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Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Do the *CLAP* *CLAP* Potty Dance!

This morning I woke up John woke me up at 4:40AM because he was ready to play... I was not.  I fought keeping him in bed until 6:30 and by then I realized it was a battle I was done fighting.  I was not going to get back to sleep.  By 8am I had a headache and was not too excited for the rest of the day so I decided to rally and find something to get us out of the house.  That is when I realized my Mom's group was hosting a get together at the MOA for Ralph's Potty Dance Party!  Wahoo!  I got the boys ready, packed a lunch and got together some goods I needed to return/exchange at the Mall.
We got there at 10:10am... Just in time for the 10:15 start! :)  Holly and Christin saved me a little space to dance!  The boys had a blast, it was very well organized and they sure put on a show! haha




Me and John, He really was having a great time!  I just couldn't get him to look at the camera! : /


  Stephen dancing away to the Potty Dance!







We had a blast!  Are they potty trained now?? haha, NO.

After the dance party we went and had lunch and then I did loads of returns/exchanges! I love how good it feels to get that done! :D 

Stephen was alert .... very alert until ...

His after lunch food coma set in!!! LOL 

A little tuckered out you might say....

(Thanks Holly for taking these pictures for me!! )

Stephen at 9 months

Stephen was last weighed about a 2 weeks ago, at almost 9 months he weighed 20lbs. 10oz.  and was 28 inches long.  He is wearing size 24 mo on top (shirt size) and 12-18mo for pants.

Eating:
Stephen loves to eat!! He eats 3 meals a day of table food.  I can't even pick a "favorite food" for him- he eats everything offered.  He is really good at feeding himself but also will eat from a spoon if I am going to feed him yogurt/soup/cereal etc.  So far I have not held back about what he can or can not eat other then peanuts, honey, eggs, strawberries and milk (not dairy in total, just milk.) He has shown no reactions or sensitivity to anything- YEAH!  I am still nursing him full time, and he has gotten over the biting phase for the most part. 
He has 4 teeth on top and 2 teeth on the bottom. 

His schedule:
5:30-6am: Wake up, nurse and snuggle
8:30am: Breakfast  (oatmeal, fruit, cereal, breakfast meat, toast, yogurt, etc.)
9:30am If we are in the car driving, he will take a morning nap....  Otherwise, he will just play all morning with his toys, crawl around, sing and snuggle.
10:30am: Nurse
12pm: Lunch (Deli meat, fruit, veggie, crackers, pasta, soup, beans, etc.)
1pm: Nurse him and then he takes a nap
3:30: wake up and nurse again.
5:30/6pm: Dinner  (meat, veggies and grain)
7pm: Bath time and then snuggle and nurse.
8:30 bed time!! :)

Sleeping:
Stephen sleeps in his swing at night and is pretty good about sleeping through noise and light.  He really likes to sleep with
 a blanket.  We wrap him up and then he holds onto the edge of the blanket almost white knuckled! haha
We don't let Stephen sleep with us ever, he is super mobile, and I am so tired that I need to sleep when he is.  It wouldn't be safe, even though John was still sleeping with us at this age.   I must not have been as exhausted when I only had one babe... because, now when I lay down to sleep I am instantly sleeping!

Movement:
Towards the end of February Stephen began to pull himself up on me but it quickly progressed into standing up at many things.  He is crawling everywhere!!   However, sometimes he will still do the "belly crawl" (it kind of looks like an army crawl.)  Luckily, he hasn't been interested in the steps.  He usually crawls right past them and hasn't yet given them a second thought.  (BUT, it won't be long until he is interested....) 
Stephen used to be stuck when he was sitting up.  I loved this! haha  But, now he can go from sitting to being on his stomach to crawling all in the last couple days.  If he pulls himself up to a standing position, he is stuck there.... he needs help getting down- obviously!

Stephen almost never ever cries!  He only does if he is poopy or  hungry.  Go figure!  He has an infectious laugh and dimples on both of his cheeks.  He says, "dadadada"  and  "mamamama"  and babbles and sings a ton! 

When I asked Jana about what Ryan's temperament was as a baby she once told me that Ryan was the kind of boy that would sit and play with a wooden spoon for 4 hours on the kitchen floor.  I used to think this must be an exaggeration.... Let's just say, I believe her now!! haha  And, on that note... Stephen definitely gets his temperament from Ryan! :) 

9 months.... where has time gone?!!!!!!!


I couldn't resist!  Here is Stephen with his first sucker!  He loved it- 
When we were at the MOA today, I bought John a sucker but he didn't like it.... so SJ wanted it when we got home.  I really didn't think he would like it because it was sour raspberry!   He cried when I took it away, I know... MEAN MOM. :D

Monday, March 7, 2011

Grandma's Birthday at Mad Jacks

Sara organized a lovely birthday card for my mom.  She mailed it to our out of town siblings; Ryan and Jinette in SD and Mark in St. Cloud.  Kelli signed it before she left for her cruise and last it was dropped off on our porch for John to finish the card with his art work and stickers.  Sara delivered the card to my mom with all of her kid's, grandson's and husband's signature's on it!!


John looking at the menu, hmmm.. Mac & Cheese, strawberries and french fries sound GREAT! :D

Waiting for dinner... it is hard to wait for food when you are young and hungry!  But the crayons and snacks helped.  Stephen ment businesswith his little snacks. 

John was practicing saying "happy" to my mom!  We have been working very hard on the phrase happy birthday with John... he can say happy as clear as day!!  It is really cute!  And, his Great Grandma Glennie Ann would be so proud- Happy is her favorite word.  :) 


Birthday Girl!!!  Posing with her Sundae... and then it quickly got passed off to the grandsons. 

John was not interested in the ice cream, but Stephen was in heaven! :D

SiStErS!!!! 
We look like triplets! haha  Kelli is all tan from cruising the ocean and Sara is sporting her new 'do!!  :)  Love you Sara and Kelli. <3

Outside time and Avocados!

John had a great time outside last week.  It takes him forever to trudge through the snow.  I love it!  The fresh air is crucial for John- he needs it everyday.  Lately, he has been "shoveling" the snow. 

As I was changing the laundry, John helped himself to an avocado.  Ok, I get it... you are hungry?! 
Stephen got in on the action too. 


Friday, March 4, 2011

Happy Birthday Mom!!!!

It is my mom's birthday tomorrow, March 5th...  I am so thankful for her!!!

Dear Mom,


First things first, Happy Birthday!  I hope since your special day falls on the weekend, you will be able to rest, relax and celebrate! I also want to take this opportunity to to let you know how thankful I am for all you have done for me and my family. I know you are someone who doesn't wait by the mailbox everyday for thank you cards, but I wish I would have sent you more in the past 25 (!!) years-  You deserve them; many many of them. 

I can't begin to list all of the things I would like to thank you for in one note, but I will try and capture as many thoughts as I can.  I want to recognize that you have sacrificed so many things, events and experiences just for me.  Growing up you were always doing what ever I needed, and never what you needed.  Every time I needed (ok, wanted...) a ride, new clothes, an appointment scheduled, or help with my homework you were just waiting for me to ask; and sometimes I didn't even have to ask!  You were 100% available to me; a gift not all kids can say about their parents.

You are the most driven person I have ever met.  I could never hold a candle to the life you live.  You had 5 children within 5 years- yikes!  I have my hands full with the 2 I have.  You work full time and keep a perfectly clean house with everything always kept up.  I am so impressed that when ever I call you at work asking when you will be going home, you tell me "not until my work is done" - wow!  HealthEast is lucky to have you as a nurse.  I can't believe you work 12 hour days and don't even blink an eye at it. 

When I was a kid, you always made sure I always had everything I needed-  that has never gone overlooked.  I have always been very grateful for having you as my mom.  When I was in high school and dealing with a lot of medical junk you were always there for me, always.  I could always count on you to listen to me, make appointments for me, take me to them and help me through them.  This is something I will never forget.  I know that was a huge burden on our family-  I can't imagine the medical bills I racked up, and the trouble you went through to get off days, even weeks of work to be with me.  I felt like I always had your support and love.  It was a scary time in my life, a time I would never wish to re-live.  During the appointments, I wouldn't have been able to be as strong as I was, without you... telling me I had to be! haha But, all of the time and energy you put into my health has sure paid off.... 2 fold! ;) 

The day I found out we were pregnant with John, one of the first thoughts through my mind was now I can be her friend!!! Growing up, you always told me, I am not your friend, I am your mom.  When I became a mom, I felt a sense of "graduation" I could finally be your friend!  I do understand why you would say that, but I also am thankful for our friendship now.  You are the best mom, I look up to you more then you could imagine. Many times when I am having a difficult parenting moment, I think what would you do, mom? I guess, wisdom must come with age!  ;) 

I hope you don't actually go over to the apartment today and clean!!  Please, enjoy your day-  You have earned it!!!  Take a break, do it for me!  :)


I love you, mom! 
Caroline
XXOOXXOOXXOOXXOOXXOOXXOOXXOOXXOOXXOOXXOOXXOO

Dad, This One is For You!! :D

Go to this link and watch a short video about a new show coming... Americas Next Great Restaurant.
THEN, you get a buy one get one free from Chipotle!!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/americasnextgreatrestaurant

I sure love Chipotle-  John loves Chipotle-  and Ryan loves Chipotle!  So, chances are... You love Chipotle!!! :D  ENJOY

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

A Lil' Bit Bigger!

John's "little" word explosion has gotten bigger!!!!!   This is THRILLING!!! :D

Ok, I must document all of his current words!
  1.  Mom (I have to put this first! ;D)
  2.  Dad
  3. Baby (& Beef.... Mom, I know you are dieing right now! But truth is truth- we will all laugh about this someday. Promise.)  :)
  4. Me
  5. Nana/Nanny
  6. Bompa (Grandpa Steve)
  7. Papa
  8. Waty (water)
  9. Ahhh (the refreshing sound... means he wants something to drink)
  10. Num-Num
  11. Wally (waffle)
  12. Bean
  13. More
  14. Peas (please)
  15. HI
  16. Bye-Bye
  17. Broke
  18. Work
  19. Money
  20. Book
  21. Rock
  22. Morning (MO-nin)
  23. Zipper (Zip-AH)
  24. Zoo
  25. Zap
  26. Turtle
  27. Moo
  28. Zebra
  29. Elmo
  30. Ernie
  31. Tootsie
  32. NO
  33. Yea
  34. Up
  35. Apple
  36. Ice
  37. Shoe  (Ok, this may be a stretch, but he TRIES to say this!)  :)
  38. Pee
  39. Poop (Yes, he is a 2 years old boy! What do you expect!)  haha
  40. Yuck
  41. Stair (staircase)
  42. Big-A  (Big)
  43. Woof
** He is really started to try saying many, many words!  He will repeat sounds we make.  The more we encourage him and get excited when he is trying to repeat a word- the more vocal he is!  I can see this taking off!
I will date this and add his words as he says them.  For now, these are the words he uses daily, and in conversation. 

Some of the words he is putting together... Just Today!!! EEEk! This is so exciting! (PROUD MOMENT)

  1. Hi/Bye Mom/Dad/Nanny/Beef
  2. Morning Baby/Beef
  3. More Waty/Waffle
  4. Money Book (When we ask him where his daddy is, he says VVVERRR (like a truck sound) then we ask where he went in the truck, he says, work.  Then we ask what does daddy do at work, money book)  I am impressed with this!
  5. More book
GO JOHN!! XXOOXXOO

March 4th 2011

Today at speech, John said:
44. This
45. Ms. Molly
46. Doggie
47. Potty
48. Cookie
49. Go
50. Meow

** Sounds we are working on:
"NNN"  for example, on.   Ms. Molly tells him to make the "nose sound"
"PPPP"  for example, help. 
** Words we worked on today:
Cold
Night-Night
Help
On

A really great day!!

(For future laughs.... I am sitting in the garage while both boys are in their car seats snoring away! haha  I'm sooo glad I get Internet out here!)

March 6th 2011

51. Happy
52. Wall

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Stephen and John at the ENT

I took Stephen to the ENT today. 
Jana came over and watched John, Thank you!!!  John napped and then they played outside- even built a snowman in the front yard! SO cute!!  I do need to get a picture of John with Mr. Snowman.  =)

Appointment re-cap:

Weight: 20lbs 4oz.
I took him to Dr. Malone and I really liked her! 
First they did a hearing test.  He failed it.  But, she wasn't surprised or concerned.  She said a few things...
1. He is young, and it is hard to get a 100% accurate result at his age.
2. He has fluid is his ears, so he probably can't hear, right now.
3. He has a double ear infection and a lot of wax build up.
I am not concerned about the hearing test. But, we will re-test him in a few months.

The ear exam:
Double ear infection, both ear drums very dull, no fever today, enlarged adenoids heavy breathing, (clear) nose drainage.

The plan:
Schedule surgery!
1. Remove adenoids
2. Put tubes in his ears.
3. Do a bronchial exam the day of surgery (before the actual surgery) to figure out why he has had pneumonia multiple times this winter.
4 re-test his hearing.

Dr. Malone said that this will hopefully resolve all (or at least most) his symptoms. 

Then, next week on Tuesday I am taking John to see Dr. Malone... she said if he is as sick as his records show I should plan on the same as above plus his tonsils out too. 
I am ONE with all the metro doctors.

** I took John to his appointment at the ENT on Thursday March 11, 2011(so my mom could watch Stephen- thank you mom!)
Dr. Malone said that John needs his adenoids out- ASAP!  She said that the are huge and it will help with his drooling and probably his speech too. (But mostly, his frequent fevers, swollen glands, runny nose, and heavy breathing)  I asked her if she would take his tonsils out too, as long as she was doing surgery... umm... NO. That question did not go over well at all!  She said that it would be "totally inappropriate" to take them out.  And, it was not up for discussion.  OK, I was just asking!  haha She went on to say, "that is why I am an ENT and you aren't!" Yikes!!  the best part is, I just asked one time... I am guessing she had been challenged by her last patient?? 
She also did a hearing test, John was not interested!  So, they did the newborn hearing test  that went much better!  John just had to sit there and be quiet.  It was over in less then a minute, and he passed! :)

Now, I just have to schedule their surgeries-  We are thinking May 20th....  But nothing is in stone.

Monday, February 28, 2011

"SQUEEZE HARD, IT'S EASY!!!"

As our cousin Jackie once said! =)   (inside joke, but one I love!!)

Well, our door handle stoppers lasted Friday night, Saturday, Sunday and until about 7pm on Monday night.  3 solid days! haha
Tonight, Ryan was in the office studying and doing his homework after dinner.  I was finishing cleaning up the dishes from dinner and John hiked up the stairs looking for Ryan.  He knocked on the office door, no answer.  He then proceeded to break the handle cover right off, opened the door and smiled at Ryan saying, "HI DAD!!"
Oh John, you never fail to amaze me.  It gave Ryan and I a laugh thinking about Jackie and her door handle covers .... 

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Our Weekend!

Last night we met our friend Luke and his beautiful baby girl Sienna at Shamrocks for some burgers and fries.  After a long wait, we got seated.  The kids (John) tore the table apart and we waited for our chow.
By coincidence, my parents were at my mom's work party there too!  All of her co-workers were there celebrating their "holiday party".  John went and sat with them for a little bit.
After we ate, caught up with Luke it was time to go!  On the way home, Ryan and I decided we needed to go to Target and get door handle covers.  On Friday, John figured out how to open doors- ugh!  So we made a quick stop at Target and then home to bed. 

John and Stephen were up bright and early so by 8am we were all dressed, fed and roaming the house looking for something to do.  We decided to head to the MN Zoo.  We were there right when it opened- 9am.  We were the 3rd car in the lot-- it was DEAD!  I have decided, that is the best, best, best time for the zoo! :)   



John LOVED  the alligators! 

His big blue eyes!! :)  SJ was very mellow the whole time, he did a lot of people watching!

John was peaking at us!

ZZZzzZZZzzZZZzzZZZ

John has had a (little) word explosion!!

He has found the fun sound, ZZZZ.  Actually, he is starting to put 2 words together!!  Yahoo!  It has been a long time coming, I am so thrilled!
His new words:
ZOO
ZIPPER
ZAP
ZEBRA

And, today when Ryan came down the steps, John walked around the corner and said, HI DAD!  (AHHH!!)  :D
If you ask him what his name is he will say, ME!  (We are working on John.)


Here are a few (cute!!) pictures of John "hiding" in the cabinet after he stole a piece of cheese from the fridge!! (All by himself.)
I was changing SJ and when I finished, I went to look for John who I found had climbed the gate into the kitchen, opened the fridge and helped himself to some cheese.  Oy vey!

I came around the corner.. and this is what I saw!  LoL- John, I just CAN'T keep up with you! :)



Saturday, February 26, 2011

Who Stole the COOKIE!?

As I sit at home today, alone (!!) having an open house, Ryan has the kids at his parents.  Ryan dropped John off there this morning at 9 and came home to help me clean before the OH.  Stephen played in his jumper and watched- chatting the whole time!

First, I am going to back up...
Last night, John and Stephen were very tried after our dinner of leftover stir-fry and pasta. They were both in bed by about 8:30.  Since it was Friday, Ryan and I thought it would be fun to stay up!! haha  We got out a wedding gift from the Patrick side of the family- our popcorn popper!!  We made buttery salty popcorn and chatted as we snacked.  It is always so fun for us to have these kind of nights- we feel like high schoolers again!! No kids, and snacky food while chatting about life.  <3  We stayed up until about 1am!  (lots to chat about I guess! haha)

Ohhh!  Right, the reason for this post!  CoOkIeS.
Yesterday I was singing songs with John.  I thought back to songs I liked singing when I was little.  One song that always comes to mind is who stole the cookie form the cookie jar??  I remember singing this song with my Godmother, Terri when she lived with us.  I can't remember a whole lot from then, but that song and her doing my hair before preschool are ones that stick out.  SO, I was singing this with John, he thought it was soo funny!  When I would say daddy stole the cookie from the cookie jar,  he would laugh and laugh!  And when we were all done with the song, I asked John who really stole the cookie, he looked very seriously at me and said, Nana.  And with the same breath, he shrugged his shoulders, did a belly laugh and belted out,  NNNNOOOO!!  BABY!!!
I love how John understands sarcasm and loves to be silly! ( And that he is already blaming things on his little brother....!!)

Stephen has been doing oodles of babbling.  Sometimes Ryan and I will joke that he won't ever be quite.   :)  About 3 weeks ago he started making the sound, da-da-da-da-da and since then he has been using the word with purpose and on command!  This is super exciting to us!! Talking AND standing! :D

Friday, February 25, 2011

John's Puppy

NO!  We did NOT get a dog! ;)  haha 

BUT, my mom brought over this little dog tattoo that looks just like my childhood dog, Albert.  She put the tattoo on his forearm and two weeks later, it is still there!  Now, any of you who know me or John know he has at least one bath per day, some days 2 or 3 or more.  But this tattoo won't come off.  (I know the baby oil trick, but I haven't really tried to actually get it off-  I just thought it would naturally rub off by now.) 
Today, while I was feeding Stephen lunch and John was eating his, I asked John, Who loves you?  He responded, Momma!  I asked him again and he said Daddy! Again, Baby! Again, Bompa! (Grandpa Steve) Again, MOMMAAA! Again, DADDDYYY!!!  He was done answering who loved him, so I went to the next question, Who do you love?  WOOF! (and he brought his arm to his face, kissed the little puppy on his arm and then smiled at him.) 
Again, if you know me well, I am not a fan of temporary tattoos on children!  But, in this moment today, I opened up a little more to letting my kids wear them.  It was so sweet.  (And, yes I am over the fact that he didn't say he loved me when I asked him...)  :D
John, you are a sweet little boy!  And, we love you!!!!



This is the only picture of Albert I have on my computer.  This is the day before our wedding at my parents house posing with Dad's prize Oak tree. <3

Daddy's Clothes, Cookies and a Magna-Doodle

All in all, it was a fun week!

After a day at the doctor on Tuesday, Ryan had class so I was home for the long night alone.  Until, my friend Katie from high school came over and helped out with the boys!  It is always so fun to catch up with her- she lives a very fun, spontaneous life- I love to hear all about it! (Have fun in Florida this week!!) :)  It is so nice to have help with the boys.  We ate dinner, played, then she helped me bathe them, and get everyone ready for bed.  Wahoo!  The boys love her- and I love to have 4 hands to help and an adult to talk to. :D

What a cutie!!!
That night, when it was time to go to sleep, John was hysterical wanting his daddy.  He was truly sad that Ryan wasn't here.  Ryan and John have a very special bedtime routine.  I nurse SJ, and Ryan and John go get ready for bed.  First, they get their jammies on, brush teeth together, read 2 22 books and then Ryan sings him songs and lays with him until he is sleeping.  Most importantly, he has to tip-toe out of his room completely silent!! :)   It is so sweet, John has a very hard time when Ryan isn't here to put him to bed  and Ryan has a hard time when he isn't here to put John to bed.  Father-Son bonding time <3 

Stephen did spend time at the doctor this week, but he seems to hopefully be on the mend!  While I was playing with John on Wednesday morning, I snapped this shot of Stephen making his first Magna-Doodle picture.  He actually got what was happening!  As his mom, I love when you get to see his gears turning.




On Thursday, I had a meeting to go to (alone!) :)  so, my mom watched SJ and Jana watched JR.  Stephen and my mom played and he ate a lot! haha-  chicken, brown rice, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower blueberries and banana.  He must be a growing boy!  John and Jana played outside and made cookies! These are two of John's favorite things- being outside and sitting on the counter at Nana's mixing up cookie dough. 
Ryan made the rounds from 3M in Woodbury to Nana's in Mendota to my parents and finally home with the boys in tote!




These are pictures of a clown cookie my mom bought John at the bakery.  I gave it to him as a "bedtime snack" ....  haha   He did  actually fall asleep pretty quick even after his treat.  Notice the red M&M nose was the first to go! :)

**OH MAN!!   Stephen JUST pulled himself from a crawling position to the standing!!!!  Yikes! StAnDiNg!! EEk.  :D  He was playing on the floor with an animal puzzle, and he crawled over to me, grabbed onto my legs and slowing stood up! :O

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Next Step, Infectious Disease & UPDATE

I took Stephen to the Doctor again today.  He is still running a fever and just can't seem to get 100% healthy. 

Today his labs results were still off, so tomorrow we are going to the infectious disease doctor at the hospital. 

I will update this when we know more information!   Prayers for little Stephen.  I am sure everything will be ok, I am just a mom, his mom and I am really good at worrying about my baby!  :'(


**************************************************************************************
Infectious Disease Appointment recap:

We saw a great doctor!  She was very thorough, we went through all of our medical history, all of it! haha
She is doing loads of blood work and cultures.  She wants to check his immune system to see if it is making his T cells and B cells and if so, how many and so forth.  Then she did a re-check on his CBCs, WBC, ...everything that has been off in the past.  I also had to collect a urine and bring it down to Children's last night, to make sure he doesn't have a UIT

Her first thought was that he needs his adenoids out and tubes put in.  He has had 8 ear infections since August!   I actually already had an appointment set up with Dr. Malone (ENT) for March 15 (soonest available)   But, the doctor we saw last night is going to call her office today and see if she can get that appointment moved up.  She thinks the tubes will help the ear infections, and having the adenoids removed will help with all the other symptoms (constant fevers, runny nose, snoring, wheezing, eczema etc.)  Then, with all of those things fixed she hopes that his blood work will go back to normal too. 
His hemoglobin has been low for about 2 months now, platelets have been over double of the high end of what they should be, and he has a high white count.  Those are the biggies but there was other things off too... I just can't remember them all! haha

Hopefully we are on the road to recovery!! I will post as we know more information about the results. :)

Stepehn's Weight: 18lbs 10oz
Stepehen's Height: 28 inches

Monday, February 21, 2011

What do the Patrick's eat?

I thought it would be fun to document our grocery list...  I think it is a ton of food, but I bet in 5 years, 10 years and so on it will be nothing... haha

What do we buy on a weekly basis?

Fruit:
10-12 bananas
2 cartons of strawberries
1 carton of blueberries
1 carton of raspberries
10 Honeycrisp apples
2 avocados
1 tomato
2 lemons (for my iced tea!)
1 jug of Simply Orange juice
and one other fruit that looks good (today was 2 mangoes)

Vegetables:
1 bag of carrots (this is every other week)
1 bag of celery hearts
1 bag of spinach
1 bag of romaine lettuce or a head of lettuce
1 green pepper
2 onions
4 potatoes
1 head of broccoli
1 head of cauliflower
1 bag of snow peas
1 garlic bulb (we buy this every 2-3 weeks)

Meat:
2 packages of chicken breasts
1 pound ground beef
1 pound of Italian sausage (to be browned and added to pasta sauce)
1 pound sliced roast beef
1 pound sliced turkey

Grains:
2 loaves of whole wheat bread
1 package of tortilla shells
1 box of pasta
2 boxes of granola
1 box of whole wheat Eggo waffles

Dairy:
2 gallons of skim milk
1 gallon of whole milk
18 eggs
4 tubs of vanilla yogurt
1/2 pound sliced colby jack cheese
1 pound mozzarella cheese in a brick

Extras:
1 jar of Vodka sauce
Yellow mustard
1 frozen pizza
Coke
salsa
1 bag of baked lays chips
(Ryan wanted) doughnuts!
1 carton of tomato basil soup

I think that is all.... until next Sunday!

What are we eating this week?

*Veggie/chicken stir-fry with brown rice
*Steak (in our freezer already) garlic mashed potatoes, carrots and a green salad
*Pasta, meat sauce and salads
*Chicken Tacos
* Leftovers.... 
** on the weekend we eat whatever we feel like.  Which can really vary!

For breakfast we have eggs, yogurt/granola, oatmeal, eggos, fruit
For lunch we have sandwiches, soups, leftovers, or odds and ends
The pizza is for a lunch on the weekend OR if something comes up during the week and dinner doesn't get finished, I have a plan B  haha   :D

OK, bedtime! SJ is sleeping!! Yahoo!

Lazy Weekend

This weekend we did a lot of relaxing!  We had ambitious plans, but they went right out the window...
On Saturday I was extremely tired from the past week, so at about 10am I needed a nap already, haha.  I took a nap and then we headed to my parents.  I hung out with Sara while Ryan and my mom helped pack up my dad's display from his trade show.  Sara  was on John duty and I was on Stephen duty at my parents.  We played and chatted while Ryan and my parents were away. 
Saturday evening, Ryan and I had a bright idea to invite his parents over for dinner because they are going to be out of town a lot in the coming weeks.  But, they already had plans.  Then we called my parents, but they were going to see a movie.  Ryan and I stood here laughing-  Wow, times have changed! We used be the ones going out all the time, now we are the ones home all the time!! haha
So, we ate our spinach salads, pork chops, potatoes, carrots and rolls alone.  :)  Then, Ryan went to Kohl's to by new work shoes because last week he officially wore his old ones out- the sole came right off it!! While Ryan shopped, I nursed SJ and put the boys to bed.  As I sat here watching TV on our thrilling Saturday evening, Sara called and said she was bringing over Cold Stone ice cream!  Sara and I chatted about life and enjoyed our ice cream. 
It turned out to be a great night! :D

On Sunday, Ryan and I wanted so bad to go to church alone, in the past weeks we have had to leave early because we were rapidly melting.  We dropped the boys off at my parents this morning and loved our time at mass alone!! We felt like kids again! ;D  Then we went to Target to get our groceries and we enjoyed our coffee as we shopped.  It was so nice to have some us time and be productive too!!
The rest of the day, we played, Ryan did homework and shoveled 4 times!  We had stuffed peppers for dinner, chocolate chip cookies for dessert and then it was bed time!

It was nice to relax and watch the 12+ inches of snow fall outside.  <3


And now for some pictures from our weekend:


SJ caught playing with the vacuum!  Saturday morning.
John with his dirty shirt on, enjoying our lazy Saturday morning!

<3  BrOtHeRs <3
(This picture was SO sweet! ... I was talking to Ryan about how cold SJ was during the night, and saying that we need to be sure SJ has his hat on while he sleeps.  When we came around the corner to check on the boys, John had put Stephen's hat on him!!)
   
Ryan waving to John while he was out shoveling.

Stevie Joe in the Jumper-  He was LOVING it!!

YAY!!

Male bonding time!  The boys were having some time together.  So sweet!

Big wet kisses!!! 

PS, did you notice we also got John's hair cut on Saturday afternoon... oh man, he needed it!!  He sat extremely well while his stylist, Monica cut his hair.  We go to Kid's hair in Highland every 5-7 weeks for a haircut with Monica.  She is amazing at cutting hair!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Visiting Great Grandma Kreuser

On Friday, Kelli and I took the boys to see my grandma Kreuser.  Kelli came over and we ate a quick lunch, packed and re-packed the boys, changed their clothes and finally loaded up in Kelli's car.  We got on the road and then realized we needed to get something at my parents, oops! 
Ok, now we were ready!  JR, SJ and I slept the whole way there as Kelli drove.  (Wow, I needed that nap!! I was SO tired!)  We were greeted at the door by Grandma Kreuser.  She sure loves visitors, especially if they are under 3 feet tall.  We visited with her for a few hours, John tore her whole living room apart and she tried out my mom's ipad.  I was impressed, she got the hang of the touch screen pretty fast.  We got to catch up on all gossip she knew! haha  Then Uncle Dave and Aunt Karen stopped by with fish and chili  and Uncle Dan came too! 
It is always fun to go to the farm, some of my favorite childhood memories are on the farm.

Kelli and I knew we were melting fast, so as Dave and John added wood to grandma's fireplace we quickly cleaned up all the toys and packed up.  We headed home after making a dinner stop at Subway. 

It was so fun to go see grandma- we don't make it there often enough!!  And I couldn't have done it with out Kelli's help!  John and now mobile Stephen are quite the pair.

Stephen, an Ole??

On Thursday, I took John to his appointments and Nana Jana took Stephen to see his Godmother Alana at college.  Jana picked little Stevie Joe up in Woodbury and off they drove in the fog to St. Olaf for lunch. 
Stephen is so lucky to get to have lunch with Nana Jana and his Godmother, Alana. 

I called Jana at about 1pm to check in and see how he was doing.  She said they were at a McDonald's parking lot, SJ was hungry.  And, no he wasn't eating McDonald's! ;D  Just baby food!

(After John's appointments we went to the gym.  John played in the child care center-- he loves it there!  But, today when I went to pick him up he was getting in trouble.  I asked why and I was told, John has been repeatedly taking the other children's toys and when we ask him to give them back he has been putting the toy behind his back looking us in the eyes and saying "HI!!" and then walking away. OY VEY.)  I tried to look past this mischief (after of course scolding him) and we went to the cafe at LT for a snack.  Everyday John tries to grab a bag of chips and make a run for it.  We have never stopped in there to eat, ever. But, I thought it would be fun since it was just John and I.  John snacked on his sun chips and water while I brushed crumbs into a pile -- damage control.) 
When I picked up SJ that afternoon I asked how everything went, and I was told, he had a major blowout!
Oh Stephen! That just simply isn't polite, you will not get asked on lunch dates if you poop on them!! haha  Thanks Auntie Alana and Nana Jana for taking Stephen on his first college visit!!

Minnesota Zoo

On Wednesday, after John's speech session we went to Nana Jana's and picked her up for an afternoon at the zoo!
It was beautiful outside (high of 50 degrees!)  and lots of sun!!  We packed lunches of peanut butter sandwiches, avocados, raspberries, bananas and goldfish.  We had a little hiccup with our parking.  I had a *bright* idea to go to the back lot to park so we could get a closer spot.  We had the double stroller out and set up and John out of the car when a man who works for the MN Zoo told us that the back entrance was closed!  UGH.  Ok, back to the front lot- on to see the animals! :D
John riding in the stroller was short lived.  He wants to be independent! Sigh
We enjoyed the bears, fish, boars, camels, and ground hogs. 
I would have to say, his favorite animal was the sea otter.  He laughed and laughed as him and Nana stood at the glass watching Mr. Sea Otter swim back an forth entertaining everyone.  It was nice to be able to stop at the otters- usually I pass them because it is a hot spot.  In the past, there are always tons of people watching them, but today there was only a few high school students.
We go the camels and decided John was getting hungry and tired so we turned around.  We stopped at a bench and had our brown bag lunches.  De-lish!  John was in fact hungry!  He chowed down.
With the heat wave that we were having, there were puddles everywhere.  John jumped in the puddles and had to feel the water (with his mittens on!)
A great afternoon was had by all!  It was great to have Nana there because then John could run around and burn off some steam.  Stephen slept the entire time all snuggled up in the stroller with a blanket Great Grandma Jackie gave the boys. 
(That day, John didn't get a nap. At night, he slept from 7:30pm - 9AM!!!!  This is amazing!)