Early Days

Today started and ended great! Who wouldn't have a great day when you get to wake up to an all giggles happy little boy! Oh he was in the best of moods this morning! 

All Smiles this morning -- who couldn't comment/smile about this picture!

The face he makes when he giggles : )

I mean waking up to a cute happy baby should always mean a great day -- Early days don't come very often. Michael has been working late for the past three days -- Jeremiah and I have been keeping ourselves busy during the afternoons until Daddy comes home. We go swimming, watch movies, take naps, build with blocks, practice crawling...or eat brownies (this child LOVES him some brownies). Today was a great surprise -- Michael got off about the same time I got off and was able to spend all afternoon/evening with Jeremiah that has been saying "dada" all day long. This morning I heard nothing but, "dada!" When Michael got off we went swimming and Jeremiah showed us he was a cool little dude; like his Mommy and Daddy (mainly like his Mommy!) ; )

Daddy & his cool dude : )



Mommy & her cool dude : )

Today was a great day! And something we definitely needed! God knows exactly when we need a little boost. I'm glad He knows what He's doing. ; )



Creepy

I'm sure everyone has seen/heard about/read about the latest Royal Wedding -- and if you haven't - you don't watch TV, much! I've watched part of the wedding and have read bits here and there when it's on my homepage, I will randomly click on it to see what's going on. I'm not abscessed like some that woke up before the sun was out to watch the wedding, I waited until it re-aired -- psh, me out of bed before the sun is out? You're crazy. While feeding Jeremiah his "breakfast" every morning, I take that time to get familiar with what's going on in the news -- it being the weather, which lately it's been the same -- freakin' HOT, entertainment, local news, and then I go to other news....well, this morning I was a bit freaked out by creepiness. Don't get me wrong I think Princess Diana was an amazing person (who didn't think that?)...and I think she could have done many other amazing things around the world, but reality is she is not alive. I hate to be so blunt, but geeze louise. Every time I would watch/hear/read about the Royal Wedding or about Kate -- it was most likely comparing her to Princess Diana. I guess I should have known that was going to happen, but I think it has gone to the extreme now. Not joking.

This is what I came across during my morning routine.
Courtsey of http://abcnews.go.com/International/Royal_Wedding/slideshow/princess-diana-at-50-kate-middleton-newsweek-cover-13454490

I'm sorry -- but I find this totally creepy! Seriously, if I'm going to sit and imagine Princess Diana, I wouldn't want to imagine her looking like she's dying of cancer. I mean if you are going to make such a creepy cover of magazine...make her look glamorous like we all remember. I completely know they "aged" her to be the age she would be today -- which is 50, but that doesn't mean she needs to look sickly. And if that isn't enough wrong with this picture -- the fact they make it look like Kate is looking at Princess Diana and walking with her side by side on the sidewalk. Weird. Freaky. Creepy.
If you visit the URL that I shared on here (or if you're friends with me on facebook; I shared it on my facebook page, also.) you can see that someone was probably paid LOTS of money to sit and find pictures of Kate and Princess Diana wearing something similar. Such as a dress that is the same color, or kind of the same pattern, and they put their wedding pictures side-by-side to compare. I would have loved to been paid to sit on my booty and look through millions/billions/trillions of pictures of Kate and Princess Diana. NOT. Don't get me wrong I love looking through pictures, but geeze louise.

Here's another picture I found on the Newsweek website, that I found weird, but somewhat hilarious.
Courtesy of: http://www.newsweek.com/2011/06/26/what-princess-diana-s-life-might-look-like-now.html

See what I mean? I mean it's freaky/creepy but hilarious because they just had to add an iPhone in her hands?! Goodness Gracious on my soul. Is it just me or is this creepy to anyone else?





It's The Little Things

I absolutely hate when I start a movie and then I have to do something else that makes me miss the important parts...so when I'm able to get back to watch a few seconds of it...I'm completely lost. But as a Mommy/Wife you gotta do whatcha gotta do. : )

Last night while I was busy cooking the movie, "No Reservations" came on TV. I don't know what makes watching a movie on TV better than watching a DVD; but it is. I think it's the "free" potty breaks. During commercials is the perfect time to go potty, refill your drink, or dust/vacuum a table - whatever makes you happy. I was too busy cooking dinner to really watch it...much less understand what was going on. I told Michael, jokingly, that I was going to Hastings to rent it so I could watch it. About ten minutes later he came to me with Jeremiah telling Jeremiah to tell Mommy bye-bye. I asked Michael where they were going...but he didn't tell. Right as they were leaving Michael smelt Jeremiah. They were delayed a bit, but they went off on their secret errand. About 5 minutes later, dinner was finished --- so I got a few minutes to myself at home.

When they got home; they had eggs(for brownies!), dedorant for daddy, and the "No Reservations" movie. Yes, they went out to buy Mommy the movie so while we ate dinner and relaxed before Jeremiah's dinner...we could watch the movie that I had been trying to watch for the past 2 hours. It made me smile, like I said, it's the little things that count. Don't get me wrong...big nice things are great too; but the little things that come in surprises are the best by far. I absolutely love getting surprises from Michael; it shows me during the day he was thinking of me or last night for example he wanted to make me happy. I could live off of little surprises every.

Since we were dating, Michael has always surprised me with little things...be it a new movie, a new Target cup, a pillow that I mentioned I wanted, flowers, and random texts that tell me that he loves me and he misses me. It brings a smile to my face; the little things shows me he loves me. Actually, he has been "surprising" me with the little things that would make me smile from ear to ear way before we were dating - he would randomly text me, "Don't fly away, Mary Poppins." I love this man with all of my heart and I'm thankful for the little things.



My "honeybee" and his "honeysuckle"

I feel sorry for the people that don't get joys in the little things in life. It's like the saying, "stop and smell the roses." I love my life as a mommy and a wife --- I wouldn't want it any other way.



My family



A Nice Surprise

The saying "shop til you drop," doesn't always refer to me; mainly because my husband doesn't allow me to get to that part. Yesterday, he really didn't have a choice. I had to go to Houston to order a dress for a wedding I'm MOH for in March. My mom met Michael, Jeremiah & myself at the store & then we were so close to The Galleria; so guess where we spent the rest of the day? Yep, The Galleria; shopping til we literally dropped. It was fun; Michael even said it was fun. We had a little big of a surprise while we were there -- Kelly Clarkson was performing at The Galleria...so we had a free concert while shopping. It was a great time with my favorite people! We found some really good deals for baby clothes and of course some for Mommy, Granna. Saturdays are the only full day we spend together since Michael's schedule has changed months ago; so I really wanted him to go with Jeremiah and myself to Houston and he had a good time. I mean look at that smile on his face --- he's one handsome happy man! ; )

Looking out to our view from The Cheesecake Factory

Love that innocent look. He's looking at the fishies that The Galleria has.



Mommy & Jeremiah



Kisses for Granna : )

 

Typical family picture; hehe!



My sweet family -- love those boys oh so much!

By the pictures, you can see we had a great time! Jeremiah stole the hearts of so many shoppers; like usual! We literally shopped until we couldn't shop anymore! 

Dinner Together

No matter how my family was when I was growing up; my mom would always make sure we ate dinner together. That's where we would share details about our days, what was going on the next day, or where we would tell jokes....just be together. When Stevee and I were both in high school, it became more and more difficult to get all of us at the same table long enough to talk -- but we made it happen. I actually looked forward to dinner "family" time...no matter how crazy my day was I knew there was something I could look forward to at the end of the day -- normalcy. When Michael and I were dating, we ate dinner together every single night -- mostly at his apartment, but it always bugged me that he didn't have a table for us to eat at...so we ate in front of the TV in his living room. I lived with three other girls, so it was hard for me to fix dinner and for us to have time to eat at my table without being interrupted by one of my roomates. (Not meaning that in a bad way...not at all -- I loved my roomates & keep in contact with them via facebook!) But when Michael and I got engaged -- and found the condo we are living in right now; that was the first thing I wanted to get was a kitchen table. Thankfully my mom and dad had the one from our old house in storage; so they gave us theirs. From that day on...we have eaten together at the table. It is something that is important to me -- and it is important to Michael also. Since Jeremiah has been born, there are times that we weren't able to eat together, but we definitely tried..until Jeremiah decided he wasn't allowing it. Now that Jeremiah is older (sad face!) we put him in his space saver highchair and he plays with toys while we eat so we eat together. I love it! We spend most of the time eating while laughing our butts off at Jeremiah -- seriously, this child is hilarious!!

Tonight we went to Chili's for dinner -- it was a last minute decision and mainly because we have NOTHING in this house to eat. (We are changing that tomorrow evening!) Tonight was a funny family dinner! Jeremiah is in love with mash potatoes with cream gravy -- but apparently, not when he sees french fries. He turned his nose up or I should say down (he puts his head down and does his scrunchy face when he doesn't want something!) every time we would come near him with mash potatoes....but the minute we picked up a french fry he went nuts. He ate french fries and sometimes he would take a few bites of the mash potatoes. He cracked us up -- he would take a bite of a french fry and starting talking..at one point he had his hands in the air....like he was praising God that we finally allowed him to have a french fry. Oh we were laughing so hard. 

Loved him some french fries

It did get to the point that Michael and I were actually just tossing the french fries into Jeremiah's mouth --- those little teeth freakin' hurt. I don't know how many times Michael and I said, "Oh, ouch!" while feeding Jeremiah french fries. After we fed him and didn't get attacked by the teeth, we would shout for joy! That's why Mommy and Daddy think mash potatoes on the spoon would have been a better choice... HA!



After getting attacked by the teeth, Mommy thought she had a brilliant idea to put the french fry in front of Jeremiah and see if he could feed himself -- I mean everything else that meet his hands also meet his mouth. Except for french fries. Nope, they got squished in his hands. Thank goodness for wipees.



Looking at the fry that was in his hand

After dinner -- we paid, of course -- but I got to thinking that this was the perfect reason I want to eat dinner together always. We talked about our day and shared laughs. After any day, no matter how rough or long the day is...I will always have my boys to come home too.  I love spending time with my boys and being able to laugh and enjoy our son together. And we just thought our night was over.... ha!

We walked to the car and while I was putting Jeremiah in the car, Michael said, "babe, look!" Well, I thought he ran into the giant pole in front of us...which he would have been in BIG trouble; but instead he was talking about this itty bitty kitten that was sitting beside this pole curled up. If you know me, you know that I'm LOVE animals and hate to see them suffer. I mean, I cry every single time those commercials come on with pictures of the poor animals that have been abused. So needless to say, I stopped a group that consisted of a boy and two girls to ask if they were interested in a kitten -- well, of course the girls went crazy about it until the guy went to touch the kitten and he/she went nuts and tried to attack the guy's hand. The guy was ready to leave but the girls and myself didn't feel okay with leaving this kitten on the side of the road basically. We called the shelter and of course they weren't open so no one answered...so, I had the brilliant idea to call the police station to see if they could get Animal Control out to come pick him up. In the meantime, we were trying to figure out if this kitten was hurt because he was fine with someone petting his back but the minute you got near his leg -- he flipped out on you. The officer came and deemed him to being hurt because he wasn't moving and normally "kittens that are scared would usually run away." So he calls Animal Control...so we all decide to wait for Animal Control -- and thinking we just did an amazing deed. Until this wonderful Officer informed us that "most likely when Animal Control comes they will end up euthanized him." Us girls, went nuts -- I was about to cry along with the other girls....until, the kitten got up and took off underneath a truck. I screamed, "It's a miracle -- he doesn't want to be killed!" We all had a good laugh and then cracked up laughing when the Officer had to call the AC back he started the conversation with, "Apparently, this kitten..." AC was still on it's way, because we still thought something was wrong with him/she.

Jeremiah was looking like he was going to sleep in his carseat so we kept him there; until he started screaming so we took him out and let me tell you -- this boy of mine is a big time flirt. Omgoodness, he was smiling at these girls and talking...oh he's a hoot. He was walking on the sidewalk and he thought that was cool -- he would look at the girls while walking and just smile. Oh he cracks me up --- trying to pick up girls, already! ; )

The kitten, like I stated before, took shelter underneath this truck. We all were joking around thinking the owner of the truck was probably sitting by the window at Chili's thinking, "Crap -- what is going on? Why is there people around my truck and why is an Officer shining a light at my truck?" In the midst of the conversation we were having -- the Officer pointed out that the truck's registration was out. Oops! And then we noticed that the truck didn't have a front license plates -- but the Officer informed us that he doesn't write tickets for that because he didn't have them on his own car for the longest time. What a nice man he was. The AC lady got there -- she wasn't the most gentle lady handling this poor kitten I was hoping for...but I couldn't leave that kitten there...it would have broken my heart! 

Furious Kitty. 

We finally made it home and Jeremiah was ready to eat and I thought to play -- but it seemed like he was actually ready to go to sleep....oops! 

Sweet baby -- sleeping!



G'night!


Time Flies When You're Having Fun

Of course, times flies when you're having fun -- but why do our babies grow up so fast? Apparently we're having fun with them. Last night, Michael had put Jeremiah in bed for a nap earlier in the evening but about 30 minutes later he woke up - crying; which usually means he won't go back to sleep by himself or even if we give him his pacifier. Michael goes up there to get him and by the time he gets down the stairs Jeremiah was back asleep on his shoulders. Michael mentioned that Jeremiah should have just stayed asleep in his bed if he was still tired. I replied with, "You better enjoy those moments now; because soon we won't have those again." The next thing I see is Michael getting all comfy with Jeremiah in his recliner.

It's hard to believe that my baby boy is over 9 months old. Seriously...didn't I just bring him home from the hospital like yesterday? I have no idea where the time has gone or where it's going, but I would really appreciate to stay still for a couple of weeks...just weeks; that's all I'm asking for?! I remember the first day we brought him home from the hospital and how overwhelmed I was with the thoughts of becoming a new Mommy. Now I'm overwhelmed with the reality that he's growing up way to fast for this mommy. Don't get me wrong I love the fact that he's growing up to be this hilarious child (like his mommy...I might add!) that has Michael and I laughing our hineys off everyday; but in the same time he's growing up way too fast in front of our eyes. I'm beginning to get scared to close my eyes thinking the next morning instead of hearing the baby language he has going on now I'm going to hear, "Mom, I'm 18 years old...is it really necessary for the crib and baby monitor?"



Mommy's 1st touch -- minutes old.

As I type this he is on the verge of crawling, actually crawling -- not the army crawling that he has been doing for a few weeks. I will admit that before the army crawling, he was just rolling everywhere --- we nicknamed him as the "rolling king." Oh how I wished for him to crawl -- is it too late to take back my wishes? Probably, darn! The saying "be careful for what you wish for" is true. This past week has really shown me that my "baby" is about to turn into a 1 year old in about 3 short months. I don't even want to think about him being an one year old. I would be totally okay with him staying this age (because first of all, he's hilarious!) forever. Yes, that's my new wish -- forget him crawling!

Loves swimming

Like I stated earlier in this post, his personality is coming out more and more every day. He keeps Michael and I laughing all the time. His facial expressions, his random but perfect timing "yea!"s, his scrunchy face, his looks that he gives when we tell him it's a "no-no!" --- EVERYTHING he does is hilarious to us. (Yes, us laughing at him now might kick us in the booty later; but goodness -- let me enjoy my baby!) Michael and I keep telling ourselves that we are in trouble with him, but just because he's so crazy.


No texting while you drive, Jeremiah -- oh & hello, you're 9 months...so neither! k, thanks!

I wouldn't change one thing about him. He's perfect and if I may so myself, the cutest little boy I have EVER seen. He looks just like me...(hence the reason why he's so dang cute!) but there are times when I see Michael -- with his facial expressions, *ahem* attitude (hehe!), and most importantly, those toes...oh me gee, he has his Daddy's feet. He grabs things with his toes already -- it's hilarious! Yesterday Michael bought him an outfit that says, "Cute like Mom; Smelly like Dad." That saying couldn't be any more true -- Michael says it's not; but then I asked him, "Then why did you buy it?" He didn't have a come-back, which means I win. Ashlee-1 Michael-0.

Seriously, who wouldn't love this baby?

I love this little boy more than I ever thought I would be able to. That love grows more and more as the days pass by. I sometimes find myself feeling sad that there WERE people in our lives that will never be able to meet this perfect angel and enjoy his craziness like we do on a daily basis; but in reality, I feel sorry for them. They are definitely missing out for sure. But believe me he's not going unloved, that's for sure! : ) What makes me really sad are the people that Michael and I would have loved Jeremiah to meet such as my Mimi, Michael's Grandpa Strange and Granny Strange. These three people are dear to our hearts, but I know they are watching over our baby with smiling faces.


This child LOVES water.



Goodness Gracious, I love this boy and his smile.

Life is too short and especially when you have children.

Five Times the Love

Not many people can say that they have 4 much less than 5 generations in their family still living. I have been blessed to be able to be apart of 5 generations.

Last March, my precious family took a trip to Georgia, where my sister is now living with her husband, Brett due to him being stationed there with the Airforce and the rest of my mom's family that aren't in Texas. I was so stinkin' nervous about flying with Jeremiah...well, okay - I won't lie I was scared for me too. I love flying, don't get me wrong....once we get in the air without the bumps. I don't do the bumps -- and I wasn't notified that the plane was one of the smallest ones they had...which means -- extra bumps! The night before we were leaving Jeremiah had his first ER trip(Tuesday). We were at the ER until 2am, and had to wake up at 4:30am to make sure we were on the road by 5am.




1st ER trip...

 We panic when it comes to something like something important to do and we must be on-time or else something bad will happen...okay, fine -- I do. Michael is a cool cucumber(an on-time cool cucumber) but me on the other hand - ALWAYS late. This past weekend I was 15 minutes early meeting my family in Houston and I was the first one there. We all were shocked. So we got 2 hours of sleep and were on the road at 5am -- along with A LOT of energy drinks for Michael to drive. I was in the back seat with Jeremiah...sleeping, I mean making sure Jeremiah was okay. (Yes, we were those international families you see.) We were about an hour early for the flight and Michael got to eat breakfast...I on the other hand, was too stressed/worried/scared to eat anything. Michael actually was nice enough to bring me donuts, but I had him throw them away because the smell grossed me out.

We finally boarded and surprisingly the flight was great. Jeremiah slept the whole time, seriously! He woke up right when we landed to Georgia. Stevee and Brett came to pick us up; but little did we know that day/night was the only normal day/night we would have until Saturday, unfortunately. 

Sleeping during the flight -- what a blessing!



He was sleeping while we were waiting for Uncle Bett & Aunt Vee : )

Reunited with Aunt Vee and finally got to meet Uncle Bett : )

We had a very sick few days -- not kidding. Jeremiah was sick, I got sick & Aunt Vee got sick -- we were pitiful. Between all of us -- we had her washer/dryer continuously going. I believe Brett stated that we washed one blanket about 25 times -- I don't think he was kidding, but who had the time to count? I surely didn't -- I was cleaning up my son & making sure I made it to the bathroom in time. In reality though, I was just happy to be with my sister and her husband -- I didn't care if we were talking through the doors making sure everyone was okay -- or watching Brett gag at the door when we were bathing Jeremiah from a NASTY diaper. We had HILARIOUS moments -- some we will not state here; but I will say that my husband and my sister have a very interesting relationship. ; )

In the midst of all of the craziness that started the night we left, we ended this trip with an event that most people aren't able to do.  By the Grace of God, we were ALL better by Saturday to take pictures that would be special to so many people: Granny(my great grandmother/Jeremiah's Great-Great Grandmother), Nana(my grandmother/Jeremiah's Great Grandmother), Granna(my Mom/Jeremiah's Granna), Myself...and most importantly Jeremiah which equals the 5 generations. My sister was in the picture representing the 4th generation twice. We were sitting in our pose position and my Granny looks at Stevee and says, "what are you doing here?" Oh we all laughed. She's a funny woman.

5 Generations -- not the professional picture.

Looking at the picture above, makes me see all the amazing women in my life -- those ladies & boy, of course -- are the reason I'm the woman I am today. And I'm blessed that I was able to be apart of something that will always be meaningful for years to come. I have some very special people in my life and I wouldn't have it any other way. Love those ladies & that boy with all of my heart.

We always got a family picture of my boys and myself -- it's not a good quality one since it's a picture taken from my phone of the picture -- but it will be proudly hung up in my new home. 

My family in March 2011

I will hold both of these pictures close to my heart forever and always. I am one lucky, blessed girl, that's for sure. These pictures show off the people that I love the most and that love me the most -- what more could a girl want?

 Five times the love. <3




My Husband, His Daddy

Before Michael & I were even an "item," we had talked about kids. (Or before people knew we were an "item" I should say.) We would imagine the day we had kids, but never in a million years did I think it was going to be this great. I always knew Michael would be a great father, but he's an amazing father to Jeremiah. Every time I see him interact with Jeremiah my heart melts. Like I have stated in a past post, Jeremiah wasn't able to stay the night with us while we were in the hospital but the minute that door opened and they rolled Jeremiah in Michael was the first one to jump up and let everyone know, "He's here!" Then when he would look at Jeremiah in the bed always, every single time he would say, "He's the most precious baby I have ever seen." (Coming from the guy that has said, "Every baby looks the same. My nieces looked like...babies.") He know will admit that our son was the most precious thing EVER. : )



Michael's first time holding Jeremiah

Michael made Mother's Day SUPER special for me. So, for Father's Day I wanted to make it SUPER special for him. I had these great plans planned out, but for various reasons -- mainly it's so stinkin' hot to go fishin' -- I changed the plans. Michael doesn't care what we do, as long as he is with Jeremiah and myself -- he's happy and satisfied. I decided that we would go swimming and I would take him out to dinner also. He was perfectly happy with that. We went swimming and let me tell you, Jeremiah is happy in the water. He loves it.


Jeremiah & Daddy.



Jeremiah loves to splash Daddy -- it's fun! Of course.



& Mommy gets the kisses. <3

We had a great time at the pool -- Jeremiah got fussy, so we let him nap while we got ready for dinner. If you know my husband, he has TONS of CDs but he LOVES his CDs. So Jeremiah and Mommy got Daddy 6 CDs and a movie. He was so excited...like a child in a candy store, seriously! Which made me smile -- he ALWAYS puts Jeremiah and myself first and I was able to put him first (with him allowing me too! Believe me I try to do it more often but he doesn't allow me!) and he enjoyed EVERY minute of it. But the best of it all, was I actually surprised him with a super special gift that he didn't know was coming.

Before I tell you what that gift was, you need some "background." I will make this short and sweet -- we haven't spoke to Michael's father or step-mother in over 3 years for many reasons, that I don't care to discuss at this time. (Happy blog remains a happy blog!) Anyways, last Friday we were looking through his Uncle Kenny's profile pictures and we came across a picture of his Granny Strange that made him made me stop so he could tell me that when he lived with his father in high school they had this picture and he was always hoping to get a copy of that picture, but with the situation we are in he probably would never get one. Well, my mind started to race and thinking...so I contacted a few people and I finally got a reply that she would email me a copy the next day. I received the email Sunday and immediately sent it to the one-hour at Wal-Mart. Since Michael works on Sundays now (eww!) Jeremiah and I went to Houston to meet my parents for dinner to see my dad for Father's Day -- so my plan was to stop by on our way back into town to pick the picture up and get a frame for him. And that's exactly what I did. Oh the look on his face -- was priceless. He told me, "thank you," a few times and just starred at the picture. It is now on our mantle by my Mimi's photo -- it will be hung in our hallway at the new house when we move. Which makes Michael very happy.



His reaction to the framed picture



The picture I had framed -- Grandpa Strange & Granny Strange

I hope that I was able to make Michael feel special on his 1st Father's Day. I'm a lucky girl to have an amazing husband that works so hard for his family and loves his son and wife unconditionally and more than anyone on this Earth. I'm a blessed little lady and my son is blessed to have a daddy that loves him with his whole heart. In his eyes, his father isn't the father "figure" that he wanted for his son, and I will say that he is NOTHING like his father. He is an important part of my life and will always -- I love him with all of my heart.

Happy Father's Day, Michael --- I love you very much & thank you for being such an amazing father to our son & an amazing husband to me.



We love you, Daddy!