I love it here!

Well, I just gotta say, I LOVE HOME!  I miss Lance so much, but tonight as I sat and listened to the rain fall and sat in the hearth room, sharing a chair with LJ, I couldn't help but appreciate where I was.  LJ is really starting to get comfortable, and that just adds to my joy of being home.

We had a good day -- just one accident with the potty, and lots of fun outside and in.  We even went back to the pool, and we were so tired.  I actually took a nap, too, and it felt SO good.  I slept harder than I ever do at night.  LJ and I ate at Zoe's kitchen for dinner, (he loved the grilled chicken), then went to Publix before the rain came.  I really do love it here - I don't know if it's the familiar surroundings or what, but there's just something about home.

Tonight, our friends Erik and Rachael came by for dessert.  We joked about how we never thought in college that ten years down the road we'd find so much joy in watching a toddler swing a bat.  I never thought I would, and he's mine.  They were overjoyed watching him, and he's not even their's!  My, how times change.  I guess we are growing up!  Rachael just finished the last task in her Master's course today, so it was cause for celebration.  It was a one-year condensed Degree, and I'm sure she was very happy to finish that final presentation.  She's got a job already, so this last assignment was all that kept her from being a full-time employee in the football office here at U of A.  They are lucky to have her!

Tomorrow night, my friend Tasha and her family may spend the night. Regardless, we plan to go to the pool all day Saturday and have dinner before they leave that night.  On Sunday, my mom is bringing the girls, (Kacy and Tomy) and we are going to pack all day Sunday and much of Monday with fun before they have to head out.  Lance arrives Thursday morning and will stay until Friday morning...only a week till we see him.  After he leaves, we have ten days before heading back to Baltimore for the last five weeks of the season.  The baseball season really is VERY long.  Five weeks sounds like nothing, but it's already been going on since the beginning of April...not to mention February's Spring training!

Ahhh, sorry I'm rambling.  I am trying to finish up quickly so that I can go listen to the rain and finish my last sips of lavender tea before heading to bed.  I am SO thankful to have  this home...not so much the foundation, but the place it holds in my heart.  

I hope you have a place that you feel that way about!  Goodnight!

Love,

Jamie

Some pictures!

Our Picture that the photographer took on Family Day

LJ's first artwork on the wall...red crayon

chasing Rookie in the hallway in Baltimore

Playing VSmile on top of a tupperware container to improve the signal :)  

Look at our yard!  I know it's far away, but the mulch is new as are the stones and the bushes are all trimmed!  When I got here, it was awful, but now I think it is beautiful :)

Rookie and LJ enjoying some milk and cookies at their table, (Roo had already finished his treat!)

Today was a good day.  LJ is getting more and more used to this house, but it's still an adjustment.  I can't imagine what it must feel like to not know where you are, why you are there or how long you are going to be there.  I think it's tough sometimes, and I'm able to plan and understand.  That being said, we are doing better!  

I actually got some stuff done today!  When he napped, I dusted and picked up, and it felt better than I'd like to admit.  I just love cleaning...especially my house.  I love to run a rag over the surfaces and just enjoy our home.  I know it might be silly, but it's a great way for me to spend those quiet moments.  Also, it needed to be done, so I felt like I accomplished a little something.

We went to the gym tonight before dinner, and LJ did great.  I thought we could both do with a trip there -- he got to socialize and I got to run.  It was a win-win.  Then, we went and traded in a phone at target, (I got a land line, and it still doesn't receive calls after my 2nd phone purchase.  I think I'm going to have to have the guy come back out.  At least I can call out, though!) After Target, we went and ate at Pepito's , (Lance, are you jealous? :) ) then headed home.  I put together his little basketball goal and we hit some balls in the yard.  He was VERY ready to go "home", (that means inside, sitting in my lap...all in one word).  So, after visiting Doris and Jackson across the street, we headed "home", in more ways than one, and finished our day.

So, that's us.  Having fun at home, but hoping LJ will enjoy it more every day.  I love it here, and I know he will, too.  What's not to love?  Basketball goal, swing set, bat and ball, wagon walks....it's all here!  :)  I know what's misssing....Dada.  Surely when he's here, LJ will be complete.  Till then, I'll keep trying to help him enjoy it.  We miss you, Lance!  Hope your cross-country flight was an easy one.

Well, that's it for tonight.  I hope you had a great day.  I look forward to another good day at home tomorrow...I hope you have a great day, too!

Love,

Jamie

Sweet Home Alabama

Well, I'm sorry I haven't written in a couple of days -- I made it home!  After a cancelled flight, begging myself on to a later standby with a tired toddler and confused dog, I finally got home.  Our upstairs AC was out, (just ended up being a problem with a breaker, yay!), and our lawn was in bad shape.  I am so glad we came home!  These little problems are now in the process of being fixed, so when we leave, the house will be cool and our yard will be beautiful!  :)

Lj is slowly adapting to being at home.  It's much larger than the 800 square feet (maybe less) that we occupy in Baltimore, and at first he was a bit scared for the large space.  I'd leave the room, he'd cry, wondering where I was going.  I think he's just now reaching the age of awareness, and with that awareness comes some fear.  He's slowly getting used to it and beginning to enjoy playing in the yard, his little toys in the garage, but if we're home, he would still rather be right b my side,  and I think he still prefers indoors.  It's a tough thing because he can't actually specify to me what's scary, but he can definitely show me he's uncomfortable.  We did go to the pool today, though, and we had a blast!  I can see a lot of that in our future.  I know it will be just a few short days and LJ will be well adjusted and we will have a great time all day.

Rookie, on the other hand, is the happiest of us all.  He is forever bringing me toys to throw, running around the house and yard.  He barks at the front door just so that I'll let him out and he can sit on the stoop in the sun.  If he could talk, I think he'd say, "thanks so much for bringing me home...I love it here."  I'm in his camp, but I know I'll be even happier once LJ enjoys it like Rookie and I.  

I found an internet connection tonight to write this post, but the cable guy comes tomorrow to set up our phone and internet.  I'll have the good, "picture uploading" broadband then, so I'll be sure to have some pictures ready.

I hope you are having a great week.  We love and miss you!  Lance - we can't wait to see you.  I know it's going to be a while, but it sure will be fun to be together again soon!!! I love you!

Love,

Jamie

Time to clean up my mess!

Well, I am taking a break from packing and stuff to write a quick note.  The apartment is a mess because of my being distracted while packing and LJ being destructive!  :)  I've got some cleaning up to do.  

I plan on leaving the apartment a little after 11 a.m. tomorrow to head to the airport for our 1:55 flight.  We fly USAIR and stop in Charlotte, NC before landing in Birmingham at 4:16 p.m.  I just found out that our AC thermostat upstairs is broken, so it's HOT up there.  Please pray we can cool it down enough just for LJ to sleep so I can call someone in Monday morning.  LJ's been sleeping so well, it'd be a shame to mess him up!  

Thanks in advance for the prayers.  I'll write tomorrow night if I can to let ya know we are HOME!

Love,

Jamie

Table for one!

Well, Lance had a ball game tonight, LJ went to the work-out facility for "date-night", so I went shopping and to dinner.  I just finished some Lebanese food, (greek) at my table for one, and it was great!  I went to Filene's Basement ( like an upscale TJMaxx), Barnes and Noble then to eat.  After that, I was ready to get LJ.  So, we came home, gave him a bath and cuddled until he told me he was ready to go to bed.  Still, I can't think of a better way to end the day...unless Lance was beside us.  LJ wants nothing more than for me to cuddle next to him - He shuts off my OCD tendencies, keeping me from cleaning up the day's clutter, telling me, "Mama...sit".

Our day was good.  We ran some errands this morning after Lance let me sleep a little - (sleep is TRULY amazing when it's hard to come by!)  I woke up so rested as I always do when  I can rest with LJ and Dada's giggles in the background.  

I got most of my stuff packed and even had Rookie practice being "in the bag" for travel.  Y'all pray for me - traveling with two bags, a dog a toddler and a stroller is going to be an experience, to say the least!   I packed too many clothes, I'm sure, but three weeks is a long time, right?  Besides, I haven't been home in so long, I don't even remember what I have there!  

Well, Lance is on his way home soon.  I love that quiet time when we can peek in on LJ and enjoy each other's quiet company.  I leave Sunday, so I'll relish in these last two nights.  We will miss him so much!

I hope your day was great.  It's starting to cool down, (a tiny bit) here, and I'm reminded that fall is around the corner.  That means football season is on its way, my friends!  Can you believe it?  Roll, Tide, Roll!!

Goodnight!

Jamie

Mac-n-cheese!

He moved his potty stool here...he couldn't wait for the sauce to be done to sample the pasta :)

finger-lickin' good!

Using the spoon!

Well, i just made an easy lunch of macaroni and cheese for LJ and I.  It was better than I thought it would be!  I just took some simple elbow macaroni and when it was done, I strained it.  I then took some fat-free half and half, lots of SHARP shredded cheese and some italian seasoning.  I cooked that mixture over medium heat, beating with a fork until it was a sauce, (I even added more cheese to make it a sharp taste), then I put it in with the pasta, stirred.  Mine had cooled while I watched LJ eat, so I sprinkled some cheese over my bowl and microwaved for one minute.  I was not prepared for how good it was!  Who knew such a simple lunch would be so fulfilling.  I had to share.  (I also added some sauteed onions and bell pepper to mine).  I am keeping the leftovers for later, now that I know they reheat well.  I even think LJ liked, it!

Rookie!

Just some fun pictures of LJ and Rookie hanging out!

What a good sport!

just made it!

Well, it is raining cats and dogs outside, and we just mad it in.  LJ and I got lucky.  After bible study, I saw that the clouds were rolling in quickly, so we headed back on our bike.  As we pulled up to our street, the waterworks started and we JUST made it.  

LJ was so sweet.  He walked up to the chair and said, "momma, chair".  He wanted me to sit in the chair with him and watch a little baseball before bedtime - just like last night.  Then, he said, "night night", asked if he could take his glove with him, pottied and went to bed.  

So sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

Ahhh...what a way to end the day.  Lance's game is in rain delay and I'm hoping they'll call it soon so he can come home.   Tomorrow is a day game, and we'll get to spend one last WHOLE night together before heading to Alabama.  I'm so sad to leave Lance for 3 weeks, but I am SO excited about spending some time at home.  LJ will have his bed, his toys, his morning wagon walks, trips to the pool....how wonderful!!!  I only wish Lance could benefit from the rejuvenation we are about to experience!

Have a great night -- if it's raining, stay dry.  Rookie is looking at me like, "rain or shine, I gotta go, Mom!"

Love,

jamie

Late night :)

Well, it's about 10:30, and I just put LJ into his bed.  He actually fell asleep in my lap watching the last of the baseball game.  I kept asking him, "Do you want to take a bath?", and he'd say, "No.  Baseball".  He wanted to stay up with mom and watch the baseball game.  So sweet.

Pastor Bill, his family and some friends from our church were in tonight, and it was so much fun to have them at the game today.  We met them at Hoolihans before the game to eat then headed to the ball game.  I wanted to try and stay the night at the game with them, but by 8:30, Lj was pulling my hand, saying "Home." He was ready to go.  He's a homebody like his momma, so we biked home and watched the rest of the game here - him, Rookie and me on the couch.

It was a good day.  I actually see some lightening in the distance, (I love thunderstorms), so maybe we'll have a rainy night.  I just hope it holds off till Lance gets home.  I don't think he likes biking in the rain like I do!

I hope you had a great day.  TomyLyn and Kacy - have fun at day camp!  TomyLyn, especially, try and enjoy your day and learn a lot!

Love,

Jamie

Great weekend!

As I type, LJ is sitting next to me in the chair, drinking milk with his hand resting on my stomach.  Such a sweet moment, even on the computer.  I'm sorry I missed posting last night -- Lance and I actually went on a date while Nana and Pops kept LJ!  We did a repeat of our anniversary dinner, (awesome -- Me-Maw kept LJ then and we couldn't resist going again!)  It was such a great night and I decided to end it reading in the bath rather than posting.  I'm sure you forgive me! :)  

We had a great weekend with Nana and Pops.  I've been trying to upload a photo show, but it's not working so I'll settle for posting a few of my favorite pictures from the weekend.  It was so nice to have them in town, and I think we filled the days well.  We went to the park, went swimming, went to ball games, fed some ducks...lots of fun stuff!  Charmaine asked me to take a few pictures for her and let me get creative, (you know I love that!)  If I have time, I have tons of pictures to play with...pictures of the city, pictures of them, lots of LJ, and some fun baseball ones, too!

  We also had "family day" at the baseball field.  It was SO hot, so a lot of the festivities (i.e. a tee ball game) were called off because no one wanted to fight the heat....no one but LJ, that is!  He had the TIME OF HIS LIFE!  Seriously -- he has had some fun times, even the best of times spent with his momma didn't measure up to this special time with his dad.  For almost two hours, he was in full uniform on the field playing with tee ball bats and whoofle (sp?) balls, acting like a pitcher on the mound, running on the bases...you name it.  He and Lance had a blast with their #54 jerseys looking as cute as can be.  LJ's face was SO red, but he wasn't stopping.  They even had to call "last call" over the stadium speakers to get us off the field...we closed the place down.  

I hope your weekend was great!  Have a wonderful evening!!

Love,

Jamie

Early night

As I type, LJ is by my side, so this will be short.  He had a rough night, just not wanting to be at the hot game, so he and I came home.  He got into some "big boy underwear" and a t-shirt, had some ice water and he's back to his old self.  He just wanted some quiet and cool, so we're playing.  I haven't cleaned up or unpacked my bike back-pack, and we're just hanging out.  Nights like these are great.

Pops bought him a foam finger, and he wore it on the bike all the way home.  He didn't JUST hold it, he put it on and held it high above his head the WHOLE ride.  Hilarious to onlookers, and I caught several people laughing out loud as the finger whipped in the breeze above my head.  I know if it had fallen off, we would have had to backtrack to get it, but I wasn't in the  mood to make him cry by taking it away.  Too cute...

I hope your day was great!  We had a great one -- wonderful pool day and all!  It's so nice to have visitors, and I think they are having a good time, too!!!  :)  I'll post pictures soon.

Love,

Jamie

Ahh...so tired!

Well, it's a late one, but we just got back form a fun game at Camden Yards.  Lance's parents, (Nana and Pops) are in, and it was awesome to spend some time with them.  It's late, (11:00) and LJ's just going to bed so I'll cut this short.  I did, however post some pics in an earlier post this morning -- LJ in his uniform!  He was dressed and ready to go into the game if needed tonight!  

P.S.  Here's a picture of our girls Kacy and Tomy with LJ, (an old one)- we are missing them tonight!  They are with their mommy and Me-Maw in Gulf Shores and we are thinking of them!

Love,

Jamie

New Uniform

Well, Family Day is on Sunday, and we have been getting LJ ready with a full uniform.  The pants are still too big, so some smaller ones are on the way, but I couldn't resist sharing.  I hope you enjoy!!

Wow!!!

Well, today was a good day.  LJ was up a lot of the night and up for good early in the morning, so we started tired.  He, however, was great!!!  He woke up with a dry diaper and the day continued that way.  A few accidents when he was tired or not paying attention, but he's really getting it.  He even went "poops!" for the first time today.  It may be too much info, but I seriously could have done a back flip I was so excited for him.  What a big boy!!!

Life is back to usual today...usual, but better than usual - baseball begins again, but Lance is home!  He's been gone a lot of the year, but he's home until July 27.  That's his longest homestand of the year, and we are so glad to have him home.  After this homestand, he goes on the road for like 17 out of 20 games, so I may go home.  We will miss him so much, but it will be six months since we have spent some time at home, (aside from my two days there in the spring when I got sick-yuck).  It's time we went back and checked on things, maybe even plant a few flowers!!  I can't imagine what it would be like to spend almost 20 nights in our bed, waking up to our kitchen and LJ's toys just outside in the garage.  Baltimore is awesome, but I am missing home a bit.  I think that will give me my "fix".

So, that's us.  Lance is at the field but coming home tonight.  We are looking forward to Lance's parents' arrival tomorrow.  What a great month - to have Me-Maw, Nana and Pops all visit!!  LJ loves his grandparents -- they are so important!

Love you,

Jamie

The pictures :)

LJ's new jersey -- just like Dad's

Pool time!

1...2...3!!!!!

Let's jump together!

Looking at a flower

What a great three days!!!!   Sad they are over, but it was WONDERFUL!!!! 

Just a quick one!

Well, we just got in and I wanted to touch base quickly.  We just got home from eating dinner and getting ice cream take-out from Vacarro's in Little Italy :)  It's been a great day -- 2 days down already - where did they go?!  One more day and we'll enjoy it.  

LJ is getting so good at the potty-training!  We had to go return some clothes today and stuff, and he did not have ONE accident.  I had him in a pull-up just in case, but as long as we went once an hour, he was fine.  He even went in a public restroom!  The only REAL accident he had was tonight when we went to work out.  There's no way he's letting someone else take him at this point, so it was almost expected.  

I hope you are doing great!!!  We are enjoying our time together so much - it's fleeting, but I'm so glad we have it!

Love,

Jamie

P.S.  I haven't been taking a lot of pics, (SHOCK), I don't know what's come over me!  We have just enjoyed our time and not many note-worthy photo opps. have come up -- I"ll try to be better tomorrow!

Big Boy Pants!

LJ throwing his curve ball!

The drummer in our home-church praise band today!  He was jamming to the worship music :)

Let's go to the pool!

Here are a few pics of LJ in his "big boy pants!'  He wore them for the first time today and only had two accidents -- can't really even call them that because when he started to go, he stopped immediately and we finished on the potty.  He's still not into the #2 but I got him to go in the bathroom next to the potty today -- big step.  He's usually crouched in a corner in his room!

Lance was supposed to be home tonight, landing at 7:15, but they aren't even going to take off until at least 9 p.m. because of weather.  Ain't that just how it goes?!  Oh well, at least we have him for the next three days!!!!!  I guess we can't complain!  

I hope your day was great!!!  

Love,

Jamie

P.S.  the picture of him in my bathing suit top cracked me up.  I told him we were going to the pool, so he needed to find his bathing suit.  That's what he came back with...only one of the many reasons we need Lance's male influence!  :)

Another great day!

Taking a break from the potty to hand-feed Rookie his food :)

Veggie sushi and edamame for lunch!

Well, we have had a great day!  I am a bit tired, so this one is short, but I have attached some cute pics!  LJ did even better with his "potty training" today - only 5 accidents and for three of those, he caught himself and ran to the potty when I urged.  I don't think he knows when he has to go, only when he's going, but I put him on the potty every thirty minutes and he usually goes.  He is still not ready for #2, but from what I've read, that's secondary , (pardon the pun!)  We'll get to that later.  

LJ and I had a blast at the pool this morning and we just got back from walking Rookie outside with the Guthries.  It is actually not as hot as it has been.  It's definitely not cool, still warm, but it felt good out there.

I hope your day was great.  Lance comes home tomorrow night -- Please don't worry for the lack of blogs, ( though I bet I'll do one anyway) -- Lance's All-Star Break is Monday - Wednesday.  We look SOOOO forward to this and sometimes seem to disappear for those days!  Don't worry -- we're OK!! :)  If you need us, don't hesitate to call or write!  I promise to post a beautiful photo show of our lazy days together, ( hopefully full of swimming, good naps and family time).  I think this break comes at a good time - the season is long and it feels like a good time to take a rest.

You go get some rest, too!  :)  I know I will!

Love,

Jamie

P.S. As I type, I'm listening to LJ cackling-laughing at something Rookie is doing in his crib.  When Rookie falls asleep with him, he loves it, and Rookie gets lots of love and a treat after being so good!

Wow!

Isn't that a man?  Enjoying a good read on the potty

Playing until he wants to "go" again

Mom, are you coming?  Had to roll up his shorts - he's getting to where he doesn't want anything to touch his knees, especially if it's wet.  Toddler speedo?

Quietly eating lunch

Well, I wasn't planning on it, but we started some relaxed potty training today.  LJ woke up and put his little seat on the potty.  I thought it was for fun, so I played along, reading while he sat.  He went "tee-tee" almost immediately, and that has pretty much been the story of the day.  There are so many approaches to potty-training, (I have been reading...too much), and the one I felt most comfortable with since LJ is young is the gradual approach.  They say to just allow them to be unclothed or in big boy pants and let them feel what it's like when they go.  Don't fuss at them or run them to the chair, just offer it as a suggestion if they don't like wetting themselves. It's supposed to be more about feeling the "sensation" than training at first.  Anyway,  I bet LJ has successfully gone on the "potty chair" about 20 times today, most of the time just wanting to read with me there, but if he started going, he immediately went to the toilet to finish.  I am wondering what I got myself into!  Our easy days of "oh, you're wet, I'll just change you" may be over.  This may be something he wants to pursue.  If that's the case and he ever gets agitated, I'll make sure to pull off.  The research says if it becomes unpleasant, just wait a while and start again.  He's not ready for #2, so I put him in a pull-up, told him he could go, and he went.  They say not to push it, so I'm keeping it slow.  Still, I am amazed. 

I went to "date night" by myself tonight and told LJ's teacher not to worry about the potty chair, just offer it as a suggestion.  When I came back, he was wet  and she said he didn't want her to go with him!  I asked him if he'd like to go, he ran to the potty and went immediately.  Since being home, he has gone twice, and we have only gone through TWO diapers (pull-ups) the whole day.  

So, that's our day for LJ.  I know I've been "bragging" the last few days, but kids amaze me.  They are SO smart!  I had no idea he was even ready.  Aside from the pottying, he was SO much fun at the pool today - couldn't slow him down.  At childcare tonight, there were lots of boys and one baby girl.  His teacher said he'd play rough and tumble with the boys, (having a blast), then run over the baby and gently rub her head.  What a fun age!!  Until you have one, you don't know -- I will never look at little toddlers the same.  Their little brains and personalities are miracles.  

As for my "night out" - I brought a book and at at a restaurant near our apartment.  It was so quiet and so nice.  My food came quickly, and then I walked on over to the movie.  I stayed around LJ because I wasn't sure how he'd do - It couldn't have worked out better: the movie theater was in the same building as him!  

I finally saw WallE.  I am in love with this character.  His eyes are the sweetest thing.  As a child, I LOVED the movie "Short Circuit", and WallE is as lovable as "Number 5" was.  The cool thing is, though - these robots couldn't talk, so you were able to infer a lot and be creative with their language.  As far as words go, they really only say their names, and I couldn't believe how entertaining and informative their motion and body language were.  If you haven't seen it, you need to try.  It was a JOY.  I may not be the authority on movies, ( In the last two years, the only other one I've seen is Alvin and the Chipmunks), but I know enough to know that this one was good!

I hope your day was great.  We miss and love you more than you know!

Love,

Jamie

P.S. If this is more than you want to know, I'll tone it down :) It's like a journal - motherhood changes everything!

What a boy :)

Well, two in a row!  LJ went "tee-tee on the potty chair" again tonight!  I know he has no idea what he's doing and I do fill him up with milk before putting him on, but I think it's so cool!  I got so excited I think I scared him, so I will have to tone it down a bit.  He's like , "What?" !  He's so young that I don't think he knows, but if curiosity makes him want to sit there, it's got to be one step better to actually go!  We were singing "If you're happy and you know it" and he stopped "clapping his hands"...that's how I knew he was going.

I got him to bed late tonight.  I keep wanting to put him to bed early because if he's going to get up around 6 every morning, it would be best if he got more sleep on the front end.  I couldn't resist tonight, though - we were outside eating at Hoolihan's and it was so nice.  Then, we played by the water and went to Barnes and Noble.  He was playing, I was looking at books and on the walk home I realized I didn't want this night to end.  OF COURSE I want Lance home ASAP, but it was such a nice night outside and our time was so special, I wanted to push "pause" for a bit.

Tomorrow night is my "date night" where I leave LJ at the workout place and go to the movie.  It's convenient because the movie theater is actually in the same building as the workout place.  I'm going to go see WallE, I think - you better believe my phone will be on vibrate the whole time just in case!!

I hope you had a great day today - sorry for the lack of pictures.  We were out most of the day, (pool with friends this morning, then nap and a great night out), and I didn't want to chance something happening to the camera.  :)  It looked like possible rain, and I've already been down the water damage route with it once.  The picture I posted was from a few days ago.  I knew Lance needed to see that little face - three more days till you're home!!! :)

We miss and love you -- have a great night's sleep!

Love,

Jamie

Oh my gosh!!!!!

Waiting to take out the pie

helping mom!

Taking a break to run!

Putting a little elbow grease into it!

Well, I just put LJ down and I am still at a loss for words.  It may sound silly, but the reason I'm so excited is because LJ "tee-tee'd" on the "potty chair!"  Every night before his bath, it's our ritual to tell a story on the potty chair, just to get him used to it.  I don't think he has any real idea what it's for.  Anyway, tonight while I was telling him a story, he wasn't filling in the blanks.  It looked like he was thinking, and he was!  I checked his little cup that blocks "boy-type spraying", and it was wet!  I was like jumping up and down, and he had no idea why.  He said "whooooo!!!" with his arms held high, but  I think he just got caught up in the excitement.  I know he's nowhere near getting potty-trained, but I'm just excited he was able to relax enough to "let it out".  In the beginning he was afraid to just sit down.  Little victories, my friends, little steps :)

So, our day was good.  It was rainy, so we stayed inside and baked a pie and cleaned.   It was a great day to me because I love a rainy day at home.  I got out the mop and oxy-cleaned the carpet then mopped the rest of the house.  I know I'm weird, but these are the things I love doing.  Even LJ got the fever - he mopped the kitchen after me (in the pic) and was standing in front of the oven with an oven mit on waiting for the next pie to come out.  ( Sad for him, we only made one!)

Tonight, we went and worked out.  LJ had fun in his class and I had a great workout.  I did a weight circuit, some cardio and an ab class.  Lance - my back really hurt after the class - do you think that's why our backs hurt?  Lay off the ground/twisting abs if you can and see if it feel better?  I just noticed that's what did it for me!  By the way, we kissed your face on t.v. tonight when LJ went to bed, (when you licked your hand to throw a ball, your tongue was PINK! - did you sneak a snowcone into the bullpen?) -- we'll kiss you goodnight in person in 4 days!  LJ was saying, "bye Dada" as he went to sleep.

So that's our day.  We just brought the Guthries some pie and took Rookie out before bath time.  We're in for the night and I think it will be an early one.  I hope you had a great day - look forward to talking to you soon!

Love,

Jamie

P.S.  I put a picture of the pie with a recipe below.  It was such a treat!!

Chocolate Pecan Pie!

Well, it's a lazy, rainy day here in Baltimore!  LJ and I are having a lazy day with the balcony door ajar just enjoying being inside for a bit.  I decided to go ahead and make a chocolate pecan pie because I had all the ingredients and we haven't made one in a while.  I can't wait to dig into it once it cools!  I found it in a wonderful book my grandmother gave me over the off-season, (thanks, Maw-Maw!).  My mom makes a delicious pecan pie, in fact it's the only one I'll eat.  I have to say, though, with the addition of chocolate,  this one rivals it!  Here's the recipe in case you're ever in the mood for a good ol' southern dessert with a chocolate twist.  It doesn't disappoint!  You can also bake it in individual pie shells if you'd like - the baking time is about the same, maybe a few minutes less.

Chocolate Pecan Pie

• 3 eggs lightly beaten
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 2 one ounce squares of UNsweetened chocolate, melted
• 2TBSP butter or margarine
• 1 cup pecan halves
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• unbaked 9 inch pastry shell

Combine first five ingredients in a medium mixing bowl; mix well.  Stir in pecans, vanilla and salt.  Pour mixture into pastry shell.  Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.  Reduce heat to 350 and continue baking 30 minutes.  Yield:  one 9 inch pie, (or about eight mini pie shells).

"Oh No!"

Playing with those keys...safe from the trash!

Ready to go "home", as he says, with his ball in hand.

Well, the title, "OH NO!" is for me...yelling just that as my keys went down the trash shoot in our HUGE apartment building.  It was like slow motion as I let the trash, (and the keys) go down, down, down to the basement.  Since we were locked out, Rookie, LJ and I ran to the office - eventually a man who didn't want to open the door to the trash room got us in there.  There were my keys, sitting right on top !!  Yay!!  So, we're all set - mail key, electronic gate opener and house key are ours again, and we are thankful!  I told them, If you will just let me in, I'll climb in there and look.  I know it's in there.  Luckily, we didn't have to look so hard! 

The rest of the day was wonderful -- LJ was up early again, but what can you do?  I'm buying book for toddlers, ( I had read the baby edition, but I think he's old enough for the older one).  It's called the NO CRY SLEEP SOLUTION FOR TODDLERS.  It promises to help, though not a quick fix, and it will help me to be more informed of LJ's sleep patterns and needs.  I'll let you know how it works.  We are the perfect "before and after" test family, I think!

LJ played at the pool and on the terrace this morning before lunch time.  I like our mornings with no plans. It allows us to be a bit lazy, and a bit creative.  We can lay around, watch a movie and color or even do puzzles.  Those seem to be fun to him now.  It's amazing to watch him grow -- he's learning REAL stuff now.  He can go get me a diaper when I ask, knows that the fire truck in the puzzle goes on the fire truck on the board...amazing.  Kids are so smart!  

We went to work out tonight, so after his playing and my running we are pooped!  I hope you had a great day, too -- we miss and love you!

Love,

Jamie

Early morning, but a good day!

Pics from the 4th and some from today:

The fireworks from our balcony

He's not so sure...gonna watch from his room

LJ and Rookie enjoying a cookie

Painting Pluto and "Hot Dog" -- it's water that turns color - not paint on the carpet :)

Is this too cute or what?

My sweet husband left town again today, but not before giving me some rest this morning.  I got LJ back to sleep eventually, (after his original 5 a.m. wake-up) and when he woke up, Lance took him and Rookie out.  When I got up, (gasp!) the laundry was almost done.  I don't dislike many household chores, but laundry is one of those I avoid.  My husband, (my hero) was folding laundry and playing with LJ this morning.  How wonderful!  Only one of the many reasons I was sad to see him go today :)  I joke with him saying that "When I said 'I do', I didn't mean the laundry!"  

After Lance left, LJ and I colored and played inside while I got the rest of the house cleaned up.  We wiped and vacuumed and had a great time.  By dinner, we were hungry and ready to go to the park with our friends Avery and Hudson!  We played till almost 8 o'clock, then LJ and I took Rookie out and looked for ducks to feed.  By the time we got in, it was getting late!  His bath was quick and as I type, he's falling asleep with his baseball bat and ball.  Don't most kids prefer blankets and teddy bears?  He asks for "bat" and "ball"?????...over and over until he can lay with them to sleep.  After I post, I'll go in there, pry the bat from his hands and find the ball so he can play with it in the morning.  

So, that's our day.  I'm going to go hop in the bath and get ready to read myself to sleep.  I made Lance some of his favorite sugar cookies with icing on them, so I think I may eat the last two left in the kitchen...in bed!  I'll clean out the crumbs before you come home, Lance.  We miss you already!

I hope you had a great day -- get some good rest tonight and have a good one tomorrow as well.

Love,

Jamie