Bye Bye Grandma

We are on our way back home. Left this morning at 7am. It's a little foggy; let's hope the roads stay clear. I'm glad we aren't trying to fly out.

ChristmasTime is Here!

I didn't get the chance to share our First Family Christmas with you. Before leaving on our grand trip to Iowa to see my family, Charlie, Max, Asher and I celebrated our first Family Christmas together. Friday night we watched It's a Wondeful Life while I made Christmas Cookies. This year I only made Sugar and Gingerbread, having a 3 month old slows things down a bit. Usually I make Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip, but it got me in the holiday spirit!

We woke up and had our very own Cinnamon Rolls AKA hockey Pucks and coffee, then opened Stockings. Then it turned into nap time for Max so we all went for a lovely walk, it was a crisp day. Then back home for a bottle and presents. Charlie and Max were Santa's Helpers, it was too much fun!

Safe and Sound in South Bend

We have stopped for the night and everyone is glad to be out of the car. 400 mikes to go tomorrow. We hope the weather holds out.

Heading Home

7am Sunday Morning. Heading home... To Ma and Pa Flowers' house for some good old fashioned ChristmasTime. Monster Max is ready in his travel suit and is now passed out in his car seat. Two days in the car, the most states traveled, wish us luck! See you in Iowa.

I love my mornings!

It's been too cold out for our morning walk, so the boys and I are spending some time developing a new rhythm. I think Max and Asher are starting to figure things out.

Nom... Nom... Nom...

I was in the kitchen and heard this sound: Nom... Nom... Nom...

Max was chewing on Dino.

On the Road Again

We were invited to Saratoga Springs this weekend to see a show at Skidmore College, Charlie's alma mater. We started out yesterday morning, arrived and had a quick but tasty lunch at the Putnum Street Market followed by a walk in the North Woods and campus. After a pitstop at the hotel we headed downtown for some reminiscing with old friends.

The show was wonderful, a few of the students we know were kind enough to watch Max so Charlie and I could have a semi-date night. The night was fun, now we are headed back home... I can't wait.

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig

FAT PIG!

~as my Husband would say... Something I have realized he learned from his Mother. I'm sure you are aware of the Mother Goose Rhyme... To Market, To Market; Well this is their shortened version which I now say after spending the past two weeks with my Mother In Law.

I must admit we had a wonderful time, minus my two illnesses. My MIL took care of me, Max and Asher so wonderfully we are truly grateful. I read 1 book and started another, finished knitting a sweater, and finished knitting Max's Stroller Blanket (good thing cause it got cold in Maine). We also got 50% of our Christmas shopping done!




We had a happy, wonderful, and filling Thanksgiving, including: Several bad jokes, old friends and new friends, one 92 year old matriarch, one very hospitable hostes, three teenagers, two siblings, three in-laws, five dogs, two babies, and five pies.

Anyone want to do the math?

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. I did. I am truly grateful for the family I share and the life I have. After two weeks of fun and friendship I am happy to be home with my loving husband, new baby and crazy dog. Here's to Thanksgiving may it be remembered everyday and here here to that FAT PIG!

We have arrived!

With all of the commotion Saturday night I missed this post; better late than never.

When you last left us:
Max, Asher and Mommy where leaving our first stop at Charlton Plaza for Maine. We stopped and picked up Aunt Nell and Cousin Lila around 3pm and arrived at GrandmaNan's around 5:30pm. Overall I'd say we did pretty well. Only one melt down and that one was by Max as we entered town. He had decided he'd finally had enough. Needless to say I now know I can travel 500 miles with the dog and baby by myself. I must admit I am proud to be a mommy, and I think I did it pretty well too.

Off to Grandmas!

Since Dad is going into tech today, Max, Asher, and I have decided to go to grandmaNan's. We started at 7:30 this morning. We are now at our first rest stop. 6 more hours to go! So far, so good!

Sometimes Babies Just Cry

Sometimes Babies are not hungry, they are not tired, they are not wet or soiled, they are not bored, they do not want to be held, they do not want to be burped, they do not want to be left alone, they do not have to poop... Sometimes Babies Just Cry.

Sometimes we have to take a deep breath and remember... Sometimes Babies just cry. They will stop when they are ready.

I AM A MOM!

I have a 2 month old son, whom I love! I have become one of those people who only takes pictures of their child... and I take about a dozen a day. I take video of him, I dress him in cool little outfits. He is bigger and bigger everyday.

This morning we went for a hike; it was only 40degs out when we left the house, I had to put him in a 6month size warmie! He's only 2 months old! Everyday he looks more and more like a real boy. Today he fit in the the ergo (baby carrier) without the infant insert; his legs actually stick out the bottom.

I have known for a long time that I wanted to be a mom, but to be a mom is something different, it's special. We have a great time everday. Some days are harder than others and sometimes I'm all by myself. Max and I tell each other stories and roll around and laugh together. He is more than just a partner in crime I think he is my soul. Everyday he amazes. His smile melts my heart and sometimes I think we understand each other.

Max has a schedule, it is my job to work around his schedule to accomplish a multitude of tasks everyday. I am a fairly organized and straightforward person. I appreciate my son for understanding and working with me on this. I take our schedule and all of the tasks that need to be accomplished and find a way to do them as efficiently as possible. We wake up, poop, eat, go for a hike, poop, eat, have playtime, take a nap, then do it all over again. I have found a new rhythm to my life that is both wonderful and unexpected. Even though I new I wanted to be a mom I had no idea what that actually meant. Until now.

Everyday this little boy looks up at me and I see something new, in him and in myself. I am growing more now that I have in years. I have loved my life but now I am in love with my life. I am the luckiest girl in the world. I got to grow up to become: an artist, a wife, a mother, a worker, a watcher, a leader, a follower, a cheerleader, a hard-ass, a woman, a child, a sleeper, a reader, a knitter, a crafter, a lion, and me.

Happy Halloween!

TRICK OR TREAT! I made Max's first Halloween Costume... a PUMPKIN!

This morning we went out for Breakfast with our Friends the Cristman's at Lena's Cafe then off for a wonderful fall walk at Wintergreen Lake. Max wore his Skeleton outfit, we have been in the spirit for weeks now!


















This afternoon we made Pumpkin Cookies!



I carved Jack The Pumpkin King!










Now we are ready for Trick or Treaters! I added a few more tombstones this year! Thanks Charlie for the help!

Max's First Ride

After a few weeks of checking each other out...sniffing, licking, and farting contests....Asher and Max finally get to play!

Max's First Smiles

This past week Max has grown so much. We started to notice that he was reacting and interacting. He has started smiling! One night just before bathtime we decided to try and capture his first smiles. Charlie goes a little crazy with the camera but it's worth it for the ending.

Introducing Max...

So 7 weeks later... here's MAX!

Maxwell James Alexander
Born on:9/1/10
11:49pm
Weight: 10lbs 3oz
Height: 23"
Continued from our last episode... By 11pm I had fully effaced and was just over 4cm dialted. Max's head had started to drop however the crown of his head was not. His head had started to cone, but wasn't continuing. I had also started to produce a small fever; once my fever reached 100* the midwives contacted the Doctor Once he arrived it was determined that I was not progressing and was having a disfunctional labor. I was given another epidural and we headed off for the operating room.

Once we got there the C-section went well... Unfortnately my arms had to be taped down due to some shaking from the epidural and adrenalin. Max was pulled out to hoot and hollers from those attending. He's the biggest baby they've seen for a long time. Charlie brought him over to me and we got to spend a few minutes together before he was taken to the NICU. Since I developed a small fever Max had to spend at least 2 days there until bloodwork was checked out. We ended up staying in the NICU for 5 days, the doctors wanted to make sure that we were all ready to come home.

We arrived home Sunday September 5th. Everything seemed to go by so fast, yet it seemed to last forever. We came home and had a week of wonderful help from Grammy and Papa Flowers and then GrandmaNan spent the next week with us. We have had 2 doctors appointments and at one month Max weighed 12lbs and won everyone's hearts in the office. we go in next week for our 2 Month Appointment.

More photos and videos to come, we have been busy... Coming soon...
Max's First Smiles
Max Makes Friends
Max's First Ride

24 hrs in

It's been a productive 24 hours. After an evening of cervidil, I started having contractions on my own at 4 am this morning, 2 to 4 minutes apart. They increased steadily throughout the morning. At 10, they started me on petosin to give my contractions a little help. Around noon, I had a nonstop cluster of contractions with a very large baby moving around, at which time they broke my water. At this point the pain got intense enough from the petosin, I accepted the offer of an epideral. Now, 24 hours in I am 4 cm dilated, fully effaced and ready to go. As long as I keep progressing I should have baby by morning.

On to Induction

So we have passed the due date and have started the induction process. We arrived at the hospital at 7pm; cervidil started at 9:30pm. We'll see where we are in 12 hours.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today was my birthday, it was a great day too. I slept in and then had French Toast for breakfast! I feel very lucky to have received several birthday messages throughout the entire day. And to top everything off my wonderful Husband and Mother in Law took me out for Sushi and Ice Cream. Now if only my water would break... Then baby Bucket will be here, that might be a truly amazing present.

Mark you calendars for next year, I'll turn the big 30!

Off to Ellsworth

Off to Ellsworth we traveled. The trip took a bit longer than usual
due to the Fourth of July parade in Searsport, but we turned on some
tunes and got a tan while stopped on Route 1. An hour later traffic
was moving again and so were we. Charlie, Nancy, and Asher went for a
hike while I stayed back and worked on my knitting project. When they
returned it was time for LOBSTER! Today was pretty okay!

Goodbye Islesboro

After our two night stay we have decided to leave Islesboro. We are
sad to go but excited to have brunch with Nell and Little Lila before
making our way up to Ellsworth. We will miss the parade and fireworks,
but onward we go in search of family. I hope we come back to Islesboro
next summer with Baby Bucket.

Little Lila

Today was wonderful. Aunt Nell and Cousin Lila came to Islesboro.
After we all said hello it was time to have an early birthday party
for Lila. Presents were a success and the day just got better. We had
a lite lunch then went for a walk at Turtles Head, a spot on the
island. Then off to the Dark Harbor Shop for ice cream, where I sat
next tithe actor Chris O'Donnell, who was barefoot... It was kind of
strange. Then back to the Big House for naps and more playtime with
Lila. Best part of the day!

First Night in Islesboro

Upon exiting the Ferry everyone pulled off to the side of the road to
avoid momma duck and the babies.

Waiting for the Ferry

We got to the Lincolnville to Islesboro Ferry Terminal about an hour
ago. We even had enough time to get a lobster roll and a grilled
cheese. Now we are just waiting in line for the 3pm run. Warm sun,
cool breeze, and a kicking baby (in my belly).
Waiting for the ferry relaxes Charlie, I'd say he's just about ready
to start feeling like he's on vacation.

It looks like we might be the only people to go out to the Big House
so far this summer. Hopefully Nell and Little Lila will come out
tomorrow. What a way to spend a few days. I love vacation.

Up to Maine

It's been awhile since my last post... Sometimes work gets in the way
of life.

Charlie and I just finished working for the International Festival of
Arts & Ideas in New Haven, CT. Since the long days are over we have
decided to drive up to Maine for a visit. Also, I am now 32 weeks
pregnant and I'm not sure if we'll be able to visit later in the
summer since I'm due August 27.

We left a bit ago and are looking forward to a few days of fun,
family, and frivolity. Join us on our visit.

Oh the benefits!

When you put the swollen feet, constant trips to the bathroom, and
overly emotional responses aside the benefits aren't so bad.

Fourth Official Purchase

We bought a new car! Say hello to our Kia Sorento. His name is White Rabbit. We can't wait for all of our new adventures! Tonight A DATE! Amazing!






















We got to see the whole gang before we left, they approve!

Third Official Purchase

So one day soon I will stop numbering the purchases... We ran some errands today and found ourselves at Babies'R'Us. We ordered the baby furniture and they just happened to have the crib in stock.
Unexpectedly we ended up with the crib tonight. After dinner we decided we better put it together, so here it is. We should get the dresser and changing table in the next week or so. What a happy surprise! I still have to paint the room, but that's a next weekend project.

Second official purchase... I can't help myself.

Now that we know we are having a little boy I just can't help myself.
Soon I will get started on the nursery, and I can't wait. I'm a planner and I really like setting things up. You could say I like to organize, and I am super excited about getting ready. I had a couple of girlfriends visit this weekend; we knit all weekend and of course made a trip to the craft stores. I got some amazing fabric covered with monsters, very cute. So then I started thinking about getting
Baby Bucket a monster toy. So we found some uglydolls. In a few weekends they will have an official home, but for right now we are starting a pile of baby stuff in the spare room, which will in a few weeks start to transform into the nursery!

First official baby purchase!

We found out yesteday that we are having a little boy on August 27, 2010! We are so excited and just haven't been able to stop thinking about the baby boy we are going to have. We have decided to use the bigger spare room and turn it into a nursery. It is already this very nice teal and goes with the fabric I picked out months ago for the baby blanket. As it turned out after I got home I found I had picked out fabric and it was a little too boyish, so I decided to wait till we found out what the baby would be so I could change some of the fabric if it was a girl, but now I'm back at it. Well anyway, we were at Babies'r'us and found the bouncer that matches the pack'n'play, highchair, and swing we wanted and the bouncer is now discontinued. So we bought the floor model at a super
clearance price! Now we are officially in business!

17w6d

I am nearing the middle of the fourth month and I have gotten a little bit bigger. My mom keeps asking if I'm sure I'm not caring twins... I don't think so. Tomorrow we have our next doctor's appointment, and in two weeks we have our next ultrasound and we will be able to determine if Baby Bucket is a boy bucket or girl bucket. We are very excited. I have started to feel little flutterings and movement; around the middle of the afternoon and at the end of the day. I can't wait to feel that first kick!

Home Sweet Home

Home at last. We just picked up Asher and are home. Thank you for
following this journey with us.

Books on Tape

We are just passing outside NYC on the New Jersey Turnpike. So close
and yet still about 2 hours away.

We have been very lucky to have found a book on tape for this trip
home. It picks up where Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice left off,
except with a very dark twist. I really enjoy it, and it is making the
trip on this dark dreary day.

Good Morning Virginia

We had a wonderful night's sleep and a hot breakfast this morning. I
took a quick walk while Charlie put the bags in the truck. Now on to
the home stretch.

End of Day

We have decided to stop for the night. We are currently at a Holiday
Inn Express in Petersburg, VA. We made it to our destination and boy o
boy is his my knind of place. The colors are orange, yellow, green,
blue, and red and brand spanking new. Pretty well priced too. We plan
to get up in the morning grab a quick bite to eat then take a short
walk on the treadmill before hopping back into the truck. We only have
about 450 miles left for tomorrow. Hooray!

Goodbye Gerogia, Hello South Carolina

We just crossed the Georgia, South Carolina border. The welcome center
was packed and parking was backed up the ramp, but we made it. We took
a little walk before getting back in the truck. We should have walked
a bit longer but the place was packed. Oh well we will need to stop in
100 miles or so for gas, so we have another chance. I just hope we can
stay a little bit ahead of the weather. The north of Florida was a
downpour. I'm glad Charlie drove through that, hr says I get angry and
swear a lot I. Those conditions. Anything to make him happy.

Bagels With !

My favorite place to eat in Delray is Bagels With ! They have the
best bagels and the best combinations. Yesterday I got a bagel with
cream cheese, tomato, and bacon. Today just a bagel with veggie cream
cheese. Charlie's had the bagel with cream cheese, onion, caper, and
nova salmon. It is always fast and delicious. Now back to the road.

On The Road Again

Today marks the end of our days in Florida. We have headed out and are
soon to be on I-95 traveling North. According to Tom-Tom we have 1316
miles and will arrive tomorrow night. We are sad to leave but we must.

Day Six in Florida

Today was different; we woke up and attended a National Croquet Tornament in West Palm featuring Charlie Sr and Tim. They won one and lost one so they play for the Championship tomorrow morning. I must say it was the most civilized sporting event I have ever been to. Not a all like the events I went to or was apart of growing up. There was no yelling, no cheering, there was hardly any clapping. Just four people to a court hitting balls through little white wickets. Granted this is not your average backyard game, these are serious competitors and should not be taken lightly. They all wear white and mean to win. Below is a shot from todays final game.

















After game we headed back to Delray, everyone went to the beach so I decided to get some alone time at the pool. Today finally I got a tan. Afterwards we all got ready for a dinner party at the Brights on the intercoastal.
















Dinner at the Brights is always a wonderful event. And evening filled with good food, amazing conversation, and a hell of a good time. We never wanted to leave, but sadly tomorrow we head back to Connecticut. Ending this evening at a large table with empty glasses and plates on the intercoastal was the best way to end an almost week in Florida. We have felt loved and well cared for on this visit. We started looking towards nest years vacation and realized we will have a 6 month old baby with us and how our lives will never be the same, but we also realized that it is only going to get better. Thank you Florida, and on that note, this is how I left the evening.

Day Five in Florida

Today started out with a very interesting and involved dream, the short story: a cursed family, treasure hunters and a buried house... Charlie says I should write it all down and publish it as a short story. Too bad it was a dream and somehow they leak out of your brain as you move on with your day... so, moving on.
We have been parking at Abby and Chad's condo, they have a rule about parking trucks in their parking lot. We have been parking there for the past 5 days; this morning we found a note on the window saying we we're breaking the rules and we we're going to be towed if we didn't move the truck. So we drove to the nature preserve and had a lovely walk.





















After our walk we packed up the truck and headed to Delray Beach where we ate a marvolous lunch at Sliders; after a short walk we ended up at the Beach! It was wonderful!

















Around 4pm the wind picked up and we ended up by the pool at the Little Apartment before heading off to a great dinner spot, Cabana-Cuban food. Where we sat outside and ate and watched the sun set.

















On the walk back to the Little Apartment we stopped at the new fancy hotel on Atlantic Ave for some Ice Cream and they had the most wonderful fish tanks I've ever seen. All in all it was an amazing day!