9 month old appointment

Not sure if you remember the appointment FROM HELL, as we Carter's call things.... last time we arrived at the Peds office, but this one was much better. I requested a male doc, bc Russ recommended that MAYBE the woman did notlike me here in Boston, their problem :) The man we got was older than the trees in the yard, but he was thorough, so I guess that was good! He did do really good with the shots, too.

H's meausurements are as follows:

Head: 43 cm, 75% (like his friend "Melon")

Height: 32 inches, over 100% scale

Weight: 21 pounds, 3 oz, 57%

For H, we are still on his schedule since birth! Yay!

It's Just Not Fair

You know, as a child we are told "No" for many things....somethings we come to learn we were better off and others we just accept that somehow it wasn't fair. As an adult, the word "No," to me, is an insult. Yesterday I FINALLY got my business together to send in my absentee ballot request. I know it was due Friday (today) but why not wait until the last minute? Believe it or not, I forgot with all the baby stuff going on with us. So off I sent my info to Jan to fax in. Later that day, I get a call from a lovely personality at the Bossier Parish Registar of Voters office. She was oh not so much help. She just wanted to tell me that my name was registered under East Baton Rouge...where Russ and I lived after our wedding (our first traveling RN job). Anywhodaloo, I thanked her for calling me and then asked what I needed to do to get this fixed. The woman, who, keep in mind WORKED THERE, flat out said to me: "I don't have a clue!" in a wonderfully helpful tone if you can only imagine :) I am still confused about those people that fill out a job application to a place they know they will absolutely despise working. You know, like Wal-mart check out people....what is that about? HELLO-OOHH! I mean, who really wakes up one day and realizes this is THE DAY I am going to get that job at the Register of Voters!!!, Oh yeah, nothing is stopping me now! Still, not my problem. So, on with the rant...

I then remember that the last time Russ and I flew home they BARELY let us on the plane b/c my license was expired. Oopps. I know I know, I really have to get my crap together. But, we had to renew our licenses at the Morehouse Parish DMV, which was a real treat. The ladies were like talking to your grandmother, they were all very helpful and nice, for real! How odd to find someone helpful in this day. Well, I had changed my address to his parents so that all of our important mail would come together, not some to Jan and some to his mother. Officially now I am confused about where I am registered to vote???? Which is like in 4 days. Long story, but I called them and the lady was, of course, so nice and helped me a ton. Apparently I am like a non-resident resident. Does that make sense? Nope, not to me either. So, I have to verify that I actually live in Louisianaville, and then wait 3 months to register to vote there. Looks like I will be voting for the next city Judge instead of President. Yep, that's right, of all people, I DON'T GET TO VOTE!!!

I'm pretty sure that it is illegal to vote for someone else, but if you are just hanging in the balance about who to choose, you can add my two cents in, It's McCain, if you were at the slightest bit wondering, hmmm. Shocker, I know.

Other than the rude lady in Benton, I realize it is (somehow) my fault for not doing this earlier, but she could of helped like the other lady did. God forbid anyone actually do there job.
And, I must add...It just isn't fair!!

So please please please, go vote! ...there are people freezing in Boston that cannot.

(It's 30 and the sun is shining).

Happy Halloween!!!

Taggin' Continued...

So, I didn't tag anyone before, because there were no rules, but now that I found the rules from Kallie, here goes:

6 things about yourself, or 26 if you want HA! Then tag someone else....

I now tag Jess, Crystal, and Sunni!

Oops, and New Teeth

So apparently, when gettin' tagged you are supposed to write SIX things about yourself, not TWENTY SIX, so I apologize for making everyone read my life epic. Thanks Lyssa for the heads up on the rules :)


As for new teeth, Little H has not been sleeping throught the night these last few days, and this morning, at about 5 am he decided he had just about had enough of this teething business. He woke us up in a screaming fit, poor guy, and we went to give him some Tylenol and check on him...and he now has 6 top teeth. Yep, the two side teeth (the vampire ones) just decided to come in with the 2nd set of incisors...or whatever they are all called! Anyway, he was seriously hurting because he was getting a mouthful all at once. I felt so bad for his little face with those big tears running down his rosy cheeks. As I rocked him, he just looked up at me saying, "Thank you, Mommy. I feel better already." He totally has my teeth, which is SO not a good thing. I could break a bone and never feel it, but when I get a toothache, Good Gracious, give me some Motrin! I have really soft teeth, apparently...that is what the Dentist always says, which is the worst! I was really hoping he would get Daddy's type instead!

Gettin' Tagged

Apparently, getting tagged on Blogger means I am supposed to post about myself??? There were no rules so here are a few things about me...and just to warn you, if you choose to read this, you might find it honestly honest...so beware, if you are the sensitive type.

This is me:

I can never, I mean EVER get those "tear on the dotted line" packages open. It just never happens for me.

I absolutely love expensive towels.

I cringe inside when anyone does something to my child without asking me or Russ. HELLO! We are the parents. WE figured out how to create this wonderful life, and we are very much capable of parenting him.

I love to shop for the latest trend. I do not care what judgement you make about my 500 dollar Coach bag and Christian Dior sunglasses, & our designer jeans. It is no one's business what we spend our money on, and that is just it, our money.

Secretly, Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) is my best friend, and also my life story...except for the fabulous clothes and the NYC thing. I had my Mr. Big and my Aiden...I just got to marry the Aiden. I have my Miranda & my sister is so Charlotte York....don't quite know anyone like Sam though!

Orange Juice turns my stomach, but sometimes I just have to have a big glass.

I'm really good at letting people get close to me & hurt me. I really do give people WAY too much credit. I used to always tell my Mother how I could not believe some adult would do this or that, and one day I realized adults are sometimes just older children, that never grew up. And, some of them are really mean & unhappy people.

I wish everyone that read my blog would comment. We do not do all of this work for nothing. It would be nice to know what everyone thinks about our true, but funny stories and cute family pictures.

I cannot even begin to compare how it feels to watch your child learn something new.

The state of Florida gives me Irritable Bowel. (Ok, so you're are thinking "That's gross, Paige," but at least it isn't YOU) I swear I get sick every time I go there.

I absolutely hate to explain myself. Why must I tell you why I am doing this or that? I am now a responsible adult/parent/wife, and I do not always need to be questioned.

I only like peanuts when in a Snickers Bar.

I'm addicted to shoes in the wrong size (ask Russ)...and ice cream (Russ also knows this secret).

I will never understand abortion.

Soggy bread makes me nauseated.

Dial-up internet makes me want to check myself into a Psych facility.

Can't understand why some people say things that make absolutely no sense.

I wish I could read a book in one sitting.

I don't like when people are SO sure they have you figured out, when they obviously have no clue.

I absolutely, without a doubt HATE racial conflict.

I think addiction is the saddest thing ever. I cry like a child at every episode of Intervention.

I think it is funny how everyone that says they hate "Drama" is surrounded by it. I used to be that person.

It doesn't matter what kind of day you had, when you lay in bed with your spouse and feel your baby kick inside your belly, there is just nothing like falling asleep to that.

And, I guess I just wish everything would be a little easier...but then how would we appreciate really great stuff??

Back to Boston

We are all safe and at home from our long trip to Florida. Wow, I never knew how long airplane rides could feel...just anticipating when your child is going to pull the weave out of the young lady's head in front of us, or squeal like a little piggy. He was quite a mess, but he did really well, considering the long journey. We had a 3 hour flight and then an hour one, with a two hour layover in between. Yes, he was totally off of his normal routine, which he actually enjoys, and I was a complete mess. Thank goodness Russ was there to help out, and he did so much. We planned for weeks before, but of course you will always miss something, and we did. We all survived, and I know everyone was glad to see Russ and our little H. He has grown so much since we last were in Louisianaville.

I do have many pics to post of our trip, but it will have to wait a few hours...I cannot find the hidden cord to hook up the camera for downloading :) Russ will be off the next two days. That is when the cord will magically reappear.

Here are a few pictures from the week before we left.
Hello Mommy!
This is what I found when I came around the corner...and, Yes that is his diaper.
...and, again the next day. Doesn't he look so suprised to see Mommy?
Playing in my crib with Teddy.
Chewing on my favorite...carrot wagon wheels, oh how yummy does that sound??? and look?


Also, I know many of you have heard me say how exhausted I am this pregnancy, and I found out on Tuesday that my Hematocrit & Iron is really low. I now have to take more supplements and pills to fix that, on top of my presciption prenatals, YAY! More to remember. I must get it under control before delivery. SO, if you have thought I might be a bit fussy mussy this year, then you should feel ashamed. I was really just drained from iron! Hopefully it will only take the pill, and not any other means of blood transfusion during labor :(

Vacation here we come!!

The time has finally come! We are heading to Destin Florida in the morning! Hopefully Harrison will love flying :)

Wish us luck! and tans!

A Yummy Treat!

after MANY trials, we finally have a video of our little H!!! Hoorah!!

Apples, Apples, Apples

Russ was off of work today, so we all loaded up in the 4 wheel drive to go apple picking. Apparently, this is a big deal in this part of the country. Everyone we meet tells us to go, but we have yet found time...imagine that.

It was only about 55 degrees and 45 when the wind blew, which was almost everytime you forgot about it. Thankfully now that I am always wondering about H, I don't even think about how cold I really am. He got to wear so many layers today...a polo, a sweater, and a fur lined coat. It really felt like we live in the artic, and it is the first week of October. I have got a real suprise coming in a few weeks, i'm sure of it. Gina told me last week that we must must must get family North Face jackets to survive. We all know how much I just love freezing to death :) Woohoo!

Back to apples...we drove to a beautiful town called Natick, 14 miles. Russ was sure he saw John Kerry on his bike, hmmm? It was like a movie, so perfect. The neighborhood was set in these gorgeous pines trees and you could actually smell the wood as you drove down the streets. The houses were bigger than anything I had seen in L.A., well except the ones that look like hotels. It reminded me of Home Alone, the movie. Russ wants to live there. I told him we could maybe afford the basement of the back barn. So we drove on...to the orchard. Lookout Farms is where the day took place. The have an adorable train that takes you to all of the stops of the orchard. Apples, peaches, plums, pears, pumpkins, grapes, and of course more apples. This place was unreal! As we got ready to board the train H was just sqealing when the wind blew on his face. His little nose was pink in just seconds, but he absolutely loved it!

Here are the rules: you can eat any of the fruit to taste what you want to purchase. It is all organic so you can eat it right off the tree. We arrived at our first stop, the apples and Asian pears. So yummy, oh so yummy. The pears were huge!! And, the apples were so crisp and fresh, like nothing you have ever tasted before. We got one of each, and two or more if we really liked it. I know there is no way we will eat all of this fruit before it goes bad, but it was the experience of picking it that was so neat.

H was watching us try the fruit and he was really looking left out. So, we let him try some. He did really well! He actually bit into the apples and sucked off the juices! We gave him some of all kinds and he liked some, and not others, but I was so proud of him for trying it all. So, we went on the next stop...the peaches and more apples. Oh how delightful were those peaches!! H was not so sure, but he did try it. There was a large children's play area at this stop...where most people were. There were many daycares and families having picnics all around. There was also a lovely smelling petting zoo. Gotta love the pregnant nose. We did see a reindeer, which was pretty cool. No, we did not pet anything stinky.

Finally, the last stop. We were the only ones that got off here, and of course they pointed that out :) We finished up with my favorite, Macintosh Apples...THE BEST EVER!!! These apples are so fruity and not too griddy, like a pear....the perfect apple (that is what I told Russ, and he laughed at me). They are my new favorite thing right now. Yumm! H loved that kind too!

We got back to the gift shop and took some Mommy & son pictures by the pumpkins. I also grabbed some homemade apple cider I can't wait to taste tonight.

So, when we got back to the house, the bag of apples and pears and peaches were on the couch. Little H man found them and decided to try him one. We videoed it, and are STILL trying to get it on here. He had fresh pears and apples when he ate his dinner, and loved that! Here are the pictures of our wonderful family day we thoroughly enjoyed!

Those Unforgettable First Few Steps

H started taking a few steps about two weeks ago. I did not want to announce that he was walking, because two steps is not really the definition of "walking." He has moved on from two or three steps, then three and four, and now four and five. He is so funny how out of balance he looks. He uses his toes to grab into the carpet and hold his balance...and he does this hilarious arm swing to compensate. We get so excited, and he just looks up at us like "What's the big deal with you crazys?"

Finally, he has stopped getting hurt...for the most part. Now he only gets really hurt, really bad. I'm not sure if that is better or worse. I still think every pain is the worst for him...who really ever wants their child to feel real pain? Not me!

He has moved on in to his 12 month clothes this past week. Yes, my eight and a half month old is a tall one. He still has no rolls on his body, despite what pictures might look like. His face only looks chubby when he smiles, just like his mother. But, his clothes are just adorable. At the 12 month stage apparently now you can find real clothes, NOT EVERYTHING IS A ONESIE anymore..thank goodness. I hate those things. Who really wants to change a diaper and have to go through three garments to get the job done??? Who has time for that mess?

H has been clapping for a month or so. His clapping consists of him slapping whatever is next to him and making a noise. He gets really excited and stomps his feet, too. BUT, today he actually got both hands together and clapped like a big boy. Yay H! He loves to snuggle, and at different times in his day will just come over and lay his head on our shoulders. As he tires in the daytime, he lays down on his tummy in the floor and just looks around, so funny! When we pick him up, almost everytime, he gives us a sweet hug, and we love it. We have to show each other, too. It's like we are so proud that our little guy loves us! Too funny!

At first I thought H was way behind for his vocal ability. Then i realized that he is just way ahead for EVERYTHING! So, this past week we have been very excited to hear him making lots more noise! We call him Kinsey when he screeches loudly! He does know his name now, and knows what "No" sounds like for sure. He sometimes listens, and moves away...and others he just laughs and keeps on doing whatever it is that is needing the term used. He started climbing up onto the couch and loves to be on the cushions. It scares me that he will jump off, so I have to stay right under him every second...not so easy with a baby belly :)

He loves his bathtime, and runs into the bathroom when he hears the water running in his tub. We recently got him a skid-proof mat for the basin. Before he would slip and slide everywhere on that little booty! He has an elmo faucet cover and he tries so hard to stand up and touch everything, which is a No-No at our house. He has to sit down the entire bathtime or he has to get out. He still does not have the best balance to be standing up in the water. But, he loves the time in the water and to splash his feet! He will play for about twenty minutes while I watch. Bathtime means his day is at an end, so it is ALMOST time for me to take a break! After I cook dinner, do laundry and my bathtime, of course! Where do the days go?

We have our first big family trip next week, and I have no idea how I am going to pack it all. I use everything on the list I made EVERYDAY...so I guess Friday night before we leave Saturday morning I will be throwing it all in a bag, somehow neatly.
Russ has eleven days off for this trip, lucky him! Our friend Gina has volunteered herself to take care of the Toby man, so that is good that he does not have to be boarded. They will be going to Conneticutt for a one day trip...so he will be going on a mini-vaca as well. I wish he could come with us...he is like our other child!

Wish I had some new pictures, but our camera is acting nutty right now...just before our first family trip! Woohoo! Hopefully we can figure it out before we leave :)