Take Me Back Tuesday - Potty Time

I found Kari's blog, A Giveaway Addicted Mommy, during the Ultimate Blog Party. On top of being a really fun blog to read... she's starting a brand new Tuesday meme that I'm excited about. The idea is to get scanning!!! I've got piles and piles of pre-digital photos... and now I've got incentive to work harder at scanning them into our computer.

So... to kick off Take Me Back Tuesday.... I'll take you WAY WAY WAY back. I figure if I'm going to do the once a week embarrass myself photos I might as well go all out.

That's me at 8 months old. I can see a little bit of Zoe... and a little bit of Ana. I have no idea why I was on the potty. I can guarantee you I was not some amazing miracle potty trained baby. (Mom? Any ideas? And... who's bathroom is that anyway?)

So...Welcome to Take Me Back Tuesday! You can participate and/or check out other Take Me Back Tuesday posts at A Giveaway Addicted Mommy.

Grace in Small Things - 36

1. New subscribers and followers (Hi everybody!!!)

2. A Dunkin Donuts stop on the way home from church.

3. They way sidewalk chalk pictures look after the rain.

4. Listening as Nick helps Zoe play her Disney Princesses game on the Wii.

5. Countdown to Florida - 3 days!!!

Grace in Small Things - 35

1. Sitting outside on our front step because the weather is nice enough.

2. Finding a lot of great new blogs during the Ultimate Blog Party. (I hope to write a post or 2 sharing my favorites.)

3. A fun group playdate (Zoe loves the girls... I love the moms).

4. The funny things a 3 year old says... when they're not trying to be funny.

5. Countdown to Florida - 4 days until we're off!!!

Florida in January - It isn't too cold to swim!

When we were in Florida in January it was COLD. Yes, I know it was winter. But it was Florida. It's not supposed to be in the 30s. It's just not. It was killing Zoe to be so close to a swimming pool and not be able to get in. Finally... the sun was shining and we had a day in the high 60s. Zoe immediately decided she NEEDED to swim. The water was still frigid... but I was not going to fight with her. If I didn't let her go swimming she was never going to stop asking to swim. You all know how that is. So... I told her she could go in.

It's not cold Mommy!!!!!
It's not cold!!
Um... it's not cold.
Weeee!!!
Um... it might be a little cold.
cold cold cold cold cold
I'm done swimming Mommy!

Wordless Wednesday - Happy Girls (Florida in January)

Florida in January - Ana's first popsicle

Hey, Uncle Jim, everybody's havin' a popcicle. Can I has a taste of yours?
I'm not quite sure why everyone is so excited about these freezin' things. Boy, my lips are chilly!
I better give this another try Uncle Jim. Here... give it to me. I do myself. Nom nom nom.
Oh yeah! That's some good stuff!
Hey mom? Uncle Jim's pretty cool. He's a good sharer.
Um... sorry 'bout your shirt Uncle Jim.

Grace in Small Things - 34

1. Zoe being an age where she can just go play upstairs with her cousins while the adults socialize without too many worries.

2. Little girls playing dress-up with fancy party dresses and big faux pearls and tiaras.

3. Enjoying dinner with family.

4. A delicious (lent friendly) birthday cake made by my sister-in-law for my mother-in-law's birthday.

5. Nick is coming home from Italy today. Phew! We all made it alive... and the house is still standing.

Grace in Small Things - 33

1. Watching Zoe swim underwater with her goggles. She's becoming a fish.

2. Ana switching from the da da da da babbling to the ma ma ma ma babbling. I know it's not connected yet... but I do love hearing the ma ma ma ma.

3. Getting a package in the mail filled with Scottish sweets. (Thanks Laura... yum yum!)

4. A new spring diaper bag (although I'm still searching for the perfect one to replace my perfect brown fall diaper bag... not quite there yet).

5. Baby giggles. Just can't get enough baby giggles.

And the Blogoversary Winner is...

Last week I posted a giveaway for my 2nd Blogoversary... and today I'm posting the winner.

The winner of the $25 Amex gift card is (as chosen by Random.org) commenter #10 - Karin.

Thank you to everyone who commented my on 2nd Blogoversary post. The giveaway was fun for me... so I might have to do it again sometime. (Although... if I have time I might have to get a little more creative with the prize!)

And Karin, e-mail me your mailing address and I'll get your gift card in the mail ASAP!

Party! Party! Party!

Welcome to A Madison Mom. I'm thrilled you've taken the time to stop by my little old blog. The 5 Minutes for Mom blog hopping list is a long one... so after you've partied with us a little bit here in Madison, NJ... make sure you click the Ultimate Blog Party box and see who else is looking to meet and greet!

(Oh... and if you enjoy yourself here even just a little bit... make sure you click over there on the left and subscribe in a reader or e-mail! I'd love to have you come back for another visit! And make sure you leave a comment... I'd love to thank you for stopping by... and give you a visit in return!)

Introductions first! My name is Colleen and I live in Madison, NJ with my husband Nick and my 2 girls, Zoe (is 3 1/2 now) and Ana (is 8 months now). I'm a stay at home mom with a Bachelor's degree in Child Development and a Master's degree in Elementary Education. You would think having that much child knowledge would make me a mom expert... but I'm muddling through it just like everyone else.

I've been nervous about hosting this little blog party. Last years Ultimate Blog Party had over 1500 participants. What in the world could I do to add a successful party stop that would be memorable and make people like me and my little blog? I've spent a lot of time thinking... pondering... wondering... researching... and snooping to see what everyone did last year.

We've had many a party here at the Madison Mom household.

In thinking of the perfect shin dig to throw for this Ultimate Blog Party I tried to think back over the years to the many parties we've hosted.

I tried to think of the most fun and memorable events we held.

I looked through photo albums and reminisced over many a good time.

I tried so hard to come up with a way to entertain all of the wonderful blog hopping party animals I know are out there today.

I mean.... I wanted to really think of something... anything... that would keep a regular reader entertained.

But, would also grab a new reader and make them want to read the whole party post.

A post that would make you realize that not only am I a mom who blogs... but I'm a mom that knows how to party.

What kind of party could I throw that would surprise everyone and ensure a good time?

Well, unfortunately I'm afraid I really couldn't come up with anything great because... um... lately... this is what our parties tend to look like.

We sure do know how to party in this house now, don't we?

How in the world did we get from then (2002) to now???? I suppose it has something to do with her...


and her...

Sigh. One day I hope to have some more impressive rocking out parties. We sure did throw a good party or 2. But for now I'll have to make do with some major party blog hopping. If you're looking for a place to pop over to next make sure to put on your dancing shoes and go check Jodi's place for party day (she's posting one of my pictures!).

Happy Ultimate Blog Party 2009!!!

Edited to add my prize wish list:
So I finally sat down and scanned through the majorly long prize list. Wow! Just... wow! I was a little overwhelmed with deciding what exactly would go on my most coveted list. We're supposed to list a top 3... but I'm cheating a little because I can't narrow it down (and I went with a theme and didn't want to leave anyone out because they're all awesome!)

INTL 1 - A custom basic blog design from Sweet ‘n Simple Design.
INTL 23 - A blog makeover from Busy Mama Blog Design.
INTL 33 - A blog makeover from Southern Girl Blog Design.
INTL 35 - A blog design from Blog Designs by Sheila.
INTL 36 - A custom blog design from Sara*s Pixel Studio.

Or um... any other blog design prizes I may have missed.

And seriously... beyond that I'm overwhelmed... although 7 Ergo would be VERY nice. And 41... 41 is gorgeous. Or, oh...Target! 19, 21, 22, 26, 91... cause, ya know... I could use those in like, 2 minutes. Oh, 72 or 114 yum. 103... because who doesn't like surprises??? 122... because, LOVE minkee. Oh goodness gracious... can you just sign me up for all the prizes? I'd love any of them I think!!!

Thank you to all of the people who gave the prizes... and Pamela, the prize coordinator. All I can say is WOW!

I'm all sweaty...

Zoe wore underwear to bed for the first time on Monday night.

When I went to bed at 11pm I went in her room as I usually do... but I whispered in her ear and asked if she wanted to get up and go potty. She looked at me and said "no Mommy, I don't have to go now." I said "OK, if you have to go potty let me know. Love you, Night Night." She rolled over and snuggled into her blanket. (Er... let me expand on that... her down comforter and the down lap blanket she insisted on bringing up from the couch. She occasionally does that... and I've stopped fighting it. If she wants to be a sweat ball... I'm not getting into a whining temper tantruming fight over it.)

I went to bed, a little anxious, wondering if she would make it through the night and wake up dry... or if she would wake up over night and call out for help in the potty... or if she would wake up screaming that she had peed the bed. (Zoe had totally freaked out the 1/2 dozen times she's wet the bed during her nap.) I was really expecting that to happen around 3 am.

I fell asleep and then next thing I knew I heard Ana at her normal 5am "feed me now" wake up. I was shocked that I hadn't heard from Zoe. That was a totally nice surprise. I went in to Ana, fed her, put her back in her crib and headed back to bed.

I fell asleep and then the next thing I knew it was 7am and Zoe was next to me telling me "Mommy... I'm all sweaty." I opened my eyes, looked at her and asked "Zoe, are you sweaty... or did you pee?" She got the most quizical look on her face. I had to remind her "Zoe, you wore underpants to bed remember? No pull-up." Her answer.... "OOOOooohhh yeah. Um... I think I'm all sweaty."

She must have barely peed. Just her underwear area was damp... and the very bottom of her shirt. The waterproof bed cover didn't even feel wet. So... the first night of underwear to bed was not totally successful... but that didn't phase Zoe. As far as she's concerned she was sweaty from the ridiculous amount of down blankets covering her. I wouldn't have questioned her being sweaty either... except usually her hair is a sweaty mess too... and it was totally dry. Oh well.

I suppose I should just be happy that she didn't soak herself and wake up screaming at 3am.

Last night she announced "Mommy, I'm wearing a pull-up tonight." I asked her "Are you sure? I thought you wanted underwear now." She told me very matter-of-factly "Nope... I want my pull-up. I like them."

So... Zoe's wearing her pull-up. I'll let you know when we try again.

Bottom Squirter

Conversation with Zoe a week or so ago...

Zoe - Mommy, my big brother is at school.

Me - Ok? (um... Zoe doesn't have a big brother... although lately she talks about him a lot.)

Zoe - Mommy, when my big brother comes home from school... he goes to the potty.

Me - Ok? That's good. Do you need to go potty?

Zoe - No. Mommy, when my big brother goes to the potty he does his bottom squirter.

Me - Ok?

Zoe - Yes, he does his bottom squirter.

Me - Ok? Um... Zoe... what is a bottom squirter?

Zoe - You know Mommy. A bottom squirter. Boys have those... those bottom squirters... like this. (And she then motions as though she is peeing with a penis.) Boys have bottom squirters... girls don't.

Me -OOOOooohhh.... a bottom squirter. Gotcha.

I just about peed my pants laughing. We still haven't come up with anyone who has said "bottom squirter" to her... so we can only assume she saw the boys going potty at school... wasn't sure what to call the penis... and decided "bottom squirter" sounded like a logical name.

Heeheehee.

Sniffling and Anxious Mommy

We're having a bit of a momentous day here with both girls. Well... I say "we"... but really what I mean is I'M having a momentous day. Nick is actually in Italy for work all week. I'm wishing this day wasn't an alone day.

1st big milestone...Today is the first day that Ana didn't nurse at all. Our first all bottle/formula/food day.


Since January I've been having trouble nursing. Clogged ducts (at least 6x). Mastitis (1x). Sore nipples (2). Pain and soreness (constant). Annoyed baby (1). Ana and I have been troupers, though. With how painful it got at times... I would have liked to have just thrown in the towel. Unfortunately... the best cure for clogged ducts is to nurse, and nurse, and nurse... and then nurse some more. But, that didn't seem to help. Ana stayed frustrated and I dreaded nursing sessions.

Then one day I mentioned the issues on Facebook and a long lost friend chimed in that she'd had the same issues and that she recommended Lecithin. I called our local lactation shop... and sure enough they carried it. That stuff is a miracle in a gel capsule. I haven't had a single clog since taking the first pill.

I'm thrilled to have found a "cure" for my problem... but Ana and I were on our way to weaning. The Lecithin has made the whole process much less painful. In the last few weeks we've been nursing first thing in the morning and just before bedtime. If she woke up in the middle of the night she'd also nurse. During the day she would get 2 bottles and 3 meals. Last week I switched the bedtime nursing to a bottle and was amazingly able to get Ana to give up eating overnight (I think the 8 oz bottle filled her more than I have in months). I kept doing the morning breastfeeding (mostly out of laziness and not wanting to go downstairs for a bottle). Finally last night I thought to bring a cold bottle upstairs with me when I went to bed. When Ana woke she took a bottle. So... 4 bottles and 3 meals today.

No nursing.

We're done.

Ana doesn't seem to mind at all. She sucks down those bottles like they're filled with a milkshake. She finishes them and lets out a contented little satisfied sigh. My baby is a happy chunka-munk.

And Mommy? Well... part of me is thrilled to get my body back (and start wearing bras that don't have flaps). But... part of me is a sad sappy mess with big old tear filled eyes. My baby is done nursing. Along with this huge change Ana's been reaching other big milestones (that I REALLY need to start posting!) My baby is growing up.

Sniffle sniffle. Where are the tissues???

2nd big milestone... Zoe is wearing underwear to bed.

Zoe's been potty trained during the day for over a year now. Those nighttime pull-ups have just not been given up.... until today.

Every night Zoe gets on her pajamas and asks for her pull-up. We don't fight it. Like everything else we've been going with the "when she's ready she'll be ready" philosophy. It has worked out really well for us. As a person with a degree in Child Development that has always made the most sense to me. And it worked for us. So... Zoe wanted pull-ups to sleep... she wore pull-ups.

The other factor of allowing the pull-ups to stay was that we really haven't wanted to have to deal with nighttime potty accidents. More to the point... as the stay-at-home-mom that job would fall to me... and I was not ready to deal. I was especially not going to push for it while I was still waking up once or twice a night with Ana. The last thing I wanted to risk was getting up with a wet Zoe, too. I would have totally lost my mind to exhaustion.

But... today was the day. Today Zoe said "I don't want my pull-up. I want my underpants." I asked if she was sure. I asked if she understood she'd have to get up from her bed to go potty. I asked if she understood it would be dark and just the nightlight would be on. She stuck with it. She wanted those underpants to stay. So... they stayed.

As we were going through our bedtime routine I kept reminding her what she would need to do. As she sat on the potty I talked to her about it. As she brushed her teeth I talked to her about it. I reminded her where the nightlight in the bathroom was. I told her I would leave her seat on the potty and her step right in place.

We went in her room and I showed her the new pad we would put over her sheets "just in case" (these are fabulous by the way). She helped me tuck the pad snug around her mattress. Zoe is the most enthusiastic bed maker ever, by the way.

We had our story time and then I asked one more time "Are you sure you don't want your pull-up?" And her response was "Nope!" I asked if she wanted to go to the potty one more time... and of course she did (anything to get out of starting lights out!). And... she peed a second time.

We continued with our routine. Snuggle in... lights out... cd on... Mommy (or usually Daddy when he's home) and Zoe lay down. 3 songs later (Rock-a-bye Piglet) we give kisses and hugs and "I love you"s and "sweet dreams". I took one last time to say... "Remember... if you need to go potty get up to go. And if you need me call me." She gave an "OK Mommy!" and I haven't heard from her since.

My plan is to get her to the potty when I go to bed. That's what my brother did with Avery... and my sister-in-law did with Alex. Any other suggestions? If she has an accident... do I give her more underwear? Do I put a pull-up on? I guess I just ask what she wants?

I really hope it goes well for her (and for me). I hope if she has to get up she has no problems. I hope if she has an accident she doesn't get TOO upset. I hope this goes as smoothly as the rest of her potty training went.

Zoe went to bed very sure of herself. She's a big girl... and she knows it. Her independence just expands every day.

And Mommy? Again... part of me is thrilled. No more pull-ups. Only one kid to buy diapers for. Yippee! The other part of me is anxiety ridden. I have the monitor right next to me at the computer (which I never do since I can hear Ana cry without it). I'm nervous about her getting out of bed at night. I'm worried about her having a potty accident and getting upset. I'm nervous that if Zoe gets REALLY upset she'll wake up Ana. Mommy is one big old bundle of nerves.

And... Zoe is not a baby anymore. She's a big girl. This is really the final BABY thing about Zoe. She's an amazing girl. Growing bigger every day. There are so many things she does on her own and does well.

And Mommy... again... she's a sappy mess.

Sniffle sniffle.

An anxious nervous sappy sniffling mess.

Sniffle sniffle.

More tissues please.

Best Shot Monday - Girls (Florida in January)

Yes... I'm still sitting on a bunch of January Florida vacation pics (I bet you all thought that was done with.). I'm going to try my hardest to finish posting them this week.

Technically this is not a fabulous pic... but it's all 4 girls sitting still in one place. Does it get any better?


Ana - 6 months old
Zoe - 3 1/2
Avery - 5 1/2
Grace - 1

For more best shots head over to visit Tracey!

*** Don't miss out on entering my giveaway!!!

We're having a party!!!

The Ultimate Blog Party 2009!
March 20th - 27th.
A blog hopping experience you should not miss out on.
I've signed up to be a party place. Have you?

I'm always a little nervous when I've got people coming to my place for a party. I worry about what the guests will think of my place. I worry about cleaning enough and tidying enough. I worry about whether I'll have enough food. And then I worry about whether the food is any good. I worry about whether we'll run out of beer or wine. I worry about everyone having fun. And then... I worry a little more. I spend the days before the party wondering if I should just cancel the whole thing. Feign some strange contagious illness and hide until after the party date passes. And that is with just a party for a close bunch of friends at my little old house. (I know... I know... it's just a bit ridiculous.)

The fact that over 1500 people participated in the 2008 Ultimate Blog Party... (breath in... breath out) can you imagine how nervous I am? I mean... what if they all stop by the blog? What should I post? Will they like me? Should I do some tidying and redecorating? What are you supposed to post anyway? Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh... what have I signed myself up for???? Is it too late to back out??? It's only 4 days away now. Cough cough. Um... I hope I'm not coming down with something.

So, um ... I'm worrying. Just a little teeny bit anxious.

Can I ask all of my regular visitors a favor? Make sure you stop by on Friday the 20th. Leave a comment. There might not be anything worse than a party where nobody comes. (That's another of my party throwing fears. Yikes!)

Now... if I can just figure out what in the world to post... I'll be in good shape.


*** Don't miss out on entering my giveaway!!!

Grace in Small Things - 32

1. Pancakes for dinner.

2. Little girl legs wearing tights with "colorish" hearts all over them.

3. The way Ana's face lights up when I go in to get her from her crib.

4. Having all of the laundry in the house done. Such a rare thing.

5. A glass of wine at the end of a long day.

*** Don't miss out on entering my giveaway!!!

Grace in Small Things - 31

1. A lazy Saturday with no plans (except for a family dinner with friends).

2. Zoe singing The Little Einsteins theme song at full volume.

3. The sound of coffee brewing.

4. A blue sky.

5. Ana's new found love of her toes.


*** Don't miss out on entering my giveaway!!!

Reflecting on 2 years of blog (and a giveaway)

I wrote my very first post here 2 years ago today. It's my Blogoversary!!! 2 whole years!!! (Boy oh boy... was that an exciting post, heehee.)

What I would consider my first REAL post came 4 days later. The post where I told you who I was... or more to the point... how I became a stay-at-home mom (even though I planned to be back to work with Zoe after 6 weeks). Not a bad read if you've got time for a LONG post.

I've been enjoying spending a little time going back through my oldest posts. Seeing what I was writing about, what was going on in our lives, what crazy things tiny 20 month old Zoe was up to. It's amazing to see how much Zoe has grown... but how her personality has been there all along. It's also interesting to see how life was before and after Ana showed up. Life has really changed in the last 2 years.

It's been fun to look at comments and realize how many of my online friends have been there from the very beginning. I decided that for my blogoversary I would share my very first online friends with you. They are very special ladies... all with beautiful blogs... and even more beautiful daughters.

I got my very first comment (on that 2nd post) from Carrie. It's interesting that 2 years ago we related because her Addie is just a bit younger than Zoe and it was fun to see when and how the girls would do things at similar times. Now it's because I'm following in her footsteps being a mom of 2 girls. I LOVE reading and seeing how Emma and Addie relate... and hope my girls have a relationship like hers do.

Carrie was quickly followed by Natalie and Christina (both on my 3rd post). We started bonding over Best Shot Mondays... and have gotten closer while reading about each others daughters. Again... Natalie's M and Christina's Nadia are very close in age to Zoe. We can commisserate when they're making us pull our hair our... and laugh with all of their humor.

Not many posts after that Mary and I found each other. Mary has 2 girls. Jenna is a little older than Zoe, and Catie a little younger. Zoe and Catie share a history of hip dysplasia (which is finally HISTORY for both girls!!!) ... and it connected Mary and I. Beyond that we have noticed we share a lot of similar likes. (for one thing... our girls could be sharing a wardrobe with how many pieces of clothing we recognize on each others blogs!)

So many other friendships have developed through this blog. I've said it before... and I'll repeat myself. People who don't have blogs just don't understand the community that you feel. The real friendships you make. I've come to find true friendships. Really too many to list and link to. One day I'll have to take the time and link to everyone. But for today... I'll just share my first blog friends. These few that have been there since my very first weeks blogging... and have stuck around.

I have visions that someday maybe Zoe and Ana will get to play with Emma and Addie, and M, and Nadia, and Jenna and Catie (and quite a few more I could add to the list). We'll all be in the backyard on a warm sunny day. The girls all giggling and dancing around... splashing in the sprinklers and blowing bubbles. Oh, what fun it would be. But... unless they miraculously can all make trips to New Jersey from California, Georgia, Texas, and Washington... it will just remain a blog dream. Sigh.

The Giveaway!!!

Now... for the first time in the history of A Madison Mom... I'm having a giveaway. A little something to celebrate 2 years. I've tried to think of a creative prize... but between running around with Zoe and Ana to school and dance and swimming classes, and doing the normal chores (laundry, food shopping, keeping up with my google reader and facebook)... I just can't come up with anything special or meaningful. Something that says "thanks for reading my blog!!!" What I have come up with is something EVERYONE can use. How does a $25 Amex gift card sound? You could find something to put that to use on right? I thought so.

Since it is my very first giveaway I'm going to keep it simple. Just post a comment. It doesn't have to be a fancy comment. It would be nice if it was a little more than "Happy Blogoversary" (but I'll be happy to take those too!) If you've been out there lurking... say hello. Let me know you're here. Or... if you've made a really great friend through a blog... share the blog with me!!!

So... comment.

I'll take comments from today (3/13) until Thursday (3/19) at midnight. Either someone can help me out and point me in the direction of that random comment picking site... or Zoe and I will do something extremely scientific involving strips of paper and a hat (heehee). I'll announce on Friday who the winner is. Please please please make sure your e-mail is available so that I can contact you if you are the winner.

Thank you for reading my little blog.... especially those of you who have been around since it's beginning. And, thanks to those of you who are just starting to check in on us. I hope you'll stick around and keep reading! Who knows what will be going on next year?!?!

My little family.

We went for our annual family portrait in January. It also happened to overlap with wanting to get Ana's 6 month portraits done (we did 3, 6, 9, and 12 month portraits with Zoe her first year). We also snuck in a picture of Ana and Zoe together too!

I wasn't thrilled with the portrait session this time. Part of it was because Ana doesn't really like the whole experience. I guess it's one thing for Mommy to stick a camera in her face... it's another for Rob the photographer to do it.

So... to a point... Rob did what he could with what he was given. I think he could have tried a little harder though. He only did one pose with the whole family. We were only given a choice of 3 or 4 shots. I'm happy with the family portrait we ended up with... but I wish we were given more choices. (Especially since Ana was OK... if not smiley... while I was holding her.) The other issue is Nick's white shirt. Either he should have been put in the middle of our color... or they should have offered us a different back ground color. But still... it's documentation of our family. Our first portrait of our family with Ana.

Here we are... our little family of 4.

The same situation with the portrait of Zoe and Ana. He only did this one pose. Ana was a little less comfortable since I wasn't with her. She wasn't too happy with the way Zoe was holding her... and Zoe wasn't really comfortable either. I think he could have come up with something to work better for them.

Here are my sweet girlies.

Posed on her own... Ana did quite a bit of crying. I'm happy he got a few shots where she looks happy. He did try 2 different poses this time. Usually when we have portraits done I have to narrow my choice down from a couple dozen good shots. This time we had maybe 6 to choose from. I go in limiting myself to choose 4 poses and to get a variety of sizes in each pose. This time I had 1 shot I liked and Nick had 1 shot we liked. So, we doubled up on prints of the 2 so we'd have enough for family to choose from.

Nick's favorite of bunch.
My favorite of the bunch.
So, we have our portraits. The family portrait will hang on our wall until next year. The sister shot will probably get replaced when the girls turn 4 (6/30) and 1 (7/10). And, Ana's 9 month pictures should be taken in April.

Can you believe Ana was 8 months old yesterday??? Even showing you these portraits doesn't give you a true up to date Ana. Time flies!

Thank goodness you're back!

The other day when I logged in to my blog my feedburner counter broke my heart.

Today... it's back to it's cheery self.

I was afraid I lost 50 readers.... but you're all back and accounted for. Phew.

I thought maybe you were annoyed about reading posts about January in March.

heehee

A Morning First

I have been meaning to post this... and just never got around to clicking publish. It's just one of those things I wanted written down to remember.

One morning in February Zoe was up at 6:45 (I was in bed). I heard her go into the bathroom, pull her step over (her seat was already left on the potty for the convenience), silence, and then flush. That's a RARE (read NEVER) occurrence to go alone first thing in the morning. (She still wears a pull up at night... and wants help getting out of it and into underpants) I expected her to come into our room then... but she went back to her bed. I went back to sleep. At 7:30 Ana woke up and I nursed her in her room. On our way downstairs I peeked into Zoe's room expecting her to be awake.... she was fast asleep. She came downstairs around 8:30. Miracle.

It hasn't happened again so far, although this morning was close. She came into my room at about 7:30 with her pajama bottoms off. She said she was trying to go potty... but her pants came off inside out so she needed help. She told me she was going to go back to bed... but then realized the magic "7" on my clock.

My girl is getting to be quite independent when she wants to be.

Florida in January - Our 7th Anniversary

While we were in Florida Nick and I celebrated our 7th anniversary. We made very last minute plans and went online and bought tickets to see the Blue Man Group. They have a show at the Sharp Aquos Theater at Universal City Walk.

Before the show we had a drink at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville and then went for dinner at Emeril's Orlando. Yum and more yum.

Universal CityWalk is quite pretty at night.
The show was really amazing. If you have a chance to see them I would highly recommend it.

And... if you see them... you must wait after the show to get your picture taken.
And if you have one picture taken...
You HAVE to get all three.
I will say... the blue men are kinda creepy up close and personal. They don't talk. They don't smile. They just look at you like they're are trying to figure out what you are. Then they'll look at the camera for a second... and then look right back at you.

Creepy or not... we had a great time. A wonderful way to celebrate 7 years.

Yikes! Did I do something wrong?

My feedburner subscriber count has been floating between 65 and 75 for quite a while now. In the last couple weeks it had actually inched up to the low 80s (it sounds like I'm talking weather). It's so exciting to see the number do little steps up... to know that more people have found what you say of enough interest that they click the little subscribe buttons.

Today... my heart sank. My feedcount reads 30. Eeeekk.

Has anyone else see their number drop so drastically today? Is it a feedburner/subscription glitch? Or maybe I screwed up my feed somehow without knowing it? That's totally possible with me. Or did I do something that causes 50 people to unsubscribe since yesterday??? Have I offended you?

I'll hope it's a glitch. It's a glitch... and I will try not to check it 5 million times today.

Sniffle sniffle. Anybody out there?

Grace in Small Things - 30

1. Catching up on TV shows with Nick after he's been away on a business trip.

2. House

3. Lost

4. Heroes

5. Dollhouse

Grace in Small Things - 29

I've decided to continue the Grace in Small Things posts... but I'm going to try to post them on the weekends. That's REALLY bending the 365 "rules"... but it's all about the happy. I like doing them... but not every day. You like reading them... but not every day. (Thanks so much to everyone who gave me their opinions... you really helped me out!!!)

1. The fresh feeling of a new haircut.

2. Getting Zoe to understand we will not get out of bed until the clock time begins with a 7 (Now if I could just teach her she can't get out of HER bed until HER clock begins with a 7 we'd be in good shape!)

3. Baking chocolate chip cookies on a snow day.

4. The silly way Zoe looks in her new swim goggles.

5. Ana and her little predictable scheduled self. The girl likes to sleep... and her little chubby hands rub her little tired eyes almost at the same exact times every single day... just like clockwork.

Florida in January - Gatorland Signs

The signs hung up around Gatorland gave me some giggles... so I thought I'd share a few.

Florida in January - Gatorland

So.... I'm finally getting back to posting our Florida trip... from January. It's only taken me 2 months. I figure I better get to it (especially since Zoe, Ana and I will be going back in April... and then there will just be more pics!!!).

We went to Gatorland. (Which is a different alligator place than we went to this time... because you just can't get enough alligator viewing.)
And, um... we saw alligators.
Both of my happy girls made it through the whole park without getting eaten by an alligator. (I nibble on those cheeks all the time)
Follow the yellow brick road... err... blue cement wiggle.
We saw a crazy "alligator wrestler".
This is how impressed Ana was.
And then we saw more alligators.
Oh, and I was there too.... see?