The Bickel Bunch

All Dressed Up...

2010-04-06T06:41:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we had a wedding to attend. Chris got dressed in his best attire and danced his heart out all night. When I told him it was time to get dressed in his dress clothes, he told me "I wearing my handsome clothes?" Ha!

"I'm sorry that good-looking people like us made you throw up and feel bad about yourself" ~ Zoolander

New Room...

2010-02-01T07:19:00.000-08:00

So, now that Chris is two, we decided it was about time to give him a room that he can call his. Something that is his personality, along with nice furniture to last him. A few weeks ago we bought the furniture and the room renovation began.

The room got fresh new blue paint. Some robot decals on the wall. A new bed, chest of drawers and nightstand. A really cool robot comforter set. A little blue paint on the carpet (opps! we weren't suppose to talk about that one).

I wasn't sure what Chris would think about this. He loved his crib and struggled for a few days with switching over to the toddler bed. I assumed this would happen again...as he was going from a tiny bed...to a HUGE bed. Boy was I wrong! Chris loved it from day one! He laid right down at bedtime, kissed us goodnight...told us his bedtime "goodnight, sleep tight, I'll see you in the morning", then told us to leave, as this was his NEW room. LOL!

People who say they sleep like a baby usually don't have one. ~Leo J. Burke

Guess Who's Back....

2010-01-27T06:25:00.000-08:00

Wow, so, a friend brought it to my attention that this has not been updated in quite a while. Opps! Turns out, I am quite the slacker. However, I am back in buisness! Starting today, I am going to attempt to get on here again and write. So much happens in our everyday lives that is fun to share :)

For example, for Christmas, Santa brought Chris a fun tool set. It came with a hard hat and protective glasses. My friend's daughter, wore the hat and marched around singing "Yes we can" from Bob the Builder. Priceless. Chris on the other hand, seems to like to put them on together and beg to have his picture taken. After taking this picture:

I realized he reminded me of someone, but could not put a finger on it. Until Becky brought it to my attention, how much he looks like Scuba Steve (from Big Daddy...see below). Priceless! LOL!

So, he was going for constuction guy...and ended up getting scuba doll :)

You see things; and you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say, 'Why not?' ~ George Bernard Shaw

A Day at the Zoo...

2009-04-26T18:19:00.000-07:00

Saturday we spent a very lovely morning at the zoo. The temperature outside was pleasant, the kids were in good spirits...and the animals were enjoyable! Christopher seemed to enjoy the elephants the most (surprise, surprise), while Ella was more into the monkeys and making monkey sounds. After a few hours, lots of site seeing and some lunch, everyone was exhausted! I wish every weekend was this nice!

When I was a kid I said to my Father one afternoon, "Will you take me to the zoo?" He answered, "If the zoo wants you, let them come and get you." - Jerry Lewis

What a Beutiful Mess...

2009-04-23T18:18:00.000-07:00

Who could resist a face like this??? Really...

"I have never been aware before how many faces there are. There are quantities of human beings, but there are many more faces, for each person has several." Rilke, Rainer Maria

Dancing Fools...

2009-03-18T18:03:00.000-07:00

"You got to sing like you don't need the money...Love like you'll never get hurt...You got to dance like nobody's watchin'...It's gotta come from the heart if you want it to work"

"I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,May you never take one single breath for granted,GOD forbid love ever leave you empty handed,I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.I hope you dance....I hope you dance.I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,Never settle for the path of least resistance,Livin' might mean takin' chances but they're worth takin',Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth makin',Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter,When you come close to sellin' out reconsider,Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.I hope you dance....I hope you dance.I hope you dance....I hope you dance.(Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along,Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder where those years have gone.)I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.Dance....I hope you dance.I hope you dance....I hope you dance.I hope you dance....I hope you dance..(Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along,Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder where those years have gone.)" ~ Lee Ann Womack, I Hope You Dance

Thing 1 and Thing 2...

2009-03-16T19:23:00.000-07:00

Spent the evening with Thing 1 and Thing 2...and boy did they wear me out! They did some playing, some singing and dancing, some reading, wathced some t.v. in their chairs, some pee-ing on the potty-ing...and when all was said and done, even they needed a rest!

"A persons a person, no matter how small." ~ Dr Seuss

Jazzercise...

2009-03-16T19:20:00.000-07:00

"Let's get physical, physical, I wanna get physical, let's get into physicalLet me hear your body talk, your body talk, let me hear your body talk" ~ Olivia Newton-John

Glamor Shots...

2009-03-16T19:12:00.001-07:00

Well...not quite...however, Christopher does love the camera! The other night he brought it to me and said "cheese" until I took a few pictures of him. I think we may be making his head a little big with all the pictures we are taking...because he actually started posing :O

Thinking about what poses to do...

Trying to give his "tough guy" look, but he kept laughing...

Smiling for the camera

“The happiest people are those who think the most interesting thoughts. Those who decide to use leisure as a means of mental development, who love good music, good books, good pictures, good company, good conversation, are the happiest people in the world. And they are not only happy in themselves, they are the cause of happiness in others." ~ William Lyon Phelps

Weekend Getaway...

2009-03-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago, we decided we all needed to get away! Life was just getting to crazy and we all needed a break. So, we packed up the car and headed to good ol' Indy. We spent the weekend swimming (which Chris LOVED), visiting the Children's museum and eating at yummy resturaunts. It was such a good time that we can't wait to do it again!

The day we left, as we were walking past the pool on the way out...even Chris became teary-eyed to have to return home. Luckily, we have wonderful memories and a new weekend vacation spot!

Swimming like a fish! Naying like a horse! Driving his 1st car ; )

"Vacation is what you take when you can't take what you've been taking any longer." ~ Unknown

Bathroom Break...

2009-02-23T16:47:00.000-08:00

Everyday I come home and watch the Ellen Show that I DVR'd. Chris usually runs around playing and laughing...and even gets up to dance when Ellen dances after her monolog.
Today on the show, Ellen asked for video's of people singing in the bathroom...as she has recently had to duo Ren On The Rocks (check youtube.com for the videos) on her show.
So, tonight, while using the bathroom before bedtime, Chris and I did a little singing of our own! Now...it would have gone better if he had not been so distracted by the toliet paper roll (or lack there of since he wouldn't stop tearing it up)!
So...relax...sit back...and enjoy the show!

(and ps...pay attention if you are watching Ellen ever...you may see our budding star!)

"Music is the greatest communication in the world. Even if people don't understand the language that you're singing in, they still know good music when they hear it." ~ Lou Rawls

What a Slacker...

2009-02-04T17:38:00.000-08:00

Today I realized that I have completely neglected my blog. Not really sure the reason why? At first I thought it was because I was working again...but then I remembered I started this blog when I was working...makes no sense. Then, I thought, maybe I just don't have enough time lately. However, it is the winter...and time is all I have. Could be because I spend less time on the internet...but lets face it, we all know that is a lie!

Whatever the reason if/was...I have realized the error of my ways and I am back in the blogging buisness. There will hopefully be no more long breaks.

Since I last wrote on here a lot has happened. I obviously started a new job. Not a job I am fond of, but a new job none-the-less.

We bought new furniture, but unfortunately the store we bought it from decided to send us something other then what we bought. Hopefully, this will be corrected tomorrow.

My grandma's sister passed away. This made me more sad then I thought it would. We were not extremly close, however, close enough. I think the thought of losing someone close to my grandma just brought up emotions that I am still not ready to deal with a year and a half later.

On the bright side of things...Chris pee'd on the potty! That is very exciting! Every night before his bath or before his pajama's we sit him on his potty, so that he can get comfortable sitting on it. Last week though...he went the extra mile...and actually used the potty! I was actually in the process of taking this picture when I heard it :) I couldn't resist a naked potty shot of my baby...so I was lucky enough to catch it on camera!

Other then that...I guess things are pretty much the same. Life is moving...not sure in which direction...but as long as it is moving...I guess I can't complain!

"Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried." ~ Unknown

The Grinch...

2008-12-27T19:30:00.000-08:00

Today I think I officially became the Grinch. From the time I woke up today, all I talked about was taking down the tree and getting all the Christmas stuff put away. Although I love the holiday season, when it is over...I am over it!

I want it to be warm so we can go play outside. I want to turn the heat off and open some windows...I need fresh air! I don't want to bundle up everytime we go outside. But most of all...I want us all to get over these colds we keep passing around!

Now that Christmas is over, I am looking forward to spring. Problem is...the winter has not even hit us full-force yet. Anyone who lives in Cincinnati, knows that winter isn't here until there is 6 feet of snow on the ground, all schools are cancelled and everyone has made a mad dash to the grocery store for everything on the shelves. This has not happened so far. I know, just like everyone else, we will not be out of the clear until probably April.

However, today someone played a cruel trick on us. Today, we broke a 20 year old record. Today...it was 70 degrees. Christmas was 2 days ago...and today...it was 70.

Tomorrow...it will be freezing again...and we will be stuck indoors...and my cold will probably be a little worse then yesterday.

How can I not be the Grinch????

“If you treat a sick child like an adult and a sick adult like a child, everything usually works out pretty well" ~ Ruth Carlisle

Little Linus...

2008-12-20T19:26:00.000-08:00

I Think we have a little Linus on our hands. Ever since Chris was little, the one thing that could get him to sleep in a second was a soft blanket. He would curl up with his blanket, put his thumb in his mouth and within minutes, was fast asleep. Now that he is a little older, he carries his blankets all around the house with him. If he can't find a blanket close by when he is sleepy...a stuffed animal will do...or your pants leg if you are wearing something soft.

Although I never understood the comfort of a blanket, if the end result is looking this peacefull...I may start carrying one around myself!

Think what a better world it would be if we all - the whole world - had cookies and milk about three o’clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. ~Robert Fulghum

Time on Our Hands....

2008-12-20T19:09:00.000-08:00

Chris and I have found a little extra time on our hands lately. With no job to report to and nothing else on the agenda most days...we have gotten to spend some much needed time together! Although I was sad to go back to work when maternity leave was over, I am glad that I have this time now to spend with him, since he is a little older.
On Tuesday we went to the Children's Museum. The 1st time we came here, Chris was probably 9 months old. He was crawling around, but not walking yet. Although there were pleanty of things for him to climb on and play with, he was just beginning to get a sense of his freedom. This week when we went, he was into everything :) It was soooo neat to see him using his imagination and playing with other kids. Christopher was finally tall enough to play at the water table...which he enjoyed...and so did his soaked clothes (the jacket was all for looks apparently)! The last thing he did before we left was play with the musical instuments. Turns out...I think we have the next Beethoven on our hands ; )
The day ended with lunch out and a nice long nap...resulting in smiles for all!

When I grow up I want to be a little boy. ~Joseph Heller, Something Happened, 1974

O Christmas Tree...

2008-12-08T06:39:00.000-08:00

Last week we put up our Christmas Tree trying to get into the holiday spirit. It looks really great...which is why it must be soooo appealing to Christopher! The day after it went up...we spent the entire day trying to keep him off of it.
I think he finally got it though. He now walks into the room...stands really close and tells the tree "bad bad" and shakes his finger at it. I hope we haven't traumatized him! LOL.

“Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall.” ~ Larry Wilde

Winter is finally here...

2008-11-23T17:54:00.000-08:00

I was looking through my camera today to upload a few pictures I had...and I came across this one.

This was only taken a few weeks ago. It was a nice day out and we were able to sneak in one last trip to the park.

All of my life I have loved fall and winter. They were my favorite seasons hands down. However, now that I have a child...I get a little depressed when it gets cool out. I know that it is just the beginning of months of being trapped indoors without a lot to do. I mean, sure we have games to play, toys to enjoy, books to read and shows to watch. But, when it is warmer out...our choices are endless!

So, I guess today I will stay inside and turn up the heat...and dream about warm days, when we can swing again!

"There are only two seasons, winter and baseball." ~ Bill Veeck

Exhausted...

2008-11-23T17:47:00.000-08:00

The past two weeks have been a little stressful, not knowing what is going at with my job and what-not. Every night when I lay down to sleep...I just lay there. No matter how tired I am...I can't seem to get to sleep. I think about what happened at work that day, what will happen the next day, what I am going to do if (but most likely when) I get laid off. 1000 things run through my mind...and nothing I really want to be thinking of. Then, about 2 or 3 in the morning, I usually wake back up and start thinking the same thoughts. They just won't seem to get out of my head. Or...if I do by chance stay asleep, I am having dreams or nightmares about work.

So frustrating!!! I am a planner...and this not knowing is killing me! I spend all day exhausted because I am not sleeping well at night. All I want to do is nap...but then I am back to thinking about work. I wish I was still a little kid and could sleep whenever and wherever I wanted...wouldn't that be nice?!?! Maybe I wouldn't feel so exhausted!

If you can't sleep, then get up and do something instead of lying there worrying. It's the worry that gets you, not the lack of sleep. ~Dale Carnegie

Halloween...

2008-11-04T12:37:00.000-08:00

We had such a good time passing out candy this year :) Chris was so excited to see everyone in their costumes. We had about double the turn out too.

Chris and Ella looked adorable in their costumes and had a great time showing them off.

A grandmother pretends she doesn't know who you are on Halloween. ~Erma Bombeck

Why I Voted....

2008-11-04T12:36:00.001-08:00

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. Barack Obama

The Great Pumpkin...

2008-10-24T10:35:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I took Chris to the Burgers Farm pumpkin patch. We saw a puppet show, walked through Pumpkin Land, saw some animals, played on the slide, took a hayride and of course, picked out a pumpkin. Chris walked right over to a little pumpkin, picked it up and carried it around, like he was making claims to it. Sure, he dropped it a few times, but no harm was done.
Can't wait to go back next year!

I've learned there are three things you don't discuss with people: religion, politics and the Great Pumpkin. ~ Linus

Who-Dey????

2008-10-21T13:00:00.000-07:00

It's not easy being a Cincinnati Bengal's fans these days. Actually, it's not easy to be a Cincinnati fan in general. Every Sunday we get dressed up in our Bengal's gear and watch as the Bengals blow it. This week was just too much for some of us...

"Win as if you are used to it, lose as if you enjoyed it for a change." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Already?!?!

2008-10-13T10:27:00.001-07:00

Could it really be that it has been a year since my baby arrived??? Everyday I look at him and think about how much he has changed our lives for the better. I can barely remember life before him (what did we really do all day without him to entertain us?!?!).

Prior to having Christopher, I knew our lives would change. I just never could have imagined though, how much they would change. I had no idea how amazing it would be the first time we laid eyes on him, or heard him make the tiniest of noises! I didn't know how heart broken I would be the first time he got sick or had to have shots...because it was the first time in his life that he felt pain and there was nothing I could do to stop it. I had no clue how frustrating it could be to watch someone try to accomplish a new task, such as crawling, over and over and over again...and how rewarding it is to see them finally accomplish it! I never knew how contagious a baby laugh really was...until I had Chris.

In the past year I have learned a whole new meaning of love...and I can't wait for MANY more years to come to experience it a little more!

Children make your life important. Erma Bombeck

Wordless Wednesday...

2008-10-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

I saw wordless wednesday on someone else's blog a while back...and decided...with the kind of day I am having, it is probably just better to leave today wordless. That being said...I get to go home to my baby in a few minutes and life will be good again!

“If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.”

I am Ready...

2008-09-30T12:58:00.000-07:00

I am ready for October to begin! I am ready for fall weather, birthday after birthday after birthday, Halloween...then the beginning of the holiday season! Some people dread this time of year...I on the other hand...LOVE IT!!!!

So goodbye September. Goodbye hot weather, goodbye blackout, goodbye to all the bad things that happened this month. You will not be missed :)

Bittersweet October. The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, perfect pause between the opposing miseries of summer and winter. ~ Carol Bishop Hipps

Tubes part II...

2008-09-29T13:07:00.001-07:00

Chris finally got his tubes on Wednesday :) The whole experience was actually not bad at all. We were taken back to his room right away...nurses came and entertained him while they asked questions about his health and explained the entire procedure from start to finish. They were so ahead of schedule, that he was actually taken back at 9:40, instead of his 10 o'clock start time. By 10:05 he was in recovery and by 10:20 we were on our way home!

The pain medicine, mixed with the anesthetic knocked him out on the way home.

After 2 long naps, he was back to his normal self! As an extra bonus even, Uncle Brian, Aunt Brittany and Ella stopped over with a little gift, that Chris enjoyed playing with the rest of the night :)

The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up. ~Mark Twain

Wind Storm

2008-09-25T10:19:00.000-07:00

What a crazy week last week was! By now, hopefully everyone has their power back on...and has never been so thankful for it! It was not a good feeling to look outside Sunday and see a tree cut the power lines, burst into and out of flames, then go through the van :(

More upsetting though, was to see a tree fall on my brand new fence!

However, luckily we have a wonderful family and we were able to stay with relatives until power was restored. By this time next week I should have the van back...and eventually the fence will get fixed. Also...we got to spend some time with family...and as a bonus...a little time with Alice!

On top of everything, I have probably processed about 1,000,000,000 emergency food stamp replacement applications...so much so that I think I am processing them in my sleep even!
At the end of the week though, when we were back and home and settled in, I was sure to say extra prayers for the people who lost their homes, or even worse, a friend or family member...and to thank God for blessing us with all we have!

"If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul."

Another Cut...

2008-09-12T07:50:00.000-07:00

Chris is becoming such a big boy lately! We took him last weekend to get his hair cut again...and he actually sat in the chair all by himself! When they asked if we wanted to try, I said sure, but I was pretty sure that he would only sit still a few minutes. Turns out...he did WAY better then I thought he would. He sat still most of the time. He got a little squirmy towards the end...but the girl cutting his hair gave him a comb for each hand and that seemed to help.

Life is an endless struggle full of frustrations and challenges, but eventually you find a hair stylist you like. ~Author Unknown

Long Weekend...

2008-09-02T10:48:00.000-07:00

Since this weekend was a long weekend, it seemed like the perfect time to catch up with some much needed time with family :)

Chris spent time swinging with his Great-Grandpa

Hanging out with his cousin Ella (they were both having a great time...just stopped smiling when we took the pictures...lol)

He got to meet his Great-Great-Grandma Pearl, who talked about how much he looked like his Grandpa Danny when he was a baby

His Great-Aunt Sil played ball with him

And he ended the weekend enjoying some of his new toys with his cousin Mackenzie and playing peek-a-boo!

The family. We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together. ~Erma Bombeck

Celebrate Good Times...

2008-09-02T09:20:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we took Chris to his 1st official birthday party :) Not that he hasn't been to a birthday party before...but this is the 1st party that we would not have otherwise been invited too, had we not had Chris. Unfortunately, due to time constraints and bad Mapquest directions, we were not able to stay that long :( Christopher seemed to have a good time playing with Brooklynn (our sitter's daughter) and even got to see her open a gift, so he will know what to do in a few weeks when it is his turn!

"A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip." ~ Unknown

Forever...

2008-08-29T12:22:00.000-07:00

I am pretty sure that today is the longest day ever! Usually when I feel like this it is because I am looking forward to something that night or the next day. However, I have nothing that should be prompting me to feel this way. At 2:15 I looked at the clock...and I am pretty sure every minute or 2 since then also. I can not make time go quick enough! Maybe it is just the thought of the long weekend, getting home to play with my baby, being anywhere but work...I don't know. It would be a different story if we were super busy today...but we are not. Too many people on vacation I guess. Or...if there was something useful I could be doing with my time. Unfortunately, there is only so much I can do when I am stuck at work. Guess I will just have to tough it out for the next hour :(
I did however find this video on my phone from a few months ago that made me laugh. So...I thought I would share. Enjoy!

“We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they're called memories. Some take us forward, they're called dreams." ~ Jeremy Irons

Tubes...

2008-08-26T09:22:00.001-07:00

So, it's official. After 4 ear infections, the doctor referred us to an ENT. Last week when we saw the doctor, he said Chris' ears had no fluid in them and looked great :) That being said, he felt like the ENT would probably want to wait for the tubes. Yesterday we saw the ENT who said usually they wait til 5 or 6 ear infections. However, Chris had fluid in his ear...which was not there 5 days ago :( So...September 24th it is! They say the surgery only takes 15 minutes (7 of them are putting the child to sleep). I am a little concerned though, as they said the surgery will be mid-morning and he can't eat 6 hours before. As we have had him on a very strict schedule since birth...I am afraid he is not going to be a happy camper. How do you explain to a baby that they can't eat?!?!
After the ENT saw him, he had Chris go get a hearing test. It was really neat to see him react to the noises he was hearing. Even neater was seeing how they actually test babies! Seems like it would be really hard. Chris did good for the most part...but after about 5 minutes he was no longer interested and quit playing their game.
During our waits, Chris had a great time playing in the waiting rooms with all the other kids.

Miracles rest not so much upon healing power coming suddenly near us from afar, but upon our perceptions being made finer, so that for the moment our eyes can see and our ears can hear what has been there around us always. ~ Willa Cather

A Little Trip...

2008-08-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we decided to take a little road trip to Jeffersonville to check out some of the outlet malls. Although the drive was only about an hour and 20 minutes, it was the longest time Christopher has ever been in the car and I was assuming he would just sleep most of the way. However, something I have learned since being a mom, is that you should NEVER assuming anything when it comes to your child :) He did not really nap either way. Luckily though, he decided to make the best of it...and talked and laughed the whole way there and most of the way back.

All in all, it was a good day (minus the rain we hit on the way back where I could not even see the car in front of me). We all had fun...and got some good deals!

You can't deny laughter; when it comes, it plops down in your favorite chair and stays as long as it wants. ~ Stephen King

Where a Kid can be a Kid...

2008-08-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

Saturday we were out with Becky and her kids and she decided she wanted to take them to Chuck-E-Cheese as a treat, since Evan will start Kindergarten this week. Chris and I tagged along, although I knew there would not be too much there for him to do. However, we had a really good time and Chris got to ride a few rides :)

PS - Molly...this is the closest to My Buddy outfits we have :)

Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside your body. -Elizabeth Stone

My Buddy and Me...

2008-08-15T12:14:00.001-07:00

Last night we were joking about how where ever we go...Chris is right there with us anymore. If I head to the computer room...he is right there...Danny goes to the kitchen...and he is there...the bathroom...again, right there. Which prompted me to sing the song from the My Buddy commercials. Also, prompting me to think how much Chris resembles My Buddy :)

My Buddy, My Buddy...where ever I go, he's going to go. My Buddy, My Buddy...My Buddy and me!

Picture Perfect...almost...

2008-08-15T11:46:00.001-07:00

I realized the other night, we have a ton of pictures of Danny and Christopher, but like 2 with me. Problem is...I am always the one taking all the pictures. So, I decided to try to take one of the 2 of us last night. Much like you do with your friends when you have nothing else to take pictures of :) After about 100 attempts...I got this (which is ok...but not great by far...lol):

Oh well...I will take it!

It's not easy being a mother. If it were easy, fathers would do it. ~From the television show The Golden Girls

Walking on Sunshine...

2008-08-13T11:43:00.001-07:00

Over the past few weeks...Chris has been bursting with personality. It is so fun to watch him grow and learn new skills. He is waving every time he hears the words "hi" and "bye" (and sometimes...as a bonus...he will actually say them)...he is noticing everything in his surroundings...and this weekend, actually started taking a few steps! In no time at all he will be walking all around the place!

Happy is the man who has acquired the love of walking for its own sake! ~ W.J. Holland

All Play and No Work...

2008-08-04T12:46:00.000-07:00

After a not so good day Saturday (as someone decided to throw a rock through our window for fun), we needed something fun to do Sunday to make up for it! So, Sunday, we decided to take Chris to the Children's Museum. Wasn't sure if there would be a lot for him to do...but we just needed to get out...and as it was going to be hot, we decided something inside would be perfect!

Turns out...we all had a blast!!!! So much so, that we are buying a pass there.

He loved crawling through the tunnel and the cave...

doing some grocery shopping...

playing peek-a-boo with himself...

sailing a boat...

and playing in the sand.

At the end of the day...everyone was exhausted!

"Be yourself, be pleasant, play hard and have no regrets." ~ Jimmy Buffett

So Fresh and So Clean...

2008-08-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

Since Chris got teeth sooooo early (a little less then 3 months old), I decided brushing them was probably very important to start as young as we could.
When he was a little baby, we used one of these:

Which worked out nicely, until 2 teeth became...4...then 6...and now 10. As soon as we would stick our finger with the brush in his mouth, his jaw clenched and you would just have to pray that when he decided to release, your finger tip was still attached!
About 2 months ago, I found a toothbrush just his size, that seemed a much better idea! From the second we started using this...Chris picked right up on the idea. He would open his mouth and let me or Danny clean his teeth.
Last week though, Chris decided that at almost 10 months, he was way to grown to let us brush his teeth. He grabbed the brush from me and I watched as I thought he was going to shove it down his throat and gag. However, as soon as he stuck it in his mouth, he started moving it all around trying to bush his pearly whites :) With a little assist from me...he got the job done!

“The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” ~ Denis Waitley

Secret Passage...

2008-08-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

Chris was hanging out by the side of the couch the other day, grinning from ear-to-ear. I was not exactly sure what was making him so happy...but love seeing him smile, so could not skip an oppertunity to take such a good picture!

However, about 30 seconds later when I turned my back...I discovered what was bringing that wonderful smile to his face! He found his own little secret passage way!

After he went to bed last night...I found several toys...his blanket and his cup of water all hidden back there :)

“The secret to humor is surprise.” ~ Aristotle

I Get Lost, In Your Eyes...

2008-07-29T07:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a friend told me they were memorized by my son's beautiful-blue-eyes. I will have to agree...they are beautiful! Everyday I find myself staring at them thinking about how lucky it was that he got Danny's eyes. They were the 1st thing I noticed about Danny. They are the perfect shade of blue! If only everyone were as lucky to get eyes like that!

"My eyes are an ocean in which my dreams are reflected." ~ anonymous

2008-07-25T12:31:00.001-07:00

Sometimes a little nap with Dad is all you need :)

It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us fathers and sons. ~Johann Schiller

We Are Family...

2008-07-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

What a fun weekend we had! On Friday we hung out with the family. All 3 babies were super fun and kept us all entertained :)
On Saturday Chris and I went to see Tommy and Cyrstal's new son, Little Tommy. He is so adorable and will make such a great playmate for Little Man when they get a little older. With them living about 5 minutes away, it also makes it convenient.
After seeing the new baby, we went to my nieces birthday party. We had a super fun time...but man was it hot! Note to self...no babies in the summer months! Ella was glad to be the center of attention and had a great time eating her cake and opening her presents.
On Sunday we had planned to relax and do nothing. However, after about 2 hours of laying around, we realized that wasn't for us! So, we went out to eat then did some shopping at Northgate. I got some really good deals at Macy's...and Chris and Danny had a great time playing in their little play area. I am not sure who enjoyed it more ; )
All in all...it was a great weekend!

Family faces are magic mirrors. Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present, and future. ~Gail Lumet Buckley

2008-07-17T12:40:00.000-07:00

What a long week this has been. On Monday, Chris and I spent the day with Molly and baby Alice. We had a great time! However, Chris doesn't quite understand that he is just too big to touch little Alice. He wanted nothing more then to get his hands on her!
Before that we took a much needed walk at the cemetery. Tuesday was the 1 year mark since Gma Klems passed away :*( I could not figure out anything to make myself feel better...so I decided to go to the cemetery and see if that would make me feel a little better. Believe it or not...it did.
On Tuesday, our sitter took her daughter and Christopher to the Children's Museum. She said they had a blast! Apparently Chris liked the sand table so much, that he decided to see what it tasted like :O She said he only did it once, then I guess decided it was not as good as he thought it would be...lol!
Last night, Little Man and I went swimming. Although Chris has swam in baby pools a few times, this was his first time in a real pool. He had a great time! He is like a little fish already...kicking his legs and dunking his face...he has no fear.
Today is Miss Ella Jane's 1st birthday! So, Saturday we get to celebrate with her and the rest of the family. I can not believe she is already a year old! One year ago today, I was pregnant with Chris and EXHAUSTED from being up the entire night at the hospital, waiting for my niece to make her 1st appearance. Today, I am exhausted, but for completely different reasons!

God pours life into death and death into life without a drop being spilled. ~Author Unknown

People do not die for us immediately, but remain bathed in a sort of aura of life which bears no relation to true immortality but through which they continue to occupy our thoughts in the same way as when they were alive. It is as though they were traveling abroad. ~Marcel Proust

Don't Blink...

2008-07-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

(picture of Chris at less then a month)

Nothing too new or exciting our way. Our sitter is out of town this week, so Chris has been spending a little time with everyone :) On Monday, Uncle Brian and Ella came over and from what I hear...they all had a WONDERFUL time. On Tuesday, I hung out with Little Man. He had his 9 month check up (wow...I can't believe he is 9 months already!). Everyone tells you how quickly they grow up, but you don't really believe it until it happens.
Dr. said everything is good. He is right on target for all his fine motor skills. Chris is now 21lbs 6oz (what happened to my 7lbs 15oz newborn?!?!?!) and 29 inches tall. Believe it or not...this puts him in 50-75th percentile for weight and 75th for height. Yes, that means my baby is still on the tall side :) Also, a big highlight was that there is no fluid in his ears currently...which means no tubes for now! Yeah! As we were leaving a nurse stopped me to tell me how cute Chris was. About 4 other nurses crowded around us, to tell me how he was the perfect Little Man and that he was picture perfect.
I know this...but it is a really good feeling to hear that others see it too! Chris, loving the attention, smiled and talked and laughed it up with the nurses (I think he may have spent too much time with Uncle Brian on Monday ; ).
Yesterday he spent the day with Claire. They obviously had a great time because when I came home, Chris did not care at all that I was there. He smiled at me and went on playing. Then, when he finally paid me some attention...he kept looking back to make sure Claire was still there...lol! Today and tomorrow he is spending some quality time with Grandma and Grandpa. Not sure who is enjoying it more :)

The simplest toy, one which even the youngest child can operate, is called a grandparent. ~Sam Levenson

Just a Little Giggle...

2008-07-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

Enjoy!

I wish I was a Little bit Taller, I wish I was a Baller...

2008-07-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

I think we may have the next Michael Jordan on our hands ; ) Although at his tallest he will be lucky to hit 5 foot...he already looks good in the basketball gear and loves his new hoop. Within seconds of setting it up he figured out the idea was to get the ball through the hoop.
Yes...I think we have the next Jordan in our presence.

I've always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come. I don't do things half-heartedly. Because I know if I do, then I can expect half-hearted results. - Michael Jordan

Splish Splash...

2008-06-27T04:59:00.001-07:00

Ear infection and all, Chris was still up to swimming yesterday. Turns out, nothing can hold him back. He loves being in the water and cried when it was time to get out. Although I hear he looks more like a Bickel these days, he definitely acts more like a Klems!

Water for me is so essential, like swimming. Nastassja Kinski

Sick and Tired of being Sick and Tired...

2008-06-26T06:55:00.000-07:00

Having a sick child is never a good thing. Having a child who keeps getting sick...is even worse. Up until a few months ago, Chris was a relatively healthy child. A little cold here and there, but that was it. In the past 3 months though, he has had hand foot and mouth and 3 sets of ear infections. Dr. said we will probably be seeing an ENT soon about getting tubes. Poor baby.
Usually though, the ear infections don't bug him all that much. This one however, is awful. Yesterday when I picked him up to go to the Dr., he was lifeless. He had slept all day and just looked miserable. He did not smile for me one time (until of course, the Dr. walked in to check him out, then he sat up and smiled and started talking. As soon as she left though, it was back to feeling miserable.).
On an upside...the medicine must already be kicking in because after 2 doses, he is almost back to his regular self. Keep your fingers crossed that this is the end of it all!

"If you have health, you have everything. The person who is ill wants only one thing--whole health and well-being." - anonymous

Just another manic Monday...

2008-06-23T05:30:00.000-07:00

I HATE mondays. They mean the weekend is over and it is time to get back to work. However, the weekend is just not long enough and come Monday, I feel completely exhausted. It takes til Tuesday at least for me to be up to my full potential. I think I need a break after the weekend to relax!
Oh well...I have a full week this week...then 3 weeks in a row that are only 4 day weeks for me! I am sooo looking forward to spending some extra time with Chris and maybe get a little sleeping in too ; )

Tired minds don’t plan well. Sleep first, plan later. - Walter Reisch

Summer Summer Summertime....

2008-06-16T06:50:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a little crazy! Lots to do and little time to do it. On Saturday we took Christopher to the Butterfly show at Krohn's Conservatory. After then I had a wedding to go to for a co-worker. On Sunday, we had the family over to grill out for father's day.
Chris and Ella were all over the place. They are too funny now that they are getting older. Watching them interact is just crazy. They look like little people. One starts talking and the other joins in, one starts laughing and the other joins in. I wonder if they understand each other when they talk?
After people started leaving, we put Chris in his pool for the 1st time. He was crawling all over the pool and standing up. I think he loves the water as much as I do :) Then, last night we went to a grill out at a friends house. Chris was playing with my friend's 2 year old daughter. They were hysterical! She was talking to him trying to get him to talk back and he was just staring at her and laughing. All in all, it was a really good weekend. I just wish it would have lasted a little longer!!!!

"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see." - John Burroughs

Destination of nowhere...

2008-06-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

As of the past couple weeks, Christopher is getting all around the house. He can get to his destination by crawling, scooting, rolling...and sometimes by tricking others to pick him up and take him ; ) It is amazing how much him being mobile changes things. Last week we got a fence put up in the backyard to keep him from escaping, we got the carpets cleaned and this weekend we are baby-proofing the rest of the house (gates, outlet covers, locks for the cabinets). Not too long ago we could set him down and leave the room for one second, without having to worry about what he might be doing and what he might be getting into. Now, we can set him down...sit down...and as soon as we hit the chair, we are jumping up to stop him from pulling the t.v. over on himself.
His personality has blossomed a lot too over the last couple of weeks. He is now interacting with other kids at the sitter's and gets really excited to see his cousin Ella. They talk and play now. Although, most times they are tumbling over each other, stealing toys from one another, smacking each other...or yelling back and forth. They seem less like babies now and more like little people.

Never be afraid to do something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the titanic. ~ Anonymous