Happy Birthday Mikey!!!

Yesterday was Mikey's 3rd birthday. I still can't believe it. This child is growing up so fast and he just gets better and better every single day. He touches everyone's heart that he sees. Mikey is charismatic and he can turn on the charm on a dime. He has a wonderful sense of humor and is super fun to play games with. He gives the best hugs and warmest kisses. I also have to say that although he loves his Daddy very much there is no one like his Mommy to him. I am still his ultimate sense of comfort... I'm one lucky Mommy. He loves to snuggle and won't stay out of Mommy and Daddy's room. Each night anywhere from 12-3:00 we hear his little feet pitter pattering their way into our room, followed by his little body climbing in between Mommy and Daddy where he will rest his eyes for the remainder of the night. I must admit we have not attempted to break this habit of his as we love it so much. I know there will come a day where he wouldn't be caught dead sleeping in a bed with his parents so I will cherish each and every evening I get.

Mikey loves to pretend that he is a dinosaur... some days baby jaguar from Diego. Either way he's got a fierce growl that is his favorite noise to make. He loves anything dinosaur. The bigger and scarier the better. Dinosaurs don't scare him in the slightest. Next in line of the favorites is still any kind of choo-choo train. He still likes to watch Thomas and will watch any show that has trains in it. When we went to Florida last week we asked him to pack some toys to take with him and all he packed were his trains. When we asked if he was sure he didn't want to bring anything else he gave us a very firm NO.

When it comes to food there is no surprise for my hubby and I that Mikey is very picky. The apple does not fall far from the tree. Both Mike and I were very picky eaters as kids and some would say that we even might still be. Mikey loves fruit and hates veggies. He loves whole wheat pasta and rice but meat is a whole other thing. The only meat we can get him to eat is hot dogs, fish sticks, chicken nuggets (fast food kind) and scrambled eggs. He loves bread and will happily eat a plain slice of bread. Mikey likes milk but as always he prefers orange juice. Orange juice is his World and he is particular about it too. He does not like pulp and he doesn't like OJ from concentrate. He's a bit of an OJ connoisseur.

Mikey has blessed our lives and truly makes our World a better place. I know his Daddy and I couldn't be more proud to have such a fantastic, spunky and beautiful little boy. I thank God everyday for bestowing such wonderful child upon me. Happy Birthday Peanut!!!!

(I will get pictures posted tomorrow as I have not had time to download any since returning from Florida due to having a nasty head cold/ sinus infection. Lucky Mommy.)

Our weekend

Sunday was absolutely beautiful. It felt like spring here. The air was warming up, it made it to 60 degrees! The sky was the most gorgeous bright blue with not a single cloud to be found. The only thing we did indoors was go to church, other than that we were enjoying the weather and each others company. We cleaned up the backyard which was not fun thanks to Misiu and deer poop. That stuff was everywhere! Well OK Daddy did 90% of the poop cleaning as just looking at it made me a wee bit nauseous. Once that was done though Mikey and Daddy played hockey on the tennis court. Mikey even asked me if I wanted to play too (usually he only wants to play hockey with Daddy). I was delighted but, could see why he prefers Daddy to Mommy here. Daddy is just better and he's much faster at retrieving the ball than I am. I enlist Misiu to fetch the ball and Mikey really doesn't want Misiu touching his ball. Anyhow we had a blast! We flew a kite in the park, we went bike riding, walked through the trails and pulled out toy after toy to play with.

Daddy and Mikey inspecting the grass.


Mikey playing with his car from Babcia Ania and Dzia-Dzia Andrew

Daddy trying to get Mikey to use the pedals. This is a constant battle. Mikey would much prefer to Flinstone it on his bike or in the car. Hey, maybe he knows something we don't.

Saturday

Saturday was gray and wet.

Although that does lend for a mighty good time stomping in the puddles.

Daddy was on call and he was working hard, he left early that morning and didn't make it home until late that night. Mikey was asking ALL day, "where's Daddy, Mommy"?

The only downside to stomping in puddles is when your pants get wet.

Mikey consoling a pouting Misiu who was not happy

that he had to be tied up at the playground.

Don't you almost feel bad for him? Life is tough Misiu.

All in all rain or shine we had a wonderful weekend.

Hope yours was great as well!

We're still here

It's been a little while since my last post. I must say that the flu that both Mikey and I had really took a toll on us. I really didn't feel better for almost three weeks. Of course to add to it I'm happily pregnant, however, with that comes fatigue and morning sickness. Add all that up and it left me with absolutely no desire to post anything (except occasional tid-bits on facebook). Anyhow, we are all feeling better and enjoying the beautiful weather outside. We all went for a nice walk this morning and Mikey broke out his bicycle. We then came in for some yummy donuts... a craving of mine that Mikey doesn't mind sharing one bit with Mommy. Smoochie hasn't come in all morning. Daddy keeps finding any project he can so he can enjoy the weather. Mikey is happily eating some lunch and then it's off to read books and take a nap. I'm trying to catch up with all the cleaning I've had no problem putting off for the past month it seems. Anyhow, I really wanted to put up some new pictures of Mikey but realized I haven't taken any in over a month. So you get Mikey eating his mac-n-cheese.... with Thomas' help of course.

HAPPY SATURDAY!

Still in shock

Yup, that is what you are looking at. Pregnancy tests... POSITIVE pregnancy tests! I really did not believe it when I took the first one so I had to take another to be 'positive'. That was not so easy because I completely emptied my bladder and it took me at least another hour to be able to pee again. It was a very long hour although I really thought it would come out negative. So, other than that there is no significance of two tests. I guess my body was just ready. After everything I've (we've) been through I didn't think it would happen so easily. We weren't planning on trying until my next cycle. I guess that's what gives me hope that this pregnancy will be successful. Anything we plan for never, ever turns out. Seriously. Things we don't plan for end up being the best things of our lives i.e. Mikey, our marriage (Hospital ceremony), Marshfield. So, maybe that's what we needed was for this to happen completely on its own. Anyhow, I'm very early so let's all keep our fingers crossed.

Unfortunately, we've been hit with this nasty cold/flu bug that seems to be hitting everyone I know in every State. Mikey started feeling yucky last Friday evening and he's just now feeling better, getting his strength and appetite back. I was really hoping that the prenatal vitamins and Emergen-C packets I've been downing daily would protect me. Not so much! I was really sick Monday and I've just started feeling better today. Now I'm trying to get everything in the house clean and free from germs. Not a fun task. After being sick all week there hasn't been much cleaning going on so now I'm playing dust bunny catch up.

On one more positive note, the temperatures are rising just ever so slightly outside. The snow is beginning to melt! I can hear the melting snow dripping off the roof and it's such a beautiful sound. The sun is shining and despite being sick for a week we are pretty darn happy right now. Happy weekend everyone!

Daddy aka: jungle gym?

How many more ways can you climb on your Daddy?

This is Mikey's absolute favorite... "ride back, please Daddy" is what we hear ALL the time.

I think it's really cute and so does Daddy... for the first 10 minutes or so that is.

Oh deer....

These beautiful creatures have been gracing us with their presence almost daily. This is the first time I've seen them in the middle of the day. I about jumped right out of my shoes when I walked in the kitchen and caught something move out of the corner of me eye. I was home alone and it's such a rare thing that I must admit I get a little jumpy at the slightest sound. Anyhow, we both (at first it was just the one doe) just froze and quietly stared at each other. I must admit for as (briefly) frightened as I was I didn't want to scare her off. I know I shouldn't think this way. In the spring I'm not going to want her hanging around munching on my garden I'm planning for that very spot. Yet in the spring there will be lots of fresh green grass and other wild plants and shrubs that she won't need to come and empty my bird feeder (nonetheless eat my garden). Right? Right. In the meantime it's freaking cold here and the deer are running out of things to eat. I can't help but feel bad for them. My lovely neighbor summed it up best when she said she was going to start calling me Cinderella from now on. I always feel bad for the creatures and critters. Yes, even when they can be destructive. I know I will have to take measures in the spring to keep these girls out of my garden. For now, they can stop by anytime they like for a snack or two. I will say it again, aren't they beautiful?

No turning back

I guess I can now say I'm officially potty training Mikey. I am not going back... we can (scratch that) HE can do this! I am not using diapers anymore. That is if you don't count the pull-up he is getting at nap and to sleep in at night. When he woke up this morning ALL the diapers were gone. I had removed them all last night after I put him to sleep. Mikey so desperately wanted his diaper when he woke this morning. He looked in every single place a diaper has ever been in our home. I have to admit a part of me wanted to cave and give my little guy his diaper. He looked like he really needed it. Alas, I didn't and he (and I) survived. We had a two accidents this morning and then he got the hang of it.

We are not leaving the house this weekend. It's crash course potty training. Each time he goes potty we all get potty treats (he loves this part best). Of course he cried when he wanted more and I told him that to get more he had use the potty. So, we went to the fridge and got out juice boxes (his favorite) so he could make more pee. This I think made it OK. That is my plan. Lots of yummy drinks, sweet chocolaty rewards, lots of praise from Mommy & Daddy and NO DIAPERS.

Wish us luck. :-)

Besides staying in for a few days is a great time to take some silly photos with Mommy.

Sunday morning update:

We had a great afternoon with no accidents. I put Mikey in his pull up to go to sleep and as we finished his bedtime prayer he asked me to use the potty. I said sure! We went to the bathroom and he sat on the potty. Just when I thought he had just pulled this stunt to get out of bed, he peed in the potty!!! Yeah! We went back to his room and I tucked him in. This morning he woke up with a dry pull up... and proceeded to pee in the potty. Mikey you rock and your Mommy is so proud of you! Mikey is doing great. Now, let's see if he poops today. ;-)

Ohhh, to be two...

News Years Eve....

What a better way to start the new year than with some

great pictures with your family and friends.....

Bea (Mike's partners wife)

Ronnie and Bea had a wonderful New Year's party.

I can't wait until next year when I'll be feeling up to dancing.

Mikey and Henry...

These two are too cute for words.

Uncle Kevin

It's been way too long since we've seen each other.

Let's not do that again.... k?

Aunt Mary and Uncle Kevin...

still going strong 28 years later.

I live for moments like these...

More kisses Smoochie.... please.

That is my New Year's resolution: to make more time for more kisses from my Smoochie's.

Babcia and Mikey clowning around...

I see you!

Come on over and join us...

Grandma Connie and her son, Kevin.

Happy New Year's ALL!!!!

This is one of me new favorite pictures....

may the New Year be filled with many more times like this.

Excited for 2010!!!!!

I am so very ready for 2010. The past year has brought us many good times, we bought our first house together to raise our family in. I think that is the best thing to happen to us this past year. Unfortunately, all I seem to remember are the hard times (and we had a few). I prefer not to relive those moment by putting them out there for everyone. I think the best way to say screw you bad times for me is to say WELCOME 2010!!!! I am very optimistic and have big plans 2010.... so please don't let me down. ;-) Anyhow I'm going to keep this short. I wish you all a very Happy New Year! Please be safe tonight and if you go out for your celebrations please don't drink and drive.

I've included a video Mike and I took right before my surgery. We took Mikey sledding and it was sooooo much fun! I can't wait to be well enough to get back out there... maybe just a few more days.

Merry Christmas to ALL!!!!!

I must say that this Christmas is like no other. Mikey had the most wonderful time. Mikey came downstairs Christmas morning and his face just lit up with a smile ear to ear. Then he burst into the air and ran around the tree to check everything out. What an amazing site indeed. It took a while to unwrap the gifts as he had to thoroughly inspect each gift before he could unwrap the next. Mikey played and he played hard. I sat by the tree passing out gifts as I remember my Mother doing from my childhood. It was as though the torch was officially passed to me this year. I was in a lot of pain from my surgery 2 days prior, but I would not let that stop me from doing my job. I did it with a great sense of pride. Then when all was said and done, I stood in my husbands arms as we admired our beautiful little boy playing with each of his new treasures. It was a moment I hope to never forget. There were empty boxes thrown about, pieces of glittering wrapping paper, left to be picked up, decorating the floor. It was a wonderful holiday this year and the only thing that I would change would be if I could of had my father here with us (and maybe to have surgery at a different time of year).

I'm sure there are people wondering about my surgery. I've debated as to whether or not I want to blog about my surgery. I guess I have decided to. This blog is about all of us and this is a very big part of our life and our story. As you may know we've been trying to have another baby and it has been a heart wrenching experience for us. I have miscarried twice since having Mikey. Unfortunately with each miscarriage I have ended up hospitalized due to extreme hemorrhaging. After the second miscarriage I was left afraid that my desire to have another baby would possibly result in me not being around to watch Mikey grow up. That is NOT an option for me. So we decided to have some tests done to make sure I could have a baby safely. The tests showed that more than half of my uterus was filled with either extreme scar tissue (from the D&C's) or a septum. There was no way to tell until I had surgery and there was no way to have another baby with my uterus in that condition. So, on the 23rd my Mom and Grandma stayed home and took care of Mikey. Mike and I got into the volvo (my x-mas present from my lovely hubby) and we made our way to the hospital in Madison so I could have this surgery. I was so incredibly nervous. I didn't want my hubby to know, I wanted to be brave for my surgeon hubby. Silly right? I was also afraid that I wouldn't wake up from anesthesia to spend x-mas or any other day for that matter with my family. Yet, I am here with my family and typing this for all my loved ones out there.

Anyhow, I woke up. I woke up and I threw up. I was in the worst pain of my life. I'm still on the fence as to if this hurt worse than labor.... ok maybe labor is worse. This is right behind it though. I really didn't think this would hurt that bad. I had a laparoscopy and a hysteroscopy , four incisions were made. The surgeons found that I had a large asymmetrical septum in my uterus and a bad case of endometriosis. The septum was removed thus unblocking my fallopian tube and opening up my uterus. The septum has been there since I was born and is the reason Mikey came out 8 weeks early. The poor baby was pushed out by this damn thing. The good news is that I should be able to carry a baby full term now. Whoa-whoo! The bad news is the endometriosis they removed has a very big chance of coming back and with a vengeance. So by doctors orders Mike and I will start trying to have a baby right after I heal. I'm on estrogen to help establish a nice lining in my uterus for the baby to attach to. While pregnant the progesterone created by my body will help keep the endometriosis at bay. However, once I have the baby there is a high likelihood that the endometriosis will come back and possibly be worse. I had this stuff all over my insides including the outside of my uterus and the largest nodule my surgeon had ever seen on my bowels! Great, right? I'm of the mindset right now that I will worry about that once I get there. Right now we are so happy that we have the opportunity to have another baby. We have a great shot at having healthy full term pregnancy. All I want is one more baby. I'm not greedy, I just want a sibling for my son and another baby to shower with love, snuggles and kisses. So all in all this is a very merry time for my family. It's a time for hope and the prospect of new life. We wish all our loved ones near and far an especially wonderful holiday and happiness in the new year!!!!