"Look at the size of that boy's head"

Tony Giardino: Shhh!

Stuart Mackenzie: I'm not kidding, it's like an orange on a toothpick.

Tony Giardino: Shhh, you're going to give the boy a complex.

Stuart Mackenzie: Well, that's a huge noggin. That's a virtual planetoid.

Tony Giardino: Shh!

Stuart Mackenzie: Has it's own weather system.

Tony Giardino: Sh, sh, shh.

Stuart Mackenzie: HEAD! MOVE! Spherical, but quite pointy in parts.

(name that movie)

Justin had his 2 month doctor's visit today, here are his stats:

Height: 22 3/4 inches - 50th percentile

Weight: 12 lbs. 10 oz - 75th percentile

Head circumference: 16 3/4 - 97th percentile

Let's hope that big head = big brain.

The Twilight Saga

I was a big reader growing up, and it's still a favorite hobby of mine. I don't read as much as I'd like to anymore, and most of my casual reading in the last few years has been limited to books purchased just prior to a business trip (I hate working on planes, as I just don't ever have the elbow room I need to type). I also don't usually buy books, unless they are really cheap or really good. I read extremely quickly, and can't stand paying $14 for a book I will blow through in a 5 hour flight. Anyway.... when my in-laws were here last month, Matt's mom left me her copy of Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. I like some fantasy novels, and it sounded similar to Anne Rice's work, so after a week or so, I picked it up. After a few chapters (mostly spent wondering why my mother-in-law was reading a book on the misadventures of a high school junior) I was hooked! It was a great, simple read, but done in a compelling way. I like that it focused on the emotional relationship, and not so much on the physical. I shocked myself by liking it enough that I bought the next two (in hardback!) on Amazon. They came today and I am so excited. It's almost a good thing that I have a very limited amount of personal time, as it will force me to pace my reading and enjoy these books. I was impressed to see the author featured in Time magazine 2 weeks in a row - first in a 3 page article on her books, comparing her to J.K. Rowling (and I love the description of her at home with her 3 boys, typing one handed while holding a baby in the other - I can relate). Then a second article featured her as one of Time's 100 Most Influential People http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1733748_1733752_1736282,00.html. I harbor a secret dream to be an author myself, and so it always comforts and inspires me when I stumble upon a writer who lives a life even slightly similar to mine (wife, mom, member). Book 4 in the series, Breaking Dawn, will be released August 2, just in time for my birthday - HINT HINT. I'm sure I'll have it in my possession shortly after it drops.

One more thing.....

Matt scared Justin on Saturday night, and I have to blog about it because it was sort of funny (in a damaging, slightly mentally scarring kind of way). We were eating dinner, and to keep him happy & make him feel like he was a part of dinner, Justin was in his bouncer next to the table. Matt was bouncing him in the bouncer, and play tickling him a little. Then he did something he often does with Malaina - he curled his hands into claws and said "Rawr" in a deep, semi-scary voice. Justin was TERRIFIED, and immediately started crying in that super-scared, inconsolable baby way. I know, it doesn't sound too terrible, but I was horrified (at Justin's reaction, not that Matt did that), and I think Matt felt awful about it. Justin is so easy-going that it's always surprising when he cries about much of anything. Lesson learned.

Happy Mother's Day!

I had a really good day, and actually a good weekend overall. After a stressful week at work I decided to do a little shopping on Friday, as Malaina is in desperate need of summer clothes. I headed to the mall, and was able to both shop and get a little exercise - packing up Justin in the jogging stroller and walking from Old Navy to the mall and back (I know, it's not that far, but I have to hope that every little bit counts). On Saturday I had my hair done, and then came home and gave Malaina and myself manicures, and she got a little pedicure too. She requested red on her toenails, and pink on her fingernails. How very grown up! My Dad and Jan sent flowers for Mother's Day, so I also arrived home to the treat of some beautiful lillies waiting for me. What a wonderful surprise!

Today was really really nice. Malaina wanted me to have my Mother's Day present right away, so as soon as we were all up, she and Daddy brought it in. It was Guitar Hero! I know, super geeky of me, but I've had this weird fascination with it. It's not as easy as it looks, but it really is fun. Then Matt made breakfast for us (a very rare treat), and Malaina, Justin and I actually got to church on time. After church my visiting teachers stopped by, and shortly after Matt came home from studying, we went out for Thai food (Cool Basil - very good, but watch the spiciness!). We all played Guitar Hero for a while, then we even got ice cream treats for dessert! I'm so thankful for my sweet family, and am so proud of Matt, Malaina, and Justin. I couldn't ask for a more wonderful husband and children.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mommies out there!

2 months old!

Justin is 2 months old today! It seems like he's always been a part of our family, but it's only been 8 short weeks since he joined us. He's growing and changing so much that it's hard to keep up with him. His head control is very good, and he is always moving some part of his body (and usually bonking himself on the head). He smiles most of the time and Matt even got a little chuckle out of him a few days ago! He enjoys time in his car seat, stroller, and bathtub, and is fascinated by peek-a-boo. His personality is very different from Malaina. He's quite laid back, and not much bothers him, not even a dirty diaper. He gets upset when it's time to go to bed at night, and when he needs to be burped - and that's about it. He's a very solid little boy & I can't wait to find out how much he weighs (I'm guessing 12 lbs.). Justin, we love you and are so glad you've joined our family! In other news: went to the Valley Junction Farmer's Market with our friend the Mons' family. This time of year, it was less a farmer's market and more of an open air food & craft fest. Very cute, and TONS of yummy looking food. It would be a great place for a date night (I can't wait to go back and try the Greek food).

Suggestions?

We're (translation: I am) planning a family trip to Chicago in June. It will only be a long weekend, but I am so excited about this. First, I heart Chicago. It's a super fun city with generally friendly people. There's a ton to do, and of course, the food is great. The last few trips I've made to Chicago were for business, so I was limited to the hotel, the convention center, and the occasional dinner out. Now that I'm going for pleasure, I'm not sure what to do! With a 4 year old, a 3 month old, and a husband who doesn't like to contribute to the planning process (but who will pout like nobody's business if he doesn't like what's going on), I'm a little overwhelmed at trying to plan for 2 1/2 days in Chi-town. I'm thinking Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier (ferris wheel, Children's Museum), maybe American Girl Place, a visit to H & M if I can sneak it in ..... and I'm a little stumped at what else. Any suggestions? I don't need to have every minute planned out, but a general idea & a few options are always good to have in one's pocket. (oh, and of course I have a cupcake shop on my list: Molly's Cupcakes, as found on the "No One Puts Cupcake in a Corner: blog). What do YOU like to do in Chicago?

Tulip Time in Pella

I loaded up the Jetta on Saturday and took the kids to Pella for the Tulip Festival. Pella is the home of - you guessed it - Pella Windows & Doors. It was founded by Dutch immigrants about 150 years ago, and there is a strong connection to Dutch heritage there. Being 1/4 Dutch myself, I decided it was time to get in touch with my roots & see what it was all about. I sort of expected there to be fields of tulips near or in the town itself, but the tulips seemed to be limited to beautiful displays planted throughout the town square. Many of the businesses on the main streets had a Dutch flavor to them, selling costumes, baked goods, craftware, etc. Fun fact: The town also has the largest working windmill in the U.S., which still grinds flour using only wind power. Although it was fun to see, most of the activity seemed centered around the parades that occur twice a day. With two little ones, I wasn't going to try and hang around until the afternoon parade - not to mention that we were not one of the people who decided to stake out a place on the sidewalk 9 hours in advance. There was some good street food, and I discovered that Malaina truly is her father's daughter, as she does not like funnel cake. I wasn't surprised by much of the food. After going to the Iowa State Fair this summer, I expected the dutch letters, giant turkey legs, pork chop on a stick, brats, pulled pork sandwiches, etc. I WAS surprised by a Pella specialty: the Dutch Taco. Consisting of a flour tortilla, lettuce, cheese, hot sauce, and BOLOGNA. Now, I know that Oscar Meyer has a way with b-o-l-o-g-n-a, but apparently so does Pella. People were lining up for these bad boys, and they seemed to be a special favorite of the Asian tourists who were out in full force. I have to admit that I didn't try this special little torture, as I have been missing West Coast Mexican food, and the thought of a bologna taco just seemed like an abomination. Malaina had a good time looking at all the flowers, but was disappointed that she couldn't pick them. She also fixated on the windmill, and told Matt that she wanted to take her Grandma & Grandpa back there so they could go up to the top, but Justin, Mama and Daddy would have to wait at the bottom.


Picture of Justin on Saturday after we got up from our nap. Look at those cheeks! We've had to retire some of his pj's already, as he's bursting out of them. I can't wait for more consistently warm weather so we can use some of the 3-6 months size short outfits for him. He's almost ready for the larger size!