MY FAVORITE SEASON

I've got to get better about this blogging thing. I mean, it's the holidays and I should be expressing all of my joy and stress and love and stuff!!! Right?

I love the winter season. It is seriously my most favoritest time of year. (couldn't you just SING that?) Maybe it's because I was born in December, or because I was an only child, the only granddaughter, and everyone's "princess". Either way, I love it none the less. I was always spoiled with my birthday being 3 days before Christmas. Everyone always says "Poor you! Having your birthday so close to a holiday!" I'm not sure why this would be a bad thing.

This year I expressed to my loving husband that I really didn't want to celebrate my birthday with much other than dinner and a movie. Did he listen? No. We came home from our spa day to a house full of beautiful people that love me. It was so sweet, so nice, and made me see stars. And by that I mean I was so exhausted I could barely make out everyone's faces. I tried to pull it together for the hour that we had cake, but I just felt almost delusional. Like maybe a little buzzed. I was that tired. None the less it was so sweet of him to do that, and I really did enjoy the company.

Christmas eve was spent at my Mother in Law's. Ryan's sister and her husband and kids were there. It was so fun to watch the kids play together, open their presents, and just be a family. Even if Branson refused to eat anything other than chips and bread. Christmas morning we were up bright and early at 5 am. Branson is for sure part Coonradt, can't WAIT to see what Santa brought! We opened presents, he loved it and looked super cute doing it in his white and red striped xmas pj's. At 10 we went to my dads house. He and his wonderful girlfriend went ALL OUT for Branson. I was pretty sure after opening all his gifts we would have to buy a new house. Or at least add on. My dad cooked an awesome breakfast, and I was stunned. I seriously never knew my dad could cook. I didn't even know that he knew how to turn anything in the kitchen on besides the coffee pot! We had pancakes, eggs, bacon and ham. And coffee. It was soooo good. (*side note, what is it about parents that when you decide "the adults aren't going to exchange gifts" they think those rules don't apply to them???) Anyhow. We left Grumpa and Lainie's ready for a nap. We had to be back up and at em at 4 pm, for my most favoritest part of Christmas ever. Dinner at Nana and Pop's. We always have a homemade salad followed by the most AMAZING prime rib. To say Nana is a good cook is an understatement. And my mom made this chocolate moose that was delectable. We left fat and happy. And brought leftovers home so we could stay fat and happy for a few days after :) Ryan picked up Keenan from the airport Christmas night and he came home to open presents. I love it when Keenan is here. We all do. Branson is just so in awe of him, he loves his big brother so much.

So here we are, a few days later, and I'm sitting her doing whatever I can do not have to put away the decorations. It's like the magic disappears once you take the tree down, or my counter top Santa goes back in his box. I think I'll push it out until New Years. that's Ok, right?

JUST

*Ryan shaved his beard off and Branson screamed. Didn't recognize him.

*Branson is talking SOOOO much.

*No gift exchange between adults this year, *WHEW*

*Do all toddlers refuse to eat healthy food? I'm wondering how I can sneak spinach into bread and cheese...

*Here are some pictures from Hawaii (late, I know. As always)

FEELING A LITTLE....

Why is it that turning 27 seems so OLD? I'm not having a birthday this year. I'm having dinner with my hubby and calling my mom and dad to thank them for putting me here on this earth, and thats it. My friends and I are all in agreeance, 27 is old. I even told Ryan when explaining how old I really feel, "that's how old YOU were when we started dating!". I'm not sure he appreciated that or not, but it's the truth! And he seemed so much older, and so much more grown up than me at that time, only the tender age of 22. And now, here I am. I'm older, maybe grown up, and feeling it. I don't know if it's just the chaotic last year I've had but I'm REALLY feeling it. And I'm pretty sure I look it as well.

THANKSGIVNG FUN IN THE SUN

Today I'm writing from Maui, HI. The Grand Wailea to be exact. This the hotel to stay at if you come to the island. Especially if you have kids. It has a water park that boasts the worlds only water elevator, numerous slides, a swim-up bar and anything else you could imagine wanting. Not to mention, its right on the ocean. There is a hotel within this great hotel. And one of these days, we will be bazillionares and we can stay in the coveted Napua Tower.

We made the decision to forgo the traditional family Holiday and spend Thanksgiving in Maui about a year ago. It has been a lot of fun, but a lot of stress too. There is the obvious stress of flying 7 hours with a toddler. Though, Branson has been nothing but great on every flight he as ever been on. I'm hoping the flight home will bring back the same statement. Anyhow. The second night we were here, we rushed Branson to ER in an ambulance. He woke up with labored breathing and couldn't catch his breath easily. Terrified, we left the hotel at 10:30 pm. Long story short, he has croup. How is it that this kid gets hurt and sick before we leave for or are on vacation? Ugh. But, he is resilient. 8 hours after leaving the hospital, he was on the beach throwing sand and splashing in the water. Kids are amazing. Whats not so amazing? The hotel screwing up your Thanksgiving dinner reservation, and making it for 8 pm instead of 5 pm. Who in their right mind with a 1 year (who goes to bed at 7 pm) would make dinner that late? So Thanksgiving dinner wasn't that fun for mom. Or dad I would assume. Honestly, no meal is that fun with a 1 year old. I discovered this when he was about 9 months old. He didn't want to just sit in someones lap or his stroller anymore while we ate. Someone told me this ends when they are about 2. So I have a year left of not being able to enjoy a meal. Great! Yippee. Can't wait. But of course, I am so very grateful for my baby, and the blessings he has brought our entire family. He makes everyone laugh and smile. Especially me.

I'm looking forward to enjoying our last few days here, but then to getting home and back to our routine. I can't wait to decorate for Christmas! I do need to figure out where we are going to put the tree out of Branson's reach. That would be a disaster...

If you can't beat 'em...

Join him.

Branson has taken a huge liking to playing with tissue and toilet paper. Instead of getting upset and running around trying to clean it up, like I probably should be doing, I either break out the camera or join in on the fun. This morning I walked into the guest bathroom and he had unrolled the entire roll of toilet paper. He was practicing his paper shredding skills, so I sat down and helped. As I shredded, he would pick up the pieces and place them boyishly in the tub, where they belong. Great fun! Besides tupperware, lids and pots & pans, this is his favorite toy. Funny side note, when he is playing with the tupperware, there is one lid that absolute perplexes the poor guy. I know when he gets quiet that he is silently trying to figure out the snap/seal thing. So cute really.

1 YEAR PICTURES

Here are a few pictures from Branson's 1 year photo session with Jessi LeMay. We love her!

BIRTHDAY PICTURES

It's been a year...

Branson's birthday was amazing. On the actual day, we spent it celebrating just the three of us. Ryan took a rare day off, so Branson was of course stoked to be spending all day with daddy. The two of them are so amazing to watch, they laugh, play, cuddle, talk, giggle, smile...all things that could be happy are happy. We spent the morning doting on our boy at home, he had yogurt (his fave) for breakfast with a banana. He played, watched his favorite shows, and then went down for a nap. We had lunch at Olive Garden, and it was the most pleasant dining outing we've had yet with him. He climbed all over the booth, made oogly eyes at all the pretty girls, and enjoyed his first unhealthy meal of chicken strips, french fries, and bread sticks dipped in Alfredo sauce. Lunch was followed up with a trip to this amazing toy store by our house. We got a bunch of toys out and let Branson pick out the ones he wanted. And hour and 3 toys later, we were home for our afternoon nap. When he woke up, my friend from high school, Kendall Price came over to take some pictures of the birthday boy. She captured his first cake experience, I can't WAIT to share those pictures with you all :) Needless to say, the day was perfect.

We celebrated with family and friends Sunday. The party was baseball themed, and Branson had his very own large baseball cake. There were so many kids here...and it was AWESOME. 8 kids and all their parents running around after them. Branson got some pretty cool gifts, a wagon from Grandma and Grandpa O'Brien, a B.O.B. stroller from grumpa, a fire truck from Mema and her crew in L.A., and a ton of other gifts that he can't take his hands off of. We have been having so much fun. And he is at the most perfect age...I can't get enough of him. I want to pinch and squeeze both his cheeks multiple times a day.

Today was his last check up with Dr. Ludwich, the children's Heart specialist. This is a man that I feel I owe my life to for eternity. He saved my baby's life, and by default saved me and Ryan as well. I can just see the passion in this man's eyes for his job, and I really think Branson may be his favorite. I mean, he kind of has bragging rights with this one. Anyhow. Today B checked out perfectly. Dr. Ludwick said he "graduated from the heart center". I left with tears in my eyes and a heart heavy with appreciation.

My Baby Boy

It's almost Branson's birthday. I can't decide how I feel. I'm so excited to celebrate his day in every way that is amazing, but I'm so sad that the year is already gone. I know there are so many happy times ahead, and I can't wait to experience them. It's just a simply bittersweet thought.

here are some pics in honor

Sleep? Yes Please!

This morning all I can find myself thinking is, "what the hell is wrong with me?".

Last night we went to dinner for Ryan's birthday. Yay 32! Even more yay for it being on 10/10/10. He was stoked. We went to Sushi. I dressed up, we ate a ton in a really short amount of time. We came home to an already sleeping baby (he went to bed at 6:30? Nice! I think...)so we ate our ice cream with Momo, dove even deeper into our (my) sushi coma, she left, we watched Dexter and by 9:30 Ryan was passed out and I couldn't even read a chapter in my book. LIGHTS OUT! Becasue I've been sleep deprived for litterally forever, I was so ready to get a good night in. So, naturally, I didn't. I tossed and turned. Everytime Branson or the animals moved, I was up ready to go, thinking it was 6 am. Then at 2:30, I was just up. I paced. I nursed B. He was up too. When I put him back in his crib he played for 20 minutes before deciding that since his sleepy-by friend turned it's music off, he better go to bed. Then I paced more. I checked facebook and twitter. Then I read the news on my phone. Then I tossed and turned some more, drifting in and out of shushyby land (can you tell all I do is watch Baby First TV?) until B got up at 7. Now, I sit here, begging him to go down for a nap so I can too. I didn't even make myself a cup of decaf in fear of it keeping me from that glorious nap that is in the near future. I can hear Ryan in the shower. I'm praying he is done in the room by the time I go in there. Otherwise, there will be no nap. Branson is wide eyed and bushy tailed. Greeeeeat. So excuse me while I go beg him so more. I can't even spell his name properly with out spell check pointing it out.

Irritated. Superly.

Today I am totally irritable. The bad part is, I'm irritated that I'm irritated. And there is no exact reason. Maybe because I'm stressed. By why am I stressed? Ryan's birthday is Sunday (happy birthday baby!), I've got him a great gift. But it's kind of stressful. What if he hates it? And today my cutie-patootie baby Branson, who is normally a fabulous eater, is boycotting food. Unless he can eat it off my finger. What and where is this coming from? I refuse to be a human spoon. I'm already a human fountain. Then there is baby's birthday. A little less than a month away. I've order invites, they are super cute. But what if I can't get them out in time? Next on the list is our vegas trip. It's kind of in the middle of everything. Have to cancel 2 appointments because of it. Which means I have to get my blood work done before we go. And when am I supposed to do that? I went to labcorp this morning and there were about 847 people ahead of me. So I just walked out. Ugh. And, I've already threatened my husband with his life if he works the entire trip. I mean, when you own your own business you are always working, but it would be nice to have a little family time too. And to me, family time is not spending all day in some wearhouse looking at slot machine parts/stools/software/glass. Which leads me to our hawaii trip...I think I will threaten him with his life AND divorce if he works the whole time we are there. I'm pretty sure he knows better (does he? this is the man *whom I love very, very much* that worked 2 of the 3 weeks on our honeymoon, and only didn't work the last week because there was zero signal for phones or computers). I'm also irritated at TV characters. This dumb, dumb woman on Real Housewives of DC and her husband to be exact. They snuck in to the White House, and that is just lame. And I'm angry because I'm American and that seems so very wrong. On a similar note, I watched the goobernatorial (spelled improperly on purpose folks) last night to get a better idea of who I should vote for. What a joke that is! Neither one could tell me what they wanted to do to better Nevada. All they did was poke at each other. So I may be voting for neither one. Another thing, I can't find something I really need. Thanks God I can get a duplicate, but won't be able to get it until the day before I leave for Vegas, and I need it like, yesterday. UGH.

God Bless you if you are still reading this. I know that was totally unorganized and probably makes no sense, but that's whats in my head. And that's what blogging is about right? So there you have it. A sneak peak into my effed up brain, ha! I actually feel a little better. Well, I did until Wayne Brady came on the TV and is rapping on some game show. SHUT. UP.

Pictures from Walley's

Creature of Habit

Happy Saturday! And a big thank you to my hubby for getting up with Branson and letting me sleep in.

We spent the last week at Walley's. We love it there. My mom has a timeshare, and Ryan and I were married there almost 2 years ago. Besides being hot, it was great. Oh, and besides the little monster Branson. We could not figure out what was wrong with him. He wouldn't sleep at night, (hello, 1 am and 4 am play times). He screamed all day, didn't want to eat, only wanted to nurse. I thought, he's teething, and maybe, could it be? He MIGHT be a little spoiled? Maybe it was all of the above. But when we got home, he was an angel. You would have thought he had been reunited with his very best friends the minute he saw the dogs and cat. He nearly fell over himself to chase them around, yelling lovingly "dat!" and "do"! And, the most bestest part, he slept through the night. I was terrified that I had negated all the hard work I had put in the last 2 months. But apparently, my child is one of habit. Makes me a little nervous for Vegas and Hawaii.

Pics to follow soon.

SWAB YOUR EARS WITH MOUTHWASH!

I survived my first baby-to-mommy cold. I'm pretty sure we picked it up at the swimming pool. As much as I don't want to think about what is in the water that Branson so happily splashed into both our mouths, noses and eyes, I have to think that's where it came from. What would you expect to be in a pool filled with babies, toddlers and young kids? Go ahead, ponder that....

so that's how last week went. Branson got sick 2 Friday's ago, poor little guy. Stuffy nose, sore throat, didn't want to eat, couldn't sleep. Lucky for him, it only lasted 2 full days. Now only a runny nose lingers. While he was crying in my arms one early morning, I said, "I wish I could take the sickness away from you. I would rather have it myself." Well, someone above was listening at that very moment and granted me that very wish. The day we had company come in, I felt it coming on. Monday we went to the rib cook off, and I knew I had it when I could barely stand to walk around with out feeling like I was going to pass out. Then it hit full force. I couldn't swallow for the pain was soooo flipping intense. Runny stuffy nose, sinus headache and green mucus were to follow shortly after. I even went to urgent care. Why did I do that? I spent $50 for the dude to tell me since I'm "breastfeeding" (couldn't he say nursing?) I can't take anything. And that I should call my "OB" because she will know what to do. So I called my OB. Her lovely nurse (we don't like her much) informed me that they are only in charge of me while I'm pregnant. I should go see a Dr. Which at the time translated to, "leave us alone lady, you aren't pregnant any more. And even when you where you were a pain in the ass." (I had a difficult pregnancy, and the nurse wasn't very sympathetic.) Finally I got the OK from Branson's Pediatricain (what???) to take some cough syrup. So, I drank down the cough syrup and took as many Tylenol PM's as I could. Should have knocked my ass out right? WRONG. I was up until 3 am with a screaming ear ache in BOTH ears. I was in tears and desperate, so I did a little online research to find out if there were any home remedies to cure it. A popular one for both positive and negative feedback was to swab your ear with mouthwash. After reading all the people that said "yes! this works" and the ones that also said, "um, my Dr. told me I was an idiot for doing this and now my ear drum has permanent damage." I weight my options. I decided having permanent damage would be worth an hour or 2 of sleep. Not 2 minutes after swabbing my ears, I felt not only minty fresh, but enough relief to finally get some sleep. THANK YOU LORD! Who ever thought of rinsing your ears with mouth wash is my hero. I wouldn't do it on my kids, but for me it's safe enough.

Swimming

Branson had his first swimming lesson last Wednesday. To say he loves the water is the understatement of the century. Let's put it this way: he was the only baby that didn't have a melt down. The second we got in the water, he was all smiles, all splashes, and all kicks. He loved "swimming" back and forth with me and the teacher. Thank God! I'm so glad I don't have a baby that is afraid of the water. On the downside, every week I have to get in a bathing suit. Ugh. But, I've been dieting and am down 5 lbs. Only 10 more to go! This isn't about me though. I tried to upload a video of him swimming, but apparently have a degree in computers isn't enough to know how to work one. Maybe next week.

Emmy's

I'm sitting here being a naughty mom. I'm listening to my child whine and fuss and all that jazz, and I'm not doing anything about it. You see, sometimes mommy's need to do that. For their own sanity. There is nothing in the world I love more than my child. With that said, I think that sometimes he whines and fusses and cry's just to see if I will pick him up. Which, of course I do. And then he dives for the floor like there is something really great down there and he can't believe I just picked him up. Ah. Kids are so smart.

In the interim, the Emmy's Red Carpet is on. Love it. Love critiquing all these women that have the body's and guts to get out there and wear these beautiful clothes and jewels, all just for us normal everyday Jane's to sit at home, on our couch, in baby food stained pj's and judge them. Guilty pleasure I guess.

In other Emmy news, I'm hoping Modern Family takes the cake. I really love that show.

Number 2

The funniest and yet most embarassing thing happened today. Branson pooped in the pool. Yup. I had him swimming a la birthday suit, and it happened. Thank god it was a little kiddie pool, and it was at my grandmothers. You see, my grandmother is a Saint in the world of children. Ever since I was born, she has been either a day care provider or, for the last 20 years or so, a foster parent. Therefore, she has seen it all. And she laughed.

*whew*

We emptied the pool, cleaned up the mess, got a good giggle in, and filled it back up for the baby. Yup. I'm 100% mom now.

Better Late than Never

So I changed my mind on posting Branson's baptism pics. Instead, here are some fun ones from this summer. Enjoy!

BLESSED.

Bransons baptism was beautiful. I don't even think I ruined his chance to get into heaven. Even though we had a private ceremony, we were able to have it in the church at St. Albert's. A lovely surprise. My bestest friend Chrissy came in from Vegas. She and my wonderful Sis-in-law Alison are B's God-Mommy's. I couldn't ask for better people to fill those shoes. These women are so good to our entire family. We are truly blessed.

Pics to follow tonight hopefully...

My Insane Summer continues...

Keenan has gone back to Missouri, a sad thing for us. He brings so much joy to this house, he is so funny and so sweet with Branson. I am truly blessed in the step-child department.

This summer was/has been such a whirlwind of craziness. We have not stopped for more than 6 seconds, at all. Everyday was filled with vacation, travel, shuffling kids to/from the water park, mini golf, guitar store, grandma's...I mean you name it. I didn't realize just how tired I was until I was able to sit down for more than 10 minutes at once. I almost couldn't get up. I think I had a little bit of a moment and emotional let down. I cannot and will not have another summer this crazy. It was fun though, but way. too. tiring.

Branson is finally in his own room; a bittersweet thing. That room has been waiting for him for a long time, and it is SO adorable all put together. He loves being in there too, which is what really counts. Ryan and I get to have our bedroom back. This is going to take a lot of adjusting. This means we can watch TV after 7 pm if we want, we can talk in normal voices, and I won't be snapping, "please be quiet!" or "don't you dare wake that baby up!" or "stop moving you're being loud!" (my poor husband, right?). On the down side, 2-3 times a night, I actually have to get up, turn on a light or 2 and make the oh-so-long trek across the house to my baby's room to nurse. No more pulling him into bed and falling back asleep. *Side note: Dear God, please let Branson start sleeping through the night soon. Love, Me.*

Branson has also had 3 teeth cut through the last week. Poor guy! he is looking mighty cute though, and boy can he chew anything you put in front of him! This Saturday he is being Baptised. I'm pretty sure I'm the only person involved that is nervous for the thing. I am not religious at all. Let me be clear: I believe in a higher power (call it God, if you want) but I do not believe in organized religion. I respect it, but it's not for me. At all. So, I'm totally terrified that I am going to mess up my child's one and only chance to be "rid of all original sin and enter into Heaven". I mean really??????? That is quite a weight on one's shoulder! And I hardly every talk politics or religion, but can I just say that I have a really hard time believing that any BABY is born with any ounce of sin at all? There is nothing more pure or innocent. Anyhow. That is just my humble, uneducated opinion. I am, however, completely stoked for him to wear one of the super cute outfits I bought him. *smile* *pictures to come*

FAMILY PHOTOS 2010