Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Don't you hate pants?

Because Brendan obviously does.

This is what I found when I checked on Brendan to see why he wasn't taking his nap. It appears taking your pants off is way too exciting to allow the woman who gave you birth a couple hours of peace.


After putting his pants back on three times, he finally fell asleep. But when it was time to get up, all I could see in his crib was a little lump under his blankets with two bare legs sticking out. He had taken them off AGAIN and drifted to sleep happy. At least he gives me things to blog about.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

And the day isn't even over yet!

We've had a fun day already and the day is only half way over! It started off with a trip to the Post Office, which is one of Brendan's favorite things but definitely not mine since he goes crazy there. Then we had a stop at Dunkin' Donuts for some chocolate goodness. And then finally some time in the snow!


Like I said before, the cold does not affect Brendan in anyway. He fell and got a face full of snow but didn't slow him down at all. He ran non-stop through snow drifts up to my knees but still wasn't deterred.

We walked along a snow mobile trail and it was quite pretty. Lots to see and it made me excited for spring and how beautiful it's going to be here.

Look at those awesome boots. Love them. I would highly recommend Sorel's if you are ever shopping for good snow boots.

Looking at the scenery. Brendan couldn't be bothered with it for too long though before he was off running again.



Chris had to chase Brendan most of the time since I had the camera. And poor Chris forgot his boots.

My cute boys together.

And the crying fit we got on the way home. I knew it was coming so I was prepared with the camera to capture it. Since we've come in from the snow, Brendan has been quite subdued. I think all that running wore him out some and I'm expecting a long nap this afternoon, during which I plan to take a long nap as well!

Friday, February 20, 2009

Because we were bored

Today Brendan and I enjoyed some fun in the snow. Mostly he enjoyed it and I stood there trying to remain warm. But I am happy to report that my new boots worked fabulously well.
that made being the cold somewhat enjoyable for me. I'm not sure how, but Brendan isn't affected by the cold at all. He jumped into the large piles of snow and just sat there. He loved dumping the snow all over himself too. I wish I had pictures but I forgot my camera. So the best I have is when we came back inside. He wasn't a happy camper. He didn't want to come in yet but if he had his way he'd be out there all day.

He wouldn't even put on a good face for the camera, but that's okay because I think his sad face is still pretty cute.

But things turned around when I took a couple pictures of both of us together. He was quite happy about that and loved to look at the digital screen to check how they turned out. I love those rosey cheeks of his.



And there's no better way to warm up after playing in the snow than by eating your weight in vanilla wafers. He seriously ate almost half the box. Not the best lunch but my boy has fast become quite the picky eater. If anyone has suggestions, PLEASE let me know! I'm begging you.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

This is why I love shopping online

These new beauties are my most recent splurge. And they came just in time too! The forecast is calling for about a foot of snow by the end of today and possibly more tomorrow. Snow boots have been on my list of Things I Desperately Need for a while but that need was reinforced by the insane amount of snow here and even Chris couldn't deny that I needed them. And the best thing was since I have such a small foot, my size was the only size left AND they were on sale. It was meant to be. Now it's time for a romp in the snow!

Friday, February 13, 2009

Showing some love

To celebrate Valentine's Day, I thought I'd make some heart shaped cookies from a recipe that I have been wanting to try for a while. Brendan was quite the eager little helper and made sure that everything was tasting as it should. He even tasted the plain flour before it was added to the wet ingredients but he didn't mind. He kept saying "Mmmmmm" and tried over and over to eat more flour.

Brendan is surprisingly still and quiet while helping me in the kitchen. He will wait patiently for his turn with the mixer (he loves to hold it and stir everything together) and he'll watch me without a peep from him.

He was a good helper and he got to eat his reward for being such a darling little boy.

I hope he liked the finished product more than the plain flour. He ate the whole cookie so I'll take that as a good sign.

Lots of love here in the Near home with fun surprises set for tomorrow and lots of yummy treats to be eaten! Here's why my heart is full this Valentine's Day-

1. Having a little boy who loves to take his pants off. All the time.
2. Hearing the sweetest "Hi Mama" when I talk to Brendan on the phone.
3. Dancing with my little man to my favorite song of the moment. And when I play it in the car, he starts dancing in his car seat.
4. Watching Brendan talk more and more. He's made vast improvements in the last couple months and I couldn't be more proud of him. I'm hoping to avoid the speech therapist.
5. Watching Brendan hide in a corner to take a poop. He needs his privacy and doesn't like it when I laugh at him, but I can't help it.
6. Seeing Brendan run to his dad when he comes home from work.
7. Getting back rubs from Chris.
8. The fact that I have a husband who will give me a back rub almost every night. He's very kind to me.
9. Laughing every day because Chris is hilarious. Despite not wanting to laugh, I usually can't help myself. Sometimes his jokes are so lame they're funny.
9. Knowing I have the most wonderful husband and son. I love you two to the moon and back!

Happy Love Day!

Sunday, February 1, 2009

A Day of Trains

This is what you'll see most of the time at the Near residence- Brendan and his trains. He loves to put his track together and push around his little trains.

It's even more fun when his dad is here to play with him.

It was a nice, lazy Sunday around here. Just the kind I like. I had my first week in Young Women's and I'm happy to report I think I'll like it very much there. I was just called to be the 1st and only counselor (there are only 3 girls). I'm happy to be doing something other than nursery, where I was one and off for the last 2 1/2 years.

And I'm also happy to report that our branch is wonderful. The members there welcomed us with open arms and have been a huge blessing to us since we've been here. On our very first day here, several members of the branch got together to make us a wonderful dinner complete with homemade bread; another brought us some groceries and toilet paper that evening; another helped us when our gas froze in our car the next day; and another sweet family offered to pick us up for church our first week since we had no idea how to get there. We've been really lucky. We've also been invited to have dinner with several families and everyone loves Brendan despite his loud noises during Sacrament meeting. We are glad to be a part of such a loving branch.

So today was a nice day. Brendan took a long nap, I made cookies, and we watched some football. I even finally got around to using some Christmas presents- my camera remote and tripod.

It was a good way to start February.