Sharon it all!

Luke at Two Months!

2012-02-15T08:00:00.002-05:00

Luke turned two months on Feb. 3. He had his two month appointment this past Friday and he weighed 15 lbs 9 oz and was 24 1/2 inches tall. He is still in the 98th percentile.

We call him "Chunky Monkey", or "Chubby Checker."

He wears a size 2 diaper and size 3 to 6 month, or 6 month size clothes. He loves to eat. Still does not take a pacifier and has gotten fussy with the few bottles he was given this past month. Brant says he is a pure Mama's boy! He does have periods of fussiness, usually in the evening.

He has been smiling more and laughs. He will stare at his hand and has started laughing and looking at the animals on his swing mobile. He holds his head up really well and bears weight on his legs very well too!

For the past two weeks he has been sleeping pretty well at night and awake more during the day. He has been sleeping until about 5 am, up to eat and then back to sleep for a few more hours.

I did stop the acid reflux medication because I don't know that it was doing enough to warrant continuing it. Both he and Hank had sick visits for colds the week before last. Mostly nasal congestion, that will not go away! We have been having Luke sleep in his swing for the past week to help with his congestion. He is still sleeping in our room.

Hank still loves him. He calls him Luke Thomas, or Baby Brother. When he has been away he will come and see him first and say, "My missed you today Baby Brother."

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T07:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day from our little heart breaker!

Luke at One Month.

2012-01-12T12:16:00.000-05:00

Luke was one month on January 3.

At his one month appointment, on Jan. 5 he was 12 lbs 12 oz and 23 1/2 inches.

He is in the 98th percentile.

We went back to the Doctor's this past Monday because we thought he might be having some issues with acid reflux. He was started on some medication three times a day. So far he is spitting up less, but still seams to have pain and fussiness in the evening. Not sure if it is gas or reflux? Has been sleeping a little bit better at night. The last three nights he was up once, usually around 4:00 am.

The last week of his first month he was starting to hold his head up a lot more and was more alert.

He was up to 13 lbs 3 oz when we were at the Doctor's on Monday!

Christmas 2011.

2011-12-28T14:10:00.000-05:00

We spent Christmas Eve with the Leroy family. On Christmas Day we went to my parents and then in the evening Brant's family came to our house.

We have been lying pretty low otherwise since both boys have colds. Hank started last week with congestion and one night with croupy cough. A few days later we noticed Luke had some congestion.

Here is hoping we all have good health in the New Year!

Getting ready for Santa. "He will be excited for that."

Christmas Jammies

Reading Mommy's book.

Breakfast:)

Hank's real breakfast.

You better not pout!

My future trouble makers - looks like they are already cooking up something!

Here is a video too:

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T05:30:00.002-05:00

Luke update.

2011-12-23T15:29:00.000-05:00

Luke has been back to the Doctor twice since coming home, for routine check-ups. He is up one pound from his birth weight, at 10 lbs 14 oz. He is in the 98th percentile.

He is 22 1/2 inches which is "off the charts."

He sleeps a good bit still and is up once or twice during the night to feed. He has a little fussy period around 9 or 10 at night, which we think is gas related.

He had his photos taken when he was one week old and they turned out super cute.

You can see some here: http://www.twiddledeephotography.com/blog/?p=1725

Two weeks

Monkey see, Monkey do!

He's just perfect!

2011-12-13T20:20:00.000-05:00

Wanted to share a video of Hank meeting his baby brother:

We have been adjusting to life as a family of four. I feel like I am just now, physically getting back to normal. I did have some bad headaches during the past week. I had those with Hank too. Yesterday I went back to the Doctor for him to look at my incision and my blood pressure was high, so back to labor and delivery I went to have blood work ( I thought I was done with that place!)

Thankfully my blood work was fine and he wants me to keep monitoring my pressures.

Brant went back to work yesterday. He was a big help to us last week when I was not able to do much. Hank continues with his school on Tuesday and Thursday. Those are the quiet days at home:)

Luke sleeps much of the day. At night he gets up about twice a night to feed. So far he is a content baby.

Luke Thomas!

2011-12-07T23:45:00.000-05:00

Luke Thomas was born on Saturday December 3 at 8:46 am. He was 9 lbs 14 oz and 20 1/2 inches long.

He has been such a delight and we are so happy to have him here with us. We were able to leave the hospital on Monday, a day early, since I was doing fine. I was so happy to come home because I started with sinus problems in the few days before his birth and the dry hospital air was making it worse. Brant ended up taking me to the Doctor yesterday and I got on an anitbiotic for a sinus infection. I already feel a lot better!

Hank LOVES his brother. When he has been away from us the first person he wants to see is Luke and not Mommy or Daddy!

(Luke 1:14) He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his

birth,

Making his list!

2011-12-01T23:37:00.001-05:00

Hank has been looking at all the toy catalogs that have been coming in the mail. He points to everything and says "I want to show you something. My wants this and my wants this." It is so funny how he looks though them and he knows so many things by name. Things I didn't even know he knew about!

I have been having to play the Santa card a lot lately to get him to listen to me!

It usually works, but he does question it. When I tell him Santa is watching him, he says," I don't see him. How is he watching me?" Also when I sang him Santa Claus is coming to Town, he said, "My don't live in town. My lives in the big house."

Here is a video of him looking at some of the toys he wants ( he is now getting into Super Hero's):

Change of Plans!

2011-11-18T20:44:00.000-05:00

Well we were admitted to the hospital this afternoon. I had an IV running. I had not ate for 12 hours and it was time for me to be heading to the O.R.

Then the Doctor came in and said she had bad news and had to cancel it.

The reason was the other Doctors in the practice felt my hypertension problems were not bad enough to deliver the baby at 37 weeks. They want to continue to wait until 39 weeks, when I was originally scheduled and just keep monitoring things.

That had to be one of the weirdest things ever! I was so ready to have him, but I also want him to be healthy and so here we go...back to waiting! Maybe he will decide to start things on his own?

Whatever happens I pray for a healthy baby.

Hank was so excited all day to see his baby brother. He had been with Mimi during the day, but had come to the hospital to see me. Mimi and Great Grand mom took him to the Toy Store and were about to go eat when we called them with the change of plans. My parents were also at the hospital too. Hank actually took the news that his brother was not ready to come out yet well. I was afraid he would be really upset.

So instead of having a baby, we ate at Chick- Fil- A!

Last morning as a Mommy of One!

2011-11-18T07:07:00.000-05:00

Over the last week I have had some blood pressure issues. I had to go to the hospital to be seen Saturday and then again on Tuesday. After Tuesday they told me not to go back to work and to rest. When I went back to the Doctor yesterday she said she would like to move my C-section up. She was able to have is scheduled for this afternoon! Today the baby is 37 weeks and considered full term. I have been saying all along I would love to have this little turkey out for Thanksgiving...just never realized it would happen!

Hard to believe we will be a family of four now. Hank is excited to be a big brother. When I picked him up from school yesterday I told him little brother was coming tomorrow and we needed to get a haircut to be ready for him. The lady at the hair salon asked him if he was a big boy and he said, "No my's a big brother and this is my little brother (pointing at my belly) and he's going to come out in two minutes (pointing up two fingers)."

He says the funniest things. Lately he has been telling me he is going to marry me and put a ring on my finger and get me flowers out of the garden. I hope little brother is just as sweet and cute. We can't wait to meet him!

Hank the Tank!

2011-11-01T20:40:00.000-04:00

Hank was a train conductor / train for Halloween. We went to Mimi and Mamp's neighborhood for trick or treating and he had lots of fun. He talked a lot the last few weeks about what he was going to be and it changed all the time. He was going to be a pumpkin, Spider Man, a ghost, etc Since I had the costume for about a month I had to tell him that everyone was going to give lots of candy to a train conductor, then he would say, "Me's going to be a train conductor."

I was able to walk to a good many houses with him and then I had to head back and relax. At one house I asked him what he was supposed to say, and he said: "Give me some candy....Please." I was a little worried with that long pause! One lady asked him what he was (his costume) and he said "Hank."

Photo time before heading to Mimi's house.

He Let the Choo Choo wear his hat.

All aboard!

Getting ready to head out and load up on candy cargo!

Is that Flynn the Fire Truck (a Thomas the Train character)?

Trick or Treat!

What a life!

Lots of fun decorations to look at. This was at one of Mommy's favorite houses!

Fall Time

2011-10-25T09:00:00.001-04:00

It finally is feeling like Fall. We had several periods of warm / hot weather this month. We did do a pumpkin patch trip during the first part of October, but it didn't feel like Fall, since it was about 80 degrees that day! We did manage to have fun and get a nice big pumpkin. Hank picked a tiny one, which I forgot about, until a week later when he pulled it out from under the couch, all shriveled up!

This past Sunday I took him back to Milburn Orchards in Elkton. I had taken him there last year. Mimi went with us too.

He got to go through a bouncy fun house and rode a pony named patches. We did a hay ride and he also did an apple sling shot. We took lots of fun photos too.

Unfortunately the line for Apple cider donuts was crazy, so we did not get any of those. Oh well maybe we will get some next weekend somewhere.

Who loves Hank....Mommy does!

Hank was very Happy about riding Patches.

Goat Ramp

Apple sling shot.

Farm Hand Hank.

Baby Miller and his future Girlfriend!

2011-10-24T09:00:00.002-04:00

It looks like Baby Miller will be here on December 6, unless I would go into labor before that! I would not be opposed to having that little turkey here for Thanksgiving (so long as he is fully baked!)

They would only schedule a c-section one week prior to the due date, and this was the earliest available.

I had been undecided at this point on weather to schedule it, or try and have a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section). I have a feeling this boy is going to be as big, or bigger than Hank, so I don't want to risk anything and feel the c-section would be safest.

On my appointment this past week I am measuring a little bit bigger than I should - 34 inches, instead of the 32 - 33 I should have been. As we get closer they may order a growth sonogram to try and determine his weight. Remember Hank was 10 lbs 2 oz, and he was born four days before his due date.

This past Saturday I went to my friend, Carrie's baby shower. She is due the same week as me. She was so sweet to include me in her part of her shower. Our mutual friends had a few gifts for me and she also had a cake for me. She is having a girl. I told her one day when my boy is chasing after her daughter she might not like me so much!

This girl is going to be dressed to the nines!

Get ready for years of dress up Mama!

She had the cutest cakes..they matched both of our bedding sets!

I think my baby bump is super sized, considering we are due the same time!!!

Don't cry about it!

2011-10-23T09:53:00.000-04:00

Hank had been doing very well with his potty training...HAD been!

During the past week he had at least one accident a day, so no stickers on his chart for a week. No bribes seemed to be working. The last three times at school he peed on his cot at nap time, even though apparently he was not sleeping. He told us it's because he does not like nap time, yet that does not explain the times at home or at Mom Mom's house. I would get so frustrated I would say, "Oh Hank this makes me what to cry", or "I am so upset." When I picked him up at Mom Mom's this past Wednesday he greeted me at the door, and when I asked him if he was a good boy that day he immediately told me, "My peed my pants, but don't cry about it. Be happy."

Oh Lord help me make it through the age of Three. I saw nothing terrible in the year of Two, but we have our work cut out for us this year!!

On a happy note he did do well yesterday and had no accidents. He had a Daddy and son day and spent most of the day outside. Guess there is nothing like taking a pee in the woods!

He got a toy catalog in the mail this week and now he likes to take his "magazine" with him when he goes and sits on the pot. He gets in there and holds his butt checks together with his hand and runs out in the living room, "my needs my magazine."

Hank at 3!

2011-10-10T08:56:00.002-04:00

Here are some current stats on our three year old:

He weighs 38 lbs - 85th percentile

He is 39 inches - 90th percentile

He has a size 10 foot.

He talks non-stop

He has been potty trained for two months, with just an occasional accident.

He started preschool last month and goes twice a week

He loves to play outside and also likes to play with his trains and trucks and tractors.

His favorite shows are Thomas and Friends, Kipper, Zaboomafoo, Caillou, and Bob the Builder.

He has turned into a picky eater. He wants to eat fruit snacks all the time! He will eat noodles with butter, rice, bread, jello, pudding, fruit, cereal, waffles, chicken fingers and french fries, crackers and peanut butter, and nuts. He has started to eat pizza again, after not eating it for a while ( he had decided he did not like sauce).

He loves candy, especially M&M's and candy kisses. I usually have to bribe him with candy to get him to do something.

Right before he turned three he started to have more of an attitude! When you want him to do something he will now say, "My's too tired", or "My don't want to."

Also when we ask him questions he will say, "My don't want to talk about it."

This morning he wanted to know if he was going to school and I said not today, he told me he doesn't like school. When I asked why, he said, "My don't like naps." He has to take a nap in the afternoon and he is not a nap taker at home. When I drop him off in the morning he always bolts in the door and drops his book bag and lunch box in the floor like he is excited to be there.

His Mommy and Daddy still love him lots!

Looking sweet and innocent....This was dress in Fall colors day (for school).

And on his farm he had a PARTY!

2011-09-22T20:35:00.001-04:00

E-I-E-I-O!

This past Sunday was Hank's Third Birthday. We also had his party that day too. It was all about farm animals and tractors. We had yummy food, plenty of presents, friends and relatives, beautiful weather,and even a hay ride!

Leading up to the party, Hank would ask, "is today my party?", or "is today my birthday?"

He had a great time and when we asked him if he liked his party he said,"yes my did!"

I got lots of things for the party off of Etsy

I got some cute decorating ideas off of Pinterest

cupcakes, tractor wagon cake, cow tails, and cow cake pops!

I had to bribe him with a Hershey Kiss to stay still for this photo!

Loved opening gifts....he kept saying "yippee" or "happy birthday."

Make a wish!

Loves his sweets...I had flashbacks to his 1st birthday cake!

Looks like next year there are going to be LOTS of 1 year old parties!!

First Day of School.

2011-09-06T21:00:00.000-04:00

Today Hank started preschool. He was very excited when we got there. He bolted right into the room and sat at a table with two other little boys. He then went around the room looking at all the toys that were there. He didn't really have time for me trying to tell him where the bathroom was. When I told him I was leaving he said, "me don't want to go." I told him he was not leaving, only Mommy and that Mom Mom was going to pick him up in a few hours. He was fine with that. Mom said he appeared to be happy when she went to get him. She questioned why his sandals were on the wrong feet, and he said Mommy did it. I then had to look at the photos I took in the morning and I did!!! I must have been nervous!

While I was taking his photos before we left, I locked myself out of the house. Luckily we have a hidden key!

Hank will be going to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

So proud. He must have been excited too, not to notice the shoes on the wrong feet!

He was so happy about having a backpack!

Outside school.

His own little hanger.

Exploring!

Early Birthday Present!

2011-09-05T21:28:00.001-04:00

We have been looking at play sets for several months. Luckily I found a new one on Craig's list for a fairly good price. It was an end of season clearance, so it saved us about $500 dollars.

We went this past Saturday and picked it up with the help of Uncle PJ. Uncle Chris also helped us with setting it up. Daddy spent most of yesterday staining it too. Hank sees it in the morning and can't wait to go out to it; "My loves my play set!" It is his Birthday present and also a reward for doing so well with potty training.

He has been doing super great with that and wears under ware all the time, except at night. I still put a diaper on at night.

He always wants to know if we are proud of him, and yes we are!

Getting it on the trailer to go home!

He was bringing his sand toys down before it was even set up.

Aye Aye Captian.

So proud!

Natural Disaster Week!

2011-08-29T15:10:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday we had an earthquake and then Saturday - Sunday a hurricane!

The earthquake was actually in Virginia, but we felt it up here! Really weird to feel that. I was at the Doctors office at the time, waiting to be seen for my monthly appointment.

Saturday afternoon and evening the rain started and then at night the wind picked up and we lost our power at midnight, due to hurricane Irene. We still do not have power, as of Monday afternoon. We have no idea when we will get it back either. Thank God our generator is still running.

We had a tree down on our power lines and phone lines and our utility pole is leaning. Many roads around our home are still closed due to down trees. My work was closed today,so Hank and I are hanging out at home.

Brant cut part of the tree, to open up the road.

Bottom of the utility pole.

Hank brought me a "present"

Potty Time!

2011-08-15T21:09:00.000-04:00

We really started to work seriously on potty training a week ago. I knew I was going to be home all day Saturday and had bought some underwear for Hank that week. Soon after we got up on Saturday and I changed his poopy diaper, I put the underwear on and kept after him all morning about using his pot. He had several accidents were he wet his pants. He would get mad when I "bugged" him and would say, "my pee is empty", or "my poop is empty." A few times he would throw the underwear across the room and say he did not want to wear them because they were dumb! Finally around 11:30 or noon he did a little poop on his pot! He was very excited because I had told him I would take him to ride the trains if he pooped that day. We quick got dressed and went to Strasburg and rode the little choo choos and the Thomas ride on train. We made plans to go back another day when Daddy could ride the "Big" choo choo with us ( he was away fishing).

He likes to be read to, but actually does better when left alone!

Riding Thomas...a reward for using the pot!

Fast forward one week and Hank is doing very well. Around the house he is wearing underwear and if we go somewhere he wears a pull-up. At night he is wearing a diaper. He likes to look at books and have someone read to him when he is sitting on the pot. He also always wants to know if we are proud of him. This past Saturday we took him back to ride the Big choo choo. While we were out he went to the bathroom with Daddy and did not have any accidents.

What's it going to be?

2011-07-23T09:47:00.001-04:00

We are expecting our second baby in early December. Last Friday we had our sonogram and it looks like we are having another boy! I am pretty sure Hank is happy about that. He told us he wanted a

" 'broder'. No girls." When I told him I was a girl, he stated, "me don't like baby girls."

To make things fun for Hank I had a few people over to "reveal" what the baby's sex is, that evening.

I had Hank open a gift and inside was a balloon that said "Baby Boy." Not sure if he really understood that night, that the baby was a boy. He was just so excited about there being a party. The next morning when he got up he wanted to know where everyone was and "where is the 'broder' party?"

Pink or Blue...what will it be?

Everyone wore pink or blue....it was divided 50/50.

Hank was busy trying to hit the balloon.

Hank and his cousins. Poor Sydney is going to be outnumbered.

Chuckie

2011-07-10T12:24:00.001-04:00

Hank and I went to a traveling zoo yesterday. He rode a pony for the first time. His name was Chuckie! He also had some fun in a bouncy house and looking at the animals. His favorite were the alligators. He thinks there are alligators in all water, and asks us whenever we are around water, "are there alligators in that water?" I think it is because Brant watches all these shows, like swamp loggers and swamp people, that have alligators on them. It does not keep him from the water though! He still loves to be in and around the water.

"How you doin?" - he says that to everyone! He drops the "g" too.

"Look at those alligators. Will they bite me?"

Summer Time!

2011-06-21T22:17:00.000-04:00

To celebrate the first day of Summer Hank and I had ice cream on the front porch tonight.

Over the weekend we went to Ocean City for Father's Day. Hank was loving the ocean this year. He would have stayed there all day long if we let him!

"Me's going down there."

Pop George, Hank, Gramps ("Mamps") and Daddy.

George!

2011-06-13T21:28:00.001-04:00

This past weekend we went to Solomon's Island. Brant does a lot of his fishing there and his friend has his boat there too. On this trip the kids and the wives went along. We enjoyed the pool, fishing, and boating. We went out Saturday evening and the kids all were able to reel in their first fish! Hank thought that was great. He kept checking on his "esh", and even named him...George!

The next day the guys did some crabing and then came and got us for a boat ride and to do a few crab pots, so the kids could see the crabs as they were caught.

This was also the first time Hank stayed in a motel. We had lots of fun!

Hank's first fish.

Hank and George!

Oh no...our ladies man!

They liked checking on the crabs, and knew to keep their hands out!

"Me's going to eat them all up!"

Butterfly Release.

2011-06-11T07:55:00.000-04:00

Hank and I sent away for some caterpillars a couple of months ago. We watched them as they grew and then changed into Butterflies. We fed them sugar water and watermelon every night and then we released them about two weeks ago. At first Hank did not want to set them free, but he enjoyed the release. Later he wanted to know where they were and if they were coming back.

Hank and I had colds over the past two weeks. You can hear our hoarse voices in the video below. We both got on an antibiotic (Hank's first time on one). I ended up having to go back and get on a second antibiotic because my cold / infection was moving into my chest. Hank is much better and I have slowly been getting better too.

Watching the caterpillars.

We have butterflies.

Time to let them fly away!

Here is a video:

Where the green grass grows!

2011-05-25T09:00:00.002-04:00

This month we finally got our finial grade done on our yard and grass seed planted. Because of all the rain in April things were delayed, so about two weeks ago they were able to come in and get to work. We already have lots of green grass coming through and Brant got our landscaping beds prepared and mulched. We also were able to use the rocks we have been collecting for a border on one side of the house.

In early May we collected more rocks for our border.

Time to plant some grass!

Fireman Hank watering the grass.

The seed is planted!

Sprinkler fun!

Our pretty rock border.

Mulching.

Our yard this week!

Any chance to work with water!

May Days!

2011-05-24T09:12:00.000-04:00

The Farmers Market opened up this month - we have been waiting all winter for the yummy pretzels!

Hank's first time fishing - he liked throwing rocks in the water the best!

When it is not raining, Hank wants to be outside all the time. He now lets himself out too. Luckily we have door chimes and know when he is doing this!

We have had lots of rain this Spring and last week it rained every day. Saturday when it was sunny, Hank was telling me how much he likes the sun, and does not care for the rain much!

Easter Recap!

2011-04-25T08:00:00.001-04:00

Hank enjoyed his Easter basket, especially the candy. We went to church and ate at my parents. Last week we celebrated with Brant's parents since they were going to be away this week.

Here is a video also:

Easter Eggs and Bunnies.

2011-04-24T16:56:00.000-04:00

So excited to begin. We listened to the tablets sizzle in the vinegar water.

"Let me do it!"

Time to decorate.

Too pretty to eat!

Easter parade in our jammies.

After the hunt. We had it inside because of rain in the morning.

Petting the bunny with his punch mustache!

Hank did not know what to think of this bunny, but he tries anything and sat on their lap!

On Saturday morning Hank and I dyed Easter Eggs. This was the first time he has done that and he loved the whole process. He kept saying, "me do it." It had been many years since I had done it, and it was actually the first time I had ever made hard boiled eggs. I had as much fun as Hank!

In the afternoon we went to the church Easter Egg Hunt. Each child got to get 13 eggs and there were activities and cupcakes, as well as a live bunny, and a dressed up bunny. This morning when we said we were going to church he said, "Me like church. Me going to eat a cupcake there." He also thought the bunny would be there again.

First Flowers.

2011-04-17T14:44:00.000-04:00

This past Monday, when it was 80 degrees.

Last October, before the house was completed.

The flowers that Hank and I planted last October came up during the past week. He calls them, "Mommy's pretty flowers." Some days it feels like Spring, Summer, or Winter. Every day is different here. Yesterday we had a rain storm all day with lots of wind. We had fun inside making Easter candy though.

Time for Spring Cleaning.

2011-04-05T09:00:00.000-04:00

Now that it is Spring.....I guess that means it is time to do some deep cleaning.

I am dreading cleaning all those windows, but I found a cute Spring Cleaning Giveaway, that if I won would make the job more fun!

Check out Stella's Apron Strings HERE!

Time Flies!

2011-04-02T20:18:00.001-04:00

I was going through my photos just now and saw these. They were from two years ago today! Hank was six months. I can remember taking these in our old house. I would set him up on this blanket in the living room and he would play and coo. He was usually always a happy baby. Just can't believe how fast he is growing! Just think we are 1/2 way to Kindergarten, which is going to be here before I know it.

Zoo Trip.

2011-03-24T20:55:00.000-04:00

To celebrate Spring we went to Plumpton Park Zoo on Sunday.
They have a lot of neat animals for a small zoo, and it was not crowded. We had a wonderful day!

Donkeys

Lots of peacocks

We had fun with the lamas

Whooo are you looking at?

Another hungry lama.

Hank at Two and a Half!

2011-03-18T08:00:00.003-04:00

I can't believe Hank is 2 1/2!!!

Here are some current stats on our toddler:

He is about 34 lbs.

He wears size 2T and 3T .

Size 8 to 8 1/2 shoe.

He says everything and LOVES to talk.
He often says: "what's this", or "what's that?" The "why?" question has just started too!

We are working on potty training.

He mostly sleeps with us: "Me sleep in Mama Dada's bed!" We have not been good and trying to get him to sleep on his own. It's a hard battle to fight in the middle of the night, when you are tired!

He has become more picky in his eating in the past few months.

Current food favorites are rice, french fries, candy, cookies, bread and butter, waffles, oatmeal ("openmeal"), and fruit snacks, or "oot snacks" as Hank calls them. He also likes cold cereal, or "eboo", as he calls it.

Hank likes to watch all kinds of cartoons. He still likes Thomas, but recently has been obsessed with Caillou. He is also liking Handy Manny and Bob the Builder.

His favorite toys are his blocks, trains, ball pit, and his tools.

He often says he is building a house, when he is playing.

His favorite season is Summer, so he tells us because he wants to go "emming" in "Mimi's pool."

His family thinks he is the smartest and cutest boy ever!!

Eating Lucky Charms, a favorite eboo!

The Moonlit Stich Giveaway!

2011-03-17T15:48:00.000-04:00

I stumbled upon a new blog with a cute giveaway going on.

Check it out by going HERE!

Master Retreat.

2011-03-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

Our Master Bath was a joint effort. Brant had a lot of ideas about what he wanted in the actual shower, such as the dual shower heads and bars that move the shower heads up and down. We both agreed on a bench and the dual niches, on each side. I did NOT want a shower door, and I am so glad with that decision. I absolutely hate to clean a shower door. I wanted to have a jetted tub. I like a bubble bath, especially in the Winter. The cabinet layout I saw on a custom cabinet website, and our cabinet store was able to replicate it. Brant and I agreed...we wanted our sinks apart from one another. My closet is accessed through the Master Bath and Brant's from our bedroom.
What would be on your must have list?

Maybe one day we will have plantation shutters.

Welcome to the car wash!

Hers and His.

This in it's own room...another must!

Bye Bye Winter!

2011-03-14T19:16:00.000-04:00

So glad to feel Spring in the air and know it is just a week away! I put away all my snowmen and have decorated with my Spring bunnies. It will be so nice to spend fun times outside with Hank, and hopefully we will get our grass started soon. Our yard is still dirt at this point and a very muddy mess when it rains!

Thought I would post some cute Winter photos, to bid adieu until next year:

Deep Creek Trip.

2011-03-07T19:33:00.001-05:00

Mimi and Hank.

These are hard to walk in!

Hank hanging out at the Honi Honi.

First time on the slopes.

Watching the skiers.

A Big "Hank" of ice!

Walking on water.

About a week ago we made our annual Deep Creek trip. We hit all kinds of weather on this trip. Our first day there we had snow, two days later it was sunny and 60 degrees. On our day home we had lots of rain. While out there Brant got lots of ski time. Hank was able to get a little ride on the skis. Maybe next year he will be old enough to get a lesson?

While out there we were able to see the Polar Bear Plunge at the Honi Honi and walked out on the frozen lake.

Primitive and Folk Artists - PAFA: Primitive and Folk Artist Spring Giveaway 21 Prize...

2011-03-02T08:55:00.000-05:00

Primitive and Folk Artists - PAFA: Primitive and Folk Artist Spring Giveaway 21 Prize...: " Welcome to the First Group Giveaway by the Primitive and Folk Artists Etsy Team. Rules for entering are at the bottom of this post. Pl..."

The Birds.

2011-02-22T18:50:00.000-05:00

Sunday there must have been a few thousand black birds outside. It was so loud, it sounded like a killer attack. Yesterday I had off for President's Day and this morning I went into work late. We had about five inches of snow fall last night...after having 70 degree weather on Friday! I am now ready for Spring! Are you?

Valentine Fun!

2011-02-14T06:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentines Day!

We did some celebrating yesterday and hope to do some more tonight. It's always nice to have a fun little holiday in the middle of the winter to look forward to.

Another One.

2011-02-05T09:18:00.005-05:00

We had some morning play time this week, when work opened late. This video is of Hank in "mine playroom."

I"m dreaming of a White....BEACH!!

2011-01-27T18:42:00.000-05:00

As I sit here in the dark, due to a 24 hour power outage, I am thinking of warm weather and trips to the beach. Today I was going through photos and thought I would share some of the beach and the pool:

I did actually buy Hank's rash guard and trunks for this summer already. You kind of have to buy those when they first come out, otherwise you can't find them in the summer... at least not the cute ones:)

I was off work today due to the snow and we did lose power last night and still do not have it back on. Thankfully we do have a generator, so I am only sitting in the dark by choice, right now. It still would be nice to have full power restored!

Sick Days and Snow Days!

2011-01-26T21:23:00.003-05:00

Hard to believe January is almost over! It has been a month full of sickness and off and on snow.

We have all had nasal congestion off and on. Brant had a 24 hour bug Christmas night into the next day. Hank has had a few bouts of throwing up here and there. Thank God his did not last long!

Last week he had croup. That was his first trip to see the Doctor for a sick visit.

Now I have bronchitis. Thankfully I got to the Doctor yesterday and am gradually starting to feel better.

We had snow overnight and more is falling now.

"that's snow outside!"

Yes, I know I still have Christmas decorations up!

throwing snowballs "up in the sky."

Mr. No more naps!

2011-01-09T15:04:00.001-05:00

Because a certain someone does not like to nap during the day anymore...this happens!

Ho Ho Delivered!

2010-12-27T22:14:00.000-05:00

He wanted to wear his Choo Choo jammies for Santa.

Thomas and Percy Chairs.

Playing trains on his new table.

Looking for the "trick or treat" (candy).

More Thomas stuff.

Looking through his new books with his new hat.

Sweet "Thomas" dreams under his new big boy sheets.

Hank had a wonderful Christmas and got his "Thomas stuff" from Santa. He was very happy with all of his gifts, and liked to look at each one before moving onto the next gift. He would get excited with unwrapping each gift and tell us what each one was. By the time our families came he was a pro with unwrapping gifts and couldn't wait to tear into the presents they brought.

Tonight he looked under the tree and asked where the presents were. Not sure if he thinks he is supposed to get more?

Twas the night before Christmas.

2010-12-24T21:16:00.000-05:00

Tonight we are getting ready for Santa. We got cookies and milk out for him, which Hank ate when I put him up on the counter to take his photo with the plate. We hung Hank and Spotty's stockings and we read Twas the Night Before Christmas. Now we just need to get Hank to bed, so Santa can deliver!

Christmas Preparations!

2010-12-20T10:49:00.000-05:00

I have been saying that there are not enough weekends in December. We have been busy with getting ready for the holiday, in addition to just normal everyday living. Here are a few snapshots of what we have been up to this month:

Helping with the decorating.

Rocking those choo choo jammies!

Cookie baking and cake pop making!

Brant's Uncle Steve and Aunt Sue up from Texas.

Reindeer cake pops. So cute, but lots of work!

Entertaining Brant's family.

Getting Christmas Cards ready.

Snow already, which Hank loves.

Eating Christmas cookies.

Went to a live nativity. Hank loved the animals and the real baby Jesus.

Celebrating my birthday on Sunday.

Thomas Stuff!

2010-12-08T21:19:00.000-05:00

Today Hank and I went to the mall and saw Santa ( A.K.A. Ho Ho).

He was very excited to go and talk to him. Santa asked him what he wanted and Hank said...."Thomas Stuff", which is what he had practiced saying on our drive there. Hank has been listening to us when we tell him he has to be a good boy for Santa, so that Santa will bring him toys.

He already saw one gift that the UPS man brought. I told him that Santa has to come and pick it up and then bring it back on Christmas Day. Whenever he sees it, by accident, he tells me; "Santa come and get it. Bring it Christmas."

We have also taught him that Christmas is Jesus' Birthday.

Hard to believe it is almost here!

Powder your nose!

2010-12-05T08:00:00.004-05:00

Our powder room is right across from the pantry, in the hallway between the mudroom and the kitchen.

We asked for that location, so that if you were outside and needed to use the bathroom, you would not need to traipse through the whole house. For Christmas I have decorated it with my snowmen, which I will leave there all winter. Over the summer I bought the mirror for the powder room at Peaceful Valley in Lancaster. I love the shelf on it - perfect for decorating.! I also like the small window in there. We have a few of them in the house. They are perfect for setting up displays in!

Hanging with the Big Girls!

2010-12-04T19:58:00.001-05:00

Black Friday lunch at Chilli's.

Minnie is hanging out with the girls - she already knows how to pose!

Life has been busy. Hard to believe Christmas is around the corner. We have been busy decorating around and outside the house. Hopefully tomorrow we will be getting our tree. Last Friday Hank and I braved the Black Friday Crowds to go to York Galleria Mall. We took Mimi with us, and she entertained Hank while I got some clothes at Gymboree. We got there right before noon, and actually the crowds were not that bad. We were also able to get a few things for ourselves too while at the mall.
We also met up with my cousins who were out shopping too and had lunch with them at Chilli's.

Last night I met up with Carrie and Cheryl for dinner out. We always go out one Friday before Christmas. We ate at Basta Pasta and went to Carrie's to see her new baby dog, Minnie.

Christmas Card Planning!

2010-11-23T11:00:00.000-05:00

I have started to think about Christmas Decorating and my Christmas Cards. I want to incorporate our new address and home into our Christmas cards this year, as well as some cute photos.

I have been looking at cards on Shutterfly to use.

I found a few cute Christmas cards on their site.

I also like a lot of their photo Christmas cards.

I thought this was a cute design:

I will also probably get some coordinating holiday address labels, which will come in very handy, and save me a lot of time! With moving into the new house we need some new labels anyway, so why not get some pretty ones!

I used Shutterfly for Hank's baby announcements and was very happy with how they turned out. I can't wait to get started on our Christmas Cards. I will have to get busy on taking some cute photos to use!

If you are a blogger you can get 50 free Christmas cards from Shutterfly!

Shipping and tax not included.

Pantry Pride.

2010-11-22T07:00:00.003-05:00

Come on in....

Still a work in progress, but I know where everything is!

I bought this sign over the summer with my pantry in mind!

One of my requests with the house design was a walk in pantry.

Storage was important to me. In our old house I had extra kitchen items stored in the basement. I knew I did want to have to run up and down basement steps to get my stuff anymore!

I keep all our dry goods, baking supplies, serving pieces, crock pots, etc.. in there.

I also had room to put my pie safe in there. I store my cookbooks in there.

My pie safe is something I bought when we were first married and living in a rental home, which had barely any kitchen storage. On top of the pie safe I have my Longaberger recipe basket, which was a wedding shower gift.

I feel very fortunate to have this pantry. It is right off of the kitchen and easy to get to. Hank even knows where everything is in there too!

It reminds me of something you would find in an old house too. My Great Aunt Mina had one in her kitchen.

Annual Day Out!

2010-11-21T19:02:00.000-05:00

One of our first stops is usually In Grandma's Attic

Love all the Lancaster County back roads!

Lunch stop!

One of my purchases. We hung it in the Mud Room.

Carrie and I did our annual Lancaster County Shopping trip again. We stick to tradition and go to the same shops, eat lunch at the Kitchen Kettle, get a bag of Kettle Corn there, and end the evening with dinner at Texas Roadhouse. Somehow I don't seem to get any Christmas shopping done! I usually buy stuff for myself.

Moving into the BIG HOUSE!

2010-11-14T10:48:00.000-05:00

Welcome!

New couch!

First night in the Big House.

Our shower. All nice and new.

Where to put everything?

Several Firsts...first time using the stove, Hank's first bath in his new tub, and the first time sleeping in his big boy bed.

Hank "swimming" in Mama's tub.

Fall fun outside.

We are finally in the Big House, which is what Hank calls our home. We moved in on Thursday Nov. 4 and have been working on getting things in their place. We have got a lot done, but still have some more things to put away and get organized. Will post more pictures in the coming weeks.

Halloween Highlights.

2010-11-02T06:30:00.001-04:00

Notice how Hank has the lighter - who was watching him?

Everyone needs their Spot!

Hank had his eyes on the trick-or-treaters going down the street.

Fire Dog on the Fire Truck!

Enjoying the fruits of his labor!

For Halloween we went to Brant's parents.
Hank was a Dalmatian Dog and he really enjoyed trick-or-treating. He always said trick-or-treat and thank you at all the houses. One house we went to there was a little boy his age at the door and Hank thought he should go inside and play with the toys he saw. He enjoyed seeing the other kids and the decorations, even the scary ones!

Hey Y"all!

2010-11-01T08:20:00.002-04:00

I was watching Paula Deen the other night and Hank was sitting on my lap. Paula had not even turned around yet to talk, and Hank said, "Hey Y'all", well actually it sounded like, "Hey all."

He is so observant. He is also a Butter lover, just like Mama and Paula.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T08:18:00.000-04:00

Our little Bear 2008

Waiting for trick-or-treaters 2008

Our Lion 2009

I LOVE Halloween. It is probably my favorite holiday! I am having fun picking out Hank's costumes every year. Probably next year he will have his own opinion about what he wants to be. Hank has been practicing his "trick-or-treat" for a few weeks now, and can't wait for tonight. Check back this week to see what Hank is going to be for Halloween this year!

10 Days!

2010-10-25T19:46:00.000-04:00

Friday we had our first meal (pizza) there.

Master Bath cabinets.

We have 10 more days until our scheduled settlement. All the cabinets are in, and the granite counters. The lighting and most of the fixtures are also in. All the carpet, except the great room is in. The appliances were also delivered Friday, and most of those are in. There is still some tile work that needs to be finished, as well as some painting. Finial grading is also waiting to be done. Yesterday Hank and I planted some daffodils along the woods. He said, "Hank help Mama." I dug the holes and he put the bulbs in!

Fall Fun!

2010-10-23T20:26:00.000-04:00

Hank and I went to Milburn's Orchard in Elkton today. We saw lots of pumpkins and got to take a hay ride, which he really enjoyed. We also picked up some yummy Apple Cider Donuts.

Shopping, Wine, and Friends, Oh My.

2010-10-21T20:30:00.000-04:00

Last weekend Carrie, Cheryl, and I went to Ocean City for a Wine Festival. We had lots of fun shopping and eating, and relaxing. Luckily our favorite wine is from a winery not too far from us. We hope to plan a girls day out there soon!
Brant and Hank had fun at home, riding mo mo's, going to Applewood Farm, and watching the Raven's game at a friend's house.

When I got home I had to go to the "Big House" and see where I was going to be placing my new "finds." I can't wait to decorate!!

Hank at TWO!

2010-10-16T10:00:00.002-04:00

Just thought I would post some interesting facts about our two year old:

He loves to talk. He says full sentences now, and doesn't forget a thing you tell him!

His favorite toys are his trains, balls, trucks, and his Rescue Hero Men.

He likes to be read to. His favorite books are any of his Thomas the Train books, Harry the Dirty Dog, Gossie, and his Johnny the Tractor hide and seek book.

He still loves to eat. Some of his current favorites are grapes, berries, pudding, eggs, cheese, crackers, potatoes, noodles, and he loves candy corn. He also loves Butter - takes after his Mama:)

He wears size 2T, and has a size 8 wide foot.

He was 31. 8 lbs and 36 1/2 inches at his Doctors appointment last month. He is in the 90th percentile for height and 85th percentile for weight.

He likes to wear his boots and hats. He even wears his Thomas hat around the house.

He is able to say his whole name.

His Mama and Dada think he's the best thing ever!!!!

20 Days!

2010-10-15T09:00:00.001-04:00

Bar area.

Looking from the Breakfast Room.

So happy to be in my kitchen.

Hank sized sink!

Twenty more days!!! The wood floors have been stained and the tile is being done in the Master Bath. The sidewalks were also done. This week the kitchen cabinets were installed (and I LOVE them). The electrician is now working on installing the light fixtures. The great room built in was also completed today.
Hank loves going to the "Big House" every night with us, so we can see the progress. He has even made himself at home with having a few Tonka trucks there already.

30 Days!

2010-10-05T22:19:00.000-04:00

Kitchen with the wood floors (not stained yet).

The risers will be painted white.

There is a driveway there...somewhere.

Vandals struck last Thursday, during the bad storm. Like someone didn't have something better to do during the torrential downpours?

30 more days. If we made it this far, we can last 30 more days, right? It feels like things have been moving slow lately, but they are still on schedule. We have had lots of rain the past week, with a bad storm last Thursday.

The wood and vinyl floors have been installed and they are supposed to start on the tile in our bathroom this week.

A is for Apples and Autumn!

2010-09-26T09:00:00.002-04:00

Check out these apples!

Hank's turn to pick.

Daddy needed to show Hank what a good apple looked like, since he kept picking up the rotten ones off the ground!

Yummy!

Say apples!

Getting ready to check out.

Autumn is my favorite season and we celebrated yesterday by going to the Apple Orchard and picking apples. I was wishing that we were in our house already, so I could go home and do some baking. Instead we dropped some apples off with Mom Mom and asked her to bake us some goodies! At least we will be in there in time to bake Christmas Cookies.

40 Days!

2010-09-25T10:44:00.000-04:00

Looking from the Great Room toward the front door.

40 more days until we are supposed to move in. This week they added the stone to the front and side foundation. They also finished up trim work and painted, as well as added the mantle and slate surround to the fire place. The wood floors were delivered as well as some cabinets.

Choo Choo Party.

2010-09-22T21:36:00.000-04:00

Hank's Choo Choo party went very well Saturday. We had the party at Brant's parents house in the afternoon. Lots of family and friends helped us celebrate. As you can tell from the photos it was all about Choo Choo's that day!

Playing with his Choo Choo gifts in his Choo Choo Jammie's.

Trying to capture a family shot with a wiggle worm!

Choo Choo Cake.

Making a Wish!

Sneaking some icing.

Let's eat cake!

Chugga Chugga Choo Choo Hank is Two!

2010-09-18T09:00:00.001-04:00

September 18, 2008 - our chunky monkey!

September 18, 2009

1st Birthday Party

Today our little boy is two. We are going to have his Choo Choo party this afternoon at Mimi and Mamp's (Grammy and Gramp's). He has been very excited about his party, and has been talking about it for a while now. We hope he has a good time!

Attack of the Fruit Fingers!

2010-09-16T08:00:00.001-04:00

Having fun at Supper! Hank loves his fruit. His current favorites are raspberries and grapes.

50 Days and Counting!

2010-09-15T20:52:00.002-04:00

We have 50 days left until our scheduled move in day. We can't wait!!!

This week they are finishing up siding and outside trim. The shutters also went up and the garage doors are up too. The inside doors and trim were delivered today. This past weekend we ordered our appliances and picked out tile for a kitchen back splash.

Laboring on Labor Day.

2010-09-08T22:01:00.005-04:00

Much is being done on the house. The shingles are done, the siding is almost done, and the drywall was started last Tuesday, and is now done, except for the finishing work, of course. We also picked out the finish we want for our wood floors. Last night we had just left, from our nightly check in at the house, when we got a call from my Mom that the transformer in front of our house was on fire! The electric company had just installed it yesterday. Brant got over there and called 911 as well as the electric company. By the time the fire company got there it had burned itself out. THANK GOD!!! Hank and I were back at the trailer and could see the fire sparking through the woods. After a big pop the fire burned out.

We are happy to see so much being done. They were even working on Labor Day! We now have less than two months until our projected move in date!!

Back view of the house.

Siding going up.

Drywall was started in the Garage.

Happy Boy!

Looking through the front door.

Hank in his bedroom.

Our floor samples.

We were left a drywall happy face!

Laboring on Labor Day

Happy Birthday to Brant.

2010-09-01T09:00:00.001-04:00

You fill our days with sunshine. Hope you have a great birthday.

Love,

Sharon & Hank

Party Planning.

2010-08-31T21:14:00.000-04:00

I have been working on getting things together for Hank's upcoming birthday. Since he is such a big Thomas fan now, I have been planning on using that as a theme. I don't think I even mentioned that to him, but ask him what type of party he is having and he says, a "Choo Choo Party!" He talks up a storm now, and is able to put many words together. Hard to believe he is almost two.

Weekend Date.

2010-08-16T09:00:00.001-04:00

I was a fishing widow on Saturday, so Hank and I had a date. I took him to a few of my favorite Lancaster shops, we had lunch at Ruby Tuesdays, and I treated him to a trip to the Thomas Store in Srasburg and we also went over to the railroad and watched the "choo choo's" and rode the little choo choo. We had so much fun! I love my little dates with my son.

Hank LOVES Thomas right now!

Having fun playing with the Thomas Train set.

Waiting to take our ride on the little Choo Choo!

On our way to see the Choo Choo's.

Here comes the BIG choo choo!

Watching the train go by.

Paci's and Pudding!

2010-08-15T09:00:00.002-04:00

Hank gave up his paci one week ago. We were very surprised at how easy it happened. I took it out of his mouth so we could hear what he was saying and Dada told him he was a Big Boy and didn't need it anymore and to go throw it in the trash. He hopped off the bed and threw it away! Now if he asks for it, we say: "what did you do with it?" and he says: "Trash. Bye Bye." He is becoming such a Big Boy!

Paci has been with us since the very Beginning!

Seven Months.

Last month.

One of his current obsessions is pudding! He asks to eat it often, even as soon as his feet hit the floor in the morning. I did oblige him one morning this week, as I actually had a few extra minutes. Watch the video - it is so cute how he says pudding!

Moving Along.

2010-08-14T21:14:00.001-04:00

Lots of progress was made this week with the house. We had 30 loads of fill dirt come in and the grading start ( we STILL need more dirt!) All the framing of the walls was done, and the placement of the kitchen cabinets was marked off. The tubs have been installed, and the plumber has started his work. All the windows and doors are in, and the concrete for the porches and garage was poured. The stairs were also put in, and even the gas fireplace.

So much fun to be had!

Helping move rocks for a future garden.

The floors are in.

My kitchen window - I can't wait to have my kitchen!

Stairs to our guest room and my craft area.

A future reading nook?

This will keep us warm during the winter.

Hello down there!

Soon to be Home Sweet Home!

What's new on the Home Front.

2010-08-08T14:37:00.002-04:00

This past week they finished putting the roof on and framed out the dormers, and started framing out the upstairs. They also came in and put in our septic system.

Looking out our bedroom window - this is his side of the bed too!

Septic.

Now it looks like a Cape Cod!

Taking Shape!

2010-07-28T19:36:00.001-04:00

Last night - the walls were up!

Hank and his cousin Max.

The trusses were delivered yesterday.

Garage trusses.

Driveway view.

View from the road.

Guess where Hank is?

My tub was delivered today - I can't wait to make it's acquaintance!

A back view.

Another back view - where our Great Room will be.

Front view.

All the walls were up as of yesterday. We had lots of fun walking around and seeing where our rooms will be. Today most of the trusses went up, which really makes the house look so BIG. Now it's really getting exciting!

Building a Strong Foundation.

2010-07-24T09:27:00.001-04:00

Foundation walls were poured last week.

Brant is standing in front of the breezeway area.

Looking at the garage entrance.

Hank looking out the basement window.

Garage walls started going up yesterday.

This is the front porch (it needs fill dirt).

Hank enjoys checking out the site too!

Our house is finally taking shape. Last week the foundation walls were poured. This week the basement floor was poured and the first floor put down, and yesterday they started on the walls. We love going over every night and seeing what has been done.

Another Beach Weekend.

2010-07-24T08:55:00.003-04:00

Last weekend we went back to Ocean City. We had fun going to the beach, the pool, and riding rides.

Hank could stay on the rides all night, if we let him. He wants to keep on going, and not stop. Our friends and their two little ones stayed with us a couple of nights. Hank enjoyed having people his size around.

This past week Hank had some sort of bug, for a little over 24 hours. He had a fever and a few episodes of getting sick, which is very unusual for him. I ended up staying home with him on Wednesday, and by the end of the day he was his old playful self.

Our Little Sea Turtle!

2010-07-11T10:58:00.004-04:00

This video was from last weekend, when Hank started to swim without having someone hold him. It looks so funny to see him bopping along the water, kicking his little legs.

I found something called a "puddle jumper" It's swimmies with a piece across the front that helps keep him afloat better, without someone having to constantly hold onto him. Of course we still stay right there with him:)

Hank loves the water. Currently he is swimming almost every day, as Brant's Mom is watching him for most of the summer.

Groundbreaking!

2010-07-06T21:27:00.007-04:00

We are so excited because they broke ground for our house today. Eventhough it was over 100 degrees today we had to take a ride over and see it! Hank loves riding the MoMo (four wheeler) , so he was very happy, until we got there and stopped the MoMo (you can see his pouty face in the top two photos). He soon got over it, after he found some dirt and sticks to play with.

Fourth of July.

2010-07-05T16:49:00.006-04:00

We spent our Fourth of July swimming and eating. When we got home we actually could see some nice fireworks off in the distance. We are in for another HOT week and are preparing to go swimming again this afternoon. We are also going to celebrate Gramps Leroy's Birthday with steaks on the grill!

Had our toes in the sand!

2010-06-21T07:00:00.001-04:00

This past weekend we went to Ocean City. We had fun spending time with Brant's family and Grandparents Leroy. We spent some time on the beach Saturday, and the rest of the time was spent eating (at least that is what it felt like). Anyhow it went fast and we can't wait to get back again!

P.S. - it was nice to have Great Grandparents Leroy come see Hank on the beach!

Happy Dada Day!

2010-06-20T07:00:00.002-04:00

Happy Father's Day to our Dads and to Brant.

Progress!

2010-06-19T15:47:00.003-04:00

Two weeks ago.

This past Thursday.

Checking out what has been done.

This past week we finally saw some progress. They came in and did some grading and removing stumps, as well as getting our well drilled. Things have been a little delayed as we are still waiting on the settlement of our building loan. It's hard to get too much done when there is no money!

We are hoping that our foundation will be started by the end of the month.

Day With Thomas.

2010-06-16T18:03:00.006-04:00

Today I had to take off, so I thought Hank and I should do something fun. I found out Thomas was going to be at Strasburg, so I booked us some tickets. Aunt Dawn went with us too. It started out a rainy day, but once we got on the train the rain cleared. Hank enjoyed the ride and seeing the trains come and go. Recently he has been watching Thomas on TV and he LOVES any mode of transportation (trucks, tractors, mo mo's, etc...)

I am so glad I got to spend the day with Hank and Dawn!

Carnival

2010-06-11T22:36:00.003-04:00

We took Hank to his first carnival this week. I didn't know if he would be able to ride much, if anything. He ended up riding, I think, every kiddie ride there. We had met up with our friends so he was able to ride with their children. This video was Hank on the "Mo Mo's (Motorcycles). You should have seen his face when the ride started. He got SO excited and started saying "Mo Mo, Mo Mo."

Adjusting!

2010-06-11T22:05:00.006-04:00

New Grocery Stores

We can still get pizza - we just have to drive further (Notice how HUGE this pie is.)

Loving the county life!

Trailer Sweet Trailer!

View from the trailer. You can see where our new home will be (it will be visible from the main road only when the leaves are gone!)

Beautiful sunsets and lots of lightning bugs at night.

We are adjusting. We have been in the trailer for almost three weeks now and getting used to being in North Harford again. It is actually more convenient, as far as being closer to our families. Since I have been driving Hank back and forth to our mothers in the morning and after work, my commute is actually better (even though in Bel Air I was a mile from work). The only thing I miss is being able to go home at lunch, and I feel like I have already adjusted to that as well. We are anxious to get our house started. This coming week they are supposed to start doing some clearing and grading, as well as drill the well.

OCD?

2010-05-29T20:24:00.002-04:00

Hank is obsessed with brushing his teeth. Every time he goes into the bathroom and sees his tooth brush he has to brush his teeth. He pulls up his little stool and waits for us to turn on the water.

I guess he could have worse obsessions:)

Bye Bye Bel Air!

2010-05-29T10:39:00.003-04:00

Hank "helping" with the move.

We settled on our house Thursday and are so relieved to have the move behind us. We are now living in our temporary home, a trailer we are renting until our house is built. We did most of our moving last weekend, and I finished up with cleaning and getting the last bit of things out Monday- Wednesday.

Mid May Madness!

2010-05-17T12:56:00.003-04:00

We are in the process of moving now so things are hectic! We settle on our house May 27 (Good Lord willing!) The week before last was the week from hell, as it felt like one thing after another was going wrong, such as problems with our lender for our construction loan, problems with our home inspection on our current house. But things appear to be coming along now.

I started to pack last week and we are going to move our furniture and boxes out this weekend. I can't wait to have our house completed so that we will once again have all our possessions in one place and not in storage, my parents basement, and my in-laws attic.

In spite of all of this we did manage to have a nice weekend with Hank. I took him to the playground on Saturday. Actually most of his weekend included a lot of outside time, which is his favorite place to be now. He always wants to be "Out."

Summer is right around the corner!

2010-05-02T20:43:00.004-04:00

Turn your back for a second and he's in the sink, but he was scrubbing it:)

Grammy fills up the watering can just so Hank can play. He LOVES water!

Hank was excited to see the crabs, or "fish."

He has a four wheeler at each Grandparents. LOVES anything with wheels!

Sidewalk caulk = Sunny Days.

I was a fishing widow for at least 1/2 the weekend, but now I have my little man to carry me through. Actually Brant got home early Saturday evening and we went to his parents who were getting crabs. Summer is here once you can eat crabs outside! Hank was calling them "fish." That is one of his current favorite words, at least he knows they come from the same place.

Baby Bell.

2010-04-25T20:55:00.004-04:00

Forget Ma Bell! Hank likes to talk on the phone now, and he has to be a Big Boy and hold the phone himself. This photo was from Friday. I had just picked him up and Brant called. He was away fishing. Hank was so happy to hear Brant. He said: "Dada fish."
Brant was calling to say we had good news - the buyers on our house sold their home, so it's a done deal! We will settle at the end of May.

And BTW...tonight we were able to eat some of that fish and it was very good! Thanks Dada!

What did Dada catch?

2010-04-15T21:14:00.003-04:00

"Fish"

Rock fish season is opening this weekend. Today Brant started early and sent us a photo of his first catch. It's so cute to hear Hank say "fish." Everything he says is so cute. Although I have to confess he has said his first "bad" word and I don't like that so much. I am hoping he doesn't remember it (female dog!) And for the record I was not the first one he repeated it after (just the second one).
Hopefully I will learn to tame my potty mouth!

Cottontails and Contracts.

2010-04-07T21:04:00.004-04:00

All for me?

I love books!

This smells like Chocolate!

Yes Mommy gave me some chocolate for breakfast - I love her!

All dressed up for church.

Another basket!

Grand Poppy and Grand Mom (Pop and Mimi)

Grammy put these all over her yard for me!

I just found out that all of these eggs have Kit Kats in them!

Peter Cottontail made his way to our house over the weekend and left Hank some goodies. He liked his $1 Target bath time book the best! He also now currently has enough Kit Kat bars to last until next Easter. Easter was a fun filled day for him with lots of activity - enjoy the photos!

I was off Monday for a furlough day, which even though I don't get paid, it was worth it to have the day with my son. In the afternoon Brant and I went and met with our builder to sign our contract. Months of working on our house plans are done as well as pricing. Next step is to break ground, which we can't do until we settle on our current house. Thankfully we got a contract on it about two weeks ago. Pending the sale of the buyers house, we will settle on May 18.

Happy Anniversary.

2010-04-06T20:57:00.003-04:00

Eight years ago today I became a Mrs! I can't believe it has been that long already.
The weather was sunny but cold that day (and not 90 degrees like today). As a matter of fact we had snow flurries the night before.

Happy Anniversary to my husband. Thanks for putting up with me for 8+ years!