Oh Hey Friday

Happy Halloween everyone!

[one]
We FINALLY got to go pumpkin picking yesterday and it was awesome. I didn't think Jack would have much interest but it really was such a fun time. He had a blast and so did my mom and I. Sadly, Brian had to work but there is always next year.

[two]
I'm so excited that the end of the week and Jack's 1st Halloween is here. I'm getting out of work early today too. I plan on taking Jack out to a few of our favorite neighbors. He is going to be the cutest John P. Sullivan, Sully, anyone has ever seen! Halloween is so much more fun with littles. I can not wait to get out of work later to spend it with my little man.

[three]
I'm I getting a little too ahead of myself here when I say I'm psyched for Hallmark Christmas movies already???? Oh well I really am. Last winter I watched them constantly when pregnancy insomnia kept me up all the time. I have a feeling I'll be watching a lot this year too considering my little Jack is the worst sleeper in all of time!

[four]
Piggy backing off of #3 I actually punched a lot of Christmas gifts already. I've got to start early of I feel like I'll never get it all done.

[five]
Did anyone get great deals on the Carter's 70% off Halloween and Thanksgiving outfits like I did? I bought Jack's Halloween costume for next year, $12, a Thanksgiving and a few Halloween shirts for next year. I can't believe my little, teeny-tiny baby will be that big.

[six]
Flashback Friday for one second. Holy cow, could I just get that body back? It was only 2009 but I want that back!

Our Favorite Halloween Stories

I have an addition to purchasing books for Jack. I usually find myself in the book section of Target more than the toy section.  I love reading to Jack. It's getting harder to read to him because he rarely sits still these days and would prefer to eat books rather than watch me turn the pages. I've started reading to him while he's in the bathtub. It sounds silly but as he sits in his bath seat playing away I can read him at least 4 stories.

Last fall we celebrated our Baby Shower and our guest books were Halloween story books. I've added to our little collection with some not so spooky Halloween and Fall Stories.

Five Little Pumpkins- This is the newest to our collection. It's actually Jack's Halloween gift from mommy and daddy but we gave it to him a little early.

How Big Could Your Pumpkin Grow- We love this one. It will grow with Jack. I met the author and illustrator at a book fair last year so it was officially Baby G's first book. The illustrations and little bit of fun geography is super cute.

Biscuit's Pet and Play Halloween- Jack loves this story. He adores touching all the different textures.

Bernstein Bears Ghost Walk and Trick or Treat- Well obviously, Bernstein Bears are just awesome!

What are your favorites so I can to our collection?

DIY Felt Pumpkin

Fall is a favorite of mine. I also love the idea that almost all the decorations can go up in September and last through Thanksgiving when Christmas takes over. I haven't crafted much of anything since Jack was born and this took me a lot longer than it should have. Two weekends ago the weather  was pretty rainy, I was sick and Jack took a championship nap so i was lucky enough to finally finish it.

Here's what you need:

- Styrofoam ball

- 8 sheets of orange felt (8x11 sheets)

- 1 sheet of green felt

- Straight pins

- Scissors

- Knife

-First cut off the bottom of the styrofoam ball so it sits up on it's own
-Cut 2 leaf shapes out of the green felt and pin them on.  I chose to cut different shapes, one long and the other short and wider. Attach the leaves with the pins
- Cut out orange circles. I used a 3 inch ribbon roll as a template. I could get about 6-8 from each sheet of felt.
- Fold the circles twice and pin them on the pumpkin. I started in a circular motion around there styrofoam but found I was bunching the close together. I than started a line down the ball and realized the easiest was to do it in random order until the pumpkin was completely covered.
- Fluff the felt until no pins are showing and you're happy with how it looks.

So what do you think?

What are some easy fall crafts you enjoy?

One Tree Hill Fan Girl Moment

I'm not sure if I said it here before but I truly loved One Tree Hill. I didn't watch the show when it began although so many of my friends did. It wasn't until a vacation to Wilmington, North Carolina back in 2009 that I finally got into the show. Wilmington is where the filming of OTH took place (Dawson's Creek too. Another favorite) It was when we took a movie tour of Wilmington that we found out it is it's own little Hollywood. After being there I couldn't help but start watching when we returned home. I got a little addicted thanks to Netflix.

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I don't follow many celebs on social media but I do follow Sophia Bush, who I adore. Over the weekend she posted a few photos of her OTH cast mates and I nearly fainted at the thought of a reunion movie/show. Yeah total fangirl moment! Apparently there was a One Tree Hill Convention in Paris over the weekend. Who knew there was such a thing???? It was actually the second convention called "From Wilmington to Paris"I can hear Gavin DeGraw in my head already. There are some rumors about a reboot. I am a little undecided on that though. The 90210 reboot was TERRIBLE. Almost all of the cast were there even crazy Nanny Carey and Skills but no Chad Michael Murray, whomp, whomp.

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Either way, I got all nostalgic over the show but also my time spent in Wilmington. Brian and I have so many happy memories there. I love the north east but if I had the choice to move Wilmington would be the place. It's a perfectly, charming port city with lots of southern charm. I could absolutely see myself there .

Planning A 1st Birthday Party, Already?!?!

Can you believe I've already started planning Jack's 1st Birthday Party?!?!

It's amazing to me that this year has just flown by. I've heard the saying "The days are long but the years are short" and that could not be more true. My little newborn baby is going to be a year old. Last year at this time my baby bump was still adorably cute and I could feel him moving around late in the evening. This was around the time I stopped sleeping through the night so I started watching Hallmark Channel's non stop Christmas movies  at 3,4, and 5 am. They do start on Halloween night! It's all just happening so fast. I'm so worried that It has been such an amazing year watching my little boy grown and learn. 

I'm so excited to be planning 

Jack Frost's Winter "One"derland Birthday Party. 

Well, because turning 1 is SNOW much fun! 

I'm currently looking for a place to have it. I'm thinking we will have about 75 people attending and we have several kiddies coming so I want enough room for activities and running around. Thank goodness for Pinterest because I've already got some really great ideas! Too bad I'll be going into the poor house. Too many great ideas for one momma to handle. 

Now all I have to do is plan out his gifts. I'm thinking a Radio Flyer Wagon, Pottery Barn Anywhere Chair, Tricycle?!?! 

Any gift ideas for a first birthday gift?

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What do you think?

I'm usually not a fan of winter or snow but I can't deny that snowmen, polar bears and penguins (I know they live on different continents) are just too sweet! 

S Word That Suck

SHINGLES, yep, that is an S word that sucks as does the STRESS that causes the Shingles. If you follow me on Instagram you probably saw I was diagnosed with Shingles on Thursday. I have been feeling sick for over 2 weeks with a stomach ache and all around exhaustion. I thought that I was j. I was just fighting off some sort of virus. I also thought I was run down. My doctor told me I have too much physical and emotion stress in my life to cause the virus. I would have to agree because I feel physically exhausted often. Jack doesn't sleep and I take almost all of the night shifts in our house. Working a full time job and staying up almost all night has taken a toll on me. I'm also feeling emotionally stressed too. I've complained about the stress of my job before and it hasn't gotten better. Stuff at home isn't great either. Our marriage is sometimes really hard work and it has been exhausting fighting for it to work along with everything else.

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It's been a tough few days because I'm fighting off this virus and my ear, neck, shoulder and arm are covered in a painful rash. It's even in my throat and inside of my ear making me really dizzy too. For the first few days I was unable to go near Jack and he still can't go anywhere near my rash. It's been nearly impossible so I have just been wearing over sized hoodies with the hood up kinda like the Unabomber. I'm also on chicken pox watch on Jack too because I could have infected him before I knew I was even sick. I haven't been able to breastfeed him at all either. I've been pumping which upsets him causing a whiney little man. In addition to all the pain from the rashes I'm really exhausted.  Why can't I just lose weight like most people when they are stressed? Nope, not me I get a painful viral infection.

I'm having a little pity party for myself but I'm hoping to feel better soon so I can catch up on all the fun fall activities that I'm excited to spend with Jack.

Hey Friday

Happy Friday all..


[ONE]

So, I have Shingles. Yep, f*cking shingles. I can't express how terrible it feels. I woke up Wednesday with a terrible earache but the ear itself hurt too. On Thursday I woke up with terrible pains from my ear, down to my collarbone and my shoulder. A few minutes after I got out of the shower I noticed a rash on my neck. My mom had shingles so I remembered what it was like when she had it. I got into the doctor last night and my thoughts were founded. It sucks so much. I am in agonizing pain. This pain is no joke. I can't work. I can't touch Jack and if I have too I can't touch him with my right side. I also can't nurse him and I'm even afraid to pump and give him milk with the medications in my system. The doctor told me that shingles feeds on physical and emotional stress. I swear with Jack not sleeping my body is just a mess.

[TWO]

We celebrated Jack's Baptism last weekend and it was beautiful. Jack was a real charmer as he usually is. He just looked so sweet.

[THREE]

I have ben pretty disappointed with 2 of my favorite shows. First off, Revenge, anyone else think its just getting so far fetched?  Next, American Horror Story, I'm just not feeling it. That freaky clown too. I'm hoping the both get better.

[FOUR]

My baby boy is 9 months old. That means the stress of a big birthday bash is lingering. I'm going with a "Jack Frost" theme. Lots of snowmen, snowflakes, hot coco and all our favorite people!

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[FIVE]

We are FINALLY going to the pumpkin patch Sunday as long as I feel better. It's Jack's 1st time and I'm really looking forward to the hayrides and all the fall fun.

Baby Jack- 9 Months Old

Weight and Height- 

Last appointment he was 17.8 and that was a couple of weeks ago. Ugh, grow Jack, GROW!!! He is 27 inches long. He eats well but just doesn't gain weight as well. He is the only one in the house, lol. 

Health- 

Jack is doing AMAZING. A few weeks ago I posted about his awesome test results. He may never suffer the extreme effects of his Cystic Fibrosis. We feel like we can take a deep breath! Finally. We will continue his treatments and continue to visit his specialists. 

Sleep- 

Jack is killing me! He doesn't sleep. He has started waking up at least 4 times a night. I don't know why. Nothing has changes. I'm in misery most days. We have tried everything since 6 months. He used to sleep so well but not anymore. I have put him in our room in the pack and play and that worked for 2 nights. We used to put him in our bed and now that doesn't even work. Sleep Jack, SLEEP! 

Crying- 

Jack has become very aware of his surroundings. He will cry when he doesn't see his mom or dad. He will cry going to most people besides us, his grandmas and my dad. He screams his face off at my father in law and my brother. Jack will cry in the car like some one is hurting him. He will cry if I don't feed him fast enough. 

Hair- 

It's such a beautiful. blonde color. 

Eyes- 

A gray Blue!

Clothes- 

Jack is wearing 6 months. He also fits into some 9 month stuff but most of it is still big. 

Feedings- 

Jack is doing great with his feedings. Jack eats most pureed but we've been feeding him small bites too. He is doing well but I'm still nervous about the real food. 

Routine- 

Most days start at 5am. We begin with this treatments and follow that up with a feeding. He stays with my mother in law and his older cousin each day. He has a built in big brother and they have a blast together. Our nights usually contain of eating together when I get home from work. We give him a bath, we play, he nurses and another treatment after he has fallen asleep.  

Social 

He is so incredibly happy and friendly. He is such a flirt its crazy! He smiles at any one who pays attention to him. He loves watching older kids play. He squeals with excitement when he sees kids or dogs. He's started talking too. He says Mama, Dada, dar-dar (we think he means dog because he only says it chasing the dog.) He will say "Hi da" when Brian comes home from work. Jack reacts to people he is familiar with and its usually a huge smile. He is now interested in his cousins and smiles at them when they play. 

Milestones:

-Jack is getting Baptized on Sunday and we are having a small family party.

- Jacks' been crawling for a little over a month.

- Standing and pulling up like a big boy.
-Walking with his push carts
- Giving high fives

- Responding to his name and the word no.  

Likes-

Standing

Puffs- he is obsessed.

Crawling like a mad man

He LOVES being in the water to take baths especially in his big boy bath seat.

Jack love dogs. He gets so excited when he sees any dog. 
 He is very flirtatious. 
Jack loves to imitate others. He will cough and giggle when he hears others. 

He is obsessed with phones, iPads and remote controls. 

Jack has started paying attention to more of his toys. He likes anything that plays music and he LOVES his Lightning McQueen ride on toy from grandma. 

His talking Daniel Tiger stuffed animal is his favorite.

Family- He loves his grandmas and grandpas. He always smiles at mommy and laughs when daddy makes funny faces. 

Cartoons especially Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. 

Dislikes- 

Laying down for diaper changes

Car rides

Being told no

Being away from his mom and dad

Mommy- 

This mom is tired. I feel like I haven't slept in so long.. I'm happy. I just love being a mommy! I still have working mommy guilt but it has gotten a little better. It still sucks! 

Oh Hey Friday

Oh Friday, it's nice to see you again. Take your time just like I hope this weekend does too!

How cute is this photo?!?!? Jack did a fall mini session 2 weeks ago. He was up the night before with a raging fever so I was surprised he even smiled. One dose of Tylenol and he was fine, thankfully. I think its teeth but you never know. 

Jack's Baptism and party are Sunday. I've been running around all week. Today and tomorrow we will be preparing and cooking. I'm looking forward to seeing Jack with all our families on Sunday. The strange thing about this party is I'm really not that into it. I've always loved partying and decorating for parties but things are definitely different since Jack came along. I'be been so low key about this party. It will be a very easy going afternoon. I'll save all my love of party planning for his 1st birthday, which is fast approaching!

I had Brian return our broken Keurig to Bed Bath and Beyond. He came home with the Keurig 2.0. This thing is pretty awesome. He is super excited because there are about 1,000 settings and I'm just hoping to get a good cup of coffee out of it. I'm bummed because the My K Cup I have doesn't fit into it. I'm hoping to find something similar for this one.

Monday marks the 6th anniversary of Brian and my first date. In so many ways it feels like only yesterday and in others I can't believe it's been 6 years, a house, a wedding and baby later! This was one of our first photos together. It was taken on Halloween 2008. I met all of Brian's friends for the first time this night. I also dropped the beer I'm holding all over the floor. His friend had an electrical outlet in the floor so I shorted out the electricity that night. Great first impression. I always get clumsy when I get nervous.

So can we talk American Horror Story!?!?!?! WHAT THE FAAAA???? I have been a loyal viewer since the first season but that clown!!! What is up with that clown! I swear I'm not going to be able to watch and not have nightmares! Holy hell I was scared to death!

6 Years

I've written many times that Brian and I met in an apple orchard. We were engaged in that same orchard 4 years ago. Each year we go back and it has become our little family tradition. It is even more special that we get to share this tradition with our son.

It's crazy to see how much we have changed since we first met back in 2008. Although I don't have any photos from the first time we went to the orchard together I can remember everything vividly! The first date jitters, how I felt, what I wore; it feels like only yesterday!

2014

This year was a little different as you can imagine. Carrying a baby around the orchard was fun but it was difficult for both of us to pick apples so bringing did most of the carrying and I did most of the picking. We hung out in the orchard and watch Jack eat his very first apple. He loved it as I would have thought. This year we did do our annual wine tasting and bought some amazing Naked Flock Pumpkin Cider. AMAZING!

2013

2012

2012

2011

2010

Look at the bling. 

Just after he asked me to be his wife.

2009

What are some fall family traditions your family celebrate?

Any ideas for the $28 worth of apples I bought!?!?!?

I currently have a apple crumb pie baking in the oven! 

The house smells amazing.