Picture time!

Ok, I am going to post some pics here, and then invite people to view my past "slide shows" from the holiday season on slide.com. If I miss you, and you want to see them, just send me your email address. Otherwise, I would have a ton of pics and slide shows posted (since I am way behind), and maybe not everyone is that interested... If you want to see the captions, just hover over each picture.

With that being said, welcome to a snapshot of Jordan's holiday season:

There...finally! I hope you like the pics. I am very fond of the ones with the guitar! He loves tools and music equally, and sooo much! Duane and I have a new saying (thanks to Guitar Guy/Jeff Dunham), Jordan IS our 401k. I guess whatever he loves, he should get to do it a lot right?

Nap time...Schnap time

So Jordan was sooo tired and onery last night that by the time he went to bed I called it....It was going to be a long and restless sleep kind of night. Little did I know...

So long story short after a few "wake-ups", I opted to lay down in the big boy bed with Jordan. It was sort of fun, like when you would build a fort as a kid. His Towmater nightlite gleaming...and the scent of a fresh diaper genie..It was magic. At least for about 5 minutes. Then I realized that I would much rather be in my bed. But Jordan had a different idea. Everytime I would try to get up, he would wake up and pat the bed next to him.."Mommy, come". Which means lay down right now. So, I spent the night on the big boy bed with Towmater and Lightning McQueen until 6:39 this morning. Then I was finally able to sneak away. Granted, I did get some good sleep in there, but I still wanted my bed.

Then at 7:15 here came Jordan into our room. And as always, he was wide awake and ready to go. It's a good thing he is so cute, because with 2 parents that are late night people he surely would have been in big trouble by now. Luckily for me, my late night adventures in his room paid off. Duane got some good sleep without us, and even went to get bagels this morning.

Now I am just hoping that Jordan naps soon. Maybe I will too, even though I have many chores to do before the weekend is over. I still contemplate how it can be noon and I can be this tired. I mean, a few years ago I would barely be waking up at this time on a weekend day. I knew it would catch up with me at some point, but not at 31. (Yes, that is my real age...sorry to burst the bubble of anyone who thought I was like 21). I guess I am going to have to start going to bed at 8:30 like Jordan so that when he wakes up at least I will have had a few hours of sleep.

No pics yet...but funny anyway

I know, I know, no pics yet...between my loss of "the cord" and Duane's worrying about internet predators and having pics of your kids online, we haven't posted any yet... Don't worry, I think I will win in the end. If not, I will let you know and you can send me your email addresses and I will just do a mass email with pics :-)

Jordan is doing well, and we actually had a REALLY fun day on Friday (I had the day off) going out to Airport #2 and visiting "popop" (code for Grandpa) at work. We had the amazing chance to plow snow out on the runways, and help grandpa in the shop. Jordan loved the big trucks and plows. It is all he can talk about! He even fell asleep last night talking about it.

Today Duane and I had a great time just being able to relax with Jordan at home. I cooked a big breakfast, and was able to take a (much needed) nap with Jordan.

Jordan is such a "sponge" these days, he picks up every new word he hears. It think it is awesome, until he picks up the bad ones....I'm not even talking about swear words, but here are a few examples from the past week:

1. Jordan and I were home playing with his building blocks. He happened to pull down on the neckline of my shirt as he was walking away, and happened to see..you know... He said "Wow" (which I would take as a compliment in some circumstances, but not now). I thought I had to respond, but maybe I shouldn't have. I said, "Yeah those are Mommy's boobs. Mommy's have those". I don't know why I chose that word, it just came out....guess what he says now? Yep, Boobs. I am so proud. Gee, I can't wait until he sees some of my friends next. Too bad he wasn't interested in that area when it was important to his survival..(It could have saved me a ton of money on formula :-)

2. While Duane was in China this summer (for most of the summer) I admit that I let Jordan sleep in my bed. It was the easiest thing for both of us. He was happy, and the fact that I had to get up at 4:30 in the morning made it easier for me to actually get some sleep. Well since Duane has been home we have been trying to break him of this habit, although the move to the big boy bed hasn't helped. He is usually pretty good for the first couple of hours each night. Then he wakes up and wants to come into our bed. I made the mistake of joking around with Duane the other night and saying, "Jordan is going to have to start sleeping in his own bed if he wants a little brother or sister, otherwise we will never have sex". DUMB DUMB DUMB..why would I say that? Here comes Jordan running up to me...."Sex, Sex, Sex". Why haven't I learned my lesson? Obviously he doesn't realize what he is saying, but I do. I just hope he doesn't repeat that at church!

So I am not proud, but I guess those words aren't the worst things in the world. He is just picking up words so fast. Why was I so worried about the fact that he started talking so late? Some of his words though are really funny. Like the way he says dangerous..."Dangrus" or the fact that he was asking for Ice Cream tonight..."cream, cream". He is just so smart, we have a hard time keeping up. He can almost spell his name. If you start with J-O- he can finish it. And if you ask him what his middle name is he will tell you "James, James". Maybe we shouldn't have another baby, I don't know that we have the strength to handle another smarty pants? Nah, we can do it right ;-)

Anyway, as embarrassing as this post is, I also think it is funny. Just don't ask Jordan to say these words, and we'll pretend he doesn't know them...hopefully he will forget right?

The human alarm clock

Anyone who knows me is aware that I am not much of a morning person. I can wake up and be places early, but I am just not the most friendly person around. But Jordan on the other hand...he has pretty much set his internal alarm to our alarm clocks (which are early!). Mine goes off at 4:45, and Duane's is at 6:30. The latest he ever seems to sleep in is 6:30 ish, and when he wakes up he is happy and ready to go! When he wakes up he is immediately up and talkative (who did he get that from?).

He does ask for "toons" which can hold him off for a minute in our bed (but we still aren't sleeping). He absolutely loves Handy Manny on the Disney channel. He is so all about tools, so it makes sense. He is in his absolute best mood when he first wakes up in the morning, and I am wondering who's genes gave him this adorable trait...

As an update he is doing much better. We are on day 3 of "normal" diapers, and he is acting much more like himself. We are still being careful with his diet (well I am more than Duane...who has a hard time saying no to Jordan). So if everything stays the same we won't have to go back to the doctor next week. Jordan still talks about the doctor and how she fixed his sore buns. I'm sure we'll tell her next time we see her.

Other than that nothing is new with us. We finally got the rest of our holiday decorations down today. I always feel like my house is so bare afterwards. A true sign that I put up way to much stuff, but I love it. Now if I could only find a place for all of the toys Jordan got for Christmas...it still looks the the "morning after" around here sometimes.

I promise I will get pics on here, probably tomorrow. I just keep forgetting the cable to plug my camera into the computer. Until then, farewell.

Jordan info

Thanks to everyone who contacted/messaged me today about Jordan. Yes I haven't been totally explicit about how bad he has been feeling, but he is doing ok. To make you smile, let me recount the doctor's visit today:

So our pediatrician's office is awesome. Everyone there is amazing, and the office looks more like a playland than an office. Jordan is always so excited about all of the toys that he hates it when we are called back into the exam rooms. He cries and says "Toys, toys!!!". He especially loves the play kitchen and the Thomas the Train play table. Anyway, we got there today (early, imagine that, it never happens with me as his mom!), and he got to play with the trains for a bit. Then the called us back. After the usual weighing and temperature, it was on to the exam room. He hates being in there, because he would rather be with the toys. As we were waiting for the doctor, I was holding him and telling him that "When the doctor comes in we are just going to talk about your sore buns (that's what he calls it) and sick tummy, and she will help us fix it". Well, in comes the doctor and said "Hi, how are you today Jordan?" to which he replied in a loud voice "Sore buns, sore buns, sore buns!". It was the funniest thing, and right to the point. Then he said "Tummy sick". Apparently I can send him to the doctor without me because he can tell them exactly what's wrong!.

Anyway, after a long day they are going to start him on some new meds which (although extremely expensive) should fix his digestive system within the next week. If he isn't doing better by next Monday we might have to worry and go in for some tests. If I hadn't already ruled out pretty much everything I wouldn't think much of it. But we have already been through no milk, the BRAT diet, disinfecting everything, etc. I have high hopes for this medicine, and for good "poops" and a good night's sleep for me.

Jordan started sleeping in his "big boy bed" during the holidays, but since he has been sick, he has only been good for a couple of hours, then he's been coming into our bed. I would fight it but I just am a huge softy with him feeling so crummy. As much as I do love to "snuggle" with him, I wouldn't call what's been happening snuggling. It's more like Duane and Jordan stealing the covers and all of the bed space, and Jordan kicking in my general direction. There was one night this last weekend when I gave up and spent a couple of hours on the big boy bed. Boy did I feel special! It's been a long time since I slept in character sheets. I hope Lighting McQueen and Towmater were as happy to be in my company.

I will keep everyone updated on our progress, keep your fingers crossed! And thanks for everyones kind words!!!

Update

Well yet again I have been behind on blogging. Not the easiest thing because Jordan hasn't been doing that well. We have been going back and forth and can't seem to find out what is the deal with his tummy. Not to get graphic, but lets just say that 10+ messy diapers a day is not normal, and neither is Jordan! I know he is "advanced" but wasn't hoping it would follow through to this area of his life!!

Anyway long story short, he hasn't been feeling the best and we are working through it. Hopefully we will have some answers this week. I must admit though, for being as sick as he is he is still the happiest, most good natured kid ever. He only gets onery when he is very tired. We were able to make it out this weekend and go to the home remodeling and decorating show at the south towne expo center. It wasn't as good as it has been in the past, but I did find a couple of great deals. I found a set of 600 thread count sheets (fitted, flat and 4 pillowcases) for $22....yeah right, I said $22. Hopefully they are good, because I am kind of a sheet princess. I guess that's what happens when you work for Ritz-Carlton/Marriott for almost 10 years. I have gotten spoiled and I admit it.

So I don't know if anyone else out there is a fan of Jeff Dunham, but Duane and I are, and we were able to find tickets to his show here at the ESA on 1/22 for a good price and we are going. I am so excited! I just love him. If you haven't seen him, you really should google him and try to find some videos of him online. He is an amazing comedian/ventriloquist that is super funny, but clean at the same time. He is second in my book to Brian Regan...who I wish we could have seen when he was here last year.

Anyway, just wanted to post a quick note. I was so glad to spend some extra time with my brother Chris last week. I miss him a lot and I am so proud of what he is accomplishing at law school in Michigan. I know it is so hard to be so far from home, for both of them. I have a great respect for what it takes to be married and trying to finish school especially out of state. It was really great to see you guys and we love you so much!

Really I am going to post some pics soon, but until then my ramblings will have to do ;-)

Happy Holidays!

So yet again I am behind on blogging. Well, as my mom would say "if that's the worst thing that ever happens to you, you will live a long and happy life". Turns out (as usual) she is right.

We had a very merry christmas (I hope that everyone did) and a festive new year. We spent pretty much all of our time with family and some close friends, which is my very favorite thing. I really could forgo all of the presents and expense and just have a few days with my favorite people, and I would be happy. But of course the presents don't hurt...I mean, if I "have" to get a present or two, who am I to begrudge the gift bearer of some pleasure right?

Jordan is more amazing to me everyday. Even though he was 10 months old last Christmas, he was not really "into" it, but this year, wow! We really talked about "Claus" for months and he was excited, but he was mostly worried about baby Jesus. Lucky for me my Mom had gotten us an awesome magnet Manger scene, and we had been discussing it for quite some time. I also had purchased a "Little People" manger scene ornament when we were in Michigan at Bronners, and it turned out to be well worth it. Jordan would kiss Baby Jesus, and try to share his bottles/sippy cups with him. It has been the cutest thing I have ever seen, and I will make sure to keep this "habit" up.

Our holiday events went down as follows: Christmas Eve my Dad, Shauna and Tyler came over to our house for a visit. It was awesome and Jordan really loved it. He got to play drums with my Dad, which even I remember doing as a kid. It was great to see them together, and we need to do it more often. He got some great gifts, and I have to say he has my natural ability for the guitar! It might be a kid version, but he was already rocking out!!!

Then, Christmas Day we were lucky enough to have my parents and Chris and Kara come over for "brunch". That is code for watching Jordan open way more presents than needed, but it was so fun! He got everything under the sun. A tool bench, a "baby", a keyboard, clothes, trucks, more tools...we wore him out just opening gifts. Then we went to the Aunts house for a great "linner" (lunch - dinner..hey it sounds better than dunch right?). We had all the favorites, including but not limited to Sunday Pie dessert and Baby Orange Jello. (If you want more info on these amazing dishes just let me know!) We also played the pipe bells, which is a family tradition. It was harder this year because it was our first Christmas without Grandma. Although I am sure she was there with us, and was most likely laughing at our pipe bell mis-haps!

We also had a great time at the annual "Finley Family Fun Night". In addition to my Dad, Shauna and Tyler, we also got to hang out with Matt, Lois, Sara (and hubby), Bethann, and Grandpa Finley. Chris and Kara were also able to come. We went to dinner at Sampan (I highly recommend the snowball shrimp), and then bowling at the All Star Lanes in Sandy. We just had the best time and I always wonder why we only do this type of major outing once a year!

I know I keep promising pictures, and I really will post some soon, but this is already way to lengthy. We have had a great holiday season and although we aren't with many of our friends (no one else move out of state please!) we still love you and will see you soon! Happy New Year, and here is to an amazing and eventful 2009!!!