The little guy is spending some time with his grandparents right now, so I figured I'd get some stuff out on virtual paper.
The big news this past week is that Shaun was hired back by THQ, the company he has worked for the past couple of summers when he was on summer break from school. The job is temporary for the time being. The company is going through some major changes, but we're holding out some hope that he can get in for longer come September or be able to get his foot in the marketing dept. finally. The money is decent, its really close to home so Sully and I can drive down and have lunch with him, and able us to start paying double on Shaun;s student loans to get them out of the way. We were expecting Shaun to get something PT so we could work either of us being home with Sully at all times, but the job is FT - something we weren't quite planning for just yet. There's a good possibility after talking with my boss that I'll be able to work PT from home and PT from my office, which would be wonderful, so fingers crossed.
Yesterday was my works 3rd annual concert in the park. Every year we get a children's performer to come and do music in the park, free to families in the area. It just so happens that our next door neighbors mom Ronnie (whom we love!) is good friends with children's songwriter and performer Charlotte Diamond. For those of you not familiar with the Early Childhood Education world, Charlotte Diamond's "I am a Pizza" is like the "Freebird" of the preschool generation. Like I told Shaun, I challenge you to find me a preschooler who doesn't know that song. Ronnie amazingly was able to get Miss Charlotte to fly out from Vancouver to come and perform at our little community event! Sully and I went over to see Ronnie and Miss Charlotte that morning before we were to head over that afternoon, and what a little treat we were in for. Miss Charlotte had a little mini impromptu singing session with my son, which he loved! It was kind of surreal watching Charlotte Diamond hold and sing to Sully - I use to sing her songs to my preschool class back when I taught!
(We'll bypass all the pics that include myself in it, since I was still is my pjs, with no makeup looking quite ravishing after being up with a fussy baby since 4 am that day.) Since I'm still on maternity leave, Ronnie asked if I could help her and Charlotte out at their booth selling merch, and I had such a blast! I really enjoyed working with Ronnie and felt it was the absolute least I could do since she made it all happen.
Myself, Sully and Miss Charlotte after a long, fun day! Usually we have about 600 people in attendance but I think this year was a little higher than that. So needless to say the concert was a hit and as a thank you Ronnie gave Sully & Morgan (Sami's little girl she nannys - they came too) handmade hug bugs (a hug bug is from the song Hug Bug Charlotte sings) signed by Charlotte to them both. Its something we'll cherish for a long time!
I also really appreciated all the help from the ladies at work with Sully so I could help Ronnie, ya all rocked! It was great seeing so many coworkers, old coworkers and families that I've worked with that finally got to meet Sully. He was quite the little rockstar and was more than happy to ham it up and flirt with any lady willing to provide a set of boob pillows for his comfort to chill on.
Tomorrow David Edward is coming over so Sami and I can take him out to get him a belated b-day present. We're out on the hunt for a super fast pair of running shoes! Lunch or ice cream will more than likely be a must as well. Looks like theres a block party in the works here for the 4th of July and I have to say I'm actually kind of looking forward to getting to know some of our new neighbors and catching up with old ones.
Theres also a Vegas trip in the works this August to celebrate Sami's 21st bday. Shaun, myself, Sully, Sami and her friend Jessica will be heading to Sin City for 4 days and 3 nights. Relaxation, good food, drinks and gambling await for all of us. I'm really excited to finally be able to take my sister ... I've been waiting 7 long years!! Its so weird to think she will finally be an adult - in the sense that there isn't any boundaries on her anymore, except car rentals. Its going to be a blast. The girls have offered to watch Sully so Shaun and I can do a little one on one time with each other while we're there. Yay! Its kind of fun to go back since the last time we were there was right before we found out we were pregnant with Sully ... can you guess where the little guy was made? *ahem* We didn't come back with our millions, but what we did end up coming back with was worth far far more than that. And we're the 3 best friends that any one can have, yes we're the 3 best friends that anyone can have ....
We even have our own little Carlos to bring with us! I'll leave ya all with this. It has nothing to really do with anything about this post, I just find it hilarious. Life imitating art...
Thats right, my little rockstar is two months old already!
He can now hold his head up all on his own, laugh and almost roll over! He weighs 12 pounds and 15 ounces and is 24 & 3/4th inches long, over two feet!
As Aunt Sami would say, Happy Two Months Bubbaroo!
We've had quite a lot going on the past couple of weeks and life is finally starting to slow down. Baby Marissa made her arrival 3 weeks early so we headed down to visit and get a look at Sullys future wifey, and I must say, what beautiful little girl she is. We also had a chance to swing by and see one of my best friends and his family for a bit, which was great since it doesn't happen that often. Hopefully a get together longer than and hour will be in the near future for catching up now that they live closer (exciting!) We spent some time out with my MIL and had a lovely dinner for our birthdays and she got to spend some time with Sully. We have some doctor appointments coming up and I can't wait to see what out little moose is going to weigh in at.
This past Saturday was my birthday - thanks to all who sent me texts or posts! The day before Shaun watched Sully so I could have an evening out with my sis over some sushi and then the Hangover, which we found to be hilarious. The next morning my wonderful husband took care of Sully all morn so I could sleep in ... till 12:30 in the PM. (Best present by far!) After I woke up we had some cake with my fam and did the present thing. We then got ready and headed over to our nephews house who I share a birthday with. My little guy isn't so little anymore ... he's 9! I use to change his diapers!! After enjoying a second dessert and catching up there, we headed out and had dinner with my sis, where I seriously considered a third dessert (relax I didn't). We headed home and my folks took Sully for a bit so Shaun and I could have some quiet time. We sat around talking about age, and I came to the conclusion that I love being 28. I feel that I'm far more confident, content and just overall happy then I ever was at say 18. Besides, it was the first birthday I got to spend with my little guy, so how could it be bad? Shaun's birthday is this Thursday and we'll be heading to Disneyland to celebrate the big 3-1. We're leaving Sully at home with my sister, so hopefully I won't be too huge of a wreck. I am looking forward to enjoying some time with my other big kid though and think it'll be a fun day. (Can't be any worse than our last attempt down that way. Knock on wood)
June is also the month Shaun and I started dating 9 years ago. Nine! I was just 19 when I met Shaun, and never could imagine the things we would end up accomplishing together. In those nine years we've both finished school with two degrees each, we've traveled here in the states and have seen parts of Asia and Europe. We've adopted a dog, started careers and had a baby. We've been there for each other through some hard times, but more importantly have shared in more happy times than we can count. We've worked extremely hard to have the life that we've made for ourselves, but make sure to enjoy it too. And we laugh, god do we laugh.
I once gave Shaun a list of 100 things I loved about him after a bet. Over the years I've added to it. This year is no different ...
110. You're so hardcore about hockey
111. You combine words like "love" and "batshit crazy" together. EX: "I love you. You're batshit crazy but god do I love you"
112. You make me homemade gifts
113. You gave me a son
114. You hate carrots as much as I do
2000
2009
I can't wait to see what the next 9 years has to offer. I'm sure mostly gray hair, tons and tons of gray hairs.
The kiddo is finally asleep in his crib, so before Shaun and I dump ourselves into our own bed and pass out from the throws of exhaustion, I'll catch everyone up, not that theres a whole lot that had changed.
We know why now parents say theres no way to explain how difficult and rewarding having a baby is, its just something you have to go through to understand - and they're so right. Theres no classification for this form of tired - I haven't seen the white of my eyes in weeks. They just range anywhere between red to pink on a good day. The little bugger gave us a good two week run before deciding to be up all hours of the night - and he HATES being put down which usually means one of us is holding him until our arms go dead. Theres worse things in the world though than cuddles, so everything else has just been put on the back burner. Putting things off isn't something I'm great at doing, but I'm finding that theres no better reason than Sully for saying eff it to a lot of things and just letting it go to instead be with him. His next doctor appointment will be at 2 months and at his last weigh in (2 weeks ago now) he was a little over 10 lbs and 23 inches long. We think he's about 11 lbs plus now and probably another inch, inch and half longer. We've had to put him into 3 month clothes because a lot of the 0-3 range are just too short for the poor kid. He has started to give these big belly giggles and laughs in his sleep, so needless to say we can't wait till he starts doing it when he's up. He smiles and babbles, and more than not sits up really well on his own. He still has moments where his head looks like a little rag dolls, but I can't blame him - that head is huge and has to make up for at least 1/3 of his body weight! And you'd swear we were mudering this kid when we change him - but the second you snap that new diaper on he's fine and babbling and laughing again. I often ask him if he's bipolar. I've started teaching basic baby signs even though he just thinks I'm playing with him, and we like to read stories together. Sometimes he listens and sometimes he just screams. He loves music though - his favs are Bob Marley and Jack Johnson. He'll sit for a good hour just listening. Its not suprising though since we sang Marley to him all the time when he was still in my tummy and I listened to Jack Johnson almost everyday in my car and at work with him when he was still inside. He doesn't respond to other stuff like those two - not that he doesn't like it, but you can def see a sense of familiarity come over his face when he hears certain songs. Amazing.
He had his first official photography session for his one month photos with the super nice Julie West. She sent us a sneak preview of the proofs we get to see on Wednesday, and needless to say I'm really excited. He was a pistol to photograph, constantly moving and just wanted to talk rather than sleep. She kept saying she couldn't believe he was only 5 weeks old. It made for some wonderful candid moments though (that kid loves to show off his boys ... everyone ultrasound we have and now these!). He also pissed on her set - yeh, thats my kid. I can't wait to share those with everyone. (Not the pee, the pictures) I'm hoping a few will end up working out nicely for his birth annoucements.
My first mother's day was fun and low key. Shaun got me cards, flowers (from him and Sully of course) and a necklace that I wanted of a peace dove with a olive branch made of diamonds. Its super purdy and I love it! (Thanks hun! And thanks Sam for showing him which one it was!) My sister got me a balloon and my mom gave it an effort with some bath towels for the new bathroom as a gift (that I returned and got clothes with, sorry Mom!) Shaun also took care of Sully all that morning and let me sleep in. I can't wait for father's day now. Shaun is so great with Sully and I love watching them together. I call him Mister Mom - he's so involved and comfortable being hands on with him and helpful. We've really seem to of found a balance between the two of us, with everything except sleep so far - which we're trying to figure out and adjust to. Naps ... lots of naps.
Shaun's dad and stepmom were here and gone, which is crazy because I can't believe how fast the time went. They got to spend a lot of time hanging out with Sully - and we got some great video footage and pictures. We were able to get out to dinner all together (Sully was a trooper), and they shopped quite a bit for the little guy while they were out here (spoiled kid). We were really sad to see them have to go, Shaun taking it a little harder of course, but we're going to try really hard to get to Texas for Thanksgiving. Thats our goal.
With what little downtime theres has been, I've started scrapbooking a book for Sully of his birth story. Its fun and passes time but holy jesus I can see how some people can get crazy into it. There are so many things dedicated to it. I'm starting off small and working my way up to things on an as need basis. I also love taking pictures of Sully with our new camera which I LOVE. Its hard using just a regular ol digital point and click after - the pictures just don't come out the same. We're also getting ready for Hillary's baby shower this Sunday (yay!). It'll be fun to catch up and see everyone since its been since Sully's birth tha we've seen some of them.
My folks headed off to Alaska today. They called earlier to let us know they had landed safely in Vancouver. They won't be back for 3 weeks, and I thought my mom was going to have a heart attack leaving Sully. Its nice though having everyone gone. Don't get me wrong, I love my folks, but I also love having some space right now. I feel like the past month we've had to share our baby with everyone, and I'm looking forward to finally having some quiet down time with him and Shaun.
Sam, Shaun and I all start diets tomorrow, so wish us luck! I have 30 lbs to lose to get back to where I was before Sully, and probably another 30 more to be satisfied with my weight overall. I gained almost 60 lbs with that kid, but I lost 27 lbs within 3 weeks, so now its time to get my butt in gear and get the rest off. We ditched everything out of the house today and are going on a strict no carb, all protien and veggie diet. I'm excited to get focused again. It'll give me something to work on while I'm off work.
Speaking of work prop 1D did not pass (woo hoo) so it looks like I have a job to head back to ... not that I'm super excited about that. I thought going back wouldn't phase me a whole lot since I like working and keeping busy, but the more I think about having to return the more sad I get, so I try not to think about it too much right now. He's grown so much already I worry about missing things - that and I just love spending time with him. But like everyone says - no point in stressing about that right now since I don't go back till the end of July. Just enjoy what I can while I have it.
Shaun has headed to bed, which is my cue to probably catch some Z's too. We're dog sitting so I better wrangle up the herd and get them ready for bed too. I'm not even going to review and spellcheck - hah.
Goodnight!
This past weekend we got an unexpected package in the mail from our dear friends Hilary and Marty. Inside the envelope was a handwritten note and a CD. Tonight, we finally had a chance to watch it, and curled up onto the couch with Sully and loaded that bad boy onto the TV not knowing what to expect.
The song thats now on my profile started playing on the CD right about the time the very first image I ever saw of my little boy on ultrasound popped up, followed by pictures of my baby shower with the last image ending on our first family photo Shaun and I ever had with Sully, minutes after he came out. As I held Sully sleeping on my chest, I cried, like a baby - I mean I really got choked up, and I think this song may be a new favorite.
Hilary and Marty,
You'll never know how that CD touched my heart. I laughed and cried. We feel so, so blessed to have such wonderful people like yourselves to call friends in our lives. You are two of the very few people who truly can understand what this journey has been like for us. Hilary, I lay awake so many night thinking about how far we've come from bitter old bitches talking trash and drowning our sorrows with alcohol and laughter to being new mommys within in months of each other. I'm so grateful we were blessed to embark on this road, the four of us, together in so many ways. You've become family, and we love you all dearly. We can't wait for Marissa to be here, and I can't wait for that first picture of them together.
Nikki,
Thank you so very much for the beautiful scrapbook you put together of Sully's baby shower. I look at it almost everyday, and I can't tell you how much it means to have something so beautiful that you put together with so much love. We love that you and Thomas are in our lives, and that Sully is so lucky to have you guys as his Auntie and Uncle. I'm so happy that you guys are so close to be able to spend time with him and us.
Thank you guys for reminding us tonight how blessed we are to have him, and to have friends like you. We love you all.
