Does Momo Know? and... Countdown to Vacation!

I am on vacation!

Well, technically I am not on vacation for 5 more days. Nathan still has school for 4 days. I have meetings and work that must be done this week. But in my head... I am on vacation already. I have checked out.

yup!

Memorial Day came and went with plenty of swimming and family time and today the temperature is supposed to be 100 degrees of lovely Carolina awesomeness. It is hard to do anything outside because it is so hot and it is too nice outside to do anything inside. Which is perfect because "nothing" is exactly what I want to do.

Nathan's science fair is this afternoon and his project "Does Momo Know" is a study on how humans learn new facts. Also known as: "Will Morgan sit still long enough to have Nathan teach him his colors?" Conclusion: Test subject has a hard time focusing on one thing long enough to absorb information as it is presented. (However, when he says "purple" it is about the cutest thing I have ever heard.) I think Nate will get an "A." He worked very hard and practiced his presentation for a week. The other kids made volcanos -- or rockets -- or poisoned plants. Nathan chose a project where he could play with his baby brother. That makes me super proud.

On Saturday we leave for a much-deserved and anticipated week at the beach with my sisters + families, + parents. We will have 15 people this year  -- and I can't wait. I will take LOTS of pictures.

Note to self: Buy aloe.

Morgan is 5 months old!

Today baby Morgan turns 5 months! He is sitting on his own and eating such delicacies as squash and bananas. He is delightful, a good sleeper, easy going and fun. I am not sure whose child we took home from the hospital, but we are not giving him back! (Good thing he looks like us, or we really would wonder).

Nathan is going to school 5 days a week and for the most part loves it. It is a lot of work and I think it is hard for him NOT to be the center of the universe all the time--he plays games like "who wants a Nathan sandwich?" and "Nathan says" and "Nathan kickidy kick ball" -- a little self-absorbed that one... and clearly that indicates he is my child :) Some of the "only child" is wearing off slowly and he is wonderfully fun. He tells jokes and sings are colors fabulous pictures. He is well-behaved and is starting to read -- no complaints there either. He did get a concussion the other day when he did something less than graceful while "flying" over the furniture and had to get a CT scan.... (he gets his athletic ability from his father) - but he was fine... just banged up a bit.

Jas is still "in between" jobs, but has kept busy with the kids and the house and his online-monster-killing-quest-questing and whatever else he does all day :) He is really wonderful with the kids and I am so lucky to have such a great adaptable & patient husband.

As for me, I am gearing up to do a bunch of book signings before the holiday and I have a triathlon in 2 days. With any luck I will survive that. I am also fighting a week-long headache for no good reason. I immediately had the old thyroid checked.... (well not immediately... who does anything immediately any more....) and it is normal -- which means the headache is caused by something more nebulous and I have my first of what will probably be several doctors appts to find out why. And that is why we have COBRA insurance coverage...(that and the fact we have 2 little boys and Jason still insists on playing weekly soccer games...)

That is about all for now - I am off to the doc to be told I do not have a sinus infection and they aren't sure why I still have a headache... fun fun!

Morgan's Check-up

Baby Morgan had his check up the other day... at 4 months he is 15lbs 1 oz, 25 3/4 " long and has a head circumference of 16 1/4" -- making him a solid 50%, 75%, 25% in the percentiles -- also meaning his is the tallest member of the male side of the family --at least when taking into account the age to height ratio. Go Big Mo!

Morgan also got shots at his check-up and then promptly slept the whole rest of the day and into the next, waking before lunch REALLY hungry, and probably several ounces lighter than the day before. A bit of baby Tylenol for a fever, some projectile yuckies and light snack and the kid was out again. We have not gotten our happy baby back yet, even tonight, the child is still quite sleepy and a bit grumpy, but the fever has broken and Jason has only changed shirts a few times today, so we are considering it a good day.

On other topics: I had my early morning BNI today, but then came back to the house to work with my friend Rob on some home improvement projects. I will post a couple pics of my "lighted nook" when it is finished -- but it is my new favorite feature of the house. Admittedly, I should have been working, but spackling and painting and cutting holes into walls was way more therapeutic, and I needed it.

Unfortunately, Rob will have to finish the big project on his own since I have an ALL day 8-5 seminar tomorrow and Saturday on Phonics....yippeee. (Which I am sure I will learn is spelled incorrectly tomorrow). Nate's school requires it of all parents since we are teaching to a "University Model" and ... well, I have gobs of work to do to learn phonics since it wasn't how I learned to spell, but hopefully the blocks will fall into place for me and perhaps increase my ability to convey my message without getting slowed up by pesky spelling questions. But even better, if I can give Nathan something that I did not have and make him a stronger student, better learner and more capable human being in the end, I will endure a couple long days and time away from my family.

Nathan loves school but has come home each day this week exhausted. Tomorrow is a day off since all parents and teachers are doing the phonics workshop. Nate needs it. School is going to be quite an adventure for all of us!

Baby Faces and an Extrovert in an Introvert World

Some silly baby faces from my 15lb 3 month old!

He likes his food!


Morgan is becoming more animated. This week he discovered his feet. Feet are cool. If only he could grab them...but his hands can't quite figure it out yet!



Morgan is now sleeping well during the night, although he is very affected by schedule changes. Mommy and Daddy are relearning how to handle the demands of a demanding infant while battling sleep deprivation... fun stuff.

Although Morgan does not seem to mind enjoying everything 5am has to offer.



Nathan stopped by my book signing this past Saturday... you will note I am hiding and he is front and center! No introversion there!