The Gang's Back Together

We headed out to Ed and Wayne's house for a long overdue get together. Ed always has an amazing feast ready to serve. We hung out while the kids played and took a couple of hikes through the woods with Wayne the tour guide. I'm sure he pointed out all the deer dropings and critter tracks....the kids (except B) were in heaven. B was in heaven giving wet willies to the adults and slobbering zerberts on the arms of all the beautiful moms. Thank God I have friends with a sense of humor or we'd be kicked out of this "gang" for sure! A couple of rounds of corn hole with several beers started the evening. The kids partook in glow in the dark balls and sparklers before attempting to settle into a movie or two. The the Poker began. Okay Mr. David DID win a hand.....one with no money on the table. I'm not sure who took the dough for the second round but it was either Mr. Chad or Mr. Wayne. We woman didn't represent very well but there's always the next gathering.....cause we CAN play (but only with my cheat sheet)!
Guys we shouldn't let this much time pass between our visits!

Swimming with the Girls

Last summer we had weekly dates with Emily and Grace, but this summer with everyone's vacations our first visit didn't happen until July. Although the weather wasn't great the pool, the food, and most importantly the company was. We all got in the pool (except Mrs. Sherri....hummmmmmm how did that happen?). The girls went off the diving board and showed off their swimming skills....as a swimmer I was impressed! B played with his water squirter (as I'm avoiding the gun word......he's not but I am) and got into the water a bit. After swimming we headed to Mrs. Sherri's house. The kids played while we visited. Somehow we ended up taking home a trash bag full of Little People and three villages home. B was in heaven. we got home and he dumped all of his new toys onto the floor and found all the pieces that made "great" noises. You all know how I LOVE toys that make noise. Okay that was sarcastic but I DO LOVE the girls and Mrs. Sherri!

The Ballon Glow

We're building stamina! B went to school today. Cried and cried when I left, but by the time I got to the main entrance to check out the camera in his classroom he was playing with his friends. Got to LUV the guilt trip. After school we headed out to have dinner and a date with Joelle, Belle, and Josh. Applebee's for dinner and then down to Coney Island for the balloon glow and fireworks. It was a great evening, the weather wasn't too hot, the crowd was there but the line for the ice cream wasn't long, the balloon's held us over until the fireworks "boomed".
Speaking of ice cream, a hint to all you mom's who still have kids in a stroller: when handing your child ice cream and leaving them in the stroller remember that people passing by smiling at your child usually are not doing so because they think he's cute. It's more because your kid has ice cream from head to toe......LITERALLY! What a mess, but wasn't B excited to walk around without a shirt...."showin' his muscles".
As the sun set the tethered hot air balloons began to all light their fire together. It was a beautiful sight! B is still talking about the "air bawoons". The fireworks were a great end to the evening. The Rozzi (I think I spelled it right) family always does Cincinnati well. The fireworks were big and colorful. It was as if they were dancing through the sky; pictures just didn't do them justice.
Okay just so you don't think my life is all roses; we did wait in line for a full 55 minutes to get out of the parking lot, 20 of which was in the same exact spot...but who has road rage?. The good news is the kids behaved beautifully, in fact they might have dealt with the delay better than the moms!

Meeting Baby Collin

What a day! Most days we get up and piddle around and our "event" for the day doesn't happen until after our nap. Today we got up and headed for Sara's house; we had a date with Collin! B did really well with the baby. We walked to the park where Sara was the designated swing pusher while I got my baby fix. B wanted to go "up in the sky". We played for a while but it was the UDF Milkshake treat that got B into his stroller. We bought our treats and headed back to the Sara's house. B was attentive when Collin was fussing, but was definitely more interested in his toys....and sharing his! We hung for a while and then headed home. It was nice to spend time with Collin (and his mom too). It brought back memories of my guy being tiny and squishy. I've already forgotten how much work a baby can be, I guess that's God's plan...who would do that over and over if you remembered. Not to mention...how could you remember when the current age just keeps you running too! I really do love being a mom and it's great that more of my friends are joining the pack. Keep 'em comin' guys!

Oh the Pride we swallow!

It's taking all I have to blog about this, but I figure those of you who read and know me will eventually find out and those of you who don't know me need to know the reality. I've also learned that secrets don't really help my soul, and that we all have some type of financial worry (even Trump)

I had to swallow ALL my pride today and ask B's biological father for some financial support. Daycare, diapers, activities, and doing enough to foster a toddlers development is expensive. I know you find that statement shocking! I know there are people who make less than I do and can make it, but B shouldn't have to go without (within reason) just because his "father" chooses to ignore him and live it up in Australia. By the way he got a new puppy. I figure if you can afford to buy a new dog, live it up in another country, and sport the latest fashions you should be able to "spot your child a week or two (at least) of daycare". However I'm realistic so I'm approaching this with a "you can't get it if you don't ask" attitude. Please keep us in your prayers and thoughts....I'm hoping I'm not opening Pandora's box!

Summer Has Arrived!!! But School is Starting for B!

Summer has arrived! We've spent our first week getting paper work done, cleaning, running errands, visiting local family, and what not. During this first week I realized that I haven't had to spend 24 hours a day 7 days in a row by myself with my son....EVER!!! I also realized that he IS 2. I thought it was going to be impossible for "MY SWEET BABY" to become a "Terrible 2 year old". but it happened! He screams at Nana and Papa. One minute he's laying on the floor crying, the next he's saying "I'll hit you", and then he's climbing up the door frame (literally). We still have our sweet moments but there is definitely a large gap in between his cuteness! Yes I'm disciplining him, yes I'm talking to him about being polite and what's acceptable and what's not, but some days I have thought "OH MY GOODNESS MAKE HIM GO AWAY". That took guts to admit! So I've decided, for multiple reasons, but initially because of the above that he needed to go to school two days a week. He went to day for a happy visit. He spent an hour with his first teacher, Ms. (oh my goodness I've forgotten her name)....I'll have to find out next week!
B's first day was not as I had expected, I'm learning much of parenting can't be expected...in fact expect nothing because you'll never be right! B went in and didn't want to paint with the other kids he wanted to play alone. That's when I realized I was doing the right thing, he needs to be introduced to structure and "schooling" if you will. I'm hoping that the name forgotten teacher can also help this mommy with some potty training ideas...it's not going so well!

Cheap, Cheap, Cheap

No I'm not a baby chick..I'm just trying to help all my "peoples" out. Have you looked into Skybus.com yet? B and I will be flying to NC this summer round trip for a total of 175 dollars. If you add in travel time to the airport and our final destination (with gas and all) we're spending around 350 dollars for both of us to "fly". When I checked out local flights all the tickets were at least 325 dollars a piece so I'm pumped about the savings. Check it out!!! See if you can come visit me!!!