Wordless Wednesday: Adorable duckling

Chip off the ol' block?

Jason's mom was in town this last week and we got to enjoy a few evenings with her over dinner and drinks. She lives out-of-state (always has since I've been with Jason) so I don't often get much time to chit chat with her. Seems that perhaps was a good thing because maybe I never would have married Jason if I had. NOT because I don't like Cathy (I love her!), but because of the stories she's been telling me about him! I'm pretty sure the thought of having children with this man would have had me running.... seems he was quite a handful! From chewing apart his crib (oh wait...), to smashing eggs from the refrigerator when her back was momentarily turned, to running his baby walker down the stairs... and laughing. She has repeated to us numerous times that he was "horrible!". Thankfully, she says, he mellowed out quite a bit. (I agree!)

With all that, I started thinking that my little mischievous pumpkin may have a bit of his dad in him (I think he knows his name as "DwoooOOOoo", with the "did you really just do that!?" tone). But really, he is quite a sweetheart. Here are just a few examples:

When we put up a tiny Christmas tree at our lake house to celebrate an early Christmas with my  parents and sister, Drew, of course, wanted to touch badly. After saying a firm, but quiet, "no" (apparently with a finger wag, according to Jason, which must have done the trick) Drew pouted then burst into tears. But, from then on, he simply looked and pointed at the tree without touching. When we pulled out the big tree at our house he never once tried to touch it. He will point to it and say "wow!" but he stays just out of reach.

A good boy gets to hold his special ornament

One of Drew's favorite phrases is "bessoo!" which means "bless you!". Jason has horrible allergies. Year round. So the phrase is pretty much a constant in our house. A week or so ago I was changing Drew's diaper upstairs when Jason sneezed downstairs. Drew shouted "bessoo!" (and of course Jason shouted back "thank you!")

Drew has also learned to say "san soo" ("thank you", though it can be confused with "bless you"). At first he loved handing me things and saying "san soo" knowing that I was about to say it. The other day, though, Jason handed him his sippy cup and Drew said "san soo!". Awwww!!

He loves bedtime and asks to go "night night". Last night we were late coming home from church and it was past his bedtime. He angrily screamed "nye nye!" the whole way home then laughed when we brought him upstairs to get ready for bed.

Just being a sweetie (and making sure B.A. Laura buys him
anything he wants!)

We stick to a bedtime routine every night- brush teeth, change diaper and put on PJs, get "deedee" (blankie), read a book, then say a prayer. When we get finished with our book I say, "now it's time to say our prayers" and he clasps his hands together. Makes. My. Heart. Melt! (And always makes me say an extra word of thanks to the Big Man).

Because of a cough, the doctor put Drew on an inhaler for a few weeks. The first little bit was rough trying to get him to sit still so we could give him the medicine. He kicked, screamed, thrashed, and cried (and made me feel like an evil monster). Suddenly, the other day, he sat perfectly still the whole time. I have no clue why but I smiled and excitedly said "good boy!". Ever since he sits still and takes it, then when he's finished, before I even get a chance to, he says "boo boy!" (good boy) and, once again, makes my heart melt. "Yes, VERY good boy!"

Monday Minute: The first

So, I've obviously not been great about keeping things up-to-date around here. Life keeps on keeping on and I'm just trying to hang on for the ride.  But I would like to post more. The point of my blog has always been just a fun way of keeping loved ones,especially those far away, in the know of the happenings around here, at first with the pregnancy, and now with Drew.

So, in keeping with that purpose, and to try to force myself into a more regular posting schedule, I've come up with "Monday Minutes" in which I'd like to post a minute-long video of nothing more than Drew doing his thing. You might find it boring. You might find it pointless. But if that's the case, then this blog probably isn't meant for you. I really want for my parents and sister (and aunts and uncles and cousins and friends who care) to have the opportunity to see Drew just as he is, not just when I'm trying to show off his cute tricks.

My wordy posts won't disappear. Nor will my wordless ones. But this is just an addition to hopefully keep things moving around here.

So, without further ado...

What I love in this video is that he had just gotten "in trouble" for eating the crayons (thus the blue crayon crumb on the cheek and the teary look), so every time he gets the idea that the crayons might be tasty, he looks to me for approval, and sees my "mom look" and decides better. I also love the meticulous way he tries to put the little piece of blue crayon back on each of the crayons.

These are the little things I feel are often missed with the "look what he's doing now!" posts. So, I hope you enjoyed spending a little time with Drew today. Come back next Monday! It's Halloween!

Wordless Wednesday: Spaceman Drew

The faces of Drew, part 2

Today's post is not a photography class post (so no judging the quality of my photos), but it does include numerous pics, as usual (because, let's be honest, I don't think you come here to read my blog).

I have done a post like this before. Often, in the process of trying to get a "good" photo, I capture these fun faces. And sometimes I just have to share!

Lol! Do you think he's imitating Mommy in that last one?

Catching some Zzzzzs

Is that not the cutest ever? Not sure how he ended up sleeping like that, but I LOVE it! <3

Things around here have been... exhausting. I find myself feeling very overwhelmed most of the time and just don't know what to do. Now that we've finished the half marathon, though, I have a little time back in my life. Perhaps that coupled with some beach time next week during Spring Break will be enough to recharge me and get me through to summer.

I did have a good weekend though and got to catch up a little on some rest. The fact that I did not have to run for 2 + hours either day helped, a LOT! Also, my parents were briefly in town and took Drew to the lakehouse Friday night so I got to sleep in on Saturday morning. Unfortunately I didn't get to sleep as late as I would have liked because I kept waking up feeling like I needed to do something. Just as I would drift off I would think "oh no! I need to....." and realize there was nothing I needed to do. Funny how that works. This morning, however, though we didn't sleep in, Jason and I did go back to bed while Drew took his morning nap. We slept almost 2 hours! I haven't done that in TOO long! I used to be known for my napping skills (haha, skills?) but I just don't get the chance to anymore. So many people tell you to nap when the baby naps, but you HAVE to eat, and showers are somewhat necessary, and if you're me, meds have to fit in there somewhere too.

Oh well... Spring Break is only one week away, and then you will definitely find me re-perfecting those nap skills!

For Aunt Christine

Drew loves his towel that you made!

And I love him in it! Thank you!

Wordless Wednesday: Is that comfortable?

Wordless Wednesday: Clementine

A right jolly little elf

I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus

Have you been good this year?

Ho Ho Ho!

Wordless Wednesday: With a Bound

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

I've never really had an issue with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season... I suppose a large part of that is because, as a student (and now a teacher) I've always been blessed to have 2 weeks off for Christmas, sorry, Winter Vacation (I'm going to get myself in trouble at school calling it "Christmas Vacation" one of these days!). On top of that Jason and I, for the past 3 or 4 years, have opted not to buy each other gifts and have made deals with friends and family to do the same. Instead we make a big donation to the CF Foundation. It saves us time, headache, and even money! (We can give a fairly large donation and it will most likely still be less than what we would have spent on gifts that people don't really need).

But, now that we have Drew? Well, now it's a whole different story. Because now we do have to buy gifts (maybe not HAVE to, but we're not going to be those parents). And not only do we have to buy gifts, but we have to buy stocking stuffers. And not only do we have to buy stocking stuffers, but we have to get pictures with Santa. And not only do we have to get pictures with Santa, but we have to print pictures with Santa so we can give more gifts...

I'm totally in the holiday spirit, and loving it, but it is a tad exhausting. For example, this was my day today:

1. Woke up early so I could shower and get dressed before I...
2. Fed Drew and got him all dressed up and cute so we could go to...
3. Breakfast with Santa and have pictures taken.
4. Brought Drew home for a nap and left him with Dad while I went to...
5. Kohl's to make an exchange then to...
6. Jo-Ann's to buy fabric to make Drew a stocking (I can't believe I almost forgot that!) then to...
7. Publix to buy ingredients to make a pumpkin roll and a pumpkin cheesecake then....
8. Home to feed Drew while Jason headed to work then...
9. Did my meds since I didn't get a chance to this morning then...
10. Played with the little guy (gotta take some time out to do that!) then...
11. Put him down for a nap so I could...
12. Wash, fold, and put away laundry then...
13. Drew woke up early so I played with him some more before I...
14. Fed him again then...
15. Spent some time reading him books then...
16. Stacey came over and we baked a pumpkin roll and pumpkin cheesecake (one for a party she was going to, one just because I wanted to and because there's always leftover pumpkin).
17. Introduced Drew to "snow" then...
18. Drew went down for a nap again while...
19. I cleaned up the exploded kitchen then...
20. I finally sat on my a-- for a few minutes and chatted briefly online with my sis until...
21. Drew woke up and I fed him. Thankfully....
22. Jason brought home Taco Bell for dinner!

On top of all that I am...

• still sorting out my job situation which is requiring me to fluff up resumes, write cover letters, make phone calls, and apparently even redo my application (don't ask!). 
• planning and packing for our cross-country trip to Seattle and San Francisco (part of which will include Drew and I flying by ourselves!)

So, needless to say, please forgive me for any spotty blogging in the next few weeks. I know you, my adoring fans (actually, more like Drew's adoring fans) aren't going to like it, but what can I do? I'll try to make up for it and leave you with a fantastically adorable picture of Drew and Santa!

That's Mr. Mike, my best friend Stacey's father-in-law. He used to be our youth pastor. I think it makes the picture that much more special!

Not enough? Well, what if I add in some pictures of Drew and his first experience with "snow"?

It's a powder that you add water to and it expands into this...

Thanks Grandma! ;)

And Drew eating a flower?

And how about one adorably smiley baby?

(I need to say a quick thank you to my Aunt Wynn Anne who sent those adorable pants (along with some equally adorable onesies)! I couldn't decide what pants he should wear. I had red pants, but I knew they would blend into Santa... I couldn't find any green pants at the store so I was stumped, but then I discovered these in the drawer of clothes that he doesn't quite fit into yet! They were perfect!. And I just love the stripes!)

Oh, ok, I'll throw in a video too...



















Despite all the hustle and bustle, please don't forget the reason for the season! Family, friends, gift-giving... it's all important and fun, but take a few minutes to really remember what we're celebrating!

Moo Moo Mr. Cow

Or, in terms more people will understand, that would be a "baby burrito." (Never been to Moe's? I am truly sorry!)

I thought about doing this post as a "Wordless Wednesday" but I just HAD to write that I did NOT touch Drew in any way during any of this! The quilt was flat beneath him.... he grabbed the corner and started rolling...

I was already laughing pretty hard at this point, and then he continued rolling....

And playing peek-a-boo...

Again, I did NOT touch him, not even once!

I was pretty much dying from laughing so hard! It doesn't get much cuter than that!

It's fixed!

So I figured out my photo posting issue, and I'm not going to explain what exactly the problem was, because really I was just being dumb (and I'm saying that despite the fact that, for Drew's sake, I forbid myself from saying I'm dumb, stupid, airheaded, unintelligent, etc.). In my defense I tried on a completely separate computer and was still having the same issue, but anywho...

And that's all I've got. Cuties, no? I'm pretty sure he looks a lot like his Daddy, but he does have my eyes. Yup, those are definitely mine! :)

Photic Sneeze Reflex

Ever heard of it? It's apparently a hereditary trait in which a person, upon going from darkness to brightness, sneezes. I've known a few people who claim to have this reflex. I experienced it a few times, but Drew consistently sneezes when greeted by bright lights. He often sneezes immediately after I pull him out of the car to put him in his stroller. He also sometimes sneezes when I turn on the lights in his room after a nap. Like here, for example. You'll notice that once he finally opens his eyes all the way he sneezes. (You'll also notice the absolutely adorable smile that almost always greets me when I get him after a nap).

The curious thing is that it is supposedly hereditary, and a dominant trait at that, but neither Jason nor I seem to have the "photic sneeze reflex."

Where are you?

We here at the Flood household (with Stacey too!) were the Scooby Doo gang for Halloween! Better known as the Drewby Doo gang around these parts!  For some reason I started calling Drew "Drewby Doo" a while ago and it wasn't until one day I said "Drewby Doo, where are you?" (just playing around since I obviously know where he is at all times) that I realized I got it from Scooby Doo. My sister and Jen both thought "Scooby Drew" was a cute nickname (and honestly makes more sense than Drewby Doo) but the 100 points goes to my cousin Samantha who figured it out because she noticed me calling him Drewby Doo at Thanksgiving in Canada.

So, anyway, when I was thinking of Halloween costumes for Drew it struck me that it would be adorable for him to be Scooby. Then yesterday, when trying to figure out exactly how I was going to put Scooby together and searching pictures online, it struck me again that Jason should be Shaggy... and the idea snowballed from there. We made our pumpkin into Scooby, we sat outside passing out the treats while playing the Scooby Doo theme song, and we even passed out Scooby Doo silly bands (I already planned to pass out silly bands instead of candy to be healthy and Wal-Mart just happened to have Scooby Doo ones!). We really should have done "Trunk or Treats" at the church and decked out the van as the Mystery Mobile!

The real gang

 Here are some more pictures from our evening...

It was Stacey's idea to hand out candy on the front porch. I loved it! I loved watching all the kids and just being part of the Halloween atmosphere Also enjoyed some Pumpkin Spice hot chocolate out in the chilly air too!

Boo!

His tag says DD for Drewby Doo instead of SD!

Drew's costume was just a brown hoody that I hot glued felt spots and ears onto. I also glued the blue collar around it and glued the dog tag to it too. Cheap (the hoody was $3.50!) and easy!

Shaggy and Scooby, best buds of course!

I did the drawing, Stacey did the carving. What a perfect team!

Would you believe we're both wearing shirts as skirts?? We did our costumes as cheaply as possibly only buying socks and the shirt/skirt for Stacey, stockings and scarf for me, 3XL tee for Jason, and the hoody and felt for Drew. My scarf and the red shirt were the only items over $5 ($12 and $9 respectively) and they can be worn again easily!

Though Drew is too young to go trick-or-treating and we can't steal his candy yet (oops, did I say that out loud?), we got the best treat of all anyway... check it out...



Drew's first laughs! It was soooooooooo adorable, him in his little costume, laughing away. OMG, I nearly died from cuteness overload! I can't believe we caught it on video! Funny that of all the things I've done to try to get him to laugh it ended up being me saying "what?" over and over again....oh and kissing him too! Doesn't that just melt your heart even more??