Swine Flu Bullcrap

After Brad spent several hours waiting in a long line to get Dane the swine flu shot, now they are recalling it? WTF?! At least it's being recalled for "may not be potent enough to protect against virus" instead of "your child will grow a third ear." As advanced as our science community is, and the scrutiny the disease and vaccine received, you would think they would have gotten it right the first time.

The long line.

I was able to come to the rescue after taking the cat to the vets.

Thankfully the weather wasn't too bad. He stayed warm and waited patiently.

Spoiled

It seems as if all the beings in my home are spoiled. That includes Dane, Brad, the dog and two cats. Plus I'm outnumbered as four of them are male. Everyone comes to Mama for love, comfort, food, clean clothes, etc. Sometimes it can be tiring but I do love it! We have a happy family. This photo was taken before Dane's haircut, but look at these two spoiled characters.

Christmas Tree

I didn't plan on getting a Christmas tree this year. With Dane being one, I knew it would be more of a bother than an enjoyment. He is into everything. He LOVES to destroy anything. But when I saw a "table top" tree at Whole Foods, I couldn't pass it up. It was perfect. I'm so happy I got it. It really has brought our family some Christmas joy. I can't wait until future years when we can get a big tree. We'll always get a live tree too because there is something about the fresh pine and the little imperfections that make them impeccable. Brad spent at least a half hour straightening the tree as it was so crooked, it was pointing sideways. :)

What makes the tree even more special is the decorations on it. They were bought many years ago when Brad and I spent our first Christmas together.

Now I must get off here and finish my online shopping before he wakes up from his nap. Dane has been sick therefore we haven't been able to get out and shop.

His First Haircut

I've been wanting to get his hair cut for some time. It was beginning to take the shape of a mullet. Just when I was going to schedule the cut, his Granny P told us to wait until after his first birthday (as if it were taboo to do so). Not to plague the tradition, we patiently waited until after his 1st birthday. I'd been preparing Brad that since Dane is a male that Daddy would be in charge of getting his hair cuts. So a few days after his birthday, they were off to the barber shop. I sent a camera with Brad and asked him to take a few photos. He captured the moments so well.

The before shot

The barber has a cool race car seat for boys. Dane sat in the chair like a big boy. He's doing ok.

Then he lost it.

Regained composure

Afterwards, my handsome prince

It was Daddy and Dane's special day out.

Dane's Birthday

It's been over a month since I last posted and many exciting things have happened. The biggest event was Dane's 1st birthday. We decided to do something low key and stress free knowing that future years won't be. I made cupcakes and Daddy and I took him to his favorite place besides the pool.... the library. It was a good day and I feel blessed to have such a wonderful, happy boy.

Then off to the library. He loves to take the books off the shelves and immerse himself in them.

He's obviously going to be a genius. :)

Our trip to Hocking Hills

Recently we took a one night trip to the Hocking Hills. The beautiful location holds a special place in our hearts because we got engaged and married there. Our trip was cut short this year because of some unwanted critters (mice!). Plus the baby had to sleep in the same room as us because there was no heat in the second bedroom. This meant mommy's sleep was minimal because Dane ended up in the bed with us. :) Regardless of the inconveniences, we still had a great time.

Of course the first thing he did was take all the books and video's off the shelf.

Vincent didn't want to leave the bed.

Daddy started off being the carrier. We went to Ash Cave where we had our wedding photos taken.

Gosh, isn't he handsome?! And I don't mean Vincent!

We found some nice people to take a family photo.

Then Mommy took over for the way back.

Solitude in the Shower

I wanted to jot this down so I don’t forget how much this simple pleasure means to me right now. Before I had a baby, I showered because it was just another one of those daily tasks that had to be accomplished. Over the past 10 months, 3 weeks, the shower has been so very important to me. I savor the silence. I savor the warm water hitting my face. I savor the steam surrounding me. I savor the overall relaxation I get from it. I can remember when Dane was only a few months old and would cry constantly. The shower was my only escape. And even though Dane rarely cries anymore, I still find solitude in the shower. A few deep breaths in the shower and I feel alive. I never knew something so simple would mean so much to me; the things you learn when you’re a mom.

He used to cry so much, I thought... I must be doing something wrong. I think other people even might have thought... she is doing something wrong.

Now I know I didn't do anything wrong....