My bedroom...

So- I keep thinking about my new bedroom. How can I make it look more complete? Here's a total lame question... dont laugh. Ok- here is the image from the store site...

Here- in my room with my bed...

You cant even see the euro pillows... which, we never really use anyway. They end up on the floor. So- is this cheesy? Follow this train of thought... I have the coverlet as seen in the professional picture that matches the euro pillows fabric. You just cant see it in this image. My thought is...what if I take the fabric from the euro pillows and use that towards some sort of valance over my windows? I have 3 windows in a row... could that work? or, would that look stupid? Here's an image with similar windows...the 3 in a row... it could all tie in then maybe?

This picture of course, isnt my room. Just a view of windows...

Or- am I having buyer's remorse... This is the bedding I amost bought instead...

I really liked how they paired the white bedding with gray sheets and the bedding had the green accent with the cool green accent pillow. But- if I did that, I would have wanted to paint my room gray with green accents around the room for a "pop".

Now- with my room- I feel like I dont have anything to "pop" or decorate with. Any ideas?

Karma's a Bitch

what have we been up to this week, you ask? for starters....


On Monday, we went to play the answering machine and caught a call that Hunter didnt answer fast enough. It went something like this:

Caller- Hi Hunter? this is Simon
Long Pause
Hunter- How did you get my number?
Caller- Well you know in 3rd grade, we got a directory of everyone's phone numbers....
Hunter- yeah
Caller- well I looked and saw I had yours
Hunter- so
Caller- I was hoping you could help me out with social studies
Hunter- why
Caller- I didnt understand...
Hunter- it was due already
Then all of a sudden, he hung up on him.

I couldnt believe it. We were horrified. here some poor kid wanted help on his homework and Hunter didnt want to give him the time of day. i thought I raised him to be better than that, to be nice to people, etc. So- he got grounded, had to call the kid back to apologize, etc. We were angry. Later that night- we all went to bed as normal. Well- Hunter ended up in the hospital for 10 hours on Tuesday. He woke up Monday night very sick... lots of stomach pain (to the point of almost tears and doubled over) and vomitting. After throwing up about 8 times, I finally decided to take him into the emergency room to rule out anything such as appendicitis. In the middle of a vommiting episode, Sean tells him "karma's a bitch" So- on our way to the hospital, that was all Hunter could think about. Hopefully- lesson learned. Though- a tough lesson at that. We got to the hospital about 6am. He was in so much pain, they gave him an iv with zofran in it and decided to run tests. After an ultrasound, cat scan, blood work, morphene, etc, they determined it wasnt appendicitis and we finally got to go home about 4pm. all the tests were inconclusive, but he was getting better, not worse, so they sent us home to monitor. All is well now. The pediatrician, after reviewing his chart, thinks it was just a really bad case of gas, which caused his bowels to dilate and become inflamed which caused obstruction, that led to the vomitting. I'm just glad he's better. I hated to see him in so much pain. He looks better here though, right? This was after the morphene...


On a different note, we got our king size bed! After much debating and deciding, I went with the Vera Wang textures collection for the bedding. I am happy with it, however, we dont like the sheet set at all. I wish I didnt wash it first and then put it on the bed. It is so not soft, it makes noise, it crinkles, such a disappointment. Sean asked me if I went shopping at China Town and purchased Vera Wongs instead. So- needless to say, I am returning the second set I bought and will buy a plain white sheet set to use as well. The coverlet, duvet, pillows, etc I couldnt be happier with. Sorry for the bad pics, this is what I get for using my cell camera... I am so lazy, I havent downloaded real pictures yet from the camera.

My room looks really plain though. I need to find curtains, artwork, etc... My internet friend Karen is having a giveaway for a Target giftcard... that could come in handy on redecorating my room... stop on over to her blog http://www.adayinthelifeofkaren.blogspot.com/


She has such great decorting ideas and her daughter Jillian is absolutely adorable. Speaking of adorable... Quinlin turned 8 months old!

She is so funny lately. She sees the camera and starts smiling and laughing and all of a sudden opens her mouth so wide. It's hilarious! She is talking up a storm...little baby babbles are the best. She hasnt been to the doctor lately, but I'm guessing she's about 18 or 19 pounds. Still size 3 diapers and wearing size 6-9 month clothing. She is so fun. Owen is really starting to like her now too as she interacts with him more. She cries and he says "why are you crying baby"? or he'll say "hi baby" or "give me the ball". It is so fun to see both of their personalities really coming through. I love my little monkeys!

Labor Day Weekend Recap!

We had a great weekend. It started out with my parents coming over for pizza and football on Thursday night and we hung out in the basement watching the Browns. I didnt work on Friday so staying up late this time was enjoyable for me.

Friday I dropped the kids at daycare and had a "me" day. I started at Kohl's and purchased the insert for our duvet, pillows, a mattress protector, etc. This new idea of a king bed has suddenly gotten very expensive! After Kohl's, I treated myself to Panera and went on to the salon to get my hair done. I tried a new place... I liked it...but at the cost, I dont know. I dont feel like my hair looks much different, which could be my fault too. I wanted to keep the length so just had the color redone and some layers put in. I bought a roundbrush so have been playing around with it. It must be working though as my father in law gave me all sorts of looking younger compliments. I'll take it. After the salon, I came home, ran some errands with Sean and picked the kids up. Hunter had Michael over for dinner, which was nice. Low key evening and we were all in bed by 9:30 because Hunter had a meet the next morning.

Saturday morning we woke up to crisp air and wind...Hunter had to be at the school by 6:15am for his meet and we made the decision that it was too cold for the babies to watch him run. So- Sean went to the big early bird invitational and I stayed home with Q and O. They got home about 10:30 and Hunter was so excited that he dropped his time by over a minute. He finished his race at 17:20... so proud of him. wish I could have watched it. Sean's parents came over about noon and we left them with the kids and went to Ed's store to buy a mattress. So excited for the one we picked out-- I cant wait to get out new bed. We came home and started making chili in preperations for Carrie's 8th Annual Chili Cookoff. After making it last weekend, I think we got a bit cocky. We decided to double our recipe... (didnt think it would change the taste, but it did). So- we did 6 pounds of beef instead of the 3. from the beginning things went wrong... we cooked the meet, added the peppers and onions and started stirring with a wooden spoon. The porcelain handle of the spoon broke and we had to throw all the beef away so we didnt risk anyone ingesting a piece of porcelain that we didnt fish out.... 6 pounds in the trash... so Sean went back to the store and bought more meat, peppers and onions... he came home with 5 pounds...Ugh! so- had to go back again for the last pound of beef. we started cooking- added all our ingrediants and found out we didnt have enough dortmunder... back to the store Sean went. so frustrating. We let it simmer, etc. and it was good. it just didnt have the wow factor as the first time we made it.

Sunday was busy! we had our chili simmering again and went to the Wolf's annual labor day party. Lots of fun, but rushed. we only stayed for about an hour and a half, came home, grabbed our chili and off to the cookout we went. We had a great time, but it was hard because we constantly had to chase after the kids so didnt get to visit with our friends, etc. And when I say "Chase after the kids", I guess it should be rephrased to "chase after Owen". He had the time of his life. The chili cookoff was a success. We didnt win but placed around 4th or 5th. My friend Kelli helped count votes and said we had a really good amount. Oh well. It was worth a try! Of course prior to the cookoff, we said we would never enter again as it forced us to have to be there at a certain time, etc. However, upon leaving, Sean was already thinking of how he wanted to make his chili for next year.

Monday we cleaned and then made our way to Jennifer's for a cookout. Came home, bathed the kids, put laundry away...nothing exciting. Looking ahead already to next weekend. Hopefully the week will go fast. Hunter has another meet today. Wishing him luck as I have to miss it... :(

Well...

The pantry is still full of suckers...Owen has made several attempts at this whole potty training thing, but nothing. Maybe it was all a fluke? We'll keep trying- luckily I think suckers have a long shelf life!

In other news... guess who has a tooth???? Yep- Quinlin got her first tooth over the weekend. Lower left. She is the one of all three kids to get her first tooth the soonest. Hunter had just turned a year, Owen was 9 months and she was 7 1/2 months. I have a feeling she'll be the one to be the earliest on everthing. I'm thinking because she's a girl!

In other news- we had a great weekend! Sean took Hunter to the big high school football game on Friday night while I saw some friends from my college sorority days. Saturday was Hunter's first cross country meet of the season. He finished in 18 minutes and 35 seconds. Hopefully he can keep improving on his time. We went out Saturday night for our monthly group night out with the location this time being Northfield Park. I had never been there before... it was ok. We won one race for a total of $3.20 but since Sean and I both made a $2.00 bet, we were still in the hole $.80- ha! Overall a very fun night with friends. Sunday I finally saw Eat Pray Love with my girlfriends. Good movie- I started reading the book, but who was I kidding, really. I would have thought with three kids- 2 under 2 that reading wasn't going to be in my vocabulary. I'm still on page 47 though after seeing the movie, I hope to be able to pick it up again.

Who wants a sucker?

Lots of small updates. I finally have settled the debate on what I was doing for our bedding. After dragging my sister to 2 TJ Maxx stores, 2 Targets, 2 Kohl's, Macy's and Bed Bath and Beyond, I finally decided to go with the following for our new Bed:

I think it will be perfect- especially since it's even being shown with an upholstered bed. I ordered it yesterday using coupons and gift cards so will be stalking my front porch every day for the next 8 days! The only bummer was that I couldnt find the coverlet in king... hopeful it is made in that size and I can find it in the future. I didnt get to see the bedding in person at either Kohl's store but did get to see other Vera Wang sets so could tell the quality and feel to it will be great! fingers crossed I love it in person!

Hunter started up with cross country. Running like crazy (I think, or so he says). His first meet is on Saturday and I'm excited to watch! We got all his school supply shopping done as well (I also dragged my sister to Marc's for that as part of our shopping excursion) and I know he is ready to head back to school and see his buddies. He went to Cedar Point on Saturday with Evan and had a blast. A nice way to end off what a sucky summer it has been for him.

Quinlin is amazing (as usual). Seriously the best little thing ever. Her new thing is rolling everywhere and talking up a storm. We changed her schedule at daycare food wise and I'm loving the fact that she is now up to eating 3 meals a day. She wakes up now in the mornings when I wake her at 6:45am and she has 5 oz formula. At school they feed her rice cereal and a fruit for breakfast at 8:00am, she gets 5 oz formula and a vegetable at noon and she gets 5 oz formula at 4:00pm. I pick her up at about 5:45pm and feed her dinner at 6:00pm- usually cereal and a "dinner". We have had great success with apples and chicken and chicken and broccoli but she wants nothing to do with Gerber beef and mixed vegetables. Sean reminded me that Owen didnt like the beef meals either which made me laugh. They're so similar. At 8:30pm, she gets her last bottle of the day and is off to bed. I love it. Another new thing for her is using the mesh feeder. I forgot we had one so was excited for her to try fresh fruit. We've only tried nectarines so far...Bananas will be tonights treat!And then there is Owen. His favorite thing all summer has been to be outside, and he recently discovered the slide at the playground in our development. He begs to go on walks just to go to the playground.

So Owen transitioned yesterday to Toddler 2. Its a room of kids from 25 months to 36 months and he actually has been spending his mornings with the kids and teachers as Toddler 1 is combined until about 9am. So- when i picked him up from school yesterday, he came running to me said he pooped and got his diaper change. when they finished changing him, he kept asking for a sucker. I found out that the kids who poop/pee on the potty get a sucker and that he had been asking all day. So- I took him home and he kept asking for suckers, we kept telling him he needed to use the potty, etc, over and over. After going in his diaper, sitting on the potty a few times, playing and asking for suckers, we continued to keep trying. And- lo and behold- he pooped. We were so excited for him- singing/dancing/praising, high fiving! He got his sucker! And, wouldnt you know- before bed, he had to go again, so back to the potty he went and back came the singing and praising! I would love to be done with diapers, but I am realistic and know we are nowhere near ready. But- if I can encourage him even a little bit, I will continue to do so.

So- what did I do this morning? I made a quick trip to Target and came home with suckers!

Quinlin turns 7 months and Owen turns 2!

Lots of milestones happening in our household. First, Owen turned 2 years old! I say this with every age post, but I seriously dont know where the time has gone. I look at Owen and he no longer is a baby and yet, doesnt even feel like a toddler. He is a little boy! He is the sweetest, most loving, troublemaker ever. First the stats:

Weight- 27 pounds 15 ounces (50%)
Height- 35 inches (65%)
Head- I think she said 18? But it was 50%

When Owen was born, he started out tall and thin and then one day, he was short and chubby. it was nice to see his stats this time around and see that he has, not only thinned out, but has grown as well.

This past year has been full of excitement for Owen. He started walking, running, eating everything, playing outside, playing more independently, etc. He seems to say a new word everyday, words that I have no idea how he knows, it's hilarious. We can have full conversations now and I can understand what he wants. The tantrums have settled down as I think before he was more frustrated that we couldnt understand him. He loves to climb on everything, jump on everything, fall on everything. I have a feeling the emergency room will be one of our routine stops down the road. He loves to play, to cook, and to love. He loves to ask "why" to questions and when he gets the answer, he adorably says "oh". he loves to call your name over and over again and when you answer say "hi" and he loves to be loved. Owen- we have so much love for you- you make us so proud to be your parents!

Then there is Quinlin- 7 months old today. I need to take her monthly picture after work. Not too much happening developmentally for baby girl between last month and this month. She sits more- still a tripod like sit but she is getting stronger. She is very aware of her surroundings and always needs to be "in the know". I think she may have a future in hoppywood gossip! I like to refer to her lately as nosey nelly! The changing table, for example is in her room so if I need to change Owen or grab a diaper, I quietly sneak in there if she's sleeping. as soon as I walk in, she suddenly pops her head up to see what's going on.

Quinlin still is rolling like crazy. we place her on her blanket in the living room and find her completely off it, in a totally different direction. She loves to be on her tummy and lifts her arms and her butt but hasnt figured out how to do it all at once yet. I dont think crawling is too far off, but dont think she's really showing an interest yet. Owen didnt crawl until just before he turned a year, so I dont think anytime soon for Quinnygirl either. And- I certainly dont want to rush her. She's my last baby, I dont mind if she stays a baby a little while longer.

Hunter started cross country practice this week. I'm so glad. It gets him out of the house, gets him to see his friends, and gets him active again. Since his bout with pneumonia, he had a horrible summer so its nice to see him able to do things again. He didnt get to practice at all this summer though, so he's finding his times are pretty slow and he's behind the pack. I hope to see him show signs of improvement between last year and this year. we'll see.

And- to top everything off, sickness continues. First, Hunter with pneumonia in July. Then, Owen got croupe. Who was next? Sean... with strep. I have slept the past two nights on the couch so I can "attempt" to stay healthy. Sadly, I have gotten some fantastic sleep.

Cant have a birthday post without a picture. Here's Owen- at 2. Such a charmer!

More pictures to follow when I actually download them.

more sickness/ decorating

well- Hunter has finally recovered from pneumonia and Owen now has the croupe. we cant seem to win in our household. We took Owen to the doctor yesterday for the croupe and he was put on medication. This after we had called after he got sick on July 30th, went to the doctor on August 3rd and then back on August 8th. He actually has his two year check up scheduled tomorrow where I will finally write my Happy 2nd birthday Owen post complete with stats and the fun things he has been up to.

The new thing that has consumed me is our plans for our new master bedroom. My office owns condos and so I inherited a Restoration Hardware upholstered king size bed. I'm very excited to now begin decorating! This is the bed:

This is my new inspiration and what I want to do with our bedroom.

Atleast the colors, etc. I am now obsessed with curtains and trying to figure out where to get them. I somehow came across designer Kenneth Brown and love the look of room 305 on his website kennethbrowndesign.com.I think I found the comforter/duvet through Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn. Just now need to see what else I can find and make the look work. though- will I be kicking myself by getting white bedding and having small kids? two germ invested little ones? snotfest on my bed? yikes!

My Anniversary Tradition

When I got married three years ago, I purposely didn't preserve my dress with the hopes that every anniversary I could prance around my house in the dress and veil!

Here is Sean and I on our wedding day- 07/21/07. The day my dress made it's first official appearance. Such a gorgeous day- mid 70's and sunny.

Our first anniversary, I couldn't fit into my wedding dress as I looked like this. Do you see my toes?

Ha! Ok- seriously better picture. Taken closer to our anniversary 07/12/08:

The following year, our second anniversary 07/21/09. Owen was almost 1. Looking back, he looks so tiny! I seriously love my dress... I was so excited to fit into it- I was 14 weeks pregnant on our 2nd anniversary too!

I didnt have a bouquet...so I pretended.

Our 3rd anniversary just happened this week. 07/21/10. We celebrated by going to our usual dinner at Flemings- sat at the same table and everything. Came home and the festivities began! (warning- many pictures to follow):

Ahhh- relief. Two babies in three years and it still fits!

I love how small Quinlin looks next to the dress. I know it sounds cheesy and that my dress wont be in style by the time she gets married, but maybe one day she'll wear it?

Owen was quite obsessed with the veil....


Owen got bored with the whole dress thing and veil and decided to put on Hunter's basketball shoes... at least that is more manly?
And my pretty girl with her Daddy!

It was a great anniversary- up until the next morning when we realized we forgot to put our leftovers in the fridge. :(

Happy anniversary babe! Many more to follow!

I love my little tradition and am so glad I started it. It will be fun to look back through the years and watch us age, watch our kids grow and celebrate this special day! Not sure what I'll do if/when the dress doesn't fit anymore. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get to it, but hoping I never get to it!

Back at it!

Well- my reign from working from home has ended. Back in the office today and I feel like I have so many things to update on! I will include some pictures on this post from my phone- need to update as well with pictures from my camera but have been too busy to sit and download them. So- will go in order of what we have been up to!

First- I started working from home on June 17th due to construction in my office. I certainly couldnt complain. I still took the kids to daycare mostly (paying for it anyway, and how do you get work done with 3 kids- 2 of whom are not self sufficient?)
Here is Owen's idea of helping! so cute!

The next day, Owen got very sick...not sure what happened but he was down and out for a good week. Good thing I was working from home too- I would have missed so much time from work. he ended up with a viral infection- after two pediatrician visits, he was finally on the mend with some antibiotics. He missed his cousin Grace's fun birthday party though. Quinlin enjoyed it!

Her first time in a kiddie pool! Grace turned one on June 20th and we celebrated that weekend. Chuck and Emily also announced that Grace was going to be a big sister!!! Baby is scheduled to arrive on February 27, 2011. So excited to have a new niece or nephew! and for my kids to have more cousins. So Sean stayed home with Owen during the party and Hunter was in Florida and his cruise to the Carribean, so I was the only one to enjoy their news! Doesnt Q look so cute in the pool? Owen was soon on the mend and off doing some of his favorite things- walks in the wagon and picking flowers! I just think this is the cutest picture. He looks so small in the field!

Owen was finally better and Hunter came home at the end of June. I felt like things were good. I made all sorts of fun plans with the kids. Playdates in the park:

Fun in the baby pool! This pic was actually taken on fourth of July. We were supposed to go to Sean's parents... but then Hunter got sick- acute pneumonia (though at the time we didnt know that was what he had). So we cancelled our plans and hung out at home. Best fourth of July ever. We spent the whole weekend doing nothing. Hanging out with our kids, cookout with our neighbors, and then watched the fireworks that night all hunched together by Owen's window. We loved it!

After July 4th always comes my birthday on the 7th! Here I am at 34- I'm suddenly starting to feel like I am looking old. Oh well. This is a picture I took and sent to Sean. I had to "dress" up a bit to mark the occasion. And- nothing is cuter than an almost 6th month old dressed up too!

I think she looks like a baby doll. My birthday was highlighted taking Hunter to the doctor- where we learned he had the pneumonia. He had a fever for a week and just felt miserable so I finally brought him in. I didnt think much of the cough- just that it was persistent. They put him on drugs and an inhaler and we were instructed to return in a week to see if he got better. We then went to Olive Garden for dinner (yum). I was craving a chicken and pasta dish and of course, the salad and breadsticks. We went with my parents. Hunter, bless his heart, said I'm sorry I ruined your birthday dinner. I said Hunter- you didnt ruin it, why would you think that? His response- because I kept coughing. Poor guy!Next up after my birthday...Mikeapalooza.

Ah- Mikeapalooza. This was the 2nd annual- we did it last year to celebrate our friend Mike's divorce and it was such a good time, we had to do it again. The day started with a golf scramble... the first time I have ever golfed 18. Here is my one, and only, picture from the day. Not sure why I didnt take more... me in the golf cart. I didnt do too badly actually and some of my balls actually got used. It was fun. but hot. After golf, we went to Mike's house for a party- bbq, cornhole, basketball, etc. Good times!

The last few days of my work from home ended with some trips to the zoo. Did Cleveland Zoo last week and then Akron's zoo on Monday. I had never been to Akron's zoo before- I found it much more toddler friendly and really enjoyed it, minus the slight rain.

Owen actually kept his poncho on. So cute! It had stopped raining by the time we did the outdoor exhibits and Quinlin just took it all in. More pics on the regular camera which I, again, need to download.

Lastly, Quinlin turned 6 months old on the 11th. I took her to the pediatricians on the 13th for her appointment. Some Q hightlights:

• 17 lbs, 2 oz (75%)
• 25 inches (25%)

so basically she is short and plump- cute look for a baby but apparantly I am feeding her too much. I dont think she looks too chubby- though she does have some pretty edible thighs... At 6 months, she's right on target developmentally- she rolls from all positions, she sits, she responds to her name (which the pediatrician said was more of a 9 month milestone).

Hunter came too for a follow up and still has pneumonia. They did chest x-rays and still saw the fluid/flem in his lungs. Poor guy. So- two more pills (an antibiotic and a steroid) and still the inhaler. He was supposed to leave for the Upper Peninsula today to visit his dad and grandman, and unfortunately, because of his illness, we cancelled the trip. Didnt make sense for him to go there and sit around all day while everyone else was enjoying all the fun activities (boating, hot tubbing, bon fires). He was devastated- and I was heartbroken for him.

Until next time...hopefully with more pictures...including some from Bon Jovi!