Metropark Walk

We ventured out with Mimi on Sunday to our Metropark for an hour and a half walk on a trail. Cleveland is known for the 60 miles of paved trails winding throughout the lush, green area, and. They are really amazing, gorgeous parks and we found a completely new area Sunday complete with wetlands, turtles, butterflies, herons and bullfrogs! The weather was perfect and Drew enjoyed every minute on the trail.
We even got Mimi to jog with our stroller for a bit!

We definitely will be back to our newly discovered trail in our wonderful Metropark!

 

Frozen Custard & The Beach

We decided to test out a different frozen custard place that we had not been to last week with Mimi. It was pretty busy and the treats were DELICIOUS! Drew had a nibble and obviously loved that sweet taste. Too bad he had to go back to eating his healthy bananas!

On Saturday, we braved the chilly 69 degree weather and headed to the beach for some toes in the sand. It was the first time having Drew in his new swimsuit and flip flops and I was soaking up how handsome he looked. The water was a bit frigid causing Drew to whimper a bit, but he loved having his toes in the sand.

It will be fun when he's old enough to sit in the sand and actually enjoy playing around a bit more, but he did well all things considered!

A Week with Mimi

Derek's mom was in town for a week since last Tuesday and we have had so much fun with her here! From eating at our favorite restaurants like The Melt and Angelo's, to going on an hour and a half walk through our beautiful Metroparks, we have enjoyed having her in town.

She also happened to be in town over our anniversary, so Derek and I got to enjoy THREE nights out! Last Wednesday, we ventured out to see a movie, then Saturday night was our anniversary dinner at Rockerfeller's, then last night Derek surprised me with tickets to see Jersey Boys! Drew has been such a good boy for Mimi and loves having her around.

More pictures to come of our visit from Mimi throughout this week!

6 Years of Bliss

"A successful married life requires falling in love many times, but always with the same person."

                                              - Anonymous

For 6 years I have been thankful to call you my husband and have you by my side.

There's so much I could write year to year on our anniversaries, but I like how we tell each other these sweet nothings daily. Thank you for unconditionally loving me and being more of a wonderful husband than I ever could have dreamed.

P is for Perspective

I've already reflected on my thoughts of keeping things in perspective, but this seems to be a reoccurring word in my life lately. I have it printed and taped to my computer monitor as a daily reminder, but this week it hit home again. Dereks mom, "Mimi", is in town for a week to spend time with Drew. Derek and I have been able to see a movie together and we are excited for our anniversary dinner tomorrow night just as the two of us. (Yes, I realize we could hire babysitters from time to time, but I'm still at that nervous point where I'm not sure I trust sometime I don't know to watch my child.) Sure we have family in town this week, but there are some times when I really miss my friends and family and seem to dwell on how much more fun the summer activities up here would be if we had good friends to share it with. But then, the 'word of the summer' pops into my thoughts and I think about other situations we could be in. For instance; people with spouses/siblings/parents/children in the war. The fact that we have no one in our family fighting (and risking their life) in some foreign country flashes in my mind. The fact that I have a wonderful husband and a wonderful baby boy to actually do all of these activities with should be enough. It's all about perspective.

When I start to dread the coming winter already and it's not even fall yet, I need to keep the perspective. I need to really think about the cities that we could have ended up in. Sure Puerto Rico would have been nice weather, but would we have been safe? Would there even have been a decent daycare for Drew with quality teachers? Or Alaska. Ugh. We would probably see family even less than we have been simply due to flight costs to get up there. Oh yeah.... and then they have even MORE snow! We should be thankful we only have to deal with the cold and snow as opposed to those in other countries losing everything from floods, tsunami's and/or earthquakes. It's all about perspective.

Sometimes I would love to work in an office setting again where I could make some real relationships here in Ohio. To have happy hours and lunches with others would be nice, but keeping the perspective, I try to focus on the positive's. I don't have to dress up for work and can go on a run over my lunch break if I want. I definitely do miss those office gossip and pranks, but I should just be thankful and happy that I even have a job, let alone a job at a great company. It's all about perspective.

In the end, I'm so thankful for what I have, and while typing this 87 more 'perspectives' pop into my head. I could go on and on about our situation and what I'm thankful for. My BFF and I always use the phrase 'the grass is always greener' and how natural it is for people to want what others have these days. Yes, people always have more, but there are TONS of people that have less and we need to count our blessings. And in all honesty, I would probably give up everything to live in a box with Derek and Drew. They are all I need in life. Period.

Yummy Avocadoes

This week is "avocado week" and Drew isn't quite sure what to think yet! It's a bit thicker than rice cereal, but we still water it down so that it's pretty runny. He has made some pretty adorable faces, but overall seems to like it. After eating around a tablespoon or so, he was opening his mouth less so we decided not to push it. We have made this part of our nightly routine and will be introducing bananas on Sunday!

We'll try to get a video of the feeding, but he loves to hold the 'bite' in his mouth for a second before swallowing. This is my favorite evening entertainment yet.

Happy Father's Day

 

"Any man can be a father, but it takes a special person to be a dad" 

Watching you with with our son makes me feel fuzzy inside. You are so much more that I could have ever imagined you to be with your fathering skills. You are a natural and I admire your passion and longing to be the best father. I become giddy for the time spent with our family of three because of your actions as a father.

You are Drew's hero and he will look up to you forever. And for that, I am thankful.

Happy 1st Father's Day. 

xoxo

Tub Time

Taken last week with my iPhone; adorable video of Drew talking in the tub.

And it's become a bit of a tradition now that tub time is followed by naked tummy time! I think he enjoys being free from a diaper for a bit, and I absolutely love staring at his adorable, dimply butt.

Who doesn't love a cute baby butt?

Mellow Man

Drew has had a mellow temperament since birth. Preferring to sit back and relax, he has always been so easy-going and happy. Thankfully, this seems to have played into his sleep habits and how amazing he is at nighttime.

A few nights ago Derek rocked him to sleep, but as he set him down in the crib Drew woke up. We thought it would be interesting to see what he did if we left the room even though he had woken back up. (Just FYI, we have rocked him to sleep every night since birth!) We sat down to watch some TV and listened to the monitor hearing just a bit of movement which ceased within 5 minutes. No crying. No grunting. No talking. He simply understood it was bedtime and fell asleep.

Fast forward 24 hours to the next night where I decided to see how it went for a 2nd night in a row. Thinking that the prior night was just a freak accident, I gently placed him in his crib and let him suck on his pacifier. His eyes were wide open, but his body was limp and tired from a hard day playing at school. We took the monitor down again and listened as he wiggled for a few minutes. And then... nothing. He had fallen asleep again! Tonight was night 3 and after a few minutes of him rustling around, he was out like a light.

He is only 5 months old and I'm not willing to start the 'crying it out' technique at nighttime just yet. That being said, if our little man continues to put himself to sleep, we will continue to let him do that. Maybe he was just super tired these past 3 days, but I like to think that he's just very smart and understands that it's bed time!

Either way, I wouldn't mind rocking this little face to sleep every night for the rest of his life if needed.

Rice Cereal

This past Sunday we began Drew on rice cereal as part of his nightly bottle. This is definitely not an attempt to get him to sleep longer at night seeing as how he's already sleeping 11 hours! We did, however, want to start getting his body used to more 'solid' liquids as we plan to incorporate other pureed foods soon. Our pediatrician recommended that we only introduce one food at a time and wait 5 days in between so that we would be able to pinpoint a food allergy early if needed. I've also been told by a few mothers to not start with fruit. Apparently, babies tend to favor the sweetness if given fruits first, and then it's harder to get them to eat vegetables. And yes, I know. Every mom has an opinion on everything. Logically though, I think the sweets thing makes sense. Lord knows I already have a major sweet tooth!

The plan is to purchase a small processor this weekend so that I can make and freeze ahead of time. I LOVE reading Wholesome Baby Food and plan on following their ideas and suggestions.

If you have a food item that you'd recommend to give Drew, please send it my way! I love getting advice from other mother's and we're open to trying whatever!

Summer Cook Out

So we decided to have a cook out a couple months ago for a few of Derek's newest co-workers thinking it would be a great way to spend a summer Saturday! We invited about 12 families thinking only a few would come and it would be an intimate, casual dinner on the patio.

Well guess what? Almost ALL of them came and we had about 26 people in our backyard Saturday including a few children and babies. Derek and I spent all week cleaning the house, landscaping and cooking in preparation for this get together and it turned out great! We had tons of food and the weather cooperated as we requested. Unfortunately, I didn't snap a SINGLE picture once the guests started showing up. With a baby and party to host, there's simply no time. Just imagine a patio full of stories, laughter and kids running around enjoying the chalk and bubbles we had for them to enjoy!

5 Months Stats

I'm sure I'll say this every month but I can't believe how fast this has been going. This phase of Drew's life is SO fun thus far and I'm loving every minute. He is so interactive and his personality shines through daily.

Stats:
- Weight: 18 lbs, 8 oz
- Length: 26.5 inches (ish)

Changes:
- We can completely get him to giggle on a daily basis and it is our very favorite sound right now.
- Once over the sickness/ear infection he developed at almost 4 months old, he was back to sleeping through the night with generally 11-12 straight hours. We couldn't be happier!
- He had a TINY taste of a couple different foods in which he made a face each time. We think it was more the texture, but was hilarious nonetheless.
- He has a highchair and has been practicing sitting in it playing with his toys!
- He LOVES watching his doggies and reaching out for them as they pass by.
- Everything goes straight into his mouth and he is reaching out and grabbing anything he can albeit hoodie strings, hair, necklaces, etc!
- He has been sitting in the BOB's main section now instead of the infant carrier. Although it's a bit before the BOB recommends it, his head control was definitely there to make the switch and he now gets to enjoy the sites!
- He has rolled a couple times from his tummy to his back unassisted.
- Naps are getting shorter at daycare. He will still take 2-3 naps daily, but they generally are only 30-60 minutes in length with a long (2-hour) one once and a while.
- He still needs to suck a pacifier to help him fall asleep but doesn't prefer one at any other time.
- He talks all the time and it's beyond adorable. I always ask him how school was on the trip home and he seems to have an entire conversation to tell me about it! He also loves talking to his doggies and the bee that hangs on his playmat.

You Are My Sunshine

I think I have kissed this face a total of 543,268,459 times since he was born and the number continues to exponentially rise. His texture, his musk and his sweet sounds are irresistible and I'm drawn to them like bees to honey. Based on the number of times he smiles and laughs in a day, I'm pretty sure he is aware of this love.

Green Thumb

I have always loved planting. If you have ever seen my parents backyard, you can gather that I get this quality from my mother. Their entire yard is a lush green oasis full of life and color complete with the most vivacious plants and flowers. My annual trip to purchase my flowers each spring is one of my favorite days. I have to go by myself as it involves a lot of thinking, counting and planning in my head.

Wednesday evening was my time.

It was quiet, warm and smelled delicious as I walked each isle carefully taking mental notes of all the possibilities. After a while I had to force myself to head to the register with a cartful before I spent way too much! Once home, Drew was in bed and I had time to myself to plant away. It's the one time that I don't mind digging my bare hands into the moist soil and getting dirty as can be. It's such a joy to see the yard and all of my pots come to life!

My favorite this year? The bright magenta impatients that adorn my front steps.

What do you have planted that you are in love with?

Pouty Face

From birth, little Drewdle has displayed the oh-so-adorable pouty face many times when upset. It's absolutely the cutest thing in the world especially because it's generally silent, but sometimes is a precursor to a cry. I've never seen a lip thrust out so much on a baby and the little guy just holds it there for quite some time. I'm so thankful, however, that he has chosen this method to get his 'upset' feeling across as opposed to screaming!

Who wouldn't want to just squeeze this precious pouty face?

Case of the Monday's

Sometimes I feel like this on Monday's also.

Happy 30th Birthday Derek!

Happy Birthday to my other half and best friend! I can't believe we both have lived for three decades now, but I look forward to at least 7 more decades with you!

Snoff

What do you get when you combine a sneeze and a cough?

A snoff!

And for about the last month, this has become part of our daily routine. Drew, for some odd reason, can't just sneeze without it being followed by a cough. I'm sure there is some lame medical reason for this, but we preferred to just invent our own word for this noise.

I must say, it's quite cute when our little munchkin snoff's!