Gehen wir!!!

On Wednesday we were taking a walk and having small talk. Jason was telling me about some career aspirations/possibilities and what he didn't want to have happen with his career. The conversation came around to an interest in an overseas assignment (3 months). He has mentioned this before but kind of in passing. Now, it sounded a bit more serious. I obviously asked where could we go. China and India are totally out of the question. I don't care how much of an impact those countries are on the global market. He named a few, including Germany. He's had a few co-workers go to Baden-Baden, which I keep hearing is beautiful. If we do take this seriously, then I'd like to go before Bret starts school. That would be super cool (at least the idea of it).

Yankee Stadium

The trip to NYC made me realize that I underestimate my son. I was nervous for about a week before about how he'd do on the plane, in the city and basically not being on a schedule for an entire weekend. He did AWESOME on the plane; there and back. He was in awe of the new surroundings and the people. Friday was spent at the Statue of Liberty. We were going to go to Ellis Island, too, but it was getting too late in the day for Bret. Plus it was really hot and I didn't know that it was going to take us 5+ hours (I brought Bret's lunch with us, but not his dinner).

Saturday we spent most of the day at the stadium. It poured up until about 1/2 before the game started. I was a little scared that a rain delay would be called. YIKES. I guess it's a guy thing, but I wasn't super impressed with the stadium itself. Yes, I know it's like 80 years old and it's the 'house that Ruth built'. The ambiance, aura or whatever else you want to call it, was cool though. There were a ton of people EVERYWHERE. People inside the stadium, outside the stadium, in the street. I swear, I've never been surrounded by that many people. That part was super cool and fun.

Jason and I rate several things on our trips. The stadium, the city and the hot dog (Jason, am I missing something?). Last year we went to Seattle (Mariners) and I think I had the WORST hot dog ever. In. My. Life. It was totally disgusting (although some of you may think all hot dogs are disgusting). The one at Yankee Stadium was probably one of the best. It was a Nathan's hot dog. Yum. I haven't decided if the one at Wrigley Field was better.

In other news, Bret's two front teeth are almost through. Thank God. His sleeping pattern has been crazy since we got back from NYC. I've been trying so hard to get him back on schedule and he's fighting me so badly. He's been waking up several times a night since we got back. Last night was the worst so far - 4X. I felt like I had a newborn again.

He has been a mobile machine. Crawling and climbing everywhere. Non stop!! His 'thing' is to crawl over Jason and me. It's hilarious.

He's starting to point to stuff. It's so cute. He grunts and points. He knows to point to the cat in a book. I've been trying to teach him a dog but he's partial to the cat. Probably since we have one.

We're getting his 9-month pics taken soon. More on that later.

On the road again.....

....that's what it feels like this week. The three of us just got back from Milwaukee last night. *Nice to see you, Karen!!* Jason is going to Eden Prairie, MN today then we're leaving on Friday AM for NYC. So that means I have to unpack, do laundry and then pack again by tomorrow night. Not a problem because I kinda like doing the domestic thing.

What I don't like is Bret teething. His two top teeth haven't poked through yet but his gums are white. He screams and whines when I feed him, he screams and whines when I change him, he screams and whines when he doesn't get his way, he screams and whines when I try to give him something to chew on. Oh my Lord, the screaming and whining. Please stop soon because I feel like I'm going to go nuts. His DR said to give him some Tylen*l, which I do, but it doesn't seem to help. He's sleeping well which is a relief. He keeps tugging at his ears and that worries me because I think he's got an ear infection. The DR said that's normal when teething because fluid is draining into his ears. Yeah, but he tugs at his ears A LOT, like all the time. He doesn't have a fever so I guess I shouldn't be too worried.

Well gotta do another load of laundry since Bret is down for a nap.

The Last Lecture

I've seen Randy Pausch's interview w/ Oprah a few months (maybe even a year) back. His view on life are inspiring and uplifting. I just finished watching his last lecture and I want to share it with anyone who hasn't watched it yet.

The Last Lecture

RIP

We missed THAT party

Talking about the baby-making party....There are a ton of pregnant people. Two of our friends are expecting in January, a cousin in February, a friend and acquaintance in March. Anyone else that we don't know about?! Some of us have been busy this summer!! LOL

I would like to start trying soon, but Jason's brother is getting married in March and I'm in the wedding. I go back and forth, to tell you the truth. I can't wait for Bret to have a sibling but I'm nervous about it and don't know why. Maybe it's the thought of more stretch marks, flabbier stomach skin, no coffee and sleepless nights that do it to me! LOL

*WARNING*

Venting -

It's been so crazy for the past few weeks....the summers always are. I feel like Jason and I have been two ships passing in the night, lately. He works all day; I'm with Bret; we eat dinner; maybe go for a walk; weekends are jam-packed with God-knows-what; we really don't do anything or go anywhere as a family (i.e. park, zoo, etc.) - Jason may beg to differ; I just feel like we're disconnected lately. We definitely have different communication styles - I evaluate everything and to Jason, things seem superficial. For example - I was told something that wasn't the greatest of news. I shared it with Jason (because he's my husband) and his response was - paraphrasing - "now I wish you wouldn't have told me; to keep my life uncomplicated." WHAT? Are you friggin' kidding me? So my analytical (and maybe not so great) response to him was, "you can't go through life being ignorant." I admit I probably could've chose something better to say. But it's been those kind of jabs that are bugging me. I was just trying to share some information about a family member, not start an argument. He says that I just "can't relax and find joy" and on numerous occasions he's told me that I am an unhappy person and that I don't want to be happy. That hurts my feelings.

I crawl, therefore I conquer

All in one day. That's how long it took Bret to figure out that if he moves his legs forward, he can get somewhere. I always thought that there would be a transition period when kids learn how to do something. Guess not. It's unbelievable how he just goes and goes and goes.....straight to where he shouldn't. First he "discovered" the dusty tower of CDs that should probably be downloaded onto the iPod then pitched; second was the rack of magazines then the subwoofer and fireplace. It's hilariously mischievious. Bret's latest epiphany is pulling himself up onto the couches and anything else with a ledge. I feel bad because I want him to explore but then I'm petrified that he'll fall and hit his face, head, etc. Can't I just put him in a bubble until he can walk?!
Top teeth are coming in soon. He's totally not into eating - it's been such a chore lately - I feel like I'm force-feeding the poor kid. Sleeping is comme ci/comme ca. He naps well during the day but he still doesn't sleep through the night. Don't know why. His 9-month wellness appointment is on the 19th so that'll be the topic of discussion w/ his DR. I don't know if I can nurse for too much longer because my supply has decreased significantly even though I drink a ton of water and Bret is still nursing 4X a day. The not-sleeping-through-the-night thing really concerns me for some reason. Other than that, he's doing great. He is turning into such a little person with a HUGE personality. He's got my temperment - impatient and demanding. LOL
In other news - not too much going on this week. Next week we're the traveling circus....We leave for Milwaukee on Sunday. Jason's got work stuff there so Bret and I are tagging along. I'm supposed to be meeting up with KCK some time so that'll be fun. We come home on Tuesday, then Jason is flying to Eden Praire, MN for an "I'm-an-important-person" dinner with his boss' boss and his boss' boss' boss. He'll be back on Wednesday and then we leave for NYC on Friday for the weekend. Have any of you flown w/ an infant? Just wondering if you have any tips. After NYC, we don't have any travel plans for the rest of the year.....except for Labor Day - we're doing the Big Mac bridge walk. I can't wait for that!

Here are some pics:









I crawled into the Exersaucer!!












Now how do I get out of here?!

Mom, this floor kinda hurts my knees :(











Note: I swear I put sunblock on Bret. Nice t-shirt tan, bud.

Survived a trip to Houghton!

We think Bret had an awesome time at Tech! I think it was because of the change in scenery. He absolutely LOVED the canal.

We drove up to Jason's parents' cabin last Wednesday with Bernie (Cousino) and Julie. Thursday AM we finished the last leg of the trip. We pulled into Ho-ton at about 2pm....got situated into the rooms and went to the Library for food. Did some Delt Sig stuff most of the weekend. CCC on Saturday - Shute's, Gay Bar, Brockway....and yes, we did have our son in a bar! LOL

We hit the typical spots in town - DT (the deck), The Ambassador, campus, and Suomi for breakfast etc. I didn't go to the Dawg for a pickled egg and am bummed about that. I can't wait 'til 70th!! Kid(s) will be older and I can party a little more. Who knows, maybe at 40 I'll feel like I'm 21 again.....Yeah right! Delt Sigs are still crazier than ever.......Especially when they think they can party like they're collegiates again.

We had a blast. Too bad the trip was so short. I've always said, after I spent a summer up there, that I'll go back for at least a week. Hopefully that'll happen soon. Houghton will always be the best place on earth for me, despite the snow. I love it there and will forever.

In other news, Bret learned how to "pre-crawl" and cut his first two teeth in the same weekend!