Murr-land

For some reason, Joe and I think it is wildly hilarious to pronounce Maryland "Murr-land".

Yesterday after church we made the long, arduous drive to Maryland to visit our friends the Wiles. Jason had outpatient-ish surgery on the back of his knee Tuesday and we went to help* with the recovery. (*by bringing Pioneer Woman's meatloaf, mashed taters, a bottle of Jack, a toddler, and a newborn) And oh dear, we had fun.

We went to the pool for the first time this summer, gorged ourselves on good food, watched Friday Night Lights (whoop!), played with toys, went strawberry pickin', ran through the sprinkler, and washed cars. I should mention that not all members present participated in all of the above-mentioned activities.

It should be noted that these days when we travel it doesn't matter if we are leaving for one night or one month- we take the same amount of stuff. Just fair warning to those of you who will be welcoming us and all of our glory into your homes this summer.

Anyway.

Because Jason was semi out of commission, he was the designated baby holder for much of the weekend


This is the post-pool, before-bedtime viewing of Mickey. A little scandalous because it appears G is naked under the blanket.


The first time Taylor has ever held a baby. This picture illustrates how big Joshua is. At 2, T is in the 75th percentile (I think). It is hilarious how "in to" the baby she is compared to G. And don't those pigtails just slay you?

On to the picking of the strawberries. We should have known the strawberry picking was over before it started when Grayson discovered this:




"Taylor! Look at Mommy! Taylor! Say 'holiday'!" "ha-ye-day!"
While everyone else picked berries,


Grayson somehow talked gimpy Jason into pulling him around in the wagon. While his wound OOZED. Not acceptable for either of them.
One of the many times we tried to trick Grayson into tasting the strawberries

He also did some aimless wandering while I followed behind. Until we got into the asparagus that was weedy, which made me think SNAKES, and then I grabbed him and hightailed it out of there despite the tantrum.

99 degrees outside

Those Dickersons

Those Wileses


Love them. Thanks for showing us a great time!
Happy beginning of summer to everyone- hope we see YOU in the next few months!

What Up?

"What up?" has always been my lame attempt to put my own original spin on "What's up?"

End of post.

Just kidding.

So it has now been roughly a month since I last posted. Because my free time has been drastically reduced since our new little friend arrive on the scene, I am finding it more difficult to sit down at the computer long enough to write a post. The fact that my computer is not just on its last leg, but its last toe has not been helping matters. The screen is all pixelated (word? not sure), it is ridiculously slow, and I have to physically hold the power cord into the battery slot in just the right place and with the right amount of pressure for the computer to stay on. HOWEVER, husband bought me an iPad for Mother's Day that should be arriving any day. Ahem, Apple. Very excited about that.

Most of our time now is spent taking care of little boys. Which is a joy and always an adventure. I know we've had some extra fun times in the last few weeks, but my memory is gone and I am now literally sitting here looking back at my calendar to see what we've done. Must have been some crazy stuff.

Since we last spoke Hope and Billy came for a weekend visit (I think I may do a separate post about this if I can ever get my act together), had the Wiles for a weekend visit, gone to various Dr. appts (always), and started mentoring a newly engaged couple. Joy of joys, this past weekend I had an all-day shopping trip with DeSalvo (Michelle, not Daniel). I wasn't wildly successful on the clothes front, but the company was great. And nobody was pulling on my leg or spitting up, so extra points there. We had date night out with our boyfriends later that evening, and since our high school age neighbor backed out on the babysitting his father, Robert, came instead! Bless his heart. His excuse was that we had HD for him to watch the Mavericks game, and the boys slept the whole time so it was a little better than being at home. Before we left we pointed out where a few things were just in case, where to reach us, etc. and he just chuckled and kept shaking his head, reminding us that he had four. Many of you have met Robert and I'm sure you'll get a laugh thinking of him sitting on our couch watching the game holding Joshua in his swaddle blanket.

Here's a recent pic of that boy-growing up too quickly.


We have finally joined a church up here after 5 shameful years of church hopping. It's a part of the Southern Baptist Convention, but there is no "transferring your letter" here. Oh no, there is a class with the pastor, an interview with an elder and then the congregation has to vote you in. (We made it in by the skin of our teeth). Those that are being baptized are required to give their testimony during a church service and then afterward everyone gathers around the baptismal tub in the parking lot. Joe and I have been baptized so that wasn't us, but I thought I would throw that part in there for my Worldwide friends-holler! Of course we turned our backs for a second and Grayson was halfway into the tub- anything for water. I believe! So here's lookin' at you Guilford Baptist Church. Oh, and I don't think anyone has ever not been voted in. But it all sounds very dramatic.

The other exciting thing that comes to mind is this evening when Joe walked past my nightstand.

"Are you reading a romance novel??" (incredulously)

"Um, no dear"

"Then why is this book called Pillar of Indulgence?"

"Well, it's actually an Anne of Green Gables book that I am re-reading. And the title is Rilla of Ingleside"

And that, my friends, is the danger of making assumptions when you have taken out your contacts and haven't yet made it across the room to your glasses.

Thank you, and goodnight.

The (Big) Little Boy is 2!

Grayson has actually been 2 for 2 months now, but hey, who's counting?

It has been an eventful year for our little boy. He started walking, talking, following directions (yay!), helping out, endured a bunch of medical stuff, took a solo trip to Texas, got a new little brother and brought his parents a ridiculous amount of joy. This kid is so unbelievably cute we can hardly stand it. From the way he swings his right arm when he walks to leaning his head over to his shoulder and smiling shyly to his sweet little voice to his tender heart- it just gets better every day! And Grayson still loves to cuddle. We are trying to enjoy every moment of it along with all the sweet kisses; the time is flying by so quickly and I'm not ready to completely surrender him to boyhood.

On a different note, Grayson was sick a lot in his second year. Nothing major, just a lot of infections that led to ear and lung stuff and eventually led us to question if something was going on with his immune system. As it turns out his antibody levels were low, and the doctors wondered if a healthy antibody boost would not only help lessen infections, but help Grayson eat better and catch up on some growth. In December we started Grayson on antibody replacement therapy (IgG) and we give him a subcutaneous infusion of a healthy plasma product once a week. He is a champ and the process has been easier than we thought. We have seen a huge change in Grayson since we started the medicine-he feels better, is generally happier, eats MUCH better, hasn't gotten sick and has grown a few inches! The best thing about this course of treatment is the lack of side effects. We'll continue the therapy for a few months at a time until his own immune system can take over. For now we are so thankful that he is a healthier and happier boy!

At 2, Grayson's favorite things are bath time or really anything that involves playing with water, books, cars, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, macaroni and cheese, Daddy, and the outdoors. Oh, the outdoors. If we would let him spend his entire day outside (which we practically do when the weather is nice) he would be thrilled. At this point he loves to just walk around outside. Preferably pushing his (pink) stroller. The entire neighborhood knows him by his stroller. Joe just loves that. Anyway, what I mean to say is that he doesn't even need a playground. Just a place to roam is fine with him. But, heaven forbid you should turn back towards the house. Katie bar the door, it is not pretty.

Grayson, we are trying to soak up every minute with you right now. You are in such a fun stage of learning, full of wonder and trying new things. You definitely have your moments, you are two, after all, but oh, the joy you bring! You are incredibly smart and still love to study every little thing. You are very social and love people, like your Mama, and will just walk around saying hi to every body and thing. Last week I caught you hugging and kissing a tree trunk. You are laid back and thoughtful like your Daddy. Yesterday Joshua started crying and you kept telling me, "Baba, Baba" (bottle). You are incredibly sweet and loving to your little brother and we are so proud of you.



Happy 2 years to our little boy!

Easter Friends

Easter and other "quick" holidays can always be tough when you live far away from family. There is not quite enough time to travel home to be with loved ones, but once the day comes there is always a little sadness. Thankfully most people in DC are not from here and are in the same situation as us. Therefore you quickly find your local "family" to share special times with. And although in a transient area this family changes from time to time, it is always a comfort to be with them. Today we proudly celebrated our 3rd annual Easter with the Greens. We have had other guests each year, but the core group of Chris, Jessica, Joe, Ash AND Grayson have remained strong.

We FEASTED and talked and laughed and played with Grayson's Easter basket toys.

This year we were thrilled to have our friend Kris join us and he fit right in!

And now get ready for cute Easter boy outfits. A member of our Columbia, SC family sent these after hearing that sweet baby church clothes were in short supply up north. Thank you Leah!!!

Cue the Easter photo shoot. Such a breeze with a toddler and newborn.



And the spoils of the photo shoot (Easter outfit off for play time)


Happy Easter everyone!

They Came

Five very special people have come in the last 7 weeks to help us in our time of need (newborn+toddler+recovering mommy). They have fed us, done laundry, played with little boys, encouraged us, and most important of all, given us much needed sleep.

First up was Sara. She came a week after Joshua was born so that Joe could get back to French class. I was amazed at how she would grab Grayson and Nate and run off to the store with both of them. This is something I can do now too, thankfully. When she was here I was having a hard time with some things and it was so great to have one of my best friends at my side. Sadly, there is much of her visit that I don't remember because my body was still in shock from lack of sleep.



Several days after Sara left Donnette aka Ami D aka Joe's mom came. She was here for a week and Grayson was so thrilled to have a playmate. Ami D cooked and let us sleep in and loved on us. She also was here so early in the game that I have a hard time remembering most of her visit.



During the last few weeks Joe had to travel for work and there was no way I was ready to deal with these boys on my own. Especially since Joshua is refluxing (and taking an hour to feed each time) and Grayson is getting very comfortable with the "terrible twos". So, another one of our dearest friends came to help- Hope. Hope and her husband Billy are incredibly close to Grayson, despite moving to California in January. Honestly, Hope is one of these people that have it together so much, she can come in and whip everyone in my household into shape pronto! It was so great to have girl time and catch up.



Bringing up the rear was Gran aka my Mom. And just in time. With Joe being gone Grayson's behavior continued to get more exciting every day. She held and fed and played and got up at 6 am and dried tears and showed "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse". And that was just for me. She also took care of the boys.


My Dad also popped in for a few days, which was so fun and such a blessing. Grayson was thrilled to have a boy around and as usual Dad provided plenty of comic relief (both intentional and unintentional).


Thanks to all of you for serving us and being here- truly the best gift. We love you!!

Changing My Life

This is another one of those posts that foreshadows a deep, meaningful, perhaps spiritually insightful thing happening in my life. But alas, it is not. If I had time to sit and reflect about the goings on in my heart and house in the last few months I'm sure there would be lots to tell. (Note to self- maybe you should get on that) But this is about PRODUCTS. Products so great that they are greatly increasing my quality of life. A couple of them have been changing my life for a while now, others are brand new. Joe always tells me that I am a great salesperson. I don't think that's necessarily true, but if I do find something I love I WILL shout it from the rooftops. Mainly because I am easily excited and also I appreciate when friends share great product ideas with me.

I do not write this list lightly, so if you're wondering if I am over-exaggerating, I'm not. This time.

In no particular order:

1. Itzbeen


The Itzbeen timer has been changing my life for the second time around. Right before Grayson was born Amanda wrote about it changing her life and I had to try it. It keeps track of how much time between feeds, diaper changes and naps for baby. Especially helpful in the middle of the night when you are so tired you don't even know where you are. Joe and I have given this to several of our expectant friends whom have also cherished it.


2. Tide Wash Boost

In January I pulled out all of Grayson's newborn clothes to prepare them for Joshua. I started panicking when I realized they were all yellowed and dried out like they had been sitting around since 1950. I knew I hadn't put them away dirty, but Grayson's reflux spit-up stains were so bad, I figured they showed up even worse over time. After washing them with the usual laundry stain release suspects without success I was about to toss them all (they were that bad). But then my friend Nicole told me about this new Tide wash boost stuff that she uses on her infant's clothes. I threw them in the wash with some Borax and oh my goodness if those clothes didn't come out looking like new. Joshua has reflux too, but with my Tide Wash Boost I don't have to spend any time pre-treating every little spot on each outfit, burp rag and blanket. Sweet. I don't usually spend very much on fancy laundry helpers, but this stuff is worth every penny. Note: I have only used the liquid in-wash boost.


3. Tan towel


Some of you readers out there have beautiful olive skin that looks great year round. Then there are people like me: skin so fair that it appears see-through at times. When March comes around each year it has been so long since my skin has seen the sun I can hardly stand to look myself in the mirror. I have tried just about every self-tanning product over the years, but never one that was fool-proof and easy to apply while not making me look like an oompa-loompa. Until now. I ran across this at Sephora and oh thank you Lord! It's like a wet wipe soaked with self-tanner. No streaks! Great color. So easy to run a towel over your body and it dries quickly- you don't have to wait hours to put your clothes back on. I'm a believer.

4. Chaco flip-flops
This will be the 4th, I repeat the 4th summer these flip-flops will be changing my life. Any flip-flops that look new after 4 seasons of constant wear have my vote. Now, they do cost roughly $50, but if you split that between 4 summers, that's like buying a cheap pair of flips for $12 each year. And I promise they aren't as supportive or comfortable as Chacos. What I really like about them (besides the arch support) is that they don't even flip or flop much. I get excited every Spring when I get to bring them out again!

This concludes the list. Thrilling, I know. Please always feel free to share your fave stuff with me.

Have a great weekend everyone!

A Cherry Blossom Day

Today Mom and I made the bold decision to go see the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin in DC. Bold because we brought our 2 little friends with us on the 5 hour excursion. I felt brave to even consider it because people come in droves to see the blossoms and I wanted us to be able to relax and enjoy our time rather than fight the crowds. As a mom I had been somewhat obsessing over all the contingencies of my well thought out plan.

This is a sample list of my thought process in chronological order: (you moms can tell me if I am crazy or not)

1. Can we time feedings, getting dressed and out of the house after morning rush hour but not too late for afternoon naps?
2. Will there be parking left at the Metro after all the commuters have come and parked?
3. Will there be room (few enough people) on the Metro to get the stroller on?
4. Will Grayson deal with the 30 minute Metro ride?
5. Will the elevators be working at both Metro stops so we don't have to schlep the stroller up the escalators (that might also be broken?)
6. How much money do I have on my Metro fare cards already? Maybe we won't have to stop and load them up?
7. Even though it's a weekday will the crowds be unbearable because of the perfect weather?
8. Will Grayson sit on the picnic blanket to eat lunch?
9. Will there be room near the blossoms for the picnic blanket?
10. Will Grayson dive into the Tidal Basin?
11. How many tantrums/meltdowns will we have to endure?
12. Is it WORTH IT??

I am so thrilled and thankful to report that we had a perfect day. Perfect weather, parking spaces, mostly working elevators and escalators, great first "choo-choo" rides, thin crowds, happy boys, and no chasing toddlers with their lunch in hand. And great pictures!



So worth it!