Friday, June 12, 2009

Zoo and AMEX

Yesterday we went to the Pittsburgh Zoo. It was a nice day and not too crowded at all. We went first thing in the morning, and the rain storms hit on our way home. It was perfect! Easton seemed to enjoy all the people watching. He really didn't have a great idea about what all was going on. He did very well though and took a nap fairly easily for an hour of it. I was so proud of myself for taking Easton out with Ryan, the neighbor boy, without any major problems. Here are the boys in front of the lions.

Is he not the cutest?

He was trying to catch a glimpse of the fishies.

Proud mama with her baby.


You may be wondering why this blog is titled "Zoo and AMEX." Well, I feel as if I should plug American Express. Jason and I have had this credit card for quite some time now. Not only do we get points, for which we have gotten this desk that I am sitting at now and a $500 gift card to Home Depot, but they have always been pretty good. Who can complain? Today after making numerous calls to get our credit card charge refunded from AllCare Dental (NEVER go there) for dental work that we prepaid for, I had no luck. I called my Dad to ask why I should do. He suggested filing a complaint with American Express against AllCare for fraud. It worked! I five minute phone call and everything was taken care of. I only wish I would have called them 2 hours sooner.

Got to go. The babies awake

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Garden Update

Here's the infamous garden panorama. As you can see, everything is doing very well (especially the unwanted grass and weeds!) Jason has been hard at work and trying to get enough grass clippings from the yard to keep the weeds down. You would think with 2 acres that we would have more than enough!


I love the colors of this cabbage.


A row of cabbage.


The onions are doing very well. Right now we pick them for green onions, but soon they will be some large normal onions.


We started these tomatoes from seeds in the house. *Sniff, sniff, tear*...They are growing up so fast.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Raccoon Creek Picnic and Hike

Today we took Easton for his first picnic and hike. Easton loved it! It was nice to get out and get some fresh air.
Easton is just big enough for the backpack. He was so adorable! Here he is, already to go! Sorry, but you'll have to turn your head to the left for proper viewing of this picture.
Here are some videos for your viewing pleasure. First one is Easton giggling at his Daddy. The second is Easton sleeping on his Daddy's back.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Morning Routine

Those who know me well can tell you, I LOVE to sleep. I have had this love since I was born. My mother often will tell stories of how much I slept as a baby. I never did outgrow this love.

To ensure that I am not super crabby all day from lack of sleep, Jason gets up with Easton in the morning. It is wonderful! He brings him in to eat, and then I go back to sleep. Then about 9am or so, he'll bring him back in for the next feeding. I will generally get up about then, while Easton falls asleep eating. I just thought this was the sweetest sleeping position I have ever seen. He looks so comfy!

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Backyard Work/Play

I took a series of pictures and made this panoramic picture of the garden to show you Jason's masterpiece. He has been hard at work. You can see the tomatoes to the left and cabbage next to it. In the middle, the beans are starting to come up. There are leeks and onions to the right. The zucchini and cucumbers are in the back. I will try to keep you updated on the garden as best as I can.

Jason and I were out cutting grass this morning during Easton's nap time. It's actually a nice break for me to get out of the house and get some sun. It also helps Jason get the yard done much quicker. Easton LOVES to sleep to the sound of the tractors. We go right past the stroller and he doesn't even flinch. As you can see, we park the stroller under the tree and go to work. You can see the raspberries, blackberries and grapes in the background. Or rather, you can see the blue tubes that go around the berries and grapes. Apparently the blue light increases growth by quite a bit. So not only do they protect them from the ravenous deer, they help them grow!

In the far backyard, it gets wet very easily (close to where Easton's stroller is parked in the above picture). Jason has come to conclude that there is a stream not too far below ground level. This is odd, being that the backyard is all hill. We know (because the neighbors told us) that they put in a drain for this water, that runs through our property somewhere. Anyway, I was raking the grass and I caught a crawfish. Not just any crawfish, a blue one (you can't see the color too well in this picture). I never knew they could be blue.


The crawfish come out of these holes in the yard. Jason said that he dropped a rock down one the other day and could hear a splash. He estimated that the water table was a close 6 inches away! Today we couldn't hear anything. I am sure it fluctuates a good bit with the rain.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Stuck Legs

This morning I woke up at 6am and Easton hadn't woken up yet (he went down around 8pm), so I went in to check on him. He was in this position, but sleeping. How does one get like this, and then fall back asleep?



Footnote: You may be wondering, "Why don't they have a bumper?" Bumpers are no longer recommended because it prevents proper air circulation, resulting in SIDS. They do have these mesh bumpers though, and I think it might be time to get one.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Easton's 5 Month's Old...and I am even older.

Easton is 5 Months Old (yesterday)! At his doctors appointment last week he was 17 lbs 8 oz and 27 inches long (80% and 90%). Poor Horton doesn't stand a chance against him any more. Easton can sit up much taller, but I didn't want him to topple forward, so here he is, slouched over in all his glory.

Easton is grabbing for everything these days. He gets this crazed look in his eyes and does this Frankenstein reach for whatever he is after. The funniest is when we are on the phone and he tries to grab it. It's hard to dodge those little grippers.
Easton has been a rolling over maniac lately. The last 3 times I have gotten him out of his crib, he has been on his stomach looking up at me (he goes down on his back). It is so cute!
He does spend a lot of time in this position. It takes him a couple seconds of aggravation to get his arm out from under him. He is getting much better at it though. He has yet to do the belly to back roll yet.
I have to admit, I am 25 years old today. Jason brought me breakfast in bed, complete with a mimosa and a birthday card. We planted our flowers and herbs this morning. Jason was able to get off of work, but is going to go to the Penguins game. It's not everyday you get offered play-off tickets. I am going to take Easton to my parents for dinner and stay overnight. It has been a good day.