they must be perfect.  Perfect color, perfect size, and perfect practicality.  It's only $149 plus personalization costs.  ::sarcasm::




New work clothes.  I'll be prego the first couple months of school (or that's what I'm planning on at least) and will be in desperate need of maternity work clothes.  Enter:  Asos maternity.  I love you.

Obviously I need each and every outfit.




New baby stuff.  My mother-in-law is amazing and always uses her diaper coupons on us and sporadically drops off packages at our house.  Well yesterday she dropped off two packages of size ones.  Come on, I almost cried.  But on that note, I keep putting off those purchases I should be making ahead of time, like diapers. 

I've said this a million times, but I have to have a couple packs of these swaddles from aden + anais.  They're perfect for everything and even though they stay in great shape, I just want new ones because I live in America and we like new things. 

I'm thinking about getting a swing for this baby - I never had one with Patrick and we survived just fine, but now that I have everything else in the gear department I might as well go for it.  I like the shorter ones, nothing too fancy.  This is just a basic Graco from Target.

Other things I'll need for a new little one:  washcloths, baby wash (love mum & bub), basic cloth diapers to use as burp cloths, a new bulb syringe, and possibly a video moniter.




New lunchboxes.  Seeing as I have a serious problem about eating the high-calorie meals my school serves in the cafeteria, I need a cute lunch bag to force me to pack a lunch every single day.  Especially while pregnant.  What baby in a uterus wants school-grade ravioli?  Sick. 

Guess where I found mine?  PB Teen.  Such a kid at heart.

And for Patrick...PB Kids.

That's it for now.  The list usually accumulates more items, especially when I factor in the needs of my classroom but that can be saved for my August brain.  Right now, it's hot and sunny and I need a Jimmy John's sub.

24 weeks

• It's amazing to see how much of a bump I've got in these pictures because I just don't physically feel like it's that big on a regular basis.  Oh, and I also have people telling me how small I am.  I'm only 5.5 months along here people!  I shouldn't be huge yet, right?

• Unfortunately this pregnancy has met a few of its downsides the past couple weeks, one of them being a really bad pain in my lower back/butt that made it hard to bend over and stand up (which is what I do all day long - picking up sippy cups, loading the dishwasher, laying Patrick in his crib) so that was a real bummer.  I hate feeling limited.  There were some nights it was so bad that I ended up putting a huge ice pack on it.  Thank God it only lasted about four days.

• Another issue that has come up is my breathing.  In certain situations (driving in the car, sitting on the couch) I feel like I can't get enough oxygen, like there's a weight on my chest.  Which there is...two huge ones, if you catch my drift.  It makes me feel weak and nauseous and I hate it.  I know, boo hoo.

• After having our anatomy scan, the sonographer was able to see that my ovarian cyst is completely gone and shows no signs of growing back.  She was also able to see a penis.  Two plusses if you ask me.

• We decided on a name for this little boy!  Even a middle name!  Woo hoo!  It's a name I've always loved, but it finally clicked for both of us a few nights ago.  Jeff had been drinking most of the afternoon when we made the decision so I hope he still approves when he's sober?  Just to be sure, I will save the name reveal for a little while down the road.  Or I'll just make sure he's been drinking when we sign the birth certificate.

• I've actually done some online shopping for baby clothes.  Oh my gosh.  Baby clothes.  I love these basics from h & m.  I've found their clothes to be soft, durable and affordable.  As opposed to Baby Gap's which are soft, durable and expensive. 

• My nursery plans are just beginning and I can't wait to show you what I'm planning!

june book club + a lesson on sperm

Why am I so bad at this?  I mean the the next Book Club is in seven days and I haven't re-capped the last one?!  Book Club is my reason for still feeling like an adult woman, yet I can't seem to get our thoughts into writing.  I vow to try harder.

Anyways, we read Six Years by Harlan Coben.

It was another mystery/thriller with a lot of names and a lot of places and a lot of confusion.  I really tried to keep up (and even considered writing it all out to see the connections) but decided I was lazy and everything would clean itself up in the end.  Despite some confusion, the book was a very easy read as I was easily able to finish it in a weekend.

Most of us liked it (putting it in the 7-8 range), although we always have the one dork who hated the writing or something stupid and overly critical.  But really, we should all start being overly critical instead of worrying about buffalo dip, wine choices, and when we're going to switch the conversation over to sex.  Or in this meeting's case, sperm.

There's a lot of talk about conceiving babies and how that actually works.  People say certain positions give you boys and if you want a girl just shove grapefruits and oranges down your throat.  As a biologist I'm here to tell you that this is false.  Sorry to bum you out (girl that SWEARS by acidity because you gave birth to a girl like you intended!)  It's a 50/50 chance here peeps.  But here's the real science (according to some scientists), even if you're not interested.

Sperm are not "boys" or "girls."  The egg holds the X chromosome and the sperm hold either an X or a Y chromosome.  The only way a boy or girl is made is when these two merge together:  XX being a female and XY being a male.  Now some scientists claim that sperm bearing a Y chromosome move faster and die quicker, so you should try to conceive as close to ovulation as possible if you want a boy.  And if you want a girl you should try to conceive two to four days prior to ovulation.  That's called the Shettles Method and is claimed to be 75% accurate.  Whatever.  That's too much thinking.

Anyways, we also discussed the following topics (after critically analyzing our book of course):

• Purchasing two wedding dresses.

• Breastfeeding past a year.

• Moving to a big city.

• Baby names (the good, the bad, & the ghetto)

• When Moms go Godzilla on other kids.

• Is the first year of marriage really that hard? 

• Cats that run away and find rich people.

• Cats with leukemia.

Next week we meet up for Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire.  I have neither read nor purchased it yet.  I better get a move on.  Happy reading!!

my best (guy) friend's wedding

 

 

Despite how these photos look, Michael and I never dated - we were just BFF's throughout high school and quite a bit of college.  Okay stop, we kissed once or twice in the local Wal-Mart.  But that was just Michael being a goon.  He's one of the funniest people I know, and our laughter just booms wherever we are. 

His wedding ceremony was nice - a full Catholic Mass - so of course I liked that part, but it was awkward to be one of the few that were responding.  I started to assume that hardly anyone else was Catholic but when it came to be Communion time, practically the entire church got up.  I was like ummmmm okay?  But that's the worst, going to a church you're not familiar with and never knowing what to say and when to stand, etc.

Michael was a football coach at Notre Dame and he had the team chaplain as his presiding priest which was really cool.  Can you imagine that job?  Being the priest for a football team and getting to travel all over the country with them?  Sa-weet. 

There were some cooky ladies sitting next to me that kept me entertained.  Here was their conversation as we were exiting the church:

Crazy lady 1:  I thought I heard a rumble of thunder.

Crazy lady 2:  Oh that's just God walking around.

What??

Their reception was at Kalahari.  The decor was really pretty - satin chair covers and purple everwhere (that was their accent color) and the food was super.  My steak literally melted in my mouth.  Mmmmmm.  But don't reserve that place if you want flattering lighting - it was ORANGE.  I bet their photographer was PO'd.

Jeff and I had such a great time together (as usual), mostly just commenting on every bite of food we put in our mouths as well as everyone's outfits and who was drunk and what the couple's song would be.  It was Eric Clapton's Wonderful Tonight.  Neither of us got it right. 

I am completely obsessed with my peplum maternity dress from A Pea in the Pod.  The whole ensemble was too expensive, especially when I added in the Marc Fisher wedges.  And the pedicure.

And my hunny looks good too, does he not?  We never spend any money on his wedding outfits - he's always content with what he's got.  But next time I'm going to get him something new - I'm getting sick of seeing the same thing on him.  Fortunately he makes Old Navy look like Brooks Brothers (some guys can just wear clothes, what can I say) so I won't have to break the bank.

Anyways, congratulations to Michael & Taylor!  Your day was beautiful and special.  Many happy years together!

tractors + puddles + corn

This kid is growing up more every day.  And by growing up I mean talking more, playing more, and pooping more.  After his haircut (and two suckers to get through it) yesterday I took him to Rural King for a new toy tractor.  I hope you're familiar with Rural King.  It's the most hillbilly/country/horses/cows/tractors store-galore you will ever enter, and they give you fresh popped popcorn when you walk in! (Obviously the best part)

Patrick didn't really have any real tractors yet but it was time.  It was like a changing moment in my personal mothering experience - I have a little boy who wants to play with real tractors now.  I am so proud!

Thanks to a stationary front sitting on top of Ohio, the rain has been ridiculous in these parts - our local farmers are about to put gigantic tarps over their fields.  Patrick and I have been playing in the garage just for fresh air, but then he talks me into letting him play in the rain and who am I to stop a growing boy from giving Elmo rainy wagon rides and stomping in puddles?

My dad's sweet corn is ready and I have some boiling for lunch as I type this.  I love early corn and I can't wait to devour it.  This year was nice because I can just throw Pat in the corn wagon and he steps on the corn loads up my bag for me.  What a gentleman.

Even little boys are afraid of their crazy aunts.  Some things never change.

team USA