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Tuesday, June 30, 2009

What's Anna up to these days?

Mama bragging time. This is mainly for my own archiving purposes since people ask me when Anna did this or that, and I stare at them blankly because I just can't remember.

Dead zones, my friend, dead zones.

Anna's age: 8 months, 2 weeks, 6 days

Things Anna can do:
  • Crawl all over the place - on her knees. She's no longer crawling like a seal or like an Army man during combat. Woot!
  • She can somewhat speak - when she cries, she repeatedly says "mamamamamamama" - I guess she associates me with tears and sadness? Great. She's still not babbling very much. She will occasionally say "Oh" or "Hello," but it's not enough to make me think she's saying the actual word. She said Mama plain as day on May 26th, but she hasn't said it since. Was it a fluke?
  • Her favorite solids are bananas, apples and pears - either all mixed together or separately. She gags on most vegetables - especially peas. She can sometimes tolerate sweet potatoes. Her favorite is avacado. Whenever we eat at the Mexican restaurant, I order a side of guacamole just for her. She eats the entire thing. I also give her shreds of cheese (which she loves). I gave her some meat and gravy which smelled like (and probably tasted like) cat food. Needless to say, she wasn't a fan. She does like the chicken and apples meal even though the consistency of it is like sand.
  • She's extremely curious about the world around her. She understands when I ask her where the "kitty kitty" is. She will look in the direction where the cats normally sit. She's amazed by them and will smile and coo anytime they enter the room. She's been showing some apprehension with Cosmo. It's probably because of his size and ridiculous energy. She's fine when he's in his crate, but if he's in the same area with her, she will act fearful and cry a little bit.
  • She hates her kiddie pool. We've tried, on two occasions, to introduce her to the pool, but she's wanted nothing to do with it. I've been putting her directly into the bathtub instead of on her bath chair, so hopefully she'll get used to the water being all around her.
  • She still loves the Golden Girls. She was watching it with my mother-in-law this morning, and when I came into the room she didn't so much as glance away from the TV set. I guess I'm chopped liver in comparison to Rose and Blanche.
  • She can lift herself to a standing position and is attempting to cruise. She will move from one small area to the next, but she's still very apprehensive. I think she'll gain more confidence over the next few weeks. I need to invest in some baby prisons/gates for our house because she's already all over the place, I can't imagine how crazy it will be once she's on two legs.
  • She likes Michael Jackson.
  • She's more interested in her toys - especially the ones that make noise and have bright lights/colors. She is starting to understand that in order to make a sound you have to push a button. She does this all day just to aggravate me. It's so cute (sarcasm).
  • We had to lower her crib bed because she likes to drop her pacifier out of her crib and then stand on her bumper to attempt to jump out to catch it. I've caught her twice trying to lean over the crib rails. If she wasn't such a teeny little thing, she could've easily escaped her crib prison.
  • I think we're going to start trying to give her more table foods over the next few weeks/months. She's shown an obvious interest in eating more solid foods, the purees are a joke to her. I give her bits of cheese, little tiny bits of meat - she eats all of it with no problems.
  • She loves sucking on lemons. I kid you not. Oh, and she likes pickles, too. I can already see our dentist bill from her sour patch kids addiction. Oy.


Monday, June 29, 2009

My man has strayed.

My co-worker called me over to her desk today to give me some bad news.

My future husband, Topher Grace, has strayed.

Not only has he strayed, but he strayed with Vanessa Minnillo. What am I supposed to do with that?

It's over, Topher.

Image Courtesy of Bricksandstonesgossip.com


Comments in red are mine.

Vanessa Minnillo was busy hooking up with Topher Grace this weekend, I guess she got over Nick Lachey pretty fast (Yeah, that's because she's a ho-hoe - they heal faster)! She seemed to heal her broken heart very, very fast - with Topher Grace (ahem, my man)!

The party of the year took place Saturday night at Seth MacFarlane's and while we were enjoying the outdoor casino and the orchestra (yes, that's right an orchestra) we saw Vanessa and Spider-Man 3 star Topher chatting. Topher then started rubbing her arm (stop it, Topher, you don't know where that arm has been), and Vanessa whispered in his ear and they exchanged phone numbers.

Before long they were on the dance floor and putting the "dirty" in dirty dancing (Patrick Swayze would be ashamed). Vanessa took off her shoes (that's disgusting) and held them in one hand, wrapping her other arm around Topher's neck and the next thing we knew she was kissing him on the neck (Triflin')!

In a bit of perfect timing the DJ spun 'Sex on Fire' by Kings of Leon and Vanessa turned her back to Topher, and did a super hot grind/dance while he played with her hair (this made me vomit twice). The music switched to The Jackson Five's 'ABC' and that's when Vanessa and Nick, er Topher, (sorry, it's so hard to make the transition, for us, not her) starting MAKING OUT right on the dance floor (again, ho-hoe)!

Around 1:30 a.m. Sunday they left the party together. (WTH? Where did they go?!)

Article Link


I'm going to go cry for a little while. I'll be back!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

It’s official – I’m a mom.

Our house when we first moved in:

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Our house now:

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Now I can't walk anywhere in our living room without tripping over a toy or falling into a bouncy seat or Pack-N-Play.

But you know what? I wouldn't change it for the world.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Things I love.

Spinoff from my Things I hate post...

(In no specific order)
  1. Diet Coke first thing in the morning. And basically all day and night.
  2. My husband's smile. And his eyes. And his butt.
  3. My daughter's smile. And her eyes. And her butt. ;)
  4. My friends.
  5. The smell of burning wood when it's cold outside.
  6. The smell of fresh cut grass in the spring.
  7. Ranch dressing.
  8. Cherry Lime-Aids from Sonic.
  9. Getting comments on my blog.
  10. So You Think You Can Dance.
  11. Real Housewives: New Jersey AND New York.
  12. Spending time with my family.
  13. Going to church with my mom on Sunday.
  14. Watching my dad play with Anna.
  15. Watching my grandparents play with Anna.
  16. Facebook.
  17. The Fall.
  18. Watching football games in the fall (only when it's cold outside).
  19. The smell of grilled food.
  20. The smell of gas.
  21. The smell of skunks (I'm not kidding).
  22. Laughing with my sister.
  23. Holidays.
  24. Halloween.
  25. Ghost stories.
  26. Chocolate - lots of it.
  27. Mozarella cheese sticks.
  28. Chips and Salsa from Chili's.
  29. Mexican food.
  30. Cheese.
  31. Elderly men and women who tell interesting stories.
  32. Getting fun stuff in the mail like Etsy orders or stuff I've purchased from Ebay.
  33. My blog.
  34. Reading other people's blogs.
  35. My childhood.
  36. My car.
  37. My In-Laws.
  38. My pets (sometimes - side-eye to Harley the cat).
  39. Abstract photography.
  40. People who are kind to others.
  41. Shopping for dresses for Anna.
  42. Being a mother.
  43. Pottery Barn knock-offs.
  44. Dark wood.
  45. Non-frizzy hair days.
  46. The rain when I'm working from home.
  47. Cool breeze coming through my windows.
  48. Topher Grace.
  49. Babies laughing.
  50. Popcorn with tons of butter and salt.

I could keep going forever. I didn't realize how many things I loved until I started writing this. I encourage you to do the same. I feel uplifted now.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Anna giggles.

I was finally able to get video of Anna giggling.  Her new favorite sport is playing peek-a-boo.  Now that she can climb to the side of her bed, she has even more fun with it.  Enjoy!


The hunt.

As promised, I have lots o’ fun stuff to post for you fine people (and not so fine people, that’s always debatable). So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

First: Father’s Day Fun!

As mentioned in my not-so-secret Father’s Day Post, I wanted to do something fun for Joe for his first Father’s Day. There’s more to Father’s Day than new, shiny grills and ugly ties, folks. I wanted to put some thought into it and spend some time to let him know how much I appreciate him and all he does for Anna and me.

So, I shamelessly begged the 3 readers of this blog to help me come up with some cute riddles to place in inconspicuous places around my house. As usual, you all came through. I’d like to especially thank Amanda for all of her help. For her help, she won a precious key fob that was purchased from my friend Steph’s Etsy Shop (Mada’s Place). Check out her shop if you have some time!

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And now...

...it's time to unveil some pictures from the scavenger hunt. Please note that Joe asked to not be featured in too many pictures due to his bed head and ZZ Top afro-beard facial hair. I'll throw in one picture of him just because he's such a cutie!

I will say that I overslept that morning and Joe started the hunt without me. He thought he was supposed to find all of the “clues” before I woke up. Silly man, trix are for kids. So, I made him re-create the first three clues. That’s as far as he got before I woke up and said, “What the heck, Joe?!”

Here’s the picture for Riddle #1:

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The riddle was taped on the fridge door:
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Riddle #1 said:
Happy Father's Day, daddy, I hid something for you. You'll have to go to a messy place, to find out what to do.

There are lots of clothes, and shoes, and magazines galore, but what you need to find is hidden on the floor.

Answer: His closet, but there's no way I'm showing you his messy closet, so I'll just show you a picture of the door! IMG_5948

Here's the picture for Riddle #2:
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Riddle #2 said:

Good job, daddy, I see you found this clue. Now pay attention closely, I’ll tell you what to do.

Your next clue can be found right beneath a book. It may be in a bedroom or somewhere else, just keep a positive outlook.

Answer: Beneath the book "Where the Wild Things Are" on the front seat in my Saturn Outlook.
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Here's the picture for Riddle #3:

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Riddle #3 said:

Now it’s time to move along, you’re more than halfway through. I’ll bet you’re really excited about your next clue!

I’m pink and brown and cute as can be. This is where I go everyday to catch one or two Zs.

Answer: Anna’s crib!
Nursery 001

Here's the picture for Riddle #4:

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Riddle #4 said:

You’re getting much warmer and closer to your final prize. Your next clue is American, try that on for size.

Roses are red, violets are blue, where were you in ‘62?

Answer: Beneath Joe’s American Graffiti mouse paid in our office.
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Here's the picture for Riddle #5 (final riddle):
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Riddle #5 said:

You’ve made it to the end, I’m so very proud of you. Good job, well done, you’ve reached your final clue.

Puppies are cute and furry and a little smelly. Your final prize is being protected by a puppy belly.

Answer: Buried under Anna’s huge, soft puppy that I let her play with while she’s in the office with me.

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Needless to say, Joe had an excellent time!

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Second: More Father’s Day Pictures

More pictures for all of you picture lovers out there!

I also made an Anna photo collage for my father (aka Paw Paw). He loved it! (The quality looks crappy b/c it’s too huge of a file for blogger to upload). Side-eye @ blogger.
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Anna with my grandfather (granpapa)

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IMG_6027 Anna with her alfalfa hair.IMG_6030 Anna reaching for the ceiling at my mom’s house. Paw Paw (my dad) is holding her. Aren’t you digging her 1980s legwarmers?

Third: Miscellaneous Pictures

IMG_6032Doh! Anna was caught red handed. She has now decided that she wants to stand in her crib and try to get out. Oy vey!IMG_6034She thinks it’s funny. I beg to differ.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Side-Eye!

I have lots of fun stuff to blog about over the next few days, but since time is short today, I just wanted to post a few pics really quickly. Both of these pictures made me gigglesnort, hopefully they’ll do the same for you.


Anna is giving all of you the side eye!

Anna wants to show off her sexay new shoes!

More pics, videos and stories to come soon! Stay tuned!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Yo, Genevieve -

Favor time. I’m batting my eyelashes at you, how can you resist?

Let me introduce you to one of my closest friends. Meet Mandy or MandyBeth, whichever you prefer. On the awesomeness scale of 1 - 10, Mandy is an 11. If her sweet smile doesn’t warm your heart, how ‘bout her precious boys Ben and Landon. Are you melting yet? Will you make Mandy’s dreams come true? Here’s how you can help.



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Mandy recently entered a kitchen makeover contest on HGTV to have the very wonderful Genevieve Gorder make over her kitchen.



Mandy has wonderful style, a great eye for design and a wonderful concept of balance; however, not everyone has a pocket book to match. Kitchen renos are extremely expensive, and with two infants and a mortgage, it’s not always easy to come up with the moola to accomplish what you want.

It can’t be that bad, right? Keep reading.

Mandy recently moved into a more spacious home to accommodate her large family. When making an upgrade like that, sometimes you have to give up some important design elements to get to the next place in life. When Mandy and her family moved, they traded a fabulous kitchen for a not so fabulous kitchen. The kitchen space is nice, but the elements leave much to be desired.

So, what’s it look like?



Well, just to show you what sacrifice she made, take a look at Mandy's old kitchen. It's swoon-worthy!

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Now take a look at Mandy's new kitchen. Not so swoon-worthy.

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There's lots to work with. I know that Genevieve would have a field day here! Great bones, not so great skin. That can all be changed, though, and we'll need your help to get it changed!

Oh, by the way, yes, that’s carpet on the floor. Carpet in a kitchen? I’m giving that floor the side-eye. You should, too.



So, please help Mandy and her precious family by voting. It only takes a second of your time, and the benefits could last a lifetime for that family. Click here for the voting page. Make sure you give Mandy 5 stars. If you want to go one step further, leave a comment with your opinions of the space. Be as blunt as you want to be, I think Genevieve will appreciate that. No cursing, though. Keep it clean, folks.



Leave a message in my comments to let Mandy know you voted. She reads my blog and will be very appreciative of all the support she can get. If you wanna be really nice, you can post a similiar blog on your own blog for her. The more we can get the word out, the better her chances are of winning.

Thanks again!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Come on, Karma, what gives?

So, some of you may remember my Lord of the Flies post where I spared the life of an aggravating dragon fly to keep my karma clear.

Fast forward a few weeks.

Would someone please explain to me why my house is now a haven for tiny little gnat-fly things that have embedded themselves into my kitchen sink and garbage can.

Actually, I know what happened. We recently switched garbage companies and had a lapse in services for about a week or so. During that time, as you can imagine, our trash piled up in our garage. We have an infant. An infant who poops and pees a ridiculous amount every single day. I am not very green (embarrassed to say) and still use disposables. One week of disposable diapers stewing in a hot garage = the 7th plague of flies in my house. God has poured out his wrath, and I'm suffering. Immensly.

We need help.

Joe bought some sticky fly paper yesterday, but how the heck am I supposed to catch these things when 1) they're quicker than Speedy Gonzalez and 2) I'm slower than molasses? It's quite comical with me standing by my kitchen sink just flailing this sticky paper back and forth while the flies fly around laughing at me. Picture it.

Any suggestions on how to get rid of these things? I can't help but feel a little trashy right now (no pun intended, or maybe a pun is intended, it's hard to say - I can't think clearly with flies in my eyes).

Help!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Pssst.

I’m letting you in on a little pre-Father’s Day secret. Ahem, listen up. I plan on sending Joe on a scavenger hunt around our house. Since fundage is a little low this year, I had to get creative. I dug out the ol’ scrapbooking supplies, posed my little child in front of the camera, and voila – this is the result.



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Unfortunately, I can't take credit for this cute idea as most of my creative brain cells have been fried from my ridiculous addiction to Diet Coke, but Joe doesn't have to know that I copied off of other creative people, does he?

Here's my plan:

I'm going to post these little photos all around the house and send him on a wild goose chase to get to the final picture (the first one I listed). I may include a steak dinner or a gift card to his favorite SCUBA store with that picture, but that remains to be seen. Father's Day isn't about anything monetary, right? At least it shouldn't be.

Picture 1:
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I'd like to think of something witty to write on the back. I'll place it on, say, the refigerator b/c I know he'll look there first thing in the a.m. Then I'll point him to pictures 2 - 5.

Picture 2:
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Picture 3:
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Picture 4:
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Picture 5:
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Then he'll end up here:
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What do ya think? Anyone wanna help me come up with some cute lines to get him thinking about where to find the next picture? I challenge you. Annnnnd go.

Oh, and to sweeten the pot for ya, anyone who helps me come up with something witty will get some props in my blog AND a little somethin' somethin' from one of my friends' Etsy stores (Mada's Place or Peachy Keen Designs - you choose)*. Any takers?!

*Prize not to exceed $10 in value.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Precious.

 

My friend Amanda at Breleigh’s Boutique made a truly precious sack dress for Anna.  In true Anna form, she wanted to pose for you kind people to show off her new duds.  If you’re looking for a precious, unique dress for your daughter, check out Breleigh’s Boutique.  Her store is a little empty now because she mainly takes special orders, so please contact her for more information and for fabric samples.  You won’t be disappointed!

Checkity check it.

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And it wouldn't be a true Anna post without at least one crying picture, right?

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