Christmas was good!

So, I haven't updated about Christmas yet, but for good reason. Just like I have a good reason for there being no pictures with this post. I got a new computer for Christmas!!! It was so very desperately needed (my old one was old! almost 7 years!) However, with a new computer comes a lot of work, good and necessary work, but work none the less. My dad and I are currently trying to transfer hard drive info (the reason for no pictures) and due to the state of the old computer, it has turned into quite a challenge. Oh well! Hopefully I'll have some pictures soon.

We had a great Christmas Eve. Played some games, opened Cole's Christmas PJ's, ate a ton, and just got to spend some good quality time with the fam. Christmas morning was wonderful, ate some more, opened presents, and then headed to Carefree to spend the rest of the day with Abe's folks. We had a great Christmas day, ate some more still, opened more gifts (I got a new set of desperately needed pots and pans), Cole had his first indulgence in M&Ms, and overall just had a great time being with the Geupel's.

We came home Christmas evening expecting snow (we were supposed to get quite a bit), instead came home to biting cold and horrendous wind. The wind actually kept Cole up for a while, but he finally gave in and managed to sleep through the howling. The rest of the weekend was fantastic, as Abe had the 4 day weekend off, so Cole and I got to spend some good quality time with him.

All in all it was a terrific Christmas! We hope all of you had a great one too!

Long time, no update

Wow, where has the week gone? Not much new is happening. I was in PHX again this weekend, got my hair done (yea!), and saw Twilight with my mom. Other than that, I have been dealing with my never-ending cold, an UNBELIEVABLY CRANKY TEETHING little boy, Christmas shopping, and slaving away on my Christmas cards (yes, they're on their way. I meant to have them out a month ago and then things got crazy!)
I am now trying to get laundry done (boring), Christmas wrapped, and things ready so we can head south for the traditional Bitner Christmas Eve dinner. Then Christmas Day, we are heading over to Abe's parents for festivities there. I will post pictures and have much more to say then. Until then, wish us luck with our 32 degree highs!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

So, now that my head no longer feels as if it may explode any second, and my congestion has found a happier place in my lungs, I can sit and stare at a computer screen for a somewhat extended period of time (these posts don't write themselves, you know, and they don't take seconds to configure either), I am ready to update all.


This picture isn't of anything noteworthy, just a cute snapshot of my cute little boy.

Here is my picture of 'the snow falling'. We had a pretty good storm yesterday. I would bet it snowed like 6 to 8 inches total. However, it would snow for a good hour and then rain for about 5 minutes and erase all of the previous. There is still a fair amount out there right now. I can see a patch about 3 inches deep out my office window as we speak.

I do however have to admit, I told Abe last night that it is pretty cool having snow and a Christmas tree at the same time. Those two things just seem like they belong together. And, being a native Phoenicican, its a first for me- at least that I remember.



Saturday, after Abe's work meeting, he came home and suggested we go get a Christmas tree. Actually, he suggested we go chop down a tree. (They're planning on spending millions to thin the forrests up here anyway- we just helped LOL) We decided to go check an area Abe stumbled across a few weeks earlier. Cole wasn't too sure.

I kept saying he looked like he was either on the verge of crying or throwing up. It was a pretty rough trek out there, and Cole was pretty much like that the entire time.




We also took a minute to explore the old, abandoned, and imploded mine that Abe had discovered. Dates on the bolts have it built in 1904. I can't imagine what it would have been like then.

So, after playing at the mine, we drove up and down a stretch of rock, searching and searching for that perfect, glorious tree. Then I spotted her. Down in a 'ravine' not visible from the rocky road, was the most perfect specimen of Christmas tree that could be found in the wild.

Isn't she beautiful. Abe trekked down the slope, with his trusty chainsaw (which was so necessary with a trunk all of 4 inches in diameter) and arrived back at the top with my perfect pick in tow. Here he is with the fruits of his labor. (I was so proud!)



Once we arrived home, and got the tree ever so perfectly placed in the tree stand, Cole decided he wanted to help and climbed beneath, just like Dad.

And here is the finshed poduct, missing ornaments from the bottom 3 feet and all. I did place Cole's First Christmas ornament toward the bottom and you better believe he yanks on it every time he walks by. I believe my mom is sending him some 'child friendly' ornaments that he will be able to hang and remove to his liking. Thanks Grandma!

Here is also a fun little video from at the mine.

If only we could all be so proud of the things we do. I think he may be on to something. I think I'm going to give this a try. Do a load of laundry, clap-clap-clap, cook dinner, clap-clap-clap, change a stinky diaper, clap-clap-clap, etc, etc, etc. Because hey, if you don't clap for yourself, who will?

Contamination

Well, thanks to the contaminated person that contaminated my husband, I am now contaminated with what can only be described as a whopper of a head cold. So, while we had a very event-full weekend, I will be posting on it later, due to the incessant pounding of my head and need to not concentrate on anything more than my OTC drugs (thank you Tylenol Severe Head Cold and NyQuil! Especially NyQuil!) and trying to make sure my little one stays out of as much trouble as possible. These two things are pretty much exhausting any energy I thought I had. Here's to not contaminating my little guy, although I'm not sure how to avoid it at this point, and looking forward to my few hours of drug induced sleep I will try to get this evening.

BTW- IT"S SNOWING OUT THERE!

And a Happy Birthday to my Bro-in-law, Ben, if he reads this!

I think I've figured it out

You know how every year on your birthday, everyone always asks if you feel any older? Well, my birthday was Monday, and I must say, I truly felt a year older. And I think I've figured out why.

For starters, I am truly bumping 30. At 28, I feel I have truly left that world of the carefree 20-something and entered the world run by early bedtimes, mother/housewife, finances, and wrinkle creams. For years I have read the magazine articles about preventing/fixing wrinkles, and have always thought "I'm too young to worry about that stuff", now realizing that I am EXACTLY the age that those articles are aimed at. (Have I started any 'anti-aging' regime?, you might ask-- heck no! I'm still in a state of denial here!) I am no longer the happy, go lucky, working with play money, girl I used to be, and honestly, I don't mind. Being a mom, and being able to stay home are more than worth my weekly shopping/pedicure/eating out days. (Although, an occasional venture into those days is appreciated.) And now that I no longer have my glorious cleaning people (yes, they would have made the top of my grateful list :)! ), I am really having to step up into the housewife role, which has been an adjustment, and I think help tack on time to my 'year older' matter.

And then, there is this little helper, who keeps me laughing, therefore keeps me young, but still adds on to my 'year' with things like no sleep (please, please, just 2 nights a week!), constant curiosity, and things like this:

what I found when I went to sort laundry yesterday. 4 balls and a potato head.



And this:

Cole had been a little too quiet, and upon investigation, I discovered he had commandeered my laundry baskets, pulled all his clothes out of his drawers (this seems to be a recurring activity), placed them in the baskets(because that's what he sees me do with his clean clothes), and then returned them to the drawers (wrong drawers of course). I have to admit, I clapped for him too. He's really into clapping for himself lately, and really into helping with laundry (even if I don't need help). (BTW- I know that this is not the absolute worst thing he could be doing, its just that about once a week, I have to go in his room and refold and organize all his drawers.But I wouldn't have it any other way!)

So, like I said, I think I've figured it out, and you know what? I am pretty darn proud of being (and feeling) a year older.

Just a little something

This was on the news the other night. We though it was sweet and I just wanted to be able to share it:

Holiday Happenings in Prescott

Abe made it home Friday evening without incident, which Cole and I were very excited about (especially Cole- he spent the entire weekend SCREAMING Dad whenever Abe would leave his sight, even if just for a moment. He even woke up this morning, called out to Dozer-of course- and then instantly began beckoning his Dad. He loves that guy!) Unfortunately, it looks like Abe caught a cold (probably on the plane) and so we have been dealing with that. However, Saturday was a day for getting in the holiday spirit, here in Prescott. It was the annual Courthouse Lighting festivities, which were kicked off by a parade:



Here's Cole, sitting in prime parade viewing seats, with our friend Kim. Kim said Cole really enjoyed (squealed and bounced) when the numerous dogs in the parade would walk by.

Cole really started getting into the parade. Here he is clapping at the 'cloggers' walking by. (hey- its a small town, what else would you expect in the parade besides the 4H Cloggers and Dog societies?) He would also wave at the people going by, however, I couldn't quite catch a picture, but I tried

This was one of the more entertaining parade entries. This giant Radio Flyer Wagon, pulled by a quad, followed by:

...these wagons, followed by...

...these wagons. We got a kick out of the teeny tiny little one on the end.

Here is Cole, all puffalump-ed out, waiting for the Lighting to begin. Sadly, his balance was not so good with such a big coat (I'm trying to get my moneys worth and make sure that this thing lasts at least through the winter) and took 3 pretty nasty falls. As he couldn't move his arms, they were pretty much noggin knockers and he has 3 pretty nasty bruises adorning his bald little melon! Poor baby!

Here is the best picture I could get of Abe and Cole that evening. Its fuzzy, I know, but its hard to get either of these boy's to hold still, let alone get their attention.







Here's Cole and me. He was actually cooperating, and started hamming it up a bit! I love this kid!






BTW- like my hat? Abe bought it for me at the Milliners shop on Whiskey Row. I LOVE IT! And I can't wait to see if ,with my ever growing hobby, I can replicate it!

Here's my sister, Rachel, and me. She and her husband, Bobby, came up to enjoy the festivities also. They missed the never-ending parade (it lasted close to 2 hours!), but we were so glad they came for the rest of it. I think they had a good time and we hope they come again soon!







Here's Cole in ONE of his VERY FEW moments of peace during the ceremony. There's nothing like a 17 month old, screaming at the absolute top of his lungs, while some big wig politician is reading the Christmas story from the Bible and all the town children are singing Christmas carols. I will give him the time he fell mid-ceremony, but the rest of the time, Holy Cow! Oh well, the joys of parenthood. Fortunately, it was all outside, so I don't think he annoyed too many people, but he was definitely flustering us!

Thanksgiving Weekend

So, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving we got suite tickets to the AZ Sundogs- minor league hockey, BIG deal up here. Anyway, we took Cole and for the short time we were there he had a blast.

Cole didn't like sitting in the chair too much, when he moved he'd sink in. Abe and I got a laugh though!



Cole loved running back and forth in the front row of the suite.





And then he loved peeking over the rail. When we would score a goal the place went bananas, sirens went off, and red light flashed everywhere. Cole really enjoyed that. He also was obsessed with the blimps that come out between periods, but he despised the team mascot, who we saw several times and even came into our suite as we were leaving.


Cole hitching a ride on the way out.




For Thanksgiving Day, we went to Abe's parents. I had my camera, but unfortunately didn't get any pictures because I was chasing Cole trying to make sure he didn't break too much stuff. I know Abe's dad got a few, so I will hopefully be able to get copies from him. We had a great time, great food, and it was great that Cole got to spend so much time with his grandparents. Abe's brother, Ben, was even there, too!


On Friday we went to the zoo with my family. Cole had a blast, and every animal he saw either "moo'd" or squealed like a monkey (those are the two sounds Cole knows how to do)

Looking at the animals was very serious!

Did you know tigers climb trees?!? I guess it makes sense, but I really had never given it much thought until I saw this guy about 30 feet up, crouched and ready to attack. So now you know, if you're being chased by a tiger, that climbing a tree for escape is not an option!

Cole wanted in with the lions, BAD!

Look at that face!

Cole thought he was pretty hot stuff on the tractor in front of the petting zoo. Notice his PB&J. A rooster chased him, shortly after this, trying to get a piece.

My grandparents came with us, too, and as they are getting on in years (plus, my grandfather is having a few complications recovering from a quad. bypass and aortic stem replacement)the two of them decided to use one of these handy contraptions. It was so nice that they were able to still join us, and enjoy it, with all there ailments. Cole especially liked when they showed him there was a horn and how to honk it!

Here was one tuckered out little boy! He slept all through that night for me, which is a MAJOR thing as of late.

We spent pretty much the rest of the weekend relaxing and getting Abe ready for his big AGC conference in Dallas. Cole and I then went to Phoenix Sunday afternoon and stayed with my parents for a few days. So I finally filled you in and now Cole and I are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Dad (he should be home in just mere hours) and are looking forward to our weekend of Prescott holiday festivities.

???

Sorry I haven't updated recently. I am in Phoenix currently due to Abe being in Dallas this week. I will post when I am back home.

Thankful Part IV

Wow, so things got a little crazy for a few days, but I am going to finally post why I am thankful for my favorite little man:







Reasons I am thankful for Cole:

1. He makes me smile- I mean look at that kid, even when he is making me bananas (which is often) he just makes me beam
2. He makes me laugh- my life is full of funny guys (just look at my previous posts), but this little boy takes the cake. I laugh several dozen times a day at things he does
3. He is infectious- He is one of those kids that EVERYWHERE we go, EVERYONE checks him out, and then he starts hamming it up, and all can't help but watch him. (he is the main reason I get my drinks free at Circle K)
4. He is so active and curious- I hear stories about the 'lump on the log kids'- you know, the ones that can just sit, still, perfectly content, and never complain- well, not my kid, and I am grateful for that, because he keeps me on my toes
5. He keeps himself pretty well entertained- I think a lot of that has to do with the curious aspect, however sometimes he is curious to a fault.
6. He still takes two GOOD naps a day (that whole active thing)- although sometimes his afternoon nap turns into just 'quiet time' in his crib, he still does it, so I still get two breaks a day.
7. His rambling of incomprehensible words, the occasional Mom and Dad, and how every morning his very first word (which was his first word, and basically still his only word) is Dozer
8. How observant he is- although, because of his observance I have to be careful what I do with him around, and I know soon, I will have to be careful about what I say. He can see someone do something, and then he is convinced that that is what he should do also (i.e., spank the dog, yell at the dog, the big kids climbing the slide -so he climbs the slide, opening doors, turning on lights, turning on anything, any button he sees is meant to be pushed, etc, etc, etc,)
9. How loving he is, especially when he is tired, he loves to nuzzle in my neck (which usually involves some sort of very slobbery kisses), hold on tight and pat my back. I love his muggings!
10. His laugh- there is nothing in the world better than his rolling laugh, and what's even funnier is the random things that get him going.
11. That he's mine- I am so thankful and lucky that this little boy is ALL MINE and that I get to be his mom. He is such pure joy, and I am forever grateful for this amazing little person that I get to spend all my time with. He is my everything!

Well, there a just some of the reasons I am thankful for Cole. I don't think, though, that words can express the depth of what I feel for my little boy. He is truly one of kind, and everyday I am overwhelmed with feelings and emotions for the little man that has effected me so much!

Still to come- what we did this Thanksgiving weekend.

Thankful Part III

I am going to have to break up my final subject into two. I am crazy baking right now, and have a few minutes while things are in the oven and Cole is trapped in his crib (which will hopefully turn into a nap!)So, I am turning my final entry into a 2-parter because I want to give the two people I am most thankful for in this world the attention they each deserve.A Few of the Reasons I am Thankful for this Guy:

(again, in no particular order)

1. He has a great job-in construction-and makes a decent living, which is saying a lot with the current state of the construction field.
2. He allows me to stay home to raise our son, which can be a strain sometimes, but we manage
3. He makes me laugh- a lot of times at his or my expense- but he still can be pretty funny
4. He takes really good care of Cole and me, and tries to provide all we could possibly need or want
5. He can open my stuck-shut bottle of nail polish!
6. He kills all the bugs I find- no matter how small
7. He takes care of the dog, most times
8. He puts up with me, even when its tough, and that is HUGE!
9. He's an AMAZING father and I am so grateful that he likes to be so involved with Cole, although he still won't do diapers
10. He is so thoughtful and always puts others before himself
11. He is my best friend!!!

Thankful Part II

I am so thankful for all our friends and family. Here are a few reasons why (again in no particular order):

1. My mom- for letting me call her needlessly throughout the day so Cole can 'chat' and so I can ask her all sorts of silly questions that really don't need answering right away, but I feel it is necessary. Also for all she does for us, the 'surprise' boxes in the mail (including the not so surprise ones of things I forget at her house), and her constant willingness to help me out (she even started cleaning my house for me when she was here a few weeks ago!)
2. My dad- for letting me call him needlessly throughout the day for all my silly questions (and always trying to have a good enough answer), his computer help, his ability to make me laugh, and the way we have a conversation-changing subjects 800 times-and still be able to follow what the other is saying
3. My sister- for calling me needlessly throughout the day, just to say hi and see how things are going, for always being able to tell when something is wrong with me and then being willing to listen, for being my constant shopping buddy and constant friend
4. My little brother- for being such an INCREDIBLE uncle (I never thought he would have the patience), for looking things up for me when I need him to and his awesome mix CD's he whips up for me (sometimes by request, sometimes not)
5. My other brother- I don't get to see/talk/visit with/hear from him as much, but I do still really appreciate him (and his impeccable sense of humor!) and know I will appreciate him more once he is more educated and I can ask him about all my medical conundrums (he's in Med school at Baylor)--- and for his wife for being able to put up with HIM! (she's a saint)
6. My In-Laws- for all the support they have given us over the years. They have given us so much and I am indeed so very grateful!
7. My Bro-In Law- for his incredible sense of humor and being able to recite movie and South Park lines at the drop of a hat, also his amazing talent that has helped out my siblings so much this year! (Want to see what he does?)
8. Our friends who like us enough they allowed us to immortalize our son in their concrete. Tim and KT have been so incredible to us. They are great for a laugh and great for just hanging out. (They have also offered to babysit, although once they have spent an evening chasing Cole, they may live to regret such a kind offer!)

9. All of our Phoenix friends who haven't forgotten about us and still invite us to do things and check the blog to see how we're doing (yeah- that's a major shout out to you-Colemans!)

10. All of our extended family!! There are SOOO many, I would be here for three weeks and two days listing them all, so know that we are grateful for each and every one of you and wish we spend more time with you.

11. All our grandparents. (Grandparents are special, so they don't fall under the 'extended family' category) I am so thankful I get to spend as much time as I do with my Grandparents and wish we could spend more time with our 2 out-of-state grandfathers! I appreciate, however, all that all of them do for us and we are so lucky to have such awesome abuelos!

12. I am thankful to the ladies (and guy) at Circle k who give me my drink for free everyday!

13. Jody- my hairdresser, you may think it silly to be thankful for your hairdresser, but its hard to find good, quality cutters out there and I found my Jody (although, I don't get to see her as much as I would like, but she is so worth the drive to PHX)(Plus, I LOVE the salon- if I was still working, and still lived in Phoenix, I would absolutely work here in a heartbeat!)

14. Most of all I am thankful for Abe and Cole- who are tomorrow's subject!

(Again- funky format at the end there- OH WELL!)

Thankful

So I decided with Thanksgiving being this week, to list (for my own remembrance, mostly, but with, hopefully, some level of entertainment value) what I am thankful for. I am hoping to do this all week. We shall keep our fingers crossed! Here it goes:

Things I am thankful for: (in no particular order)

1. My house/houses
2. That it costs less than $40 to fill up my car now
3. My car!!!
4. Sirius radio- especially with the quality of radio in Northern AZ
5. Quality time with my husband and son
6. My camera to capture those oh so precious moments
7. Cable Tv
8. My TV
9. DVR!!! I don't know what we did before DVR- I love it!
10. Blogging- I know some of you are thankful for it too
11. Late night snacking

Cole likes his snacking,too (naked, of course)

12. Unlimited long distance-for all those phone calls home 13. All the essentials- clothes, food, water, etc. 14. Dr. Pepper- of course 15. Heat lamps in the bathrooms- a necessity, I am learning 16. Music (especially Sirius!) 17. Friends and Family- which will be tomorrow's subject of thanks

(I don't know what happened with the format at the end of my list there. I'm still trying to figure this silly blogger thing out)

It's that time of year!

Cole's First Christmas 2007

He was just trying to take it all in.

I just wanted to point out my new Christmas playlist (the songs playing as you are reading this). I know its a bit early, and I am usually very anti-Christmas song-overload, HOWEVER- I have worked really hard on this and found some oldies, but goodies and just wanted to be able to listen to them. Hope you enjoy!

Boy Oh Boy!

So, I have caught Cole up on the window sill in his playroom, but couldn't figure out how he was getting up there. Then I caught him:

What I love is how once he was up there he 'eh'-ed until I went and got him down. Well, no more, this morning I watched as his little brain figured out how to get down. I didn't get it on video, but know that he is now up and down all day long. That Little Tykes jungle gym I want to get him for Christmas is sounding better and better.

He was also a busy little boy today while I was picking up his play room (which was a disaster!!!) Once I had finished, I took him to his bedroom to change his pants and walked up on this. From his mumblings, I think he was pretty proud of his 'accomplishment'.

Forgotten Mentionables

I also wanted to share a couple more items of note:

1. Cole figured out how to open doors (awhile back, but still!) Nothing is safe anymore! And things disappear and reappear in strange places at an alarming rate!

2. Cole has decided that his teeth are darn useful for tearing and shredding any type of paper product. Here are a few of his casualties, not to mention the countless boxes and bags in the pantry and freezer.

The poor lion never even stood a chance. I saved the kangaroo just in time.

3. Cole has also mastered the art of the 'pout'. I haven't been able to catch it on video yet, because you never know what will set him off. But basically he draws a big dramatic sigh, turns around, walks away from you with sparatic whimpers as he goes, and an ultra dramatic,traumatized expression when he turns around.

Not quite like this (much more pathetic-like), but you get the idea.

4. Here are pics of the scarves I whipped up. (I've been feeling very domestic lately- baking, cooking, CLEANING, and crafting!) Like I said, they're not bad- just don't look at them too closely. This is definitely a craft I want to get in to, I just need to research and learn more!

5. Last but not least, my MRI came back normal. I have been having some pretty disturbing (and obnoxious) visual disturbances for about 6 months. After several doctors, and several more tests, they are ruling it a migraine equivilant as a diagnosis of exclusion (basically, they have no idea, so calling it a migraine works). Essentially, there is nothing I can do and I'm just supposed to visit my neurologist on an as needed basis or if things get worse. Yippee!

Nothing Much Going On...

So, there really hasn't been much going on here in the ol' mile high city (yes, we are that high and then some), but I feel like I should update every day, although that will never happen.

This weekend, Abe's dad, John, came to visit. He and Abe spent Saturday afternoon scoping mammals off the deck and then got up Sunday at the crack of dawn to check out said mammals in person. Saturday night we all went to the 'best sushi restaurant in town', although there are only 2 of them, so I don't think that's saying much. There was a 45 minute wait for sushi and Cole's patience is very thin,so while Abe and John got to hang out, I got to hang out with my little man. We walked up and down the shopping center, stopping at Blockbuster, Subway (to get me a drink), and Basha's- twice. When we got home, Cole had a great time hanging out with Gaga (what John goes by), and getting him to read his books. He also emptied John's pocket of his very fancy flashlight at which point Abe decided a less valuable play thing was in order. Abe remembered he had some glow-stick-style flares from his old job in he garage and Cole was smitten.

We all got a big kick out of when Cole finally figured out what giant glow sticks are good for:

He even took his glow stick in the tub with him!

My Favorite Time of Day

So, my favorite time of day (well, one of them) would have to be when I go in to get Cole after his morning nap. He will start 'crying' to let me know he's awake, but its usually just for show. When I go in I am greeted by a huge smile and then we just hang out in his room, for a couple of reasons:

1) I usually still have to get him dressed.

2) His room is by far the warmest room in the house during the day, and its nice to defrost a little (about 76 degrees compared to the chilly 62 degrees in my room-but by night time his room some how becomes the coldest room in the house-weird!)

3) The sunshine streaming in his bedroom window

4) He is typically in a fantastic mood after his nap, and just wants to run around in circles and read a few books (I have banned toys from his room, so all that is in there are his books-he really loves his books, though!)

Today, I was able to get a few pics and just wanted to share:

I stand him on the crib every time I take him out. He thinks its pretty cool to be as tall as me. Today, he fell off moments after this picture was taken. No worries though, I caught him!

He got in his closet and pulled out his travel wipes. I made him put them away. (see video below)All those books on the floor are books he has pulled out. He will disappear and I find him in his room rummaging through and 'reading' all his books!

<- I was looking at this picture and thought he looked abnormally tall, then I realized he was up on his tippy toes- another new favorite skill he has mastered.

Here he is with one of his many goofy faces

<- And then his hand instantly went down his pants- of course!

Here he was trying to get his sippy cup out of his crib. He got pretty frustrated and decided his books looked like more fun.

Here he is putting his wipes away. Notice how turns to make sure I am watching!

Here is another classic. He jsut started doing this consistently yesterday. I love how he gets distracted and then when I remind him what we are doing, he replies with his inaudible words and nods his head like 'Oh yeah'

I LOVE THIS KID!!!