This is What ......

cutting 4 molars at one time looks like.....

-Carmen

Happy 16 Months!

I am really running late this time, huh?

My favorite thing about life with Holden this month is that he is becoming so affectionate.  He hugs, kisses and blows kisses .... on top of his already infectious smile.

-Carmen

Moving Day

Everything is nuts right now.  I don't know how else to describe it.  We feel like shiny little pin balls bouncing from bumper to wall to curve.

The movers cleared out most of the house on Monday.  We have spent the better part of the week finishing the packing, moving and cleaning while juggling work, toddler and a sick and hormonal ME.

Stressed does not even begin to define the way Jordan, HOLDEN and I feel.  Yes, even Little Bit is stressed.  For the first time since the boy started eating solid food, he is not finishing meals.  He's just not himself.  Holden now becomes easily frustrated, which is not a trait he usually shares with us.

However, Holden, Jordan and I are starting to find our way and settle the waves.  All three of us are starting to sleep better and scrunch our eyebrows a little less.

Wait hold that thought.... crying baby (8:30 pm)

................ I spoke too soon.

An hour and forty minutes later of warm bath, rocking, milk and more rocking he is finally asleep (10:10 pm)

_______________________

My dear, sweet, wonderful, amazing, incredible .... extended family, Jordan's parents have lovingly welcomed us home while Jordan studies for an exam (can you say "promotion!")  Then it's apartment life for us once again as we pursue the Forever House.

We close on the "old" house next week.  Closing has been pushed back a few times, which is adding to the drama in our heads, but all is well and soon we will move on.

We are making another trip to my mom's tomorrow with another load (the last load) of "stuff" to store.  We filled up a large storage building with everything else.  

If you were to ask the macho-mover-man, he would say the storage building is full of my Christmas decorations.  I won't be having him over for tea anytime soon.

-Carmen

Table for Four

Guess what?  Jordan and I are expecting our second child in November!

Here is a 9 week sono of our little Gummy Bear....

We are through our lucky 13th week and all is well.  

I've been super sick with this newbie.  Even the doctor told me today, "you're probably having a girl."  She was only half joking.

Isn't life funny?

I thought after we had Holden it would be smooth sailing until Kindergarten.  Silly me!

I started a new job in October, we found out Holden is going to be a big brother and we sold our house if 4 days!  

Life is good....

-Carmen  

And So it Begins

I started drawing my dream house when I was 5 years old.

I wanted a red front door and a secret loft that you could only get to through my closet.

I collected shoe boxes and created models of each room, leaving them separate so that I could switch them around to make good use of the southern sun.

Shoe boxes turned into refrigerator boxes.

Then I learned how to draw building elevations and angles in perspective ... and then, it was ON.

I'd say I missed my calling, except this is the only building I ever cared to labor over.

After hundreds, of revisions and a multitude of changes in my taste .... my dream house evolved into what I now like to call the "Christmas House" a.k.a. our "Forever House."  

This glowing place is warm and inviting where the adults stuff themselves with turkey at the fancy dining room table, while the kids seated at the "kid's table" battle over who can shove more green beans in their mouth.

This is the place where we all snuggle up on the squishy sectional sofa in the family room and watch A Christmas Story for the umpteenth time in our PJs under fleece blankets, sharing handfuls of my homemade Chex Mix.

The lit Christmas tree can be seen from the road, sparkling behind large windows.... the large windows on the house nestled amongst trees, sky, family ... and love.  The house that smells like warm pumpkin pie and fluffy fresh just-out-of-the dryer towels.

__________________

We have sold our house.  Our first home as a family.  

In about a week, we will be leaving these walls to make a new home.

Thankfully, my incredible husband and I share this dream of our "Forever House," though he just calls it "bigger, nicer and more energy efficient."

We have picked out some land we love, and with any luck we will be in that dream house by January.

I can't believe we are actually doing this.  

____________________

I am sad, mostly because I hate taking Holden's room away from him.  

He will love his new room and backyard, though.

We have started packing, but it is hard.  I have moved soooo many times.  I hope this is the last time I ever have to move.

To make it easier on me, Jordan put on some Christmas music last night.  It was silly, but oh so very nice.

____________________

When we decided to list the house, I prayed that I would be given the strength to just go with it ... no matter what happens, because we are where we are suppose to be on this roller coaster ride, and if it is meant to be, it will be.

And it was .... in four days.

A family that desperately and quickly needs a home in this area found our house immediately and made an offer.

So here we go, on what may be the biggest journey Jordan and I ever take together.  Hang on......

-Carmen

First Big Boy Haircut (Feb '09)

We took Holden for his first big boy haircut back in February.

Of course, I am just now getting around to posting the pictures.

He was very curious, but did not fuss.

The third picture is my fave.  Click to enlarge.

-Carmen

For Sale 2005 Xterra $12,500

We bought a new car (bigger if you can believe it) and must say goodbye to the Xterra.

I am sad. I love this car.

So if you are interested, click on the image on the right in the sidebar to view specifics.

Here are some more pics.

Premature Excitement?

My sweet little baby walked, unassisted from Mrs. B's recliner to her sofa (about 3 or 4 feet) yesterday!  Stiff legged and determined.  

There is hope!

-Carmen