Waldo Pizza

Nathan got off work early tonight (5:30pm!) so we were able to meet up with some friends for dinner. Anna and Rich live about 40 minutes outside the city and although it's not that far, it's been really hard to coordinate a dinner because Nathan usually doesn't get home until 6pm or later and he works 6 days a week.

Anna just happened to call and say they were going to Waldo Pizza for dinner and wanted us to join them. I hadn't started dinner and Nathan was on his way home so we packed up Allison and drove just down the street to meet Anna, Rich and their 4 kids. I don't know how people with multiple kids do it! I'd love a big family but I felt so overwhelmed. I was trying to listen to all the kids at the same time and they were all so excitable and adorable that I didn't want to miss out on anything.

I've only been to Waldo Pizza once and it was when we first moved to Kansas City. Nathan and I split a large so that we could have leftovers since he'll have a late night tomorrow and I won't have to make dinner.

Allison loved the commotion at the restaurant. She gets grumpy when we try to keep her in her carseat- especially if she can't see what the other kids are up to.

We were home by 7:45 and we were all in bed at 8:30pm!

Slow Week

I don't have any plans this week.

Besides 'Mom Group' this week and a few errands, I don't have much to do. The weather has turned really cold so Allison and I will probably spend most days cuddling.

I snuck into Allison's room this morning to take this picture of her. Most mornings, it's her babbling that wakes me up. Usually between 6-7am but today I woke up before her and was able to sit and have a hot cup of coffee before she started to stir. It was amazing! I'm someone who NEEDS my coffee in the morning and usually I don't get it until 30 minutes after Allison wakes up.

While Allison was sleeping, I made some muffins to bring for our group meeting today. I had prepared all the dry ingredients the night before so it was really quick to whip up the blueberry and cream cheese muffins. I think the delicious aroma woke her up because about 5 minutes into baking she was calling for me.

I think Allison is going through a growth spurt because she's been waking up in the night hungry. Last night (after feeding her at 6pm) she woke up at 12am and 4am to take a 9oz. bottle each time. I joked at the mom group that now I understood why Mom's talk about being tired! I haven't had to get up in the night with Allison since September!

We met at the church today and although there were only 3 of us (April, Eleanor and me) we had a really good time chatting and sharing a breakfast.

After the group I met up with John Mark because he wanted to get some head-shots taken since he's always being asked for a picture of himself to promote his speaking engagements. April volunteered to watch Allison for a few minutes while JM and I went to the front of the church to take a few pictures.

I've really missed spending time with JM and Jill. Before Allison came along we did so much together. Now, with a baby, Nathan's insane schedule, Jill's taking college courses, and JM is always travelling, it seems like we're drifting apart! Hopefully in the upcoming weeks we can carve out some time to reconnect!

Weekend

Well, I haven't written in a bit- I guess there hasn't been much to write about but here's a recap of the week!

THURSDAY

April is throwing a bridal shower for her cousin and needed to go to Joann's Fabric Store to get some decorations and asked if I wanted to tag along. I told her that the answer to that is always 'yes'. I have an idea for my next project- a play mat for Allison. Allison (and I'm sure most kids) love to play with things that aren't toys- buckles, zippers, string, pots and pans! So I wanted to make a mat for her to play and eventually use it as a learning tool. I had extra zippers and buttons but wanted to get a few more little things to add so this Joann trip was perfect.

After Joann's, April took me downtown to the Missouri Sewing Machine Company. It was in an really old building and it was only middle aged me working there. It was strange because Joann's is all women. April had her machine fixed so we were just there to pick it up. They had some amazing machines in the store.

It was after noon by the time we left the MSMC so we decided to stop for a cheeseburger and fries on the way home. While April and I (and Griffin and Allison) were sitting in the booth, I had a clear realization- I have the best life ever. I spend all day with my little buddy and visit my friends and drink milkshakes and my only job is cooking, cleaning, laundry and house chores? I am spoiled rotten!

FRIDAY

Friday started out very strange- there was this truck parked outside our house this morning. We are the last house of the street so it looks like it's here for us! It's very crude - there are different body parts featured on each side of the truck and I'm shocked that it's parked in a residential neighborhood. It was parked here for 3 hours and I didn't see anyone so I don't know what was going on.

Nathan was supposed to have Sunday off but at the last minute it was switched to Friday. Nathan helped get Allison ready in the morning and although he said it was easy- I think he may have forgotten something. This bread was still in the toaster when we got home in the afternoon.

We decided to go for a drive and get out of the house for a few hours. We went to a few stores and managed to find some deals. I found Lil' Swimmers (diapers for swimming) on clearance for $2 for a pack of 10! Nathan found a milk crate (it made the whole trip worth it to him) and I found a shamrock outfit for Allison for St. Patrick's Day for .50 cents. I'm excited to go to the parade for St. Patrick's Day. I've never seen it and I LOVE PARADES!

SATURDAY

This morning April, Lisa, and I met up at Applebee's for a pancake breakfast. It was hosted by the Southwest Cheerleaders (Southwest is the high school that Wornall supports). We met up at 9am and only stayed for an hour but since breakfast is my favorite meal- it was the perfect way to start the day!

After Nathan got home from work today we decided that it was time to move our new bed into our room. We bought this bed in November but set it up in the basement because we had visitors in December. We wanted to move it upstairs right away but the weather has been snowy, and then muddy and I was nervous that I would have to set it down several times in the move.

Today was very mild and we decided to give it a try. It took a little bit of planning but we managed to get it up the stairs and into our room. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be and I'm glad to have it set up!

SUNDAY

Nathan had to work today and Allison woke up with a bad cough so we decided to stay home from church today. Usually when Allison starts to fuss during the service, I take her to the nursery but if she's not feeling 100% I don't want to bring her around the other kids.

I watched the Olympic men's hockey finals this morning- it was the first time I had watched the Olympics! I just didn't have any interest in it. If we had a TV upstairs I would probably have it on in the background, but since I only watch shows online, I didn't seen any of the events.

It was a good game and even though I didn't really care who won (since I don't play for either team- HA!) it was nice to see the Canadians win. 

Lakeside Nature Center

 Each Tuesday a group of women from the church meets at different locations to explore, chat, and have fun. April McKay has taken over the group so it's safe to say we're in great hands. April is organized and always has leads on interesting (and inexpensive) things to do with kids of many different age groups.

Last week we met at the church, but this week we traveled to the Lakeside Nature Center. It's in the same complex as the KC Zoo and it's just 13 minutes from our house. The weather was sunny but very windy with the temperature sitting at 12 degrees when we arrived at 9:30am.

Some families that do homeschooling were able to attend today because it was an educational experience so they were able to work it into their curriculum (what a great idea!)

The Center was free to walk around in and we spent just over an hour exploring the exhibits. Sarah, one of the mom's who attended today, said that she's brought animals that she's found on her property to the Center before. All of the animals at the Center have special needs and couldn't survive outside of their current environment.

The best part was when one of the handlers took on the the (friendly) snakes out of it's cage and let all the kids touch it. I couldn't pass up the opportunity and felt the scales for myself. I couldn't believe how brave the kids were with it.

Next we traveled across the street to the Zoo grounds where we had lunch outdoors and watched the kids play. The wind only allowed us a quick picnic and then we were back home by 12:30pm.

Allison has been sleeping for the last hour and I'm getting everything packed and ready to go to the first night of the Women's Bible Study at the church. I runs from 7-9pm which is perfect because I won't have to bring Allison with me. I'm looking forward to going tonight- except I probably should have taken a nap with Allison since I'll be staying up past my usually bedtime of 8:30!

Family Portrait II

Well, here we go again- family portrait time! I chose an old fashioned photo shoot because I thought the clothes would be simple and I could try out some fun photoshop techniques.

I made my overcoat from a velvet jumper I found at Goodwill for $1.50, and my skirt was from a bag of fabric that sold at the same thrift store for .99 cents. I made Nathan's collar, vest, pocket square, and bow tie out of scrap fabrics and bought his suit jacket for $1.99. I made Allison's entire outfit out of a twin bedsheet for .50 cents.

I had the hardest time with my jacket. I meant to make it very tight but it was too tight! I could hardly breathe! I feel like my hairstyle and crazy big eyebrows are lost in the grainy-ness of this picture but trust me, it was quite comical. Nathan's slicked down 'do was perfect for this picture- and I managed to catch him before he slipped out for a haircut.

I cut and sewed Allison's gown and bonnet in an hour and a half- so it's nothing fancy. I let her play in her bonnet in the hour leading up to the picture so it didn't bother her by the time we were dressed and ready for her.

This picture isn't as funny as the first portrait but it was still fun to do and I learned a lot about sleeve making and sewing bow ties!

 Behind the scenes:

My Valentine

I was talking to my Dad on Wednesday (he needed to hear me say I was doing okay), and he said that I need to blog more. I told him that it feels like the blog is just an Allison shrine since the weather is keeping us indoors (plus it's hard to take pictures when I'm carrying a diaper bag and a car seat everywhere). I said, "Well, I could blog every day but it would just be, here is a picture of Allison!"

"Well, that's be okay!" He said.

So here she is, my adorable Valentine.

3 Years

Today would have been Michael's third birthday. I can't believe it's been such a short time since I feel like everything changed.

I feel more than 3 years older than I did on February 12, 2011. I wish I didn't have to grow up so much because I know I missed out on a lot.

Nathan came in from work last night and his eyes were really red and he said he had been crying on the way home. So of course, I started to cry. Most of the time, it's the dread of the anniversaries, rather than the actual day that hurts the most. I woke up today and didn't feel any more sad than I do any other day. In fact, today I felt happy. I got to spend the day with a little girl who looks just like her brother and although I didn't have much to tell her about him, I did my best.

I received some really nice emails and calls from people telling me that they were thinking of Nathan and I, and that means so much. I know that time is coming that people will start to forget, or they might have a moment in the day where the date sounds familiar but they can't remember why and that's alright. It's what should happen.

Today a friend announced her pregnancy and I was so happy for her. I was so invested in her joy and it makes me realize how far I've come. My friend April was the first person to tell me she was pregnant after I lost Michael, and although I kept it together at her house, I felt like I was suffocating. I made an excuse to leave quickly and I sobbed the whole way home. Not because I wasn't happy for her, but because I was sad for me.

And today I wasn't sad. I was really happy for the joy my friend was feeling.

Mom Minute

Every Tuesday morning, there's an open Mom group at Wornall. Anyone can go and catch up, have a snack, do a craft, and at the very least - just get out of the house!

April, Brittany, Eleanor, and I met up with our kids for parfaits and crafts - both provided by April. We stayed for 2 hours and it was a treat to get out of the house. After we got more snow on Sunday, it feels like winter is never going to end so it took some effort to leave our warm house and venture out but I've been feeling a little sad these last few days and I appreciated having great support when I felt like I really needed it.

Alli-Cat in the Hat

Today started out as a busy day because we had to get Allison out the door for church - which means a bath in the morning, rather than the afternoon.

I was asked to work in the toddler room at church today since someone had to cancel their shift and since Allison never makes it through a full sermon anyway, I thought it was a great idea. So April and I made Valentine cards, sang songs, danced, played baby (with a real baby!), and watched 6 adorable kids.

My Sunday School Art

 All the kids loved Allison and they took turns petting her and rocking her. One of the kids in the class accompanied his mom to our ladies lunch on Friday. He really liked Allison and even asked his mom if they could give back his little brother and take the girl baby home!

Nathan had the day off but was pretty wiped out from working all week and fighting off sickness. He decided after I had already put Allison in our bed for a nap (I wanted to sew and my machine and her crib share a room) so he improvised with the couch and a coat. I don't know how he does it. Even when I'm really tired, I can only sleep in my bed.

We were supposed to have our small group meeting tonight but about an hour before it started, the hosts called to say that many people wanted to stay home because of the bad weather. We live really close to Danny and Katie and they asked if we wanted to come for dinner. We happily agreed and we met up with Danny, Katie, Megan, and the kids for a tasty dinner of salad and chicken parmesan.

Over dinner, Megan was telling us about a man she is seeing and that he is a 3rd year resident (doctor). NOT FAIR! I wanted to say, you don't get to cut in line! You have to get in at the ground floor like the rest of us! I'm only teasing of course, I'm thankful for the growth of our marriage during medical school, and wouldn't banish a foe to 20 months on Saba.

I've been trying out many different hairstyles- I love anything that looks fun but also keep baby hands from tugging! When I went into Allison's room to get her after her nap, she decided to take advantage of my distraction and ruin a perfectly good hairdo.

Our night was relaxing and just what we needed. Danny had a fire going and when I put Allison to bed, I could smell the smoke on her skin. It made me think of summer and how I can't wait for this gloomy weather to be gone!

The 5 of us sat around after dinner, sipping tea and eating stroopwafel that Megan brought.

Nine Months

I finally got around to taking Allison's nine month pictures. It's so hard to keep her from rolling away! I had to add a few outtakes from our short photo shoot because I love those little chompers! A friend of my mom's, Karen McDade, gave Allison this beautiful top. The tag says 3 months but she only fits in it now! I've been keeping it in a special place because I really wanted to use it for one of her 'month' pictures and it finally fit!

Old Friends and New Friends

 Today was a very special day! My dear friend Christa was in town to visit her family and managed to carve out some time for a short together with some old Wornall friends. Christa was my first friend at Wornall. She invited me out for crepes and we shared our stories and some tears and she's been an amazing mentor to me for the last 3 years. Christa moved to Philadelphia 2 years ago and had baby Jai a month after I had Allison.

I was so thankful that we could have a get-together at the church for lunch today. Unfortuneatly not everyone could come since a cold/flu seems to be sweeping through Kansas City but we had a great time and Christa will be attending church on Sunday so those that couldn't be there will see her then.

It was so cute to see our little babies together. I think Allison was jealous of his hair!

 

Teeth and Tootsies

 

We're not snowed in, but the roads are still bad so Allison and I snuggled in for another day indoors. Allison is nearly back to her old self, giggling and playing so hopefully it was just a one-day bug. 

Allison is such a great baby - I really can't say it enough. I didn't even know she was teething until I let her chew on my hand and she bit me! Her two bottom teeth are coming in slowly and they're making her look very grown up.  They don't bother her at all and when she does chew on her toys she avoids her teeth.

I shoveled the driveway and steps while Allison had her first nap (at 8am) and after that chore, the day seemed never ending. I had seen a picture of shark slippers on Pinterest a few weeks ago and thought they were cute and seemed really easy. I made these with some scrap yarn (and felt for the eyes). They are adorable but Allison keeps grabbing at them and pulling them off.

**I saw this pop up in my newsfeed (on facebook) today. It was featured in my hometown's local paper- The St. Thomas Times Journal for Random Act of Kindness Day. There's my mom on the right!