Down the tubes....

we had our ENT visit this morning and it was agreed, tubes are the best option for Zach.  Its been over 6 weeks or constant antibiotics and there has been no major improvements.  They tested his hearing and it was within normal ranges which is good, but obviously being on constant antibiotics inst the best thing.  We should get a call this week to line up our surgery date.  It scares me, even though it's minor surgery....still scary for mommy and daddy but will be glad to not be in the doctors office every week.  Please keep us in your prayers and I will keep you updated on the ears!!

No Playoffs for the Cowboys...

 Till Next Year!!!


Zach wasn't too happy either!

Zach's 1st Christmas

Christmas Eve

Baby-palooza!!

wow, 2008 is going out with a baby boom!  Started with the early arrival of George a week ago, to the Bloch twins on Christmas Eve Eve and then Samantha's arrival sometime around noon today on Boxing Day!!  So exciting!

I got to see the twins yesterday and boy are they cute!!  Kari and Steve looked blissfully happy and well rested for the moment!  Dylan has graduated from the NICU and mom and both babies seemed to be doing well.  I have some pics that I will try to post soon.  Kari also surprised me with asking Matt and I to be Dylan's Godparents and we could not be more honored!  I feel so blessed to be a part of his and sister Lilly's lives!  I definitely feel pretty special to be a godparent to two cool kids like Dylan and sweet Miss Katie too!!  Kari and Steve and Lilly and Dylan will be headed home tomorrow to start their new lives out together!!

Susan surprised me this morning with a text message (YES, a text message!  You people cannot call me the queen of texting any more cause even I would have called with such important news) saying she thought her water broke and they were headed to the hospital.  Randy followed up an hour or so later confirming Susan's c-section would be around noon.  Samantha is still breach so they will be doing cesarean for sure.  I cannot wait to see what this sweet little munchkin looks like too.

The amazing thing I think about baby's arrivals is you never know what they will look like, but once you see them they look just like they should!!  So I will be headed up to the hospital to meet this gal today too.

I guess all these babies decided their parents needed a tax deduction in 2008 instead of waiting for the new year!!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!  We had a great one with my folk, Matt's mom and my brother and sister in law all over for the day.  Zach loved seeing his grandparents and aunt and uncle (who won the prize for Zach's fav gifts!  they got him a shopping cart with groceries and a lawn mower and both were hits!)  Ok, must head to the shower before Zach wakes up!!

Twas the night before Christmas......

Well last night it was twas the night before the night before Christmas.....and that is when the Babies Bloch decided to arrive! I am So excited for Kari and Steve and cannot wait to meet these precious miracles!! Congrats and Happy Birthday Lily and Dylan!!

Last night I also decided to head to the grocery store. We are having Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner at our house. I bought my yummy ham during lunch yesterday so main course is taken care of but needed all the other fixins!! So after I finally heard the news of the twins arrival I decided to head out. It was about 830 so I was thinking it wouldn't be too bad. Well, apparently a lot of other people had the same idea. All and all people were in pretty good moods, but there was slim pickins on some items already! Like O Brien potatoes! THERE WERE NONE! Actually, there was one Kroger brand one I found mixed in with the french fries so I snagged that one. Mom is going to her store to get another bag so we can make our dish. Apparently potato casserole is a popular Christmas dish!!

I also think I may have had my most expensive grocery bill ever. Do you know how much your most expensive bill was?? The funny thing is it didn't even phase me but my sacker was like WHOA! HA! In my defense, I had about $125 in gift certificates (the best idea ever...selling all those different ones at one store!), 6 bottles of wine, case of Miller, 12 pack Fat Tire, and about 20 jars of baby food....along with all the other holiday staples needed for the meal itself. Needless to say, it wasn't cheap. But I got all the stuff that will keep me from going to the grocery store for the rest of this long holiday weekend!!

So anyway, it is now Christmas Eve and we decided to sleep in til 6am this morning since the drive would be super light and no one else is working. I stayed up late but got meal ready for tonight and some wrapping done that will hopefully make tonight a little less stressful. We are trying out a new church tonight too. We LOVE our church, but now that we moved, getting downtown with a wee one is not always the most practical of things. Their earliest service was 730 so that would put us leaving at least by 645 to get a good seat, and then prob not being home till almost 9. We have decided to venture out and found a Methodist church close to home with a 6pm service. We will be home in time for Z man to get to bed at a decent hour!

My wish for you is to have a most wonderful Christmas with your family and friends and remember the reason for the Season is Jesus! It is because of Him that we are here to celebrate today! Enjoy the time with your loved ones and have a very Merry Christmas!!

Our house is a land mine!

The boy is walking now, several steps at a time! And getting more and more adventurous every day! The boy is smart. He is figuring out that if he can climb onto one thing, it will aid him in getting up higher to the next thing! We have his little Anywhere chair backed up to our ottoman in the game room and has figured out that he can climb onto the ottoman and then onto the couch or whatever else he wants! He is getting taller too and things that little hands used to not be able to reach are getting closer and closer to being grabbed!

Z Man also figured out the wine tower today too. I was in the kitchen and then all of a sudden I heard a crash. I don't think the bottle broke when he pulled it out but prob when he picked it up and banged it. I walked in and he was sitting in chardonnay. Luckily no glass was on him at all or even near him....just pants that smelled like wine. Obviously he had to be changed before we went to lunch so social services didn't get called on us!

Hmm, what else has Z man broke this week. Oh yeah, he beheaded this cute wooden like Christmas goose I had by the front door. Picked him up and banged him and his head broke off. Need to take a pic of that. And he broke the old IKEA floor lamps we have in the game room. He has a fascination with knocking them over and since they were plastic (yes, they are old like from college hence they are cheap!) it didn't seem like that big of a deal but now one is dead and not working.

So basically nothing is safe with the Z Man around....how long does baby proofing last? ;-)

Holiday Annoyances

The one bad thing about the holidays is the crowds and what seems to be an increase in stupid people mulling about. Some of these things always occur but just seem to be intensified during the holidays!
#1-Not enough registers open. Seriously, Target has 24 registers...and 4 are open. I don't understand this? There are lines 10 people deep, other sales people wandering around, and yet only 4 checkers? Why not open some more? And if you are short staffed, hire some more people! I am sure there are lots of people who needs jobs. This same thing goes for the grocery store....12 registers.....3 open. argh.
#2- Jaywalkers. I am not sure if they are as prevalent where you are as they are in Houston but they drive me insane. There are people crossing the middle of Westheimer carrying babies or pushing strollers or maybe even just being stupid on their own. Why can they not take the extra 20 steps and go to the light? Not only are they putting themselves in danger running across 4 lanes of busy traffic but they also cause traffic issues by doing so! Is it laziness or stupidity...or maybe a combo of both?
#3- Bad drivers. Enough said.

I am sure there are more but those are my top 3 from my jaunt out at lunch! What drives you crazy during the holidays? :)

Christmas Spirit is still out there!!

We had a great day off yesterday!! Zach and I went to breakfast with Kerri and then off we went to the mall for some Christmas shopping (which I am happy to report I am nearly done!!). We had a quick stop for pictures with Santa in which he did great! Had his usual big open mouth smile and once he even noticed Santa was there, was more fascinated with the beard and glasses than scared at all. He took a nice long snooze in the stroller for me to finish my shopping too. I had one last stop at James Avery which is outside of the mall....and decided to press my luck and try to get it done since I was already out. Wow, we walked in and there were at LEAST 30 people there if not more. Zach was nearing the end of his limit of shopping and I was about to throw in the towel when I got a tap on my shoulder. (note-when we walked in they were on #90 and I pulled #33 so that was 40 numbers before my turn!) It was a young man about our age who said something to the extent of "you look like you need this more than I do...I found someone to watch my little man today...Merry Christmas!" and handed me his #2!! By this time they were up to #98. I waited all of 5 minute, got my merchandise and me and Z were home in 15 minutes just in time for a bottle! What a nice guy! :) Reminds me to be nicer and how much a simple gesture can mean so much to people!

Christmas Lights

One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is the Christmas lights!! I just LOVE the twinkling and the beauty of the lights. I love driving around and looking at other people's yards and ooohing and ahhing over some and wondering "what the heck?" about others! After 4 years in the town home, we never got to put lights out so I was very excited this year about doing the yard. And I think I expected others to be so excited to have us in the neighborhood and that they would know of my love of lights that they would all be decked out to the nines! Well, that is not the case. I am one of very few in our section of the subdivision with lights out!! But I have noticed its not just our section too. What gives people? Is it the economy? A disinterest in the holiday? Who knows? But I wish more people had lights out! Anyone else notice this in their area of town??

I am proud of my work with the lights as a first timer so I will try to post some pics soon!

Ears :(

Yeah, the Friday re-check still showed a double ear infection so it was to the Rocefron (however you spell it) shots for the next 3 days. Today we had the 3rd one and the on call doc did a check too. He said still red and some fluid but since he didn't see them before, he couldn't really assess whether there was improvement or not. So we will recheck AGAIN on Friday to see if this worked or not. If not, we next head to the ENT doc and probably tubes :( Only good news is Zach has shown no symptoms of these ears at all even bothering him! According to the doc he must have a high threshold of pain!

The Hat Continues....

5 weeks ago while watching Sunday night football and the Cowboys weren't doing too well, Matt placed his hat upon my head for good luck. I began asking questions. How is the new t.u. guy doing (aka-Roy Williams) and then he got a huge reception. What about Witten? Long yards again. And Romo's pinky? A td pass! So Matt decided it was the power of the hat on my head. The next week, repeat. Game not going so well, hat on my head, game gets better and pull out a WIN. This goes on the next week too. Last week Mom and I had tickets to see White Christmas at the Hobby Center so I obviously did not wear the old ball cap to the theatre. The boys had an unfortunate loss. So tonight, a bit into the game and the cap was placed on my head....and we end up with 20 to 8 win! Go Cowboys! Is it the power of the hat? I don't know....but I have been informed that I will be wearing it the next 2 weekends! ;-)

SNOW!!!

That's right folks, it is snowing in HOUSTON!! Can you believe it??

Here are a couple of Z in his cool jacket from Grandpa Wendell and tomorrow I will post some of the SNOW!! Crazy! And then yeah, this weekend it will be 75 again. Welcome to winter in Houston! :)

Mom and Dad's Night Out

Our company party was this weekend and Matt and I got the night out. It was at the Houstonian and we even got to spend the night! My wonderful parents came and stayed out our house with the Z Man. I slept until9:30am....it was glorious! :)

I am Thankful (belated)

....for my little turkey!

1, 2, 3, Lunge!!

That's about how it happened. I was sitting in the kitchen while Z was cruising around the chairs. I stuck my hands out for him to come to me assuming he would crruuuise on over as always. But instead....he did 1 step, 2 step, 3 step, lunge!!!! yes, he made steps!! real steps! I took him into the bedroom to see Matt. Stood him up against the foot rail and repeat!! Wow!

I tried again but he was getting tired so it became 1, 2, 3 cry and be frustrated. So, I guess this is just the beginning! We shall see what happens next!

Way to go Z!

Ear Infection

UGH, it is still there! Poor Z! After 10 days of drops and antibiotics, we went in for our re-check today and it is still there :( So now onto a different antibiotic and different drops. Lets hope these work or doc said we would be going to an ENT if no progress in another 10 days. Luckily Z is acting like himself and doesn't seem too bothered about the whole thing. Poor baby boy. They did an ear culture too so we shall see what it brings!

And to to top it off, I think Matt and I are getting a little cold too. I don't like this winter/spring time of year!!

Merry Thanksmas!

Thanksgiving with friends was great and it was so cute to see all the kids together! :)

9 month check up!

We had a good check up on Friday and Zach was a major charmer in the new doctor's office (we found one closer to home but part of same practice). He especially enjoyed the paper on the table and I think we went though about 3 feet of it! Zach seemed to like the new doc too!

As far as stats...we are in the 50-75th percentile for all stats. He is 29 inches long and weighs 20lbs 8oz. Getting to be such a big boy!

The only bad news....we have our first ear infection! :( Not contagious or anything and the drops seemed to help after the first time! Poor little guy but he has been a trooper with the meds!

Anyway, thats about it for now....will check in more later!

Night!

9 months and growing!

Water Baby

9 months...

Can you believe it? Nine months ALREADY? Where does the time go. I was going to post last night but didn't feel like getting on the computer. Attempted to take some pics in the hippo chair but little man would NOT sit still. Definitely have a new found appreciation and awe for professional photographers. Speaking of...we had ours done this past Saturday with Mackenzie! I have been obsessively checking to see if the previews are there yet even though she told me at least a week. She is so good with the kiddos which is why I guess so many people use her! I cannot wait to see them.

Anyway, Z Man is doing well. Still working on this whole solids business. Trying to introduce some "real" foods without much luck. Last night I gave him a biter biscuit to gnaw on while I was feeding him. The child must have something else to hold and chew on during feeding or else it doesn't happen. (oddly enough, daycare has never mentioned him being a difficult eater so it must just be with me). I digress...So those biscuits get VERY soggy and it started to break off into little pieces as he was chewing on it. As soon as chunks were in his mouth he starts screaming like he has a mouth full of rocks! I try to allow him to actually chew and swallow some but he hates it. He does on the other hand love to drink out of a cup. Not a sippy cup, but like really drink out of a cup. I think its cute, even if he spills. And we will just keep working on the foods, I know he will eat them eventually!

My fav part of the evening is still bath time cause he just loves it so darn much. Now that we are standing....as soon as we walk into the bathroom I can hardly get his clothes and diaper off as he crawls over to the tub, stands up, and tries to climb in! I must get a picture of it cause it is funny. He continually makes me just smile and I love every minute of it. I sometimes forget what life was even like without him!

On a totally different note...I must share my most recent observation that Matteo and I discussed last night. Since we have moved into the new house, we now have a more open kitchen/living room. The first meal we had there we ate at the kitchen table and now have been ever since. We used to be couch eaters...you know, make dinner, eat on the TV tray on the couch, etc. I am sure some of you will respond that you already do this...blah blah blah, you are far better than I...but for those of you that don't, I suggest you try it one night. It is amazing how much better dinner can be! We actually have time to enjoy dinner, converse about the day and what all is going on. Now, our DVR may be suffering cause its at max capacity since we aren't watching as much, but I will take that any day for the time spent with just me and Matt after Zach is asleep.

Happy hump day! Today is my Friday so I am excited about that!! WOOHOO!

Accident prone

Ever since Z Man became mobile...we are just prone to accidents! In the 3 weeks since he has been mobile...we have had one accident report from daycare a week! Nothin out of the ordinary, just the typical trying to stand and cruise and move type of falling over bumps and bruises. Should I get Zachary a helmet or just let him be cause its part of growing up!?! ;-)

*Ha, I was just teasing...I don't think I would REALLY get him a helmet! :)*

Jingle Bells

I heard on KSBJ this morning that their Christmas music will be starting in TWO weeks! YIPPEE!! I am so excited about sharing Christmas this year with our little man! Bring on the music!

History in the Making

Whether you bleed red or blue...I hope you can step outside of those views and see that tonight History Was Made. A little over 50 years ago our country was in civil turmoil with race relations...and here we were tonight with either a black president or a woman vice president about to be elected....or as it turns out, a black president-elect! Say what you may, it is history and a change in the textbooks! Little boys AND girls, no matter what color they are, can wake up and say "I want to be President of the United States of America" and know that they truly can. And that makes me excited for the future of our children.

So please don't jump on a comment with any negativeness, its my blog and I am allowed one political post every once in awhile! And I for one shall go to bed excited for the change to come!

Hillary 2016! ;-)

One step at a time

We have mastered climbing up the stairs but going down is a different story. We bought a gate for the top but I think we need one for the bottom too or else he will end up all the way at the top with no way down!

Monkeying Around

Two Years

Rachel...we all miss you so much every day, but also rest in knowing that you are with our Lord and watching over us all and helping to take care of other loved ones who left us way too soon. We are so blessed to have been able to call you "friend" and I know that not a day goes by that something doesn't remind me of you or make me want to pick up the phone to call you. There is some country song out right now that I always think of you when I hear it....about wondering what you would be up to now....That is something I think a lot about, and I get sad thinking about all the memories we had yet to be made with each other and our families! We are taking your parents out tonight and I hope it makes them feel a little closer to you.

My Grumpy Pumpkin

My great pumpkin patch adventure was thwarted by the fact that Z Man was totally not happy the entire 30 minutes we were there. In his defense, I did have to wake him up when we arrived and he has been sick this week, but usually I can elicit at least ONE smile. Not happening. And he cried! He never cries in public. I know that sounds silly to say, but he is usually quite well behaved and this was one of those whiny grumpy I just don't want to be here kind of cries....

So without further adieu, here is the grumpiest pumpkin of them all! ;-) (also noted, he was a complete happy kid the rest of the day including china cabinet furniture shopping! I would have thought the pumpkin patch would have been more fun than shopping! Oh well, we will have to try again!)

So serious...

REALLY? I am not into this whole pumpkin thing...

Is the shirt maybe? I don't know!

Not even a smile for pretty Caroline who was having fun with her bow in hair!

And this one says it all...."I don't want to share my wagon!!" Time to go home! Happy Pumpkin Patching! :)