Bye Bye to Hazel's Paci

First of all, Hazel says bye bye but with a d...so if she says a single Bye it is "Die"...hmmm...

The night I got back from my girls getaway, it wasn't 5 minutes before Hazel face planted into the window sill. She was bleeding quite a bit! I got her to put a wet washcloth on it and was able to lay her down to check out the damage. It was just a little cut on her top lip. While I was looking in her mouth I swear I saw her top teeth narrowing like you would think a paci or bottle baby (after a year) would have.

I got her an ice pack to hold and immediately went to get her paci (the only one in the house) and cut the tip off. I didn't realize that you didn't have to cut much to make a BIG impact! I felt horrible. There she was with a busted lip and I cut her security paci??

She cried for 45 minutes that night and then was asleep and didn't wake up all night.

The next day at school I told the director and asked her what I do with the one there. She said I need to cut it too. So I did...she didn't nap that day...

The next few nights she would cry for about 5 minutes and then sleep...she started taking naps at school too.

I was worried about the weekend and sleeping in! I just knew she was taking hits off her paci and going back to sleep and that is why she sleeps in so late! Well, I'm proud to say that sister just likes to sleep! She was back to sleeping in till 10 - 10:30!!

So she still has her paci...it is connected to a stuffed giraffe and she snuggles with it and gums it a bit (she is still teething) but the addiction is over.

I'm so proud of her. I was SO emotional about it! I felt like the WORST parent ever! I was thinking it was a good time because she would be potty training in about 6 months, moving to her new room at school where she sleeps on a mat and not in a crib, etc. BUT when I did it it was a rash decision...SO glad it worked out!

Carrie

Girls getaway!

Last weekend I went with my friend Andrea to her lake house on Cedar Creek Lake! We left Friday around 2:00, got a pedicure, drove to town and just chilled all weekend!

Andrea and I go way back. I started out not too fond of her. You see, my high school love Brad and Andrea dated way back in...well it was like 2nd grade. Well, Brad would drive by her house on the way to his house and honk his horn! It drove me NUTS!! I know it was in early Elementary but I saw it as totally disrespectful to do that especially since he knew it drove me crazy!

So I went to Tech for college and I ended up pledging Kappa Kappa Gamma with Andrea. That is where our friendship grew. We ended up going to Europe for the summer and had a blast! After college we broke up for a few years and then got married the same year and grew close again.

It was nice to talk about everything...but mainly just relax, sleep in, DRINK, and enjoy the perfect weather.

We did head out to Canton...I''m not a fan...I left with beef jerky and dip mixes. I was hungry which was not good. Canton is HUGE!

The kids and Ryan survived. Ryan even did the laundry and put it away! He left a few hours after I got home to go out of town, but he had also went to the grocery store and stocked the fridge including a deboned chicken! That is love people!

It was nice to get away and refresh the batteries.

Carrie

What a heavy week it was last week!

Honestly, I felt so out of control last week. I was so emotional...like could not get a grip emotional! I think I was dealing with PMS. Don't laugh, I really don't have it (or not so much that I have ever noticed it).

I ignored Ryan for a couple of days...very mature I know. But I couldn't help it! We finally sat down and had a little date night on Thursday and it helped alot. I said that when I first approached him about not wanting him to go hunting that I wasn't saying things right...I finally just simply said, "We miss you and want you home more." He said OK and that was it.

I did tell him that Hagen is getting older and is needing/wanting to spend more time with him. He suggested taking him on his hunting trips. I said that would be fine. So Hagen and Ryan are now turkey hunting in May...Hagen will LOVE waking up at 5:00AM! NOT! That post will be a true winner.

Hazel...she is sleeping beauty! Honestly! I have never known a baby (except a newborn) that sleeps as much as she does! Here was her weekend:
Friday night - in bed at 7:00

Saturday:
Woke her up at 10:00
Nap 12:00 - 4:00ish
Bed at 7:00

Sunday:
Woke her up at 10:30
Nap: 1:30 - 5:00
Bed at 8:00

So basically she was up for 5 hours on Saturday and 6 on Sunday...is this odd? I mean should I let her sleep that long? She doesn't nap at school and it is like she makes up for it on the weekends.

Last week when she had the random fever Mom had her one day. Mom had to go to a dentist appointment by my office so she brought Hazel to work! I was so excited to show her off! She was quiet and sweet but would NOT smile for anything. She is so serious!

This weekend was a nice weekend! We had a birthday party but other than that we did lots and lots of yard work. Tell you what, I am in indoor girl but I love pulling weeds! I mean, like really love pulling weeds! I pulled tons of them and then we planted some shrubs and ground cover in areas. The yard is looking good!

With the TX heat starting up I am getting concerned about Hazel facing backwards in her car seat. She is not 20 pounds yet and I won't flip her, but the other day she was in the car for about 20 minutes...I had the AC on high, and when we got home and I got her out she was sweating...like alot! I hate these laws but understand them and will follow the rules. This TX heat doesn't help though!!

Carrie

Hunting got me down in the dumps

So, Ryan and I hardly argue...not bragging, just a fact. BUT there is one thing that I have been stewing about for awhile and I just broke down last night! I had HAD.IT. I wish I didn't let things fester to the point that I am just pissed and bitchy, but I did it...and I feel bad...but I am still livid.

Let me preface this with Ryan is a great father and husband. I am very lucky to have him and life is good. When he is home he is very focused on us and the kids, and that is why this is bothering me so much.

Ryan has been traveling alot for over a year now. Last year it started when Hazel was only 9 weeks old. BUT this was a good move for him and his career and I completely support him and his career. His company was being acquired and he needed to really prove that he was a valuable employee which he has and continues to do.

Sometimes he is gone during the weekends...sometimes he comes home on Sunday around lunchtime (which I don't consider that being home on the weekend). I truly don't mind the weekday travel because I have my own routine and my work...the weekends are what get to me.

He had a turkey hunt that was planned that I was unsure of the actual date. Well, my friend and I FINALLY nailed down a date that she and I could get away for the weekend. It happened to be on the same date as his turkey hunt. I told him that I need to get away and his hunt will have to be canceled (I never tell him to do that). He did...

Yesterday he called to say it had been rescheduled for the end of May. I lost it...

Last night we sat down to discuss it and it didn't go well. I was so irritated that I was kinda being irrational...BUT...he wasn't seeing my side at all.

He thought that I was basically saying "I don't like you traveling for work"...I wasn't saying that at all. He said, "that's it...I'm not traveling for work anymore...I said when it became a problem at home I will stop".

What I am saying is that he kinda HAS to travel for work which is OK, but I think until Hagen is old enough to go with him hunting/fishing he needs to put his hunting/fishing on hold. I want him home! I feel alone! It kinda hurts my feelings when he IS traveling for work and on the side planning get aways with the guys.

Again, Ryan is pretty perfect when it comes to husbands. This is not a huge problem...we just do NOT see eye to eye on it and it is bringing me down...like way down...like on the verge of tears yesterday and today.

:(
Carrie

I'm a Stalker!

So yesterday after taking Hazel to the doctor I went through the MacDonald's drive thru for a Happy Meal to take with her to Pia's house for the afternoon. When I was pulling into the drive thru, a lady and 3 kids were walking in front of my car...I noticed it was my brother Matt's kids and their Grandma! You know, the brother that has disowned us? Like Haven't seen the kids in 4 years? Yep, those kids.

I recognized the grandma first and then my heart sunk and I realized that my sweet nephews and niece were there too...

I whiped out my phone and took a picture like a stalker.

I was so close to those kids and then was completely cut out of their lives. The boys were 2 1/2 and the girl was 5...I bet they don't know me anymore...to be honest, I don't know them either.

Pisses me off...

Carrie

A visit to the Easter Bunny!

Hazel LOVE it! OK, maybe not. Poor baby will be having nightmares for the rest of her life. Hagen, well he was so very brave and trying to get Hazel to not be scared but a few hits from her and he stopped trying. "Mom, is there time out for Hazel here with the EB?"

Ryan was to be home Saturday night around 7:30 so I loaded up the kids and headed to the mall for lunch and EB visit. My SIL met me there with Emily and it ended up being a 5 hour outing at the mall! Hagen was SO good! Hazel and Em were too but they were in strollers. Hagen had to walk and was so much better than I would have been at his age. We ate lunch, shopped, ate lolly pops and it was SO fun!

We came home and I was planning on keeping the kids up but Hazel was zonked out. I laid her down for a 1 hour power nap and then got her up to eat. The kids took baths and then we waited for Daddy to come home! He had been gone for 12 days and we were all excited for his arrival!

We had date night on the porch after the kids went to bed and it was wonderful...we just solve the worlds problems out there.

On Sunday I went to Kristen's (Ryan's sister) to help Ashlyn clean her room. They put the house on the market and had a showing at 1:00. We worked HARD and it was perfect! The house is more organized than I have ever seen it. Ash and I went to lunch and then hung out with Ryan and the kids until she could go back. It was nice to hang out with her. I am worried about her dealing with so much...graduating HS, going to college where none of her friends are going, leaving behind her BF, parents divorce, etc....so much stress for her.

Friday night the kids and I went to eat at Adam and Rebecca's and the kids had smores! They loved it! Hazel and Emily even got to "roast" marshmallows in the smoke from the fire that was out. Such sweet cousins...

************************
Just got back to work after receiving a call from Hazel's school that she has a fever. Picked her up and took her to doctor. 101 fever and nothing else!! Grr! I almost wish they said, "Wow, she has the plague and here is an antibiotic and a miracle shot...should be good to go in an hour!" ...but with the random fever I can't take her to school until she is fever free for 24 hours! Hagen had a fever virus when he was her age and I missed a WHOLE.WEEK of work!! Pia has her today and Ryan will stay with her tomorrow...thank the lord!

Wish me luck!
Carrie

What is up!!

First and foremost, Hagen has been taking Hazel on rides around the backyard on his 4 wheeler...she LOVES it! He is so sweet with her and puts it on the slowest speed and is very careful with her.

I have been so busy with work lately and have had this cloud above my head about posting...it has been haunting me! Lots to update and the only feasible way is bullet points. Here we go!

1. Ryan will be home tomorrow night FINALLY! He has been out of town for 12 days. I truly don't mind him traveling, but what is hard is the weekends. That is when I have to get stuff done around the house like laundry and grocery shopping and it is easier to do when there are two of us. I have a routine during the week and of course the break of working is a huge help!!

2. Hazel has gotten a bad report this week at school. She is now not only hitting but BITING!! She bit 3 friends in one afternoon! So hard that she left marks! I have started putting her in timeout and she just sits there...quietly. She is good about it but I don't think she fully understands she is being punished?!? It's in the dining room...nothing around her and it is kinda dark.

3. Summer clothes - I have been buying dresses and stuff for Summer and next Winter for Hazel for awhile now. I come across sales and find the cutest things and girls are easier to buy in advance. I stopped because I counted and I have 25 NEW outfits for summer for her not including things I already had from last summer that were too big!! Hagen? He has 3 t-shirts and 4 pairs of shorts. Poor boy...so I am now on Hagen mode. He is easy though!!

4. My family member that is going through a tough time is getting stronger and stronger everyday! She has finally realized that he is not good for her AT.ALL and is moving forward. I am so proud of her! She is doing really well!

5. A few weeks ago Hagen was studying presidents at school. He said, "George Washington is the president that makes granola bars" I asked him why he thought that and he said, "look, his picture is on the package!" It was the Quaker dude...

6. I bought Hagen some books that are first reader books. I am SO excited! He is really into reading (although he really can't yet) and they have been working hard in school on sight words. I get sight words from his teacher and we make flash cards and work on those. At night when I read to him he wants to try and then asks for help on certain words. Now the cutest? He is reading to Hazel at night. Her books are pictures of things with the words at the bottom so he is not "technically" reading, but it is sweet. Brown Bear is the new favorite. She just smiles at him as if she is saying "you are my hero".

7. My brother and SIL are having another baby! Baby #3! They have a boy and a girl so they are not finding out what this one is which is so exciting! I am going to guess a boy...no reason, just a hunch and Hagen also said boy and he is usually right.

8. A few weeks ago I drove my SIL, and 2 nieces down to Austin to check out Texas state. It was nice to get away! To be honest, I think I enjoyed it WAY too much as I drank like a college student! I had never really hung out with Ryan's cousin Shannon and that is who we stayed with. We were up till 4:00AM!! Sad thins is I woke up at 7:00 and was wide awake...I can not sleep in anymore!

9. Hazel still isn't talking much...while I was on the trip my parents were watching her (Ryan was out of town surprise surprise) and I called. Mom had me on speaker so she could hear my voice. For the first time I heard her say "hi" in the sweetest most angelic voice I have ever heard! It was clear as day and she said it a few times. She is trying REALLY hard to talk...just not there yet...I am totally fine with that.

10. Pink eye invaded our house! Hagen had it SO bad in both eyes! I felt bad because usually I am very smart about not taking sick kids to school...I never really do it! That morning I noticed he had goopy eyes but they weren't red. I took him to school and before I left the director said she thinks he has pink eye. She said if I needed to run to the office for a few hours I could. I went to sonic to get my tea and then was going to go in for a few hours, but I couldn't...I felt SO bad for being THAT parent. I went to get him and took him to the doctor...

11. One night while I was giving Hazel a bath, Hagen wanted to fix my hair. He was so gentle and I LOVED it...I swear I could have fallen asleep. He told me how beautiful I was afterwards which was icing on the cake. I think he was just admiring his job...not me.

That's about it! I am planning my perfect beautiful home on Pinterest...I have so many ideas but can't put them together in a CHEAP way! I need to start saving for college for the kids after I saw how much it is now! Geez...I feel behind.

Tata,
Carrie

Mattress gone bad

OK, so Ryan and I decided we wanted to do a bed makeover for our loved one that needs some love and support right now. We split things up:
Nana - new sheets and blanket
Ryan and I - new comforter, mattress pad, and pillows (and using our old bedroom lamps)
My parents - new mattress and box springs

Well, Ryan and I loaded up the kids in the truck after dinner, went to Sams and got her a new mattress and box springs from my parents. We didn't have the tie downs but it seemed to be pretty secure. Ryan was driving slow...it was dark. We got on the service road and planned on taking the backroads to be safe.

Ryan kept checking the rear view mirror..."still there" "still there" "WE LOST IT!"

It was no easy u-turn so we had to take the longest 2 minute drive back to where it was dropped! Traffic, cars and headlights everywhere...we popped the curb, parked the truck and ran out into traffic to drag the new but demolished mattress out from the road. It was ruined....had tons of tire marks on it and it was ripped bad.

I called Mom and she was laughing...it was funny but it was the most stressful 2 minutes of my life! Someone could have died dodging the mattress in the road!

So today we are off to buy another new mattress. The good thing is we got a great deal and didn't spend as much as we originally thought. So even with buying another new one it will be about what we thought it would cost...

I can not WAIT for her to come home from work and find her new soft comfortable bed...she has needed one for YEARS!! She deserves the world...

Carrie

Tubes are in! Adnoids are out!

Miss Hazel is doing fantastic after her surgery on Thursday! She had taken her last dose of her antibiotic the night before to clear up the ear infection she had. When the doctor went in he said her ear was SO infected so the antibiotic wasn't doing anything. It was perfect timing.

She also had her adenoids out. I can't remember the exact wording he used but it was basically blocking 80% so that explained why she always had a gross nose...like not normal..sorry for TMI but ALWAYS green!!

She had some Tylenol with codeine before I dropped her off at Pia's for the day and she was so lovey and sweet...she even fell asleep on my mom which is unheard of! Mom had the knitting girls over and they got to see her. I'm glad she was kinda drugged because she was calmer and sweeter...ha!

That night she was just so excited! It was like she felt a TON better. Love that baby.

Hagen felt kinda left out I think because she got to hang with Pia for a day. He just seemed kinda sad, so Ryan took him for a man date yesterday to Cabella's and to lunch at Fuzzy's tacos. I think he needed some man time or at least some quality time with one of the parentals.

Ryan will be traveling again. It is a short project but he will be gone 3 different times and one of the times is for 10 days...I am so bummed. He will miss 2 date nights. Honestly, it is what I look forward to all week...to miss 2 of them sucks. I may get a babysitter and go to a movie by myself! It sounds wonderful to be honest and I need to get use to using babysitters...it will be good for me and I can try it out when he is out of town because the Mr. doesn't like to go out.

OK, so a few weeks ago I was freaking out because my Dad went missing...he was REALLY sick and was just passed out. Well, last week he was on a well again. He hit a deer. it didn't do much damage but still...scary! The next day he was exhausted, driving out to the well and fell asleep!! woke up driving into a ditch. Thank GOD he didn't hit anything or anyone...it could have been so bad. I told him for as smart as he is he needs to be careful...not very smart to die from falling asleep at the wheel! Scares me to think about it...out in the middle of nowhere...he could have been there for days.

I went all granola this weekend and made some homemade laundry detergent! I think I am in love. It only uses a tablespoon and cost me about $28 to make...it looks so cute in a jar on the shelf above my washer instead of the big plastic jug of my old stuff.

Last week was such a busy downer week so I am excited about starting over!! I didn't go to the gym all week, we had doctor appointments and crap all week, work was slow...not many people looking right now, and I didn't eat as good as I should have. It's a new week!!!

Tata,
Carrie

What's going on

This will be a whole lot of random...shocking huh? One morning while Ryan was hunting I took the kids to go feed the ducks! It was kinda dreary out...misty a bit. When we pulled up the ducks scurried off like they knew us. So we just threw the bread into the water so that they can have it for lunch. Hagen just wanted to throw things anyway so it worked out good.
I had my first mammogram the other week and it came back fine. I wasn't nervous but you know when you think of something too much you start to worry? Also all the horror stories you hear about them...it was nothing girls...honestly so easy.

Hagen painted macaroni and made a necklace at school. He was so proud to give it to me when I picked him up! The next morning while he was eating breakfast I came in to get ready for us to head off to school wearing it...I didn't tell him I was wearing it, I just waited for him to notice. He was SO excited! "Mama, you are going to wear your necklace?! It looks so pretty! Don't let your friends take it!" I wore it all day...his face that morning and the afternoon when I picked him up made it so worth all the weird looks.

Friday night we had my parents and Adam's family over for Pizza. We hadn't seen each other since the cookie decorating for Santa! It was so good to see the girls playing and the kids having a pizza picnic. Darling actually. I can't wait to see them all grow up together.

I need to stay off the Internet. I have been buying clothes for Hazel for summer AND next fall! WTF! I never thought I would be so into girly clothes, but I am...in a very bad way!

I've been going to the gym for 2 weeks now...3 times a week. I feel great! What is helping me is that I have been cooking alot in the crockpot so I don't have to stress about dinner. To be honest, that is one thing that I stress about! Making sure the family has a healthy balanced meal with a veggie...the crock pot has helped for sure. Oh, and roasting veggies...my new favorite. Thanks to some of my bloggie ladies for the heads up.

So today I called the elementary school where Hagen will be going to Kindergarten...IN AUGUST! I'm a wierdo...I know. I just want to be on top of all that is needed. I am SO excited that his girl Juliette will be going in August too! It may be a match made in heaven.

Ryan may be traveling for another project coming up, but it isn't supposed to be as long as last time. The Destin trip was also booked and I can not WAIT for it! We couldn't go during Labor Day this year because of Hagen starting school so we will be there with the crowds...but that is fun! We are going to stay at the same house as last year which is FABULOUS. I am so excited!!

That's all I got for now,

Carrie

Here's to the New Year!!

As I look back at 2011 it makes me smile. It was tough, but not unexpected. Ryan traveled a lot, I started back at work with a newborn and a 4 year old, and work was crazy busy…which in the recruiting field is great! Hazel went from waking up many times during the night to sleeping A LOT and Hagen has grown up a lot too…his writing has improved, he is learning to add and spell and can even read some words. It’s so exciting to see what all he learns in Pre-K.

One thing that I say every year is I want to make better decisions on things I eat, get more active, play more with the kids, and get out more!

I still need to continue to make better decisions about what I eat on a MORE regular basis. We typically eat together as a family for dinner, but sometimes Ryan and I will have something that the kids probably won’t eat/like so I resort to giving them frozen food (chicken nuggets, fish sticks, meatballs, and (gasp) kid cuisine meals). Those nights I do not feel so proud of myself to be honest. Hazel was such a good eater in the beginning but has now gotten to where she gets her plate…looks around to see what everyone else has, looks back at hers and if it is different she will beg and whine for your food…you give her some and she takes it out of her mouth and puts it in her chair. She gets in trouble for dropping food over the edge of her highchair, so now she just puts it in the chair where she is sitting…next to her leg. Hagen is getting slower and slower about eating. He just likes to talk and talks instead of eating so we now resort to setting the timer for 10 minutes after everyone but him are done. He gets a piece of candy if he is done and drinks all his milk. Hazel has caught onto this and is now standing by the fridge looking up to the top with her hands in the air…she knows what’s up there.

Getting active. I have worked out more this year than I have in years, but it is not consistent. I’m not looking to drop a lot of weight. I just want to tone things up (you know, get things on my body where they are SUPPOSED to be?) and try to ward off diabetes and lower the cholesterol. I’m not one to run around in the yard or play chase in the house. Ryan does that a lot and I go do things that need to get done. I feel bad writing that…I wish I was that active fun Mom…I mean, I am fun but just not in a “Let’s go kick the soccer ball around” kind of way. I can’t wait till both kids can ride their bikes and we can go on bike rides. THAT to me sounds like so much fun!! I remember doing that when I was a kid…the ole family bike rides…so fun!

As far as getting out more, I tried to. I started a dinner thing with some mom’s from the daycare and it just failed. Most of the ones I handpicked to be in “da club” have traveling hubby's so it wound up being me and one or maybe two ladies. I gave that up. Ryan and I just are home bodies! We would much rather hang around the house and do things here than go out somewhere and do things. Our date nights on the patio have been SUCH a huge jump in our marriage. We talk for hours about anything and everything, it’s free, and it is so much fun! We try to get as much chores done on Saturday so that we can relax and have fun that night knowing we were productive. Hagen likes to hang with us for a bit before bed and I think he enjoys it too…cuddling up with us and watching football.

This new year’s we actually had a “Party”! OK, so not much of a party but…

Tommy and Jacki came over with Tori (6) and Kati (4) around 5:00. We had a nice dinner (smoked chicken, kale salad, and rice pilaf) and then played outside since it was 70 degrees! It was SO fun! Hazel went to bed around 7:00 and Hagen and the other girls were up till 10:30 which is SO late for Hagen! They played hide and seek, all the toys, bounce house, ride on toys, poppers, etc. One of the main reasons it was so nice is that we didn’t have to hover over Hagen and the girls. They have grown up so much that we can leave them unsupervised to play in the other room, etc. It was fun to talk with Jacki for hours about everything and Ryan and Tommy got to catch up as well. Friends are so important. Life is busy, but I need to make a commitment to hang with my friends more.

Sweet story: The other morning I got the kids set up for breakfast while I took a shower and got ready for work. While I was in the shower Hagen came in and said, “Mom…uh…Hazel sneezed and it’s…pretty gross mom. It’s hanging down to her shirt.” He wasn’t acting crazy; more concerned…maybe a bit grossed out. I told him I would be right there when I got dried off. I was getting out of the shower and he came in and said, “Mom, I cleaned her up…it’s OK”

I walked into the kitchen and there they were eating their granola bars smiling. I saw a tissue that was pretty nasty and he really did clean her up good! I was SHOCKED! I told him how proud I was of him for taking care of his sister without anyone telling him to do it. I asked him if he felt proud of himself and you could tell he was…had that sideways smile with a gleam in his eye. My big boy.

Hagen has had moments where he wants to be by himself…get away from Hazel for a little time. So his Tee Pee is his area. He can go in there with his iPad and close it up and we will let him have his time. It is a great little get away for him!!

Hazel went to school today sporting two FULL pony tails! I usually just put her top hair in and leave the mullet down, but this morning I pulled the back hair up too. SO cute…she is getting so big. She really isn’t talking but I’m not worried…more worried about when she starts and doesn’t stop! Ha!

Cheers to the New Year…no resolutions, but want to make good decisions and be happy!

Tata,
Carrie

Hagen's gifts for Ryan and I

So this year we told Hagen he needed to shop for Ryan and I for Christmas presents. Ryan took him shopping for me and I got:
1. a pine cone ball - it is about the size of a basketball and it all pine cones

2. a girl nutcracker that is dressed up as a Hawaiian girl...pink grass skirt, pink coconut bra, and lei...her cleavage is where the nuts are cracked...hmm...

3. Hello Kitty capri fleece PJ bottoms

4. an Oscar the grouch t-shirt that is WAY small...I'll exchange it for a larger one

5. a snow globe

6. a potted bulb

7. Chap stick necklace

Ryan kept the receipt and we were just going to take things back and get credit, but I am going to keep everything and exchange the shirt for a larger size. That nutcracker girl will be in the family for years to come. Now I need to figure out where I can hang a large ball of pine cones? Crafty ladies? Any ideas?

I took Hagen to Home Depot for Ryan's. He got:
1. A hammer with a cutting thing on one end

2. a large pair of utility scissors

3. a pair of gloves

4. some hose clamps?!?

5. a box with different size screw driver head things

He was so excited about shopping for us! When we first went into home depot he was looking at the circular saws...out of the price range which was $50. He did have a large ceiling fan duster that I was able to put back after he forgot about it.

I love this new tradition! It is so fun to see what he comes up with!

Carrie

wrapping up the end of the year

So I'm wrapping up the end of the year...doing some organizing at the office, etc. I've got a huge Christmas Zit and it keeps bleeding since it is in a spot where if I move any muscle in my face it cracks it. I look swell. OH, and I had my hair in a sock bun on the tippy top of my head 2 days in a row. I am just looking fabulous at work lately.

I went to pick Hagen up from school yesterday and he was in time out reading a book. When his eyes met mine he had the SADDEST look on his face. I took him out into the hallway and asked him why he was in time out. He had the quiver lip and eyes filled to the brim with tears. "I don't know Mama." I asked him if he really didn't know or if he was afraid to tell me. I followed it up with he needs to tell me everything and that I would be very upset if he hid anything from me. Also that if he didn't tell me and I had to ask the teacher I wouldn't be happy. He started crying that "cant catch my breath" cry and said he wasn't being a good listener and the teacher told him to put centers away and come sit on his name and he didn't. I thanked him for telling me and said no shows tonight. and that was it...easy peasy.

Hazel has figured out how to take backward steps. It is so cute to watch...it looks like she is trying to do the moon walk.

Hazel also LOVES the Yeti or however you spell it on the old Rudolph show...you know that big white snow monster? Smiles and laughs when he is on the TV.

Hagen called me Peanut Butter Underpants one day when he was mad at me...Oooooooo....scary.

Hagen has been making alot of ornaments lately. I got some at Hobby Lobby for a cold afternoon when Ryan was out of town. He colored it and put glitter glue on it and was so proud! Well, one night Hagen was going potty standing up (if you know what I mean). Hazel came in with the ornament in her hands...looked at Hagen...and dropped his ornament in the stream. He was sad...but surprisingly not angry! Hazel laughed...I stifled in a laugh while fishing out the ornament...and Hagen told Hazel it is not nice to tee tee on ornaments! That's Right Hagen...that's right...

Ryan got a year review and it was very positive. He has worked so hard this year and missed out of some firsts of Miss Hazel. I'm glad that he has a job that he enjoys and likes and the feelings are mutual.

So Ryan and I have been doing our date nights on the patio wrapped up in blankets with a heater on lately. We just love it outside because it feels like we are away. Plus, It is snore city if I am inside on the couch drinking. Hagen has been joining us some and cozying up and watching football. He said he loves date night! I remember growing up my parents would have steak night and alot of times it was after we were in bed. I remember being so jealous of the marinated mushrooms and the avocado with this special dressing my mom would make to put over it! Weird huh? I was jealous of marinated mushrooms and avocado salad...

Hagen started playing soccer! I wish everyone could see how ADORABLE he is in his biker shorts "soccer underware" that he wears under his shorts. It is indoor soccer so it is not cold. Ryan has been taking him mostly and I stay home because his games are at 8:00am so we have to leave around 7:15...Miss Hazel and I like our sleep. I took him last week because I wanted to go and also to let Ryan sleep in a bit. It was adorable...like little ants running around. They got creamed...but were having fun. Hagen kicks and then falls on purpose. Plus, he is tackling...the opponets AND his teammates. Even if they don't have the ball...weirdo. We are working on trying all the sports out and seeing which one he likes best. Will be interesting! After the games Ryan gets him a slurpee and chips...it's 9:00 freaking o'clock in the morning people! I was mortified that I had to do so...it is an "atta boy" for Hagen.

I sent my older brother a note through LinkedIn last week..."Hey Matt, with the holidays here you have been on my mind alot. I just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas. Love, Carrie"....nothing...I sent a Christmas card also as I have every year. I'm not surprised at no response, but it just blows my mind that he is gone...but only lives about 10 minutes from me...

Hagen NEVER got into cabinets except for the Tupperware cabinet which I let him get into. Hazel? She is into EVERYTHING she is not supposed to be into. So this week the locks went on the cabinets...which is a huge thorn in my side. We have the ones that you use the magnet to unlock...BEATING.

"Hazel, what does Santa say?"
"Ha Ha Ha"
too cute

Hagen and I went on a date the other night. He took a shower, put his PJ's on and we went through Starbucks drive thru for Hot Chocolate and drove around in the rain looking at lights! Ryan is so Bah Humbug and doesn't like lights...Hazel goes to be early so it was just Hagen and I! We like the Christmas carols and looking at lights so really it was best that it was just us two. Ryan needs to get a grip and realize that he will have to do things even if he doesn't like it because it is about the KIDS and not him...dipshit...

In the morning I tell the kids lets go to school! I then put hats and coats on. Well now when I say "Let's go to school" Hazel walks fast to the hat box and picks out her hat and tries to put it on and walks to the back door. She is so cute...growing up way fast

This is so random...I just had alot of thoughts on my mind...

Tata,
Carrie

Destin 2011

We just got back from one of the best Destin trips so far! We have been going for about 20 years now and it is such a different experience when you have kids. I still remember my first kiss was in the stairwell of one of the condos years ago...so romantic.
One thing I was worried about was how Hazel was going to react to the sand. There was no need to worry as she is a natural beach baby! She ate alot of it, but was having the best time! I think the water was a bit cold for her because she didn't like sitting in it or having it splashed up on her, so she hung out with buckets and shovels watching Hagen, Noah, and Emily enjoy the surf!

The first two days there was a hurricane producing alot of rain and wind and tornadoes (none near us) so we were locked in. BUT the house that we stayed at was HUGE and lots of running around room! We stocked up on groceries so we were good to go! Mom and I did the shopping and we were in trouble for not getting any candy or anything for adults. We usually keep bite size snickers in the freezer when we go to the beach, but we were trying to be good...we regret that decision!!

Hagen had an absolute BLAST chasing birds, catching fish (not successful), body surfing, and just running around! At one point he had to go potty (#1) and I told him to do it in the water. Not thinking about it, he turned around walked to the edge of the surf, dropped trowel and I ran up and pulled them up and told him to go in his swimsuit IN the water. I'm not sure if he just held it or actually went...the look on his face was priceless like "EW, that's besgustin Mom!!"

One of our favorite things to do is chill at the beach or shop during the day and then get cleaned up for dinner! All of us love going out to eat at different places! We ate like royalty on this trip...only staying in the last night to pack and eat leftovers in the fridge. Hagen really liked my crab legs so one night he ordered them (they were on the kids menu). Glad Ryan was sitting next to him to crack them all open! Ha!

We drank our weight in Bloody Mary's (well I did), we had dippin dots, we ate sand...best of all, we made memories that I will never forget. FABULOUS trip!

Tata,

Carrie

Girls night out!

I had the best night ever on Saturday! We started planning this almost a year ago...I was pregnant...worried about the whole breastfeeding thing. I was nervous to be honest...
We all met at the Ritz in Dallas at the pool in the afternoon...we swam, some drank, and just chilled! I put a 50 SPF on my face that obviously wore off because I got burned...and looked like a fool in most of the photos. Some of the girls got spa treatments. It was just relaxing!

Then it was time to get ready to go out to dinner. Since some of the girls got spa treatments we had all access to the spa which included shampoos, soaps, lotions, a fabulous shower, a hot tub/steam room, etc. We got ready there and it was fun to all hang out and get ready...share products...just fun!

We went to dinner at Nick and Sam's Grill. It was more relaxed than the Nick and Sam's restaurant and within walking distance of the Ritz. There were 11 of us at dinner which was a perfect group.

After dinner we went back to the hotel and went to the bar downstairs. It was called the Rattlesnake...a great people watching place. This is where guys take their escorts...it was obvious...nerdy or old men with stunning eye candy on their arm! AND hooker shoes, which I fit in well with that. I got some hooker shoes (just really tall black sandals) and it was a mistake. I have blisters on the bottom of my feet like I have never had before! We danced, we drank, we had a blast!!!

I love that we still can meet up once a year and catch up. Merrilee came all the way from CA, Lizzy came from CO, and Molly drove up from Houston. I didn't pump at all and didn't get engorged or anything so I took it as a hint that I'm done BF'ing. I am sad...not in a way that I should do it longer, but just that I really enjoy that snuggle time with Hazel. BUT I also am glad to not be doing it anymore (been 8 1/2 months). She is totally unfazed and could care less. Hagen asked me why Hazel is not drinking from my hips anymore and I said, "well, she drank it all...it's all gone". He followed that up with an atta girl to Hazel.

Tata,

Carrie

Chloe

Sad day in the hizzy...Chloe Darney was put to sleep after suffering from Heart Failure.

This photo was taken only last week...picture of health and at a face off with her Nemesis.

Last night I was asleep at 10:20 and was woken up by Chloe meowing on the baby monitor. She sometimes sleeps under the crib so I just asked Ryan to go let her out. Well, the door was wide open and she would not come out. He had to pick up the crib to get her out. When she came she looked really skinny and was gasping for air. Very obvious she needed to go to the vet NOW!

I took her to the vet and they said she had heart failure and then rattled off all these things I could do to prolong the doom...my dad met me there and we decided to put her down. It was best...poor kitty was pretty much gone when we did it.

She is now in Kitty Heaven enjoying naps in the sun without disruption, walking around without a big 90 pound dog nose in her rear, and eating all the ice cream she can! We love you sweet Chloe baby.

Carrie

This little toot...

...crawled all the way up Papa and Pia's stairs yesterday like she owned it. WHY am I so sad at this stuff? I am perfectly fine with 2 kids...in fact would rather not have a 3rd...but still...ugh!

She is precious...just like Hagen James...who has a weapon for a head. Seriously, if I get headbutted (on accident) one more time I am going to put him in a padded helmet. That thing is dangerous!

Carrie

4th of July!

Ryan is home...life is good!

We didn't have much planned for the 4th but decided to head to Plano (15 minute drive) to my parents house to stay! They were out of town so we crashed at their pad.

They have a crib, diapers, baby food, regular food, beer, you name it! All I had to do was pack clothes and tooth brushes and we were off!

It was wonderful. Ryan and I made daiquiris, we ordered Campisi's Pizza, swam in the pool after the kids went to sleep. SO relaxing!

We came home on Sunday to do things around the house and then went to his Mom's house on Monday to swim and have BBQ.

Hazel is very proud of her new teeth...the two on the bottom. She bit me twice yesterday! Had to check and make sure "it" was still there. I screamed OUCH and put her down sitting on the floor. Poor girl got her feelings hurt and would bend at the waist and put her face in the carpet...and just cry. Hopefully we have the hang of it now!

Hagen asked what happened and I said she bit me! He responded with "Hazel do not bite Mama's Hips!" Obviously he has overheard Ryan say "nips"...lovely.

Short week of work this week...swimming lessons after school everyday...two t-ball games...man, I'm glad Ryan is home this week!

As we speak, Ryan is at the doctor talking about getting fixed...mixed emotions about this. I do not like the permanence of it all. I am perfectly fine with 2, but have that "what if" in the back of my mind. I'm very thankful that he offered to get it done. I never would have asked him to.

Tata,
Carrie

Mother's Day 2011

I feel so blessed. I love my babies. This Mother's Day weekend was great! We hung out by the blow up pool on Saturday and just chilled. It was so nice...just like old times! Ryan and I have been drinking our fair share of Beer Punch. It is so refreshing!
On Sunday morning I got up bright and early at 6:30 because Miss Hazel was ready to party. Ryan slept right through it. Hagen woke up at 7:00 and wasn't feeling well (Strep) and Ryan slept through that too. I wanted to strangle someone. BUT I didn't because I was going to have a day at the spa! Before I left Hagen and Hazel performed a mother's day song for me. Sung to the tune of Happy Birthday it was Happy Mother's Day. So cute...Hagen on the guitar and Hazel on the drums. I loved it!!

At the spa I had a Massage, a facial, and a pedicure. It was fabulous. I'll be honest, I was sick and tired of hearing "sun damage" and "sun worshiper" during my facial. I like the sun. I may pay for it later, but for now I'm enjoying it.

Dinner was prepared by the Mr. Wingstop and an ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins complete with 2 candles...one for me and one for Hagen.

Now with all the celebrating, no laundry got done so the babes are sleeping in whatever I can find. Ryan is out of under ware which in my defence if I was grabbing my last pair I would probably throw a load in the washer. But no...he just told me a couple of nights ago that he was out...and stared at me...and I said, "well you sent me to the spa".

The only reason I posted the pic of me and Hazel in the baby pool is to document my large boobies...I swear that is the only reason I am breastfeeding.

Hazel did FABULOUS at her blood draw yesterday! Didn't even flinch when they stuck her arm and took a HUGE vial of blood! Atta girl!

Carrie

Easter Bunny from years past

We went to see the Easter Bunny last night! This was of course Hazel's first time and the first year that Hagen was SO excited!! We met Ryan at his office and then headed to the mall... I told Hagen he needed to be brave so that Hazel would not be scared. No need to tell him that he already knew. He approached the EB with confidence and gave him a high five! So proud! This was him last year and he was not crying but a bit unsure of the big guy.

The year before that was a total disaster. We went to breakfast with the EB and Hagen was terrified! No bueno that year!

And then one of my favorites. Hagen was about 1 and he loved the EB...so sweet...love him!

We went to dinner at California Pizza Kitchen afterwards where Hazel had the biggest meltdown ever so I had to leave with her while the boys ate and then left. She fell asleep in her stroller so I decided to go shopping and got myself some boyfriend jeans...love them!

Tata,

Carrie