Extended Vacation Part I.

I have really been enjoying my extended vacation.

Dow, Liam and I spent last week at Lake Martin with my parents. We had beautiful weather and soaked up the sun (as exhibited by some bad sunburns). Dow's family was kind enough to let us borrow their boat, and we spent two days cruising the lake. Liam loved the water! He squealed and bounced all around in the boat. He also loved swimming, so I think I'll try to do some lessons this summer.








Saturday, we went to Auburn. That night, I saw Sex and the City 2 with Elizabeth. I loved the company but could have done without the movie. On Sunday, Dow and I went to see Shrek 4. Of course, I loved it (but I love all the Shrek movies). Dow even spent an hour with me in Ann Taylor Loft while I grabbed up some new work outfits at 40% off.

We got back to Birmingham yesterday and have been busy ever since. We've voted, bought groceries, cleaned the house, done laundry, looked at invitations, bought stamps, dropped by the monogramming store, made a giant mess in the kitchen, made an appointment with the exterminators (weavels apparently took an extended vacation in our kitchen) and played on our new laptop.

By the way, I love our new laptop. I should have bought one for the house a long time ago.

Now, I think I hear my bed calling my name.

Sew-tastic Part II.

Dow was at work last night, so when Liam went to bed, I decided to take a look at my patterns. You know, get one step ahead before my mom gets here tomorrow.

Bad idea.

I like to think of myself as a smart girl, one who, with a little research and thought, can figure most things out. That doesn't appear to be the case for me in the sewing department.

After looking at the patterns (over and over and over again), I had a mild panic attack. Although mom assured me that we could "figure it out," I'm pretty sure I just wasted my $43. Actually, I'm 99% sure.

When Liam gets older, at least I can tell him a tried to be a crafty mom.

Stay tuned for Sew-tastic Part III.

Sew-tastic.

I'm back.

Today, I braved Hancock to pick up some gear for my new sewing adventure. I got two jon-jon patterns, two yards of fabric (a solid navy blue and then a green/navy plaid) and some snap tape. Forty-three dollars later, I just need to pick up some sewing scissors, thread, and, most importantly, the ability to sew before my mom gets here next week.

While the sweet (and extremely patient) Hancock lady was helping me with all my sewing-illiterate questions, Liam threw an absolutely hissy-troll fit. I couldn't help but somewhat smile at him, though, because I remember all the hissy-troll fits I threw with my mother in Hancock. I hated going to that store. I think I'll leave Liam at home next time I go, if there is a next time.

We'll see how my most likely disastrous first sewing experience goes. I may (or may not) post pictures (depending on my embarassment).

Morgan

Computer-Less.

Our home computer is fried, courtesy of some lame virus. It is currently in Auburn with a friend who is transferring over Liam's baby pictures before taking it to the trash.

So, it looks like I won't be blogging again until we get our new laptop sometime next week.

Gasp. Shock. Horror.

Hold it all back, people. You will survive. (I hope you, and by you, I mean my 5 readers, have picked up on the sarcasm by now).

I am currently blogging on my work computer, but as of tomorrow, I will no longer have it either. Tomorrow is my last day at Hand Arendall. I resigned last week and will start a new job (still civil defense litigation) in Birmingham in mid-June. But, that's another long post for another day. . .

Big Day.

Today is a big day for me.

Why? Because I bought my very first car! I did it all by myself-no dad or husband to help me along (well, Dow helped me via phone a little).



I ended up purchasing a Toyota Venza. It is such a relief because I feel like I have been car shopping FOREVER. It was never the right car or the right price or the right salesperson (don't even get me started on them). I looked at all different kinds of cars and just couldn't find anything I liked as much as the Venza. It has a higher ride, hands free phone, great gas mileage, a push start button and a one-touch rear closing door, i.e., all the things that were on my list. And, it had the exterior (dark gray)/interior (beige) color-combo I wanted. What is up with all the black car interiors? Who wants to sit on black seats in the 100 degree Alabama heat? Not me.

Today, everything finally fell into place. I got the exact car I wanted for a price I was willing to pay. Getting that combo has proved to be much harder than I expected.

Now, if only they could hurry up and get the car here from South Carolina. Liam and I want to go for a cruise!

Morgan

It's Ok to Laugh.

I did.



Actually, I hope he likes his new sunglasses (even though he looks like a spaceman).

Goldfish.

For dinner. Last night. The entire (full) bag in one big pile on the floor.

Courtesy of Liam.

I think I could actually hear Otis say, "JACKPOT!"

Morgan

No.

Someone in our house has a temper, and that someone would be Liam.

He has quickly learned the word "no."

Here is how it began:

Over the last several weeks, we've started to notice a new response from Liam when he does't get what he wants: a giant grimance, balled fists, and an annoying squeal. It looks something like this (minus the hair and wrinkles but add balled fists and a squeal):



It must stop now.

So, Dow and I are trying out our newbie "parenting skills." This consists of a firm "no" and even a hand pop now and then (when he insists on pulling out electrical cords). I'm surprised at how quickly Liam has learned the word "no," but I'm even more surprised by his need to test us (or find his limits).

Last night, Liam was eating dinner with us at the table. When he decided he was done, he began the grimace/fists/squeal combo. His 'tude was received by a firm "no" from Dow. Again, we got the combo, and, again, Liam got a firm "no" from Dow.

Liam then proceeded to sit there, quietly, but fuming like a baby freight train. He was mad as hell about having to sit through dinner quietly. His face was beet red and frozen in a most unattractive frown. As we continued to eat and he realized he was not going anywhere anytime soon, he face got redder and redder (again, all in silence). At one point, I literally thought he might explode. I had to cover my mouth so he couldn't see me laughing. It was one of the funniest things I have ever seen (along with Dow's "you better mind me because I'm your dad face"). If only I had pictures . . .

I can tell this "discipline" thing is going to be interesting.

Morgan

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

This is my first "official" Mother's Day. Last year, we had an "almost" Mother's Day celebration, but I have enjoyed this year's Mother's Day way more!

I got a beautiful ring from Dow and Liam. It was a total surprise, and I love it (which is a surprise in itself-Dow rarely gift shops for me without asking first)!

Liam apparently picked it out after Dow narrowed it down to a few choices. So, of course I love it! And, for those detailed-oriented readers, I'm wearing it on my left-hand so I could take a non-blurry picture. Every time I tried to take a picture with my left hand, my hand would shake and the picture would blur.



Liam looks pretty proud of himself in this picture (as he should be). He's a wonderful blessing, and I'm thankful to be his mother.

Love to all the mommies out there, especially my mommy, my grand-mommy and Dow's mommy!

Morgan