Monday, December 31, 2012

2012- A Year in Review.

This year has been crazy amazing. When I look back at my posts from January I realize my little man was only turning 4 months old and wasn't able to talk, walk or really interact all that much.  Some days, not going to lie, I really miss those days- at least the non-mobile part. Dude runs around like a crazy person. Her es a look back at the things that made this year incredible.
 
January brought my first ever tips and tricks post- and its been a favorite with over 1.5 million (HOLY FREAKING EFF!) page views. Grayson hit the four month mark, and we shared our must haves.  From that list, we still play with the turtle, the bunny and Scout- so they were some pretty darn good picks! I shared some cold weather favorite recipes and how to make homemade baby food. To top it off I celebrated my 27th birthday with my favorite little man in my arms.
 
February was busy with the first round of teething troubles (teeth suck sometimes!). You lovely ladies shared some great tips for what worked with your kiddos to ease tooth pain- a frozen washcloth filled with applesauce has been a fave! Tips and Tricks 2 hit the old blog this month. I also got to see a girl send my little boy his first valentine- hello heart breaker.
 
 
 
March- we made it six months!! Woo!!
 
 
This month Grayson's little personality really started to develop, but I realized it was eerily similar to his fathers as I shared my realization that Dear Lord, he is his father's child.  It warmed up in March and we hit the road in flip flops to stroll the 'hood nearly every single day. It was glorious.  What wasn't so glorious? Surviving our first round of the fever- which made me wonder how I could go days in college with little to no sleep but now can no longer function.  Hello old age, nice to meet you.
 
In April I shared one of my all time fave recipes Cheese steak Pizza and hosted my very first giveaway from Fashion to Figure. I shared with you that if you rub eucalyptus oil on your tootsies and slap on some fuzzy socks and no more coughing fits!! Woo! Grayson got to meet the Easter Bunny, and didnt hate him nearly as much as he hated Santa Clause. We celebrated Grayson's first Easter complete with family, food, fun and a bunny on his bum- hes so going to hate me when hes older.
 
 
On May 1st  Grayson figured out how to crawl- and we knew then we were in trouble. It was an athletic month of sorts- I started and gave up on the Couch 2 5K program. My amazing hubs and his Momma ran the Pittsburgh Half Marathon while I ate some delish doughnuts from Peace, Love and Little Doughnuts. Grayson even started swim lessons and discovered his love for both the water and making kissy noises at his cute 16 year old instructor.  That month Grayson also decided that in order to get the ladies he had to give up his bink, and tossed it away cold turkey on his own which admittedly made Momma a little sad. 
 
 
June brought the end of the school year- wooo!! I was super excited to spend time with my little man and check things off of my summer bucket list. We visited the Aviary and the Children's Museum, both musts if you're in the Pittsburgh area with kiddos. Grayson also chose this month to udder his first word, Mama! You better bet your sweet bottom that I still remind Daddy to this very day that I was his first word, and as soon as we move to a house with a yard there will be a pony delivered for that sweet boy. We also got a few projects done around the house, like the amazing porch beautification care of Thompson's Water Seal!
 
In July we spent alot of our time in the swimming pool. Tips and Tricks July hit the blog, and was rewarded with so many sweet comments from all of you. I shared some more about me with the ABC's of Me. Because its never too early to start planning a good party, I shared my first birthday inspiration board for Grayson Boy's upcoming fete. I let you guys in on the secret that I am far too cheap to pay for it, so I clean my tile and grout myself with the help of my Bissle Carpet Cleaner. We took our first Family Road Trip to Tennessee, and I planned for our upcoming trip to Williams burg. I also shared recipes for Cookie Dough Dip, Crock Pot Mexican Chicken and Summer Pickles.   
 
 
In August I asked someone to bring me an adult beverage, because Grayson began to climb on every stinking thing he could get his hands on. At 11 months old I was convinced he was trying everything he could to not make it to his first birthday.  I shared some of the projects I was working on for the party that he was so desperately trying to avoid, like the high chair re-do and the fabric birthday banner. My deepest secrets (okay, not all of them) were revealed when I shared if you really knew me and I was thrilled to learn that I have other ketchup obsessed loves out there.  I also let the sarcastic comments fly in sometimes people can be so stupid, my answers to all of the dumb pregnancy/baby questions I had received over the past year.
 
September- my baby is a year old. How the HELL did that happen? I never shared a 12 month post, because honestly, I couldn't bring myself to write it. I cried like an insane person every time I tried. Its still sitting in my draft pile, and I promise to post it someday when I can get through the first paragraph without needing to use the booger sucker on myself. I went back to school, got a sweet new blog layout, Grayson started walking, we took one year pictures, and had one amazing party for my favorite little man.
 
 
In October I shared how I had the patience to sew 20 little super hero capes for Graysons party guests.  We went to the pumpkin patch with our playgroup friends and trick or treated at the zoo. Hubs and I celebrated two years of marriage and I shared with the world and my kiddo how I met his Daddy. 
 
 
I got around in November to posting about Grayson's first real Halloween  and how once he figured out that the strangers were giving out candy he was all into it. I talked about what it meant to me to be a boy momma then I lamented about how much I need a baby girl when I found Sweet Baby Jean Hair Accessories.  Grayson had his first haircut, where a few tears were shed by him and by me. To wrap up the month I shared the 30 things I am thankful for- friends, family, and of course all of you lovelies!
 
 
In December I kind of sucked at blogging. Sorry 'bout that. Christmas snuck up on me and school was ridiculously busy. We did all of our favorite traditions and I shared with you our hunt for the K family Christmas tree and a recap of Christmas 2012
 
Its been an amazing year- that's for sure! I cant believe all of the things that my kid learned to do, how hes grown and how hubs and I have grown and learned. Here's to bringing in 2013 in true old lady style- Ill be snug in my bed when the ball drops. In my defense we have a sick little bean and haven't had much sleep around these parts in a few nights.  Ill be back tomorrow to share my goals for 2013!
 
Be safe, my lovelies, and have a very Blessed and Happy New Year!


Friday, December 28, 2012

Christmas 2012

Grayson Boy must have been on Santa's nice list this year- well if not Santa, at least the Grandparent's good list.
 
Its a tradition that Santa sends an early present to you- usually PJs and Slippers for Christmas morning. Santa knew Grayson already had some nifty new slippers, so he sent PJs and a book instead.
 

 
Then in our spanking new jammies we put out cookies and milk for Santa
 

However, Grayson decided he needed to sample them before Santa got a taste. Despite Daddy warning that's a good way to get on the naughty list.
 


Cookie thief.
 

 
Trying to get a family photo where Momma doesn't have half closed eyes- fail.
 
 
However, Santa mustnt' have minded because
Christmas morning looked something like this:
 
 
Santa left his footprints by the cookies and milk
 
 
 Checking them out!
 
 
Patrick's parents stay with us for the holidays, so Grayson gets to wake up with two of his favorite people in the house.  When they are around- Patrick and I do not exist.  Christmas day is crazy. We start at home, then head to my Mom's, then my Dad's, my Grandma's then Patricks Grandparents. Time is budgeted and a schedule is made. However Grayson tossed us off the schedule by taking a 2.5 hour nap at Nana's. Here's a little snap shot into the day.

 
Pappy made him a fire truck pedal car for Christmas- the back half is a super sweet bookshelf/toybox. Grayson loves it...Momma isnt so sure about all of the alarms Pap installed on the sucker though.  

 
Opening gifts with Nana


Loved this face when he saw his remote controlled car.
 


The year of the cars- Grayson was also gifted his own truck by my dad. 
 

 
We always end the evening at Gong and Pap's.  Its full of food, family and presents. This is my favorite picture- the four generations of K men. Every year it gets more an more apparent that this child will look NOTHING like me as he gets older.
 
 
In other news, I now own my own toy store- its located where my dining room used to be. Feel free to stop on by and play sometime!
Merry Christmas 2012!




Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas, Lovelies!

Wishing all of you safe, wonderful, joy filled holidays with your family. I'd love to tell you that the Grayson Boy is nestled all snug in his bed, but in reality he is running around playing with his Grandma and Grandpap loving his life.  I cant wait until tomorrow morning to see him tear into his presents. My wish for all of you is that you get to experience Christmas through the joy of a child- even if you don't have one, just acting like one works!
 


 
 


Saturday, December 8, 2012

Christmas Tree Hunt 2012

Its that time of year again, to trek off to the farm to get our Christmas tree. Every year we end up with a tree aptly named Shamu and this year was no different. The weather was perfect. It was a balmy 48 degrees and the sun was shining. There was no mud or snow- overall the most perfect day we have ever had getting our tree.
 

Getting ready to go out into the field 
My boys


We told him to go find one- hes a bean on a mission!


We decided that whatever one he picked we would get, and just like his Daddy he picked the biggest fattest tree he could find. 


Dragging the trees back to the barn
 

The tree baler > family pictures.
 


Funny face picture- Grayson didn't join in. He better learn quick.
 
I love that we have kept up the tradition of going to get our tree in the same place with our growing baby boy with our family.
 
 
Flashback to 2011- Grayson got a bit bigger, but the tree is about the same!
 
Now we just have to get the monstrosity in the house and decorated. Stay tuned!


Friday, November 30, 2012

Thirty Days of Thanks

You may have seen the things I am thankful for floating around out there on facebook and twitter. Well, I'm on the bandwagon. On my personal FB page I have been posting something I am thankful for each day for the entire month of November. Here on the last day of the month I want to share them all with you.
 
1. Today I am thankful for my husband. He may be a pain in my butt and drive me crazy sometimes but I wouldn't know what to do without him. Hes my best friend and the best Daddy Grayson could ask for.
 
2. Today I am thankful for these beautiful ladies who help keep me sane at work. I never thought that when I got my job I would get the best group of friends around.
 
 
3. Today I am thankful for the fact that my in-laws got to be a part of Graysons first real Halloween. It was great that they got to take him trick or treating and carve his pumpkin with him, living so far away they don't always get those chances!
 
4. Today I am thankful for my two fur babies that I love so much and who put up with so much abuse from Grayson and still love him to pieces.
 
5. Today I am thankful that I have the right to vote and that I use it. I am also thankful to not have to see political ads tomorrow! Woo!
 
6. Today I am actually thankful for the crazy kiddos I teach. They give me a reason to love my job and make me glad to go to work in the morning. Plus some of them even love me so much they come back for a second, and some even a third, straight year. ;-)
 
7. Today I am thankful for the four friends that I have that have been there forever. One since birth, one since kindergarten and two from freshman year of college. These are the people who I know will be there if I need anything- from an ear to listen to smudging the prints at a crime scene and I love them all.
 
8. Today I am thankful for the simple things in life. Wet baby mooches, the smell of clean laundry and the sound of leaves crunching under foot on a walk to the park :)
 
9. Today I am thankful for all the wonderful Veterans who defend our freedom. Thank you for your service and the sacrifices you made for all of us.
 
10. Today I am thankful for the bank calling to ask if it was me who purchased four airline tickets to Turkey on our bank account. As much as I need a good vacation, this was one trip I wasn't invited on.
 
11. Today I am thankful for our warm beds we have to snuggle up in each and every night.
 
12. Today I am thankful for the Fraud department of PNC who called to say they put all of the money back in our checking account- yay for having money again!
 
13. Today I am thankful for my Momma.  Not only did she raise me and pick out my husband- but she does so much for Grayson and without her we would be lost!!
 
14. Today I am thankful that the Ambridge/Alliquippa bridge re-opens tomorrow. Insert happy dance here!!
 
15. Today I am thankful for Panera Iced Tea. I don't know why you are so delicious, but thank you for being so good!!
 
16. Today I am thankful for Lysol Antibacterial Kitchen Spray.  I think I use this stuff on every surface of my house since my child thinks its perfectly acceptable to eat off of the floor.
 
17. Today I am thankful for photos. I cant remember my baby being his 7 pound 11 ounce size, so I'm ever so grateful for the fact that I can scroll back and remember all of those moments.
 
18. Today I am thankful for all of the people who read my blog. For all of the emails, comments and the love that they send my way that pick me up on my down moments and make me feel like they are all my friends. I love sharing my life with you guys, and I'm glad you like reading about it.
 
19. Today I am thankful for sweatpants. My go to clothes when I come home that are oh so cozy and warm.
 
20. Today I am thankful for our big old house. It may be a project and a half but it keeps a roof over our head and is filled from the bottom to the top with love. Its where we got engaged, came home to married, and brought our babies (fur and real) home to become our family.
 
21. Today I am thankful for five day breaks from school.
 
22. Today I am thankful for the food that graces our table and the people that gather around it.
 
23. Today I am thankful for being able to get my black Friday deals and steals online so I don't have to stand out in the cold and throw some elbows to get Grayson his Christmas toys.
 
24. Today I am thankful for the days my husband doesn't have to work.  I love having him here and getting to spend time as a family.
 
25. Today I am thankful for the jobs that we both have. Its a great thing when you can love your job, and we are lucky in this house that both of us love what we do.
 
26. Today I am thankful for the baby friends that Grayson has, like Marley. Her Momma and I were lucky enough to grow up together and I'm so thankful they have the chance to do the same. 
 
 
27. Today I am thankful for our families near and far that we love unconditionally.
 
28. Today I am thankful for all of the Christmas decorations and Christmas Movies that are filling my house and heart with Christmas spirit.
 
29. Today I am thankful for our neighbors. We may not live in the best neighborhood in the eyes of many, but we hands down have the best neighbors anyone could ask for. They make us food, put up with our Christmas lights, love our son and invite us into their homes and lives. We love them, and it is only for them that I don't ever want to move.
 
30. I have saved the thing for which I am most thankful for today, my Grayson Boy. He is the light of our lives and he fills my days with love and purpose.  In the short 14 months he has been on this Earth he has had such an impact on everyone around him and changed our lives for the better.  I cant remember life before you came along, little boy, and I'm glad Ill never have to. I love getting to show you things and expierience things through your eyes. Words cant even describe how thankful I am that he picked me to be his Mommy. I love you, Bubbers.
 
 


Tuesday, November 27, 2012

First Haircut!

A few weeks ago Hubs started mentioning he wanted to get Grayson's hair cut.  Now, the kid doesn't have gobs of hair, but he was starting to get a little baby mullet. I was apprehensive though, because I didn't want him to be grown up quite yet. Eventually I caved and off we went to Little Snips for our first baby trim (seriously, they couldn't even give me a lock of hair, it was more like little wisps).
 
All ready to go in the police car- they also had a tractor, plane, taxi and something else I cant remember.

Before- The baby mullet

The lip. We were not too sure of this lady.
 

Attempting to free himself.
 

Thumbs Up- I found toys, I'm cool now Mom! Once he realized there were toys in the little car he was content to sit there and let her cut his hair.

After- the mohawk is back in full force.
 
Cant believe this kid is growing so fast- it breaks my heart!