2paws Designs

Chatterbox

2009-12-23T08:00:00.005-05:00

Dylan cracked me up on Monday. He was playing in his new exersaucer and just began chatting away. I started filming and ended up with a full 2 minutes of his commentary. A bit too much to upload so I clipped a small bit to share:

Meeting Santa

2009-12-21T08:00:00.008-05:00

I lifted a layout & sketch from the April 2009 issue of Scrapbooks, Etc. by Amy Light for this page about Dylan's first meeting with Santa:

And was inspired by last week's weekly challenge at Two Peas was to tell the story from Santa's perspective:

Supplies: Archiver's, Stampin' Up, and Bazzill cardstocks; Bazzill Just the Edge scallops; Basic Grey patterned paper; Staz-On black stamp pad; Making Memories date stamp, buttons and stitches; Autumn Leaves buttons; Berylium and Script MT Bold fonts.

Five Months

2009-12-19T08:00:00.028-05:00

A few highlights of Dylan's fifth month...

* Able to put Soothie in his mouth by himself.

* Excited when Dad returns home from work each day. Dylan gives him a big smile and reaches out to him.

* Started eating rice cereal. In the mouth, down the chin, repeat....

* Likes playing peek-a-boo. He'll put his burp cloth over his face to "hide" while I ask "where's Dylan?" When he uncovers his face, I say "There he is!" Dylan laughs and kicks excitedly. And we start all over again. :D

* Celebrated his first Thanksgiving and took his first road trip.

* Hugs. When I pick him up, Dylan will sometimes wrap his arms tightly around my neck. Love it.

* Loves Cali & Chester. Whenever one is within his view, Dylan lights up and gets a big smile on his face.

* Fascinated by our Christmas tree.

* First cold - definitely a milestone I wasn't looking forward to.

* Met Santa Claus.

* Learned to roll over. After his first roll - so proud of his new skill. :)

* Starting to sleep on his tummy.

* Tripoding for longer stretches.

* First snow yesterday. Although it's impossible to tell from the photos I took - there were snow flurries falling. The ground was too warm and the temps quickly climbed too so it turned into a cold rain instead. But, for the few minutes we were out enjoying the flurries, Dylan was having a great time watching them fall.

Santa Letter

2009-12-18T14:10:00.000-05:00

Dylan had a special letter in the mail today. As you can see, he examined the front of the envelope carefully...

How exciting - a letter from Santa!

Straight to Dylan from the North Pole...

Foster's

2009-12-17T08:00:00.006-05:00

I've had this photo from Dylan's first restaurant trip sitting on my desk for months and finally was inspired to scrap it:

I printed the logo from the restaurant's website and then hand wrote my journaling including a list of the friends we met for lunch.

Supplies: Bazzill cardstock; Chatterbox patterned paper; miscellaneous navy blue paper clip; Making Memories spiral paper & date stamp; StazOn Timber Brown stamp pad; Martha Stewart Crafts sepia pen; K&Company rub-on.

Big Day

2009-12-15T09:00:00.005-05:00

What a big day Dylan had yesterday! My cute little elf and I went to the mall to run an errand...

While there, we met Santa which was apparently very serious business...

Dylan was all smiles before. Would smile at me between photos. All smiles after. And got the biggest grin looking at the photos on the computer when we returned home. But, no, not even the slightest hint of a smile while I took pictures.

After we returned home, I put him on his back on a blanket in our living room to stretch out and play with his toys. I stepped away for moment to get something from the kitchen and when I came back, he was on his tummy! Dylan rolled over for the first time. A moment later he did it again (I saw it this time!) so I set up the video camera on a tripod next to him to try to capture another roll and sure enough...

It seems as though he's almost mastered it as he rolled over several more times - I even found him on his tummy in his crib a couple times overnight.

Healing

2009-12-14T10:05:00.001-05:00

Chester came home on Saturday and seemed very happy about it. After running around checking everything out, he curled up on the sofa for a nap.

Cali did not take his return quite as well. Any time he gets near, she runs away and hisses at him. I'm not sure if it's the "vet smell" or if she thinks we brought home a new cat. Just hoping it ends soon and that she comes down from the top of the kitchen cabinets where she's been hiding.

Meanwhile, Dylan is also feeling much better. And he is very happy to have both his kitties home. Especially since Chester has come right up to him several times and let Dylan pet him. :)

Words to Live By

2009-12-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

A counselor at summer camp when I was a teenager hung these words on each girl's locker in our cabin. I've kept my copy in a safe place all these years and thought it was a good fit for Kim's Words to Live By circle journal.

This particular circle journal was bittersweet to work on as it marks the end. I shipped it to Kim on Monday and found my own on my doorstep Wednesday afternoon. I haven't opened the box to mine yet. Instead I placed it under our Christmas tree to enjoy on Christmas Day - although it is quite tempting to look! :)

Supplies: Rose Moka patterned paper; Bazzill white cardstock; EK Success border punch; staples; unknown flower; Autumn Leaves button; Making Memories stitches; Micron black pen; poem author unknown.

Sniffles

2009-12-10T09:20:00.000-05:00

This month certainly hasn't started off like I thought it would. I came down with a cold last Monday. I still have not entirely shaken it. By Friday, I had to take Chester to the vet as he was also sick. He's still there with pancreatitis and an upper respiratory infection. Meanwhile Dylan began showing signs on Sunday that he had caught my cold. So he too is sniffling, coughing, sneezing, etc. I took him to the pediatrician on Tuesday to be sure that it was in fact *just* a cold and hadn't progressed into anything else as he seemed worse. Thankfully, he's now showing improvement although the doctor warned it could take 2-3 weeks for all the symptoms to clear up!

Yesterday Dylan and I went to the vet's office for a bit to visit with Chester. Each day we kept thinking he might be home the next and, with Dylan sick, it had just been too much before then. Dylan was acting as though he was feeling better and was much less congested mid-day so I took the chance and off we went. As you can see, Chester curled right up in my lap while Dylan happily watched (he loves his cats):

I petted Chester for a bit (and was covered in fur to prove it) until he jumped down and went to hide under a chair. I took that as the sign he'd had enough and was ready to rest. Gave him several kisses goodbye and took my other sick little boy home (who was ready to eat and nap by then).

Each day we hope it will be the day we can bring Chester home, but he's just not quite there yet. He needs a little more care than I can manage right now with caring for Dylan's cold. As much as I miss having him here, I know we've done the best thing having the vet care for him right now.

Happy birthday, Charles!

2009-12-06T08:00:00.007-05:00

Supplies: Die Cuts with a View card; A2Z Essentials patterned paper; black stamp ink; Making Memories tag & snap; Pebbles Inc rub-on sentiment.

Let's Roll

2009-12-03T08:00:00.003-05:00

Chester teaches Dylan about rolling:

Road Trip

2009-12-01T09:20:00.000-05:00

We took Dylan on his first big road trip for Thanksgiving. On Wednesday morning we loaded up the car and drove to Virginia to visit some of my family. He did very well - slept the first half of the ride and rode happily most of the rest.

We went to his Great Papa Smith's house on Thursday where he managed to sleep through Thanksgiving lunch - waking only after most of the family had left.

Wishing his Uncle Christopher a happy birthday:

On Friday, Dylan & I accompanied Grama & Pops to a Christmas tree farm where Pops cut down their tree. The view of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the farm was beautiful. It was a cold day - perfect Christmas weather.

Dylan posing with Grama & Pops before we left on Saturday morning:

On the way home, we stopped for a visit with his Great MawMaw and Great PawPaw (Trent's grandparents). They were more than thrilled with the surprise visit from their only great grandchild.

Sunday the three of us enjoyed a quiet day together including a long walk outdoors (it was 69 and sunny!) and picking out our own Christmas tree.

Happy...

2009-11-26T08:00:00.006-05:00

birthday to my brother, Christopher!

And a happy Thanksgiving to all! :)

Supplies: Bazzill (dark brown) and miscellaneous (gray & light brown) cardstocks; Basic Grey and Chatterbox patterned papers; black stamp ink; Fiskars border punch; Jolee's sticker; adhesive backed foam squares. Inspired by November A Year in Cards class at Two Peas.

Tripoding

2009-11-22T08:00:00.005-05:00

Everywhere I turn there are lists of what a baby should, could, might be doing at certain ages. While I skim the monthly lists in one of my books, I don't spend a lot of time worrying about them. I trust we'll hit each accomplishment in due time and want to have fun with Dylan. Enjoy his baby days.

This relaxed attitude might be part of why I missed a new milestone until our pediatrician pointed it out to me at our checkup on Friday - Dylan can tripod! I thought it would still be a month or two before we'd be close to this and nearly fell over when she showed me.

Yesterday morning I set Dylan up just to see again and, sure enough, he stayed up long enough for me to snap a few photos...

Flashed a big grin seconds before he tipped over...

I'm still sticking to my initial "we'll get there when we get there" attitude, but I confess I'm pretty darn proud. And curious as to what else he can do.

Four Months

2009-11-20T13:10:00.000-05:00

Dylan had his four month checkup this morning. He's now 15 pounds and 27-1/4inches long!

Other highlights of the month:

* Learned to push the music button on the green fish in his gym.

* Likes to be rocked to sleep.

* Began grabbing his feet. Especially fun game when there are little animals on his footed outfits:

* Loves to hold anything he can get his hands on. Examine objects carefully. And pass them from hand to hand. As well as stick them in his mouth, of course. ;)

* Increasing leg strength. We're having to keep an extra careful eye during tummy time on the Boppy because of it. Last week he managed to push himself over the Boppy and face first into the floor.

* Much more talkative.

* Lots of laughing.

* Almost rolling over - he keeps getting stuck on the arm underneath. And, unfortunately, he sometimes enjoys practicing in the middle of the night - roll to side, get stuck with arm underneath, cry for mom, mom comes and rolls him back, mom goes back to bed ... 10 minutes later repeat.

* Turned on the Seahorse all by himself.

* Celebrated his first holiday and attended his first party.

* Teething. Dylan has become a finger chewing, drooling machine. LOL

* A total camera ham for me. Whenever he sees me holding the camera, he strikes a pose. This is great except when I'm trying to catch a natural moment or when I attempt to make a video using it. During the latter, he'll stare my way and give a "why aren't you snapping?" look. LOL

A Good Day

2009-11-18T09:22:00.000-05:00

Dylan & I spent most of my birthday relaxing at home. We enjoyed some of our usual activities such as tummy time (he's getting so much better at it!) and I worked on his stocking (realized that I better kick my stitching into high gear if I'm going to get it finished in time though).

After Trent came home from work, the 3 of us headed out to Durham to meet my dad, his wife & my stepbrother for dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. Dylan fell asleep on the car ride over and woke in time to have a bottle while I enjoyed a slice of chocolate tuxedo cream cheesecake (yum!!). Poor little guy seemed a bit confused as to where he was and that shows in his expression here:

All in all, yes, it was a very good day. :)

Looking Back

2009-11-16T21:00:00.001-05:00

On the eve of my 31st birthday, I find myself thinking about how quickly the year has passed and how much has happened...

I've become a mother. It's the most amazing thing to me.

I've learned to appreciate life more.

I'm healthier. In Jan 2008 I set myself a goal to lose 40 pounds. I made it halfway before my pregnancy and 30th birthday. Since Dylan's birth I've lost 18 of the remaining 20 lbs.

The downturn in the economy has actually been a blessing as it has given me an opportunity to take an extended leave from work so I can spend more time with my son.

I'm happier than I have been in a long time and I think motherhood is part of the reason - Dylan really does bring an extra bit of joy to my life.

I'm looking forward to what the next year will bring.

halloween '09

2009-11-14T08:00:00.006-05:00

Photos from Dylan's first Halloween and first party:

Supplies: Stampin' Up (blue) and miscellaneous (black) cardstock; American Crafts and October Afternoon patterned papers; black stamp ink; Micron black pen; Making Memories glitter letter stickers. Scraplift of 1 month layout on April 15th of dw2008.

vote

2009-11-12T07:30:00.001-05:00

Dylan & me at the polls last week:

I downloaded a sample copy of the ballot (removed the words "sample ballot") from the county election website. And also included the sticker I was given after voting and the newspaper article summarizing the results.

Supplies: Archiver's (blue) and Bazzill (red & white) cardstock; black stamp ink; Micron black pen; KI Memories lace paper; Therm O Web memorabilia pocket; Making Memories letter stickers. Inspired by the October Super Sketches class at Two Peas.

Anniversary Card

2009-11-10T08:00:00.007-05:00

Here's the card I made for Trent this year:

Supplies: Die Cuts with a View card; miscellaneous green cardstock; Deja Views, Scenic Route & Cosmo Cricket patterned papers; black stamp ink; Prima flower; Making Memories button & stitches. Inspired by October A Year in Cards class at Two Peas.

Happy Day!

2009-11-08T08:00:00.015-05:00

It's been six years since we said "I do"...

and one year since we learned we were expecting our sweet boy who celebrates 16 weeks today...

A very happy day. :)

Supplies: Black Frame from Rhonna Farrer's Color My World kit; butterfly from Rhonna Farrer's Fashion Patisserie brush set.

Thursday Thirteen #5: Motherhood

2009-11-05T21:00:00.001-05:00

Thirteen things Motherhood has taught me so far...

I can survive on very little sleep.
I can get a bit irritable on very little sleep. ;)
My "mommy instincts" are right for us more often than not.
Burp cloths and spit up on the shoulder are fashion statements. LOL
If he's going to spit up, it will be after a bath - not before.
If I want Dylan in "cute" outfit for something, do not put it on him until seconds before.
How to change a diaper in the dark and half asleep.
Always pack a few more diapers than you think you will need.
Naps are wonderful things.
It's okay if the only thing I get done in a day besides caring for Dylan is taking a shower.
I love spending my days with my son but also treasure my "me" time.
It really is hard work.
There is nothing better than his smiles & laughter...

First Civics Lesson: Voting

2009-11-03T12:00:00.002-05:00

Dylan accompanied me to the polls today:

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T08:00:00.007-04:00

Supplies: 2pawsDesigns trick or treat frame; plain cardboard paper from Miss Mint's Kindergarten Crafts kit.

Musical Fish

2009-10-29T09:30:00.001-04:00

Dylan recently mastered grabbing and pulling on the fish hanging overhead in his kick & crawl gym. I've shown him several times since we got it that the green fish plays music when a button is pushed. On Monday, I decided to show him a few more times using his hands to see if maybe he was at the point where he could learn to do it himself. Sure enough, a short time later, Dylan hit the button and the music played! When I told Trent about it that night, I commented that I wasn't sure Dylan realized exactly what he was doing but was certain it was intentional. Looks like Dylan does know what he's doing after all though - he has been hitting that button each playtime in it since.

Here's a little capture of yesterday's fun: