There Are Many Things I am Thankful For...

Dennis and I made a game-time decision this morning to take today as a vacation day and extend our Thanksgiving weekend. I think I could get used to a work-two-days-and-vacation-five-days type of work week.

Being the incredibly spontaneous people that we are, we decided to do something that we've been meaning to do for several months: take Connor to RBA (Reproductive Biology Associates) to put his footprint on the "Miracle Board".

It's truly amazing: Dennis and I have our own family to be thankful for this year. It's still hard to believe. Dennis, Echo, me, and now Connor.

A New Generation

As I sit on the couch researching our margarita machine rental business (more to come on that later), I am looking at the most sweet thing that I've seen in a long time. Dennis has Connor on his lap and they are both captivated with Cars, the movie playing on his computer. I am reminded very quickly how different things are going to be for Connor as he grows up compared to how things were for us. I mean, we had to WALK to school, barefoot, and it was uphill BOTH ways!!

My emotions went full-circle: for a minute I felt happy, then I felt old, I felt sad and then I felt happy again. He is growing up so quickly but he has so much to look forward to.

Especially his Thanksgiving Day meal.

Must.Have.This.

The simple mention of Mario Brothers conjurs up many emotions and memories for me. I am taken back to a dark time when Kelly and I pretty much locked ourselves in our unfinished basement and prayed (yes, we PRAYED) that we could pass one of the most difficult levels, Water World. It was so hard not to drown when you were being attacked from every angle!

Kelly and I were absolutely obsessed. And I have to admit that my dad was not far behind and he may have actually been the third victim to get sucked into this addictive game. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that he played Nintendo after we went to bed.

I guess this is where I should say that you must thank God for unanswered prayers because Kelly and I never made it past stupid Water World. So, we obviously never beat the game. Pretty pathetic, I know. Pathetic that we prayed to pass Water World and pathetic that we couldn't beat it EVEN with the help of God.

I learned that there is a new Wii game coming out. Mario Brothers for Wii. Are you kidding me? Could there be anything more awesome? I am so excited and cannot wait to get it.

When I purchase it, it'll be for Connor, of course. I wouldn't buy something like this for me.

You Say It Best

Lately, Dennis has been traveling for work a lot more than he usually does. I am not a fan of him being gone - nor is he. With him there and me here, you'd think that it is difficult for us to talk to each other between feedings, working, taking care of Connor, Echo, traveling, and all of the other fun stuff that goes on during a typical day. Somehow, though, Dennis and I still manage to talk to each other numerous times throughout the morning..and, well, throughout the afternoon and night, as well.

The point that I'm trying to make is that when he's out of town, we still talk to each other. A lot.

Upon occasion, I don't have a whole lot to say. Especially in the morning, before my more-than-generous-gallon-of-caffeine has touched my lips. Earlier this week, I thought that Dennis might like to wake up to a short video of Connor and Echo so I pulled out my trusty iPhone and got the crew in place. I was hoping that Connor might smile or possibly goo or giggle for a quick second.

I couldn't have been more wrong.



Dennis appreciated this form of communication much more than a typical phone call or text message. Without saying a word, Connor managed to say "good morning" better than I could have ever said it.

In fact, Connor hasn't learned how to talk but he has definitely learned how to make us smile. And laugh. And Dennis can attest to the fact that it's typically pretty hard to get me to do that before 7AM.

A Month Early

Yes, I am guilty of being negligent and not posting much lately but I am going to surprise you today with TWO POSTS IN THE SAME DAY. I hope you were sitting down when you read the last sentence because otherwise you are probably on the floor right now. Overwhelmed with excitement. I know, I know, it's hard to believe. Get up, put on your seatbelt or whatever you need to do because here goes post #2 for November 1st, 2009. (Yes, I'm still drinking coffee. It is highly likely that I need to slow down on my caffeine consumption this morning.)

You've probably seen the same things that I've seen on TV: Christmas is coming early this year because retailers are worried about the cutbacks in consumer spending. So, the deals are already here and I'm sure that you will see no less than 78 bazillion misteletoes, garlands, and Santa Claus' the next time you step foot into a mall. Christmas Carols will be imprinted on your forehead.

And, being completely honest, I wasn't excited about Christmas arriving the day after Halloween this year until I got the paper this morning. In years past, I would be feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and unprepared.

This year is different, though.

I opened the newspaper this morning (still with my large cup of coffee in hand) and went straight for the ads. There are so many cute toys and kids gifts that I cannot wait to buy for Connor. Many of the toys are for children older than him but I know in just a few years we'll be buying him all kinds of fun toys. And seeing his face on Christmas morning will be the best gift that I could ask for.

In a few years, I am imagining Connor ripping open presents from Santa and Dennis spending hours putting together toys that claim to be "easy-to-assemble" but never are. I'll be cooking...wait. No, that's not right. That's not a realistic vision. Ok, stick with the first part and then picture me helping Connor make a mess with the wrapping paper and then bringing Dennis a stiff drink to help lessen any frustration he may have. Echo will be helping out with the ruckus, too. And, of course, I will be there taking PLENTY of pictures.

Halloween 2009

We were nervous about the time-change and Connor needing to stay on his schedule but all of our concerns faded away when he consumed a whopping 2 ounces before bed. He's had yet another bout with a cold and tends to not eat very well when he can't breathe. That is understandable but frustrating to parents that not only want their son to feel good but also selfishly want to sleep through the night like they are used to. As you might have guessed, we all survived the transition and Connor made it through just fine because he woke us up at 4am to eat. Those two ounces before bed just didn't do it.

Trying to be a glass-half-full (or coffee cup that is overflowing with caffeine) person this morning, I am focusing on the fact that Connor made the transition OK. Not that the entire household was awake at 4am.

And it's sunny outside. A beautiful day to follow a dreary Halloween night.

People have children for many different reasons but one of them is the fact that they keep you young. I have a renewed excitement for the Holidays, buying gifts, and doing the cheesy photo-op's at every chance that I get.

That being said, it is no surprise that we have photos of sweet little Connor dressed up in nothingless than two of the cutest costumes EVER. Of course, the only option for his costume was something Disney related. Any time I mention Disney World, Dennis says, "it's the most magical place on Earth" before I can finish my sentence. Yes, he drank the Kool-Aid when he worked there as an intern and the Kool-Aid must have a long half-life because it is obviously still pumping through his veins.

I guess that's OK because Connor looked adorable in his little costumes. I mean, have you ever seen a cuter Pooh Bear or Tigger?