My Scholar!

So, let me just say this, as a first time mom, first grade has been a huge undertaking.  It is by far not what any of us had expected. I remember first grade being like an extension of Kindergarten, just a bit less play, and a bit more ABC's and 123'S.  Sam is taking everything in stride, and he likes his teacher (although I am not sharing his sentiments AS much) which is great!  He has a lot of friends, and has not turned into someone other than SAM, my love.  His reading was having some issues with comprehension, and he was having problems deciding which + or - symbol to use in math problems  (according to the parent teacher conference in November).  In my eyes he was doing AMAZING!  Of course we all think our children can do no wrong, but as a rational person I took a step back, and looked at what the teacher had said.  By doing so, I did notice that there were definitely things that we could be more diligent in.  So I set, and sometimes my husband set, to work.  It has been just over a month now, and MAN is there a HUGE difference.    

So yesterday, we had a first!  He did every ounce of his homework by himself, including reading the questions on the math papers!  I was beaming, and thought I would share.  

Working Hard...thinking

See that little pink pill?  Yeah that is the bane of my life right now...my pre-natal vitamin, and I HATE IT!

 

While I made dinner, he worked independently.

 

Look how great he did!  Two of these pages, and one math problem page.  ALL ALONE!

(they are learning time too!)

Then as I was signing off on his homework, Sam asked me how I "draw" my name like I do, and I told him it is cursive. Then I asked if he wanted to write his name. I wrote the first line, and then he did his copy cat version. I think he did awesome!

Finally I leave you with a picture of my current favorite thing on my son's body:

This tooth has been edging it's way forward for weeks now, and there is barely a wiggle to it. So funny! I love how he looks with it. Endearing I think is the right word.

Here is to a better parent teacher conference next time, and to a smart, loving boy who likes to make his mama and daddy proud! 

Merry DE-Christmas!

Ahhhhhh...today I woke up thoroughly annoyed by the tree that just last night brought me such joy.

The twinkling lights that once made me smile and feeling happy were mocking now me...like "HA HA, you still have us up, and it is WAY past New Years, you procrastinator! Na na na na na."

Not to be one upped by a tree mind you I set to taking it all down.  Ornament by ornament, light string by light string.  As each one was bagged up, my whole body felt calmer, happier, and more free from the stress of the Holidays.  I was left with needles (synthetic, but needles none the less), and dust, and oodles of cat hair layered under the tree. A quick vacuuming, a little re-arranging, and now I have my house back the way I like it!

Oh, and a de-cluttered table area.  SO NICE!

Since the boys are in school again, I thought it was high time for some Mommy time! I then decided to treat myself to a crochet a thon while watching a little Gordon Ramseys Kitchen Nightmares

It was the one at Moore house for those who follow the show, and I loved it!

 Hope you all have a productive lovely day also~Laura

Today as I pulled back the curtain to take my first of TWO daily tubs. That is right TWO!  

This baby has made it's Mama a full on bath addict!  I am not a fan of baths in general, in fact prior to being pregnant this time, I avoided them like the plague.  But since October, they are my favorite craving:

The soaking,

The warmth, 

The bubbles,

I was entertained by what I saw...

 

A slew of little bath toys, all of them beached together, abandoned hastily by last nights bathing of the boys, given by my husband while I was at work. 

I chuckled at the way that little plastic boy had landed while the water drained, draped over the dolphin, and posed in a diving fashion.  Oh, and the Zebra...he seemed a bit out of place as well.  The space guy at the forefront of the picture did not seem to faze my thoughts because he looks a "little off".

Before my tub, I posed for my 13 week belly picture.  

A little late, 4 days to be exact, but better late than never. 

Lastly I share with you a glimpse at the stunning jewelry set my sister MADE for me.  That is right...MADE!

She gifted me with this adorable nest charm with pearl eggs tucked inside the silver, and a pair of dangly, sparkly, matching earrings.  Aren't they lovely?  I think so too!

Merry Chirstmas Eve to you, and Happy End of The First Trimester To Me

So, after 2 full days of work my NASTY habit of procrastinating with the best of them reared it's ugly head. Therefore Jay and I had an assembly line at 9:30 pm on Christmas Eve wrapping our precious Sam's presents! WHY NOT... sure I am NOT EXHAUSTED or anything.  Like I did not have over a month to do the wrapping after I bought the presents?  Sure Laura...WAITING ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is a transcript of the evening:

 A banter back of forth of Jay and I saying the same things over and over again.

"Here, wrap this... Give me the tape...Can I have the scissors NOW?...WHERE IS THE DAMN STOCKING?"

Finally all the presents are wrapped, and stacked beneath the tree.  Sam also kindly bought us some presents at a school shopping day (those are in the brown paper in the forefront of the photo). He was so adorable placing the bows on each gift for us. He is so excited!

The stocking was never found (boo hoo), so we boxed up his numerous stocking stuffers in one box, and wrapped it "From Santa".  We are sure we will have a happy, excited boy in the morning.

Today is also special because it marks the end of my first trimester with my little bundle!  I heard the heartbeat today for a full 5 minutes, and I think I could have made a soundtrack out of it.  MUSIC TO MY EARS!

Here is a 12 week belly picture of me tonight.  

Adorning me is an AMAZINGLY soft PJ set from my mama!  It is tradition to receive a pair of PJ's or a Nighty from my mom every Christmas Eve, a tradition she continues from one her mother started long ago.  Since she has passed Mom took the reigns, and has bought the boys jammies every year also. 

Did I mention she rocks?   P.S. Mom, if you read this...This pair is my favorite pair by far.  

PINK and FLUFFY!  In love!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours

~Laura~

"It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas"

Today I can honestly say Winter is falling!  The snow is coming down with a furry, and it looks so lovely!

The boys, Jay and I put up the Christmas Tree yesterday, and I must say...I love how it looks with our new floors!

Ella has taken to a new resting spot beneath the tree.

I also brought out the slippers I made for Sam (the first thing I have ever crocheted for him).  Yeah I know..LAME mom alert!

He loves them, and I am glad!  It makes me smile. 

I used my adult slipper pattern and just shortened the length to fit his foot.

If interested, you can buy the pattern in our shop (at right).

GingerBread House, and a belly shot (10 weeks)

 Of course I had to have 2 evenly divided bowls of decorations ready for the troops!

They really enjoyed picking where to put their own decorations

All done, and looking fabulous if I do say!

Here is my 10 week belly shot.  As of this AM I have gained 3.3 lbs!

Christmas Cookie Time

Today, the baby and I had a craving for cookies.  All I had were stale raspberry filled ones that would not due.  With my car in another town, and not at home I decided to make some.

I found an awesome, delicious, easy recipe at the ever handy MarthaStewart.com, and proceded to make some yummy cookies for my boy and I to decorate after school today for the first Holiday task.

I ate 4 straight out of the oven, suited my craving just fine ;)

My boy was as excited to show me something when he got home as I was to tell him of our cookie adventure ahead of us.  He made me this lovely little man in art class. 

Seriously, could it be any cuter?

After I OOOHHHHEEEDDDD, and AWWWWEEEEEEDDDD

at our newest little Christmas decoration, I frosted, and Sam diligently sprinkled.

He did an awesome job~I love him so!

We are CRAFTY!

I am the first to admit it, I am not one of those arts and crafts moms.  Point blank, the current project shown in this post has been in a box waiting to be put together for TWO years...you heard me!

So, when Sam asked me if we could put together the bird house, and he could paint it, I relented. I am so glad I did!

I basically put it together because believe it or not...it was a BITCH!

He had full painting responsibility, and did it all himself.  He did a GREAT job, and is so proud!

 

I am so proud.

Ravenous, and another U/S, with a heart rate!

So excited, yesterday I had another U/S to check on the babies growth since I am still spotting, and have been for 3 weeks now.  

Here is the picture they gave me!

The head is in the lower right hand corner, and the rump is in the middle of the picture.  Measured 8 weeks 3 days.  I am 8 weeks 5 days as of yesterday.  MD says it is fine if the U/S measures 2 days + or - the actual gestational age.  Heart rate was a strong 167, and it was pure bliss to see that little babe! Poor thing was smooshed in my uterus because I am LITERALLY full of food.

 

I have been an EATING MACHINE!

Be prepared now...here I go!

Here is a tally of the food I ate yesterday.

3 glasses of juice

entire 32 ounce can of fruit cocktail (in one sitting)

1 peanut butter sandwich

1 chocolate icecream cup

2 biscottis

1 ham and cheese sandwich with mayo and mustard

1 large piece of chocolate cake

1 small diet pepsi

1 small diet gingerale

2 heaping scoops of REAL macaroni and cheese

WATER throughout the day

probably a grand total of 3000 calories, YIKES!

I NEED TO GET A GRIP!  There, I said it. Enough said.

That is all.

HEHEHEHE

Rhythm of the Home Winter edition is here!

So excited to have my reversible hat pattern in this issue of The Rhythm of the Home!

Please hop on over and see all of the other AMAZING contributions.  Sure to make your Holidays, and festivities even more family centered!

Here is the link to my pattern:

Pattern

Enjoy!

An appetite renewal, and a baby sleep sack / gown

Today I was happily whisked on a road trip with my good friend Martha.  We went on a 2 1/2 hrs galavant through the countryside and enjoyed ourselves immensely.  I finally have my appetite back, and was in love with my lunch today.  A huge plate of DELICIOUS nachos with spicy chicken.  AMAZING!  I was very gluttonous, and poor Martha had to watch.  Poor thing, she was VERY cute, and understanding.  We joked that if I had gotten the El Grande portion I probably would have finished those too, and not just my "single".  I got some amazing yarn, including the ones featured below which is a silk blend.  SO SOFT!

This little ditty I love so much!  It started as a vest, and then continued onto become a gown of precious proportions.  

Thoughts?

Open

 

THE EASIEST REVERSIBLE BIB TUTORIAL EVER, WITH LOTS OF PICTURES

I have made over 100 or so of these bibs from my original pattern, and sold them at our shop, but now I am sharing that pattern for those wanting to make their own!

Check out our shop for the $3.00 pattern, and make some little bibs for those little ones!

Tutorial includes 20 full color pictures step by step, and concise easy to follow instructions!

LINK: Adirondack Patterns

First Ultrasound Today!

(Sorry it is so blurry...The OB really zoomed in)

After a bit of spotting my OB wanted to do an U/S.  So Julia (my biggest champion and support), Jay, and I went in for the babes first photo shoot!

Julia held my hand through the whole thing, and was so sweet.  Jay kept smiling at me and the screen.

We went to my OB where I felt like I was at a spa...literally.
Heated seats, aromatherapy, soothing music, ambiant lighting, and the option of a foot massage while I waited.  Man a lot had changed since my last OB appt there 7 years ago!

At anyrate our little babe was present, and measuring 6 W 0 D which is the exact date it should, and it is in the uterus.  I have a cyst on the R ovary, but otherwise the babe is healthy and we saw a very prominent flicker of the H/B pointed out by the MD (we did not get a rate tho).  We are relieved and excited, and optimistic beyond words can express. I have a repeat U/S at just under 9 weeks, and I can not wait to see the babe then. I am sure I will be spotting more from the probe and U/S but I am on cloud nine, and this puts my mind so much more at ease.

GIVEAWAY!!!

Hello friends, my sister Julia is having a giveaway on her blog this weekend for an ADORABLE doll that she designed.  

LINK: BABY DOLL

Stop over if you are interested and try your luck!

There is a bun in my oven!

It is very very very early, but I am pregnant with our second babe, due July 10th 2011!

Proof:

(I have taken 6 tests so far) LOL

I made the little one a little unisex sweater vest.

I have to stay ahead of the crafting curve that Julia is already crafting for this little one! SHE ROCKS!

 

Seriously, look how tiny!

I am soooooo excited!!!!!!!!

Can you hear my squeals?

Trick or Treat?

Here is my love on this Halloween

He was Mario (Eben was Luigi)

He refused to wear the AWESOME mustache, but I think he looked like a million buckeroos!

Fall Photoshoot 2010