celebrations

Isaac's first Mardi Gras probably left something to be desired. Or probably not. He really had no idea what was going on. At this age, it seems these celebrations are more for our sake than his anyway. Keith took Mardi Gras beads to school for all his fellow students. Isaac and I brought him lunch and Isaac was truly the man of the hour. Everyone cooed and gooed over him. What a charmer as he got passed around from student to student. He was absoulutely adorable...and I promise I'm not at all biased. For dinner I made Anduille Sausage Creole and served it over Cheesey Creole Grits...delish! (i could actually find Grits up here, sin problema. but, i'm trying not to think about how long they had been on the shelf.) For dessert, I was not up for attempting a King Cake and there is definitely no place to buy that up here. Maybe next year.

We also recently celebrated Keith's 28th birthday and Isaac's 2 month birthday. It was fun to compare the birthday video to last month's. Isaac has grown and changed so much! Some of our friends came over to surprise Keith and we enjoyed Coke floats and leftover cookie cake. If you do not know, Keith's favorite cake is cookie cake. He cracks me up because he really gets worried every year I'm going to forget and not hook him up with his very own over-sized chocolate chip cookie. He even called me on his birthday, from school, to ask if he needed to go pick up the cake. (as if i didn't have it under control. ha!) Yet, I siezed the opportunity to try and pull one over on him (which, for those of you who know me well...i am generally extremely unsuccessful at doing). I told him I had unexpected errands and I might not have time, but that I could go tomorrow to pick it up. When, in all actuality, I had already made his cookie cake. I had this in the bag! When he got home, I was going to pretend there was no cake and then, as a surprise after dinner, I wanted to bring out the cookie with candles and all would have been perfect. Oh contraire! My incorrigible hubbie walked in the door and immediately started searching for his cake. When he didn't see it, he started looking even harder and found the homemade cookie hidden in the oven. Nooooo! There went my surprise. I didn't realize how excited I was until my bubble got burst. I was crushed and he really felt bad. (s'okay honey. just don't go snoopin' in the future!)

sending our love

This is Isaac's homemade valentine that he wanted to send out to all those he loves. (that's you!) We made it together yesterday. Well, Isaac watched from his bouncy seat while I explained all the steps. Someday, he'll be able to make them on his own and won't need Mommy anymore (sniffle, sniffle). We had a great day as a family. Apple fritters were the breakfast fare washed down with warm lattes. Then we played for a while. Later, we went for a walk to our favorite pub where we picked up soup and salad to go. Keith of course had to leave for the afternoon to study. Yet, he came home for a tuna steak dinner and a movie. All in all, there was lots of love shared. I really adore Valentine's day. Always have. Who wouldn't want to purposefully and intentionally love on those they love? When else would I receive such love as the following letter I got in Isaac's valentine to me...

Mommy,
I know I can't talk yet, but I wanted to write you this note (with daddy's help). I love you mommy! I love looking at you while I eat and how safe feel when you are around. You have a pretty smile and you make me smile. I'm lucky you're my mom and you love me so much.
Love,
Isaac

Yep. It melts your heart. Even better was the letter I got in Keith's valentine (extra mushy and melty) with the massage gift certificate. Haleluiah! I love my boys like crazy!

We have been practicing tummy time so we could have a little online performance. Isaac wanted me to wait to post until he could hold his head up for a while without letting it drop. I am so amazed at how quickly he is improving. Everyday he gets better. I hope you enjoy this short clip of my personal view of tummy time.



So, perhaps someday soon I'll write about something other than Isaac. But, for now, he is what's consuming my life and days. One month from tomorrow I return to work. That will be yet another HUGE adjustment for the three of us. I vow to not take these days for granted with my precious lil' lovie. (This week...Keith and Isaac both celebrate birthdays on Thursday. Fun times!)

Gag reel...

never mind

Okay, so forget the previous "cutest picture ever" posted...this one beats it!!! (i'm feelin' a trend here) This adorable sweater is a hand-me-down from Isaac's cousin Grant, along with half his current and future wardrobe. We don't mind at all! Isaac was too tiny to sport this sweater during Christmas, so we're wearing it around now. It makes him look so lovable...which coincides perfectly with Valentine's Day. So there.

I'm slightly delayed in posting this. Sorry. I don't feel like I do all that much during my days, but somehow, before I know it...it is 11:30 at night and time to feed him again and go to bed. Crazy. I'll get better.

Grandma (Pat) was here for almost 2 weeks and boy were we thankful. She helped SO MUCH around the house and in taking care of Isaac while I continued to recover. I am proud to say that I am no longer using the donut! (haleluiah chorus) For the most part, I'm feeling pretty great. Anyway, with Mom here, we were able to take care of all those jobs around the house that you put off like cleaning out the kitchen cabinets and pantry, organizing closets, etc. Also, the other major item on my "to do" list for Mom and I was to find a child care solution for Isaac for once I return to work. (boo-hoo!!!) Though, my heart breaks to think about leaving him for the whole day, I am happy to report we found the perfect, homey, cozy child care center. I feel very comfortable leaving him there and know that he will be loved all day long. Praise the Lord! All in all, Mom's time here was SUPER productive. I was exhausted and she kept going and going...are any of you shocked? Me neither. We love PAT!!! (love you always, mom!)



You have seen lots of cutie pics of Isaac smiling, so I had to show you what he looks like when he is NOT happy. I still think he is irresistably adorable, don't you? Even the way he cries and his little shout-outs and protests make me smile...especially when his little bottom lip curls into a huge frown and sticks out for extra emphasis. Mua! Love you sweetie!



Thanks for reading and for loving Isaac. We love you too!

p.s. yes, i got bangs!