Good-Bye Bottles, Hello Sippy Cups

Well we did it, well should I say, I made the decision last night and took the bottles away!!!! It's a huge step since he is so attached to them, but I figured it was time to say good-bye. He was mad going to bed but he did alright falling asleep, which was a blessing. He woke up in the middle of the night and offered him a drink from the sippy, but he wanted nothing to do with it. I'm hoping this lasts just a couple days and by Mother's Day I have him completely okay with the sippy's...I guess only time will tell!

Good Luck To Nick & Steph

Nick took the fire fighters test this morning and he said it went pretty well, but I guess he won't know for 4-6 weeks how he did. I'm a little disappointed in that, just because I was hoping to move out of mom & dads soon, but I guess we are just staying there a little longer...sorry guys!

Steph...good luck on your first official job interview this afternoon. I'm sure you'll do great and you'll get called back for a second interview, I hope so anyway!

Looking forward to tonight when we can go out and celebrate!

Enjoyable Weekend

The weekend was great and as always I'm sad that it's over.

Friday Jeff & I packed up and left town with mom. We went and visted Aunt Helen and Uncle John at the lake. It was really nice to see them and get an idea of how Jeff will be this summer at the lake. Let's just say it will be interesting what he does when he sees all of those boats on the lake! He was just standing at the window looking at all of the boats driving by and getting so excited...he'll go nuts when he's able to see 10 at one time! After that we made our way into Ft. Wayne to spend some time with family. It was so nice to see everyone, and Jeff loved Tommy & Michael. They had such a nice time playing together. It's fun to see him play with other kids since he's not around them to often.

Sunday we made our way to Tiffin for Kyleigh's First Communion. I'm glad it's done and we have another event marked off our calendar, but we had a pretty good time. Jeff enjoyed playing with the puppy...see the video below, and the toys in the play room. He passed out in the car on the way home which was great too!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

15 Months & Waking Up 3 Times A Night?

What is wrong with my child? I cannot answer this, but if someone could I would really appreicate it. It was a horrible night last night, it really was and honestly I do not know why. But alls I can tell you is that Jeff woke up at 12:00, 1:20, and 3:30! The child is exhausted and needs to sleep, but he just doesn't want too. I'm at my whits end and not sure what to do anymore...

Getting Out Of T Town!!!

Mom is going to visit her family today, she asked me this morning if I would want to go with her. I of course said yes because it sounded great, but then realized I needed to talk to my husband about it first. I waited until 9:15 break and called. I asked him if he cared if I took Jeff and went with mom for the weekend. He said "Nope, go ahead, I will stay home and study like crazy..." I was shocked but relived that he didn't care if I went or not. I'm looking forward to going to Ft. Wayne and spending sometime with the family, plus it will be a good opportunnity for Nick to get some studying done without interruptions.

Only 1 Nap Per Day, No Sleeping Through The Night, More Teeth

Ahhh, the life of Jeff!

Last couple of weeks Jeff has been not taking morning naps and only doing 1 nap per day. I think it has something to do with it being nice out, but that's what he's doing now. It's kind of nice because he's finally taking a normal afternoon nap...from 12-2:30ish. Not 3-5 like it used to be, so for that it's nice, especially since it means a couple more hours of time with him in the evening. He seems to be doing pretty well with the transition though.

And since this 1 nap thing started he's been waking up about 2 times a night, wanting a bottle and needing to be rocked...what is up with that? I tell you what, it's almost crazy really. I'm going insane and starting to get really tired from all of this. Of course since Nick hurt his thumb he can't get up with him in the middle of the night now either. Note to self, Nick gets stitches out today...make him get up with Jeff tonight as payback!

Jeff has also gotten more teeth the past couple of weeks, which could explain his not sleeping all through the night...the joys of being a parent!

Yeah...Stitches Are Out - Great Weather Too

Well as of about 11:45 this morning, the stitches are out of Jeff's little head. He was perfect too, just laid there the whole time looking at the doctor and never even said a word. I was shocked at how well behaved he was, especially after getting the stitches put in. I'm glad it went okay though, makes things much easier.

Is this weather gorgeous or what? I'm loving every minute of this nice weather. It's nice coming home from work and being able to take Jeff outside and playing, taking a walk, or doing whatever as long as you are outside. It makes the nights so much more enjoyable. Plus it's nice because Jeff is going to bed later which gives us more time with him in the evenings, and that's an added treat too.

I'm going to vent! I hate getting up and coming to work. I wish I could just stay home and be a mom to Jeff. I know that's not possible though, so I have to get up and mae my way in here everyday. I dread the phone calls, the same daily work over and over again, not knowing if someone is going to be calling off sick, whatever, I hate it all. But then I have to realzie and accept the fact that I have to work. I have to come here everyday. The good thing about working here is my hours are extremely flexible which makes it really nice...I think that's the only good things right now. Add in the fact I haven't gotten a raise in 3 1/2 years and you got yourself one happy employee. Only 1 hour 15 minutes until I get to go home!!!

Lawn Mower or Doggie Rides?

If you would ask Jeff that question I'm sure it would be a toss up. He enjoys riding on the mower, but I think he's still a little timid around it...well I guess it depends who is putting him on it. Uncle John took him on the grasshopper this weekend and he was cute with him. John was extremely careful not to go to fast to scare Jeff. Jeff enjoyed the ride.

But what Jeff enjoys the most is grabbing onto the dogs and going for a "ride." The dogs do not like being bothered, but Jeff grabs onto their fur and the dogs walk away with Jeff still hanging onto their fur...hence the doggie ride. I'm worried that at some point the dogs are going to get pissed enough and bite, but for the time being it's pretty assuming to watch.

Please, Thank You, & Yes

Jeff's new words that he says..."Please, Thank You, & Yes" Can you believe he's saying these? I find it hard to believe but sure enough, when he feels like it, he'll spit these words out. I'll try and get it on video sometime and post them.

First Trip To The ER...with more to come

We had a great night at the Freiburger/Stultz house…Jeff was playing outside with Nick and fell and hit his head on the concrete. Nick brought him in, I looked at the gash, took Jeff to see dad so I could get his opinion on whether or not he needed stitches. So in the car we go to make the trip down the road to St. Luke's…. Jeff did really well. He only needed the stitches to prevent a horribly looking gash on his forehead. He got 5 stitches…we go next week to get them out, so much fun!

To make the story better, Nick had to go to St. Luke's and get stitches on Tuesday. He cut his thumb while he was putting mower blades on the mower at work! I'm sure St. Luke’s is loving us right now!

Loving the Lawn Mower!!!

Jeff FINALLY went on the lawn mower and was no scared of it. Jeff is extremely timid when it comes to trying new things. Nick tried to put him on the mower last week, but he just clinged on for dear life and didn't want anything to do with it. Well last night, dad was rolling the yard and Jeff was just starring at him, so I took him over and sure enough, he wanted to ride with grandpa. The best part was he stayed on for a good hour, just "helping" grandpa roll the yard...it was really sweet.

First Cookout of the Year (at someone else's house)

Sunday night was such a nice night. Amanda & Justin had invited us out to their house for a cookout and we had a great time. We couldn't have of asked for anything better, Jeff was an angel the entire time, of course it helps that they are laid back and relaxed about their home, which makes it easier for us, but still, he was great!

Audrey, their new baby girl is so sweet. Jeff did not like me holding her very much though. He would come up and try to move my fingers off of her, squat down and yell and me...it was interesting to say the least.

Looking forward to another cookout sometime soon!

Babysitters=Late Night Out=No Sleep for Mom

Saturday was such a gross day here…I mean really it rained and rained and was windy. Jeff was in his heavy winter coat with no questions asked. Nick & John headed up to Cabala’s this morning…had to do the guy stuff, right? John needed carmats or something for his new truck. But of course on the way they stopped at the beef jerky outlet and got some goodies, stopped at some hardware store that was having an open house, so of course they got free food.

I was at home with Jeff and we had decided before Nick left we would try and get babysitters for tonight so we could go out with Steph & John and Steph & Nick. I had to physically go to Anderson’s so I could ask Caroline if she would babysit for me. I got her taken care of so YEAH…we are going out tonight!!!

I got to workout Saturday afternoon, took a nap, and showered and got ready before Jeff woke up. Nick’s parents came up, it was nice to see them for a little bit, but of course they come at 5 and we are leaving at 630 to go out. That means getting Jeff dinner, ordering a pizza for Caroline & Zach, picking up the pizza for Caroline & Zach, cleaning out the car, getting Jeff a bath, all the while they are at our house! Fun, Fun!

We had a great time. Felt good to be out that’s for sure. We had so many laughs… of course when we got home Jeff was still up at 9:45!!!!! Way past his bedtime! I got him to bed and then I crawled into bed, felt good to sleep.

Tubes Are In!

Well the procedure went off with a hitch, thank goodness. I wasn’t nervous at all, but I’m just glad it’s over with.

Friday night was interesting, of course Jeff couldn’t have anything to eat after midnight and woke up at 3:15 screaming…just screaming. I’ll keep it short and just tell you he screamed until around 5, then I got in the shower, when I got out, he was quiet.

We were at the hospital at 630 and taken back to the room, pretty much right away. They did whatever they had too, and before I know it I was handed a very drugged little boy to a nurse and off he went. I got settled in the waiting room, but seriously 10 minutes later the doctor came to talk to me, and 15 minutes after that I was back seeing my little boy. He did awesome, was awake when I got back there, and wanted me as soon as he saw me. He did get sick from the anithesia but only once and he was fine. I got him dressed and we left.

I rocked him to sleep for his morning nap, he slept for awhile and I got a nap in too. When he woke up I fed him lunch, and we got ready to go and run errands.

All in all in went so much better than I expected and I’m happy that it’s done!

Jeff's "First Kiss"

Last night, Steph Hoover, the first, was at the house and Jeff gave her a kiss when she asked for it. She ws so cute and said "It's Jeff's first kiss..." Adorable, and he likes her so much, it's fun to see.

Beautiful Sunday

Yesterday was another great day! I'm having such a hard time going back to work on Mondays. Jeff is just at the age where we have some much fun being outside, listening to him talk, and watching him discover new things, it sucks having to turn him over to grandma during the week.

The morning was nothing great, just went and looked for a couple of spring outfits for Jeff, but of course, no one has light long sleeved clothes...why would they?

Nick went and played football with some guys from work, so that just left Jeff & me to fend for ourselves. Jeff & I went running, went the park, and played outside, we had a great time. Got Jeff to walk on the grass, which was huge for him...

Bad Night, Trip to the Zoo, & First Cookout

Well he did it again last night! I got smarter about it this time though. He woke up at 11:15, I got up and got him a bottle, drank it and he went right back to sleep...great! He wakes up again at 2ish. I go in pick him up and rock him for a good 15 minutes, he's quiet as a mouse, I lay him back down...he throws his back and starts screaming, the little brat. I restart his music and leave the room. I turn off my monitor and just let him go. I hear him on and off until about 4, but I'm sick of him doing this, so I just let him go. We all wake up about 7 or so and Jeff is in a great mood. I wonder if he's teething and that's why he's acting this way.

We have been excited about today all week! Today we took Jeff to the zoo for the first time. Since it was beautiful outside, it was just the perfect time to do this. The zoo was packed of course, but Jeff loved looking at all of the people and he giggled at the animals. Nick & I enjoyed watching the zoo through his eyes for sure. It was amazing how he would try and talk to the animals, or pet them through the glass. We are really looking forward to getting back there with him again really soon.

Went to Andersons after Nick got back from his workout and got hamburgers to cook on the grill... it was so yummy, tasted great!

Happy Friday!

It was a great day...out of work by 12 so I could take Jeff to the doctors and than we had the rest of the afternoon to do whatever. Of course the doctors was a waste of time with Jeff...isn't it always, but glad he got checked out and we told her Jeff is getting tubes next friday...oh and the best part, Jeff got his sippy cup back that we had left there for a month now.

We ran to target and got a few things we needed, but than we headed home. Jeff went to bed, Nick came home, and I went to bed. I needed a nap since I was behind on my sleep. Nick went and worked out, but that really was our evening, we didn't do to much of anything. We had dinner at the house, and after Jeff went to bed, Nick & I headed out to get some ice-cream. Our lives are borning, aren't they?

Another bad night

Well he did it again last night! I got smarter about it this time though. He woke up at 11:15, I got up and got him a bottle, drank it and he went right back to sleep...great! He wakes up again at 4ish. I go in pick him up and rock him for a good 15 minutes, but he's wanting nothing to do with going back to bed. I was done and didn't care anymore so we got up and watched Barney for awhile. I woke Nick up at 530 so I could start getting ready for work...he wasn't in the best mood either, but to bad for him. The whole house ended being awake at 530 because Nick had Jeff...poor mom and dad, and least they are good sports about everything.

Worst Night Yet

Jeff was unbelievalbe last night...I have no idea what his problem was, but he woke up at 1030 and didn't go back to sleep until around 2. Well I guess he went to sleep before that but he wasn't in a deep enough sleep because every time I layed him down, he would scream bloody murder. It was a weird cry, not his normal one. It was more like I'm scared and hurt, take care me. I ended up laying on the bed and he slept on me until 2, then I was like, "Ok, mom needs to get some sleep now..." so than I layed him down and he went to sleep. I felt so bad for him, but I really didn't know what the problem was or what I could do for him. Oh I'm so ready for the days that he can tell us what is going on.

River Rapids, Running, Talking...what a life

Wednesday I got to leave work early!!! I love those days. Mom's sisters came over so we all went to lunch at Granite City. That place is really good, but man are there prices high. I mean, come on...$7 for a SIDE of fries for a 14 month old, because I didn't order a sandwich...give me a break. That pissed me off to the nth degree. Steph was kind enough and took Jeff back to the house so he could get a nap, since he decided he didn't want to take a morning nap today and I headed up to the doctors.

I called Nick and asked if he wanted to run with me & jeff tonight after work, and luckily he did. The air was a little chilly, but still feels great to be outside and get that much needed fresh air. Jeff really enjoys being outside too. It's funny how much he's grown up about walking around outside just within the last couple of weeks.

After our run, we still wanted to enjoy the outside so we went for a drive...way to stay outside right? But we went to get ice-cream and than we headed for the river. The river is amazing right now, fisherman are everywhere and the rapids are crazy. I can't imagine why people want to stand in that freezing water to catch fish, but driving and enjoying the view is just fine by me.

Jeff is just really talking up a storm. Some of his favorite words are "dad, dig, bye, duck, dog...and whining" He is only saying a few words, but he understands everything we are saying. Communicating with him is 100% better than it was a month ago. I wish he would say more things, but this is a big improvement over where we used to be. He's so cute he loves his trucks that's for sure. When we drive in the car, he whines until we acknowledge the fact that there is a truck next to us. Or if he's whining in the car, look out the window and some how he's spotted big equipment and wants to tell you about it.

Running, Bar Louie's, Loving the Weather

Yesterday was a beautiful day! The weather is really making me glad it's spring. The fresh air is just what we needed to start feeling better. Plus this weather is making me want to get outside and run, which is a great feeling.

When I got off work yesterday, I went home, Jeff took a nap and I did my workout video. Thankfully he only slept until 430 or so and I got us ready and we went for a run. I ran for 30 minutes...nonstop, which for me is huge! And Jeff was a perfect angel. He enjoyed looking at all of the rees, birds flying around, but mostly he liked when a person would pass by, it was rather cute.

Of course do you think I ate heathly Tuesday night...no of course not! It was $1 burger night at Bar Louie's so we all headed out there. I love that deal, and the best part was we didn't have to wait tonight for a seat.

Taxes - Check!

Finally! I sat down tonight and got our taxes all done and sent out. It's such a good feeling to do that, even better knowing that we get money back....yeah, what a treat! Now nothing to do until 2009!