1st Time for Everything

That saying is so true...

Here's the Kayson story:
Bedtime went well... usually does. 5 minutes after he's "asleep" (or so I thought), he hollared for me... I went in - this is what I saw:

• Naked kid --- had removed his pjs & his diaper.
• Urine all over his bed and dripped onto the floor.
• Blankets and pillow on the floor (thankfully not near the urine).

I've NEVER experienced that before!!

What do you say? Do you giggle? Do you scold? I did a little of both... cuz I wasn't quite sure! He knew he shouldn't have done that, but also I think he enjoyed watching me run around getting him 'ready' again and cleaning up urine and changing his sheets!

Grumpy.

Why are people grumpy all the time? This applies to people in general - and one specific person... it's hard to deal with. However, I know I can be crabby from time to time as well... and I guess I'll apologize now for when I am! :) I just hope the 'scoul' for this other person will go away soon. I like the smiles much better.

Period.

Five Question Friday

1. Snow Days - do you happily welcome them or are they a pain in your butt?
I LOVE SNOW DAYS, so I welcome them! I love being at home... 'stuck'! However, lately we haven't had many of those days... there's always the look from Ryan --- "You can make it downtown."... DAMN! Last year we had a really bad ice/snow storm and even Ryan stayed home... all 3 of us and it was awesome!! I remember that very vividly!

2. Are you a news, politics or celebrity gossip junkie?
I would say celebrity gossip junkie... however, I don't really 'get into it', I just more read the magazines every once in awhile... and that's about it.

3. Do you go to the dentist regularily?
Yep - every 6 months! I hate going to the dentist, but love my dentist and they hygentist!

4. What is something you would change about yourself?
Yikes. That's like opening a can of worms! Um... I would change my teeth. I could easily do that now - but don't want to spend the extra money to do so - I need braces again and maybe chisel down my two front teeth. They seem huge!!! ah. ;)

5. Do you get excited when the mail comes? Why?
Oh... it's one of those love/hate relationships (kind of like Target!) I'm anxious to get the mail, to see if there's anything 'fun' in there, but typically it's bills or junk. But if it's around Christmas or birthdays, I really like getting the mail!

Stories: Too funny to NOT pass on!

Here are some of the funny things that Kayson's been saying lately.

Story 1:
I'm getting out of the shower... if you forget to lock the door, you WILL have a guest, no matter what. I'm out, toweling off... Kayson says "Momma's boobies." I say yes, as they are covered up... he lifts his shirt and says "Kayson's boobies... I like it!" Oh too funny.
Story 2:
Kayson's been coughing pretty bad the last couple days... and we are trying to get him to cover his mouth. He remembers less than half of the time. When you do remind him, he does it and bats his eyes and coughs hard into his hand. It's pretty hilarious.
Story 3:
Kayson is on his play phone... talking to Tate.
"Hi Tate... wok and cheese eat it... Papa come play... Teni (Aunt Tina) Momma hold you..." That's just plain precious.
Story 4:
In the previous 'story' - "Wok and cheese" = Mac & Cheese. For some reason he can't really say Mac. Ryan tried and tried with him tonight and he kept saying "Wok". haha.
Story 5:
Anything that we eat, Kayson will let us know if he "likes it" or "don't like it." (Of course this is when he's never even tried it!)
Story 6:
I tell Kayson it's my birthday today. He says "Haaaapppy Mommy!" and then he said it over and over again this morning while we were home. So sweet.

Ornery face. ;) He's got a real screwdriver in his hand... he 'fixes' a lot of things now.

Oh Lazy Sunday

It's 2:15 on Sunday afternoon... thus far, we've slept, played just a little, and slept some more. The two boys in the house are STILL sleeping. (Kayson's coughing, but still sleeping). I have a feeling the rest of the day is going to be lazy, lazy.

Yesterday morning, we took Kayson to the walk-in clinic. I noticed some dried blood in his left ear... We instantly were worried. The doc explained that he had a blood clot that burst. Doc couldn't tell if the tube is still in tact or not... We'll do some drops to help that 'clear' up as much as possible. We'll be seeing our ENT on Tuesday morning for a check up on that. Kayson's been coughing pretty bad and has his normal snotty nose... and a low-grade fever on top of that. I thought maybe the fever has to do with that ear issue, but Doc didn't think so. It's probably just viral, which sucks even more! Pump him with Motrin & Tylonol and try to keep him happy. Good luck!

Saturday evening, I had planned an night out with some friends. Papa Mike & Grandma JeanAnn babysat. My birthday is tomorrow, and this was a great excuse to get some friends together. 9 of us got together and did some bowling, drinking and eating... bowling can be interesting - either a complete flop or a huge success. In my opinion, it was a huge success!! We all had a great time, even the ones that suck at it (that includes me)! We bowled a couple of great games, then headed over to Mickey's to sit and talk/drink some more. A few of us had too much to drink last night (that does not include me... but includes the one adult person that lives with me)! I won't name any names here... We were home around midnight and crashed... well, Ryan crashed... I tossed and turned and listened to Kayson cough, and tossed and turned some more. I realize when I drink (whether it's a lot or not), I don't sleep well. I can't 'relax' enough to fall asleep. I think I'm afraid I won't hear Kayson. So therefore, I didn't sleep hardly at all... so the nap I just had was much needed! We had a great time with our friends... and I really appreciate them coming out and 'celebrating' with me. I forgot my camera, but one of my friends had hers, so maybe I'll steal a few shots from her to post!

So like I said, today will be lazy. I'm not even sure if I'll shower... I mean, is there a reason to?!? I don't HAVE to get to the grocery store, it can wait til tomorrow. So we'll see what the rest of the day brings... Plus it's way too cold out! I think staying in, covered in a blanket and watching FB sounds perfect to me.

Five Question Friday

It's been awhile since I've done these! Here goes! TGIF!

1. Where did you meet your spouse and did you instantly know it was love?
Ryan and I met at sand volleyball. I was asked to play by a good friend, and he was asked to play by his good friend (at the time, those friends were dating). We had a great time getting to know each other, joking around, flirting possibly. ;) At the time, I was going through a divorce, so to be honest, 'love' wasn't really on my mind at the time. Fast forward, divorced and began spending more time with Ryan... and things just happened. I actually fell in love with him when I was asked to go to his work Christmas party and he was the "EM C" for the white elephant exchange. I thought he was awesome and such a great guy. I was completely intrigued by him.

2. What is your favorite room in the house?
Hmmm... probably our bedroom. It's quiet, it's nice and cozy. I can go in there and read or just watch MY shows and have quiet time. It's a very nice space.

3. Can you wiggle your ears?
Nope... and I've been trying for a couple minutes!!

4. What is your evening ritual?
Oh our evenings. Where do I start!?!? Some evenings are relaxing and fun, others are working our butts off to make our son happy. (I'm hoping other parents go through this as well!?!?!) Please say yes!

1. Kayson and I typically arrive home a little before 5:00.
2. Dogs are let out.
3. I change my clothes, cuz I can't stand to be in my work clothes 1 minute longer!
4. I typically try to put a few things away - my workout bag, any dirty clothes that I didn't get to that morning, maybe put the dishes away if needed. I just simply need about 5 minutes!!
5. Kayson and I sit on the floor and attempt to play. (Sometimes he doesn't want to play at all, other times, he plays with lots of different things!) I personally keep the TV off b/c it's such a distraction and I think Kayson does much better if it's off.
6. I try to keep Kayson out of the pantry!!! That's a ongoing battle every day!
7. Finally Daddy arrives home around 5:45 and while Kayson and Daddy do their thing for a little while, I finish up anything else I didn't get done when we walked in the door.
8. From there, it's making supper, keeping Kayson happy, don't forget about the dogs, start any laundry if needed (which is typically needed every 2 days at least!), get Kayson's clothes ready for the next day, get my clothes ready for the next day, continue making supper, eat supper (and if we can, sit there as long as we can!!!)...
9. After eating, we play.
10. Around 7:45 - bathtime for Kayson.
11. Around 8:15 - books are read in Kayson's room - he's typically asleep around 8:30.
12. From there, I don't stop. I don't stop moving. There's ALWAYS something that can be done. Whether it's important or not, I don't like to sit... I'll get on the computer, check my personal email, read more blogs, check Facebook... and browse, if I feel like it. I'll clean, or pick up toys or whatever that's laying around the house (cuz there's always something that needs a place!) Clutter drives me crazy. Sometimes I'll take a bath, sometimes I'll go to my room and watch TV shows that I've DVRd (cuz Ryan doesn't want to watch the shows I watch!), sometimes I'll clean something. It all depends. I know I said I don't like to sit, but last night I sat. I sat and watched The Mentalist, from start to finish, and I think I only got up once during the show. That's impressive for me. ha.
13. Bed comes around 10:00 or so... or at least I'm in bed around then. Sometimes I watch TV... or just fall asleep.

5. How many hours of sleep do you need to function?
That's a good question. I'm not sure how to really answer that. Before Kayson - I'd say I would get a solid 7 hours - 7 to 8 full hours without interruption! Now that we have Kayson - I'd say I get a good 5 to 6 hours of solid rest. Some nights are better than others.

I would say I NEED a full 8 hours to really feel good, but realizing that's probably not going to happen for a very long time! and by then, I SHOULD be used to the little sleep! I'm realizing it's not about the quantity of sleep, it's about the QUALITY. How many times were we up with Kayson in the middle of the night? How many times did I have to pee? How many times did I wake to Ryan's snoring? How many times did I have a weird dream that woke me?

Brrrrr....

It's cold. Cold cold cold!!!! This morning the temp was negative 1 on my car... YUK YUK YUK!

Even being at my desk for nearly 2 hours... I'm still cold. My hands are like icicles... I've been sitting on them as much as I can! ha. I have goosebumps constantly - so much for shaving my legs!!! My nose is cold too. Wow... that's not very fun or comfortable! ;)

Last night Kayson wanted to go outside. Of course, we can't do that. He sees me let the dogs out... so therefore, HE wants out! I let him stand by the sliding door and watch the dogs... and at one point last night, I left the door open a crack, cuz Murphy goes potty REALLY fast when it's cold. And soon enough, Kayson runs over to me and says "Cold outside Mommy!" He got it! He understood! ha.

When we read books for bed, we always cover up, cuz it's cold in his room. We read a few books out in the living room first and he asked for a blankie to cover up. I thought that was so sweet.

I love blankets to cuddle up in, but the second you have to take the blanket off, it's like a fast wind has taken over and your body temp has dropped once again! I wish I could have a blankie all the time with me... or be warm-blooded. (Is that such a thing?!)

I'm re-reading this... I'm totally babbling, but at least it's pretty consistant with being cold! I'm ready for 60 degree weather!!!

Boo Hoo

I'm feeling a little 'Boo Hooish' today. I'm finding myself tearing up at random things.

• I just heard from Martina - her, Blair & Tate are on their way home from the hospital. What an amazing feeling... I remember being in her shoes. Scared, excited, nervous, antsy. And for some reason, I'm feeling that way today for them!!! That seems so silly. They will do great. Ryan and I did great. Everyone does great... it's just one of those moments where my tears just fell and fell. I'm so happy for them... and deep DEEP inside, I'm thinking of baby #2. (Don't worry Ryan - I know we aren't ready!) ;)
• I'm off today from work. Gosh, I shouldn't be blue about that!!! But I'm feeling just a tad alone... Ryan's headed to Kansas for 3 days... and Kayson's at daycare. Maybe I should have kept K home with me.
• I heard an old song today that I haven't heard in years... cried the second the guy started singing. REALLY??
• I need a pick-me-up when it comes to my body. Or maybe I just need some sun!?!? I know that always perks me up... but right now, it's cold, windy and sun isn't an option for the Iowa winters.
• I'm loving my new car - but that involves a car payment. Damn! I wish we had disposible cash!! ;)

That's all I've got for now... I'm already feeling better by writing these things out. It WILL be a good day... and my Boo Hoo's WILL go away!

Meeting Tate

Kayson getting ready to go meet his new cousin! He loved his shirt. He kept saying "Tate wagon... Kayson pull". That's exactly what his shirt shows. ;)


I got my hands on the little peanut first. Oh my goodness... he's precious. He was very alert the entire visit, and even cooed just a little and got a little mad too. He's perfect. Blair and Martina seem very, VERY happy (and tired)! We hope Martina has a very quick recovery. Kayson did great with Tate. He said his name over and over and over again... even touched his head and nose. He thought about holding Tate, but that lasted about 20 seconds... which is fine. We didn't want to push it. He did great. And I think if we keep Kayson seeing Tate more, things will just get better and better.

We are so very happy Tate has arrived and is healthy. He's a very lucky little boy.

Here are some pictures:

Baby Taylor!

Tate Martin Taylor arrived this morning, January 14, at 1:16 am - weighing in at 6 lbs 8 oz and 19 inches long. Martina & Baby are doing well... well - Martina is EXHAUSTED and sore, but doing well.

I don't have any pictures right now, but we'll be visiting the little peanut tonight. I can't freakin wait! ;)

New to me!

No more bald tires for me! Whoohoo!

Ryan and I purchased this Ford Edge for me this morning... Loving it!

Winter Weather Opinions

What are your opinions regarding Iowa's winter weather? Do you like it? Do you enjoy only parts of it? What do you think about the snow/ice covered roads?

It was 4 years ago... I was driving to work, and knew the roads were slick... I was taking it slow, like I always do. A Jeep Wrangler passed me going too fast and then needed to slow down too quick - he did a little fish-tailing and I proceeded to slam on my brakes. (I know now, not to do that). I did a 360 in the middle of I80 - cars coming at me, even a semi - he veared off to the shoulder... I finally stopped... car is dead and I'm shaking... I get the car started and amazingly drove to the side of the interstate without being hit. God was with me that day. And I will NEVER forget it. I think of that day everytime the winter weather of Iowa hits us. It honestly makes me sick to my stomach!

Ok... so moving on to opinions --- you obviously know my opinion now!!! I hate every second of it when I'm OUT IN IT. I don't complain much (or at least I don't think I do...?), anyway - I hate the feelings I get when the roads are covered and I have to drive in it. I have a car that has horrible tires on it ('bald' as the mechanics say to me), and I get a taste of those bald tires everytime the winter weather arrives in Iowa. I can't get traction... I spin up hills, I actually AVOID hills if I can! (I have an extra long route that I can take to avoid hills). Pathetic huh? I get nervous - not necessarily about ME, more about the idiot drivers around me. I think it's so interesting when I get to work (a normal drive that should take about 17 minutes, takes me nearly 70 minutes) and I hear some people say "Oh - it wasn't that bad..." OMG, I thought it was awful. I also hear "I went 60 mph on open road..." WHAT? I didn't get over 10 mph on the freeway!?!? Is that just me?!? Or are there others out there? When it snows and is icy like this - all I want to do is stay home - stay home WITH my husband and son, so we are all safe. I hate it!!!!

So that's my frustration for tonight... thankfully I can vent a little on my blog and not complain to my husband (cuz I'm sure he won't want to hear it!), and snow blow! haha... I snow blowed most of the driveway tonight before him and Kayson got home... I like doing that... it's a good workout, and I get that damn snow off our driveway. Unfortunately, it's STILL snowing... and doesn't look like I even touched the driveway!

Ok... I'm smiling now (only cuz we are all home and safe!)
and please say an extra prayer for Ryan tomorrow, as he has to travel to South Dakota in this stuff.

Not much

I don't have much to tell today... but have the time to write, so I will... I will babble a little.

Thursday, evening we visited our friends, Heidi & Chris and their newborn baby, Brady. Man, that makes me remember the 'newborn' stages and how great it feels to just sit and snuggle with a baby! They are doing really well - seemed very relaxed, which is great! Brady's beautiful (I can call a little boy beautiful, right?!?!) Kayson wasn't quite sure about Brady at first, but by the time we left, he touched his hand and said his name... it's a start! I'm anxious to see how he is with Baby Taylor!

Friday evening, we decided to hit El Rodeo for dinner... one of my favorite places. Following we walked around Target for a little bit... of course, spending money that wasn't planned. That damn place! It's a love/hate relationship we have!

Saturday was a day at home. I'm not going to lie - Kayson was a bear 90% of the day. We think he woke up and decided he wasn't going to listen to anything! Little stinker! So we were challenged nearly all day long! I was lucky to get away for a short while and attend a nice baby shower for our neighbor, then just hung out at home the rest of the afternoon. We then met Blair & Martina for dinner up in Ankeny at Buffalo Wild Wings - another great dinner place. Kayson was pretty good... he can only sit for a short while, but overall, he was good. We thought if we made plans for Saturday night, they might get 'ruined' by the arrival of the baby - not so much! I know she's ready and uncomfortable... but she looks really good!! (I think!)

And today, was another day at home... which was great. Kayson was in a MUCH better mood... we played hard this morning, I grocery shopped while he was napping... and also cleaned out the fridge. (What a chore!) Tonight we had a great dinner and just played some more. Nice day to be at home with my little family.

So like I said, I don't have much... no pictures to share. We had some great laughs with Kayson today - he's repeating everything... and I mean EVERYTHING! Which is hilarious.

Kayson's Funnies

Kayson's funny. Period. Or at least, we think he is. Here are some examples of the things that go on in our house... and the things that are said, etc.

• "Tome Momma... Tome" --- That's Come Momma. ;) It's SO sweet.
• and to add to that... if you are holding him, and he says "Tome...", then he leans a little to lead you in the direction he wants... typically he wants in the Pantry! So then he'll say "Door... open... food..."
• "Hold me... Hold me...", as he bats those blue eyes and puts his hands up. Again, so sweet.
• He's moved into the 2 Year old room at daycare... it's been so great - lots more ciriculum and more structured. He's been exhausted when we get home... the last couple nights, he's wanted his "blankie and rock Momma." The only time that kid cuddles is when he's sick or it's time for bed... so even if this is for 3 minutes, it's awesome for me. ;)
• Him and Daddy play football... Ryan throws or rolls the football on the floor and hollar's "FUMBLE!!" and they dive after it. Kayson laughs and laughs and attempts to say Fumble too...
• Everytime we are done with bath, Kayson runs out to the living room (buck naked) and laughs. Ryan taps his bottom and then Kayson runs back to his room. Every night!!
• His 'girlfriend', Riley didn't change rooms with him at daycare (not yet anyway), so last night before we left, we went to his old room to see her... She was SO happy to see him... she smiled and screamed his name! Kayson looked at me and said "RiRi hugs Momma". I asked if he wanted to give her a hug and he was more than willing --- "YEA!" Again, so sweet to see him have friends that he has such a connection with. Amazing.

Kayson - 2 Year Well Check

Here are Kayson's stats at 2 years:

Weight: 28.4 pounds (55%)
Height: 35 1/4" (78%)

Everything looks great... He, of course, wouldn't talk much when the Doctor was in the room, which I would have loved for her to see how much he does talk! He got one little finger prick to check lead... that sucked, but we moved on quickly and hopefully he's fine now that he's at daycare!

Next Well Check is when he's 3. Seems crazy to think he'll be 3 in just a year... SAD!!!

All Kayson

This is what Kayson's been up to the last week or so.

Loves the garbage... yuk. ;)


His new Thomas tent & tunnel... look closely - he's in there!


We took some of HIS money, and purchased a little DVD player for him. I love how he's resting his hands... so cute.


And starting to love the big bike!

Ramblings

1. We've had such a nice weekend... a great Friday with friends, a wonderful Saturday at home (out of the cold), and a very productive Sunday. I love that!

2. We've had a happy boy on our hands! Thank goodness! My question now is - do I dare ramble on and on about how good he's been!??! That might jinx it! Ok... I will...

• Sleeping so well! No waking up in the middle of the night for almost a week. (This is huge!)
• Eating fairly well too! Always a plus for us.
• Talks so much... conversations just are so much better and clearer. I sometimes just catch myself NOT answering him b/c I want to hear him say more words. It's a feeling I can't explain.
• He's funny. And he thinks we are funny too... we laugh a lot!
• Is really starting to count. Again - a feeling I can't explain!

3. I'm anxious for Blair & Martina's little one to arrive... I know Martina is more than ready - due date is 10 days away... (I have been bawling anytime I hear about a newborn, so I anticipate a flood of tears once this little guy arrives).

4. My refrigerator top was FILFY! You might want to check yours! ha.

5. Thankful for some great neighbors. Tonight - one of them brought over 'Better than Sex' cake for Ryan. (I say Ryan, b/c it's ALL CHOCOLATE)... that's totally for him. So nice of them.

6. I miss my nieces and nephew (and sisters & parents). Being almost 2 hours away is a little harder for us to get together with them (all of them)... maybe I should make that my New Years Resolution - to get to Clarion more often.

That's all I've got for tonight... I've done a lot of spacing off over the past hour or so... I'm glad I have tomorrow off - errands and appointments and lunch with Martina. Shall be a great day!

2011

Seems a little bizarre that we are now saying and using 2011! Just seems impossible actually... but in reality, it's here... life goes THAT fast.

We celebrated the New Years with some friends from Creston and some neighbors... all joining us at our home... kids and all! We had a great time - kids played well (3 boys - ages 3 to 18 months and 1 little girl at age 1), lots of "MINE, MINEs" being hollered and "You need to share" from the parents, but all in all, they did really well. And they all stayed up WAY past their bedtime, but it was fun! The adults, too, stayed up way past our bedtime! I initially thought if we stayed up til 11, we would be doing good... we all made it til midnight and beyond. I think Ryan and I were in bed around 1:15. That's super late for me!! But it was fun... and totally worth it... especially when Kayson didn't wake up til 9:00! Yowza! That was nice!

So the first day of 2011 has been nice... I'm getting over a really nasty sinus infection (have had meds now for 3 full days) and I do feel much better... Ryan, Kayson and I just pretty much played all day long. It was too damn cold and windy to do much today... so that was good... good to keep us home today. Christmas tree and decor is all down and put away (even organized a little better than it was last year!), now there's more room for Kayson's crap - oh, I mean toys! ha. Speaking of toys - he's enjoying the remote control fire truck now - A LOT and even sat on the big motorized bike last night and today some! Baby steps! ha.

Resolutions for 2011 anyone?? I honestly haven't thought much about it this year... and I'm really not planning on it! My first thought is to just stay safe, happy and healthy all year long... I suppose if I had to, I would say to continue to work out. I can do it, I've done really well, so I just need to push through and continue!

Happy New Year to all my friends and family!!