All Things Owen

Oh...the family budget woes

2010-01-29T17:54:00.000-08:00

So tonight Bigger Baby and I worked on our family budget.
OUCH.
Not fun to do on a Friday night. More Wine Please!!!

Where does it all go?
Two kids...expensive
Day Care...expensive
LIFE...EXPENSIVE

I mean honestly, its really sad when the only way to help out would be to actually be the one in one billion odds person that wins the lottery. However, looking at my budget I am not able to actually play the lottery so therefore, it does not look like I will be winning.

And yes, we crunched the numbers...I must remain a working mother.

HOWEVER...silver lining...
We will be debt free if we stick to this budget in two years and can then start actually preparing for OUR retirement future and their college education. Until then...we have to pay back before we can put back.

I think a visit with Boss Man may be in order...
Again, more wishful thinking.

However, I know there are people in far worse situations that we are in and therefore...we KNOW we are very , VERY lucky!!!!
I have two beautiful children, a great husband, a good job, an awesome family, a nice house...I am blessed.

But I will admit, a little extra moo-lah would be nice.

2 month stats

2010-01-13T08:17:00.000-08:00

Katie Jane had her two month well visit today. It was medically proven and will be in all journals...she is perfect.

She weighs 12lbs 2oz naked, is 23.5 inches long and her head is normal. I always forget that one...I think something like 14 inches.

She is doing GREAT on her reflux medicine. It seems to be working really well...thank God.
Still not sleeping through the night but can go as long as five hours between night feedings. I am hoping that with the more weight she gains the longer she will be able to sustain herself.

Owen has been moved up to the 2 year old classroom and is doing great. I cannot tell you how much I love his school. They are the greatest place ever and I wish my children could go there until they graduate high school. He is going well in music class, art class and LOVES reading time. The teacher says that he sits in the front and likes to help turn pages and is so attentive during the stories. His vocabulary is growing and he is starting to put sentences together. Of course, like most toddlers Jeff and I are about the only ones that can fully understand what he is saying but he is getting there.
He is starting to realize that the baby is not going anywhere. He is interested in some of the things that she does but is becoming very clingy to whoever is holding her. Typically me. He likes for me to hold both of them at the same time. We do that during story time at home. He likes to give "Baby book".

I am thinking about moving her into her crib in their shared room soon. She seems to sleep longer in that bed. I think she is starting to get uncomfortable in the cradle. It's hard to tell. My apprehension to this is that she still gets up at night to be fed and I do not want to disturb Owen too much. He is a heavy sleeper but once he is up...he is UP. Maybe in the next few weeks.

Katie Jane starts school February 1st so I am trying to get her on a schedule so that they can follow something once she is there. I know that once she starts school they will keep her on and start her on a schedule. I am actually looking forward to taking her to school. I need to get out of the house, I need adult interaction and I need to feel like a human instead of a sweat pant wearing house wife. I have been working from home for the last four weeks but I think it will be great to get back into the office and back into a routine. I know she will be taken care of at school so I am not as nervous as I was with Owen. Plus, I know he will LOVE having her there...he likes to show off "Baby".

We are starting to really get into the swing of things around here. I did forget how much work goes into having a baby. They require a LOT of pre-planning just to take a trip to see Nana and Papa. However, I am starting to get it down again. I know another curve ball will be thrown but so far we are getting things accomplished in a timely manner.

I want the weather to HEAT UP soon though so I can get these children out of the house on the weekends and to the play ground. A few more months though...I know.

Whats that new scent you have on?

2010-01-06T15:18:00.000-08:00

Oh, that would be the sent of VOMIT.
Classy right?

So Katie Jane is a bit of a puker? We went to the doctor today because she has literally been exploding bottles. It's like someone pops her while she is feeding and she spits up everything and then some. It flies across the room. She is covered, I am covered...it got on poor Sam once. He was none too happy. I never had to deal with this with Owen so I was caught off guard.

I was a bit surprised that she has reflux because she is gaining weight and eating like a champ. She just explodes at least one of her bottles. Weight today was 12 lbs, 5 oz with clothes on. The doctor prescribed some zantax and suggested to put a little rice cereal in her bottle to help the food stay down. I am also hoping that the rice cereal may help her sleep at night. I need sleep!!!

Owen moved up to the big boy 2 year old room this week. For those that know Owen, he does not like change. He gets very uneasy and nervous. It makes me so sad for him but he adjusted very well. I am very proud of him!

I have also started a new weight loss blog to chronicle my weight loss for 2010. I will be hitting the big 30 this year AND will have to squeeze my butt into a bridesmaid dress in October. Feel free to read and enjoy.
www.fatsofatno.blogspot.com

We go back for our well visit with Katie Jane next week. Hopefully the reflux will be a bit better and her face rash will be gone. Did I forget to mention the fungus growing on her face...NICE.

Stat update

2009-12-24T09:24:00.000-08:00

We had to venture to the doctor today for a well check-up for my big two year old.
Owen is skinny...only 25 lbs but is 35 inches long so according to the medical professionals, he is healthy and just fine.

Katie Jane is already a whopping 11 lbs, 6 oz, at five weeks old. I am looking forward to her hitting the 12 lb mark because that was when Owen started sleeping through the night. I am sure she will have to hit the 20 lb mark before I get that luxury...just for pay back.
However, the past few nights she has gone five hours in between feedings at night. Still every three hours during the day though. She loves her food.

We hope that you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

One Month update

2009-12-21T08:29:00.001-08:00

We have made it a month and Katie Jane is still just as perfect as the day she arrived.
Owen is the best big brother in the world and is actually very helpful. I have gotten him to throw away diapers, grab the paci, anything I ask him to do for the most part he actually wants to help with. He gives her big hugs (sometimes body slam hugs but we are always there to protect her) and HAS to tell baby night night when it is bed time.

The bond between siblings is amazing. He just seems to know that this baby is his.

Owen had a fabulous second birthday. I cannot believe that he is already two years old. Where does the time go? I will post pictures soon of his Froggie Birthday Party at Nana's house. It was so cute!!!

So far life in the Ferguson house is settling into a routine. The baby is still of course getting up a few times a night but so far has been able to go as long as five hours which I think is pretty great. She is up to 4.5 oz a feeding but still has most of her days and nights confused. Some days she is up all day, other nights she refuses to stay still and wants to be held so she can look around. Of course I miss my sleep but I know that one day I will get it back.

Today I am scheduled to be back at work, working from home, and while I am trying to be productive I am also at home with a two year old with a low grade fever and a one month old. Needless to say I am not getting a lot accomplished. Maybe tomorrow!

Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas! We have been blessed this year and hope that you are your family have been as well.

Long Overdue Update

2009-11-28T14:16:00.000-08:00

As I am sure most of you know, we are home, settled and loving our new Baby Girl! Big Brother Owen is about the best big brother ever and thankfully has been nothing short of an angel during this transition.

Our Katherine Jane (Katie-Jane) was born on November 19th at 2:23 pm after a smooth labor and delivery. At a whopping 9 lbs 4 oz and 21 inches it was no wonder I was the most uncomfortable girl in the world. A good 10 minutes of pushing and "Hello World", Katie-Jane was here for us to love and adore.

We have settled into a routine, as much as we can with a one week old. She is going about every three to four hours for a bottle and is very laid back, similar to how Owen was when he was a newborn. I am very thankfully that the good Lord has blessed me with two wonderful children. I could not be happier.

I promise to post some pictures soon. We have been having some issues with our computer so I am hoping to have that repaired soon. Nothing major, could be user error.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoying the start of the holiday season. I am in LOVE with the holiday music already on the radio and cannot wait to start decorating my house for Christmas. The nesting thing has not left my body yet!

My Christmas wish list

2009-11-17T09:13:00.000-08:00

Aside from the obvious -healthy children, family, etc. I thought I would blog about all the wonderful things I want / need for Christmas this year.

Every year I tell Jeff that I am going to write down 5 things on a list and he can write 5 things down on a list and we get to pick three that we purchase for each other. He never goes off the list. Not to sound selfish, but this year, I sort of need him to. This is not to say that the presents I have received in the past are not awesome...diamond earrings are always fun, but I have enough jewelry (did I just say that?) so I am actually pulling a Brat and telling him he must stick to the list...in some way shape or form.

With that said...this list does consist of more than 5 things...all of which I really want so Jeff, if you are reading...please order, purchase, etc.

1. Baby Sling

I never thought I would need one. However, I am wondering what I will do with Katie-Jane when I go and pick up Owen from school. I cannot leave her in the car. The carrier is WAY heavy and will take up my hands and arms which I will need to hold Owen's hand to walk across the street. So, I thought, I can put her in one of these slings, hands free and can walk with Owen and Katie-Jane at the same time. Genius.

Yes, I know you can "make" them but please...I do not even know how to use a sewing machine so to Target we go. If you have any suggestions on the right one please let me know. I am going by cost because I really do not see myself sporting this thing all the time.

2. The InStyler
Being a pregnant insomniac I am always watching paid programming commercials. The InStyler is ALWAYS on and on more than one occasion I have taken the phone and credit card to order this thing. It just looks cool and my hair is a bit of a mess. As a mom to one the task of drying and fixing my hair is a little laborious. I can only imagine when I am the mom of two. HOWEVER, as my mother says, if you look good you feel good so I at least make the effort, not always succeeding but I try...most of the time...during the week. I would LOVE something that I could blast my hair dry and then use to actually "fix". PLUS, they swear it will make my hair look like silk. Jeff - please see Ulta or feel free to order online.

3 and 4. Feather Bed and Down Comforter
This is a dual gift yes but should only count as one. The feather bed was the first thing that Jeff ever purchased for me for our first Christmas together. What a sweetie. I LOVED it and it always made me happy to fall into my bed at the end of a long day. However, during the most recent house move Clover decided to use it as a potty and thus the feather bed went into the trash. I was crushed. To date it has not been replaced and I blame part of my insomnia on the absence of this. The down comforter has been in my life since college and it has a few tears from paws being on it. Feathers fall out all the time and it makes life tough for my Dyson. Both need to be replaced. Now, it does not have to be super fancy...just functional. Jeff - please see Ikea or Bed Bath and Beyond.

5. AAA Membership
Now, I think this is pretty practical seeing as how I will have two small ones in my car with me. Should something happen I am forced to either call my dad or Jeff to help. No, I do not know how to change a tire. No, I do not want to learn how to. So...a membership to AAA will ease all of my worries. While it is an odd request I think it shows just how adult I really am!!!

Jeff - can be purchased online.

6. Wii

I am the only person in the world without a Wii. However, I go back and forth about this because 1) my house is small and you need room to play and 2) it would be one of those things that I use for about a month and then never again.

HOWEVER, Jeff and I have been discussing gym memberships again. I know, I know...what are we thinking. So, I thought maybe a Wii with the Wii fit might benefit the whole family instead of paying for a gym membership that we will never use. I find every excuse I can to not go to the gym and now with having kids I use the "I don't want to put them in another nursery" excuse. I just don't think I NEED the Wii...I want it yes, but I don't NEED it and therefore, Jeff, this is a last resort present only if you are seriously in the dog house!

7. T&Co Earrings

Another splurge and really should be my push present but whatever.

I LOVE these. They match my ring that I adore but again, the above mentioned are more things that I really need...so this is also a last resort type present. Look how pretty though...ahhh.

So there you have it. My 9 year old Christmas wish list.

If anyone else needs more ideas, I have tons of wants / needs.

Happy Holidays!!!!!!

Maybe Holiday music will make me feel better

2009-11-16T12:16:00.001-08:00

I am Bitter Betty. SO uncomfortable...so OVER IT, so tired and yes, I am still at work.

I know that if I stayed home I would climb the walls so I made the decision to annoy those that sign my checks instead of the cat and dog.

In an effort to get in a better mood I have started to listen to holiday music on Pandora. It is helping a little, but the fact that it is a little warm for a pregnant girl right now it sort of makes me think I am listening to Christmas music in June. I think the weather will be more fall like tomorrow.

If Katie-Jane does not come on her own though they will admitting me to the hospital on Wednesday to start all necessary things to induce on Thursday at 7:30 am...and don't think I will NOT be holding them to their schedule!!!

So, soon these postings will focus more on my wonderful little girl and her big brother AND how to fit back into my size 8 jeans from 1993.
Cram it...it could happen!!!!

Wish us luck.
Actually wish Jeff luck because I believe the words "I really think a judge would take pity on me Jeff if he knew how annoying you really are and the fact that I am pregnant. I see no jail time in my future" have come out of my mouth.
THEN...he said that he needed to pack his pillow and blanket so that he could get some sleep on Wednesday at the hospital. Um really...are you kidding me? Do you mean to tell me that you are going to settle in for a long winters nap and snore while I am trying to rest up for the day ahead. UM, no sir.
His breathing is driving me insane!!!

THEN...he mumbled to his car today that he is not sure he will make it to Thursday. Strike 400.

Whatever...
I am NOTHING but pleasant!!!

Still no baby...

2009-11-13T17:33:00.001-08:00

***Note***
I had a post all prepared about how tired I am from hearing about the following issues and how they all need to hang it up and go away
- The Gosselins
- Levi Johnston
- Carrie Prejean
- Swine Flu
- Insomnia

However, it was sounding a bit negative so I decided that may not be the best thing. Regardless, the above topics / people need to GO AWAY!!! Enough already. I have heard enough and I just cannot stomach turning on the TV and having to hear about any of it. The insomnia, well, that's just me...I cannot sleep...EVER, which again puts me in a bad mood, thus the negative attitude, thus the crabby post.

But...I am joyful that in about a week I will have my little girl. The sadist doctors that I have been seeing are "nice" enough to induce my labor on Thursday November 19th should Katie-Jane NOT decide to come on her own before then.

I am still crossing my fingers that I will get an Oops, my water just broke moment so that we can get this show on the ROAD.

At the current moment I am a bit more concerned with the rumor / fact that Owen will not be able to visit me in the hospital because of the swine flu. This does not make me happy and I have quite a bit of anxiety about that. I know...get over it, yea yea yea, but really, this upsets me so I am hoping that I can run some recon on the staff at Piedmont Hospital and get him in to see me and his Baby Sister.

I will continue to keep you all updated (seeing as how I am so good at that) as much as you can. I suspect that if this does turn into an induction thing we are going to have a LONG Thursday. Thankfully I do see a little beam of light at the end of this LONG journey.

Georgia Woman gives birth to 22 lb baby

2009-10-30T11:45:00.000-07:00

That will be the headline when I finally birth this baby. I hope that they at least airbrush my picture a little bit so I don't look so silly in People Magazine.

All jokes aside, I am huge. HUGE. I know everyone says that but I am.
I dropped Owen off at school today and one of his friends at school has a new baby brother. The woman was a giant. I am surprised she could still drive. I felt horrible just looking at her, I know she had to be super uncomfortable...she delivered her beast of a baby last night...10lbs. OH MY.

So, I go to the doctor today for my weekly check-up and got to have an ultrasound. Confirmation that yes, indeed it is a girl...and she is already weighing in at...GET THIS.
8 pounds 4 oz...and NO, they are NOT inducing me.

Doctor said...Jill, you have given birth to a 9lb baby, you can handle it.
I say - I am not trying to top myself. The birth of the 9 lb child was not a cake walk...I was sort of hoping for less this go 'round.
"Apparently" these ultrasound measurements are not exact. Well, okay, then why bother?

So, needless to say, I am SUPER uncomfortable and ready to NOT be pregnant anymore.
I went ahead and ate spicy soup for lunch today and right now but stomach is so tight it may pop. I know these are those horrible Braxton Hicks contractions but still...NO FUN.

I go back again...to the doctor on Friday November 6th.
They promised me not to make me go any further than 39 weeks...which is in 3 weeks. I swear, the headline will probably be true.

Update on the Prince

2009-10-01T07:19:00.000-07:00

So...
Sam is eating and using the potty. GOOD SIGN.

However, he is still unable to put much weight on his back left leg, although, I did see him jump off the bed the other day...granted it was after I put him on the bed but still, he was able to jump off and land, on all fours.

I believe it is time though to take him back to see Dr. Les and get this leg looked at. I feel bad for him, especially since he refuses to join in on family fun and just runs back under the bed after eating, drinking and using the restroom.
Is it possible to have a depressed cat?

Typically Sam has always been a bit of a social recluse...but this is just beyond ridiculous.
The sore (or sort of sore) on his leg is gone...it was never really a sore (MOM) but more of just a mark where you can tell he was trying to nurse it back to health...or whatever it is that cats do. I swear, if they have to put the cat on wheels, I am not sure what I will do.

THANKFULLY, he only wants to stay indoors so...maybe Jeff won all the battles but lost the major war.

Making the appointment now...updates to come later!

For The Love Cat...Get It Together

2009-09-29T12:18:00.000-07:00

So the cat is sick...AGAIN.

Are you kidding me!?!?!

After the flood of 2009 Sam finally was able to make his escape outside...last Wednesday or so.
He was gone for TWO WHOLE DAYS. He is the only cat on the block with a curfew that he ignored until Friday night at 9 pm.

So, inside walks Sam...with a limp.
GREAT.
So, I thought...maybe he just needs food. He ate, slept on the bathroom floor and snoozed the night and half the day away.

Saturday afternoon rolls around and Mom and Dad come over to help with the nursery.
Sam runs under the bed...and HAS NOT COME OUT.

He FINALLY came out three times last night to eat and drink but to my knowledge has yet to go to the restroom.
He cannot use his back left leg.
So sad!!!!

However, I am a little annoyed. Now, after the flood of 2009 I have to somehow skip out of work to take the silly cat to the vet. Mind you, Owen's school was closed on Tuesday and then he had some weird rash and I had to take him to the doctor on Wednesday. TWO DAYS OUT. Do you really think that Boozie the Boss will understand that I am out again only this time for my cat?

My thing...if he can make it to his box then he is fine. But then again, I feel super bad because if my leg was hurt and no one took me to the doctor I would be really really ticked.

AHHHH.
This cat has more issues than Old Girl Clover...who I swear is going to break a hip jumping off the sofa one day.

And...if I have not mentioned it before, the Save Sam Fund is non-existent. I am sure Bigger Baby will put a cap on what I can spend to ensure Sam is up to full capacity.

BOO!!!!!!!!!
Updates to come.
Hopefully by the time I come home, Sam will be as bouncy as Tigger.

TTFN!!!

A work in progress

2009-09-28T07:02:00.000-07:00

We are still working hard getting the nursery put together. Nana and Papa came out this weekend and we (they) were able to help Jeff hang shelves and decide on decor locations.

We still need to get Owen a mattress and box spring for his big boy bed and start that transition. Nana made the most adorable bed rail covers that I cannot wait to use. SO CUTE. They are not photographed at this moment because well...the bed is not ready.

Here are some pictures of the progress we are making. We (Jeff) may take a few days off from the decorating but my nesting instincts are really kicking in and I want things to be ready...NOW. I still have a LOT to do myself and I have entered into list making mode. Now, if I can just find all of those lists....

Enjoy the pics. I promise more to come as we finish up!

This is Owen's new big boy bed...of course without mattress and box spring.

The toy corner. Please NO MORE TOYS.

The changing table and "Katie" wall. Owen's name will go above his bed...but we ran out of letter hanging supplies.

We are trying to have boy decor and girl decor in different places around the room. This is some of the girl decor. The letters were made by Ashley...and they are adorable!!!!

Here is the boy decor.

And finally...a very excited big brother showing that he is more than excited to share his room...with a girl.

The move has begun

2009-09-21T07:36:00.000-07:00

A special shout out goes to Bigger Baby for all the hard work that he put in this weekend moving our entire house around to make way for Katie-Jane. It looks wonderful! Now it is up to me and Nana (Nana really) to put it all together and make it adorable. Pictures will come (hopefully) next week once the work is complete. I promise to take some tonight of the before's so you can see all the progress that we make!!!

I dreaded the move. It made my stomach hurt thinking about it but after all was said and done I am really pleased about the way things are starting to look. What I am NOT happy about...stupid Clover had an accident on one of my very favorite things in the world...my feather bed. So, last night after spending the weekend at Mom and Dad's, confined to a twin bed I tossed and turned because my bed was not swallowing me up in the comfort of feathers and softness. Grrr....stupid Clover. Hold your bladder!!!!

Must add that to the items we must purchase list to prepare for Baby Katie-Jane.

The baby shower for Katie-Jane was wonderful. Monica and Ashley can throw one fancy party and I am the luckiest girl in the world for having them as friends. I LOVE YOU MONNIE AND GUS GUS!!!!!!!! Can you believe that I have known them for over 15 years? For Jill that is a LONG time, seeing as how I can really tire people out. But those two girls love me for some reason...I think it is my wit and charm and therefore deseve a medal for putting up with me for that long. Mom's camera did not have batteries so we have no pictures but I think Gus took a few and will post some whenever she finds time. I was also very happy to spend time with baby Zachary and baby Caroline. Adorable!!!!!

The countdown is on. I cannot believe in just 9 short weeks (maybe less) she will be here! AHHH. I am just as excited as I was when I was about to deliver Owen. I hope Katie knows what an awesome big brother she is about to get. He is the best little boy in the world. I cannot believe God is blessing me with another one.

Enough with the sappy...
As a notice to all my awesome readers, I will be guest blogging on Friday for my girl Kindredly so take a glance over there if you would like. I am not sure what my topic will be...and I am a little nervous. She is an excellent blogger and her blog is actually read by strangers, unlike my blog which is only read by people in the McKinney family and Tobin family (love ya'll!!!), so please wish me luck. I do not want to disappoint her readers and ruin her chances at a book deal.

Until next time...

Nana stole Owen's hair

2009-08-31T06:26:00.000-07:00

I finally broke down and agreed...Owen needed a hair cut.

It was an impulse decision so therefore we did not have time to go to the Kidz Kutz (I hate things that are spelled with K's that should be C's and Z's that should be S's...but whatever) so Nana got the scissors out on Saturday and cut Mr. Owen's hair.
I think the finished product turned out great...considering the fact that he was not the most patient participant.

Finished Product (1)
please disregard the no shirt photo...we were making breakfast and it had already gotten everywhere by this point.

Finished Product (2)
Look how jazzed he is about picture time!

I cannot believe it was really that long

OVER IT Nana!!!!!

Backache...Go Away

2009-08-24T13:17:00.000-07:00

So, a few years ago we moved offices from the 25th floor to the 16th floor. With this move Jill was placed in the last office on the hall...DOWN from everyone else. Away from all action. Boss man said it was because I was too important to be bothered all the time. I think it's because he is jealous of my singing voice. Regardless, with this move I in turn stole his chair.

I LOVED this chair. LOVE-D being the key word here. It is made of the softest leather ever. It makes a thud sound when you sit in it that always reminds me of the great times had (another word to focus on) here. I could always hear boss man sit down or get up when I was his admin and probably lurking on the Internet...something I am NOT paid to do.

So, during the move I took his chair. Just placed it in my office and began using it. It's not like he didn't know. He just never said anything about it.

If you look, you can see that this chair is enormous. It may be hard to tell from the picture but it gives me no room between my desk and credenza, is too tall and therefore the arms have become a little tattered (note the grey electrical tape) and after awhile the chair stopped reclining.

IT KILLS MY BACK.

Boss Man has been having troubles with his back for years. I thought that it was his craziness (the understatement of the year). I now believe it was this stupid, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD Chair.

Boss Man's back is so bad that on occasion I have walked into his office for something and found him on the floor using a pillow that looks like a dog bone under his back. I retreated back to my far off never-never land office quickly after that.

I have now stolen the chair of another co-worker and have given him the leather chair. I am claiming that this is because he has done such a great job he needs an executive level chair.

I am now going to my car, turning on the seat warmer in this 90 degree heat and hoping that this wretched back ache goes away.

And yes, the Ferguson WILL be eating cereal tonight for dinner.

***yes, I know I need to clean my office. It's Crazy around here***

Mommy and Owen's WEEKEND OF FUN

2009-08-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

So Bigger Baby is going out of town this weekend for a "guys" weekend to Tunica, MS. Pregnant people do not make fun companions to bar/gambling areas so therefore, I will be staying at home with Mr. Owen!!!

I am excited though because I have some girlfriends coming over on Friday for dinner and a movie...Twilight. Yes, I have seen this movie a good 5 times but Edward is oh so dreamy!!!

SO...I have decided that Owen and I will try to be as domestic as possible and try out some recipes. Hopefully sweets...yummy, yummy sweets. All for Owen of course.

To be honest, I am really looking forward to some mommy, Owen time. I am beginning to get a case of the second pregnancy syndrome. Thankfully a few of my awesome friends have convinced me that I am not crazy for feeling a little bad about bringing a new baby into Owen's only child world. While I know he will NOT understand anything that is about to go on, we have been such a tight three person unit for a while now that I feel bad that I he may think mommy is replacing him. YES, I know...HE DOES NOT UNDERSTAND. But in order to compensate for my feelings, I have decided that I will spend as much time as possible with my Owen until Katie arrives. So this weekend is just what we need.

If you have any fun, kid friendly (children 2 and under friendly) recipes please send them my way. Of course, my Leave it to Beaver visual of this weekend may not go as planned. Knowing Owen he will want nothing to do with me and my baking abilities and will cry and fuss because Daddy is not home.

Hopefully I can get my butt in gear and my camera charged so I can capture these moments.

And yes, we have finalized a name for our Baby Girl. Katherine Jane Ferguson.
Please feel free to call her Katie-Jane, should you wish. Her mother will be!!!! Her dad will more than likely be calling her Katie.

Dear Darby

2009-08-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Darby

Your blog makes me smile.
I love it.

Thank you,

Jill

Decisions are being made

2009-07-31T11:26:00.000-07:00

I think I have FINALLY decided on bedding for the shared nursery. It is exactly what I have been looking for and while it is a little expensive (for my taste anyway...you have two kids and tell me it does not put a dent in your checkbook) I think it's what I am going with.

My idea is that Baby Girl Ferguson (name still to be determined) will of course use the bumper. Owen will use the quilt on his big boy bed. Yes, I know it will not "fit" so he will get a plain khaki bedspread and this will be his "throw" at the foot of the bed. See...it all ties in.

Now, I sort of think its a bit masculine. Mom and Jessica believe (and I trust their judgment) that we can girl up her portion of the room.

I am really going to miss Owen's room though. It has been my favorite room of the house ever since we were able to decorate around the orange and have it turn out adorable. I think this will be equally as adorable and I cannot wait to start decorating. However, I DREAD moving everything around in that house and cannot seem to hammer down a date for Jeff to start working on that.
Any volunteers????

That ought to be an adventure...for sure.

I wish I could take the roof off, rent a crane and move things around that like.

I just have to keep telling myself that if we got it into the room, we can get it out. Hopefully without destroying the furniture or the walls.

Updates to come soon.

bedding from landofnod.com

Samuel no lika his swollen paw

2009-07-30T09:48:00.000-07:00

**** UPDATE****
The swollen paw is no more. It must have just been a bee sting or something because the paw is fine. He is not limping and has gone back to his usual lovable self...aka, he is mean to Jeff and LOVES me. All is right in the world!!!
I have canceled the appointment with Dr. Les so that I do not waste his time with a cat that has no issues...today at least.

Just so you know...my Prince Samuel J. Ray has a swollen paw and it is making his mommy very nervous and sad.

Thankfully, Dr. Les is going to see us tomorrow afternoon at 4:15 to check it out.

GET WELL SOON SAM!!!

It is pitiful. I will try to take a picture tonight but he no lika me right now and no lika having his photo taken...

Tomorrow should be an adventure...what with me and Owen taking the crazy cat to the vet's office.

Thankfully Jeff is helping but I still see ruckus and destruction in our midst.

Swollen paw cat who will not be in a cat carrier - because he overheats from the stress.
Crazy toddler who cannot sit still
Big silly dogs waiting to be seen by Dr. Les and staff
Crazy toddler crying because of smells and noises
Swollen paw cat scratching his way to safety
Crazy toddler running after cat to grab a hold of fuzzy tail
Frustrated husband who is pursing his lips because I will some how "not be helping"
Pregnant emotional girl crying at the thought of being told something is major wrong with fuzzy child

AHHHH....
But, you never know, all could be super easy and a breeze.
Doubtful...with this crew, it never is!

Where do I even begin

2009-07-29T09:17:00.001-07:00

I am actually breaking away from the stacks of work that have piled up on my desk to do a little blogging. My job is KILLING me these days. The "economy" or lack thereof has hit the real estate world and while I do not sell it (thank God) I manage it and lets just say, if I had a dollar for every person that called in regarding their need for a decrease in rent...I would not have to work. BLAH.

Enough about that...

I would like to send a special thank you to the girl in the white jeep in front of me at the McDonald's on Clairmont and...what's that road it crosses with...you know the one I am talking about...jeez...for the life of me I cannot remember the name...you know, in Decatur...AHHHH.....

Whatever
I ordered my typical ice coffee and yes...biscuit (because I am out of Fiber 1 Bars) and as I went to the window to pay I was told the lady in front had already paid for my breakfast. I seriously teared up. I was so overcome that I totally forgot to ask the amount of the person behind me so I could pay for theirs so I was probably the person that ended the day long "Pay it Forward" breakfast. Oh well...I shall try again. BUT, I tried to thank her and she was too busy lighting her cigarette to see that I was attempting to get her attention, or maybe she did not want to be thanked in person so...Blogging World, Lady in Jeep, if you Read AllthingsOwen.blogspot.com...Thank you.

I never knew that really happened.
And...it could not have happened on a better day when
a) Owen cried for a good two hours last night because he had a bad dream
b) it's raining today
c) I had two work calls before 7 am
d) Good Morning America said that pregnant people are more likely to die of Swine Flu and now I am convinced that anyone coughing near me is going to spread their germs and I will have to be put in a coma in order to take this pregnancy to term....ahhhhh
Bigger Baby said I had to turn the tv off...I was not mature enough to handle this information.

AND...boss LADY is buying lunch today for the office. Pizza...not my favorite but I am not complaining.

So, on another note, the nursery design idea is still up in the air. Why do I have to like things that are expensive? Why is it that all of the things I like are out of my price range? I try to be practical...I mean, the bedding is going to be used by a child...a child mind you that cannot use the restroom on his or her own. I cannot justify spending oodles of money on bedding that is beautiful when the person using it may or may not use it as a toilet. However, all of the items that are less expensive are shall I say...UGLY. At least the things I have seen. Grrr...
And...why do people INSIST on designing toddler bedding or children's bedding with silly cartoons or designs on them. If he does not have ADD yet he will after sleeping in some of the things they sell at the stores. Good Grief! I do not think my eyes can handle walking in there every morning and being greeted by neon race cars or glow in the dark spaceships.

I need to come up with a plan and stick to it.
Goal...finalize idea and clear it with mom...then start shopping!!!!!!!

This makes me sleepy...and I think the "pizza" is here.

It's a....

2009-07-20T07:20:00.000-07:00

GIRL!!!!

Can you believe it...a girl. I am super excited.

We found out Thursday after a disappointing visit to the ultrasound tech on Wednesday that we are having a girl. The story goes...as short as I can make it, the tech could not tell what gender the baby was on Wednesday. I was very frustrated...I mean, the whole gang is there for the big reveal, can you please let me drink a cup of water and walk around so we can try this again? NOPE. So with that, baby girl Jill walked out in a disappointing huff and called the first ultrasound boutique I could find...after emailing many friends asking if I was crazy for doing so. Thankfully they all told the emotional pregnant girl that no, I was not crazy. (Looking back...yes, yes I was crazy but I HAD to know)

So, on Thursday Mom and I headed to Buckhead to Stork Vision (love this place) to get the answer. Girl indeed. Let the fun begin!!!!

The better news is that all is healthy and baby is growing well. She is actually measuring a little big based on my due date but so far the doctor does not think we should adjust the date just yet. She will check me out again in a few months to see how we are doing. AND...I do NOT have gestational diabetes this go around. Go figure. I was sure I was going to have to prick my finger for five months again but nope...baby is better at sharing than her brother was. I am hopeful that Baby Girl Ferguson will not be a 9 pounder like her brother.

My head is already spinning about the things I get (want) to buy for Baby Girl Ferguson. I am also fighting a hard fight for the name I like. We have time but I do LOVE a monogram!!!

I hope that she is a ham like her brother and easy going like her father.

Let the pink parade begin...
And yes Cheryl, you can mix Pink and Red...HELLO, Valentines Day!!!!

to the half way mark

2009-07-06T06:42:00.000-07:00

Well, we have reached it...ALMOST...on Thursday I will be 20 weeks along, which means that I have another 20 weeks of giant glory until Baby Ferguson Part 2 makes his or her debut.

Ashley did a similar post so I thought that I would do the same to update the baby status. This week, BF2 is the size of a tomato which surprisingly I am craving these days.

We find out NEXT Wednesday July 15th at 1 pm if this baby is Boy or Girl. My money is on Girl, Jeff thinks Boy but we shall see. Either way, I think the baby has to watch out because having crazy Big Brother Owen in the house will be something he or she may have to dodge.

The 4th was GREAT. We went swimming on Saturday and at first I was really afraid that Owen would hate the water. Bath time is horrible at the house so for the first 15 minutes or so he screamed. Nana coached him along and by the end of the two or so hours we spent in the pool he was ready to jump off the sides. Too cute! I was really proud of my water baby! He was sleepy though...so I think we may be spending a lot more time at Pool Nelson this summer to wear him out.

As soon as Dad sends some pictures over I will post some. I have a few of Owen in the pool last year so I cannot wait for the side by side comparison. He is such a big boy now...it is amazing.

Until next time...

The curse of decorating

2009-06-25T09:21:00.000-07:00

So, if you have not already been made aware, my house is CRAZY small. Curse of "in-town" living. And yes, I consider my house in-town because a) I am TOTALLY inside 285 and b) it take me all of 10 minutes to get downtown...so there.

Anyway, regardless, my house is small. Very, VERY small. After spending a few days at Mansion Madden I am more than a little nervous about the redecorating that will have to start on my house soon to make way for Baby Ferguson Part 2.

The reason I insist on starting soon is because I recall that during my pregnancy with Owen the thought of doing anything other than sitting on the couch watching tv during my third trimester was crazy. PLUS, I am starting to feel really bad about not spending as much time as possible with Owen so I know that while Baby 2 is cooking I want to spend most of my weekends, nights, etc. focusing my attention on him.

With that said, I have 3 rooms that I have to move around to make room. The babies will share a room. I was a little hesitant about this because I am married and I hate sharing a room but I did some research and talked to a few people who said that their children share rooms and are very close because of it. I think if I move Owen into his new room with at least a few months to get used it it the transition will not be as bad for him...right?!?!?!

So, I am already beginning to make my decorating scrapbook to present to my mother soon so that she can have an idea of what I want to therefore, help me (aka do it for me). If you do not already know, my mother is a decorating fool and can give Martha Stewart a run for her money.

Criteria for the Ferguson Nursery
1. The grey walls will stay. I hate painting. I think its the devil and I just will not do it. The grey walls are a perfect starting point for a neutral room.

2. The red curtains will stay...maybe. I have not decided so Jane will have to help with that.

3. NO THEMES!!!!!! Not that I hate themes. I LOVE a theme party. However, I change my mind hourly so I know I will end up hating it the day after mom and I do all the work to make it cute.

4. I am CONVINCED I am having a girl. Now, I do not know for sure (I find out July 15th at 1 pm) but my mothers intuition says girl. I may be surprised and a boy will be equally as loved and welcomed. In fact, a boy would be easier because I have all the stuff, but I think its a girl. So...I want to make sure that Owen's side is boy enough and that the girl side is girl enough...AND, if it is a girl, Pink has to go somewhere. This is Jill we are working with. However, I do not want two separate sides. They need to be uniform so that room will be cute.

So, if you have any ideas, pictures, etc. please send them to me. I found an adorable website (see bottom of blog page) that I have been going to a lot for inspiration. I found this picture and think it may be my jumping off point. We shall see. In the meantime, I need to start saving my money.

Pregnancy makes me crazy sad

2009-06-02T13:16:00.000-07:00

I am not much of a crier...well, only when I am really mad which ticks me off because it never helps my argument.
Anyway....

So this pregnancy is clearly very different from the one with Owen. I cry at everything. The other day, Owen was moved up to a new room at daycare and I cried twice the day he finally moved up for good. Once in the morning when he was playing alone and I saw him as I was leaving and once that afternoon when I picked him up and he was playing alone outside. I know that kids his age have no clue what friends are but I was so sad. He is the most adorable, lovable angel, everyone should want to be his friend.

Today, I have hit rock bottom. I just finished a crying session in my office after looking at Waffles the cat and his swollen paw because he was stung by a bee. You can see this adorable but sad pic at www.cuteoverload.com, which is one of my favorite websites to go to because it had cute pictures of cats that make me laugh.

Waffles (great name by the way) Get well soon.

This is going to be a long 5 months.

For Mom

2009-05-27T12:50:00.000-07:00

Isn't she BEAUTIFUL....

As a side note Mom does not think Clover is beautiful. This picture proves otherwise.

And to not forget the other furry angel in my life that everyone loves (EGIS, ELLEB, etc. etc.)

Our new gourmet kitchen

2009-05-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

Yea right...
However, we FINALLY put the finishing touches on our kitchen and while I may be a bit biased I think it actually turned out great.

We were a bit worried about the green after we slapped it on the wall but once everything was in place it all came together.

My favorite addition to our now picturesque kitchen is my new buffet. Found at our favorite store for 90% off retail price. We have found so many fun things at this place...LOVE IT.

Since everything is back in order I have more energy to actually cook meals instead of throwing waffles in a toaster. My mother of the year award is in the mail, or so they say.

We still have some small odds and ends to finish up but all in all I think it turned out great.
Now on to the den...or what will soon be the master bedroom after we do our room shuffle to prepare for Baby Ferguson Part 2.

NOTE
For some reason I cannot get BLOGGER to help me rearrange my pictures and well, I'm starving for lunch, so if things are not in order just roll with it. What was to be an easy posting has now taken up a good 30 minutes and well, I'm just over it.

ALSO, your eyes do not deceive you. These pictures were taken with my HORRIBLE blackberry and therefore are blurry.

Um...seriously

2009-04-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

I know...I am a terrible blogger. I should change the name...the terrible bloggers blog. I cannot promise I will get better, I can only promise to try.

With that said...

The countdown is officially OFF!!
As many of you know I LOVE my birthday. LOVE IT.
What a banner day, Jill came into the world to brighten your lives with joy and happiness on April 28, 1980. Jane and Butch struck GOLD with number two. (yes, I said it)
However, this year I am super bummed. 29
Most people get bummed at 30, 29 is coming in like a freight train and I am not looking forward to it.
My reason for my distaste for all things 29 is that this is the end of an era...my twenties. The fabulous, roaring twenties.
Since Mom, Dad, Aunt Ricki, Tiffany and so on read this blog I will not go into detail about the fun I had during my roaring twenties. G rated...IT WAS A BLAST and those of you reading this that were around for most of it know it.

Aside from the awesome fun things I did, I also accomplished some major milestones during my twenties. Graduated college, got a job, got married, started another job, got fired, crawled on my hands and knees to former job asking to be taken back, got promoted, bought a house, had a baby...
What is available to do during my 30's?
To top it off, I swore by the time I reached 30 I would have VP as a title, drive fast and furious in my awesome car and wear designer clothes and carry real leather purses. I informed my boss about my VP goal and I am not sure if it was the "medication" or what but he actually chuckled like a Yea right...you a VP chuckle. I blame his "medication".

So I would prefer to skip 29 all together. It is just the finality of it...the year looming around that says, you have 365 to get your act together. Um, in case you have not noticed, I may never get my act together.

NOW...this in no way means presents will not be accepted!!!! They will make me feel better....

oh...
Owen is walking all over the place
Is a MAJOR sass
can say, ball, bus, bird, dog and he can bark

Jeff is good too.

XOXO

I think I made a mistake

2009-01-16T12:43:00.000-08:00

In my search for the next Twilight I have hit up the closing and everything is 50% off B. Dalton at Peachtree Center twice this week. I am a little bummed because I took the B. Dalton across the street for granted for years and now that it is closing and I am getting back into reading I will have to actually walk to the Fulton County library to check out books. Granted, it may save me some money and maybe get my heart rate going but without sounding like a total snob...have you seen some of the people at the Fulton County Library? And now that it is cold outside...p-u.

As I mentioned on a previous blog I picked up three books the other day. I dove into Prep with the idea that this would be a great little boarding school, sorority-esque, boys and parties kind of book. IT'S NOT!! I mean, it has a grosgrain belt on the cover - how misleading. The character is not preppy, she goes to prep school where I might add she is a giant dork and has one friend. Please. I myself was not Miss. Popularity but I had more than A friend. I rocked it out in college though - and I was secretly hoping that it would be a fun read, a'la Friday night 80's at Cameron's fun. I have 100 pages left so I will finish it, but I do not suggest it. If you are that interested, save your money, I will loan it out.

So when I went back today I noticed that they still had some Meg Cabot books. I picked up A Size 14 Is Not Fat Either. I have heard some good things about Meg Cabot so I thought it may be worth checking out. For 50% off I could see no other reason but to buy it. Now, I cannot judge - and no I did not read into while at the store because there were all sorts of people there, in my way so I could not study, it was impulse decision. From what I can tell, this may be a part of a series of which I am starting in the middle and from what I can gather the main character is a former pop star who is now a dorm mom and tries to solve a murder...
CONFUSING.
I will have to give it a go this weekend, or sometime soon.

I also picked up Sweeney Todd which should be good because I heard nothing but good things about the movie and play but I hope they don't speak in Ye Old English or that will drive me INSANE. I'm not much for period pieces.

I think I need to lay off purchasing books for a while. So far I have bought five in the last week and my bedside table was already full of them before - but still nothing keeping me interested for any long period of time. I need to get through that first!!!

It's a Major Award

2009-01-15T08:19:00.000-08:00

It's like I have won the lottery! My girl Kindredly has presented me with this award. Isn't it beautiful? I am speechless - sort of like Kate Winslet at the Golden Globes - thank you to everyone else nominated but ha ha ha, I won!

However, with such a prestigious award comes responsibility - I am now required to present this same award to some bloggers that I think deserve it. This is a hard decision as I am only allowed to give it away to three deserving bloggers. I had to make my decision wisely and take into account all factors. I based my decision on the following:
* How often do you update your blog?
* The content of the blog - is it always the same or do you mix it up a bit
* My interest in your blog - does it capture me, does it spark my interest in new things?

With this said - love, family and mixes of both I have to offer this prestigious award to the following:

* Preaches and Cheese - Sisterhood aside, and the fact that she ROCKS aside and the fact that she just gave me another AWESOME nephew (Jackson Lee, January 14, 2009, 7 lbs, 15 oz, 19.5 inches long) her blog cracks me up. Seriously, stuck in Satan's Pants, living in a place that is -25 below while I am freezing at 30 degrees today and holding on as much as she can to that southern drawl, this blog cannot get much better. Soon she is going to have to go to the grocery store again and will more than likely run into old people with tubes in their nose...she loves those people, especially when the touch all of the fruit! The blogging possibilities are endless.

* Hillside Hollow - Again, a familyish relation but still this had nothing to do with my decision. About 90% of the time this chick has something positive to say - and if you know me, I have something positive to say about 40% of the time. She reads, cooks, sews, does crafts, home schools her children, talks about bugs - we could not be any more opposite - however, I still love her, her blog and all of the fun things she writes about. Plus, she is a daily blogger so I know that while I sit idle on my lunch hour I will have something to read, and yes, I will admit that once in a while I will print out a recipe or two. I have never made them but, one day I may and it will make me think of her.

* Sassy Monkey Reads - this is someone I do not know, I believe they live in Canada and I can assure you is not reading my blog and thus will not know about this awesome award bestowed upon her. (I believe it is a girl, she took a boy to a movie not too long ago) I stumbled upon this blog while looking for books and I must say, this blog is one to check out. She reads all sorts of stuff, every genre, and probably about 18 books a month. (not sure what her job is but I am not judging) It is cracking me up. If you don't believe me check out the post about when she went to see the movie Twilight. I had a good belly laugh.

So there you have it. My picks for best blog.
I do have a few notable mentions though. These are blogs that while they are awesome in their own right did not fit into all three criteria and thus could not be awarded. However, they are still excellent and I believe you should check them out.

* Dandelion Chronicles - this did not make the award due to the long hiatus that was taken in the summer - for good reason but it made me sad because I enjoy her blog so much. I am happy that she is getting back on track and it makes me want to take a trip to Macon to hang out with her like old times. She rules - back then and still now.

* Cooper Wells - Again another long hiatus - probably a good reason though I cannot think of one - but she is also getting back into the swing of things. My love for this blog is a little one sided as she is my better half and for some reason, with no obligation to do so has remained my friend for a good 14 years. Love her, love the shoes, love the bag, love it all. Plus she is talking about one of my favorite fella's in the world, Mr. Coopie Poopie who always cries because I am so loud but one day will think his Aunt Jill ROCKS.

* Elleb513 - Read it...you will love it. However, also long hiatus but partly because she is a traveling salesman. You want it, she's got it. Kidding, she really does have a cool job and I admire her tenacity because if I had to stay in hotels and travel as much as she does I would take hostages while on the road.

So there you have it. I apologize to those that were not recognized and nothing but love to all on my blog roll. I suggest you check them all out - over there, to the right, you cannot miss them.

xoxo

Twilight Zone

2009-01-12T11:32:00.000-08:00

So everyone else is posting / blogging about life post Twilight. I am going to agree that it has been hard. It is like trying to stop drinking, or not eating chocolate while you have PMS, or (since this is all things Owen) letting a baby cry it out one night.

Ashley and I went to see the movie on Friday. The movie was so silly, the acting was terrible and you know what...I LOVED IT. Loved it. I will be pre-ordering the DVD as soon as possible so that it will be in my hands March 21st. If I could skip work right now and go watch it again I would.

So I thought to myself that maybe my obsession with the Twilight series is just a new obsession with reading. B. Dalton across the street is closing (a fact I did not know until Ashley told me today...thank you) and everything was 50% off. I picked up these three today.

I actually have heard that Prep is a pretty good book and I do like Jennifer Weiner so maybe my obsession will slow down a little until Stephenie Meyer puts out another book...that better have Edward in it or I am not buying it.

However, I could use your help. Please suggest any good books that I will get totally sucked into and never want to put down.

On another note, we have received word that at the latest Baby Caboose will be coming on Wednesday. Mom is flying up to the frozen tundra tonight so we should have pictures as soon as Baby Madden makes his arrival. I cannot wait!!!!

New Year...who needs it

2009-01-05T17:38:00.001-08:00

Me...I need it. I love love love New Years. It is the only time of the year that I can start fresh, change bad habits and become a better person. LOVE IT. I make the same resolutions every year, every year by Valentines Day I have forgotten about them and resolve that by my birthday things will change. This year is no different. (Aside from the fact that I am still hopeful that I may keep at least one resolution by Valentine's Day)

This year I resolve to -
1. Loose weight. Size does matter and so does the number in my pants. (did that sound gross?) I measure myself by the giant number on the tag. Cute or not if I am still a big girl...I am still a big girl. Now, I like my curves...I want to be curvy, what I am now is round...and no one wants to be asked "why are you so round".

2. Be a more patient person. This is going to take some skill. I have a one year that has hit his terrible two's, my work place is crazy ridiculous and I drive daily in Atlanta traffic. I think it can be done but if you hear a story of a lady with her head in the oven...well, that lady just may be me. I am not promising anything and suggest you check back in after mid February.

3. Enjoy more adult time. Yes, I am that mother who gets anxiety about leaving her child. Not that I ever mistrust the people I leave him with but because I am a day care mommy I feel horrible leaving Owen on the weekends. However, I am slowly going insane and need to see a movie, drink an adult beverage and listen to good music all while spending time with other adults...including my hubby. Once a month (and I am sure Papa will be holding me to this)

4. Exercise. This is on down the list because well...I am just not all that active. However, tying all of this in I have decided to check out the local yoga studio in town (if I can get them to call me back or pick up the phone). I like working out but I do not enjoy the whole drive to the gym thing, get dressed, work out, get back into my car, sit in traffic all while smelling myself because lets face it...as other southern women may glisten, I just sweat. And, I believe that since I have seen it work wonders with other people, yoga just may be my ticket to loosing the weight, becoming more patient and spending time with other adults. Win Win. Now...again, I need to get in touch with them to see the cost, etc. Heck, I have a yoga mat somewhere...I am prepared.

5. Read more. This should be easy since I am obsessed with Twilight the series. I have googled if you like Twilight then you will love...and have come up with a few that I need to purchase ASAP. I hope I get as caught up with them as I am with the Twilight series because as campy as they may be, at lets be honest, a glowing vampire with a heart of gold is sort of campy, I still cannot put the books down. I am 100% team Edward but wish Jacob the best of luck.

6. Learn a hobby. This may be easy seeing as how I have given mom the gift of knitting for Christmas. Hopefully if Caboose does not arrive early we will be going this weekend to learn how to make all of you beautiful scarfs and oven mitts! Happy Birthday Gus Gus.

7. Visit Wisconsin. I seriously have not been to Satan's Pants in years and need to see my awesome nephews in their element. I have already begun my search for the best ticket prices and asked Clark Howard for tips. Waiting on an email back Clark!

8. Pay off my debt. Seriously, I watch the news, the economic forecast is not great but I do have a job, I do have bills and seriously, what is more American than paying off what you owe. I call that Jill's stimulus package. Thanks for the education GCSU, your check is in the mail.

I think 8 is enough...right. Too many and it becomes too hard to handle. 8 is a good even number and can be worked with. I think I can accomplish 8 things this year...at least.

I guess I could make 9 be blog more...but that is just pressure. I never have topics. Maybe more about knitting with Jane and booze with friends. We shall see.

Until then...

xoxo

Everyone else is on vaca - why not me

2008-12-22T06:03:00.000-08:00

Oh I know why...because this time last year I was at home with a wonderful, perfect, angel of a baby to enjoy my maternity leave all while using most if not ALL of my sick and vacation days for 2008. Thankfully I work for some awesome people so I was able to take days off here and there but I am not brave enough to test the waters to request days off right around the holidays so I am here...at work...bummed...and ALONE.

The reason I am so bummed about being alone...KINDREDLY is off. Seriously!?!?! THIS STINKS. Of course I love her tons but the reason it stinks is...I FINISHED TWILIGHT, MOVED ON TO NEW MOON and I have NO ONE TO DISCUSS EDWARD WITH. My co-worker brought in her 12 year old daughter and I have been discussing my love for Edward with her all morning. THIS IS SAD.
(In case you don't follow, Leslie and Ashley talked up Twilight so much during an awesome dinner I had with them that I could not help myself when I went to Target that weekend and found it on sale for $8.37. I find no harm in ever buying something for myself under $10. I picked it up, started reading and NEVER PUT IT DOWN. I swear, it is probably as thick as Pride and Prejudice and I finished it in less than a week. Yesterday while Targeting again, I picked up New Moon (again $8.37..beat that Amazon) and could not be more irritated that a)I am at work, b)my boss is here...seriously of all days and c)have a meeting at 2 pm in DOUGLASVILLE with Crazy Lady. I thought of a million things in my ride to work to call her up with telling her that I could not meet her. I just have to get it over with. Edward, we will be together soon enough.

I may have been more prepared for mother hood if the baby books were this good. The only one I read was A Girlfriends Guide because it was silly and did not use big words.

The Twilight series is in the Pre-Teen section of the book store in case you were wondering why you never saw it. I explained to my friend Ray that since I do not consider myself very smart...these books are also on my level. Until Jen Lancaster puts out another series...I am living in Forks and searching for my Dear Edward. However, the 12 year old that is here in the office today did tell me that I could go on Team Jacob when I get more involved in the book.

So...Kindredly if you are out there...hit a girlfriend up!!! We must discuss. I think the 12 year old is tired of my questions because she did say...Why would someone as old as you like the book. OLD AS ME???

Also, my cousins 20 year old girlfriend called ma'am last night. Apparently I am starting to look old.

A year in pictures

2008-12-16T08:04:00.000-08:00

A picture year in review.

Happy Birthday Owen

2008-12-16T07:52:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe that it was a full year ago that Owen was born. Time has flown. It has been the best year!!! Jeff and I are so blessed to be the parents of such a wonderful child.

In one year he has gone from sleeping sweet baby to a movin and groovin crazy boy. I love it!!! I remember being so scared and intimidated by this sweet innocent baby with NO CLUE what to do. I still have no clue but Sweet Baby Owen makes being a mommy really simple.

He is crawling all over the place, using his walker to get around, into EVERYTHING, eating grown up food and drinking whole milk. He is growing up TOO FAST. I want to stop time now - just for today and relish in everything. But, this year has been a blast and I know every year in between will be as well.

He is by far the greatest thing that has ever happened to me and Jeff. I can tell he was hand picked for us by God and all of the loved ones hanging out in Heaven. I really think that Papa Bruce had a giant say in the selection process because only he would send me a sassy child with a giant personality and a great sense of humor. I say a thank you every night before going to bed.

Owen is lucky to have so many wonderful people in his life. As much as we are blessed to have him he is blessed to have so many wonderful friends, family, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins...the list goes on.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET BABY OWEN!!! WE LOVE YOU VERY VERY MUCH!!!

Paging Dr. McDreamy

2008-11-11T08:17:00.000-08:00

So I met with the surgeon yesterday and despite the title of the post he was NOT Dr. McDreamy...and yes, I still watch Grey's in the HOPES that it will get better.

Nice guy...gave me the info I needed and informed me that surgery is not my only option, albeit the best option but I can see if I can hold off until the first of the year and change my eating habits and life style and it may be something that I can live with. We shall see. I am not feeling too hot right now but it could have something to do with how high my blood pressure got while on the way to work with the constant stupid emails coming in and traffic. Satan's Pants say What.

So now I am going on a low fat diet to improve my body and digestive system in the hopes that I do not have to go under the knife to remove a non-essential part of my body. Why is it even in there if we don't really need it?

I am clearly picking the right time for dieting...seeing as how the three pounds of cookie dough I had to order from a co-worker's kid came in yesterday and is sitting in my freezer. Thankfully it is frozen so I cannot just dive into it at any time. The defrost period is always a good time to collect your thoughts and move away from the cookie dough. Now if the power goes out for a long time all bets are off!

We are taking Owen to see Santa at Phipps on Friday. I am hopeful he does not cry but he is getting worse with his separation anxiety and has come to realize that strangers are scary. I mean what baby would not love a chuckly man with lots of white eye brows and big long white beard? And he has a cute Chrismoose sweater and everything. We shall see how this goes.

Until then.

The Gall

2008-11-04T08:45:00.000-08:00

So Sunday night into Monday morning I swore I was giving birth to a devil spawn. Seriously, Rosemary's Baby type pain. Jeff takes me to the emergency room after hours of screaming pain to find out that I have gall stones and that this will require that I have my gall bladder removed. Blah Blah Blah, low fat diet, blah blah blah, can hold off until the first of the year. Blah Blah Blah, no fun Christmas sweets this holiday season. (yea right...wink wink)

So I will indeed keep you all updated on this medical delight.

Owen was an adorable Sock Monkey and as promised here are some pictures to gush over. We had fun at the Festival only it appeared as if Owen was not really feeling it because he was kind of tired and fussy. He is still sporting an awesome cold and runny nose so I would think that being outside in the cold was not his idea of a good time.

Today I will be going to Rock the Vote and hopefully do not have to Rock in Line for too long. Owen will be attending his first official Presidential election. I HATE election's. I get so nervous that I toss and turn and watch tv all night. I am resigned to the fact that I may not receive the outcome I would like but one cannot dwell on this or hide in our bomb shelters. We work hard to rock the vote again in four more years.

xoxo

adult ADD - I got it

2008-10-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of things that I jotted down while in a meeting today.

* wonder if the guy talking knows he looks like Santa
* should I tell him...maybe he could make some extra cash this holiday season
* do Germans call German chocolate cake, just chocolate cake or do they refer to it as German
* What about German Shepard's, do they just call them dogs
* Is October Road coming back on
* What about Lost...LOOOOOVE Lost
* Does Purdue chicken know that it creeps me out when they show me Gladys the chicken. Am I eating Gladys every time
* Is that water for everyone or what
* how can I get that water
* should I just get up and get the water
* got the water...that guy has a coaster...is it rude to not use one
* WHERE ARE THE COASTERS
* Santa is talking again - Ho Ho HO
* What's Owen doing
* should I text Jeff...he hates texts
* no response from Jeff on the text - Jerk
* I hope I am not asked a question
* Hope they don't know that the answer I just gave was crap
* Is it over...how long have we been in here
* All day I get emails, now I have none, is this blackberry crap working
* How do I change my ring tone

And I wonder why I still do not have VP after my name here.

xoxo

my apologies

2008-10-17T12:09:00.000-07:00

I know I have not posted a picture of myself with my new dark do but I have not felt pretty enough to stand on the other side of the camera. Plus, every time something social comes up, it also starts to rain and this natural curl girl don't look good in the rain. Years and years of using the hair dryer to object to what God gave me now turns into a frizzy mess when he showers us with love. (That was for you Tiffany)

My thoughts were to take a cute picture of me and the Bigger Baby tonight whilst at the Ryan Adams concert (no...not summer of '69 guy) but it is raining and...again, not feeling pretty.

However, enough about me, this is all things Owen.

Not much going on with the little fella. Still not crawling but some how he does make it around a room. It is more of a butt shuffle. I cannot say that I am not bummed out about his slow to develop ways but I still think he is the most perfect creation in the world so I count my blessings! I actually think he may be a little bit of a comedian - his personality sparkles - and we all know that the world can always use laughter.

He just makes me happy!

I made an appointment to see Santa at Phipps Plaza on November 14th. Owen wanted to make sure that Santa had his list long before December...since he has been such a good boy. While I know that this is not officially Owen's first Christmas, last year he slept and I felt gross (seeing as how I had just pushed out a 9 lb baby 9 days before) I am really excited about this year. I am more organized about the Santa visit than I am at work. Probably should not announce that...what up boss man!!!

But, making an appointment to see Santa...this may just be a little too much. If the picture turns out okay, expect to see Greetings from the Ferguson's in your mail box this holiday season.

Before we speak to Santa though, we must get through Halloween...and my little Sock Monkey cannot wait to trick or treat...and yes he will want candy because his mom needs a sugar fix.

This year is flying by...can you believe it?

xoxo

A few things

2008-10-02T11:54:00.000-07:00

1. My hair appointment is tomorrow. So nervous but so excited. If it looks bad, I will change it. Just a try though...right. I HATE posting pictures of myself but I promise to try to not act as shallow and let you see the results. LOOKS ARE EVERYTHING.

2. I am concerned about the amount of Marlboro's that Rachel Ray is smoking. I was at home the other day (sick...AS A DOG) and was stuck in my bed. I guess the remote fell off and the mere idea of getting up to get it was totally out of the question so I was stuck watching Rachel. STOP SMOKING. Seriously. I mean, I was afraid with all the giggling she was going to break out in a smokers cough while making pimiento mac and cheese - which looked disgusting and kind of like a smokers cough but whatever.

3. I got gas - the fuel kind. I really was stressed out about it. Laugh all you want now but I could not sleep on Sunday.

4. I hate the View. Terrible show, never watch it.

That is all.

xoxo

Dear Peaches

2008-09-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Sweet Wonderful Peaches who I miss soooo much:

I think you should reconsider your feelings on Dairy Land. From what I can tell, less traffic = less gas = less wait = less worry.

As you watch the leaves change in America's Heartland, I watch the gas prices change...as I am sitting at the station watching crazy people in jalopies scream at each other.

While you are enjoying the oldest run the wrong way at the football game, I am debating whether or not to tool to the place where everybody is somebody to visit our awesome parents to watch a horrible football game.

While you are telling TC no on the camper, I am considering buying a camper to move to Satan's Pants.

Therefore
Atlanta - 0
Satan's Pants - 3

Love you...send GAS money.

Jill

Going to the dark side

2008-09-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

I have made a decision...and I think a pretty big one. Peaches and mom will not be too jazzed but......I am going dark with my hair.

Just for the fall / winter season to see how much I like it. AHHH, I am so nervous, this is a big step for me. I have been blonde since birth I guess (not sure) and have been highlighting my hair since the 8th grade. It has taken a lot of maintenance and money so for this season I have decided that I want to try something different. Gus has it and I think she looks great. Call me a copy cat but I want to try to be a brunette.

I consulted with Jeff and he thinks that it will look good. Really, what does he know but...I had to ask someone. Mom already shot it down once. Still defiant.

I am making an appointment next week and cross your fingers I do not chicken out. I know it was a trend, I believe the trend is dead but I am seriously always three years behind so whatever...I'm me and I rock.

I am hoping that this will help me save a little money during the winter season...seeing as how Christmas and the 1st birthday are coming up soon and there are presents to buy...and Caboose. Seriously, could you have maybe planned this better?

Ahh, I hope it looks good. It better look good. It has to look good...right?!?!?!

Three toys and a receiving blanket...we are set

2008-09-24T14:20:00.000-07:00

I have SOOO much work to do this week. Really all weeks but it seems like this week it is catching up with me. If I don't get a head start I have a feeling that I will soon get my horrible midnight stress induced stomach pains...that is NO BODIES FRIEND. (ranks up there with lattice and Joe Todd...)

Anyway, so I was near Owen's school today and since I have to leave my office so early to get him and then head home I thought why not just swing in, get him and then head to the office to work. Excellent idea. Upon entering my co-workers swarm. MUST HOLD BABY. They are all so sweet and so excited to see him. I dashed to my office...and then the water works. Great...separation anxiety and I have no time.

Bottle = Chill

Once the bottle was down the hatch, the blanket and the three toys I had in the diaper bag all went on the floor and we are caught up!! He has been so good. Can I bring him in everyday? I am not sure how much work my co-workers got to but I am impressed with my multi-tasking skills. Seriously, I wish I had a video camera right now to capture this moment. Impressed!

Owen rules and if he keeps it up, I have a pile of items to file on my guest chair that he can get to.

If you are looking for a fat lip, please comment on my hair

2008-09-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

I am not a fan of having natural curls. In my opinion, they are not pretty, not attractive and all around a big, finger in a light socket look. I despise my hair...really, all the time. After having Owen it refuses to look good. It's dry (I am about to buy the sleek and shine stuff in the ethnic section), it's frizzy, it's UGLY. I am aware...but, it is just plain rude to ask me if my day is going bad because my hair looks terrible...BOSS MAN. You my friend are on notice.

It's all in good fun...blah blah blah. He will appreciate the bill I put on his desk for reimbursement to get my hair did...

I believe that the Asian woman at the Chinese place I stopped at to get my soup today also commented on my hair. Ahhh, love crazy hair. Really...I paid her in change.

(which, as a side note, I have now begun to pay for my lunches in change since I have decided that since I do the laundry in the house what I find becomes mine and if it happens to be quarters and dimes so I can buy hot and sour soup and a cookie then lucky me. I happen to know that my Aunt Ricki found $100 or something once while doing family laundry. I bet she gave it back...she is a better person. I would have TOTALLY kept it and bought myself something pretty and never told.)

Last week the day care called me to tell me that Owen was crying. Um...you're a day care, are you not used to this? Apparently because my baby ROCKS and never cries this was cause for alarm. I spent all of yesterday with him alone because the stupid Falcon's were in town and became witness to this cry. Um...I believe it is what they call a temper tantrum and I think 9 months may be too young for this. TERRIBLE STUFF.

We did find a play ground while walking this weekend and Owen had a wonderful time on the swings. It was a war getting him back into his seat so we could stroll on home. We will be swinging again tonight. I will try to take pictures...action shots if you will.

I have a headache, want to go home and I guess cut my hair off with kitchen scissors.

xoxo

Dear Andy Rooney

2008-09-15T10:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Mr. Rooney:

I am writing you this letter in hopes that I can be a candidate for your job when you decide to retire, or if the Good Lord takes you first...either way, please allow me to be in consideration.

The reason I ask this is because in the few times that I have been able to catch your bit on 60 minutes, you have shown me the contents of your desk, the wires hooked up to your computer, the amount of phones that you keep around you and some dusty books. Most recent I caught your segment last night on the contents of your kitchen drawers.

I typically do not complete the 60 minutes program because it runs in conjunction with bath time for my infant son. He so enjoys to splash around in the tub so who am I to take this away from him. However, last night was an exception because he was given a bath earlier in the day for a birthday party so there was no need for bath time during the 7 o'clock hour. Also, from time to time when I do catch your program I tend to turn the channel because I am appalled by the leanings of your journalists (but that is for another letter coming soon). Although, the piece on Justice Scallia was very insightful and caught my attention so I continued to tune in.

I often laugh about your opening lines because my sister and I would from time to time laugh at our father for pulling "You know what is wrong with America today" when he would catch us watching MTV or some other "trash program". I have been known to even laugh at something you would say.

Last night though was ridiculous. Kitchen drawer contents! There is an election, housing crisis, gas prices, etc...you choose to discuss the contents of your kitchen drawers. What pained me the most during this topic was the close ups on your fingers. Gross!!!

I would like to be put in consideration because I too can waste loads of time discussing various non-topics. Take this letter for example. I too have lots of stuff on my desk. A stapler, mouse, mouse pad, some pictures of my adorable son, computer, files, heck...I even have a salt shaker. I have a pen with fuzzy hair, I have a tiki cup full of paper clips. I have a fan that is used only some of the time that I hate turning on because it blows dust everywhere...obviously our cleaners are not very good. I have different kinds of post it notes, some are big, some really small and some that have lines. I am not sure which ones I use most...probably the post it notes with the lines, they keep me organized. I have different color folders for different topics, I like to be colored coordinated and it adds some spice to my office. I have a telephone that lights up when I have a message, I have drawers and staple removers. I have pens...lots of pens, only I prefer to use blue ink.

See...I would be PERFECT for the job. I have other things I can discuss. If it will seal the deal, I can report back to you on the contents of my kitchen cabinets and drawers. Please let me know.

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Kind regards,

The hubby has email

2008-09-10T09:14:00.000-07:00

So in case you did not know, Jeff was promoted and is now in the world of desk chains. You all can identify...the feeling of being chained to your desk by either your phone cord, your computer cord or just the nagging feeling that if you step out of your office someone will ask you a question and you will just flip out on them for no reason other than the fact that they were the first one to find you at the worst possible moment of the day..................

ahhh

Anyway, so the hubster has email. This cracks me up. I was put on an 8 to 5 phone ban because I was told I call to much to ask ridiculous questions. "You have an unnatural obsession with dinner"...remember that one? Whatev.

So now that he is desk bound I can email...ALL DAY. I can type at record speed so I can whiz through an email of nonsense faster than anything. Dinner ideas, bank account questions, weekend inquiries on a Tuesday, Owen birthday ideas, Christmas ideas, etc. I am nice enough that I will from time to time email him a picture of Owen to brighten his day.

I have sent a total of three emails to him in the matter of 30 minutes.

I rarely get a response though and when I do, the alignment is always off, they are normally no longer than three sentences and more often than not typically say Fine, Stop, Ok or usually...No.

In my sea of misery as I sit here in my office, at my desk, under a deadline, it makes me smile knowing that I can now annoy the crap out of him...virtually. Also, I was on a long conference call and doodled with a sharpie so now I feel kinda loopy. It's the little things.

xoxo

we may be making headway

2008-09-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

So yesterday was the first Falcons game of the regular season so Owen and I were left to our own devices while Jeff fratted it up with his friends at the Dome. We had a good time though...it was a great game and every time they did something good I clapped so Owen thought it was for him and then laughed and laughed. I will do anything to hear his laugh.

However, during the day we practiced and practiced crawling. I think we are actually making headway. Owen can get on his knee's, move a little and then topples over. The falling down makes him mad so then he cries and we have to start over after a short hissy fit. All in all though I think he is getting there.

While I was on the floor though I noticed that my house is a giant baby trap. There are things everywhere that will need to be taped up, closed up or some how put up when this child begins to crawl. I going to have to get one of those John and Kate plus 8 play fences for the house or something. I think Babies R Us had a few on sale. They are so ugly though...and again, looks are everything.

I am hoping though that once he begins to move, maybe I will move and thus, some of my fat will move off my body. I was looking at a picture of my friend who also has a little guy that moves and grooves...um, eat a biscuit will ya? She also runs marathons so maybe that has something to do with it. I run for Famous Amos.

Until again.

90210 2.boooo

2008-09-03T12:31:00.001-07:00

So 90210 was a bust last night. Brenda looks terrible, the Peach Pit was silly and I am not sure why the new girl in school is all that confident. I mean...who really tries out for the school play, goes to a party and stands up to the school jock and pretty girl all in one week. Whatever. I went to high school with the same people that I met back in 6th grade and still never stood up to whats her name and whats his face for being jerks. I did however tell a few that they stunk in high school but do not seem that bad after a few drinks at the reunion, but that is another story.

I will continue to watch just to find out who fathered Kelly's child. That better come soon and it better be Brandon or Dylan. I missed the part where Silver (that would be Erin Silver) said why she hated fuzzy hair Naiomi (or whatever). Owen had finished his bottle and it had not registered in his head that he was in fact full.

More updates to come as soon as the show takes off. I will give it three more tries.

On to other things...
We have rearranged our house to be more Owen friendly. Pictures coming soon...as soon as I hook up the laptop at home. Peaches should be happy. I think it turned out great. We opened up the "family room" to give him some room to crawl/walk. Unfortunatly he wants to do neither so instead he just has more room to throw his silly toys around. Clover tripped on one the other day. I laughed...which made me feel bad because she is about a hundred years old and probably will break a hip before this is all over. Silly dog.

I have figured out though that Owen will eat anything (well almost) as long as it is mixed with bananas. Child LOVES bananas...which kind of makes him go bananas but it's all good in the hood as long as it is not night night time. We were the picture of family perfection last night all eating dinner together at the dining room table. Owen's new high chair fits perfectly into our decor...because after all, looks are everything.

Tonight I will be watching Palin...and yes Gus, I am still pumped about her.

TTFN

2008-08-27T11:56:00.000-07:00

I cannot even handle it...I had to steal this from Perez.

Words cannot begin to describe how TOTALLY excited I am about 2.0 starting on Tuesday.

Ahhh...can you handle it!!!!!!!!!!

updated stats

2008-08-22T12:34:00.001-07:00

So I took Owen to the doctor yesterday. Things moving along as they should.
Weight - 20 lbs
Height - 29 in

I love the office that I take him to. I see Nurse Lesley and I LOVE her. She reminds me a lot of Tiffany because she is very earth mother and calm. I am not calm...I stress about everything. She laughed at me yesterday (but in a nice way) because I told her that I tried to give Owen those little finger food things that dissolve but he began to gag so I threw the whole thing away. She said that he will not choke on something that will not block his airways. I am not convinced. He also gags on water so sippy cups have been put on standby.

On the crawling front...still nothing going on. Cooper is now making strides across the floor. Nurse Lesley said that crawling is not a developmental milestone so to not be alarmed if he decides to walk before he crawls. I think crawling babies are cute though so I really hope that he at least makes an effort. I think it is adorable to pretend to chase a crawling baby and watch them crawl really really fast. Cracks me up.

Football season is upon us so Owen and I will be spending quality time together while Bigger Baby goes to the Dome to watch the Falcons lose. My friend Ashley suffers through this same thing during baseball season. At least this year I am not pregnant so I can possibly enjoy a good Georgia game or two. I love football season, don't get me wrong, but watching a team full of millionaires lose is NOT my idea of a good time.

I am clearly in need of an attitude adjustment. I think a vacation is in order.

XOXO

I have blogging ADD

2008-08-13T08:46:00.000-07:00

I have been a terrible blogger. My blogging ADD kicked in months ago and I cannot seem to get myself out of the rut. With nothing exciting going on in my life, I find it hard to pull topics out of thin air to bore my loyal audience.

However, I feel bad so I thought that I would at least blog about not blogging. The irony.

As mentioned though, nothing fun and exciting has been going on in the Ferguson house. Other than Owen just being wonderful, we have been laying low after the families flew back to their respective homes. It was a whirlwind for a few weeks with everyone in town but things are back to normal.

The family visits were awesome!!! I miss all of them so much.

On the Owen front - not much going on. He still thinks crawling is a bore and has figured out that if he fusses long enough eventually someone will put him where he wants to be. I tend to allow the fussiness to go a little longer than Jeff...however, it just does not seem to be something that he is very interested in at the time. We remain patient.

We are starting to introduce the sippy cup during solid food feedings. I am not very calm during choking situations so typically the sippy cup is thrown in the sink at the first cough. We keep trying though.

Owen did get a new big boy car seat. The carrier is no more and now the Evenflow Tribute is in the Nitro. He looks so grown up in it. I was bummed...I remember putting Baby Owen in the carrier about a thousand times when we were about to leave the hospital because I wanted to make sure that he was safe and sound...and I was also convinced that if he was in there wrong they wouldn't let me take him home. He looked so tiny in that thing the first day. Now his feet hang out of it and he looks like a monster in the thing.

The big 10 year reunion is Saturday and I am still debating on what to wear. Like I told Ashley...I just want to be comfortable (not frumpy) and cute. Either way, I think alcohol will make the party much more fun (sorry mom!)

Until next month...(or until I think of other blogs to blog about)

XOXO

finally catching up

2008-07-06T06:09:00.001-07:00

As mentioned before, I am convinced that Owen is at least a month behind on development because he seriously slept for an entire month. Ask anyone that came to see him his first few months of life, he was always asleep. The child LOVES his sleep...which has been a life saver.

However, in the past few weeks Owen has started to roll, has learned to sit up by himself and today, pulled himself up. He was so proud of himself. Now...to clarify, he did not pull himself up to a standing position but did pull up from laying down to sitting. I am pretty impressed considering I thought that he was perfectly content always laying down or jumping in his jumperoo.

We went swimming on July 4th and he actually did really well. He was a bit hesitant of the cool water but once he figured out that his $20 baby float could also lounge he was cool as a cucumber splashing and playing with me and Nana in the pool. Mom took some pictures so as soon as I get those I will post. He was cute. He did have to leave his shirt on though which took me back to the days when I was a chubby kid (now chubby adult...apparently I don't like change) when I would wear my t-shirt in the pool but, we had to protect Owen's very fair skin from the sun. As a side note, it is official that my skin repels the sun since I got nothing but a sun blotch on my leg that I doubt will turn into tan. I also need a new bathing suit since the tankini that I sported a few years ago is now a bikini and NOT attractive.

We are booked for the entire month of July which is actually good because it makes the time fly by. We get to head to Athens on Saturday to see Gus, Cooper and Monica. Monica is expecting her first in January so I am hoping that Owen is on his best behavior. Jeff's family is coming into town from Vegas and we have not seen them in YEARS and then....the MADDENS ARRIVE. I am too excited. More so because Preggie McMadden will be arriving and that makes me smile but because I have not seen her two boys in forever and they always make me happy.

I am Bummed with a capital B that the long weekend is over and now I have to go back to work. I enjoy my downtime but we gotta pay the bills.

Well...all caught up. Jeff's birthday is Wednesday and I have NO idea what to get him and have NO idea when I will head to the store to do a little shopping but I will fit it in somehow. Thankfully I have already purchased Dad's. One down, one to go...

Well...TTFN

Roll, cat, bike, oh my

2008-06-23T08:26:00.000-07:00

Owen finally decided to roll over. Albeit he is now a backwards turtle where he cannot roll over from his belly to his back, only back to belly but he is too adorable for words when he rolls. Clearly thinks he is HOT stuff. I had to get up a few times out of my deep slumber last night to roll him over to his back when he rolled during his sleep. After the second time though I never really fell back asleep because I had a fear that he was going to smother himself. Ahh, what silence at night will do to play tricks in your mind.

The cat is now outside. Not all the time, but the majority, and I think by his own choice. He runs out the door every chance he gets and well, why catch him. He seems to come back on his own when he is hungry and needs some AC and my floors are not kitty-rific if you catch my drift. Bigger Baby seems happy and well...that makes for a happy home.

Jeff has asked if he can get a scooter later on this year. I will keep you posted on that. I have a hilarious image in my head right now and I may just agree to the scooter because I cannot wait to see him tooting down the neighborhood streets on it. It will never happen...I am not holding my breath.

However, I have requested a bike. I think I want to start riding a bike again and it appears to be a better form of exercise than walking because at least there will be a breeze hitting my face as I ride down hills at top speed. I sort of want one that I can carry Owen on but I am not 100% sure I will not crash us both so I may leave the baby bike to Jeff. He is a better rider than I am. We shall see. All the big bucks sitting in our account right now is burning a hole in our pocket (JOKING...there is no money to be spending on bikes so I will just find one on the side of the road and fix that up. I should ride a bike so I can save on gas but I spend so much on gas that I cannot afford a bike. The cycle continues...get it, cycle)

Well...you are all updated. The thrilling life I do lead.
And by the way, I had a co-worker say that she was unable to clean out the ice cream scooper because the sponge was gone...USE A PAPER TOWEL.

xoxo

Dear Co-Workers

2008-06-19T08:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Co-Workers:

As a new mother of a six month old angel; I now notice more and more the amount of germs I come in contact with. Aside from the normal day to day, millions and millions of germs live in common everyday useful things; ie: phones, desks, cars, pens, etc. I can live with this. Our bodies must become immune.

However, although we work together in very close proximity and interact together 5 days a week, I am still perplexed as to what you all do during your down time. I have never been to your homes, I have no way of knowing your upkeep and I can live with the theory that many of you probably do not vacuum, clean, dust or run your dishwasher on a daily basis. That is okay...march to the beat of your own drummer.

During the five days that we are together though, I would greatly appreciate you taking the common courtesy of wringing out the smelly, disgusting sponge that you all so willingly use to wash your dishes. I understand that quite a few of you are trying to decrease your carbon footprint and that by using this nasty sponge you feel that you are today's Al Gore. However, when I have to touch it so that I too can use the sink to wash my dishes out with (gasp) a paper towel I do not want to pick up your smelly, stinky sponge and find that it is soaked with water, food bits and other germy type things.

I am the culprit who continues to throw your sponge away. I confess. One time and one time only did I take a plastic bag out of the drawer, use it as a glove and squeezed your little sponge out till it was dry with delight. That was before the 254th time of me coming into our small kitchenette to find the orange goddess sitting in the sink soaking wet.

So, as a gesture of goodwill, I promise not to go absolutely postal if you promise to stop purchasing, bring to the office and using nasty smelly, germ infested sponges.

Thanks,

Unless you are after a stroller and a car seat, my car is not for you

2008-06-10T07:54:00.000-07:00

So this morning as the Ferguson fam is heading out of the house to go to work, we notice that the passenger side window on our car is broken. Glass everywhere. NICE. What an awesome start to the day that is booked solid with meetings and such. I was in such a good mood this morning too. We were on our way out the door, schedule in hand and a clear head on my shoulders.

Oh well...life happens. Unfortunately life happens three days away from pay day when the bank account is in the low. Guess it is time to ask the ole' boss man for a raise...great economy and all.

The sad part of it all was that I was in less of a bad mood once I knew it happened to a guy down the street too. At least I know I was not targeted. However, they actually got some of his golf clubs and a radio, my car, they got my work bag...so, if they could be so kind as to finish that document I was working on, that would be great. I would think that would be the least they could do, seeing as how they OWE me since my time was wasted dealing with this situation.

Owen was happy at least, he had an extra two hours with his Daddy instead of having to be carted off to school early in the morning.

The bright side of this...if there is one, is that the glass place I took my car to is offering a special that if I take my car there, I get a free $50 gas card (probably only good at the one Citgo or something in Villa Rica) but hey, if it is good anywhere then I guess I will be heading to ole Hangin Dog gassed up and ready to go this weekend.

I was happy that they did not steal the plethora of toys that Owen keeps in the car. I think that would have really made me mad...stealing a kids toys. Thankfully, they were not looking for a teething ring or light up turtle.

the monkey is GONE

2008-06-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

So, I passed my test. It was MUCH easier than I had thought and everyone was right. I missed one but hey, that is 98% and I am OK with that. Done, closed, over...hooray.

The breathing treatment was SUPER easy. He actually laughed and it takes all of 2 seconds. HOWEVER, $100 later (that plastic tube thing was like $70) he seems be breathing better.

I was also informed yesterday that Owen has a little girlfriend at school. Cute girl, she has a puff of hair on her head that reminds me of my cabbage patch kid Kate (Chauncey was bald if you recall) BUT...Owen is not allowed to have girlfriends, regardless of how cute they are. The teacher said that this little girl would not leave Owen's side yesterday. Probably because he had on a cute outfit that his GoGo gave him. Today I dressed him in the brightest yellow thing ever to keep her away...CAUTION MY MOMMY IS WATCHING YOU!!!

I am super excited for this weekend. Not much going on, but it will be a weekend without studying and that will be nice. My awesome brother in law was just accepted to Grad School and as much as I love him and think he is a genius I could think of NOTHING more horrible than going back to school. Best of luck to you, Donna Martin Graduates!!!

Well, that is all for now.

TTFN

cough cough go away, Baby Owen wants to play

2008-06-02T07:45:00.000-07:00

So, the horrible, no good, very bad cough has not removed itself from Owen's chest and thus, we have to resort to the inhaler. Boo!!!

I am not looking forward to this, simply because the idea of attaching a suction cup like thing to his poor face and then blasting him with an inhaler is NOT my idea of fun, Mommy - Owen time. And...asking Jeff to do it...well, there would be no way. He was a CHAMP the day he had to take Owen to the doctor when he was sick and swore he would never do anything again that made the child cry that much. So...as my mom did it for me, I will administer the medicine for Owen. I will try not to cry...I have been good so far with shots, day care and sleep overs. Maybe for comic relief I will take a picture tonight and post it. Ohhh the horror.

The cough does not affect his cute little attitude NOR does it hold him back from eating. Child LOVES his formula. He also loves carrots...much better than green beans. Have to disagree with you there kid. Carrots, bananas and applesauce are Good Good Good. Beans = two thumbs down.

Now, on to the cat. He was an outside cat for four hours yesterday. AHHH. However, after being stuck out in the sun, he was NOT running out the door as he normally does every time it was opened yesterday. I was convinced that someone rode by our house and saw the Prince sitting on the porch and said, I have to have that most handsome cat and stole him. A few hours of me calling his name with no luck had me pouting. After shaking his food bowl outside a few times, Prince Samuel J. Ray made his appearance. Jeff is now excited because the cat can go outside. My argument now...It is way too hot for Fat Cats to be just walkin' around. I think he growled at me again and walked away. And, as a matter of fact I think I may have heard him say "I swear you love that cat more than me", but I don't know, I was too busy telling Samuel what a wonderful, adorable, loving creature he is to listen to anything that Jeff had to say.

I am studied OUT. It is no wonder I was a MISERABLE student. I think most of my grades in school were because the teacher did not want to deal with me anymore OR because I have such an awesome personality they had no excuse but to pass me so I could go on to achieve great things. HA! I was seriously thinking that there had to be some way...SOME WAY, to get out of this no good test. All the information is jumbled together. But, if I passed that wretched State License Test (something I would not wish on my worse enemy) I can pass this. I hope. Real Estate = two thumbs down...FOR SURE.

So, I guess I should end the blog here. Because, I should go back to my studies..or work...or maybe see if Kinderdly wants to IM.

TTFN.

17 lbs of pure joy

2008-05-27T06:27:00.000-07:00

Had to take the little fella to the doctor on Friday. He has had a horrible cough for EVER now and it just does not seem to be getting any better. Aside from the cough that is too pitiful for words, there are NO changes to the eating habits or attitude so the doctor wants to wait until next week before prescribing an inhaler.

As I was waddling through the doctor's office trying to carry my child into the room where we will be seen, the nurse turned to me and in pure shock asked how I am managing him in the carrier. Not well apparently as she can clearly see the agony on my face. We had to know his weight. The last time we were at the doctor for 4 month shots he was 16 lbs 1 oz. Friday - 17 lbs, 13 oz. I constantly carry around a block of cement. (speaking of cement, did you watch Grey's, I cried...)
It is clearly no wonder why I have horrible back pains.

On the development watch - still no rolling over and no desire to do so. He is MUCH better in his jumperoo and has become a saucer kid at school. No longer the youngest in the class, he has given up his Graco swing at school to the fussy baby girl that was born in March. Owen looks at her from the driver's seat of the saucer car...beep beep. The doctor assured me once again that he will roll over someday - like when...who knows. Oh well. He is happy.

He had a weekend full of grandparents while I studied my little (who are we kidding) behind off for my real estate post license class. WORST MISTAKE EVER GETTING MY REAL ESTATE LICENSE. I don't care, I don't care, I don't care. Ahhh...I hate it. And yes mom, had I not put things off FOREVER, I probably would not be in this situation but here I am and here I sit...constantly going over tax breaks and sales credits. Have I mentioned I DON'T CARE!!!!!

He will get to spend more time with Nana again this weekend while I study...MORE. Yippie.

Aside from all the real estate fun I have been having...Owen is still happy, fun and full of life. He cracks me up. Also, I think I may have a future pitcher or quarterback in my house because I saw a few rattles fly through the room at record speed and distance a few times this weekend. Guess it is time to Owen proof the house.

Dorothy called, she wants her tornado back

2008-05-12T05:57:00.000-07:00

Seriously, what is going on with this weather?

In the short time Owen has been on this earth, we have already strapped him into his carrier and crouched down in the hallway THREE TIMES. I think in my whole life, I have had to get into tornado mode half a dozen times, including the three with Owen.

This is ridiculous. Too much destruction and damage. I feel so terrible for these poor people that had their roofs ripped off, cars pushed over and homes destroyed.

I think the most irritating thing though is, you can't blame "PEOPLE" for this. You cannot call the tornado provider and say, please cancel my tornado service, I no longer use it. You cannot call Tornado Customer Service and say, Thanks for the rain but this is a bit much. Global warming, carbon footprint, it's all silly to me, but I do know that last year we had no rain and this year my new address is about to become Oz.

I have also inquired as to the tornado plan at Owen's school in the event that one breaks out in the middle of the day I am unable to get to him. I mean, all those kids, those windows...I should buy a fallout shelter and live in that until summer.

Oh but summer...that brings hurricanes and in turn more rain. Think I can Google storm shelters? What do you think those run for?

As promised

2008-05-06T15:32:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Owen in his new Jumperoo. He LOVES it. He is actually fussing right now to get into it but he just ate and I think that he may just decide to throw up all of his food onto the shiny new jumperoo.

I am starting to feed Owen veggies in addition to the formula. As you can tell, he is not a fan of pea's. Come to think of it, neither am I. He did open his mouth when he saw the spoon today though, so we are making great strides.

Still not rolling over, he just does not seem that interested but he does want to pull his legs under him when he has tummy time. I will give him until 6 months for the roll over, if not by then, we will consult the medical professionals.

It is clear that he has hit the age where he needs to be constantly entertained. It may have something to do with day care but he is becoming more animated and needs to see that someone is in the room or around him. He also makes this nails on a chalk board type sound...half cry, half coo, 100% driving me crazy. It's like a growl and really cute for the first 5 minutes but after that, I just want him to make up his mind...what do you want to do, talk or cry...ahhh. But, coming from Owen, it still makes me laugh.

That was then

2008-05-06T05:21:00.000-07:00

NO I AM NOT PREGNANT AGAIN!!!

With that said, I was thinking the other day that it was been a year since I found out I was pregnant with Owen...and on Thursday it will be a year since I saw him for the first time. I still get butterflies in my stomach thinking about that day. I was so anxious, excited, nervous, everything. I cannot believe that this little thing became OWEN!!!

He got a new jumperoo on Saturday. Nana picked it up for him and thankfully she and Papa put it together because it looks very complicated and has a bunch of parts. However, he LOVES it and thinks that it is hilarious that he can bend his legs and then bounce. I will post pictures of this soon. It looks like a carnival ride...it clearly does not match my house decor, but Owen has fun in it so that is all that matters.

The whole Fergie clan will be Walking for a Cure on Saturday (if it does not rain) and I am so excited. I have been telling you all how much I want to be outside, exercising, having family time. This counts for it all. I am PRAYING it does not rain during the walk because I cannot wait to see Bigger Baby in his Team Smatties shirt. (also, I am still taking donations so any help would be great...tax deductible)

Owen got to have another spend the night party at Nana's and Papa's over the weekend so BB and I went to see a movie. While sitting in the theatre I realized...people are MORONS.

Movie Edict Rule #1 - If you are late to the movie, you must sit in the first place you see. Do not stand there searching for an upper seat in the middle causing people to move and shuffle. I got here on time, found my seat and have settled in. You did not and dilly-dallied at the concession stand. Sit up front.

Rule #2 - If the movie is rated PG-13 and over and you choose to bring your "teen" aged child and there happens to be some sort of love scene, do not lean over and try to explain DURING THE MOVIE that this is what grown up's only in love do. Not the time.

Rule #3 - I should always know that if a group of teenagers come into the film that I have planned on watching, I should just leave and request my money back. Nothing good can come of teenagers. I was one once, I know how they act. I may start lobbying for curfew's. No teenager out past 7 pm on Saturday.

I did like the movie though...21, check it out.

Well...enough for now.

Oh, I did get my hair cut. FINALLY. Love it. MUCH BETTER.

Best Birthday Present Ever

2008-04-28T06:51:00.001-07:00

If you think he looks bad, you should see the other guy

2008-04-26T18:34:00.000-07:00

So, Owen has horrible dry skin. Clearly gets it from his mother...we are never adequately moisturized. So, because of this, he has a tendency to scratch and claw at his face, head, legs...whatever. I feel terrible, he looks like he got into a fight. The other day I went to pick him up from school and he has a horrible scratch on his leg. The child isn't even walking and already he has scrapes.

So, to compound the saga of the scratch attack, Owen is now experiencing another small cough (compliments of day care I'm sure) followed up by maybe some teething (he keeps drooling really bad and putting his hands in his mouth) which gives him a small amount of diarrhea and diaper rash. YIPPIE!!!! However, my awesome child has laughed and laughed all day with family, talked, giggled, typical Owen. Just laid back...whatever.

UNTIL the REMOTE. From out of nowhere the remote falls on his poor little head. Clearly this is the straw that will break the camels back. He has been so good, so well behaved but the remote knocking him in the head has sent him to Fussy Town. He was only there for a few moments, but I felt TERRIBLE. I wanted to through the remote out the window. It was my fault but it was all I could do to not blame someone. The sofa got a stern talking to.

Thankfully all is settled. Bottle has been fed, jammies are on, lotion applied. It is night night time and I suspect that tomorrow morning REMOTE GATE will be a distant memory.

I have also attempted again for the 6,346,708 time to file and cut his nails so it does not look like he got into fisticuffs with Sam. I swear, even today when Nana gave him new toys he was knocking himself in the head with them. You would think Remote Gate would just have reminded him of that.

Oh well...till tomorrow.

Who are you people

2008-04-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I have a 10 year high school reunion coming up. Still on the fence about going. Mainly because I am still a chub and was a chub in high school so I would like to have some change before I venture out to see these people.

I was recently invited to be a member of the SHS Class of '98 myspace page. I joined. Really more excited about the fact that now people can see the beautiful pictures of my awesome son.
Um, I have quickly changed my page back to private.

WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE????

Seriously, I know three people...those being the same three people I still talk to on a regular basis from high school. Did I even graduate from this school? I know I am not good with names but faces I swore I would remember. I have no clue who most of these people are. Have we just all aged? I will be the girl at the reunion hoping for awesome name tags because I swear, no one will ring a bell. I felt terrible when I was pregnant and I went to a friends party and this guy comes up to me and says "You don't remember me do you?" No...had NO clue. He said we had a ton of classes together in high school. Clearly I have blocked that part of my memory. College is slowly starting to fade away. I remember some people, others I have to have friends jog my memory. (Maybe forgetting college is due to something else...like too much alcohol. Sorry mom)

Goodness. Ashley, Monica. Please, lets meet up prior to the reunion so I can have a crash course in who these people are.

Horrors upon horrors, what if people forget me!?!?!?! AHHH. Maybe I can go and pretend to have totally been super cool, or really creative or really smart...

I invented Post It's - The pop up's because the other ones were already invented when I was in school

I just want to squeeze him all day

2008-04-24T11:14:00.000-07:00

Mom sent this picture to me today. It makes me smile. I have been stressed out and talking to not nice people and I just look at this new picture and it makes me laugh. Oh, the things that make him smile...if only it stays that easy. (making him laugh that is)

Too bad Mom made him look like the Gerber Baby with the silly hair do, but, still the most adorable site in the entire world. I am seriously counting down the minutes until I get to go and pick him up from school to hear all about his day. We chat all the way home.

Oh, and...I MADE A HAIR APPOINTMENT. Thank God. May 3rd I am CHOPPING THIS MOP OFF!!! Oh, I cannot wait. I seriously do not know how I will make it but...I know I will be a rejuvenated woman once this mess is cleaned up.

The Office, Greys, Lost, EVERYTHING comes on TV tonight, my DVR will be on overload. I cannot wait.

Love to all,

It's been medically proven

2008-04-21T14:37:00.000-07:00

Owen went for his 4 month check up today where it was medically proven and recorded that he is PERFECT!!! Being the smarty I am, I already knew...and no medical school bills to pay back.

Owen weighs a wopping 16 lbs and is 26 inches long. He is the 75 percentile in weight, 90th in height and he grew into his head. Plus, the nurse said that he is holding his head up perfectly so there is nothing to worry about.

Poor fella had to get his shots though. NOT HAPPY. It was so pitiful because he was playing and flirting with the nurse and then...BAM, shot city. He pulled through like a champ though.

Now he is napping off his shots and Tylenol. Poor fella.

Bigger Baby got a new job. He is now an Operations Manager (very big deal) and has been working non-stop. I am so proud of him but I miss him and so does Owen. However, Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill and The Hills are all on tonight so I think it may be best that he stays at the office...I don't want to catch flack for my high school obsessions. (Heck, I may even break down and watch The Paper.)

Love to all

Team Smatties

2008-04-21T05:20:00.000-07:00

So this year, the whole fam will be walking for a cure...including Owen.
Well, Owen will not be doing too much walking but you know what I mean.

My office does this to celebrate our co-worker that fought and won her battle against breast cancer. It is such a energizing walk and great to be around all of those women who have in memory of and in honor of on their backs, walking to raise awareness and money to fight this cancer that takes so many mothers, sisters, wives and friends away.

I am sure you have already received your email (if you didn't it's because I don't have your email address) to help me raise money for this cause. However, if you lost the link, click here. I am hoping to raise at least $125 so any help is greatly appreciated.

The walk is May 10th and I promise to post pictures of my ugly butt in the early am...makeup free. GO TEAM SMATTIES!!!!!!

Head up young person

2008-04-11T17:49:00.000-07:00

Ever see that movie...um, what's it called...the one with Paul Rudd and Jennifer Anniston and he is a gay guy who lives with her and she is pregnant with someones kid and they take dance lessons. What's it called...now it's gonna bother me....it comes on all the time...I'll think of it later.

Anyway, about the only thing memorable about that movie is the line that the old dance teacher says all the time, "Head up young person". Well, I have made that my new tag line for Owen...HEAD UP YOUNG PERSON.

See above, now do you see how this child is NOT a fan of tummy time. His school swears that they are giving him ten minutes a day...seriously, this picture was captured after about 20 seconds, not a happy baby.

Oh well...just thought I would share. The albatross around my neck is getting this child to hold his head up...steady!

Plus, the picture is funny and it makes me laugh.

xoxo

Announcing the birth of...

2008-04-11T08:42:00.000-07:00

OWEN!!!

Well, four months ago (on Wednesday to be exact).
What a horrible southern girl - I have not sent out the all important birth announcements to tell the world that the most precious angel has finally arrived. Mom helped and made the darn things and for the life of me, they sit in a bag hanging on the door knob to the closet door, looming at me daily to get off my rump and start addressing envelopes.
It is my goal to have those sent out...by next week...promise.

My problem is...it is just so darn hard finding the most perfect picture to show the world how adorable this little guy is....and since he changes DAILY and gets more and more perfect, yesterday's picture may not be as great as tomorrow's. The possibilities are endless really.

Since the weather forecast is calling for a weekend of rain and cold (do I also live in Satan's pants USA?) I will be addressing envelopes (with my excellent penmanship) and sending out the cute birth announcements for you all to display proudly on memo boards, refrigerators and in my case - electrical panel boxes. Hopefully I have enough to send out...those little boogers were not cheap...and we still had to make them ourselves. I think I have 30.

I hope that Owen does not inherit my procrastination trait. I am trying to get better - but I have HORRIBLE cabin fever and if I don't get out of my house and do something cutesy-family like I am going to scream. The NFL draft is only weeks away and if I listen to more speculative NFL draft talk I may throw a Dundie at the TV.

Well, until tomorrow (or when I finding something to blog about...I swear, it's not easy coming up with topics). I am on my way to pick up Owen from school so that he can come to my office and see the girls. The boss man and woman are out of town and it is pretty slow...I am sure I can find work to do but...Crap, there goes that procrastination thing again.

TTFN (that makes me laugh Jessica)

Meowzers, stop doing that

2008-04-09T08:07:00.000-07:00

My first child Sam (see above) is none to happy about the new addition to our home. Not being the worlds smartest cat (even though he did go to college) he is JUST now figuring out that there is someone new in the house that is taking up his quality time.

I am to my WITS end with this silly cat. Patience is no longer a virtue that the Bigger Baby has because on more than one occasion he has thrown the cat outside to where I have had to go track him down and bring him back in.

(as a side note, the cat is / was very spoiled and although he still has his front claws, has never been outside and is too much of a Handsome Prince to hang out with the ruffian neighborhood fat cats that control our block)

Prince Samuel J. Ray is now refusing to use his litter box. Gross - I know. I will tell you though that my house does not smell like an old ladies. We continue to clean this up...ALL THE TIME.

I have done some research and have recently found out that my cat suffers from emotional distress. Are you kidding me? Emotional Distress...come on now. Sam, instead of tee-teeing in my dining room, why don't you do what the rest of us do and over eat. Surely that has to be better than getting hit between the ears when I finally catch you. (Yes, I do believe in spanking to a point to discipline...but that is another posting)

So, it was mentioned that I head to the local Petsmart to purchase some kitty Zanax or herbal remedy to calm his nerves. Great...now even my cat will be medicated. I'm not even medicated...yet. Now my 8 year old cat has to take downers because he stresses too much.

WHAT A PAIN!!!! Every day I race home trying to beat Bigger Baby so I can clean the mess before he gets home because if he finds it first the scowling look on his face meets me at the door.

"That damn cat crapped again"

"Why, hello to you too and yes, my day was lovely"

"Whatever Jill...the cat is about to go outside"

my eyes roll, I walk away and he says something under his breath. Then I have to change to subject to the dinner menu so we can move past this issue.

Poor Prince Samuel. I think I may loose my fight if I cannot get the cat accustomed to the new addition. I mean seriously, the kid has been around for four months...I cannot believe Sam is just now catching on and taking this out on my dining room floor. Clover hasn't changed a bit...she is still sitting in the same place she was when I went into labor. She doesn't move...except for chow time.

Booo...hopefully the kitty relaxers will help, if not, I see a cat gang initiation taking place in my front yard soon.

Amendment to previous post

2008-04-05T05:37:00.000-07:00

My mom called - confused as to why people put such personal things on blogs. I may send her a few links...putting it out there makes it a) funny, b) bearable and c) entertaining. When in doubt, put it out I say.

Any way, she said that if I am concerned about Owen's "development" I should call the doctor. Imagine that conversation.

me -- "Hi. This is Jill Ferguson, I'm calling about Owen (date of birth) and wanted to speak to someone about the fact that he is not hitting any developmental milestones. If you can please call me back at 404-xxx-xxxx."

(you have to leave messages - the nurse line calls you back)

Some time later

me - Hello

Nurse - Hi Mrs. Ferguson this is alkgfhjdf from DeKalb Pediatrics, calling about Owen.

me - oh thank you.

Nurse - you are concerned with development

me - yes, he is still not holding his head up, does not roll and is not grabbing toys

Nurse - how old is he Mrs. Ferguson (notice how they are using my name in annoyance)

me - um, almost four months (I am now getting embarrassed)

Nurse - well, Mrs. Ferguson, Owen still has lots of time to develop. Are you doing tummy time

me - no, he screams

Nurse - well you need to do that first, even if he screams...it teaches him

me - huh

Nurse - does he seem happy

me - yes

Nurse - is he exhibiting any signs of being ill

me - no

Nurse - I think you need to be patient - and stop calling

(well maybe not that, but I can tell that once they get off the phone, they will totally be telling everyone about the stupid call they just had to return)

I am a new mommy - I worry. I worried before I was a mommy, I worry more now, I have always been a WORRIER. I would and still do wake up in the middle of the night searching for things in a panic...No Jeff - IT CANNOT WAIT TIL MORNING!!! at least Gus understands me

I mean, just a few weeks ago I realized that I had been tooling around town with Owen incorrectly in the car seat. The child's head had been hanging forward for WEEKS, going on MONTHS. I would have to pull over every 5 miles to get the kid to push his head back. I swear, he was going to choke. Now, just now that he is almost too big for the darn carrier have I finally discovered the proper way to install a base in a car. Whatever Graco, your directions SUCK.

So, if you did not already know, the Bumbo chair had been the thorn in my side for weeks. Owen - this is a nice present, you need to use it...thus, you need to hold your head up. Please see pictures...I am very proud of this. However, notice how even at 3.5 months the child is already praying to God that his mother gets some sanity. Poor child. Look at that face, he is just trying to please his crazy mommy. Aunt Jessica is going to try to take him away.

But...I am VERY VERY proud of this accomplishment.

In all honesty, I think I am the one with developmental issues, not poor Owen. Plus, my hair still looks like crap. I need to call Julie. As my mother says, put on some lipstick, you will feel better. I hate lipstick (seriously it is so 1980's, use gloss) but I do LOVE to get my hair done. LOVE IT. Plus I get to catch up with Julie and that always makes me happy...where is that number again.

Until tomorrow...

He doesn't act like anything is wrong

2008-04-03T09:46:00.000-07:00

According to babycenter.com, my 3 month 2 week old should be doing the following:
1. Holding his head up when flat on his stomach
2. Rolling over, or making attempts to roll over
3. Grabbing toys or touching toys that are interesting to him
4. Calculation algebra equations

Well maybe not number 4...but 1-3, yes. Well guess what, my adorable angel is doing NOTHING of the sort. Not even attempting. Does not even care...whatever, give him the bottle.

This gets me thinking...great, now I am a horrible mother because I did not do enough tummy time with him the first few weeks. Now we have nightly tummy time cram sessions so we can keep up. The day care says he's fine...and compare him to some child that looks like a bubble head. I swear, he has a small resemblance to that kid from Mask. No thanks.

I am seriously beating myself up about this. Catch up Owen...your mother is a moron.

Breathe, breathe, breathe...
So...all of this stress is for nothing. I prayed for a happy, healthy baby with five fingers and five toes. As a matter of fact, I do believe that on more than one occasions throughout my pregnancy I made a deal with God that if he came out safely, I would never ask for anything ever again.
Amendment to previous request
Make him perfect with no issues, no problems and easy as pie to take care of and I will never ask for anything else again.

I hate the internet. Too much information to fill my small brain with worry and doubt.

We will continue to work on these milestones. I am praying that he hits them soon but in the articulate words of the Bigger Baby - "it's not as if he will be 20 laying on his back, not able to hold his head up" - geee, I sure hope not...

Maybe I am just irritated because my hair looks like crap...yea, that's it.

How Double Doozies and Owen go together

2008-04-01T16:37:00.000-07:00

I have recently discovered the Great American Cookie Company across the street from my office. This would have been a wonderful discovery while pregnant...however, by some grace of God, the mere of idea of walking my fat behind across the street while carrying a giant child in my tummy was unheard of. Typically I made a lunch order to whomever was going over there, yea I was that girl.

During my recent visit though, while standing waiting on the delicious goodness that is the double doozie (if you don't know what it is, consider yourself lucky, if I tell you, you will run to the GACC, get one and regret it forever...it is legal crack) I noticed that I am still Owen weight. Huh...I thought I had lost at least 8 lbs 15 oz. Not so...and I just recently found my Double Dooz.

So...all excuses aside, me and the kid are hitting the pavement and starting to walk. I am not 100% sure that the Big Baby will be joining us, but I pick and choose my battles.

Weather permitting (because you can't take a baby out when it's cold and apparently the ole' Groundhog was incorrect yet again) I will be strolling (literally) the neighborhood of East Point, kid in toe. Maybe if I'm really into it, I will get one of those fancy big wheel in front strollers...maybe even one that says JEEP on it, so I look like an All Terrain kind of girl. Baby steps though...baby steps.

So, my weekly (seriously who are we kidding) trips to the Double Dooz factory are over. Even a dinki dooz cannot save me now. It is ranch dressing in between carrots (light ranch...at least Naturally Fresh, yum), peanut butter on apples, granola and yogurt.

And, if anything, I can consider this my training for the Walk for a Cure that my office does every year and every year I swear I am keeping up all while huffing and puffing my way through Atlantic Station telling my co-workers that I am just claustrophobic not out of shape. Lies...all lies. SAVE THE BOOBIES!!!!!!!!!!

Kicks here I come!!! Maybe a trip to Piedmont...anyone?

My little fella

2008-03-31T07:18:00.000-07:00

First of all - Happy Birthday Aunt Jessica. Owen misses you very, very much...he told me last night.

Life could not be better!!! My little fella gets bigger and bigger every day and every day he learns something new. So...I thought I would start a blog to capture all of the amazing things that Owen does...so that everyone, near and far could have a chance to see his changes.

He turned 15 weeks yesterday...I cannot believe it!!!

We went to visit with Monica, Ashley and Cooper on Saturday. We are a little jealous that Cooper can already sit in his Bumbo chair...but we are working on it. Owen is learning how to sit...although it looks like me may be downhill skiing...he is still learning. He laughs and laughs every time he gets to sit up because he finally can see the world at a different angle.

I recently realized that it is not dry skin on the back of his head but instead cradle cap...nice. We did an oil treatment on his hair last night...he had a little Soul Glo for a moment there but it appears to be clearing up now.

This weekend we get to go and see Kevin for his birthday...I cannot believe that he will be 17!!! AHHHH...I remember when he was born. He has grown up so fast...Owen...just stop now!!!