Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Big boy in big haircut chair.


image, originally uploaded by megan bauer.

I took the boys for haircuts today. It was Henry's second. The hairstylist put Henry in a chair on a booster seat and it was absolutely hysterical. He looked like such a little guy under the black tarp. But, he didn't move a muscle. And, he no longer has hair in his eyes. This photo was taken w/ my new phone and since I don't really know how to work my phone yet, it's blurry. Better luck next time.


image, originally uploaded by megan bauer.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Watch out!


022, originally uploaded by megan bauer.

Henry has taken a particular liking to climbing. He can get on our couches, chairs, and I even caught him on top of the kitchen table last week. Yesterday, he was trying to get out of his crib. He had one leg stretched up to the top and was just an inch or two shy of making it. Neither of my big boys were climbers. In fact, I could probably put them in Henry's crib now and they STILL wouldn't be able to get out. Honestly. So, having a climber is going to be a new experience.


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All by himself.....


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Henry climbing the chairs at Emmett's school.


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Heading up the stairs...


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Henry conquers the kid's chair.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Thank you, dental insurance.

I took Owen to visit the oral surgeon today and he discussed his upcoming tooth extraction. It involves putting him to sleep, an IV, and intravenous anesthesia. All for two little baby teeth that are going to fall out someday anyway. I can hardly stand it. But, what's a mom to do? It's what both the orthodontist and oral surgeon recommended (after seeing Owen's x-rays). He said that a LOT of kids are having it done to prepare for orthodontia. All in the name of straight teeth. Anyway, it's scheduled for January 26. After the visit I asked Owen how he felt about it and he says, "I feel like I want to do it now and get it over with." Pretty mature for a little guy, I think. Our dental insurance pays for all $675.00 of it, thankfully. Without the insurance, I'm afraid I would probably choose to let the teeth fall out on their own...the way God intended.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Just in case you wondered.....

My Christmas cards STILL aren't out. I'm having some technical difficulties w/ my printer and I can't print my letter. So, my picture and letter are evolving into a Christmas picture w/ a Happy New Year letter :). Don't give up on me!!

Soccer Saturday and Sunday


013, originally uploaded by megan bauer.

We lived at the sports center this weekend. Owen played in three tournaments and we went to a PASL game. Oh, and tomorrow Owen is going to soccer camp. Saturday, Owen played in two soccer tournaments. And, took first place in both of them. One of them (this photo) was a "house" team. Just a group of kids thrown together by the coach of his "house" team. First place in co-ed under 9. The picture below is his CNY United team. First place in boys under 9. Owen played soccer on Saturday for 4 straight hours. Literally. The tournament played 25 minute games. He played w/ the boys team at 7,8,9, and 10 and the co-ed team at 730, 830, 930, and 1030. Crazy! No breaks in between. He had to leave one of the games to go to the bathroom. And, he doesn't ever get tired. It's amazing. In addition, that evening we went to the PASL game, and he didn't get home and into bed until 11 pm. Then, we had to wake him at 715 AM for Sunday's soccer tournament. Sunday's tournament didn't go as well. They had them in a U10/U11 league and they got squished. 7 and 8 year old boys can't compete w/ select team 11 year olds. Doesn't happen. Anyway, he still wasn't tired or sick of soccer. He didn't fall asleep until 830 PM tonight and he's going back to the soccer center tomorrow AM for a soccer camp.

U9 Champions!


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Watching the game


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Owen watching the PASL (see below) game w/ some of his CNY soccer buddies.

PASL and our Sunday


Saturday night we went to the PASL soccer game (see below). This is a semi-pro soccer team, in the premier arena soccer league or something like that. Owen's coaches (Jon and Freddie) are on this team along w/ a handful of other coaches that we know from the soccer center. Eddie and Owen have gone to a handful of games, but I haven't gone. Logistically, it doesn't work. The games don't start until 8:30 and don't end until 10:30. Not possible for my two early birds, Emmett and Henry. But, because Owen was singing the National Anthem was a group from his school, I wanted to go. So, we put Em and Henry to sleep, and Kyle, our 13 year old neighbor friend came over to "hold the fort down" as my mom would say. Anyway, it was SO much fun. If you haven't had a chance to go (and you live in the area), you should. What a blast. Lots of people, loud music, fun DJ, alcohol, food, friends, oh yes....and cutie pie young guys playing soccer. It's almost frightening how rough they play and hard they can kick the ball. This video is of the DJ announcing the players. The kids get to stand on the field while the players are announced. FUN!

PASL and the National Anthem



Owen was asked by his music teacher to sing the National Anthem and Christmas carols, with some other kids from his school, on Saturday night at the PASL (the Premiere Arena Soccer League). It was quite an honor because he was the youngest to be asked (the other little one you see is her daughter) and because she said she immediately thought of him.. They practiced at school once and we practice over the weekend. He did a great job. I'm having some technical difficulties w/ these videos. Hopefully, you can see it.

Lunch on Saturday

It's always good to go to lunch, every once in a while, to remind ourselves why we never go out to eat. We thought it would be a good idea to go to lunch on Saturday after spending all morning at the soccer games. The kids were starving. We were tired. We went to Quaker Steak and Lube. Not fine dining by any stretch of the word, but definitely kid friendly and not bad. We were there all of about oh...five minutes before Henry started screaming as he does. We appeased him w/ some crackers and ordered the kids food quickly. He ate for a bit before deciding it would be a GREAT idea to throw everything (and I mean EVERYTHING!) on to the floor. Good-bye napkins, forks, spoons. Good-bye plate, sipee cup, food. You might be asking yourself: How come we didn't stop him??? Well, let me tell you. The kid possesses lightning fast speed and reflexes. Thankfully, there were only two other groups of people around us (it was early). But to add insult to injury, the meal cost us $65.00! Can you believe it? I can't help but ponder the list of things I would have much preferred to spend my $65.00 on. It cost us that much because now we have to buy three kids meals. And, one kids meal is NEVER enough for Owen. That child can throw back some food. And, I don't always get him more but he had just come from playing soccer for 4 hours (straight) so I felt a little guilty that he might be on the verge of starving. So, I got him an appetizer size of chicken tenders. He was still asking for more after eating that and I by then, just wanted out of the restaraunt so, I was OK w/ him starving. During the course of the meal, Henry (after completely clearing our table) wanted down to cruise. He went over to the other people near us, this elderly lady and her youngest son (who was probably 40ish). Anyway, they were really nice and didn't seem to mind that Henry was hanging on their table. At least, they pretended they didn't mind. But, the best part was as we were leaving, this lady grabbed my hand and looked me in the eye and said, (this is the honest to God truth) "Enjoy it. It doesn't last forever." Then I felt like crying. Sheesh. We won't be going again for a while or until Henry is 3.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Their favorite gift.


073, originally uploaded by megan bauer.

My boys favorite gift is, without question, the Smart Globe that they got from Grandma. I have to admit...it's WAY cool. It's interactive w/ the computer. And, you touch (w/ it's pen) different countries and it tells you all about that country. Everything from most popular food, to population, to capital, to size, to just "fun" facts. Owen my guy that LOVES facts of any sort, it's completely fascinated. He just found out that Antartica is the only continent that can't grow pumpkins. Who knew? Emmett and Owen also LOVE the game function. It times you and tells you a country (or city if you want a harder level) to find. Grandma got it at my all time fave toy store, Once Upon A Toy, in Eville. Thanks grandma!


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Checking out the Santa loot. Notice how picked up that room is. It didn't last long.

Before the kids woke...


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I know that this looks like a major example of overindulgence (especially, for you T. :))). And, you can only see Owen's and a bit of Emmett's Santa gifts on the right. The rest of the couch displays Henry's and Emmett's. But, keep in mind (especially you T. :)), that all the grandma gifts and Eric and Nicki gifts are under this tree. It's not just from me and Eddie. I think we did OK this year. I wanted to cut back and we didn't spend as much as usual. In fact, while I was wrapping gifts Christmas Eve, I ended up putting some things back. Saved for a different day.

Henry's crocs.


032, originally uploaded by megan bauer.

Santa also brought Henry some crocs. Don't they look super sweet on little feet? Why is it that they look so ugly on big feet? I'm not sure Santa remembered how big of feet he has though? He brought him a 4/5 and Henry can just barely squeeze his feet in them. I'm sure he won't be able to wear them by this summer.


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"Yeah! I love hurricanes and earthquakes!", says Owen.

A hairbrush!!


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Henry LOVES to brush his hair (and everyone else's). Santa brought him a hairbrush in his stocking. Yeah!


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Henry loves to color, so we got him a magna doodle. He really, really likes to scribble and then erase it w/ the slider. Of course, we had a magna doodle many, many years ago. But, it's now broken and we had to buy a new one. UGH!


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Owen LOVED his stain glass picture thingy he got from his aunt, uncle, and cousins.

Their sleds


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Owen and Emmett both got sleds that they wrote their names on right away. Wouldn't want them to confuse the sleds. Since they were the EXACT SAME and all...


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Eddie's gift


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Eddie loved his new Sugarland CD. I hate the sound of the lead singer's voice. He loves it. We always argue about who's right :)

My present


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Owen got me some ornaments that he bought from his school store.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!


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Although we miss being w/ our families dearly during the holidays, it is SO nice to have such a low key Christmas. We (literally) stayed in our jammies all day. And, the boys got to open up and play w/ all of their new "stuff". We (Emmett, Henry, and I) had mid-afternoon naps. And, yes the boys have chocolate on their faces in this photo. They consumed mass quantities of it today. I'll post more Christmas photos tomorrow. I went to work from 7-1130 pm tonight because someone REALLY wanted the night off. And, hey, it was double time and half and I didn't have to put the kids to bed. SCORE! More tomorrow, but for now, "Merry Christmas to all. And to all a good night."

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Happy Christmas Eve.


026, originally uploaded by megan bauer.

We went to a family Christmas Eve service tonight at church. Thankfully, we chose the family service where kids could be loud and were welcomed to be vocal. Good choice. Henry was a "holy' terror. Screaming (w/ joy). And, crawling under the pews (we finally grabbed him 4 pews back).
Then, we drove through Lights of the Lake, which is essentially a big light display by Onondaga Lake. Henry hung out the front window saying, "wow!" most of the time. BTW...this is NOT worth the $8.00 it costs to go through it!

Deep in thought.


008, originally uploaded by megan bauer.

Writing a letter to Santa.

Dear Santa,


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Well, I don't think Owen is going to get the top two things he asked for from Santa. He really wanted this car tower called, "wader park tower". I'm fairly certain Santa isn't going to bring it, because it's for ages 3-7 AND because the last thing our house needs is another car tower. Goodness! We already have at least 5 that I can think of off the top of my head...and it cost, $130.00!!! For a car tower!!! And, as Eddie told Owen, Santa doesn't bring live snakes. They might bite the reindeer on the flight over and that would be catastrophic. So, hopefully Santa can bring a few tornado or hurricane books. Or Wii things...tomorrow will tell. They boys have spent a good portion of the day tracking Santa on the radar at noradsanta.com. Owen wants me to leave the computer next to his bad, so he can check where Santa is in the middle of the night. No go.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Buried Fire Hydrant


050, originally uploaded by megan bauer.

We have SO much snow on the ground that the fire hydrant is all but buried. Good thing they put those long sticks on the top of them.

Smiling at my dear hubby's pain....

Eddie has been playing a whole lot of soccer and in between soccer, working out like crazy. I think he's going through an early midlife crisis, if you ask me, but that's a whole other story. Anyway, he pulled a groin muscle, or so he thought. And, after listening to him complain non-stop for days, I made him a doctor's appt., called him at work, and told him what time to show up. To make a long story short, he had a kidney scan done and lo and behold, "NUMEROUS STONES!!" This makes me chuckle.....And, Eddie is panicked. They're referring him to a nephrologist and he's downing water after water trying to flush out any calcium intruder that is ready for a ride. He's all like, "OMG! It hurts....what if a stone is lodged?" And, I'm all like, "As long as it doesn't ruin our Christmas." Eddie has NEVER had any surgery. NEVER had anesthesia and while I know stones often pass without surgical intervention, I'm hoping that they have to gone in surgically through his man part and remove the stones. And, maybe, just maybe, they can clip that man part that keeps getting me pregnant! :) In effect, killing two birds w/ one stone...pun intended.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Fat Cat


009, originally uploaded by megan bauer.

Checking out what's on TV.

Who on God's green earth would want to live here?


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Snow day...again...for the kids. And rightly so. It is absolutely nasty here. I know that most of the country is cold right now, but how many of you have 2-3 feet of snow on the ground, with more snow coming down (hard) and 35 mile per hour winds making for whiteout conditions. I can't wait to move south.....


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Snow getting closer and closer to covering the mailbox.

The problem w/ the night shift.

I worked 12 hour nights last night and it wasn't so bad. I napped from 4-530 pm before I went in. Got to work at 7 PM and left work at 730 AM. I really wasn't as tired as you might expect. I slept this AM from 9-3PM and here's the problem: it's 1235 AM and I can't go back to sleep. Even after Benadryl. So, tomorrow is the day I'm not going to feel good. But, I went out this evening and wrapped up Christmas shopping. And, Wegman's is super quiet at 11 pm on Sunday night. I think I was one of only 2 shoppers in the whole store. A little creepy...

Saturday, December 20, 2008

This AM


021, originally uploaded by megan bauer.

Both boys have already been outside this AM with their sleds. They like to slide down the snow drift at the end of our driveway. We're now headed to soccer games and then I work 12 hour nights tonight. Wish me luck.


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Do they look frozen? At photo time, it was 19 degrees.

Can I go outside?


008, originally uploaded by megan bauer.

Henry turned 13 months yesterday. He's taking more and more steps on his own everyday....I don't think it will be long before he's a walker. He also wanted to try own both Owen and Emmett's boots this AM. Poor guy. Neither your dad nor I like the snow or cold weather to take you out in it. You'll have to wait until you get older......

Snow day


012, originally uploaded by megan bauer.

Even though I was bummed that the kids had a half day of school yesterday, and Emmett's Christmas program was canceled, it still turned out to be an OK day. Amy Davis and her kids came over. The Spindler kids came over and all of the kids played outside in the snow for awhile. Amy and I chatted and made cookies and prepared for last night's Cooking Club. We ended up getting a whole lot of snow. Eddie guessed 2 feet, but it was probably more like 12-18 inches. Anyway, a lot.


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The snow is starting to creep up to the mailbox. By February, we'll have to bury our mailbox out of the snow.


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We had to clear off our walkway this AM, so Fed Ex could delivery our Christmas packages.:)

It won't be long...

before the tooth fairy visits our house again. My middle man has two loose (bottom) teeth.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Early dismissal


027, originally uploaded by megan bauer.

In preparation for a big snowstorm to hit this afternoon, Bville school district has early dismissal today. This is a bummer, because Emmett's preschool program was supposed to have it's Christmas program today. And since Bville is closed in the PM...Emmett doesn't have school. I was really looking forward to the Christmas program. This is Emmett's third year in preschool. His first Christmas program, he did NOTHING. Literally, stood w/ the class and didn't sing a note. Last year, he sang every song but did NONE of the motions. This year, he's said he was going to do both. I think it's going to be made up on Tuesday, but it will be an informal gathering in their class. Today, was supposed to be in the church sanctuary and I had a babysitter for Henry. Another bummer: cooking club's annual cookie exchange is tonight. Hopefully, the weather doesn't stop us because I have 5 dozen snowflake cookies in my house.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Christmas decor


025, originally uploaded by megan bauer.

For the pampered chef party at my house last week, I wanted some "Christmassy" type center piece for my formal dining room. I didn't want to spend a lot of money, but I thought it was time to remove my pretty green table runner and bowl of apples (not quite the right season for that, you know?). Anyway, I'm super pleased w/ my decorations. Found this stuff at Target and I put it all together (it wasn't sold together). I surrounded the silver tree looking things w/ Christmas ball ornaments and spread green and red glitter around the edge of the silver mirror thing. Those rectangle things around the centerpiece are coasters. So festive! Now, if only my walls were painted red......


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Another day, another visit to the pediatrican...


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This time w/ Emmett who has been battling a nasty, runny nose and cough for 10 days now. In addition, he's snoring like an obese, 80 year old man (if you know what I mean...). Plus, he's sleeping lots and grouching around even more than usual. So, back to the our fave doctor, Dr. Purnima. She said Emmett had a sinus infection = antibiotics. And, while we were there Henry's nose was disgusting and he was coughing, so she looked at him, too. I was there Friday w/ him (same symptoms) and she gave me a prescription to use if he got worse over the weekend. Well, I HATE using antibiotics any more then I have to...my boys already take them tons, so I didn't fill it. But, by yesterday's visit he was worse. So, I'm filling his antibiotic, too. Oh, and he has yet ANOTHER ear infection. His third since tubes 3 months ago. We are headed back to the ENT.
BTW, my Emmett weighed 47 pounds yesterday. That's what Owen weighed at 7 (and only 5 pounds less then he weighs now).

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Orthodontia update

Saw the orthodontist yesterday. And, as Owen said, "it was really different then most doctors." First, we met w/ a patient representative in a room set up as an office w/ a chalkboard that said, "Welcome, Owen!" on it...seriously. We spoke w/ her for awhile and then she took Owen for x-rays and came back w/ the orthodontist. He said that Owen would need braces. (sheesh....can't imagine you need an advanced dental degree to figure that one out???) But, he wanted to have two of his baby teeth pulled out because they are coming in funny. He thought we should have that done before spring and then come back next fall. The good news is I think the tooth he wants pulled is the one that has the cavity in it. So, no filling....I'll just have the darn thing yanked. Awesome!

Thanks for the packing peanuts, grandma!


009, originally uploaded by megan bauer.

My mom sent two big boxes w/ presents for Christmas in it. But, they were also filled w/ TONS of packing peanuts! UGH! The boys, of course, had a great time throwing the peanuts everywhere, playing in the box, and coloring on the box. And, I am finding packing peanuts EVERYWHERE. Those little boogers seemed to migrate throughout the whole house.


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Peanuts under our tree...


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Peanuts up my stairs....

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

I may have to pick up a few extra shifts of work.


437138719_img_5339, originally uploaded by megan bauer.

Good news/bad news yesterday (in addition to the Christmas Card photo shoot). I took Owen to the dentist yesterday morn and he has another cavity. This is his fourth or fifth cavity. Poor guy. The worst part is that I brush Owen's teeth (after he practices) twice a day AND I floss his teeth and he uses mouthwash EVERY night (and every night since he was 5 1/2). He doesn't drink juice or soda. I don't allow fruit bites or chewy candy (except on special occassion). And the poor guy STILL gets cavities. NOT FAIR! And, his dentist says that it's time for him to see the orthodontist (at 8!!!). We're going there today. I may be working more to pay for it. Good news though - I also took Owen to the eye doctor yesterday after he failed his vision test at the pediatrician. And he said although he's slightly near sighted, it's not enough to correct. Yet. Awesome! Money and potential HASSLES saved.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Exhibit A


437307772_img_5502, originally uploaded by megan bauer.

This is what Emmett looked like for the majority of the Christmas photo session. He couldn't quite remember how to do a "real" smile (see Exhibit B below....he DOES have a very nice "real" smile) AND he wanted to wear his glasses in the photo, which was fine, BUT see how he wears them ON HIS NOSE! SHEESH!

Exhibit B


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See Emmett w/ a real smile. Happy Emmett.

Christmas Card (or not)


437138659_xmas card one, originally uploaded by megan bauer.

Amy attempted to take a photo for Christmas Cards for my boys today. WOW! It was absolutely painful. Owen was the only one cooperating. Henry screamed every time we handed him to Owen and Emmett wanted his glasses on, but he wears them down on his nose (like a little old lady) and didn't want me to push them up. And, he's been licking his lips, so he has a major chapped lip line over his top lip. UGH! This was our back up photo, but Amy was able to work some magic and get something better. You'll have to wait for that one. BTW...not only did she take my boys pics today, but she watched Emmett and Owen for a good stretch today while I went home w/ Henry to take a nap. Then she watched Emmett and Henry while I took Owen to the eye doctor. She's the absolute best, isn't she?

Sunday, December 14, 2008

My boys and my brothers


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I've FINALLY posted some photos from Thanksgiving. I still have more to post, but I'm running out of time so I'll do that later. Eddie went to work this AM and I took the boys to church. Usually, Eddie and I rotate. One of us stays home w/ Henry and the other one takes the boys to church. Church is during his nap time. But, today it wasn't an option and WOW! it's not fun taking him. Thankfully, after starting church in the sanctuary (where he was crawling under the pews) for the family worship, I took him to the nursery. He had much more fun there. Anyway, Eddie is coming home and I am headed to work, so I'll get back to updating w/ Thanksgiving photos later.


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Emmett and Evelyn strike a pose.

Cooking w/ grandma.


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