happy birthday Mary!

Today is my little sister's 26th Birthday... SO... HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY!

Here are some flowers...

And here are a few pictures:

First off, we have a cute picture of dad, mom, you, and me from quite some time ago...
and then we have a picture of the two of us from about 3 years ago...

Well, I LOVE YOU and I hope you have a wonderful birthday!!!

- Melissa

poop and poo poo.

First off, this post has nothing to do with potty training or actual poop (although for an update to the potty training, I would be willing to go on record with saying that Hayden is 100% potty trained).

This post actually has to do with the word “poop.”

A word that Hayden loves, much to my dismay. I would say that it is his favorite word. Wonderful… very mature and profound.

He uses it in any context: there is poop on your head, I like poop, you are poo poo, etc..

I’ll ask him a question and he will find a way to use poop somewhere in his response.

He uses it in song... "where is poo poo? where is poo poo? poo poo... poo poo."

He even came up with the "poop high-five." I kid you not. The other day he told Randy that he wanted a poo-poo high five (which is apparently the same as the conventional high-five, just with the illustrious 'poo-poo' phrase added).

I am hoping this stage doesn't last much longer because it can be a little embarrassing when he goes on his “poop declarations” at Target or when I’m visiting with friends.

Somewhat amusing – yes… but also awkward and uncomfortable. I realize he is two and this really isn't a big deal… but still, telling the clerk at Walmart that she has poo poo on her head is not exactly a compliment.

birthday presents.

A week ago, I celebrated my birthday with my parents. Randy, Hayden, and I went over to their condo for steaks on the grill. We also had corn on the cob, asparagus, fried potatoes, and cake, cookies, and ice cream. Needless to say, it was DELICIOUS!

I also opened my birthday presents. I received a gift certificate to Luxe (which will cover my “eyebrow treatments”) as well as a trip to St. Louis – which was a complete surprise.

My parents had booked Randy and I a 2-night stay at The Westin St. Louis for Wednesday, September 2nd - Friday, September 4th. In addition, they got us tickets to a Cardinals game (I have never been to a professional Baseball game). But the main reason for this trip and the St. Louis destination was the other tickets they got for me: 2 tickets to a blink-182 concert (with Weezer). Awesome!

I am definitely a fan and this trip should be a lot of fun! The whole entire trip should be great.

So, thanks mom and dad for the gifts! I REALLY appreciate it (and I think Randy does too!!!)!

P.S. The seats to both events are incredible! My mom did REALLY well in her purchases!

Hayden's 2nd Day of School

Yesterday was Hayden’s second day of school. On the whole, things were better; however, it was still tough and probably more so for me.

On the way to school, Hayden was getting all teary-eyed, saying, “mommy can’t we just stay home? I just want to stay home with you.”

I asked him if he was sad, and he said, ‘no’; however, it was obvious that he was indeed sad.

It was upsetting and I was seriously about to cry. I stayed “strong” and positive though: reassuring him that he liked school and that he would have a great day and lots of fun. I affirmed his feelings, but let him know that things really were going to be okay.

Shortly before we arrived, the intensity of his distress increased. I asked him if he would like me to come back (into the backseat) and just hold him before we went into school. He liked that idea.

So when we arrived, I went back, got him out of his carseat, and held him (and he hugged me very tightly). He then noticed the fire hydrant right outside my car and wanted to check it out. He got out of the car to look at it, and I mentioned to him that in order to get close to the hydrant he would have to get a little wet (there was grass around it that was wet). He then decided he didn’t want to check out the fire hydrant: getting wet did not appeal to him.

He was still quite gloomy, so I asked him if he would like to check out the fountain. He said ‘yes’, so we went over and looked at it. I rubbed his back as we looked at it. After awhile, I asked him if he was ready to go inside.

He said okay but he didn’t really move. So I asked him if he wanted me to carry him inside, and he said 'yes' (in general, Hayden walks himself inside, but I told him that because he was sad and having a tough time that mommy would carry him inside).

So we went inside and he was doing pretty well (not crying or anything - just a little glum). There was a little boy there who was having a tough time (a little tougher time than Hayden was having Tuesday). Hayden kept staring at him and for some reason it had a calming effect on him: reassuring him that he really would be okay (maybe because that little boy was looking a lot more “worse for wear” than he was?... or maybe because the "scene" was a distraction from his own emotions?... I don't really know).

I told Hayden that the little boy was sad, and asked him if he thought the little boy was going to be okay… and Hayden said ‘yeah… he’ll be okay’. Then I helped Hayden wash his hands, gave him a hug, and told him 'goodbye' and that I would see him after lunch (I told him this as he was wandering off to play... obviously he was doing better... if not great... as he was done with me and ready to go play).

Up until that point I was doing great. I had held it together and been the positive, supportive parent: encouraging my little boy that he would be fine and that everything was going to be okay (which I knew was both an accurate assessment of the situation as well as the appropriate way to handle it).

After I left the building, got into my car, and called Randy to tell him about the morning though, I broke down. I just started crying. It was hard. I didn’t want to see my little boy sad… asking me if he could just stay home with me. His face when he said those words was in such a state of distress that it hurt my heart.

Of course when I picked him up he was happy and smiling. He had had a great day. It’s just hard sometimes.

I am seriously hoping that this upcoming Tuesday won’t be as rough (on me). I hope he is eager and excited about going to school as opposed to apprehensive and sad. I don’t know though. I’m really not sure what to expect. I just hope I can hold it together!

good night, sleep tight.

Generally, Randy puts Hayden to sleep at night. The routine starts with all of us helping Hayden wash his face and put on his lotion. We do this because of his skin condition.

Then, we help Hayden brush his teeth (well, really we do it for him and then let him do it himself - he isn't too good at this task just yet) and have him go potty. Then Hayden picks out books and goes to his room. Once in his bed, I get a kiss and hug from Hayden and I tell him good-night. I then turn on Hayden's white noise machine (a Marpac Sleepmate that is WONDERFUL), and leave.

Upon my departure, Randy and Hayden read books together. After reading the books, Randy turns off the light and they lay together as Hayden drifts off to sleep (more often than not, Randy also drifts off to sleep).

Rarely, when Randy isn't available I get to replace him and put Hayden to bed. I have to say, it is a pleasure!

Watching him go to sleep is incredible. It is so sweet and special. He just stares at the ceiling as he plays with his hair: running his fingers through it. And he relaxes. Gradually, he just falls asleep. His eyes stay closed more than they are open, and then his eyes are completely closed and he is asleep. It is beautiful.

To see these moments when Hayden is calm and relaxed are wonderful, because during the day Hayden is never calm and relaxed.

The beauty of his sleep and watching him fall asleep is truly amazing, and I treasure it. Pure perfection.

hayden's first day of school.

Yesterday was Hayden's first day of school.

First of all, check out the adorable pictures I took before we headed off to 'First School':And on our way to school:Unfortunately, the actual "dropping him off at school" process did not go so smoothly/happily. It was most definitely a "scene."

Things were going well, until he came to the sudden realization that things weren't the same.

Like his mother, Hayden doesn't do well with change. He wanted to go to his old room. He wanted to put his lunch-box where it was "supposed to go" (in his old classroom). He did not want to go into his new, current classroom. He didn't want things to change. Period. No question. He wanted things to stay the same.

Eventually, Randy and I just had to leave as his new teacher held him back as he cried. SO SAD!

I was certain that he would be perfectly fine. Within 5 minutes I figured he would calm down, play, and be happy once again.

And I was right!

When I picked him up, Hayden said that he couldn't leave because he "had to dance" (and he was dancing as he said it).

His teachers reported that he had had a great day, that he is a very happy boy, and that he is very entertaining (he played the air guitar for them and sang a lot). I have to agree: Hayden can be VERY entertaining.

They said he liked playing with the cars and enjoyed music time and playing outside (all things that I would have expected).

I am so glad that things went well. Hopefully when I drop him off on Thursday the apprehension he experienced yesterday will be absent (or at least diminished). We'll see.

moving on up... hayden's in the 2-year-old class!

Today is Hayden's first day in the 2-year-old class at his school - First School.

Last night was "orientation". It went very well. Hayden played outside the WHOLE time with my parents and Randy while I met his teachers then I joined them outside for a little play time and chatting. All in all, we were there for about 45 minutes.

Here is a picture I took of Hayden in the car on the way to Orientation:See - definitely a happy boy!

Hopefully things will go just as well today as he actually starts school in his new classroom with his new teachers and some new friends (and some old friends).

He acts excited and happy about the transition, so I'm hoping that positive attitude continues. I'll be sure to keep you updated!

the new me.

So there are a few changes happening with me in the near future (and no… it has nothing to do with having a baby!).

Aspects of the new me include:

• Bushier eyebrows
• A more fit and trim body
• Less tan
• Bangless (although this particular aspect may or may not be a permanent aspect of the new me. It just depends on how I like it)

Now let me explain:

• Bushier eyebrows: I am a "victim" of over-plucking/over-tweezing. I am trying to grow out the brows to hopefully reconstruct a new, fuller set of eyebrows (with the assistance of a local esthetician who is waxing my eyebrows and "counseling" me through the process)
• A more fit and trim body: First, I joined a gym - Clubhaus Fitness. They are set to open September 1st. I plan on going three days a week: taking advantage of their classes (I already walk on my treadmill every day, so I am joining the gym solely for the benefit of the classes). Secondly, I have a new app on my iPhone: Lose It!. I am hoping it will help me keep track of my daily nutrition needs and keep me on track.
• Less tan: I love being tan. It makes me feel prettier; however, it also carries many unhealthy side effects. SO, I have decided to cease and desist my twice weekly tanning ritual. I am going "cold turkey." So, hopefully, everyone will appreciate and love the less-tan Melissa.
• Bangless: I have had bangs for quite some time now. I have decided to try growing them out. I'm not sure if I will like it or not, so like I mentioned earlier, this aspect may only be temporary.

So that's "the new me." Well, not completely, but those are some aspects of myself that will be altering in the near future.

summer party.

Last night was Randy and I's 7th Annual Summer Celebration. We had a great time, and I think all the party attendees had a wonderful time too!

Here are the pictures:

First off, notice Hayden on the porch in his underwear. Lovely.

and here is a picture of the house (sans Hayden in his underwear)

Hayden looking ADORABLE in his jeep!

Sheree and Linda (Randy's mom and aunt)

Ryan and Jamie with Parker. Great picture!

My dad and Hayden playing football.

Carolyn and Ella!

Hayden and Ella playing in the grass.

Hayden and Ella playing with the ice.

riding in the jeep.

me and Hayden (there are only two pictures of me from the whole night and I took the other one myself - also of me and Hayden)

Jamie, Ryan, and Courtney.

my mom and dad.

Jim and Pam with Parker (Jim and Pam are Jamie's parents).

Aixa, Jen, and Heather. Pretty ladies!

Laura and Eric Hobbs.

Sarah and Bill

A group of people.

Jason and Lacey.

Naomi and Sage.

Aaron, Bill, Todd, and Randy.

another group of people.

Will, Aixa, and Morpheus.

new "template"

So... I have a new "template" (the template is the "background").Obviously some of you (actually probably everyone) noticed.

What do you think?... so far, two of you have posted favorable comments.

I really liked the other one, but I needed a change. So... anyone else have any thoughts/comments/suggestions?

lily.

Hayden has a new friend. Her name is Lily. He met her at Mariachi’s (a local Mexican restaurant). They have become fast friends. She actually lives with us and sleeps on Hayden’s head. In addition, she goes with us nearly everywhere and plays with Hayden a lot.

If you haven’t figured it out yet, Lily is not real. She is Hayden’s imaginary friend (which he acknowledges: he told me that she is pretend).

I think it is cute. Lily takes part in Hayden’s pretend play and his “work.” She comes on walks with us as she walks beside us or under the stroller (I’m not sure how this works, but whatever). She sits in the shopping cart with Hayden at Walmart and Target.

Hayden says that she is nice, smart, and pretty (I asked him specifically if she embodied these characteristics). I don’t want Lily to be mean.

So Hayden and Lily are tight. We’ll see how long Lily hangs around. I’ll keep you updated.

my birthday.

Yesterday was my birthday. It was a very good day. Here is what I did/what happened.

• First off, Monday (the day before my birthday), I encouraged Hayden to make me a birthday present/draw me a picture using makers (note: this was the first time I let Hayden use markers). And he created a beautiful masterpiece! By the end, he was saying that his creation was "mommy's birthday present"... SO SWEET!!!
• Then yesterday I woke up to an arrangement of flowers, a personalized "gift card" that Randy had made entitling me to a new "gym wardrobe", a "spot shot" stain and odor eliminator spray bottle (long story short: my parents' dog who we were house sitting was not being polite in her pottying), some vodka (for the jello shots I will be making this weekend for our summer party), and some artwork (by Hayden). All GREAT things!!!... THANK YOU RANDY!!! YOU ARE THE BEST!
• After lounging at the house, Hayden and I then went to the Farmers' Market at The Square where we met up with Randy (who had gotten me more flowers).After walking around for a bit, we went to Terra Tots (a really cool, eco-friendly baby/kid store). At Terra Tots we checked out the toys and just looked around (although Randy ended up going back to the store later and purchasing a table with chairs as well as a doll house for Hayden. I will be sure to post pictures of those items once we get them set up - oh, and according to Randy, those things are part of my birthday present. I just think it is a handy way for Randy to get some cool new things for our little man).
• Then the three of us went to Inta Juice!!! That place is SO good. I tried out the 'Trail Mixer' and it was a hit (the 'Trail Mixer consists of raspberry  banana, fat-free frozen yogurt, and granola)! Yummy!!! I love myself some Inta Juice!!!
• After going to Inta Juice, we all came home for a little while. Then Hayden and I took Randy back to work and picked up my mom for a little impromptu shopping spree (see mom... sometimes I can be spontaneous!). Hayden, my mom, and I went to Bella Jack's (a local children's store) where my mom got Hayden a wonderful assortment of clothes (for my birthday - the clothes are all too big (size 3T and 4T, which was the point - to get him some things he can grow into).Then we went to Toys 'R Us for a little bit where I got Hayden some new WASHABLE markers (I learned a little something from our marker experience the day before) as well as a few puzzles.
• Hayden and I then dropped my mom off at home and returned home to "rest"... but Hayden actually ended up taking a nap!!! It wasn't easy but I was able to get him to actually go to sleep (note: naps have become an "exception to the rule" so this truly was a "special, unique gift"). And while he napped, I was able to take a brief nap too (YAY!!!).
• After Hayden's nap and after Randy came home from work, we all went for a stroll (which was lovely!).
• Then we came home and gave Hayden a bath. He had marker ALL OVER HIM!!! Bath time was awesome and I love the pictures Randy took of Hayden and myself during Hayden's bath (thanks Randy!!!).
• And then I took a bath and went to bed. This birthday was a real winner and I am so thankful to everyone who made it so special (which includes the many people who called to send me birthday greetings as well as the COUNTLESS online birthday wishes I received via Facebook and other online outlets). So THANK YOU EVERYONE! MY BIRTHDAY ROCKED!!!

happy birthday to me.

Well today is my birthday... As of today, I am 28-years-old. Hopefully I have a lovely day... that is the plan.

high school reunion.

Saturday night was my 10-year high school reunion. Did I have fun you ask… no. Not really. It wasn’t awful, but I was not feeling it. Despite the pre-event jello shots, as soon as we got to the reunion I felt completely sober. Seriously. It all just felt incredibly weird and awkward. I didn’t talk to anyone (aside from the people I came with). And when I say that, I am not exaggerating. I literally did not get up and socialize. We went to a table and I did not want to move. I seriously just felt so out-of-place.

Pre-party was fun. Dave, Courtney, Sara, Beau, Randy, Jamie, Ryan, and Baby Parker were present for the pre-party, which consisted of drinking and hanging out at my parents’ condo.

Here are some pictures:
Everyone aside from Jamie, Ryan, and Parker then headed to the reunion at about 8pm (the reunion had started at 7pm) (the reunion was happening less than a block away so we just walked).

Here are some pictures:Then at about 9:30pm, we all headed back to the condo. Jamie, Ryan, and Parker were still there and we hung out for a little bit (we had brought back a friend named Esther who wanted to see Jamie and the baby). Meanwhile, the drinking continued at the condo (except for me – I was out of the game… I just wanted to call it a night).
Then Esther went back to the reunion… then Jamie, Ryan, and Parker left… and then everyone decided it was time to go back to the reunion. I said “no thank you”… I seriously was not feeling the reunion. Sara and Courtney tried to get me to take some more jello shots, but I was not willing (although they tried REALLY hard).

So after realizing I was seriously not returning to the party, they all went back.

Here are some pictures of them (Randy took my camera to get some pictures):I waited at the condo, and after about 30 minutes Randy and Dave returned (escorting a very inebriated Courtney).

Then Sara and Beau came back. After some discussion, it was decided that Courtney would stay at the condo (she was passed out), Dave, Beau, and Sara were going to go out to a bar, and Randy and I were going to go home (Randy had a headache and I was already done with the night).

So we got home at about 11:45pm. Randy described the whole evening as lame… and although I admit that I did not have fun at the reunion, there were some fun times in the evening (I’m not quite as negative as Randy).

My highlights:

• Seeing Sara and meeting Beau (they live in Florida… Beau is Sara’s boyfriend who I had never met… and he seems like a real winner… super nice, smart, and very easy on the eyes).
• Seeing Courtney so drunk… it was rather amusing.
• The pre-party… hanging out with everyone before the reunion was fun. It was just the reunion… it brought me down.

Oh well, at least I went. And at least it’s over - until the next reunion.

And here is one final picture, ride 'em cowboy!!!