Friday's Fab Five

I am thinking about switching my Friday's Fab Five to Wednesdays and linking up to Jamie's What I'm Loving. What are your thoughts? I don't think I have enough material to be able to do both of them only two days apart. I just thought it might be fun to join a link-up instead of just me doing my Fab Five alone.

1. Even though it has been a very rainy week, I've had fun playing with my little B-Nugget. I've been more inspired to do Tot School this week (probably to keep him busy, so I don't go crazy staying in the house), so be sure to come back on Sunday for a picture-filled post of his activities from the week!

2. We did managed to make it out of the house some. On Wednesday we met some friends at the Children's Museum of Southeastern CT. I had been there once before with my friend Alicia. Since B is only taking one nap per day, it worked out for us to meet our friends there this week. I think he had a good time. Once he is walking on his own he will love it. That will also free Mommy up to have some adult conversation instead of having to help B walk everywhere. The best part is our library has a free pass. I called up the library on Tuesday to reserve the pass, went and picked it up that afternoon, and it was due back on Thursday! Easy pleasy!

3. I had mentioned before that I ordered the book One Thousand Gifts. I was really excited to get it and start reading it. However, I'll have to admit that once I started reading it, I was really surprised by it. It is a difficult read for me. Ann Voskamp writes in a very unique way. It's not a book that just sucks me in. I read the first three chapters relatively quickly, but then the book sat on our end table for weeks without being touched. I am happy that I did open it again this week and enjoyed it more than before. I even went back and wrote down some of the parts I had underlined in the first three chapters. There's some good stuff in there!

"There's a reason I am not writing the story and God is. He knows how it all works out, where it all leads, and what it all means. I don't." (page 21)

"Joy is always possible." (page 33)

"Learn how to be thankful - whether empty or full." (page 47)

"Give thanks in this one small thing. The moments will add up." (page 57)

"The real problem of life is never a lack of time. The real problem of life - in my life - is lack of thanksgiving." (page 72)

4. Val was kind enough to bring me dinner last night! We didn't have praise team practice, so we decided we would meet for dinner instead. Well B wasn't feeling well, so she offered to pick up take out and just come to the house. It worked out great because B was pretty cranky. He does seem to be feeling much better today, so that's fabulous!

5. B and I had a playdate over at Amanda's this morning. Again it was nice to get out of the house and see some friends. I am super excited because we are going with Amanda and Parker tomorrow to Touch-a-Truck in Niantic. I think the boys will have an awesome time!

I'll leave you with a Tot School preview! This picture cracks me up! He got so excited about shaking those spices!

Friday's Fab Five

Happy Fabulous Friday!

1. The biggest news of the day is....

...I overcame my fear of birds! What in the world did you think the news was?!?! Well, at least I am on the path to overcoming that fear. Brennan and I met some friends at the aquarium today. They have a newly open exhibit called Birds of the Outback. Aquarium members get into the exhibit for free during the month of May. I have been contemplating going in there and today I did it! It was SO scary! They give you a feeding stick and as soon as I walked in there (I was holding Brennan also) the birds were all over me! Their little claws hurt when they land on your hand! Some of the birds were really pretty. I especially liked the little blue ones in the picture above because they were sweet and matched my shirt! Brennan really liked the birds, but didn't like it when they landed on him. Thankfully that only happened twice. They were really only interested in me since I had the food stick. Even though it was frightening and I did flinch several times as birds flew by my head, I am super glad I went there!

Krysti's son, Sam, checking out the birds.

Birds of the Outback exhibit!

2. Check out this adorable guy!

He picked up on that really quickly. When I first tried to teach him, he kept pointing to his nose, but then yesterday he started pointing to his heart (or at least close to it). I have so many good memories of Sunday school, VBS, and children's church choirs from when I was a kid and I pray Brennan will have great memories like that too!

3. We are singing a new song with the praise team this Sunday! I always get excited when add new songs to our repertoire! 

4. Here is something fabulously funny. One of Brennan's new favorite things to do is to be pushed in the stroller. He has ALWAYS loved the stroller and enjoyed going for walks. He and I will play in the basement sometimes and occasionally the stroller is in the basement instead of in the car. He will point to the stroller and grunt meaning he wants to go get in and then he just wants to be pushed around the basement! It is too funny! We will just go around and around and around the basement couch. It seems really boring to me, but he just leans back and enjoys the ride. It makes me happy that it keeps him entertained and I guess it gets me a little bit of exercise!

5. Sunday is Mother's Day! Happy Mother's Day to all you Mommies out there! Here is a pic from last year's Mother's Day! I will update after Sunday with a new picture!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Friday's Fab Five

Sorry I missed last Friday's Fab Five! Here are some fabulous things that have been happening around here:

1. The sun is shining! It rained pretty hard last night, but today it is a gorgeous day! I can't believe I haven't been out to enjoy it yet. After B wakes up from his nap, we will definitely be going for a walk!

2. I shared some pictures from Brennan's first visit to the aquarium. We have already been back to the aquarium three more times since then! It's so cute, because I'll ask him if he wants to go see the fish and he'll start signing "fish". He gets so excited as soon as we enter the aquarium. In fact, he literally starts shaking with excitement! It's the best! Two of the times we've been there when the beluga whales are doing training, so that part is exciting for me! I am so happy we live so close to such a cool place! Here are a few pics I shared on facebook, but haven't shared on the blog.

3. A while back Kyle and I tried this recipe for pizza quesadillas. They were pretty good. I knew I wanted to try them with B. Today I fixed cheese quesadillas for lunch and they were a hit! Super easy and not that creative, but it's always nice to find a new option for lunch. It is also nice when B and I can eat the same thing!

4. Check out my Easter present from my Momma! Switch flops! I LOVE them! Four pairs of shoes in one! I remember hearing about them on some talk show a while back because I remembered it was a really young girl who created them. Thanks, Momma!

5. Tomorrow I am hanging out with some pretty cool chicks! I am excited for my girls' night out with Kathryn and Val! Also very thankful for a hubby who is staying home with the little guy so Mommy can get a night out!

Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

And a few more pics just to make the family happy:

This is what B does if you ask him, "What does a pig say?"

Captivated by "The Wiggles".

Vroom! Vroom!

Friday's Fab Five

Hi there! Are you ready for a fabulous a weekend?!?! I hope so. Here's what we've been up to around here:

1. Both yesterday and today and I have gotten up, showered, and gotten ready before getting Brennan out of bed. Thankfully he almost always wakes up really happy and is content to stay in his crib for a little bit. It's been nice to already be ready for the day before he's even up. I am hoping it'll inspire me to stay up and get stuff done instead of taking a nap when he naps! (I might've laid back down for a short cap nap today...shhh!)

2. Tonight I am going to a game night with ladies from church. It's always fun when we get together! I am thankful for my hubby for taking baby duty tonight, so I can go! He also took baby duty last Saturday so I could go to a church game night!

3. It was gorgeous yesterday! Even though it's not as warm today, the sun is still shining brightly. I am so excited for spring and summer and can't wait to spend time outside with Brennan. I think we are going to go get a Mystic Aquarium membership! I think he'll like it!

4. B and I had a great time playing with Abby yesterday! I'll admit, I was a little anxious Wednesday night thinking about having two little ones here all day, but it went better than some days go with only Brennan! I think he liked having a friend here all day! It certainly helped that Abby is an awesome baby!

5. I didn't do a Fab Five last Friday, but Kyle and I got to go out on a date last Friday night. Val was kind enough to come stay with B and put him to bed. Kyle and I went to Olive Garden for free thanks to our good friends Ken and Anna!

So, this Fab Five isn't that exciting, but at least I did one this week! Here are a few pics!

Friday's Fab Five

I almost forgot it was Friday! Silly me!

1. Brennan got his haircut! I spiked it up in these pictures after it got cut. It stood straight up since the stylist had put product in it. He looks CRAZY!

2. Brennan can basically eat what we eat now. He had chicken enchiladas with us on Monday night. He had pizza with us on Tuesday night. It's so fun to watch him eat big boy food and it's nice not to have to fix him something different. He is loving green beans right now too, so I am happy about that!

3. We had praise team practice last night! It has been cancelled a few times and I have missed a couple of weeks too, so it was nice to be back. We are even doing a new song on Sunday! Holla!


4. I took Brennan to the library today. We have been several times before, but today was the first time he enjoyed playing in the play area. It was a nice change of venue.

5. It's Spring! It may not feel like it in CT yet, but it does mean that warmer temperatures have to be around the corner. I cannot wait to play with Brennan outside with Spring!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Friday's Fab Five

Hope you've had a fabulous week!

1. B and I left on Sunday for Williamsburg, VA. We headed down there with Amanda and Parker. I was little nervous about traveling with two boys under age two, but they did awesome! We had a great trip and it was so nice to see Amanda, Adah, and Michaela! I will be posting more pictures and details from our trip on Sunday!

2. I bought Brennan's Easter outfit! I have been looking for the perfect one for a little while now and I'm so happy with the one I got. No pictures until Easter, though. Sorry.

3. I know (I use the word "know" loosely) so many people with happy baby news right now. This is a nice change, but I read a lot of blogs about parents who have lost babies. I am so happy that Hollis is here and is healthy! I think it's amazing that Megan is having twins! Abby just announced she is pregnant! And I have another friend whose sister-in-law is expecting! Yeah for baby-making! :)

4. Kyle is home early today and we are going out for lunch! Woohoo!

5. It is going to be 69 degrees here today! The warmer temps aren't here to stay for good, but I will take it when I can get it!


There ya have it! Short and sweet and oh so fabulous!

Friday's Fab Five

Here's what's been happening around our neck of the woods:

1. Kyle and I got iPhones! We have been talking about it for a while now; trying to justify paying more each month for a data plan and this week decided to go ahead and do it. I really like my phone! I haven't even had a chance to sit down and explore all it can do, but I've played some games and even got to FaceTime with Amanda and Adah today!

2. You'll read about this in some upcoming posts, but I think The Dollar Tree is my new favorite store. Sure it's a little ghetto in there, but I love that everything really is only $1! Since starting Tot School with Brennan, I get to link-up and see all these great ideas parents are doing with their kiddos. The Dollar Tree is a great place to stock up on little things we can use for Tot School. What can I say, I'm cheap!

3. I got to go out on Wednesday night with some fabulous ladies. It's always nice to meet new Navy wives and we just sat around talking and laughing for hours. We all have kids, so we were sharing funny stories about them. Funny how when we get a night out without the kids, they are all we can talk about.

4. I am going to the eye doctor today. That is NOT fabulous. I do not like going. I don't like doing things I am not good at and I am not good at seeing. I always feel like I am failing a test when I go. But I need to get some more contacts and my prescription is expired, so it's a necessity. Amanda C. is fabulous for watching Brennan while I go!

5. Brennan and I leave for VA on Sunday! I am soooo excited! I.cant.wait! (That was for you, Laura!) Being out and laughing with the ladies on Wednesday night got me even more excited because I know Amanda, Amanda, and I are going to be laughing the entire time we are together.

Have a fabulous weekend, everyone!

B is 13 months today! Come back later for his update!

Friday's Fab Five

TGIF! Here's a little bit of fabulous-ness from our week:

1. When I was pregnant with Brennan and knew I'd get to be a stay-at-home-mom, I swore I would make sure the baby and I got out of the house on a daily basis. I didn't want to go crazy stuck at home all the time. Well, a lot changes when you actually have a baby. I am so thankful to have a baby that (usually) naps well. When a baby takes two naps/day, it's hard to get out of the house. B's morning nap comes pretty quickly after he wakes up. Then when he wakes up from that nap, he eats lunch, gets independent playtime, and that doesn't leave much time for going anywhere. We can sometimes make a super quick trip out, but that's about it. If we do go somewhere, it is typically after his second nap. Okay, I'm getting long-winded. I say all that because, even though a part of me looks forward to doing more outings after he drops his morning nap, I think we have a pretty fabulous routine going here. I don't really get an itch to get out of the house. I just enjoy playing with B right here. Sure we miss out on some playgroups, but I think he's a pretty fabulous little guy.

2. We had swim class on Tuesday. It is one thing we do get out and do each week. The class takes place back in this kinda run down looking building in our neighborhood, but the indoor swimming pool is heated. This week, the water was 91 degrees! That feels pretty fabulous when it's below freezing outside.

3. Check this out!
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You. ~Psalm 119:11


Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you. He will never let the righteous be shaken. ~Psalm 55:22


Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs; that it might benefit those who listen. ~Ephesians 4:29


Do not judge or you too will be judged, for in the same way you judge others, you will be judged and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. ~Matthew 7:1-2.


I just did those all from memory! That's pretty fabulous, right? Those are the first four verses I have learned for 2011. I am learning two each month. I actually haven't selected my verse for the first half of March yet, so I am slacking a little. Guess I need to get on that today. When I am first learning them, I repeat them  A LOT and write them down several times. Then I try to review them at random times throughout the day. I always try to say them all in the shower. No particular reason; I just take a shower everyday so it seems like a good place to make sure I get some practice in.

4. I just ordered this book this morning:

The writers of several blogs I read have read or are reading this book. This is what it's about:
One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are---Drawing heartbreaking beauty out of the simplest of details, Ann Voskamp invites you into her grace-bathed life of farming, parenting, and writing---and deeper still into your own life. Here you will discover a way of seeing that opens your eyes to ordinary amazing grace, a way of living that is fully alive, and a way of becoming present to God that brings you deep and lasting joy.
I ordered it online. I can't wait until it arrives. I just know it'll be fabulous. :)

5. Okay, so I still have a little over a week to go, but I cannot wait for next Sunday. Brennan and I are going to see the Dishmons in VA! Woohoo! I was able to use our timeshare and get a nice four bedroom suite for us and some other friends. It's going to be a long drive, but it'll be so worth it! I cannot wait to see them and to meet little Michaela! It'll be a fabulous trip!

Hope you have a fabulous weekend! (Don't you hate how when you've written a word so many times, you start to think it is misspelled???) Thank goodness for spell check. It's fabulous!

Sorry, no pictures today. Come back on Sunday for TONS of pictures to go along with my Tot School post!

Friday's Fab Five

It's a rainy Friday here, so B and I will just be lounging around the house today. Here are some of the fun things we've been up to this past week.

1. We are all healthy! Praise the Lord. Last week Brennan had a little stomach bug. I thought it was gone by Friday, but it reared its ugly head again Saturday night while we were out to eat. Then Saturday night I didn't sleep well and could tell something was wrong with my stomach. By Sunday morning I was hit hard by it and didn't do much at all. Thankfully Kyle was able to help out with Brennan. By Sunday evening, I was already feeling better, but Kyle was starting to feel crummy. He was up several times Sunday night and ended up being hit the hardest out of the three of us. Thankfully he had Monday off to rest and recover. As much as being sick is so no fun, I couldn't help but the positive in it because Kyle and I weren't sick on the same days, so Brennan was always well taken care and it happened during a long weekend, which was crummy, but gave Kyle extra time to recuperate.

2. Brennan's Shutterfly photobook arrived this week! I love it so so so much! It actually brought tears to my eyes looking through it and seeing how much he has changed in one short year.

3. Speaking of pictures of Brennan, I am a little obsessed with looking at his photos on Becky Anderson's site. I am so glad she was able to take his one year photos and can't wait to see our entire gallery. If you haven't looked already (or want to look again) click here for his cake pictures and here for a few other pics.

4. Three letters: DMT. That stands for "Draw My Thing"; my new favorite Facebook game. I am not big on FB games, but this one has me addicted. It's pretty much like Pictionary. You can play in a room with strangers or create your own private room and invite only your friends. It never fails to make me literally laugh out loud when I am playing. You should check it out and if you see me on FB chat, send me an invite to play!

5. I worked out today. I'm not saying I'm going to do it every single day (which I should), but I did it today. It was only 20 minutes and even that little bit of time kicked my butt.

And I have to include a few pics of Brennan or my mom gets mad.

Friday's Fab Five

It's a gorgeous Friday here in CT. I hope you're having a fabulous Friday and have something fun planned for the weekend! Here's what has been happening around here this past week:

1. Monday was Valentine's Day. I think Kyle and I must the most unromantic couple ever. We don't make a big deal out of the holiday at all. He had to work late and we just watched a little TV once he got home and went to bed. I did give him a card though. Isn't it cute?! Haha.

2. Brennan threw up yesterday. Not so fabulous. But he hasn't thrown up any since 11am yesterday. That is fabulous. I think it was caused from his getting chocked up on flem when he was coughing. At least now I have experienced my first time having to clean up my kid's throw up. It actually wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I mainly just felt sorry for the little guy. I am thankful his car seat cover comes off and is machine washable! And Febreze is fabulous too!

3. I went to the mall last night sans child! Brennan and I were actually on our way to the mall when he threw up yesterday, so after cleaning him up the best I could in the mall parking lot, we turned around and came back home. Kyle was nice enough to stay at home with B last night so I could make a quick run back to the mall. I got some new shirts for Brennan and I picked up my monthly free gift from Bath and Body Works! Check it out; no purchase necessary!

4. Today I am getting my hair cut. I am still undecided exactly what I am going to have done. I have a few pictures I have found. I am kinda leaning towards one that is really short and kinda funky, but I'm not sure I can pull it off. I am more concerned with how long it would take to fix it each morning (well the mornings I actually fix my hair). I am pretty low maintenance gal, so I don't like hair styles that take super long to fix. What do you think? I am going at 2:00, so you better tell me fast.

A not too short, simple bob:

Shorter in the back:

Short and funky:

Like the previous one I guess, but with less product:

5. Tomorrow Brennan is getting his one year pictures taken! I am so excited. The fabulous photographer, Becky Anderson, who did Brennan's newborn pics moved to NYC in December. I was pretty bummed she wasn't going to be around to do Brennan's one year shots. After looking around at some other photographers, Kyle had convinced me we should just wait until spring so we could get some better outside shots. Well guess what?!?! Becky Anderson is coming back to CT this weekend and was willing to do sessions while she was here! We jumped at that opportunity! I am hoping B cooperates and we get some super cute pictures of him. And you can finally see some of our grass for the first time in almost 2 months, so outside pictures might work after all!

Has it really been one year, since these pictures where taken?!?!

Friday's Fab Five!

Happy Friday! Here's a short and sweet Fab Five. I will be posting Brennan's 1 year update later today!

1. Brennan is one year old today! Whoa! Check him out playing on the computer earlier this week. He is on the site Kneebouncers. Unfortunately they have started charging for their site, but there are still a few free games.

2. My sister and brother-in-law are here! They will help us celebrate at Brennan's party tomorrow!

3. We are going to tour ESPN in Bristol, CT this afternoon. When Lauren and Clint have a baby, they are going to name it (him or her) ESPN, so it is quite fitting! :)

4. Brennan had a fun playdate with his friend Brady on Wednesday!

5. I got to babysit for my buddy Parker on Monday. I would say it was good practice for when we have another baby, but Brennan napped the whole time, so I was only watching one kiddo.

Hope you have a great weekend!

Here a few shots of Brennan this morning now that he is the big 0-1!

To him it is just another day.

Brennan knows how old he is.

He even got a special pancake in the shape of a one!

He sure loves his new ride-on toy from Auntie La-la and Uncle C-dub.

Friday's Fab Five

This week, I made sure I remembered to do a Fab Five!

1. On Monday, Brennan and I ran some errands. We went into iParty and I saw one of my former student's mothers. She actually saw me first. She said her daughter, Megan, is doing well in 5th grade this year, but that 4th grade with Mrs. Gould (my maternity leave sub) and me was her best year so far. It definitely brought a smile to my face to hear that! I also received a really nice email from my principal yesterday after I informed her I would officially be resigning from my job in Colchester. I really loved my job there, so it's nice to hear others liked me back!

2. This week are trying out Target brand diapers. So far I really like them. I was still putting a Pampers on Brennan at night, but on Thursday morning he woke up soaked in pee. His pjs were wet, his sheet was wet, even the mattress pad! It was like he hadn't even been wearing a diaper at all! So I guess we'll try the Target diapers overnight or buy some other overnight diapers. Maybe he's just ready to move out of Pampers size 3. Anyway, the fabulous part is that I like the Up and Up diapers so far, so that will save us money.

3. I made Hearty Queso Chicken Soup with Black Beans and Potatoes for dinner Wednesday night. It was YUMMY! I highly recommend it. I cooked and shredded the chicken the day before, so the prep time was very short! And the company was pretty good too because the Cizeks came over. :)

4. Brennan is drinking whole milk! During the weaning process I was mixing expressed breast milk with whole milk and he seemed to like it fine. Yesterday was his first day drinking straight whole milk and he did great. I am still warming it up right now. So glad it was an easy transition.

5. In less than one week my sister and brother-in-law will be here! They are coming to help celebrate Brennan's 1st birthday! Brennan can't wait to see his Auntie La-la and Uncle C-Dub.

Apologies

As Val so kindly pointed out, I completely forgot to do a Fab Five this past Friday. I do apologize! We had a busy day and it didn't even cross my mind. Hopefully sharing some new pictures of Brennan will help make up for it!

The first two are of him playing with his birthday presents from Josh and Amanda. They were taken before we put his toys in his toy box. As you can see, he was in desperate need of one.

Tonight Brennan decided he wanted to eat his hotdog with Mommy's spoon. I was cracking up that he was actually able to do it.

Here are several more from tonight. These were taken right before bed. Check out his awesome hair!

His birthday is less than two weeks away now and he has learned how to show "1" when you ask him how old he is.

And a quick weaning update! We are now completely done nursing! Last week we dropped the nighttime feeding and it went really well. I was only uncomfortable for one day and it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be.

Yesterday was Brennan's first day to not nurse at all. I was in extreme discomfort for most of the day. I was glad it was a Saturday and Kyle was home to help because it was painful to even hold Brennan against my chest. *TMI ALERT: Last night I took a hot shower and self-expressed some milk and then took some Ibuprofen before bed and slept without a bar. The discomfort eased a lot overnight. Today has been MUCH better; still uncomfortable, but not nearly as much.

So my big boy is completely weaned. And I am completely happy! I know it was the right time to do it and he is loving drinking from his sippy cup! And I have worn a regular bra for the past two days! Woohoo!