Back to Urgent Care

It has been crazy around here the last few days. The Hubs was volunteering his life to the telethon since last week Wednesday. He did not come home until Monday afternoon. So from Thursday morning to Monday it was just Belle and I. Minus the quick trip to the pediatric urgent care…again.

Belle dislocated her elbow again. This time at school. And no one really knows how she did it. It just happened. She was on her cot, sitting on her knees with her arms in front of her. Her teacher turned to get her blanket and Minnie Mouse from her cubby and the next thing she knows is Belle is laying face down on her cot, both arms about her head, crying.

It was a really bad day at work for me to leave. My supervisor (who is our back up) is on vacation, one of the girls in my group went home early, and I was training our new girl. Yeah, wasn’t going to happen. I did manage to get out a tad bit early and The Hubs met Belle and I home and off to urgent care we went. Since we already knew what it was from the last time there were no x-rays. The doctor came in popped it back it and within 15 minutes we were on our way. Loaded up with a new stuffed animal for Belle, animal crackers and juice. Once home we put Belle right to bed since she barely napped at school and The Hubs was on his way back to the telethon. Sadly this all happened on the night that they were holding a gala for all past and present chairs and co-chairs of the telethon. The Hubs is a co-chair, and in actuality since he is in the Transportation department he would have gone to the gala anyways. But he missed it so he could go to urgent care with Belle and I. Instead of a 6 course dinner at a black tie gala, we ate McDonalds and he ran out the door to get back to the office instead.

Belle was fine by the time we walked out of urgent care and she has been fine since. She has begun to tell us that her arm hurts at opportune moments for her. Like getting her coat on and out the door. But no actual incidents yet. Hopefully this is last time. The nurse said it is very common for toddlers to get this but they grow out of it between two and three.

On Saturday it was just Belle and I. Our beautiful weather realized that its only March and disappeared rather quickly. It was raining and pretty gloomy and chilly out. I figured it was the perfect day to make our rainy day umbrella picture. I didn’t know how easy it would be for Belle, but it turned out to be a piece of cake.

Supplies: white construction paper, cupcake liners cut in half, pipe cleaners,

cotton balls, blue glitter, glue.

Beforehand I took the cupcake wrappers and cut them in half to be used as our umbrellas. I originally planned to use three but they ended up being bigger than I had thought so we could only fit 2 on our paper. I also cut pipe cleaners and bended them to resemble umbrella handles.

To start I poured white glue onto our construction paper and gave Belle a sponge paintbrush and had her spread it to cover the paper. When we were done with that Belle sprinkled blue glitter onto the glue to resemble rain.

After our rain was down we had to work on our clouds. I pulled out some cotton balls and showed Belle how to spread them out so they looked more like clouds. She had a rough time with this. She pulled on them and either pulled off little pieces of cotton or nothing really happened. Instead I had Belle glue them down while I pulled them.

Since our cupcake wrappers were to big I told Belle to pick out two. She decided on one red and one black. I wanted to use pastel colors but I could not find my cupcake wrappers anywhere. All I could find were the left over ones from Belle’s first birthday. Which are red and black gingham. Anyways Belle put glue on the backs of the wrappers and we glued them down onto of our glittered construction paper. I cut red and white pipe cleaners originally, 2 red and 2 white. I asked Belle which colors she wanted and decided on both white. I glued these on for her since they were a little tricky to get small dots of glue on them and they needed to be glued under our wrappers.

Belle had fun with this one. I had her use the cotton balls in a different way then she is used to and she got to sprinkle the glitter by herself.

 

Catching Up

We haven’t been doing too much in our house the last few weeks. Belle was sick with a nasty cold that had her spiking a fever for two days. Then I came down with it days later and last week The Hubs and I were battling sore throats.

Because of the nasty germs going around our house Belle and I never got make all the cute snow animal crafts I had found nor have we barely done anything for Valentine’s Day. Last night I sat down with Belle and we made three different things. A cute heart guy, a Valentine for daddy and we painted some hearts that we are going to hang from the ceiling in her playroom tonight.

We have an open house this week at The Bug for summer camp and early enrollment for preschool. Yup, preschool. And we actually have to pay attention to these notices this year. Belle will be starting preschool this fall. I talked with the director since I wasn’t sure if we had to enroll her or if she would move up when she turns three. We do indeed need to register from preschool and she will start preschool in September on the first day of school. Since her birthday is so early in October they are just going to have her start right away.

My baby is starting preschool in September. When did this happen? When did my baby grow up? I cannot believe we are talking about preschool already.

Hopefully Belle and I can get back on track with all of our fun activities at home. This week starts two weeks of Dinosaurs. We won’t start dinosaurs at home until Wednesday. I want to celebrate Valentine’s Day with her at home. I have some fun activities planned and even a field trip to our science museum to see the dinosaurs there. Plus a dino sensory bin and I am in the middle of making Belle a dino tail. She picked out the colors pink and green and well since I don’t have a sewing machine nor do I even know how to use one I am sewing this all by hand. So it’s taking forever. But hopefully will be finished up by the end of the week.

I think we may even have a Dinosaur Stomp Party to end our dinosaur unit.

The Hubs took me out to dinner on Saturday for Valentine’s day. My mom graciously took Belle overnight and we ended up having a great time out with friends. We decided on a local place called Grover’s that is known for their burgers. In fact Guy Fieri featured it on Diner’s Drive Ins and Dives. We ended up sitting at the table right under his signature. The food is amazing and the burgers are huge. I can’t even eat half of one. And if you want a table show up early, especially on a Saturday night. Luckily we knew this and were able to miss the crowds. When we were walking on it was packed. At the end of the night The Hubs stopped at Target and picked up Breaking Dawn. We finished our night on the couch watching Breaking Dawn. Perfect end to a great night out.

4 years ago today...

Four years ago today I woke up at my parent’s house.

Four years ago today I watched my new sister cry as they placed the veil on my head.

Four years ago today I walked down a beautiful aisle on my father’s arm.

Four years ago today I saw my best friend waiting for me at the end of the aisle.

Four years ago today I had the best kiss of my life.

Four years ago today we were announced husband and wife.

Four years ago today our family and friends toasted to us.

Four years ago today we danced our first dance.

Four years ago today was one of the happiest days of my life.

Four years ago today, I never imagined what we would accomplish in 4 years.

I love you more than anything in the world. Happy Anniversary!

Happy Birthday Patrick!

Happy Birthday to the most amazing husband, wonderful father, and the greatest best friend I have ever had. Happy Birthday Patrick. I hope you have a great day.

Haunted Radio

Last week we had a really sever thunder storm. It was reported that we had over a thousand lightning strikes. Including one hitting a house a couple streets over from us. I am sure there were more then just that one in our neighboorhood since the thunder was crazy.

The Hubs was awake for all of it and I was in and out. The thunder would wake me up but then I would doze off inbetween until lighting stuck close to our house. The Hubs and I jumped out of bed and it wasn't long before we realized the power went out. The Hubs got up to find his phone to set the alarm so we would get up in the morning. Our alarm clock has a radio connected to it. While The Hubs was gone the radio turned on. Let me remind you that the power was out. It only lasted a second and The Hubs thought I was nuts until it turned on again and stayed on. Clear as day we could hear everything on the radio perfectly.

I of course stayed calm and told The Hubs to unplug it before it blew up or something. Completely level headed.

The power was back on when we woke up the next morning and the radio has not turned on by itself anymore. But still freaky!

Road Trip

On Monday we took Belle for a mini road trip. About an hour down the thruway. We took her to the Strong National Museum of Play. Since it was a Monday there was no one there. Belle had a blast. She was able to get out of the stroller and walk and crawl all over the place. She had fun exploring everything and playing.

I forgot my camera so the only pictures we have are from The Hubs cell phone. When you first enter you hit Sesame Street. If I had my camera I would have taken a ton of pictures here. While standing on the steps you can look up and you are on TV. Belle got a kick out of that.

We then entered Elmo's World. She was just ok with the rest of the Sesame Street area. She has never watched it so she doesn't know any of the characters. We tried putting it on once, she just wasn't into it.

We then took her into the Wegman's Super Kids Market. This is so cute. There are shopping carts of all sizes that kids can take and go shopping. They have a produce section with a ton of plastic fruits and vegetables. They had a bakery and a deli that the kids could work in. Plus all the aisles of food. And in a room in the back kids can produce and star in there own News broadcast. Then when you are done shopping you can cash out all of your items. It was adorable and something Belle will have a ball in when she is older. All of the food items were real packages. Empty of course.

There are tons of different rooms to explore. Even a toddler section specifically for her age. She loved it and spent a good amount of time in it. The Hubs and I enjoyed the Reading Adventurland room. Belle will enjoy this room when she is older. When you enter you follow a yellow brick road to different adventures, Wizards Workshop, Mystery Mansion, Fairy Tale Forest, Upside-Down Nonsense House, Adventure Island. The Hubs and I spent a majority of our time in the Fairy Tale Forest. We took turns going upstairs (not so easy to do with a stroller) and found the Giants Playroom. On the floor was a lifesize chess set and next to it was the Giants Harp that you could play. The Hubs had fun with that. Plus a lifesize Connect 4 game.

In the toddler section. Again taken with a cell phone camera.

After you make your way out of Reading Adventureland there is a path to the Bernstein Bears. Belle was terrifed of them. As we tried to get a picture she gripped my arm and would not let us put her down in the room. We didn't stay long.

We made our way to the Field of Play room. This room is filled with different interactive activites. Belle was way to young for this room so we didn't stay long. But she did enjoying pushing the button in the "drag racer" and hearing the engine.

There are more rooms and more activites but Belle wasn't old enough to understand or enjoy. Although The Hubs did enjoy the eGame Revolution. Most of the second floor is dedicated to video games old and new. The Hubs played some Guitar Hero. I really wish I remembered my camera. After we were done in the museum we went to lunch at Dinosaur BBQ. The best BBQ in the world. No lie. It is hands down the best.

After eating the most delicious pulled pork sandwiches we headed home. Belle slept the entire way home. She woke up when we stopped so The Hubs could run in and get milk. We had such a good day and I am glad we went, even if it was snowing and the roads here were crappy yet again. I can't wait to take her back next year when shes a little older.

What a Weekend

This past weekend was just plain long. Is that possible? A weekend to be long? The Hubs had to work Saturday night and all day Sunday. It would have been fine but The Hubs has been sick so I let him spend Saturday sleeping before he had to work. Saturday night was fine. Everything went well and stayed pretty much to our routine. I was able to spend the evening lounging on the couch with the laptop. I spent the night on Twitter and window shopping online. Etsy gets me into so much trouble.

Sunday was a different story. The Hubs was gone by 8:30. Belle woke up in a great mood and our day was going well. Then morning nap time came and went without her napping. So at lunch time I feed her and then gave her her bath in hopes of her relaxing and taking a nap. Nope nothing. She wasn't cranky though. Just wouldn't sleep. And then four o'clock hit. And the cranky tiredness came out. I couldn't put her down, I couldn't pick her up, I couldn't sit nor stand. She just wasn't happy.

I was so exhausted. I had been able to do nothing all day. Belle and I sat in her room and both cried. I was tired and couldn't figure out what she needed. Belle calmed down and crawled out of her room. She came back a couple seconds later. Crawled up to me and handed me a soothie that was laying in the living room.

I just started laughing and scooped Belle up into a hug. My sweet girl was trying to make mommy feel better. The day went better after that. She finally took a half hour nap and had fun helping me make dinner until daddy got home. I got to take a nice long hot shower and cuddled on the couch before bed. I am hoping next weekend goes a little smoother. Cause I don't want to be doing laundry at eight at night.

Halloween Past

I know I know, I am posting on a Saturday I never do this but. I am celebrating Halloween past with my friends over at SITS. Were writing about our favorite Halloween memories. And this post may or may not be entered in their contest to win a Canon Rebel T2i. I have been dreaming of this camera for while now.

My favorite Halloween memory would have to be back in 2005. The Hubs and I were going to a yearly halloween party. I had been there all morning helping set up. I have to admit I was cranky when I got home and was just brutal to The Hubs (then boyfriend). Poor guy. Little did I know what he had planned. After all afternoon of being horrible it was finally time for us to start getting ready.

I had a Princess Belle costume that I decided to wear that year. We were dressed and ready to walk out the door when The Hubs stopped, asked if I was all ready. I kinda looked at him like umm yeah, were walking out the door.

He then got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I of course said yes! We celebrated the night away at the halloween party. Two years later we were married in a beautiful fall setting. And honeymooned in Disney of course!

If you would like a chance to win this amazing camera check out The SITS. It is a great community of bloggers who support each other. There are always great blogging tips and they have some of the most amazing featured bloggers.

Belle's One Year Appointment

Belle had her one year doctor appointment last Friday. We were suppose to get her shots and the hemoglobin test done. We only did the finger prick. Her appointment was technically before her 1st birthday so she could not get the chicken pox vaccine. So we have to go back tonight and get her vaccines and the flu shot. Luckily our nurse put aside a flu shot for Belle.

Not so lucky, The Hubs is working tonight. So I am on my own for shots. I can not do needles. Hate them, always have. How I was inducded and had a torture device hooked up to my arm for a full day I have no clue. I will probably cry just as much as Belle will tonight. Not only does she have three shots, but they are all in her arms.

But on the bright side Belle is just shy of 20 pounds and her head is on the charts. Still small but on the charts none the less. And she is in the 25th percentile for height I believe. Belle's doctor said we can change her car seat around soon. I wanted to wait a little longer before we turn it, but she is beginning to hate facing backwards. Also The Hubs can't wait to switch her. So I think we are going to. Were still a couple pounds under so for now she is still rear facing.

On Belle's actual Birthday we gave her an unfrosted chocolate cupcake after dinner. She loved it. Which was a bit surprising after the cake fail at her birthday party. She ate the whole thing. Such a little piggy!

After dinner I did my babies last month pictures. And of course they did not come out well at all. She is just not interested in them any more. Which is sad. I am sad I can not get her beautiful smile on film. And when I look at my pictures I am sad that my camera takes such crap pictures. I would love to get a new camera and am constanly looking at the Cannon DSLR's at the store. I would love to get pictures that are not grainy and always dark even when it's sunny and natural light. And what was I talking about again???? Oh yeah, Belle's 12 month pictures. This is the best of the bunch, and I gave up rather quickly this month.

At the Bug on Monday they celebrated Belle's birthday with cupcakes. She got a birthday girl t-shirt and her teacher gave her a balloon.

Belle playing with her balloon from Miss. Danielle

Birthday girl. My big girl!!

Can you see her gross yucky hair in those pictures? Thats from frosting. Apparently she loved the cupcake and frosting at school just not at her party.

CW - Reception

Today is our 3 year anniversary. Our reception pictures wrap up this part of Celebration Week. Tomorrow we continue on with my baby girl.

We had an amazing reception. Everyone danced the entire night. We had great food. My dad extended the music and the bar. The Hubs 80 year old grandfather had to be dragged off the dance floor. People are still talking about it 3 years later.

Part of the wedding pavilion during our recieving line.

Clockwise from top left: Our centerpieces, cake table, favors - Apple Cider, our beautiful cake, and our table numbers - each table had a different engagement picture.

Our entrance as man and wife. We may have been excited.

Our best man gave an amazing speech. The Hubs and his best man have been friends since about third grade. At the end of his speech he asked that all the ladies please return their keys to our place now that The Hubs was a married man. One by one different girls got up and returned fake keys that were handed out to them during the cocktail hour. The last person to come up was a family friend of ours. She is 70. It was hillarious!

We both agreed we were not going to smash cake into each other. But I couldn't help myself and got a little on his nose. But nothing crazy and nothing messy. I was nice!

It was such an amazing day. I wouldn't change a thing everything was perfect even though 5 weeks before the wedding the guy who was making our cake no longer could and we had to find some one else. Which our cake turned out even better then I imagined.

Our first dance to "Making Memories of Us" by Keith Urban

Father Daughter dance to "I Loved Her First" by Heartland

Me dancing with The Hubs grandfather

Two days before our wedding The Hubs went to pick up our favors. The guy "didn't remember" taking my order and did not have them. He then threatened The Hubs to leave or he would call the police when The Hubs questioned him. Luckily one of the managers over heard this and had extra workers come in to prepare our favors. She even threw in some little extras of candy apples that we put on the bar. And some apple pies that no one knew about and my dad just happened to tell us about....wonder what happened to those...???

The Hubs recorded himself singing a song to me. For weeks before the wedding I couldn't decide between 2 songs. The one we didn't choose he sang to me. Amazing! And our friends that caught the bouquet and garter are getting married next month.

Looking in to the wedding pavilion from the front.

from the back.

The Hubs getting down.

To The Hubs: you are an amazing husband. We have had quite a crazy three years. An amazing first year of just us and traveling. Our second year was stressful with a very rough pregnancy. And just three days into our third year our beautiful daughter was born. Our third year was stumbling our way through parenthood. It has been crazy but a wonderful three years. I can't wait to see what the future hold for us and our little family. I love you! Happy Anniversary!