I'm It!

OK. Normally I ignore the tagging, but I thought I would play along since it came from my cousin Sheri. I figured if she can do almost daily posts to her blog while managing a houseful of young boys, I could find time to do it, with just one little boy to look after. So, here are my six random things about me:

1. I love to travel. Over the years I have had to do a lot of domestic travel for work, but found I really didn't have the time to explore the places I was visiting. So, Stuart and I have really made an effort to visit places we haven't been to before when we vacation. We have a list of places to see in the world and want to visit as many of them as we can. We have climbed the pyramid in Chichen Itza in Mexico, walked the Great Wall and visited the Forbidden City in China, had dinner overlooking the skyline in Hong Kong, explored the black sand beach in Maui, been to Niagra Falls, and hiked the Grand Canyon. (OK, those last 2 were relatively easy for us as they are home town items for each of us!) Our view of the world changes as we experience different places and cultures. We really want Heather, Karen, and Jack to learn that same appreciation for the world and our differences.

2. I collect children's books. My sisters bought me the first one, The Cat in the Hat for my 25th birthday because they knew I loved Dr. Seuss and thought I should start my collection. Then, when taking a Children's Literature class in college, I added quite a few unique books to the collection. I am really excited about sharing my favorite stories with Jack as he grows up. I hope he will learn to love reading the way that I do.

3. I am a total klutz. For those who know me, this is not news. I am always tripping over myself, banging into walls, etc. Stuart will frequently ask me how I got a particular bruise (there is always at least one,) but I never know. I guess I am just used to it and don't even notice anymore.

4. I hate closed toed shoes. I have tons of flip flops and sandals. Even in cold weather I prefer these to my running shoes and boots. I believe toes should be free! I have often been teased for wearing flip flops in the snow.

5. I talk during movies/TV shows. I know, I know, I am one of those people everyone hates. I don't do it loudly enough in a theater for anyone other than Stuart to hear, so I am only bugging him. It makes him crazy, but I have to share my theories and reactions out loud. You should hear me watching Lost, it is sad. Usually, Stuart is patient with me on this issue. I think we need TIVO.

6. I hate raisins. However, I do love raisin bran cereal, the only place I like them. I know, I'm odd that way. They are just humiliated grapes (movie reference...Mo would know the one!) And who decided it was ok to put them in a cookie? They do not belong there!

That's it for me. Likely more than you wanted to know. I tag no one. If you want to post your own list, feel free! If not, don't!

Gotta Love Him

Baby Jack is watching you...

Screaming Happy

Laughing babies are so much fun. Our son, however, has to be different. His laugh is really more of a scream. It's very cute, although very loud. He must take after his aunts Charlotte and Wendy!

The Entire Family

While the girls were here for Christmas, we had some family photos taken. Marcy was our photographer and she did a great job with a challenging group. (Well, the girls were fine, it's the boys that were a challenge as Jack was fussy and Stuart is the self-described Chandler Bing of photos!) Despite all of that, we got some great pictures. Thanks Marcy!

Just for Papa

When Jack was first born, my dad had to get him his first little hunter cap. It took awhile for him to grow into and we have since added a whole camouflage sleeper. So, these pics are just for Jack's Papa...


This could indicate he isn't thrilled with the idea of hunting.....

Growing Up Fast

With everyone being sick over the last couple of weeks, I haven't had a chance to post some of Jack's latest accomplishments. We are so proud of our smart little boy!

He now sits up in his stroller (with the help of some straps.) He much prefers this view of the world. He has the ability to pull himself into a sitting position, just not the balance to maintain it yet!

He has discovered he has feet. His new favorite task is to pull off his sock and eat it.

He has had his first taste of cereal. We don't give it to him on a regular basis yet, just working on his acceptance of new things. He seems to like it, although he wants to feed himself.

He takes sips from a cup. Of course, this means he wants a sip from every cup within his reach. This was taken during dinner with Stuart's parents. Stuart held him on his lap and his wine glass got a bit close to Jack's greedy fingers. He latched onto the stem and would not let go. He continually licked the outside of the glass, trying to suck on it. It was not easy to pry it free. We about died laughing! He is going to be trouble when he is older. He is already trying to be so independent!

The Allen Men are SICK

Well, the last two days in this house have not been fun. Stuart woke up Sunday night/Monday morning violently ill with the stomach flu. Stuart is completely unable to do anything when he is sick. What is all that about anyway? When I'm sick I still have to take care of my obligations. I just work through it. Women are expected to carry on in adversity. Not fair! But, I digress. So, I spent a very early Monday morning taking care of him. I do feel bad as he really is very sick. This would not be a problem, except he watches Jack until our nanny comes at 9am. So, after taking care of my dying husband, I had the privilege of conducting a 7:30am meeting with my boss and peers while holding Jack and trying desperately to keep him quiet. Talk about multi-tasking. It wasn't my most professional performance at work. When the nanny left at 3pm, Stuart was dead asleep and I had little Jack to myself. Not a big deal, except apparently Jack caught the bug from dad that evening. Diarrhea, vomiting, and a fever. Other than that, you wouldn't know he is sick. He continues to smile and laugh through it all. Now he is a trooper! (Takes after his mom you know.) My evening was tiring as I am used to help from my partner and with Jack being sick, he really wanted to be held all night. Can't imagine being a single parent!

So, Stuart is still in bed today. Jack is doing well with Candice (as always) although he hasn't really eaten anything since 3pm yesterday. (We're struggling to get him to keep Pedialyte down!) And me? Well, because Stuart couldn't watch Jack this morning, I couldn't go into the office as planned. By the time Candice got here, my meetings were starting and I didn't have time to drive 1+ hours to the office, so I am working from home. I am a bit of a zombie, not having much sleep over the last 2 nights. Just be glad I didn't post an associated picture with this report!

Happy Baby

Baby Jack is doing well. I went back to work again this week (after 2.5 weeks of vacation.) Gee, I just haven't worked much since he was born. My cousin Candice began working as our nanny today at our house. She was great with him while I got some work done and took some meetings from the next room. Since I work from home a few days out of each week, I won't have to miss him too much and can take short breaks to spend time with him. It's also nice any day I don't have to make the hour+ drive to work and back. It is such a relief to have family watch him as I don't think I could leave him with anyone else just yet. And he seems to really like her, even better. Stuart is relieved as well. When I returned to work, he began taking the baby with him to the office each day and found he wasn't getting much done. I can't imagine why.