Thursday, August 28, 2008

8 months and 4 days


Hello, my name is Noel. My parents and big brother usually call me Noelly. Lots of times they shorten it to No-No and then make me stop whatever fun I am having. I don't know why. I think I am very helpful when I find snacks on the floor that Mommy thought was clean. I have gotten really good at that lately because I figured out how to really crawl on my hands and knees. In fact, I think I will start looking for stuff higher up soon because if I can get something to stand still long enough, I will pull up on it. I did that to Dad last weekend, and while he was talking I let go. Before I made any real progress though, Daddy picked me up because he was so surprised.

Daddy took this picture of me in the bathtub. I like the bath ok, but Mommy makes me sit down in the tub and I like to stand up ALL the time. Also, everytime she washes my hair she likes to make it into funny shapes with the soap. I think she needs a hobby.

Speaking of Mommy, she has been working a lot lately something about all these new students coming to her campus. Don't worry though, I still make sure we get to spend time together even if it is in the middle of the night. Things are starting to get back to normal around here, and it is a good thing because I was tired of being in charge.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Busy, Busy, Busy

That title totally describes our family life right now. This is the most hectic time of the year at work. At home (technically not an accurate description because we are hardly ever there), we have school, soccer, and church activities. And Noel, well if I had to describe him with just one adjective I would have a really hard choice between adorable and busy. At nearly eight months, he is into everything! I told my mother- in- law that I am sure Chase was the same way but I don't remember it being this bad. Even if you are holding Noel, he finds something to grab that he isn't supposed to have, and he is so strong you are in for a major fight to wrestle it away from him. His new nickname is Bam-Bam because he loves to roll his walker over to the kitchen chairs and pick the front legs off the ground to slam the chair against the table.
While he is still mostly using his army low crawl technique, this morning he crawled on all fours. I got so excited and started clapping for him. This made him get excited and he forgot what he was doing and fell back down on his belly and bumped his little face. I felt so bad. In fact, is seemed like no good act of mothering went unpunished this morning.
I made Chase's favorite cinnamon toast, and after I slid it onto his plate from the baking sheet I didn't know Chase was behind me and I burned his face with it when I turned around. I wanted to return to bed and just cry. There are few worse feelings than hurting your child even though it was a complete accident. It looked awful, it hurt, and I felt like the worst mother ever. I packed him some aloe gel and gave him tylenol and walked him into school to explain to his teacher. She was incredibly sweet about it and realized it hurt me almost as much as it hurt him. She had a similar experience with her son and a curling iron.
So alas, we will continue at our fast pace for a while anyways. Hopefully, things will slow down enough for me to get some pictures of the busy boys on here very soon.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

For my Sister-Friends!

This is the funniest email I have ever gotten. And during those days when I feel let's say...a little off, I get great pleasure from reading it. So without further adieu, Enjoy!

A real letter to Proctor and Gamble
Dear Mr. Thatcher,
I have been a loyal user of your ‘Always’ maxi pads for over 20 years and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the Leak Guard Core or Dri-Weave absorbency, I’d probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I’d certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts.
But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic. I can’t tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there’s a little F-16 in my pants.
Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? Ever suffered from ‘the curse’? I’m guessing you haven’t. Well, my time of the month is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body.
Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I’ll be transformed into what my husband likes to call ‘an inbred hillbilly with knife skills.’ Isn’t the human body amazing?
As Brand Manager in the Feminine-Hygiene Division, you’ve no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customers monthly visits from ‘Aunt Flo’. Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying, jags, and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it’s a tough time for most women. In fact, only last week, my friend Jennifer fought the violent urge to shove her boyfriend’s testicles into a George Foreman Grill just because he told her he thought Grey’s Anatomy was written by drunken chimps. Crazy!
The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in Capri pants… Which brings me to the reason for my letter.
Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi-pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words: ‘Have a Happy Period.’
Are you fu**ing kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness - actual smiling, laughing happiness, is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James?
FYI, unless you’re some kind of sick S&M freak girl, there will never be anything ‘happy’ about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlua and lock yourself in your house just so you don’t march down to the local Walgreen’s armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory.
For the love of God, pull your head out, man! If you just have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn’t it make more sense to say something that’s actually pertinent, like ‘Put down the Hammer’ or ‘Vehicular Manslaughter is Wrong’, or are you just picking on us?
Sir, please inform your Accounting Department that, effective immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flex-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending bull sh*t.
And that’s a promise I will keep. Always!
Best,Wendi AaronsAustin , TX

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Party all the time


Noel says have a happy birthday or else, Papa.
We hosted two parties and attended two parties this weekend. It was definitely one of those weekends where you have to go back to work to get a little rest. Friday we hosted a supper club from church, two birthday parties on Saturday, and last but certainly not least we hosted my Papa's 80th birthday lunch on Sunday.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Back to School

Toady was the first day of first grade for Chase. He was PUMPED! He got right up, dressed quickly (though when I tried to tell him what shoes to wear he sighed "you are such a woman" in exaperation, refused breakfast (and I offered him everything in the kitchen), and stood at the door rushing me along. He rushed me so much I forgot my camera. We arrived at school ten minutes before they opened up for carpool. As we were waiting, I asked him what he was most excited about. His reply, "homework". I thought he was being sarcastic, but no. He said he thought it would be fun. I am absolutely slammed getting ready for school to begin at my Universtiy so I haven't had much time to blog. I just had to record this though, so this time next month when I am dragging him out of bed, telling him to get dressed 20 times, and fighting with him over homework I will have this memory.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Wordless Wednesday


Hey, Hey, Hey it's Fat Albert!