Day 59

Today started out as any other day... we played once Gus got up and then I watched Survivor and Desperate Housewives. Gus went down for his morning nap and slept for a little more than an hour and a half. Wendy texted me to say that she couldn't find a babysitter for the girls (Ryan is out of town) and didn't think she'd be able to come with me tonight to my TM Adoption Forum MNO. I asked Steve if he'd be willing to watch them and he said yes, so I texted her to let her know. 

We went to pick up K from preschool and then headed to Chipotle for lunch. I had a BOGO coupon to use after watching a video on Facebook. Let me just say... I HATE Chipotle. I'd rather go to Moe's anyday. I found the food to be overly spicy, they didn't have regular tomatoes, and everything had cilantro in it... and I HATE CILANTRO. YUCK.

After going to Chipotle, we headed to Kids Together Park in Cary to play. I took some amazing pictures... here are the pictures of the trees in bloom, and some flowers.

I'm getting better at flowers/plants/trees right? I amaze myself sometimes at how good I am...  ;)

Then I took quite a few of Gus playing with Ashley and Kaitlyn and Wendy. I am so so so very thankful to have Wendy in my life. Not only is she an incredible friend, but she has two delightful daughters that love my son. They have their moments with him, but overall, it's like he's the little brother they never wanted.  :)

So... while we were at the park and I was taking pictures, I noticed that Gus was trying to stand more independently. I took some pictures of him, but then there were a few where he was inside this tunnel thingy and was just barely holding on, and a few times he let go completely to balance himself.

The very best picture from all of the ones that I took today is this one:

I just think it's so sweet. The way Wendy is looking at him and he's looking at her is so incredible. She loves him so much and is so good to him. I know I talk about her all the time and say how amazing she is, but seriously, who wouldn't want their best friend to look at their baby like this? It makes my heart smile.

So... we went to Baskin Robbins for ice cream after the park, and then it was time for Gus's afternoon nap. He only napped for 40 minutes or so... which was surprising since he was outside in the fresh air and playing. I thought he'd be more tired than he was. 

Wendy came back over around 5ish with the girls in their PJs ready for Steve to watch them. While she was here, we were playing with Gus and guess what? HE TOOK HIS FIRST STEPS!!!!!!! I couldn't beleive it!! He took a step toward Wendy and then took three toward me! I was so excited and I couldn't believe my eyes!! Steve got home like five minutes later and I told him... he wasn't as excited as I was. I called my mom and dad and told them and they were super excited! My dad wants me to take a video of it.

So then we left the kids and headed out to the Ale House for my TM Adoption Forum dinner. It was very interesting and I'm so glad I had Wendy with me. I was super nervous and uncomfortable... but it was good. I enjoyed meeting other moms who have adopted children and I think the more I do with them, the more comfortable I'll be. The one knows another person that Wendy knows, so it was neat to see them have that connection.

We got home and it was pouring rain... it's a severe thunderstorm warning right now and there's booming in the background right now. It's time for me to head to bed... what a great way to end the month!

See you tomorrow!

>^..^<

Day 58

I don't really have much to say about today. It was a beautiful, warm day, but I didn't really get outside to enjoy it. I've had cramps all day (TMI I know) and just haven't felt well. We watched some tv and I tried to update our family website, but we're too far behind for me to get it updated in a day. I hate being behind.

Gus was cranky today and I think there must be some teeth about to come through. He's usually so happy and today he was sleepy, cranky, clingy, and just miserable. He's also coming down with the cold that Steve has, so that doesn't help things.

I got a free coupon for Chipotle and I'm excited to go with Wendy tomorrow for lunch. I also got a coupon for a free appetizer at Longhorn for dinner with Jen on Friday. Then on Saturday we're going to Wake Forest for the afternoon to meet Will and Adri for lunch and a nice visit. I am excited to hear more about their adoption news and to share our thoughts on the visit with Gus's birth family.

That's about all for today... here are some pictures that I took earlier.

See you tomorrow...

>^..^<

Day 57

Okay so I totally forgot to take a picture of dinner from tonight, but it was soooooo delicious! Talk about an easy recipe too! You just add a pork roast, 18 oz bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce and 12 oz of Dr. Pepper and then add it all to the crock pot and cook on low for 8 hours or so. I also made roasted red potatoes and sauteed asparagus.

Today my party pack for my Philly Cream Cheese Dinnertime Dilema Cooking Creame party came! There are wooden spoons for everyone as well as coupons and a magnet and note pad. I got an oven mitt and skillet for hosting, as well as coupons for free stuff so I can make items for everyone to try at the party. I can't wait!

Today we went shopping for some clothes for Gus and I had wanted to get some things for 12-18 months, but since it's the winter clearance, I got things for next winter, so I got 18-24 month clothing. So strange to buy things in that age-range but I know it'll be here before I know it! Now I just need some stuff for the spring/summer that's 12-18 months. I'm such a cheap-o... I found a TON of really cute stuff at Old Navy, but it wasn't on sale and I know how fast Gus grows out of things. I just can't bring myself to pay more than $3 for something. I think maybe this next week or two I'll head back to Once Upon A Child or Kid-to-Kid and see if I can get some spring/summer clothes for Gus without spending an arm and a leg.

This morning Steve made his hashbrown casserole (yummm) and we had that for breakfast while we watched GAC (Ghost Adventures on the Travel Channel). Steve's dad and Sue Ann had never watched a full episode... I was worried that they'd hate it, but it was a good episode and I think they liked it. While we were watching, Steve had Gus in his lap and they were playing with one of the apps that Steve has for Gus on his iPad.

Before our trip out for some shopping and lunch, Steve's dad and Sue Ann took Gus and the dogs for a walk around the neighborhood. Again, Gus was in his wagon and was beyond thrilled to be going again!!

When they got back from their walk, we headed to Old Navy and then to Red Robin for lunch. I swear today something was wrong with my brain connection and my speech. I SWORE I ordered one thing, and instead something different came out. When I asked if I ordered it, everyone said I did. I was certain that I said one thing, but said something else. I hate when that happens!

We hit up the Teeter for some asparagus and then I had an e-Vic coupon for two 2-Liters of Coke for $0.70 each and I used it on Diet Coke for Sue Ann. She got some fruit and veggies for their drive home tomorrow.

While we were out shopping today, I got a call from my friend Lisa. She's one of the Scholastic Teacher Advisors that I met last year and LOVED. She and I spent all our time together along with Kristen and Jon. The four of us did what we called the "Food Network Tour" and went to a few places in NYC that have been featured on various shows on the Food Network. She called me to tell me that they were out enjoying part II of the tour and they were thinking about me. :)  It made me really happy to know that they were thinking about me and missing me. They all said that the trip is okay, but not the same without me. It was awesome to hear about the fun that they're having and what things Scholastic has instore for them. I hope I get the same goodies that they got... we'll see if they actually send me the stuff like I was promised.

Anyway... we came home and then I made dinner. We had a nice dinner, Steve took an awesome video of Gus being himself at dinner. He and his grandma spent some time together while we cleaned up the kitchen.

We gave Gus a bath and took him to bed, and then the four of us watched Kitchen Nightmares and Modern Family from our GIGANTIC list of DVR'd shows that we need to get caught up on! It's now time for bed. Steve and Sue Ann are leaving around 5am tomorrow... it was a great visit with them and we're looking forward to seeing them in May. They bought Gus some nice clothes today and one of the things they bought was a cute pair of swimtrunks and a cute top. They want to go to the beach when they come back in the summer and Gus will be sportin' his cute clothes that they got him today!

See you tomorrow!

>^..^<

Day 56

 

Gus in his new wagon with his bear

We got up this morning around nine and I was so thankful that Gus got his full twelve hours last night. He woke at midnight and then again at six, and then thankfully went three more wonderful hours. He had another late night tonight, but at least got two solid naps during the day today.

Steve and Sue Ann went to Wal-Mart around noon and came back with Subway for lunch and they also bought Gus his very first wagon. This thing is the absolute best gift that Gus has received so far. He LOVES it! Steve and I are going to use it instead of the stroller when we go to the Planet Earth Festival in April.

Anyway, Steve's dad was so excited to take Gus for a trip around the block in it. At first Gus wasn't sure how he felt about it, but he really enjoyed it, and I don't know who enjoyed themselves more, Gus or his Grandpa Walker.  :)

While Grandpa was taking Gus up and down the street, I decided to take some pictures of things around the house. I am quite pleased with my pictures!

After playing outside for a bit, Wendy came home with Ryan and the girls. They had gone to pick up Kaitlyn from school. I took a few pictures of the girls and think they turned out really cute! Gus absolutely adores Wendy. :)   It was nice for Steve's dad to meet her as well, since I talk about her non-stop.

 

The classic picture of the little sister chasing after the big sister...  <3

 

My amazing best friend  :D

 

I absolutely LOVE this picture of K! You can't see her face, but it's such a pretty picture!!

 

 

Wendy and K

 

The child refuses to let me take her picture!!!!

After a little bit outside with Wendy and the girls and Ryan, we headed inside and Gus took another nap. When he got up, Steve and Sue Ann wanted to take him on a walk with the dogs. They were gone for about 30-45 minutes and Steve came home while they were out. When they came back, I headed back outside to take more pictures of Gus with his hoodie and sunglasses. He's truly too school for cool.  ;)

It was about time to head out for dinner, so I took a few more pictures of Gus with his grandparents, with Steve and I FINALLY got a picture of the three of us. :)

We went to Mamma Mia's for dinner and of course had an excellent meal. I just love that place and haven't had anything yet that I don't love. We stayed for a really long time just talking and enjoying the company of Steve's dad and Sue Ann. After a nice dinner we came home and now it's bedtime!

There's talk of Steve and Sue Ann taking Gus to the beach tomorrow. Not sure if it's going to happen... Sue Ann REALLY wants to put her toes in some sand and see the ocean, but not sure if they'll go. If they do, and they take Gus... it'll be the first time EVER that Steve and I will be alone in the house without Gus. We'll see...

I'm making this new recipe tomorrow. It's Dr. Pepper BBQ pork and I'm eager to see how it is!! I'll take pictures and post them tomorrow with news on how it went. We're having Steve's delicious hash brown casserole for breakfast tomorrow and I can't wait!!

>^..^<