Theezzz Please

Holden talks and talks .... and talks ... and talks .... ALL the time.

He has a comment for everything.

"I don't want it."  "This is delisus!"  "Peas are ucky."  "Beans are ucky."  "Poop is ucky."  "My tummy hurts."  "I'm sorry."  "I'll shut the door."  "I'll get it."  "I can do it."  "I keep trying."  "Come on momma."

And on, and on.

This is H telling me his version of "cheese."

THEEEZZZZZZ!

-Carmen

The Nose has it

I have been trying for a while to figure out whose nose Holden may have.  It doesn't look like mine or Jordan's.

Holden's cheeks, hair, jaw and chin are clearly his daddy's, but something about the middle part - his eyes, nose and mouth look more and more like my family features.

Flipping through some pictures of my grandparents, today I found one of PawPaw that seemed familiar.  The more I looked at it, the more I could see Holden.

This isn't the greatest picture of Holden, but it is at a similar angle.  If you saw Holden in person you could see what I'm talking about.

Regardless, for now I see PawPaw's big light blue eyes, broad nose and pout. And that gives me some peace.

-Carmen

 

Happy 4 Months Cooper!

Our tiny little monkey has started to chub up, finally.....

He wasn't getting the nutrition he needed so we switched to soy, which is not only easier on his tummy, but also gives off a very distinct odor.  I liken it to the smell of my car an hour after I have removed a bag that recently held french fries from Mickey D's.  In other words - Cooper stinks.

But I don't care because he is now happier and healthier.  And according to an online poop chart (oh yes, such a thing does exist complete with descriptions and visuals - click on it, you know you want to) he is now right on target for a heaping helping of health and prosperity.

Cooper opens his mouth as though he will burst in guffaw, only to let out an occasional tiny yelp.

And perhaps the biggest news this month .... his left hand MET his right hand and they have been inseparable ever since.

-Carmen

In a Rut

Suuuhhhhhlllllllllloooooooooooowwwwwwwwww as molasses.

The piers for the house were drilled and filled this week.  We stopped by today to see how it looks.

I have to say, it was a little disturbing to see our previously smooth terra madre so disheveled.

H searched for his pal paci ...

... just kidding.

It's actually one of the piers ....

Whoever keeps praying for all the rain - stop it.

-Carmen

We have had a breakthrough with the brothers.  Tis a fantastic day, indeed.

There are days that Holden runs the tips of his fingers across the top of Cooper's fauxhawk and says, "it tickles."

There are days (usually the same day) that Holden attempts to steamroll over Cooper laying on his playmat in the floor.

And then there are very special days like this......



-Carmen

And the Texas Children Rejoice

Record breaking snow in these here parts.

We also saw a record number of snowpeople.  When you live where we do, you are lucky to have a four hour window each year to hone your snow packing abilities.

-Carmen

Holden Thanks Ya

Here is the Thank You card I made for H's birthday "thanks."  Candle photo was taken by Auntie L at the party.

-Carmen

Happy 2.083 Holden!

Holden is turning into an old man before my eyes.  He insists on wearing his robe after his bath, brushing his teeth on his own, washing his hands before meals, shutting the door behind him so the warm air doesn't get out, getting himself in and out of the car, using a spoon (even though he misses or dumps every bite,) uses "please," "thank you," "I'm sorry," and "I don't want it" (signing most words!) appropriately.

Holden also recites the sweetest little prayer before meals and bedtime....

Dear Jebus.  Thank you.  For the food.  Aaaaaamen.

Dear Jebus.  Thank you.  For mommy.  For daddy.  Aaaaaamen.

Physically he is turning into a football player.  Poor baby isn't made for track or rock climbing.  He will be mommy's little jar opener before long.

-Carmen

Don't Mind if I do...

-Carmen

Andy's Blue Hour

When I wasn't even looking, I found the most incredible photographer.

Mr. Heatwole captures Texas landscape in a way that ... as I told him ... makes me miss my momma.

So I got a little something special to hang over the fireplace in our new house.

His work is a must-see for anyone that has a soft spot for the versatility, color and texture of Texas.  Trust me you will want to dive right in to Andy's photos.

Also, the artiste has been very thorough and patient with my million and one questions and ramblings.

-Carmen

Happy 3 Months Cooper!

Our little nugget is smiling and "talking" a lot this month.  Cooper sleeps through the night most nights, and is overall a very easy-going kid.

He loves to sit in his swing, and he loves him some MOMMA.  We stare at each other and make silly faces until one of starts to cry.

Cooper is holding his head up very well and starting to hold his bottle for a couple of minutes at a time.

Coop is still super snugly and balls up on your chest anytime you let him.

-Carmen

Farewell Dear Paci

Pacifier "Paci" passed away January 23, 2010 in it's home.

Paci joined the Stogzilla family in 2008 and quickly formed bonds with the eldest son, Holden.

It graduated "Pediatrician Recommended" in 2008 and was honored as "Best Naptime Soother" 2 years in a row. Paci spent many hours outside of work volunteering as a toddler spoon rest during dinner and breakfast.

Paci is survived by Super Soft Monkey Blanket, Hoodie Duck Towel, Blue Bear 1, Blue Bear Too, Elmo Shoes and a great number of Tags located all over the house on a number of fabric items.

Paci will always be remembered by loved ones as dependable, quiet and thoughtful, soothing and easy to clean.

Memorial and burial services were held January 23, 2010 at the new Stogzilla homestead at sundown.

The family will be planting a Red Oak tree over the burial plot.

-Carmen

Land Update - Forms

Our fam of four made a brief stop at the land to say goodbye to a dear friend (more on this later) and check on the progress of the house.

The forms are in place for the foundation.  With Mother Nature's permission we will proceed with piers, then rough in the plumbing.

We just kind of turned Holden loose, tonight.

When Jordan changed his diaper at home, he found a pound of dry clay chunks.  Holden deposited them for safe keeping.

This is the beautiful winter sky from the garage region.

-Carmen

Work Kicks

Girlie girl work boots need mud, too....

ApartMENTAL

As of late, Friday night in the Stogsdill household consists of me sitting at a local coin-op laundr-o-mat.  Jordan and the kids hang out at the apartment.

I spent many a late night for 5 years in a public laundry facility ... this has never been my idea of a good time.  I would even be willing to call it "date night" if Jordan was with me.  Alas, on laundry night I sit making distorted faces at myself in the machine doors and playing sudoku on my ipod ... and obviously taking a picture or two wondering why there isn't a descent laundry mat closer to the apartment.  I hauled my family's clothes more than 9 miles for some sudsy fun!  My favorite part is picking lint and hair off my kid's clothes that doesn't belong to us during the folding process.

Can you see me in the door?  I'm on the right side, pink sweat pants, with legs crossed.

This evening was particularly special ... it was raining, my pink sweat pants became incredibly muddy during the unloading process from the back of the car, and the annoying kid sitting on the only available clothes folding table watching a Star Wars cartoon apparently was the attendant on duty.  I'm not kidding he was about 15 and had the keys to the building, the money, everything ....  Unfortunately, I figured that out about the time he was leaving.  He could have at least turned the volume down on the TV blasting the toons with the secret remote when he decided to lock up the office area.

Call it cabin fever.  Call it privileged brat that needs an occasional reminder of how good she actually has it.  Call it ... whatever, but I HATE this apartment.  The walls are closing in and we are all getting on each other's nerves.  Short tempers are in surplus around here.

Everything on the house is 2 forward and 1 back.  By the way, it does not normally take this long to build a house.  The average time for a custom build start to finish is 6 - 9 months.

There is a Shiner or two (or three) in the fridge calling my name ... ever so gently ...

Grumpy 'tude, I bid you adieu.

-Carmen

   

Bad Kitty

Holden trots past me in the kitchen toward the hallway with his plush Pumpkin Kitty under his arm.

He places kitty in the "timeout" spot against the wall, squats down on her eye-level, wags his finger at her while sternly explaining why she is in timeout (sounds like gibberish to me.)  He stands up with hands on hips and stares at her.

I ask, "do you want me to set the timer?"

He waves me back, stomps and says something that sounded like, "I've got it, momma."

He waited about 10 more seconds, picked kitty up, hugs and kisses for kitty.  Then tucked her into his bed, said, "goodnight, I love you" and shut the door on his way out.

So, what did kitty do that was timeout worthy?  Not sure, but I have noticed she has been hanging out with Cooper a lot more lately.

-Carmen

Mean People Suck

Jordan and I will be doing most of the interior work of the house ourselves.  We are both quite handy (he gave me a LOADED tool belt for my birthday ... I love it ... too heavy to carry on my person, but I still love it.)

So, we purchased a trailer to haul any and everything two weeks ago.

Apparently we aren't the only ones that needed this trailer.

Jordan texted me from the land this morning to say that the trailer was stolen.  My heart sank.

They went to a lot of trouble to take it.  Jordan had secured it VERY well.  AND this is not a through traffic kind of street.

____________________

When I was in college someone broke into my car and stole my backpack full of books.  Randomly, a few weeks later the guy that took my books was caught with my bag during a traffic stop.  I didn't care about the books and bag, and didn't think too much about it until he was caught and PD told me his name.

Then he became HUMAN, and at that moment I felt so incredibly let down and disappointed in humans.  People I KNOW have taken things from me, but I can take some ownership for associating myself with them and allowing them in my life.  But this guy?  I hadn't done anything to him. I had never met him.

____________________

So now we are scrambling to figure out how to get this house built without living out there in a tent to protect what's ours.  I feel like a crazy mountain man sitting on my front porch armed to the tooth (because he only has one) ... suspicious and paranoid.

I've said it before ... I know there are much worse things that could happen, but today, to me, this is pretty rotten.


-Carmen

Tête-à-tête for a Toddler

We celebrated darling H's birthday over the weekend.

We kept it small this year.  I didn't finish the invite in time to snail mail it so I emailed ... saved a twig to see another day, in the process.

After his birthday last year, I told hubby we needed to start planning his 2nd party when August hits.  It's hard planning things after Christmas!  Alas, with baby on the brain ....

A mighty big thanks to Auntie L for taking pictures and to Auntie Sara for video taping.  I'm so grateful I was then able to focus on H and enjoy his subtle expressions and quirks.

Holden is showing great promise when it comes to opening presents.  Quite the pro, that one!  Must take after his mother.

Auntie Sara and fam, gave Holden a robotic dinosaur that walks and roars.  Last night, he turned on the dinosaur, ran in front of it about 3 feet, turned to face the toy, motioned with his hand, and called out,  "come here, dunuhroar! Come here."  I almost cried.  He's getting so big and so smart.

____________________

Anyone have any good ideas for Cooper's b-day?  He is a Halloween baby, so that helps!

Hugs to all!

-Carmen

Happy 24 Months Holden!

I'm only leaving this picture up for a little while.....  too cute not to, but then I need to save it for the first time he brings a girl home .....

My dear first-born is 2 years old!  I can hardly believe it.  I replayed the day he was born in my mind, and was sad to discover how abridged it has become.  So for posterity.....

Holden was anxious to meet us 4 weeks before he was due.  Doc said to take it easy and get off my feet.  Something about wimpy white boy syndrome and lung development (yes, it's real.)

So I did just the opposite.  I made Jordan take me for walks at IKEA and Target as often as possible.  I also bought an exercise ball and bounced around on it daily chanting, "get out!  Get out!"

Around week 30 of pregnancy, I bathed and shaved my legs every day ... just in case.  Then one day, I chose not to bathe or shave my legs and Jordan took me to a movie ... the last movie we would get to go to for a long time.

A gentleman collapsed climbing the stairs during the previews.  I looked at Jordan expecting him to hand me his drink and popcorn so he could render aid.  Alas, my hero was watching to see if the man would get up ... still munching away on his popcorn, feet propped on the rail in front of him.  "God, if he laughs I'll be mortified!"

I gave him the "LOOK."  He heard my mind say, "you better help that man!"  Jordan jumped into action and helped the man ... still fit to take a seat to watch the movie.

No sooner than Jordan settled back into his seat ... my water broke!  My eyes almost popped out of my head.  I could hear his mind say, "what?  I helped the man, he is fine."  I leaned in, "I think it's time!"

I ran to the bathroom to ... well don't worry about it.

Back in the hallway, I was standing alone looking for hubby.  He was nowhere to be found.

I called his cell phone, and pictured him sitting there ... eating all of my popcorn.  Then I saw him on the OTHER END OF THE BUILDING!

He went to look for me at the wrong restroom.  After catching up to me, we devised a plan to rendezvous at the emergency exit where he would pick me up.  "BREAK!"

I took one step outside into the crisp January air and decided my cold damp lower half couldn't take it.  With my arms wrapped around my belly like Holden was going to fall out, I trotted around to the front of the building to look for my ride.

Once in the car we were on our way to have a baby!

Oh wait ... I didn't have my insurance card with me "better stop at the house" (40 minutes from the theater) ... oh wait ... we didn't have gas in the car!

Gas ... home ... on our way to the hospital (another 40 minutes away.)  Checked in, admitted ... wait and wait and wait and wait ...

Many hours later I tried to convince the nurse my hypoglycemia was getting the best of me and I should be allowed a steak dinner.  "What do you mean you are going to check my blood sugar levels first?  Just forget it, I'm really just very hungry."  They checked anyway, then she gave me ice chips.  YUM!

My sister and I have a little competitive streak.  She was in the room with us during labor and I asked, "how long did you have to push when you had Sawyer?"  She said it took about 25 minutes.  When the doctor said, "ok, it's time to push," I looked at the clock and told myself I could do this in 20 minutes.  I WILL WIN!  35 minutes later, my precious little Holden welcomed US into his life.

P.S  No movie theater seats were harmed during the making of this story.

____________________

There have been moments when I have been less than perfect, and my momma would tell me that I "wouldn't truly know what unconditional love is until I have a child."

She was right.  Even when I'm frustrated that Holden and I are negotiating the last bite of peas, or why it's not ok for him to run out the front door by himself, I love this job.  And when I'm teaching him that "sharing is good," and "hitting is bad," I love this job!

And that really IS the job, isn't it?  To raise good fathers and husbands, mothers, wives and friends.  That's my goal, anyway.  

My heart nearly exploded when I first saw that face that looks so much like his dad.  A switch was flipped and all of a sudden I'm going to take care of this person for the rest of my life.

I'm going to love him, teach him and wipe his boogers away with my sleeve.

-Carmen

Mini Coop

Cooper had his 2 month Well Appointment, today.

He weighs just over 10 lbs.

Little Cooper is in the 25th percentile for average weight and height, and only 10th percentile for head size.  He has a sweet little peanut head.

Cooper just recently started looking at the world around him.  He smiles sometimes and bursts out in an occasional coo that seems to startle him.  Then he tries to recreate the sound, mouth wide open and eyes bugged.

His hair sticks straight up in the air without coaxing, and he has tiny ... but long, fingers and toes.

The best news ...... he slept through the night last night.  I however did not, worrying every hour why I hadn't heard a peep out of him.

-Carmen