Some Pictures

Here are some more pictures of my beautiful boy!!

Our BIG Weekend

Everyone has told me that kids Alex's age change so quickly. Boy - they weren't kidding.

By the time Sunday night rolled around Alex learned to do the following:

• Crawl (and I mean real crawl - hands and knees, not the army crawling he has been doing)
• Pull himself up to his knees (he will crawl to one of his toys and get himself to his knees)
• Pull himself up to a stand using mom or dad
• Walk holding onto mom or dad's hands

He wasn't doing ANY of these things on Friday. He even pulled himself up to a stand tonight in the bathtub!!!!

Here are a couple pictures of Alex pulling himself up to his knees. He did this all by himself.

Here's Alex playing with his new Elmo table. My cousin's little boy has this same table, and Alex LOVED playing with it at Will's birthday party. So, I found a used one on eBay and Alex is just stoked about it. Here he is - standing by himself!!!!

My little boy is growing up!!!!!

I'm Freaking Out!!!!

Ok - a couple of posts ago I mentioned that Alex was watching his Signing Time video in the picture I posted.

Last night I got another comment on that post from Rachel Coleman. Rachel and her sister are the founders of the Signing Time Videos!!!!!! She is the songwriter, singer, and main person in the videos. I'm totally freaking out. I can't believe that she posted a comment on my blog!!!!!! Holy Cow!!!!! I literally watch her everyday on tv. :)

The videos are really good. You can learn more about their products at www.signingtime.com

(and Alleen - Alex will ONLY sit still for these videos. Nothing else catches his attention like these do)

Alex Has Been on the Blogs

I didn't think Alex was paying much attention when I'm checking out other people's blogs. I think he's been paying too much attention to Gia's blog.

Alex says, "Gia, I'm with ya sista! Let's get those babies out of PGN!!!"

Our Week

Alex went with me to work yesterday. We had a staff meeting that I didn't want to miss, so I just brought him along. He was PERFECT!!! How did I get such a perfect child? He just sat on my lap playing with the toys I brought. He babbled at the inappropriate moments which made people laugh - but actually sat there for an hour and half. :)

He's still stuffed up, but it's getting better. He's starting to crawl for real - and actually pulled himself up today for the first time. I'm excited, but not sure I'm ready for him to be completely mobile.

The picture above is of him watching a Signing Time video. He still isn't signing back, but I think he's starting to understand a few signs. (milk and eat)

(Oh - and that's not what my couch looks like. We have old couches that we let the dog lay on. Because of that, we keep old comforters and sheets on the couches to try to keep the dog hair in control.)

More Christmas

Ok - so I'm a month late. :) Here are some pictures from Christmas week.

This is my Aunt Linda holding her grandson, Will. We were at my cousin's house celebrating Will's first birthday. (and yes, that's Alex and I)

Here's Alex with my Dad.

Alex and I....I don't think he really liked the birthday hat.

This was back in the hotel room opening presents. Alex thought the tractor tasted pretty good.

Alex still isn't sleeping at daycare. I don't know what to do anymore!! He was so tired tonight. We didn't get a chance to spend any time with him, because he was asleep by 7:30. I just feel so bad for him.

I Can't Believe I'm Doing This

Ok - a couple of you said you haven't seen the commercial. So - for those of you who haven't here it is. For those of you who have seen it - just move on to your next blog. :)

Rockem Sockem.........ARHGHGHGGHH

How many of you have seen that Rockem Sockem Dodge commercial yet? No? Do you live under a rock???

If I have to watch that stupid commercial one more time, I think I'm going to go out and Rockem Sockem to someone or something (preferably whoever made that commercial)

The commercial, by itself, isn't that bad. The problem is that Dodge has bought every other commercial spot during football games for the past 4 weeks. I've seen that commercial so many times!!!!!

Ok - I feel better now. :)

I've Been Tagged

I've been tagged by Ginger to name 6 weird things about me. I'm making Jay help me with this one.

1. I'm scared of the dark - I mean REALLY scared of the dark. I swear that something is going to come get me. Not like the boogyman - but something real. I have no reason to feel this way.

2. I have to finish watching tv shows/movies/books. Jay can be channel surfing, end up on a show that I care NOTHING about, but then I have to watch it until the end. Jay says it has something to do with me needing closure.

3. I used to have a very weird thing about escalators (it has gotten better). I had this fear about stepping on it. I would wait and make sure that I could time it to be right on the step. I was always afraid that I would step on in between the steps, and then when the steps would separate I would fall. Which brings me to.....

4. Fear of falling. I don't know if my equilibrium is just off, but when ever I'm somewhere up high (and it doesn't even have to be high) I get this feeling like I'm going to fall. This probably has something to do with the fact that I'm very clumsy.

5. I LOVE Barry Manilow - Ok - I know that's the weirdest one yet. I have always like Barry. Quick story - when Jay and I were moving to Kentucky from Ohio, our house in Ohio was broken into. They kids (we were pretty sure it was kids) took ALL of our CD's except for my Barry Manilow Box Set. They actually opened a cabinet, picked it up and then put it back down in the middle of the floor!!! :) I have to say - that cracked me up.

6. Ok - this isn't really weird - maybe unusual - I waited until my 21st birthday to have any alcohol.

I think everyone has been tagged on this one - so if anyone hasn't been and wants to share their weird things - share away!!

(0h - and by the way - the prayers worked!!! Bua gets to stay in the U.S.!!!!)

Target and.......Tennis????

(to set this post up) Alex and I went to Target today after his doctor's appointment. The nearest Target is about 30 miles away, so I don't get to go too often.

I've learned that 11:00 on a Thursday morning is a great time to go. There was nobody there!! I could browse leisurely. (Alex slept through most of my browsing)

Now, there are some things that go together - apple pie and ice cream, peanut butter and jelly, little boys and dogs, and ramma lamma lamma ka dinga da dinga dong. But - did you know that Target goes with ladies who play tennis? While I was at Target I counted 10 - yes you heard me right - 10 ladies who were there in their little tennis outfits. (and some of them shouldn't have had such little outfits)

I'm not aware of an indoor tennis facility particularly close to Target, but there must be. I was just waiting for a tennis match to breakout in the home furnishings aisle.

(and Alex got a good report at the doctor's office - he's now 25% for weight - 18 lbs 9 ounces - and 50% for height - he did get four shots and blood drawn to check for iron...he wasn't happy!!)

Our TiVo Saga - Continued

I know I mentioned in my previous post that TiVo died. Well - we decided to try to resurrect it.

It was the hard drive that failed. This happened about 2 years ago, and we just bought a new hard drive and replaced it. Jay wanted to get a High Definition DVR and was trying to talk me into it. After doing the research, we found out that DirecTV's DVR are HORRIBLE.

So, we decided to do another transplant. This time I did it!!! You heard that right - I changed the hard drive in our TiVo box!!! YEAH!!! And it's working!!! Our local channels aren't on there, but that's typical. I have to call DirecTV tomorrow to get them back on.

YEAH!!! Oh - and Alex is feeling much better. We go to the doctor tomorrow for his "9" month check-up (2 weeks early). He has to get 4 shots tomorrow!!

I know that many of my friends and colleagues read this blog everyday. Please keep my blog friend Julia in your prayers. They would like to adopt the unborn child of a lovely girl who is living with them. Bua is from Thailand and is having some Visa issues. Please pray that our government will allow her to stay here, give birth to her child, and allow Julia's family to adopt this precious baby.

My Cutie

Well - we've had a rough couple of days. Alex really didn't feel well this weekend. His fever broke and never came back, but his congestion was just horrible. He wasn't sleeping, and cried ALL the time. Sunday night was the worst. He hardly took a nap during the day, slept from 7:30-8:15, 9:15-11:15 and then he was up.....until 3:30 in the morning!!!! YIKES! Luckily Jay and I both had Monday off for the MLK holiday. He's now doing better. Yesterday was a good day, and he actually got some sleep at daycare today.

Here are some of my favorite recent pictures of him. (there were obviously taken pre-cold)

If you look behind him you will learn a lot about me. There is Dave Ramsey Financial Financial Peace University, History of Broadway, Rites of Autumn (goes with a 10 part series all about the history of College Football), The College Football Encyclopedia and the Ohio State University Football Encyclopedia (signed by the author on the day that we won the 2002 National Championship) - and they are all mine!!

Thanks McKenzie Crew!!

I've been really late in posting this!! Thanks to the McKenzie Crew for the wonderful presents for Alex. He LOVES the rattle and has proceeded to chew on every corner of it. He will also be wearing those cute duckie slippers to daycare this next week. Thank you!!!! You guys are the best!!!

Here's a picture of the backpack I got for Alex. I didn't know how I wanted to carry his stuff back and forth to daycare. I didn't want to use my diaper bag - it's too big - and I like it too much. I thought this was perfect. I can't wait until the day that I can actually put it on his back!

Alex's fever broke last night at 10:30 and he was ready to play!! (which we did until about midnight) He then didn't want to go back to sleep. I eventually tried to put him in bed with Jay and I, and as I "hopped" into bed - the BED BROKE!!!! You heard me right - the underneath of the bed that holds the slats in place broke. I couldn't believe. First TiVo - then our bed.

Jay ended up sleeping upstairs - I ended up on the couch. Our bedroom now looks like we just got out of college. Our mattresses are just laying on the floor!! I'm using this as an opportunity to get all new bedroom furniture. :)

Alex has still been quite cranky all day. I hope he continues to sleep well, as I think that's helping.

It Works!!!!

I don't know about you guys, but I really stressed about being a first time mommy. There are so many things that I just don't know about.

I did find out today that my mommy's intuition works!! Alex still wasn't feeling well, and we were debating on whether or not to take him to the doctor. He still wasn't running a fever, but he was still all stuffed up and he started to get a cough.

So, I decided to take him to the doctor today. He didn't have any of the cold in his chest (and I was beginning to feel like a dork for taking him in). Then the doctor checked his ears. He has the beginning of a double ear infection. It looks like we caught it early enough to not cause him too many problems.

After we got home, he slept a lot and he's been running a fever this evening. He is REALLY not feeling well. It's quite heart breaking. I hope he'll be feeling better in a couple of days - antibiotics and Tylenol are my new friends.

This picture wasn't taken today, but it's a good indication of how he's been acting today.

An Open Letter to Mr. Murphy

Dear Mr. Murphy,

I know you have your "laws" and such, but did you really have to apply them to me last night?

It was bad enough that my beloved TiVo died. Do you realize that my TiVo box has been apart of my family for 6 years? I bought him for Jay for Christmas one year. We have loved our TiVo. He has provided us with hours of enjoyment. He was sick a few years ago and we had to have his hard drive replaced. It looks like his transplant has worn out. We are going to have to go out and buy a new box this weekend. (and in case you are wondering we don't have arrangements finalized for the old box - I'll let you know if you want to come)

Did you also know that last night was the first new episode of Grey's Anatomy? Again, I could deal with it, as it started at 9:00 - not too late. (although I was upset that I was actually going to have to watch commercials)

Then - you step in - and whip out one of your laws. According to Murphy's Law 89403.432 (I did look it up later) if a person's TiVo box dies on the same night that his/her favorite show is on, then that person's child MUST wake up during said show. It's better if the child not only wakes up, but has leaked his/her diaper resulting in a diaper change, clothes change and preferably a crib sheet change. Child must also not want to go back to bed - screaming and crying constantly during said show so that person involved will miss most of the show.

You know, Mr. Murphy, it would be nice if you shared these laws with us before they happen. We can then try to prepare ourselves better.

Sincerely,

Kim

Christmas

Here are some pictures from Christmas morning. This was my attempt at having Alex open presents.

He was proud of himself when he was done!

My Apologies to the Adoption World

I can't believe what I did today. I've read all the articles on correct adoption language, and figured out what I was going to say to people.....and today I screwed up.

I actually told someone that Alex IS adopted!! He isn't adopted - he WAS adopted. It doesn't define him. :(

I just about kicked myself when it came out of my mouth. At least he's too young to understand at this point, so I have some time to get it figured out.

(Oh - and he's still sick - and my Buckeyes are SUCKING BIG TIME!!!! It's not a good night!)

When it Rains it Pours

Alex is still sick. Poor guy - he just can't breathe. We've had a couple of really rough nights. He's up a lot, and has a hard time getting back to sleep. My friend Michelle stopped and got us some medicine on her way home form work on Friday and that has helped. He doesn't want to eat - has a hard time sucking on his bottle (since he can't breathe out of his nose very well) - and don't get me started on how he feels about getting his nose suctioned out!!! It's been loads of fun!

When he's feeling ok, he still likes to play and laugh, so that is good.

Then today. We went to church, had our fellowship dinner afterwards, went to a friend's house (they hadn't seen Alex yet and had a present for him), came home and napped (all of us - it was wonderful)

He woke up and screamed - for the next 4 hours. It looks like his top two teeth are about to make an appearance along with another bottom tooth. He is miserable!!!!!! I finally got him to sleep, so hopefully he sleeps all night.

Daycare should have TONS of fun with him tomorrow!

Podcasts Anyone?

Jay got me an iPod Nano for Christmas last year. I loaded some music on it, but it was difficult to manage since we didn't have internet access at home.

Now that we do, I've dug it back out and I'm starting to play around with it.

I've been trying to find some podcasts to subscribe to, but it's difficult to tell which ones are good. Does anyone subscribe to any podcasts? Do you have any suggestions? I like just about everything - sports, comedy, politics.

I think I could spend as much time managing my iPod as I do reading blogs! :)

Football

I forgot to tell all of you - I didn't win our fantasy football league....but I did come in 2nd place. This is pretty amazing since I started the season out 0-4 and was trying to keep up with my team in the middle of trying to bring Alex home. I don't know how much money I won yet - but it should be around $100.00! :)

The playoffs have started for the NFL. I'm really a Browns fan deep down - but they are terrible. I've started following the Colts. They are close to us here in Kentucky, so we get the tv coverage. My brother and sis-in-law are also friends with two of the players on the team - Hunter Smith (punter) and Ryan Diem (right offensive tackle). It makes it a little more fun to have a tie to the team. (no matter how removed)

Now - on to the most important part

Monday night - 8:00 - The Ohio State University Buckeyes vs University of Florida Gators

I'm pretty psyched for the game. I'm just a little upset that it's on so late on a work night. At least I'm working from home on Tuesday, so I can roll out of bed and start working - and not have to worry what my hair looks like.

GO BUCKS!!!

BEAT GATORS!!!

Alex Has His First Cold

Can you believe that Alex hasn't been sick one day that we've had him. He wasn't sick at all during our visit trip, and he hasn't been sick since we picked him up. I know that is unusual.

Well - it's over. He's sneezing, coughing and has a runny nose. I don't think it's from daycare as he's been starting to get this over the past couple of days. Jay has been sick this week, so I think he got it from Jay! (or at least that's who I'm blaming)

He didn't sleep very well again today. He kept waking himself up with his little cough and sneezing and then couldn't go back to sleep. Poor guy.

He doesn't have a fever....so we'll see how he does. I don't need to take him to the doctor, do I? I'm not one to go to the doctor for colds/flu. I usually just let them run their course. I guess I'm not sure what to do about a little guy!! :)

Daycare

Well - we survived our first day of daycare. I cried (ok bawled) almost the whole way into work. And - that's saying something - it's a 40 mile drive!!!

Alex seemed comfortable there. He didn't cry, which made it easier on me. My day went very slow. He did smile and laugh at me when I went to pick him up! I think the bonding thing has actually happened.

He didn't sleep much today. He's going to have to learn how to sleep at daycare or we are going to have very short evenings with him!!

I'm so glad I don't go into the office the next two days - Monday-Wednesday will be just perfect!

Thanks everyone for your kind words. I think we are going to survive. :)

I Made It!

Just a quick note to let you guys know that I made it through my first day at work.

I didn't do too bad. I cried as I was pulling out of the driveway, and then had a mini-meltdown when I got to work. (I couldn't log in because my account had been disabled - it just hit me the wrong way)

My old boss was wonderful - and very supportive. My day went pretty quick considering it took until about 2:00 to get me logged into the network. I did get my inbox to go from almost 1600 messages down to 20. Now I just have to go through the folders I threw stuff into!

Alex did good at my friend's house. I only called twice to check on him. Michelle sent me a couple pictures throughout the day - that really helped.

We are all packed for daycare tomorrow. I'm more nervous about this - but I'm sure I'll be better once I get through tomorrow.

Thanks to all of you for your kind words and prayers!

Happy New Year

I've already done my retrospective (for some reason Christmas made me emotional this year), but I did want to wish everyone a Happy New Year.

For all of you that read this that supported us through this past year - thank you! I don't think we could have done it without your support.

To all of my new "virtual" friends - thank you! Thank you for sharing your stories, thank you for making me realize that I'm not alone in this journey, and thank you for being such great people. I wish I could meet you in person some day!

Jay said it about right last night. It was 11:30 (and yes, Jay was still up! Shocking!!!). I was coming out of the kitchen, and he hugged me and said, "What a year we've had - better than we ever expected." How true that is.

We had a great and interesting weekend that I'll write more about later.

This is my last day before I go back to work. I'm going to be spending it holding my baby and watching football. I probably won't blog again until Thursday - it depends on how my days go at work.

Have a great day everyone!