Friday, January 7, 2011

Naked

Well, it finally happened. Edwin has learned how to take all of his clothes off by himself. I was cleaning up after lunch today and I hear his little feet running toward the kitchen..."MAMA - LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME!!!" I turned around to find a completely (100%) naked little man standing in the kitchen so proud of himself! No pictures for obvious reasons...but I thought this was a developmental milestone worth mentioning!

:>)

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Contagious

I hope what I have is contagious...I am so pumped up about 2011. The small changed I've made are already producing some MAJOR results.

1. Tonight was my Weight Watchers weigh in...after 1 week back on the program, I am proud to announce that I am down 7.6 lbs. Granted this is a little extreme and is based on eating near perfectly for 7 continuous days after a 2-week diet of nothing than desserts...but hey, it is 7.6 lbs nonetheless and I'll take it as a victory!

2. FB is gone and I hate to admit it, but I like my life without it...at least so far. It has opened up a tremendous amount of time and I'm excited to fill that time with things that can help me become a better version of myself in 2011.

3. I am enjoying my letter writing - if you don't know my goal is 1 letter per day in 2011...I love mail that isn't bills, so I'm hoping to share that energy with others who make impacts on my life this year.

There are plenty more...but my point is I hope what I have is contagious...if you are reading this...don't wash your eyes out. Let it soak in...2011 is going to be AWESOME...allow it to happen!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Notes from a Typical Tuesday morning...

Today hasn't been the best...no pictures (thank me later)!

I've already cleaned up:
-puke from dog
-blow-out (bath mandatory) poop diaper from Lyla
-chewed up chicken nuggets stuck in roof of mouth from Edwin

...don't even want to know what will be next...ugh! Is it 6:00pm yet? I'm ready for daddy to come home!!!!!

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Lebanese Shorthair

2011...a new year and a new me. I have a renewed focus and passion for myself. New goals. I started Weight Watchers this past week and I'm ready to once again get this weight off. I cut my hair off...and quoting Dave "my Lebanese shorthair is back!" I quit using Facebook...not sure for how long, but needed to take a break. Using the extra time to focus on ME and things I want to do for myself...when I'm not being the best-stay-at-home-mom-AND-wife I can be!!! Happy New Year all...get ready for an amazing year...it is coming!



Northern Christmas

On Christmas Eve morning, we packed our van (which took just under a million hours) and we were off to celebrate Christmas with our family up north. As soon as we arrived at Grandma Ross's house, Edwin demanded to put on his Batman costume...and of course, I couldn't say no. So, when everyone got back from Mass, they got a very special Batman welcome...I think everyone loved the special guest!

Since we got rid of Edwin's high-chair after our dryer ate it...this was Lyla's first time in one and she did great! She sat there during our entire dinner - which was AWESOME! Mary Lou once again outdid herself, especially given that she has limited use of her right arm from a recent injury...don't know how she did it...but besides the missing thumbprint cookies - it was IMPECCABLE!!!

We started opening our gifts and Edwin was thrilled that Uncle Matt (and Melinda, Madeline, and Meredith) got him what he asked for - a Steelers helmet. Of course, they went over-the-top and found an entire uniform (shoulder pads and all) and Edwin had to put it on immediately. Can you tell he has a wonderful imagination? He loves to put different costumes on and our boy-up-clothes are really starting to stack up!

Although I might get in trouble for posting this one (sorry Mom#2)...I had to...It is beautiful! All 4 kids smiling and in their pjs...I LOVE IT!!! It is definitely going to be a framer at our house! Grandma Ross is so good at spoiling the kids! We are so blessed!

These are the kids' Christmas in Space pajamas...


Christmas morning: Edwin was glad that Santa was able to find him in Canfield to deliver his gifts...a stocking filled to the max and a Doctor Kit. Lyla got a stocking and a ball popper.

Edwin got Lyla a baby toolbench and was so excited to give it to her. He picked this out all by himself from one of the many toy ads that our house was swamped with during the season...and wrapped it (read put tissue paper in the bag) for her. And, of course he unwrapped it for her too!

I think Edwin was surprised by Lyla's gift to him - the Joker's Playhouse...he asked if I helped her and I told him a little...he must have told her thank you a million times.


After naptime, it was off to Pittburgh. Lyla was in awe of Dottie during her phone conversation. I think she's going to be nosey, just like her mama...LOL. It was wonderful to see all of the Muellers at Muellerville this year. Although it was a relatively small crowd, we had an amazing time catching up with family and letting the kids enjoy the familytime. The kids were once again spoiled with gifts, but I think Edwin's favorite gift was a stuffed animal Clifford from Sarah. It hasn't left his side since she gave it to him. He LOVES it!

A very special thanks to Great Grandma Mueller for once again hosting a beautiful Christmas Celebration. FYI: According to Edwin, Grandma Mueller and the Steelers are the only people who live in Pittsburgh...