He's 8 Months Old Today!!!

My baby boy is 8 months old today....and finally I'm not a day late posting about it. Scott is now pulling himself up to standing and crawling all over the place. We bought another baby gate for the bottom of the stars since he has curiously wondered over to them and started climbing up them. He loves to play with all of his toys, of course not one really holds his interest longer then a few minutes. We started him on some thirds for food and he has also had some "regular" food. He can use a sippy cup for his juice and water. He is growing so fast and it is just so unbelievable that only 8 months ago I was holding him in my arms for the first time.

Wordless Wednesday - Daddy's Laundry Helper

I'm Late but....Merry Christmas

Christmas has come and gone and I must say that my family was very blessed this year. After three and a half celebrations we came home with lots of gifts and memories. Our first celebration took place on Christmas Eve at my mother-in-laws home. Our nieces and nephews opened and then played with their gifts. Pizza is the tradition for dinner. Scotty took home some hefty gifts including a Fisher Price Learning Farm, and a Zebra that you can ride on.




We celebrated our first Christmas with Scotty the next morning. He opened the gifts that we got him (well open is such a big word). He more or less climbed on top of the boxes and then beat on the boxes. We got him a penguin that wobbles, a sports center toy and wooden blocks.



We then headed south to my mom's house where we joined up with my brothers, my sister-in-law, my mom and her boyfriend. Scotty once again received lots of toys and clothes. He seemed to enjoy the time spent here.



That evening we went to my Dad's house. My dad and his girlfriend took care of Scotty again. We went home with several gifts after the Christmas holiday. So many we just aren't sure where to put them all.

Wordless Wednesday - What is better then this when it's cold outside?

WW, My Little Bro and Meeting Santa

First of all, I am extremely sad that Weight Watchers has ended at work. Our leader was unable to make our last meeting so we didn't get to weigh-in. There are other options such as going to an off-site location or just hoping that a new group starts in the new year. The problem is that we are moving to two new locations in January and it will split our group. Rumor has it though that another group that is coming to our location had a group as well. Personally I find it so much easier for myself with my WW group at work.

This weekend my little brother Sam came for Christmas from Vet school. Lucky kid, he goes to school on the island of St. Kitts in the Caribbean. He said he is ready to come home and has even put in for a transfer to a state school. I think it would be fun to go to school on an island and live in 90 degree weather but he has his reasons. He stayed with us for the weekend and helped my hubby put up our garage door opener. I'm glad we got to spend this time with him, as after Christmas he will be on his way to hang out with his girlfriend Christine in Philly.

Scotty got to meet Santa this past weekend. He didn't seem to mind sitting on the big guy's lap, in fact he didn't fuss one bit. He just stared at him and even cracked a smile.

Wordless Wednesday - What's Out There?

Oh Lordy...I'm Not Sure If I'm Ready for This Yet

This past weekend marked some milestones for my little guy. He decided that he would learn to crawl.....completely crawl not the launch and go method he was using. He goes so much faster with the full crawl. I just can't believe it.


Also he is pulling himself up....it started with just the knees and now he pulls up to standing. He loves standing by our sliding glass doors and next to his Sesame Street cart. I am still in awe at how much he is growing and how fast time goes by. It really just seems like yesterday that we brought Scott home and we had no idea what to do next.....who am I kidding we still don't know whats going to happen next. But I must say it has been a blast so far and Scott is such a great little boy. He is only going to provide us with surprises.

A New Car

So after 5 years it was time to turn in my car and get a new one. Actually, we had been spending so much money fixing the ol' girl up every year that it was getting silly and plus we needed more space. I apparently developed an emotional attachment to my 2000 Grand Prix and after much thought decided it was due to the fact that this car meant something to me. It was the first time I had gotten a loan on my own, no co-signer needed and I paid it off. I worked hard to pay it off and was able to spend at least a year and half without a car payment.

We made the trek to CarMax and got an appraisal on my car and searched for our new vehicle. After test driving a mini van, a Buick Rendezvous and a Chrysler Pacifica, we decided on the Pacifica. I love it!! It is very basic and so roomy. The back is perfect for our beagles to lay around and the back seat is big enough for Scott and two adults. The picture makes it look darker then it is, but it is a midnight blue color.

I Had A DATE!!!

With my hubby that is. He decided last week that we needed to go out, just the two of us. He set up the babysitter and we hit the town yesterday afternoon. We went to the movies and saw The Blindside. Excellent movie if you haven't gotten the chance to see it. I starts out rather sad, but you know it is going to turn out great. It's not centered around football so for those that may not want to see it because of that..don't worry.

We then made a short trip across the street to World Market so I could buy a small gift for my supervisor at work. While there we made a beeline to the wine section. Ever since we bought our little wine fridge my hubby claims he is turning into a wine lover. So proceeded to purchase 6 bottles of wine of various types.

After shopping we went to eat at On The Border, a Mexican-style restaurant. They have some of our favorite chips and salsa. I ordered an avocado grilled enchilada and it was tasty. I think it needed a little kick, but I like my food spicy. Bill had southwest tacos which were equally as tasty with the fried onions on top.

It was so much fun to go out with my husband by ourselves. We decided that we needed to make it at least a monthly thing. I wonder where he will take me next??

Weight Watchers, New DVD and Spending the Day with My Baby

We have one week left with our WW leader at work. Hopefully we will be able to continue when the new year starts but the bad news is that we are moving to new buildings and we may not have enough people at one location. I know that there are several ladies that have mentioned continuing at our new location so hopefully we can recruit more members or we will have enough.

I wasn't going to go to the meeting as Thanksgiving weekend took its toll on me. But the more I thought about it and with the urging of my co-worker Kathy, I went to weight in. I nervously stepped on the scale and was so happy to find that I had only gained 0.4 lb. I think that is good despite the fact that my mom was up the entire weekend and I don't think I had one healthy meal.

While shopping for some Christmas presents at Borders I came across the fitness DVD section. I had been longing for a good yoga DVD. I was doing yoga twice a week in a small private class before I found out I was pregnant last year. I loved it! I have since moved away from that town and I don't have the time to make it to a local yoga class. While browsing the DVDs I came across The Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga. I came home and tried it and I felt much better the next day. I bragged about it so much that my-coworker is going to borrow it too.

I got to spend the entire day with my baby boy today!!!! We had so much fun. We went to his swim class, which he is starting to love more and more each day. After class we came home, had lunch and both of us took a 2 hour nap. We got up and ran some errands, came home and waited for Bill to come home. It doesn't matter what we do I just love spending time with Scotty!!! He just makes my day.

Seven Months Already?!?!?

Yesterday my little guy turned 7 months old. He is growing so fast and he just makes my heart melt. He is weighing in at around 18 lbs and is 27.5 inches long. He is crawling around and I'm fairly certain his first tooth is going to be popping through anytime.

Happy 7 Month Birthday Little Man!!!

And Since I Am Sharing.....

Here is my baby boy next to the Christmas tree. Luckily it's in a spot that he doesn't seem to want to crawl to.

Holiday Lights

I had to share the lights that my husband put up on our home. He was so proud of himself that I knew I had to show them off. We are so blessed to have been able to build the home that we love and to be able to decorate as we please.

Where Have You Been??

Wow....I feel like I fell off the face of the Earth with my blogging. I have that lingering feeling of not talking to a good friend in months.....that's what my lack of blogging has done. I know several times I told my hubby that I need to get on the computer and blog. The first week I was Super Busy at work, we finished painting our kitchen and just seemed to be occupied with other things. I have been off of work since this past Monday afternoon and it has been wonderful. I have spent such memorable and cherished moments with Scott and Bill. We took a trip while Bill did some consulting work, went shopping and spent time with our families. We were able to find time to take boxes down to the basement and start getting our Christmas items out.

Thanksgiving was not only delightful and wonderfully delicious. We gathered at my brother's home for some yummy food and bonding time which included playing Big Game Hunter and some odd rabbit game on Wii. My mom was able to stay until today and was able to see Scott during his swim class. I am so thankful for my family and the time that I get to spend with them. It has been such a blessing to be able to hang out with my baby and my husband. I must say though...I am back and my blogging will be as well.

A Visit From the Heisman

The Heisman Trophy made a visit to my husband's high school. Why is this coveted trophy traveling to a local Illinois high school one might ask?? Apparently there is a parent who works for Nissan and Nissan is sponsoring a tour of the trophy. They were able to get the trophy to make a stop while in-route to another location. Of course, my husband, being the football guy that he is, had to take Scott to lay his hands on the almighty Heisman. Scott seemed to be rather sober with the trophy but the big boy loved it.

Weighing In

I was dreading my weigh-in today at Weight Watchers. Absolutely fearing it......I hadn't eaten particularly well and I am completely off on my exercising. For goodness sakes I had Long John Silver's fish, chicken and shrimp the other night so I knew it would not be good (sometimes get those odd cravings.)

I walked down the stairs with two of my co-workers to the classroom for our meeting. We were the first ones there and I got to be the first one on the scale. Harry, our WW leader, was set up and ready to go. I stepped on and waited and waited and waited some more....he had started to fill out the wrong form. I just knew it had to be bad. He handed my booklet back and I had lost 1 pound!!!! I seriously thought he must have been joking but I wasn't going to second guess the almighty Weight Watcher's scale.

Needless to say I am in a much happier mood and I am more dedicated to making this upcoming week a better one. This means no Long John Silver's. I started two days ago ensuring that I am getting enough water especially while I am at work. I tend to sit at my desk and not get up to refill my water bottle which leaves me tired and parched.

After seven weeks of attending meetings, I have lost 7.2 lbs. I couldn't be more thrilled as this baby weight needs to go!!!

2009 Bloggers Ornament Exchange

So while perusing some new and lovely blogs I found a Blogger Ornament Exchange over at PamperingBeki. It's really simple....just sign up on her blog, send her an email with your pertinent info, she will pair you up and let you know where to send the ornament to by November 23rd. You have until November 12th to sign up...so hurry on over!!

Pictures to Share

I just had to share some pictures of my baby boy. I just can't get enough of him!!

Watching Daddy mow the lawn with Shiloh

Just too cute and he knows it

There is something about a Super Grover tee, a diaper, and striped socks

The Next Michael Phelps??

I decided awhile ago that I wanted my kids to take swimming lessons. I think that it is very important for little ones to learn the basics so that just in case they ever get in a situation where they need to utilize swimming they would know what to do. So I found out that our local YMCA starts offering classes when kids are 6 months old. Perfect!!! Scott just turned 6 months old so I signed him up.

I can't say that he loved it and I can't say that he hated it as he was rather indifferent about the whole situation. He was put in a yellow floaty and we sang songs while doing different movements. For instance we sang a little song about a motorboat while having the little ones lay on their back and kick their feet. As Scott is only a baby I was the one kicking his feet. Six more weeks left, so I hope he smiles sometime soon while he is there.

The Week After Halloween Pictures

Am I a terrible mom for not taking pictures of my little one on his first Halloween. Granted my husband dressed him up the day before and brought him into my work to visit with my co-workers and he didn't have it on the day of Halloween. But how did I (the person that takes pictures of my child almost everyday) forget to do this. Anywho...here is my little monkey, who kinda looks like a little bear:

I Feel So Honored

So earlier this week one of my favorite people, Lindsey from over at Mommy Wonderland left me a message that she would have a suprise for me. Well low and behold she gifted me not just 1, but 2 awards.

Make sure to click on over to Mommy Wonderland as Lindsey provides a great laugh and lovely thoughts.....her most recent postings have made me giggle and left me completely intrigued about the P90X system.

I have been so super excited about this since I got her message, but my time wouldn't allow for me to post this until today. Thank you so much Lindsey for thinking of me...as a fairly new blogger it makes me proud to have loyal readers already. So here it goes.....

This award is bestowed on to blogs that are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers.

Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose six more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

So I only have five but they are delightful and entertaining reads.

Please make sure to visit these great ladies:

Kathy - At Last....

Karen - Ramblin'

Jano - What's Brewing with JANERIC?

Melissa - Melissa's Adventures in Kids, Knitting, and Weight Loss (not necessarily in that order)

Nikki - In the Nik of Time...

This is the second award and there are some rules that go along with it too....

Post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.

Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Or in my case the five fabulous blogs mentioned above. Here is to the ladies above and they two honors they have recieved today!!

Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

It's So Much Easier Being Green

Finally after two months of living in our house we decided to buy some paint for the family room/kitchen. After throwing out the idea of an olive green type color, my hubby agreed and we went on our way to Lowes.

Before we moved we bought one of those lovely paint color fan books. These things are fantastic for picking out paint colors due to the amount of colors to choose from but they are also horrible for the same reason. Too many colors!!!!

In the end we picked Olympic Paint color Cavern Moss. We started last weekend when my mom came to visit someone could watch the little one. Now we have the kitchen to conquer......

Below are a few pictures to show off the color.....we don't have much hanging on the walls yet but it will come in time.

Before.....

Current......

Time Flys When You Are Having Fun

My baby is officially 6 months old as of last Friday. I really can't believe how fast it has gone. He is sitting up unassisted, rocking back and forth on his hands and knees and starting to get the hang of using a sippy cup. In fact Bill and I saw him try to take a crawling step (if that's what you call it) the other day. He loves to stand and jump up and down. We started to move him up to 2nd foods the other day as well. This next month can only bring us new adventures.



And yes this is a picture of my baby in a bar. It was lunch time and they have great food.

Hooters

We took a small roadtrip last weekend to Schaumburg to visit our friend Tommy at his Hooters restaurant. Tommy is a good friend of my hubby's and is a manager there. Plus we were having some major wing cravings....two weekends in a row!! Tommy loves seeing Scott which also provided us with some good laughs.

Tommy played a game with Scotty by blowing at his face.

At first he wasn't so for sure about the game but then....

he thought it was hilarious.

Scotty played with his toys but would then drop them for the servers to pick up. How does my little boy know how to get a girl's attention already?

Scott also thought it would be fun to try and get to his Daddy's beer. He got a bottle of formula shortly after this was taken.


We met Shannon, a 2010 Hooters calendar girl. She is the back cover girl for the calendar. She was very sweet and Scott seemed to enjoy having his picture with her too (as seen by his smirk).