Joy-full times

Christmas morning at Aaron and Meagan's house.

We were homebound this Christmas, but luckily, family came to us instead! Corey's parents were here for Christmas, and my parents came up a couple days after. It really made the holidays especially nice to have loved ones around, and we were able to spend Christmas morning with Asher at our own house for the first time! I am not a huge fan of transporting presents, so that was another bonus. Christmas Eve day I had asked Asher what Santa would bring him. His reply was, "Santa brings presents. Don't pee on Santa." I was dying over that one. I can only imagine that stemmed from our talking about not peeing on Thomas, Elmo or McQueen (all his underwear characters). That night, we ate some yummy snacks and treats, read Luke 2, sung Christmas songs (chosen by Ash) and drove around Old Town and the Country Club neighborhood to look at all the amazing luminarias (I figured sitting in the car wouldn't be too bad with my pregnancy). I think we will make that one a tradition when we are in town for the holidays. They were amazing. Plus, I have a soft spot for Old Town on Christmas Eve since that is when and where Corey proposed. So romantic! Before we went to bed, we were sure to let Asher put out cookies and a carrot for Santa and his reindeer. Now every time he sees a carrot he says they're for the reindeer. Hopefully he doesn't use that one to get out of eating them.

On Christmas morning, we slept in a little (7:30), and enjoyed our time together opening presents and stockings. Santa must know how much Asher loves trains! We had to practically force him to stop playing with his train stuff long enough to check out his stocking. It was lots of fun and a nice relaxing start to our Christmas morning. A little later we drove up to Aaron and Meagan's place for breakfast (waffles, yum!) and some more gift-giving (again, I figured I'd just sit, be good and hang out).

Corey was able to get out and take Asher to the Aquarium where he ran his little heart out. He's been cooped up for a couple of weeks since he's been sick, so I think it was a welcome relief. We ate, talked, laughed, played games and had a truly wonderful time with family celebrating Christmas. I can't believe we get to hang another stocking up on the fireplace next year!

Leaving treats for Santa.

Asher did get to visit with Santa for a second. Aaron was asked to be one of 'Santa's helpers' this year. Priceless.

Stocking from Grandma and Grandpa Pettit. This thing was actually pretty heavy!

Fun trip to the Aquarium with Grandma and Grandpa Reitz.

A common sight at our house. Ash is quite a game lover. He received Chutes and Ladders for Christmas, and has asked to play "Shoes and Socks" almost daily since. Wow, that game can be a real commitment.

Hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa Pettit. He now knows how to blow bubbles in his milk, thanks to a little encouragement from Grandma.

Why everyone needs an almost 3 year old

As I am settling into my new routine of sitting around all day trying very hard not to do anything, I am finding that my almost 3 year old is not such bad company after all. Not that we didn't spend loads of time together before, but now that I have so few distractions, he is an even bigger part of my day. He not only keeps me entertained with his hilarious antics and toddler-ese, but he is actually helpful!! It's almost as if he is rising to the occasion and realizing I may actually need his help a little. Well, as much help as a pint-size kiddo can be anyway.

Case and point:

Corey's been helping with the laundry so I don't have to lift/bend so much...not good for the ol' cerclage (this too is VERY helpful). A load of laundry was in the dryer, so I asked Asher if he could get the clothes out and bring them to me so I could fold them on the couch. He was ecstatic to be given such an important task and immediately ran to the dryer to begin his chore. The best part is that it took him (no exageration) at least 25 trips to the dryer to get it all done, and he doesn't walk back and forth, he runs as fast as he can. Some trips yielded nothing more than one of his socks. When I'd ask him if he was almost done, he'd reply with, "no, there's lots more." The poor kid doesn't even realize that was only a medium sized load. We'll need to work up to a large one. All I had to do was sit on the couch and fold, and the clothes came to me. Asher has certainly been an untapped resource until now!

• Who else would read me books about counting and the alphabet?

• Who else would beg me to do everything for himself? (Not even our 'grown-up' husbands do that)

• Who else would go get their own underwear, all the way upstairs when they have an accident?

• Who else would accept a reward of hugs, kisses and the occasional well earned cup of hot cocoa (with a pile of whip cream) for a job well done?

• Who else would take a nap every afternoon just so I can take it easy and even take a nap myself if I so wish?

• Who else would let me play Candy Land and Memory every day with him?

• Who else yells, "Dion, no bark!" when Dion starts his incessant doggie rants?
  

• Who else tells me he "loves me more" when I put him down for naps?
  

I love my little boy and I seriously can't imagine how bored I'd be without him here to keep me company, and I am so lucky to have such a good helper! ( I actually mean that...mostly).

Asher's reward for helping mommy. The story (in pictures) of the cup of cocoa that was TOO hot. Poor baby! I felt so bad. How could something so delicious be so mean? My fault.

Mmmm.

P.S. I am in no way affiliated or in support of those promoting child labor.

The Bachelor

So, Corey came home the other day and told me the most hilarious conversation he had with one of the secretaries at work. Seriously, some people need a way to help edit their thoughts before they turn into words...some kind of virus scan for humans that can be implanted into their brains.

A little background:
As many of you know (and can obviously see), Corey is bald. Now, this isn't the typical and dreaded male-pattern baldness that everyone with a Y chromosome fears from the day they realize their grandpa went bald at 28. No, Corey has alopecia, which is his body's way of saying it doesn't want to waste time and energy on hair for a while. The look he currently sports was a result of his alopecia getting worse and worse during the final year of his undergrad (a result of extreme stress in my opinion), which caused him to finally shave it all off. I came home one day and ta-da...Corey and his brother, Adam, had decided to go for it. I think it looks great! And talk about low maintenance, wow! People always think he's really into swimming or something since he's so aerodynamic.

So, at work, he has displayed a picture or two of our wedding. Corey still had hair back then so people often think the pictures are of his brother. He thinks its pretty funny.

Conversation:
(Secretary walks into Corey's office and sees pictures.)

"Who's this?"

"Oh, that's me."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I have alopecia."

"So, all your hair fell out?"

"Uh-huh."

"Your wife is pretty. Did she know that was going to happen to you?" (Nice, but he didn't exactly trick me into marrying him!)

"Yeah, she knew it was a possibility...she knew I had alopecia."

(Pause, as she stares at the pictures)

"Wow, you could have been on the Bachelor!"

(Very awkward pause follows.......end of conversation.)

Yes, crazy secretary lady, he could have been on "The Bachelor", except that I snagged him first! Hmph.

Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving was great this year, even though our numbers were small...just the three of us! We (Corey as a runner, me and Ash as spectators) started the day off with the Albuquerque Turkey Trot, a 5K race at the Uptown shopping center. Corey chose to burn off some calories before the calorie fest that is Thanksgiving Dinner. I actually loved being there, cheering Corey on and watching all the runners. What a fun way to start the holiday! Corey came in 6th place in his age group, not a bad feat for a guy who runs for 30 minutes or so a few days a week. Way to go Cor!

The proud (and very cold and wet) family, post race.

Corey and fellow running buddy Aaron.


It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...!

After the race, we headed home to engage in some major cooking. I guess the day didn't officially start with the race for me. I was up at 6 a.m. to make sure our gigantic turkey was thawed enough to pop into the oven. Somehow we ended up with the largest turkey we've ever had, and it was for just the three of us! So, at the crack of dawn, bleary-eyed and clumsy, I was dealing with a slippery, awkward and slightly creepy looking 22-pound bird. Of course, they never thaw in the amount of time they say they will, so I was doing the whole water bath in the sink thing. I hurried and got ready, knowing I'd allowed myself plenty of time to finish up with the turkey and head out the door. Of course that was before I realized the whole inside of the bird was still frozen solid. I could not get that nasty neck out of the turkey! Finally I pulled it out, but remembered hearing stories of people cooking the turkey with the whole gizzard bag inside. I couldn't find that thing for the life of me, so, of course, I called my mom. She just laughed and said it was in the other end. Oh, right. There are two holes to stuff things into. Relieved, I found them and tossed them in the trash since nobody at our house thinks they are a delicacy (ew!). After a little more rinsing and patting, Corey helped me stuff the giant bird into a roasting bag, the pan and into the oven. What a workout! And I didn't even stuff it. Then we headed out the door.

After the turkey, the rest seemed reasonable. We had stuffing, cranberries, cranberry fruit salad, rolls, mashed potatoes, gravy, yams and pumpkin pie. I cheated on the yams since Corey won't touch them. I bought some canned ones and sweetened them up a bit. I also bought the pumpkin pie because it seemed like a lot of work for only 3 people. That, and Costco makes a mean pumpkin pie. Was it a big spread for our little family...yes. One of these years when its only our family we will have to go out for dinner. But the sentimental fool inside me battles it out and I end up making a lot more work for myself. It was a nice, mellow holiday with good food, despite all the work.

Asher's idea of smiling for the camera.


Corey and I started seriously wondering if he was going to stop eating. Isn't there a gland in your brain that secretes something to tell you when you're full? We thought maybe his was broken.

Before Thanksgiving, when I'd ask Asher what we eat on Thanksgiving, his reply was, "Punkin pie, juice and water." What about the turkey? Sheesh. Every time we'd serve up leftovers to him he'd ask me, "Is it Thanksgiving?" He loved the food.

Black Friday was a no-no for me, being nearly 6 months pregnant with a cerclage, I am starting to really take it easy. Actually from here on out, no more doing pretty much anything. Luckily, I have all my shopping done, most of which I did online anyway. I haven't been shopping on Black Friday in years. All those psycho shopper stories can be a little intimidating. I'm not sure its worth it most of the time!

Over the weekend, we also put up and decorated the tree. Corey even put the lights up outside! I love having everything up so we can enjoy it all longer. I figure you might as well, since a couple days after Christmas I start feeling the urge to put it all away. While decorating the tree, Asher gets to open a new ornament to put on the tree. We try to pick one out that is a reminder of this year and represents something about him. His recent train kick served as a good cue so this year it's a Thomas the Tank Engine ornament, which he of course loved. I love this tradition. It's one that Corey's family started when he was born. When they were first married they didn't have any ornaments for a tree, and decided that each of their children would get one ornament (or more) every year so when they had their own tree, they'd have something to decorate it with, plus a bunch of memories behind each one. Our first Christmas together, our tree was far from bare since he came with a box full of them.

We've had the Christmas music going all weekend, and I can officially say we are ready for Christmas. I love this time of year...all the symbols, the colors, the lights, the music and the family. Thanksgiving was nice, and we are really looking forward to a great Christmas too. We truly have so much to be thankful for!

Asher and Dion, hanging together outside this weekend. Maybe all that Turkey finally caught up with him.

Drumroll, please...

Yesterday we went in for the much anticipated ultrasound. This is the longest I think I've ever waited to find out. We always seem to know by now what we are having. I don't know how people wait 9 months. I am too much of a planner to wait until the end, I think I'd go crazy! I must admit that nearly everyone I've talked to, both family and friends were sure this baby would be a girl. I felt a lot yuckier than I did with Asher, and it was exactly how I remember feeling during my second pregnancy, which was a girl. So, up until 3 days ago, I was convinced.

Then, I was sitting in my room and had a sort of epiphany that I was having a boy. Not a dream or anything like that, just a strong feeling I was having a boy. Of course, I quickly discarded the hunch as a fluke...my psyche buffering me for the possibility everyone was wrong. But, it was still there in the back of my mind and the doubt had been cast.

The doctor checked out all the things that are actually important (head, heart, bones, etc). Much to my relief, everything is as it should be so far. Whether its because of past experiences or pure maternal instinct, I have the tendency to worry until I see the baby healthy and happy in my arms, so little steps of reassurance along the way help at least a little. Then as I looked on the screen as he was measuring the legs, I saw it. Yep, it's a boy! He started to ask me what I thought it was, but I blurted out, "That's a boy!" before he even finished his sentence. It was pretty obvious.

Not the best ultrasound picture, but it's all I've got to work with!
(See if you can find legs and boy parts in all that mess!)

We are thrilled! I love little boys so much, and I am really excited that Asher will have a brother to play with (they'll be best friends, right??). I believe Corey was fairly surprised. I think he had started picturing a baby girl in a pink dress who had him wrapped around every finger she had. On our way out of the office, I reminded Corey that the bit of information we had just received saved him a TON of money. Everyone knows buying girl clothes/stuff is much more fun (and thus more expensive) than the boy stuff.

So, we are gearing up for another funny, rowdy, amazing little boy. The big problem now is the name. We had a lot of trouble deciding on a name for Asher, and now we are back at square one with another little boy on the way. Of course, we had several girl names we liked (as we always do), and a couple very if-y boy names that have already been scratched. Let the process begin!

Future big brother:)

P.S. So much for the vote...it was way off! Only 35% had it right!

Asher-isms

1. My eyes are poking me. Translation: The sun is in my eyes.

2. Asher hit me! (Or, Asher peed my pants, etc...always in the 3rd person) Translation: I hurt myself.

3. It's Mommy's turn. Translation: Do it for me Mom.

4. This is for you. (Handing me a desired food item; he will always bring 2, one for you and one for him. Very diplomatic.) Translation: I want this.

5. I don't need to go potty right now. Maybe tomorrow. Translation: I need to go potty right now.

Thomas the Tank Engine's Night Out

Asher had been waiting for Halloween all month long, and was ready to try out his "trick-or-treat" for real. Every time we asked him what he was going to get when we went trick-or treating, his response was, "candy, and water." I still can't figure out why water...was he anticipating how thirsty he'd be after all that candy? Where'd he get that idea. I wonder if he was disappointed when people weren't handing out bottled water too. Doubt it.

We went to the ward 'trunk-or-treat' last Saturday where Asher got some good practice and way more candy than any 2 year old needs. He loved it though and was rearing to go on the 31st. We had left our poor pumpkins whole until Halloween night, so when Corey came home from work we dug in and carved/drew up our masterpieces. Corey and I wielded knives, Asher had his markers (aka mockers). After proudly displaying our finished works of art on the porch, we ate dinner... chili and cornbread...a tradition I totally stole from a friend of mine (thanks Effie!). Then, the boys hit the pavement for some more sugary prizes, as if we needed any more. I went to the first few houses with them to witness for myself the candy hysteria. He yelled "trick-or-treat" as loud as he could, watched the candy get dropped into his pumpkin, and he was off running to the next house yelling "more candy!" By the third house he was practically grabbing the candy himself out of the bowls. People laughed, but I was horrified and we tried to convince him there was a better way. Halloween breeds candy greed so quickly in those susceptible toddlers!

Before I get any further I have to explain our costume situation. Asher's was straight off the isle at the store (we did buy a train whistle for him), but he loves Thomas the Train right now and he was really excited, so that one was ok. Corey and I had put off really planning any dressing up, and at the last second decided we'd give it at least a feeble attempt. I had some cat ears and a tail (boring, I know), and we threw a Dr. Horrible costume together for Corey. You know its bad when people have to ask what you are. After several years of regrettable Halloween effort, I am committing to some sort of costume theme next year. We will dress up, and our costumes will be in some way related, and WELL PLANNED! Maybe it will even be a family thing....I'll have to get on that as soon as I find out what this baby is. I, Michelle, hereby swear to do better next

year.

The family in all our costumed glory, and Asher enjoying the hard earned loot. I didn't get a picture of all his candy. Trust me, it was a lot. He will be sharing.

After doing the mandatory trick-or-treating, we loaded up some cookies, and headed to a party. Some friends of ours (the Allen's) were crazy enough to host a Halloween party for kids and adults! They turned their playhouse outside into a candy house. It was stocked inside with piles and plates of cookies and treats for all the kids on pint sized tables. A few kids even got a little creative and put some cookies on the grill. There was some dancing later on, and Asher was out there showing off his best moves. I think maybe he should have been the Energizer Bunny instead.

The "candy house", where Asher spent most of the party.



Me and Cor. I'm honestly not sure what made him put Asher's costume on, but doesn't he make a nice train with gloves and safety goggles?

It was a busy but fun night! Happy Halloween! Now on to Thanksgiving... is it bad that I had Christmas music on while I was blogging this?

Picture Tag

I was picture tagged. The deal is you have to go to your pictures file, go to the fourth folder, and pick the fourth picture, and voila.....here is our winner.

Explanation: This is NOT an actual photo. We were trying out yearbookyourself.com one night and I had saved some of the pictures in a folder to send to Corey's brothers for a good laugh (never actually sent those). There were some of him that were much worse, and some of me that were even worse than those ones. This was just the luck of the draw I guess. Sorry, Corey!

(I know not everyone likes tags, but if you dare, I tag Alisha, Jen Y., Becky, and Missy). You should at least go to yearbookyourself.com and try it out if you haven't already. It will make you laugh, and might even scare some a little because of the frightening reality of some of those hairstyles! )

Tag

I honestly didn't think I could come up with this many things about myself (50!), but after reading a few of my friends', I found myself randomly thinking of these things throughout the day. The ones I read were fun, so I hope this doesn't bore anyone!

50. When Corey and I watch movies together at home, I ALWAYS fall asleep about 45 minutes into the movie, and then wake up during the last 20, refreshed and alert. I hate it but can't seem to help it.

49. I enjoy gardening, but have a hard time putting in the time for it to really look good.

48. I think Corey is THE best daddy.

47. I have always loved dill pickles. I absolutely detest sweet pickles though. Ew.

46. In college I was a little crazy about getting really good grades. Oh, the rush of getting back a test score!

45. I always look at real estate magazines (those free ones at the grocery store) in and out of town.

44. I love going out for breakfast, but never do it.

43. I love to read, but have a hard time picking one favorite book.

42. I am dying to go to Europe. We've actually talked about going with kids in a couple of years...getting closer!

41. I don't really mind working (paychecks definitely help).

40. I wouldn't dream of going back to work right now. I'd get way too jealous of someone else telling me all about Asher's firsts...I don't want to miss a thing.

39. I love watching Asher sleep. I go in every night to kiss him and make sure he's all snuggled in. I actually used to pick him up and hold him too, but he started to wake up too easily and would cry!

38. When I was younger, I really thought I'd be at least 30 before I got married. I was 21.

37. I still give Corey a hard time for making me wait so long for him to propose. We dated for nearly a year!

36. I love to cook and to try new things.

35. I hate doing the dishes.

34. I have never been good at calling friends on the phone. If it weren't for e-mail I'd have lost all contact with old friends long ago.

33. I always cry at sad movies. (Actually, I cry fairly easy at some commercials these days...blame it on the hormones!)

32. One of m favorite places is Ocean Shores, WA. It reminds me of being a carefree kid, beach combing and hanging with the fam.

31. I think Asher has the BEST smile ever.

30. I love to make waffles for my little family on my awesome Belgian waffle iron (thanks, Corey). I use the scratch recipe my mom used, and we always add whip cream...Asher doesn't realize they don't just come that way.

29. I love hanging out with my mom. We have so much fun together.

28. I think every baby that is born is a huge miracle.

27. I've never been a very adept swimmer. Thus, I am bound and determined for Asher to be an amazing and confident swimmer.

26. I don't mind do-it-yourself projects too much. Corey hates them. I need my own handyman on call.

25. I'm always planning our next trip/vacation. I love having something to look forward too.

24. I love watching the seasons change, but Fall is my favorite. I love the smells, the colors, and all the fun holidays.

23. I burn scented candles all the time. I love it when my house smells good...spiced anything is good (ah, cinnamon!).

22. I love to sing, but besides singing to Asher every night I don't do it much. I secretly love it when Asher tells Corey to "stop" singing because he wants me to. Hehehehe.

21. I'd still do a roundoff back handspring, but I'd be sore for DAYS afterward.

20. I am totally a bath person. I'll read, eat ice cream, light candles, etc. My next one will have jets for sure. I don't indulge as often as I should!

19. I try to be more environmentally aware (use re-usable grocery bags, dried some clothes outside in the summer, and buy some of the "greenlist" products), but I don't recycle (yet).

18. I love chocolate. Dark or milk.

17. I've gotten to the point where I think its okay to pay a lot more for something I really want, rather than get a deal on something that's so-so.

16. I almost never drink soda, and I don't like milk (well, except for chocolate). I love water.

15. I love animals.

14. I melt every time Asher runs down the hallway to give me a big hug right after he wakes up from a nap. Just the sound of his feet makes me smile to myself.

13. I love snuggling with Asher in the mornings when I'm lazy and don't want to get up just yet.

12. I love being a mom, even though I'm a work in progress!

11. I almost never watch t.v. (Do morning cartoons count?)

10. Corey and I are both the eldest child, which, suprisingly, works out just great. Except that we can both be very stubborn.

9. I am a huge baby when it comes to cold water. I'd rather NOT get in.

8. I really wanted a tattoo when I was 19. I'm so glad I didn't do that!

7. I tell Asher I love him all the time. I hope he knows how much we both adore him.

6. I am embarrassed to admit that my sisters and I fought over clothes when we were growing up. How stupid is that?

5. I love talking to my sisters on the phone. I always hang up wishing they lived close so we could hang out.

4. I like watching documentaries. Especially ones about history and archeology.

3. It took me 45 minutes to put my contacts in when I first started wearing them. Someday maybe I'll be brave and get lasik.

2. I am a total klutz.

1. I love rainy days. We have so few here that I really appreciate them when they come!

Okay, I swear I don't have this much time on my hands! I tag anyone who wants to give this a try. It's actually kind of fun.

Pickin' in the Patch

We headed out to our local pumpkin patch last Friday to let Asher pick the perfect one. He thought every one he picked up was "it", until he saw the next one that is. He actually had a pile of pumpkins he'd picked out. I guess when you are 2, selecting one out of a thousand might be a tough task. We also tromped though the Corn Maize (Asher ran) and with Corey as our guide, we only took a few wrong turns. At the end of the maize we hit the little petting zoo. Asher's best buddy was the cutest calf I have ever seen, and it let him pet away. Then it was just a hayride back to the patch again. Have I mentioned how much I love fall?

We've been wanting to put a sandbox in our yard, but after seeing how much he loved this, I'm thinking we should reconsider. He was literally swimming in the stuff. Corn-box anyone?

Decisions, decisions...