Stay-cation Summer 2012

Mike and I took a couple of days off work (earlier this month) and had a little stay-cation with Henry. The original object of the game was to stay hunkered down in the house for 4 days and potty train Henry.  Well, that lasted less than 2 hours and we decided he just wasn't ready. Sidenote: he peed while watching tv and didn't even move a muscle. He either doesn't get the cues yet or was totally in to his episode Thomas the Train.  So while attempt #1 was a fail, he will be ready when he's ready.

Anyway, we knew we needed to find some fun stuff to do to keep ourselves entertained. Monday after a nice morning of sleeping in, the 3 of us ventured out to a local park so Henry could run off some energy. The little people watcher enjoyed watching all of the kids run everywhere, he got some climbing, swinging and sliding in.  After that, we picked up some lunch and headed back to the house for nap. Heavenly!!   After Henry went to bed that night, Mike and I watched a movie and enjoyed the quiet time.

Tuesday, day 2 of sleeping-in complete, we loaded up and headed to the Dallas World Aquarium.  Apparently we had the same idea as 800 other people so it was a little hard to stand and enjoy the animals. Another challenge - Henry.  He saw other kids running around like maniacs and wanted to join the fun. He's too young to remember the trip, but it's one Mike and I won't soon forget.  Let's just say, the trip lasted right at an hour and then we booked it out of there.  Maybe next year.

We did get to see some neat sea critters though!  I thought it was really neat that this species of crab is gentle in nature and that it attaches "sponges and smaller animals to their shells to divert predators."  Kinda like saying "Here, I'll hide behind you!"

Crab legs anyone?

Henry thought the crabs were pretty cool, but he wouldn't take his eyes off him when I wanted a picture.  He didn't trust the glass to protect him. :)

Looking for Nemo

There was an outdoor penguin exhibit that was really neat!  Little random fact, penguins lose 1/3 or more of their body weight during nesting season.  Definitely want to be a penguin in the next life.

I'll have to admit, these were quite a bit smaller than I thought they would be. I was thinking 3 or 4 feet tall but they maybe squeaked in at 2 feet tall.

Henry really enjoyed seeing the penguins and loved the outdoor exhibit.

He spotted a waterfall or as he calls it "water falls down!"

On our way out, we saw "wizzards" and "dey are distusting!" 

 

So while the trip might have been a little less than enjoyable, we will definitely make future trips when he's a little older and can enjoy it more.

 

More importantly, we enjoyed our time at home just resting and taking it easy. We had lots of laughs and loved being together.  Definitely looking forward to the next one!

 

Flashback Friday - Brock

Not to get all sappy, but I've been missing my little buddy, Brock quite a bit lately. He was the first dog I had as an adult and I loved him dearly. He was my first baby and a very loyal companion.    He was a part of my life when I needed him the most. It crushed me when he passed, took several weeks to make it through the day without crying over him being gone. 

He was socially out of control, jumped on people to greet them and would blow full steam ahead towards even small children just to slobber them in kisses. He had a zeal for life but it got him into trouble more times than I'd care to admit. He was strong as an ox, had rotten tuna boat breath but the biggest, sweetest heart.

He loved his Mama and thankfully he approved of Mike quickly.  He went to bed with me each night but would often sneak out to hang out with Daddy on the couch after I crashed out. He loved to snuggle and I still miss our snuggly nights, all 3 of us piled up on the couch, just chilling.

I was looking through pics for this post and it's pretty shameful how much crap I dressed this dog in. I have pics of him in a t-shirt and another with reindeer antlers. I remember one time Mike and I turned a blanket into a cape as he ran around Mike's 1 bedroom apartment. We tormented him but he loved the attention.

Biscuit Head, Brock-oli

Whatchu' talkin' 'bout Willis?





 

He was just short of his 10th birthday when he went to the Bridge, but that old man would have crazy bursts of energy. But that might have been because he slept better than Mike and I did.  Watch the next video and you'll know why I say that. :)

 

I sure miss that little knucklehead, but we were so blessed to get nearly 6 years of wonderful memories!

 

Wrestle-mania

One of my favorite parts of our night-time routine is wrestle and tickle time. Henry couldn't wait to "get Daddy" tonight.  Mike always humors him at first and lets Henry do the majority of the rough housing.

 

How about a kick to the ribs?!

 

He kept saying "I ride Daddy!"

A little knee in the behind!

May look like a massage, but don't be fooled folks, he was laughing and squealing "Tickle, tickle!"

Resuscitating Daddy? LOL!

 

Once Mike has given him a good turn, he turns it around on him and pins the poor little guy down for tons of tickling, lots of laughter, squealing and arms and legs flying. Very fun!!

 

Mike tried to teach him out to tap out, but I think he might have beat Henry to it. Ha!!  Mike let out an exhausted sigh as Henry stood up and proclaimed "Chocolate milk!"

 

 

What a quack!

Tonight we made the trip to Ge-Gee and D-Dad's to move some furniture (more on that in a later post). There is a pond directly across the street from their house. With ponds come ducks and geese! We got there right at dinner time so Henry was able to see tons of them. It was pretty neat, even though deep down I wanted them to stay back. Nothing personal against these birds, just all birds in general. :)

He loved watching them!

Kiki

One year ago today, Kiki officially joined our family. We met her through the angels at Legacy Boxer Rescue and have loved her since day one. She came into our family from a foster family and while we were a little nervous about how she would adjust, she fit in just fine.  She's a bit of a diva who demands your attention, especially if your hands are free. She has such a sweet disposition that you can't help but love her. Oh and she has the best under bite!!

She murdered her stuffie the same day she got it. She's very hard on stuffed animals! Paper towels, tissues, toilet paper and baby wipes don't stand a chance when Kiki's around.  She also loves to shred diapers, but fortunately only the clean variety.

Lazy!

Best under bite!

Did you notice the purple nails? She came to us her nails painted. Funniest thing!!   Admittedly, I painted them hot pink one more time, but she's too wiggly and impatient for all that nonsense. That and the ribbing at the vet just isn't worth it. :)

Speaking of the vet, she loves all the docs and the staff at our vet clinic. She hams it up and lets them love all over her.

This is a picture of a typical morning in our house. I get out of bed and she immediately gets in my spot.

Smiley

I love it when she sleeps with her tongue out because it reminds of Eileen.

 

I can't believe it's already been a year but we are so thankful for our sweet Kiki monster. She's a great addition to our family and has helped mend our hearts since Eileen's passing. Her wicked gas, sassy attitude, trash digging habits don't hold a candle to her loyalty, gentleness and patience. Seriously, anyone who lets Henry drive his matchbox cars on their backside is good in my book.  We love you sweet girl!

Flashback Friday - Skydive edition

This post might need to be called Free Fall Friday. I can't believe it's almost 5 years since I went skydiving, but I sure hope to do it again someday. Maybe when Henry's a little older and Mike has a better sense of humor about these things. Ha! Only kidding, honey. :)

In all seriousness, if you haven't ever skydived (dove?), you're missing out on an insane rush! Sure it's risky, but you only live once! And it's true that you don't have a falling sensation. It's a floaty feeling that you can't explain until you've done it. Totally worth the jello knees, hoarse voice from screaming for your life and the adrenaline hangover a few hours later. Have I mentioned I can't wait to do it again?!  

Hanging out with Jeannie before the jump. She said she was too chicken...

... but her husband Frank wasn't scared a bit.  He's a great partner in crime!

There were several of us there to jump, a husband and wife, me and Frank and my uncle and another friend of Jeannie's. Frank and I were paired together to go up. Mike (not my Mike, he's too chicken!!) and Sharla went first and if I'm not mistaken, this was their second time to jump. It was neat being the middle pair, I got to watch our friends do it, then I did it and then we watched my uncle Dave come down. It was a really neat experience and the weather was gorgeous that day.

 Frank and I were getting on the plane with a bunch of "professionals" who were trying to make a jump video. I think nearly a dozen of them jumped out within just a few seconds of each other, doing tricks for the video.  Not gonna lie, I was freaking out. At that point, I would have rather jumped from the plane than land in it. 

 

 

A little video snippet. The background conversations made me laugh. I forgot about how fun this day was, so glad I have videos and pictures to remember it all.  

Uncle Dave and Aunt Jennie. He loved it and I think she was secretly interested. :)  

 

All right, so you've read through it, you convinced? Let's go!

 

HV Balloon Fest 2012

Tonight we ventured out to the 25th annual Lions Club Balloon Festival and Fair in Highland Village.  Henry really enjoyed seeing the hot air balloons and the carnival rides. All 3 of us had a great time aside from the heat and humidity.  Henry was very busy but we were able to get him to ride in the stroller for a bit while Daddy enjoyed an ice cream sandwich and Mama had a pina colada snow cone. 

riding the carousel with Daddy

riding the Boogie Woogie Choo Choo with Mama

He giggled the entire time!!  You may remember seeing this here.

He couldn't wait to "ride the bugs!"  Admittedly, I wasn't ready for him to ride this by himself as it was very bumpy and screamed MOTION SICKNESS, but he insisted. The only other rider was also a 2 year old little boy so I figured there was a 50% chance mine would be the one to flip out. Definitely worth the gamble to see his cheesy smile!  Both boys did great and they had a blast!

Look at that grin!

mischievous?

We He insisted on round 2...

...but once he saw a kid get in the orange one he rode previously, he just had to switch seats.

And at $3 a ride, we let him get what he wanted. :)

The kid in front of him put his hand out for high fives, monkey see, monkey do

This bell was gorgeous! People kept ringing it and at one point Mike leaned over to me and said he was waiting to hear "Hells Bells".  It sounded just like that too.

These gorgeous stones with the 10 Commandments were on either side of the bell.  Gave me chill bumps just being near this.

Henry, you remember that first one for sure. All of the following are equally important too.

Here's a quick video of the balloons lighting up. There is bad weather headed this way, lots of lightning in the area so they cut it short tonight. We're hoping to see them from the house tomorrow night.

We had a really great time and hope to do it again next year. Who knows, might be a new family tradition.

Flashback Friday

I love watching old videos, especially of Henry and his cuteness!!  Here's a video of him trying to walk, sometime around his first birthday, not sure of the actual date.  And yes, my house was a wreck. Cleaning isn't nearly as fun as playtime!

About a boy

Mike and I were bathing Henry tonight, he was being obnoxious, typical boy stuff. Henry, not just Mike. I sighed after he dumped half a bucket of water on the floor, for the second time. Mike looks at me and says "It was your idea." I thought he meant the bath was my idea "Yeah, but he has to have a bath." Mike laughs and says "No, having a baby. That was your idea."  We both laughed. "Having a boy was NOT my idea."

bubble goatee

I know. I never thought about having a boy before HH came along. I always thought I'd be a "girl mom" having a daughter or two of my own, playing with dolls, talking about boys in the teenage years and being mother-of-the-bride someday.  Aside from the boys I dated and cousins I had growing up, I didn't really know much about boys, especially toddler boys. They are beast of their own, yes, the pun is intended.

Boys are messy. I figure at this stage in his life, he'd be messy whether he was a boy or a girl but tonight he pulled a total boy move. Mike had his back turned for 30 seconds, Henry ran into our room, grabbed a handful of potting soil out of the ivy, ran back into the living room and tossed it on the carpet. Thanks, son!   He loves to finger paint with his ketchup and shakes his milk cup just to see it splatter all over the car seat.

Boys are rough. If he's awake, he's moving, fighting gravity. He runs, jumps, stumbles, climbs and jumps again. I'm not sure where he learned it, but thinks moving over next to you and smacking you with his backhand is funny. We of course tell him it's not funny, don't do that, but he laughs like a mad man.  We will keep explaining that it hurts and that it's not nice, maybe he will understand before someone else does it to him. (Not us, we'd never do that, but someone his size might.) He fights us tooth and nail when we leave the marina. It's an almost weekly occurrence, you'd think he'd get over it by now, but nope, every week is a battle. He doesn't want to leave the boat, he doesn't want to take his life jacket off and you can absolutely forget about putting him in the car seat.  Makes me tired just thinking about it. Ha!  He is definitely passionate about his causes, that's for sure.

Boys are loud and crude. He's 2 and already laughs when he farts. He always laughs and says "Do it again?!" You can't help but laugh which only encourages him.

To be fair, boys aren't all bad. Sometimes, boys are sweet. There's so many random moments, he will snuggle up next to me and say "I wuv ya Mom!"  Melts my heart every single time. He's funny like that, goes from sweet to maniac back to sweet again. I guess it's all about balance.

Boys are funny. He is absolutely amusing to watch. You can see the wheels turning in his head, plotting his next move. The way he sees his surroundings is so much different than the way a girl would look at it. Everything around him is a challenge, whereas girls are much more complacent with their surroundings.  He's constantly trying to take things apart or move stuff around so that he can climb in it or under it or on top of it to jump off it. The words "Watch this, Mom!" are frightening but still amusing, most of the time.

So, yes, motherhood to a boy has been very different than the motherhood that I imagined before he was born. I remember laying in the operating room right after he was born, thinking about everything "boy" from going to baseball games to dancing with him at his wedding someday.  I worried those first few days about caring for a boy. It had been years since I changed a little boy diaper and I didn't always enjoy babysitting little boys when I was a teenager because they were gross and I always worried about them breaking something while their parents were gone.  Talk about stepping out of my comfort zone.  I prayed that God would show me the way, not only how to be a good mom, but a good mom to my son. After all, they say that boys marry women like their mothers so I've got to be the best for him. Two days later, as I was getting myself ready, I could see Henry in the mirror behind me and I thought to myself "Maybe this boy thing won't be so bad. At least I won't have to spend hours a day on his hair."  See, things were looking up. :)

leaving the hospital with my SON

In hindsight, I'm not really sure what I was so anxious about. Boys might be a little much sometimes, but it's not all bad.  He's rowdy and instills fear in my heart when he climbs on the furniture, but you know I wouldn't trade him for all the money or peace in the world.  He's still extremely charming, hilarious and a joy to be around. Maybe I was meant to be a "boy mom" after all.

Potty humor

In preparation for potty training, we've had our fair share of toilet humor. I think some of it's sinking in but I'll let you be the judge.