So Much Fun!

We're having a fun time with family before the holidays, and can't wait to see more family this coming week.  In the meantime, I thought I'd share a few pictures of the Wild Man playing at a children's museum.  Sweet Lindsey came and meet up with Knox, my brother and myself.  We missed Keith being there, and can't wait until he can join us this week!  Knox had a BALL, and did NOT want to leave!

You can't see how cool the tree is behind them.

Tu-tu and Lu-lu watching Knox play

Uncle Tu-tu had as much fun playing as Knox!

See what I mean?  :)

Knox LOVED the shopping cart and play groceries.

Of course, a playtime wouldn't be complete without splashing around.

His shirt is totally laughable.  :)

This was hilarious--Knox unloaded groceries on the counter, had play money that he handed to the little boy behind the counter, who then put the money in the register.  TOO CUTE!

He kept trying to hit plastic eggs with the kiddie shovel, saying "ba-ball" every time.  Hehe!

You can tell he was thrilled to be on the back of the cow!

Big Birthday Weekend

We're gearing up for Knox's SECOND birthday party!  Second party for turning two!  The men of the group will have eyes glued to the TV--I thought I had cleverly planned the party to end right in time for the SEC Championship kickoff, as it worked out last year.  Unfortunately, after invites were sent, we found out that kick off was right during the party.  Why put the #1 and #2 ranked teams for a day slot anyway?  OH well, the kiddies won't mind--they'll be having fun regardless!

While we're gearing up for the big celebration, I wanted to make a list of words Knox is saying now on a regular basis--in case we're asked at his two year check up.  And just so you know, I'm spelling as it sounds coming from him:

mama:  unfortunately not used to refer to me, but instead cows and Elmo

uh-oh:  self explanatory

shu:  shoe

E-E:  puppy, for puppy food, but won't call the dogs that

bayball:  baseball, my child can already play baseball on the Wii--sad or stellar?

haut:  hot

nummy nummy:  yummy--often says when he sees cookies in stores or in the drive thru

choo-choo:  for any train or to watch Thomas the Train, normally accompanies with an imaginary tug for the train whistle

juce:  juice

*Just thought of two more:

all gah:  all gone

tha i is:  there it/he is

ca:  car--this is new one as of today!!!

There may be a few others that I just can't think of right now.  I know it's very limited for a two year old, but he saying a few more slowly but surely.  Some words he's said once or twice include bug (as in bug juice--sugar water packaged with coloring), horse, ice, match point (I know this one seems crazy, but he repeated it after the Wii tennis game!)

He understands more than what he lets us hear him say.  He signs please, thank you, more, eat and milk, but you usually have to get him to quit whining with his hand stuck out, and ask him point blank what he wants.  He also can do all the hand movements to Itsy Bitsy Spider and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.  He knows where all of his body parts are and can point mommy and daddy's too.  He listens very well at school and almost as well at home.  :)  He's getting very good at helping pick up his toys when asked.  Oh and he LOVES all things cleaning--did NOT get that from his momma.  :)  I got him a toy broom that he carries everywhere and is obsessed with the vacuum when it's out of the closet.  We think he played with our steam cleaner so much that it doesn't work like it's supposed to anymore.  Hopefully this continues, and he can help really clean soon!

What else--oh, he loves putting together his little wooden puzzle with animals on it.  It's kinda like a matching puzzle--animal picture in space for piece and also on the piece with little knob handles on the pieces--does that make sense?  He does it all by himself and almost always gets it right the first time.  Speaking of animals, which he adores, the animal noises he makes are moo moo for cow, grrr for bear, meow for cat, ss-ss for snake, zzzz for bee, doo doo for rooster (as in cocka doodle doo :), and gobble gobble for turkey.

We're very familiar with time out.  You almost have to be with a temper like our Wild Man's.  :)  We just tell him he needs to go sit in the corner (a dining room chair in the corner of the dining room), and he just goes and sits (and whines a bit too).  We remind him there is no crying or whining in the corner, that he needs to think about what he was doing to get him there.  We never leave him there for long since once he gets quite and calm he just sits there.  We go over and explain to him what he did wrong and what we expect of him and then ask him to say, "Yes, ma'am (or sir)" when we ask him if he understands.  Right now our response is a head down movement for yes and a mouth that moves with no sound.  (I think that comes from me pointing to my mouth and telling him to SAY, "Yes, ma'am."  Normally he just points at his mouth and smiles when I point at my mouth asking him to talk.)  We save pops on the leg for when he does something dangerous or has fits in excess.

And last, but not least, my most favorite thing about Knox right now is how affectionate he is.  He is totally a rough and tumble little boy--chasing the dogs, trying to sit on them, running into the couch full speed, walking on everything in his way and doing "down, set, hike" in the hallway.  But in the midst of it all, he stops to give fabulous bear hugs and kisses, and kisses are now followed with a big MUAH!  Even his teachers at school say that he gives the best hugs!  And when he's winding down for nap time or bed time, he'll sometimes come over to me and crawl up in the chair with me to veg to some TV before turning in.  These are the days.  :)

That just turned into a rather long post.  I just wanted to make sure I'm documenting things going on in his life right now.  I have been horrible at keeping up with his baby book.  Anywho, hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

A Belated Weekend Recap

I meant to do this on Monday, but Wild Man was still ill and stayed home from school--resulting in a near mommy melt-down from day-long whining. :)

We were blessed with a visit from Grammy and Grandaddy over the weekend, and had an amazing time as usual. We went to Stone Mountain State Park, and mainly drove around. We ended up at the covered bridge and took a short "hike" through the woods there. Knox was thrilled to see ducks on the water, but our (my) fun was slightly dampened by the dead (?) baby snake Knox and Grammy tried to play with when they thought it was a night crawler. Eeee! I get the eeby-jeebies just thinking about it. We got some great shots of three generations of Rogers men in the end, though!

Our next stop was at the Yellow River Game Ranch just about 5 minutes from Stone Mountain. Knox was in heaven--outside with tons of animals you could just tell he wanted to go squeeze. We were "those" people saying the name of EVERY animal we saw, quickly followed by the appropriate animal noise. Funny, we were never around the same people for an extended period of time. Haha! :) Knox was so worn out by all the excitement, he fell asleep mid-motion in the car on the way home. He has NEVER done that, but he was also diagnosed with this third ear infection of the year on Friday, so he wasn't quite up to par and that could have had something to do with it (on top of the fact that he STILL has a cold).

Anywho, a great weekend was had (Saturday was topped off with a super yummy dinner at the Japanese steakhouse!!!) We love having company, and when company is family, it is just that much sweeter. :) :) :) Thanks for the great weekend, Grammy & Grandaddy!

Desperately wanting to throw rocks.

All I have to say is, "AW!" :)

Aw! Again

And say it with me now, "AW!"

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this picture--Grammy, I will get you the hi-res version. :)

These next set of pics I like to call "Wild Game--Up Close & Personal." I used the GIGANTIC lens Keith loves to use (me, not so much) so it was hard to scoot back far enough, but then again I love those up close and personal pics anyway.

This silly billy goat had his head stuck through the door of this feed shoot (?)

Grandaddy, Knox and the silly billy goats

He's sticking his tongue out at me! :)

Oink, Oink, Oink!

Look into my eyes...this was a Knox-sized pony

Whatcha lookin' at gurl?

I LOVE peacocks, but never got a decent shot. :(

Raccoon running his wheel

This chipmunk/squirrel just cracked me up with his scrunched up face!

SICKIES--again!

As Knox and I hang out at the house today with yet ANOTHER case of the sickies, I thought I'd write a little note to self:

When feeding sweet baby boy a jelly biscuit...

put a top on the biscuit. :)

I haven't felt up-to-par to recap our great day visit to Chattaboogie for Sweet Jill's 30th birthday party, but she has lots of pictures I took posted on her site. Our only down side of the visit was getting hit head on (at only about 15mph, THANKFULLY) and just ONE HOUSE from Jill's. We're so very thankful we were in the SUV, but sad since we've only had that vehicle since late March. Oh well, at least it was only cosmetic damage to the vehicle and NO ONE WAS HURT--praise God!

A for Effort in Health & Fitness

At the beginning of this year, I was "gazelle intense" with a workout regime, though Knox made it a wee bit difficult most days with crying a decent amount in Kidz Klub. So as I always do, health and fitness got pushed to a back burner--sadly. Now that we are wanting to expand our family someday in the near future, I think it's important I get back in gear.

I'd like to report that I have started to get it in gear again as of Monday. The pups and I have walked each morning for about 35 minutes. Lately, Knox has become infatuated with the Wii which is a blessing and a curse. Blessing because it entertains him and we are up getting some exercise, and curse because he throws a horrid fit when we turn it off no matter how long we've been playing. Yesterday I unlocked a new item on the Wii Fit called Free Run. I'm basically running in place and my little Wii character is just running on the screen with other little Wii people, but I know I'm trying to beat my previous score. That competitiveness in me gets me going. I throw on my iPod for some musical encouragement for a few extra 10 minute segments, and before I know it have had an hour of cardio for the day broken into two sessions. I'm almost embarrassed to admit that I got a side stitch yesterday while doing my Free Run! Ha! Guess that's how out of shape I am!

Food's a little more difficult when eating on a budget, but definitely do-able. I'm also logging my food intake by using this great website tool. Perfect for me since I'm at my computer a lot during the day. My current favorite breakfast has been a Kashi Go-Lean 7 Grain Waffle (on sale with coupons) with reduced-fat PB (on sale) and half a banana (Aldi for 49¢/lb.) smeared on top of the waffle. Like a PB and 'nana sandwich, just with waffle instead of bread. YUMMMMM-O! AND I guess the added protein of the PB and whole grains of the waffle have me filling much more full through out the AM. Plus I've been downing some H2O, so I know that helps.

Last night's dinner was a complete success in terms of yumminess, healthfulness and family satisfaction. I was in the mood for some southern cooking, but obviously wanted it healthy. Yeah, right? Well, this is what I did. I had dried pinto beans (SO CHEAP!) and did the quick soak method on the package (I had Publix brand, but any brand works). To finish cooking the beans (according to the directions) I used the chicken stock I made last week--and nothing else besides salt! And they were DELISH! I only made a half bag thinking we'd have leftovers, but they were completely gone by the end of the night! Knox devoured a cup or more, I had a cup (I actually measured for once!) and Keith had the rest in two sittings! The only fat was from the chicken stock, and beans are so great for you--tons of protein and fiber!

In my world, if you have beans you have to have cornbread. It's a must. An unwritten law. I had some self-rising cornmeal and randomly looked up recipes. I found one on cooks.com and altered it a bit. This is all it read, but my alterations are in parenthesis:

Corn Bread

1 c. self rising cornmeal (cheap to begin with!)

1/2 c. vegetable oil (I used 1/4 cup oil and 1/4 cup No Sugar Added Applesauce)

2 eggs (I did use real eggs--79¢ at Aldi, but it could easily be subbed with Eggbeaters)

1 c. cream style corn (I didn't have creamed corn, but did have TONS of cans of regular corn--on sale with coupons.)

1/2 c. sour cream (I used reduced fat--on sale with coupons)

(I added 1 T. Splenda--on sale with coupons--and one large pinch of salt)

Mix and bake at 350 degrees until browned. (I tried that for 25 minutes but wasn't set up in the middle. Package read 375 degrees, so I upped the temp and backed for probably 10-15 more minutes. I would probably start temp at 375 next time.)

It was one of the most yummy and moist piece(s) of cornbread I've ever had! Don't be scared of the applesauce, you don't taste it AT ALL! A great way to cut down oil in most any baked good, but be sure to use some oil. For the corn, I used my hand emersion (sp?) blender right in the can after I drained almost all of the liquid out. Plus you get the added benefit of the regular corn, so you get a few more veggies in without knowing it!

I added a salad to all this yumminess for a complete healthy, vegetarian meal! Plus Hubs and Wild Man were full and satisfied! YAY!

Hold on to your hats!

Well, not really. But it got you here! Haha! Just thought I'd share my Tuesday night "excitement." In conjunction with my efforts to save money with groceries, I spent part of tonight making chicken stock. Yay. Right? Yay is right, if you use the stuff in rice, pastas like orzo and soups. It adds tons of flavor with not as much fat as butter.

After being cooked--should have taken a before pic of everything I put in.

I've been buying chicken on the bone, since it's so much cheaper than boneless, skinless breast (and much more flavorful), I've been keeping the bones in a zip lock in the freezer. Tonight I had enough to make stock, after cooking three more breast for yummy chicken hash (idaho & sweet potatoes with onions, bell peppers, poblano peppers and garlic)--and about one breast leftover for another meal this week.

It's SOO easy! The only hard part is straining it. I strain mine through coffee filters too, to get as much fat out as possible. I threw all the bones in a large pot of water, with a cut onion WITH skins still on (gives stock great color!), a few carrots, a few stalks of celery, two cracked garlic cloves and 45 minutes later on simmer you have a beautiful liquid gold! ;) It probably only cost me $1 to make 16 or more cups of chicken stock. How's that for excitement?!

For those of you who weren't as entertained by that wild action, and have made it this far into the post, here's Knox and one of his other new favorite things to do:

Loves To Share

Knox was so cute during this afternoon's snack, I just had to share what I caught on video. I hope he always remembers to be this giving as he continues to grow.

This is my first video to post, so I hope it works! Make sure your volume is on, so you can hear my country-accented commentary. :)

More sickness and a few randoms

Well, Knox is sick--yet again. Not sure if it's the croup coming back to haunt us, like his NP said it might, but he's running a fever of 100-102 degrees the past day. He even got sick on our bed this afternoon, so that may be a sign that it's something completely different. Yay. I'll be making a call first thing tomorrow AM if the fever hasn't subsided overnight.

In the meantime, I'm catching up on a few projects that I hadn't had a chance to get to like, FINALLY monogramming my BFFs aprons that I made them for CHRISTMAS (yeah, I know, I'm a bit late...), monogramming bags for Jayma (yes, I'm finally getting to those too!) and hemming curtains for my parents (I am HORRID at hemming! Can't EVER get the same measurement twice! URRGGHH!) I'm also working on a few new creative projects--a few to sell through my business for my "sistas" including two items for which I made my own font! FUN!!!

I have definitely come to the realization that I do, in fact, have creative ADD due to the fact I am always trying to create something new (to me) and different. My current obsession is my digital cutter, and I'm so antsy right now because I'm having issues with my newest blade that cuts chipboard & balsa wood--the heavy duty stuff. I have actually already used it for a paying job for wedding hang tags, and for my own personal use of business card tags. Check them out! I have also added prices for some things over there, and will be getting to adding prices on things posted previously. In addition, I've added the ease of a PayPal payment button. You just click, insert a short description (similar to what you email me), insert the payment amount (along with debit/credit card/PayPal account info) and TA-DA! You've just purchased your unique, personalized, and OH-SO-very cute item! :) (Checks are still welcome, too!)

Now that I've shamelessly promoted my own business, I'll leave you in saying to check out the Great Day Graphics blog in a few days to see pics of some of the gifts I mentioned earlier in this post!

Have a great week, y'all!

No Excuse

So there is no excuse for my slacker-type ways in the area of blogging recently.  I have to say, though, I don't know where the month of April went and I hate that our whole little family has been sick twice in the past 6 weeks.  The combo of traveling EVERY weekend in the month of April and being sick for almost two full weeks of six just hasn't made me up to sitting and typing beyond work.

Tonight, the mood struck as I sit outside on my new FABULOUS patio dining set, with super cushy cushions (feet propped up on the table--shhh!  Don't tell!) and enjoy the added breeze of the night from our outdoor ceiling fans (after inhaling an amazing sushi dinner).  Happy Mother's Day to meeeee!  The dining set is also Keith's Father's Day present, but I think all parties involved came out on the up-and-up.  It fits perfectly under our little porch, and we can't wait to have peeps over to enjoy it with us.

In other random news, Knox is still loving "school" and has gotten to the point where he doesn't even really cry when we drop him off.  Of course that happened on Monday of the past week, when he decided to get sick on Tuesday for the rest of the week.  He has the croup, which I didn't realize was like a cold, just with different symptoms.  I got the cold and think we shared with Daddy a bit too--though Daddy's symptoms are a bit different, so he might have gotten them elsewhere.  Just hope he doesn't share with us.

We've been planting and cultivating away at our out of doors.  I have potted many plants and spread much flower seeds and started our little veggie garden, while Keith has cut grass, dug holes for a few of my plants and spread pine straw.  He even bought fab pathway lights for the front and back walkways.  If all goes according to plan, we'll have tomatoes, pole beans, cukes, crookneck squash, zucchini, bell peppers and a variety of herbs in addition to our shade plants under the patio.  The pictures of Knox are from our fun day of playing in the rain--which day you ask, since there has been SO MANY (BOO!)--last Saturday, and it was SO MUCH FUN!

So that's our extremely brief catch up to our days in the Rogers's Neighborhood.  Hopefully, I'll get back in groove of posting since we can calm down a wee bit for the next few weeks.  HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all the wonderful mother's out there!  Ma Jack and Grammy, we love you more than you could ever know!

A Bitty Lapse

We've had a small set back in blogging--called the stomach virus.  We made it to TN for Keith's grandmother's 80th SURPRISE party and while there we got a little "surprise" of our own.  Knox woke up Saturday with the stomach bug, but to be feeling better by mid-day.  On our way home Sunday, I started feeling bad, only to come home with the stomach bug myself.  Once I started feeling better, we found out Grammy had started to come down with it, quickly followed by Grandadddy and Daddy.

Other than that, school went wonderful for Wild Man, and I think his sweet teacher will miss him for two weeks.  I meet my parents in Birmingham, since they TOLD me that they were keeping him during their Spring Break.  :)  Instead of immediately turning back to ATL, my BFF Jayma and her hubby's family graciously accepted an "intruder" on their Easter Sunday, which also happened to be BJ's birthday.  Since my parents high-tailed it once they had my child :), I was glad to spend Easter Sunday with such a wonderful family, though I missed Hubs something terrible.  I was glad I was able to spend the night with Jayma and sit around to keep her company for a bit before heading back home today.

I think I already miss my Bug, but I know I'll get TONS done, since I have three showers I'm helping hostess in two weekends (all in one weekend that is two weekends away)!  I know he's having a blast with his Ma Jack & Big Daddy, and vice versa, but you just can't help miss the little turkey!!!

Knox's First School Week Wrap-Up

Knox surprised us all, even his teachers, with how well he did in school.  His teacher figured him out pretty quick--give him food and he's happy.  Ha!  He barely even whined this morning since teacher had  a banana waiting on him!  Teacher said that he started off better than all of his classmates--that it took them much longer to get settled.  He has a new buddy named Joey, and I witnessed a little high five/attempted sippy cup swapping.  Too cute!  Teacher sent a few things of his artwork home (pictured below), and they are the best EVER!  Don't you think he takes after his mommy?  ;)

They made their own "baskets" out of a milk jug, to use for an Easter Egg hunt next week.  I'm going to see if they'll let me come spy on him while they hunt eggs.  I'm also going to go during their activity time to see him interact.  Teacher thought I might come today, so she had the two way mirror open (I didn't know they had one).  They had a puppet show today, and he just loved it!  He did have one bruise from school, on his ear of all places.  Apparently he crashed and burned from excitement that lunch was being served!  Ha, again!  We hope that the three day break in between school weeks won't set him off too much, but we're really worried for the two WEEK gap he'll have after Easter.  Oh well, he'll be fine just like he was this week, I'm sure. 

First Day Of School--UPDATE!

So apparently it wasn't as bad for Wild Man as I thought.  I had a call at around 9-9:30 from school, and of course I immediately thought the worst, and envisioned rushing to get him.  Nope.  The director just wanted to let me know how great he was doing and that he quit crying about 5 minutes after Keith dropped him off this morning!  His only issue was when workers would come in and out, but I think his teacher asked them to just peek in on him.

I got to stand and "observe" for a good 15-20 minutes.  He was chowing down, so we all know he was good if food is present.  His teacher said she thought she might have to get him a second plate!  That's my boy!  ;)  There is one little "feisty" boy, that was throwing food at the two other little boys and squeezing juice into his mouth with the sippy cup overhead.  Let's just hope Knox doesn't pick up on those undesirable habits.  Good thing is that I think that little boy kinda freaked Knox out a bit--teacher said he steered clear of him!  Haha!  I think he did play well with one other little boy that is a little more calm, so that's a plus!

Tomorrow is another day, and we'll see how it goes from here!  Oh and tomorrow is picture day, complete with a group shot--I'm sure that will be a hoot!

First Day of "School"

So today is Knox's first day of daycare/school.  He's only going four half days each week, but we think that is plenty of time for him to be socialized.  It's also plenty of time for me to get work competed each day--well for the most part and not including my current favorite hobby that is thankfully turning into a small source of extra income.  Anyway, this hobby definitely bleeds into our everyday life so I had to post pictures of all the goodies I made for Knox on his first day of school.  You can also see that the day didn't start off all that stellar.  Ha!  Poor baby knew we were going to drop him off somewhere strange.

School Bound

Momma's sweet baby boy will be starting "school" on Monday.  Keith and I have decided to enroll Knox in daycare part-time, to help socialize him (he's the true meaning of the phrase Momma's Boy) and to hopefully get the speech ball rolling.  Not only should this help Knox, but Mommy will be able to get a solid four hours of work, and possibly exercise in, without having to worry about "neglecting" Wild Man.

Starting Monday, Keith will be dropping Knox off at 7am (hanging around for a good 5-10 minutes to help get him adjusted as much as possible) and I will be picking him up at 11:00am.  He will only be attending Monday through Thursday, so we still have the flexibility to make three day trips without penalty, and get some playdates in as well.  I think all members of the Rogers household may be in better moods, once we get over the separation hump.  I hope.  I'll follow up next week to let you know how this goes.  *fingers crossed!*

Fabulously Crazy Week

So our great but crazy week started Monday.  With only $1000 left to pay on student loans before we are debt free (minus the house mortgage), the idea of a new vehicle went up.

Keith's sweet parents have been on the lookout for great deals, and found a fabulous vehicle for an equally fabulous price.  Before making an offer, Keith, Knox and I went to test drive a similar one at a local dealership.  Long story short, we made an offer on the one we test drove and dealer wouldn't come down $1500 so we said no thanks, and I next thing I know I'm in TN and the proud new owner of a 2007 Chevy Tahoe!!!  :)  I even got to see my sweet grandmother and aunt while here, since Knox and I stayed an extra night so we wouldn't feel so rushed.

Now, on our way home, we are meeting Brother and Lindsey in Birmingham so that they can ride with us in the new Tahoe, to help keep Knox happy and Mommy sane.  If only I could fall asleep now, and get some good shut eye...oh well.  Friday Ma Jack & Big Daddy will be join us (after us kids hit the GA Aquarium) for a fun filled weekend of cooking out and a trip to the ATL zoo!

In other crazy news, while we've been here in TN, we've come to realize that Knox is growing way too fast (like we didn't already know!)  We put him to sleep in his pack n play Grammy has for him here, and we woke up to find him on the BIG BED next to the pack n play, playing and gibbering to himself!!!  I tried to put him down for a nap today, and as soon as I closed the door, THUNK, there went Knox overboard since I pulled the pack n play away from the bed!  So my inability to fall asleep has a little to do with the munchin asleep on my leg, that has regularly sat straight up in attempts to get comfy himself, and the three glasses of a Pulaski delicacy, Sundrop, I consumed before bed.

Oh and please keep Grammy in your thoughts and prayers--she's having outpatient surgery on her hand tomorrow.  Hope she makes a speedy recovery, so she can give Knox sweet lovings next time we see her!

Update on the "plan"

After talking with Michelle, Knox's pediatrician, our current plan regarding Knox's lack of verbalization is to wait.

When talking with her about the extra tests the ENT "prescribed," Michelle was not familiar with the ABR test, and said that the sedation would be a bit extreme.  (Thank goodness!)  She said that she could send us to the autism early prevention center to have him tested, but again stated that she DOES NOT think that Knox has autism.  So she said she felt comfortable revisiting the situation at his 18 month checkup.

Several of my sweet readers, one being a sorority sister 

that works with delayed children, assured me that Knox's situation is quite normal--so my nerves are a little more at peace.  Thank you to everyone, including Ma Jacks and Grammys, for all of your help/assurance/input.  We love you all.  We are so glad to know that Knox is so cared for and loved.  And of course, now I think, since he has found a new love in Blue's Clues, I could swear he tries to say "Blue's Clues" when I go to put it on--but I could just be delusional at this point!  :)