Labor Day Weekend

We spent Labor Day weekend camping. This was Nate's third camping trip. Thankfully, he is very flexible and sleeps as well in his pack-in-play as he does at home. The place we camped was pretty crowded, so Nate had plenty of entertainment watching people. I actually read an entire book while we were there and I haven't read a book that quickly since before Nate was born. That's the best part about camping - being able to relax without thinking of all of the things you need to be doing.

We always go to the marina and get ice cream. I don't know why. It's not special ice cream and it's twice as expensive as it would be at a regular store. Nate's had a few bites of ice cream on several occasions, so we decided to buy him a push-up. You can tell from the pictures below that he enjoyed every bite.

This picture was taken last year on Labor Day. It's amazing to see how much he's changed - still looks just like his daddy though.

Who needs toys when you can...

Clean out the cabinets

Get in the clothes basket (on top of clothes I just finished folding)

Play in a big box

Pretend to talk on the phone

Take the tissues out of the box

Poor Nate...

has not been feeling well since the middle of last week. Last week he was having teething issues and had a low-grade fever. On Saturday he had a full fledged fever. Sunday he seemed better until we took his temp before bed and it was 103.6. We went to the doctor Monday morning and discovered that he had an ear infection. He was in a much better mood on Tuesday and I felt sure that he was finally getting better. Wednesday things were going well until Darren discovered a rash all over his back and tummy. The rash was worse this morning, so we went back to the doctor's office. The doctor couldn't give a definite cause of the rash. She said it could be Roseola since he'd had a fever or it could be a reaction to the antibiotics. Thankfully the rash doesn't seem to bother him, but he is still not feeling great. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.

Susie Homemaker

I have really been putting my Family and Consumer Science (Home Economics) degree to good use the past couple of weeks. Since becoming a stay-at-home mom, I have tried to be super economical and not waste food like I am ashamed to say that we did all of the time when I was working. My mom has even started calling me the freezer queen. So when someone asked me if I wanted (for free) 25 pounds of peaches, 20 pounds of tomatoes, and a bunch of bell pepper; I said of course! I had so much fun freezing all of those things that I purchased some peas to freeze also. I think we may have to invest in another freezer.

Just to be fair, I felt I should balance all of this kitchen time with some sewing. So, I made Nate a pair of shorts and a shortall. They both turned out really well. The shortall is a little bigger than I wanted, but I guess that's better than being too small. I am fortunate to have a friend with a sewing machine that embroiders. She appliqued the t-shirt and monogrammed the shortall for me.

Nine years ago today...

I married the best guy in the world. It's hard to believe that it's already been nine years. I am looking forward to many more!!!

Nate's Birthday

We had such a great time Thursday night. We had planned to have the party outside and was a little disappointed when a thunderstorm changed our plans. Regardless of the weather, it was a great time to be with family and celebrate Nate's first year. He is definitely a people person, so he LOVED all of the attention. He didn't seem too interested in his cake. I thought he would at least enjoy smashing it, but he didn't even want to do that even after Darren helped him get started. He did eat a few bites of icing, but was quickly ready to get out of his high chair and play. Thanks everyone for the love you have showered Nate with the last year. We are so thankful for all of you!!!

On Friday when Nate finished his lunch I decided that I would try giving him some cake and see if he was more interested without all of the distractions he had Thursday night. He loved it! He ate almost all of it and was covered in cake and icing. Needless to say, Nate had a bath early on Friday. I have to admit after seeing the mess he made Friday, I was glad that he didn't love the cake Thursday night.

Here is Nate enjoying one of the many great gifts he received.

Happy Birthday Nate!!!

More birthday pics to come...when it's not so late. :)