Our family is just getting started...

Jocelyn's birth story

2012-01-17T12:34:00.000-08:00

Sean decided to sleep with us at 11 pm the night before labor starred. All was normal getting up to pee 4 times during the night no contractions and nothing out of the usual and normal hard to get comfy kind of night. Waking up for the day around 7 am heading to the bathroom I feel Jocelyn "drop" past my pelvic bone but there was no pain or contractions just a strange kind of "that was odd" feeling.
About 7:15 I make my way down stairs with Sean for our morning routine. Grandma (mil) is getting ready for work and making coffee. I started making cinnamon rolls and we talked at the kitchen table about finding a "Christmas tree lane" that was posted in the morning paper. The rolls didn't take long to bake and *ahem* I ate 4. Sean had milk and a turkey sandwich.
My mother in law left for work around 7:45 and we told one another to have a good day and Sean said, "bye Grandma!" I then went to the bathroom and was out of toilet paper asked Sean to grab me some.
After peeing I had my first strong contraction. It was 8:06 when I text Stephen about how strong the few contraction was. By 8:15. I had a few more but thought it might be tummy pains from eating the rolls. No worries. I started a bath and thought I just needed to rest a moment.
So much for rest. Sean, and all his tractors also joined in on my bath. At one point Sean was trying to pour water over my tummy trying to make the pain go away.
I called Stephen's work phone 8:34 no answer at 8:36 I called friend Katie with no answer & 8:39 i called Stephen back again he didn't answer. I then called Doula Elyese at 8:40 to tell her about my contractions. I had one while on the phone and she said she would come by after she picked up her doula bag from home.
Stephen text me back from a few texts I'd sent him before any calls were placed at 8:52 saying his mom was on her way home. I told him Elyese was also on her way.
I don't know what time they both showed up but lets say 9:15. I was having bad contractions one on top of another while sitting naked from my bath on the toilet. I told Elyese I think this is really it. She wanted to see if I could make it up stairs. Every time I stood up I'd have a stronger contraction and quickly sat back down. We then attached the tens unit to see if than could help. I sat backwards on the toilet and hooked it up.

At 9:21 we called dr Langford's office to have him paged. At 9:29 he called back telling us to come to the hospital. Getting everything together I tell Elyese we aren't going to make it to Escondido I had bloody show when I stood up. We re-paged the dr he tells us to call 911.
The 911 call was placed at 9:43 am and they were sending all 3 services to the house. I could feel the head still inside when I would reach down to make sure there was no baby in the toilet.
I don't know what time but the fire department showed up first shortly by the EMT unit. They carried me out of the bathroom and placed me on the floor in front of the front door. Started oxygen and at this point I'm screaming with all the pain.
They get me on the gurney and into the ambulance taking me to Rancho Springs to deliver. One fireman road in the ambulance with me he started the I.V. and he once told me to calm down I kind of snapped and told him, very loud "When you have a baby coming out of you vagina you can then tell me to calm down!"

I apologized after that contraction was over. I also told him he won't ever forget me telling him that. (Did I mention he was pretty young and he said his wife would love to hear me say that.)
Elyese met me at the hospital when the ambulance pulled in she knew where to go and directed the EMT's. Everyone in labor and delivery was ready for me when I arrive except the dr. I had to wait to push for the dr. As I'm wheeled into my delivery room I'm told "Shanelle, listen to me hunny, stop pushing."
Out of nowhere my husband shows up just in time along with my other doula, Diana. (Sweet! The whole gang is here!) then the dr arrives.

With only 3 dr assisted pushes Jocelyn Claire was born

10:31am December 23, 2011

My Doulas Elyese and Diana

It's okay we didn't fall off the face of the Earth.

2012-01-17T12:11:00.000-08:00

It has been forever, I know. We moved to Southern California and between fighting my nearly broken virus filled computer and finding time to type out all our adventures since *Ahem Last* Janurary it's a ton of work.

Sean will be soon be 4 and I missed blogging an entire year of his life its crazy. After my last miscarriage and the craziness of life I couldn't take time to sit down and blog. I don't know if any of you will notice but there is a new Birthday Ticker up on the top of the screen. That's right Little Giant #2 has finally made her way into the world! *Ahem in December* (I'd better mention that now before I share my labor story.)

Uvas Canyon County Park Waterfalls

2011-01-08T18:37:00.000-08:00

Testing, testing,1-2-3... Does this thing even work anymore?

2011-01-07T12:12:00.000-08:00

I know this might have been going through all your minds lately. But I haven't been posting for many reasons. Little Giant #2 is still a daily thought and I'm still pretty emotional about it. I've been trying to support an online friend who was about a week earlier in her pregnancy just lost her baby at 20 weeks after finding a heart defect that couldn't be fixed with surgery. It's just a rough time for babies, I guess.

Beside all that, life is also keeping us busy. Sean has figured out that Christmas Lights are supposed to be seen by driving by super slow and with all the windows down. Every time he sees any he demands his window down even when it is 37 degrees outside. He managed to not dismantle the tree this year we only had a few ornament casualties this year. Granny made it safely down from Idaho to spend Christmas with us we loved having her. Sean loved Christmas morning I have a few videos posted up on our family YouTube page so go check 'em out. He is full of imagination and plays with everything everyday. As for Christmas night we made quite the Christmas Feast though we are still looking for the perfect Prime Rib recipe. (The one we found wasn't it. It was good but not Wonderful.) Another shot is a must for next year.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Sad News Everyone

2010-11-15T10:29:00.000-08:00

Little Giant #2 didn't make it past 10 weeks 4 Days gestation. Wednesday the 10th, I visited the Urgent Care (that is an awful story in itself) for 7 hrs due to some light spotting and cramping. It wasn't bad but the nurse said to go anyway just to be on the safe side. Anyway over the next 2 days the Spotting continued so I found a NEW amazing Dr. She had made a follow-up appointment on Friday the 12th. All was still looking OK my cervix was closed an there was still baby inside.
Well Sunday morning I woke up with bad cramping and bad bleeding. I went to my new Dr's. emergency hospital 20 minutes away. WE, myself, Stephen and Sean, arrived about 9ish (I don't really remember it could have be 8). I was seen right away my Dr arrived within in 30 minutes and checked I was dilated about 1 cm and lost a lot of tissue.

I was Rushed to Surgery only about an hour after I arrived I was in the O.R. to remove the rest of the tissue. I had a D&C and went home around 2:30. I am feeling OK, I think it helps to know and trust your Dr. to know what they are doing. So we have been told to wait about 3 months before we "try" for another baby but I think it'll happen when it happens. We are in no hurry to replace LG#2.

I've had a lot of online friends and local support this past week and I thank all of you who have been there during this difficult time.

Ok the "Word" is out

2010-10-08T12:49:00.000-07:00

We are expecting Little Giant #2 in June. I haven't been to the doctor yet but the Estimated Due Date is June 6, 2011. The word got out on facebook so instead of answering questions one by one I shared it with the world.

It's true that you aren't as worried about the second pregnancy. I remember the first time around I needed an appointment the second I got a Big Fat Positive after peeing on the stick. But this time I'm taking it day by day I know what to expect in the first few weeks- NOTHING. Not much changes in life I still have a 2 yr old to chase after and feed. But I am still very excited.

As for my "lump" issue (you may or may not know about it) I had an ultrasound yesterday and it seems to just be a cyst. The doctors want to keep an eye on it and to let them know if it gets any bigger but the good news is it isn't Breast Cancer. I will have another check-up in 6 months to mark any changes.

Are You Ready for Some Cuteness?

2010-09-23T21:05:00.000-07:00

Before you comment on Sean's pants please know we just got him winter clothes in size 4T. They fit in the length but are a little big in the waist. He is the tallest 2 yr old I have EVER seen. Truly got the Varnell size.

Click here to view these pictures larger

Now that it is September I can talk about August.

2010-09-10T02:41:00.000-07:00

I don't know what happened but somehow I fell of the blog-wagon. (again) I have some of the black eye photos from 2 weeks, or so, ago. And pictures of Sean's Anna.

In the last uploaded video you may have noticed his black eye. Here are some pictures right after it happened.

2 minutes
5 Minutes
2 hours
2Weeks later and then he fell on the other side of his face
Sean calls her "My Anna"

Sean's favorite neighbor kitty

2010-08-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

Strange things...

2010-08-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

Who knew rocks could be so much fun!?!

Once upon a time...

2010-08-07T16:04:00.000-07:00

...there was a Mother who had time to sit down and write entries about the things that were happening with her family.

OK, so no one is perfect and we all know how busy a 2 yr old can make us. There haven't been any real happenings lately no paint mess on the carpet, no diaper issues, and no emergency room visits. So really, you haven't missed much lately.

Sean is as active as ever still into everything. I am trying to make it to the gym as often as I can and I'm working on a new goal training for a sprint length Triathlon. I don't have a race picked out but if I see one and I am close to being ready for it I will do it. There are a few in the SJ and Bay Area every so often so we'll see. Stephen has been working Saturdays lately and makes for long weeks and short weekends. We are hoping to fix up my dad's car and have a city car to drive around instead of the giant truck. We just need to replace a few things on it. I'm excited I'll be able to put Sean in and out of the car without my shoulder wanting to fall off.

Stephen just sent a text saying he will be home late so now I'm grumpy again. At least Sean is taking a nap at the moment. So I will leave you with a few pictures. Sean and I spent a few days up visiting Aunt Irene, enjoy.

5 people!?!

2010-07-29T06:23:00.000-07:00

Do 5 People even read this blog? Anyway, I have been in a bl-unk (blog-funk) lately and havent posted in a long time. But my sister had something fun on her blog and it aslo gives me soemthing to post. So here it goes.

Luck is on your side...

This is a fun idea that I got suckered into. Maybe it's just plain old greed. I wanted to see what my friend would make for me and so I now have the priviledge of making something for some other lucky individuals. The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!

2. What I create will be just for you.

3. It'll be done this year. That gives me a good five months to get it done!

4. You have no clue what it's going to be. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!

5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange (but don't expect my gift to be too strange because I am not good at coming up with strange things:).

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! *Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!*

Sooo who's game??

"Oh my dosh!"

2010-06-24T22:30:00.000-07:00

For now I am just going to post pictures from today then tomorrow once I calm down I'll tell the story of how it all happened.

While I cleaned up one mess he was making another and I didn't even know it!

This is my airbrush face painting kit

and yes that is glitter.

My hand after spending hours trying to get paint

out of the carpet.

Sean Turned TWO!

2010-06-24T22:15:00.000-07:00

Ok so it was a while ago

but we have been busy so just calm down!

We had Grandma Varnell, Auntie Ellie, Cousins Laney and Lexie (the Ladies) come up for the week. The week was stressful enough. It started out finding out about Great Grandma Puryear fell in her house and had to be taken to the hospital. She had fallen in her bathroom and had been there atleast one night. So one day before making it up to our house "the ladies" spent an extra day finding a place for Great Grandma to live while they figure out how to get her more hlep at home.

OK. The party went really well even though people didn't RSVP and some didn't even show up. (I'm not talking about you Irene I know you have a lot to do right now.) The up side of it all is Sean had a blast at the party and we have a ton of pictures. I did the smartest thing ever and handed the camera to Lacy D. and actually asked for help. (I know so not my style.) But we got some amazing pictures and I didn't have to take one of them! I am so going to do that again. I was able to focus on Sean and the guests and participate in the party. I am also in a few pictures! -Can you tell I'm excited about that? It might have been the best presant of all!

Sean had friends Carys and Anna show up. Later Nick and Monica arrived and they had some fun together too.

Click here to view these pictures larger

A strange day

2010-06-07T22:00:00.000-07:00

Today was a little strange.

First: Sean wanted a breakfast burrito so "we" had to make some eggs. Sean thinks he knows how to do it by himself and hates that I have to help him. Well, there is a reason I don't let him cook eggs by himself. He isn't even 2 yet! (I know a few more days and I can't say that anymore.) Anyway, he took the fork we were whisking the eggs with and licked it. E-Coli much? But he is fine I wasn't really worried about it. It's just another check off the list of things Sean has survived.

Second: Sean needed a time out because he tossed a rock at me two times. The first time I gave him a warning and then he walked away and got another rock and did it again. So I sent him to his room for a time out. After the 2 minutes was up I opened the door and asked him if he was ready to come out and be nice. He said "No!" and closed the door. He took a 2 hour nap.

Third: We went to meet Erica and Anna at the park. Sean refused o put on a shirt so we went without one. They were lucky we got shorts and shoes on him. If he could run around the world Naked he would. And when we got home he had sand EVERYWHERE! So I had to re vacuum the truck. (I just did it yesterday so I wasn't too happy about it.) He even had sand in his diaper. She when Daddy pulled up and Sean was wearing only his socks and standing on the back of the truck while I sat on the tailgate I got a few questions about how that came to be. We hadn't made it inside the house yet to put a new diaper on and I didn't want more sand inside the house after last weeks Sand Pile Sean made in the middle of the living room floor.

No pictures or video. I may upload the last weeks video of the sand pile tomorrow just so you can see it. For now I'm off to bed.

Just call us the Clampetts

2010-06-05T21:35:00.000-07:00

   We returned the the swamp cooler and got an actual portable A/C unit instead. Our house was hotter inside than it was in the garage. We were lucky Lowes took it back. Stephen turned the box into a FORT this morning for Sean so there were doors and windows cut out of it. But it wasn't an issue and the workers just laughed when they saw Sean. He loves to lay down on the flatbed carts and say he is flying like Superman.

   We made it to the local "zoo" today. We got there when it opened and 2 hours later we walked the whole thing and went on all the rides and played on the Giant play structure for a while. So that tells you how big it is. Sean walked the whole thing with no problems. It got too hot anyway so 2 hours was perfect.

   So, on a side note, Sean is starting to speak in complete sentences now and using his Sign Language more often when speaking to me. But he surprised Daddy this morning when he said "I need more milk." Everyday we are more and more worried about college tuition.

   I wish I could remember all the other funny stuff Sean did today but I think the heat zapped my memory.

**SPEAKING OF NOT HAVING A MEMORY **

My title of this post doesn't make sense if I don't tell you why I made that the title.

So, the A/C unit it supposed to have a place to vent outside usually normal people use a window. But if you know us we are FAR from normal people. While Stephen was in the house setting up the A/C I cleaned out the truck while Sean drove (pretended to drive). If you go look at it it doesn't look much different than when I started because all the stuff that I put away in the pockets were thrown back out onto the floor before we got out. Anyway, I walked into the house and noticed the A/C wasn't anywhere near a window instead Stephen had vented it out the chimney. Now that is some smart thinkin' there! We can have the unit in the living room and actually enjoy the cool air!

Hot, Hot, Hot!!!

2010-06-04T23:14:00.000-07:00

   OK, it has been getting hot here and our dang house doesn't have A/C so today we broke down and bought a portable swamp cooler. It's loud and huge but it works and I'll learn to live with it. It's 10:44 p.m. and the temp inside is still on the warm side 79 degrees on the side of the house that the cooler doesn't reach. It's gonna be a long summer.

   Today I took Sean to the park on the bike and bike trailer. It only took an hour to get him to sit down in it and buckle him in. Which is an improvement from how long it took him to get in it yesterday, (*ahem) 3 hours. But he is learning to like it so we'll keep practicing and use it more often. Anyway, we had fun and went early enough to beat the heat of the day.

   We practiced his ASL while he was on the swing.(It's easier to practice while he is calm before bed, in the bath, and on the swing.) We got the attention of someone who works at a Daycare down the street. She was impressed and wanted to know how I was teaching Sean. I told her about Signing Time and my class I just took at the J.C. The daycare will be getting a new child who is Deaf soon and thought it would be nice to teach some of the other children. If I see her again I will see what they decided to do.

   I don't have any new pictures over the weekend the camera stopped working again but I posted that last time.

I almost forgot the best story of the day.

Sean was in the mood to go roller skating. (Why? I have no idea! He has never seen anyone roller skate in real life before.) So as I was doing the dishes he pulled out 2 butter knives and put them on the floor. Then Sean stood on top of them and said he was roller skating. If that was all it took I'd say we should go roller skating more often but I see us both falling a lot if we really tried it. Maybe we'll wait a few more years for the real thing.

Try and try again

2010-05-31T22:06:00.000-07:00

Today we tried going to Happy Hollow again. No luck! The parking lot was full by the 11:30 so we decided to find something else to do. We drove for almost 2 hours before we ended up at the park close to our house. Every time we randomly pick park a destination using the garmin it never seems to work out for us. We tried 4 different parks before I just told Stephen to go to the one by our house.

Sean didn't know what was going on and even slept for an hour of the drive so it wasn't all bad. We had a picnic at the park and played for a while.

Of course Sean made friends with every kid he met. They were all 3 and up but their parents said Sean was super smart for his age. When I told him he'd be turning 2 in two weeks they were shocked. Of course, we get that alot because he is a Giant but they were talking about his communication skills and understanding when we talked to him. (We know he is smart.)

My camera worked for about 10 minutes today yes I still take it with me when we go places just in case it wants to actually work. It stopped working again while at the park I'm just glad Stephen got to see it while it was acting up. He thought I was just wanting a new camera.

Busy Weekend

2010-05-30T21:55:00.000-07:00

   Not so much for us as the rest of the world. We noticed while on the freeway today we are in the middle of Tourist Central. North of us is the Bay Area and south is Coastal towns that call to people in 85+ degree weather. We were stuck going 15 mph we weren't even going to leave town we just wanted to get to the Camera shop so I could develop film. I walked over to Target earlier and they said they only developed film from disposable cameras.

   We were also going to do a few other things today but none of it worked out. We were going to go to Happy Hollow but it got hot and Sean fell asleep on the 10 minute drive over there and the parking lots were full. Then we were going to have dinner over in San Mateo with Grandma and Grandpa Edwards while they were visiting Mickey, Linda's Dad. We ended up spending too much time in the sun while at the park today and Stephen and I took a late nap and Sean played climbing on us while we "slept".

   Anyway, tomorrow we might do something fun.
Here are the pictures I had develpoed today.

Click here to view these pictures larger

Bouncy Land with friends

2010-05-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

Thursday it was raining so it was a good thing we had our playdate with Carys and Orion inside at Bouncy Land. It is a room filled with bounce houses for kids ages 2 and up to run-a-muck. I think Sean was getting too hot in there though he kept layiing on the floor with his face on the safty mats below the bounce houses.

Picture taken by Taylor

It wore him out though he was so tired he screamed all the way home. I carry earplugs in the car just for that reason. A sleepy Sean is a cranky Sean.

Enjoy the video of the playdate.

What did you learn last week?

2010-05-24T13:46:00.000-07:00

Sean's skills are building by the day! This week he has learned how to peel his own oranges and bananas. As of Saturday morning he doesn't even need help starting it. So he has been eating a lot of fruit.

Sunday, blackberries were on sale so I bought some not having any idea what to make so I made something up. :) I made mini tarts (won ton wrappers toasted with butter and cinnamon sugar in a muffin pan to make the cup shape.) with black berry cream cheese filling and fresh black berries on top.

All while Sean "sneaked" the sugar coated berries.

Drizzled with fresh blackberry vanilla syrup.

That is right! I didn't even have a recipe and it was AMAZING!

This morning Sean wanted to cook something. So we made scrambled eggs. (Now before you call CPS on me we were super safe and careful.)

Sean cracked open the egg and I helped him put it into the bowl. Then we washed our hands. Next, we beat the egg with a fork and added some milk. Instead of cheese we topped off the eggs with a mixture of mushrooms, black olives, and Italian stewed tomatoes. Sean was so proud of his creation he ate it all.

I think he can do anything I can do...
Only he can do it better.

and These are the Days of our Lives...

2010-05-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sean, this past week, has turned into a normal child and by normal I mean he hasn't gotten into trouble every time I turn around. He is showing signs of growing up and understands time outs and warnings- One...Two..and that is usually as far as we get anymore. Don't get me wrong he is still Sean and loves to get into things still but just less often now. (Just don't say any of this out loud and screw it up.)
A few days ago I had to rescue the DVD player from beyond the grave. I had it in pieces on the dining room table in hopes it would turn back on when I was done. We have a 5 DVD disk changer which leaves lots of room for problems that may be hidden. I found that 2 trays were not even attached correctly anymore. It took me a while to figure out how to get the DVDs out without power. They weren't opening with power anyway something was jammed. I have made a video of my skill learned from the Hood.

"The Mommy-Hood"

My Camera is still not working. :(

Tonight is my last night of ASL-1A and I start ASL-1B next semester. I am excited and as of right now I have the highest grade in the class. Whoot whoot!! All I have to do now is practice during the Summer and hope I remember what I have learned.

Tomorrow we are going to a strawberry patch with Selvi and Orion yummy! I might have to make some strawberry and rhubarb tarts this weekend.

Sean isn't afraid of his feminine side

2010-05-10T20:14:00.000-07:00

This kiddo is too funny! HE loves to brush my hair and pretend to apply my makeup with some extra brushes he is allowed to grab while I am doing my makeup. He likes his nails painted and he will walk around with a headband on his head. I am not worried and as long as he is happy and able to express him self in anyway he wants.

You know some boys won't even drink from a pink cup if there is a choice in color Sean is a fan of every color and that makes me happy.

I Heart Faces - "Celebrating Mom" Photo Entry

2010-05-09T23:55:00.000-07:00

It is so hard to find a picture when the Mom is the "photographer" in the family.

Here is an arm length photo shot of

my son and me.

see more entries here

Happy Mother's Day- Weekend

2010-05-09T23:39:00.000-07:00

   I would like to consider only parts of Saturday and Sunday to be my Mother's Day because Sean had a major meltdown both days. We decided to go out for breakfast on Saturday, I was in the mood for Huevos Rancheros but I haven't found a place I like them at yet so we tried a new restaurant. (That is never a good thing when we try that by the way.) The first place I found on YELP and it was closed and on the bad side of town. The second place was suggested to me by the bank teller when I told her we were looking for a good place. SHE WAS SO WRONG! NEVER LISTEN TO STRANGERS! From now on I will just wait till we move down to SD to get good Mexican food. Until then we will stick with Donna Maria's and get good enough Mexican food. They do have awesome Salsa so that is a plus.

   Saturday afternoon Sean was playing outside so I went into the back room to print some stuff out for his birthday banner that I need to start painting. Anyway, he couldn't find me and Stephen had just called out my name- he says it was to tell me something funny. Since Sean wasn't getting any responses back by calling out Mom he decided to start calling out "Shanelle!!"

What? Are you kidding me? You say.

It's the total truth! and to top it off Stephen had no idea what he was saying. When I came out of the room I asked if he was listening to what Sean was shouting.

He said "I couldn't make it out."

Listen again- "SHA-NELLE" Sean cried out.

Stephen just started laughing.

So Sunday rolls around. I woke up to the usual morning wake up call (Sean banging on the door at 7 a.m.) and he decides he isn't going to get dressed after his morning diaper change. We carry on our morning as usual and Stephen mowed the lawn before it rained. While Sean did some of the dishes. After all the chores were done we thought we'd try breakfast again and needed Sean to get dressed, by now it's only 10 a.m. and he wants to fight us to the end. (The end being we stick him in his room until he just takes a nap.) Finally an hour later and several time outs. We give up and let him cry it out. He naps for almost 3 hours and wakes up ready to continue being naked. During that time Stephen went out and got Quiznos for lunch and later I ran to the store and picked up steak for dinner and we BBQ-ed.

After we all ate and cleaned up I asked Sean if he wanted to go for a walk. We needed to return something at Target so why not. He was actually excited to go but wanted to go in just a diaper. Somehow I convinced him to put on clothes, socks, and shoes and we were off.

Sean walked the whole store finding a piece of styrofoam and leaving a trail of our travels behind us. (Hey he wasn't screaming so we let it happen.) We made it out and home alive. It was a LONG weekend and I'm ready for my day off.

I'm thinking I'll get it in about 20 years.

I Heart Faces - Photo Entry - Then and Now

2010-05-04T09:18:00.000-07:00

The Big Sister...

Sisters-1990

The Bigger Belly...

Sisters Preggers-2008

(Due one month apart from one another)

The Biggest Cousin...

The Baby Boys- 2010

(Almost 2yrs old)

We'll Always Be Bigger!
See the sisters as kids. See the cousins before they were even born.

I forgot about the Backyard Tale of the week

2010-05-03T15:32:00.000-07:00

Ok, so we all know Sean is known for putting EVERYTHING in his mouth, right? Why should i be shocked about this news I have known about for his entire life you ask? Because he really will put anything in there!

Here I give you Arum Italicum. It's a member the plant family Araceae. It also known as Cuckoo Pint and Italian Lords-and-Ladies. It is one of two species of Arum native to Britain, the other being Arum maculatum (also known as Cuckoo Pint, or just simply Lords-and-Ladies).

Arum Italicum is known to be invasive in warmer climates, the seed being distributed by small mammals and birds. The corms, once established, are difficult to discourage. In mild climates a common use of Arum italicum is underplanting hosta. When foliage of hosta dies down in fall, the foliage of Arum replaces it, warning the gardener away from digging up the then hard-to-see crowns of hosta. In summer, the Arum foliage disappears and is replaced by stalks of orange seeds that appear to be coming from the hosta, adding an extra color dimension to the otherwise green ground-cover.

Sean was eating the stem it and picking off the green seeds and climbing all over me so we were both covered in the the palnt juice. (I didn't know Sean was eating it. Once I started to feel the burn on my skin and told Stephen I needed to jump in the shower. Sean wasn't showing signs of it bothering him until 5 minutes after me.)
Stephen took out the plant- or so we think and we'll keep killing it if it grows back. Sean managed to find pieces and get into it a second time so this happened both days. Saturday and Sunday.

Plant Description -Stemless herb with tuberous roots and large, heart-shaped leaves often with various markings; the flowers small in an erect, slender spadix surrounded by a spathe which is green-yellow or white with purplish margins.

Poisonous Part -All parts.

Symptoms -Burning and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat. Skin irritation after contact with root juices.

Toxic Principle -Calcium oxalate crystals.

Severity -CAUSES SEVERE PAIN IN THE MOUTH IF EATEN! SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.
(I had some on my skin and it lasted 30 minutes even after the shower.)

Who is that Child calling me Mom?

2010-05-03T14:46:00.000-07:00

   Over the weekend Sean had made the change from calling me Mommy to just plain ole Mom. It is so loud and direct and he now sounds like every other child in the store calling out for their "Mom". My baby isn't even 2 and he sounds like a teenager.

   I tried to get him to stop saying Mom but nothing is working. Every time he said it over the weekend I cringed at the sound and said "my name is Mommy, not Mom." He would reply back with "Mom" and a head nod. Like that's what I said.

   Sean is a goofball. I wonder what he will come up with next.

My camera is still broken.

Friday

2010-04-30T15:30:00.000-07:00

   My camera is broken again. I got the camera in October and I killed it in record time. Maybe it is sick of taking over 200 pictures a month. I know I'm crazy, but our family is all over the U.S. so 200 pictures a month is what is called for to keep everyone happy.

   Today I took Sean to the dog park with Rufus and I got the best idea EVER to make the trip. I loaded Sean up in his little yellow and orange car and pushed him to the park and he rode the whole way there without getting out. Rufus stayed out of the way and walked nicely on the leash. And even across the 4 lane road everyone stayed sane. We spent 3 hours at the park and Selvi and Orion showed up to play for a while.

   The ride home wasn't as smooth. Sean stayed in the car till we stopped at the 4 lane street and he got the idea he wanted to press the crosswalk button. Then he didn't want to get back in the car. So he helped me push the car across the street and I made him hold my hand so it wasn't a smooth crossing he wanted to let go and sit down in the middle of the street. But we made it across and all safe. about 20 steps later he still was not happy about having to hold my hand so I gave him the choice hold my hand and walk or ride in the car. He got back in the car and rode the rest of the way home.

That's all I have for now. Tomorrow we have a B-day party for Carys maybe I can get some pics from Taylor. This picture is from their last visit. It looks like Sean is scooching over to let her in.

Utah Pool Time

2010-04-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

How can so much happen in one day?

2010-04-24T11:27:00.000-07:00

The full moon must affect more than just the one night I think it can last a few days before and after. Thursday night I had my ASL class. When I got home I wasn't tired and didn't fall asleep till after 3 a.m. Sean, the next morning, thought 6:15 a.m was the perfect time to wake up. (It a normal time for him but if he would ever sleep in that would have been the morning to do it.) Anyway, So now it's Friday morning.

Sean wasn't in the best of moods but I put on his new favorite movie Shrek 2 and things calmed down. I sent a message to Selvi telling her I could drop off her DVD player we used when we went to see Amber. She called and suggested we go to a park for a while and she would be in my house in 2 minutes because she was in the area. They showed up and the boys ended up playing in our backyard. 12:30 rolled around fast and we decided to "Go out to lunch." That is where the never ending nightmare began. We of course get there during the busiest times of the day while business people are on lunch break. There was no parking for the GIANT truck we had so I had to park super far away. (With a toddler it's super far.) So I park and try to carry Sean through the parking lot because he is refusing to hold my hand. HE is kicking and screaming trying to get down. We get to a point where we see Selvi and Orion and I put him down and he runs to greet Orion.

We start the line for Fresh Choice and Sean is too big for some of the highchairs. WE find one without a front tray and he is trying to grab everything within his reach I am giving him stuff to snack on through the line and he is eating it faster than I can hand him. WE made it through without too much trouble at least he stayed seated during that part of it. We got to the table things we going well Sean was eating Orion is 3 so he is quiet and good the entire time. Sean Decides after 5 minutes he is done and is now standing on his high chair. I took him down took off my belt and strapped him to the regular chair next to me. He isn't happy but he isn't losing his mind so we continued to eat. I fed him from food from my plate and he was happy a little longer.

Soon he discovered he could kick Selvi under the table so I moved him back a little bit. He is Unhappy I took away his "fun" and started trying to get out of the belt but nothing was working. NEXT thing I know I see FEET in the air as he kicked against the table sending him and the chair he is strapped to falling backwards to the floor. He wasn't hurt but he did start to cry and then when we were swarmed by the staff from the restaurant and the other tables he got nervous and started to SCREAM more and much LOUDER. I took him outside to calm him. It didn't take long because he wasn't hurt and we came back inside. He wanted to hold my soda cup I let him but he wouldn't sit in his own seat now and he didn't really want the cup either. When I tried to take it back from him the screaming started all over again. I looked at Selvi and told her I was sorry but had to go home. She said no worries and we left. I had to trek back to the truck again with a kicking and screaming toddler. Did I mention he is 36 lbs? At least he was the last time we weighed him a few weeks ago he might be heavier now.

We make it alive to the truck and he is fighting me because he doesn't want to get in his car seat, he wants to "drive." (THANKS a lot Uncle Steve Barnes! lol) SO I am inside the truck on top of Sean trying to get him buckled in I got the top part on and he started to slide down and chocked himself with the top part of his harness from the seat belt. after 5 minutes fighting it I unbuckled him and took him out. I then Slammed my THUMB in the rear door of the Truck. I can't put Sean down because we were in a busy parking lot and I couldn't bend down far enough to set him down gently. Anyway, I had to rip my thumb out while still holding Sean. Lucky for me I had left the front passenger door open and I quickly set Sean down. That is when the crying and screaming instantly stopped. He climbed into the driver seat and started "driving."

At this point I am crying from stress and pain and began to feel nauseous and needing to throw up. I sent Selvi a text and she made her way over to us. It took a while because she was parked on the other side of the lot. She put Orion in the back seat on the other side and came around to grab Sean and he started the whole screaming and kicking over it took both of us to buckle him in. She tried to get him to stop and after what seemed like an eternity I said I'll just take him home. She offered to follow me home and we were on our way. Sean Screamed the entire way. Until I took off his seat belt. I unlocked the door and came back for Sean as Selvi pulled up.

I stared a movie for Sean and she sat whit him in his room until he calmed down- Well he didn't calm down and after 15 minutes she called me in and I sat with him. I took my hair out of the ponytail and brushed it along his face and he started to feel better and take deep breaths. I asked him if he needed some juice he responded with "yes" and I left the room for a second. HE was calmer still whimpering but much better. I gave him his juice he just held onto it and watched his movie. I told him I would be right back mommy needed water too. I left him in the room with the door open and sat on the couch I knew he wouldn't fall asleep with me in there with him. After 5 minutes He was asleep and slept for 1 hour. Selvi and Orion stayed and Sean woke up in a bad mood just SCREAMING. I made sure he wasn't hurt and let him come out of his room in his own time. We let the boys play in the back yard until Stephen came home about another hour and then our friends went home.

Sean stayed with Daddy the rest of the night I had a Deaf Event to go to for my class and got away for a bit. Sean went to bed around 9 p.m. I got home at 9:30. Went to bed and got to sleep in for a bit. Pleas cross your fingers today is better than yesterday.

That is all I have to say about that. Thanks for reading.

Sweet Vacation

2010-04-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

Vacation gives the saying

"Home Sweet Home"

a whole new meaning.

Don't get me wrong, we loved going to visit my sister and her family but we are so happy to be in our own beds at night. We spent every waking hour making sure Sean didn't get into too much trouble. He did get into quite a bit though. Their house is FAR from Sean Proof.

The ride out there went pretty well Selvi (SJ Friend) let us borrow her portable DVD player and Sean's reaction when he saw was too funny. He clapped his hands and told Stephen "Good Job!" It is even funnier at 4 in the morning. Rufus stayed in the back seat with Sean the entire trip too and no one got bit. (That could have happened both ways.)

We arrived in Utah with a straight 12hr drive all driven by Stephen. We pulled up around 6 P.M. just in time for dinner.

Lucky for us they made something. (just kidding Amber) Sean didn't want to sit down and eat so we had to tie him to the chair with a belt while we ate. Then they could all run around and play with one another.

Sean loved playing with all the kids he was always the last one to bed and the first one awake to make sure he didn't miss anything. He skipped most naps and the ones he did squeeze in were in the car and we always woke him up so they really didn't count as real naps. He wasn't a happy camper when he got up from those.

At one point Amber and I were talking bout how wild Sean was and I think she hit the nail on the head and Dave chimed in with and funny addition too. I had mentioned how he likes to suck the life out of you because he is so active. She said "He's like a vampire! He's strong and fast!" then Dave asked if Sean "sparkled in the sunlight" talking about his Beauty. (These two crack me up.)

We tried to squeeze in as much Outdoor fun as possible. The weather was great and and it was nice to let the kids go wild outside. Because they would have acted the same way indoors but it would have seemed more chaotic.

Visit my picture site to view all the fun.

View Varnell Pictures

Utah Vacation

2010-04-21T13:46:00.001-07:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T21:00:00.000-07:00

We didn't do the egg hunt thing today

the weather was cold and wet

so when it warms up

we'll give it another go.

It's been a long week.

2010-04-04T20:54:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to post something all week but Sean has been under the weather. He was having bathroom issues for 3 days and developed a diaper rash. It was so bad by the 3rd day I had to take him to see the doctor but we couldn't get in to see his doctor so we went to Urgent Care. Where we waited 3 hours before they called Sean's name just to tell us the Pediatrician had gone home for the night and we had to go get care somewhere else. So we ended up at O'Connor Hospital's ER for another 2 hour wait. Where kids were throwing up on the floors and an old woman came in with internal bleeding and fainted when she came in through the doors. The whisked her away inside and then cleaned up a blood trail she had made. Oh It wasn't fun at all!

We finally were seen and the Dr. decided Sean may have had a bacterial infection and put him on a mushy food and clear liquid diet. No Dairy and no solid food. He is now on a week suply of antibiotics. We are on day 3 of the meds and I thought they were working but Our problem isn't going away. Tomorrow I will make another Dr. apt for Sean and well see how things go. Sean isn't feeling or acting sick but we need to get rid of the potty issue. I don't know what else to do.

Through Seans Eyes

2010-03-27T21:32:00.000-07:00

Sean had the Camera

I see you!

Sean and Orion Playin' Like Boys Do

2010-03-24T15:31:00.000-07:00

Can you believe these 2 boys are

15 months apart! (Orion is older.)

These two had so much fun when it was time for Orion to go Sean wanted to go with him.

We went out got some lunch and had a picnic in the backyard. The boys played for almost 3 hours. It was funny to see Sean play with someone his own size and how different he is with boys than girls. These two little men were running and chasing each other all over the house and yard. Even when they would fall down and hurt themselves it took only a minute to get back to boy play. We will have to make that a regular play date.

Guy Time in the Garage

2010-03-23T22:00:00.001-07:00

Happy Hollow "Zoo" FARM

2010-03-23T16:05:00.000-07:00

Sean and I had a play date with Janel and Gavin we had fun but I wouldn't call that place a zoo at all. We had fun don't get me wrong but I dont think it was worth the $6 parking $12 ticket (once Sean turns 2 he will be $12 too) and the $10 lunch. Sean and Gavin both got to ride their first Solo amusement park rides and feed some goats so it wasn't at total bust. Maybe we need to try it again just to make sure the up side is it is close to home and I could find off street parking if I wanted to walk a little further. We'll see.

A Naked Day

2010-03-22T19:28:00.000-07:00

Well my first attempt to potty train Sean wasn't a complete bust. He had a blast running around in a t-shirt all day. And since the weather has warmed up he got to spend most of his time outside. Until daddy got home and said the Diaper had to go back on. Tomorrow I will try again. Wish me luck :)

Sean is growing up!!

2010-03-21T23:49:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

The big news today is

Sean wanted to use the Potty like a big boy!

He has never show interest before but has been in "someones" shaddow the past few days and I think it is sinking in.

Tonight before bath time

he took off his diaper and asked to use the

"Toilet?"

(In the cutest Sean voice ever!)

I jumped at the idea and raced him to the door.

He tried to do it standing up but wasn't quite tall enough so I will leave his stool in there from now on just to be ready if he wants to try it again.

Cross your fingers and hope it happens Soon!

YEA SEAN!

A super long day

2010-03-20T20:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was all excited for the weekend because the sun was going to be out and it was supposed to be a care free weekend maybe a trip to the beach. Sean changed those plans when he woke up he wet the bed at 4:15 a.m. After having to turn the light on and change the sheets Sean was up for 2 more hours. I finally had enough and made him lay down with me in his bed while he watched Signing Time. He eventually fell asleep but he is still a bed hog and I didn't sleep well.

Later in the day we decided to install a light and fan in Sean's room as our house doesn't have A/C and his room is on facing West and by the end of the day his room is too hot. Tomorrow I am putting up his Charger curtains too. I hope that will help with the heat as well. Plus Sean likes to tip over the Standing lamps we have in the house and turn them on and off and taking out the light bulbs. *That is why I married an electrician to be able to fix that problem. And next weekend we are getting 2 more installed in the living room and master bedroom.

It makes the room feel bigger with a center light.

Hard at Play

2010-03-19T21:53:00.000-07:00

It has been hot here the past few days and I've needed to load Sean up with the Sunblock a few times a day. I guess it is working better than it should be because it is making more dirt stick to the extra layer and giving him an extra layer of protection and for me more cleaning to do after bath time. I can't keep this child out of the dirt to save my life. But he isn't getting a sun burn either so I can deal with it. By the end of the day he refuses to wear shoes or a shirt and I'm lucky if I can get a diaper back on if he needs changing. We might have a potty trained toddler this summer if he keeps that up. (Cross your fingers he is already having issues with not wanting to pee without a diaper.)

Sean's 10 minute refresher nap

Stolen Camera Shot

He was hiding some ~~forbiden fun~~

contraband in the car.

He stole my new nail buffer and tore it to pieces.

The blue square in the grass is part of it.

Catch up on some reading after dinner.

Spider Man Wins Again!

The Leprechaun made Sean do it

2010-03-17T20:29:00.000-07:00

It says so right on his shirt! Today he has been a total pill. I don't know what put him in such a bad mood but right now he is taking a nap. YEA! So the rest of this post will be filled in at a later time. When he wakes up we'll have lunch and play outside. In the meantime mommy has chores to do. Yuck!

Well his nap didn't last long and he refused to eat lunch. I got him to eat a few pears but that was about it. When Stephen got ome we all walked to Target even Sean. He walked all by himself holding our hand the whole way. He is getting so big.

Picnic in the Backyard

2010-03-16T21:02:00.000-07:00

The sun is out and Shining bright. Sean cannot be kept inside anymore!

Before Lunch

During Lunch

After lunch and a short 45 minute nap.

Re-cola!

Check it out!

YES eating again.

I guess I was blocking out what happened last night. Sean decided he wanted to watch Jimmy Fallon at 3 A.M. And wouldn't go back to sleep. This has happened the last 2 nights. So last night I fell asleep in his bed. HE is more of a bed hog than I am. This Giant will actually sleep on top of you. He also is a sleep talker.
So, he will wake up randomly stand up walk around the bed and mumble something nuts and lay on top of you and go back to sleep.

Helping a friend in Need

2010-03-16T09:14:00.000-07:00

I staretd a Blog for a friend and the first entries have been by me she has been a little busy. Go check it out.

http://catchinguponsomezzzs.blogspot.com/

It was another Sunblock day

2010-03-15T19:58:00.000-07:00

Sean and I spent the day at the park with Erica and Anna. It is hard to keep both of them into the same activity at the same time and usually we end up swapping kids byt the end so I got just as many pics of Anna as I did Sean. She is so stinkin cute.

There just aren't any words

2010-03-13T22:10:00.000-08:00

MY Kid Is The Coolest 21 Month Old EVER!

Ususally we feed him with our chopsticks but the waitress brought him his own he knew how to use them as soon as she put them down.

it's getting Warmer!!!

2010-03-11T15:20:00.000-08:00

We went with Selvi and Orion yesterday to the park. It was a beautiful day and warmer than normal. We had lunch and watche the kiddos play. Here are some of the pics.

Milk-a-What???

I See You!

2010-03-05T09:50:00.000-08:00

Sean had stolen the video camera and captured a true Sean moment. Enjoy!

Helping Dad

2010-02-28T21:27:00.000-08:00

Sean was so helpful Saturday and he handed Daddy the tools to fix the fence. I have a pictures and a video that will make you laugh. Good thing Sean is a tough guy.

A *Bonk* on the

head is nothing anymore.

We also went out to dinner Saturday night and Sean loves their salsa so much he will drink it out of the dish just to make sure he got it all.

Check it out!

The drive home

2010-02-27T15:36:00.000-08:00

All of this can be found along the

101 and the 280 Freeways.

I was just holding up the camera

this is what I got.

Aunt Irene and Sean

2010-02-27T15:27:00.000-08:00

Drum Circle Returns!

2010-02-22T11:43:00.000-08:00

It is actually 2 different days- but you can't tell because Sean is wearing the exact same thing.

Awesome Mom!

Making him look like a dork with one outfit!

Here is Sean in the car with Destiny

Destiny is here during her "Ski Week"

2010-02-17T21:49:00.000-08:00

Destiny and Sean just hanging out.

We went and picked up cousin Destiny on Monday.

Pictures of the drive home.

Check out the Burger King Crown

Sean took this one himself.

It is on of 7 he laughed every time the flash went off.

Shoes?

Sean is still a little sick so we haven't done much this week. He and Destiny are going to drum class tomorrow though so it should be fun for them.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T20:48:00.000-08:00

Here is a Valentine from Sean to all of you.

Today went well Sean and Stephen mowed the lawns in the morning and in the afternoon I took Sean to the park.

My Little Giant towers over everyone his own age. When he wanders around looking for cooler people than his mother to hang out with everyone asks him questions they think a 3 yr old should be able to answer. By the time I get over to them the question is always "how old is he?" The official answer is 20 months tomorrow.

Most moms gasp and the dads just start laughing knowing I have my hands full. Sean is a social butterfly and his favorite thing to do is play with other kids' parents. Ususally at playdates I end up with someone elses kid.

Sleep? We don't need no Stinking Sleep!

2010-02-13T19:59:00.000-08:00

Last night was one of those nights!

So, that last post of the MEGA germs from the YMCA was no joke! Sean came down with the worst cold he has ever had. He had a temperature of 103.8 that just wouldn't break. He would only sleep in 20 minute intervals and his cough is still really bad. I gave him a popsicle to help him get cooled off but it didn't help much. I stayed up with him until 3am and Stephen took over at 4am. Stephen even slept in Sean's bed through the night to make sure he didn't have to get out of bed if he needed one of us.

Of course, he was awake by 8:30 am and refused to take a nap until we forced one. Where he ended up sleeping in the middle of the floor in his room. We were just happy he slept and we could get a power nap in too.

We are hoping tonight is a full night of sleep for everyone. Sean's temperature is down to 99 so it's in the normal range again. We are keeping an eye on him to make sure it stays down.

Sean has another Cold

2010-02-10T21:33:00.000-08:00

The YMCA is just a giant petri dish

for kiddo germs to breed.

I kept Sean home the week he was sick but I guess other parents don't feel they need to do the same.

Today, Sean left the house with a slight runny nose but nothing serious and by late afternoon he had the return of Green Snot and a bad cough. He can't even talk without sounding like Mr. Ed. He wasn't able to nap due to lack of air flow and he woke himself up because he couldn't breathe.

But for bed time he has figured out how he can sleep with out all the problems. (I didn't teach him anything here.) HE figured out all on his own if he stacks his pillows along the length of the bed against the wall he can sleep sitting slightly upright. This kid is a so smart!

My Favorite tale this evening is for the past few days I would lay down with Sean before he goes to sleep.

He puts his arm under my head and lets me put my head on his shoulder. He will then pat my head as he sings his own songs to me. He must love me.

Frog Kisses

2010-02-08T21:37:00.000-08:00

Here is my Kisses entry for
I Heart Faces

Sean at the park.

Camera Information:
Canon Power Shot SD1200 IS
Digital Elph
(Nothing Fancy)

It's been a while

2010-02-08T21:22:00.000-08:00

Does Sean look older than 20 months here?

Check out the size of his feet!

We went to a new park today and

played with Erica and Anna.

Sean took over the computer

and checked Facebook for me.

I will update more tomorrow.

Laughing all the Day

2010-02-02T21:22:00.000-08:00

I can't make this stuff up.

This was the conversation this morning between Sean and myself.

Sean: Mommy?
Me: What baby?
Sean: Mommy!? Where's Bear?
Me: I don't know where is he? (I didn't look at him yet)
Sean: Mom! Where is he?
Me: I don't... (I looked down at him) HAHAHAH! There he is!

Bear was in his arms with a wash cloth over his head. I guess Bear found a good spot to hide this time.

I wish I had a video of what happened

later in the evening.

It was after dinner and before bath time and Sean was having a good time with his CD player. He would press the buttons to start the music and he started to dance. I have never seen him dance before and man is this kid in need of some practice! I'd like to thank Yo Gabba Gabba for teaching Sean how to get his Groove On! We might have to watch it once in a while to improve his SKILLS. I promise to get it on video sometime soon.

Get out before the rain comes back

2010-02-01T18:54:00.000-08:00

We ended up going to play at the park with Erica and Anna. Just look at the size of little Anna next to the dog then look at Sean next to it.

(Anna is 15 months old)

He likes to pick out his own clothes

and he won't wear his hat the way it's supposed to be worn.

Manic Monday

2010-02-01T13:52:00.000-08:00

Sean has a cold and isn't having a wonderful mornig.

Plus the rest of the week calls for more rain.

We still have daylight to turn the day around maybe it'll end on a better note.

Chuck E. Cheese

2010-01-31T11:46:00.000-08:00

*Making the rounds all in one day with a toddler isn't the best plan in the world. First things first Sean hates his car seat so having a trip filled with a ton of stop and goes is a nightmare for all of us in the car. He also isn't into the whole Chuck E. Cheese life yet. So he was mad he couldn't just play with the big kids up in the tunnel system. He'd rather just play than be followed around with tokens to ride the motion toys he could care less about. He thinks he is older than he really is.*

But if you don't count the car ride we had fun. We stopped in and saw Great Grandma Edwards, went to see Irene at work, stopped by the All American Sports Fan to spend a gift card, stopped in to see Great Grandpa Edwards and then headed to Chuck E. Cheese for Grandpa Edwards' birthday party. By 5:45 Sean was feeling sleepy and started getting cranky. *Remember usually he is getting ready for bath time by 6p.m. and in bed by 6:30. Plus, he doesn't sleep well in the car and we had a 2 hr drive home.

A happy and cheerful Good Morning

2010-01-29T15:05:00.000-08:00

Sean woke up in such a good mood this morning it was wonderful to hear "Mommy! Good morning." I say that every morning to him when I open the door and today he got it out before I did. What an awesome start to the day. Then after a diaper change we headed to the fridge for our morning routine I get his milk and I grab a little orange juice while the coffee is brewing. After handing him his sippy-cup of milk he leans into me and says "Sip?"

He asked for a sip of my OJ.

I didn't even know he knew the word sip.

Help!

I think the Toddler Monster

ate my BABY!

We are now into watching the PBS t.v. show The Dinosaur Train and Sean will actually sit through it with me. I printed out some dinosaur stuff so we can learn the different names. This kid is growing up way too fast. He is starting to say and ask for things with more confidence. He really knows what he wants.

Last night Stephen (the hubbs) asked me "At what age do we get Sean his first motorcycle, three?" That is a dumb question to ask the mother don't you think? If it were up to me the answer would be never. Hahah! But I know that never isn't an option so I guess we'll see when the time is right for those kind of toys. Sean hasn't even figured out how to peddle his trike yet, so I guess I have some time to get used to the idea.

Today is Grandpa Edwards' birthday and we are going up to visit tomorrow. Grandpa is having his Birthday Party at Chuck E. Cheese so all the kids can play and have fun. We'll get pictures don't you worry.

Here are pictures from January.

Click here to view these pictures larger

Just some pictures tonight

2010-01-28T21:37:00.000-08:00

Someone is trying to escape in only a diaper.

So I got him dressed and let him play

in the back yard.

If you are gonna play

get dirty!

Always remember to rehydrate.

Need a FREE personal shopper?

2010-01-28T13:17:00.000-08:00

A while back I made a post saying how much I hated shopping and wanted to find a cheap Personal Shopper to help me. Well guess what, I found one for FREE! Yes for free. Did you know Macy's offers a free personal shopper by appointment? I didn't either until yesterday.

I have done may searches looking for a cheap way to find help shopping for clothes. I don't even remember how I found this. I swear once I found it I posted it on Facebook to all of my friends. Yes, I'm a dork like that. Anyway, all you have to do is not give up on something you really want- In my case NEED.

A calm day and no rain

2010-01-27T20:51:00.000-08:00

Well as calm as Sean can be anyway. We didn't have any real meltdowns and he got to play outside for a little bit. That is until he poured water down the front of him from Rufus' water dish. Had the sun been out I wouldn't have made him come inside as fast but it stayed pretty chilly most of the day and a layer of clouds blocked out the warmth of the sun. Here he is sportin' Dad's House of Blues hat.

He is getting so funny when it comes to telling me what he wants. He has the sounds and actions down but the words just don't fit right. He will walk over to the fridge and ask to open it. (We tie it on the handles near the top so he can't open it on his own.) Before I open it I ask what he wants from inside. He will then put his finger on his chin and say "I don't know." then give the 2 hand shrug. I then tell him he has to know what he wants before he opens the fridge so he can get it fast. I'll walk away and he'll come and get me and sign carrot. I will open the fridge and he'll grab the mustard and run away. See I knew he didn't want a carrot. Sneaky kid.

That's why I love him though. He makes me laugh.

Sean is happy at the YMCA

2010-01-26T22:09:00.000-08:00

The best part is they are happy with him too. The tell me he is so helpful with sharing and loves to play with all the other kiddos. Today was a mad house in there though. I couldn't even try to count how many childern were crammed into that tiny room. But that wasn't going to stop me from leaving him in there. I mean who can pass up on 2 free hours of childcare while you work out?

Today I had the one on one training oh how to use the FitLinxx fitness system. All of the activities at the YMCA are on a point system and each workout station is tracked by you entering your code. You can even track your progress from home if you forget to enter it there. I found that swimming for 45 minutes gives you a ton on points and I like the pool better anyway. Did I mention I have already lost 5 lbs? Yep, look at me go!

After Sean's nap and a diaper change later he decided he didn't want to wear pants for the rest of the day. But he still wanted to go outside and play in the rain so he put on his socks and his boots. Of course I didn't let him go out like that but I took a picture. He wasn't happy about it. He is taking it out on the couch.

Here is sean signing Smile

(these pictures were taken yesterday)

A real date with the hubbs

2010-01-24T01:22:00.000-08:00

Earlier today we cleaned the house and I took Sean on a walk to target. We made it there and back with no problems but I kind of got some help on the way home. I was offering him up mini M&M's every few steps to keep him moving along. It worked like a charm and we made it back in record time without picking up flowers, weeds, or rocks! Trust me, that's progress.

Stephen and I actually went out to dinner and a movie without Sean. Can you believe it? We had Lacy and Dan come over and watch Sean they even said he was good and went to bed with no problems at all. Of course the entire time we were out we talked about him even when we were standing in like to get out seats for the movie. We were second in line and the guy in front was so excited for the movie Stephen and I learned about his whole life and his preggers wife sitting across the room. He was talking for almost a full hour and if it ever became silent he came up with more stuff to talk about. We learned all kinds of stuff from how his first child was born, his views on millitary and politics, and where he grew up. Some people are just wanting someone to listen I guess. :)

Anyway, the movie we went to see was Avatar in 3D. Everyone should go see it before they take it out of theaters. It was amazing!

We got home around 10:20 and relieved Lacy and Dan of their babysitting duties and Sean woke up around 11 with some kind of night terror. He came out and cuddled on the couch for a while and I took him into his room gave him some warm milk and cuddled some more until he couldn't keep his eyes open anymore. He didn't want me to go but I don't want him thinking just because he wants me to stay I will. If he just wasn't so gosh darn cute it would make it a little easier on me. Oh well he is sleeping now and that is exactly what I should be doing too. So peeps on that note, goodnight!

My goal today? To not fall apart

2010-01-22T21:35:00.000-08:00

I was so lucky that it didn't rain much today. My goal was to go to the YMCA for more pool time but I knew that wasn't going to happen from the moment I woke up.

HOLY CRAP! I was awake and couldn't sit up. My entire body hurt so bad I had to roll out of bed. Then I noticed my arm was numb from my shoulder down to my finger tips. Yes, the bad shoulder the one I need surgery on yet again. I knew yesterday was hard but I had no idea I was going to feel this much pain. I should have taken a motrin before bed but I am not that smart. (You all should know that by now.)

Anyway I didn't go to the gym because I couldn't lift Sean into the truck. So we went to the library activity music and movement. I wouldn't say it was wonderful but I am glad it is close enough to walk there from my house. It allowed Sean some out of the house time. I let him walk instead of putting him into a stroller that would have been a fight I wasn't going to win.

So I leashed him up and off we went. (My last post has the video of some time there and the walk home.) We ended up leaving early because Sean decided he was going to come up behind me and bite me in the butt. *OUCH! Yeah it hurt. It isn't the first time he has done that so I wasn't going to just stand there and let it happen. He screamed until we got outside then he was fine all the way home. Crossing the street is always a chore but that is why I LEASH MY KID.

I don't care if people hate it when parents leash kids- They don't have a wild crazy child like mine. Sean would sit down in the middle of the street if you let him. He loves anything with a motor.

** I was going to upload a few pictures that I had edited earlier today but I guess after I spent all that time editing them I forgot to save them.

WHO DOES THAT?!? me. **

So here is a picture from drum class that one of the other Moms sent me.

Sean isn't in it and I am in the bottom left sportin' my full mommy look ponytail and all. :)

ok I took some stills from the Flip video

but my other pics are really gone :(

Today at the Library

2010-01-22T16:05:00.000-08:00

1st official day at the Gym

2010-01-21T20:31:00.000-08:00

I dropped Sean off at the daycare room and headed out to take the plunge. There was one way I was going to start working out and that way was to jump right in. So that is exactly what I did. I decided swimming was the way to go. It is storming here in Northern California right now but today there wasn't any lightning so there was no excuse not to swim. I walked out in my swim suit and flip flops into the freezing cold rain and had no idea how warm the water would be. Well guess what... It was nice and warm. I think they posted the water temp at 82 degrees. It was perfect!

I don't remember swimming ever being that hard before though. Good thing I walked up to the lifeguard and told him it has been 10 years since my last lap swim and he needed to make sure I didn't drown. He laughed and thanked me for the warning. I started off with the kickboard and flutter kicks to get used to being in the water and get my balance. It is amazing how you really use every muscle in your body to swim. My abs, back, shoulders, and legs all hurt. I only spent 45 minutes in the water and I didn't count how many laps I did. I am just happy I didn't get any cramps and drown.

When I get better in the water I am going to start some actual workouts in the water with drills and timed swim laps. I found an awesome website that has free workouts for all fitness levels. Check out Swim workouts and if you need swim gear scheck out Swim Outlet

I bet you I can guess my neighbors favorite color without asking them.

2010-01-20T13:50:00.000-08:00

Purple!

Here is why I think that.

It is even brighter in person.

I don't think I even noticed this house before 3 days ago. For some reason they decided to paint the house durig one of the worst storms in the past 3 years. We have had non-stop rain for almost a week. We are also having power outtages, lightning, and thunder all day. This morning the Transformer behind our house exploded and shot out blue sparks. Sean and I went over to our other neighbors hous and played for almost 2 hours before the power was restored. Sean had fun playing their piano and snacking on crackers.

Tomorrw calls for more rain and thunder storms but we have plans to go to the YMCA and drum class. YEA! We joined the YMCA yesterday and Sean had fun in the provided day care I just need to bring him a snack and an extra diaper and then I have 2 hours to myself to workout or swim. I am excited. Also "T" and "baby C" go there too. The best part is they offer kid friendly classes that are kind of like gymboree and it all included in the membership. What a deal!

Here are a few pictures of us hanging out with Dan and Lacy. Sean thought he can ride on Rufus

like the buffalo from their house.

Rain all week = House in total ruins

2010-01-18T21:03:00.000-08:00

Don't get me wrong I am all for having rain but I don't think keeping Sean inside for a second week in a row is a good idea. Here is what his room looked like last week while he was sick. Note: he was supposed to be taking a nap.

Tomorrow we are going to check out what the local YMCA has to offer.

I have a free pass for the rest of the month. They have a child / daycare center and that may be a way for Sean to make some other friends that aren't in our play group.

I have posted a few other videos up too so check out my youtube page.

It's All Sean... All the Time.

My Sister HATES The Magic Jack!

2010-01-17T17:47:00.000-08:00

Here is the reason why.

Amber and David's Blog

We love you and we are happy everything turned out ok. But just so you know I now HATE the Magic Jack too!

Round 2: *Operation- Snow White

2010-01-17T12:33:00.000-08:00

Sean wakes by 6:30 every morning. Yes, that includes weekends. Today was no different except for 2 things.

1. Daddy got out of bed first and went to start the day with Sean. (Note: It happens a few times a month so mommy gets to sleep in once in a while.)
2. The phrase "You've got to be kidding me!" was uttered as soon as the door opened.

I pretend I didn't hear it
and rolled over.

I got about 15 minutes before Sean turned on his day time voice level and I was up too. He isn't a quiet child. So, after opening the door from our bedroom I see the baby gate is up a sign things aren't going well already. I didn't take it down and climbed over it. (It is hard to do because we have to raise it up so he can't reach over and unlock it.) Next I see Sean is already dressed for the day and his pants already have a new stain on them from his morning bowl of oatmeal. His pj's are on the floor covered in the familiar minty white goodness from the tube of forbidden fun.

Yes, he had gotten into the diaper rash cream again. I then thought at least it is only on his pj's... Yes! This is PRE-COFFEE thinking. Wait... I didn't check his room yet. Then I remembered stepping over the baby gate it has to be up for a reason, right?

Holy Crap! I was having flashbacks of *Operation Snow White. The smell of Desitin was everywhere! Do you know how hard it is to clean up? Have you ever tried to get if off of just your hand? Try the carpet, the headboard, and the sheets! I just washed his sheets last night too. (See people this is the reason I don't like to clean. When you do, something worse happens to that area. lol) Anyway, I tossed the sheets into the wash and now they are ruined. The white Desitin stains are now there forever. Oh well. No one was hurt.

More classic Sean pics

Stinky, stinky!

I come in peace

but leave in destruction

Smile

"I see you!" (Sean)

Highlights

2010-01-16T22:43:00.000-08:00

Because Sean was sick all last week I didn't have much to write about. So here are a few pictures.

It's all about the atitude

when wearing hats.

Sean is not ment to be kept inside a house

even when he is sick!

I had to give him an hour outside

just so he wouldn't lose MY mind...

Wait, I meant to say HIS MIND.

Nothin' better than finding a clump of worms.

He won't touch them though he thinks they are Yucky.

The funny part is he thinks

kissing Rufus isn't yucky.

*Ahh-Chooo! - Where's the boogie wipes?

2010-01-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

I don't know what we would do without

Boogie Wipes.

It truly is "snot your average wipe!"

I first found them when sean was around 4 months old and haven't gone back to the old tissue way since. Somehow, Sean loves to blow his nose in these things and won't run screaming from the room when I pull them out. I started with the unscented ones and had to change to the fresh scent because not all the stores stock this item. Then over the weekend Sean came down with another cold and off to the store I went. The only scent they had this time was Grape. And to tell you the truth it isn't bad in any way. Sean is a fan of smelling things anyway and loves things that smell good! He'll tell youif something is stinky.

After all stinky was his first word.

So, grape is a winner in our house!

I haven't tried the Menthol...

I just havent seen it around.

Every new mom should have these things!

You can get coupons at their website.

Boogie Wipes Coupon

I Heart Faces - Photo Entry

2010-01-10T22:32:00.000-08:00

Sean's first ride in a real swing at the park .Age 7 months

My Grandfather has Alzheimer's Disease

We keep this picture close to his bed.

He can't remember much

He is always asking about

The Boy In The Red Hat.

So this picture means a lot to our family.

2 Earthquakes in 2 days

2010-01-08T21:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday just before going to the drum class we had a little earthquake. Sean was standing in our bedroom and felt the house rumble. He bent down squatting looking at the floor and said "wow!" It was so funny. There was another small earthquake today but he didn't notice that one. It was much quicker and lighter than the one before. It's funny that in the past 7 years I haven't noticed any earthquakes until we moved to San Jose. We are so close to the fault lines now and I guess they happen all the time here. Now we're just waiting on the "Big One." You know, the one that is supposed to break California off into the Pacific Ocean. haha No, Idaho, it isn't really going to happen that way. Even if you want all of us to go away.

So that drum class we went to yesterday was more of a toddler noise fest but we had the best time. Sean was being chased by a little girl who wanted to kiss him the whole time. I have a video I will post as soon as I can. He walked around with a drum on his head for a little while. He is so stinkin' funny!
*note when I uploaded the video I spliced it together backwards so ignore the instructor welcoming everyone to his class at the end of the video.

Today we met T and baby C at the park. It was damp and a little cold but it was nice to finally meet after chatting online for a few weeks. Neither of us got any pictures of the kids playing. T was missing her SIM card from her camera and I am dumb and didn't take any pics. I even took out my Flip Camera... but did I use it? No! Dumb-dumb! Oh well next time.

Anyway, we played at the park for a pretty long time we ended up trading kids by the end of it. Sean wanted to play with T and I went and played with baby C. By the way baby C is a few months older than Sean but she is so much smaller. I asked the diaper size C wore lol Sean is in asize 5 and she is in a 4 but even 4's are too big for her. It made me laugh. I told you I had a Little Giant. I hope we can meet up more often so the kids can play.

We gave it our best

2010-01-07T13:46:00.000-08:00

Sean and Mommy went to a Gymboree class today there is good news and bad news about the class. Good news Sean had a good time during free time play and loved playing with all the balls and cool climbing toys. The bad news is the class was oversized and they make up hand signals to describe the avtivities to the kids. Today we learned about Big and Little. (They are Signs Sean already knows.) They showed the kids about big and little everything slides, balls, tunnels etc. and the songs they sang with hand signals confused Sean too. He knows the signs for the Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star song but when they said Star the didn't use the Star sign in American Sign Language. Same with the Itsy Bitsy Spider. That is when they lost him for the rest of the class. By the second song he had enough of their signs got up and walked off signing them correctly. He played by himself the rest of the class. If I wanted him to play by himself we would have stayed home.

After the class was over they came over to me and asked me to join. I told them about the issue I had with Sean and it confusing him with his American Sign Language. Then they told me I should explain it to him why we are using other sings. WHAT? He is 18.5 months old! Explain how? Then they said maybe I should sign up for the music class. Could I check out a music class before I sign up? NO! Because I used my free class on todays trial. Then I told them there was a FREE music class in town and to pay for a class would be nuts. It just wasn't what I was expecting at all. I even offered to teach them the ASL signs they needed to know they didn't want to meet me in the middle. Oh well.

Later today we are going to a FREE drum class offered by the library. Maybe that will work out for us. I'll let you know.

Playing with my new Flip Camera

2010-01-06T11:39:00.000-08:00

A park day 2 days in a row

2010-01-05T22:01:00.000-08:00

Because I didn't make a post yesterday here is 2

1/4/10
Sean has been fighting nap time for the past two weeks so today to get him out of the house we went to the park. I started another meetup group and we finally have a few members who will actually show up. *YEA* (unlike the Yuba City play group I started)

Sean played with 3 kids today and they all had a good time. I didn't take any pictures of the kiddos playing because I don't wan to post pics of other kids before really knowing their parents. We even met people that were already playing at the park and exchanged information so we can plan another activity together. The best part was meeting people from our neighborhood it will make it easy to meet up. I already know they like the park. We spent almost 2 hours playing and talking. The 2 other moms that were there are also first time moms so we can talk about the goofy stages our kids are going through. Sean loves to just start talking to strangers and made a friend with the Cookie Man. (He had a bag of cookies.) The cookie man was there with his own child who was just over 2 yrs old. I guess they were talking about "boy things" because they both started laughing at eachother. *boys!*

1/5/10
A few members from the other Mom group showed up at the park today and I snapped some pics of Sean at play. I also met a new mom who wasn't part of the group and she was fun to chat with too. We exchanged numbers and email she seems down to earth unlike some of the others in the group.

Sean and this little girl are the same age.

My Little Giant

(ignore the comment of not taking pics of other peoples kids)

Thrusday we have a Gymboree class and Friday we have another play date at the park to meet online friends T and baby C. (They don't usr their real names so I won't either)

A day out with friends

2010-01-02T21:01:00.000-08:00

Today we went out with friends Dan and Lacy. We started our day heading over to Santa Cruz to check out a witnter harvest Farmer's Market at the college. It wasn't very big but we ended up with a few items. Oranges, red bell peppers and a bottle of blackberry chipotle sauce. Yummy! Then we headed to lunch along the beach. We sat out on the patio and the weather was perfect. In the mid 60's and the sun was out. As we ate, Sean decided he was going to feed the birds so they hung out under our table stepping all over our feet. We do without that part of it next time.

Then, we headed over to the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve and Natural Bridges State Beach. We saw a few Monarch butterflies but they were so high up in the canopy they were hard to spot. We will have to come back during their return migration so Sean can enjoy watching all the butterflies resting in the grove.

(There were a few up in the treetops, but you can't see any in this picture.)

This picture reminds me of Sean sitting with all the other kids his age.

Sean would be the pelican if you were wondering.

Sean, My Little Giant

18.5 months

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

From the Varnell Family

Goodbye 2009 - Hello 2010

2009-12-31T23:19:00.000-08:00

2009 Gave our family

Many firsts to remember.

Sean was already 7 months old by January.
Here are some of the BIG events that happened.
It all went by so quickly.

January-
How to swing open the doggie door

February-
To pull all the DVD's off the shelf

March-
Stephen took another position at work to spend more time with us

We moved to Live Oak, CA

To walk on his own

Say "bless you" when someone sneezes

April-
How to go out of the Doggie Door

May-
Ride Peanut the Pony at the fair all alone

Wanted to brush his teeth all the time by himself

June-
The crib was recalled

He got stuck in the new one all the time

Sean turned 1

Went to San Francisco with Grandma Varnell

July-
Ate all of the tomatoes from our garden

Up in the 90% in height in his age group

August-
Swimming lessons in Yuba City

First time at the Ocean

September-
Our almost boating accident with Sean landing on the throttle

We started looking for a house in San Jose

While packing, I found Sean on top of the stove

October-
Moved to San Jose

Visited Santa Cruz

Went to the Pumpkin Festival in Half Moon Bay

Visited the San Francisco Zoo

Dressed up like Darth Vader for Halloween

November-
Spent Thanksgiving week at Grandma Varnell's

Sean is too big to sleep in the playpen

Walked Legoland's aquarium by himself with no stroller

The crib was turned into a toddler bed

December-
Sean locked Mommy in the Garage

Vaseline nightmare

Operation Snow White

Toddler bed was turned into a Full size bed

Goodbye 2009
It has been a Great year!
Sean, we love you!

2010

Watch out!

Sean is turning 2.

Christmas Weekend - all rolled up into 1 post

2009-12-29T10:48:00.000-08:00

We started off Christmas Eve Day just haning around the house. I made a second Cake Pop stand to display at Mickey Darta's house (Linda's Dad) for dinner. We arrived at his house around 4 p.m. Grandma and Grandpa Edwards were there waiting for us. Then Sean began his journey searching for Forbidden Fun. He tried stitting on Mikey the Golden Retreiver, located all the remotes in the house and started to hide them, and found everything breakable at his level for us to put away. We hadn't even been there for 20 minutes before the Dog was ready to send Sean home. Here are some pictures from dinner. We ate Cioppino made by Mickey. On a scale of 1-10 it was a 10 for sure! Only because 11 wasn't an option we found that out the hard way. "There is no 11!"

Oh! I forgot to tell you how Sean got that GIANT bruise above his right eye.

This picture was taken Christmas Morning. It happened Christmas Eve after dinner. Sean was running around, as usual, and tripped over his own big feet. Landing head first into an enrtyway coat/hat stand. It was the usual silent build up into the "Scream of Terror." But we are lucky, he is easy to calm. All you need is a baggie with ice cubes or a popcicle and he is good to go.

Christmas was a relaxing day for us but the Early morning was rough. We were woken up around 2:15 a.m. with a man yelling at "Dave" outside. We didn't hear much else as it was yelled in a Drunken Slur. (We don't know any Dave's around here so we wern't worried.) Eventually, it got quiet after we heard the cops pull up and they told the guy yelling to "Get Down On The Ground!" I think a Taser was involved because he stopped mid yell at "Dave". Merry Christmas in Jail. I wonder if he was on Santa's nice list before all that happened. Then Sean woke up about an hour later for about 30 minutes. Another night terror, we think. I wish they would just stop.

Then the Day after Christmas we headed up to see Great Grandpa and Grandma Edwards for the day. This was planned on Christmas so not all of our family was there. We had Steve, Irene, Boone, Ely, Destiny, Ron, Linda, and the three of us. After spendig a few hours at Rockhaven, Sean found more forbidden fun with the Christmas Tree, we went out to dinner. Not a good idea according to Sean.

Sean threw most of his food at Boone knocking over a glass of water barely missing Boone. And there was food all over the floor. Ususally this doesn't happen when we stick to the schendule. If we go out to dinner is it around 5 before tired Sean arrives for evening fits. But we find it to be a great time to go out anyway. There are usually no wait times for a table and all the "old" people love Sean and are shocke by how good he is when we are out. We give this credit to the schedule system! I'm sure if we ever have a second child it will all be different and we won't be this lucky again. Here's wishing.

After dinner we gained a second child, 13yr old Destiny. She came home with us to San Jose. School is out this week and she needed something to do. So at this very minute she is outside getting the tour of the backyard with Sean. I am shocked she woke up on her own this morning (10:15 a.m.) without me sending Sean in to wake her, like yesterday. I was nice and let her sleep in while I walked Rufus to the Vet with Sean at 9:00 to have his teeth cleaned. I woke her around 10:45.

Cake Pops? Cake Balls? Same Difference!

2009-12-24T09:30:00.000-08:00

Here I decorated styrofoam cake forms. I had no idea what I was doing I just had snowflake ribbon and wrapping paper.

It isn't perfect but for me the

Craft-o-phobic this is a MASTERPIECE!

I cut the cake forms in half just in case i completely screwed it up and had to make something different. so now I can have two table displays all I have to do now is make the second one...

Wish me luck and send burn cream. I had to use the hot glue gun because nothing else was working and I couldn't find my pin cushion. It has been such a long time since I last used it.

Now for the Cake Pops and Balls.

For directions and tips visit Bakerella and her blog.

Or Cake Pops Galore.

I made chocolate and vanilla flavors only because the Store was out of the colors and flavors I wanted.

Then I got the idea I should make it into something fun, So the Vanilla was transformed into snowballs but I didn't have clear or white sprinkles. The store only had a mix of Yellow and Clear sprinkles.That is when I got the idea for Yellow Snow.

Then it was only right to I call the Chocolate ones Raindeer Poop. Some of them had almonds and walnuts sprinkled on top for added giggles.

Chainsaws, Hangers, and Crowbars

2009-12-23T10:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had 2 trees cut down in the back yard. The chainsaws had been running on and off for over 3 hours. The Dog couldn't go out, Sean couldn't go out and I couldn't leave the house until they were done. Needless to say it made for a long day with only 1 short nap from Sean.

But on the bright side I discovered some new baby proofing ideas all because Sean was on a mission to find new Forbidden Fun. As everyone knows, Sean should be let loose in every new parents home so they can see what needs baby proofing. Only then will they will be ready to go for when their little one is mobile. One day I will make a video of what extreeme measures we have to take to keep him from "harms way".

DANGER?

SEAN LAUGHS

IN THE FACE OF DANGER!

AKA

Here we have the fridge and some of Sean's tools of choice. Note Dad's shoes are for added height. That added height is helpful when opening the fridge door by stepping up an leaning back. Lucky all he can reach from there are his apples and carrots so it could be worse. (Thanks for pointing that out T. It made me feel better.) All I had on handfor security was a bandana. I tied the doors shut near the top. So far so good.

The hanger, I think, is used to pry off the safety latch from the freezed drawer. Used the same way as one would use a crowbar. The safety latch is alread ripped off of the oter side so we are running on 1/2 security at the moment.

This mornig was a whole new adventure!

BEAR went missing!

Well not missing but was in the washer, wich is all the same thing to Sean. Bear was so getting so dirty he was changing color he NEEDED the bath!

Sean was now in meltdown mode. Asking over and over saying and signing "Where's Bear? Wher did Bear go?" moving his pointer finger back and forth and scratching his shoulders. He looked everywhere for him. The backup "Bear" just wasn't going to cut it today. Even though they are bought at the same store and look exactly alike. "He" wasn't Bear!

Now, afer MISSING for an hour, they are both napping peacefully and all is well.

Our family is just getting started...

Jocelyn's birth story

It's okay we didn't fall off the face of the Earth.

Uvas Canyon County Park Waterfalls

Testing, testing,1-2-3... Does this thing even work anymore?

Sad News Everyone

Ok the "Word" is out

Are You Ready for Some Cuteness?

Now that it is September I can talk about August.

Sean's favorite neighbor kitty

Strange things...

Once upon a time...

5 people!?!

"Oh my dosh!"

Sean Turned TWO!

A strange day

Just call us the Clampetts

Hot, Hot, Hot!!!

Try and try again

Busy Weekend

Bouncy Land with friends

What did you learn last week?

and These are the Days of our Lives...

Sean isn't afraid of his feminine side

I Heart Faces - "Celebrating Mom" Photo Entry

Happy Mother's Day- Weekend

I Heart Faces - Photo Entry - Then and Now

I forgot about the Backyard Tale of the week

Who is that Child calling me Mom?

Friday

Utah Pool Time

How can so much happen in one day?

Sweet Vacation

Utah Vacation

Happy Easter

It's been a long week.

Through Seans Eyes

Sean and Orion Playin' Like Boys Do

Guy Time in the Garage

Happy Hollow "Zoo" FARM

A Naked Day

Sean is growing up!!

A super long day

Hard at Play

The Leprechaun made Sean do it

Picnic in the Backyard

Helping a friend in Need

It was another Sunblock day

There just aren't any words

it's getting Warmer!!!

More YouTube videos Check em' out.

I See You!

Helping Dad

The drive home

Aunt Irene and Sean

Drum Circle Returns!

Destiny is here during her "Ski Week"

Happy Valentine's Day

Sleep? We don't need no Stinking Sleep!

Sean has another Cold

Frog Kisses

It's been a while

Laughing all the Day

Get out before the rain comes back

Manic Monday

Chuck E. Cheese

A happy and cheerful Good Morning

Just some pictures tonight

Need a *FREE* personal shopper?

A calm day and no rain

Sean is happy at the YMCA

A real date with the hubbs

My goal today? To not fall apart

Today at the Library

1st official day at the Gym

I bet you I can guess my neighbors favorite color without asking them.

Rain all week = House in total ruins

My Sister HATES The Magic Jack!

Round 2: *Operation- Snow White

Highlights

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