This is kind of a nightly routine. And funny. Every. Time.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Picture Time!
I know, I know. You must think it's picture time ALL the time in our house. I actually haven't had the camera out in a few days, though. I've been slacking.
Anyway - what I really meant is that it was picture time over the holidays, and I didn't take the pictures. We had both families down to visit for Christmas (at different times - our house might have burst apart if we tried to fit that many people at once) so we went to two different portrait studios and had two different sets of portraits taken. Which place do you like better?
The Norman Family went to the Picture People at the White Marsh Mall. It was crowded and busy, but the people were nice, and they gave us oodles of free prints because they messed up our order. PLUS - White Marsh Mall has way better shopping!
The whole Norman fam. Baby not smiling worth a damn, but instead giving the photographer the "what the hell are you doing, lady?" look.
Our little Norman family. After baby meltdown. If you click on the picture to blow it up you'll notice the nice rivulets of snot under his nose.
Cute original Norman family
Nonna and Grandpa, who celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2009.
Anyway - what I really meant is that it was picture time over the holidays, and I didn't take the pictures. We had both families down to visit for Christmas (at different times - our house might have burst apart if we tried to fit that many people at once) so we went to two different portrait studios and had two different sets of portraits taken. Which place do you like better?
The Norman Family went to the Picture People at the White Marsh Mall. It was crowded and busy, but the people were nice, and they gave us oodles of free prints because they messed up our order. PLUS - White Marsh Mall has way better shopping!
The whole Norman fam. Baby not smiling worth a damn, but instead giving the photographer the "what the hell are you doing, lady?" look.
Our little Norman family. After baby meltdown. If you click on the picture to blow it up you'll notice the nice rivulets of snot under his nose.
Cute original Norman family
Nonna and Grandpa, who celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2009.There was no use even trying to get individual shots of Dexter this day. He would have none of it. Meltdown imminent if he left Mom's arms for a split second. He was, however, an angel at Ruby Tuesday's for lunch. AFTER pictures were done.
The Cowan family went to Portrait Innovations at Harford Mall. Bigger, less crowded. Changing backgrounds, same person who took the pictures stayed with us for an hour while we picked pictures to print. Baby kept his shit together MUCH better this day, and we had a few tricks up our sleeves to get him to smile a little bit. This place was more expensive, but gets brownie points for giving us a free CD of all our images. Which really is all I need, anyway, as John has put a ban on any further picture frames in our house. So I have to go digital.
Also, bonus! Portrait Innovations is right next to Five Guys! OF COURSE we had to go there for lunch!
The extended Cowan family, with a white background.
And on a blue background.
Our little Norman family. And look! No snot under Dex's nose! He MAY even have a touch of a smile. What was Aunt Jeanne doing back behind the photographer to make him smile?
Grandma and Grandpa, who celebrated 40 years of marriage in 2008.
The original Cowan family. I'm the cute one. Also, the short one.
Sisters. Sideways. Sorry. Flip your laptop around if you want a better look.
Aunt Jeanne gives Dex a pep talk - NO CRYING! LOOK CUTE!
We changed our clothes, got Hokie'd up, and took a few more pictures. Ummm. The baby looks a bit drugged up and spacey. I think he was probably looking at the HUGE bear Grandpa had and just thinking "Whoa. What the hell." But, hey - John and I are cute.
How ridiculously cute is THIS?
Cutest. Child. Ever. How'd we get a smile? Dad had to do a nice smoker's cough, multiple times, behind the photographer. Apparently imminent death is hysterical.
The Cowan family went to Portrait Innovations at Harford Mall. Bigger, less crowded. Changing backgrounds, same person who took the pictures stayed with us for an hour while we picked pictures to print. Baby kept his shit together MUCH better this day, and we had a few tricks up our sleeves to get him to smile a little bit. This place was more expensive, but gets brownie points for giving us a free CD of all our images. Which really is all I need, anyway, as John has put a ban on any further picture frames in our house. So I have to go digital.
Also, bonus! Portrait Innovations is right next to Five Guys! OF COURSE we had to go there for lunch!
The extended Cowan family, with a white background.
And on a blue background.
Our little Norman family. And look! No snot under Dex's nose! He MAY even have a touch of a smile. What was Aunt Jeanne doing back behind the photographer to make him smile?
Grandma and Grandpa, who celebrated 40 years of marriage in 2008.
The original Cowan family. I'm the cute one. Also, the short one.
Sisters. Sideways. Sorry. Flip your laptop around if you want a better look.
Aunt Jeanne gives Dex a pep talk - NO CRYING! LOOK CUTE!
We changed our clothes, got Hokie'd up, and took a few more pictures. Ummm. The baby looks a bit drugged up and spacey. I think he was probably looking at the HUGE bear Grandpa had and just thinking "Whoa. What the hell." But, hey - John and I are cute.
How ridiculously cute is THIS?
Cutest. Child. Ever. How'd we get a smile? Dad had to do a nice smoker's cough, multiple times, behind the photographer. Apparently imminent death is hysterical.Friday, January 8, 2010
I R Smart
It's been cold here the past few weeks, and every time I go walking with the baby I feel bad because part of his legs stick out, at the bottom of his snow suit. It's limited me to the stroller for walks, so I can wrap a blanket around him. But I don't like walking with the stroller as well as with the backpack. And the other day the stroller and my car were at the garage getting fixed, so I HAD to use the backpack. I did my best bundling, but still some cute little baby legs were poking out. What I really needed, I decided, were some leg warmers for the baby. A friend had found some for her baby at Target - girl's leg warmers, but still. I could handle that.
I didn't go to Target, though. Far too fancy, and they don't have groceries. So I checked out Wal-Mart. Of course. I wandered through all three rows of baby crap. Socks. Tights. Bibs. Sippy cups. But no leg warmers. Dejected, I went to the other end of the store for Wal-Mart brand butt paste (which, really, you'd think you could pick up in the BABY section. But NO. You have to go way the hell over to the Health and Beauty section). As I was walking I pondered my dilemma. If only I had longer socks for him. Like baby tube socks or something. I'd at least feel better about his little legs being less exposed.
And then... EUREKA! I remembered! I OWN SOCKS! Like nice, thick Smartwool socks. Surely MY socks would cover up his exposed areas of leg? And also go over his shoe, thus keeping his feet warmer? AND - bonus! - they would be FREE! Because they are currently sitting in my sock drawer! Amazing!
Seriously. It took me three weeks of walking with the baby in the cold, and a walk across Wal-Mart thinking about leg warmers, to come up with this idea, folks. Oy. I have issues. I may need a new brain.
HEADLINES
Both Parents Sick. Barely Functioning.
Baby Going on Hunger Strike. Cutting Two Teeth.
One Inch Blanket of Snow Hits Maryland, Cripples Commuters and Delays Schools.
BREAKING NEWS: Baby Also Sick. Inability to Breathe Through Nose Leads to Nursing Rebellion.
Yeah. It's been a good day. I have a feeling it's going to be a long night. Good thing Dex is cute.
I didn't go to Target, though. Far too fancy, and they don't have groceries. So I checked out Wal-Mart. Of course. I wandered through all three rows of baby crap. Socks. Tights. Bibs. Sippy cups. But no leg warmers. Dejected, I went to the other end of the store for Wal-Mart brand butt paste (which, really, you'd think you could pick up in the BABY section. But NO. You have to go way the hell over to the Health and Beauty section). As I was walking I pondered my dilemma. If only I had longer socks for him. Like baby tube socks or something. I'd at least feel better about his little legs being less exposed.
And then... EUREKA! I remembered! I OWN SOCKS! Like nice, thick Smartwool socks. Surely MY socks would cover up his exposed areas of leg? And also go over his shoe, thus keeping his feet warmer? AND - bonus! - they would be FREE! Because they are currently sitting in my sock drawer! Amazing!
Seriously. It took me three weeks of walking with the baby in the cold, and a walk across Wal-Mart thinking about leg warmers, to come up with this idea, folks. Oy. I have issues. I may need a new brain.
Huh? What are these things on my legs?
They are warm. They are on my legs. I will name them... LEG WARMERS!
See? They do the trick quite nicely. No exposed leg under the snow suit. Also, slightly displeased dog who would like the baby to let go of the end of her leash, thankyouverymuch.
In other news:
They are warm. They are on my legs. I will name them... LEG WARMERS!
See? They do the trick quite nicely. No exposed leg under the snow suit. Also, slightly displeased dog who would like the baby to let go of the end of her leash, thankyouverymuch.HEADLINES
Both Parents Sick. Barely Functioning.
Baby Going on Hunger Strike. Cutting Two Teeth.
One Inch Blanket of Snow Hits Maryland, Cripples Commuters and Delays Schools.
BREAKING NEWS: Baby Also Sick. Inability to Breathe Through Nose Leads to Nursing Rebellion.
Yeah. It's been a good day. I have a feeling it's going to be a long night. Good thing Dex is cute.
Monday, January 4, 2010
At Least One of Us is Going to the Gym
I don't have any 2010 resolutions. I really haven't thought about it. So I don't feel terrible that when everyone else in the world is getting gym memberships and committing themselves to a healthier lifestyle this year (or at least this week) I am still procrastinating on getting back in to my Jillian workouts. I was doing great before Christmas. And then we had company so I couldn't work out because my work out space was being slept in. And then I was sick. And now? I'm not sure. I'm going to go with... There's sawhorses in the basement? That are in the way? And obviously way too hard to move three feet to one side so I can do some jumping jacks? Or something?
Anyhow, I am the epitome of sloth-dom right now. And John isn't doing much better than I am. We both suck. But the baby? Oh, the baby. He's kicking some ass. He apparently MADE his New Year's resolution and he's sticking right to it. More physical exercise? You got it, baby. He's currently signed up for a class at My Gym on Thursdays. And he'll go to an hour of free play there on Wednesdays. PLUS he just started swimming lessons again this evening. Add in some random play dates, library hour, etc... I am already feeling like a soccer mom, carting my child from place to place, with a calendar chock-full of events. It leaves us little time for boredom.
The following are some photos from a birthday party for Dexter's friend, at My Gym the other night. It was kind of my litmus test for Dexter to see if he was ready to cash in the My Gym gift card that Grandma and Grandpa gave him for Christmas. He started off a bit hesitant, but passed the test with flying colors.
Dex was a little unsure when I dropped him on the floor at My Gym and said "go play" but he eventually found some balls and all was right with the world... ;-)
Actually, the swing really helped shake out any remaining nerves he had
And after the swing he was off and running. Fun tunnel thing? No problem!
Huge ball that is bigger than he is? Piece of cake! He even stole it away from another kid. That's my boy!
Self-admiration in the mirror? But of course.
Anyhow, I am the epitome of sloth-dom right now. And John isn't doing much better than I am. We both suck. But the baby? Oh, the baby. He's kicking some ass. He apparently MADE his New Year's resolution and he's sticking right to it. More physical exercise? You got it, baby. He's currently signed up for a class at My Gym on Thursdays. And he'll go to an hour of free play there on Wednesdays. PLUS he just started swimming lessons again this evening. Add in some random play dates, library hour, etc... I am already feeling like a soccer mom, carting my child from place to place, with a calendar chock-full of events. It leaves us little time for boredom.
The following are some photos from a birthday party for Dexter's friend, at My Gym the other night. It was kind of my litmus test for Dexter to see if he was ready to cash in the My Gym gift card that Grandma and Grandpa gave him for Christmas. He started off a bit hesitant, but passed the test with flying colors.
Dex was a little unsure when I dropped him on the floor at My Gym and said "go play" but he eventually found some balls and all was right with the world... ;-)
Actually, the swing really helped shake out any remaining nerves he had
And after the swing he was off and running. Fun tunnel thing? No problem!
Huge ball that is bigger than he is? Piece of cake! He even stole it away from another kid. That's my boy!
Self-admiration in the mirror? But of course.Here's a little video I took using my camera (I always forget the little camera has that option). I am pretty sure, if you listen closely, that Dex is saying "HEY! MOM! Put me on that slide thingy! RIGHT! NOW!" He's a loud, demanding little booger. Also ridiculously cute.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
One Short Month to Go
Jimminy Crickets! Is that how you spell Jimminy? It is now. Anyway - I was thinking about posting a blog, mostly with pictures for Grandma to show her some of the cute clothes she got for Dex when she was down here. Then I looked at my watch and saw that - holy shit! It's Dexter's eleven months birthday! ELEVEN!! Which means that in ONE MONTH this child will be a year old. A year! How is that even possible?
I am currently sick and don't have the brain power or energy to give you any more than a "Holy crap my baby is old" post. So, here. Enjoy some pictures.
Baby obstacle course. AKA, what we do when it's 20 degrees with 50 MPH winds.
Check out my cute overalls, Grandma. They should fit for about three more seconds, and then I will be too tall for them.
I have cute shoes! And also a wet sleeve and wet pants from splashing in the dog's water bowl! Yay!
I think I also have some teeth threatening to come in.
Happy eleven month birthday, little man. My lord, you're getting old.
I am currently sick and don't have the brain power or energy to give you any more than a "Holy crap my baby is old" post. So, here. Enjoy some pictures.
Baby obstacle course. AKA, what we do when it's 20 degrees with 50 MPH winds.
Check out my cute overalls, Grandma. They should fit for about three more seconds, and then I will be too tall for them.
I have cute shoes! And also a wet sleeve and wet pants from splashing in the dog's water bowl! Yay!
I think I also have some teeth threatening to come in.
Happy eleven month birthday, little man. My lord, you're getting old.Monday, December 28, 2009
Business as Usual
We've had a week of fun Nonnas, Grandmas, Grandpas, and Aunts filling our house for the holidays. We've been out for two sets of family portraits. We've been out to eat far too many times for Mom's belly. I've napped in the car more in the past week than I have in the past two months. I've played hard. I've giggled hard. I've been a bit grumpy, too - seems like these days Mom is the only person who can make me happy if she's in the room.
But, alas, all holidays must end. This morning Daddy went to work again. I cried when he left - he hasn't left the house without me in over a week. Mom and I got back down to the business of filling our days at home by ourselves. We do a pretty good job of it, as you can see below.
We do lots of playing in the bathtub, both filled with water and empty (Fun! It's a boat! That's tipping over!):
I keep working on shoving entire slices of pears in to my mouth, with no regard for the relative size of the pear compared to the size of my mouth:
I try my hand at eating pumpkin:
I am not a big fan of the pumpkin:
I continue to work on my scrunchy face, as does Mom. Mom looks silly when she does her scrunchy face, but me? I just look cute:
And then I continue to work on climbing everything. Like this box, for example. It was completely my idea, and I needed no help from Mom to get on the box:
My idea ended a bit poorly, though (Mom's note - he was fine. Didn't even shed a tear.):
So - whee! Mom and I are keeping busy. It's not nearly as fun as when everybody is here to play with me, but we'll make do. And we'll catch up on some sleep...
But, alas, all holidays must end. This morning Daddy went to work again. I cried when he left - he hasn't left the house without me in over a week. Mom and I got back down to the business of filling our days at home by ourselves. We do a pretty good job of it, as you can see below.
We do lots of playing in the bathtub, both filled with water and empty (Fun! It's a boat! That's tipping over!):
I keep working on shoving entire slices of pears in to my mouth, with no regard for the relative size of the pear compared to the size of my mouth:
I try my hand at eating pumpkin:
I am not a big fan of the pumpkin:
I continue to work on my scrunchy face, as does Mom. Mom looks silly when she does her scrunchy face, but me? I just look cute:
And then I continue to work on climbing everything. Like this box, for example. It was completely my idea, and I needed no help from Mom to get on the box:
My idea ended a bit poorly, though (Mom's note - he was fine. Didn't even shed a tear.):
So - whee! Mom and I are keeping busy. It's not nearly as fun as when everybody is here to play with me, but we'll make do. And we'll catch up on some sleep...
Sunday, December 27, 2009
How'd Santa get in this house?
We have no chimney. At least not one big enough for a jolly old elf. So how'd he get in to give Dex some presents on Christmas morning? Must be magic...
Dex goes up to bed on Christmas Eve to dream of sugarplums
Our inaugural offering to Santa - wings and beer. Pay no attention to the partially consumed beer on the left. We were... testing it. Yeah, that's right. Testing it to make sure it was up to Santa's standards.
Santa must have been ok with wings and beer, because he left us some gifts. Also, Santa is a slacker - he didn't wrap.
A tie for the best gift Dex received. Why'd I bother getting him actual gifts?
Cowboy in the making
Yeah, yeah. This book is cool and all. But the wrapping paper? Awesome!
Cute husband, who is not amused at being the test subject of new spiffy flash.
The boys play with trucks while I play with awesome speedlight flash for the camera. I think I had more fun.
HO HO HO!
!OH OH OH
(Get it?)
Hope you all had a great Christmas! We enjoyed our first Christmas morning as a new little family. Looking forward to continuing the tradition in the future!
Our inaugural offering to Santa - wings and beer. Pay no attention to the partially consumed beer on the left. We were... testing it. Yeah, that's right. Testing it to make sure it was up to Santa's standards.
Santa must have been ok with wings and beer, because he left us some gifts. Also, Santa is a slacker - he didn't wrap.
A tie for the best gift Dex received. Why'd I bother getting him actual gifts?
Cowboy in the making
Yeah, yeah. This book is cool and all. But the wrapping paper? Awesome!
Cute husband, who is not amused at being the test subject of new spiffy flash.
The boys play with trucks while I play with awesome speedlight flash for the camera. I think I had more fun.
HO HO HO!
!OH OH OH(Get it?)
Hope you all had a great Christmas! We enjoyed our first Christmas morning as a new little family. Looking forward to continuing the tradition in the future!
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