Well Yep, it's been a long time

Hello friends! The last post I made on here was the day before I found out I was pregnant with our wonderful second son! It has been a long and rocky road, but Dominic Brian Koford entered this world on 9/15/10 at an astonishing 10lbs 13oz. Yep, you read that right. He is such an angel, but the C-section was not so fun. Long story short, he is the happiest, healthiest, baby. Although he isn't a baby any more. He will be 2 yrs this September. The great thing is that he was born on my Grandma Finley's Birthday. She was an amazing woman, and I will always have that special bond with her. There is so much to catch up on, but I won't do it all tonight. I am just starting this blog again. I am just figuring out the new format of this blogspot stuff and if I can put my programming hat back on for a second I will move all of this to our website...but for the time being I just wanted to say Hello!

Promises made, promises kept.

Well already my promise to blog more regularly has failed. Let's not call it a failure, let's call it a "change in focus of management responsibilities". Yeah, that sounds better. Hmm, maybe my many years as a people manager has paid off?

All I know is that the last 3 weeks since Christmas has been crazy. We count down all year until Christmas, then it comes and goes, and the next weeks plug on as if nothing ever happened. Jordan is already asking when it's going to be Christmas again, meanwhile I am thankful I have another year to save up the $ and try to budget in advance (which I always say I will but never do) for next year.

Among the many things I have been thankful for over the holidays, and beginning the new year, is the fact the each year I think I "get it" a little bit more. It may have been a good thing in some ways to have been married 10 years before having a baby, and at the same time it may have been to my detriment. As an adult I think I got used to the fact that I knew how much to spend / what to expect from the holidays. The last 3 years have turned my little "world" upside down. I wouldn't trade it for the world, but I wish I could have done it sooner. Not that I didn't try (as those of you who know me are aware), it just wasn't meant to be. Yet again, I believe that things happen for a reason. There must be a lesson I am supposed to learn from all of this. The "getting it" a little more aludes to the fact that I plan a little better, and budget a little better, and try to make the holidays more about my family than I ever did before.

Jordan's birthday is just about a month away. I have been contemplating what big bash birthday party I can do with all of his cousins, extended family on all sides, etc. Since my focus this year is really to get my family (Duane, Jordan and I) more together I think I might opt for a simpler party idea.

He will be turning 3 next month and while he may remember it, I don't know that he needs some big bash at a party place that isn't really even focused on him. I think I may just do cake/ice cream with the different family groups and then spend the money I would have spent on a big party doing something with Duane, Jordan and I. It is (after all) Jordan's birthday, and his cousins are all so much older than he is. I would rather have a great day with the 3 of us than spend a million dollars making other people happy.

Just the ramblings of a mom who has had too little sleep and who thinks too much about things. I am sure I'm not the only one, but just thought I'd share. If you wonder why you aren't getting an invite to Chuck E Cheese's this year, just remember: it's probably the last year it won't matter to Jordan. And it's probably the last year I'll have him to myself (I mean to ourselves) :-)

Merry Christmas!

Today was by far my very best Christmas EVER! To have Jordan be so "into" Santa this year has enhanced my experience 1 million times! I shopped til I almost dropped, and still bought absolutely nothing for myself this year. That's the first time I can say that, at least in the last 20+ years. (Wow, I am old enough to do a 20+ years reference?...dang!)

Santa brought Jordan everything he asked for, which was "A backhoe, a shop vac, and a birthday cake". Asked for...received! He couldn't have been happier. I am so glad that this year (which will be the last I think) we were able to beat him out to the gifts and videotape his reaction to the spread. He was so thankful! He said several times "Santa brought everything I ever wanted". Check out some of the pics.









Oh man, once he got that chainsaw, all bets were off. He needed to "use" it to open every gift, and proceeded to show us all the correct way to stand when wielding a chainsaw. Thanks to Grandpa Waddoups, he knows (I guess, I had no idea about appropriate chainsaw handling).

That's a very long story short, but the reader's digest version is that he got the behemoth backhoe he "has always wanted", and pretty much everything else ever imagined. Between Santa, Mom & Dad, Grandma & Grandpa, the Aunts & Chris & Kara...that kid is spoiled. There may be no way to possibly recover from it! He woke up at 7:30 and didn't stop until 4:30, at which point he fell asleep HARD, until almost 9. Luckily he played so much that at 11 he was asleep again.

As I've said before he is and will always be the best thing I have ever done in my life. He couldn't have been sweeter today, telling everyone "Thanks so much for the wonderful presents everyone". I wish I could take the credit for how well mannered and cute he is, but he honestly came to us this way. My job is to just enhance that and not mess it up :-)

That last photo is him, passed out at 4:30, with a table of his gifts in the living room. Luckily we had "parked" the 6 foot long backhoe in the garage. He informed me today that he has a lot of work to do in the yard with that backhoe tomorrow...I hope I have the energy for that. Thanks Santa!

OMG...means Oh My Goodness!

Well, after a very long absence, I am making my return to the blogging scene. And, although it will not be as impressive as a comeback tour by a very popular band, I hope you will like it.

So much has happened, even since August. But to relive the past 4 months would take far too long, so I won't bother. Instead, I will start with just wishing everyone a very Happy Holiday season.

I am not even close to being done with shopping, but should be almost done by tomorrow night. Knowing that most everyone this year wants gift cards hasn't helped the fact that I have left everything until the last minute. In fact, it has encouraged this behavior. I am grateful though, because without all of you gift card-ians, and my new Amazon Prime membership y'all would be out of luck this year. The few times I have been forced to go places like Walmart and Target it has sucked the holiday spirit right out of me. Don't get me wrong, there are great prices to be had, and pretty things to look at, but the general public (in my humble opinion) needs to be a little nicer (and that's putting it nicely...and in family friendly language).

We finished decorating our sugar cookies tonight, and Jordan just couldn't be sweeter. I know I have overspent on this little almost 3 year old, and he may never remember it, but he deserves it. I can honestly say that since having him, my Christmas spending has increased, but that the amount of things I used to buy myself while shopping the sales has ceased. I have, for the first time ever I think, failed to buy myself anything. Trust me I have been tempted, but then I think of what I would rather buy him. Oh man, I sound like my mom. Well, I couldn't ask for a better "curse" I guess.

For now, we are staying "public". Our family websites are still Under Construction, as is my business at Buildmeababy.com. Check it out sometime (though not much is there for a few more weeks). It's amazing that when Duane and I both do web dev for a living, how little personal web stuff gets done...I think it's because we want to come home and avoid the computer!

Happy Holidays and I will be posting again soon...really...ok really this time!

Sometimes...

Sometimes you mean what you say and sometimes you say what you mean, right? Well obviously I haven't meant what I said by taking our blog private by now, but I plan to this weekend.

It has been a rough week for me, both emotionally and physically (not promising any correct spelling here). Jordan is doing so much better, but I am a mess. He is no longer contagious with his crazy rash, but I am on a hormonal roller-coster. I sure hope that menopause is better than this. Otherwise I think Duane will want to trade me in on a new "cash for clunkers" deal that there may be by then! Having to take homones and working with family/toddler issues here was my day today:

Jordan and I went to Costco, where I told him that (just as in every parking lot) he has to hold a hand because there are cars. I guess I should have specified, knowing that he is a smart-aleck like me, he would call me on my lack of details and he said "I will hold my own hand". At which point in time he preceeded to hold his own hand (picture the Von Traps in Sound of Music singing the goodnight song) and tried to do everything by himself. All day long everywhere we went he just held his "own-hand". It was hilarious!

Every day he is more and more independent, just like I am but that is what is so hard! What I love is that in the middle of everything today he just ran up to me for no reason and said "I just love you so much". Ok, that makes everything worth while! He is the best, smartest, everything kid...

I guess my question to the universe tonight is how do you mother a child that is just like you, but smarter? He is the best thing I will ever do in my life, and at the same time, the most challenging thing I will ever need to overcome. I guess that is my challenge and my ultimate accomplishment.

Hello..is it me you're looking for?

Ok, so I know I said I was taking our blog private in April. I had high hopes that Duane and I would come to an agreement on our new family website and that it would be up and running by now.

Guess what, it's difficult to get 2 people as different but as similar as we are to decide on what we should do.

In terms that some people will understand, take 2 chefs who each have a different role; one being a pastry chef and one being a master chef, who both want the same end result (great food, happy customers) but have 2 different ideas of what that is.

Enter Duane and I. Duane has 14 years more experience than I do at web programming, but I have the "creative - fluffy - girly - aesthetic" side that he (to be quite honest) doesn't.

In some ways we are 2 wrongs making a right. At some point soon expect to see an invite/direction to our family website. For now though, I am going to take this site private and invite all of you who are our true friends to be a part of it. I will start updating it on a usual (probably weekly basis).

Once we get all of the technical end of things worked out, it will be great. If you have had enough patience to still be following this blog, Congrats!

I'm going to give it a week: send me your info (if I don't already have it) and I'll include you on my "invite" to our new private blog.

Thanks, and I appreciate all of our close friends!

Easter...Sugar...no sleep = anyone, buehler?

So today was the annual Eggett family Easter Egg hunt. It was really good, not as many "hunters" as usual, there were only 17. Jordan did a really good job (with help) of only picking up the candy that was marked with his number (13...my first clue). I was trying to be an agreeable mom, and I let him have some of his candy before dinner. Big mistake. It totally spoiled his dinner, and amped him up. I could have just given him a Red Bull and probably had the same outcome.

He doesn't usually eat much sugar, so he was bouncing off the walls. Then came the crash. It happened on the way home. It was 6:45 and he was falling asleep. Nope!!! I couldn't let that happen. So, the car ride home was a trial to see if we could keep him awake. We were almost successful until just before our street.

Once we got home though he livened up and we did our Easter Egg coloring. Then bath time, and watching a Jazz loss that shouldn't have happened. Finally sleep, but it hasn't been restful. He keeps stirring and whining. I know it's the sugar, but darnit, I just had to give it to him. I mean, it's a Holiday right?

Anyway, the Easter Bunny has just finished at our house and Jordan made out like a bandit. New jammies, Wiggles movies, and bubbles...(not much candy though, I wonder why). I hope he has fun in the morning. He wasn't that into it last year, but I think he will have a blast tommorrow.

I will be switching to a "private" blog on Monday, so let me know if you want to follow our adventures. Potty training is in full swing, so I am sure there are lots of fun stories to come.

Happy Easter everyone!!

Private Property

So, I too have decided to take our blog private. That way I can at least somehow control the viewers and feel better about posting pics of Jordan and info about what we are up to.

This means that I need your email address...if you are a regular follower (or would like to be) of our blog, please send me your email address. You can reply to this post and leave it here, or send me a message (if you know me at all you have one of my email addresses).

I have been thinking about this for a while, and although the reason I haven't blogged has been because I have been swamped, I also want this blog to be for the people that are important to me. Not just anyone who does a google search for a word that is in my blog.

Please send me your email address, and I will wait a few days before I make the blog private. Then get ready, because I have a ton of pictures and a lot to catch up on!

Thank you!!!!

-The Kofords

My Baby is 2!!!

So tomorrow is Jordan's 2nd birthday and I still can't believe it! It still seems like just yesterday that I was running around the house "nesting" and cleaning everything in sight, just waiting for his arrival.

At this time 2 years ago we were at LDS hospital, waiting to really be induced. We had watched the Daytona 500 (I bet we were the only room with that going on), and just holding out until I had the green light to start things going. That happened at about 8:00 am on the morning of the 19th, and Jordan was born at 6:30 pm. That sounds like I was in labor for a long time, but I really wasn't. Even after they started me it took him a while to decide to move on out. Once he made up his mind though, things went fast and long story short, he arrived.

I can hardly remember my life before he came. Even though I waited nearly 10 years for him, I don't know what I did with all of that time. Did I have free time back then? But even when he is sick, or up all night, I don't regret it for a second.

He was born holding his head up, and trying to move around a lot! He started sleeping through the night early on, and I can't complain for a second. Mostly I miss the fact that I absolutely loved being pregnant with him, and then after he was born I loved getting up to feed him during the night. It was just a special time for the two of us, and sometimes I miss that. Now he is so busy, and is such a daddy's boy. I know I am still the Mom, but he doesn't "need" me quite as much.

I guess it's true what everyone says..."They grow up so fast". Even now I think, "Wow, only 14 more birthdays until he drives", or "16 more until he goes to college". These 2 years have passed so fast that I can't believe it. I love him so much and I am so grateful for him!

We plan on celebrating his birthday with all of the extended family this weekend, but tomorrow we will just enjoy it at home with Duane, Jordan and I. I hope he is feeling better tomorrow. I got him a big balloon (his favorite thing) and some "cream" (ice cream). I think we will wait for cake until the weekend, since his tummy still isn't good. Happy Birthday Bubba!!!

Remembering my Brother

Just a quick post to share how much I love my brother Chris. Tomorrow (the 13th) is his birthday (his 30th) but alas...we are still like 21 and 19 right?

My brother is the most amazing person I have ever known. He has been, and still is (I think), my best friend. He has the biggest heart and love for others of anyone I have ever known. He has put up with me being his big sister for his whole life. Which is hard knowing me and the way that I can be bossy. (Not really, but ok, yes I am)

I remember that we used to take turns picking out videos at our Grandma's house, and even though I know he didn't want to sometimes, he would give in to me picking something long like The Sound of Music.

Chris is the best guy that I have ever known, and would give you the shirt off of his back. He has been there for me when times have been hard. He has always been a bright spot in my life. He has been such an amazing example to me! I always thought of him as my little brother, but in reality he is my "big" brother. Even Jordan has a huge bond with him, and we talk (and pray) about him daily.

I love you bro, and wish you the best 30th ever. Jordan and Duane and I love you so much and can't wait to see you soon. Thanks for being my brother!

Superbowl: Food or Game, what's better?

I admit that I enjoy Superbowl Sunday. Mostly because I love to cook, especially for other people, and the food enjoyed during the game is some of the best. Although not healthy in any way, it seems to be an excuse to eat the traditional non-healthy game day treats.

I really love the show The Biggest Loser, and I loved that this past week they showed how to make some healthier alternatives to the traditional items. Like grilled chicken skewers with a healthier sauce instead of buffalo wings, etc. It was really good and I can't wait to try out some of the suggestions.

That being said, I don't know that I can escape making the stuffed mushrooms that have become a pre-requisite at most of our friend get togethers. I also admit that I use parties as an excuse to make some of the other dips or appetizers that you just don't make at home on a regular day. Example, 7 layer dip, little smokies, etc. Those are just not things you make while just hanging out at home.

My other indulgence, which is not just at Superbowl time, are the "Top Secret Restaurant recipes" books & website. I love these, because you get real recipes that rival the restaurant favorites. We have tried many of these, and I highly suggest them to anyone. On the website, many of the recipes are free, and if not it is very inexpensive to purchase individual ones. I also have the books, which are awesome. The web is updated all of the time with new additions, and not all of them are in the books. Check it out at: Top Secret Recipes

As for me, I will be rooting for the Arizona Cardinals tomorrow. I hope they can beat the odds!

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!!!

Beware, toddler tummy issues to follow.

I need to post. My goodness I have been a slacker. I blame how crazy work has been (I only have like 200 webpages to update in the next 2 weeks, but who's counting), and the fact that Jordan has been sick.

Sick, can I just take a minute and write a small dissertation on this? I feel as though I was very well prepared to be a parent. Not COMPLETELY prepared..no one is, but maybe more so than some of my friends have been. The facts that lead me to believe this are as follows: I was pretty much the last one of my friends/sisters-in-law to actually have a baby. I saw many live births, took care of many infants (even overnight), etc. But I contend that you are not ready to be a parent fully until you deal with the wrath that is a toddler with stomach flu. Now, I'm not talking about a baby that spits up as a small infant. While that is gross (and I am not downplaying the smell that is formula or breast milk puke) I have to say that what we encountered the other night in our house was revolting!!!!

Jordan had been sick for a couple of days with really bad "poops"...code for diarrhea that you wouldn't believe. I won't elaborate on that. That would just be going too far. He had also had limited appetite, so on Wed I was happy when he said he was hungry. Like a fool I let him pick out and eat what he wanted. The answer...one of his favorite foods, pickles. So I let him munch on some baby dills while I fixed dinner. Wed is my day off, so I had made a lovely turkey breast, mashed potatoes, gravy, etc. After Duane got home we all dined happily together. It was shaping up to be a wonderful evening. Christmas tree lights glistening in the background, carolers in the neighborhood, it was like a greeting card really...until we got Jordan out of his high chair.

Duane was holding him in the kitchen when suddenly Jordan made a noise. A noise that I won't soon forget. It was like a burp, but more involved. A noise that moms cringe at. I was sitting in the rocking chair watching TV, and immediately froze, waiting to see what would happen next. As I suspected, here came dinner...and the preceding pickles. All over Duane, the floor, the fridge, the counter, the cupboards. Duane took Jordan to the tub, while I was left speechless in the kitchen. Long story short (this is lengthy enough) I got it all cleaned up. But I think I deserve a medal since I have the world's worst reaction to throw up. (Anyone seen 4 Christmases yet? I am worse than Vince Vaughn). I powered through it, and took care of business. I am very proud though. As my first serious throw up experience, I think I have crossed some kind of threshold, into a club or elite group of mothers. But alas, I bet every mom is already there, and I am the last one to know!

Anyway, I just had to rant tonight and get it out of my system. I am as we speak building some slide shows to post tomorrow, so stay tuned. And I promise, no more throw up talk.

I know, I know, I promise I'll write and never do!

Wow, you can definitely tell a difference in my blogging patterns lately (or lack thereof). Things have just not settled down like I thought they would. The Holidays are busy for everyone I know, and most of you still find the time to blog, but I guess I just haven't gotten it figured out yet.

It s now Dec 9th, and my tree is still in the middle of being decorated (a shocker for me). I did manage to get my garlands and lights up around my door and front stairs, but that's about it. Hopefully on my day off tomorrow I will make a little more headway on getting everything set.

But on the brighter side, I did finish going through all of Jodan's room and putting everything he has outgrown as of right now into storage. I have tried to do this every 6 months, and boy am I glad that I have. Otherwise he would have mountains of clothes each time, instead of large hills. I don't know why I am such a buyer of clothes for him. It's probably a combination of not wanting to have to do his laundry every couple of days, and the fact that I just plain love to buy them. I have fallen down on the purchasing lately though, trying to gear up for Christmas.

I have to admit I was pretty sad to pack away the last of the "baby" stuff though. There were a few things I just wasn't ready to pack away 6 months ago, but I knew deep down he was already done with. I guess if we have another little boy I will be all set, he had so much stuff he hardly ever even used or wore it all. (Right, like I won't buy more :-)

I will try to post tomorrow during nap time and add some pics. I have some great ones from Thanksgiving, and just life in general lately.